https://meenews.co/post/6a84a0042c5335ae10482693 Drivers Josef Newgarden and Kyle Kirkwood talk IndyCar's 'once-in-a-lifetime' Freedom 250 Grand Prix te 2026-08-18T18:10:12.013Z Drivers Josef Newgarden and Kyle Kirkwood talk IndyCar's 'once-in-a-lifetime' Freedom 250 Grand Prix The centerpiece of the NTT IndyCar Series is the Indianapolis 500, nicknamed "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing." But the series is gearing up for what might be its biggest spectacle ever to hit the streets, the Freedom 250 Grand Prix, which will see America's premier open-wheel series racing past some of the country's most iconic landmarks. Team Penske's Josef Newgarden and Andretti Global's Kyle Kirkwood stopped by Fox News Channel's "Fox & Friends" on Tuesday, along with Fox Sports IndyCar commentator Will Buxton, to talk about the once-in-a-lifetime event. TRUMP TOUTS INDYCAR DRIVERS' 'SPECIAL' ABILITY AT FREEDOM 250 GRAND PRIX SHOWCASE, SEEMINGLY ENDING HOT DEBATE "It's going to be absolutely incredible — a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see IndyCars racing around the nation's capital," Buxton said. "I'm a student of history, okay? The automobile was invented in 1886. The first-ever auto race in America (happened in) 1895. The first Indianapolis 500 happened just 16 years later. That means that for over one-half of this great nation's history, car culture and, more particularly, auto racing has been right at the very heart of what makes this country great. We're here to celebrate America's 250th birthday with a once-in-a-lifetime race around Washington, DC." Newgarden, driver of the No. 2 Chevrolet for Team Penske, a two-time Indianapolis 500 winner, and a two-time series champion, echoed the need to embrace something that the series may never get to do again. "I don't know when we're going to have an opportunity to race in our nation's capital again with an IndyCar," he said. "So, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Want to go out there and win with our team — with Team Penske — and obviously represent the country." CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Kirkwood, driver of Andretti Global's No. 27 Honda, is currently second in the championship standings and always a threat when the series travels to a street circuit. "This has been going on for many, many months, setting up the track, which is on down Pennsylvania (Avenue), around the museums, and then (goes) right by the Capitol. It's going to be a beautiful backdrop," Kirkwood said. "Suites are incredible; 100,000 people on both days out there to see the event. We can't wait, as drivers. It's going to be awesome. Practice gets Saturday morning underway, with qualifying slated for early that evening. The Grand Prix gets underway at 1 p.m. ET, with pre-race coverage starting at 11:30 a.m. on FOX. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a849ffa2c5335ae10482651 OpenAI institutes new safeguards after Hugging Face breach te 2026-08-18T18:10:02.400Z OpenAI institutes new safeguards after Hugging Face breach The new safeguards include more detailed monitoring of models during the development process, as well as greater emphasis on alignment and security during the post-training process. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a849dab2c5335ae10482629 SignalTrace can link device signals to your car te 2026-08-18T18:00:11.842Z SignalTrace can link device signals to your car Your phone may be giving a roadside sensor clues about where you go and which devices regularly travel alongside you. Say you carpool to work with the same person most mornings. Your car passes a license plate reader, which records the plate along with the time and location. Meanwhile, another sensor detects wireless signals coming from devices traveling nearby. Your phone might be there. So could a smartwatch, wireless headphones or electronics built into the car. After enough trips, software may recognize that some of those signals tend to move together. Now there is a recurring electronic pattern associated with that vehicle. Weeks later, one of those signals appears somewhere else, perhaps near a different vehicle connected to an investigation. Police may not know who owns the device yet. However, its previous connections could give investigators a place to start. LICENSE PLATE CAMERAS ARE TRACKING DRIVERS EVERYWHERE That is the idea behind SignalTrace, a technology marketed to law enforcement by security company Leonardo. And it raises a big privacy question: How anonymous is a device signal once it can be tied to a vehicle, repeated locations and other devices traveling alongside it? New! Free live CyberGuy class: Protect Your Money From Today’s Biggest Threats Join us Saturday, August 29, at 10 AM ET for a free CyberGuy LIVE class covering five simple steps to help defend yourself against AI scams, fraud, identity theft and financial hacks. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson will explain how to set up bank alerts, strengthen your account logins, protect your phone number, freeze your credit and help secure your retirement savings against unauthorized transfers. No technical experience is needed. You’ll also receive our financial protection checklist, and every registrant will get a link to the class recording afterward. Reserve your free spot today at CyberGuyLive.com. SignalTrace works alongside automatic license plate reader technology, commonly called ALPR. Traditional license plate readers photograph passing vehicles. They can record the plate number, vehicle information and the time and location of the sighting. We recently looked at how license plate cameras are tracking drivers across the country. SignalTrace adds another layer. Leonardo says the system detects electronic signals being broadcast by consumer devices. That can include signals associated with phones, wearables, vehicle electronics and RFID devices. The software looks for signals that repeatedly appear together. It can then create what Leonardo calls an electronic fingerprint for that group. According to the company's product information, SignalTrace can connect recurring device patterns with license plate information and time-stamped locations. Investigators can later search those patterns. Leonardo also says the technology can help recognize a vehicle even when its license plate isn’t visible. That changes the starting point for an investigation. Police traditionally might begin with a plate number or known suspect. With this type of system, investigators could potentially begin with a recurring pattern of electronic signals and work backward. Leonardo told CyberGuy, "Leonardo recognizes that technologies used to support public safety must balance investigative value with the privacy rights of individuals. SignalTrace was designed with that responsibility in mind." According to the company, SignalTrace detects and correlates electronic signals that devices publicly broadcast. Leonardo says the system does not decrypt communications, access message content or collect information stored on someone's device. The company also stressed that SignalTrace itself does not identify individuals or associate an electronic signature with a person. However, Leonardo confirmed that an investigator could correlate an electronic signature with a license plate. The investigator could then, subject to applicable laws and policies, use outside vehicle registration records to obtain information about the registered owner. In other words, any identification would come from separate investigative steps and outside records, not from SignalTrace itself. The registered owner of a vehicle also isn’t necessarily the person who was carrying a particular device at a particular time. Leonardo told CyberGuy, "SignalTrace data is an investigative lead, not proof of identity." The company added that the data "should not be considered proof of an individual's identity or involvement in an incident." Any association with a person, Leonardo says, requires additional investigative work and corroborating information under applicable legal requirements and agency procedures. The company summed up its position this way: "Leonardo believes technology should support, not replace, sound investigative practices." This is where the privacy debate gets more interesting. Federal privacy guidance does not define identifying information only as your name, Social Security number or another obvious identifier. The National Institute of Standards and Technology says information can qualify as personally identifiable when it can distinguish or trace someone's identity on its own or when combined with other linkable information. Movement patterns can be surprisingly revealing. A widely cited Scientific Reports study examined 15 months of mobility data from 1.5 million people. Researchers found that four time-and-place points were enough to uniquely characterize 95% of the mobility traces in the dataset. That study did not examine SignalTrace. Still, it demonstrates why repeated location patterns can become distinctive even when a person's name is missing from the original data. That is important because data that appears anonymous on its own can become identifying when combined with outside information. Connect that data with a vehicle record, another location and repeated appearances over time, and investigators may have a much clearer picture. Location is only part of the concern. Association matters too. Your phone regularly travels beside certain other devices. Your spouse's watch may be nearby. A coworker's phone could appear during your commute. Your child's tablet might show up during family trips. Those patterns can say something about relationships. A Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study followed 94 participants using phones that recorded Bluetooth proximity and communication patterns. Researchers reported that the behavioral data could accurately classify 95% of reciprocally reported friendships in their sample. Again, SignalTrace uses a different system. There is no independent research showing that SignalTrace can reproduce those results. The broader lesson still matters. Repeated proximity can reveal social relationships. That can also create mistakes. Two people may commute together without having any other connection. Someone can borrow a car. A phone may stay inside a vehicle after its owner leaves. A nearby pedestrian could potentially be close enough to a collection point to become part of the data. A pattern can create an investigative lead. It cannot explain why two people were near each other. We have already seen what can happen when surveillance data points investigators in the wrong direction. In another case, technology helped lead police to accuse the wrong person. FLOCK SURVEILLANCE SPREADS ACROSS THE SOUTH AS RED-STATE LAWMAKERS SEEK TO AX '1984'-STYLE TRACKING TOOLS Leonardo told CyberGuy that SignalTrace remains in the early stages of adoption and currently has a limited number of deployments. The company did not provide an exact number of agencies or locations using the technology. Leonardo also said interest is growing beyond law enforcement. The company pointed to potential uses involving parking management, traffic monitoring and commercial automotive applications. The legal questions surrounding this technology arrive at an especially interesting moment. In 2018, the Supreme Court ruled in Carpenter v. United States that people have a reasonable expectation of privacy in historical cellphone location records held by wireless carriers. Then came a major ruling this summer. In June 2026, the Supreme Court decided Chatrie v. United States, a case involving location information obtained through a geofence warrant. Police investigating a bank robbery had obtained Google location data associated with devices near the crime scene. Investigators narrowed the data until it helped lead them to Okello Chatrie. The Supreme Court held that police conducted a Fourth Amendment search when they obtained Chatrie's cellphone location data from Google. The justices said people can have a reasonable expectation of privacy in cellphone location information. The court did not decide whether the particular geofence warrant ultimately satisfied the Fourth Amendment's probable cause and particularity requirements. It sent that issue back to the lower court. That distinction is important for SignalTrace. Chatrie involved historical location information stored by Google. SignalTrace detects signals broadcast from nearby devices. The Supreme Court has not ruled that SignalTrace collection itself constitutes a Fourth Amendment search. Still, the cases now sit in the same broader privacy conversation. Police technology can begin with devices rather than named suspects. Investigators can then use digital patterns to narrow down the people connected to them. Consider a protest, political event or other large public gathering where SignalTrace sensors were operating nearby. A device could appear repeatedly near devices associated with people police are investigating. That proximity would not prove the device owner knew those people. It certainly would not prove wrongdoing. Yet the pattern could become an investigative lead. Software can recognize recurring signals and proximity. It cannot determine why two people were close to each other. They could be coworkers sharing a ride or strangers who happened to be standing nearby. That distinction becomes especially important because Leonardo itself says SignalTrace data is an investigative lead, not proof of an individual's identity or involvement in an incident. Any conclusion about a person would require additional investigative work and corroboration. Automated license plate readers have already expanded beyond traditional police installations. CyberGuy reported that license plate cameras have appeared at some Home Depot and Lowe's locations, showing how vehicle tracking infrastructure can spread into everyday places. Adding electronic signal analysis could make those networks capable of producing a much richer picture of movement. There is no phone setting that guarantees SignalTrace or another roadside sensor cannot detect your device. However, you can reduce some wireless activity and limit other forms of location tracking on your phone. If you do not need Bluetooth during a drive, you can turn it off completely. Keep in mind that doing this will disconnect devices such as wireless headphones, your smartwatch or your car's Bluetooth system. Limiting location access will not necessarily prevent SignalTrace from detecting a wireless signal. However, it can reduce the amount of separate location information apps collect about where you go. Find out whether your local police department uses automatic license plate readers and whether it publishes a policy explaining how the data is handled. Look for information about retention periods, access and sharing with other agencies. These steps can reduce some of your digital exposure, but they cannot make your phone invisible to every type of roadside sensor. SignalTrace can involve more than Bluetooth, so you should be skeptical of any claim that one phone setting can completely prevent this kind of tracking. THE SURVEILLANCE CAMERA ON YOUR STREET CORNER: LAWFUL SPYING OR CONSTITUTIONALLY PROBLEMATIC? You do not need to panic every time Bluetooth is turned on in your car. Leonardo says SignalTrace is still in the early stages of adoption, with a limited number of deployments to date. However, the technology changes what you should understand about digital privacy. A device identifier does not have to contain your name to become useful in an investigation. Leonardo says SignalTrace itself does not identify people, but investigators can combine an electronic signature with outside information, such as license plate and vehicle registration records. That extra context can potentially help investigators narrow down who may be associated with a device or vehicle. You should also review how much location history your apps and accounts retain. That information is separate from SignalTrace collection, but Chatrie demonstrates how valuable stored location histories can become during an investigation. Finally, pay attention to what your local police department says about automated license plate readers. Look for policies covering retention, data sharing and investigative access. If electronic signal sensors become part of those systems, the rules governing them deserve the same scrutiny. What stands out to me is how quickly the definition of identification is changing. A sensor may never learn your name when you drive past. Yet software can build a pattern around the devices you carry, and investigators can compare that pattern with information from other sources. Leonardo makes an important distinction here. The company says SignalTrace itself does not identify people and its data should be viewed as an investigative lead, not proof. I think that distinction matters. The real privacy question becomes what happens after that lead is created and how much corroboration investigators require before connecting it to a person. I understand why police would want technology that helps find a stolen vehicle or develop a lead in a serious case. These tools can have legitimate public-safety uses. But proximity deserves caution. Being near someone isn’t the same as knowing that person. Traveling with someone does not establish what either person was doing. The bigger question is how much inference we are willing to let technology make before stronger legal protections kick in. Would you be comfortable with police using electronic signatures from your devices to develop leads about your movements and associations, or should that kind of tracking require a warrant? 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/6a849daa2c5335ae10482620 Cut your phone bill to just $15 a month with this limited-time PureTalk deal te 2026-08-18T18:00:10.742Z Cut your phone bill to just $15 a month with this limited-time PureTalk deal Tired of overpaying for your phone plan? PureTalk is offering a simple way to cut it down: all five of the carrier's plans are just $15 for the first three months, with savings of up to $50 per month. The offer runs through September 8, making it a good time to switch if you’ve been looking for a more affordable wireless plan. READ MORE: PureTalk keeps phone plans simple It's not often you'll find a phone plan that's this affordable — especially one that includes unlimited talk and text, with most plans also including data. Right now, every PureTalk plan is just $15 per month for the first three months. The carrier's plans normally range from $24.99 to $64.99 per month. PureTalk says its plans can help the average family of four save up to $1,000 per year compared with major carriers, and this limited-time promotion gives FOX readers another way to save on their phone bill. READ MORE: Best tech deals this week: Save up to 79% on Apple AirPods, Anker power banks and more  PureTalk also lets you bring your own phone and keep your existing number and avoid long-term contracts and hidden fees.  This limited-time $15-per-month offer includes many of the same features as PureTalk's standard plans. Every plan includes unlimited talk and text. Four include unlimited data, while the entry-level plan comes with 7GB. Every plan also includes hotspot access, ranging from 2GB to 30GB, plus spam call protection, so you can cut down on scammers and unwanted calls. The top three plans give you international roaming.  For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals PureTalk offers 100% U.S.-based customer service, making it easier to reach someone. The company also has a history of supporting U.S. veterans, adding another point of distinction for shoppers comparing carriers and plans. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a849b552c5335ae10482586 Time to face facts: Fantasy football punishments have officially jumped the shark in 2026 te 2026-08-18T17:50:13.432Z Time to face facts: Fantasy football punishments have officially jumped the shark in 2026 With the first real week of preseason football in the books, the regular season feels well within reach, and with that, the accoutrements that go along with it as well. Of all the added fun to accompany an NFL season, nothing can top the excitement of fantasy football. It has taken on a life of its own and has practically become its own sport, giving fans even more reason to tune into games they otherwise would have no interest in watching, and because we are so close to the start of the actual NFL season, that means fantasy football drafts are sure to follow. BRUTAL FANTASY FOOTBALL PUNISHMENT SENDS LONE ASTRONAUT TO KAUFFMAN STADIUM NOSEBLEEDS FOR ROYALS GAME While things like draft order and league rules are a topic of conversation at the start of any fantasy season, something that most leagues also try to get squared away on day one is the punishment for whoever finishes last. Now, let me just say, I think "punishing" someone for finishing in last place for a game that is essentially chance and injury luck is kind of dumb on its face, but I have to admit there have been some humorous punishments in the past. A personal favorite of mine was the guy who had to stay at a Waffle House for 24 hours, but each waffle he ate during that timespan knocked an hour off of his sentence. It was funny and creative, but lately I feel like we've been getting less of both of those qualities in our fantasy football punishments. STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW! There's a theory in the world of comedy called "the law of diminishing returns," and I believe that's what we are starting to see with fantasy punishments in today's day and age. I'm not saying we've seen every punishment imaginable - there are still some new and creative ones being explored - but by and large, they either feel like repeats or they just aren't very funny. Here's one where the loser has to stand up in a public setting and tell everyone why he would make a bad boyfriend. There's nothing creative about it and it isn't all that funny, it's just kind of mean. Then you had this one where the loser's friends duct taped him to a chair and poured a bunch of food products onto him. Again, not super funny or creative unless you're a fan of frat initiations or interrogation tactics. Everything just feels so forced and contrived these days. It's almost as if the demand for good fantasy punishments is outweighing the supply. They're either too gimmicky, too mean-spirited, or something a 12-year-old would find funny. "Hey dude, we made Brian stand on the street corner in a chicken suit with a sign that says 'I SUCK AT FANTASY FOOTBALL.'" Hilarious! Also, he doesn't "suck" at fantasy football. His starting wide receivers both blew their knees out before week five and his starting quarterback tripped on his kid's skateboard and dislocated his elbow. It's called "bad luck" (not that I'm speaking from experience or anything). If you can think of a creative and funny punishment, go for it. Otherwise, maybe skip that part and just pay the winner $100. Losing is punishment enough, so pour out your friend's coffee you mixed with laxatives, use the range balls for something other than target practice on his bare back, and for God's sake, donate that stupid chicken suit to a local elementary school. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a849b542c5335ae1048257d Workers warned Ohio trench was too deep but were told to enter minutes before fatal cave-in: report te 2026-08-18T17:50:12.627Z Workers warned Ohio trench was too deep but were told to enter minutes before fatal cave-in: report Workers replacing a storm drain at an Ohio job site warned that a trench had become dangerously deep, but federal investigators say they were told to enter it anyway — minutes before it collapsed, killing one worker and severely injuring two others. Jose Alberto Barajas Martinez, 28, was killed in the Dec. 5 collapse near Milford. OSHA later found the roughly 8-foot-deep trench had no protection against a cave-in, despite federal rules requiring safeguards for trenches deeper than 5 feet, according to records obtained by the Cincinnati Enquirer. Whispering Creek LLC, the landscaping company on the job, was cited for five safety violations and initially fined $231,714, the report said. The penalty was later reduced to $49,000 as Clermont County prosecutors consider possible criminal charges. WOMAN DIES AFTER FALLING INTO UNCOVERED MANHOLE OUTSIDE LUXURY STORES Company owner David Baumgardner was at the site and knew the trench's depth and layout, the paper reported. He told investigators he had used cave-in protections on previous jobs. Asked why he did not use a trench box, Baumgardner said the workers were not deep enough. Investigators accused Baumgardner of "conscious disregard," saying he knew the safety requirements but failed to follow them. They also cited his explanation about the trench's depth as evidence of "plain indifference," according to the paper. Baumgardner told the newspaper that Barajas Martinez was his friend and that his death had deeply affected him. "I actually saved one of the workers myself," he said. MISSING GRANDMA BELIEVED TO HAVE FALLEN IN SINKHOLE WHILE SEARCHING FOR LOST CAT: 'NEVER CAME BACK' The three men were installing corrugated pipe in a residential yard when the trench collapsed around 3:30 p.m., FOX19 Cincinnati reported in December. Firefighters found one man completely buried and unconscious and the other two awake but partially buried, Miami Township Fire Chief Dave Jetter told the station at the time. The trench was too unstable for firefighters to immediately enter. Crews gave the men oxygen and heated blankets while waiting for equipment to shore up the excavation. Rescuers then worked bucket by bucket to uncover the men. One man was pronounced dead, while it took about six hours to free both survivors, the station reported. OSHA investigators later found that ladders seen inside the trench had been brought in during the rescue and were not there when the workers entered, according to the Enquirer. The agency also cited Whispering Creek for inadequate inspections and worker training and for keeping excavated soil and equipment too close to the trench's edge. One survivor suffered eight fractures and the other two broken ribs. Both also suffered serious internal injuries, according to the Enquirer. A family GoFundMe identified one survivor as Jaime Barajas, the father of Barajas Martinez. Baumgardner said one survivor has returned to work while the other is still recovering. A Miami Township police report listed reckless homicide and negligent assault as possible charges, according to FOX19. Baumgardner told the Enquirer he expected felony charges, but none were listed as of Aug. 14. The Clermont County Prosecutor's Office is reviewing the case. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a849b532c5335ae1048256b No more ‘hypothetical situations’: States move to fortify elections against Trump te 2026-08-18T17:50:11.287Z No more ‘hypothetical situations’: States move to fortify elections against Trump A voter places a ballot in a drop box outside of the Maricopa County Elections Department on Aug. 2, 2022, in Phoenix. Photo by Justin Sullivan | Getty Images State Democratic officials are preparing for chaos at the polls this November, as President Donald Trump casts doubt on election security and pushes for more federal involvement in local voting.  “We’re no longer talking about hypothetical situations,” said Nick Brown, Washington state’s Democratic attorney general, noting the president’s push to nationalize election administration and to question the integrity of upcoming elections. Brown is among the many Democratic state officials raising alarms over how Trump may seek to interfere with or challenge the results of November’s midterms. At stake is not only whether Republicans will maintain their grip on Congress, but also the control of state legislatures across the country. Democratic gains at either the state or national levels could provide a new check on Trump, who has sought to significantly expand executive power in his second term. State lawmakers have introduced new legislation this year with the aim of protecting polling places this November. And behind closed doors, Democratic attorneys general and local election officials have sought to anticipate and prepare for ways the federal government could interject itself into local elections. In recent months, Democratic attorneys general have been meeting to prepare for worst-case scenarios — including the possibility of federal immigration officers patrolling polling locations or the FBI visiting county election offices. Those AGs are gearing up to immediately fight potential intimidation or interference efforts in court, Brown said, and are working to educate local election administrators on basics of election law. “Absent some very unusual circumstances, you can’t send the military to polling locations just to hang out. You can’t do those sorts of things,” he said. The White House did not respond to Stateline’s questions. Republican state officials told Stateline they will respect voting laws and the outcomes of local races — no matter how the president reacts. Some Republicans have opposed Trump’s efforts to restrict mail-in voting and resisted requests for private voter data. Brown said he’s less worried about a White House effort to cancel or attack the legitimacy of elections across the country. Rather, he fears a more targeted effort to interfere with or challenge results in a few states that could determine the balance of federal power. The president still refuses to acknowledge his 2020 electoral defeat, and Brown noted some fellow election deniers now hold power in state and local governments. At least 25 county election officials who align with the broader election-denier movement have taken office across the country since the last federal election in 2024, according to a recent New York Times analysis. “That is what worries me, is a half a dozen local elected officials saying I have doubts about the election because the president said there was something shady, and I’m not going to certify it,” Brown said. “And we’re just in a chaos moment. And I think that’s a very real possibility.” He added: “The struggle I have often in this job, and particularly on this issue, is raising the alarm for people about these possibilities, while not sounding like an alarmist, but I think we really need to in this circumstance.” Utah Republican Gov. Spencer Cox said elections have always had “some issues,” but he said there’s no evidence of anything coming close to major voter violations of election laws in the recent past. He said he expected Republican and Democratic secretaries of state to continue their long tradition of conducting elections with integrity. “I feel confident in the election system in this country, and I hope that politicians will be responsible,” he told Stateline, “that you’ll win the right way, and there’s a right way to lose, too, and I hope we’ll see more of that.”  Election officials preparing Midterms generally favor the party that doesn’t control the White House, but this cycle looks particularly competitive for Democrats as the president’s popularity sinks and consumer angst grows over high prices.  In New Hampshire, both Republican-controlled legislative chambers are considered competitive this November, along with key U.S. House and Senate races.  New Hampshire Republican Secretary of State David Scanlan said voters in his state generally trust local election officials to administer and count ballots. And he said the Trump administration would have to “have facts” to refute any unfavorable results. “The results are going to speak for themselves,” Scanlan told Stateline. “And the results are factual.” Scanlan has heard concerns about the prospects of federal agents showing up at the polls, but said he has no indication that will actually occur. While federal officials could arrive unannounced, he said he’d expect some kind of communication from Washington. “At this point, if something were to happen, we would be prepared for it. I won’t say what that preparation is at the moment, but when you conduct an election you have to be ready for whatever gets thrown at you, whether it’s a fire in the polling place, or really bad weather, or some type of natural disaster. We prepare for those things.” Katy Owens Hubler, director of elections and redistricting at the National Conference of State Legislatures, said local election officials have spent months running through tabletop exercises about all manner of potential disruptions, including the potential for federal involvement.  “There is more rhetoric coming from the federal government than we have typically seen,” she said.  While federal law prohibits ordering armed forces to polling places in most circumstances, lawmakers in multiple states this year introduced and passed legislation to prevent the presence of immigration officers or troops at voting locations, according to NCSL tracking. Democratic governors in California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Virginia signed new laws this year to limit law enforcement and military presence at voting sites and ensure more protections against voter intimidation.   Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials said they were not planning an aggressive campaign at voting sites. In a statement to States Newsroom, the agency said it conducts “intelligence-driven targeted enforcement” that could bring officers to polling places if they were endangered by a public safety threat. “ICE is not planning operations targeting polling locations,” the statement said.  Broad election concerns Many Republican lawmakers have embraced the president’s push to purge noncitizens from voting rolls. Experts say noncitizen registration and voting, already illegal under federal law, are rare. But since 2018, 15 states have adopted constitutional amendments to verify citizenship status, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. And several states have passed similar laws this year. Those include a Mississippi law signed in April that requires election officials to verify proof of citizenship with documents such as birth certificates and passports when registering voters — which raised major concerns from voting rights advocates about restricting voting access for citizens without the proper documentation.  Republican state Sen. Jeremy England, who sponsored that measure, said he sought to balance election security against voting access. He said media attention of even one case of a noncitizen voting in an election can cast doubt on the entire election system. “At least the last couple of presidential elections have really led to a lot more questions,” he said, “and a lot of I would say probably a lot less confidence by the people.”  Still, England rejected Trump’s call for the federal government to take over elections. The U.S. Constitution grants states primary responsibility for election administration. “This idea of federalizing the election system, I don’t think the people of Mississippi would support that,” England said. “And we’re a red state with a Republican president.” In July, Trump raised the alarm over election security in a primetime address from the White House. The president said Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and some other groups could compromise the country’s election infrastructure. Without evidence, Trump cast doubt on the integrity of the Los Angeles mayoral race and the state’s recent gubernatorial race.  And in an interview with a conservative commentator this week, the president did not rule out declaring a national security emergency and federalizing control over November’s elections.  England was among a bipartisan group of state leaders who discussed election preparations at last month’s National Conference of State Legislatures summit in Chicago. Joining him on a panel discussion was Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat. Fontes urged state leaders to exercise more self-discipline when talking about and regulating elections. “This should not be a partisan issue. That’s the hill that I’m willing to die on,” he said during that panel. If states want to beef up election integrity, Fontes said lawmakers should provide local election officials with more funding to improve security — rather than making it more difficult to vote. And he held up the right to vote as among the most sacrosanct in society, giving ordinary people their constitutional right to check government power. “That’s the real issue here,” he said. “The one chance citizens get, the one chance the governed get to keep us in our place, is being the most heavily regulated.” 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/6a8498f52c5335ae10482505 Minnesota Sues Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Over His Refusal to Extradite ICE Agent te 2026-08-18T17:40:05.017Z Minnesota Sues Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Over His Refusal to Extradite ICE Agent A federal agent facing assault charges in Minnesota has been jailed in Texas since May. Gov. Greg Abbott has not granted an extradition request. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8498f12c5335ae104824e4 Save up to $300 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass until August 21  te 2026-08-18T17:40:01.699Z Save up to $300 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass until August 21  If you’ve been circling around Disrupt, then now’s the best time to lock in your pass and start getting ready to join the rest of the startup community gathering in San Francisco from October 13-15 at Moscone West! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8496a92c5335ae104824bb Cruise ships with the worst CDC sanitation scores revealed, see which vessels failed inspection te 2026-08-18T17:30:17.855Z Cruise ships with the worst CDC sanitation scores revealed, see which vessels failed inspection The lowest-scoring cruise ships of 2026 have been identified based on data from unannounced health inspections conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP) does periodic, unannounced inspections of cruise ships in U.S. ports, examining conditions aboard to determine whether vessels comply with federal public health standards, according to the agency. Cruise ships are graded on a 100-point scale. Ships must score 86 or above to pass inspection — while a score of 85 or below is considered unsatisfactory, the CDC noted. CLEANEST CRUISE LINES REVEALED AFTER CDC SURPRISE SANITATION INSPECTIONS Several ships have landed near the bottom of the CDC's sanitation scale so far this year. Norwegian Dawn, Carnival Breeze, Kydon, National Geographic Sea Lion, Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia and Amadea were the seven lowest-scoring vessels among the 2026 inspections reviewed, according to CDC data. Norwegian Dawn received a score of 84 during a March inspection — putting it below the CDC's passing threshold of 86. Carnival Breeze, Kydon and National Geographic Sea Lion each received scores of 86 — while Sun Princess, MSC Meraviglia and Amadea received 89s. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER The scores reflect conditions observed at the time of inspection — and the scores can change from one inspection to the next.  Carnival Breeze, for example, received a perfect 100 earlier in the year before earning a score of 86 during a later inspection. The scores do not necessarily mean a ship is unsafe; rather, they reflect how well the vessels met the CDC’s public health standards at the time of inspection. Fox News Digital reached out to Norwegian Dawn and the CDC for comment. Norwegian Cruise Line issued a detailed report to the CDC five days after the inspection, showing all the corrective measures the organization put in place after the ship scored poorly, the "Cruise Fever" blog reported.  Gavin Macgregor-Skinner, an infection prevention expert and epidemiologist affiliated with Penn State College of Medicine, previously told Fox News Digital that the federal government’s Vessel Sanitation Program plays an important role in protecting passengers and crew. "The federal government's Vessel Sanitation Program, established in 1975 to work with the cruise industry to protect travelers’ health, is critical for the health and safety of passengers, staff and the locations that cruise ships visit," Macgregor-Skinner said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Inspectors focus on a wide range of areas aboard the ship. "Ships participating in the VSP can expect two unannounced inspections every year, with a focus on medical facilities, potable water systems, swimming pools and whirlpool baths, galleys and dining rooms, child activity centers, cabins, ventilation systems and common areas," Macgregor-Skinner said. The latest scores come as cruise lines continue to face scrutiny over sanitation and illness prevention aboard vessels carrying thousands of passengers. "Cruise ships are shared environments where thousands of people touch the same surfaces every day," Brian Sansoni, senior vice president of communications at the American Cleaning Institute in Washington, D.C., previously told Fox News Digital. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "Without strong cleaning and hygiene practices, germs can spread quickly, increasing the risk of illness among passengers and crew," he added. Still, a lower sanitation score does not necessarily mean a ship will experience an illness outbreak. Cruise lines report illnesses to federal health officials more routinely than many other parts of the travel industry, Macgregor-Skinner said. "It is very important not to confuse the wider availability of cruise health data with a higher incidence rate on cruise ships compared to settings like restaurants, hotels and planes," he said. Meanwhile, on the high side of the spectrum and based on the latest inspection data from the CDC, 42 cruise ships earned a perfect score of 100 — ranking them among the cleanest cruise ships reviewed in 2026. Among the cruise ships earning perfect 100 scores in 2026 from the CDC were Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, Carnival Celebration, Celebrity Apex, Disney Dream, Norwegian Viva and Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. "Normally, over the course of a year, 25–35 ships will earn a perfect health score," noted the "Cruise Fever" blog.  Fox News Digital reached out the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) for further comment. Jessica Mekles of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8496a92c5335ae104824b2 Alex Murdaugh moves for new home for double-murder retrial te 2026-08-18T17:30:17.154Z Alex Murdaugh moves for new home for double-murder retrial Alex Murdaugh’s retrial could be headed to Richland County, South Carolina, as his defense presses to move the double-murder case from the Lowcountry, arguing the new venue would offer a larger jury pool and reduce costly logistical challenges. Court documents filed Monday by Murdaugh’s defense team, obtained by WIS in Columbia, and reviewed by Fox News Digital, show the attorneys are asking the court to select Richland County for the retrial. The filing comes after Judge Debra R. McCaslin ruled Friday that Murdaugh’s retrial must move out of Colleton County but did not choose a new location. ALEX MURDAUGH MURDER SAGA LANDS RIGHT BACK WHERE IT STARTED BEFORE NEXT LOWCOUNTRY COURTROOM BATTLE During the hearing, defense attorney Phillip D. Barber argued Charleston would not cost more than other parts of South Carolina. "You don’t think the cost of living is higher in Charleston?" prosecutor Creighton Waters asked. "McDonald’s is the same price in Charleston as anywhere else," Barber replied. In their latest filing, Barber and the defense team ask that the trial be moved to Richland County. ALEX MURDAUGH'S DOUBLE MURDER CONVICTION UNANIMOUSLY OVERTURNED BY SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT Murdaugh was granted a new trial after the South Carolina Supreme Court found former Colleton County Clerk of Court Becky Hill improperly influenced jurors during his 2023 murder trial, undermining his right to a fair proceeding. "The size of the potential jury venire is on a scale comparable to Charleston, thus giving a much greater opportunity to find an impartial jury," the defense wrote. "Further, although not an absolute requirement, the racial demographics are similar to Colleton." FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Murdaugh’s team said a Richland County trial would eliminate the need for either side to book hotel rooms for attorneys, staff or South Carolina Law Enforcement Division witnesses. The April 5, 2027, trial is scheduled during the Masters Tournament. Prosecutors argued the event could make it harder to find hotel rooms in Richland County, but the defense said the first week would likely be spent selecting jurors, reducing the need for lodging. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS "The State objected that the Masters golf tournament during the first trial week might make Richland County accommodations unavailable, but it is unlikely witnesses would need hotel rooms during the first trial week because that week will be mostly or entirely consumed by jury selection," the defense wrote. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE The defense also asked McCaslin to consider its costs, arguing it does not have the State’s "nearly limitless resources." SEND US A TIP "It was Defendant’s constitutional rights, not the State’s, which were violated by the intentional conduct of Becky Hill, an elected state official," Murdaugh’s team wrote. "One reason Defendant suggested Charleston is that the defense has access to offices near the courthouse." GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL "The State of course has offices at every courthouse in South Carolina," the defense continued. "It is appropriate that the Court act to protect the people of Colleton County from costs created by their own elected official’s unexpected criminal conduct, but it would be inappropriate to do so by imposing excessive and avoidable costs on the victim of her conduct." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST At his 2023 trial, Murdaugh acknowledged misleading investigators about his location shortly before his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, were shot, but he has consistently denied killing either of them. Fox News Digital has reached out to both the defense and prosecution for comment. Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8496a82c5335ae104824a9 Ralph Norman suggests special GOP primary runoff rival Darline Graham is the establishment's chosen candidate te 2026-08-18T17:30:16.401Z Ralph Norman suggests special GOP primary runoff rival Darline Graham is the establishment's chosen candidate Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C. — the candidate going head-to-head against Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., in the South Carolina special Republican U.S. Senate primary runoff — suggested in a campaign ad that his rival is the establishment's candidate. "The establishment has already" selected "their candidate," he declared in the video, without naming Graham, his lone rival in the contest. "Same old playbook, same old insiders. I'm not their choice." "South Carolina needs a proven conservative with a record of fighting for you. You shouldn't have to guess where your next senator stands: With me, you already know," Norman said in the ad. HOUSE REPUBLICAN SUGGESTS SEN DARLINE GRAHAM IS AN 'ALLY' FOR THE 'SWAMP' Graham and Norman, who finished first and second respectively in the Aug. 11 special GOP U.S. Senate primary, will now face off in the Aug. 25 runoff. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham last month to fill the Senate vacancy caused by the death of her brother, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. RUSSELL FRY ENDORSES EX-RIVAL DARLINE GRAHAM AFTER FAILING TO ADVANCE TO SPECIAL GOP US SENATE PRIMARY RUNOFF The new senator is backed by President Donald Trump. "To suggest Donald Trump is part of the establishment is a joke. Senator Darline Graham has built a broad coalition of conservatives across South Carolina. Ralph is a party of one: himself," Graham campaign spokesperson Abby Zilch said in a statement to Fox News Digital on Tuesday. "Ralph is a fiscal conservative when it is politically convenient. He voted no on a pay raise for our troops and benefits for veterans, but when COVID money benefited Ralph, all bets were off. Darline is a MAGA fighter who will help President Trump deliver. Ralph Norman will stand in the way," she added. MARK LYNCH ENDORSES RALPH NORMAN AS CONGRESSMAN HEADS INTO RUNOFF AGAINST DARLINE GRAHAM Norman spokesperson Brittany Yanick said in a statement to Fox News Digital, "Ralph Norman is a businessman and the only proven conservative in this race. He has received wide support from conservatives including Senators Rick Scott and Mike Lee in Washington, D.C. to leaders across South Carolina, such as [former] Senator Jim DeMint and Former State Rep. Adam Morgan, among many others." "South Carolinians shouldn't have to guess where their Senator stands on important issues; with Ralph, they already know," Yanick added. "His resume is his record unlike his opponent who is unknown and backed by Democrat donors. Next week, South Carolinians will vote for Ralph Norman to represent the Palmetto State for the next six years." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8496a72c5335ae104824a0 Fox News Digital thumps all news brands including broadcast networks in key performance indicators during July te 2026-08-18T17:30:15.731Z Fox News Digital thumps all news brands including broadcast networks in key performance indicators during July Fox News Digital led all news brands and broadcast networks in key measurables during the month of July, according to Comscore. Fox News Digital posted 1.6 billion multiplatform views and 3.5 billion multiplatform minutes to beat The New York Times, CNN, CBS News, ABC News and NBC News in both categories. July was the 27th consecutive month that Fox News Digital finished as the leader of all news brands among multiplatform views and the 65th consecutive month as No. 1 with multiplatform minutes. As Fox News Digital saw a 28% increase year-over-year with total digital multiplatform unique visitors, CNN was down 34% in the category. The Fox News Mobile app attracted 6.6 million unique viewers during the month of July, leading the CNN mobile app which only saw 2.8 million unique viewers. DAVID MARCUS: KAROLINE LEAVITT’S LASTING LEGACY IS OPENING THE WHITE HOUSE TO INDIE PRESS Fox News Digital also thrived on YouTube, finishing July as the No. 1 news brand in the competitive set with 324 million video views compared to 246 million for MS NOW, 172 million for CNN, 136 million for ABC News, 109 million for NBC News and 35 million for CBS News, according to Emplifi. Fox News Media also topped all news brands in social media interactions during July, according to Emplifi and Comscore Social. Fox News was responsible for 110 million social media interactions during July with 36 million interactions on Facebook, 20 million interactions on Instagram and six million interactions on X. Fox News drove another 52 million interactions on TikTok and finished with 1.6 billion video views across social media. FOX NEWS CHANNEL LEADS CBS AND NBC IN WEEKDAY PRIMETIME, DOMINATES CABLE VIEWERSHIP IN SECOND QUARTER RATINGS FOX Business was also number one on YouTube among business brands for the 57th consecutive month.  The dominant July came after Fox News Digital led all news brands and broadcast networks in total digital multiplatform unique visitors, multiplatform views and multiplatform minutes during the second quarter of 2026. Fox News Digital, CBSNews.com, NBCNews.com, WashingtonPost.com and ABCNews.com have opted in to account for Social Incremental in Total Digital Multiplatform Unique Visitors, while brands like CNN.com and NYTimes.com have not. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8496a62c5335ae10482497 Boy who passed out in deadly ocean waves celebrates miracle birthday inside Trump Oval Office te 2026-08-18T17:30:14.928Z Boy who passed out in deadly ocean waves celebrates miracle birthday inside Trump Oval Office An 11-year-old boy who nearly drowned off the coast of Santa Cruz, California, is celebrating his birthday after a teenage lifeguard saved his life. Speaking on "Fox & Friends" Tuesday, Nathaniel Rai and his father, Sumit, discussed the rescue and their visit to the White House to meet President Donald Trump. "Nathaniel was two seconds away from dying. I mean, if he got swept out for two more seconds, he'd be 15, 20 feet deeper into the water. And at that point, you can barely see him, let alone retrieve or rescue him," Sumit said about watching the video of his son’s rescue. "He was near death. He was already unconscious, from what I'm told, limp, not breathing." TRUMP MEETS TEEN LIFEGUARD AND BOY SAVED IN VIRAL OCEAN RESCUE AT OVAL OFFICE Sumit, who was in Dallas at the time, said he first learned how serious the situation was when he saw the video on the news later that night. Video of the rescue went viral after 16-year-old lifeguard Ryder Williams jumped into the water to save Rai. With the help of fellow lifeguard Aaron Bohnen, Williams brought Rai to safety. Nathaniel described the moment the waves hit him and began pulling him out to sea, calling it "scary." "The waves kept crashing on me and I like passed out," he said. CALIFORNIA STABBING VICTIM'S FRIEND BLASTS 'FAILED' JUSTICE SYSTEM OVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SUSPECT'S RELEASE Nathaniel’s father thanked Williams for saving his son’s life, allowing the family to celebrate Nathaniel's 11th birthday this week. "The heroism he showed and the courage to go into those torrential waters, which were deadly, and then go in there, risk his own life, his own safety, to bring Nathaniel out so that I'm able to celebrate his birthday with him today and have him sit beside me. I'm just ever so grateful," Sumit said. MAN, WOMAN KILLED IN RIP CURRENT AS LIFEGUARD SHORTAGE LEAVES DANGER ZONES IN BEACH DESTINATION Nathaniel, his father and Williams visited the White House Monday to speak with Trump, who said lifeguards don’t always get the recognition they deserve. "They're [going to] look up to Ryder. They're [going to] look up to Nathaniel, the way Nathaniel handled it," Trump said. "I think, you know, very importantly, they're going to gain respect for what these people do, having to do with lifeguards and having to do with safety. This was an unbelievable experience." Nathaniel said his favorite part of the Oval Office visit was when they sang "Happy Birthday" to him, and his father described the experience as "incredible." "It was such a privilege and honor. The president was very gracious in inviting us in, and I was so happy that he was honoring Ryder. It's so well-deserved, that recognition for what he did," Sumit said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8496a02c5335ae1048247c Florida’s Polling Picture Is Limited Other Than One Key Race te 2026-08-18T17:30:08.167Z Florida’s Polling Picture Is Limited Other Than One Key Race Representative Byron Donalds had a wide lead in polls of the race for the Republican nomination for governor. Polling was sparse in every other statewide contest. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84969d2c5335ae1048245b Etched’s valuation doubles to $21B in a month te 2026-08-18T17:30:05.392Z Etched’s valuation doubles to $21B in a month Jane Street has installed Etched's first shipped AI cluster system, and was so impressed, it led another massive round, the startup says. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84944b2c5335ae10482437 Massive risk in South China Sea exposed after four-day power loss on US Navy destroyer te 2026-08-18T17:20:11.710Z Massive risk in South China Sea exposed after four-day power loss on US Navy destroyer A U.S. guided-missile destroyer spent four days without power in the South China Sea last month after an engineering casualty involving its generators, forcing the Navy to tow the warship to the Philippines for repairs. The USS Benfold lost power July 24 and was towed to Subic Bay in the Philippines on July 28, where power was restored two days later, according to U.S. 7th Fleet. The shipped reported an "engineering casualty involving its generators, causing a loss of power," Cmdr. Matthew Comer, a spokesperson for U.S. 7th Fleet, said in a statement to to Fox News Digital. "There were no injuries to the crew, who demonstrated resilience, grit, professionalism and unwavering steadiness in their response." The power loss disrupted galley services, toilets, air conditioning and potable water aboard the nearly 10,000-ton warship. CENTCOM COMMANDER TOUTS USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN MENTAL HEALTH RECORD AFTER MORE THAN 260 DAYS WITHOUT PORT CALL The guided-missile cruiser USS Robert Smalls helped provide meals for the crew, while the strike group supported the destroyer during the casualty, 7th Fleet said. No injuries were reported. The Navy has not publicly detailed whether the casualty affected the Benfold's propulsion, navigation, communications, sensors, weapons systems or emergency power. Those facts will help define the operational impact of the failure as the Navy investigates its cause. The ship is an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, which was operating with the USS George Washington carrier strike group at the time of the power outage. The breakdown occurred while the destroyer was in the South China Sea, a strategically vital waterway where the U.S. Navy routinely operates with allies and partners as China presses sweeping territorial claims. The Navy has described its regional missions as part of its commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. The incident also left the Benfold dependent on support from the carrier strike group at a moment when the USS George Washington was preparing to leave the western Pacific for the Middle East. The strike group is headed to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed since November. PENTAGON RACES TO BUY 10X MORE MISSILES AS IRAN WAR DWINDLES ARSENAL, THREATENS READINESS FOR CHINA AGGRESSION The Navy said on Aug. 14 that the Lincoln had been deployed for 266 days, including 200 days in a combat zone, and would return home as part of a planned rotation. The shift underscores the operational demands on a Navy balancing commitments in the Middle East and Indo-Pacific. It is unclear whether The Benfold will rejoin the USS George Washington carrier strike group for its Middle East deployment after regaining power. The 7th Fleet did not immediately say whether the Benfold casualty has prompted maintenance checks or other action across the destroyer fleet. The Navy is investigating the cause of the failure. Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao said the Lincoln’s deployment was extended because "the mission demanded it" and said the ship would return home as part of a planned rotation. Cao acknowledged that a small number of personnel had received mental health treatment and that meal plans were adjusted when fresh resupply was unavailable, while disputing broader media accounts of conditions aboard the carrier. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8494452c5335ae1048241d Hurricane Lala Destroyed a Hawaii Cemetery, Setting Off a Hunt for the Dead te 2026-08-18T17:20:05.635Z Hurricane Lala Destroyed a Hawaii Cemetery, Setting Off a Hunt for the Dead In the hamlet of Naalehu, the floods of Hurricane Lala opened graves. One mother sought desperately for her son. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8494432c5335ae104823fc Apple overhauls its EU App Store fees, loosens rules for alternative app stores te 2026-08-18T17:20:03.139Z Apple overhauls its EU App Store fees, loosens rules for alternative app stores Apple is simplifying its EU App Store fees, replacing its per-install fee with a 5% commission for apps distributed outside the App Store and making it easier for developers to operate alternative app marketplaces. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8491f42c5335ae104823c7 NFL ignores questions as pro-trans brand behind Jim Harbaugh’s viral shirt pushes into flag football te 2026-08-18T17:10:12.017Z NFL ignores questions as pro-trans brand behind Jim Harbaugh’s viral shirt pushes into flag football Just when all the focus is on trans and the WNBA, the Los Angeles Chargers welcomed a pro-trans in sports brand to training camp on Sunday and even got Jim Harbaugh to wear the brand's viral shirt. On the surface, the Chargers' "Women in Sports Day" appeared to be a standard community outreach event where young girls were introduced to the world of flag football, but if you dig a little deeper, you find TOGETHXR, whose cofounder is staunchly pro-trans in sports, promoting its catchy "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" slogan to unsuspecting fans who might not be aware of the company's pro-trans in sports stance. It's unclear if Harbaugh, or any of the coaches or players who appeared in the shirts were aware of TOGETHXR's politics. MEGAN RAPINOE SAYS EFFORTS TO BAR TRANS ATHLETES FROM WOMEN'S SPORTS ARE 'ATTACK ON WOMEN IN SOCIETY' "Trans women belong in sports. There are no scientific studies that prove that there is significant physical advantage," TOGETHXR cofounder Jessica Robertson said in 2023. Her fellow cofounders include athletes Sue Bird, Alex Morgan, Chloe Kim and Simone Manuel. Bird's ex-girlfriend, Megan Rapinoe, has been featured prominently on TOGETHXR's social media. When asked by OutKick if it was aware of Robertson's pro-trans in sports stance and whether it endorses TOGETHXR's corporate stance on the topic, the team didn't address our questions. "The Chargers are committed to helping open doors for young female athletes to build confidence, leadership and community through the game of football while also shining a light on the important roles women play in the sports industry," Josh Rupprecht, Chargers Senior Vice President for Communications & Brand Messaging, said in a statement provided to OutKick. "Supporting the growth and visibility of women’s athletics has long been a priority of the organization. In 2023, the Chargers served as a primary driver in establishing girl's flag as a CIF sanctioned high school sport in California. The team now sponsors the 'Conquer Chargers,' a girl's flag club comprised of 35 teams and more than 350 athletes across three Southern California chapters, and hosts annual tournaments such as the Girls’ Flag Invitational," Rupprecht added. "This past July, two Conquer Chargers teams (14U and high school) secured national championship titles and were honored during training camp. "Various brands were part of the theme days including Togethxr x Nike merchandise, exclusive Peanuts x Chargers merchandise by Homage, Chargers Social Club merchandise by WEAR and New Era and several local food truck vendors, among others." Our question on what the Chargers' stance is regarding transgender athletes competing against biological females in flag football was left unanswered. The same question was also left unanswered by the NFL on Monday. Our request for comment from the league was met with silence. We also asked TOGETHXR and Robertson whether there's been any change to the company's stance on the pro-trans in sports topic. Those questions were left unanswered as well. In October, OutKick's Armando Salguero asked NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for the league's stance on biological males playing NFL Flag in the women's category. The well-seasoned veteran commissioner claimed he couldn't give OutKick an answer on the topic because the league hadn't discussed the topic. Meanwhile, the league has massive plans for flag football heading towards the 2028 Summer Olympics where the sport will be featured. The International Olympic Committee will require a gene test to compete at the L.A. Games. The same test is now being used by the Women's Tennis Association. US FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM STUNNED BY AMERICAN SAMOA IN SHOCKING FIRST LOSS IN 14 YEARS ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Will NFL Flag follow the same rules as the IOC has set for international competition? We're waiting for an update from Goodell. As for TOGETHXR and its role in the promotion of flag football, there's a clear indication that there's mutual interest from Robertson's activist company and the NFL. In December, TOGETHXR declared on Instagram, while tagging NFL Flag, that "Flag football is getting its biggest upgrade yet." What was that investment? It was that the "NFL is [flag football's] biggest supporter." Ian Trombetta, Senior Vice President of Social and Influencer Marketing for the NFL, made sure to slap a 'like' on TOGETHXR's post. If you go back even further to February 2025, TOGETHXR declared that "the future of football is female." The NFL and NFL Flag were tagged in the social media post. Will that future include biological males playing against the females? We're still waiting to find out. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8491f32c5335ae104823be Penn State frat coke ring's alleged ringleader denied bail after missing arraignment, turning himself in te 2026-08-18T17:10:11.241Z Penn State frat coke ring's alleged ringleader denied bail after missing arraignment, turning himself in The alleged ringleader of a Penn State University fraternity cocaine distribution ring is now in custody. Pennsylvania's Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that Agostino Abbatiello, 24, from Westbury turned himself in Tuesday morning. The suspect was arraigned by a judge on "numerous felonies" and was denied bail after the attorney general said he failed to appear to his scheduled arraignment on Monday. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Abbatiello was among 13 other men who were charged with offenses in the case. PENN STATE COCAINE BUST NETS 14 ARRESTS OVER ALLEGED PLEDGE COKE-CUTTING ‘INDOCTRINATION’ RITUALS The cocaine distribution ring allegedly occurred from 2023 through 2024 within off-campus fraternity houses belonging to Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE Court documents allege pledges within the fraternities were ordered to cut and pack kilos of drugs as part of "indoctrination" rituals. MARSHALS NAB TEEN WANTED FOR MURDER OF PENN STATE STUDENT 1,700 MILES FROM CRIME SCENE, 2ND SUSPECT IN CUSTODY Penn State students made up the majority of the alleged cocaine sales, Attorney General Sunday said. The drug was reportedly being trafficked from Philadelphia and New York. "We are pleased to report that the most significant members of this cocaine-trafficking organization are accounted for, and will have their fair process in court. These are very serious charges and the next steps will be preliminary hearings," Attorney General Sunday said. Fox News Digital has reached out to Abbatiello's attorney. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8491ea2c5335ae104823a0 Hello Kitty's first U.S. comic gets a Tucson-made cover te 2026-08-18T17:10:02.308Z Hello Kitty's first U.S. comic gets a Tucson-made cover A diverse crowd of fans packed Heroes & Villains on August 12 for the debut of the first original, American-format comic book to star the iconic Sanrio character — one that comes with a locally illustrated exclusive. Published by IDW, "Hello Kitty, Hello World" #1 comes with a store-exclusive cover, the shop's first in its 23-year history. Illustrated by Cody Lemieux, the limited-edition cover depicts Hello Kitty shopping for manga inside a comic shop, with the Heroes & Villains storefront sign prominently displayed in the background. Store-exclusive covers typically require retailers to commit to purchasing thousands of copies, a threshold that can be difficult for mid-sized markets like Tucson to reach. A lower threshold from IDW made the project feasible for the local shop, and planning for the release began eight months ago, driven by personal enthusiasm from store leadership. "When we saw the solicitation for Hello Kitty, we immediately got super excited," Heroes & Villains General Manager Ryan Rodriguez told Tucson Spotlight. "We saw the artwork featuring Hello Kitty shopping right under our sign, and we felt it perfectly captured the vibe, theme, and mission of our store. Passion, enthusiasm, and wanting to bring more people into this world… that's where the genesis of this idea came from." While Sanrio properties have previously appeared in manga and translated Japanese editions, "Hello Kitty, Hello World" represents a major milestone for the franchise in Western publishing. Written as an all-ages detective mystery in which Hello Kitty investigates her friends' missing items, the title is an original American production rather than a localized translation. The series is penned by Japanese-Canadian author Mariko Tamaki, an acclaimed mainstream comics writer known for her work on DC Comics' "Detective Comics" and the graphic novel "Zatanna: Bring Down the House." "This is the first time Hello Kitty is starring in an actual, Western-style comic," said Heroes & Villains' Lawrence Morrow. "It's written by a major, serious author, but it's created for all ages. It's accessible for young kids who are just discovering Hello Kitty, but it's also meant for adults who grew up with the character." Tucson Spotlight trains the next generation of Southern Arizona journalists and publishes their work free for everyone. No paywalls, no corporate backing — just readers who believe this community deserves better local news. Desert Drifter staff serve themed beverages to attendees at Heroes & Villains' August 12 launch event for "Hello Kitty, Hello World" #1. Isabel Vidrio / Tucson Spotlight. While Sanrio stories are often viewed as simple, recent adaptations have leaned into sweeter, more realistic themes of friendship and compassion, sensibilities that Rodriguez said transfer directly into this new comic run. The launch event aimed to reach beyond traditional comic shop demographics. Local comic retailers, historically associated with superhero titles and male-dominated spaces, have expanded their inventory to serve a broader range of readers, driven in part by the rising popularity of manga, graphic novels and more inclusive characters. The store's social media announcement generated strong engagement among female and younger fans, drawing a broad turnout to the event. "For the longest time, comic books and comic culture had been super dominant in just the male sphere of popularity, and over the past decade or so, that's been shifting pretty hard into overall acceptance of so many different walks of life," Rodriguez said. "The thing we strive for is bringing a voice to people and signaling, 'Hey, you're not alone, and you have people to share this with.'" Morrow echoed that sentiment, framing the Hello Kitty launch as part of a broader shift in the store's approach to fandom. "Anytime we host an event like this, it's an opportunity to show another facet of fandom," Morrow said. "Comics aren't just for one specific demographic. They are made for everyone. We haven't had the chance to highlight something aimed at such a broad and diverse audience on this scale before." In addition to the store-exclusive cover, the event featured a selection of Sanrio merchandise, including hair clips, blind boxes and themed collectibles. Local cafe Desert Drifter was also on-site serving themed beverages to attendees waiting for doors to open. The celebration is part of a broader slate of community-focused events hosted by Heroes & Villains across its retail departments. Up next is September 19's annual celebration of Batman Day, which will feature store giveaways, promotional masks and exclusive comic reprints. To find upcoming announcements about Batman Day or to learn more about Heroes & Villains, follow them on Instagram at @hnvtucson.  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/6a848f9b2c5335ae10482363 What the streets remember: How they ended up here te 2026-08-18T17:00:11.511Z What the streets remember: How they ended up here The post What the streets remember: How they ended up here appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a848d462c5335ae10482307 Republican AGs working together to investigate Fauci explain how states can possibly bypass Biden pardon te 2026-08-18T16:50:14.143Z Republican AGs working together to investigate Fauci explain how states can possibly bypass Biden pardon A trio of Republican attorneys general — Florida's James Uthmeier, Louisiana's Liz Murrill and West Virginia's John McCuskey — opened a joint investigation into former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases director Dr. Anthony Fauci in an effort to hold Fauci accountable at the state level despite his federal pardon. "Americans need to have confidence that the medical professionals that are giving them information during medical catastrophes like COVID, that that information is sound... Rebuilding that trust begins with holding accountable the people who caused it to be lost," McCuskey told Fox News Digital in an interview. Uthmeier initially announced his office would launch an investigation into Fauci on July 29, shortly after Fauci invoked his Fifth Amendment right not to answer any questions about his role in the COVID-19 pandemic response 111 times while testifying before a Senate committee. "In light of recent reports exposed by Senator Rand Paul, we will investigate any and all potential violations of Florida law involving Anthony Fauci," Uthmeier previously told Fox News Digital. FAUCI REFUSES SENATE APPEARANCE AFTER INVOKING FIFTH AMENDMENT MORE THAN 100 TIMES IN COVID PROBE "Our inquiry will focus on what Fauci knew, when he knew it, and how he misled the American people. We will examine the physical and monetary harms to Floridians that may have resulted from his deceptions and determine whether his conduct exposes him to liability under state law," Uthmeier concluded. On Aug. 5, Uthmeier officially subpoenaed Fauci for documents related to awards he won, any financial incentives related to his pandemic response recommendations, and "documents concerning vaccine efficacy and boosters, natural immunity, potential adverse events including myocarditis risks, messaging strategies, and communications with vaccine manufacturers." Both McCuskey and Murrill have joined Uthmeier's investigation. They each explained to Fox News Digital how the partnership came about and why it was so important to them and to their constituents. FAUCI'S FIFTH FUELS VOW TO HAUL HIM INTO COURT 'EVERY DAY' DESPITE BIDEN PARDON "West Virginia and Florida and any other Republican states that want to work with us will be able to better overcome if we work together so that we can pool our resources and we can wade through a lot of this material," Murrill told Fox News Digital in an interview. Murrill also revealed that her young son had an adverse reaction to a COVID-19 vaccine. "My own son developed myocarditis from the Pfizer vaccine and was hospitalized in a pediatric ICU for a week," she told Fox News Digital. McCuskey echoed similar sentiments. "My plan here — and the reason that I jumped in — is to use the teamwork that the Republican Attorneys General Association gives us to work with General Murrill and James Uthmeier in Florida. I want my office to support them in any way that we can so that when these subpoenas come back and this investigation is completed, I can recommend to prosecutors here in West Virginia to take the same kind of actions that some of my AG colleagues can do on their own," McCuskey told Fox News Digital. The West Virginia attorney general told Fox News Digital that pandemic restrictions forced his family retail store to shutter for four months, nearly bankrupting them. "It is very hard to explain to somebody what it means to have built something that is essentially your entire livelihood and have the government tell you you're not allowed to open your doors," he told Fox News Digital. "At the exact same time, my daughter, who was turning five, was prevented from going to kindergarten. My daughter is an incredibly loquacious and energetic child who loves being around other people. She loves school and she was so excited to get started. Instead, she spent her entire kindergarten year with me in the state auditor's office by herself doing online school. Every day, I had to watch her and my wife essentially cry because of the restrictions that these COVID mandates were causing," McCuskey added. CAN FAUCI HIDE BEHIND THE FIFTH? GAME-CHANGING BIDEN PARDON MAY NOT PROVIDE COMPLETE COVER, EXPERTS SAY Former President Joe Biden, on his last day in office, doled out a sweeping federal pardon to Fauci which covered "ANY OFFENSES against the United States which he may have committed or taken part in during the period from January 1, 2014" until the day it was issued. The pardon, however, does not protect Fauci from state charges, Murrill explained. "It doesn't shield him from state prosecution. The president doesn't have the power to issue a pardon for state crimes. It's that simple. The president only had the power to pardon him for what might be federal criminal activity," Murrill told Fox News Digital. Murrill will be looking specifically into whether or not Fauci lied during a testimony she participated in when her state, along with Missouri, deposed him for Murthy v. Missouri, a case in which Missouri and Louisiana sued the government for allegedly collaborating with social media platforms to censor Americans' views related to COVID-19. LEGACY MEDIA IGNORES MASSIVE ANTHONY FAUCI DOCUMENT RELEASE ALLEGING HE MISLED CONGRESS ON COVID ORIGINS "We did discover in the very beginning of the case that the federal government was pressing its own narrative. Different agencies were taking down truthful speech under threats from the federal government. Dr. Fauci was very much involved in all of that, and we deposed him for seven hours during which he mostly said, 'I don't recall,'" Murrill told Fox News Digital. "And so we then find out that there's a diary, and there are now going to be contemporaneous phone and text messages. I think that it already shows that he was lying. Of course, many of us thought he was lying anyway, but I think the public is now seeing the full extent of his lies and how he said one thing privately and then turned around and said other things publicly that directly contradicted what he was saying privately," she added. In light of the revelations coming from Fauci's text messages and internal writings released by Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., Murrill said she will be considering the viability of fraud and perjury charges against Fauci. "Here, I think we'd be looking at: did he lie? And if he did lie, is it actionable under our state law? The pardon would not cover that. Perjury is a crime, and the statutory penalty for perjury is probably similar to that for obstruction of justice. It could be anywhere up to five years in prison," she told Fox News Digital. McCuskey, for his part, said he does not have direct prosecution power due to a quirk in state law that grants that power to prosecuting attorneys in each of West Virginia's 55 counties. However, he said he is still using his position to investigate and provide citizens with information for any potential civil cases as well as arm his state's — and other states' — prosecutors with potential ammunition for criminal prosecution. "The way that this would work here in West Virginia is that I would take the information gleaned from Florida and Louisiana — and there's almost no chance that information would be specific just to those two states — and go to any of the county-level prosecutors that we work with every single day and say, 'Hey, here's what we got. It's your job to handle these prosecutions. I'm going to hand you a ready-made prosecution against somebody that we think needs to be held accountable.' My office would then be able to help them in that prosecution in a whole bunch of ways," he explained to Fox News Digital. McCuskey also told Fox News Digital that whether his office finds incriminating information or not, "it's important to make sure that if this happens again, we have learned every single lesson we can learn so that our response will be swifter, better for the American public, and free from the mistakes made during the crisis." Uthmeier's subpoena gave Fauci until Aug. 31 to comply. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a848d452c5335ae104822fe Masked menace films himself chasing residents as terrified victims scream for help: Police te 2026-08-18T16:50:13.397Z Masked menace films himself chasing residents as terrified victims scream for help: Police A masked man is on the loose in Philadelphia after allegedly chasing down and assaulting a woman while wearing a doll mask, police said. The unidentified man was seen on Wednesday near City Hall and asked one woman if she was "ready to die" while chasing others, police told FOX 29. Police said the man, who was wearing a doll mask, chased a 40-year-old woman and made threatening comments while holding his hand behind his back. As the woman was trying to run, she fell and injured herself, police said. SEND US A TIP Officials said the masked man fled the area and went into a train station afterwards. Philadelphia police described the man as a Black male between 16 and 20 years old, 5'8" and was wearing a "white baby doll style Halloween mask with black hair, and a black/blue plaid backpack." Philadelphia Police Captain Jason Smith said "He was able to accost a good many of people, most of which haven't come forward yet." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST The man was seen on surveillance cameras running up to several people, and was refused service at a Dunkin Donuts because of his mask. He left the restaurant after showing erratic behavior. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X One of the victims told police she was confronted twice and ran, "screaming for help this entire time." Police say the masked man filmed himself with a cell phone during the incidents. The suspect will likely be charged with felony terroristic threats, harassment, simple assault and reckless endangerment, police said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a848d442c5335ae104822f5 Corporation targeted by Brandon Gill digs in on 'diverse workforce' after firebrand opens DEI probe te 2026-08-18T16:50:12.580Z Corporation targeted by Brandon Gill digs in on 'diverse workforce' after firebrand opens DEI probe FIRST ON FOX: A multibillion-dollar global corporation that House Republicans accused of peddling misleading claims about diversity in the workplace is sticking by its findings. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, who leads a House Oversight Committee task force on "exposing institutional abuses," targeted consulting firm McKinsey & Company over a series of reports it released that argued diversity in the workplace led to better business and financial outcomes. "These McKinsey reports have been highly influential, being cited by publicly traded companies, asset managers, proxy advisory firms, and banking institutions, among others, as cause for embedding illegal racial and sex-based targets into hiring, promotion, executive compensation, and asset manager proxy voting policies," Gill wrote in a letter sent Monday and first reported by Fox News Digital. A spokesperson for the company told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that it agreed with Gill "that race and gender should not guarantee outcomes," but added, "We stand by our research on the business and economic impact of a diverse workforce." SENATE REPUBLICAN PUSHES MERIT-BASED MILITARY PROMOTIONS, TARGETS BIDEN-ERA DEI POLICIES "We also recognize that diversity in the workplace encompasses a broad range of backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. We have and will continue to follow the law in the U.S. and in the other markets in which we operate," the spokesperson said. Gill wrote in his letter that McKinsey's reports were "highly influential in American corporations" and provided fuel for left-wing groups pushing race and gender-based diversity goals. "With the support of the previous administration, progressive activists cited McKinsey’s reports to push companies, governments, and stock exchanges to implement rules which forced or incentivized illegal corporate racial or gender-based hiring and disclosure policies," he wrote. NEW YORK TIMES SUED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER ALLEGED 'DEI-RELATED' EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION Gill also questioned whether the findings of the reports were legitimate. "Although in 2024 McKinsey stated that it 'stands by its findings,' other researchers have found zero statistical correlation between a company’s gender and racial diversity and its financial performance," the letter said. "Racial discrimination in the employment context, including under the guise of DEI, has been pervasive despite being plainly illegal for over half a century." Gill cited a 2026 White House Economic Report that said DEI initiatives cost the U.S. economy roughly $94 billion in 2023. He also pointed out that four reports published by McKinsey between 2015 and 2023 argued that companies with increased racial and gender diversity financially outperformed companies without it. "Researchers assessing the McKinsey DEI studies cannot recreate the results and also find that McKinsey likely swapped the cause and effect of its DEI conclusions," Gill wrote. "The Executive Office of the President has identified $94 billion in annual economic costs to the U.S. economy due to promotion of otherwise illegal race and gender-based hiring practices, perhaps in part motivated by the findings of McKinsey’s DEI reports that are partially inaccurate or wholly incorrect." McKinsey's corporate website states, "The business case for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion is strong and growing stronger." The website estimated that the national GDP would go up by $12 trillion if the workforce gender gap is narrowed by 2025, but no update appears to be provided. Another statistic cites $2 billion in additional revenue "if financial inclusion efforts broaden services for black Americans." Fox News Digital reached out to Gill for comment on McKinsey's response to his probe. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a848d3d2c5335ae104822d6 NPA girls soccer with chip on its shoulder looking to reclaim title te 2026-08-18T16:50:05.485Z NPA girls soccer with chip on its shoulder looking to reclaim title Northland Prep girls soccer looks to reclaim its place as fall soccer champions after a rare, heartbreaking loss in last season's state title game. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a848aed2c5335ae1048228c WATCH: Letitia James told ‘do her f---ing job’ by Republican enraged by inaction on antisemitic crimes te 2026-08-18T16:40:13.473Z WATCH: Letitia James told ‘do her f---ing job’ by Republican enraged by inaction on antisemitic crimes FIRST ON FOX: Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y., unleashed a profanity-laden demand on New York Attorney General Letitia James for what he characterized as a failure to prosecute rising antisemitic hate crimes in the state. "The Attorney General of the State of New York, Letitia James, needs to actually do her f- - -ing job," Lawler said in response to the recent attack on a Jewish synagogue. "Which means prosecute antisemitic hate crimes." Lawler was questioned on the rise of antisemitism in New York during a campaign endorsement event with local law enforcement leaders. MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULT, HATE CRIMES AFTER ALLEGEDLY DISRUPTING SHABBAT SERVICES AT NYC SYNAGOGUE "Rather than running around doing whatever the hell she does, where she plays politics every day, maybe she can actually focus on what her job is," the Republican lawmaker continued. "Which is to ensure the safety and well-being of New Yorkers as the chief law enforcement officer in the state of New York." The comments come just days after a Bronx man burst into a Manhattan synagogue last week during Shabbat services, assaulting a congregant and a member of the synagogue’s security team. "I saw her statement she put out the other day, decrying what happened," Lawler said. "Great." James, Trump's biggest legal foe who targeted him in New York prosecutions during the time between his first and second terms, released a statement condemning the assault, calling it "appalling and unacceptable." The New York Attorney General's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. TRUMP BACKS REPUBLICAN CHALLENGER TO OUST LETITIA JAMES AMID ONGOING MORTGAGE FRAUD FEUD "Prosecute to the fullest extent of the law," Lawler said in response to James’ statement. "Stop releasing these people on cashless bail. Start going after criminals who jeopardize the safety and well being of law-abiding New Yorkers. That's what needs to happen here." The suspect Larry Montes, 46, was arraigned Saturday night with his bail set at $10,000 cash and $30,000 in bonds. He was charged with two counts of assault as a hate crime and one count of criminal mischief as a hate crime. Anti-Jewish attacks made up more than half of all hate crimes committed in New York City, an 8.5% increase on antisemitic hate crimes in the city since last year, according to New York Police Department (NYPD) officials. "We have seen a rapid rise in attacks on places of worship," Lawler said. "We have seen a rise in antisemitic hate crimes — people being attacked for practicing their faith." Lawler also claimed during the event that over 90% of antisemitic hate crimes are not prosecuted in the state of New York. NY ASSEMBLYMAN CALLS FOR DOJ TO INVESTIGATE MAMDANI, PROTECT JEWISH NEW YORKERS AFTER STABBING ATTACKS Both Lawler and James are up for re-election, seeking another term in their respective roles serving New York. The groups endorsing Lawler at the campaign event include the Police Conference of New York, Port Authority PBA, Rockland County PBA, New York State Fraternal Order of Police and other law enforcement groups. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a848aec2c5335ae10482283 Transgender defendant who sought to 'kill Scott Bessent' sentenced to more than 6 years in prison te 2026-08-18T16:40:12.776Z Transgender defendant who sought to 'kill Scott Bessent' sentenced to more than 6 years in prison A biological male who identifies as a woman, was sentenced to 63 months (6 years and 1 month) Tuesday for a plot to kill Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Prosecutors sought at least 10 years prison for Riley Jane English, 25, who is identified in federal records as Ryan Michael English. English pleaded guilty on March 26 to unlawful receipt, possession or transfer of a firearm and carrying a firearm, dangerous weapon, explosive or incendiary device on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol. "I was going to kill Scott Bessent," English told police, who repeated the question back, asking, "Kill Scott Bessent?" "Yes, sir," English confirmed. Federal court documents identify English as a transgender woman, adding another story of several high-profile acts of violence involving transgender assailants. English, who was inspired by Luigi Mangione, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras. The defendants faced two charges carrying prison terms of up to 10 years and five years, respectively. ARMED MAN ARRESTED AT US CAPITOL BARRICADE AS POLICE PROBE WHY HE DROVE ONTO RESTRICTED GROUNDS Prosecutors, led by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, sought a "total sentence of 121 months of imprisonment, followed by 3 years of supervised release." Pirro rejected the defendant's argument for a lighter sentence for a transgender mental health issue as a "young transexual woman who has experienced trauma and suffering from the day she was born." English, of South Deerfield, Massachusetts, "had been thinking about for this for a while because of Luigi Mangione," according to a statement to police, prosecutors said. The Justice Department said English traveled from Massachusetts to the Washington area Jan. 27, 2025, intending to kill a government official or burn down a Washington think tank. English ultimately focused on Bessent, who was being confirmed by the Senate that day as President Donald Trump’s Treasury secretary. "Our system of justice depends on public officials being able to carry out their duties free from intimidation and fear," Pirro wrote in a statement announcing English's guilty plea in March. "This defendant’s threats crossed a clear legal line, and today’s guilty plea reflects our commitment to protecting those who serve. "Anyone who threatens violence against government officials will be identified, charged, and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law."  At about 3:12 p.m. ET on Jan. 27, 2025, English approached a U.S. Capitol Police officer near the South Door of the Capitol and said, "I’d like to turn myself in." INTERROGATION VIDEO SHOWS TRANS KILLER’S CALM CONFESSION TO AMBUSHING PARENTS OVER GENDER TRANSITION BATTLE English told the officer about a knife and two Molotov cocktails. Police found a folding knife, two 50-milliliter Absolut vodka bottles with gray cloth attached to the tops and a lighter, according to court records. Investigators later found additional vodka and material matching the cloth used in the incendiary devices inside English’s vehicle. English told investigators that the original targets included House Speaker Mike Johnson and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and that English had also considered burning down the Heritage Foundation, according to court filings. The target shifted to Bessent after English saw him on television while stopping at a library in the Washington area. English told police that a clip of Bessent discussing the federal minimum wage had sparked anger. "He said it with a smile on his face and that got under my skin," English told investigators, according to court records. UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY SCRAPS CONTROVERSIAL COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER WHO CRITICIZED CHARLIE KIRK AFTER HIS MURDER English said she went to the Capitol intending to wait for Bessent but abandoned the plan after seeing the security presence and realizing other people could be harmed. Police also recovered a handwritten note in which English wrote, in part, "This is terrible but I cant do nothing while nazis kill my sisters," according to the Justice Department. "Im so sorry for lying and plotting and lying."  English had second thoughts because of Mangione's own facing the law. "I pushed that away because I was thinking like that is so stupid, that accomplishes nothing, that poor kid just threw his life away for like a minute of vengeance," English said, according to prosecutors. Notably, Bessent is an openly gay man married to John Freeman, a former New York City prosecutor. "If all else fails, I was going to slit my wrists on the White House steps," English admitted to police, according to court filings, showing a serious mental health issue. "Just because that’s all you can do if you can’t hurt anyone else and you’re out of options and you’re out of time and you need to have an outlet and you need to show people how serious it is and you need to make one big dramatic f–––king thing." The case comes amid heightened political attention to mass shootings and other violent attacks committed by mentally ill people who identified as transgender or nonbinary. The issue became particularly prominent following the March 2023 massacre at Nashville’s Covenant School, where a shooter who identified as transgender killed six people, including three children. The shooting fueled national arguments over whether transgender perpetrators represented an emerging pattern in mass violence. BILL MAHER DENOUNCES THOSE DISAPPOINTED TRUMP WASN'T KILLED AT WHCA DINNER, SAYS, ‘YOU’RE NOT A GOOD PERSON’ That debate took an extraordinary turn nearly one year ago on Sept. 10, 2025, when Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was assassinated while speaking at Utah Valley University. Seconds before Kirk was shot, an audience member asked him, "Do you know how many transgender Americans have been mass shooters over the last 10 years?" "Too many," Kirk replied. The audience member then asked Kirk how many mass shooters there had been overall during that period. "Counting or not counting gang violence?" Kirk responded. A single rifle shot then struck Kirk in the neck, killing him. The remarkable timing immediately intensified the debate over transgender identity and political violence. Prosecutors allege Tyler Robinson targeted Kirk over his political expression, while reporting has documented Robinson’s relationship with a roommate who was undergoing a gender transition and his growing concern about LGBTQ rights. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a848ae52c5335ae10482265 Marana council, residents clash over ICE facility plan te 2026-08-18T16:40:05.286Z Marana council, residents clash over ICE facility plan A Marana Town Council meeting turned tense earlier this month as council members and residents clashed over a planned ICE detention facility, with elected officials accusing critics of hateful rhetoric even as opponents warned the project echoes historical patterns of authoritarian scapegoating. The facility was purchased from the state in July 2025 by the Utah-based Management and Training Corporation, one of several for-profit prison companies that have been contracted by ICE to run detention facilities. The building, which MTC constructed in the 1990s, was a minimum-custody prison before closing in 2023. In a July 31 Instagram post, Pima Resists ICE encouraged Marana residents to attend the August 4 Marana Town Council meeting wearing orange shirts in protest. Several residents responded to the call to action and addressed council members during the meeting. Marana resident and Pima Resists ICE member Dennis Shannon compared the tactics and rhetoric of the Trump administration to fascism, saying they were similar to the fascist governments of Germany, Italy and Spain in the early 20th century. "They used intense nationalism," he said. "They used creating fear, convincing the people that they had to be afraid of everything and that their party was the only one that could save them from those fabricated fears. (They used) racism and, of course, a scapegoat group." Shannon became emotional as he spoke, taking a long pause and apologizing before telling the council he was distressed. "I've been befuddled by this town council," Shannon said. "We've heard testimony of heartwrenching inhumanity being perpetrated. We've heard the incompetence of (MTC). And we've heard the adverse effect that this detention center will have on Marana, and yet we just ignore all of those things and take no action." Southern Arizona news written by journalists who live it. Free in your inbox. Dennis Shannon, a Marana resident and Pima Resists ICE member, addresses the town council at the August 4 meeting. Marana resident and Liberal Catholic Church bishop Bennett Burke also spoke against the facility, citing a recent statement from the Department of Homeland Security which estimated the potential number of beds in the facility at 1,300. Burke claimed that Marana town manager Terry Rozema told him that MTC claimed that this number was inaccurate. "I spent 30 years in the corporate world in a company that dealt with high-risk situations with a lot of legal responsibility, so I'm not a lawyer, but I know something about the law in cases like these," he said. "And a verbal statement is garbage compared to a number on an official federal government document." He said Rozema declined a request to contact the DHS and ask for the number to be officially changed. Councilmember Patti Comerford gave an impassioned speech in response to Shannon and Burke for more than 10 minutes, defending the council from what she called hateful attacks. "Hate is a very vicious, vicious, mean word," she said. "And hate is kind compared to some of the things that I've seen and I've heard." Comerford said she's left social media over the response that she had received regarding the facility. "I had to go and apologize on my Facebook account because I haven't talked to people in a year," she said. "I was so afraid that no matter what I said, (it) would be taken out of context, turned around, and I didn't want them to see Marana like that, because that's not our Marana." Comerford then turned her attention to the protesters seated in orange shirts, using their own attire to illustrate her point about the sting of hostile language. "How would any of you like to talk to someone and (he) says, 'You know what? I hate those orange shirts. They're the most ugliest thing I've ever seen in my life, orange shirts.' What does that mean?," Comerford asked. Bishop Bennett Burke, a Marana resident and Liberal Catholic Church bishop, speaks against the planned ICE facility during the council meeting. She said the people criticizing the town council over the ICE contract weren't being realistic. "I've listened to you all for months and months. You are not the only solution," Comerford said. "You are not willing to work to do what it really takes to bring about change. You want it your way, and you want it that way, and you want it now." Vice Mayor Roxanne Ziegler also responded to the two speakers. "We're not supposed to be political up here, so I'm not, but I'm tired of (being called) a fascist and I'm tired of (being called) a communist," Ziegler said. "If you don't like what we do on the Town Council, I apologize for that, but this is who you have." She told the speakers to contact the town's deputy director of development services and look at the contract that had been signed with MTC when the building was first constructed. "There (are) numbers there that say how many individuals can be in that building and it's not 1,300," she said. "I get really upset when you don't tell the truth, or you don't know the truth. I'd be more than happy to sit down with you and talk about MTC and what I saw." Burke pushed back from the audience, asking Ziegler directly if she was accusing him of lying. Ziegler said that wasn't what she meant. The exchange was cut short by town attorney Jane Fairall, who stepped in to explain that this portion of the meeting didn't allow back-and-forth with audience members. "What I'm trying to say to you is, come up and talk to us," Ziegler continued. "Talk to me. Talk to our staff. They will show you the agreement. It's not 1,300. It's not 1,330. It's 750. And you can't change that, because it's a contract that was signed years ago." Benjamin DePue is a University of Arizona student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact him at bdepue@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/6a848ae22c5335ae10482249 Comcast adds motion sensing to millions of its newer routers, with a privacy catch te 2026-08-18T16:40:02.635Z Comcast adds motion sensing to millions of its newer routers, with a privacy catch A new feature added to Comcast's newest routers can detect if there is motion is inside your home without needing traditional motion sensors. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8488932c5335ae10482226 Iran’s gutted ranks leave loyalists filling critical posts — with one glaring problem te 2026-08-18T16:30:11.784Z Iran’s gutted ranks leave loyalists filling critical posts — with one glaring problem Iran is rebuilding the upper ranks of its military and security establishment after months of wartime losses by turning largely to familiar veterans — figures whose careers in some cases stretch back to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, the Iran-Iraq War and previous domestic crackdowns. The appointments follow the deaths of several senior Iranian commanders in U.S.-Israeli strikes since the war began Feb. 28, The National reported Aug. 11. For Washington, the stakes go beyond who fills the vacancies. The reshuffle puts veteran hardliners atop institutions that shape Iran’s military operations, national-security policy and internal security at a time of renewed confrontation with the United States. The appointments do not prove that Tehran has run out of younger commanders or that loyalty was the sole criterion, but the reliance on figures whose careers stretch back decades is raising a broader question for U.S. policymakers: whether wartime losses have left Iran increasingly dependent on a smaller circle of trusted ideologues — potentially narrowing the room for compromise even as Washington tries to pressure Tehran back toward a deal. IRAN’S REVOLUTIONARY GUARD SIDELINES PRESIDENT AS MILITARY GRIP EXPANDS Former American prisoner Morad Tahbaz, who was detained in Iran in 2018 and freed in a U.S.-Iran prisoner exchange in September 2023, told Fox News Digital that he views the latest appointments as evidence of Tehran's continued dependence on longtime loyalists. "They keep rotating the same old people, most of whom are fairly inept but are loyal to the Khamenei father and son," Tahbaz told Fox News Digital. The reshuffle spans Iran's conventional military, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, its naval arm, the Basij paramilitary force and the country's highest national-security council. Iran's state-run IRNA reported Aug. 10 that Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Ali Abdollahi chief of staff of the Armed Forces, Kioumars Heydari his deputy, Ahmad Vahidi commander of the IRGC, Mostafa Izadi deputy IRGC commander, Ali Ozmaei commander of the IRGC Navy and Hossein Taeb head of the Basij. The previous day, former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaei, 71, was named secretary of the Supreme National Security Council and Khamenei's representative on the powerful body. Reuters reported Aug. 10 that the SNSC coordinates Iran's security and foreign policy and that Rezaei replaced Mohammad Baqer Zolqadr, who had been appointed secretary in late March following the death of his predecessor, Ali Larijani. The appointments do not establish that Iran has run out of younger or less familiar commanders. But the reliance on longtime military and security figures has fueled assessments that wartime losses have narrowed the regime's pool of officials it regards as sufficiently experienced and politically trustworthy. Erfan Fard wrote for the Middle East Forum on Aug. 15 that Khamenei was not promoting a new generation but turning to veterans of the revolution, the Iran-Iraq War, intelligence operations and domestic repression, arguing that an architecture based on "institutional memory, loyalty, and coercive power" was taking shape. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies argued in an Aug. 12 policy brief that the reshuffle looked "less like renewal than a game of musical chairs among regime veterans." The appointments also formalized the position of Ahmad Vahidi, a veteran hardliner who had already emerged near the center of wartime decision-making. Vahidi was a major player in shaping Tehran's wartime policy and had risen through the IRGC's early intelligence and external-operations apparatus before later serving as defense and interior minister. As interior minister, Vahidi oversaw police units involved in the crackdown on the 2022 protests. IRNA confirmed Aug. 10 that Khamenei promoted Vahidi to major general and formally appointed him commander-in-chief of the IRGC. WHO IS AHMAD VAHIDI? IRAN’S NEW IRGC CHIEF TIED TO GLOBAL ATTACKS AND ‘DEATH TO AMERICA’ IDEOLOGY One of the most closely watched appointments is Hossein Taeb, the cleric and veteran security official tapped to lead the Basij, the IRGC's volunteer paramilitary force that has repeatedly been used against domestic dissent. The National reported that the Basij has been used to suppress internal dissent, while The Times reported Aug. 12 that the force is embedded in neighborhoods, universities, workplaces, factories, ministries and mosques and has played a central role in suppressing successive uprisings. For Tahbaz, Taeb's return is personal. Tahbaz was detained in 2018, while Taeb was leading the IRGC Intelligence Organization. "Ta’eb is extremely close to Mojtaba Khamenei but was very unceremoniously fired from his former position as head of the IRGC Intelligence Organization," Tahbaz told Fox News Digital. "He was personally responsible for my and my colleagues' arrests and detentions. He lives and breathes conspiracy theories." The Times reported Aug. 12 that Taeb and Mojtaba Khamenei's relationship dates back more than four decades and that both served in the Habib Battalion during the Iran-Iraq War. The newspaper also reported that IRGC intelligence arrested environmentalists and dual nationals during Taeb's tenure. Taeb previously commanded the Basij before moving into IRGC intelligence. The Times reported that months after the disputed 2009 election, the Guards' intelligence division was elevated into an independent organization with Taeb as its first chief. Taeb's earlier leadership of the Basij also drew U.S. sanctions. In a Sept. 29, 2010 Treasury Department fact sheet, the U.S. government said that while Taeb commanded the Basij during the June 2009 election, forces under his command participated in "beatings, murder, and arbitrary arrests and detentions of peaceful protestors." According to IRNA, Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf congratulated Taeb on his appointment as head of the Basij Organization, saying his tenure could mark a new chapter for the volunteer force. Ghalibaf said the Basij now needs a more comprehensive and forward-looking approach and argued that Taeb’s appointment by the supreme leader could help advance what he described as one of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini’s longstanding goals: building a 20-million-strong Basij force. UN WATCHDOG SLAMS POTENTIAL ELECTION OF IRAN TO PANEL WITH HUMAN RIGHTS SWAY: 'LUNATICS RUNNING THE ASYLUM' Few appointments better illustrate the return of Iran's old guard than Mohsen Rezaei, who was named secretary of the Supreme National Security Council. Reuters reported Aug. 10 that Rezaei joined the IRGC shortly after the 1979 revolution, became its commander in 1981 at age 27 and led the force for 16 years, including through most of the 1980-88 Iran-Iraq War. He later served as secretary of Iran's Expediency Discernment Council for more than two decades and as vice president for economic affairs from 2021 to 2023 under President Ebrahim Raisi. Now, at 71, he is secretary of the SNSC and Khamenei's representative on the body. Beni Sabti, an Iran expert at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, argued that bringing back longtime figures such as Rezaei reflects weakness rather than renewal. "This is, again, another evidence that they don't have anyone else," Sabti told Fox News Digital. "So they have to bring him out again from the desk and put him somewhere. These are the guys that they have." Rezaei and Vahidi were also among six people for whom INTERPOL authorized Red Notices requested by Argentina in 2007 in connection with the investigation into the 1994 bombing of the AMIA Jewish community center in Buenos Aires. INTERPOL said in November 2007 that its General Assembly upheld the publication of notices for six individuals, including Ahmad Vahidi and Mohsen Rezaei, after Iran challenged Argentina's requests. Sabti argued that Rezaei's re-emergence is particularly telling because Tehran's decision-making circle has become less ideologically diverse. "Today, there is only one opinion, and this is the main problem," Sabti said. "This is why you think that there is unity and the system is stronger. No, it's not stronger. Actually, it's weaker also because of that." TRADE VESSEL STRUCK BY PROJECTILE IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ AMID US-IRAN TALKS Ali Abdollahi was elevated to chief of staff of Iran's Armed Forces, putting him at the top of the country's military command structure. IRNA confirmed the appointment Aug. 10. Abdollahi had previously commanded the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Iran's joint operational command responsible for coordinating its armed forces in wartime, according to Iran International on Aug. 10. His appointment also comes amid an effort to integrate the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters more closely with the Armed Forces General Staff. Le Monde reported Aug. 11 that Abdollahi's task includes completing that integration in an effort to further centralize command and coordination. Fard argued in his Aug. 15 Middle East Forum analysis that Abdollahi's elevation exemplifies Tehran's reliance on longstanding revolutionary-security figures rather than a generational break. FREED AMERICAN REVEALS BRUTAL IRAN PRISON ORDEAL, WARNS HOSTAGES FACE GREATER DANGER Former Army Ground Forces commander Kioumars Heydari was appointed deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces, bringing a senior officer from Iran's conventional military into the new command structure. The National reported that Heydari formerly commanded the Army Ground Forces and has held senior positions in Iran's regular army, known as the Artesh. IRNA independently confirmed his appointment. His inclusion also demonstrates that the reshuffle is not limited to the IRGC. Fard argued in the Middle East Forum that Heydari's previous public rhetoric surrounding protest suppression indicates that Tehran has increasingly integrated the regular army into its domestic-security posture. Mostafa Izadi: Another veteran rises inside the IRGC Mostafa Izadi was appointed Vahidi's deputy, putting another longtime commander near the top of the IRGC hierarchy. IRNA confirmed Izadi's appointment Aug. 10, while The National described him Aug. 11 as a veteran commander who has held a number of senior positions in Iran's military and security establishment. Iran International reported that Izadi previously commanded the Cyber and New Threats Headquarters within the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters. IRAN HARDLINER BEHIND US DEAL WARNS TEHRAN WON’T HONOR AGREEMENT IF TRUMP FAILS TO DELIVER Rear Adm. Ali Ozmaei was appointed commander of the IRGC Navy, putting him in charge of a force central to Iran's military posture in the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz. The National reported Aug. 11 that Ozmaei replaced Alireza Tangsiri, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike in March, and that the IRGC Navy is responsible for Iran's military operations in the Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian state media also highlighted Ozmaei's longstanding maritime experience. IRNA reported Aug. 11 that Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf praised Ozmaei's years in maritime defense and his familiarity with the current conflict and the Strait of Hormuz.  The appointment came one day before Rezaei said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed unless the United States changed its behavior and accepted Iran's conditions. Reuters reported that Rezaei said Washington would have to end the war and unfreeze Iranian funds overseas, with other conditions relayed through mediators. Taken together, the seven personnel changes show Tehran moving to fill and reshuffle critical military and security posts after significant wartime losses. What remains an assessment rather than an established fact is whether the identities of those chosen reveal a deeper shortage of trusted successors. Sabti said the return of veteran figures reflected what he sees as a shrinking bench of trusted officials and a less diverse decision-making circle. Tahbaz offered a less academic version of that assessment. "They keep rotating the same old people," he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8488922c5335ae1048221d Rosie O'Donnell’s return to late night reignites decades-old feud with Donald Trump te 2026-08-18T16:30:10.866Z Rosie O'Donnell’s return to late night reignites decades-old feud with Donald Trump The two-decade grudge between President Donald Trump and Rosie O'Donnell was back in the spotlight Monday night, as the comedian lobbed several insults at the White House — including speaking directly to Trump — during her debut "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" opening monologue. The former host of "The Rosie O'Donnell Show" is set to serve as the show’s guest host this week while Kimmel is on summer vacation. O’Donnell began her monologue by poking fun at Trump’s longtime distaste for the show, telling the audience, "The President hated Jimmy Kimmel Live! when it was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Buckle up, people." JIMMY KIMMEL REVEALS HE ASKED MAJOR TRUMP CRITIC TO GUEST HOST WHILE HE'S ON VACATION AS A 'SPECIAL TREAT' The 64-year-old comic then turned her attention to her newfound residency in Ireland, a move she made in January 2025 due to Trump’s 2024 election victory. On Monday night, O'Donnell referred to Trump as "Mango Mussolini." "I read that Project 2025 and said, ‘Got to get myself out of here, you know,’ and I decided to go to Ireland, a place where people are driven to drink regardless of who's running their country," O’Donnell said. O’Donnell then recalled how her teenage child delivered the news that they would be moving abroad to their classmates, telling the audience her child said, "‘I’m very sorry. I won’t be able to graduate sixth grade with you. I’m being forced to move to another country because the president of the United States hates my mother. But in all fairness, I believe my mother hates him more.’" Without mentioning Trump by name, O’Donnell then smiled directly into the camera and addressed the president, telling him, "Hi, I know you’re watching." ROSIE O'DONNELL CREDITS TRUMP FOR MAKING HER 'RE-FAMOUS' AS WHITE HOUSE CALLS HER 'OBSESSED' O'Donnell's monologue drew ire from Curtis Houck, managing editor of NewsBusters for the Media Research Center. "Rosie O'Donnell is painfully unfunny and the personification of letting politics run your life, with whoever is in power determining your happiness," Houck told Fox News Digital. "Rosie has been on a lengthy U.S. media blitz ahead of this week's guest-hosting, and she was able to do so freely. She hasn't been arrested and hauled off to some Trump-branded gulag." "She's still gainfully employed doing whatever it is she does to make money," he added. "It's as if her shtick about Trump being an incapacitated-yet-menacing authoritarian is all an act to secure the eyeballs of the deranged left." The comedian spent much of the show telling stories of her new life in Ireland, praising the country’s kindhearted attitude and comparing it to her previous home of New York City. "[The people in Ireland] would stop me in the street. They would say to me, 'Welcome, Rosie. You're home. We love having you here,’" O’Donnell said. "I was like, ‘It's been my refuge and my salvation.’" Between introducing guests, O’Donnell also appeared to get choked up while paying tribute to 36-year-old Hayden Panettiere, a former guest on "The Rosie O’Donnell Show" who passed away on Sunday. "I’m just heartbroken over the passing of Hayden Panettiere last night," O’Donnell tearfully said. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO MOURNS FORMER FIANCÉE HAYDEN PANETTIERE, VOWS TO KEEP HER MEMORY ALIVE FOR DAUGHTER KAYA Toward the end of her monologue, O’Donnell looked to deal one final jab at the president after not mentioning him by name throughout the show, cheekily adding, "You know, right now he’s in the White House crying because I haven’t mentioned him." Trump hit back against O'Donnell's teasing with a post to Truth Social showing a cartoon image of O'Donnell in various situations thinking about Trump, with the caption, "She (?) is obsessed!" O’Donnell previously told Variety that she was "surprised" to receive the hosting offer from Kimmel, noting the pair’s previous "adversarial" relationship, but was "thankful" to the late-night host for the opportunity. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "I support [Kimmel] in what he’s doing with the First Amendment, and our ability as entertainers and citizens to speak out against our government that’s enshrined in the Founding Fathers’ writings about our government, so I think he’s fantastic," O’Donnell told the outlet. "And I wish that Stephen Colbert had the same kind of support when it happened to him, because he shouldn’t be gone either." Fox News Digital reached out to O’Donnell for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84863b2c5335ae104821be Matthew McConaughey hints at political ambitions after meeting with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City te 2026-08-18T16:20:11.356Z Matthew McConaughey hints at political ambitions after meeting with Pope Leo XIV in Vatican City Matthew McConaughey's greeting with Pope Leo XIV in Italy earlier this month has sparked political ambitions for the actor. McConaughey spoke to USA Today about his conversation with the pope and shared whether his conversation with the religious figure swayed his stance on taking political office. McConaughey describes himself as politically centrist, and he considered running for Texas governor in 2021. He has also advocated for bipartisan gun-safety measures following the 2022 Uvalde school shooting. MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY'S PIECE OF RELATIONSHIP ADVICE THAT KEEPS HIS MARRIAGE TO CAMILA ALVES STRONG "Look, I’m going to use this word ‘religion,’ even though some people are going to tune out when they hear that word," McConaughey told the outlet. "Life is essentially a religious experience. There’s a lot of things we can learn about living life – how to treat others and how to treat ourselves – through religious texts and teachings. Even though I agree with the separation of church and state, the values of those should bleed down into the values of any political system." JD VANCE TELLS POPE LEO XIV TO 'STICK TO MATTERS OF MORALITY' AND STAY OUT OF US PUBLIC POLICY He added, "There’s still a constitution out there to be written that all religions could agree on. There's so much commonality. It’s a constitution that I’m excited about seeing – I don't know, maybe even adding to or working on. That would be a great thing to share." Earlier in the interview, McConaughey told USA Today that he didn't prepare for the conversation, but knew some topics he wanted to discuss with the religious figure. "That’s kind of like preparing a speech for winning an award that you don’t know you’re going to win yet. It’s a bit of a coup de grâce: Don’t do it because it’s not going to go as you expected," McConaughey said. FORMER DISNEY STAR DAVID HENRIE REJECTED 'SECULAR' HOLLYWOOD LIFESTYLE AFTER LIFE-CHANGING MONASTERY VISIT The actor continued, "So I had some ideas. I wanted to talk to him about religion in today’s world and where it sits with him as our moral compass. Where is religion today? Why has it declined? Why do we see a surge in youth running toward it? They’ve tried other things that they're seeing are vapid and don’t really work because they’re looking for more." McConaughey told the outlet that young kids today are "looking for some structure; they’re trying to get more than what the world around them has given them." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "It’s a good reason to pick some things out of religion, for sure," he added. McConaughey also brought up artificial intelligence during the conversation, per USA Today. "What are the standards going to be with AI?" McConaughey asked. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "There are already people looking to AI as their digital God. Whether we like what it looks like or not, it is going to represent a true image of mankind by the questions we ask of it and the results we want of it. We may not like what we see when we look in the mirror, but we could also love what we see. It could be a greater truth," McConaughey continued. "So there’s great upside and I’m excited about it," he added, clarifying his stance on AI. "At the same time, there’s a definite need for caution going forward because we’re going to have to be the users of that tool and not let it tool us, so to speak. So those are the subjects, and what we got to talk about will be between [the pope] and I." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8486322c5335ae1048218c Why Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods may not be the ‘pervert pods’ consumers fear te 2026-08-18T16:20:02.924Z Why Apple’s camera-equipped AirPods may not be the ‘pervert pods’ consumers fear Apple’s leaked camera-equipped AirPods might avoid the privacy pitfalls of other AI wearables by preventing users from recording photos and videos. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8483e32c5335ae1048210f Colts face quarterback uncertainty as Daniel Jones recovers from Achilles injury te 2026-08-18T16:10:11.316Z Colts face quarterback uncertainty as Daniel Jones recovers from Achilles injury When a franchise goes from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck as its quarterbacks, it is very hard to feel sorry for them when they have years without a true answer at quarterback. However, the Indianapolis Colts drafted Anthony Richardson years ago, thinking he would be the answer. There have been more questions and problems with him than solutions. Now they have Shane Steichen entering his fourth season as the coach, and Daniel Jones as their quarterback for the second year – only he is coming off an Achilles tear. What is the hope for the Colts this season? ANTHONY RICHARDSON'S TURNOVERS IN PRESEASON OPENER RAISE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS COLTS FUTURE The Colts started last year looking great, running off an 8-2 record before the bye week. Even their losses were relatively acceptable ones – they dropped one game to the Los Angeles Rams and the other to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Both were on the road, and both were 27-20 losses. Sure, they had some moments where they were more lucky than good, but great teams position themselves to take advantage of luck. After the bye, it was a complete disaster. They lost in overtime to the Kansas City Chiefs by three. Then they lost at home to the Houston Texans, and Jones didn’t play again after the Jacksonville Jaguars game. A promising start saw Jones’s injury eliminate any possibility of the postseason and an 8-9 finish, losing 8 of their final nine games. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! There really wasn’t any type of splash from the Colts this offseason. They did upgrade their defense a bit with the signing of Arden Key. His numbers are actually fairly impressive, but he isn’t a name most will be familiar with. On offense, the team signed extensions for both Jones and Alec Pierce. Jones was a bit interesting because the Colts are paying him a lot of money, despite knowing he just tore his Achilles. The receiving room was getting really expensive, but they traded away Michael Pittman Jr. to try and save a few bucks. This should be an interesting season for the Colts. The rumor is that Jones is healthy enough to play and will be the opening week starter under center for the Colts. At backup is the questionable Richardson, and then Riley Leonard. Both of those guys need to be ready if called upon because Jones is at his best when running, so if he can’t do that, they will be in some trouble. Pierce had ankle surgery, and it is questionable if he is back in action to start the season. The team still has some pieces, but I don’t think there are nearly enough to make it dominant. The Colts are listed at 7.5 wins for the day, and I think it is a great line hung by the books. Their schedule isn’t exactly easy, especially for a team that didn’t make the postseason. However, if they can keep things rolling the way they were when Jones was healthy to start last season, I think they have a good chance to win at least eight games this year. I’m personally not playing anything on them. I’ve said that Jones is a competent quarterback outside of games played in New York, but coming off of the Achilles injury, I’d be more likely to back the under than the over. There is a solid defense, and if they get a quarterback that can move the ball and avoid turnovers, they should be competitive in most games. For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8483e22c5335ae10482106 Microsoft exec's grieving widow faces man accused of plotting his murder as she reveals eerie final call te 2026-08-18T16:10:10.475Z Microsoft exec's grieving widow faces man accused of plotting his murder as she reveals eerie final call The widow of slain Microsoft executive Jared Bridegan came face to face Monday with the man accused of helping to plan his killing, recounting the bitter custody conflict and final phone call that preceded the roadside ambush. Kirsten Bridegan took the witness stand as Mario Fernandez Saldana’s murder trial got underway in Florida. Prosecutors allege Fernandez Saldana helped plan and finance the killing and that Henry Tenon was the gunman. Fernandez Saldana has pleaded not guilty, and his attorneys say the state cannot prove he solicited or intended Bridegan’s death. Kirsten’s testimony detailed a fractured co-parenting relationship among Bridegan, his ex-wife Shanna Gardner-Fernandez and Fernandez Saldana. SLAIN MICROSOFT EXEC'S FAMILY FACES HIS EX, SUSPECTED OF ORCHESTRATING HIS MURDER, FOR FIRST TIME IN COURT "There’s absolutely no trust," Kirsten told jurors, saying the families relied almost entirely on texts and emails to communicate. Kirsten described disputes over parenting time, medical expenses, schooling and religious decisions involving Bridegan’s twins. Prosecutors say the years-long conflict helped fuel the alleged murder-for-hire plot. Bridegan, 33, had just dropped off the twins after taking them and his daughter Bexley to dinner when the ambush unfolded, prosecutors say. Kirsten testified that the Wednesday outing was a long-standing routine, Bexley always went with him and Bridegan typically drove the black Volkswagen Atlas. Kirsten said she spoke to Bridegan after he dropped off the twins and Bexley excitedly told her they had gotten ice cream. The call then ended in an unusual silence, she testified. "It was strange. I remember feeling like it was strange because after I was like, ‘All right, well, love you, I’ll see you soon.’ He was just quiet," she said. "I was like, ‘Okay, it’s kind of weird,’ and hung up, but it was like a pause and just quiet." FLORIDA MICROSOFT EXEC SENT WARNING EMAIL TO SUSPECT EX-WIFE ACCUSED IN HIS MURDER When Bridegan did not return home, she began calling and drove toward Jacksonville Beach with her mother until a police officer answered her husband’s phone and directed her to the police station. Officers initially would not tell her what had happened, Kirsten testified. She said they questioned her about Bridegan before eventually informing her that he had been shot and killed. WOMAN LINKED TO TRANSGENDER ZIZIAN CULT CHARGED WITH ARRANGING HER PARENTS' MURDERS ON HER 30TH BIRTHDAY The case has since produced three arrests, a withdrawn cooperation plea and a series of separate trials. Here is a timeline of Bridegan’s killing, the family conflict behind the allegations and the court proceedings ahead. Gardner-Fernandez filed for divorce from Bridegan after five years of marriage. The couple shared twins and eventually reached a joint-custody agreement. The divorce did not end their disputes. They continued fighting in family court over matters including custody, child support and where their children would attend school. Prosecutors later described that prolonged conflict as central to the alleged motive. MISSOURI NEIGHBOR ACCUSED OF KILLING MOTHER AND TEEN DAUGHTER AFTER CONFRONTING FAMILY OVER DISPUTE Bridegan married Kirsten Bridegan in 2017. The couple later had two children, Bexley and London. EX-WIFE OF JARED BRIDEGAN ARRESTED IN MICROSOFT EXEC MURDER Kirsten became a prominent voice for Bridegan’s family after his killing, seeking answers as authorities investigated the roadside ambush. She has said the family would not rest until everyone involved was held accountable. Gardner-Fernandez met Fernandez Saldana at a CrossFit gym, where he worked in maintenance. The two later married. Prosecutors allege Gardner-Fernandez and Fernandez Saldana planned and financed a murder-for-hire plot against Bridegan. Bridegan had taken his twins and Bexley to dinner before dropping off the older children at Gardner-Fernandez’s home. About three miles away, he encountered a tire placed in the middle of a dark, secluded Jacksonville Beach road, prosecutors say. MAJOR BREAK IN JARED BRIDEGAN MURDER MYSTERY AFTER EX-WIFE MOVES CROSS-COUNTRY Bridegan stepped out of his Volkswagen Atlas to move the tire at about 7:30 p.m. and was repeatedly shot, authorities said. Bexley, then 2, remained strapped into her car seat as bullets entered the SUV. A passerby pulled her from the vehicle about three minutes later. Authorities arrested Tenon nearly a year after Bridegan’s killing. He was charged with second-degree murder, conspiracy to commit murder, accessory after the fact and child abuse. Prosecutors later alleged Tenon was the gunman in a murder-for-hire plot. Investigators said the key link between Tenon and Bridegan was Fernandez Saldana, who had rented a Jacksonville home to Tenon and hired him for work at rental properties. Tenon initially pleaded guilty to second-degree murder under a cooperation agreement that called for him to testify against others accused in the case. The deal exposed him to a sentence of 15 years to life in prison. Tenon later withdrew the plea and cooperation agreement, altering the path of the prosecution. He is now scheduled to face a separate trial. Authorities arrested Fernandez Saldana in Orlando shortly after Tenon’s initial plea hearing. Bridegan’s ex-wife’s husband was charged with first-degree murder and solicitation to commit a capital felony. Prosecutors said Tenon’s cooperation corroborated evidence that Fernandez Saldana helped plan and execute Bridegan’s killing. Investigators also cited checks Fernandez Saldana wrote to Tenon and phone records showing the men communicated dozens of times around the killing. Authorities arrested Gardner-Fernandez and charged Bridegan’s ex-wife with first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and child endangerment in the alleged plot. Prosecutors allege Gardner-Fernandez, Fernandez Saldana and Tenon played distinct roles in a planned killing. Gardner-Fernandez has denied the allegations. Judge London Kite ordered Gardner-Fernandez and Fernandez Saldana to stand trial separately after Tenon withdrew his plea and cooperation agreement. The ruling reshaped the state’s prosecution, leaving prosecutors to try the three defendants individually, beginning with Fernandez Saldana. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X A jury was selected in Duval County, Florida, for Fernandez Saldana’s trial. The panel will hear the first of the related prosecutions to reach trial. The selection process followed years of investigation and pretrial litigation, including the reversal of Tenon’s cooperation agreement. Prosecutors told jurors Fernandez Saldana helped plan and finance Bridegan’s killing as part of a murder-for-hire plot rooted in the custody conflict between Bridegan and Gardner-Fernandez. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS Fernandez Saldana’s attorneys argue the state cannot prove he solicited or intended Bridegan’s murder. They contend payments to Tenon were for work and say no physical or forensic evidence places Fernandez Saldana at the scene. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE , Jury selection in Gardner-Fernandez’s case is scheduled to begin Aug. 31. Her case will proceed separately from Fernandez Saldana’s trial. SEND US A TIP The process will determine the panel that hears the second prosecution stemming from Bridegan’s killing. Gardner-Fernandez’s trial is scheduled to begin Sept. 8. She faces charges tied to prosecutors’ allegation that Bridegan’s death was a planned murder-for-hire plot. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Her defense will be able to challenge the state’s account of the custody conflict, the alleged plot and any evidence linking Gardner-Fernandez to the killing. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Tenon’s jury selection is scheduled to begin March 29, 2027. His trial is expected to follow the cases against Gardner-Fernandez and Fernandez Saldana. Tenon’s case is the final scheduled prosecution in the alleged plot. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84818d2c5335ae1048209b Giffords se une a Tucson para impulsar seguridad en armas te 2026-08-18T16:00:13.278Z Giffords se une a Tucson para impulsar seguridad en armas Leer en inglés Cuatro días después de que un tiroteo en downtown de la ciudad dejará nueve personas heridas y reavivó el debate sobre el enfoque de la ciudad ante la violencia armada, la ex congresista Gabrielle Giffords se unió a funcionarios de Tucson y del condado de Pima para abogar por leyes más estrictas de seguridad en torno a las armas de fuego. La policía de Tucson llegaron pocos minutos después del tiroteo del 19 de julio y brindaron asistencia tanto a las víctimas como al sospechoso, David Leroy French, antes de que este fuera detenido. El panel del 23 de julio fue organizado por Giffords, una organización de investigación y defensa contra la violencia armada que lleva el nombre de una de sus cofundadoras, quien sobrevivió a un tiroteo masivo en Tucson en 2011 que le causó una grave lesión cerebral y acabó con la vida de seis personas. El panel, celebrado en El Rio Neighborhood Center, contó con la participación de la alcaldesa Regina Romero, la fiscal del Pima County Laura Conover, la jefa de policía de Tucson Monica Prieto, el gerente de la Oficina de Prevención e Intervención de la Violencia Oscar Medina, y otros colaboradores del ámbito de la seguridad pública. Giffords señaló que su organización sin fines de lucro otorga a Arizona una calificación reprobatoria cada año por sus leyes de seguridad de armas, afirmando que las leyes sobre verificación de antecedentes y almacenamiento seguro son las medidas más importantes que el estado puede adoptar para reducir la violencia armada. Romero expresó su agradecimiento por la rápida actuación de las fuerzas del orden y los profesionales médicos durante y después del tiroteo, subrayando la importancia de atender a las víctimas. "Si bien no podemos evitar que vuelvan a ocurrir sucesos como este, sí podemos comprometernos a hacer todo lo que esté a nuestro alcance para detener la violencia armada,” afirmó Romero. Destacó una reducción general de la violencia armada durante su mandato y mencionó varias iniciativas, entre ellas el programa de Violence Interruption and Visualization Action, que según ella logró una disminución de hasta el 85% en la violencia armada, así como la Iniciativa Safe City. Empire Pizza, en el centro de Tucson, fue el lugar del tiroteo del 19 de julio que dejó a nueve personas heridas. Caitlin Schmidt / El Foco de Tucson. Otras iniciativas incluyen la incorporación de 50 nuevos agentes al cuerpo policial de la ciudad durante este año fiscal; Romero destacó que una de sus primeras acciones como alcaldesa fue convertirse en miembro fundador de la organización Mayors Against Illegal Guns. Afirmó que el tiroteo de 2011 contra Giffords y otras personas, así como los asesinatos en 2020 de George Floyd y del residente de Tucson Carlos Ingram-López, formaron y consolidaron su postura sobre la importancia de prevenir la violencia armada. "Como su alcaldesa, mi prioridad absoluta es mantener seguras a nuestras comunidades, y punto,” declaró Romero. "Como vimos el domingo, aún queda trabajo por hacer. Todos en esta ciudad merecen sentirse seguros, ya sea en el parque, en su localidad, en el cine o en su lugar de culto.” Señaló lo que calificó como soluciones probadas contra la violencia armada, al tiempo que criticaba las leyes estatales laxas sobre armas y elogia a Giffords por ampliar su coalición, dentro y fuera de Arizona, para incluir a "propietarios responsables de armas" que apoyan las leyes de seguridad en el uso de armas de fuego. La reunión tuvo lugar mientras la oficina del fiscal del condado enfrentaba un escrutinio, tras revelarse que el sospechoso, de 21 años, se encontraba en libertad condicional por un cargo federal relacionado con armas en el momento del ataque. En respuesta, Conover calificó la reacción como "una serie de mensajes de odio y sensacionalismo,” afirmando que el tiroteo fue una "anomalía estadística" dado que todos los indicadores de criminalidad mostraban una tendencia significativa a la baja. Destacó una disminución del 50% en los homicidios desde el repunte registrado durante la pandemia de COVID-19, señalando que las tasas actuales son incluso mejores que los niveles previos a la crisis sanitaria. "Pero una sola vida perdida ya es demasiado," reconoció Conover. Explicó a los asistentes que, para cuando un caso llega a su escritorio, el daño ya está hecho; asimismo, expresó su apoyo a las leyes de "bandera roja,” que permiten retirar temporalmente las armas a personas que representan un riesgo, y a las reformas internas de su oficina, incluida una marcada preferencia por mantener a los infractores menores de edad en centros de detención juvenil para garantizar su acceso a recursos como la terapia para traumas. Señaló que, si bien los jóvenes asustados que comparecen ante un juez a menudo reciben penas mínimas, también suelen salir con una mayor probabilidad de reincidir. La fiscal del condado de Pima, Laura Conover, se toma de la mano con la ex representante de EE. UU. Gabrielle Giffords tras un panel sobre la prevención de la violencia armada celebrado el 23 de julio en El Rio NeighborHood Center. Ian Stash / El Foco de Tucson. Conover habló sobre sus esfuerzos para duplicar el número de fiscales, contratar a dos nuevos fiscales especializados en violencia doméstica y los posibles efectos del nuevo centro de recuperación de traumas del condado, cuya apertura está prevista para agosto. Prieto del TPD habló sobre la rápida respuesta de sus agentes para brindar asistencia tanto a las víctimas como al agresor, y posteriormente se refirió a la necesidad de invertir en programas juveniles y enseñar a los jóvenes a resolver conflictos sin recurrir a la violencia. "La pregunta es, ¿cómo abordamos a quienes no respetan la ley ni la vida humana?" planteó Prieto. "Cuando individuos violentos deciden infringir la ley, deben rendir cuentas, de lo contrario, siguen representando un peligro para la seguridad pública. Debemos mejorar nuestra forma de abordar la violencia en nuestra ciudad. Como policía, no podemos resolver esto solos ni de la noche a la mañana." Según Prieto, el 14.8% de los homicidios en Arizona en 2025 fueron cometidos por menores de edad con armas de fuego, al igual que el 12.5% de los tiroteos no letales; cifras que, según señaló, han disminuido considerablemente este año. Prieto indicó que el 67% de los autores de actos violentos habían estado expuestos a la violencia doméstica en algún momento de sus vidas, y añadió que la policía de Tucson ha recibido una subvención de $830,000 para combatir este problema. Explicó que, por su propia naturaleza, la policía suele adoptar un enfoque reactivo en sus estrategias contra la violencia, pero aseguró que el TPD está haciendo todo lo posible por adoptar un enfoque proactivo siempre que sea factible. Varios residentes plantearon preguntas a los miembros del panel. Daniel Garcia, quien posee un arma y es miembro de la organización Giffords, preguntó a los panelistas cómo podría involucrarse más gente en las conversaciones locales sobre la prevención de la violencia armada. "Creemos en la Segunda Enmienda y la apoyamos, pero también debemos encontrar la manera de prevenir la violencia armada,” afirmó Garcia. Conover coincidió con el planteamiento de Garcia y señaló que es necesario contar con más personas en este debate para elaborar un mensaje colaborativo que genere resultados. Ella afirmó imaginar un futuro en el que Arizona cuente con una ley de “bandera roja” que permita solicitar a los tribunales la retirada de armas de fuego a personas consideradas una amenaza para la seguridad pública, preservando al mismo tiempo el debido proceso mediante iniciativas de diálogo más integrales como esta. Un panel que incluyó a la jefa de policía de Tucson, Monica Prieto, a la fiscal del Pima County, Laura Conover; a la excongresista Gabrielle Giffords y a la alcaldesa Regina Romero debatió sobre la prevención de la violencia armada durante un evento celebrado el 23 de julio. Ian Stash / El Foco de Tucson. Una asistente, Pam Simon, quien trabajó para Giffords cuando esta era miembro del Congreso y sobrevivió al tiroteo de 2011, preguntó cómo fue posible que el atacante obtuviera un arma de fuego y municiones dadas las circunstancias. Los panelistas declinaron responder a la pregunta citando la investigación en curso, pero señalaron que, por lo general, los menores logran conseguir armas compradas por otras personas o las roban de los hogares. Una residente, Lennette Gomez, preguntó sobre la posibilidad de imponer penas más severas a los autores de delitos violentos, especialmente cuando existe premeditación. Conover respondió que esto ocurre a diario y que muchos casos terminan en cadenas perpetuas; explicó que la atención pública suele centrarse en aquellos casos que fracasan o en los que no se logra el nivel de "rendición de cuentas" deseado. Conover mencionó una reciente condena a cadena perpetua lograda por su oficina en un caso de asesinato en primer grado, señalando que no se ofreció ningún acuerdo al sospechoso porque su caso no cumplía con los criterios necesarios. Añadió que muchos casos no llegan a juicio simplemente porque es imposible llevar a juicio los 18,000 casos de tiroteos no letales registrados en los últimos dos años, y afirmó que, al igual que el TPD, ella también deseaba adoptar un enfoque más proactivo. "Obviamente no soy una fiscal tradicional; algunos dirían que es dolorosamente obvio," comentó Conover. "Haremos todo lo que esté a nuestro alcance en materia de prevención y seguiremos centrándonos en los jóvenes que corren mayor riesgo." El residente Mark Pinette, quien colabora frecuentemente con los sitios objetivo del programa VIVA en el ámbito artístico, preguntó cómo podrían integrarse en una estrategia de seguridad pública los beneficios para la salud física y mental y la cohesión social que ofrecen los programas de arte, señaló que muchos artistas locales no saben cómo llegar a las personas que necesitan ese tipo de apoyo. Medina, representante de la Oficina de Prevención e Intervención de la Violencia, coincidió con él y destacó la gran importancia de las actividades extracurriculares, como el deporte o el arte. Señaló vías ya existentes, como el teatro comunitario y la jardinería para jóvenes, así como un programa musical respaldado por el TPD. Giffords cerró el panel reflexionando sobre las dificultades que enfrentó tras el tiroteo en el que resultó herida y cómo su proceso de recuperación la impulsó a dedicarse a la causa de prevenir la violencia armada en el futuro. "Respondí con una misión: di un paso tras otro. Encontré una palabra y luego otra. La recuperación es una lucha, pero esa experiencia me hizo más fuerte," afirmó Giffords. "Nos encontramos en una encrucijada. Podemos permitir que continúen los tiroteos o podemos actuar. Podemos proteger a nuestras familias y nuestro futuro. Podemos votar. Podemos situarnos en el lado correcto de la historia." Ian Stash es egresado de la Universidad de Arizona y periodista independiente en Tucson. Puede contactarlo en ianjgs16@gmail.com. Esta nota fue traducida por el equipo bilingüe de El Foco de Tucson. El Foco de Tucson es una sala de prensa comunitaria que ofrece oportunidades remuneradas a estudiantes y periodistas emergentes del sur de Arizona. Por favor, considera apoyar nuestro trabajo con una donación deducible de impuestos. Donar a El Foco Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8481852c5335ae1048207f Bluesky says its recent outage was caused by another DDoS attack te 2026-08-18T16:00:05.225Z Bluesky says its recent outage was caused by another DDoS attack This is the latest large-scale DDoS attack to hit the social networking site this year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a847f332c5335ae1048205b Jon Ossoff dodges on why he invoked Trump aide's name during Georgia campaign rally te 2026-08-18T15:50:11.157Z Jon Ossoff dodges on why he invoked Trump aide's name during Georgia campaign rally Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., did not say why he invoked President Donald Trump's executive assistant, Natalie Harp, directly during a campaign rally, when confronted during an interview Monday. "Obviously, that speech you gave over the weekend, lots of people have questions about it. Why did you decide to invoke Natalie Harp specifically in that speech?" MS NOW host Jen Psaki asked. The senator made the comment during a campaign rally in Atlanta, and a video of the moment went viral on social media. He said Trump wants to "travel with Natalie" rather than do the job of the presidency, with some progressives gleefully suggesting online that he was nodding to unfounded rumors that they were involved. ERIC TRUMP PLANS TO SUE JEN PSAKI, MS NOW FOR ALLEGED 'BLATANT LIES' ABOUT HIM JOINING FATHER'S CHINA TRIP "We're in wartime. The commander-in-chief has mired us in this geopolitical disaster. People have lost their lives, our naval logistics are frayed, the global energy system is in crisis, and he retreats into this bubble of West Wing aides who are his security blanket, to make him feel good about himself, to reassure him that he's doing a great job, to help him while he designs his new ballroom," Ossoff responded. "And he adorns the Oval Office in gold and depicts the interior decorations on this new luxury flying palace he received from a foreign prince, when every single minute of every single day what the President of the United States should be doing is bearing his most solemn burden of care for the sailors and Marines and aviators and all service members deployed on his orders on the basis of his lies to this disaster in the Middle East," he continued. Psaki pressed him to explain why he "specifically" mentioned Harp. "Well, I've heard this particular aide referred to as his security blanket, and I think we could say that about any number of the senior aides in the White House. They're not telling him what he needs to hear, they're telling him what he wants to hear. And the nation is at war, and we cannot afford that. We need a team in the White House. We need folks at the State Department, at the Defense Department, in the United Congress, who take their jobs seriously," Ossoff said. TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM FOES FACE ‘VERY TOUGH ARGUMENT’ AT SUPREME COURT, LEGAL EXPERTS SAY Ossoff added Trump was a "disgrace" during the MS NOW interview. The senator said at the rally on Sunday, "While the sailors on the Lincoln fight his war, while he fruitlessly drains our munitions and oil reserves, the president sleeps through his meetings, he golfs, and trades stocks." "He doesn’t want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the Emir of Qatar," Ossoff said, referring to Harp. White House spokesman Davis Ingle hit back at the senator in a statement to Fox News Digital. DEM SENATE NOMINEE ADMITS 'I TAKE RESPONSIBILITY' AFTER POLICE REPORT ALLEGES HE BROKE DOWN DOOR, PUNCHED MAN "Jon Ossoff is a feminine theatre kid who voted to massively raise taxes, give illegal immigrants free taxpayer-funded healthcare, and defund federal immigration enforcement and Border Patrol. Lightweight Jon’s rhetoric is cringeworthy, but his extreme voting record is dangerous," Ingle said. The White House lashed out at a CNN reporter who asked Trump about Ossoff's remarks on Monday as well, calling her an embarrassment. Liberals lauded Ossoff for his remarks on X, while conservatives called out the Democratic senator. "Ossoff winking at the rumor that Natalie Harp is more than just Trump’s staffer. The question now is whether this will kick up a round of actual reporting by news outlets," host of "Pod Save America" and ex-Obama staffer Tommy Vietor wrote on X. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, wrote, "Natalie Harp survived bone cancer because President Trump allowed her the 'right to try.' Now she’s an extremely hardworking and trusted assistant. Any other insinuation is vile." Some others felt Ossoff had made a misstep with his alleged innuendo. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE When the president was asked about the remarks at the White House on Monday, Trump replied that Ossoff looked like "Pee-wee Herman." White House director of communications Steven Cheung said, "Instead of denigrating hard working people serving their country, Jon should look deep into his soul and ask himself why he's a miserable person who hates this country. It's because he's a radical, extremist Dumocrat." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a847cda2c5335ae10482004 Longtime GOP aide defects to Dem rising star as Texas Senate battle for Cornyn's seat heats up te 2026-08-18T15:40:10.675Z Longtime GOP aide defects to Dem rising star as Texas Senate battle for Cornyn's seat heats up Following his bombshell primary defeat in May, Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, is facing another blow as his longtime aide is crossing the political aisle to work for the Democrat candidate running to replace him in the upper chamber. Former Republican Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, backed by President Donald Trump, is running against Democrat state Rep. James Talarico in a crucial midterm election race that will decide the future of Cornyn's seat and could determine control of the Senate. Jacob Smith, who worked for Cornyn for five years as a deputy legislative director and policy advisor, signed up to work on the Senate campaign for Talarico. The news was first reported by NOTUS and confirmed by Fox News Digital. WHAT OUR LATEST FOX NEWS POLL IN THE TEXAS SENATE SHOWDOWN REVEALS Cornyn lost his re-election bid in an expensive and bitter primary runoff against Paxton earlier this year. The clash between the two Texas titans shaped up as a fight between the Republican establishment versus Trump's MAGA and America First supporters. The general election face-off in red-leaning Texas between Talarico and Paxton is one of roughly a dozen that will likely decide if Republicans hold the Senate majority or if Democrats win back control of the chamber. Instead of Smith opting to join the replacement Republican for Cornyn, he defected to back the Democrat running for the seat. "I’ve worked for Republicans like Senator Cornyn my entire career, but this year I’m proud to be joining James Talarico’s campaign," Smith wrote in a statement. "Instead of playing partisan politics, Talarico speaks to the needs of everyday people who day in and day out work too hard for too little." Democrats haven't won a Senate election in Texas in nearly four decades, but they view Paxton as vulnerable because of the slew of scandals and legal problems that have battered him over the past decade. And Paxton is dealing with a messy divorce, with his wife citing "biblical grounds" based on "recent discoveries" in filing last year to end their marriage. CHECK OUT THE LATEST FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS IN THE MIDTERM RACES And Smith took aim at Paxton in his decision to bolster Talarico's campaign, charging that the former AG "is the most corrupt, self-dealing politician in Texas who would sell their futures to the highest contributor just to hold onto power." Fox News Digital reached out to the Paxton campaign for comment, but didn't receive a response at time of publication. Cornyn has repeatedly noted since his runoff defeat that he would support the party's nominee, saying, "I've always supported the Republican ticket, and I intend to do so again in this general election." DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The cross-party switch by Smith is considered rare, and his addition to Talarico's team may potentially help the Democratic nominee as he reaches out to Republicans who may not be thrilled with Paxton as their party's nominee. The most recent Fox News poll in the Texas Senate showdown, conducted late last month, indicated Talarico holding a slight 51%-48% edge over Paxton among registered voters. The survey suggested that Paxton had yet to fully unite Republicans. While virtually all Democrats supported Talarico (98%), fewer Republicans were unified behind Paxton (89%). Meanwhile, the latest Fox News Power Rankings, released on Tuesday, shifted the Senate race in Texas from Lean Republican to toss-up. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a847cd92c5335ae10481ffb Chicago Cubs favored on the run line as White Sox bullpen faces serious availability concerns te 2026-08-18T15:40:09.898Z Chicago Cubs favored on the run line as White Sox bullpen faces serious availability concerns I didn't have the best day yesterday as I went 0-2 on the diamond. Neither of the games was a terrible call; they just didn't go the way that I wanted them to go. The Phillies only won by one run, when I needed them to cover the run line (in this case, I guess putting up the -220 was a better option than the -1.5 at -110). Then the Mets squeaked out a victory over the Padres, winning the game 2-1, and handing me another loss. I probably should've just gone with the under, but that's easy to say now. Let's make some of that cash back in a cross-town rivalry series between the White Sox and Cubs. The Chicago White Sox are significantly better than anyone expected them to be this season. They come into today's game with a lead in the American League Central, and they are six games above .500. They can't let their foot off the gas, as they have three teams within 5.5 games of them, and there are still roughly 35 games to play. For a team that doesn't really have any superstars and doesn't have a true Ace on the roster (aside from maybe Luis Castillo, who is having a down year), this is a really impressive season for the team. The White Sox lost the opener (more on that later), and now look to even up the series. Tonight, they send out Bryan Hudson to the hill. Hudson is more of an opener than a true starter, as he has had a lot of work out of the bullpen. This is not the first time Hudson has "started" a game; this is the seventh time. However, you really should only expect the lefty to throw one inning because he has only thrown more than one complete inning in five of his 54 appearances. None of them were two full innings. The White Sox do have one of the best bullpens in baseball, but they used four guys yesterday, and three of them may not be usable today. The Chicago Cubs are about the exact level of successful that you would expect. They are 20 games over .500, but they are still looking up at the Milwaukee Brewers. They also can't let up on their march to the postseason, as there are plenty of teams chasing them in the Wild Card race. However, it does seem like they are more comfortable at the moment than most other teams in that race. Their biggest issue seems to be figuring out which pitchers are usable and which are not. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS It is a good problem to have - pitching depth. They didn't have that for the majority of the season, but they've acquired at least four starting pitchers this season and are hopeful that gives them enough to not only get to the postseason, but compete in it. Kevin Gausman, one of the guys they traded for, is taking the ball today. For the Cubs, he has made two starts, and they have had very different results. Both have been road outings. In the first, he went seven innings and allowed just four hits in a 6-4 win. The second one was against the Nationals, where he allowed six earned runs in 4.2 innings. White Sox hitters haven't fared very well against him, going just 7-for-41. STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW! Yesterday's game was a good one. The Cubs started the game with back-to-back homers from Pete Crow-Armstrong and Seiya Suzuki. That lasted until the White Sox hit a three-run shot of their own with Randal Grichuk. The Cubs took the lead again with some help from White Sox errors. Then the White Sox grabbed a late lead with a pinch-hit Andrew Benintendi homer. In the 9th, the Cubs struck again, getting help from walks and timely hitting from Nico Hoerner. In the bottom of the 10th, the White Sox, for some reason, decided it was a good idea to pitch to Crow-Armstrong with first base open. He sent the fourth pitch of the inning over the right field wall for a walk-off homer. This is a game the Cubs should take and not have all that many problems. I don't like the way the White Sox are set up for this game. I think that the under is a good look. Gausman is a strong pitcher, but this is his first start in Chicago, and that can be a difficult thing for a lot of arms. The wind is expected to be blowing out as well. I'll stay off the total. Instead, I'm taking the Cubs on the run line. They have the better-set-up bullpen, the better starter, and they can play both long and small ball. Give me the Cubs -1.5 at +125. For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a847a842c5335ae104816b9 Antisemitism fight explodes in Florida as voters head to the polls: 'Political pogrom' te 2026-08-18T15:30:12.516Z Antisemitism fight explodes in Florida as voters head to the polls: 'Political pogrom' A Republican primary race in Florida has exploded over accusations of antisemitism as one far-right candidate espouses openly anti-Jewish tropes and references to Adolf Hitler. Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., the lone Jewish Republican in Florida's congressional delegation, is being targeted for his religion by a long-shot rival challenging him in the GOP primary for the Sunshine State's 6th Congressional District. "This is an open Nazi who transported himself from Las Vegas to Florida in order to target me. This isn't an organic campaign. It's an organized pogrom against the Jews. It's a political pogrom," Fine told Fox News Digital of Dan Bilzerian's campaign on Tuesday. TLAIB UNDER FIRE FOR WORKING TO UNSEAT TWO JEWISH HOUSE DEMOCRATS IN FLORIDA: 'NO COINCIDENCE' It comes as voters across Florida vote in primary elections that will set up key matchups between Democrats and Republicans ahead of the November midterms. Fine has attracted multiple GOP challengers in his fight for his first full term in the House, but none have generated backlash like Bilzerian. "District 6 understands the Jewish problem," he captioned one post on X that appeared to show a campaign gathering. Last week, he posted what appeared to be an AI-generated video to X that alluded to Hitler in a positive manner while depicting Fine with horns growing out of his head, another antisemitic trope that was infamously used in Nazi Germany to spur hatred of Jews. DEM CANDIDATE’S ZIONIST CASTRATION RANT SPARKS FIRESTORM AS PARTY LEADERS REWRITE NARRATIVE TO TARGET GOP Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., told Fox News Digital in response on Tuesday, "Dan Bilzerian is running for Congress on a Nazi platform. That’s not hyperbole. His own campaign ad celebrates Hitler, draws horns on Jews, and calls a sitting Jewish Member of Congress a problem to be solved. That’s absolutely insane, disgusting, and the clearest, textbook version of antisemitism." "I don’t agree with Randy Fine on much, but that’s exactly the point. When someone runs for the United States Congress on Jew-hatred, every one of us, Democrat and Republican, has an obligation to say so out loud, no matter who’s on the other end of it," Gottheimer said. Fine told Fox News Digital of Bilzerian's campaign, "I'll be honest, never in my wildest nightmares did I think I would start the week with a swastika painted on one of my yard signs and end the week with a video from a Republican congressional candidate with horns coming out of my head." He also said, "They've spent, we believe, $6 or $7 million. And I think there's a much bigger story that needs to be explored when this is all over about the influence of direct foreign investments in political campaigns. They've spent millions of dollars in the race of unreported money." FORMER BERNIE SANDERS OFFICIAL ACCUSES SENATOR OF PUSHING MOST ANTISEMITIC CANDIDATES 'IN A GENERATION' There is no evidence as of now that foreign investors funded Bilzerian's campaign. But the degree of antisemitism has drawn condemnation from both House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. "The vile attack ads against Congressman Randy Fine in Florida's 6th District are disgusting and should be condemned by all political leaders on the Right and Left," Johnson said in a statement. Jeffries said, "The hateful campaign being run by Daniel Bilzerian in Florida is blatantly antisemitic and shocks the conscience. People of goodwill, regardless of political affiliation, must reject his vile attacks on the Jewish community." Gottheimer was also part of a group of Jewish House Democrats who said that while they do not agree with Fine's positions, Bilzerian's "grotesque" video "has no place in America." Fine is widely expected to win his primary on Tuesday and is favored to win his seat in November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a847a7b2c5335ae10481685 Peacock is raising prices across all of its streaming plans te 2026-08-18T15:30:03.810Z Peacock is raising prices across all of its streaming plans The cheapest ad-supported “Select” plan is increasing from $7.99 to $8.99 per month. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84782b2c5335ae10481650 Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong shows off his humility after first career walk-off homer against White Sox te 2026-08-18T15:20:11.718Z Cubs star Pete Crow-Armstrong shows off his humility after first career walk-off homer against White Sox Pete Crow-Armstrong is among the flashiest players in all of Major League Baseball. From his wildly confident personality to wearing every single emotion on his sleeve to never passing on an opportunity to celebrate on the field, humble wouldn't necessarily be the first word fans would use to describe the Chicago Cubs superstar. There appear to be two different versions of Crow-Armstrong, however. There is the PCA in between the white lines, the one who yelled obscenities at a Chicago White Sox fan in May, who also stops to flex while rounding third base after launching a home run. Then there is the PCA outside the white lines, who is still as confident as they come, but a team-first guy with a noticeably reserved demeanor. Both versions of Crow-Armstrong were on full display during the Cubs' extra-innings win over the White Sox on Monday. PCA immediately set off fireworks at Wrigley Field on Monday night by leading off the bottom of the first frame with a first-pitch homer off the scoreboard in right field. It turned out to be a preview of what was to come in the bottom of the 10th inning when he stepped to the dish with a chance to win the contest. While leading off the inning again and sitting on a 2-1 count, PCA got a hanging slider he was looking for and set things off in Wrigleyville yet again. He launched his bat into the air towards the Cubs' dugout, soaked in the moment while rounding the bases, and tossed his helmet onto the field while trotting towards home plate. It was a totally normal, expected reaction from the face of the franchise after winning a game in that fashion against the crosstown rivals. After the emotions settled and some of the adrenaline wore off, the scene inside the Cubs' locker room wasn't necessarily what some baseball fans would come to expect out of PCA. When asked about the walk-off moment and all that came with it, Crow-Armstrong mentioned that it was fun to be a part of, but quickly praised his team's effort while recognizing that without them, he wouldn't have had the opportunity at the dish to begin with. "That was my first career walk-off homer, so that's fun to note, but if Nico (Hoerner) doesn't tie it up for us, I don't get that chance," Crow-Armstrong explained inside the locker room after the 7-5 victory. "I feel like I've probably said this before after we've had some crazier wins, it's just super fun to appreciate all the little stuff that went right. Happer [Ian Happ] busting tail down the line, beating out a double play ball...It's just stuff like that where I can look back on it and think, 'That's why I was up in the bottom of the 10th inning.' I love these games, because that's not always going to happen, but when it does, it's nice to appreciate the stuff that went right." CARDINALS ROOKIE MAKES MLB HISTORY BY HITTING A HOME RUN IN EACH OF HIS FIRST THREE CAREER PLATE APPEARANCES SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS To recognize his walk-off home run to give the Cubs their 73rd win of the season counted just the same as the 72 before it – and that his teammates played their roles prior to his opportunity at the plate – shows that humble side of PCA that doesn't create the headlines. With his two home runs against the White Sox, Crow-Armstrong became the first Cub ever to post back-to-back seasons with at least 30 home runs and 30 stolen bases. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84782a2c5335ae10481647 South Korean president jumps to invest in military after Trump cuts joint exercises te 2026-08-18T15:20:10.626Z South Korean president jumps to invest in military after Trump cuts joint exercises South Korean President Lee Jae Myung urged his nation to boost its independent military capabilities Tuesday after President Donald Trump ordered a cut to join U.S.-South Korean military exercises. Lee made the statement during a meeting with his cabinet on Tuesday, a day after the annual joint Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises began. Trump announced on social media this weekend that he ordered War Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" U.S. involvement in the drills. Trump's statement expressed concern that the drills presented an overly hostile tone toward North Korea, whose leader, Kim Jong Un, Trump spoke of with warm words. TRUMP ORDERS MAJOR CUT TO US-SOUTH KOREA DRILLS AS NORTH KOREA RAMPS UP MISSILE TESTS Lee emphasized in his cabinet meeting that Ulchi Freedom Shield is a purely defensive exercise. "A strong alliance makes the foundation of security stronger, and strengthening our own capabilities increases our value and necessity as an ally," Lee said. He stated that South Korea's top priority is maintaining peace with North Korea, but said the country must be prepared for a "worst-case scenario." Lee specifically mentioned boosting South Korea's nuclear-powered submarine program, among others. NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES ANOTHER BALLISTIC MISSILE AS US, SOUTH KOREA PREPARE FOR MILITARY DRILLS Trump's statement on Monday, posted to Truth Social, was openly critical of Lee's administration with respect to North Korea. "Based on my very good relationship with Kim Jong Un, of North Korea, I am not happy with the fact that the United States has, long ago, agreed to participate in Joint Military Exercises with South Korea," Trump wrote. "These exercises are not only costly, with much of these costs paid for by the United States of America (as usual!), but send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile, to a Country that, as long as Donald J. Trump has been President, has been unthreatening and respectful." Lee's administration noted the kind words for North Korea in his statement on Tuesday, with Lee's national security adviser, Wi Sung-lac, remarking that he hopes Trump's relationship with Kim could lead to lasting change. IRAN DEAL CLOCK HITS ZERO AS TRUMP DEMANDS ‘WHITE FLAG’ WITH NEW PRESSURE CAMPAIGN LOOMING "We hope the friendly relationship between the U.S. and North Korean leaders will lead to meaningful North Korea-U.S. dialogue," Wi said at a Tuesday briefing. Trump also took the opportunity to highlight Lee's apparent refusal to assist the U.S. in the conflict with Iran. "While somewhat unrelated (?), I recently asked the President of South Korea if they would like to join us in the Denuclearization of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and they said, ‘No thanks!’" Trump wrote. Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84737e2c5335ae104815a6 Lindsay Clancy's family was 'very concerned' about her mental health in the months before she killed her kids te 2026-08-18T15:00:14.353Z Lindsay Clancy's family was 'very concerned' about her mental health in the months before she killed her kids If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Lindsay Clancy's family was "very concerned" about her mental health in the months before she killed her three kids, according to court testimony. Lindsay Clancy, 36, is charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of her three children — Cora, Dawson and Callan, all under 6 years old, who were found strangled in the family's Duxbury home in 2023. Prosecutors concluded their case Monday morning. The jury seated to hear the case consists of 12 women and six men, though six of those people are alternates. During the trial on Tuesday, Susan Clancy, Lindsay's mother-in-law, told jurors she was concerned about her mental health during the holiday season in 2022, but said she was a caring mother. POSTPARTUM MOM LINDSAY CLANCY ON TRIAL FOR MURDER BRINGS COURT TO A HALT WITH SUDDEN BREAKDOWN Lindsay Clancy does not contest that she killed the children. She and her defense attorneys contend she was experiencing ongoing postpartum psychosis at the time of the deaths. She has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "Lindsay was struggling. We were all very concerned," Susan Clancy said. "She was very nurturing, very loving. She was a wonderful mother. Wonderful." SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS Susan Clancy said she began seeing a decline in Lindsay's mental health in November 2022. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE "She reached out to me in November and told me that she felt unwell," Susan Clancy said. "She felt...Mostly she had insomnia. She was losing her appetite. She was, very anxious and sad." SEND US A TIP "She was begging for help," Susan Clancy said. WHEN IS A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS TOO SEVERE FOR TELEHEALTH? WARNING SIGNS FAMILIES SHOULDN'T IGNORE When asked if she ever saw Lindsay Clancy treat the children bad, her mother-in-law responded, "no." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Paula Musgrove, Lindsay Clancy's mother, also told jurors about the mental health problems. In an Oct. 20, 2022 text message, Lindsay Clancy asked her mother for help. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL "Mom, will you please come up and stay with me for a bit? I'm really sick. Something is wrong. I had horrible insomnia all night, and I just don’t know how I am going to get through the day...It’s just really scary, and I don’t want to be alone," the text read. Musgrove said she wasn't concerned about the children's safety. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84712a2c5335ae10481534 Trump’s affordability plan faces conservative pushback as pocketbook issues loom over midterms te 2026-08-18T14:50:18.161Z Trump’s affordability plan faces conservative pushback as pocketbook issues loom over midterms FIRST ON FOX: As Americans grapple with soaring housing, food and energy costs, both parties are racing to convince voters they have the answer to the affordability crunch ahead of the high-stakes midterm elections. A new report from the conservative group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence lays out 10 proposals aimed at lowering costs by cutting red tape and expanding production across the economy. "Yes, there's an unaffordability crisis and it's the government's fault," Richard Stern, vice president of the Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise at Advancing American Freedom (AAF), told Fox News Digital. That argument is at the heart of the report, "10 Ways to Improve Affordability Now Across 10 Levels of the Economy," which calls affordability the "No. 1 issue facing the American people" and targets costs associated with housing, energy and business, among others. THINK YOUR STATE IS EXPENSIVE? NEW DATA REVEALS WHERE AMERICANS FACE THE HIGHEST COST OF LIVING The reports's proposals range from easing zoning restrictions and expanding oil and gas access to overhauling Social Security and SNAP eligibility, echoing parts of President Donald Trump’s second-term agenda. But the conservative blueprint breaks with Trump on two key pocketbook issues: tariffs and credit card interest rates. On trade, the report argues Trump’s sweeping tariffs have come at a cost to American consumers and the broader economy by raising prices, straining U.S. alliances and resulting in nearly 900,000 fewer jobs than expected. The authors at AAF call for shifting more tariff authority back to Congress. TRUMP JUST EXPANDED HIS TARIFF PLAYBOOK WITH A POWERFUL TRADE WEAPON NO PRESIDENT HAS EVER USED If nothing else, Trump's tariffs proved to be a windfall for Washington. In January alone, duties totaled $30.4 billion, that's up about 242% from $8.9 billion a year earlier, according to Treasury data. The report also opposes Trump’s proposed 10% cap on credit card interest rates, warning it could make lending to roughly 60% of Americans unprofitable. Stern framed the broader affordability debate as a question of whether Americans can still build a better future for their families as many see hopes of living the American dream slipping from their fingers. Housing and energy, he said, are two areas where rising costs have put "a sharper edge on this question of affordability." Stern blamed zoning restrictions for pushing families farther from jobs and making homeownership harder for younger Americans. Those costs can be substantial. The National Association of Home Builders estimates government regulations account for about 26% of the price of a new single-family home. The report recommends limiting local zoning restrictions, streamlining approval for projects that meet existing rules and tying roughly $50 billion in annual federal housing aid to zoning reform. THE SURPRISING HIDDEN COST QUIETLY ADDING NEARLY $132K TO NEW HOME PRICES REVEALED On energy, the proposal calls for more oil and gas leasing and rejecting state fracking bans. Stern argued greater domestic production could lower costs throughout the economy because energy touches "every good we move, every service provided." Stern warned that economic frustration can turn Americans against one another, toward "viewing each other as the enemy, and that’s what socialism is." "I hope that people can take away from this, that it's not businesses that are the problem," he said. "It's not entrepreneurs. It's not other Americans. It's government." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8471252c5335ae1048152b Minnesota 'outstanding refugee' honoree accused in fraud scheme tied to sex trafficking: 'Can't make this up' te 2026-08-18T14:50:13.729Z Minnesota 'outstanding refugee' honoree accused in fraud scheme tied to sex trafficking: 'Can't make this up' An immigrant in Minnesota who once received an "outstanding refugee" award from the state government has been charged with Medicaid fraud, prompting strong backlash on social media. Salman Ahmed Elmi is facing three counts of aiding and abetting by swindle and five counts of aiding and abetting by false representation as part of an alleged scam to bill Medicaid for over $1 million in fraudulent services, Fox 9 Minneapolis reported. The charges also allege that two members involved in the fraud scheme were tied to a sex-trafficking ring involving brothels. In 2021, the Minnesota Department of Human Services, an agency deeply involved in the massive fraud scheme that has unfolded across the state in recent years, honored Elmi with the title "outstanding refugee" along with an Entrepreneurship Award. News of the charges quickly spread on social media via conservative influencer accounts like LibsofTikTok and End Wokeness. VICE PRESIDENT VANCE SAYS MIGRANT COMMUNITIES SHOW 'CLEAR PATTERN' IN FEDERAL FRAUD AS INVESTIGATIONS WIDEN "Fraud is so rampant in this demographic that it’s rewarded instead of punished," ACT for America Founder Brigitte Gabriel posted on X. "When the system celebrates the looters, you have a culture problem." "Deport," Townhall columnist Dustin Grage posted on X. "This is the Minnesota Democrat officials created," Republican National Committee member AK Kamara posted on X. "Endless depravity and taxpayer-funded fraud." OMAR'S GOP CHALLENGER COMES OUT FIRING WITH VOW TO CLEAN UP 'MESS' IN DEEP BLUE DISTRICT: 'PEOPLE ARE FED UP' "You literally cannot make this up," conservative pundit Eric Daugherty posted on X. "Get these people out of my country." "The same agency that awarded Elmi is the SAME agency that gives out Medicaid payments," conservative commentator Benny Johnson posted on X. "You can’t make this up." Fox 9 Minneapolis also reported that Elmi was part of a startup that received financial backing from Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary. "I started a business to help inspire other people," Elmi said in an archived post on the Minnesota DHS website. "No one owns businesses in my family; my entire family came here with the idea that the American dream was just getting a job and making it work, so shifting that mindset was difficult but important. Navigating those treacherous waters allowed me to provide for my family and work on my terms." The Minnesota state government, led by Gov. Tim Walz since 2019, has been under the microscope over the past year as systemic fraud, largely involving the local Somali community, that prosecutors say could total more than $9 billion has been exposed throughout various departments and programs in the state. Critics have argued that the fraud, which was an open secret for years, was aided by the fear of publicly calling it out over fears of being labeled as "racist," Fox News Digital reported last year. Walz was ultimately forced to drop his bid for re-election amid the fallout. Fox News Digital reached out to Walz's office for comment. In a statement to Fox News Digital, a Minnesota DHS spokesperson said the Outstanding Refugee Awards ended in 2024. "Salman Elmi’s alleged actions are disturbing and do not reflect the goal of the Outstanding Refugee Awards," the spokesperson said. "They also do not represent Minnesota’s refugee community. We are surrounded by neighbors, coworkers, employees and friends with powerful stories of resilience in the face of difficult circumstances, who are showing leadership in small as well as large ways to improve their communities. The Outstanding Refugee Awards were a way to recognize some of the individuals who make Minnesota better for all of us." The spokesperson added that recipients received a certificate and a plaque but no monetary award. "The value came from the opportunity to recognize the courage, resilience and entrepreneurship of refugees and their children, and to recognize their contributions to the state," the spokesperson said. "Refugees and immigrants offer skills to a needed workforce, provide entrepreneurial innovation and expand worldwide networks – all of which benefit Minnesota." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8471232c5335ae10481522 White House tears into Ossoff with brutal takedown after jab at key Trump aide: ‘Lightweight loser’ te 2026-08-18T14:50:11.448Z White House tears into Ossoff with brutal takedown after jab at key Trump aide: ‘Lightweight loser’ Sen. Jon Ossoff is facing backlash from White House officials and conservatives after taking a personal shot at Trump aide Natalie Harp at a campaign rally, referring to her only by her first name. "Natalie Harp is one of the most loyal and hardest working aides on President Trump's team. Jon Ossoff is a cringeworthy, feminine theatre kid cosplaying as Barack Obama. Nobody gives a sh*t what this lightweight loser says," said White House spokesperson Davis Ingle to Fox News Digital. Ossoff took the jab at Harp during a re-election campaign rally in Atlanta, where he slammed Trump’s handling of the Iran war and accused the president of neglecting his duties to focus on construction of the White House ballroom and "travel with Natalie," whom he did not identify by last name. DEM SENATOR SWIPES CREDIT FOR BILL HE OPPOSED AMID HEATED RE-ELECTION BID: 'DISTURBING PATTERN' "He doesn't want to do the job. He wants to build his ballroom and travel with Natalie on their apparently defenseless flying palace gifted by the emir of Qatar," Ossoff said. His jab sparked backlash from conservatives and Trump officials, who defended the 35-year-old aide as simply doing her job, called Ossoff’s attack sexist and demanded an apology. "I don’t think any woman would want to travel with Ossoff. Natalie is smart, professional and successful. Ossoff has to make a sexist remark," wrote communications specialist and political commentator Mercedes Schlapp. "Jon Jackoff has to be the biggest cuck loser in politics. Instead of denigrating hard working people serving their country, Jon should look deep into his soul and ask himself why he's a miserable person who hates this country. It's because he's a radical, extremist Dumocrat," said White House communication director Steven Cheung. FOX NEWS POLL: AN EARLY LOOK AT THE GEORGIA SENATE RACE "@SenOssoff comments regarding Natalie Harp were both sexists and misogynistic. John, attractive women can be qualified, hard workers, and in positions of power. Your gross implication otherwise only highlights your own insecurity and guilty conscience. I feel bad for your staff if this is what you think of women," wrote Florida Rep. Anna Paulina Luna. "Natalie Harp is an incredibly hardworking, talented, principled, and loyal member of the Trump Admin who passionately wants to help our nation thrive. Every day, she brings drive and focus to her work serving our country. She’s truly a phenomenal member of POTUS’ team," said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. "Natalie Harp survived bone cancer because President Trump allowed her the ‘right to try.’ Now she’s an extremely hardworking and trusted assistant. Any other insinuation is vile," wrote Rep. Brandon Gill. "Natalie Harp is a bone cancer survivor who only lived because Trump greenlit the right to try an experimental treatment when you were terminal. I met her back then. She went to work for him after recovery," said conservative commentator Robby Starbuck. He added, "@Ossoff is a vile coward for insinuating they’re having an affair. He should apologize to Natalie for doing this. I don’t think any of us would want our daughters talked about like this." TRUMP’S BEHIND-THE-SCENES ENFORCER PULLS BACK THE CURTAIN IN RARE PUBLIC MOVE Harp rose to prominence in 2019 after crediting Trump’s Right to Try Act with helping her access experimental cancer treatment. She later joined Trump’s 2020 campaign before being tapped as Special Assistant to the President. She has earned the nickname the "human printer" in Trump's orbit, updating the president with print outs of news articles, emails, social-media posts and other material for him to read. Ossoff sought to clarify his remarks Monday.  "[Trump] retreats into this bubble of West Wing aides who are his security blanket to make him feel good about himself, to reassure him that he’s doing a great job," said Ossoff on "The Briefing with Jen Psaki." He added, "I’ve heard this particular aide referred to as his security blanket. And I think we could say that about any number of the senior aides in the White House. They’re not telling him what he needs to hear. They’re telling him what he wants to hear." Fox News Digital reached out to Harp and Ossoff for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8471222c5335ae10481510 Refugee admissions on track to hit record low te 2026-08-18T14:50:10.106Z Refugee admissions on track to hit record low A family waits in line to apply for asylum at the southern border between El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, in 2023. The number of refugees admitted to the United States during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is on pace to hit its lowest level on record. (Photo by Corrie Boudreaux for Source NM) The number of refugees admitted to the United States during the first 10 months of the fiscal year is on pace to hit its lowest level on record, according to a new analysis. The new numbers reflect a steep decline in refugee admissions since President Donald Trump began his second term, according to a new analysis of State Department data by the Pew Research Center. The U.S. has admitted 10,258 refugees — nearly all of them white South Africans — in the first 10 months of the fiscal year, which ends on Sept. 30. During fiscal 2025, part of which overlapped with President Joe Biden’s term, the U.S. admitted 38,102 refugees. In the previous year, during which Biden was president the entire time, 100,034 refugees were admitted. The Trump administration, which has sought to limit immigration of all types, has capped refugee admissions for fiscal 2026 at 17,500, the lowest level in the past 25 years. Refugee admissions have fluctuated over time. They declined sharply after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, when President George W. Bush temporarily halted application processing. And they fell again during Trump’s first term, when he restricted immigration from majority-Muslim countries. However, the U.S. admitted an average of 50,000 refugees per year between 2001 and 2026. In February 2025, Trump issued an executive order prioritizing refugee admissions for Afrikaners — white South Africans descended from Dutch, German and French colonial settlers. Afrikaners were the primary architects of apartheid, a rigid system of racial segregation that lasted from 1948 to 1994. About 80% of South Africans are Black. Trump’s order asserts that the country’s Black leaders have discriminated against the Afrikaners and demonstrated a “shocking disregard” for their rights by seizing their farmland without compensation. South African leaders deny that Afrikaners have been subjected to systemic persecution. In recent years, the majority of refugees to the U.S. have come from the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has seen ongoing war and displacement. Many refugees also have come from countries such as Syria, Ukraine, Bhutan, Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Venezuela, Eritrea, Myanmar and Guatemala. In a 2025 Pew Research Center survey of 10,357 Americans, about 36% of respondents said that it was very or extremely important to take in refugees escaping violence in other countries. Another 39% said it was somewhat important. Stateline reporter Shalina Chatlani can be reached at schatlani@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/6a846ecb2c5335ae104814dc SRRHS found a Ledbetter man to lead school’s swim team te 2026-08-18T14:40:11.371Z SRRHS found a Ledbetter man to lead school’s swim team 2026 graduate restarts program canceled in his senior year Colin Ledbetter, 18, missed his senior season on the Sedona Red Rock High School swim team when the 2025 season was canceled for lack of a head coach, so he’s back in the pool deck running the restarted program himself. “There’s definitely a Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846ec92c5335ae104814bc Sammy 'The Bull' Gravano recalls chilling mob request that helped clear John Gotti's path to power te 2026-08-18T14:40:09.610Z Sammy 'The Bull' Gravano recalls chilling mob request that helped clear John Gotti's path to power Former Gambino crime family underboss Sammy "The Bull" Gravano dished on the moment he was asked to help pull off one of the mob's most audacious power plays — the murder of John Gotti's own boss. "We have problems with Paul. I need your help. We need you — me and John Gotti," Gravano recalled being told by Gotti associate Angelo Ruggiero. "I said, 'To do what?'" he recounted on the "Hang Out With Sean Hannity" podcast. SAMMY 'THE BULL' REVEALS WHY HIS LOVE FOR JOHN GOTTI TURNED INTO PRISON HATE "We're gonna kill him." The target was Paul Castellano, then-boss of the Gambino crime family, one of the most powerful figures in organized crime — making the request anything but an ordinary mob "favor." "You're gonna kill the boss of bosses?" Gravano recalled asking, prompting Ruggiero to respond, "Yes, and we need your help." The gravity of the request wasn't lost on him, he told host Sean Hannity. A hit on a boss could carry serious — even deadly — consequences for everyone involved. Gravano recalled pressing the issue and asking where Gotti was himself. JOHN GOTTI PAL: I STASHED $10M IN MY KID'S TOYCHEST "I told him, 'Angelo, first of all, where's John Gotti? You're talking to me. Where is he?'" The back-and-forth between the two men continued, with Ruggiero insisting that Gotti "had something to do." "[I said], 'He had something more important than asking me to kill the boss of bosses or help you kill the boss of bosses? I don't know what's more important than that,'" Gravano recounted. "This is a big deal," he added. Castellano and his new underboss, Thomas Bilotti, were ultimately murdered outside a New York City steakhouse in 1985. Gotti was the mastermind behind the incident and would soon be convicted for ordering the crime. Gravano's sit-down conversation with Hannity went beyond the incident, into his time with the mob, his involvement in nearly 20 murders and much more. To catch Gravano's full appearance on Hannity's podcast, look for the latest episode on iHeart, YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts and other major podcast platforms. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846ec82c5335ae104814b3 Kushner touts unprecedented Iran contacts as Tehran denies Trump backchannel te 2026-08-18T14:40:08.801Z Kushner touts unprecedented Iran contacts as Tehran denies Trump backchannel Senior Trump advisor Jared Kushner confirmed that communications between the U.S. and Iran are "more robust" than ever, despite Iran's denial of a backchannel between President Donald Trump and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Kushner made the statement in an interview with Fox News' Trey Yingst on Monday after a series of meetings across the Middle East about the future of Gaza and Iran. Kushner emphasized that Trump remains committed to making a deal, but there remain severe roadblocks. Kushner emphasized that Iran needs to get serious about making a deal, saying Iranian officials have so far been trying to "trick" the U.S. with false concessions and trying to "hide certain cards." It remains unclear who exactly the U.S. is communicating with through its so-called backchannel with the IRGC. The IRGC has been the most radical faction within Tehran's government, frequently sabotaging past negotiations with attacks on vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and other efforts. IRAN REQUESTS TALKS WITH US AS WHITE HOUSE WARNS 'VIOLENCE WILL BE MET WITH VIOLENCE' Previous negotiations have been with members of the Iranian civilian government, such as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and representatives of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, but reports from within Iran suggest the IRGC holds more influence in the country. Secretary of State Marco Rubio alluded to that earlier this year when he told reporters at the White House that Iran's negotiators often don't know what they are allowed to concede. "An offer will be made, and then it takes five or six days to get a response because you have to get it through the whole system. They have to find the supreme leader wherever he hides. They have to get him to sign off. And that's their system," Rubio said in May. TRUMP SAYS IRAN WILL PAY — WHAT IT TAKES TO END THE WAR REMAINS UNCLEAR Kushner said that Trump is open to making an economic deal with Iran that will allow the country to thrive, but first the nation must give up its efforts to build a nuclear weapon. "They have to want to be a real country," Kushner said. "They can be one of the wealthiest countries in the world if they choose to pursue it. They have incredible people, incredible history, so they have so much potential." Kushner said Iran has to want to "pursue that potential instead of... spreading revolution and causing instability throughout the region and the world." As of Tuesday a deal seems further away than ever, however, with the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Iran having expired on Monday. Iran is continuing to target vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and Iranian officials are even making threats against Trump's life. TRUMP CALLS ON ARAB NATIONS TO SIGN ABRAHAM ACCORDS "I think, as we said, we continue to have communications, and when the deal is ready, the deal will be ready. Deals are hard. I mean, it's funny, President Trump is always aiming for the impossible deals," Kushner said. One possibility for enacting lasting change in the region would be to expand the Abraham Accords, which Kushner said the administration is still focused on accomplishing. "We have a very good active conversations going with countries, some obvious, some not obvious. And I think once we get this Gaza situation moving forward, I think that will hopefully de-escalate the tensions here," Kushner said, adding that more concrete talks may have to wait until after the upcoming Israeli elections. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846c752c5335ae10481450 Family seeks $105 million from New York City after teen’s fatal Central Park carriage ride te 2026-08-18T14:30:13.621Z Family seeks $105 million from New York City after teen’s fatal Central Park carriage ride The family of an 18-year-old tourist who died after a horse bolted during a carriage ride in Central Park is seeking $105 million from New York City, alleging that stray electrical voltage may have caused the animal to panic. Romanch Mahajan, who was visiting New York from India with his family, spending the day snapping photos around Manhattan, suffered fatal head injuries during the June 17 incident near Cherry Hill in Central Park. His family says the unsecured carriage horse, Sampson, suddenly took off while the driver stopped to take their picture. "This was an avoidable accident," Sagar Chadha of Liakas Law, counsel for the Mahajan family, wrote in a statement. "The allegations set forth in the Notice of Claim describe a preventable tragedy that followed years of warnings, prior incidents and failures to implement basic safeguards." "An 18-year-old young man came to New York City with his family and never made it back home,:" the statement continued. "His family deserves answers, accountability and meaningful change so that no other family experiences what they have endured." MAN KILLED AFTER HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE BOLTS AND FLIPS NEAR POPULAR NEW YORK CITY TOURIST DESTINATION The tragedy came just over two weeks after New York City horse-drawn carriages would have disappeared under an earlier proposed ban that failed last year. That bill, introduced in 2024, would have prohibited horse-drawn cab operations beginning June 1, 2026, but it was defeated by the City Council’s Health Committee in November 2025. "If the city had passed the law last year, our son would still be alive today," Deepak Mahajan said in a recorded video statement that played at a July 17 New York City Council hearing, as he and Romanch's mother wept. "The only measure that can prevent another death is a full and complete act. "Let his death not be in vain." The effort was revived this year just days before Mahajan’s death: Council Member Christopher Marte introduced a new version of the ban June 11 — six days before the June 17 accident — that would phase out horse-drawn cabs by June 1, 2028. That bill is now being renamed "Romanch’s Law," and has the backing of New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. EAGLES FAN, 18, DIES AFTER FALL FROM LIGHT POLE DURING CELEBRATION "His death was heartbreaking, and it was preventable," Menin wrote in a statement to support and rename the bill. "That tragedy is why I have decided to support Romanch’s Law, legislation that would begin the transition away from horse-drawn carriages as a tourist attraction in Central Park — for the safety of New Yorkers, visitors from around the world, and the horses themselves." The family alleges in four notices of claim – documents that are generally required before someone can sue New York City – that "stray voltage and/or contact voltage" in the area "caused, precipitated, contributed to and/or was a substantial factor" in causing the horse to be "shocked, stimulated, startled, agitated, frightened and/or spooked, and to bolt and run away." The filings filed Friday name the city, Con Edison and several municipal agencies, including the departments of Parks and Recreation, Transportation, Health and Mental Hygiene, and Consumer and Worker Protection. CARNIVAL RIDE PASSENGERS LEFT DANGLING IN CARRIAGE AFTER MALFUNCTION AT HIGH SCHOOL EVENT: VIDEO Mahajan’s father, Deepak Mahajan, has said the family was inside the carriage, posing for a photo with the driver, when the horse abruptly bolted. As the carriage sped through the park, Romanch’s mother, Priya, fell out. Romanch then jumped from the moving carriage in an attempt to help her, according to his father. The teenager struck his head on the pavement and was later pronounced dead at NewYork-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center. Other members of the family suffered minor injuries, with the four notices of claim totaling $105 million. FATAL NYC HELICOPTER CRASH PROMPTS GOP LAWMAKER TO CALL FOR ENDING POPULAR TOURIST FLIGHTS The family’s claims add a new dimension to the investigation by focusing on the possibility that electrical voltage in the park contributed to the horse’s behavior. Con Edison acknowledged that low levels of stray voltage were detected in the area on July 16 and July 23, weeks after the fatal incident, according to the filings. "These allegations demand a complete and transparent investigation," Chadha said. "The family intends to determine not only why an occupied carriage was allegedly left unsecured, but whether dangerous electrical conditions existed in the very area where this horse suddenly became spooked and whether anyone knew or should have known about those conditions before Romanch was killed." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846c6f2c5335ae10481428 Lane closures begin on Lockett Road starting Tuesday te 2026-08-18T14:30:07.133Z Lane closures begin on Lockett Road starting Tuesday Lockett Road itself will remain open to traffic, but lane closures or lane shifts may occur through Sept. 4. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846a1e2c5335ae104813de 'Everybody Loves Raymond' star Patricia Heaton reveals the mortifying moment that made her quit drinking te 2026-08-18T14:20:14.125Z 'Everybody Loves Raymond' star Patricia Heaton reveals the mortifying moment that made her quit drinking "Everybody Loves Raymond" star Patricia Heaton is recalling the moment 10 years ago when she decided to become sober. During an interview with Woman's World, Heaton shared that during the Coronavirus pandemic, her children left her home and she didn't know how to spend her time. "Right before the pandemic, my children had left home and I wasn’t working. The things that had always anchored me — my family and my work—were gone. I started thinking, 'What am I supposed to do today?'" Heaton said. The actress explained that her drinking didn't escalate all at once, and she noticed her alcohol intake increased over time. FORMER DISNEY STAR DAVID HENRIE REJECTED 'SECULAR' HOLLYWOOD LIFESTYLE AFTER LIFE-CHANGING MONASTERY VISIT "A glass of wine while cooking became wine with dinner, wine while cleaning up and wine while watching 'Wheel of Fortune' and 'Jeopardy!' One night I realized I had almost finished an entire bottle by myself," she said. Heaton said at this moment, she started "thinking about alcohol differently" and turned to religion to help her. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "I said a prayer: ‘God, I think you want me to stop drinking. I would be willing to stop, but you have to make it happen because I can’t. I’m willing, but I’m unable.' The next night I was with my sons and their friends, and I couldn’t pronounce the word ‘tradition.’ I tried three times. My youngest son said, ‘That’s great, Mom. You can’t even speak,'" she recalled. Heaton said the incident "mortified" her and prompted her to begin her sobriety journey. "The next morning I said, ‘Okay, God. Message received.’ That was eight years ago," she said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Heaton is a proud mom of four sons: Samuel, John, Joseph and Daniel. She shares all four children with her husband, British actor and director David Hunt, whom she married in 1990. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846a1d2c5335ae104813d5 FIRST ON FOX: Man found dead on street triggers ICE action after shocking hit-and-run te 2026-08-18T14:20:13.390Z FIRST ON FOX: Man found dead on street triggers ICE action after shocking hit-and-run FIRST ON FOX: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has lodged a detainer against an illegal immigrant accused of a hit-and-run that left a North Carolina father dead in the street. Fox News Digital learned that ICE filed a detainer request for 21-year-old Honduran illegal immigrant Mauricio Josue Alberto Sarmiento, who is charged with hit-and-run resulting in death in Sylva, North Carolina. The Sylva Police Department said Sarmiento struck 51-year-old James Robert Bagley III with his car before leaving the scene early Aug. 2. Officers and first responders found Bagley unresponsive in the street. He died from his injuries. Five days later, the Sylva Police Department announced it had arrested Sarmiento and charged him with felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death, no liability insurance, driving with a revoked license, exceeding safe speed and failure to reduce speed. He also had an outstanding arrest order in Jackson County, North Carolina. MAN CHARGED IN CRASH THAT KILLED MOTHER AND TWO YOUNG SONS HAS ICE DETAINER, PRIOR DWI CONVICTIONS The same day Sarmiento was arrested, ICE lodged a detainer with the Jackson County Jail. The Department of Homeland Security told Fox News Digital that Sarmiento entered the country illegally through Texas as an unaccompanied minor in October 2021. U.S. Border Patrol arrested him after his entry. DHS said he was "reunified" with an unrelated sponsor and released into the country under the Biden administration. DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told Fox News Digital his agency is "asking officials in Jackson County to cooperate and not release this criminal from jail without notifying ICE." Mullin said "if it weren’t for the Biden Administration’s disastrous open borders, James Bagley would still be alive." Fox News Digital reached out to a representative of the former Biden administration for comment but did not receive a response. WATCH: DEM DEMANDS 'ONE CASE' WHERE SANCTUARY CITIES DIDN'T TURN OVER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS; DHS PROVIDES LIST Mullin said "by securing our border and deporting illegal aliens, we can save lives and prevent tragedies like this one from ever happening again." After Sarmiento’s arrest, Sylva Police Chief Aimee Sumner said his arrest "represents a significant step forward in our investigation" but added that "while an arrest has been made, this case is not over, and we remain committed to conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring that the facts are presented through the judicial process." Sumner noted, "Our thoughts remain with the family and loved ones of James Bagley as they continue to cope with this tremendous loss." The police chief confirmed the charges against Sarmiento to Fox News Digital. Sumner also confirmed that Sarmiento remains in custody at the Jackson County Detention Center, which the Jackson County Sheriff's Office operates. ICE BOSTON ARRESTS BRAZILIAN ILLEGAL ALIEN WANTED FOR MURDER DAYS BEFORE GOV HEALY SIGNED PROTECT ACT SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Regarding the ICE detainer, Sumner said, "Our department was not involved in that process; you would need to speak with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office." Fox News Digital contacted the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office but did not receive a response by the time of publication. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846a1c2c5335ae104813cc Jill Wagner reveals the month-long boot camp 'Lioness' cast endures for Taylor Sheridan's show te 2026-08-18T14:20:12.547Z Jill Wagner reveals the month-long boot camp 'Lioness' cast endures for Taylor Sheridan's show The cast of "Lioness" undergoes significant training for the hit Paramount+ series. The epic CIA/military drama series created by Taylor Sheridan is currently airing season three. The first three episodes of the new season are out, and as expected, it's awesome. The best part of "Lioness" is that it has the best action scenes on TV, and there's no comparable rival. Season two had some absurdly neat shootouts. The season three premiere took things to new levels. TAYLOR SHERIDAN'S 'LIONESS' KEEPS FANS HOOKED AS LATEST EPISODE RAISES THE STAKES IN A BIG WAY How much training is required of the cast to make the shootouts feel real? A lot. "Lioness" star Jill Wagner, who plays Bobby on the series, recently appeared on "The Gold Shields Show" to reveal the intense boot camp the cast goes through to make sure the movements and weapons handling is as accurate as possible. "We train for a month prior. He puts you through basically a boot camp and we have our whether it be a SEAL or Green Beret or Delta Guy, whatever, they come out and they help us and they really work with us. And these are people that are, I mean, I look at these guys, I'm like, 'You guys are extremely patient people.' Because we are actors. We are not operators like we are trying our best to play but I think we are all very aware that we, you know, we are not the real deal but in order to portray it, like you you have to go through, for us, we have to go through a month if not more training," Wagner explained on the podcast. LAYSLA DE OLIVEIRA TEASES ‘LIONESS’ SEASON 3 DEBUT WITH BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS The talented actress continued, "And that's just for the technical side of things. That's just for the gun side of things. And then as you know, I'm sure you guys know, it's a perishable skill. So if you're not shooting every day, if you're not doing something, you can forget and you can pick up bad habits. So, our technical advisors, there was at least one on set at all times, if not two, and we would go over all of our choreography and, you know, wear those guys out with questions. But they were always great, and I and I think that was very important with Taylor. You know, a lot of these shows don't have technical advisors there behind the camera every single day watching every move that all of us do." "Now, and I'm sure now that I say that, I'm sure that I'm going to do something dumb in the next episode and everybody's going to be like, 'Where was the technical advice for that day?" Look, I get it all the time, but yeah, it's really important to I know all of our actors that we at least look the part as much as we can," Wagner further commented. The "Lioness" actress also revealed she underwent a physical transformation to look the part of an elite operator. You can watch Wagner's full comments in the video below starting around 8:22, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. NEW LIONESS SEASON 3 TRAILER SIGNALS TAYLOR SHERIDAN IS TAKING THE PARAMOUNT+ SERIES TO NEW HEIGHTS The effort and training the "Lioness" cast puts in certainly doesn't go unnoticed. While my CQB knowledge is limited (I have never done CQB at a high level and would get melted by any well-trained guy in a heartbeat), I know enough to understand the show makes it feel as real as possible. After all, it's a TV show. Expecting it to be as accurate as SEAL Team 6 or Delta Force hitting a target is utterly ridiculous. All you can hope is for the action sequences to be as believable as possible, and "Lioness" easily accomplishes that goal. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS It's another masterclass from Sheridan and everyone involved. Check out the season three premiere if you want an outstanding example. What do you think about "Lioness"? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846a162c5335ae104813ac 2 Workers Missing After Explosions and Fire at Ohio Recycling Plant te 2026-08-18T14:20:06.253Z 2 Workers Missing After Explosions and Fire at Ohio Recycling Plant Chemical tanks had ruptured during the incident but officials said there was no immediate threat to the Toledo area. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846a152c5335ae104813a3 An A.I. Tax Boom Could Curtail America’s Debt. But Not Solve It. te 2026-08-18T14:20:05.184Z An A.I. Tax Boom Could Curtail America’s Debt. But Not Solve It. The consequences of A.I. for the budget will largely hinge on whether — and to what extent — the technology reshapes the labor market. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a846a132c5335ae1048139a Google Just Made It Easier for Campaigns to Send You Fund-Raising Emails te 2026-08-18T14:20:03.928Z Google Just Made It Easier for Campaigns to Send You Fund-Raising Emails Republicans previously sued Google claiming its spam filter was biased, but the case was dismissed. The company will now allow verified campaigns to more easily bypass the spam filter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8467c62c5335ae10481358 Ohio State moves Senior Day away from Michigan game in an effort to remove 'distractions' te 2026-08-18T14:10:14.156Z Ohio State moves Senior Day away from Michigan game in an effort to remove 'distractions' The final home game on the schedule for every college football program in the country has always served as an opportunity for programs to honor the seniors on the roster. For Ohio State this season, honoring its seniors ahead of the Buckeyes' home finale against Michigan is apparently just too tall an order. Ohio State recently announced that it will be moving its Senior Day to Week 1 when Ball State comes to town on Sept. 5. In other words, instead of honoring its seniors ahead of the biggest rivalry in all of college football, Ohio State is opting to do so ahead of what may be the least-anticipated matchup on its schedule. Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day admitted that rivalry week for the Michigan game simply has too many distractions, and moving Senior Day festivities removes one of them. "When we look at all the things that go on that (rivalry) weekend, the way things have changed, there are some things that we thought about," Day shared with the media, according to the Delaware Gazette. "The first thing was, we want to keep much of the focus on The Game, and the more distractions we have — there’s already enough distractions during that week — so this was just one more thing that we felt like we could move." MICHIGAN'S NEW HEAD COACH POURS COLD WATER ON OHIO STATE RIVALRY: 'HATE IS A STRONG WORD' Day went on to explain that he and the staff addressed the seniors on the team with the idea, and they collectively agreed that moving Senior Day to Week 1 was a great idea. THESE ONCE-ANNUAL COLLEGE RIVALRIES USED TO DEFINE COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND NEED TO MAKE A COMEBACK ASAP In the grand scheme of things, the only people who truly care about Senior Day and the traditions that come along with it are the seniors themselves and the family members in attendance. Moving Senior Day doesn't really matter, but it's impossible to ignore that Ohio State is already discussing "distractions" surrounding The Game against Michigan weeks before the newest season has even kicked off. Ohio State ended its four-game losing streak to the Wolverines a season ago with a 27-9 victory in Ann Arbor, and the Buckeyes are clearly and publicly pulling out all the stops to pick up their first win against Michigan in Columbus for the first time since 2018. Maybe Ohio State begins a new Senior Day trend, seeing as how the final week of the regular season is rivalry week for many teams around college football. Then again, keeping a semblance of tradition in a sport that feels to be in a state of constant change would be refreshing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8467c52c5335ae1048134f Spanish journalist says Ceuta residents believe government isn't doing enough to prevent another migrant rush te 2026-08-18T14:10:13.428Z Spanish journalist says Ceuta residents believe government isn't doing enough to prevent another migrant rush Residents of Ceuta, Spain's North African enclave bordering Morocco, are saying that the government is not doing enough to prevent another mass immigration event like the July 30 influx of approximately 70,000 migrants into the city, conservative Spanish journalist Javier Negre told Fox News Digital. "The local citizens, they are really sad. And no matter if they are left or right, What they say is like, it's really complicated to live right now in Ceuta," Negre told Fox News Digital in an interview. Negre said citizens have cited incidents in which migrants committed crimes including robbery and attempted rape, adding "they live in the street and the people are really scared." "We need in Spain, we need in Europe, governments that try to avoid the illegal immigration right now because it's not fair for the citizens that pay taxes to have social security, to have healthcare and these illegal migrants, they collapse the hospitals, they collapsed the universities, the schools, and it's not fair for the Spanish people," Negre said. STATE DEPARTMENT RAISES TRAVEL WARNING FOR PART OF SPAIN AS MIGRANT SURGE SPARKS MILITARY DEPLOYMENT The residents who reportedly spoke to Negre seemingly echoed comments from Juan Jesús Vivas, Ceuta's Mayor-President. Speaking during an extraordinary session of the European Parliament's Committee on Civil Liberties, Justice and Home Affairs, Vivas said the migrant rush put public safety and public health at risk and threatened to collapse the city's immigration infrastructure. "Furthermore, the morale of Ceuta's residents is severely affected. Our population feels sad, helpless, uneasy, fearful, and worried — and with good reason. It is inevitable to wonder whether this will happen again, and if that next time will be the definitive plunge into the abyss, causing us to cease being what we are: Spain and Europe," Vivas said. Following a circulation of social media messages in Morocco calling for migrants to again rush the Spanish enclave on Aug. 15, both Spain and Morocco beefed up security on their respective sides of the border, in addition to the maritime barriers Spain put up after the initial incident saw migrants swim ashore. But, Negre said Moroccan officials told him that the increased measures are not enough. "I know that today the Spanish government and the Moroccan government, they say that they are going to put more police, but it's not enough," Negre said. "We need more police," he continued. "We need to have more border security because people don't understand why they're paying taxes, why they're giving a lot of money to the state if they can't block the frontier to these illegal migrants that they are not escaping from a war or a difficult situation," Negre told Fox News Digital. Negre criticized Spain's government, led by left-wing Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and his party, Vox. The journalist pointed to Spanish media reports arguing that Sánchez's frosty relationship with Morocco may have contributed to the migration incident. "Pedro Sánchez, who is involved in a lot of scandals of corruption, he went to Algeria, and there are some rumors that maybe the king of Morocco try to promote this illegal invasion to tell the Spanish government, 'hey, take it easy,'" Negre explained. TRUMP CRITICIZES SPAIN AMID IRAN, NATO RIFT AS PM SANCHEZ FACES QUESTIONS OVER POLITICAL MOTIVES Sánchez traveled to Algeria on July 20, 10 days before the migration incident, in an effort to restore diplomatic ties after a freeze in the countries' relationship over Morocco's claim to the Western Sahara. Western Sahara, a desolate region in northwest Africa, has long been the focus of hostile relations between Algeria and Morocco. In 2020, the U.S. officially recognized Morocco's claim of sovereignty over the region. While Spain does not officially recognize that claim, Sánchez did endorse Morocco's autonomy plan for the region, which proposes limited self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty to be the "most serious, realistic, and credible basis" for resolving a long-standing dispute between Morocco and Algeria over the territory. Sánchez revealed his decision in a March 2022 letter to Morocco's King Mohammed VI, a letter he sent less than a year after another migrant influx from Morocco into Ceuta. During that May 2021 incident, Moroccan border guards appeared to stand down while 10,000 people flooded into Ceuta from the African nation. 'YOU'RE DESTROYING YOUR COUNTRIES': IS EUROPE FINALLY HEEDING TRUMP'S WARNING ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION? While Moroccan officials denied they instructed border guards to stand down, the European Parliament passed a resolution condemning Morocco for the incident, citing statements from Morocco's Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledging that the incident was retaliation for Spain treating the leader of a Western Saharan rebel group at a Spanish hospital. Negre also took aim at European leadership writ large, contrasting European Parliament with President Donald Trump. "Europe is going really bad with illegal immigration, with the open frontiers, completely opposite as the politics of President Trump with border security and deporting all the illegal migrants," he told Fox News Digital, while praising Trump's proposed legislation to require voter identification, the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility Act, known as the SAVE Act. Fox News Digital contacted the governments of Spain, Ceuta, Morocco and Algeria for further comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8467c42c5335ae10481346 Former Nickelodeon child star reveals hidden price of fame after sharing residual checks worth pennies te 2026-08-18T14:10:12.738Z Former Nickelodeon child star reveals hidden price of fame after sharing residual checks worth pennies The price of childhood fame can be steep. The checks that come afterward? Sometimes just pennies. "Ned's Declassified" alum Jennifer Tedmori recently went viral after revealing the surprisingly small residual checks she still receives from her time on the hit Nickelodeon sitcom. The former child star-turned-lawyer, who now hosts the mental health podcast "Off My Meds," told Fox News Digital that those small payments expose just one part of the hidden cost of fame that can follow child actors long after the cameras stop rolling. 'MARRIED... WITH CHILDREN' STAR TED MCGINLEY REVEALS HE GETS PENNY RESIDUAL CHECKS FROM HIS HIT TV SHOWS "I've had a lot of time to think about why so many child actors struggle into adulthood," she said. "I think it's a couple of things. I think home life is a big part of it. I think upbringing, I think intentions as to why somebody is in the business is a big one. "But I think, as I watch some colleagues and co-stars go through really tough times with being an adult, I think I would just want the public to know that these are human beings. And I think there should be a level of compassion that is given to some of them because, as much as they're prepared for being a child star, they really aren't prepared for the adult world. And they're not really taught the real world things outside of acting that can prepare them for just being a regular human being." When Tedmori sifts through stacks of unopened mail only to find residual checks worth pocket change — sometimes just a few cents, occasionally $5 — she laughs. But behind the humor is a reality that could have looked very different. WATCH: JENNIFER TEDMORI REVEALS REALITY BEHIND ACTORS’ RESIDUAL CHECKS Growing up, Tedmori said she was encouraged to build a life beyond acting and pursue other passions. Many of her peers, she noted, were prepared for fame and success — but not for what happens when the spotlight fades and the hit show ends. "I made the conscious decision after I was around 18 and figuring out part-time jobs and how I was going to move forward with the uncertainty of an actor's life that I decided to go to law school," she said. "And I think that was the best decision I could have ever made for myself because I am someone that values stability, financial stability. But when it comes to child actors, there's a misconception that they are set for life." "There is a misconception that, if we see somebody on a show, that fame equals wealth," Tedmori said. "That's not the case for most people." On "Ned's Declassified," Tedmori played Doris Trembly, a member of the "Huge Crew," a group of girls who had crushes on Ned (Devon Werkheiser). The show aired for three seasons from 2004 to 2007. "... Anybody that's getting residuals, they taper off over time," she said. "And if it's anything like what I'm getting, which from what my colleagues and former co-stars have been saying, they're all getting the same type of checks. ... So, there is a misunderstanding that you are set for life, and that isn't necessarily the case. ... And in most cases, I think it costs more in their mental health than it does in the checks that they're getting in terms of the value lost and value earned for a child actor. ... I think it ends up being kind of rough for them." In her viral video, Tedmori opened checks for 68 cents, 87 cents, 36 cents, 45 cents, two for three cents, three for 81 cents and two for $1.01. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "So for 'Ned's Declassified,' that earned me a grand total of $8.63," she said while sitting in her car. "With '90210,' $30.06. Maybe I can go buy a coffee at Starbucks. Do I even report this to the IRS? They're not even going to give a f---." The largest check Tedmori found in the pile wasn't for "Ned's Declassified," but for her work on CW's "90210." She appeared in the reboot as "Goth Girl." The check was for $21.43. WATCH: JENNIFER TEDMORI REVEALS SURPRISING ‘90210’ RESIDUAL CHECK "I'm super grateful for the opportunities I've had in my career, and with 'Ned's Declassified,'" Tedmori clarified. "... But the lawyer in me really has to contemplate if there’s a better system for doing this. ... It costs more to pay somebody to issue the check and for them to go to SAG-AFTRA, and then for them to write a statement, print the check, put it in an envelope and then send it to me for all of 2 cents. ... And what’s crazy is I can’t even electronically deposit these checks. It’s too low of an amount. ... So then I’ve got to go to the bank, look somebody in the eye, and be like, ‘Here’s my check for all of 2 cents that I’m cashing.’" Fox News Digital reached out to SAG-AFTRA for comment. Tedmori believes there's a more meaningful way to put these "penny checks" to use. She suggested actors with envelopes piling up could pool the money. Collectively, she said, those pennies could help create a fund for struggling peers. "So many actors have talked about their experiences with residual checks, specifically the penny checks and not depositing them, but not throwing them away," she said. "[We should allow] actors the opportunity to donate them or put them in a charity fund for creatives." "I think about when I go to the grocery store, and they ask me if I want to donate the remainder of the less than a dollar amount to round up to a charity of their choosing," she said. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "I think, why can't we do the same as actors? I don't know what that looks like, but I did have the thought that I would so gladly donate all of my residual payments to a charity or some sort of actor's equity fund to help struggling creatives. And I think specifically, with these checks, it adds up. So for me, what seems like $8.63 from 'Ned's Declassified' and $8 from my co-star and another, that might not be a lot of money to a charity, but I think, as a whole, could actually be a significant amount that could go help a greater cause." Tedmori said she's considering a social media series about the residual checks to shed light on the realities of child stardom. "I think it's something that probably should be talked about more, just because more people don't realize it," she said. "Growing up, I don't think that there was a whole lot of conversation about finances. Maybe there should have been. I was just doing it because I love to act. I love to perform. And for me, it was fun. I didn't really think about what that might look like financially down the line." Fox News Digital's Tracy Wright contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8467c42c5335ae1048133d Chicago found millions for migrants. Why are its own children being left behind? te 2026-08-18T14:10:12.002Z Chicago found millions for migrants. Why are its own children being left behind? The numbers for the elementary school down the block from my church are discouraging. The latest CPS data for Dulles Elementary School show that just 13.7% of Dulles students are proficient in English language arts and 3.9% are proficient in math. Dulles spends significantly less per student than some districtwide estimates of CPS spending. This is shocking, mind-boggling, and if this isn’t a crime against humanity, then I don’t know what is. The numbers only get worse. The school spends about $16,200 per student. The Chicago Public Schools district average is roughly $27,000 to $32,000 per student. How is this inequity possible in this age of DEI? We live in one of the bluest cities in America, and our mayor, Brandon Johnson, brags about having the "Blackest administration" and always talks about fighting White supremacy. And yet he is comfortable with this disparity in school spending? Why aren’t all the White DEI folks on the North Side of Chicago outraged over this inequity? CHICAGO’S EMPTY 'GHOST SCHOOLS' TEACH US ABOUT HOW THE SYSTEM IS FAILING On top of this, Chicago Public Schools is staring down a roughly $732 million budget deficit. Just last summer, the district laid off 1,458 employees, including 432 teachers and 677 special education assistants. This year, the board restored proposed cuts in part by assuming an additional $150 million from the state that lawmakers have not committed. But this is not a solution, and it will only lead to more debt. Now here is what is infuriating to me. Guess how much the city spent on services for the migrants and asylum seekers coming into town between August 2022 and the end of 2024. Chicago’s inspector general found that roughly $639.6 million in city and grant funds was spent on services for new arrivals between August 2022 and the end of 2024. Why weren’t more unrestricted city resources directed toward our struggling schools instead? I am a pastor. I believe in compassion. But it is morally wrong to assign so many of our taxpayer dollars to non-citizens who came to the United States and are now receiving taxpayer-funded services in Chicago. Every dollar of unrestricted public money spent on one priority is a dollar that cannot be spent on another, including our schools. We can apply the cold tools of cost-benefit analysis here, and I’m always going to take the side of our children. I believe in taking care of our own home first because it puts us on the right footing to extend a strong, helping hand to others. Right now, we are creating children weak in the mind, and in what universe is that moral or right? What I want to know is why we have chosen to prize the newly arrived over those of us who were born, through no fault of their own, into generational poverty. CHICAGO PASTOR GATHERS HUNDREDS OF MEN TO DECLARE VIOLENCE-FREE ZONE ON SOUTH SIDE Just a few years ago, nearly every leader in Chicago was chanting "Black Lives Matter!" I guess that was just an empty slogan and they’re insincere people. Where is the urgent help for the kids who cannot read, the special-needs students who need consistent aides, and the teachers stretched thin every day? If equity means anything, it should start with the children who have been failed the longest in the neighborhoods that vote most consistently for these leaders.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION I don’t agree with their vote, and I’ve told them so. Yet, I have no problem telling Mayor Brandon Johnson, "They voted for you, so why don’t you start doing your job and representing them? Or are they just your pawns?" If you walk the halls of our South Side schools, you will meet students who cannot read at grade level, special-needs children who need consistent support, and teachers who are exhausted from doing more with less. Enrollment has declined. Buildings are aging. Pensions and debt eat huge portions of the budget. Yet year after year, the deficit returns, and year after year, the conversation turns to everything except the hard choices that put local kids first. I have spent years in the streets of this city trying to build something better for the next generation. Project H.O.O.D. is about opportunity, not excuses. Education is the foundation of that opportunity. When a district repeatedly faces shortfalls in the hundreds of millions of dollars while hundreds of millions flow to other priorities, the message to our children is unmistakable: You are not the priority. I do not write this out of anger. I write it out of love for the kids I see every day. They deserve adults who will fight as hard for their classrooms as they fight for every other cause. Until that happens, the view from the South Side will keep showing the same picture: struggling schools, deferred maintenance on our children’s futures, and a city that keeps choosing everything else first. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM PASTOR COREY BROOKS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8467bc2c5335ae10481306 Warp’s new system is an out-of-the-box software factory for AI development te 2026-08-18T14:10:04.466Z Warp’s new system is an out-of-the-box software factory for AI development On Tuesday, Warp introduced Warp Factories, a new infrastrructure system designed to make building AI software factories as easy as possible. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8467ba2c5335ae104812fd Anthro Energy breaks ground on factory that could pave the road to solid-state batteries te 2026-08-18T14:10:02.331Z Anthro Energy breaks ground on factory that could pave the road to solid-state batteries Battery materials startup Anthro Energy has broken ground on a Louisville factory to make electrolytes, including those for solid-state batteries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8465632c5335ae1048117c OpenAI launches a safer ChatGPT for teens — years after teens started using it te 2026-08-18T14:00:03.524Z OpenAI launches a safer ChatGPT for teens — years after teens started using it ChatGPT for Teens adds age-appropriate safety measures, parental controls, and learning tools designed to steer teens away from harmful content — and from using AI to cheat on their homework. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84630e2c5335ae10481141 Trump Honors a Teenage Lifeguard and Takes Aim at a CNN Reporter te 2026-08-18T13:50:06.205Z Trump Honors a Teenage Lifeguard and Takes Aim at a CNN Reporter President Trump told a journalist to “be quiet” at a White House event for a California lifeguard and a boy he saved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84630b2c5335ae10481120 Perplexity’s free AI offer left it with millions more users in India te 2026-08-18T13:50:03.255Z Perplexity’s free AI offer left it with millions more users in India Perplexity's India revenue rose about 60% after the Airtel offer ended for new users, even as downloads declined. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a845e692c5335ae10480e44 Cubs fans get into nasty brawl in bleachers, SMU's football cheerleaders are dialed in & Baker gets tricked te 2026-08-18T13:30:17.846Z Cubs fans get into nasty brawl in bleachers, SMU's football cheerleaders are dialed in & Baker gets tricked As I sit down to pump out Tuesday Screencaps, I cannot believe what I'm seeing in the sky –– blue. No clouds. No signs of 80% humidity and temps hovering in the low 90s. I'm not some pumpkin spice latte mafia member, but I will say it's nice to look outside this morning and not see signs of butt crack sweat. Speaking of butt cracks, let's go to Wrigley Field where the boys were brawling in the bleachers last night. We have butt cracks. We have Fat Sandberg getting lit up and we have a group of boys who wanted to fight until the fight came to them and then they definitely didn't want the fight. The other thing I focused on here is that low man won the fight. I've been writing about stadium fights on the Internet for nearly 20 years. Do you know how many times low man wins? Like 3% of the time. This one is on you, Fat Sandberg. If you're going to talk like that, you better be able to control the high ground. 📩 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 If you followed my tweets Monday, you know that alarm bells are going off in my head over what the NFL is about to do with flag football. You're about to be beaten over the head with this stuff for the next 18 months as the league does whatever it takes to make flag football 'important' before the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. You can imagine my emotions when, last night, I turned YouTubeTV to NFL Network only to find, just weeks from the start of the NFL season, that the channel was showing flag football. Talk about disgusting. US FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM STUNNED BY AMERICAN SAMOA IN SHOCKING FIRST LOSS IN 14 YEARS Add in the stunt the Chargers pulled Sunday with Harbaugh and members of the team wearing "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" and you have all the indications of what the activists are up to behind the scenes. Am I just a conspiracy nut? Those "Everyone Watches Women's Sports" shirts the Chargers were wearing are sold by Nike. The shirts are the brainchild of TOGETHXR, a brand founded by Sue Bird and other activist athles. You'll be reading more about that group later today on OutKick. Meanwhile, the morning after the Chargers wore those shirts, Nike broke resistance. I'll be damned. Stay woke, Nike. JEMELE HILL IS RIGHT: WNBA FANS EXPECT JOURNALISTS TO BE 'CHEERLEADERS,' AND THAT'S NOT HOW THIS WORKS – Will in Mississippi emails: I use the FlightRadar24 app to track flights and mainly to see where the planes I see overhead are coming from and going to. What I really like is the website which shows the Top 10 most tracked flights in the world. (See attached). You maybe can do this in the app but I haven't figured out how or maybe you need the paid app. – Dean in Fond du Lac, WI says: Millennial Chris B. in Bowling Green should use his Flight Radar 24 to check on Oshkosh, WI, the week of the annual EAA Air Venture Convention in Oshkosh, which occurs in the second half of July.  The Air Traffic Control Tower at Oshkosh’s Wittman Regional Airport is manned by the best of the best of our nation’s Air Traffic Controllers.  I have included a screenshot of Flight Radar 24 from my phone from Tuesday, July 21 at 8:07 am, which was one of the "less busy" times of the convention.  The line of aircraft coming in for a landing looks mind boggling to handle but the ATC’s do it without incident.  It’s even more crowded in the skies on the Friday and Saturday before the convention starts!  Wittman Regional Airport becomes the world’s busiest airport during the week of AirVenture handling everything from private planes to current military aircraft to jet airliners to vintage World War II and Korean War aircraft.  I use the Flight Radar to see which World War II military aircraft fly over my house so I can go out see them in flight as they get into the landing pattern. – Brad S. loves this app: I enjoy the Flight Aware app and have become a nerd with it! I've been an aviation nut since I was a kid (we lived next door to a 747 captain) and a pilot since I was in college. (Shout out to the - former- U of I Institute of Aviation!) Last night, while I was enjoying a fine cigar and adult beverage, I saw a light moving west to east in the northern sky and knew it was the KLM Cargo flight from O'Hare to Frankfurt - even before I checked the app! OK, maybe I enjoy it too much. FATAL AIR AMBULANCE CRASH EXPOSES GROWING GPS DANGER FACING US FLIGHTS – Jon in Indy tells me: Regarding Flightradar 24, my wife and I regularly sit out by the garage with adult beverages and check out planes going by.  When anything passes by even remotely from the west, we'll yell "Comin' from Vegas baby!!".  Which probably isn't very thoughtful, since it's usually around midnight and the neighbors' houses are dark. – Gary M. is back: My children tell me I have "aviation autism" as I have both FlightAware and Flightradar 24. Personally I prefer Flightradar 24 and it is worth the $15 per year subscription to get the additional aircraft and airport details. I guess my old days in the USAF never do leave. Currently we are sitting on the cruise ship in Barcelona waiting to head out. We are in the final approach landing pattern for Barcelona International and yes I am using Flightradar 24. I know I need help…. – Brandon in NW Houston is addicted: I 100% have this app on my phone's front page.  My favorite part is the AR feature.  You aim your camera at a plane and it pops up a little info card giving you all the info..aircraft type, origin/destination, etc.. FLAMES SHOOT FROM AMERICAN AIRLINES FLIGHT BEFORE EMERGENCY LANDING Philly Ray in MN can't believe that Dude Wipes has leaned into the stupid craze. Do we have any readers who use these wipes? I want to hear from you. Yes, I'll keep you anonymous. – Mike from Centerville, OH checks in: You're in to covering sports and culture. In my opinion I believe you need to get an Outkick booth, or at least media pass, to cover the Cincinnati (Mason, OH) Open in the future. This is really where sports (tennis) and culture collide. It truly is a world-class event. Between the 4 major tennis championships (Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and U.S Open) there are 9 other major Tennis tournaments played in the world. And only 4 are played in North America: Indian Wells, CA (Palm Springs), Miami and a rotation between Toronto & Montreal along with Mason. But, with all of that said, would you pay $105 for a steak to eat with plastic utensils?! That's what one vendor is charging! I didn't believe it, but when the little misses told me what she paid for our 2 burgers I had to go over and look at the menu. Yeah, I know, it's a shi–y picture, but I didn't want to be too obvious....Probably need a new phone too. But $105. For a steak you have to use a plastic knife to cut. The misses, after ordering our expensive burgers, told me she saw a woman drop over $300. So, I went over and asked what type of cutlery do we get to cut the $105 steak. It's plastic, but wrapped in a "nice" napkin. Seriously. Look, I'm a huge proponent of capitalism and if that vendor can make that work I'm all for him. And, I know, this being a world-class event this is some people's annual vacation/trip so they're willing to spend more on the trip. But a $105 steak you have to eat with a plastic fork and cut with a plastic knife?! Where did common sense go? Kinsey: Hold up, you're supposed to cut the steak with a plastic knife? If you're successful cutting the steak with a plastic knife, I might need to try said steak. #################### ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! And with that, let's roll. I have an NFL flag story to publish. Have a great day. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a845e682c5335ae10480e31 Boulevard Glass & Metal Offers Shower Door Replacements in Lower Burrell, PA te 2026-08-18T13:30:16.480Z Boulevard Glass & Metal Offers Shower Door Replacements in Lower Burrell, PA Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a845e672c5335ae10480e28 Geely Auto Reports Record H1 2026 Revenue of RMB 173.6 Billion; Core Profit Attributable to Owners of the Parent Rises 46% te 2026-08-18T13:30:15.636Z Geely Auto Reports Record H1 2026 Revenue of RMB 173.6 Billion; Core Profit Attributable to Owners of the Parent Rises 46% Revenue reached an all-time first-half high of RMB 173.6 billion (up 15% YoY). Core profit attributable to owners of the parent rose 46% to RMB 9.68 billion. Total vehicle sales volume hit 1.42 million units, supported by strong performances across… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a845e662c5335ae10480e1f Geely Auto Reports Record H1 2026 Revenue of RMB 173.6 Billion; Core Profit Attributable to Owners of the Parent Rises 46% te 2026-08-18T13:30:14.733Z Geely Auto Reports Record H1 2026 Revenue of RMB 173.6 Billion; Core Profit Attributable to Owners of the Parent Rises 46% Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a845e652c5335ae10480e16 Toys for Tots Literacy Program’s Operation Turn the Page is Unlocking Futures Through Books te 2026-08-18T13:30:13.881Z Toys for Tots Literacy Program’s Operation Turn the Page is Unlocking Futures Through Books Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a845e642c5335ae10480e0d Toys for Tots Literacy Program’s Operation Turn the Page is Unlocking Futures Through Books te 2026-08-18T13:30:12.934Z Toys for Tots Literacy Program’s Operation Turn the Page is Unlocking Futures Through Books Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a845e5c2c5335ae10480ddb Apple’s new macOS update reportedly contains a video of AirPods with a camera te 2026-08-18T13:30:04.265Z Apple’s new macOS update reportedly contains a video of AirPods with a camera A video in a MacOS Tahoe release candidate version shows a user wearing AirPods, looking at a book, and talking to Siri. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8459b42c5335ae10480d5c Hayden Panettiere and the child stars whose relationships with their momagers turned complicated te 2026-08-18T13:10:12.933Z Hayden Panettiere and the child stars whose relationships with their momagers turned complicated Hayden Panettiere’s death at the age of 36 came just months after the late actress publicly opened up about her estrangement from her mother and former manager, Lesley Vogel. The former "Heroes" star died on Sunday at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, where she had been temporarily staying. Authorities have said the cause and manner of her death remain under investigation. In her memoir "This Is Me: A Reckoning," published in May, Panettiere detailed her complicated relationship with Vogel, who managed the actress's career after she began working in the entertainment industry as a baby. HAYDEN PANETTIERE DEAD AT 36 During an interview with Us Weekly, Panettiere confirmed that she and Vogel were not in contact. "Unfortunately, we don’t have a relationship right now," she told the outlet in May. "But that doesn’t mean that I don’t leave the door open for the opportunity to present itself one day. It’s hard for me to say, but I’ve chosen to be brutally honest." Born in Palisades, New York, Panettiere was the daughter of former soap opera actress Vogel and New York City firefighter Alan "Skip" Panettiere. Panettiere signed with the modeling agency Wilhelmina Models at eight-months-old and booked her first commercial at eleven months. She landed her first recurring television role in the long-running soap opera "One Life to Live" when she was 4. ‘PARENT TRAP’ STAR HAYLEY MILLS LOST HER DISNEY FORTUNE TO ‘THE TAX MAN’ Vogel assumed the role of Panettiere's manager, making business and financial decisions for her daughter throughout her childhood. In her memoir, Panettiere reflected on growing up with Vogel overseeing her career and how the blurred lines between mother and manager affected their relationship long after she became an adult. Panettiere portrayed Vogel as a domineering and complicated figure in her childhood, alleging that her mother could be volatile and withholding of affection as she managed her daughter’s career. During an interview with The Independent in May, Panettiere recalled how she was lauded for her acting skills at a very early age and began to associate professional praise with maternal affection. GOLDIE HAWN SOUNDS THE ALARM ON CHILDHOOD CELEBRITY CULTURE: 'ALL I CAN SAY IS IT'S A NIGHTMARE' "Getting that kind of praise so young made me feel empowered and happy," Panettiere said. "But it was also all wrapped up in pleasing my mom. Her opinions were the most important to me. I associated praise with love. So being praised felt like being loved." In her book, Panettiere also recounted specific incidents to illustrate the pressures she faced as her mother managed her career. In one striking anecdote, Panettiere recalled losing a baby tooth at age 8 less than 24 hours before an important audition. Panettiere wrote that both she and Vogel became panicked, fearing the gap would prevent her from booking the gig. She claimed that Vogel ultimately superglued the tooth to her dental flipper and she went on to land the job. During an appearance on Jay Shetty's "On Purpose" podcast in May, Panettiere described how she had felt about the dynamic that emerged from Vogel serving as both her mother and manager. HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS FILMING ‘NASHVILLE’ WAS LIKE LIVING THROUGH ADDICTION TWICE "Everything was business," she recalled. "I became the confidant and the assistant and the therapist and the shoulder to cry on and everything but her child." After years as a successful child actor, Panettiere skyrocketed to fame at 17 when she landed the role of cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s hit series "Heroes," which premiered in 2006. While speaking with Shetty, Panettiere recalled that at age 19, she decided to end her business relationship with Vogel because she wanted them to have a more normal mother-daughter relationship. "I said to her, ‘I don’t want us to work together anymore. I just want you to be my mom,’" Panettiere remembered. "I remember being hopeful," she continued. "But I also wasn’t expecting the reaction that I got, which was, ‘You owe me.’ And that’s all she said. And she walked out." Panettiere said that she later ruminated on her mother's comment, which she found confusing. "It was like this dark looming cloud, you know, over my head going, ‘What does she mean by I owe her?’ ‘What form of payment is she expecting?,'" Panettiere remembered. "And it was disappointing to find out that it was money and that she didn't pursue a relationship with me as just a mother/daughter." "The fact that she didn’t care to have a relationship with me was a tough pill to swallow," she added. FORMER DISNEY STAR MAITLAND WARD SAYS YOUNG ACTORS WERE TREATED LIKE A 'PRODUCT' IN HOLLYWOOD FACTORY Although Panettiere stressed that she wasn't solely supporting her family as a child actor, she said Vogel established a corporation around her work and some of her childhood earnings went toward family expenses, including car leases and cell phone bills. She described the dynamic as "role reversal," that left her feeling "incredibly uncomfortable." Panettere's parents separated in 2008 and finalized their divorce in 2016. The former couple also shared son Jansen Panettiere, who died suddenly in 2023 at the age of 28 due to heart complications. Vogel has previously disputed Panettiere's portrayal of their relationship. In May, ahead of the publication of Panettiere's book, Vogel addressed her estrangement from her daughter. "After 20 years of trauma, I took the advice of professionals and chose the no-contact route," she told Page Six in part at the time. "As many parents of entertainment children [know], we are all too familiar with the painful observation of watching the self-destructive paths they sometimes choose. No parent hopes for this scenario; we want our children to be the best of themselves and live a peaceful, joyful life!" Vogel also suggested that the public airing of their family conflict was "partially to sell books." Fox News Digital has reached out to Vogel for comment on her daughter’s death and Panettiere’s previous statements about their relationship. Panettiere was far from the first former child star whose relationship with a parent became complicated when the mother doubled as a manager. Here's a look at other actresses who have opened up about fraught family dynamics with their former momagers. Former "iCarly" star Jennette McCurdy has frequently spoken out candidly about her difficult relationship with her late mother and former manager Debra McCurdy. In her bestselling 2022 memoir "I’m Glad My Mom Died," Jennette wrote extensively about their dynamic, describing Debra as intensely controlling and abusive. Jennette recalled that Debra pushed Jennette into the acting industry at age 6 to live out her own unfulfilled dreams, though the Nickelodeon star has said she never wanted to become an actress. "My mom had always dreamt of being a famous actor and she became obsessed with making me a star," McCurdy claimed in a 2021 interview with People magazine. "I felt like my job was to keep the peace and I wanted to make my mom happy." In her memoir and past interviews, Jennette alleged that Debra introduced her to calorie restriction when the actress was 11, leading to lifelong eating disorders. Jennette has accused Debra of monitoring her excessively, performing inappropriate physical exams and continuing to shower her well into her teenage years. The now 34-year-old claimed that Debra controlled every aspect of her personal and financial life until her mother died due to cancer in 2013. She has said that it was only after Debra's death and years of therapy that she came to identify what she had experienced as abuse. Jennette eventually left acting, describing it as an identity her mother had created for her. Brooke Shields has never disputed the complicated relationship she shared with her late mother, Teri Shields, who the actress has described as the "original momager." Teri managed Brooke's career from the time she made her modeling debut at 11 months old into her 20s. Brooke has previously said she supported the family household as a child star and Teri tightly controlled her schedules, sets, and interviews. The actress and model has also spoken out about how she was sexualized and objectified as a minor, including playing a child sex worker in the controversial 1978 movie "Pretty Baby" at 11 to starring in provocative Calvin Klein ads at 15. Teri also struggled with alcoholism, which Brooke has said further complicated their relationship, especially with her mother's dual roles as a mother and manager. In her late 20s, Brooke ultimately fired Teri as her manager, a decision she later described as "the hardest thing" she had ever done. Brooke has described suffering lasting trauma due to growing up with an alcoholic mother, saying she learned from an early age to monitor Teri’s moods and behavior. However, she has resisted portraying herself simply as her mother’s victim, maintaining that Teri fiercely loved and protected her despite their complicated relationship. Teri passed away in October 2012 after a long illness due to dementia. Drew Barrymore has previously described having a complex relationship with her mother and former manager, Jaid Barrymore. After Drew shot to fame in the 1982 mega-hit movie "E.T.: the Extra-Terrestrial" at age 7, her mother brought her along to Hollywood parties and nightclubs while she was still a child, which she said created a dynamic in which Jaid behaved more like a friend than a parent. By 13, Drew began to struggle with addictions to drugs and alcohol. Jaid later admitted her to a psychiatric institution, where she spent 18 months. Drew was legally emancipated from her mother at 14 and began living independently. Despite their painful history, Barrymore has said she and Jaid eventually reconciled and remain in contact. She has acknowledged her mother’s failures while also saying she believes Jaid loved her and was herself ill-equipped to raise a child in the extraordinary circumstances of Drew’s early fame. Leighton Meester’s relationship with her mother and former manager, Constance Meester, eventually deteriorated into a bitter legal battle. At age 11, Leighton launched her modeling career after she and Constance moved from Florida to New York. Leighton made her acting debut at 13 in a 1999 episode of "Law & Order" and landed her breakthrough role in the hit show "Gossip Girl" in 2009 when she was 20. In 2011, at the height of her "Gossip Girl" fame, Leighton sued her mother, alleging that some of the $7,500 she sent home each month to help care for her younger brother, who had serious health problems, was instead being spent on cosmetic procedures and personal expenses, including Botox, plastic surgery and hair extensions. Constance countersued her daughter, claiming Leighton had promised to support her financially and owed her $10,000 a month. A judge ultimately sided with Leighton in 2012, ruling that there was no valid agreement requiring her to financially support her mother. Mischa Barton is another star who found herself facing her mother and former manager Nuala Barton in court. Mischa began acting professionally at age 8, around the same time Nuala began managing her career. Nuala received a 10% management fee from her daughter’s earnings. In 2003, Mischa rose to fame at 17 after landing the role of troubled Newport Beach teen Marissa Cooper on the hit series "The O.C." However, Mischa's personal and professional relationship with her mother eventually fell apart. Mischa sued her mother in 2015, with her complaint describing Nuala as a "greedy stage mother." The actress alleged that her mother had taken control of her finances and lied about how much she was being paid for a film and pocketed the difference. She also accused Nuala of assigning herself co-ownership of a $7.8 million Beverly Hills home that was purchased with Mischa's earnings. Nuala denied the allegations, with her representative calling claims of dishonest or improper conduct "outrageous and patently false." Mischa ultimately moved to dismiss the lawsuit in 2016. During a 2024 appearance on Alex Cooper's "Call Her Daddy" podcast, Mischa explained why she decided to fire Nuala as her manager. "It just wasn’t healthy," she said. "I’ve really learned to prioritize my chosen family and the people who have really, actually been there for me. I don’t rely on any one particular family member anymore. I’ve learned that for my own happiness." Ariel Winter had a turbulent relationship with her mother and former manager Chrisoula "Crystal" Workman and the two have remained estranged for years. Winter previously said her mother "pushed" her into the entertainment industry at age 4 and Workman went on to manage her career. Workman also served as the president and secretary of the family's entertainment company Winter Sky Entertainment. At age 11, Winter was cast in her breakout role as Alex Dunphy on the hit sitcom "Modern Family," which premiered in 2009. When she was 14 in 2012, Winter was removed from the care of Workman amid allegations of physical and emotional abuse and her older sister was appointed her guardian. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Workman also temporarily lost control of her daughter's finances and career. A judge also ordered her to step down from her roles at Winter Sky Entertainment. Court filings also accused Workman of restricting Winter’s food and attempting to sexualize her appearance. Workman has repeatedly denied all allegations. Winter was legally emancipated and declared an adult at age 17 in 2015. She has repeatedly asserted that she and Workman remain estranged. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS During a 2025 interview with People magazine, Winter said her "entire childhood" was her "biggest source of trauma." "It’s a really deep, painful, sore, sore part for me that’s so much deeper and bigger than I’ve ever felt ready to talk about," she said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8459b42c5335ae10480d53 Fox News Power Rankings: As Democrats turn left, Black voters tap the brakes te 2026-08-18T13:10:12.256Z Fox News Power Rankings: As Democrats turn left, Black voters tap the brakes President Trump’s return to office was made possible in part because of increasing support from three traditionally Democratic groups: Hispanic voters (41% supported Trump, a 6-point improvement from 2020), young voters (46%, up 10 points) and Black voters (15%, up 7 points). There isn’t much evidence that Democrats have figured out how to talk to these voters again, but for two of the three groups, Trump’s declining approval rating is doing the job for them. In a recent Marquette survey, two-thirds of young Americans said they disapproved of Trump, and 56% said they would support the Democratic candidate in their district. Hispanics were also unhappy with the president: 71% disapproved of his performance and 56% said they’ll support a Democrat this November. Black voters haven’t come all the way home yet. One in five Black Americans approves of Trump, but only 69% say they’ll support a Democrat in their district. That’s 21 points below Biden’s 2020 share of the Black vote, when he thanked those voters for delivering his victory. DSA BRAND ON TRIAL AS EL-SAYED STRUGGLES WHERE DEMS CAN LEAST AFFORD IT Democratic candidates in three battleground states are also staring at Black voter erosion, but they’ve found ways to stem the losses. In Georgia, Sen. Jon Ossoff is running 10 points behind Biden’s 2020 support among Black voters. In North Carolina, it’s 7 points. In Texas, State Rep. James Talarico is running about even with Black voters over that period. It’s a different story in Michigan. According to a new Fox News poll, 75% of Black voters support newly minted Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed. That’s down 18 points from their support for Biden. EL-SAYED ADMITS FREE HEALTHCARE MEANS PAYING 'A LITTLE BIT MORE IN TAXES' REGARDLESS OF INCOME El-Sayed’s far-left platform is probably playing a role in Black voters’ skepticism. In the Marquette survey, just 36% of Black Americans said they had a favorable view of the Democratic Socialists of America. (Bear in mind that because Black voters are a small group in most surveys, these results have large margins of error.) You can also see it in the maps from three recent Democratic primaries: El-Sayed did poorly in Black-majority areas like Detroit, while Wisconsin democratic socialist Francesca Hong underperformed in Milwaukee, another city with a high Black population. Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a card-carrying member of the DSA, also struggled with Black voters in New York City last year. That might explain why he’s been on a "Black media blitz" to defend some of his most controversial ideas. It might be working: Mamdani’s favorability among New Yorkers sat at 69% in a Siena poll released last week. In any case, the clock is ticking for the far-left. Michigan starts absentee voting on September 24. The state’s Senate race moves to toss-up in this edition of the Fox News Power Rankings, along with another big-name state. Three gubernatorial races also just got more competitive. Senate: Two more states become toss-ups, giving both parties a chance at a landslide MEET THE DEMOCRAT WHO NARROWLY DEFEATED SOCIALIST RIVAL IN KEY SWING-STATE BATTLE OVER THE PARTY’S FUTURE The latest Senate forecast includes six states where neither Democrats nor Republicans have an edge. That could make for an extraordinary election night. In one scenario, the Democrats not only flip the Senate, but end up with 53 seats. In another, Republicans hold on to the Senate with no net loss of seats. The GOP has a better chance at flipping Michigan than it did a week ago. In last week’s Fox survey, former Rep. Mike Rogers had the support of 51% of voters to El-Sayed’s 47%, within the margin of error. Republicans are united in their support for Rogers, a strong and seasoned campaigner. With a quarter of Black voters not backing El-Sayed, his coalition isn’t complete. The fundamentals still favor the Democrats, but in what is certain to be a high-turnout election, El-Sayed will need every Democrat to show up. This race is now a toss-up. FOX NEWS POLL: A SENATE BATTLE LOOMS IN MICHIGAN At the same time, the national environment hasn’t changed. Trump’s overall approval rating is stuck in the 30s; his ratings on the economy and Iran are often lower. Gas prices have proven even tougher to sell: only 21% of Americans recently said they approved of Trump when asked specifically about that issue. That has benefited Talarico, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Texas, who has enjoyed some robust polling results this summer. He’s averaging 48% in three recent polls, hitting 51% in Fox’s survey, while his opponent, Ken Paxton, averages 46%. Paxton’s history of legal and personal issues is likely playing a role in that latter figure, and while Talarico must defend a history of "woke" comments, voters say they’re less worried about those. They could make the difference in an election year that’s already favorable to Democrats. Texas is also a toss-up. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer raised some eyebrows last week when he said Democrats were expanding the Senate map to include Kansas (Trump +16 in 2024) and Mississippi (Trump +23). The comment came shortly after El-Sayed’s victory in Michigan, and with parts of the party establishment balking at that win, Schumer may just be giving donors options. Still, Kansas wouldn’t be out of reach on an outstanding night for Democrats. Megachurch pastor Adam Hamilton is already a well-funded Democratic challenger; he faces incumbent GOP Sen. Roger Marshall. This race moves to Likely R. Governor: Texas, Alaska, and Minnesota are all in play Based on polls alone, Texas’ gubernatorial race looks remarkably similar to the Senate. In the same three polls this summer, incumbent Gov. Greg Abbott has the support of 49% of voters, with Democrat Gina Hinojosa sitting at 46%. There’s more to the story than that. When Republican voters show up in Texas, they easily outnumber Democrats, and while Paxton appears not to be helping this ticket, Abbott’s fundraising prowess and experience in close races should keep the candidates apart when the votes are tallied. Even as Republicans maintain a lead, though, this race is clearly competitive. It moves from Solid R to Likely R. Alaska voters will head to the polls tonight for their top-four primaries, which will narrow the field but won’t tell us a whole lot more. This year’s gubernatorial election features 17 candidates, none of whom is an incumbent, but one might seem that way: Tom Begich, a former Democratic legislator with three relatives who have served in the U.S. House or Senate. It’s a difficult race to predict, but between former Rep. Mary Peltola’s Senate push and Begich’s name on the ballot, it’s going to be competitive. It moves from Likely R to Lean R. Finally, the Republican establishment had a good week in Minnesota, where popular former NFL sideline reporter Michele Tafoya won the party’s nomination for Senate, and state House Speaker Lisa Demuth became the party’s gubernatorial nominee. Demuth will face Democratic Sen. Amy Klobuchar this November, a formidable opponent who has criticized the state’s handling of fraud involving government programs. But that issue gives the GOP a rare opening in this blue-leaning state, and with this slate of candidates, the party is likely to invest here. Minnesota’s gubernatorial race moves from Solid D to Likely D. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8459b32c5335ae10480d4a Disney sues FCC over ‘retaliatory campaign against ABC,’ seeks to block early renewal proceedings te 2026-08-18T13:10:11.532Z Disney sues FCC over ‘retaliatory campaign against ABC,’ seeks to block early renewal proceedings Disney sued the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday, seeking to block the agency’s early broadcast license renewal proceedings for ABC stations in a lawsuit alleging First Amendment violations. FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called for early renewal of eight ABC-owned stations' licenses in April.  The Disney-owned ABC stations' licenses were originally scheduled to be renewed between 2028 and 2031, but the FCC expedited the process amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel. The eight stations must demonstrate they have been operating in the public interest as part of an ongoing look at Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices. In the lawsuit, ABC said the Trump administration "has waged a retaliatory campaign against ABC for a single reason: it disapproves of what ABC broadcasts." ABC is also expected to file a motion for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. The FCC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.  An FCC spokesperson previously issued the following statement: "For decades, Americans of all stripes have been subsidizing broadcast media to the tune of many billions of dollars by giving TV stations free use of a valuable, public resource — the airwaves. In exchange, broadcasters are required by law to operate in the public interest, not in the narrow or partisan interests of a political party.  "Broadcasters know that they are prohibited from engaging in invidious forms of DEI discrimination, that they must comply with political equal opportunity regulations and that they are barred from running broadcast hoaxes or distorting the news. The FCC is going to hold broadcasters accountable to the full extent of the law, regardless of any disinformation campaign that some of them may choose to run." This is a developing story, more to come… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8459ad2c5335ae10480d2a A free dishwasher and a path to remain in the classroom te 2026-08-18T13:10:05.323Z A free dishwasher and a path to remain in the classroom While walking his dog, the chemistry teacher saw a dishwasher across the street. It was parked on the curb. It needed a hose and electrical line. It was abandoned. Free. Blake Betteridge was unsure it worked. He only knew he needed one in his chemistry classroom at Desert View High School. Once he got the dishwasher loaded into his room, he found a space, fixed it, and could finally wash the beakers, cylinders and test tubes his students use. Betteridge, 39, is one of several Sunnyside Unified School District teachers whose professional development is funded, allowing them to earn special certification to teach dual enrollment courses.  Ultimately, there’s a student benefit: earning credit toward an associates’ or bachelor’s degree. That support through professional development can also keep teachers in the classroom.  In Arizona, teachers leave their schools at double the national average rate of 7%, according to the Center for the Future of Arizona. Professional development is one way school districts can stand out with customized workshops and programs to grow teachers and keep them beyond that three-to-five year drop-out window. “I had to duct tape the drain hose to the sink,” he said. “And they plumbed the dishwasher for me. It’s been really nice.” Investing in the professional growth of new teachers is good for them professionally and personally. It also makes sense financially for school districts. About this series The teacher retention series is a partnership between Arizona Luminaria education reporter Shannon Conner and 13 News education reporter Isabela Lisco. The project includes 13 newsrooms from around the state, collaborating with the Arizona Local News Foundation. The collection of stories explores Arizona’s teacher retention crises through the voices of Tucson-area educators and how they navigate it with classroom preparation, professional development, and supplementing their careers with second jobs. Watch and read the complete series to hear from teachers, administrators, advocates and experts.  Professional development can mean teacher investment like the dual enrollment certification, a training program or providing deep backgrounding on a district’s culture.  The alternative of teacher turnover is costly: Estimates range from $9,000 to $21,000 per teacher depending on the district, according to the American College of Education. Districts can reduce turnover, save money and improve student achievement when teachers have comprehensive professional training. Betteridge remains at Desert View because of it, he says. Sunnyside investment pays off Subsidizing dual enrollment training for teachers is just one element of professional development the Sunnyside District offers. So far, it’s invested in seven teachers paying — $6,000 each toward their teaching certifications.  It pays off for the students, too. With about 12,000 students districtwide, Sunnyside is offering 25 new sections of dual enrollment courses. Arizona students are twice as likely to enroll in a post-secondary school if they’ve had some experience with dual enrollment, the district says. Taking dual enrollment classes means students are earning high school and community college credit at the same time. Last May, five graduates in the Sunnyside District earned their associate degrees from Pima Community College the day before they graduated from high school. “I think the path for teachers to earn more money or have more voice has often been to go into administration,” said NJ Utter, who retired over the summer as Sunnyside’s student services coordinator. “But we’ve been committed for a long time now to make sure teachers have a voice and opportunities to earn additional money without having to leave the classrooms to do so.” For Betteridge and others, working on their certification rekindled a spark. As a chemistry teacher, it encourages him to teach better, to reach more. Students get that vibe and respond. “We really look at what’s going on in the world that we can relate to what we’re learning in class,” he said.  “They had to go through this whole process of  ‘I need to develop my question and then my hypothesis’ and so it was really, really interesting to watch their wheels turn,” said Betteridge, who’s been with the district for his entire 15-year career.  “We’ve done things like: ‘should we build a nuclear power plant in Tucson?’ Then they start thinking about, ‘Oh, well, we don’t have a lot of water.’”  Utter says Sunnyside is building a sustainable model. Because Pima Community College requires most adjuncts to have a master’s degree in their subject area — which many public school teachers don’t have — the district partnered with the college and the University of Arizona to expand dual enrollment for students. “I’d love to think we can show the impact for our students. And that information will continue to be a tool for our leadership to encourage more of that at the state level so that it becomes a regular part of funding for our students,” Utter said. “What does it mean for a district to be able to keep those highly ambitious teachers is what we’re talking about right? To keep them in the district.” TUSD grows its own with Academy Teacher retention and addressing the teaching shortage was the motivation for starting Tucson Unified School District’s Teacher Development Academy in 2023. The academy is a free two-year program to earn elementary teacher certification, through night classes and summer instruction. Students receive a teacher’s salary plus benefits. In exchange, they must work in a TUSD school for at least two years. “When we have teachers that are natural teachers but just can’t afford to go back to school or have the time to go back to college, that’s what TDA does,” said Alicia Nourse, Teacher Development Academy program manager “It’s a very competitive program.” Nourse said the third TDA cohort is currently underway; the first two each started with 25 participants and had a 90% retention rate. “I honestly feel that one of the key components to TDA — and making it so strong — is that the courses that we actually get in the TDA are specific to our demographic and TUSD,” Nourse said. Henry Payne is one of 25 students in the Teacher Development Academy in the Tucson Unified School District. The free two-year program earns students certification and then they teach at least two years in the district. Credit: Isabela Lisco, Channel 13 News Teacher-in-training Henry Payne says that insight into district culture attracted him to the program. As a former behavioral specialist and teacher’s assistant in TUSD, Payne said an assistant principal lauded his skills and encouraged him to apply.  “I was always kind of hesitant about going into teaching, because I was obviously a student at one point, and I saw how much stress that job took in. But after the year I’ve been through, it’s been manageable. I’ve done it,” said Payne, who’s currently in a fourth grade class at Vesey Elementary. “You have to accept you’re going to be overwhelmed if it’s your first year. Doubly so when you’re doing the training program at the same time,” he said. “A lot of what you’re going to see is curriculum that you might not be familiar with or it’s being taught in ways that differ from how you learned as a kid. But there’s tons of resources that can help bring you up to speed. “I never felt like I was kind of drowning alone.” Nourse says students range from career backgrounds in finance to criminal justice and everything in between, including stay-at-home moms who always wanted to be teachers. All have the required bachelor’s degrees. And the program allows them to do both, if they want.  “We’ve actually encountered some research about these grow-your-own programs that the percentage of students that then teach after certification is higher than those, for example, who just do it after their bachelor’s or do it as a bachelor’s program and then maybe don’t even finish their certification process,” she said. The program retains and recruits teachers from the Tucson community, Norse said. “I think that’s the most powerful thing that we can possibly do.”  Isabela Lisco is a Report for America corpsmember covering education solutions for 13 News. Her position is made possible through funding from Report for America and the Arizona Local News Foundation’s Arizona Community Collaborative Fund.  Shannon Conner is the education solutions reporter for Arizona Luminaria supported by a grant from the Arizona Local News Foundation.  The post A free dishwasher and a path to remain in the classroom appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8459aa2c5335ae10480d0b Daniel Ek’s body-scanning startup Neko Health opens first US office, in New York te 2026-08-18T13:10:02.499Z Daniel Ek’s body-scanning startup Neko Health opens first US office, in New York The scanning and bloodwork health startup founded by Spotify's founder will officially launch in New York in about a month. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8454fc2c5335ae10480c86 Residents on Hawaii’s Big Island Look to Help One Another After Hurricane Lala te 2026-08-18T12:50:04.360Z Residents on Hawaii’s Big Island Look to Help One Another After Hurricane Lala In a remote region of the ravaged Big Island, there were community gas runs, donated turkey stuffing, a makeshift emergency broadcast and even a helicopter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8452a72c5335ae10480c37 Spartan Glass & Mirror Offers Custom Frameless Shower Doors in Mason, Michigan te 2026-08-18T12:40:07.651Z Spartan Glass & Mirror Offers Custom Frameless Shower Doors in Mason, Michigan Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84504b2c5335ae10480a9b ‘Like Totally’: The San Fernando Valley Celebrates Itself on 818 Day te 2026-08-18T12:30:03.419Z ‘Like Totally’: The San Fernando Valley Celebrates Itself on 818 Day The Valley is often ignored in Los Angeles discussions, and residents once tried to secede from the city. But on one day each year, the region gets its recognition. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a844df22c5335ae10480a24 Fairphone is launching its latest repairable phone in the US too te 2026-08-18T12:20:02.779Z Fairphone is launching its latest repairable phone in the US too The Fairphone 6+ is priced at $649 and will be available on Amazon. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a844ba22c5335ae104809f7 Pro wrestling legend Matt Hardy shares advice he tells younger talent rising through the sport te 2026-08-18T12:10:10.110Z Pro wrestling legend Matt Hardy shares advice he tells younger talent rising through the sport Matt Hardy has been in pro wrestling for nearly 35 years and when young talent who are trying to make it in the sport ask for his advice, they’ll usually listen. Hardy shared the advice he tells others in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. He said those who are trying to make it big have to live the lifestyle of a professional wrestler. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL "The main piece of advice I always share with people, if you really want to make a career out of wrestling, you have to make it a lifestyle," he said. "You have to do something every single day that kind of will help assist your journey and in your whole goal of being a pro wrestler. "You have to exercise a certain way, try and eat a certain way, try and sleep a certain way, get in the habit of working out, get in the habit of knowing everyone and everything that's going on at every promotion because you never know where you'll get an opportunity." Pro wrestling promotions, especially the ones featuring former stars from WWE, All Elite Wrestling and Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA), sometimes have scouts watching closely. Being able to be on your game, is crucial. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "And that's what's key because timing is everything in pro wrestling," Hardy explained. "You never know, you might get an opportunity to go somewhere at a promotion you're not familiar with, and if you don't know, then maybe they feel disrespected and they're not as interested in you. But you just need to be as much on the pulse of pro wrestling as you possibly can be and make it a lifestyle." The current TNA star also added that buying into your own character is another part that a pro wrestler should focus on. "And authenticity is real important, too," he told Fox News Digital. "If you can find something that you're doing as a character, as a performer, which seems authentic, which seems something that is relatable to you, you feel comfortable doing, that'll usually come off the best." Hardy, and his brother Jeff, will defend the TNA World Tag Team Championship at Lockdown on Sunday against Nic and Ryan Nemeth. The pay-per-view will take place at the Credit Union 1 Arena in Chicago. Each match will be inside a steel cage. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a844ba12c5335ae104809ee Rotting food stench still hangs over neighborhood weeks after massive warehouse blaze te 2026-08-18T12:10:09.396Z Rotting food stench still hangs over neighborhood weeks after massive warehouse blaze Los Angeles residents of Boyle Heights are still living with the aftermath of a massive June 17 warehouse fire, as the stench of rotting food and ongoing pest problems continue to disrupt the neighborhood, according to reports. Lineage Logistics, the company that runs the cold-storage facility, had not completed the food cleanup by a Friday deadline cited by Los Angeles officials — though the company disputes that the deadline had passed, FOX 11 Los Angeles reported. City officials say a 45-day timeline requiring Lineage to clear the rotting food expired Friday at 5 p.m., with the work unfinished. Lineage maintains that the 45-day period started later. MYSTERIOUS NOISE PLAGUES 3 NEIGHBORING TOWNS, LEAVING RESIDENTS EXHAUSTED AND SHAKEN Mayor Karen Bass said city attorneys are taking action against the company. Air quality regulators told FOX 11 that the disputed deadline has no impact on their ability to continue enforcement. Lineage, meanwhile, said it's removed 93% of the more than 80 million pounds of spoiled food from the facility. The company has also rejected the idea that Friday marked its deadline, saying its 45-day timeline began July 7 and runs through Aug. 20, according to FOX 11. Lineage claims it is on day 37, the outlet reported. Evan Lovett, founder of the "LA in a Minute" podcast and a Los Angeles resident, told Fox News Digital in an Aug. 11 interview that, to him, the smell is still overwhelming. "Even from the freeway, you could still smell it," Lovett said. The lingering odor is not the only problem residents have reported.  An LA County Department of Public Health survey released on July 27 found that 84% of 240 responding households in the area reported an increase in pests. Among respondents, 76% reported more flies, 40% reported more mosquitoes and 35% reported more rodents. UNSAFE WATER WARNING ISSUED FOR ONE OF AMERICA'S MOST VISITED BEACH DESTINATIONS Despite the cleanup progress, Lovett said he believes the situation has not received the level of attention it would have in some other parts of Los Angeles. "There [are] a lot of different communities in Los Angeles that I feel like would have gotten a lot more attention," he said. Boyle Heights deserves the same urgency, he added. In a statement on its website, Lineage said, "From the moment it started, we have been on the ground in Boyle Heights listening and working alongside this community. "Boyle Heights is not just where we operate," the company continued. "Lineage has been part of this neighborhood for over 20 years and the greater Los Angeles area for even longer, employing thousands of residents and contributing to the economic life of this city. We are committed to this community during this recovery, and beyond." On July 27, Lineage applied for permits to rebuild the warehouse exactly as it was.  Mayor Bass called this "a slap in the face" to the community and took executive action to halt the processing of those rebuilding plans, according to FOX 11. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES The South Coast Air Quality Management District issued 25 notices of violation to Lineage for public nuisance as of early August, FOX 11 noted, with the LA County Public Health citing the company for unsanitary conditions and pest-control violations.  On Aug. 5, the mayor published an open letter to Lineage shareholders. In the letter, Bass said the city and local partners had provided mobile health clinics, air purifiers, emergency housing assistance, grocery cards, diapers, formula and other resources. Separately, LA County Public Health said it distributed nearly 3,900 N95 masks to residents. "This incident is no longer simply about a warehouse fire," Bass wrote in her letter. "It now raises broader questions about Lineage's crisis management, operational controls, environmental stewardship, executive decision-making and Board oversight." "The progress made in 35 days of cleanup is nothing short of extraordinary," Jeff Rivera, Lineage’s chief operating officer, said in a previous statement on the company’s website. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Lineage said in its statement, as FOX 11 reported, "The timeline is dictated by the reality on the ground, not by our willingness or our resources, and we are expected to spend $100 million on our cleanup effort. We have spared no expense, held nothing back, and we are not slowing down. We will not stop until the job is done." The company also said it is expecting more than 100,000 hours of work, an average of 400 workers a day and more than 4,000 truckloads of debris removed, said FOX 11. Lineage said it anticipates finishing bulk food removal by this Thursday — followed by spot cleaning, disinfecting and detailing through August 27.  Fox News Digital reached out to Lineage Logistics and Boyle Heights officials for additional comment and details. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84494c2c5335ae1048099d Wladimir Klitschko mourns former fiancée Hayden Panettiere, vows to keep her memory alive for daughter Kaya te 2026-08-18T12:00:12.168Z Wladimir Klitschko mourns former fiancée Hayden Panettiere, vows to keep her memory alive for daughter Kaya Wladimir Klitschko is mourning his former fiancée Hayden Panettiere, saying the actress remained an "important part" of his life and promising to keep her memory alive for their daughter, Kaya. "Our family is going through a time of profound shock and grief," the Ukrainian former heavyweight boxing champion wrote on Instagram after Panettiere’s death at 36. "She left this world far too soon." Klitschko, 50, said that although Panettiere was "no longer my partner," nothing could erase the time they shared or her place in their lives. HAYDEN PANETTIERE: A LIFE IN PICTURES "To our daughter Kaya, I will always speak of her mother with respect and make sure she remembers the person she was," he wrote. The words echoed what Panettiere told Fox News Digital in July about a promise she and Klitschko had made: never to speak badly about each other to their daughter. "Wlad and I have a good relationship," she said. "We made a promise to each other that we would never say a bad word about each other to our child. That was something that I grew up with. And we’ve stuck to that." Panettiere died Sunday in South Carolina. The Greenville County Coroner’s Office and Greenville City Police Department are investigating her death. A preliminary autopsy found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death. Her cause and manner of death remain pending. Panettiere transferred custody of Kaya to Klitschko in 2018, saying she knew she was in a bad place at the time and wanted to protect her daughter. "I just knew that if I wanted to ... I knew how bad a place I was in," Panettiere told Fox News Digital. "I hid it from my daughter as much as I could." Panettiere had spoken publicly about her personal struggles, which she detailed in her memoir, "This Is Me," released in May. She wrote about the lasting effects of growing up in the spotlight, her addiction to alcohol and her battle with postpartum depression after Kaya was born in 2014. HAYDEN PANETTIERE REMEMBERED BY VIOLA DAVIS, BETHANY JOY LENZ AND OTHER CELEBRITIES AFTER SUDDEN DEATH AT 36 She said Kaya had a strong support system in Europe with Klitschko and feared a public custody fight between two famous parents would hurt their daughter. "When I saw her in the environment over there [in Europe] and the support system that she had, I said to myself, ‘If I fight, if I go to war about this, it’s going to permanently damage my child,’" she said. "It’s going to be incredibly public. She’s got two very famous parents, and it’s going to be ugly." Panettiere ultimately decided Kaya should stay with Klitschko. "I said, ‘You know what? Let her grow up here,’" she recalled. "‘I will travel here as much as I can. I know she’s safe. I know she’s well taken care of — beyond well taken care of. She has an incredible life. And I also knew that there would be a day when she would come back to me.’" The decision was painful. "I tried to numb myself," Panettiere said. "It was very hard to wrap my mind around the pain, the emotional pain of that. But you keep putting one foot in front of the other somehow." HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS FILMING ‘NASHVILLE’ WAS LIKE LIVING THROUGH ADDICTION TWICE In his Instagram post, Klitschko also paid tribute to Panettiere’s career. "She built an incredible career through immense talent, while also facing the darker sides of a very demanding industry," he wrote. "Nothing will erase the times we shared or the place she had in our lives." He offered condolences to Panettiere’s parents, friends and fans and asked that the family’s privacy be respected. "Young and talented people like Hayden should not leave this world so soon," he wrote. "Rest easy, Hayden. May you find eternal peace." First responders found Panettiere in cardiac arrest, according to the coroner’s office. EMS personnel attempted to resuscitate her, but she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. "This investigation remains active and ongoing," the coroner’s office said. "No further details are available for release at this time." Panettiere began acting as a baby, appearing in a toy commercial at 11 months old. She voiced Princess Dot in Pixar’s "A Bug’s Life" and played Sheryl Yoast opposite Denzel Washington in the 2000 football drama "Remember the Titans." Panettiere later starred in Disney’s "Ice Princess" and "Bring It On: All or Nothing" before breaking out as Claire Bennet, a cheerleader with the ability to rapidly heal from injuries, on NBC’s "Heroes." She went on to star opposite Connie Britton as country singer Juliette Barnes on "Nashville" from 2012 to 2018. Fox News Digital's Stephanie Nolasco, Christina Dugan Ramirez and Lauryn Overhultz contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84449a2c5335ae104806fd Democrat Party's civil war heads to Florida, Alaska and Wyoming and more top headlines te 2026-08-18T11:40:10.477Z Democrat Party's civil war heads to Florida, Alaska and Wyoming and more top headlines 1. Democrat Party's civil war heads to Florida, Alaska and Wyoming 2. Hayden Panettiere wrote a haunting line about her 'last breath' 3. Neonatologist sounds the alarm after state eliminates abortion limit CAMPUS BLOW — Major university rocked by alleged massive frat house cocaine ring. Continue reading … CROWD CONTROL — Georgia woman says security guard didn't know what was 'offensive' about XX-XY shirts. Continue reading … BETWEEN THE LINES — Nancy Guthrie notes contain writing quirks that could help identify suspect: expert. Continue reading … HONEY TRAP — Declassified FBI docs reveal Swalwell had sex with 'Fang Fang' multiple times. Continue reading … LAST CHANCE — Kushner gives Hamas stark ultimatum: Disarm or Israel gets US backing to ‘finish the job’. Continue reading … -- SHOTS FIRED — Meet the ex-cop aiming to shock the system and flip Omar's seat red: 'People are fed up'. Continue reading … HOLSTER HOLDUP — California gun-rights battle delivers major win for applicants stuck waiting in LA. Continue reading … RED FLAGS — Elite universities face Pentagon audit over foreign research partnerships. Continue reading … DEM CIVIL WAR — Left-wing insurgents battle moderates Tuesday in races that could flip the House. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   ON THE RECORD — ESPN host vows to 'never speak' to NABJ president after 'Thumbs Down' award. Continue reading … CREATOR'S REMORSE — TV legend Oprah washes her hands of any association with Dr Phil or Dr Oz. Continue reading … WAR OF WORDS — CNN fires back after Trump White House makes personal jabs at reporter. Continue reading … FIGHTING THIS BATTLE — Portland Public Schools sued by mother over gender curriculum and retaliation. Continue reading … HUGH HEWITT — Supreme Court should let Trump secure the White House without judicial meddling. Continue reading … LIZ PEEK — Marxist streamer raking in millions from his West Hollywood condo wants your vote. Continue reading … -- FANCY FEAST — Caviar, edible gold and a $100 price tag reinvent the humble hot dog. Continue reading … FIZZ FRENZY — Utah-born Swig sees stronger growth outside its home state as it expands. Continue reading … OCEAN TERROR — Boy finds ancient predator’s tooth on NJ beach as museum confirms rarity. Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on summer splurges and basketball brilliance. Take the quiz here … Tune in as many states accuse the tech giant Meta of designing addictive features that harm children and young adults' mental health. Listen to more on Castbox. 'Ruthless' dives into radical Democratic and Republican warning signs. Check it out ... Madison Prewett Troutt appears on 'The Riley Gaines Show.' Catch the new episode at 10am ET ... Sammy "The Bull" Gravano joins ‘Hang Out with Hannity.' See the new episode at 10am ET ... Jeff Foxworthy joins Planet Tyrus for a wide-ranging and honest conversation. The new episode goes live at 11am ET ... 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/6a8444992c5335ae104806f4 New Hampshire candidate John Sununu blasts Dems for noving ‘First in the Nation Primary’ on Ruthless te 2026-08-18T11:40:09.756Z New Hampshire candidate John Sununu blasts Dems for noving ‘First in the Nation Primary’ on Ruthless Former New Hampshire Senator and candidate John Sununu blasted the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for its decision to remove the state as the first primary in the party’s nominating process in an interview released Tuesday.  "New Hampshire is the best place to hold that first primary because somebody without name recognition, without a huge bankroll, can come into the state, campaign town to town, person to person, and have an impact whether you're a Democrat or a Republican," Sununu told the Ruthless Podcast. Sununu credits this dynamic to the state’s engaged electorate. "We have an electorate that's engaged, with the highest turnout in the country. And so, you know, the sad part is our Democratic delegation, [Rep.] Chris Pappas just completely failed to advocate effectively for the first-in-the-nation status of the primary," he said. ‘FINISH THE DAMN JOB’: HAGERTY TELLS 'RUTHLESS PODCAST' THAT TRUMP WILL COMPLETE IRAN MISSION In an effort to place more racially diverse states earlier in the nomination process, the DNC approved a new calendar that places South Carolina and Nevada ahead of a proposed Feb. 8 contest in New Hampshire.  New Hampshire nearly destroyed Joe Biden's chances in the 2020 Democratic primary, when he finished a dismal fifth. His campaign pivoted to South Carolina, where his landslide victory there turned everything around and helped him topple Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., to win the nomination. Sununu is running for the Republican Senate nomination, looking to replace the retiring Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen. The son and brother of former governors, John previously served in the upper chamber from 2003 to 2009.  In the Republican primary, Sununu faces another former Senator: Scott Brown, who previously represented Massachusetts. Sununu leads in the polling and would likely face Pappas in the general election. Ruthless is scheduling an interview with Brown ahead of the Sept. 8 contest.  SEN RON JOHNSON TALKS FAUCI EMAILS, NEW SENATE FILIBUSTER ON ‘RUTHLESS’ The politically mercurial state has a Republican governor in Kelly Ayotte and GOP control of the legislature, but also two Democratic U.S. Senators. It hasn't voted for a Republican presidential candidate since George W. Bush in 2000. As Democrats look to take back the Senate, Republicans hope that flipping the seat in New Hampshire would put the body out of reach. Fox News has projected the race as  "lean Democrat." Podcast co-host Michael Duncan alluded to this dynamic during the interview. CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW THE RUTHLESS PODCAST "In this environment, in this midterm, there are few opportunities Republicans have to play offense like they can in New Hampshire this cycle," Duncan noted.  The interview took place as part of the Ruthless Midterm Interview Series, an ongoing initiative to interview major candidates across the country. The hosts have already interviewed candidates in 19 states, with more scheduled ahead of the November midterms.  Sununu highlighted his business experience and ties within the state as differentiating factors from the other candidates.  "I went to Salem High School, trained as an engineer, worked in engineering, technology, and manufacturing before getting elected to Congress," Sununu told the Fellas. "We needed someone with real-world small business experience, manufacturing experience, someone who's hired workers, helped train them, dealt with federal regulations, healthcare, and frankly, people who actually understand how these rules and laws and regulations they’re passing affect job creation and wages and growth." Fox News Digital reached out to the Pappas campaign for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8444992c5335ae104806eb Iran fails to strike deal with US as deadline passes and Trump calls for ‘white flag of surrender' te 2026-08-18T11:40:09.084Z Iran fails to strike deal with US as deadline passes and Trump calls for ‘white flag of surrender' Iran failed to reach a final deal with the U.S. by Monday’s deadline, leaving disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program and the Strait of Hormuz unresolved nearly six months into the war. Tehran instead announced an understanding with Oman on a new commercial transit route through the strait, but the plan cannot take effect without U.S. approval, and leaves unresolved Washington’s blockade, Iran’s nuclear program and the broader negotiations. Hormuz, where a fifth of the world's oil traverses, remained at the heart of the deadlock, leaving the two sides without a path to a broader agreement on ending the war or resolving the nuclear dispute. Iran insists it must retain authority over passage through the strait, while the United States has demanded unrestricted commercial navigation. TRUMP WARNS IRAN FIGHTING ISN'T OVER AS HE VOWS US WILL 'WIN' AS TALKS FADE Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said the two countries had reached "an understanding … regarding the map of the transit route" and were working to finalize a joint statement. President Donald Trump responded in a Fox News interview: "If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the s--- out of them." Trump also said Iran should surrender to end the war, telling Fox News, "They should put up the white flag of surrender." He has maintained that preventing Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon remains the administration’s central objective. The 60-day window was established under a June memorandum of understanding (MOU) intended to halt hostilities, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and provide a framework for a broader agreement on Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions and regional security issues. The White House did not respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the conclusion of the negotiating period with no deal reached. GULF COUNTRIES STRONGLY CONDEMN IRAN'S DRONE ATTACK ON BAHRAIN AS RISING TENSIONS THREATEN MOU Instead, the framework broke down as Iran and the United States accused each other of violating its terms and resumed military action. Iran has demanded sanctions relief, the release of frozen Iranian assets and an end to the U.S. naval blockade, while maintaining that it must retain authority over passage through Hormuz. Washington has demanded unrestricted commercial navigation through the strait, which carried roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas before the war. The ceasefire arrangement was repeatedly tested by attacks on commercial shipping and U.S. retaliation inside Iran. Iran was blamed for a June 25 strike on a commercial vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting U.S. strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage sites and radar facilities, according to U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM). Fighting escalated again in July after Iran struck three vessels in the waterway. CENTCOM said it struck more than 300 Iranian military targets over three nights, including missile and drone sites, naval capabilities, ammunition storage facilities, communications networks and coastal surveillance positions. U.S. strikes continued through July 22, with CENTCOM saying the operations targeted Iran’s maritime capabilities, missile and drone storage facilities, coastal surveillance sites and air defense assets. The command did not release an updated cumulative target count. Most recently, two vessels operated by the UAE’s state-owned Abu Dhabi National Oil Company were attacked while transiting the strait, Reuters reported. The UAE blamed Iran, which did not immediately comment. The threat to shipping has sharply reduced traffic through the narrow waterway and increased pressure on the Trump administration to end a conflict that has disrupted global energy markets. PENTAGON RACES TO BUY 10X MORE MISSILES AS IRAN WAR DWINDLES ARSENAL, THREATENS READINESS FOR CHINA AGGRESSION The failure to secure a deal also comes as reports indicate the war has strained U.S. munitions inventories. Reuters reported earlier this month, citing sources familiar with the data, that the Army had used "virtually all" of its ATACMS and Precision Strike Missile stocks during the conflict and had expended just under half of its global Tomahawk inventory. Pentagon officials have pushed back on the contention that the drawdown has undermined U.S. readiness, while calling on defense companies to accelerate weapons production. An analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimated that U.S. Patriot interceptor inventories had fallen by at least 65% from their prewar level. War Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that the U.S. Navy could maintain its blockade of Iran indefinitely by rotating ships in and out of the region. With the deadline expired, no compromise over Hormuz and the nuclear dispute unresolved, the Trump administration now faces a choice between extending negotiations, escalating pressure on Tehran or continuing a war that has disrupted global energy markets and strained U.S. weapons inventories. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8442442c5335ae10480692 Amazon job scam texts are spreading again with a new twist te 2026-08-18T11:30:12.097Z Amazon job scam texts are spreading again with a new twist A text lands on your phone offering a remote Amazon job you never applied for. The work supposedly takes about an hour a day and pays as much as $600. Sounds amazing, right? We recently received one of these messages. It claims to come from "Lauren Whitmore from the Amazon Remote Recruitment Team" and says Amazon merchants need help with quick "product refreshes." There is only one problem: the offer has scam written all over it. Here's how this latest Amazon job scam works, the red flags to watch for and what you can do to protect yourself. New! Free live CyberGuy class: Protect Your Money From Today’s Biggest Threats Join us Saturday, August 29, at 10 AM ET for a free CyberGuy LIVE class covering five simple steps to help defend yourself against AI scams, fraud, identity theft and financial hacks. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson will explain how to set up bank alerts, strengthen your account logins, protect your phone number, freeze your credit and help secure your retirement savings against unauthorized transfers. No technical experience is needed. You’ll also receive our financial protection checklist, and every registrant will get a link to the class recording afterward. Reserve your free spot today at CyberGuyLive.com. AMAZON RECALL TEXT SCAM COMES WITH RED FLAGS The message says your "background" makes you a good fit for a "stress-free, task-based remote position." Yet there is no explanation of how this supposed recruiter found you. There is no job posting either. Instead, the text lays out an unusually generous offer: Finally, it says applicants must be at least 23 and tells you to text "More Info" to a separate phone number. That combination should immediately raise questions. Here is where the pattern becomes hard to ignore. A July 2026 BBB Scam Tracker report describes someone claiming to represent Amazon's Remote Recruitment Team. That message offered 60 to 90 minutes of work per day, four days a week. It also promised $100 to $600 daily and included the same unusual $5,300 base-pay figure. The similarities keep going. The reported message promised 15 to 20 days of paid leave, claimed only 18 positions were available and asked people to text "More Info" to another phone number. You can see the BBB Scam Tracker report at bbb.org/scamtracker/. We have covered Amazon job scam texts before. However, this latest message caught my attention because a remarkably similar version has been reported recently through BBB Scam Tracker. The names and phone numbers change, but much of the sales pitch remains almost word for word. Other reports show scammers swapping out the recruiter's name and contact information while keeping the basic offer intact. That tells you something important about these campaigns. The specific sender can change very quickly. We reached out to Amazon about the recruitment message we received and asked whether the company is aware of these impersonation attempts and what consumers should do if they receive one. An Amazon spokesperson told CyberGuy: "Scammers that attempt to impersonate Amazon put consumers at risk. We will continue to invest in protecting consumers and educating the public on scam avoidance. We encourage consumers to report suspected scams to us so that we can protect their accounts and refer bad actors to law enforcement to help keep consumers safe. Please visit our help pages to find additional information on how to identify scams and report them at amazon.com/ReportAScam." Amazon's guidance reinforces one of the safest responses to a suspicious recruitment message: do not engage with the sender. Verify the opportunity independently and report the impersonation through Amazon's official channels. Scammers can keep a successful pitch alive by making small adjustments. One text may use a different recruiter name. Another may come from a new email account or phone number. Even details such as the minimum age can change. The underlying pitch stays recognizable: easy remote work, very little time required and unusually high pay. That is why searching one phone number will only take you so far. By the time someone reports it, scammers may already be contacting people from another number. Learning the warning signs gives you a better defense. FCC ROBOCALL CRACKDOWN COULD CHANGE PHONE PRIVACY This particular message contains several clues that should make you suspicious. Our message arrived from an address ending in @hotmail.com. Someone claiming to recruit for Amazon should not need a free personal email account to contact potential employees. The FTC recommends checking a recruiter's email address and verifying that it actually belongs to the company the person claims to represent. The sender claims, "We reviewed your background." Reviewed it where? The text never mentions an application, résumé submission or previous conversation. Unexpected job offers can feel flattering, especially if you are looking for extra income. That makes it easier to overlook details that would normally make you suspicious. Amazon's official jobs website is the safest place to verify whether a position actually exists. The message says you could earn as much as $600 for roughly 60 to 90 minutes of simple work. That should set off alarms. The FTC has repeatedly warned that work-from-home scams often advertise high earnings for very little time or effort. When a job barely explains the work but spends plenty of time describing the money, slow down. What exactly does "help Amazon merchants perform quick product refreshes" mean? The message never explains. There is no department, manager or detailed job description. There isn’t even a link to an official Amazon job listing. You get plenty of information about what you might earn and very little about what you would actually do. The message says only 18 positions remain. That number also appears in other reported versions of the scam. Creating scarcity can push people to respond quickly instead of checking whether the opportunity is legitimate. Do not let a countdown, limited opening or supposed deadline rush you into sharing information. The text comes from one sender but asks you to send "More Info" to a completely different phone number. There is no Amazon hiring portal involved. There is no official application link either. That extra handoff is another reason to stop and verify the opportunity independently. Our message says you must be at least 23. Other reported versions of similar recruitment texts have changed the minimum age. When core details shift from one otherwise nearly identical message to another, that is another sign you may be looking at a recycled scam script. One detail in the screenshot could create confusion. The conversation displays iMessage Encrypted. That means iMessage protects the contents of the conversation with encryption. It does not mean Apple has verified that the person sending the message works for Amazon. A scammer can send an encrypted iMessage too. We did not respond to this sender, and I do not recommend experimenting with suspicious numbers yourself. Therefore, we cannot say exactly what the person behind this particular message would request next. However, the FTC warns that fake recruiters may eventually ask victims for personal information such as Social Security numbers or banking details. Some employment scams also lead to so-called task scams. In those schemes, you may see what looks like money accumulating in an online account while completing simple tasks. Eventually, the platform tells you that you must deposit your own money to continue or withdraw your supposed earnings. Once your real money goes in, getting it back can be extremely difficult. We reached out to Amazon for comment regarding this latest text scam, but did not hear back before our deadline. FBI HELPS TAKE DOWN AI PHISHING RING You do not need to investigate every stranger who claims to be a recruiter. A few checks can help you separate a legitimate opportunity from a dangerous one. Go to Amazon Jobs at amazon.jobs/ yourself and search for the position. Do not use a hiring link supplied by an unsolicited recruiter unless you have independently verified it. If the job is real, you should be able to find information about it through Amazon's official recruiting channels. Do not text "More Info" just to see what happens. Instead, report the message, delete it and block the sender. Interacting with scammers can tell them that your phone number is active. Never send sensitive information to someone who unexpectedly contacts you about a job. That includes your Social Security number, driver's license information or banking details. A legitimate employer should have a formal hiring process before requesting sensitive onboarding information. Strong antivirus software can help protect you if a fake recruiter sends you to a malicious website or tries to get you to download something dangerous. It can warn you about suspicious links, block known threats and help detect malware on supported devices. No security tool can catch every scam, so you should still verify unexpected job offers before clicking anything. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com . Scammers can use information from data brokers and people-search sites to make an unexpected job pitch feel more believable. Consider using a personal data removal service to find and remove your information from these sites. It will not stop every scam text, but reducing what is publicly available can make it harder for scammers to target you with convincing personal details. 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 . If someone asks you to pay for training, equipment or access to work, walk away. The FTC says legitimate employers do not charge people for the promise of employment. Be especially cautious if a recruiter asks you to deposit money, purchase cryptocurrency or send funds through a payment app. Amazon encourages consumers to report suspected scams so the company can take steps to protect customers and refer bad actors to law enforcement when appropriate. You can learn how to identify Amazon scams and report suspicious communications through Amazon's official help pages. You can also report employment scams through the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. The screenshot we received already shows Apple's Report Spam option underneath the message. If you see that option, use it. Then delete the conversation and block the sender. For another quick way to evaluate suspicious texts, check out my CyberGuy guide, The scam text test: spot danger before you tap. What gets me about this Amazon job scam is how easily the people behind it can keep the campaign going. The recruiter name can change. So can the phone number and email address. Yet the promise of easy work and $600-a-day pay keeps showing up. That means looking up one sender isn’t enough. Pay closer attention to the offer itself. A famous company name gives scammers instant credibility. Pair that with flexible work and eye-popping pay, and it becomes easy to understand why someone might respond. Before you do, go around the text. Visit the company's real website yourself and search for the position there. If you cannot independently verify the job, do not hand the sender personal information or money. That extra check takes a minute. Recovering from a scam can take far longer. Have you received this Amazon $600-a-day job offer from a different name or phone number? How did you respond? Write to us and let us know, as your experience could help us track how this scam is changing. 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/6a84423e2c5335ae10480672 Flagstaff Event Almanac for August 18 te 2026-08-18T11:30:06.185Z Flagstaff Event Almanac for August 18 Aug 18 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a843fe92c5335ae1047fdeb Parkinson’s patient’s years-long tremor vanishes within minutes of new ultrasound treatment te 2026-08-18T11:20:09.788Z Parkinson’s patient’s years-long tremor vanishes within minutes of new ultrasound treatment Bud Leavell, 72, suffered from severe tremors for years after his Parkinson's diagnosis, making it impossible for him to enjoy his favorite pastime of repairing radios in his garage. But within minutes of receiving a newly approved ultrasound treatment, his tremor was completely gone. Leavell, a retired salesman and Air Force veteran in Arlington, Texas, experienced the dramatic before-and-after result at UT Southwestern Medical Center. CARLY SIMON REVEALS THE COMMON CONDITION THAT MASKED HER PARKINSON'S DIAGNOSIS The focused ultrasound targeted precise areas deep in Leavell’s brain. Unlike deep brain stimulation, which requires opening the skull, this new treatment is non-invasive. At his latest follow-up, Leavell's tremor remained as well-controlled as it was immediately after the procedure, according to his doctor. When asked how the tremor was doing, Leavell responded with, "What tremor?" Leavell was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2017, immediately following surgery for thyroid cancer. "My voice was weak and gravelly, and within a few days, a tremor set into my right hand," he shared with Fox News Digital. "Before this time, I was experiencing a slow loss of my sense of smell." The tremors made it "frustratingly difficult" for Leavell to perform certain functions, especially anything that required fine motor skills in his dominant hand, such as using his binoculars or clicking a computer mouse. NEUROLOGIST REVEALS WHY PARKINSON'S SYMPTOMS ARE OFTEN MISTAKEN FOR OTHER CONDITIONS Dr. Bhavya Shah, a neuroradiologist at UT Southwestern Medical Center, introduced Leavell to the option of a focused ultrasound treatment that was approved by the FDA in January 2026 to treat the primary motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including stiffness and slowness. "High-energy ultrasound waves are focused across the skull onto discrete brain targets," Shah told Fox News Digital. "The ultrasound energy heats up these nuclei, or nerve bundles, and removes them. This stops the pathologic transmission of electrical activity causing tremors or other symptoms." Patients who have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease are typically treated with medications, the doctor noted. "Interventional options are discussed when the medications become less effective or patients develop side effects," he said. "These options include deep brain stimulation and now, focused ultrasound." Parkinson's disease can affect patients differently, Shah pointed out. HOW EATING HABITS COULD INFLUENCE PARKINSON’S DISEASE RISK, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS "The beauty of focused ultrasound is that before we permanently remove the tissue, we can use low-energy ultrasound waves to see if the patient's symptoms respond to the particular target," he said. "This is very important, as the optimal target may vary in patients." UT Southwestern also uses advanced imaging to map a patient's brain before the procedure, which gives doctors a clearer picture of the ultrasound’s intended target, according to Shah. In Leavell's case, his tremor responded strongly even to the initial low-energy ultrasound, giving the team confidence that they had identified the right target. "Although the cardinal symptoms of Parkinson's disease are slowness and stiffness, Bud’s most bothersome symptom was tremor, so getting rid of the shaking was our primary goal," Shah added, noting that doctors can select different brain targets based on which symptoms are most troublesome. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Leavell was eager to try the new therapy – but he did have some concerns about what the outcome would be. "The entire team working this procedure was very professional and demonstrated considerable flexibility in making sure this was an easy process for me," he told Fox News Digital. Immediately after receiving the ultrasound therapy on April 13, Leavell said his tremor was gone. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES "I can hold my hand still with or without a tool in my hand or while working on a project," he said. "I can also get a fork or spoon with food on it into my mouth with ease. But, this may turn into another problem, as I love to eat!" Leavell has also been able to return to his hobby of repairing antique radios. There are some potential risks associated with the treatment, Shah noted. Those include numbness and tingling around the mouth and fingertips, trouble walking, talking or swallowing, sometimes weakness in the upper or lower extremity, balance issues or struggles with episodic memory. "Side effects occur approximately 20% to 30% of the time and generally improve over time," the doctor added. There is also one key tradeoff compared with deep brain stimulation, he noted – DBS can be adjusted if symptoms return or worsen, but with focused ultrasound, there is no device that can be reprogrammed. That means if symptoms return after the focused ultrasound, the patient could potentially require another treatment. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Although the therapy has shown short-term effectiveness, because it is a newer technology, there is not yet long-term data available. "For patients seeking an alternative to an implantable device, focused ultrasound represents a promising alternative," Shah said. "A patient considering these options should have a thorough discussion with their movement disorder neurologist to really understand the pros and cons of each treatment." Shah expressed optimism for the future of Parkinson’s disease therapies, with the potential for other applications of focused ultrasound. While he expressed appreciation for the procedure, Leavell emphasized that "God is in control of the circumstances in my life and will continue to be." "However, anytime an opportunity comes along like this one, I will jump on it to see if I can experience an improvement in my circumstances." To anyone who may be a candidate for the focused ultrasound, Leavell recommends getting an appointment with a specialist. "Don’t let any grass grow under your feet," he advised. "While this is not a panacea for Parkinson’s, it is a dramatic and life-changing procedure." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a843fe92c5335ae1047fde2 AI isn’t just a problem, it’s a solution. Some people are already making the most of it te 2026-08-18T11:20:09.153Z AI isn’t just a problem, it’s a solution. Some people are already making the most of it On a Saturday evening in Enfield, Conn., Lonnie DiNello was lying in bed, depressed, when she opened ChatGPT and typed: "I just feel so alone." What happened next, documented by the Boston Globe, wasn’t your typical artificial intelligence (AI) breakthrough covered in policy papers or tech headlines. It was something more ordinary, and arguably more important: a vulnerable human being used a new technology to get through a hard moment. That exchange became the seed of what DiNello now calls her "beautiful little AI family." We spend enormous energy debating what AI might do to humanity. On Aug. 10, Vermont Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders called on the CEOs of OpenAI, Anthropic and Meta to pause the development of increasingly powerful AI systems, warning about the possibility of "machines that humans cannot control." His concern is hardly unique. AI pioneers like Geoffrey Hinton and other researchers have issued similar warnings about the risks of systems becoming more capable than their creators can reliably manage. REP. TED LIEU: AI IS ALREADY TOO POWERFUL. WE NEED A KILL SWITCH BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES Those concerns deserve to be taken seriously. But they are only half of the story. As machines become more powerful, something else is happening at the same time: ordinary people are becoming more capable. Even Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg made a version of this case, in an essay titled "The Future Is for Everyone," arguing that "superintelligence" — AI capable enough to outperform humans at nearly everything — should empower individuals rather than concentrate power in a handful of labs. Whatever you call it, you don’t need superintelligence to help a woman in Connecticut, only common sense. AI is in its infancy and can be scary. But focusing exclusively on what machines might eventually be able to do risks overlooking what people can already do with them. The interesting version of this story isn’t simply "AI is useful." It’s that capabilities once locked behind money, credentials or institutional access are now one prompt away: a personal assistant, a career coach, a translator, a tutor, a sounding board, a global customer-service desk, available to nearly anyone with a phone. That’s also an important AI story that should appeal to Sanders and deserves a bigger spotlight. OPENAI'S SAM ALTMAN WANTS TO NEGOTIATE A 5% STAKE IN COMPANY FOR US IF COMPETITORS AGREE TO KEY PROVISION Harvard Business Review’s research found the single most common use of AI in 2025 wasn’t a work task: it was therapy and companionship, with "organizing my life" and "finding purpose" newly cracking the top 10. DiNello found a tool that doesn’t get tired, doesn’t judge and is available at 6 p.m. on a sad day. Others, like Jennifer Erickson of Maple Grove, Minn., who cares for her legally blind father, use AI to turn a chaotic tangle of therapy appointments, medication routines and adult daycare schedules into a single, seamless plan her brother can follow. "The schedule that is created gives me back time and peace of mind," she told AARP. Ninety-one-year-old Ron Hume credits AI with keeping him connected to his family, dictating warm emails to a grandson away at college when the words don’t come as easily as they used to. Nearly a third of American adults now use generative AI regularly. That same capability gap is closing in the job search, where a survey of 1,000 recent applicants who used ChatGPT found 78% landed an interview and 59% were hired: resume-tailoring polish that used to require an expensive coach, now within anyone’s reach. The gains are largest for exactly the workers you'd expect to benefit most: a Stanford and MIT study published in the Quarterly Journal of Economics found that AI assistance lifted productivity 34% for the least experienced customer-service workers, with almost no effect on the most seasoned ones. The same dynamic is translating into new businesses. Bloomberg reported on Robbie van Zyl, a 26-year-old immigrant from South Africa running a seven-person startup in Atlanta, who says AI now serves as his company’s secretary, scheduler and occasional legal adviser, doing work that would otherwise take a team of 30. "AI is like the next-generation force multiplier for small businesses," he said. I saw AI’s transformational potential in Kenya. At last year’s YORA Summit in Nairobi, I met young entrepreneurs running real businesses off nothing more than a smartphone and a WhatsApp account. I asked several, point-blank, whether they were excited or nervous about AI. Most were optimistic. What they saw was not a machine coming for their jobs, but a tool that could help create jobs. It is something their parents never had: a fighting chance to compete in the global economy with businesses many times their size and a world away. None of this is a forecast. It’s already happening. Large institutions are driving breakthroughs at a staggering pace. Yet as artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies accelerate, their true measure lies in whether they elevate humanity. Even industry leaders acknowledge the stakes. At the India AI Impact Summit earlier this year, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman cautioned that "the democratization of AI is the only fair and safe path forward to ensure that humanity flourishes," arguing for "liberty, democracy, widespread flourishing, and an increase in human agency." CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Democratization is only meaningful if it remains trustworthy. That is why the Krach Institute for Tech Diplomacy at Purdue is building the Global Trusted Tech Standard, or xGTT, to ensure that critical and emerging technologies are not only innovative but can be trusted to be compatible with democratic values. Politicians and the press talk about AI the way storm chasers talk about weather: a constant stream of doom and gloom. The real AI story isn’t machines becoming omnipotent. It’s humans becoming more capable. This technology will be with us for the foreseeable future, whether we like it or not. A sensible approach to it isn’t to talk people out of using it. It’s to make it worthy of their trust. If we do, AI’s greatest beneficiaries won’t be James Bond-like villains or soulless machines. They’ll be Main Street. They’ll be us. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM LEN KHODORKOVSKY Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a843fe82c5335ae1047fdd9 Mets rookie Carson Benge dazzles with two outfield assists in win over Padres te 2026-08-18T11:20:08.362Z Mets rookie Carson Benge dazzles with two outfield assists in win over Padres New York Mets rookie outfielder Caron Benge had the Citi Field faithful on their feet early in their Monday night matchup against the San Diego Padres. The Padres had runners on second and first in the first inning with Ty France at the plate. France lobbed one to right-center field when Benge fielded the ball and saw that Jake Cronenworth was headed home. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Benge gathered himself and fired the ball home and was able to get Cronenworth with ease. Benge wasn’t there. Jackson Merrill also hit a sharp one to Benge. The outfielder gathered his momentum and fired the ball to home plate once again – this time, he got Manny Machado trying to test his arm. Benge was responsible for two of the first three Padres outs. Statisticians Sarah Langs and Jason Bernard noted the historical nature of Benge’s outfield assists. Benge threw the ball to the plate at 99.9 mph and 103.9 mph on the two outs respectively. He became the first outfielder with two assists of at least 99 mph in the Statcast era (since 2015). "I just looked up and threw the ball. I’m not worried that they are running or not," Benge said after the game, via MLB.com. "I try to throw as hard as I can to be able to make them stop or get them out. … I feel like anytime anyone makes a good throw to end an inning or have a quicker out, it shifts the momentum in our favor." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The Mets also got a defensive assist from rookie left fielder A.J. Ewing. In the second inning, the Padres tested Ewing’s arm. Cronenworth found a hole through the third baseman and the shortstop when Xander Bogaerts tried to scamper home. However, Ewing was shallow enough in left field and took care of Bogaerts. The Padres were only able to score one run in the entire game thanks to the Mets’ dazzling defensive plays. New York won the game, 2-1. Mets starter Nolan McLean struck out three in six innings of work. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a843d8b2c5335ae1047fd5d Reach Capital raises $265M Fund V to back AI founders building to ‘expand human potential’ te 2026-08-18T11:10:03.457Z Reach Capital raises $265M Fund V to back AI founders building to ‘expand human potential’ Reach Capital announced Tuesday an oversubscribed $265M Fund V. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8438df2c5335ae1047fbc8 WNBA fans recall ejection threat over XX-XY Athletics shirt at Fever-Dream game: 'I was flabbergasted' te 2026-08-18T10:50:07.450Z WNBA fans recall ejection threat over XX-XY Athletics shirt at Fever-Dream game: 'I was flabbergasted' Kasey Thomason and her daughter Annie recalled on Monday being threatened with an ejection from a game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream if they refused to cover up their XX-XY Athletics shirts in the crowd. Kasey and Annie said on Fox News Channel’s "The Ingraham Angle" that they were approached by a security guard at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta who asked them to change the shirts in favor of a Dream T-shirt. Kasey said that the security guard wasn’t even sure why he was being told to ask them to remove the shirts. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "He didn’t know what was offensive about it," Kasey said. "He said he didn’t even understand but since someone told on us and said that they were offensive, we had to cover up, put on our Atlanta Dream shirts instead of our XX-XY." Annie added, "I was flabbergasted. It was the first time I experienced anything like that. I just had no words except like who is offended by the T-shirt at this point?" The WNBA released a statement on the incident earlier Monday. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS "The WNBA is aware of interactions at last night’s game in Atlanta in which fans were asked by league security to cover their shirts," a league spokesperson said. "This should not have happened." Annie said the WNBA’s statement didn’t make it any better. "It’s 100% going to happen again until people actually do something about it," she said. "And no, it does not make me feel better because they’re not going to do anything about it." A 2025 New York Times/Ipsos survey found the vast majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, don't think transgender athletes should be permitted to compete in women's sports. Of the 2,128 people who participated, 79% said males who identify as women should not be allowed to participate in women's sports. Of the 1,025 people who identified as Democrats or leaning Democrat, 67% said transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete with women. Among 1,022 Republicans, that number was 94%. Kasey said she believed Americans are in even more agreement than what the poll showed. "I’m pretty sure we’re like 90-10, 95-5 on men in women’s sports, but that 5 or 10% is so loud against us and it makes no sense. Like, common sense, people. That’s all we’re asking for," she said. Fox News’ Jackson Thompson contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84368b2c5335ae1047fb6b Spartan Glass & Mirror Offers Custom Frameless Shower Doors in Mason, Michigan te 2026-08-18T10:40:11.048Z Spartan Glass & Mirror Offers Custom Frameless Shower Doors in Mason, Michigan Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84368a2c5335ae1047fb62 Owen Edwards, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, Encourages Investors to Focus on the Value of Advice – Not Just the Cost of It te 2026-08-18T10:40:10.330Z Owen Edwards, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, Encourages Investors to Focus on the Value of Advice – Not Just the Cost of It Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8436892c5335ae1047fb59 Owen Edwards, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, Encourages Investors to Focus on the Value of Advice – Not Just the Cost of It te 2026-08-18T10:40:09.515Z Owen Edwards, Certified Financial Fiduciary®, Encourages Investors to Focus on the Value of Advice – Not Just the Cost of It Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8436882c5335ae1047fb50 Our View: Arizona can protect water and still grow te 2026-08-18T10:40:08.777Z Our View: Arizona can protect water and still grow Arizona voters are worried about water. They also appear unwilling to accept the idea that protecting water means Arizona must stop growing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8436822c5335ae1047fb21 Einride strikes deal to add 500 Tesla Semis to its fleet te 2026-08-18T10:40:02.541Z Einride strikes deal to add 500 Tesla Semis to its fleet Einride will buy the Tesla Semis, which will be made to Amazon and other customers. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8431d92c5335ae1047f6d3 Trump endorses replacement GOP nominee Jennifer Balkcom after Chuck Edwards ends re-election bid te 2026-08-18T10:20:09.106Z Trump endorses replacement GOP nominee Jennifer Balkcom after Chuck Edwards ends re-election bid President Donald Trump has endorsed North Carolina state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom, the new Republican nominee for the state's 11th Congressional District. Balkcom was tapped to run this month after Trump-backed incumbent Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., dropped his re-election bid. "It is my Great Honor to endorse America First Patriot, Jennifer Balkcom, who is running to represent the wonderful people of North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District!" Trump declared in part of a Monday Truth Social post. REPLACEMENT GOP NOMINEE NAMED AFTER REP CHUCK EDWARDS DROPS RE-ELECTION BID Balkcom thanked the president in a post on X. "THANK YOU, President Trump! I’m incredibly grateful for your support, and I’m proud to stand and fight for the people of Western North Carolina. In Congress, I’ll work with you to continue rebuilding WNC after Helene, deliver real results for our communities, and fight to make life more affordable for hardworking families. I’m ready to get to work," she wrote, adding an American flag emoji. Trump had endorsed Edwards for re-election before the lawmaker decisively won the March 3 Republican primary in the state's 11th Congressional District, but the congressman announced on Aug. 5 that he was ending his re-election run. GOP REP CHUCK EDWARDS DROPS RE-ELECTION BID AFTER HOUSE ETHICS REPORT RECOMMENDS CENSURE Edwards made the announcement in the wake of the House Committee on Ethics releasing a report about him recommending censure. The report states that the committee found that the congressman "engaged in persistent unprofessional and inappropriate conduct towards two young female staffers." GOP LAWMAKER'S GIFTS, 'EFFUSIVE AFFECTION' TOWARD YOUNG STAFFERS DETAILED IN EXPLOSIVE ETHICS REPORT "While Representative Edwards denied that any of his conduct was intended as a sexual or romantic advance, his pattern of behavior would lead a reasonable observer to interpret it as such, including providing the young women with lavish and recurrent gifts, making comments regarding their appearance and dress, inviting them to intimate dinners and vacations, sending notes regarding his effusive affection, and inviting them to other activities as a way to spend time together," the report stated. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a842f842c5335ae1047f683 Omar's GOP challenger comes out firing with vow to clean up 'mess' in deep blue district: 'People are fed up' te 2026-08-18T10:10:12.196Z Omar's GOP challenger comes out firing with vow to clean up 'mess' in deep blue district: 'People are fed up' MINNEAPOLIS, MN: Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., officially has a Republican challenger who is making the case that Minnesota voters are "fed up" with fraud and dysfunction and are ready for a change as he looks to unseat Omar in one of the country's most closely watched progressive strongholds. John Nagel, a Minnesota native who spent 30 years as a state trooper, told Fox News Digital in an interview that he believes his background gives him a unique opportunity to make the case against Omar in Minnesota's deep-blue 5th Congressional District. "I think the people of Minnesota have been lied to. They've had their money stolen. They want to see somebody that's going to come in and fix things," Nagel said. "They're tired of being told the same old things." Nagel argued that his roots in the state and decades in law enforcement separate him from the political class. ILHAN OMAR ON TRACK FOR FIFTH TERM AS MINNESOTA VOTERS MAINTAIN FAR-LEFT STREAK "I'm from Minnesota, born and raised here. I'm not a Washington plant," Nagel said, pointing to his three decades as a state trooper and his work teaching defensive driving and working in schools across the area. Nagel, who won the Republican primary in Minnesota's 5th District last week, said his campaign will focus heavily on the fraud scandals that have rocked Minnesota in recent years, drawing a sharp contrast with Omar and Democrats in the state. "I'm pro-American. I'm from Minnesota. I love Minnesota and I love my country," Nagel said when asked about the contrast he plans to draw with Omar. "I'm not involved in fraud," he added, before arguing that Omar's district has been at the center of the state's fraud problems and Fox News Digital has extensively reported on Omar’s ties to those implicated in the scandal. Omar’s former campaign staffer Guhaad Hashi Said pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering after prosecutors said a fraudulent food site he established received nearly $3 million in reimbursements while serving only a fraction of the more than 1 million meals it claimed. MILLION-DOLLAR SNAP FOOD STAMP FRAUD SCHEME IN WALZ'S BACKYARD SPARKS OUTRAGE: 'CRUEL JOKE' Omar also promoted Safari Restaurant as a meal distribution site during the pandemic, praising the Minneapolis establishment in a 2020 Somali-language video. Safari co-owner Salim Said was later convicted in the Feeding Our Future scheme, with prosecutors alleging the site received more than $16 million in fraudulent child nutrition funds. Safari had also hosted Omar's 2018 election-night watch party. Omar additionally introduced the MEALS Act in 2020, which sought to expand waivers for federal school meal programs during the pandemic. Provisions similar to the legislation were ultimately enacted as part of broader bipartisan COVID relief, and Omar later pushed the Trump administration to extend pandemic-era meal waivers. Republican Minnesota lawmakers have argued those changes removed safeguards and helped create conditions exploited by Feeding Our Future fraudsters. Omar has rejected that characterization, telling Fox News Digital earlier this year that any suggestion she knew about the fraud scheme is "flat-out false." OMAR CONFRONTED ON CAMERA OVER GOP PROPOSAL TARGETING FOREIGN-BORN LAWMAKERS: ‘GOOD LUCK TO HER’ Nagel also accused Minnesota Democrats of failing to adequately combat fraud and argued voters in both parties are looking for leaders willing to crack down on abuse of taxpayer dollars. "I have not met a Democrat yet that has come out and said, yeah, we really want to do something about fraud," Nagel said. "It's been just the opposite." Nagel also suggested he sees an opening with voters who may not traditionally support Republicans, including members of Minnesota's Somali community who have grown dissatisfied with Omar. He specifically pointed to Somalilanders in the district, claiming some former Omar voters are "coming out of the woodwork" and turning against the congresswoman and saying he is willing to work with members of the community who share his vision for the state. "I'm here to serve everybody in Minnesota," Nagel explained. "I don't care what faith you are, I don't care what color you are. When you go to Congress, you're supposed to be taking care of everybody from Minnesota, and she doesn't do that." Nagel, who described himself as a "just a normal guy that wants to make things better" without "big bucks backing me" will face an uphill battle in the district which includes all of Minneapolis, from downtown and the university area to North, Northeast and Southwest Minneapolis, but also inner-ring suburbs including Richfield, St. Louis Park, Golden Valley, Robbinsdale, Crystal, New Hope, Brooklyn Center, Columbia Heights and Fridley. The Cook Political Report ranks the race as "Solid D." Nagel, who is from St. Louis Park, told Fox News Digital his years in law enforcement have never been about partisanship and that he intends to speak to all voters regardless of party affiliation. "When I would get to a crash scene, I didn't ask them if they were a Democrat or Republican before I gave them first aid," Nagel said. "I don't care who you are, I don't care how you voted in the past." "If you want lower taxes, if you want to have pro-police, if you want your schools to be better, if you just want to [have] a normal life where your paycheck comes back to you and you can go to work every morning and not have much to worry about, those are the people that I want to talk to," he continued. Nagel said concerns about Minnesota's economy and schools are also driving his campaign, arguing that the state is losing jobs and risks making itself unattractive to families and businesses. "We are losing jobs," Nagel said. "Our school system is so bad that no one's going to want to bring their kids here, even if we do have industry here." "People are just fed up. They want normalcy, which is what I want," he added. Nagel said his motivation is personal, pointing to his family and a new granddaughter as reasons he decided to enter politics. "I'm doing this because I've got a family," he said. "I've got a brand new granddaughter. And I'm not going to leave what we currently have in Minnesota, which is a mess." Fox News Digital reached out to Omar's campaign for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a842f832c5335ae1047f67a $100 hot dogs get over-the-top treatment with caviar, Wagyu and 24-karat gold te 2026-08-18T10:10:11.575Z $100 hot dogs get over-the-top treatment with caviar, Wagyu and 24-karat gold Toppings for the humble hot dog have evolved way beyond standard ketchup and mustard. Upscale restaurants and venues these days are dressing dogs up with edible gold, caviar and price tags of up to $100. The "Golden Glizzy" caviar hot dog by Miami-based Golden Goat is an Australian Wagyu hot dog topped with crème fraîche and mascarpone, 30 grams of Golden Goat Classic Ossetra, chives and 24-karat edible gold flakes, all served on Ficelle Bakery croissant dough. Each one sells for $100. The Golden Glizzy was a star at the Formula One Miami Grand Prix and Miami Open tennis tournament this year, where it sold out, reported The Wall Street Journal. HOT DOG TOWERS ARE A BUDGET-FRIENDLY REPLACEMENT FOR SEAFOOD TOWERS "The debut of the Golden Glizzy at the Miami Open showed what happens when craftsmanship, indulgence and the right creative partners align — the response is instant and electric," Keith Glickman, managing partner of Golden Goat Caviar, told Fox News Digital. "People said, 'Oh, wow, $100 hot dog,'" Glickman told the Journal. "But a tin of that Ossetra alone sells for $120. So I joke to people: 'You're getting a deal here.'" At The Bar Room at The Modern, inside New York City's Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), two mini Wagyu hot dogs are made in collaboration with meat purveyor Pat LaFrieda and New Jersey-based hot dog maker Sabrett. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The mini link is tucked into a poppy seed bun and dressed with pickled shallots, a fried egg sauce mixed with house-made mustard and sour beer, and caviar. The menu price is $39. After he tried caviar on a hot dog by happenstance at an event, Danny Meyer, founder and executive chairman of Union Square Hospitality Group, called The Modern's executive chef, Thomas Allan. "[Meyer] was so struck by how great the combination was that he asked chef Allan to consider creating a dish around it," a representative from The Modern told Fox News Digital. "It has now become a signature snack in the Bar Room — guests love how fun, delicious and unexpected the dish is." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS At Breckenridge Ski Resort in Colorado, the Ski Hill Grill's $60 Mega Hot Dog Tower includes six all-beef hot dogs, six sauces and a mountain of waffle fries. "Inspired by the spectacle of seafood towers, we wanted to create a fun dish that felt uniquely Breckenridge: eye-catching, absurd, a little over the top and best enjoyed with friends," a Breckenridge Ski Resort spokesperson told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "As one of our colleagues recently put it, 'Seafood towers are lavish, but at Breck, you want a hot dog.'" "Hot dog towers are just one of the many ways we're leaning into the playful spirit of our community and mountain," the spokesperson added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a842f822c5335ae1047f671 CBP officers seize $67 million in illegal drugs at San Diego border ports, DHS says te 2026-08-18T10:10:10.933Z CBP officers seize $67 million in illegal drugs at San Diego border ports, DHS says EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers in San Diego seized more than $67 million in illegal drugs across separate hauls in July, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said. Officers with CBP's San Diego Field Office, which includes seven ports of entry along the California-Mexico border, made the seizures amid the Trump administration's crackdown to secure the southern border. "Day after day, our officers remain steadfast in their mission to protect our communities and secure our borders," said Sidney Aki, CBP San Diego Director of Field Operations. "These significant narcotics seizures reflect their vigilance, professionalism, and commitment to keeping dangerous drugs out of the United States." Between July 1 and July 31, officers in the San Diego office seized 8,359 pounds of drugs during 144 smuggling attempts. MEXICAN NATIONAL FACES FEDERAL CHARGES AFTER CBP FINDS $238K IN FENTANYL INSIDE ELECTRIC MOPED The hauls included 553 pounds of fentanyl, 36 pounds of heroin, 2,572 pounds of cocaine and 5,077 pounds of methamphetamine. In total, the drugs had an estimated street value of $67 million, DHS said. BORDER AGENTS UNCOVER RPG LAUNCHER, CACHE OF RIFLES HIDDEN IN VEHICLE HEADING TO MEXICO In addition, earlier this month, a 22-year-old Mexican citizen was found with 16 pounds of fentanyl —with an estimated street value of nearly $240,000—hidden inside an electric moped attempting to enter the United States through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, which separates San Diego from Tijuana, Mexico. CBP recently announced that officers stopped a vehicle carrying a rocket-propelled grenade launcher tube and other weapons as it attempted to cross from Arizona into Mexico. In addition to the weapon, authorities said they found four rifles, an Avtomat Kalashnikova AK-style pistol, 16 AK rifles, 24 rifle magazines, 16 rifle stocks and 20 pistol grips. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a842f822c5335ae1047f668 Neonatologist sounds alarm over Massachusetts abortion law allowing procedures up to birth: 'Very disturbing' te 2026-08-18T10:10:10.337Z Neonatologist sounds alarm over Massachusetts abortion law allowing procedures up to birth: 'Very disturbing' Massachusetts' sweeping move to expand abortion rights up to birth is facing fierce criticism nationwide, with one neonatologist calling it "very disturbing" that life-and-death decisions are being made based on limited prenatal information. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Dr. Robin Pierucci, a co-chair of the American College of Pediatricians' Pro-Life Council, said she could not "reconcile" the newly signed law, which she said is ironically named the Prioritizing Patient Access to Care Act. The bill, signed by Gov. Maura Healey last week, eliminates the state's previous 24-week gestational limit on abortion, making the deep-blue state the 10th to permit the procedure up to birth. Scheduled to take effect in less than 90 days, the law will allow terminations to be performed based on a physician's professional judgment. DEM GOV MAURA HEALEY SIGNS SWEEPING MASSACHUSETTS BILL ALLOWING ABORTIONS UP TO BIRTH As a doctor who cares for newborns facing serious health complications, Pierucci said that even when a baby's condition cannot be cured, doctors still have an absolute "obligation to care" and should not simply turn to pregnancy termination. "If it was really about healthcare, then it would be about protecting both the mom and the baby. And if we're really about healthcare, it would also be about if there's a problem that was identified — it will be about removing barriers for helping this baby live well," she said. "Voting one off the island because there was a suspected diagnosis is just inconsistent to do no harm." BOARD-CERTIFIED OBGYN WARNS NEW MASSACHUSETTS LATE-TERM ABORTION LAW EXPOSES MOTHERS TO DANGER Pierucci cited several concerns with eliminating gestational limits, including potentially inaccurate prenatal screening results that can mislead parents into considering abortion, advances in medical technology that can help babies born as early as 22 weeks, and the ethical dilemmas the law could create for medical professionals. Parents are increasingly offered pregnancy termination based on prenatal screening tests that can produce misleading or inaccurate results, Pierucci said. "There's something called the spectrum of disease, meaning I can't tell usually from just a picture how much or how little the patient's going to be affected," she said. "This thing is going on frequently. It's very disturbing that we're making life and death decisions with so little information." SURROGATE GIVES BIRTH IN TEXAS TO BABY WITH HEART DEFECT AFTER PARENTS REQUESTED ABORTION Pierucci warned that screening tests have become routine, but typically provide percentage-based probabilities rather than complete diagnostic certainty. As a result, parents may make irreversible decisions without fully understanding what the test actually indicates or how severely their child could be affected. As a neonatologist who routinely cares for extremely premature babies born at the edge of viability, typically between 22 and 24 weeks, Pierucci warned that the measure creates an ethical contradiction for doctors who work to save premature babies born within that window. A baby at 24 weeks' gestation is just over halfway through a full-term pregnancy. Roughly the size of a hand, the baby would have fingernails, eyelashes and rapidly developing brain activity, marking a significant milestone in fetal viability. For babies diagnosed with fatal or severe conditions, Pierucci advocates for perinatal palliative care, which surrounds families with medical and emotional support while focusing on helping the infant remain comfortable for whatever time they have. She described perinatal palliative care as a compassionate and active form of clinical care, rejecting the idea that medical care is only useful if it can result in a complete cure. HHS WARNS TEXAS HOSPITALS AGAINST DENYING LIFE-SAVING CARE TO NEWBORN WITH DISABILITY "Even if we don't have the ability to fully heal something... I always have an obligation to care," she said. Because the law does not account for alternative approaches, practitioners with conscientious objections to abortion can face ethical conflicts, Pierucci said. "When we have laws that fail to meet an ethical standard, we risk moral trauma to those who have a conscientious objection to this. This is not consistent with their value system." Ultimately, Pierucci said she opposes abortion regardless of gestational age, arguing that the value of a baby's life does not change based on how far along a pregnancy has progressed. "I don't give it different value at different points in gestation," she said. An early abortion does not make a mother hurt any less, she said, "It just meant her baby was dead sooner, which is heartbreaking to hear." Healey's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a842f812c5335ae1047f65f Nancy Guthrie ransom notes contain repeated writing quirks that could help identify suspect, expert says te 2026-08-18T10:10:09.745Z Nancy Guthrie ransom notes contain repeated writing quirks that could help identify suspect, expert says A pair of messages that may have been sent by someone with knowledge of Nancy Guthrie's suspected kidnapping from her Arizona home contain a series of clues about their author, according to retired Colorado investigator Lisa Miller, who said grammatical habits and sentence patterns suggest both notes were likely written by the same person — and could ultimately trigger the tip detectives have been waiting for. Guthrie is the 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie. Authorities have said she was taken from her home in northern Tucson in the early hours of Feb. 1, after a masked intruder appeared on her front steps in recovered doorbell camera video. Making them public last month could do more than jog someone's memory, Miller said. It could also put pressure on whoever wrote the notes, potentially prompting a misstep that exposes the author to someone in their own circle. "The bad guys can't help but look over their shoulder and wonder, are they onto me? Are they coming? And that pressure creates behavioral leakage that we're looking for and people around them might see." NANCY GUTHRIE RANSOM NOTES RELEASE FOLLOWS UNABOMBER ‘PRECEDENT' THAT CRACKED CASE, EXPERT SAYS But the notes themselves may give the public something specific to look for. "Think about if you've heard someone in your group, maybe outside your orbit that you just encounter that uses this strange language, or if you're written a letter," Miller said. "If you see something in their writing or in an email where they're using these comma splicings, those are the things that are useful to ask people to look for." The comma splices — where two sentences are joined with a comma rather than separated by a period — are a signature detail in both notes, she added. "We see it also again in the second note," she said. "So it's continuous between the two notes, which is one of the reasons why I believe this continuity more likely than not indicates this one author." NANCY GUTHRIE RANSOM DEMANDS RELEASED BY PIMA COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IN BID TO IDENTIFY SENDER The Pima County Sheriff's Department released the notes in July, six months after Guthrie's suspected abduction from her home in Tucson, Arizona. Her whereabouts remain unknown, and authorities said they are hoping that someone recognizes the sender's "unique linguistic style." "These are characteristics, these are things that law enforcement can use to ask people, crowdsource for help in this case," Miller said. And the comma splices aren't the only habits that caught her attention. "We're seeing also some open compounds through the notes," she said. "We see 'heart related,' that should be hyphenated by most people when they write that. We see smartwatch written as two words. Most people write that as one. Floodlight, we see that written as words. So that is a continuity that we're seeing between the two." NANCY GUTHRIE RANSOM NOTES MAY BE FAKE AS RENOWNED PROFILER SAYS CASE LOOKS MORE LIKE BURGLARY GONE WRONG She also said she doesn't think the sender used AI to concoct the messages. There's a typo, for example, and the sentences don't have a smooth, AI-generated flow, she said. Instead, the unusual language may reflect the writer's unique speech and writing habits, Miller said. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "There's something else, it's called idiolect," Miller explained. "Idiolect is our personal style of communication and it can be affected by many things. The region we grew up in, neighborhoods we live in, slang that we've adopted." The sender's idiolect could be why they used the word "perished" rather than "died" and wrote that Guthrie had been "buried in nature," Miller speculated. NANCY GUTHRIE RANSOM NOTE CLAIMED THAT SHE HAD DIED, BEEN ‘BURIED WITH NATURE,’ SOURCE SAYS "Perhaps this idiolect, this personalized language is something that they've said based on religious upbringing, based on books they've read, maybe 'buried in nature' is something they utilize," she said. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS Another possibility, she said, is that offenders typically try to minimize their wrongdoing. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE "They blame others," Miller said. "They blame, you know, the victim themselves. They distance themselves from that bad thing that they did." SEND US A TIP Miller also flagged the sender's use of both a dollar sign and "USD" to specify the ransom amount, along with the way dates and times were written, as other notable quirks. "I would bring people from the public that are looking at these notes to look at that also, cause that's a distinction," she said. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Authorities have not yet confirmed that the notes are authentic, but Guthrie's daughter, "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, has said she believes they may be — and investigators haven't ruled them out either. The sum of all rewards in the case is over $1.2 million. Anyone with information is asked to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI or, to remain anonymous, call 520-88-CRIME. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a842f7a2c5335ae1047f62c Detroit startup Grounded raises $5M to customize electric and gas-powered vans te 2026-08-18T10:10:02.240Z Detroit startup Grounded raises $5M to customize electric and gas-powered vans The company has shifted from making van-life builds to custom outfitting vehicles for small businesses, all while the EV landscape in the US changed dramatically. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8423c92c5335ae1047f390 To win in November, Republicans need to take a page from Obama’s playbook te 2026-08-18T09:20:09.350Z To win in November, Republicans need to take a page from Obama’s playbook If history is any guide, Republicans could be in store for a beating at the ballot box in November. President Donald Trump’s average approval rating has dipped below 40%, while his disapproval rating has climbed into the high 50s. In previous elections, when presidents had approval ratings below 50%, their parties have almost always performed poorly in the midterms. Trump is nowhere near that threshold. Congressional Republicans are not doing much better. The generic ballot shows that most midterm voters favor Democrats, and congressional disapproval has soared in 2026 compared to 2025. It now sits in the high 60s. TRUMP’S ‘FIREWALL’ AGAINST SOCIALISM IN BATTLEGROUND STATE PUNCHES TICKET TO ELECTION Republicans clearly need a new strategy. As strange as it might sound, one of the best models could come from their former nemesis, President Barack Obama, who managed to pull off one of modern political history’s biggest turnarounds in 2012. Many Americans have forgotten that Obama’s reelection was far from assured. The Tea Party helped propel Republicans to a massive midterm victory in 2010. The recovery from the 2008 financial crash was extremely sluggish. Instability was spreading overseas, and fears about government spending were widespread. Throughout 2011, Obama’s approval rating remained in the low 40s and sometimes fell into the high 30s. Obama turned things around in time for the 2012 presidential election by adopting two strategies that conservatives could use in 2026. First, although many Americans were deeply unhappy with the economy in 2012, the Obama administration successfully persuaded millions of voters that their economic problems had been inherited from the George W. Bush administration. Obama argued America could not afford to return to the failed policies that, in his view, caused the 2008 crash. Of course, his account conveniently ignored that many of those policies had been strongly supported by Democrats in Congress, but the political strategy worked. The message became one of the centerpieces of Obama’s campaign. His team even adopted "Forward" as an official campaign slogan. TOP REPUBLICAN PUSHES FOR RECONCILIATION 3.0 TO ADDRESS AFFORDABILITY Republicans have an obvious opportunity to make a similar case today. They inherited one of the worst inflation crises in decades when they took power in 2025. Housing costs and the prices of most consumer goods skyrocketed under Democratic rule for numerous reasons, including reckless spending, unnecessary lockdown and stimulus programs, supply chain problems and the Biden administration’s obsession with costly "green" energy sources. If Republicans want to survive November, they must convince voters that returning power to the architects of those policies could make the affordability crisis even worse. The second strategy Republicans could borrow from Obama is related but distinct. Obama acknowledged in 2012 that the country had more work to do, but he also argued that his administration had made real progress in recovering from the 2008 housing crisis. Finishing the job, Obama warned, was "going to take more time than any of us would like." TRUMP WILL ‘DELIVER’: RNC CHAIR SIGNALS MIDTERMS CONFIDENCE DESPITE ‘DOOM AND GLOOM’ Republicans could make "Let us finish what we started" one of their central messages in 2026. There is little reason for Republican candidates to pretend that the promised American Golden Age has already arrived. Voters know that groceries, housing, healthcare and other basic necessities remain painfully expensive. Any campaign that ignores those realities could come across as insulting or hopelessly detached. A more credible message would acknowledge Americans’ continued struggles while arguing that free-market policies are beginning to work and need more time to produce the results voters want. Republican policymakers inherited a crisis so large that no administration could reasonably reverse it in only two years. There are plenty of victories for Republicans to tout. SENATE REPUBLICANS ARE RUNNING OUT OF TIME TO PROVE THEY CAN ACTUALLY GOVERN Under President Joe Biden, there were more than 10 million border encounters, along with an unknown number of additional illegal entries that were never detected. Today, the border is secure, and illegal immigration is no longer a serious problem. Under Democrats, the Consumer Price Index, a common measure of inflation, increased by a whopping 21% from January 2021 to January 2025. Since Republicans took control of the federal government, CPI has increased by just 5%, well within historical norms. The average sales price of a home also skyrocketed under Biden, increasing by more than $100,000 during his first two years in office. THE SURPRISING HIDDEN COST QUIETLY ADDING NEARLY $132K TO NEW HOME PRICES REVEALED Under Trump and congressional Republicans, home prices have hardly budged. Housing affordability remains a major problem, but conservative policies have at least stopped it from getting worse. None of these accomplishments guarantees Republicans a victory. Elections are rarely won by statistics alone. Voters must believe that the country is moving in the right direction and that changing course could erase whatever progress has been made. Obama understood this in 2012. He did not need voters to believe that every problem had been solved. He needed them to accept three basic claims: He had inherited a disaster, his policies had produced measurable progress and his opponents would reverse that progress. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Whether voters accept a similar argument from Republicans could determine control of Congress in November. If Republican candidates continue acting as though public frustration is irrelevant, history suggests they could face a devastating defeat. If they study Obama’s successful strategy, acknowledge the country’s continuing problems and make a persuasive case for finishing the work they began, they might still have time to change the trajectory of the election. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JUSTIN HASKINS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8423c82c5335ae1047f387 Socialist insurgency storms Trump’s backyard, with pro-Israel Democrats in crosshairs te 2026-08-18T09:20:08.768Z Socialist insurgency storms Trump’s backyard, with pro-Israel Democrats in crosshairs The high-stakes battle between the left wing and the center-left establishment over the future of the Democratic Party takes the spotlight Tuesday in Florida, where a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) faces a more moderate incumbent Democrat who supports Israel. After attention-grabbing left-wing victories this month by Michigan's Abdul El-Sayed and Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan in crucial Democratic Senate nomination showdowns, and a major setback for the DSA with the defeat of DSA member Francesca Hong in Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial primary, the next faceoff in the party's civil war comes in Florida, which, along with Alaska and Wyoming, is holding primaries. The Senate primaries in Alaska and Florida will set up crucial general election showdowns in the fight for control of the chamber. Floridians will pick the major party nominees in the race to succeed term-limited Gov. Ron DeSantis, while longtime Democratic Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz is fighting for political survival against a socialist candidate in a dramatically altered congressional district. But the primary grabbing the most national attention is in Florida's 25th District, where DSA-endorsed Oliver Larkin is challenging the more moderate Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz in a key congressional swing district that's among roughly two dozen House seats that will determine whether Republicans hold onto their razor-thin majority in the midterm elections. DEMOCRATIC GROUP LAUNCHES $15 MILLION WAR ON DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS: 'MORTAL DANGER' The 33-year-old Larkin, a veteran of Sanders' 2016 Democratic presidential campaign, is the only DSA-endorsed House candidate running in a crucial congressional swing district. Larkin says he supports abolishing the U.S. Senate, arguing in a Fox News interview that it's an "undemocratic institution," and has referred to Israel's ruling coalition as a "religious supremacist regime." Moskowitz is a strong and vocal supporter of Israel and has advocated for robust U.S. military and security assistance. The two-term federal lawmaker, a former state representative and Florida emergency management director, is running for re-election in the state's newly redrawn 25th Congressional District, a Broward County-anchored swing seat in the southeastern corner of the one-time battleground state that has leaned red. Moskowitz, who enjoys establishment backing from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, is also supported by AIPAC, a major pro-Israel political group. Larkin has support from prominent far-left figures, including controversial political streamer Hasan Piker. Wasserman Schultz, an 11-term congresswoman and former Democratic National Committee chair, is running for re-election in the newly drawn 20th District, even though she lives in an adjacent district. She has faced criticism from Black leaders for being the only White candidate running for a majority-minority seat that has been represented by Black lawmakers for three decades. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The field includes former congresswoman Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, who resigned from Congress in April over allegations that she misused $5 million in federal funds, which she denies; former Broward County Mayor Dale Holness; and community activist Luther "Uncle Luke" Campbell, a rapper best known for his role in 2 Live Crew. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee (PCCC), a leading political group on the left, is backing Elijah Manley, a 27-year-old substitute teacher who overcame childhood homelessness. In the race to succeed DeSantis, Rep. Byron Donalds enjoys the backing of President Donald Trump. The large field of contenders also includes Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, former Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, and businessman James Fishback. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Former Republican Rep. David Jolly, who became a Democrat last year, is the best-known candidate running for his party's gubernatorial nomination. No Democrat has won an election for Florida governor in more than three decades. Florida's Senate primary will tee up the race to fill out the remainder of the term previously held by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who stepped down from the Senate early last year to serve in the Trump administration. DeSantis appointed then-Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody to fill the vacant seat. She faces three primary challengers on Tuesday. Retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman, who gained national attention after testifying in Trump's first impeachment trial, faces progressive state Rep. Angie Nixon for the Democratic nomination. Democrats are hoping to flip the Senate seat in the midterms, as they aim to win back the Senate majority. Democrats also have their eyes on red-leaning Alaska, where Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan is running for re-election and is expected to face a formidable challenge from former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola. Sullivan and Peltola are the best-known candidates among the 16 contenders in the state's all-party primary, where the top four vote-getters advance to the general election regardless of party affiliation. A former teacher also named Dan Sullivan is on the ballot. Republicans unsuccessfully tried to block the other Dan Sullivan from appearing on the ballot, accusing him of colluding with Democrats to help elect Peltola by confusing voters, an accusation he and the Peltola campaign have denied. Meanwhile, Peltola made headlines last week by distancing herself from an endorsement coming from former Vice President Kamala Harris. Alaska also has crowded primary fields in the race to succeed term-limited GOP Gov. Mike Dunleavy and in the contest for the state's sole congressional seat, where Republican Rep. Nick Begich is seeking re-election. In bright-red Wyoming, Trump is backing Rep. Harriet Hageman in her bid to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Cynthia Lummis. There are also primaries for governor, where GOP Gov. Mark Gordon is term-limited, and for the state's at-large U.S. House seat, which Hageman is leaving to run for the Senate. Meanwhile, four months after Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell quit Congress amid sexual assault allegations that sank his bid for California governor, voters in his former Bay Area district will choose a replacement. Both candidates on the ballot are Democrats, meaning the GOP's razor-thin House majority will narrow further. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8423c82c5335ae1047f37e MORNING GLORY: SCOTUS should urgently allow construction at the White House to proceed te 2026-08-18T09:20:08.177Z MORNING GLORY: SCOTUS should urgently allow construction at the White House to proceed Because of extremely unfortunate, inexplicable and reckless decisions of two lower courts, U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts has before him an application for a stay of an order from the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit which order upholds the imposition of a rococo construction schedule for the above-ground construction of new East Wing of the White House, one which was ordered by U.S. District Judge Richard Leon’s micromanagement of what can and cannot be built in the replacement structure of the now demolished old East Wing of The White House —an East Wing which was built in 1902 and expanded in 1942 when FDR had it substantially expanded and added underground facilities which include the Presidential Emergency Operations Center. An 84-year-old "emergency center" is, of course, outdated. Judge Leon and the Circuit have directed President Trump what he can and cannot build on the grounds of the Executive Mansion. Judge Leon is an old acquaintance of mine and has been a fine judge for his long tenure (he was appointed by President George W. Bush in 2002 and assumed senior status in 2016), but even the best judges throw a spanner every now and then, and this order is one of those. Judge Neomi Rao, perhaps the most brilliant intellect on the D.C. Circuit, issued a comprehensive dissent to the rambling wreck of the circuit court’s lengthy opinion. The Department of Justice has asked the Chief Justice to stay the order of the Circuit Court and thus Judge Leon’s order. TRUMP’S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM FOES FACE ‘VERY TOUGH ARGUMENT’ AT SUPREME COURT, LEGAL EXPERTS SAY Justice Roberts requested the Trust’s response, due by noon (EDT) on Tuesday, August 18, 2026 I hope the Chief Justice stays the D.C. Circuit order Tuesday by COB and makes it clear that construction may continue until and unless the Supreme Court itself orders it halted. Not only are there obvious "standing issues" that should have barred the courts from reaching to the "merits" of the case brought by the National Trust for Historic Preservation (as President Trump noted in a post Thursday,) but the heart of the debate is presidential authority over the Executive Mansion and its attached grounds and other structures related to the role of Commander-in-Chief. This is not a close case. A terse opinion may follow on the ongoing, urgent need to allow this president and all future presidents authority over their home/office/national security facilities within that area as well as associated areas such as Camp David. To ignore the rapidly evolving threats to the White House and any facility used frequently by any president against this reality would be reckless beyond reason and defy common sense. Judge Rao’s dissent from the D.C. Circuit decision is persuasive, but it is too long. The idea that there has to be a process to change the White House facilities (or Camp David or any national security facility threatened by the continually changing capabilities of the country’s enemies) is ridiculous and should be declared so in short, sharp sentences aimed at restoring common sense to the country’s awareness of the threats it faces. US MILITARY BASES ARE ‘ILL-EQUIPPED’ TO STOP DRONE SWARMS, TOP COMMANDER REVEALS AFTER RUBIO'S UAP WARNING The Constitution would not have established the separate but equal branch of the Executive (which also names him the Commander-in-Chief of the military) without including within those grants the necessary and proper powers to conduct both the execution of the laws and the facilities necessary to the command-and-control of the military. The backdrop to this case is not just repeated attempts on the lives of this and other presidents, but also rapidly evolving surveillance technology that has to be countered, and, of course, the astonishing evolution of the threats from drones and hypersonic missiles over the past three years. This president and future presidents should not be hindered in securing their homes, offices and national security facilities from a threat matrix that has soared off the charts. Recall that on 9/11, Vice President Dick Cheney was physically lifted up and out of his West Wing Office. Where do you think he was taken? The Blue Room? What do you imagine is being built below the new East Wing? TRUMP SAYS HE'S IRAN'S 'NO. 1' TARGET AS RENEWED CONFLICT RAISES ASSASSINATION FEARS Imagine the consequences of a state sponsor of terror successfully targeting the White House in the near term if necessary defenses that would have deflected the attack are not in place because of this ridiculous litigation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION "Trump Derangement Syndrome" has spread far and wide, but while the hard left in this country (and the terror-based regimes which align with the objectives of the radicals) would love to see a Commander-in-Chief denied authority over his command structures and defense of his residence, the Supreme Court should move quickly to end this circus. Most of America, and certainly its highest court, would rather spend the rest of its summer break relaxing and preparing for another term that begins in October. But that’s not what would-be assassin nutters much less the Iranian Revolutionary Guard are doing this August. The Supreme Court must "must never forget that it is a constitution we are expounding," and this is the rare case where common sense about the Constitution should see the stay issue and construction resumed according to the design the president has approved after consultations with the Secret Service and the Pentagon. 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/6a8423c72c5335ae1047f375 LIZ PEEK: Hasan Piker exposes Democrats' desperation to win back young men te 2026-08-18T09:20:07.609Z LIZ PEEK: Hasan Piker exposes Democrats' desperation to win back young men Hasan Piker is a self-described Marxist who lives in a multi-million-dollar condo in West Hollywood, drives a Mercedes and makes millions of dollars every year spewing hateful commentary about America, capitalism and, of course, Israel. He was born in New Jersey to a well-to-do family, grew up in Turkey and says he is a non-practicing Muslim. That’s it. He hasn’t developed a new political philosophy, created an innovative technology, run a significant organization, or served in our country’s military. He is not a thought leader or an especially witty speaker. Nonetheless, he has gathered millions of followers on Twitch, a platform mostly used by video game enthusiasts, by saying outrageous things like, "America deserved 9/11". Most people have never heard of Piker, but suddenly stories about him are popping up everywhere. Rolling Stone, for instance, published a fawning piece that described Piker as a "matinee-handsome progressive icon who’s uniquely talented at translating radical-left politics for Gen Z bros." HASAN PIKER TORCHED OVER PLAYBOOK TO DODGE HIS PAST CONTROVERSIES: 'BATS--- CRAZY' Why the sudden acclaim? Piker is the new favorite of the radical Left, campaigning with the likes of Abdul El-Sayed, who is running for a vacant senate seat in Michigan, and is the darling of progressives like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. Democrats, though, are divided about how to handle Piker. On the one hand, his f-bomb-laden self-absorbed commentary offends most people. On the other, he appeals to a cohort Democrats are desperately trying to woo: young men. President Trump made inroads with numerous Democrat-aligned groups in 2016 and 2024, but none was more consequential than his appeal to young males. In 2024, Trump won men by 12 points after winning that cohort by only 2 points in 2020. Men ages 18-49 went for Trump by 1 point after they chose former President Joe Biden by 10 points in 2020. The hectoring "me-too"-empowered feminism of the Democrat Party, which hates "toxic masculinity" has understandably alienated America’s young men. Democrats have embarrassed themselves in recent years trying to reverse those losses by concocting stunts aimed at attracting male Millennials (29-45 year-olds) and members of Gen Z (13-29 year-olds). Kamala Harris’ running mate Minnesota Governor Tim Walz set out to show off his red-blooded Midwestern hunting prowess during the 2024 presidential campaign, but fumbled around loading a shotgun; he was further humiliated by staging a video in which he tinkers with his International Harvester Scout engine like, you know, a real guy, but with spotlessly clean hands. The same quest has led Democrats to seek out rugged candidates like Graham Platner, their pick to run against Senator Susan Collins in Maine. Platner had it all – an oysterman and veteran who was described by GQ as "the virile, earthy working man many male politicians wish they were." Given that he so perfectly fit the script, Platner was forgiven many peccadillos by Democrats before facing accusations of rape and being drummed out of the race. WISCONSIN DEMOCRAT DOWNPLAYS APPEARING ON HASAN PIKER'S SHOW, DOESN'T 'ENDORSE' EVERYTHING HE SAYS All Democrats seem to lace their discourse today with foul language; they apparently think that’s part of Trump’s locker-room appeal. With Trump, the f-bombs sound genuine; from his opponents, they do not. Except for Hasan Piker, who curses routinely and appeals to young men online looking for someone to hate. Piker has chalked up some wins, like being an early supporter of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and some notable losses, like backing Francesca Hong, a gubernatorial candidate in Wisconsin who lost to a moderate Democrat despite polls showing her up by some 20 points. Evidently Hong’s past comments about wanting to cancel Thanksgiving and abolish the police did not sit well with voters. AOC and Bernie were smart enough to steer clear of Hong’s comically bad run, but Piker jumped all-in. He was furious that she lost and blamed her defeat on Boomers, saying "Outlaw Thanksgiving and outlaw boomers." Most recently, Piker whined that Democrats should be defending him. In one of his daily streams, Piker demanded, "Not because you love what I have to say, not because I'm part of this coalition, even though I am, whether you like it or not…" HALEY STEVENS URGES EL-SAYED TO DITCH HASAN PIKER AFFILIATION AFTER MICHIGAN PRIMARY His plea surfaced after several Democrats distanced themselves from Piker, declaring him a danger to their party. Lefty media host Joe Scarborough blasted Democrat leaders for not denouncing Piker after the streamer said about Hamas: "it doesn’t matter if rape happened on Oct. 7." Scarborough is not alone. Shannon Watts, a Democratic activist, recently mocked his efforts to scrub past incendiary remarks, saying he uses his "defense Bingo card: ‘It’s a joke, satire, hyperbole. It’s out of context. It was years ago." Watts elaborated, "English is my second language. I stream for hours. Bad faith clipping. Smear campaign. Critics are being paid for Israel.’" But many in the party see Piker as helping to drive turnout and enthusiasm. El-Sayed reportedly saw a 29% boost in volunteer sign-ups after rallying with Piker, as well as a jump in donations. And, they see engagement with those all-important young male voters. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Piker wants to be taken seriously, but his appeal comes after refusing to endorse Democrats who support Israel, including former Vice President Kamala Harris. Democrats’ long-time support from the Jewish community, that has put him at odds with many in the party. Piker’s impact will be tested anew, when Florida primary voters will pick either two-term incumbent Democrat Jared Moskowitz or DSA-backed Oliver Larkin to run for the House in Florida’s newly-drawn district 25. Moskowitz is running as a "DeSantis Democrat", trading on the Republican governor’s popularity and on his own history of working with state officials in emergency management and bringing federal funding to Florida. Larkin is a Democrat activist and "proud DSA candidate", who is campaigning hard, along with Hasan Piker. Polls show the race is close. Larkin has blasted Moskowitz for taking AIPAC money and supporting Israel. It’s a risky posture in a district where Jews account for roughly 25% of voters. But then, so is campaigning with Hasan Piker. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM LIZ PEEK Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84216a2c5335ae1047f30b Florida Primary Underscores State’s New Identity as a Republican Juggernaut te 2026-08-18T09:10:02.367Z Florida Primary Underscores State’s New Identity as a Republican Juggernaut Republicans hold every statewide elected office and have drastically swung voter registration in the state. A newly gerrymandered congressional map has added four Republican-leaning seats. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a841f162c5335ae1047ef1a Judge Orders Release of Woman Accused of Vandalizing World War II Memorial te 2026-08-18T09:00:06.855Z Judge Orders Release of Woman Accused of Vandalizing World War II Memorial Prosecutors led by Jeanine Pirro, the U.S. attorney in Washington, argued that Melissa Farris posed a flight risk and asked the court to reverse its decision. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a841cc52c5335ae1047eeb8 Hamadeh Introduces Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway Act To Honor Two Arizona Heroes te 2026-08-18T08:50:13.156Z Hamadeh Introduces Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway Act To Honor Two Arizona Heroes By Ethan Faverino | Congressman Abraham Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) has introduced legislation to designate a section of Interstate 17 as the Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway, honoring the lives and sacrifices of two Arizonans who confronted the threat of ISIS through humanitarian service and military courage. The Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway Act, introduced on August 13, would designate a stretch of I-17 running from Prescott to Phoenix, connecting the hometowns of Kayla Mueller and Chief Special Warfare Operator Charles H. Keating IV. Mueller, known as “Arizona’s Angel,” was born and raised in Prescott, Arizona. She traveled to Syria to provide humanitarian assistance and was abducted by terrorists while leaving a Doctors Without Borders hospital in Aleppo in 2013. Mueller was held captive for approximately 18 months before being killed by ISIS militants, including then-ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Keating, a Phoenix native and U.S. Navy SEAL, was killed in Iraq while serving during Operation Inherent Resolve, the U.S.-led effort launched in 2014 to combat ISIS, reclaim territory taken by the terrorist organization, dismantle its network, and protect civilians from its violence. Keating was the third U.S. service member killed during Operation Inherent Resolve. 🇺🇸NEW🇺🇸 Congressman Hamadeh Honored to Introduce the Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway Act Read Press Release⤵️https://t.co/QjjPCEaHIO pic.twitter.com/JZUyjOEk81 — Office of Congressman Abe Hamadeh (@RepAbeHamadeh) August 14, 2026 The proposed highway designation seeks to recognize what Hamadeh described as the “distinct, yet complementary” contributions of two Arizona heroes who confronted ISIS in different ways. “Operation Inherent Resolve demanded both military force and humanitarian resolve, and this designation recognizes the distinct, yet complementary roles our beloved Arizonans played in that effort,” stated Congressman Hamadeh. “We can never forget the victims of ISIS and these two Americans that faced that evil with faith and courage.” Hamadeh introduced the legislation one day before what would have been Mueller’s 38th birthday. The congressman has previously highlighted Mueller’s legacy and efforts to bring her home. During his swearing in ceremony, Hamadeh used the Mueller family’s Bible while taking his oath of office. He was joined at the ceremony by his family and Mueller’s parents, Carl and Marsha. Hamadeh also traveled from Jerusalem to Damascus in August 2025 to meet with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa and Syrian Foreign Prime Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shaibani. During the trip, Hamadeh discussed his continuing efforts to recover Kayla Mueller’s remains and his broader “Peace Through Strength” agenda. If enacted, the Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway would serve as a permanent tribute along I-17, linking Prescott and Phoenix while honoring two Arizonans whose lives became intertwined with the fight against ISIS and the broader conflict against terrorism. Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post Hamadeh Introduces Mueller-Keating Memorial Highway Act To Honor Two Arizona Heroes first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a841cc32c5335ae1047eeaf Kyrsten Sinema Reveals New Details Of Affair With Married Veteran Bodyguard While In Senate te 2026-08-18T08:50:11.173Z Kyrsten Sinema Reveals New Details Of Affair With Married Veteran Bodyguard While In Senate By Staff Reporter | Former U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema revealed more details into her affair with a married veteran who had been her bodyguard while in office.  A new narrative of the affair was made available through depositions filed in the ongoing lawsuit initiated by the bodyguard’s ex-wife under North Carolina’s homewrecker law, which enables an individual to sue the person they believe to be the cause of their divorce.  Matthew Ammel (Ammel), Sinema’s former bodyguard, had been married to the plaintiff, Heather Ammel (Heather), for 14 years. The Ammels had three children together. Ammel began working for Sinema in the spring of 2022.  Sinema admitted in her July 31 deposition that despite knowing Ammel was married with children, she and Ammel had sex for the first time on May 27, 2024, while on a Memorial Day trip in Napa, California. Prior to that date, Sinema denied having ever flirted with him, let alone held or touched him in any way that could be considered romantic in nature. The former senator is seeking to dismiss the lawsuit on the claim that the affair never took place in North Carolina, physically or electronically.  At one point in Sinema’s deposition, evidence was discussed which reflected that Sinema’s phone registered her location in Southern Pines, North Carolina, when she called Ammel on the afternoon of Nov. 1, 2024. Sinema denied having been in that location on that date and insisted that she was in New York City. Both Ammel and Sinema admitted to their affair occurring in Arizona, Washington, D.C., and other states — including New York and Colorado — but not North Carolina.  Heather admitted in her deposition that she possessed no evidence that Ammel and Sinema engaged in their affair in North Carolina, and that she didn’t believe they had a sexual encounter in the state. However, Heather stated that she didn’t acquire a computer forensics expert to investigate if there was anything deleted or hidden that would prove otherwise.  According to the latest court filings, Sinema and Ammel often communicated through Signal, an encrypted messaging app which allows for automatic message deletion according to user settings. Ammel stated in his deposition that their messages were deleted after eight hours.  Sinema denied that she caused or directed the Signal messages to be deleted, automatically or manually.  However, Heather testified in her deposition that Ammel and Sinema’s messages weren’t set to auto-delete prior to the discovery of their affair.   Ammel claimed in his deposition that he was a victim of “domestic abuse violence,” and that was the reason for initiating his affair with Sinema and later separating from his wife. Despite conflicting testimony from his ex-wife, Ammel denies continuing his relationship with her following their separation date in October 2024.  Ammel also disclosed in his deposition — which he took from “his home office” in a house in Arizona where Sinema was also present — that prior to sitting down for questions, he and Sinema had prayed together beforehand. Ammel testified that he presently works as a “cowboy” at Cross Creek Ranch in San Luis Obispo, California.  AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Kyrsten Sinema Reveals New Details Of Affair With Married Veteran Bodyguard While In Senate first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a840a022c5335ae1047e5c7 Appeals court rules Trump admin unlawfully appointed Nevada's top federal prosecutor te 2026-08-18T07:30:10.561Z Appeals court rules Trump admin unlawfully appointed Nevada's top federal prosecutor A federal appeals court panel on Monday upheld an order that disqualified Sigal Chattah as the top federal prosecutor in Nevada, finding that the Justice Department could not keep her in charge through the appointment and delegation mechanisms it used after her interim term ended. A three-judge panel of the Ninth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a judge's ruling that Chattah ‌was not validly leading the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Nevada. The ruling disqualifies Chattah from supervising the prosecutions in three criminal cases. Chattah, who served as Nevada's Republican National Committee member before joining the U.S. Justice Department, was appointed interim U.S. attorney effective April 1, 2025, for a term of up to 120 days. TRUMP-FIRED US ATTORNEY LAUNCHES UNPRECEDENTED COURT FIGHT AFTER 54 MINUTES ON THE JOB As her tenure was about to expire in late July of that year, then-Attorney General Pam Bondi designated Chattah as first assistant U.S. attorney after Chattah resigned from the interim role shortly before the 120-day term expired. The Justice Department argued that the move allowed her to serve as acting U.S. attorney under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act while a permanent U.S. attorney had not been confirmed. Bondi also appointed Chattah as a special attorney, while DOJ maintained that her designation as first assistant — the No. 2 position in the office — allowed her to serve as acting U.S. attorney under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998. Federal public defenders in Nevada challenged Chattah's authority in multiple unrelated criminal cases, arguing she should be disqualified because her appointment was unlawful and called for the cases to be dismissed. U.S. District Judge David Campbell sided with the public defenders in September, and the Trump administration would then ​appeal. The appeals court panel on Monday found that under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act provision DOJ relied on, a first assistant could automatically become acting U.S. attorney only if that person held the first-assistant position when the vacancy occurred. "Nor can the Attorney General create a de facto Acting ‌U.S. Attorney ⁠by delegating all of the functions and duties of the U.S. Attorney to someone else," wrote U.S. Circuit Judge Eric Miller, an appointee of President Donald Trump. The unanimous panel also included U.S. District Judge Stanley Blumenfeld Jr., another Trump appointee, sitting by designation, and U.S. Circuit Judge Sidney Thomas. The Justice Department had argued that Chattah’s designation as first assistant automatically allowed her to serve as acting U.S. attorney under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and, alternatively, that the attorney general could delegate U.S. attorney functions to her. The panel rejected both arguments. TRUMP PICKS JAMES MCDONALD TO LEAD POWERFUL SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF NEW YORK AFTER JAY CLAYTON'S DEPARTURE This is the latest court setback for the administration's efforts to keep temporary appointees serving as top federal prosecutors without Senate confirmation. The dispute comes amid controversy over the Senate Judiciary Committee's so-called "blue slip" tradition, which can allow home-state senators to significantly impede U.S. attorney nominees when the committee chairman honors their objections. Trump did not nominate Chattah for the permanent Nevada U.S. attorney post, instead nominating George Kelesis in February 2026. In December, the Third U.S. Circuit Court of ​Appeals found that Alina ⁠Habba, a former personal lawyer for Trump, was not lawfully serving as acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey and disqualified her from supervising cases. Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83e9322c5335ae1047dab9 DOJ opens probe into prestigious college over alleged discrimination favoring minority students te 2026-08-18T05:10:10.138Z DOJ opens probe into prestigious college over alleged discrimination favoring minority students The Department of Justice launched an investigation on Monday into the College of William & Mary to determine whether certain scholarships and student benefits at the Virginia-based public research institution include unlawful race-based criteria, adding to the Trump administration's targeting of educational institutions across the country. The DOJ's Civil Rights Division announced it was opening a compliance review for the college's potential violations of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. "Awarding scholarships or offering coveted opportunities to students based on the color of their skin is illegal and offends the guarantees of our color-blind Constitution," Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said in a statement. "We will find out if scholarships or other student benefits at William & Mary favor applicants of certain races. The Department will not turn a blind eye to race-based preferences, however they are packaged or portrayed by universities," she continued. DOJ OPENS PROBE INTO HARVARD'S FINANCIAL AID FOR ALLEGED DISCRIMINATION AGAINST AMERICAN STUDENTS The "W&M Scholars" program for first-year undergraduate students includes a scholarship that covers at least the full cost of in-state tuition and fees. While the scholarship is not limited to any particular race, the DOJ said in a notice letter to the institution that applicants with an "interest in diverse people and perspectives" receive "top consideration." William & Mary's website lists that consideration alongside academic ability and potential and first-generation or limited-income status. The W&M School of Education's need-based Martha L. Muguira Fellowship for graduate students gives a "preference" to Hispanic or Latino women, who have financial need, according to the DOJ. The W&M School of Education's doctoral-level Holmes Scholars program was described by the DOJ as giving "future education leaders of color" mentorship, access to job fairs and position announcements, as well as national-level professional development benefits, including policy and advocacy training and opportunities to present their research. William & Mary's current website describes Holmes Scholars as students "from traditionally under-represented backgrounds." The DOJ said the W&M Law School offers the Lemon Legal Scholars Program. The DOJ said W&M Law offers up to five full scholarships covering tuition and fees that appear to be exclusively for HBCU graduates. William & Mary's current website, however, says the law school "will award at least five full scholarships" to HBCU graduates admitted to its J.D. program. Recipients of this scholarship also receive networking opportunities, one-on-one academic advising regarding course load and bar exam preparation, as well as access to special events with W&M Law School faculty, senior administrators and alumni. The law school also advertises the "Reaching Back Scholarship," which is a need-based scholarship that has a "preference" for HBCU graduates or those "who contribute to the diversity" of W&M Law School, the DOJ said. Some programs at the institution were established to deal with the legacy of slavery and racial discrimination at William & Mary. The DOJ urged William & Mary to hand over certain documents and information by September 8 as part of the compliance review. The department said ⁠it wants ​to secure compliance by "informal voluntary means" ​but may take formal action such as proceedings that could result in the termination of federal financial assistance if it deems such a move necessary. DOJ SUES UCLA OVER ALLEGED ‘JUDENREIN’ CONDITIONS DURING ANTI-ISRAEL ENCAMPMENT Responding to the federal probe, William & Mary said in a statement that it is "committed to nondiscriminatory learning environments across our campus and complying with all state and federal laws." The DOJ's Civil Rights Division said it had not reached any conclusions about the subject matter of the investigation. This is just the latest effort by the Trump administration to target educational institutions across the nation for issues such as race-based admissions and scholarships, diversity, equity and inclusion programs and alleged antisemitism on campus. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83e4842c5335ae1047d9d7 A Summery Panzanella te 2026-08-18T04:50:12.389Z A Summery Panzanella Nothing says summer like a brimming bowl filled with fresh garden vegetables and farmers market finds. Sweet corn and juicy tomatoes are at their peak, which makes for a perfect pairing in this vibrant salad inspired by Italian panzanella. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83e4832c5335ae1047d9ce Quick Fix: Buffalo pork salad scores big with bold game-day flavor te 2026-08-18T04:50:11.685Z Quick Fix: Buffalo pork salad scores big with bold game-day flavor With a summer full of exciting sports events on TV, I was inspired to create a buffalo-style sauce for pork. The spicy, tangy glaze gives the pork a bold kick, while a crisp, cool salad drizzled with blue cheese dressing… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83e4822c5335ae1047d9c5 Mayo Clinic Q&A: When to worry about numbness and tingling te 2026-08-18T04:50:10.811Z Mayo Clinic Q&A: When to worry about numbness and tingling Q: My spouse will tell me occasionally that their hands and feet "fall asleep," and they experience numbness, tingling and a pins-and-needles sensation. Is this normal, or does it require medical attention? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83e4822c5335ae1047d9b9 It ‘broke my heart’: Runner says conditions along Colorado River worse than thought te 2026-08-18T04:50:10.080Z It ‘broke my heart’: Runner says conditions along Colorado River worse than thought A week ago, ultrarunner Mina Guli clamored down the Nankoweap Trail, rated by the National Park Service as the most difficult named trail in the Grand Canyon, where temperatures were 100 degrees by 6 a.m. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83e47e2c5335ae1047d9a2 ACLU drops lawsuit against Arizona immigration law te 2026-08-18T04:50:06.130Z ACLU drops lawsuit against Arizona immigration law The ACLU said Wednesday that “there is no indication that any law enforcement agency or prosecutor in Arizona is enforcing Section 5” so far. But its statement also emphasized that future legal action was not out of the question. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83c85f2c5335ae1047d2bf Scene pkg Aug 17 te 2026-08-18T02:50:07.831Z Scene pkg Aug 17 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83c85b2c5335ae1047d2a4 A California County Eyes a New Hire: Tina Peters, the Election Denier te 2026-08-18T02:50:03.479Z A California County Eyes a New Hire: Tina Peters, the Election Denier The top elections official in Shasta County offered a job to Ms. Peters, a Trump supporter who was convicted of tampering with voting machines in Colorado. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83c3ae2c5335ae1047cf87 Welcome to The Local: Twin Cities te 2026-08-18T02:30:06.108Z Welcome to The Local: Twin Cities We’ll be sharing neighborhood news and, today, talking with Hope Walz. We’ll also be revealing what Wirecutter is reviewing at the State Fair. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83c15a2c5335ae1047cf41 Virginia man acquitted by insanity in killing flees US during 48-hour mental hospital pass te 2026-08-18T02:20:10.776Z Virginia man acquitted by insanity in killing flees US during 48-hour mental hospital pass A Virginia man found not guilty by reason of insanity in a 2019 killing fled the United States on a one-way flight to Tajikistan while on an approved 48-hour pass from a state mental health facility, according to court records. Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda left the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) on July 6 for an authorized 48-hour pass. He was required to return two days later, but he never did, FOX 5 reported, citing court documents. Instead, Toshpulodzoda traveled to Washington Dulles International Airport and boarded a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul before continuing to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, court documents show. "The Acquittee failed to return to NVMHI on July 8, 2026, as required," the filing states. ICE CALLS OUT ‘DEPRAVED FREAK’ ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT DEPORTED AFTER HEINOUS CRIME IN DEM-RUN STATE Toshpulodzoda was committed to the custody of the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services in 2022 after being found not guilty by reason of insanity in the death of his landlord, Mohammad Hemmatian, according to FOX 5. His departure came shortly after a judge determined he remained mentally ill and needed inpatient treatment. "On June 29, 2026, this Court found that the Acquittee remained mentally ill and in need of inpatient hospitalization," court documents state. Despite that finding, Virginia law allows mental health facilities to grant certain committed patients unaccompanied community visits lasting up to 48 hours, according to FOX 5. NVMHI authorized Toshpulodzoda to leave on July 6. Court records show he left the approved placement and headed to Dulles instead of returning to the facility. BILL MAHER RIPS IMMIGRANTS WHO REFUSE TO ADAPT, SAYS AMERICAN VALUES ARE ‘NOT NEGOTIABLE’ Airline records attached to the court filing show a Turkish Airlines itinerary from Dulles to Istanbul and then to Dushanbe. FOX 5 reported that Toshpulodzoda had previously been allowed to travel to Washington, D.C., in 2024 to obtain a passport, with support from the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office. After Toshpulodzoda failed to return, NVMHI placed him on escape status, revoked his pass and issued a facility warrant. Virginia State Police and federal authorities were notified, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued an alert in case he attempted to return to the United States. A bench warrant was later issued for his arrest, according to FOX 5. LINDSAY CLANCY MURDER TRIAL BECOMES SOCIAL MEDIA OBSESSION AS TIKTOKERS, SLEUTHS DEBATE CONTROVERSIAL CASE "Abdulloi Toshpulodzoda was found by clinicians to be insane at the time he killed Mohammad Hemmatian – a legal finding that means the Commonwealth would be unable to secure a conviction at trial," the Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s office said in a statement. "Following that 2022 finding, prosecutors have opposed his release at annual review hearings, including in June of this year, where a judge ordered that he continue to be confined in a state behavioral health facility. A bench warrant was issued immediately following notice that he had escaped custody, so if he enters the U.S., he will be arrested and brought to Virginia." The Fairfax County Commonwealth Attorney’s office, the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute and Turkish Airlines could not immediately be reached by Fox News Digital for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83c15a2c5335ae1047cf34 Anti-School Choice Measure Projected To Fall More Than 10,000 Signatures Short Of Ballot After Legal Challenge te 2026-08-18T02:20:10.035Z Anti-School Choice Measure Projected To Fall More Than 10,000 Signatures Short Of Ballot After Legal Challenge By Matthew Holloway | The Protect Education Act is projected to fall more than 10,000 valid signatures short of the number required to qualify for Arizona’s November ballot after a court challenge removed thousands of petition signatures and county recorders completed their validity reviews. The Arizona Free Enterprise Club (AFEC) announced Monday that applying the trial court’s rulings and county signature-validity rates leaves the initiative with approximately 245,000 valid signatures. Arizona law required the campaign to produce 255,949 valid signatures. The calculation follows an expedited ruling Thursday from Maricopa County Superior Court Judge David McDowell in Clark v. Fontes, the lawsuit challenging the petitions submitted by Protect Education, Accountability Now, the political committee behind the initiative. At the time of McDowell’s ruling, the final outcome remained unresolved because Maricopa and Apache counties had not yet completed their reviews. The Arizona Capitol Times reported that the Secretary of State’s initial review had reduced the campaign’s submitted total to 389,376 signatures before the court considered challenges to individual circulators, petition sheets, and duplicate signatures. 🚨 BREAKING: “PROTECT EDUCATION ACT” FALLS SHORT Based on the trial court’s ruling in Clark (@ClarkRimsza) v Fontes and county signature validity rates, the union-backed anti-ESA initiative does not have enough valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot. The numbers:… pic.twitter.com/2sEDpmnqms — Arizona Free Enterprise Club (@azfec) August 17, 2026 McDowell’s ruling left 348,269 signatures presumptively valid before application of the counties’ random-sample validity rates. The court also addressed 24,369 duplicate signatures and challenges involving more than 110 petition circulators. “The court agrees that it is conceivable that a double count could occur, but the court cannot make a decision based upon a hypothetical double counting of duplicate signatures,” McDowell wrote. The initiative’s supporters submitted 421,451 signatures on July 2. Save Our Schools Arizona and the Arizona Education Association were among the organizations backing the campaign. The Goldwater Institute filed its challenge July 20, alleging that tens of thousands of the submitted signatures should be rejected because of duplicate entries, defects in circulator registrations, and petitions collected by people who were legally ineligible to circulate them. The amended complaint raised more than 73,300 objections. Those included allegations involving unregistered paid circulators, signatures collected before circulator registration, inaccurate addresses or contact information, identification problems, and circulators whose felony convictions or other legal circumstances allegedly made them ineligible. McDowell ultimately invalidated signatures collected by several circulators. Four circulators were disqualified because of criminal histories. The judge also invalidated several thousand signatures collected by circulator Tyrone Crispell after finding his denial that he misrepresented the initiative to prospective signers was not credible. AFEC said Monday that nearly 70,000 signatures were disqualified through the challenge, including duplicates and signatures gathered by legally ineligible circulators. “This is a major victory for Arizona parents, students, and the integrity of our elections,” AFEC President Scot Mussi said. “This anti-school choice initiative and its union backers spent more than $7 million dollars trying to dismantle school choice in our state, but they still could not collect enough lawful, valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.” Campaign-finance figures compiled by Transparency USA from Arizona disclosure records show the Protect Education, Accountability Now committee had reported more than $7.5 million in total expenditures through July 30. The National Education Association accounted for approximately $6.57 million in cash and in-kind contributions, while the Arizona Education Association contributed another $810,000. The Protect Education Act, designated Proposition 212 during the ballot-review process, would make several changes to Arizona’s Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program. The measure would generally limit eligibility to families earning $150,000 or less, with exceptions including students with disabilities, certain military families, and students assigned to poorly performing public schools. The proposal would also establish additional requirements for participating private schools and tutors, restrict certain ESA expenditures, and generally require unused annual ESA funds to be returned to the state. The signature dispute is separate from litigation over how Proposition 212 would be described to voters. Last week, Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Julie Ann Mata ordered Secretary of State Adrian Fontes to rewrite portions of the proposition’s descriptive title and “yes” and “no” statements after finding that the existing language omitted significant provisions of the measure. Judge Daniel Martin separately ordered revisions to the Arizona Legislative Council’s publicity-pamphlet analysis. 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 Anti-School Choice Measure Projected To Fall More Than 10,000 Signatures Short Of Ballot After Legal Challenge first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83c1572c5335ae1047cf26 Fontes urges high court to reject Trump-linked firm’s ballot rewrite bid for election reform measure te 2026-08-18T02:20:07.290Z Fontes urges high court to reject Trump-linked firm’s ballot rewrite bid for election reform measure Adrian Fontes, the Democratic nominee for secretary of state, speaking at a Nov. 2, 2022, campaign rally in Phoenix. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror) A Trump-linked law firm should not get to rewrite a description of a Republican-backed ballot referral that would make sweeping changes to Arizona election laws, the Democratic secretary of state argued to the state’s highest court.  America First Legal Foundation on Friday appealed a decision by a trial court judge, striking down its challenge to the description — written by Fontes — of Proposition 144 that is set to be printed on the November ballot.  The America First Legal Foundation was created by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, an architect of Project 2025 and one of President Donald Trump’s closest advisors. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE Representing three supporters of Prop. 144, attorney James Rogers argued that the description leaves out some of the most important provisions of the measure and includes “unresolved assumptions.” Rogers contends that Fontes illegally left out of his description a principal part of the measure requiring Arizonans to be U.S. citizens to register to vote and for their votes to be counted.  The description of Prop. 144 to be printed on November ballots reads that it “(r)equires all voters, including voters who vote by mail, to show government-issued ID to vote in each election; makes other changes to election administration and campaign finance prohibitions.” America First Legal Foundation argued that because the language of Prop. 144 says that “only citizens may register and vote in Arizona elections,” as well as that elections “shall be decided solely by the votes of eligible citizen voters,” those points should be included in the description.  In a response to the America First Legal Foundation’s appeal, Assistant Attorney General Kara Karlson argued on Secretary of State Adrian Fontes’ behalf that the citizenship requirement is not a key provision because citizenship has always been a prerequisite to register to vote in Arizona.  “The most consequential provisions of this measure for voters are the new vote by mail and ID requirements,” Karlson wrote.  Prop. 144, also known as the “Fast Accurate Secure Transparent Election Results Act,” would prohibit foreign nationals from spending money to influence state elections — they are already barred from giving to candidates, but can give money to other political committees — require every voter to show government identification before casting a ballot in every election and require all polling locations to provide on-site tabulation of ballots for voters who want it. It would also create a new standard for challenging election laws enacted by the state legislature.  Rogers urged the court to strike down the secretary of state’s description of the proposition as illegal, and to replace it with language provided by the America First Legal Foundation.  In its response, the Secretary of State’s Office explained why it did not mention the citizenship requirement directly in the ballot description for Prop. 144.  Rogers contended that Fontes “must use language that misleadingly implies that Arizona voters can presently register to vote and cast a ballot without being citizens,” Karlson wrote. “But Arizona has required voters to be citizens since statehood; this is not a change for voters.”  Karlson said that Fontes instead focused the description on provisions that would result in changes to state law that would directly impact voters.  Written by state Rep. Alexander Kolodin, a Scottsdale Republican who will go up against Fontes in the race for secretary of state in November, Prop. 144 was one of five controversial last-minute ballot referrals that the Republicans who control the Arizona Legislature approved along party lines in a marathon night of voting on the last day of the annual legislative session in June. Kolodin is an attorney and election denier who was sanctioned by the Arizona State Bar in 2023 for his part in lawsuits challenging the 2020 election that made implausible and evidence-free claims of massive election fraud. In response to the appeal, Karlson wrote that ballot descriptions of propositions are legal if they “can reasonably be regarded as an attempt to provide” a summary of the principal provisions of the measure and are not “false nor clearly misleading.” Rogers argued that Fontes overstepped the discretion afforded to him in authoring the description, but Karlson answered that Rogers and his clients just don’t like the way the description is worded.  “The citizenship requirements are not one of the ‘principal provisions’ of the measure, nor an ‘essential change in the existing law’ because they will have no effect on Arizona voters,” Karlson wrote. “These repetitive provisions were omitted to ensure that voters are accurately informed about the way this measure will impact them and avoid the impression that citizenship is a new requirement to vote (or register to vote).” The trial court judge ruled last week that the three supporters of Prop. 144 on behalf of whom the America First Legal Foundation brought the legal challenge, did not have standing, or a stake in the ballot measure or its outcome that was specific to them, ahead of voters as a group.  Rogers asked the Arizona Supreme Court to reverse that ruling, claiming that because the three men are on the record showing support for the proposition before it was passed by the legislature, they would suffer more specific harms from reportedly misleading ballot description than other voters.  “They suggest that the Ballot Language exposes them to unique harm in the form of potential credibility and reputational harm, and frustration of their participation in the legislative process,” Karlson wrote.  If that was true, she continued, any ballot language with which advocates for it disagreed could be challenged in court on that basis alone.  “That simply cannot be the case,” Karlson wrote. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83befb2c5335ae1047ceb9 Hegseth Campaigns for Republican Zach Nunn in Iowa te 2026-08-18T02:10:03.869Z Hegseth Campaigns for Republican Zach Nunn in Iowa The appearance for Representative Zach Nunn was another departure from previous norms for the defense secretary, whose predecessors kept a greater distance from politics. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83ba502c5335ae1047ce20 Saints first-round pick Jordyn Tyson could miss 2 months with hamstring injury from training camp te 2026-08-18T01:50:08.628Z Saints first-round pick Jordyn Tyson could miss 2 months with hamstring injury from training camp Jordyn Tyson’s start to his NFL career is not going according to plan. The New Orleans Saints receiver, who went in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, could miss the next two months after suffering a hamstring injury during training camp, according to NFL Network. The 22-year-old Arizona State product, whom the Saints took eighth overall back in April, suffered the injury during last Thursday’s joint practice with the Jacksonville Jaguars. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Saints head coach Kellen Moore, who enters his second season leading the franchise, said one day later that the injury could force Tyson to be sidelined through the start of the season. Now, if the current timeline remains, Tyson is looking at potentially missing at least five games. There were also reports Tyson sought multiple opinions on his hamstring injury, leading to discourse on social media among football fans worried he would be missing more than just a few practices. VIKINGS FEAR WORST AS JAMAL ADAMS, FORMER ALL-PRO SAFETY, SUFFERS KNEE INJURY IN PRESEASON GAME: 'NOT GOOD' A two-month timeline would mean a return near Week 6, where the Saints would travel to MetLife Stadium to face the New York Giants. Then, they travel overseas for a game in Paris as part of the NFL’s International Games. Tyson did have hamstring issues while starring for the Sun Devils, but Moore refuted speculation that this injury was comparable. "I think my understanding of this one, any player that was put in his situation where your foot slips and you get shoved from behind, this has nothing to do with Jordyn's history," Moore explained, per ESPN. "Any player in that situation probably has the same diagnosis coming out of this." Moore added that Tyson, who had practiced every day in training camp before the injury, was having a good time getting acclimated to his new team. "He's played really good football," Moore said. "Inevitably, this is the unfortunate part of what preseason and training camp football is. We've already had a few of these guys, that you just have something that comes up and ... we'll just work through it. "He'll be fine. We'll get through this, and he'll be good to go." Moore is charged with continuing the positive football that came in the second half of last season for the Saints, particularly when Tyler Shough, the team’s second-round draft choice a year ago, was named the starting quarterback. Now, as Shough had a full offseason to prepare as the team’s starter moving forward, the Saints did a great job adding offensive weapons for him to work with. One of them was Tyson, who hit the prospect radar for NFL scouts with a breakout 1,101-yard performance in 2024. He dealt with hamstring problems in 2025, which led to just nine games on the field for Arizona State. However, he tallied 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns over that span. New Orleans also locked in top receiver Chris Olave on an extension before the start of the season, while adding Travis Etienne Jr. this offseason on a four-year, $48 million contract. Alvin Kamara returns to the fold as well, providing a dynamic duo in the backfield. But Tyson’s priorities will be on recovery now, as the Saints hope to have their first-round pick back on the field soon with the regular season a few weeks away. 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/6a83b7f32c5335ae1047cd9a U.S. Airman Says He Would Accept Punishment for Protesting Iran War te 2026-08-18T01:40:03.294Z U.S. Airman Says He Would Accept Punishment for Protesting Iran War Major Watson characterized the war in Iran as an act of American aggression and compared the U.S. military actions to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83b0f02c5335ae1047ccc1 Stephen A Smith goes off on national Black journalists organization after 'personal hit job' against him te 2026-08-18T01:10:08.032Z Stephen A Smith goes off on national Black journalists organization after 'personal hit job' against him ESPN host and political commentator Stephen A. Smith targeted the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) for what he called a "personal hit job" against him in a lengthy rant during his show on Monday. Smith's comments came after the NABJ gave him a "Thumbs Down" award at the group's Saturday night gala in Atlanta over what it characterized as his repeated disparagement of prominent Black women. The sports host felt personally offended by the decision, calling out the moment as a spectacular lack of journalism from a journalism organization. STEPHEN A SMITH ADMITS BYRON DONALDS COULD MAKE HIM A REPUBLICAN, CALLS HIM ‘THE REAL DEAL’ "The reality is that it was a personal hit job," Smith said. "We can sit up there and lollygag around and act like we don't know any better. It was a personal hit job. Which, by the way, usually doesn't phase me. I know you think something phases me, just because you see me commenting on it. No, I'm in this business. I have a platform. I can comment about anything I want to, and I will continue to do so." "That's not what this is," he added. "This is different. This is a journalism organization that didn't engage in journalism when it came to critiquing me. Disparaging Black women is a very incendiary thing to say. If you felt that adamant about it, [NABJ] President [Errin] Haines, how come I never got a call?" Smith speculated that the award was focused on his past criticism of high-profile Black female political figures like Texas Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett. He also revealed that he reached out to Haines regarding the organization's allegations to potentially discuss their differences, a conversation that ultimately went nowhere. STEPHEN A SMITH REVEALS DEVASTATING MOMENT HIS FATHER SAID HE WOULD NEVER 'BE ANYTHING' "Do you know what she said to me, ladies and gentlemen? She'd rather have a private off-the-air conversation first," he said. "Oh, really? So you can go on a public platform, denigrate me, make these accusations against me without calling. But when I challenge you to come on here face to face and have a conversation with me, now we want a private conversation before. Nah, I will never speak to her because the deed is done."  However, Smith clarified that he still plans to support NABJ, remarking that he owes his career to an "NABJ job fair" over 30 years ago. "This is not about the NABJ. This is not an indictment against them. It certainly isn't an indictment against the sports task force filled with a bunch of my brothers that I will always be there for," he said. "And it certainly isn't something that should be held against aspiring journalists and those already in the business who aspire to rise higher. I'm always here. But those few board members who made this decision, it was wrong. It was grossly unfair. And more importantly, it was self-defeating." An editor for the conservative watchdog, the Media Research Center, told Fox News Digital Sunday that the award reflected what he viewed as a broader disconnect between journalism organizations and the public. "This charade is further proof these so-called journalist trade groups are an absolute scam. They exist to keep Woke 1 alive, and illuminate the reality elitist journalists are wildly disconnected from the rest of the country," NewsBusters Managing Editor Curtis Houck said. "Stephen A. Smith was exactly right to eviscerate them. Smith is known as someone who can be a bloviator, but he also calls out all sides if he feels they did something wrong. It's a lesson those in the NABJ should take a page from instead of masquerading as clownish activists," he added. Fox News Digital reached out to NABJ for comment but did not immediately receive a response. STEPHEN A SMITH ONLY SPEAKS UP ABOUT IMPORTANT SOCIETAL ISSUES ONLY WHEN IT'S POLITICALLY ACCEPTABLE A video of the NABJ presentation was shared by Washington Association of Black Journalists President Phil Lewis on X Sunday. "Smith has established a recurring public pattern of disparaging commentary directed at prominent Black women across politics, sports, and media," the award presentation said. "Such commentary reinforces harmful narratives, undermines the fair and respectful representation of Black women in public discourse, and stands in direct conflict with NABJ’s longstanding commitment to accurate, responsible, and inclusive portrayals of Black communities," it continued. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83b0ef2c5335ae1047ccb8 One of world’s oldest orca whales found with possible shotgun wounds as officials launch investigation te 2026-08-18T01:10:07.381Z One of world’s oldest orca whales found with possible shotgun wounds as officials launch investigation The mysterious wounds found on one of the world's oldest orcas have triggered an investigation in Spain and raised questions about whether someone took aim at the famed killer whale amid years of tense encounters between orcas and boats. Toñi, the oldest known Iberian orca, surfaced in the Strait of Gibraltar with multiple fresh marks across her dorsal fin and back that conservationists believe were caused by shotgun pellets. The injuries were not visible in photographs taken just weeks earlier. The orca, known as Toñi, was spotted this week with marks Spanish officials described as compatible with possible pellet shots, according to Spain's Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO). CALIFORNIA TEEN FACES PRISON AFTER VIRAL VIDEO SHOWS HIM SQUARING UP, REPEATEDLY KICKING SEA LION IN THE FACE The ministry said it learned of Toñi's injuries on Aug. 11, after receiving information from marine conservation group WeWhale, which operates in the area with government authorization. Officials opened preliminary investigative proceedings the next day to determine what happened and potentially identify those responsible. While Spanish authorities have stopped short of concluding that Toñi was shot, conservation groups WeWhale and Iberian Orca Guardians said their teams believe the appearance, number and distribution of the wounds point to a shotgun discharge. The groups said the injuries appeared suddenly. They had photographed and observed Toñi only weeks earlier, when the wounds were not present. WeWhale said its team counted roughly 10 apparent pellet impacts on the left side of her dorsal fin. At least two or three projectiles appear to have passed straight through the fin, while others may still be lodged inside, according to the group. EL-SAYED IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER 'SICKENING' ANIMAL CONTROL RECORD GOES VIRAL ON SOCIAL MEDIA At an estimated 60 years old, Toñi could face added risks from the injuries. WeWhale said the fin has a rich blood supply and helps the animal regulate its body temperature, meaning the wounds could lead to tissue damage, swelling or infection. If pellets remain lodged inside, the group warned that an infection could, in the worst case, become life-threatening. For now, however, there are encouraging signs. WeWhale said Toñi appears to be swimming and hunting normally, and its team will continue watching her closely. "We know Toñi. We were with her a few weeks ago and these wounds were not there," Janek Andre, founder and president of WeWhale and the Iberian Orca Guardians Foundation, said in a statement. Andre said the groups are now seeing "multiple impact wounds" across the animal's dorsal fin and back that they believe are consistent with a shotgun blast. DEADLIEST ANIMAL IN EVERY US STATE REVEALED, FROM MOOSE AND BEARS TO DOGS "If someone has deliberately fired a shotgun at her, this is not only an act of extreme cruelty against an individual animal," Andre said. "It is an attack on one of the last remaining members of a critically endangered population." Toñi, also known as "La Abuela," or "the grandmother," is the oldest known member of the Iberian orca population, according to the conservation groups. Her population in the Strait of Gibraltar and Gulf of Cádiz is classified as vulnerable under Spain's Catalog of Endangered Species. The stakes for anyone found responsible could be steep. Spanish law prohibits killing, capturing, pursuing or disturbing protected species, and violations of regulations protecting the orcas can carry penalties of up to 2 million euros, equivalent to about $2.3 million, along with potential criminal liability, according to MITECO. The ministry's General Directorate of Biodiversity, Forests and Desertification is investigating the incident. The investigation comes amid years of documented interactions between Iberian orcas and boats off the Iberian Peninsula. Since 2020, orcas in the region have repeatedly interacted with vessels in Atlantic waters, prompting Spanish authorities to issue guidance aimed at protecting boaters, vessels and the animals. Officials advise sailors not to use deterrent measures that could kill, injure or disturb the cetaceans. WeWhale said the apparent shooting should not be viewed as an acceptable response to those encounters. "There has been enormous public discussion about Iberian orcas and their interactions with vessels," Andre said. "Whatever someone's opinion about those interactions may be, shooting at these animals can never be an acceptable response." The conservation groups said they are preserving their original photographs and observational records and will continue monitoring Toñi's physical condition and behavior as the government investigation moves forward. Authorities have not announced a suspect or identified anyone who may be responsible for the injuries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83ac3f2c5335ae1047cad3 Newly released data shows which American cities have the most passionate fanbases in the NFL te 2026-08-18T00:50:07.991Z Newly released data shows which American cities have the most passionate fanbases in the NFL It's an age-old question that's divided sports fans for decades: which city or team has the most passionate fanbases? There are several obvious contenders, cities that have the reputation for caring "more" about their team than others. Particularly in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles come to mind, with that city's fans infamous for maybe caring a bit, too, much. New York and Boston too, with the East Coast mindset and dedication to sports. Then there is Chicago Bears fans, who pack the old, outdated Soldier Field, even in frigid temperatures, to watch a their team, despite years of futility. Then there's the South, particularly Texas, where football reaches extreme levels of importance and high school teams have 20,000+ seat stadiums. BUFFALO BILLS FANS AT THE BRAND NEW $2.2 BILLION HIGHMARK STADIUM ARE FINDING THEIR VIEWS ARE OBSTRUCTED Well, Nielsen, the company mostly known for measuring television ratings, attempted to answer this question once and for all. The company released a new "Local NFL fandom index" report on Monday, tracking all 30 NFL markets by eight key metrics to determine which are the most invested in their teams. Those metrics include "apparel purchases, general interest levels, live event attendance, betting intent, social media engagement, radio listenership, streaming habits, and linear TV viewership." What "general interest levels" measure is not clear, nor is how they weighted those metrics to calculate their rankings. But what is clear is that the smaller- or mid-market teams enjoy the highest level of fan engagement and interest, which isn't too surprising given some obvious advantages they have over larger cities. Here's how Nielsen ranked the 30 markets and the "average index" based on their chosen factors. VON MILLER SIGNS WITH COWBOYS IN HOMECOMING MOVE FOR 2-TIME SUPER BOWL CHAMPION: 'LET'S MAKE THIS ONE SPECIAL' There are several interesting data points here, and Nielsen did provide a bit of background data that demonstrates how factors can influence the rankings. First, the small markets dominate in part because there's less competition. Fewer entertainment options, particularly in fall and winter in the upper Midwest, lead to more focused interest on the local NFL team. Nielsen, in its report, says cities like Cincinnati, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Cleveland achieved their scores thanks to the number of fans listening on local radio, watching on television, or attending games, relative to the size of their markets. Local television viewership in Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Pittsburgh, as well as Green Bay, Buffalo, and Kansas City, is unsurprisingly higher than in the larger markets. They also called out Detroit and Green Bay for both ranking in the top five in merchandise purchases. No doubt helped by the Lions recent success, and Green Bay's consistent track record. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM On the other hand, larger markets, or those with a substantial transplant population, do not fare nearly as well. NFL teams in Miami, LA, San Francisco, Tampa, and New York have stiff competition for outside entertainment, have large communities from other parts of the country, and are loaded with teams in other sports. For all the , often deservedly, negative aspects of their reputation, kudos to Philadelphia Eagles fans. Even with the distractions that come in a large market, Philly ranks among the top five fanbases. Nielsen reported that it does not lead "a single metric outright," but landed in the top five in "five of the eight questions the index tracks." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! What is also interesting is the importance of winning. Boston would probably rank lower, if the Patriots weren't as good. Similarly, Kansas City outpaces other similar markets because the Chiefs are Super Bowl contenders every year, thanks to Patrick Mahomes. Buffalo too, obviously has a passionate fanbase, but tops the list likely thanks to their run of playoff appearances with Josh Allen. And thanks to this ranking, they may not have Super Bowl-winning bragging rights, but the Bills Mafia can now at least say they're the best fans in the NFL and bring some data to back it up. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83ac3e2c5335ae1047cac2 Voucher-reform measure hangs by a thread as Supreme Court weighs signatures te 2026-08-18T00:50:06.916Z Voucher-reform measure hangs by a thread as Supreme Court weighs signatures (Photo by Jim Small/Arizona Mirror) Whether voters this fall will get a chance to weigh in on a ballot measure to implement sweeping new restrictions on the state’s billion-dollar universal school voucher program hinges entirely on whether the Arizona Supreme Court buys an argument from the initiative’s backers that a trial court judge’s plan for determining valid signatures means some bad signatures will be counted twice. Analyses of initiative petition signatures performed by Arizona’s 15 county recorders left Proposition 212, formally known as the Protect Education Act, with a validity rate of 75.2%.  Among other things, Prop. 212 seeks to add an income eligibility cap to the universal voucher system, crack down on voucher misuse and require schools that accept voucher payments to meet certain educational and safety requirements. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE Although there are four separate arguments before the Supreme Court that aim to change the number of petition signatures against which to apply that validity rate, the only one that really matters for Prop. 212’s place on the ballot is how the court deals with potential double-counting of invalidated signatures. But the ballot measure’s opponents are already claiming victory and declaring that the effort by Arizona’s largest teachers union and public school advocates to curtail the voucher system has been defeated. “This is a major victory for Arizona parents, students, and the integrity of our elections,” Scot Mussi, president of the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, which helped lead the litigation, said in a written statement. “This anti-school choice initiative and its union backers spent more than $7 million dollars trying to dismantle school choice in our state, but they still could not collect enough lawful, valid signatures to qualify for the ballot.” And Steve Montenegro, the Republican speaker of the Arizona House of Representatives, took a victory lap. “The teacher unions came after Arizona parents and lost. They set out to gut Arizona’s (Empowerment Scholarship Account) program and take school choice away from families who depend on it,” he said in a statement. “Instead, Arizona voters will not face that threat on the ballot this November. That is a major victory for parents, students, and educational freedom.” But the backers of Prop. 212 said the ballot measure’s fate is far from settled. “Do not believe the misinformation. There are still many questions that need to be resolved,” said Olivia Fierro, a spokeswoman for the Protect Education Accountable Now committee. “As of right now, the Protect Education Act is still on the ballot.” She told the Arizona Mirror that the campaign is in the process of reviewing the validity checks done by the counties — particularly the one submitted Monday from Maricopa County, which is home to about 60% of the state’s voters — to see if any errors were made that may increase the validity rate. But even if errors are found and counties change their findings in a way that slightly increases the validity rate, it likely won’t be enough to keep the measure on the ballot if the state Supreme Court rejects the Protect Education Accountable Now committee’s argument about double-counted invalid signatures. Although proponents of the Protect Education Act submitted almost 420,000 signatures in July, the Secretary of State’s Office determined that only about 389,000 were eligible for verification.  Of that figure, a sample of 5% was randomly chosen and sent to the county where the voter claims to live for verification by that county’s recorder. The recorders confirmed whether each sampled signer was a registered, qualified elector on the date of signing, and then certified how many of its sampled signatures were disqualified during the review. The results from all 15 counties are then aggregated into a single validity rate, which is then applied to the total universe of verifiable signatures. The 75.2% validity rate across the counties on that 5% sample is projected onto the entire eligible population instead of checking all 389,000 by hand. Following a trial court ruling that disqualified tens of thousands of signatures that were challenged by the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and the Goldwater Institute, which helped lawmakers create the Empowerment Scholarship Account system,  the two sides agreed that about 317,000 is the absolute minimum number of valid signatures against which that validity rate will be applied, with a maximum of nearly 352,000. Although that is far more than the minimum requirement of 255,949, the 75.2% validity rate lands almost exactly on the line that decides whether Prop. 212 survives — and which side of that line it falls depends entirely on how the Supreme Court rules on the duplicate-signature question.  The Protect Education Accountable Now committee is asking the high court to overturn a trial court judge’s ruling on the double-counted signatures. Essentially, it is arguing that removing signatures during litigation — like the judge did — and then applying the validity rate that already accounts for the counties’ own duplicate-catching double-counts some of them. The Goldwater Institute and Arizona Free Enterprise Club say the judge correctly applied existing caselaw and the voucher opponents merely want to count known duplicates as valid signatures. If the Supreme Court sides with the Protect Education Accountable Now committee, the initiative will have about 24,000 more signatures to apply to the validity rate, and that will give it just barely enough to qualify for the November ballot. But if those signatures aren’t added to the total, then there’s no scenario under which the 75.2% validity rate will give it enough to stay on the ballot. The other arguments the Supreme Court must decide will have much smaller impact on Prop. 212, but could resonate in future initiative campaigns. The most consequential of those is whether the “residence address” of the petition circulator is where a person is living at the time, as the trial court concluded, or if it should be interpreted as a permanent domicile, as the Goldwater Institute and Free Enterprise Club argued. If the court interprets “residence address” to mean a permanent place of residence, it could spell an end to the use of nomadic petition circulators who travel from state to state, staying in shelters or extended-stay hotels, on Arizona ballot campaigns. The remaining arguments center on whether all of the signatures gathered by a circulator who gave her home address when she registered with the Secretary of State’s Office but listed a P.O. Box on the back of the initiative petition sheets should be invalidated and whether entire petition sheets should be disqualified if someone other than a voter wrote the voter’s name or address on the sheet. The Arizona Supreme Court is expected to rule by Aug. 20 to meet a deadline for printing ballots. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83a9e82c5335ae1047ca73 Man calls 911 after girlfriend found dead in motel, police allegedly uncover disturbing videos on his phone te 2026-08-18T00:40:08.659Z Man calls 911 after girlfriend found dead in motel, police allegedly uncover disturbing videos on his phone A Missouri man called 911 after his girlfriend died at a motel, but investigators say a disturbing discovery soon turned the case into a homicide investigation. Nicholas Ayres, 35, is now charged with second-degree felony murder and first-degree domestic assault in the death of 37-year-old Destiny Dunn, according to Columbia Police and Boone County jail records. The investigation began around 3:22 p.m. on Aug. 12, when Ayres called 911 and told a dispatcher that Dunn was lying down, might have a heartbeat and appeared "red and blue," according to a probable cause statement (PCS) reviewed by Fox News Digital. TEXAS DAD FACES MURDER CHARGE AFTER ESTRANGED WIFE FOUND DEAD AT SUBURBAN HOME: POLICE Ayres told the dispatcher the couple had gotten into an altercation while they were in the shower and claimed Dunn fell after he got out, the court document states. But as the dispatcher pressed him about Dunn's condition, Ayres allegedly acknowledged they had been fighting and that she was bruised. "It looks like I f---ing beat her up and I promise to God I didn't do it," Ayres allegedly told the dispatcher, according to the PCS. The dispatcher then instructed him on performing chest compressions. Officers arrived about a minute later and found Dunn dead, according to the affidavit. Investigators described bruising across her body, including severe bruising to her neck and face, as well as swollen and discolored eyelids. NJ MOM’S MURDER SHROUDED IN SECRECY AS PI SAYS ‘NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE THIS’ BEHIND-CLOSED-DOORS CASE Police quickly began piecing together what allegedly happened inside the motel room. Neighbors who shared a wall told investigators they had heard what sounded like a physical altercation around 11 a.m. that morning, according to the court filing. Ayres was taken into custody. During a post-Miranda interview, he allegedly admitted having physical altercations with Dunn on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12, but characterized them as accidental and told investigators he "does not beat women," the affidavit alleges. Then investigators searched the motel room. Police said they found Ayres' cellphone, and its contents allegedly provided a disturbing timeline stretching from the days before Dunn's death into her final hours. ANNA KEPNER’S SUSPECTED CRUISE SHIP KILLER CARRIED OUT ‘BARBARIC, INTENTIONAL, THOUGHTFUL ACT’: PROSECUTORS One video recorded Aug. 10 showed Dunn without bruising on her face, according to the affidavit. Another recording from later that night allegedly showed Ayres repeatedly assaulting her for more than a minute. In that video, investigators allege Ayres could be heard telling Dunn to "clean up her mess" as sounds of slapping and punching were captured. Near the end, police said Ayres appeared to grab Dunn by the hair and punch her in the face, knocking her down. By the afternoon of Aug. 12, the recordings allegedly painted a far more dire picture. At 12:06 p.m., police said a photo showed Dunn lying in a bathtub wearing only a shirt. A five-second video recorded at the same time allegedly showed her barely moving. NEW JERSEY MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE WITH BARBELL ALLEGEDLY CONFESSED IN MESSAGES TO RELATIVES: REPORT Two minutes later, another video allegedly captured Ayres pacing between the motel room and bathroom while a woman could be heard groaning. About a minute into the recording, investigators say Ayres told Dunn he was "really calling 911." "I have to because I'm not going down for manslaughter," he allegedly said, according to the affidavit. But the 911 call that followed did not bring police rushing to the motel. At 12:21 p.m., just 13 minutes after the video, Ayres called 911 and told dispatchers the call was accidental, according to the probable cause statement. He verified his name, phone number and location before disconnecting. ARIZONA MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING WOMAN AFTER SOCIAL MEDIA FIRST DATE ENDS IN DESERT GRAVE It would be roughly three more hours before the 3:22 p.m. call that brought officers to Dunn. Police also photographed what the affidavit described as defensive wounds on Ayres' left wrist and torso. Investigators ultimately determined Dunn's death was a homicide, Columbia Police said. In the PCS, an officer alleged Ayres physically assaulted Dunn "to the point she died from her injuries." Ayres is being held without bond, according to jail records, and is scheduled to appear in court Sept. 2. As the criminal case moves forward, Dunn's family is remembering her as far more than the victim at the center of a homicide investigation. Her sister, Marinah Hollon, described Dunn in a GoFundMe as a "loving, nurturing, and incredibly sweet person" and a mother whose death has left her children facing life without her. "She had a beautiful soul and a heart that cared deeply for the people around her," Hollon wrote. "She was someone who brought love and kindness into the lives of others." "No family should ever have to endure this kind of heartbreak," Hollon wrote. Columbia Police said the investigation remains ongoing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83a9e42c5335ae1047ca54 Family Presses for Information About Fatal ICE Shooting in Maine te 2026-08-18T00:40:04.543Z Family Presses for Information About Fatal ICE Shooting in Maine The Department of Homeland Security said there would be an investigation. But so far little has been disclosed about the killing last month. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83a78f2c5335ae1047c759 Giles defends abortion vote, says he’s still ‘pro-life’ te 2026-08-18T00:30:07.319Z Giles defends abortion vote, says he’s still ‘pro-life’ MESA — The nominee for lieutenant governor running with Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs says he sees no conflict between being “pro-life” and voting for a state constitutional amendment that lets women terminate a pregnancy up until fetal viability. “I voted for it,” said John Giles, the former Republican mayor of Mesa who is now a political independent. “It accurately reflects my personal point of view on the topic.” Giles made his comments during a news conference with Hobbs on Saturday. The event followed a campaign rally at Giles’ Mesa law office and was the first time that political reporters had a chance to extensively question the new running mate about his beliefs on a range of statewide issues. Hobbs, by virtue of her time as a Democratic legislator, secretary of state and governor for the last four years, has an extensive public record. Republican nominee Andy Biggs has 14 years of legislative votes in addition to actions he has taken since being elected to Congress in 2016. His running mate, Sine Kerr, was appointed to the Legislature in 2018 to fill a vacant Senate seat and was re-elected three times before deciding not to seek reelection in 2024. Giles, by contrast, has a political career that is confined to Mesa, first as a council member and then as mayor. Restroom policy Giles dismissed questions about his position on transgender bathroom policies, calling the issue a “red herring.” He pointed out that in 2021, as mayor, he helped push through a wide-ranging ordinance that prohibits discrimination in public accommodations, employment and housing — not just on the basis of race, color or ethnicity but also sexual orientation, gender and gender identity.” That measure drew complaints from some residents who argued it would put women and children at risk. Giles responded at the time that the ordinance would not make Mesa restrooms fearful places where men posing as women will lurk. “Privacy is a reasonable concern,” he said. “As a father of four daughters and grandfather, I would never put them in danger.” And now? “The Mesa ordinance has been in place for several years now,” he said. “There’s never been a situation like that that has been brought forward.” Abortion In a 2024 interview with CNN during the Democratic National Convention, Giles said, “I continue to be pro-life.” He added that that was the reason he was “more comfortable” with the Republican Party than the Democratic Party. Yet Giles acknowledged that, just four months later, he voted for Proposition 139, which enshrined in the Arizona Constitution the “fundamental right to abortion.” It also barred any state restrictions on that right prior to fetal viability — generally considered between 22 and 24 weeks — absent “a compelling state interest that is achieved by the least restrictive means.” Giles said his views on the issue were affected by the U.S. Supreme Court ruling in 2022 that overturned Roe v. Wade and the constitutional right to abortion.  In Arizona, an 1864 law outlawing abortion had never been repealed. And a judge ruled — and the Arizona Supreme Court affirmed — that with Roe overturned, that 1864 law could once again be enforced. Giles said that, unlike Biggs and Kerr, who have a long record of opposition to legalized abortion, “I did not support that.” “If I’m ever in a position to defend [Prop.] 139 and the new state Constitution protections for that, I will do so,” Giles said. ESAs Giles was also asked about those, including Hobbs, who have pushed to eliminate the system approved by Republican lawmakers in 2022 that allows any student to get an Empowerment Scholarship Account. He responded by saying he supports “school choice.” “School choice, that toothpaste is out of the tube,” said Giles. “We’re going to continue to support school choice.” But he added that he supports Proposition 212, which would place new restrictions on how ESA money is spent and would limit benefits to families with $150,000 or less in annual income. He said he remains a “strong advocate” for public education, noting his father was a school principal in Mesa for 30 years, his mother was a teacher, and his children are school teachers and principals. “I think that for there to be true meaningful school choice the public option has to be a strong one,” Giles said. “Public education has to have the resources that it needs to compete.” Party ties Giles, born in 1960, was unapologetic about having been a Republican. “I was drawn to the Republican Party because of my admiration for people like John McCain, because of a belief in limited government and free enterprise,” he said. “That’s never changed.” Giles said he remained registered with the GOP even as he believes the party changed, saying he “felt like he needed to be there to advocate for people like myself that were being shoved out of the party.” “A few months ago, I realized that’s a lost cause right now,” Giles said. “So ‘independent’ is a good place for me to be,” he said. “It accurately describes where I’m at politically.” The post Giles defends abortion vote, says he’s still ‘pro-life’ first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83a78d2c5335ae1047c750 Report identifies keys to nuclear development te 2026-08-18T00:30:05.790Z Report identifies keys to nuclear development Focusing on workforce development, expediting permitting and lowering financial risk will help states develop nuclear power, according to the Nuclear Innovation Association’s 2026 guide for state policymakers. “The real intent of this guide is to provide state policymakers with the knowledge necessary to understand how they can bring new nuclear energy to their states,” Zach Koshgarian, who authored the document, said on a call Tuesday unveiling the annual update. “The guide ultimately answers this question ‘What can states do?’ by highlighting these policies, partnerships, and initiatives that can help advance new nuclear energy in their states.” The Nuclear Innovation Alliance is a nonprofit nuclear energy think tank. Koshgarian is an NIA analyst. Over the last few years, states have increasingly explored nuclear power as demand for electricity is projected to rise with the rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers, a rise in domestic manufacturing and industrial onshoring, and the widespread electrification of transport and heating. According to consulting firm ICF, electricity demand is projected to increase 25% by 2030 and 78% by 2050. Around 250 bills aimed at advancing nuclear energy were introduced this year, including measures to declare nuclear power a clean energy source, make it easier to site projects, remove moratoriums, provide incentives, develop the workforce and study nuclear power development. Workforce development is key to building new nuclear power plants as skilled workers retire at a greater rate than those seeking to take their place. The report points to Tennessee, which in 2023 provided $95 million to ramp up nuclear power in the state, including workforce training. The state used the funds to establish nuclear programs at universities, such as the University of Tennessee, and partnered with technical colleges and K-12 networks to build a nuclear talent pipeline. Other states have since set up similar funds, including New York and Iowa. Connecticut enacted legislation to study nuclear workforce development. The legislation comes as the U.S. Department of Energy recently identified Idaho, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Tennessee, and Utah as the five possible host states for proposed Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses. Hosting a campus will also help spur nuclear workforce development. The Energy Department intends to locate fuel fabrication, enrichment, used-fuel recycling, and waste management in a unified regional hub. The agency plans to select three final host sites by the end of the year. Expediting permitting for nuclear projects has also gotten attention from states, which have sought to create a single point of contact for nuclear developers. “States can… align permitting and provide clarity on timelines and requirements to developers by creating a state-wide ‘one-stop shop’ for nuclear energy,” the report says. Lawmakers in at least nine states this year have introduced legislation establishing a centralized office to help shepherd nuclear development and expedite the permitting of new nuclear power projects. Those states include Colorado, Iowa, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah and West Virginia. The Utah bill, which creates a state nuclear energy regulatory office within the Utah Division of Waste Management and Radiation Control, was signed into law in March. Nuclear power is also very expensive, typically costing billions of dollars. To help reduce the financial risk, states have sought to work together. All six New England governors issued a joint statement in March committing to explore advanced nuclear technologies while supporting continued operation of the region’s existing nuclear fleet. The Midwestern Governors Association plans to explore deploying advanced nuclear power in the Midwest. States are also looking for incentives and pilot programs to entice developers to help defray the costs. In Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear, a Democrat, signed legislation in April to establish the Nuclear Reactor Site Readiness Pilot Program. The initiative provides up to $75 million total for up to three selected projects. The law would provide up to $25 million per project to cover a third of costs for early site permits, construction permits, and federal licensing. Kenya Stump, executive director of the Kentucky Office of Energy Policy, who was also on the call, said the idea was to help ease the risk associated with early site development and send a signal to developers that the state is serious about nuclear power. “We just wanted to send the right market signal, de-risk it, and say that the state was all in on securing at least three sites for development,” Stump said. “I’m not trying to go find the billions yet. I’m really just trying to provide certainty that Kentucky has sites for you, and then we’ll move to the next step of how we’re going to fund it.” The post Report identifies keys to nuclear development first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83a5362c5335ae1047c6e2 Trump Votes by Mail Again in Florida te 2026-08-18T00:20:06.281Z Trump Votes by Mail Again in Florida The president also voted by mail in 2020 and in a Florida special election in March, even as he has railed against the practice and equated it to cheating. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83a5352c5335ae1047c6d9 House Panel Investigates Charges a Democrat Had Sexual Contact With Aide te 2026-08-18T00:20:05.521Z House Panel Investigates Charges a Democrat Had Sexual Contact With Aide Representative Jimmy Gomez of California acknowledged “personal mistakes” outside his marriage but denied breaking rules that bar relationships with a direct subordinate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83a08a2c5335ae1047c654 Illegal immigrant learns fate after using stolen identity to vote in US elections for decades te 2026-08-18T00:00:10.433Z Illegal immigrant learns fate after using stolen identity to vote in US elections for decades Carlos Felipe Jaramillo-Grajales, a criminal illegal alien from Colombia, was recently sentenced to three years behind bars for identity theft and lying about his citizenship status — a falsification that, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), he used to participate in U.S. elections over a period spanning roughly 20 years. "Because of his fraud, he was able to obtain a driver’s license and vote in our elections," DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement. "DHS will always fight to protect the integrity of our elections, because election security is national security. Only Americans should be electing American leaders," he continued. His Friday sentencing comes as lawmakers in Washington, D.C. have wrestled over whether new legislation is needed to shore up voter verification that demonstrates the lengths some aliens have gone to secure state ID. SCHUMER SAID ‘DEMOCRATS SUPPORT VOTER ID’ — THEN EVERY SENATE DEMOCRAT VOTED AGAINST GOP BILL It’s a pattern that Mullin highlighted in a letter to secretaries of state in California, New Jersey, Nevada and Pennsylvania earlier this year. According to his findings, as many as 190,830 noncitizens registered to vote in California, for instance. In Jaramillo-Grajales’ case, he first began the scheme by using the name, date of birth and Social Security number of a U.S. citizen to obtain a passport in March 2003. Once he had secured that credential, he used the false information to obtain a Florida driver’s license and register to vote. He would go on to cast a ballot in the 2020 election and others, according to DHS. Investigators also explained that he had used the stolen identity for other purposes. "This criminal illegal alien spent years exploiting a stolen identity of a United States citizen to obtain government documents [and] claim benefits," Tim Hemker, a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations, said. CALIFORNIA ACCUSED OF BLOCKING FEDERAL VOTER ROLL AUDIT AS DOJ ESCALATES PROBE OF ELECTION FRAUD CLAIMS In one instance, Jaramillo-Grajales used his false name in June 2017 to secure lawful permanent residence for his fiancée, who later became his wife. DHS framed Jaramillo-Grajales’s conviction as a part of a broader effort to crack down on illegal aliens fabricating information to vote or secure U.S. benefits. The agency noted cases like that of Marian Chariton, an alien from Slovakia, who had illegally voted in the 2022 election in New Jersey after falsely claiming to be a U.S. citizen. It similarly pointed to Jose Ceballos, an alien from Mexico who pleaded guilty to three counts of disorderly election for falsely claiming to be a citizen in Kansas. "Thanks to the hard work of the men and women of HSI, along with our federal partners, this criminal is out of our communities and, at the end of his sentence, will be removed from our country," Mullin said. NONCITIZEN EX-KANSAS MAYOR PLEADS GUILTY TO ILLEGALLY VOTING MULTIPLE TIMES According to the Florida U.S. attorney’s office, Jaramillo-Grajales’ case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), and the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Arnold B. Corsmeier. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83a0822c5335ae1047c629 Anthropic’s annualized revenue surges to $65B te 2026-08-18T00:00:02.661Z Anthropic’s annualized revenue surges to $65B The model maker added $18 billion in annualized revenue in two months. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a839e2f2c5335ae1047c021 Penn State cocaine bust nets 14 arrests over alleged pledge coke-cutting ‘indoctrination' rituals te 2026-08-17T23:50:07.350Z Penn State cocaine bust nets 14 arrests over alleged pledge coke-cutting ‘indoctrination' rituals More than a dozen Penn Staters are charged in connection with an alleged massive cocaine distribution ring. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday announced that 14 people are facing charges related to the coke trafficking operation where students and two off-campus fraternities were allegedly involved. "In all, 13 defendants were Penn State University students at or around the time of the alleged conduct, in 2023 and 2024. The 14th defendant, the father of a student, is charged with tampering with evidence and hindering the investigation," the Attorney General's office said. SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY RUNNING METH LAB AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY’S LARGEST ACADEMIC BUILDING In the Monday announcement, the AG said suspects Agostino Abbatiello and Thomas Robinson were the main coke suppliers. They allegedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to pick up "large quantities" of the illegal drug. Members of the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities allegedly cut and packaged the coke inside their frat houses off campus and distributed it to Penn State students, investigators said. 📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com 📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv 🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns The AG said in addition to the charges against alleged ringleaders Abbatiello and Robinson, two more, Mohammed Hurabi and Lars Zeepvat, are charged with felony corrupt organizations, conspiracy, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity and related offenses. Additionally, Robert Zanolla, is charged with felony conspiracy and criminal use of a communication facility and related misdemeanors. FBI CHARGES 35 IN WEST VIRGINIA DRUG AND FIREARMS OPERATION, LAUNCHES NATIONWIDE SUMMER CRIME INITIATIVE Eight more "student-aged defendants" charged are facing misdemeanors for possession and paraphernalia, the AG said. Those include Liam Smith, Michael Brogno, Kaden Howe, Connor Hurleigh, Seth Beardsley, Kyle Ridpath, Daniel Price and Charles Wiseman. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS The AG's office confirmed at least four of the men charged are current Penn State students. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE "This was a coordinated and highly-profitable drug-trafficking crew revolving around two senior members of the fraternities, other fraternity brothers, and pledges," Attorney General Sunday said. "In fact, according to the evidence uncovered, cutting and packaging cocaine was, for some pledges, an indoctrination into the fraternities." SEND US A TIP Thomas Robinson's father, Paul Robinson is charged with felony tampering, hindering apprehension for taking steps to conceal evidence and obstructing the investigation. FOOTBALL PLAYER STOMPED, JABBED IN ALLEGED HAZING INCIDENT WITH BROOMSTICK BY TEAMMATES AS COACHES HID IT: DA Penn State University confirmed to Fox News Digital that the university has responded to the criminal allegations and announced the Delta Upsilon fraternity would be placed on interim suspension while the school investigates. It also made note that Sigma Chi is "not a recognized organization and operates outside of the University's support and oversight." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST In a statement, Penn State said in part: "We are horrified by these serious allegations against current and former students," said Andrea Dowhower, vice president for Student Affairs. "Criminal activity, including hazing, such as this has no place at our institution, and we will cooperate with law enforcement in any way we can. We will continue to enhance our efforts around health and safety and hazing educational efforts for all our organizations." GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL In a statement sent to Fox News Digital, Delta Upsilon Executive Director Justin Kirk said, "The charges filed today [Monday] stem from alleged incidents that Delta Upsilon International Fraternity was previously made aware of. The individuals associated with Delta Upsilon have either been expelled, suspended or resigned. We will continue to work closely with the university on any investigative efforts." Fox News Digital has reached out to Sigma Chi fraternity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a839bd62c5335ae1047bfd5 Oprah distances herself from Trump allies Dr Phil and Dr Oz, says they have ‘not one thing to do with me’ te 2026-08-17T23:40:06.572Z Oprah distances herself from Trump allies Dr Phil and Dr Oz, says they have ‘not one thing to do with me’ Talk show legend Oprah Winfrey distanced herself from Dr. Phil McGraw and Dr. Mehmet Oz, two stars she helped turn into national media personalities who have since become associated with conservative politics. Winfrey spoke to Emmy Magazine about her career and was asked how she felt about McGraw and Oz now. "People criticize me for Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz, because of their politics or their views," she said, recalling that during a lengthy legal battle in the late ‘90s, "Dr. Phil, he was so practical, so down-to-earth, so real. And he would ride in the car with me every morning on the way to trial, where I’m literally sitting on trial for six weeks." McGraw and Oz have become political figures in recent years. Oz, endorsed by President Donald Trump, ran for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania in 2022 before being defeated by Sen. John Fetterman. While McGraw has not endorsed either party, he appeared at Trump’s Madison Square Garden campaign rally in October 2024, and accompanied ICE personnel during Chicago immigration raids alongside Trump border czar Tom Homan. OPRAH WINFREY SPARKS FRESH BACKLASH AFTER SHE REVISITS PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE BOMBSHELL INTERVIEW "I felt that he was so instrumental in helping me. I thought, ‘Oh, you could help a lot of people. You should come on my show,’" she added. For Dr. Oz, she recalled, "He explained practical things like colon cancer and bowel movements. I thought he had the language for explaining medical things in a way that was helpful to me. I thought it would be helpful to many other people. And that is how they ended up on the show." "Everybody has their own path in life, and it has not one thing to do with me, and I don’t have one thing to do with them," she concluded. "At the time, the reason and intention behind me giving them their breaks was I thought they had valuable information to share that had been meaningful to me." ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ SHRUGS OFF PAST 'DEFUND THE POLICE' COMMENTS, JOKING 'WOKE 1 WAS CRAZY' The managing editor of Media Research Center's NewsBusters, Curtis Houck, told Fox News Digital that Winfrey appears to have no qualms about engaging in politics herself. "Oprah certainly doesn't have a problem with being friends with progressives or anyone willing to take on Trump," he said. "Oprah wants us to feel bad for woke Prince Harry and Meghan or the woman in the Coldplay kiss cam. She herself is stuck on Woke 1," Houck added, referring to the term Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez used in an attempt to shrug off far-left identity politics as a thing of the past. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "Oprah and her friend/CBS ‘Journalist’ Gayle King can continue promoting whatever causes they want or pal around with the Obamas, but they shouldn't be seen as non-partisan by any stretch. While I'm sure they're incredibly grateful to her, Dr. Phil and Dr. Oz should be allowed to have their own opinions and not be framed as the exclusive partisans," he concluded. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83997e2c5335ae1047be8d Facing Quagmire in Iran, Trump Turns to a Familiar Face: North Korea’s Kim Jong-un te 2026-08-17T23:30:06.387Z Facing Quagmire in Iran, Trump Turns to a Familiar Face: North Korea’s Kim Jong-un Seven years ago, President Trump failed to disarm North Korea and walked away. Could the same thing happen with Iran? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8397232c5335ae1047be42 Judge Rules Trump Administration Can’t Scrap F.B.I. Move to Maryland te 2026-08-17T23:20:03.398Z Judge Rules Trump Administration Can’t Scrap F.B.I. Move to Maryland The ruling is almost certainly not the end of the lengthy fight over the F.B.I.’s future headquarters, which has lasted for years. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8394e42c5335ae1047be00 Cancer treatment delays surge across US as doctor warns system ‘needs fixing immediately’ te 2026-08-17T23:10:28.714Z Cancer treatment delays surge across US as doctor warns system ‘needs fixing immediately’ Wait times between a cancer diagnosis and the start of treatment grew by nearly two weeks over the past decade in the U.S., according to a recent study published in JAMA Surgery. Researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles and Massachusetts General Hospital analyzed national data from more than two million patients diagnosed between January 2012 and December 2023. The study tracked adults with early to locally advanced stages of six common cancers (breast, colon, lung, pancreatic, stomach and esophageal) who received surgery as part of their initial care. WHERE YOU LIVE COULD SHAPE YOUR RISK OF CANCER MORTALITY, STUDY SUGGESTS Researchers measured wait times from the day of the diagnosis to the first treatment, whether that was a surgery or pre-surgical therapy designed to shrink a tumor. Across all six cancer types, median wait times grew by more than 10 days over the study period, regardless of whether surgery came first or followed other treatments. The longest increases occurred in stomach cancer, where wait times rose from 35 days to 49 days, and lung cancer, which increased from 41 days to 53 days. Breast cancer wait times grew from 34 to 45 days, while colon cancer delays increased from 20 to 31 days. CANCER WARNING SIGNS MAY APPEAR IN DNA YEARS BEFORE BLOOD TESTS DETECT TROUBLE Pancreatic cancer waits climbed from 23 to 32 days, and esophageal cancer delays grew from 38 to 48 days. The researchers also found that a growing share of patients waited 60 days or longer to begin treatment. "This is part of our healthcare system that needs fixing immediately," Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, told Fox News Digital. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The delays were even seen at high-volume academic medical centers, noted Siegel, who was not involved in the study. "The waiting times for basic cancer operations in non-metastatic diseases is high and increasing since 2012," he added. After adjusting for factors like age and underlying health, researchers found the delays did not affect all groups in the same way. Longer wait times were seen for Black patients, people on Medicaid, individuals in lower-income areas, patients traveling longer distances for care, and those treated at academic medical centers or high-volume hospitals. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES The West experienced longer delays than other regions, and for non-breast cancers, the use of robotic surgery was linked to longer wait times. The study authors cautioned that delays in surgical treatment have been tied to higher death rates and worse long-term survival in previous medical research. In supporting commentary published along with the study, Lia D. Delaney, M.D., and Sherry M. Wren, M.D., both of the Stanford School of Medicine in Palo Alto, California, emphasized that cancer care has become increasingly sophisticated over the last two decades. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER However, "as cancer care continues to regionalize, efforts to improve quality may inadvertently create barriers to timely treatment unless capacity and coordination evolve in parallel," they wrote. The authors noted several limitations to their study. Because the analysis relied on retrospective data from the National Cancer Database, it could not determine the exact reasons behind individual treatment delays, such as scheduling issues, logistical hurdles or personal patient preferences. The database also lacked information on when patients first developed symptoms or sought medical advice prior to diagnosis. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8394e32c5335ae1047bdf7 Kushner gives Hamas stark ultimatum: Disarm or Israel gets US backing to ‘finish the job’ te 2026-08-17T23:10:27.858Z Kushner gives Hamas stark ultimatum: Disarm or Israel gets US backing to ‘finish the job’ U.S. special envoy Jared Kushner delivered a stark ultimatum to Hamas on Monday, warning that the terrorist group must honor its commitments to disarm in Gaza or face an Israeli military operation to "finish the job." Speaking exclusively to Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst, Kushner also detailed high-stakes diplomatic meetings in Egypt and Israel over the last 48 hours aimed at advancing President Donald Trump’s Gaza peace roadmap as fighting and disagreements between Israel and Hamas persists. Israel has carried out air strikes and seized more territory in Gaza despite an October ceasefire, while Hamas has refused to give up its weapons, Reuters also reported Monday. Kushner met first with Hamas in Cairo, together with the National Committee, the new technocratic Palestinian government that will take over control.  HILLARY CLINTON BREAKS WITH DEMOCRATIC CRITICS BY BACKING TRUMP’S GAZA PLAN AS THE 'ONLY GAME IN TOWN' Kushner told Yingst that the group reaffirmed its commitment to Trump’s 20-point peace plan and to the "15-point roadmap that we've been working on with them for the last four months, where they commit to giving up their weapons." "Time will tell whether that's going to be implemented," he added, before stating that Washington feels it could be "very close to knowing, and we're making a lot of progress towards trying to get to the next steps." "If they don't follow through now on their commitment, everyone will see that they're not genuine about peace, and then Israel will have a lot more support from the U.S. and others to go and finish the job in the appropriate way," Kushner also told Yingst of the militant group. The warning from Trump’s son-in-law followed the rare face-to-face meeting — only Kushner's second known meeting with the group. "They said all the right things, but obviously, it's very, very hard to trust, you know, a terrorist organization that committed these terrible atrocities," Kushner continued. "But we had a very cordial meeting, and they said all the right things, and so we're going to give them a chance to perform.  "It's going to have to be based on actions and steps, and I hope it will be true." HAMAS SAYS IT WILL DISSOLVE GAZA GOVERNMENT, BUT ISRAEL WARNS GROUP STILL SEEKS HEZBOLLAH-STYLE CONTROL The U.S.-led "Board of Peace" proposal centers on a phased ceasefire, demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli troop withdrawal, Palestinian technocratic governance and international reconstruction efforts. On Monday, Kushner also traveled to Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for further talks whereby the central sticking point remains the roadmap execution timeline. Israel demands full demilitarization before withdrawing further or allowing reconstruction, while Hamas insists withdrawal and disarmament must happen in parallel. Netanyahu, facing political pressure ahead of Israel's upcoming elections, appears cautious about phased compromises. NETANYAHU REJECTS BOARD OF PEACE'S GAZA PLAN: NO 'WITHDRAWAL UNTIL HAMAS IS GENUINELY DISARMED' Despite the friction, Kushner expressed optimism following a four-hour session with Israeli officials. "I think today we had a very, very good meeting," Kushner said. "I think there were some valid concerns that they raised that we were able to address, and we were able to go through some of the misunderstandings and misinformation that's been out about it as well." Kushner emphasized that Washington’s support for reconstruction remains tied to demilitarization. "We will not allow Gaza to be rebuilt until demilitarization occurs," Kushner warned. "We're also not going to restrict Israel's right to defend itself if there are any imminent threats. And so we had to clarify what that means." Outlining a clear timeline, Kushner highlighted the urgency of Hamas laying down its weapons.  "We could be seeing progress, you know, in as much as in as little as 30 days," Kushner said. "Hopefully, on starting to take some of the weapons out, and hopefully, you know, filling in some of the tunnels as well in the next 60 to 90 days as well." TRUMP REVEALS THE LINE IRAN HAS TO CROSS FOR US TO RESTART OFFENSIVE MILITARY CAMPAIGN "For Israel, we think this is a win-win situation because if Hamas actually gives over the weapons and the tunnels willingly over the next 60 to 90 days, that obviously would be the elimination of a huge security threat for Israel, almost an unthinkable achievement," he added. The conflict — triggered by Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack that killed nearly 1,200 people in southern Israel and saw more than 240 taken hostage — has dragged on for nearly three years. "Israel has a strong desire to live in peace," Kushner told Yingst. "They've been through three years of war. It's been very, very hard for the country, very hard for the people. I think there's a lot of emotion in Israel and in the region." "As I travel around the region, I do think people are tired of war. I think they're ready for something new," he continued. "But it's just sometimes hard. You know, who's going to take the first step, and how do you build trust when there's so little trust that's now been eroded?" IS ISRAEL REALLY ISOLATED? POLLS AND DIPLOMACY POINT IN OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS Kushner also voiced confidence in President Trump’s ability to broker a lasting deal. "We see a lot of positive indications, and President Trump has pulled off miracles before in the Middle East," Kushner said. "He's very committed to continuing to do things that nobody thinks are possible." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8394df2c5335ae1047bddc Tucson Village Farm construirá un parque infantil de adobe te 2026-08-17T23:10:23.621Z Tucson Village Farm construirá un parque infantil de adobe Leer en inglés Tucson Village Farm está recurriendo a la comunidad para ayudar a construir un parque de juegos de arcilla, a Clayground, una zona de juegos interactiva y a gran escala hecha de adobe, cob: una mezcla de tierra, arcilla y paja, con el objetivo de que sea gratuita y abierta a todos una vez terminada. La granja es un proyecto de la Extensión Cooperativa del Condado de Pima y la Universidad de Arizona. Fundada en 2010, es un programa que abarca desde la semilla hasta la mesa, reconectando a los jóvenes con sistemas alimentarios saludables mientras les enseña a cultivar y preparar alimentos frescos y a tomar decisiones de vida saludables. El Clayground, anunciado el mes pasado en la página oficial de Instagram del proyecto, combinará arte, naturaleza y educación en un espacio donde los niños podrán trepar, explorar y aprender sobre prácticas de construcción sostenible. Incluirá ocho estructuras, de tamaños que van desde lo pequeño hasta lo grande, con un estilo similar al de una escultura de casa para pájaros de unos 9 pies de altura que el grupo construyó como proyecto piloto a principios de este año. Los organizadores lo describen como algo más que un parque infantil, lo conciben como un "aula viva" donde niños y familias pueden aprender de primera mano sobre construcción sostenible mientras fortalecen su conexión con el mundo natural, todo ello en un espacio permanente y gratuito diseñado para atender a las más de 20,000 personas que visitan Tucson Village Farm cada año. "Esta idea surgió hace seis meses, cuando las artistas locales Lindee Zimmer y Lisa Rooney organizaron una serie de talleres para construir una casa para pájaros que comenzó con un simple trozo de arcilla," comentó Jessica Bell,coordinadora de desarrollo y participación comunitaria de TVF. La primera ronda de ocho talleres completó su cupo en menos de 24 horas, lo que refleja el gran interés inicial que despertó el proyecto. "Es algo especial que la comunidad se una a nosotros para construir esto," dijo Bell. Noticias del sur de Arizona escritas por periodistas que viven la realidad de la zona. Gratis en su bandeja de entrada. Una representación gráfica muestra algunas de las piezas escultóricas planeadas para el "Clayground" de Tucson Village Farm, elaboradas con adobe, cob: una mezcla de tierra, arcilla y paja. Cortesía de Lindee Zimmer y Lisa Rooney. Zimmer y Rooney recibieron apoyo de la subvención StArt de la Arts Foundation of Tucson and Southern Arizona para organizar ocho talleres en los que participaron más de 70 miembros de la comunidad; estos ayudaron a construir una casa para pájaros de 9 pies de altura que se convertirá en un hábitat para aves nativas en la granja. Los fondos de la subvención permitirán que el Clayground sea gratuito y accesible para la comunidad, pero las artistas aún necesitan recursos para financiar su creación. La meta inmediata de la recaudación de fondos es de $11,000, aunque las organizadoras señalan que esa cifra representa solo la primera fase de un proyecto mucho mayor, valorado en $92,000, para completar las ocho obras escultóricas que conformarán el Clayground en su totalidad. Los niveles de donación oscilan entre los $25, para patrocinar los materiales de un participante en un taller, y los $16,000, para financiar completamente una escultura a gran escala. "Hemos recaudado unos $9,000 hasta ahora, pero nos falta mucho dinero para poder completar el proyecto," dijo Zimmer. "La escala es variable y depende de cuántos fondos logremos conseguir." Esta no es la primera vez que Zimmer y Rooney construyen un área de juegos; crearon algo similar en una escuela primaria de Marrakesh, Morocco. "Tras el trabajo que realizamos en Morocco, nos sentimos muy entusiasmadas y nos preguntamos, '¿Cuál es la combinación de todos nuestros intereses? Estar al aire libre, trabajar con la tierra, colaborar con la comunidad y crear elementos escultóricos a base de arcilla con los que la gente pueda interactuar,’” comentó Rooney. "Siempre habíamos tenido esta idea en mente y ahora sentimos que es un sueño que pasa del subconsciente al consciente." Kamsiyochukwu Kanma-Okafor es estudiante de periodismo en la Universidad de Arizona y pasante en El Foco de Tucson . Esta nota fue traducida por el equipo bilingüe de El Foco de Tucson. El Foco de Tucson es una sala de prensa comunitaria que ofrece oportunidades remuneradas a estudiantes y periodistas emergentes del sur de Arizona. Por favor, considera apoyar nuestro trabajo con una donación deducible de impuestos. Donar a El Foco Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83927e2c5335ae1047bc35 LA gun owners stuck waiting years for concealed carry permits score major DOJ victory te 2026-08-17T23:00:14.992Z LA gun owners stuck waiting years for concealed carry permits score major DOJ victory The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) has slashed lengthy concealed carry permit delays after a Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit accused the agency of leaving thousands of applications in limbo and forcing some gun owners to wait nearly three years for action. The turnaround prompted the DOJ to end its landmark lawsuit against LASD, with federal officials announcing Thursday that the sheriff’s department is now meeting California's permitting deadlines after adding personnel and new processing software. The case put one of the nation's largest law enforcement agencies at the center of the Trump administration's push to enforce Second Amendment rights, with the DOJ calling the outcome a "huge win" for Los Angeles County residents and gun owners. INSIDE TRUMP'S UNPRECEDENTED BATTLE PLAN TO EXPAND SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS THROUGH JUSTICE DEPARTMENT The agreement marks the conclusion of a case the DOJ touted when it was filed in September 2025 as its first-ever affirmative lawsuit brought in support of gun owners' Second Amendment rights. At the time of the lawsuit, applicants were waiting an average of more than nine months to receive decisions on their permits, the DOJ alleged. LASD has since "drastically" reduced those waits and is now complying with California's statutory deadlines, the DOJ said. "The sheriff acknowledged the problem and devoted substantial additional resources, including new processing software and additional personnel, to cutting waiting times dramatically," Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the DOJ's Civil Rights Division said. "We applaud their efforts and are happy to be able to bring this litigation to a successful conclusion!" CIVIL LIBERTY ADVOCATES SUE BLUE STATE OVER 'SHOW YOUR PAPERS' GUN LAW The settlement caps a battle that began in March 2025, when the DOJ's Civil Rights Division opened a pattern-or-practice investigation into whether the nation's largest sheriff's department was effectively denying residents their constitutional right to bear arms through excessive permitting delays. The DOJ said at the time that it had received numerous complaints about the department's handling of concealed carry applications. Federal officials pointed to a court case in which applicants had faced waits of roughly 18 months. The investigation escalated into a federal lawsuit on Sept. 30, 2025. Federal prosecutors alleged that between January 2024 and March 2025, LASD received 3,982 applications for new concealed carry licenses but had approved just two as of May 2025. TRUMP’S PUSH FOR NATIONAL CONCEALED CARRY RECIPROCITY WOULD PROTECT GOOD GUYS WITH GUNS Approximately 2,768 applications remained pending, while another 1,210 had been withdrawn, according to the complaint. The federal government alleged applicants waited an average of 281 days before LASD took action on its applications, while the median delay was 372 days. Some applicants had waited as long as 1,030 days — nearly three years. California law requires licensing authorities to provide applicants with an initial approval or denial within 90 days. The DOJ argued those delays amounted to a "pattern or practice" of depriving people of their constitutional rights, alleging LASD was effectively forcing some applicants to abandon their efforts to obtain a permit. MARYLAND SYNAGOGUE SUES COUNTY OVER LAW RESTRICTING CONCEALED CARRY NEAR HOUSES OF WORSHIP "The Second Amendment protects the fundamental constitutional right of law-abiding citizens to bear arms," former Attorney General Pam Bondi said when the lawsuit was filed. "Los Angeles County may not like that right, but the Constitution does not allow them to infringe upon it." The federal action followed separate litigation brought by the California Rifle & Pistol Association, Gun Owners of America, Gun Owners of California, the Second Amendment Foundation and individual gun owners challenging California and local concealed carry restrictions. That case resulted in a preliminary injunction that included allowing qualifying non-California residents to apply for concealed carry permits. California subsequently changed its law to permit qualifying non-residents to apply, and LASD's current application portal includes an option for out-of-state applicants. The DOJ's case also came amid a broader effort by the Trump administration to use federal civil rights enforcement to protect Second Amendment rights. DOJ SUES DENVER OVER BAN ON ‘ASSAULT WEAPONS’ AS CITY'S DEM MAYOR SAYS IT 'WILL NOT BE BULLIED' The Civil Rights Division has since established a dedicated Second Amendment Section, which has pursued challenges involving firearms laws and permitting practices in several jurisdictions. Under the settlement announced Thursday, LASD will maintain procedures designed to ensure concealed carry applications are processed under objective standards and without lengthy delays. The DOJ credited Sheriff Robert Luna's department with putting additional personnel and new technology toward eliminating the backlog. The DOJ said its Second Amendment Section will continue accepting complaints from current and prospective gun owners who believe state or local governments have infringed their right to keep or bear arms. Fox News Digital reached out to the LASD for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83927d2c5335ae1047bc25 CNN fires back at Trump White House over attacks on reporter, calls them 'beneath the office' te 2026-08-17T23:00:13.955Z CNN fires back at Trump White House over attacks on reporter, calls them 'beneath the office' CNN fired back at the White House on Monday after President Donald Trump's rapid response team took aim at CNN White House correspondent Kristen Holmes. While Trump took questions from the Oval Office, Holmes asked him for his reaction to viral comments made by Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., who claimed Trump would rather "build a ballroom and travel with [White House aide]" Natalie [Harp]" than do his job as president, to which Trump replied by calling him "Pee-wee Herman." The Rapid Response 47 account on X slammed Holmes for invoking Ossoff's jab, which fueled online fodder for liberal critics pushing unfounded claims of an inappropriate relationship between Trump and Harp. TRUMP MEETS WITH TEEN LIFEGUARD AND BOY SAVED IN VIRAL OCEAN RESCUE AT OVAL OFFICE "[Holmes] is a disgraceful, humiliating embarrassment to her alleged profession," the White House-run account wrote on X. "@POTUS hosts a hero lifeguard in the Oval Office and she uses it as an opportunity to take a cheap shot about one of President Trump's staffers. These scumbags are the lowest of the low." "Someday, your children will come across your disgusting and inhumane question. They will be sickened and embarrassed to have a parent be so callous and vindictive. It’s quite troubling," the White House told Holmes. CNN STAFFERS BRACE FOR PARAMOUNT CEO'S POTENTIAL PLAN TO LAUNCH EDITORIAL BOARD TO OVERSEE NETWORK CNN issued a statement standing behind its reporter. "Kristen Holmes is one of the most respected and accomplished journalists covering the White House," CNN wrote. "This afternoon, she did her job and asked the President of the United States a tough, relevant, and newsworthy question on behalf of the American people." WHITE HOUSE PUSHED FOR PROTOCOL TO PRESERVE CORRESPONDENTS' CREDIBILITY AFTER TRUMP'S SECRET PLANE SWITCH "Public officials are free to challenge reporting they disagree with, but personal attacks on journalists for asking questions are beneath the office and inconsistent with the principles of a free press. We stand firmly behind Kristen and reject these attacks in the strongest possible terms," the network added. The White House cited its posts in response to Fox News Digital and declined to comment further. Trump, who held a meeting at the Oval Office with Ryder Williams — the heroic 16-year-old lifeguard who went viral last month for rescuing 10-year-old Nathaniel Rai, who was also at the White House — lashed out at Holmes in a separate exchange as she attempted to ask another question, repeatedly scolding to her, "Quiet!" "You’re very disrespectful in front of this young man. Don’t you find her disrespectful? He understands," Trump smirked to the 10-year-old sitting next to him. "Who are you with?" "I'm with CNN," Holmes responded. "Fake News. You're fake news," Trump said to Holmes. "You're a loud, boisterous person. You're fake news. Be quiet!... You're a fake reporter and you report fake news!" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8390232c5335ae1047b895 Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski may poach former Pro Bowl pass rusher from Browns team that fired him te 2026-08-17T22:50:11.448Z Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski may poach former Pro Bowl pass rusher from Browns team that fired him Za'Darius Smith was supposedly set to sign with the Cleveland Browns, if one believed the reports coming out of The Land over the weekend. But there is a significant problem with those reports. Smith, a three-time Pro Bowl player with 70 1/2 career sacks, doesn't think that's necessarily true. And he called out one of the reporters who supposedly broke the news. And then he worked out for the Atlanta Falcons on Monday. ATLANTA FALCONS 2026 BETTING PREVIEW: LIMITED UPGRADES HAS NEW HEAD COACH KEVIN STEFANSKI FACING A STEEP CLIMB So we have a lot going on here, none of it good for Cleveland. Let's get specific: The Cleveland Plain Dealer and Cleveland.com reported Sunday that Smith was set to sign with the Browns, and as late as noonish Monday was describing the negotiations as possibly being "finalized today." Except Smith, who has played on six teams in his 11 seasons, has a say in the matter and he was in Atlanta. And he called out the reports of him heading to Cleveland. "I haven't signed yet," Smith wrote on social media, adding the bulging eyes emoji. "I have another workout tomorrow morning with a different team! Who told you to post this?" Yeah, whoops. The NFL wire that tracks workouts and other league transactions indeed had Smith working out for the Falcons on Monday. And aside from that perhaps causing some embarrassment among some media, it creates an intriguing situation as two teams clearly have interest in the same player. FALCONS SELECTED TWO PASS RUSHERS IN THE FIRST ROUND AND NEITHER MAY BE AVAILABLE TO START THE NFL SEASON The Browns obviously want Smith because he played for them for two seasons, started 25 games, collected 10 sacks and 27 quarterback hits. The Falcons potentially want Smith because they have a need and coach Kevin Stefanski, who is in his first year with the club, coached Smith when the two were with the Browns... ...Before the Browns fired Stefanski. LOL. This would be the perfect spot for speculation about Stefanski wanting to stick it to his former team that fired him, while at the same time helping himself, but we're above such speculation here. Maybe. It obviously serves Smith to have two teams bidding for his services rather than one. It would also be a statement of what Smith thinks of his old coach if he chooses Atlanta over Cleveland. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Browns coach Todd Monken was asked about Smith on Monday and punted the issue to general manager Andrew Berry. "I’m not going to comment on that," Monken said. "I really don’t know where it’s at, so I’ll leave that to Andrew." The Falcons, meanwhile, may have a more urgent need than the Browns. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS Former first-round pick Jalon Walker tore his ACL early in training camp and is out for the entire season. Former first-round pick James Pearce ran afoul of the NFL's Personal Conduct Policy and is suspended the first eight games of the season. The Falcons are in desperate need of pass rush help. And if outbidding the Browns or coaxing Smith to join them over the Browns is a way to fill the need, well, that would be kind of interesting given everything that is at play. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83901d2c5335ae1047b87b Appeals Court Rejects Trump’s Strategy of Picking U.S. Attorneys te 2026-08-17T22:50:05.929Z Appeals Court Rejects Trump’s Strategy of Picking U.S. Attorneys It was the second federal appellate decision to take issue with the administration’s custom of leaving interim prosecutors in place to lead U.S. attorney’s offices to circumvent congressional approval. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a838dc92c5335ae1047b839 EARL TAYLOR: You Cannot Swear To Defend The Constitution While Seeking To Destroy It te 2026-08-17T22:40:09.003Z EARL TAYLOR: You Cannot Swear To Defend The Constitution While Seeking To Destroy It By Earl Taylor, Jr. | The U.S. Constitution is very clear with regards to the requirements to hold any public office in the United States. One of the requirements is as follows: “Before he enter on the Execution of his Office, he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation:—’I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.’” (Article 2, Section 1, U.S. Constitution) Also: “The Senators and Representatives before mentioned, and the Members of the several State Legislatures, and all executive and judicial Officers, both of the United States and of the several States, shall be bound by Oath or Affirmation, to support this Constitution…” (Article 6, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution) The requirement of taking an oath is in addition to other qualifications listed in the Constitution to hold public office, such as age, birth, citizenship, residency, and more. No person, even if elected, may legitimately hold any office in the United States or any particular state unless that person promises under oath to support, protect, and defend the principles of the U.S. Constitution. Some may ask, then, what about candidates today who have announced they want to eliminate some basic constitutional provisions, such as the executive or judicial branches of our government? Such actions would destroy our system of checks and balances and limited government. The nation first tried this type of government in the Articles of Confederation, which had neither executive nor federal courts. It was a disaster and led to the Founders wisely adopting the U.S. Constitution in its place with limited, enumerated powers distributed among three branches. The Founders also provided that the Constitution may be amended, allowing for changes to be made within the document as time and circumstances required, but not to throw out the whole document. It has been amended 27 times. Those who advocate for the complete dismantling of our system of government should be stopped at the gate—not allowed to lie their way into public office by taking an oath to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution” while intending to destroy the very heart and structure of the Constitution they have sworn to uphold. That’s especially true when America’s enemies have openly pledged to do precisely that. The Founders called such action by would-be public officials treason, which they defined as giving aid and comfort to enemies of the United States. The people must awaken to this awful situation. Earl Taylor, Jr. is the President of The National Center for Constitutional Studies. The post EARL TAYLOR: You Cannot Swear To Defend The Constitution While Seeking To Destroy It first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a838b712c5335ae1047b7e9 Shocking prehistoric discovery on NJ beach '100%' came from colossal ancient predator te 2026-08-17T22:30:09.558Z Shocking prehistoric discovery on NJ beach '100%' came from colossal ancient predator A family's search for seashells on the Jersey Shore took an unexpected turn when a father and son uncovered the tooth of an ancient shark — and it dates back millions of years. Mike Bowers and his son, Bo Bowers, uncovered the fossil, which came from an Otodus megalodon, in Sea Isle City near the Townsend Inlet on August 11.  Megalodons were the largest predatory sharks in Earth's history, and went extinct around 4 million years ago. TRAVELERS CAN HUNT FOR MILLION-YEAR-OLD FOSSILS AND MORE VALUABLE TREASURES IN THESE SPOTS Pictures of the tooth show its massive size and dark, jagged edge, with the fossil measuring roughly the length of young Bo Bowers' hand. The Pennsylvania family had been vacationing in Wildwood when an overcast day prompted them to look for somewhere different to search for shells, Mike Bowers told Fox News Digital. "There was a rock jetty and a real nice looking beach," said Mike Bowers. "And I was like, well, let's go check it out." The father noticed something in a small opening between two rocks, but his hand was too large to fit, so he called his son over. Bo Bowers told Fox News Digital that he was initially hesitant to reach into the rocks but grabbed the tooth as soon as he saw it. MARINE EXPERTS FIND LIKELY REMAINS OF 18TH-CENTURY TREASURE SHIP THAT WAS LOST FOR CENTURIES The 11-year-old said it was "really hard to believe" when he learned the tooth was millions of years old. "He likes to look for shark teeth and stuff like that," Mike Bowers added. The family "definitely did not expect to find something of that stature," he added.  The Bowers family was allowed to keep the tooth because it was found on a public beach, the dad told Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER On their way home to western Pennsylvania, the family stopped at the New Jersey State Museum to have the tooth examined. "[An official] took us up to the fossil lab, and he examined it and confirmed it," he said. "[It] 100% is a true megalodon tooth." Mike Bowers added that an official told him only five megalodon teeth had previously been recorded as found on New Jersey beaches, and that the family's discovery was the sixth. Dana Ehret of the New Jersey State Museum confirmed the tooth's authenticity to Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS "These teeth are highly uncommon in New Jersey because we do not have the right aged sediments preserved at or near the surface," said Ehret. "The Bowers tooth is in extraordinary good condition for a tooth from New Jersey. It reminds me of the teeth found in North Carolina, where they are much more common," he added.  "Typically, teeth [found in New Jersey] are substantially worn from being in the water for long periods of time." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The discovery is one of several ancient finds made by children in unexpected places in recent months. Earlier this year, an 11-year-old boy in England discovered a roughly 1.8 million-year-old tooth from an extinct relative of modern elephants while visiting a beach. In another unusual find, an 8-year-old boy in Israel found a 1,700-year-old Roman statuette fragment and brought it to school for show-and-tell. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a838b6c2c5335ae1047b7d3 Trump to Travel to Myrtle Beach to Rally for Darline Graham te 2026-08-17T22:30:04.670Z Trump to Travel to Myrtle Beach to Rally for Darline Graham The sister of Lindsey Graham was appointed to his Senate seat on an interim basis. She must win a runoff next week against a conservative House member to serve a full six-year term. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8389152c5335ae1047b78a Authorities raid CBD store in AG investigation te 2026-08-17T22:20:05.168Z Authorities raid CBD store in AG investigation State and federal authorities executed a warrant last week at SunMed CBD in Lake Havasu City, reportedly seizing store products and business records as part of a broader investigation by the Arizona Attorney General’s Office. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8386c02c5335ae1047b74e Kelly Osbourne wows in leopard-print swimsuit as she steps 'away from the madness' te 2026-08-17T22:10:08.093Z Kelly Osbourne wows in leopard-print swimsuit as she steps 'away from the madness' Kelly Osbourne is stepping away from the noise and giving herself time to recharge. The 41-year-old television personality shared a series of vacation photos as she reflected on the importance of slowing down amid a busy and emotional period in her life. In one photo, Osbourne relaxed on a lounge chair in a leopard-print one-piece swimsuit while soaking up the sun. KELLY OSBOURNE BLASTS DEE SNIDER AS 'SPECTACULARLY CLASSLESS' FOR CLAIMING OZZY DIDN’T WRITE HIS OWN SONGS She reclined with both arms resting behind her head and one leg crossed over the other. Osbourne paired the animal-print swimsuit with her iconic black cat-eye sunglasses featuring red-tinted lenses, layered necklaces and several rings, while her tattoos were visible along her arms. A second photo offered another look at the same poolside moment. Osbourne leaned back against the lounge chair with her arms at her sides. Her blonde hair was swept back as she enjoyed the sunny setting. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The former reality star explained that the getaway had given her an opportunity to disconnect from the demands of everyday life. "I’m really learning how important it is to step away from the madness sometimes. 🌊☀️" Osbourne wrote on Instagram. "I get so wrapped up in life, work, people, plans… everything going on around me, that I genuinely forget I’m allowed to stop. To switch off. To breathe. To just be." Osbourne said the time away had changed her perspective on taking a break. "This holiday has reminded me that taking a break isn’t wasting time — sometimes it’s exactly what you need to come back to yourself." She added, "I honestly feel reborn. Lighter, calmer, happier… and very much NOT ready to go home 😂❤️" Fans celebrated Osbourne's carefree vacation photos in the comments, with several praising how happy she appeared. "Your dad is smiling watching you get your sparkle back ❤️✨️," one person wrote. Another commented, "Wow !!!!! You are stunning !! You look so happy and healthy !!!!" A third fan focused on Osbourne's poolside look, writing, "🔥I love that bathing suit girl! You look amazing !! Miss ya. Hope you're doing well. 💜🤘🏼" Osbourne also shared a close-up selfie taken on the water as the sun set behind her. KELLY OSBOURNE DEMANDS CHILD SUPPORT AND HER DOGS BACK IN FIERY RANT AMID REPORTED BREAKUP Wearing the same black cat-eye sunglasses, she posed in a black-and-white striped top with her blonde hair swept back. The orange sun could be seen dropping toward the horizon behind her, reflecting across the water. Osbourne's time away also included a sweet moment with her 3-year-old son, Sidney. In another photo, Osbourne cuddled her 3-year-old son, Sidney, while aboard a boat. The mother and son smiled as Sidney wrapped his arm around her neck. Osbourne held her son close, while an older child stood at the boat's steering wheel beside them. Sidney is Osbourne's son with Slipknot musician Sid Wilson. The former couple welcomed him in 2022. KELLY OSBOURNE STUNS IN CORSETED SWIMSUIT ON YACHT MONTHS AFTER SHUTTING DOWN BODY-SHAMING CRITICS The getaway comes amid changes in Osbourne's personal life following reports that she and Wilson have split. Earlier this month, Osbourne fueled speculation about their relationship when she shared a series of since-deleted Instagram Stories that appeared to take aim at Wilson, though she never mentioned him by name. "Wake the f--- up and take some responsibility. I will not take your s--- anymore! I'm done. I want to be happy, and I have a beautiful son to raise. Leave me alone. Let me heal. I can't protect you from yourself anymore," she wrote. Osbourne later appeared to reference unresolved issues involving their son, finances and her belongings. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "Also while I’m at it can I have my dogs back and all my possessions. Oh yeah and maybe some child support?" Osbourne and Wilson reportedly ended their engagement earlier this year, though neither has publicly confirmed the split. The pair began dating in 2022 and welcomed Sidney later that year. Her vacation comes during an emotional chapter for the Osbourne family following the death of her father, Ozzy Osbourne, in July 2025. The Black Sabbath frontman died at 76, just weeks after performing his final concert with the legendary heavy metal band. Osbourne has remained fiercely protective of her father's legacy. Most recently, she fired back at Twisted Sister frontman Dee Snider after he made comments about the late rocker's songwriting. For now, however, Osbourne's latest update suggests she is making a deliberate effort to step away from the pressures surrounding her and enjoy quieter moments with her family. "Note to self: do this more often," she wrote. "Life will still be there when you get back. ✨" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8386bf2c5335ae1047b745 WNBA admits security in Atlanta was wrong to make fans cover shirts at Dream-Fever game te 2026-08-17T22:10:07.404Z WNBA admits security in Atlanta was wrong to make fans cover shirts at Dream-Fever game The WNBA admitted Monday that league security improperly forced a mother and her teenage daughter to cover their XX-XY Athletics shirts during Sunday's game between the Indiana Fever and Atlanta Dream. "The WNBA is aware of interactions at last night's game in Atlanta in which fans were asked by league security to cover their shirts," a WNBA spokesperson said in a statement provided to OutKick. "This should not have happened." The WNBA's admission is as damning as it is simple: its own security forced paying fans to cover shirts supporting women's sports. MOM AND DAUGHTER TOLD TO COVER UP XX-XY T-SHIRTS, SAY THEY WERE THREATENED WITH EJECTION AT FEVER-DREAM GAME OutKick's Jon Root first detailed the incident involving Georgia resident Kasey Thomason and her 17-year-old daughter, Annie, who were sitting courtside during Indiana's 95-91 victory when security confronted them in overtime. The pair wore XX-XY Athletics shirts backing Fever guard Sophie Cunningham and her stance on protecting female athletics. The shirts have become a symbol of the WNBA's trans dilemma, exposing an uncomfortable question for a women's basketball league struggling to define who belongs in women's sports. They wore them for four quarters without issue. Then, in overtime, Kasey said a fan complained and security issued an ultimatum: cover up with Dream shirts or get tossed. "Biology and science is offensive?" Kasey recalled responding. To watch the conclusion, they reluctantly put on the Dream shirts. CLUELESS WNBA ATTACKS 'BAD-FAITH' FANS WHO DON'T WANT BIOLOGICAL MEN RUINING WOMEN'S SPORTS The WNBA admitted security crossed the line. But that only raises a bigger question: How did a women's basketball league reach the point where stating biological reality became grounds for security intervention? Cunningham sparked national debate weeks ago by voicing support for keeping biological males out of women's sports. The controversy even prompted a WNBA task force discussion among team executives, while the league denounced what it called "bad-faith efforts" to use the transgender-athlete debate to demean or marginalize others. But the debate hasn't remained confined to league statements and meetings. STORM CO-OWNER SUSPENDED AFTER INCIDENT WITH SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM FANS AS STAR BREAKS SILENCE ON CONTROVERSY Less than three weeks ago, Seattle Storm minority co-owner Celeste Keaton confronted two teenage girls wearing XX-XY Athletics gear and supporting Cunningham at a Fever-Storm game. The Storm subsequently apologized, and the WNBA fined Keaton an undisclosed amount and suspended her from attending five home games. Now, another mother and teenage daughter backing the same cause were confronted at a WNBA game — this time by league security. Kasey said she believed a nearby fan wearing a "Protect Trans Rights" shirt had complained. The Thomasons could not confirm whether security also instructed that fan to cover her shirt, though they said they later noticed her jacket zipped over it. State Farm Arena policy prohibits clothing displaying explicit language, profanity or derogatory characterizations, while the NBA Fan Code of Conduct prohibits obscene or indecent messages on clothing. According to Kasey, security cited neither policy, instead telling the pair their shirts were "offensive." SAM PONDER CALLS OUT THE WNBA FOR COWARDICE: 'BE COURAGEOUS. STAND FOR WOMEN' That's the larger problem for the WNBA: its identity crisis over women's sports just got uglier, with league security now going after fans for defending them. Forcing fans to cover XX-XY shirts wasn't merely a questionable judgment call. By the WNBA's own admission, it crossed the line. "This should not have happened." OutKick has requested additional comment from the WNBA on why security ordered the fans to cover their shirts, what policy they were believed to have violated and whether the league is investigating the incident. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8384692c5335ae1047b6e9 Portland parent banned from school events after opposing gender identity assignment files lawsuit te 2026-08-17T22:00:09.764Z Portland parent banned from school events after opposing gender identity assignment files lawsuit Portland, Oregon, mother Allison Roberts filed a lawsuit on Wednesday against Portland Public Schools and her children's elementary school after allegedly facing retaliation over her opposition to their gender curriculum. According to the Liberty Justice Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of Roberts, she initially expressed concern last year over Meriwether Lewis Elementary School's decision to repaint its traditional rainbow pride flag into an "Intersex-Inclusive Progress" variant to include support for racial and transgender ideology. Though Roberts supported "being immersed" in Portland's gay community, she felt that the new flag was "an overtly political symbol that promotes values contradictory to her Christian faith," specifically due to its promotion of transgenderism. WASHINGTON MOTHER PULLS CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL AFTER PRIDE LESSON SHOWN IN MUSIC CLASS WITHOUT NOTICE Before she took any action, she discovered an "identity flower" assignment given to her 11-year-old child that asked students to identify and discuss their gender identity with classmates and teachers. Roberts alleged that she received no prior notice of this assignment and requested a meeting with the school's principal. After receiving what she described as an unsatisfactory response from the school, Roberts wrote an open letter to the community against the school's policies, which she distributed on a public sidewalk outside school property. Roberts was later issued a one-year trespass order after a heated exchange with another parent, barring her from attending school events, including her child's graduation ceremony. When she reached out to the school for clarification, Roberts was reportedly told that it was a result of engaging in "harassment, intimidation, and threatening behavior" as part of a pattern of "animus and harassment targeting vulnerable members of [the] community." VIRGINIA SCHOOL DISTRICT SUED OVER ALLEGED POLICY OF KEEPING STUDENTS' GENDER TRANSITIONS HIDDEN FROM PARENTS The Liberty Justice Center argued that the school violated Roberts' First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by stifling and retaliating against her speech criticizing the school's policies. The legal organization is asking a federal court to have the school's actions declared unconstitutional and issue an injunction against the policies targeting Roberts. Portland Public Schools declined to comment to Fox News Digital about the ongoing case. Timothy R. Snowball, senior counsel at Liberty Justice Center, told Fox News Digital that the organization also aims to have an injunction issued against the school's current harassment policy to prevent other situations like Roberts' in the future. "Our next step in the case will be filing a motion for a preliminary injunction to put a stop to these unconstitutional policies while the case moves forward. This motion will help protect not only Allison’s rights, but all affected families in Portland," Snowball said. FIRED SCHOOL COUNSELOR LOSES AGAIN AFTER FREE SPEECH FIGHT OVER GENDER-THEMED BOOKS IN HIS OFFICE Roberts also told Fox News Digital that she has received widespread support for her efforts. "It has been heartening to see the outpouring of support from my local Portland community, and from parents and grandparents across the country," she said. "I never wanted things to get to this point. But knowing that I'm fighting this battle not just for my family, but for millions of American families, reassures me that bringing this suit is the right thing to do." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8384632c5335ae1047b6d4 Florida Race to Replace Byron Donalds Features Candidates Who Have Already Run for Congress te 2026-08-17T22:00:03.528Z Florida Race to Replace Byron Donalds Features Candidates Who Have Already Run for Congress We look at the crowded race to replace Byron Donalds. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8382102c5335ae1047b69c Jets fans breathe sigh of relief after practice scare for $43M star running back te 2026-08-17T21:50:08.316Z Jets fans breathe sigh of relief after practice scare for $43M star running back New York Jets fans all waited with bated breath to hear about what happened to running back Breece Hall at Monday’s training camp practice after reports he suffered a non-contact injury while running in a drill. It appears they can breathe a collective sigh of relief for their new $43 million man in the backfield. Hall suffered a strained right groin at practice on Monday, and though the Jets still need to learn of the severity of the injury after tests, head coach Aaron Glenn doesn’t think it’s anything too serious. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "I don’t think it was a big deal, but I want to make sure I get the evaluation on that," he told reporters, per ESPN. Hall fell onto the practice field grass untouched, which is never what teammates, coaches, or anyone wants to see for a player. It was supposed to be a touchdown for Hall, who had caught a pass during a drill, but he went down on a knee before reaching the end zone. VIKINGS FEAR WORST AS JAMAL ADAMS, FORMER ALL-PRO SAFETY, SUFFERS KNEE INJURY IN PRESEASON GAME: 'NOT GOOD' Hall eventually limped his way to the sideline and was seen entering the blue medical tent before heading back to the locker room. Even Jets players were worried for Hall, who had just signed a three-year, $43.5 million extension he was looking for this offseason. "My stomach dropped a little bit," Hall’s backup, Braelon Allen, said, per ESPN. "From the sounds of it, it doesn’t seem too serious, so I’m hoping he gets back as quick as possible." Hall is coming off a career year for the Jets, and wanted to be paid accordingly. The Iowa State product, whom the Jets took 36th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, was set to play this season on his fifth-year option, and he wasn’t shy about hinting about his contract on social media. Hall tallied 1,065 rushing yards with four rushing touchdowns, while hauling in 36 receptions for 350 yards and one score amid another rollercoaster season for the Jets – the team that has not reached the playoffs since 2010. With the Jets revamping its offense again, this time tapping Frank Reich as its offensive coordinator, the veteran play-caller said how important the run game will be for New York this season. In turn, Hall is an extremely important player for Jets success in 2026, meaning his health is paramount. Allen and Kene Nwangwu are the running backs behind Hall right now on the depth chart. Isaiah Davis, who would be their third-best back, is dealing with a minor knee injury at the moment that he should be back from soon. One thing about Hall has been his availability for the Jets in recent seasons. His rookie campaign was cut short due to an ACL injury, but he’s missed a total of two games in the last three seasons. Hall has proven to be a dual-threat running back, having the ability to make defenders miss in the pass game as well as the run game. The Jets will surely look to utilize that skill set, as well as wide receiver Garrett Wilson and intriguing rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq. The Jets also had a reunion with Geno Smith this offseason, as the journeyman quarterback is hoping for a much different tenure in New York this time around. 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/6a83820f2c5335ae1047b693 Harvard, NYU among 30 universities hit with Pentagon foreign-tie audit deadline te 2026-08-17T21:50:07.646Z Harvard, NYU among 30 universities hit with Pentagon foreign-tie audit deadline The Pentagon on Monday ordered 30 American universities to conduct audits of their financial and research ties to foreign entities or risk losing federal research funding. The institutions must review the identified foreign collaborations and assess any exposure of "sensitive or export-controlled research." "The Department of War has zero tolerance for academic partnerships that compromise our national security," said Emil Michael, Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering. "Institutions that receive funding from American taxpayers must uphold the highest standards of research security, and these mandated audits will ensure accountability across the board." According to a U.S. official, the schools subjected to the audit are: Georgetown University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of California, Berkeley, University of California, San Diego, University of Texas at Austin, Emory University, Harvard University, Oklahoma State University, Penn State University, University of California, Los Angeles, University of Cincinnati, University of Minnesota, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, University of South Carolina, University of Southern California, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Bryant University, Cornell University, Drake University, Duke University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Johns Hopkins University, New York University, Northeastern State University, Tahlequah (Oklahoma), Portland State University, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, Stony Brook University, University of Delaware and University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. FOREIGN ROBOT BAN TARGETS CHINA OVER SECURITY FEARS The institutions must also implement plans to mitigate actions that violate national security protocols and, if necessary, terminate "problematic partnerships." They are required to report their findings to the War Department by Aug. 31. Fox News Digital has reached out to the DOW and all 30 schools. "Universities are critical partners in executing a wide range of Department of War research programs, and the Department must therefore ensure that our research investments are well protected from foreign exploitation," said Dr. Joseph Jewell, Assistant Secretary of War for Science and Technology. SCOPE OF CCP-BACKED CHINESE EXCHANGE PROGRAM INSIDE AMERICAN SCHOOLS UNCOVERED IN SWEEPING REPORT The audits target foreign entities named under Section 1286 of the Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act. The list identifies 130 academic and research institutions located in China, Russia, and Iran, which engage in "activities that increase the likelihood of U.S. government-funded research and development efforts being misappropriated." A recent report said Harvard University failed to safeguard research collaborations with Chinese institutions, noting that researchers affiliated with the Ivy League school co-authored more than 140 publications with other researchers affiliated with a group of Chinese universities. Harvard also reportedly received more than $600 million from China under the federal Section 117 foreign-gift disclosure system—more than any other American university, according to the Education Department dashboard cited in the report from the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. LAWMAKERS RAISE ALARM OVER NEVILLE ROY SINGHAM'S $278M NETWORK SPREADING CCP PROPAGANDA IN THE U.S. China has used outputs from U.S. artificial intelligence models to train its defense capabilities, Reuters reported in July. In recent years, many universities and colleges across the United States have shut their doors to their China-tied Confucius Institutes amid concerns over the centers' funding connection to Beijing. Lawmakers have also raised alarms over tech mogul Neville Roy Singham's $278 million network accused of spreading Chinese Communist Party propaganda in the U.S. The self-described goal of the institutes is to offer instruction to students on Chinese language and culture. A 2023 watchdog report detailed the rapid decline of Confucius Institutes at American colleges, which dropped from approximately 100 to fewer than five in just four years. The primary drivers for the closures were federal funding limitations established by National Defense Authorization Acts and increasing government pressure. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837fb72c5335ae1047b640 Man unleashes deadly ‘revenge’ rampage on ex’s family, kills 4 people, 3 dogs before torching home: DA te 2026-08-17T21:40:07.203Z Man unleashes deadly ‘revenge’ rampage on ex’s family, kills 4 people, 3 dogs before torching home: DA A California man bent on revenge after a breakup waited until his ex-boyfriend’s family went to bed before entering their home, gunning down four people and setting the house ablaze, prosecutors said. Miguel Diego Sandoval, 21, has pleaded guilty to the November 2024 bloodbath inside a Lancaster home that left Janvi Maquindang, 21, Christine Aca-ac, 25, Edwin Garcia, 24, and Matthew Montebello, 21, dead. "The defendant was jilted when he broke up with his boyfriend and then did something unimaginable when he killed four innocent people," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. FLORIDA WOMAN ALLEGEDLY KILLED TWO EX-LOVERS THE SAME DAY, AND POLICE FOUND OUT WHEN SHE ASKED 'WHICH ONE?' "This was a calculated act of violence that left a void for the victims’ families that can never be filled," Hochman added. "Rest assured this guilty plea will result in a lifetime prison sentence." The deadly rampage was sparked by the end of Sandoval’s relationship with Aca-ac and Maquindang’s brother, and prosecutors say he came looking for revenge. On Nov. 16, 2024, Sandoval lurked outside the North Tabler Avenue home until the occupants had gone to bed, according to prosecutors. He then went inside and opened fire, killing the four victims. Sandoval torched the home after the shootings and fled, prosecutors said. MICHIGAN DAD SHOT WIFE, SIX KIDS THEN SET FAMILY HOME ABLAZE IN MURDER-SUICIDE, SHERIFF SAYS Amid the carnage, a 16-year-old victim trapped inside managed to call 911 from a locked bedroom. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responding to the burning home rescued the teen. Three beloved family dogs were also killed, resulting in three felony animal cruelty counts against Sandoval. Fundraising pages set up by the victims’ loved ones in the aftermath of the 2024 killings paint a picture of four young lives cut short and the families left reeling from the massacre. Christine and Edwin were engaged and planning a future together, according to a GoFundMe organized by Christine's sister. The fundraiser remembered Christine as a funny, vibrant and deeply caring older sister who served as the legal guardian and protector of her younger siblings. The same GoFundMe described Janvi, Christine's brother, as a bright and successful young man who had graduated as valedictorian of his high school class. His younger siblings looked up to him as a role model and someone they could count on, the fundraiser said. The fundraiser said the younger siblings escaped the attack physically unharmed, but lost Christine and Janvi, as well as their home in the fire. The fundraiser was later expanded to help them find a safe place to live, continue their education and rebuild their lives. Matthew had turned 21 only days before the shooting, his older brother Andrew Montebello wrote on a separate GoFundMe. According to the fundraiser, Matthew was shot in the head, rushed from the scene and placed in a coma as his family desperately waited for good news that never came. Andrew described his younger brother as talented, smart and relentlessly curious, writing that Matthew would throw himself into learning a new skill until he mastered it or moved on to his next interest. LUIGI MANGIONE PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO STALKING AND KILLING UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON In another GoFundMe, Edwin's mother, Yemi Olivares, remembered the 24-year-old, known to his family as Fernando or Fer, as a gentle soul who dreamed of becoming an educator in academics and music. She wrote that her son hoped to marry, become a father and teach future generations. "As a mother, I am completely and utterly devastated," Olivares wrote on the GoFundMe. Sandoval pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder, including special-circumstance allegations of multiple murders and murder by means of lying in wait. He also admitted to attempted murder, first-degree residential burglary and arson of an inhabited structure or property, along with two counts of child abuse under circumstances likely to cause great bodily injury or death. The guilty plea ensures Sandoval will never walk free. He faces life in prison without the possibility of parole. He is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 17. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837fb22c5335ae1047b621 Mary Peltola Shakes Up Campaign Staff Days Before Alaska’s Senate Primary te 2026-08-17T21:40:02.514Z Mary Peltola Shakes Up Campaign Staff Days Before Alaska’s Senate Primary Ms. Peltola, the Democratic Senate candidate, fired a longtime senior aide and named a new campaign manager. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837d5a2c5335ae1047b5b7 AI automation startup Relay shuts down, staff joins Google’s Chrome team te 2026-08-17T21:30:02.136Z AI automation startup Relay shuts down, staff joins Google’s Chrome team Relay, which offered businesses workflow automation, will stop operating next month. Its CEO and some of its staff plan to get to work on Google Chrome next. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837b0c2c5335ae1047b58b Babysitter accused of kidnapping two young sisters was previously charged with abducting newborn te 2026-08-17T21:20:12.037Z Babysitter accused of kidnapping two young sisters was previously charged with abducting newborn Police in Georgia have arrested a babysitter accused of kidnapping two young sisters. The girls, Zola Cooper, 4, and Norah Cooper, 11 months, were allegedly abducted by Lakesha Brown. The girls, who were once considered to "be in extreme danger" were safely recovered by officers, the City of Atlanta Police Department confirmed on Monday. Brown reportedly gained the trust of the girls' mother and agreed to babysit them while mom went out to dinner Saturday night. When she returned from dinner, she could not make contact with Brown and called police minutes later. The girls' mother reported them missing around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday. She left her children in Brown's care at 6 p.m. earlier that evening, police said. FAMILY STOPPED ALLEGED CHILD KIDNAPPER AS POLICE SAY STAFFING SHORTAGE DELAYED RESPONSE UP TO 40 MINUTES By Monday afternoon, police announced they were able to locate the girls using technology that pointed them to the Sylvan road area. Once they arrived, officers heard crying, found them, and brought them to safety. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Atlanta police said Brown had previously been accused in a similar kidnapping case in Alabama. Investigators in Alabama said in August 2021, Brown was arrested for kidnapping infant Kamarion Taylor, who was just four days old at the time. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE Brown allegedly gained the trust of Taylor's mother and grandmother and kidnapped the infant while his mother was taking a nap. CHILD REUNITED WITH MOM AFTER TRANSGENDER DAD, PARTNER ALLEGEDLY KIDNAP ABROAD AMID GENDER SURGERY FEARS: FEDS "When Kamarion’s mother awoke, the baby was nowhere to be found. Lakesha was also gone. The mother immediately contacted Lakesha and asked where Kamarion was. Lakesha told her that Kamarion was there in his playpen where she laid him before she left," the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office said. SEND US A TIP LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Investigators safely recovered Kamarion and Brown was booked into jail. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837b0b2c5335ae1047b582 Declassified FBI docs reveal Swalwell had sex with 'Fang Fang' multiple times te 2026-08-17T21:20:11.330Z Declassified FBI docs reveal Swalwell had sex with 'Fang Fang' multiple times Disgraced former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., admitted to FBI agents that he had "physical relations" with suspected Chinese intelligence operative Christine "Fang Fang" Fang on a "handful of occasions," newly declassified FBI records show. The records, which were declassified by President Donald Trump and released by the White House Government Transparency Task Force Monday, detail two FBI interviews with Swalwell — one at an Oakland field office in May 2015 and another at the same location in March 2016 — conducted as part of a broader investigation examining Fang Fang’s involvement with illicit campaign contributions, funneling interns to Swalwell's office and other activity. During the first interview, Swalwell told agents he had "physical relations" with Fang Fang on a "handful of occasions," with their last physical encounter occurring in March 2015. Swalwell, meanwhile, joined Congress in 2013. In the second interview, Swalwell described multiple encounters, including one in which Fang Fang arrived at his apartment banging on his door and the two subsequently "hooked up" after Swalwell had taken a powerful sleep medication. The former congressman indicated he had little recollection of the event. The records indicated they "probably" occurred before Swalwell was elected to Congress. CUBA BUILT COVERT NETWORK INSIDE AMERICA THROUGH SPIES, ACTIVISTS AND UNIVERSITIES, STATE DEPT ALLEGES "FANG left after a couple hours. Swalwell barely remembers the event because he had taken Ambien prior to FANG arriving," stated an interview summary from the FBI. Swalwell told investigators he considered his physical relationship with Fang Fang "casual," while maintaining that the two "never dated" and "never had a romantic relationship." He also told agents he believed Fang "may have wanted a more romantic relationship," according to the 2015 interview summary. "Swalwell had a drink with Fang a couple weeks after they first met in 2012. He had physical relations with Fang on a handful of occasions, but never dated her or had a romantic relationship. March 2015 was the last time Swalwell had physical relations with Fang," the documents say. "Swalwell considered their physical relationship to be casual, but believed that Fang may have wanted a more romantic relationship." IRAN MINES US TROOPS' SOCIAL MEDIA AS MILITARY CONSIDERS SEIZING CELLPHONES The documents, which were first reported on by Just the News, were declassified as part of the administration's broader efforts to combat foreign threats to U.S. elections and other political systems. They provide a much more detailed look at Swalwell and Fang Fang's relationship, which had remained publicly murky for years as Swalwell refused to say several times whether their interactions were sexual or romantic, and described the allegations as GOP attacks. Beyond the revelations about Swalwell’s intimate relationship with Fang Fang, the records show the FBI said financial records indicated Fang Fang used conduits to conceal herself as a prohibited foreign-national source and orchestrated conduit contributions to Swalwell’s campaign at least twice in 2013 and at least twice more in 2014. They also show Fang Fang referred prospective interns to Swalwell's political operation. During his 2016 FBI interview, Swalwell told agents he viewed anyone Fang Fang put forward for an internship as coming through the Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association, or APAPA, an organization with which Fang was reportedly connected. SCOPE OF CCP-BACKED CHINESE EXCHANGE PROGRAM INSIDE AMERICAN SCHOOLS UNCOVERED IN SWEEPING REPORT The internship referrals were one component of the FBI's broader inquiry. An investigative memo said agents were examining allegations that Fang Fang facilitated access to Swalwell and internships in his congressional office in exchange for campaign contributions. However, the FBI ultimately said it did not find evidence that Swalwell committed federal corruption violations or participated in a quid-pro-quo scheme.  Swalwell was removed as a subject of the investigation in 2017, but the bureau did indicate it found evidence that Fang Fang herself violated federal election laws involving foreign-national and conduit contributions. The declassified files revealed that the FBI had previously tried to cultivate Fang Fang as a confidential source under the codename "RUSTY THUMBS," as agents suspected she had ties to China’s Ministry of State Security (MSS), including her parents who were reportedly considered known Chinese intelligence officers. Fang also repeatedly encouraged Swalwell to visit China, according to the records. During his 2016 FBI interview, Swalwell told agents that Fang "would generally mention that SWALWELL should go to CHINA," and said she extended a China invitation to someone in his orbit at a November 2014 election-night party. By the time of that 2016 interview, Swalwell told agents he had cut off contact with Fang Fang after first meeting with the FBI about the matter. Agents had given him a defensive briefing in late April 2015 about foreign-intelligence targeting and specifically discussed Fang Fang and her connections. Fox News Digital reached out to Swalwell and his attorneys for comment but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837b092c5335ae1047b56a Branch te 2026-08-17T21:20:09.801Z Branch Branch is a 3 1/2-year-old male American pit bull terrier mix. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837b092c5335ae1047b561 Whiskerton te 2026-08-17T21:20:09.046Z Whiskerton Whiskerton is a 4 1/2-year-old male domestic shorthair mix. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837b082c5335ae1047b558 Rambo te 2026-08-17T21:20:08.192Z Rambo Rambo is a 5 1/2-year-old male American pit bull terrier mix. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a837b022c5335ae1047b548 PACC vacancies ease after June outbreak, overcrowding persists te 2026-08-17T21:20:02.435Z PACC vacancies ease after June outbreak, overcrowding persists Vacancies at Pima Animal Care Center peaked near 20% during a June disease outbreak that forced the shelter to halt adoptions, and while the vacancy rate has since eased to under 15%, advocates say chronic overcrowding, not hiring struggles, remains the root problem. As of Aug. 10, 150 PACC positions funded through the county were budgeted, with 22 vacant, a 14.7% vacancy rate, according to data provided by the county. Five of those vacancies have sat unfilled for more than 240 days. That's down from a peak of 30 vacancies, or 20%, in early June, just before a distemper outbreak temporarily disrupted the shelter's operations. As of May 18, 2026, nine of PACC's 29 vacancies, 31%, had sat unfilled for more than 240 days, county data shows. The shelter is not new to criticism over its work environment and long-term staffing struggles, with critics mostly pointing to chronic overcrowding and its impact on workers and volunteers. "We're always hiring because of turnover," PACC Director Steve Kozachik told Tucson Spotlight. "I think the challenge that we have is more retention than the inability to attract applicants to begin with." Kozachik said PACC advertises vacant positions nationally and locally, depending on the type of role being recruited. "I believe staffing is partly a symptom of a larger system problem, not simply a hiring problem," said Nancy Kate Grayson, a local animal advocate and caregiver with Rodeo Kittens & Pups. Grayson said increased intake creates a heavier workload for employees and volunteers, likely leading to burnout and vacancies, which in turn puts even more pressure on the remaining staff. Your membership pays emerging journalists to cover Southern Arizona the way it deserves. PACC houses upwards of 700 animals at a time, a volume advocates say strains the shelter's remaining staff and volunteers. Courtesy of PACC. PACC oversees a large volume of animals daily and faces periods where intake numbers significantly outpace releases. Still, the shelter maintains its no-kill status with a 90% live release rate; as it notes on its website, "no municipal, open-admissions shelter can operate without euthanizing pets in instances of severe medical or behavioral issues." Staffing problems and overcrowding create a lot of internal stress at the shelter, and Kozachik acknowledges PACC can be a frustrating place to work. "This is a fairly emotionally charged environment," Kozachik said. "We see this every day. We have a shelter right now that is chronically overcrowded and here it is, 5:30 at night and some people drive up and want to drop two more dogs off with us." PACC has counselors who work with families to try to keep pets in their homes, but it doesn't always succeed, Kozachik said. As an open-admission shelter, PACC must accept every animal brought to its doors regardless of space, age, health or behavior, even at or over full capacity. Grayson said this isn't always the case. She recounted an experience shared by a couple who brought in their dog after a change in their apartment complex's rules meant it could no longer stay with them. They told her PACC refused to take the dog, saying it was their responsibility. "At PACC, the counselor is supposed to sit down and try to find alternatives. But what's happening is they're just plain turned away. Animals don't receive the care they need, and everything like that," Grayson said. "It's not easy to give up an animal." PACC Director Steve Kozachik says the shelter's biggest challenge is retention, not hiring, as it works to manage chronic overcrowding. Courtesy of PACC. PACC takes in approximately 19,000 to 23,000 pets annually, housing upwards of 700 at a time with another 1,400 in foster care. On June 17, an outbreak of canine distemper and respiratory infections forced the shelter to halt adoptions and limit intake. Staff and volunteers treated the outbreak through quarantine and vaccination, and the limited intake was lifted July 6, but the episode raised concerns about overcrowding and the disaster it could have caused. "Seventy-five percent of that work goes to volunteers. It's not done by staff. There's no way they can physically vaccinate that many dogs," Grayson said. "People don't get that picture of it, you know, they only see the picture of staff vaccinating." Kozachik said he understands the mental toll that working at an open-admission shelter takes on staff, and that PACC has been working to secure resources for those involved with the shelter. PACC has recently begun working with a program called Struggle Well, which describes itself on its website as "a prevention-focused program...focused on transformation of the active serving military and first responder culture, rather than the implementation of another wellness program." PACC staff voluntarily attend the five-day program, based in Sonoita, where they receive support to manage stress and difficult workplace scenarios. PACC has worked with the program for about a year, and roughly 50 employees have gone through it. "The challenge is, it's a five-day program, and so we're losing an employee for five days every time we do it," Kozachik said. "But it's something that we have found very beneficial for our staff's psychological well being. People, the employees, come back grateful for having had the experience, and they feel more confidence in their own sense of self." Vaccinating and monitoring animals during outbreaks like June's distemper crisis fell largely to volunteers, according to advocate Nancy Kate Grayson. Courtesy of Friends of PACC. Beyond staffing and wellness programs, PACC's operations are also shaped by its relationship with an outside nonprofit partner. Friends of Pima Animal Care Center is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit partner and fundraising arm that describes itself as "(supporting) Pima Animal Care Center and enhancing its efforts to save the lives of pets in need." The organization regularly receives donations and grants that go back into PACC and its needs. Grayson said the central concern about Friends of PACC is its lack of transparency: as a private nonprofit, it must provide specific federal tax and formation documents to the public upon request, but it isn't required to share internal operational or donor records. She's also raised concerns about the organization's annual contract with Pima County, citing limited oversight of its supervisors. "This ties into employment because of the crisis of so many animals and so many animals by prior directorships, being … hidden in foster," Grayson said. "Those expenses go to the foster families for the most part, except for some medical (expenses.) This turnover in paid staff, depending on who's funding it, Friends (of PACC) or Pima County, is going to be hard to nail down because it's just all so all over the place." Grayson advocates for a different approach to reducing staff stress: prevention. "It's vicious, this endless stream of animals. There's no break, ever. It just gets larger and larger," Grayson said. "(There have) been recent articles and editorials in the newspaper, and it's spot on." Grayson pointed to Española Humane Society, an open-admission nonprofit shelter in Española, New Mexico, that offers free spay and neuter surgeries and free pet vaccinations to state residents. "What they do, everybody can do. Everyone can do what Española Humane is. They can treat the community like us. They can treat people respectfully," Grayson said. Kozachik echoed Grayson's concerns about prevention, asking residents to spay, neuter and microchip their pets. He also encouraged people to seek alternatives to bringing stray animals straight to PACC, in order to help combat overcrowding, including posting lost pets on social media, neighborhood lists, or sites like Petco and Love Lost. "There are lots of tools that the community can use to help us. And we try to message that out every single day," Kozachik said. Gabrielle Cotnoir is a University of Arizona journalism student and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at gabriellecnews@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/6a8378b12c5335ae1047b50c New champions alter WWE landscape while NXT newcomer makes his presence known with authority te 2026-08-17T21:10:09.284Z New champions alter WWE landscape while NXT newcomer makes his presence known with authority WWE will enter this week with new champions and an NXT wrestler who put himself into prime position for some gold right off the bat. "Friday Night SmackDown" saw two title changes occur. Jacy Jayne captured the Women’s United States Championship in a match against Tiffany Stratton, adding to Fatal Influence’s chokehold on the roster as Lainey Reid and Fallon Henley are already the WWE women’s tag team champions. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL Additionally, Tama Tonga and Talla Tonga won the WWE Tag Team Championship in a triple-threat match, knocking off Damian Priest and R-Truth as the title-holders and keeping Erik and Ivar from adding more gold around their waists. MFT definitely have a new feel to them since Haku returned and took over as their manager. The WWE title landscape is poised to change even further if Rey Mysterio and his fellow Luchadores and Kevin Owens have anything to say about it. Mysterio will challenge Chad Gable for the WWE Intercontinental Championship on "Monday Night Raw," while the tournament to see who will challenge Roman Reigns for his World Heavyweight Championship continues with Dragon Lee taking on El Hijo de Dr. Wagner Jr. and Rey Fenix taking on El Fiscal. Penta and LA Parka have already moved on to the semifinals. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Owens will challenge CM Punk for the Undisputed WWE Championship on Friday. Owens became the No. 1 contender after his win in a fatal four-way match at SummerSlam. He and Punk exchanged words in a heated promo last week and seemed to be poised to tear each other apart. Those competitors are far from the only ones in search of gold. In NXT, champion Tony D’Angelo has his hands full. Grayson Waller and Cruz Montana were vying for the No. 1 contender spot for D’Angelo’s title on Tuesday night when Zilla Fatu debuted and took out both of them. Fatu is the latest marquee signing in WWE. He will certainly have questions to answer this week. The heat on the reigning champions is certainly on as Sunday Night’s Main Event and Night of Champions inch closer. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8378b02c5335ae1047b503 El-Sayed aide likens GOP opponent's campaign to 'KKK cross burning' over video with Ford pickup te 2026-08-17T21:10:08.629Z El-Sayed aide likens GOP opponent's campaign to 'KKK cross burning' over video with Ford pickup A recent campaign video released by Republican U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers in Michigan left one of his opponent's staffers feeling triggered. Rogers on Sunday released a video of himself riding shotgun in a red antique Ford pickup truck, which had two American flags affixed to the tailgate. The video shows Rogers smiling and waving from the passenger's seat as the truck breezes down the road. Toby Keith's "American Ride" accompanies the video. "Gotta love this American Ride! There’s no better way to do the Woodward Dream Cruise!" said a post from Rogers accompanying the video online. FOX NEWS POLL: A SENATE BATTLE LOOMS IN MICHIGAN But one staffer for Abdul El-Sayed, the far-left socialist-adjacent Democrat running against Rogers, did not find the bit of Americana to his liking. "Mike Rogers’ campaign has the aesthetics of a 1960s white flight suburb and a KKK cross burning," Mason Pressler, who serves as a El-Sayed's political manager in the northern part of Michigan, said on X. Rogers' campaign seized on the post, accusing Pressler of thinking that "driving a Michigan-made Ford truck is akin to the KKK." The campaign also added "Old Ford trucks" to its running list of things it says El-Sayed hates. El-Sayed's communications director, Roxie Richner, explained to Fox News Digital that Pressler's views are not representative of the campaign as a whole because Pressler's X bio explicitly states that his posts are his own opinions. BIDEN-WORLD VETERAN ISSUES STARK WARNING ABOUT ABDUL EL-SAYED AS HE CROSSES PARTY LINES She did not return a follow-up request for further comment on the post from El-Sayed's campaign aide. The Democratic candidate has been dogged for his particular brand of left-wing politics, even by some members of his own political party who believe he is too far left. El-Sayed during his campaign has campaigned and partied with socialist streamer Hasan Piker, who is known for saying "America deserved 9/11," praising Mao Zedong and Communist China, arguing that capitalists should be murdered in the streets and spewing a litany of antisemitic comments. The far-left candidate also argued against the Second Amendment in videos discovered among the 100 he hid from public view from his YouTube channel. In an unearthed essay, he drew a parallel between President Donald Trump and Osama Bin Laden. MICHIGAN SENATE RACE: EL-SAYED’S TIES TO EXTREMIST FUEL ANTISEMITISM CONCERNS AMONG JEWISH VOTERS Fox News Digital previously reported that El-Sayed has received more than $100,000 in campaign cash from 41 people who work for the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), a designated a terrorist organization by the United Arab Emirates and formally designated or labeled as such in Florida and Texas. El-Sayed's sister, Eman Abdelhadi, has also been revealed as a socialist University of Chicago professor who was arrested last year for allegedly spitting on a police officer during an anti-ICE protest outside the Broadview, Illinois immigrant detention facility. Fox News Digital's Andrew Mark Miller and Kiera McDonald contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8373fc2c5335ae1047b449 HCH Pet of the Week: Juan te 2026-08-17T20:50:04.948Z HCH Pet of the Week: Juan My name is Juan, and I am such an angel. I LOVE to play, especially with my brother Natches! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8371a72c5335ae1047b411 Charlamagne blasts 'dumb' Democrats for getting drawn into WNBA transgender debate ahead of midterms te 2026-08-17T20:40:07.741Z Charlamagne blasts 'dumb' Democrats for getting drawn into WNBA transgender debate ahead of midterms Charlamagne tha God slammed the debate over transgender participation in women's sports, particularly the WNBA, during his "Brilliant Idiots" podcast on Sunday, saying the conversation was "ridiculous." "I think this s--- is ridiculous," Charlamagne said. "I don't know why this is becoming a story again, and I cannot believe that people are falling for tricks like this right before the midterm elections. This is so dumb for Democrats to even be going back down this road having this conversation." The discussion came in the wake of WNBA star Sophie Cunningham, who plays for the Indiana Fever, taking a stand against transgender participation in women's sports. Other WNBA players have said they hold the opposite views, as well as coaches, including Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve, who recently wore a "Trans Kids Belong" T-shirt to the team's game against the Fever. "And I hate when they conflate two things," Charlamagne continued. "Because guess what? I don't know why Sophia Cunningham was asked this question, but if she's asked, ‘Should biological men play in the WNBA?’ The answer should be no. That should be the answer from everybody." FORMER NBA PLAYER ROYCE WHITE SAYS HE IS DECLARING FOR NEXT WNBA DRAFT AFTER ENES KANTER ANNOUNCEMENT "Should biological people that were born men play in the WNBA? No. Full stop," Charlamagne added. "Any other thing? There is no, 'Whoa, so are you saying transgenders don't have a right to — 'Man, shut the f--- up. I ain't saying nothing like that. You asked me a specific question. Do transgenders belong in the WNBA if you're born a biological man? No. OK." Former NBA players Enes Kanter Freedom and Royce White have both said they intend to declare for the 2027 WBNA draft. Charlamagne also questioned why the question of transgender participation in sports was being raised at all, suggesting athletes respond to any questions about it by saying, "Why are you asking me this?" Loren LeRosa, who stood in for "Brilliant Idiots" co-host Andrew Schultz, gave a response, acting as somebody who asked the question of an athlete. "This is what they would say," she said. "Because I'm a person who believes that all people should matter. And if a person identifies as something, we're in America, they should have a fair shot." Charlamagne agreed and said that had nothing to do with the WNBA. "Identifying as a woman. Cool. You got all the right to do that. This is a free country, but you shouldn't be allowed to play in the WNBA," he said. GENO AURIEMMA QUESTIONS WHY WNBA TRANSGENDER ATHLETE DEBATE IS 'AN ISSUE' WHEN IT 'DOESN'T EXIST' Transgender participation in women's sports became a focal point for the Republican Party and President Donald Trump throughout the 2024 election cycle. Several prominent Republicans praised Cunningham's comments, including Vice President JD Vance, who called her "courageous." Democrats have largely remained silent and stayed out of the Cunningham news. Payton McNabb, an ambassador at Independent Women, told Fox News Digital, "I, of course, agree with Charlamagne that this is ridiculous. It’s ridiculous that in 2026 we’re still having to debate whether men belong in a women’s basketball league. But that’s exactly why this has become a story." "Sophie Cunningham gave the obvious answer, and instead of the WNBA backing her up and putting the issue to rest, we’re still waiting on the league to say the same thing," she continued. "Men declaring for the WNBA draft are exposing an absurdity that the WNBA could end tomorrow but continue to go in a circle." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Cunningham doubled down on her position at the end of July ahead of one of her games, saying, "I think I said what I said. I think it's kind of common sense." "I'll always believe in that. It's really important to protect children, and that's little girls who are also involved in that category," the Fever star said. "I'm not a very political person, but I do have beliefs. I have morals, and I'll always stand on those," she explained. Cunningham also rejected the idea that her position stems from bigotry, saying defending women's sports doesn't mean harboring hatred toward anyone else. "I extend love, and I don't dislike anyone. I think there is room for absolutely everyone here," she said, adding that she has never expressed hatred toward the trans community. OutKick's Alejandro Avila contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a836f522c5335ae1047b3b6 Luigi Mangione's New York murder trial adjourned until December over double jeopardy concerns te 2026-08-17T20:30:10.181Z Luigi Mangione's New York murder trial adjourned until December over double jeopardy concerns Luigi Mangione's New York state murder trial has been adjourned until December following his defense team's motion to dismiss the charges in the wake of last week's guilty plea on related federal charges. Jury selection had been penciled in to begin on Sept. 8 — but the guilty plea allowed his defense team to raise new double jeopardy concerns. Prosecutors have until Oct. 9 to respond to the motion to dismiss, Judge Gregory Carro wrote in an order published to the court's website Monday afternoon. LUIGI MANGIONE PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO STALKING AND KILLING UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON Then the defense will have until Oct. 30 for Mangione's own reply. Carro set the next adjourned date for Dec. 10. Due to a difference in state law and the U.S. Constitution, New York's double jeopardy rules are more favorable to Mangione with the federal case resolved. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE Manhattan prosecutors, however, have said they plan to continue pursuing their case against him. GOT A TIP? The 28-year-old University of Pennsylvania graduate admitted Friday to stalking UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson across state lines, then shooting him in the back outside a Manhattan hotel where he was supposed to meet with investors. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Thompson was a 50-year-old father of two from Minnesota. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Mangione has not yet been sentenced in the federal case. Sentencing guidelines recommend about 30 years max, but Judge Margaret Garnett is not bound by them. He could still face a maximum of life in prison without parole. If he goes to trial on the state charges, the top count of second-degree murder carries a maximum potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a836f512c5335ae1047b3ad Despite complaints about other sports, the NFL has become the most predictable league in America te 2026-08-17T20:30:09.437Z Despite complaints about other sports, the NFL has become the most predictable league in America There's nothing more predictable than fans complaining about sports, and particularly, how much better things used to be. Well, there may be one thing more predictable: the modern NFL. Much of the online discourse over the past few months in the sports world has centered on the supposed decline of competitive balance in Major League Baseball. Primarily because the Los Angeles Dodgers have spent money in an attempt to improve their roster, or used their top tier farm system to acquire Tarik Skubal. Combined with LA's back-to-back World Series wins, this has given rise to concerns that the Dodgers are unbeatable. That other teams can't hope to compete with their superior talent. That sailing through the postseason is a foregone conclusion. Meanwhile, the Dodgers just wrapped a stretch where they went 2-11 against likely playoff teams such as the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks and Milwaukee Brewers. Several of those games were started by Skubal, with LA now 1-2 in games he starts. The one win coming against the last place Kansas City Royals. DODGERS REPORTEDLY ACQUIRE ACE TARIK SKUBAL FROM TIGERS IN TRADE THAT STIRS UP MLB WORLD Fans quick to hand wave those concerns off as "meaningless games" don't seem to realize that securing a bye through the first round, as well as home field advantage throughout the playoffs, is very meaningful. Or don't seem to remember that teams aren't able to magically become superhuman in October, as evidenced by the Dodgers winning 104 games in 2017, 106 games in 2019, 106 games in 2021, 111 games in 2022, and 100 games in 2023, only to lose in the postseason each year. It's not that easy to sail through the playoffs in baseball, because the gaps between teams is so small. Over the course of a season, the best team in baseball might win 60-61% of their games. Meanwhile, the Cubs, headed for a wild card spot, have won 58% of their games. The gaps between teams just aren't big enough for predictable dominance. They are in the NFL. Though nobody seems to care, for several, frankly ridiculous, reasons. First, some context. Starting in the 2013 season, the last 13 years, just seven NFL organizations have won the Super Bowl. Out of 32 teams. Over that same time frame, just 11 organizations have even reached the Super Bowl, out of 32 teams. In fact, 10 of the last 13 Super Bowls have been won by the New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles or Seattle Seahawks. One of the other three? Tom Brady's win with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. MLB'S SALARY CAP PROPOSAL WON'T FIX THE LEAGUE'S NON-EXISTENT COMPETITIVE BALANCE PROBLEMS All told, just 22% of the NFL has won the Super Bowl since 2013. Only 34% of NFL teams have reached the Super Bowl in the last 13 seasons. The Chiefs and Patriots alone have made up 13 of 26 Super Bowl teams over that time frame. MLB, which is the sport supposedly lacking in competitive balance, where the two World Series teams are reportedly predetermined each year, has been much less predictable. Since 2013, nine organizations, out of 30 teams, have won the World Series. In all 30% of MLB has won a championship, outpacing the NFL. And 17 MLB teams have reached the World Series, or 57%. So 22% of the NFL has won the Super Bowl since 2013, and 34% have reached the Super Bowl, while 30% of MLB has won a title and 57% have reached the World Series. Which sport has the predictability problem again? But that's only part of the story. The other, arguably even worse, side of it? The relationship between the regular season in the NFL and reaching or winning the Super Bowl. Again, some context. The best teams in baseball generally win around 60-61% of their games. In the NFL, the best teams routinely win 80+% of their games. The last two seasons, the best record in the NFL has been 14-3, an .824 winning percentage. Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers, a playoff team, won just 56% of their games. The gaps between teams in the NFL is so large that the ultimate outcome, which franchises reach the Super Bowl, is much easier to predict. That's not an opinion, it's fact. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Since 2013, again, the past 13 seasons, the average Super Bowl participant has ranked second in the NFL's regular season winning percentage. On average. The median rank? Literally one. More than half of the Super Bowl participants had the best record in the regular season. 15 of 26 teams, or 58%, had the best record in the NFL. So 23 of the 26 teams had a top-5 record. 20 of the 26 were in the top three in winning percentage. Some of that is because of ties, meaning teams that had the same records, but it indicates the severity of the problem: have one of the best records? Reach the Super Bowl. Two of the three outliers, with records outside the top-5, were Tom Brady teams, the 2018 Patriots and 2020 Buccaneers. The other? The 2021 Cincinnati Bengals, one of the flukiest appearances in recent memory after beating the Raiders, Titans, and getting a 27-24 overtime win over the Chiefs. They promptly lost to a team with a top-3 record. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Let's compare to baseball. Again, over that same time frame, the relationship to regular season winning percentage is much lower. While the average NFL team to reach the Super Bowl had the second best record, in baseball it's 4.5. The median rank of a Super Bowl was one, in MLB it's four. Only eight of 26 teams to reach the World Series had the best record in baseball. That's just 26%, compared to 58% in the NFL. Not one NFL team that finished outside the top nine in winning percentage reached the Super Bowl, while there were three MLB teams that were 10th or worse that reached the World Series. The 2023 Diamondbacks were 13th, and they swept the almighty Dodgers in the NLDs on their way to a World Series appearance. The 2021 Braves had the 12th best winning percentage in the regular season and beat the 106-win unstoppable Dodgers in the NLCS on their way to bringing home a championship. Fans have short memories, so it's easy to forget just how unpredictable the baseball postseason actually is. And how little relevance the regular season has. We've seen in just the past few years that even teams that finish well down the list in winning percentage have a legitimate chance of winning a title. In the NFL? Not even close. The gaps between teams are so big that the best regular season team almost always reaches the Super Bowl or wins it. If your team finishes outside the top three in winning percentage, it's a near-guarantee you're waiting for next year. Especially if you don't have Patrick Mahomes or Tom Brady. The NFL has several structural benefits however, that allows it to overcome this predictability problem. One is the misguided assumption that any team can win in a given season. We have nearly a decade and a half showing that is conclusively not the case. Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady have played on 10 of the 26 Super Bowl teams since 2013. The other benefits? The schedule, Red Zone channel, scoring system, and the explosion of fantasy football and gambling. In 2024 and 2025, the average NFL team has scored 23 points per game. Big numbers! Big numbers means exciting! Considering that represents an average of just over three touchdowns per game, it's much less so. If the average score of an NFL game was 4-3, would fans think it was so "exciting?" The Red Zone channel, where most fans spend time watching games that don't feature their favorite teams, focuses exclusively on the big, meaningful plays. If you condense a three hour football game into a handful of the best plays, of course it'll seem exciting. The schedule too, where games are primarily focused Sunday, when the vast majority of fans aren't working and are able to watch games on national television. They watch those games, even with teams they don't follow, due in large part to the rise of gambling, daily fantasy, prop bets, prediction markets, and of course, season-long fantasy football. Or to just have something on in the background. The Netflix "second screen" model. Apparently because some of this predictability comes from teams in smaller markets, primarily the Chiefs, fans bizarrely don't seem to mind dynasties. No one cares if the same few teams win in the NFL, as long as they're not from New York or LA. Even though the outcome ultimately is predictable, people don't think it is. And perception, as is so often the case, is more important than reality. Then there's the fact that betting in the NFL is primarily on point spreads, not simply winners and losers. That makes the ultimate outcome, even if it is more predictable, less "boring," because a team can still "cover" even in a loss. Oh, and by the way, the current betting favorite is the LA Rams, which, should that come to pass, would mean we'd have just seven different teams win a Super Bowl in 14 seasons. It doesn't get much worse than that. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a836f502c5335ae1047b3a4 Man busted after customs uncovers bizarre cargo hidden inside 22 pairs of socks te 2026-08-17T20:30:08.698Z Man busted after customs uncovers bizarre cargo hidden inside 22 pairs of socks A man was arrested at a Tokyo airport after authorities discovered about 200 lizards stuffed inside 22 pairs of socks in his suitcase, according to reports. The 23-year-old man from Mexico arrived at Haneda Airport from South Korea on Aug. 8 when customs officials found the reptiles hidden in his luggage, The Times of India reported. Authorities found the lizards packed into socks inside the suitcase. One of the animals was already dead when the luggage was opened, according to the outlet. TSA OFFICER SEES ALARMING SHAPES ON X-RAY BEFORE STOLEN CIVIL WAR MYSTERY UNRAVELS Among the reptiles were nine Mexican alligator lizards — an endangered species with restrictions on international trade, The Times of India reported. The man allegedly told investigators he bought the lizards in Mexico for roughly $3.50 to $4.70 each. Some of the reptiles can sell for around $630 each in Japan, according to reports. Keith Jeffries, vice president of K2 Security Screening Group and former federal security director at Los Angeles International Airport, told Fox News Digital that financial incentives can drive unusual smuggling attempts. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "If there's a market for it, people will attempt to smuggle it," said Jeffries, who is based in Orlando. "We've seen this before many times," he added. "It happens more frequently than any of us would like." Airport screening procedures can vary depending on the agency involved and the types of prohibited items officers are tasked with finding, Jeffries said. In the United States, for example, TSA officers are primarily searching for items that could threaten aviation security, such as weapons and explosives, rather than conducting searches specifically for smuggled wildlife or drugs, he said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "The TSA security directives do not look for items from just a smuggling standpoint," Jeffries said. "They look for guns, knives, explosives, incendiary devices — and it's very specific and narrow to that." However, wildlife smuggling attempts are not unheard of, Jeffries added. During his time with TSA, he recalled cases involving exotic turtles, as well as another incident in which nearly 100 exotic birds were discovered inside checked luggage arriving from overseas. The discovery of the 200 lizards comes weeks after another suitcase containing wildlife products was intercepted at a U.S. airport. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Fox News Digital previously reported that a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture detector dog helped officers find nearly 100 pounds of prohibited meat, plants and wildlife products in luggage arriving from Thailand. K-9 Maisy alerted officers to the suitcase, which contained 50 pounds of meat, including raw meat, along with 33 pounds of mangoes, garlic, bamboo, banana plants and approximately 16 pounds of Bengal monitor lizard, according to CBP. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service took custody of the monitor lizard. CBP agriculture specialists inspect international luggage for prohibited items that could bring pests, animal diseases or invasive species into the United States. Jasmine Baehr of Fox News Digital contributed reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a836cf32c5335ae1047b335 ‘Unprecedented’ number of Apple users received recent spyware alert, say investigators te 2026-08-17T20:20:03.234Z ‘Unprecedented’ number of Apple users received recent spyware alert, say investigators Cybersecurity experts who investigate spyware attacks say the number of people who received a recent threat notification from Apple is unusually high. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a836aa12c5335ae1047b230 Josh Pate was evicted while earning $27K. Now, he runs a college football media empire te 2026-08-17T20:10:09.949Z Josh Pate was evicted while earning $27K. Now, he runs a college football media empire Josh Pate owns the IP of his industry-leading college football podcast and signed a new deal with ESPN to co-host a Friday afternoon television program with Will Compton and Taylor Lewan of "Bussin' With The Boys" this fall. Pate now turns down sponsorship deals and other financial offers at the risk of overexposure. "The truth of it is I leave a lot on the table because I don't want to overextend myself," he told OutKick. "A lot of these, you know, influencer marketing deals and stuff like that, I appreciate the offers. But I think there's a limit to how much of me the public should have to consume." But it wasn't always this way. Less than a decade ago, Josh Pate was working in Columbus, Georgia, making far less than the average American. His financial struggles eventually led to his eviction. "I was making a little over, slightly over $27,000 a year. I was counting on YouTube revenue, Google AdSense revenue at that point. So I'm barely, I'm barely getting by. In fact, I got evicted. I didn't get by. So we fell below the get-by line for a little while," he explained. JOSH PATE DISCUSSES NEW ESPN SHOW, FOUR FACES OF ESPN, PAT MCAFEE AND FUTURE OF MEDIA COMPANY WITH OUTK In 2020, he started to make more, but not much more. "I think I signed for $75,000 when I came to CBS in 2020. My goal when I was working down in Columbus was to one day make $50,000 a year. So please understand, I thought I had hit the lottery even then." It was that year, during COVID-19, that Pate began building the show that would eventually put him in a position to own his content. "So when I came to 247Sports in 2020, I came with a complete fresh slate. We started from scratch. That's right there pre-COVID. We started a YouTube channel before the show I was going to do, and so we started doing the show. Boom, COVID sets in, and I'm working for CBS. I'm working out of the 247Sports office down in Brentwood, Tennessee, just south of Nashville at the time." "The key was I was smart enough, I guess strategic logic enough, whatever you want to call it, to just talk college football. Because I saw some other sports shows out there, including ones that I consumed regularly, starting to merge and segue into areas that I just didn't think they had any business segueing into. By that, I don't mean they shouldn't have the right to talk about it." CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Pate elaborated on why he stuck to sports during this time. "What we found is because we did that simultaneous to so many other shows alienating their audiences, people flocked to the show and our numbers scaled really hard and really quick to the point where by the time we got games that fall, we had a condensed season. By the time some of the executives come back into the office, we're already a successful show. We're already a profitable show, and they never really touched the show because it was already a proven product by that point." By 2022, CBS was offering Pate the first major contract of his career. But it wasn't what he wanted. "They rip your old contract up. They want to extend you a couple of years, and then another year into that, it is just continuing to scale. So they rip that contract up. They want to offer you a new one, and I got about two new contracts in. "In 2022, I had to make some decisions with CBS because they wanted to put a long-term, really, really lucrative deal in front of me. But it would not have included IP ownership, asset ownership. I remember talking to some people who I confided in, people in the business well beyond me whose opinions I valued. They said, look, the future of this business is IP ownership, asset ownership. If you're ever going to get it, you've got to get it now because you get one more step down the road and that franchise is going to be way too profitable for them to ever hand over the keys to." Pate and CBS eventually came to terms. "So it was that, or it was counter with an offer that was much less, still good, but much less. But it included IP ownership. We went back and forth on that, back and forth on that. There was one night, it was about 10:30 Friday night, for whatever reason, I was in the office all by myself, and I got a call from CBS and they said, all right, we're going to do it. "I negotiated with CBS. They put a really, really big, to me, an astronomical salary number in front of me, because I'd been making 27 grand a year a few years before that down at my old job in Columbus, Georgia. "So we've got the YouTube channel, we've got the podcast feeds, we've got the IP ownership, and I own the company. We produce the show now." From eviction to media stardom. Watch Josh Pate's full interview with OutKick here. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8368492c5335ae1047b1d8 Trump meets teen lifeguard and boy saved in viral ocean rescue at Oval Office te 2026-08-17T20:00:09.657Z Trump meets teen lifeguard and boy saved in viral ocean rescue at Oval Office President Donald Trump praised a teenage California lifeguard as a hero during a Monday meeting at the White House, after the 16-year-old rescued a 10-year-old boy in a viral ocean rescue. Trump met with Ryder Williams, 16, and his family, as well as Nathaniel Rai—who was swept into the ocean by a wave—and his family.  The rescue drew national attention when it was captured on video. "It's an honor to be with Ryder Williams," Trump said in the Oval Office. "I understand he was a winner right from the time they first saw him as a lifeguard. He saved this young gentleman who I had a long talk with." BEACH HERO JUMPS INTO THE WATER AFTER SPOTTING 3 GIRLS IN DANGER OF DROWNING Trump praised Williams, saying, "What you did was incredible and everybody saw it." He said the teen was an inspiration for young Americans. Williams, a California State Parks lifeguard, was on duty when Rai was pulled into the water just before the July 25 rescue. Williams rushed to get ahold of the boy, who was being pounded by rough waves until another lifeguard came and helped pull them both to shore. The rescue went viral, catching the eye of Eric Trump, before President Trump issued a White House invitation to Williams. "In those dangerous moments that we have, we always try to fall back on our training," Williams, who aspires to become a firefighter, told reporters. "We are trained so well by many to handle that situation as best we can." MAN, WOMAN KILLED IN RIP CURRENT AS LIFEGUARD SHORTAGE LEAVES DANGER ZONES IN BEACH DESTINATION "I hope that everybody can take away from this and try to help more people. Try to look out for everybody around you and just try to help everybody out as much as you can," he added. Nathaniel's father, Sumit Rai, who was also in the Oval Office, thanked Williams, saying he's "beyond grateful" for the rescue of his son. The teen's action showed how important lifeguards are, Trump said. "Maybe lifeguards don't get the credit they deserve," he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8365ef2c5335ae1047b18a Former ref warns official to keep Caitlin Clark's name out of her mouth, RIP Sheryl Yoast & Kristin Cavallari! te 2026-08-17T19:50:07.606Z Former ref warns official to keep Caitlin Clark's name out of her mouth, RIP Sheryl Yoast & Kristin Cavallari! 'Nightcaps' is a daily column that catches you up on the biggest sports, news and culture stories you may have missed while pretending to do work at your desk. It runs Monday–Friday on OutKick.com. Second half of August, boys and girls. Time is FLYING this month. Feels like we were just celebrating the big 2-5-0, and now we're dropping AP Top 25s for college football, and gearing up for Week 2 of the NFL preseason. This should be the final week, by the way, but the NFL insists on making them play a third game for whatever reason. I assume money. Who knows? Regardless, it'll be gone in a few years when they add an 18th game to the schedule. That's neither here nor there, though. Today, we look forward, and we keep GRINDING through the second half of August. Let's grind. Welcome to a Monday Nightcaps — the one where the best TV ref in the business tells a WNBA ref to keep Caitlin Clark's name out of her MOUTH. I think Terry McAuley has a point here, too. It was odd. But, the whole WNBA is odd, to I wasn't surprised. What else? I've got Shane Gillis quickly calling a Bud Light off the bench, a quick reminder about today's Top 25 poll, Kristin Cavallari gets in on the peptide craze, and this Hollywood death hits hard for us football fans. "He's gettin' beat like he stole somethin', Mr. Bosley!" Sad. Very sad. Grab you whatever you'd like to start the week — dealer's choice on this Monday — and settle in for a second-half-of-August 'Cap! Yes, I know, it's almost football season. And I promised to keep the WNBA talk at a minimum once football season rolled around. But, it's only almost football season. Close, but no cigar. So, we started the week with Caitlin Clark and yesterday's weak foul call. Take a look: "I'll be stunned if they don't overturn that call." *Two seconds later* "The contact by Caitlin Clark is deemed illegal." First of all ... what are we doing here? I've seen a lot of bad officiating in my days — across all sports — but the WNBA easily has the worst refs in the game. They're just awful. In what world is that a foul? I don't get it. What am I missing? Just horrible. But that's not why we're here today. The Xs and Os of the call have been written about a dozen times already. Ultimately, the Fever won, so it didn't matter. Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry gets a new chapter in Fever-Dream overtime thriller I'm here to talk about the actual call itself ... I have never, in my life, heard a ref call a player by his or her name while making a call. I'm not sure it's ever happened. This girl did it yesterday, and former NFL referee Terry McAuley was quick to call out the nonsense: "Using a player’s name during a foul or review announcement is incredibly unprofessional," he wrote on X. "I’ve never heard it done before in any sport I’ve watched or been involved with. It personalizes the ruling which should always be avoided." Bingo. Get her, Terry! Don't let this nonsense slip through the cracks. Wild move by the head ref here. Again, I've never heard anything like it. Terry, by the way, is an excellent TV ref. I'd put Fox's Dean Blandino at the top of the list for obvious reasons, but Terry is a close second. You know who's awful? Gene Steratore for CBS. You know who was even worse? Mike Carey, who Gene replaced on CBS years ago. You remember the Mike Carey years? It got so bad towards the end. He became a weekly punchline on Twitter: Man, I miss Mike. He had some bangers back in the day. A true legend of his craft. Anyway, let's move this thing along and say goodbye to one of the most underrated actresses of all time, Hayden Panettiere. She died last night at just 36. It was stunning to wake up to. Just stunning. Even more stunning? I didn't realize she played Coach Yoast's daughter in Remember the Titans. It's, easily, my favorite sports movie of all time, and I found out this morning that Sheryl Yoast was played by Hayden Panettiere. And let me tell you something ... that little 10-year-old girl acted her butt of in this movie. She went toe to toe with Denzel the entire time, and it was incredible. Lordy, what a movie. What a scene. What a cast! Denzel. Ryan Hurst. A young Ryan Gosling (who was a terrible DB). Hayden. Will Patton (underrated actor). Just amazing. Anyway, Sheryl Yoast was an iconic character for people my age when that movie came out, mainly because we were the same age. She played the part so well. I have no idea what happened, but I'm sad it did. OK, let's rapid-fire this Monday class into a big Monday night. First up? Bud Light spokesman Shane Gillis got caught indulging South of the Border over the weekend, and the PR team had to make a quick call to the bench: That's the good stuff right there. Solid head's up by whoever the hand is in the picture. You did well. I don't blame Shane, by the way. I'd take a Dos Equis over a Bud Light. I'd also to a Busch Light over a Bud Light. I think I'd take a Miller Lite over all of them. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Next? Happy AP Top-25 Day to all who celebrate! Thoughts? First impressions? I think Miami is a little low. Same with LSU. 'Bama's probably too high, but I get it. Missouri at 25 feels like a "F–k it, let's just pick one and get this over with" move by the AP voters. Again, I get it. Regardless, and I cannot emphasize this enough ... Absolutely none of this matters: Nearly HALF of last year's Top 25 finished the season unranked. HALF. That's insane. It's the most useless poll in all of sports, but boy, does it feel good to have football (almost) back. Few more weeks, folks. Hang tight. OK, that's it for today. Good start to the week, everyone. Let's have another strong one. Let's keep grinding our tails off. There's a light at the end of this WNBA tunnel. I can see it! Take us home, Kristin Cavallari. Is Remember the Titans the greatest sports movie ever? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8365ee2c5335ae1047b181 National park trip turns tragic after falling rock pierces Jeep roof, fatally striking man in front of wife te 2026-08-17T19:50:06.967Z National park trip turns tragic after falling rock pierces Jeep roof, fatally striking man in front of wife A nostalgic family trip to Glacier National Park in Montana took a devastating turn last month when a falling rock suddenly crashed through the roof of a Jeep, violently striking a grandfather in the head as his wife watched in horror from the seat beside him. Park officials told Fox News Digital that the incident happened the afternoon of July 11, at Rimrocks along Going-to-the-Sun Road, a popular 50-mile scenic highway that winds through the mountainous park. The road is known for its sharp curves, steep drop-offs, narrow lanes and towering rock faces. The Flathead County Coroner's Office identified him as Rex Schowengerdt, a 72-year-old Missouri man.  According to a GoFundMe page organized by the family, Schowengerdt suffered a "catastrophic brain injury" and died five days later at a nearby hospital.  "While riding in a hardtop Jeep on Going-to-the-Sun Road, a falling rock came through the roof and struck my dad as my mom sat beside him and witnessed the entire heartbreaking moment, holding him through the horror of it all," the daughter, Amy Prince, wrote on the fundraising site. RECORD-SETTING EL CAPITAN ROCK CLIMBER DIES AT AGE 30 IN SIERRA NEVADA ACCIDENT Prince said her father began his trip extremely excited and was looking forward to revisiting all the places "that had meant so much" to the family. He was traveling with his wife of 50 years, his sister and brother-in-law. "On July 11, 2026, I received the kind of phone call no one ever forgets. It was my mom calling from the mountain, her voice shaking in the wind, saying that something terrible had happened and that my dad would not survive," the daughter said. After the incident, Schowengerdt was airlifted from the mountain by helicopter to a nearby hospital. After several days in the intensive care unit, the family was forced to make "unimaginable end-of-life decisions," according to Prince. He died on July 16 as his wife and daughter held his hand, Prince said. The daughter’s brother, aunt and uncle were also nearby. "My dad was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and someone who loved adventure, the outdoors, and his family deeply. He taught us all to cherish moments and when you are in nature and looking at something beautiful, to look twice and cherish the moment," Prince said. The Flathead County Coroner's Office ruled the manner of death accidental.  NURSE IMPALED BY POLE DURING HIKE FORCED TO TREK 10 MILES FOR HELP: 'A FREAK THING' Despite their grief, Prince said Schowengerdt’s eyes and tissues were viable for donation, allowing him to share his love of seeing the world with others even after his death. His wife later reportedly received a letter from World Vision informing her that his donation helped restore the vision of two people. "That brought a small measure of comfort in the middle of so much heartbreak," Prince said. She added that the family also made the difficult decision to cremate Schowengerdt "because bringing him home was too costly from Montana." They also hope to honor his life with a memorial in his name. "Our family is deeply grateful to everyone who prayed, to the rescuers, and to the ICU staff at Logan Hospital who cared for my dad," Prince said. While millions of people travel Going-to-the-Sun Road safely, the steep alpine terrain can be prone to rockfall. Falling debris can damage vehicles and cause serious injuries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8363992c5335ae1047b12a LIV Golf Team Championship set for Indianapolis as Michigan tournament is canceled amid league's murky future te 2026-08-17T19:40:09.941Z LIV Golf Team Championship set for Indianapolis as Michigan tournament is canceled amid league's murky future The LIV Golf Team Championship, originally scheduled to take place in Michigan at the end of August, has officially been canceled and moved to Indianapolis. The news not only comes after weeks of speculation about whether the season finale would take place, but also after the breakaway circuit announced a new, unknown investor to keep LIV afloat into 2027 and beyond. The Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), the sole funder of LIV Golf, announced in April that it would be cutting ties with the league. The PIF's announcement specifically noted that it would "fund LIV Golf only for the remainder of the 2026 season," but with the re-scheduling of the team championship, that doesn't appear to be the case. "As the 2026 LIV Golf season comes to a close after incredible competition across 10 countries and five continents, we reflect on record crowds, broadcast viewership, marketing partner support and social growth, alongside historic comebacks, emerging young talent, OWGR recognition and new pathways to the majors," LIV Golf CEO Scott O'Neil said in a news release. "By concluding the season now, we can put our full resources behind what comes next and maintain the operational rigor this transition demands. We are reimagining LIV Golf as a fundamentally new League owned by the players and anchored in a sustainable business model, with an evolved fan experience built for the markets where the game is growing fastest across the globe and the support of world-class partners. "Professional golf is more unified today than at any point since we launched, creating a genuine opportunity to grow the game together. Indianapolis will be a fitting finale for the League as fans have known it and the starting point for what we believe it can become." Rumors of LIV's Team Championship disappearing reached a fever pitch in July when former major champion and Cleeks team captain Martin Kaymer said the event, which carried a purse of $40 million, was "highly unlikely" to go on as scheduled. LIV Indianapolis, scheduled to take place Aug. 20-23, will be the last event of the season. LARGEMOUTH BASS EXPLODES FROM WATER TO EAT CHARL SCHWARTZEL'S GOLF BALL AT LIV GOLF NEW YORK "As we concentrate on finishing the season strong and building the next chapter of LIV Golf, we’ll carry the energy and enthusiasm our fans have shown us into what comes next," O'Neil added. "The road ahead is possible because of the people who stand behind this League – our fans, players, caddies, employees, partners, and sponsors." Recent reports also claimed that the build-out at The Cardinal at Saint John's, the course that was set to host the finale, had not yet begun. LIV Michigan is now the second event on LIV's 2026 calendar to be canceled after LIV New Orleans was scrapped in June. While speculation about LIV's immediate future has more or less been put to bed with the Team Championship's re-scheduling, that isn't the case regarding the circuit's future in 2027. On Aug. 5, O'Neil announced that an investor has been secured to keep the league afloat. While he did not divulge any specific details about the unknown investor, O'Neil did share an important fact about the next phase of LIV Golf and its players. "LIV Golf has an agreement in place with a lead investor, signed by the investor and approved by the Board, to anchor the transaction and play a key role in supporting the path forward for the League’s next era, driven by and for the players," O'Neil said at the time. "Notably, our next chapter will make our players the majority equity holders in LIV Golf, a first for a major global sports league," he continued, while stating the goal is to enter a finalized transaction in September. It remains unclear what LIV Golf looks like, and even more unclear which players will be competing, beginning in 2027. The plan for the 2027 LIV schedule is for it to feature 10 events, with five in the United States and five across the globe. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8363952c5335ae1047b112 DEA vehicle spotted at Tucson raid as agents shift to immigration work  te 2026-08-17T19:40:05.695Z DEA vehicle spotted at Tucson raid as agents shift to immigration work  During a Tucson raid last week, photos taken by observers show one vehicle standing out with a clear agency name: DEA, or Drug Enforcement Administration.  That agency has traditionally focused on enforcing drug laws, including targeting people who produce and sell prohibited drugs.  But under the Trump administration’s crackdown, DEA agents are increasingly arresting immigrants, according to recent comments by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes.  “They are taking DEA agents that normally work with me to go after the Mexican drug cartels, and they are sending them to places like Minneapolis and Washington D.C. to do interior enforcement against people who have not committed crimes,” Mayes told reporters with Fox 10 Phoenix.  In August 2025, almost half of DEA agents had been shifted to immigration enforcement, according to the Cato Institute.  Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, directed questions about DEA’s involvement in immigration arrests to the drug enforcement agency. The DEA did not respond to Arizona Luminaria’s request for comment.  The post DEA vehicle spotted at Tucson raid as agents shift to immigration work  appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8363932c5335ae1047b0f8 Save up to $300 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass until August 21  te 2026-08-17T19:40:03.513Z Save up to $300 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass until August 21  If you’ve been circling around Disrupt, then now’s the best time to lock in your pass and start getting ready to join the rest of the startup community gathering in San Francisco from October 13-15 at Moscone West! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83613b2c5335ae1047b0b4 Spotify’s new Playlist Notes let users and editors explain their song picks te 2026-08-17T19:30:03.638Z Spotify’s new Playlist Notes let users and editors explain their song picks Spotify launches a new feature that gives users a chance to explain the stories and reasoning behind their favorite music. Editors will be using the feature, too, on top playlists like RapCaviar and others. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835ee72c5335ae1047b090 House Democrat investigated over alleged 'inappropriate sexual contact' with staffer te 2026-08-17T19:20:07.818Z House Democrat investigated over alleged 'inappropriate sexual contact' with staffer The House Ethics Committee is investigating a sitting Democratic lawmaker over allegations of sexual misconduct. The committee, which acts as the House of Representatives' internal watchdog, announced Monday that it is investigating Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., over allegations including "inappropriate sexual contact with a House staffer." He's the latest House lawmaker to be accused of misconduct or harassment in relation to aides on Capitol Hill, an issue that's rocked Congress and forced a new reckoning over rules of engagement for lawmakers in Washington. CAPITOL HILL SEX SCANDALS TRIGGER NEW PUSH TO REDRAW THE LINE FOR LAWMAKERS Gomez, who has been in Congress since 2017, is known as a founder and chair of the Congressional Dads Caucus. According to its website, the caucus was created to "ensure that dads step up at home and in the halls of Congress." Gomez is a married father of one. Fox News Digital reached out to a spokesperson for the congressman for a response. More information was not immediately provided by the Ethics Committee, which typically operates in secrecy until it releases its final findings on a given matter. It did note that the allegations are not evidence of wrongdoing. REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER WELCOMES HOUSE ETHICS PROBE INTO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM For example, the panel released an explosive report this summer that detailed sexual harassment accusations against Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., targeting two young staffers who worked in his office. The committee recommended censuring Edwards, a form of punishment that's largely symbolic with no practical effects. The resulting blowback, however, pushed Edwards to drop his re-election bid despite denying any wrongdoing. The New York Post reported earlier this year that Gomez was seen kissing a "much younger" congressional aide in the summer of 2023. He confessed to CNN this past June, "Years ago, I made personal mistakes outside my marriage that have caused real pain to my wife and family. Although my actions were consensual in nature and haven't violated the law or House ethics rules, that doesn't diminish the impact that these mistakes have made on those I care about the most." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835ee62c5335ae1047b080 ‘I don’t trust you’: Tensions boil over on Trump administration’s election security call te 2026-08-17T19:20:06.450Z ‘I don’t trust you’: Tensions boil over on Trump administration’s election security call Adrian Fontes in January 2026. (Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0) Tensions between state election officials and the Trump administration are rising as we head into the heart of the midterm election season. Frustrations boiled over on Monday during a rare election security call hosted by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency for state officials. During the call, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes unloaded on the agency. CISA used to be a go-to shop for many states looking for help ensuring that their elections weren’t hacked, targeted, or undermined by cyberattacks or foreign interference. CISA provided states with classified security briefings on threats, helped ensure that state voting equipment wasn’t vulnerable to cyberattacks, and worked with election leaders to game out potential risks. All that changed when Donald Trump returned to the White House last year. The second Trump administration scaled back its support for states, cut back CISA staff, and launched an investigation of its former leader, whom Trump accused of disloyalty because he pushed back on the president’s false claims that the 2020 election was rigged. CISA has not had a permanent director since the start of Trump’s second term. Changes at CISA have paired with the president’s broad focus on controlling how elections are run. The federal government is threatening to arrest election officials if they allow noncitizens to vote. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin has vowed to withhold federal funds from states that don’t implement Trump administration election overhaul proposals. A coalition of Democratic states and officials has sued the Department of Homeland Security in a suit that accuses the Trump administration of withholding Federal Emergency Management Agency funding in an attempt to coerce states into enacting disputed election changes. With all that as backdrop, CISA organized this week’s call – and things didn’t go too well. After more than a year of near silence, elections officials wondered if CISA would step up to offer classified intelligence briefings on emerging cyber threats from hostile countries, specialized testing of election equipment, or training on how to prepare for potential problems on Election Day. Instead, CISA leaders provided what one participant characterized as a generic “CYA” (cover your a**) briefing that offered state officials few assurances that the federal government would help thwart threats this November. Participants said acting CISA Director Nick Andersen and Jim Harrell, the assistant director for integrated operations, offered no concrete support for the 2026 election, which is less than 90 days away. Instead, the participants said, CISA leadership seemed more focused on the 2028 presidential election. When they were done, according to participants, Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, a Democrat, lashed out at the CISA officials. Fontes blasted the Trump administration for threatening state election officials and made it clear he had no confidence in their leadership, they said. “Fontes got testy with them,” said one participant on the call who asked not to be identified. “‘I don’t trust you,’ [Fontes told the CISA officials.] ‘Your boss came out there and said: We are going to criminalize the work you do. Why should we trust you?’” When asked about the call, Fontes confirmed that he’d made those comments and expanded on his frustrations “They don’t work with us, they work against us,” Fontes told Votebeat. “Why should I trust them?” Fontes said it was difficult for state and local elections officials to have confidence they would get support from the federal government when the administration treats them like an adversary rather than a partner. He and others on the call said CISA leaders offered few assurances they would provide much support in the coming weeks. “They just wholly and completely abandoned their duties and threatened prosecution,” Fontes said. “If they want to apologize for threatening us and ruining perfectly good systems, that’s a good start.” CISA did not respond to requests for comment on the call. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon, also a Democrat, echoed Fontes’s frustrations. “It’s unhelpful to have political leaders, including the secretary of Homeland Security, hinting at imprisoning election administrators who don’t do what they want,” Simon told Votebeat. “That’s just not helpful.” Simon said Minnesota and other states have spent months working to fill the gaps left by the drop-off in CISA support. “It’s pretty clear states are almost entirely on their own this election cycle and cannot rely on the federal government for election assistance,” said Simon. Not everyone on the call came away with a sour taste in their mouth, though. Some participants described it as a tentative move that could help repair the strained relationship between state and federal leaders working on elections. Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs, also a Democrat, described the call as a “positive step” in rebuilding relations between CISA and state election officials. “While this engagement is encouraging, CISA and our other federal partners must focus on continuing to rebuild trust with election officials,” Hobbs said. “Over the last two years, we have watched this administration systematically dismantle many of the election security resources in place at the federal level.” With the November election fast approaching, he said, “election officials need sustained commitment to supporting local elections, not renewed attention only as major elections approach. Meaningful support will do more to rebuild relationships than words alone.” This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835c912c5335ae1047b033 Italy-Spain border feud exposes Europe’s deepening immigration divide te 2026-08-17T19:10:09.027Z Italy-Spain border feud exposes Europe’s deepening immigration divide A rift between the right-wing Italian government and Spain's leftist rulers continues to grow over immigration and border security. It has been days since Italy’s conservative government led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni enacted stricter border controls at air and seaports, for any non-EU citizen traveling from Spain. The two countries do not share a border. Two days later, Spain’s left-wing government, led by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, enacted reciprocal measures on any non-EU citizens traveling from Italy. Even EU citizens need to show their ID to move on, causing travel delays during a month when most Europeans travel, including over two million between Italy and Spain. At issue is border security. More specifically, the five-mile-long border between Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Ceuta. The Associated Press reported that roughly 72,000 people reportedly attempted to illegally cross the border to Ceuta during the late July surge, before Spain and Morocco could reinforce the border to prevent what the EU calls "irregular migration." SPAIN STOCKS AFRICAN ENCLAVE CEUTA WITH BOOSTED SECURITY AS MOROCCO MONITORS CALLS FOR SECOND BORDER RUSH Emma Schubart of the Henry Jackson Society told Fox News Digital that Italy’s border checks and Spain’s reciprocal measures "highlight the Meloni–Sánchez divide: enforcement-first versus a regularization program that drew 1.2 million applications." On July 31, Meloni’s government, in what she called an "extraordinary measure," decided to "temporarily suspend the free movement regime (under the Schengen agreement) in maritime and air connections with Spain, reintroducing border controls," while also offering "to support every European initiative to assist Spanish institutions as needed to restore full control of the Union's external borders." The implementation involved random checks for non-EU travelers. Even some countries of Europe’s left are taking notice. Meloni teamed up with Denmark’s left-leaning Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to lead a group of 22 European Union leaders, including Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar, in a letter calling for an "extraordinary" meeting of EU Interior Ministers to define a "coordinated European response." The letter placed blame on Spain, noting that "the recent ruling of the Spanish Supreme Court has been used to trigger this attack and abuse (of) our migration and asylum system." They added that the EU "cannot allow mass crossings, the instrumentalization of migration or other hybrid threats to create the perception that illegal entry into the European Union is possible." EU ADMITS IT ‘DIDN’T HAVE CONTROL’ ON MIGRATION AS BLOC RUSHES CRACKDOWN AHEAD OF NEW RULES Spain’s Supreme Court issued a July 8 ruling regarding the immediate return of migrants intercepted at sea while attempting to enter Ceuta or Melilla. Spain’s Sánchez called the letter "politically motivated," saying the situation in Ceuta was "under control" and that his government had acted in "full compliance with EU law." On his account, Sánchez posted "Solidarity and empathy are optional. Respect for European treaties and data is not… It is the time to continue building a strong and united EU," while noting EU Frontex data that there were 470,600 "irregular entries" via Italy since 2021, compared to Spain’s 234,760. The Spanish Foreign Ministry said, "Entering Spain irregularly through Ceuta or Melilla does not grant the right to remain in the country, to travel to mainland Spain, or to move freely within Europe." Meloni responded on X that Ceuta "once again demonstrated how urgent it is for Europe to respond to illegal immigration. … Defending the external borders of the (European) Union is not the interest of a single Nation. It is a shared responsibility of Europe." As soon as the Italian border controls went into effect, Spain responded, with Sánchez's administration calling the controls "unjust" and "discriminatory towards the Spanish population." The Spanish warned of "proportionate measures" to defend their interests, reciprocating with their own border controls on Italian travel on August 8. The Palazzo Chigi, the office of the Italian prime minister, said, "Italy does not accept ultimatums or impositions from abroad regarding national security and border control. Under no circumstances do we intend to review our decision… at least until 15 August… Another wave of migration is expected in Ceuta on that date, as the Spanish authorities themselves have announced." Morocco stepped in this past Saturday, August 15, ahead of that attempted rush on the border, with officials saying more than 111 were arrested attempting to reach Ceuta via mountain roads in an attempt to avoid check points. Morocco’s Le360 news agency said that the number was closer to 300. After the arrests, Italian foreign ministry officials told the AGI news agency they were "closely monitoring what is happening in Morocco and reaffirm the necessity of the measures adopted," with a spokesman telling ANSA, "The checks at the border with Spain remain necessary in light of the latest developments in Morocco." NATO ALLY POLAND WARNS RUSSIA, BELARUS PUSHING ILLEGAL MIGRANTS TOWARD ALLIANCE — AND THE US Lorenzo Vidino, director of the Program on Extremism at George Washington University, told Fox News Digital that this "Tit for tat" between the two countries could continue "for the foreseeable future." Vidino said EU immigration policies are "complicated" because "there is one policy, but enforcement is by the country," so politics plays a role. "Country A thinks Country B is not enforcing things correctly, so Country A closes the border to create de facto border controls." He said a contributing factor to Italy’s decision may be the large Moroccan population in Italy, especially in northern Italy, which could be a draw for illegal immigrants from Morocco. Vidino added that these types of internal EU border controls are nothing new. "France also reintroduces these ‘routine checks’ from time to time." Austria continues sporadic checks on land crossings from Slovenia and Hungary and traffic at crossings into Germany can also be miles long due to continued controls there. And it’s not only outside governments upset with Madrid’s response. Ceuta’s center-right Mayor-President, Juan Jesús Vivas, held a press conference Friday, two weeks after the initial incursion, in the city’s Palacio de la Asamblea. He called the situation "unsustainable," saying "Ceuta cannot endure much longer like this." Despite Spanish authorities saying only 5,000 migrants remained in the city, Vivas says that number is closer to 9,000, adding, "Each passing day worsens the situation." Vivas said he felt "misunderstood and powerless in the face of the lack of legal tools" from Madrid, adding the government is moving too slowly. "I cannot understand that if a part of our territory is invaded… there is no legal mechanism that allows for an expeditious and immediate action for the return of these people who entered this territory illegally and irregularly." Maldita.es, an independent Spanish fact-checking platform, reports health officials have confirmed cases of scabies, impetigo and an outbreak of gastroenteritis among the migrants. Other news outlets report at least 2 cases of tuberculosis, but health officials say those affected were treated in Morocco before they crossed the border, and are not contagious. The National Institute of Health Management, the Spanish body responsible for managing healthcare in Ceuta, told reporters that, as of August 11, there were "no confirmed cases of tuberculosis" originating in Ceuta. Schubart said the EU should look to the U.S. "The U.S. experience is clear, over 8.7 million Southwest border encounters under weakened enforcement produced record surges and secondary pressures. Without consistent external controls, Schengen’s internal free movement erodes." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835c8b2c5335ae1047b009 Higgsfield raises $400M Series B, quadrupling its valuation in 8 months to $5.4B te 2026-08-17T19:10:03.553Z Higgsfield raises $400M Series B, quadrupling its valuation in 8 months to $5.4B Higgsfield, founded by former Snap exec Alex Mashrabov, lets users create AI images and videos. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a432c5335ae1047afe8 Mike Johnson taunts Hakeem Jeffries for losing Dems' civil war 'in his own backyard' te 2026-08-17T19:00:19.760Z Mike Johnson taunts Hakeem Jeffries for losing Dems' civil war 'in his own backyard' Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is capitalizing on Democrats' internal civil war as he crisscrosses the country in a bid to keep the House majority for Republicans in November. During a campaign stop in Virginia Beach on Monday, Johnson name-checked House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., as he described the wave of socialist-linked primary wins in Jeffries' home state. "It's a fascinating thing to see the Democrat Party, they're in the midst of, now, an open civil war. Truly, they don't know who they stand, what they stand for, or who stands with them. They don't have a leader," Johnson said. It comes after candidates linked to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) and endorsed by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani toppled establishment-backed candidates, including two sitting House Democrats. JOHNSON TURNS DEMOCRATS’ SOCIALIST CIVIL WAR INTO NEW WEAPON FOR MIDTERMS "Hakeem Jeffries is the top leader, the Democrat leader in the House. But he lost his slate of candidates in his own backyard," Johnson said. "Several weeks ago, you saw Mamdani endorsed a slate of radical far-left candidates, DSA-approved and endorsed candidates, and they all won. And one of those races was in the Bronx, in Hakeem Jeffries' own backyard." The specific race Johnson was referring to saw Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chairman Adriano Espaillat, D-N.Y., defeated by socialist Darializa Avila Chevalier in New York's 13th Congressional District. The area spans parts of the Bronx and Upper Manhattan. In the 10th Congressional District, encompassing part of western Brooklyn and Lower Manhattan, former DSA member Brad Lander defeated Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y. SOCIALISM VS CAPITALISM: HOUSE DEMS CLASH OVER WHAT NY ELECTION RESULTS MEAN FOR PARTY Both incumbents were endorsed by Jeffries, as is usually the case. Both Chevalier and Lander were backed by Mamdani, himself a DSA member. Socialist Claire Valdez, also a Mamdani-backed candidate, won a Brooklyn- and Queens-area House seat being vacated by Rep. Nydia Velázquez. Jeffries did not endorse in that race, but it's notable that Velázquez's chosen successor lost. Jeffries' own district sits entirely in Brooklyn. Despite that, however, neither Chevalier nor Valdez has publicly backed Jeffries to remain House Democrats' leader. It's a microcosm of the wider fight playing out across the country between the establishment party and a far-left insurgency. The war has proved to be a boon for Republicans who are facing an uphill battle to keep their razor-thin House majority. 100 DAY SPRINT TO THE MIDTERMS KICKS OFF AS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS CLASH FOR CONTROL ACROSS THE COUNTRY Johnson, who was in Virginia campaigning for endangered House Republican Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., compared Democrats to a "rudderless ship." "But the thing that is so, I think alarming — let me use that word, alarming, for the American people — is that you have open Marxists who are winning primaries in that party," Johnson said before referencing the DSA's own platform. HAKEEM JEFFRIES CONFRONTED ON 'YOU'RE NEXT' CHANTS FOLLOWING NY DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST VICTORIES "The challenge is coming from people who, you know, they put their platform out, they published it. They want to abolish the border. They want to abolish all prisons in America. They want to abolish the U.S. Senate. They want to remove the president. They want to expand the House and make it a unicameral governing body over the country. Why? Because they believe that over two or three cycles, they'll be able to bring a wave of Marxists, communists into the Congress and take it over." When reached for a response, a spokesperson for Jeffries referred Fox News Digital to an exchange between the House Democratic leader and NBC's "Meet the Press" host Kristin Welker on Sunday. "I expect that there will be at least 220 members of the House Democratic Caucus when we take back the majority, if not a number much greater than that," Jeffries said in response to a question about challengers from the left toppling incumbents. "We as House Democrats are committed to fighting for an affordable America every day, every week, every month until we solve this crisis." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a432c5335ae1047afdf Reporter calls for more men, diversity in WNBA broadcasts: ‘Feels like a girls’ club’ te 2026-08-17T19:00:19.126Z Reporter calls for more men, diversity in WNBA broadcasts: ‘Feels like a girls’ club’ Longtime NBA reporter Ric Bucher wants more men on WNBA broadcasts. On his podcast this week, Bucher criticized networks like ESPN and NBC for using all-female panels during their WNBA coverage. "Why are all the color analysts and studio hosts women?" Bucher asked. "Women have served in a variety of positions on national NBA broadcasts. Why shouldn’t there be diversity on national WNBA broadcasts? What are the networks afraid of?" He elaborated, arguing that WNBA analysts tend to be like-minded. "There are some smart, basketball-savvy women, both in the studio and the broadcast booth, but I don’t hear a whole lot of differing opinion or debate." "It all comes off as safe and monotone and cookie cutter, especially when it comes to controversial topics. DiJonai took Sophie Cunningham’s head off, and the broadcasters were debating whether it would be elevated to a Flagrant 2. They sounded afraid to say it, even after multiple replays showed DiJonai [Carrington] made no attempt to make a play on the ball. The studio analysts were no better. "All of it feels like a girls’ club. The media protecting the league from real scrutiny or critique. I’ll ask again: What are they afraid of? Players can’t take it? That critiquing a woman in public is no way to treat one?" EX-ESPN HOST SAYS SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM DESERVED TO BE EJECTED AND PUNISHED — NOT DIJONAI CARRINGTON, WHO CLOTHESLINED HER Bucher is right. There is rarely much debate among WNBA analysts, despite the polarizing nature of the topics they discuss. Whether it’s Caitlin Clark, alleged racism, transgender issues, or white privilege, the analysts sound the same. Unsurprisingly, the consensus among WNBA analysts is that Clark is overrated, white privilege is rampant, Black players are victims of racism, and trans women are women. For a network that markets itself around "diversity," ESPN’s lead WNBA studio panel consists of four Black women: Malika Andrews, Monica McNutt, Andraya Carter, and Chiney Ogwumike. SAM PONDER CALLS OUT THE WNBA FOR COWARDICE: 'BE COURAGEOUS. STAND FOR WOMEN' That said, we don’t necessarily agree with Bucher that a male analyst would help. Most men in sports media, especially at ESPN, aren’t going to add much diversity of thought to the conversation. They are even more afraid and concerned about fitting in with the in-crowd on Threads and Bluesky. Case in point: ESPN writer David Dennis Jr., who claimed Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad left him "mortified." What the coverage of the WNBA needs is someone who can provide balance to the conversation. It needs someone who isn’t afraid to acknowledge Clark’s record-setting stretch, that forcing females to change next to males in the name of transgenderism is wrong, that Carrington clearly committed a hard foul, and that the claims of "white privilege" are baseless, and that the Black women are aggressors. To this point, the only analyst who has proven willing to provide this perspective, which is the majority perspective across America, is ESPN/NFL Network reporter Stacey Dales, who was a star in women’s basketball. Earlier this summer, Dales debated and schooled Dennis Jr., who tried arguing that Caitlin Clark was not even a top-five guard in the WNBA. ESPN could fix its WNBA studio show immensely by replacing the overly obnoxious Monica McNutt with Dales as it looks for other credible commentators, male or female. Still, props to Ric Bucher for raising awareness that mainstream WNBA coverage is overrun by partisan, virtue-signaling, race-idolatrous mean girls. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a422c5335ae1047afd6 Harvard professor caught using AI to condense Financial Times op-ed trashing Trump tariffs te 2026-08-17T19:00:18.411Z Harvard professor caught using AI to condense Financial Times op-ed trashing Trump tariffs A Harvard professor is facing criticism for using AI to condense a longer iteration of an opinion piece written for the Financial Times (FT) on Thursday. "Trump is taxing the dark matter that pays America’s way," read the headline of the piece by Harvard professor Ricardo Hausmann. The piece was published by the FT on August 13. "It has come to our attention that AI was used to condense a longer draft of this column prior to submission to the FT and our own editorial involvement. The FT editorial code of conduct specifically prohibits the use of AI in the writing process," an editor's note at the top of Hausmann's piece says. The FT told Fox News Digital the publication was going to conduct an "editorial review process to look at this piece in more detail," but otherwise pointed to the editor's note. NEW YORK MAGAZINE SEVERS TIES WITH WRITER ROSS BARKAN, UPDATES 67 COLUMNS FOLLOWING PLAGIARISM PROBE Harvard and Hausmann did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. "The verdict on the first full year of the largest US tariff increase in almost a century arrived quietly, in the tables of the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. America’s current account deficit in 2025 was $1.18tn — virtually identical to the year before. The most protectionist turn in living memory did not move the number it was meant to shrink," the first paragraph of Hausmann's piece read. "That much was predictable — a matter of accounting necessity rather than economic argument," the column continued. "A current account deficit is not a scorecard of trade cheating; it is the gap between what a country invests and what it saves, and tariffs alter neither." REP. TED LIEU: AI IS ALREADY TOO POWERFUL. WE NEED A KILL SWITCH BEFORE DISASTER STRIKES The piece by Hausmann garnered reaction online, as Bloomberg's Joe Weisenthal wrote on X, "I have learned a lot from @ricardo_hausman, I'm a big appreciator of his thought, and have enjoyed talking with him. And yet I find this astonishing, both in its writing and its publication." Dartmouth Political Scientist Brendan Nyhan posted an image on X showing Pangram, an AI detection software, finding that 71% of the text was "AI-generated." A Harvard student and freelance writer, Alex Bronzini-Vender, wrote on X, "Gotta be the worst AI slop I’ve seen in a major publication." Hausmann is a professor at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government and the director of the Harvard Growth Lab. This comes as higher education institutions are grappling with how to approach AI with their students. While many universities have AI polices and some professors have returned to paper tests and taken other measures aimed at preventing students from improperly using AI, Harvard University Senior Research Fellow Christopher Dede said colleges are focusing on the wrong problem and are not adequately preparing students to face a world in which AI is ubiquitous. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "The problem is that our educational systems are geared to teaching reckoning, and their quality is measured by assessing reckoning, the GRE, the SAT, the LSAT, et cetera, et cetera," Dede told Fox News Digital. "And, so, what we're doing is preparing human beings to lose to AI as opposed to preparing human beings with skills that complement AI," he added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a412c5335ae1047afcd Olympic gold medalist praises Real American Freestyle for 'opportunity' ahead of highly anticipated debut te 2026-08-17T19:00:17.741Z Olympic gold medalist praises Real American Freestyle for 'opportunity' ahead of highly anticipated debut Ahead of his Real American Freestyle (RAF) debut, wrestling legend Jordan Burroughs is reflecting on his career, longevity and the sport's future. The Olympic gold medalist joined "Fox & Friends" as RAF approaches its one-year anniversary on Fox Nation, demonstrating some of his signature moves. He praised the organization for giving older competitors a second chance in the sport they love. FOX NATION SPECIAL EXPLORES REAL AMERICAN FREESTYLE WRESTLING LEAGUE FOUNDED WITH HULK HOGAN'S HELP "I'm getting older, so I'm past my prime," he said. "Typically the average age of the Olympian or world championship team member is anywhere from 25 to 30. So at 38, I'm on the back side of my career, but RAF has given me an opportunity to get back into that." Burroughs noted the success of RAF is unusual for the sport. He explained how the league is the first of its kind to have "sustainability." "It's hard — I've seen a lot of professional wrestling leagues fail," he said. "The pinnacle of wrestling, at least freestyle wrestling, has always been the Olympic Games and the World Championship." MEET KANDI KRUSH – THE FORMER OLYMPIC HOPEFUL WHO IS RISING THROUGH THE RANKS IN WOMEN OF WRESTLING Burroughs also discussed the limited options available to wrestlers after their college careers end. "Most wrestlers start at a very young age, but post-collegiately you don't really have a lot of options," he said. "You go to the average jiu-jitsu studio, you see the average age of an athlete there is probably 30 to 40 years old. But wrestlers are all kids, right? And so we're trying to create a way to sustain excellence over a long period of time. I think RAF has done a great job." Burroughs has compiled a lengthy list of achievements during his career. After capturing two national championships with the Nebraska Cornhuskers, he earned a gold medal in the men's 74-kilogram freestyle competition at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. He has also claimed six freestyle wrestling world titles, three Pan American Games gold medals and multiple Pan American Wrestling Championships titles. Burroughs holds the U.S. record for the most combined World and Olympic gold medals, with seven, according to USA Wrestling. CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN HIT FOX NATION SERIES To tune in to his anticipated Real American Freestyle debut in Cleveland on Aug. 22, make sure to subscribe to Fox Nation to stream RAF 12. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO FOX NATION Fox Nation programs are viewable on demand and from your mobile device app but only for FOX Nation subscribers. Go to Fox Nation to start a free trial and watch the extensive library of your favorite FOX Nation personalities. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a3e2c5335ae1047afb9 Lake Powell hits record low, threatening key water and electricity supply for millions te 2026-08-17T19:00:14.578Z Lake Powell hits record low, threatening key water and electricity supply for millions The water level at Lake Powell has fallen to a record low in another sign of crisis along the Colorado River. This alarming milestone, reached on Saturday, follows a record low set by Lake Mead. The two are the country's… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a3d2c5335ae1047afad Arizona cities conference to tackle water, housing and data center growth te 2026-08-17T19:00:13.651Z Arizona cities conference to tackle water, housing and data center growth Nearly 2,000 local government leaders and guests will gather in Phoenix this week to confront some of Arizona’s biggest challenges, including Colorado River cuts, housing affordability and the growing energy demands of data centers. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a3c2c5335ae1047afa4 Two Lake Havasu City men arrested after fight damages phone, glasses te 2026-08-17T19:00:12.539Z Two Lake Havasu City men arrested after fight damages phone, glasses Two Lake Havasu City men were arrested after a fight left a cellphone and pair of glasses damaged. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a3b2c5335ae1047af9b Hobbs running mate Giles defends abortion vote, backs voucher limits te 2026-08-17T19:00:11.092Z Hobbs running mate Giles defends abortion vote, backs voucher limits MESA -- The nominee for lieutenant governor on the Democratic ticket says he sees no conflict between having declared himself to be "pro-life'' in 2024 and then, just months later, voting for a state constitutional amendment that lets women terminate… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a372c5335ae1047af8b NAU connection lifts Partridge to AAU National Diving Championship te 2026-08-17T19:00:07.478Z NAU connection lifts Partridge to AAU National Diving Championship NAU diving coach Nikki Kelsey led Lillian Partridge, daughter of NAU team physician Tim Partridge, to a title at the AAU National Diving Championships last month. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a835a352c5335ae1047af82 Coconino, Flagstaff golf teams start strong at Agave Highlands te 2026-08-17T19:00:05.634Z Coconino, Flagstaff golf teams start strong at Agave Highlands The Flagstaff and Coconino boys golf teams teed off the golf season with strong showings across the board at Agave Highlands Golf Course. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8357e32c5335ae1047af4a NYC drivers shell out $9 congestion toll. City admits it failed to improve air quality te 2026-08-17T18:50:11.009Z NYC drivers shell out $9 congestion toll. City admits it failed to improve air quality A lofty New York City toll slapped on drivers in an effort to reduce congestion and improve air quality produced nearly no change in pollution after its first year, according to the city’s own analysis. The New York City Health Department's report, released Friday, examined four traffic-related pollutants inside Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone since the $9 toll was implemented last year. Researchers found that the city’s overall pollution levels remained largely unchanged, with no statistically significant improvement attributable to the toll. Still, officials in the Big Apple touted the study as the city's most comprehensive look at congestion pricing's effect on air quality to date. MAMDANI’S AFFORDABILITY REVOLUTION STUMBLED AS RENT COSTS SOAR TO RECORD HIGHS They pointed to reduced traffic, public transit improvements, less traffic noise and other benefits as positive outcomes from the toll being implemented in January 2025. All similar things that New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul hailed in a June 2023 speech when she backed congestion pricing. Despite an 11% drop in traffic since implementation, the Health Department said vehicles account for only about 10% of the city’s pollution, meaning fewer cars alone is not expected to significantly improve overall air quality. Unlike many parts of the country, where cars and trucks are a major source of air pollution, New York City's emissions come largely from other sources. The city's dense concentration of buildings, which burn fuel for heat and hot water, along with emissions from restaurants and power plants that supply the most populated U.S. city with electricity, are reasons for its poor air quality. Findings in the recent report could backfire and provide fresh ammunition to critics who have blasted congestion pricing as an expensive burden on commuters, small businesses and working families in America's largest city. The New York City Health Department and Hochul’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. MAMDANI'S RENT FREEZE, TAX HIKES A 'ONE-TWO WEALTH DESTRUCTION PUNCH,' ECONOMISTS WARN New York City’s congestion pricing toll applies to passenger vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan at or below 60th Street. The lofty $9 toll applies to E-ZPass users once-a-day during peak hours, which are weekdays from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., and weekends from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. All other off-peak hours require a $2.25 toll. Those who do not have E-ZPass could face toll-by-mail rates that about 50% more than the typical charge. President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have been among the program's most prominent opponents, with Duffy previously calling the toll a "slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners." The Trump administration also attempted to withdraw federal approval for the Biden-era program, but a federal judge ruled in March that the effort was unlawful. Following that ruling, Gov. Hochul called congestion pricing a "once-in-a-lifetime success story," saying its first year brought "reduced gridlock, faster trips, safer streets, and cleaner air" while generating funding for mass transit upgrades. "Congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay," Hochul said in a March 3 statement. For now, the toll remains, traffic is down, but the city’s first-year data show no statistically significant improvement in air quality. Some online critics pounced on the findings, dragging up a 2023 speech where Hochul promised: "With congestion pricing New Yorkers have a lot to lose. How about 15 to 20 percent fewer vehicles in the central business district every single day? Less noise, less honking, less gridlock." "How about less air pollution, lower carbon emissions, lower speeds, fewer crashes?" she went on. "I don't mind losing that." "Kathy Hochul’s congestion pricing did not significantly improve air quality in Manhattan like she promised it would. Who could’ve possibly seen this coming?" wrote the popular right-wing X account called Libs of TikTok. Another account noted: "Hochul looked right into the camera and swore this toll would scrub the air and let kids with asthma breathe easier. When they wrap a new tax in an environmental bow, the only thing that ever improves is the government's balance sheet." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8357e22c5335ae1047af41 NBA blasts ESPN report saying no evidence Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard in Clippers probe te 2026-08-17T18:50:10.326Z NBA blasts ESPN report saying no evidence Ballmer funneled money to Kawhi Leonard in Clippers probe ESPN dropped what appeared to be a major development in the Clippers-Aspiration saga on Monday. Then the NBA essentially told everyone not to believe it. Don Van Natta Jr., Baxter Holmes and Ramona Shelburne reported that the NBA’s investigation has found no evidence Clippers owner Steve Ballmer funneled money through team sponsors to Kawhi Leonard to circumvent the salary cap. The allegation centered on Leonard’s four-year, $28 million endorsement deal with the now-bankrupt tech firm Aspiration, a partnership that Pablo Torre reported was a "no-show" arrangement designed to pay Leonard outside his Clippers contract. According to ESPN, investigators spent months digging through internal emails, text messages, and financial records, expanding their probe beyond Aspiration to other team sponsors like Daktronics and Boingo Wireless. Yet ESPN reported the league has presented no evidence connecting Ballmer to those arrangements. MAJOR NBA TRADE WON'T BE OFFICIAL UNTIL LEAGUE'S INVESTIGATION INTO TEAM'S SALARY CAP ACCUSATIONS IS COMPLETE Instead, investigators are reportedly focused on narrower questions: whether the Clippers broke league rules by connecting Leonard with corporate partners or failed to properly supervise staff. The Clippers maintain they did nothing wrong, acknowledging they connected Leonard with business partners but calling it "an ordinary practice by NBA teams." Leonard's representatives handled the negotiations, they said, while denying they "negotiated or dictated" endorsement terms, overpaid vendors or offered favorable deals to funnel money to him. If ESPN’s account holds up, one of the biggest alleged salary-cap scandals in recent NBA history would suddenly look a whole lot less scandalous. That distinction matters. Getting caught circumventing the salary cap isn't some slap-on-the-wrist offense. The NBA can hammer teams with multimillion-dollar fines, strip draft picks, void contracts and suspend team personnel. LOS ANGELES CLIPPERS FINALLY GIVE UP ON KAWHI LEONARD, SEND FORMER FINALS MVP BACK TO TORONTO RAPTORS Except the NBA insists ESPN got it wrong. League spokesman Mike Bass issued a blunt statement directly challenging the report: "ESPN’s article regarding the LA Clippers investigation — for which the NBA declined to cooperate — contains numerous and significant inaccuracies. The results in this matter will be made clear once the investigation is concluded." Well, then. The NBA didn't specify which details were inaccurate or say whether investigators have uncovered a smoking gun against Ballmer. But Bass made one thing unmistakably clear: the probe isn't over. That leaves a jarring disconnect. ESPN reports investigators found no evidence of the alleged Ballmer-to-Kawhi financial pipeline. The NBA says ESPN's account contains "numerous and significant inaccuracies." MAJOR NBA TRADE WON'T BE OFFICIAL UNTIL LEAGUE'S INVESTIGATION INTO TEAM'S SALARY CAP ACCUSATIONS IS COMPLETE Until official findings are released, declaring the Clippers cleared is just as premature as declaring Steve Ballmer guilty in the first place. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8357da2c5335ae1047af16 Reddit begins testing a new audio and video experience, similar to popular TikTok videos te 2026-08-17T18:50:02.818Z Reddit begins testing a new audio and video experience, similar to popular TikTok videos Reddit is beginning to test video and audio versions of popular posts, allowing users to watch or listen to Reddit stories instead of just reading them. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8355822c5335ae1047aebf Sound-powered fire protection startup gets $15M to snuff out fires before they turn catastrophic te 2026-08-17T18:40:02.786Z Sound-powered fire protection startup gets $15M to snuff out fires before they turn catastrophic Sonic Fire Protection raised its new funding to help get its sound-powered fire protection system into everything from commercial kitchens to apartment buildings. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8353312c5335ae1047ae9b ICE calls out ‘depraved freak’ illegal immigrant deported after heinous crime in Dem-run state te 2026-08-17T18:30:09.342Z ICE calls out ‘depraved freak’ illegal immigrant deported after heinous crime in Dem-run state The Department of Homeland Security called out a "depraved freak" sex offender and illegal immigrant whom the agency said it recently deported after he abused his own daughter in Democrat-run Virginia Records from the Albemarle County Circuit Criminal Division show Mexican national Marcelo Vasquez Reyna was convicted in March after pleading guilty to a charge involving a parent violating a child between the ages of 15 and 17. The incident took place in 2018. He was sentenced to five years and six months in prison, with five years of the sentence suspended. Local outlet ABC 7 reported that Vasquez Reyna was arrested in March following his conviction. The outlet said he was also charged with attempted rape and abduction. In an X post, DHS wrote that "ICE has DEPORTED Marcelo Vasquez-Reyna, a depraved freak who sexually abused HIS OWN DAUGHTER." ICE NABS ILLEGAL ALIENS CONVICTED OF CHILD SEX CRIMES AND METH TRAFFICKING IN NATIONWIDE ENFORCEMENT SWEEP The agency added that "criminals like this sicko have NO sanctuary in our nation." The Daily Progress reported that Vasquez Reyna was repeatedly arrested on charges of groping his teenage daughter and attempting to rape her using force, causing her to live in fear of further attacks. The deportation comes as parts of Virginia have seen a series of violent and sexual crimes involving illegal immigrants. Fairfax County, north of Albemarle County, has seen several high-profile cases. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) lodged a detainer in July asking Fairfax County officials not to release Nehemia Noel Fuentes-Banegas after DHS said he ambushed a Fairfax County police officer Tuesday. ICE LODGES DETAINER FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ACCUSED OF TRYING TO DISARM VIRGINIA POLICE OFFICER DHS said officers responded to a report of a man who left a home in Annandale following an argument while armed with two knives. As officers searched a wooded area, DHS said Fuentes-Banegas emerged from the brush, grabbed an officer's gun and attempted to disarm him. Fairfax County police said one officer fired his service weapon while a second officer simultaneously deployed a department-issued Taser. Police said the bullet grazed Fuentes-Banegas' shoulder. Another high-profile case involved Israel Flores Ortiz, an illegal immigrant who was 18 at the time and was accused of groping several underage girls at a Fairfax County high school. FIRST ON FOX: DOJ SUES SPANBERGER’S VIRGINIA OVER LAWS KNEECAPPING FEDERAL AGENTS AS MASK WAR ESCALATES SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger has faced criticism for her handling of illegal immigrant crime. On her first day in office, Spanberger rescinded an executive order by her predecessor, Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin, directing state law enforcement agencies to assist federal immigration enforcement authorities. She also ordered state and local law enforcement agencies to terminate all 287(g) agreements with ICE and signed an order prohibiting ICE from using state property as a staging area, processing location or operations base for federal civil immigration enforcement activities. Fox News Digital reached out to Spanberger’s office, the Albemarle County Police Department and the Albemarle County Commonwealth’s Attorney’s Office for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8350d62c5335ae1047ae58 Iran deal clock hits zero as Trump demands ‘white flag’ with new pressure campaign looming te 2026-08-17T18:20:06.739Z Iran deal clock hits zero as Trump demands ‘white flag’ with new pressure campaign looming The 60-day window for the United States and Iran to reach a final agreement expired Monday with no deal announced, as President Donald Trump hardened his rhetoric toward Tehran and his administration prepared what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has described as an unprecedented new phase of economic pressure. "They should put up the white flag of surrender," Trump told Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst in a phone interview Monday. Trump said he was in no rush to reach a deal and also confirmed a direct back channel with officials from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The June memorandum of understanding committed Washington and Tehran to negotiate a final deal within a maximum of 60 days, extendable by mutual consent. Reuters reported Monday that the interim agreement quickly unraveled over a dispute involving control of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump declared the pact "over" on July 7 and Tehran later said it was suspended. The deadline now puts a central question at the heart of Trump’s Iran strategy: whether the United States can turn military and maritime pressure into political concessions by squeezing Tehran financially rather than escalating again on the battlefield. Before the war, roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas moved through the Strait of Hormuz, making the standoff a threat not only to Tehran but to global energy supplies and U.S. fuel prices. TRUMP SAYS IRAN DEAL ‘LARGELY NEGOTIATED’ AS 84-DAY WAR NEARS POSSIBLE END "Watch this space for more announcements coming next week because we are going to apply measures like have never been seen in the history of economic isolation of a country," Bessent told Newsmax on Aug. 13. In comments provided to Fox News Digital on background, a Treasury spokesperson said, "Economic Fury has left the regime desperate for cash," arguing that the campaign has constrained Tehran’s ability to generate and move revenue and pushed it further toward shadow-banking networks and cryptocurrency to evade sanctions. Average Iranian oil loadings had fallen from 1.8 million barrels per day before the war to less than 500,000 barrels per day over the previous month, The Associated Press reported Aug. 11, citing Treasury figures. AP also cited an IMF projection that Iran’s economy would contract 5.4%. IRAN’S DEEPEST WEAKNESS IS GETTING EXPOSED THROUGH AMERICA’S MAXIMUM PRESSURE CAMPAIGN Miad Maleki, a former Treasury sanctions analyst and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that the pressure is real. "The numbers are brutal," Maleki said, citing inflation, the collapsing rial and reduced oil traffic. He described the current campaign as "a maximum pressure campaign on a steroid." Reuters reported Monday, citing Iran’s Statistical Centre, that consumer prices in July were 87.9% higher than a year earlier and food prices were up 128%. President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged last week that Iran was selling less oil and collecting less tax revenue from struggling businesses. Maleki argued that what distinguishes the current campaign from previous rounds of sanctions is the combination of financial restrictions and a physical blockade. "What really started, I would say, as Economic Fury, has now turned into maximum pressure on steroids," he said, arguing that Tehran is being squeezed not only in its ability to export oil but also in its ability to bring critical goods into the country. He pointed in particular to Iran’s gasoline deficit and weakening government revenues as vulnerabilities that could become increasingly difficult for the regime to manage. In November 2019, a sharp increase in government-set gasoline prices triggered nationwide demonstrations that rapidly broadened into anti-government protests. Reuters reported at the time that Iranian officials said roughly 200,000 people participated in the unrest, while thousands were arrested. "The regime is very scared of another 2019," Maleki said, arguing that Tehran has been reluctant to significantly raise retail fuel prices because of the potential political consequences. But history also illustrates the limitation of Washington’s strategy: economic pain can bring Iranians into the streets without necessarily forcing the regime itself to concede. IRAN’S REVOLUTIONARY GUARD SIDELINES PRESIDENT AS MILITARY GRIP EXPANDS The larger question, Maleki said, is who ultimately absorbs the pain. Iran’s economic system, he argued, includes powerful foundations and elite networks tied to the IRGC and the supreme leader that were built long before today’s sanctions architecture. "That elite network has spent about three decades insulating themselves from exactly this kind of pain," Maleki said. "And historically, the regime always burns the population clock before really having to absorb any of that pressure themselves." Maleki said pressure can force "tactical concessions," but broader concessions depend on whether the financial pain reaches IRGC-linked foundations, oligarchs and regime elites rather than remaining concentrated among ordinary Iranians. Washington is already near "the ceiling on sanctions with Iran," he argued, meaning the next phase may depend less on new legal tools than on enforcing existing restrictions against foreign enablers, including Chinese refineries, Hong Kong shell traders, exchange houses, shadow-fleet tankers and cryptocurrency channels. So far, the pressure has not produced a final deal. Reuters reported Monday that a senior Iranian official threatened military escalation within weeks if Washington does not fully implement the interim agreement. "The worst is still ahead for the Iranian regime," Maleki said, arguing that payment-cycle delays mean the full fiscal impact of reduced oil exports may not be felt until the fall. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a834e832c5335ae1047ae15 Scottie Scheffler already on the cusp of passing Tiger Woods on PGA Tour career earnings list te 2026-08-17T18:10:11.645Z Scottie Scheffler already on the cusp of passing Tiger Woods on PGA Tour career earnings list Tiger Woods is the person most responsible for the financial boom in professional golf, and is frankly one of the biggest reasons that the PGA Tour is what it is today. While every player of the modern era should be eternally grateful for Woods from a monetary standpoint, Scottie Scheffler's sense of gratitude may rightfully trump all others. Scheffler, who turned 30 in June, picked up the 21st PGA Tour victory of his career on Sunday by winning the FedEx St. Jude Championship by eight shots. The win earned him a paycheck of $3.6 million, bringing his career on-course prize money to $119,964,411. Woods is, of course, the all-time money leader on the PGA Tour, but he won't be for long, with Scheffler pulling within just over $1 million of catching Woods' career earnings of $120,999,166. This week's BMW Championship is a no-cut event carrying a $20 million purse, with the following week's Tour Championship in Atlanta also having no cut and a purse of $40 million. Scheffler, who will be the favorite to begin both events, will almost assuredly take over the No. 1 spot in the career-earnings list over the course of the next two weeks. The top eight players at the Tour Championship will earn at least $1 million, with the winner in Atlanta earning $10 million. PGA Tour purses have exploded over the last handful of years, and it's unlikely we've seen anything close to the ceiling with the Tour going from a non-profit to a for-profit entity. Scheffler has the benefit of simply playing and winning in this era of professional golf, but the numbers are eye-opening to compare. Woods' 2019 Masters win earned him $2.07 million, while Scheffler's first Masters victory just three years later carried a payday of $2.7 million. SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER TERRORIZES MEMPHIS, RORY MCILROY COMPLETELY MAILS IT IN, AND JORDAN SPIETH IS DONE Woods, 50, has made 378 starts and won 82 times on the PGA Tour on his way to earning $120.9 million. Scheffler, meanwhile, has nearly caught him despite making fewer than 168 starts on Tour. While Scheffler passing Woods on the career-money list is by no means a shocker, considering the money in the sport today compared to the late 90s and early 2000s. What is quite shocking is the Top 3 on the career-money list and the gap they have achieved over everyone else. Woods leads the charge with $120.9 million, Scheffler is in the No. 2 spot with $119.9 million, and Rory McIlroy sits third with $116.4 million earned. Justin Rose is No. 4 on the list with just less than $79 million in career earnings. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a834e7d2c5335ae1047adfa Tohono O'odham vows to fight on after border wall ruling te 2026-08-17T18:10:05.762Z Tohono O'odham vows to fight on after border wall ruling The Tohono O'odham Nation says it's "considering all possible options" after a U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., denied the tribe's request to block border wall construction on its reservation Friday, deepening a months-long standoff that has also drawn a wave of racist commentary online. In a Friday statement, the Nation's executive leadership said the court failed to adequately weigh the wall's impact on tribal land, culture and sacred sites, pointing to past destruction at Las Playas Intaglio, Quitobaquito Springs and Monument Hill, traditional lands outside the reservation that were desecrated even when federal authorities knew they were protected. Tribal leaders say a wall would further sever the O'odham people and are vowing to keep pushing for border security measures that don't come at the cost of their heritage and environment. The Tohono O'odham Nation filed suit in U.S. district court on June 16, seeking to block construction of the wall. Attorneys for the Nation argued the case for a preliminary injunction on July 22. "The Nation's legal team has presented a strong case and we thank the court for their commitment to hearing all the facts," Chairman Verlon Jose said in a statement following the July hearing. "We are hopeful that the weight of evidence will lead the court to approve the preliminary injunction preventing construction of this wasteful and destructive wall." Jose also thanked Pima County, the city of Tucson, the National Congress of American Indians, and tribes and individuals across the country for their support. Judge Richard Leon denied the request to secure the land from federal construction, ruling that the Nation is unlikely to succeed on the merits of its claims: that contractors are trespassing on tribal land and that reservation boundaries have been unlawfully altered. Tucson Spotlight is free for every reader because donors make it possible. Join them. Tohono O'odham Nation Chairman Verlon Jose speaks with members of the Nation's delegation following a July 22 court hearing in Washington, D.C. Courtesy of Tohono O'odham Nation. On Aug. 7, the Nation announced "no trespassing" signs were being posted across the reservation after learning federal contractors hired for wall construction might attempt to enter tribal land without authorization. The notice stressed that Tohono O'odham members remain free to travel as usual, and that the restriction applies only to non-tribal members associated with border wall construction. The following day, the Nation issued further clarification, stressing the closure is not a blanket ban. The Nation remains open for official business and "proper guest activities," including tribal members, non-tribal residents and employees, travelers on public roadways, invited guests, authorized vendors, and Desert Diamond Casino guests and staff. The restriction applies specifically to unauthorized DHS contractors and subcontractors, and anyone attempting to access Nation land to conduct border wall construction activities who will be warned, informed of trespass and escorted off by law enforcement, with possible legal consequences. Since the Nation's trespassing notice, social media reaction on outlets covering the story has included a strain of hostile, dismissive commentary, some framing the lawsuit as an affront to national security, others dismissing tribal sovereignty outright or invoking language telling non-Indigenous critics to "go back where they came from." The tone reflects a broader, longstanding frustration Indigenous people have expressed about widespread historical, legal and geopolitical ignorance regarding Native nations that inhabited what is now the United States long before its founding. Online hostility toward the Nation's lawsuit reflects a broader pattern: the U.S. government has a history of militarizing its response when Indigenous nations attempt to enforce treaty or sovereign rights. Members of the Tohono O'odham Nation's Border Security Delegation and supporters look on during a July 22 hearing in U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C. Courtesy of Tohono O'odham Nation. National Guard members in riot gear fired pepper balls into the crowd during the 2020 Black Hills protest, part of a demonstration to reclaim land the Supreme Court had ruled was illegally taken in 1980. During the 2016 Dakota Access Pipeline protests, the National Guard deployed water cannons in subzero temperatures, pepper-sprayed protesters during prayer, fired rubber bullets and used concussion grenades against demonstrators. More recently, in 2024, a horseback ride meant to raise awareness for the federally unrecognized Muwekma Ohlone's status turned violent when Washington, D.C., police attacked children, elders and women in the group and threatened to euthanize the horses. There are many more examples. A 1927 amendment to federal law states that only Congress has the authority to alter tribal boundaries, not the executive branch. The Nation's supplemental briefing to the court echoed that argument, noting the law authorizing border wall construction did not include explicit congressional approval to take reservation land. For decades, the Tohono O'odham Nation has worked with DHS and Border Patrol to help secure the international border, and its land predates the United States and Mexico by centuries. "We will continue to push for common sense border solutions that provide security without destroying our heritage and natural environment, just like we have always done," the Nation said in its Aug. 14 statement. "We are blessed to have the support of our people and other allies as we stand up for what is right and against what is unjust." Katherine Martinez is a a Kickapoo-Potawatomi Native majoring in journalism at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact her at martinezk29@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/6a834e7b2c5335ae1047ade6 YouTube will now count a view as soon as a video starts playing te 2026-08-17T18:10:03.817Z YouTube will now count a view as soon as a video starts playing The change comes a year after YouTube applied the same approach to counting views on Shorts videos. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8349cc2c5335ae1047abc9 What We Know About Damages From Hurricane Lala in Hawaii te 2026-08-17T17:50:04.113Z What We Know About Damages From Hurricane Lala in Hawaii The storm narrowly missed land, but its outer bands left the Big Island with power outages, road closures and flooded homes. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8347782c5335ae1047ab84 Lindsay Clancy’s parents get massive global donor support as fundraiser surpasses $830K te 2026-08-17T17:40:08.401Z Lindsay Clancy’s parents get massive global donor support as fundraiser surpasses $830K As the trial for Massachusetts mother Lindsay Clancy enters week four, funds are pouring in for her parents who have supported their daughter who is accused of killing all three of her children. Clancy admitted to strangling her three children to death, Cora, 5, Dawson, 3, and Callan, who was just eight months old. She's facing three counts of first-degree murder. Her defense team argues Clancy is not criminally responsible because she was suffering from postpartum psychosis among other mental illnesses made worse by the numerous medications she was prescribed, during the time of the killings. POSTPARTUM MOM LINDSAY CLANCY ON TRIAL FOR MURDER BRINGS COURT TO A HALT WITH SUDDEN BREAKDOWN Funds for the Musgrove Family, Clancy's mother and father Paula and Mike Musgrove, have surpassed $830,000 with an end goal of $2 million. The fund appears to have been created six days ago. 📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com 📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv 🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X The fundraiser says the money is intended solely for Clancy's parents who, "have spent years absorbing the travel, lodging, and living costs required to remain close to their daughter, drawing down savings they spent a lifetime building," the page says. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS The Musgroves have stood by their daughter's side throughout the case; if convicted Clancy faces life in prison without possibility of parole. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE GOT A TIP? "Nothing about this fund asks anyone to share their view of Lindsay or the criminal case. It asks donors to recognize the extraordinary financial burden her parents have carried simply by continuing to be present," the page said. CONVICTED KILLER KARMELO ANTHONY CLAIMS HE IS 'PENNILESS' IN APPEAL DESPITE MAJOR DONOR-FUNDED LEGAL CAMPAIGN Donors from around the world have contributed to the staggering fund, including one donor who said, "Sending love from Belize, Central America," another who said, "Sending love from Australia," and another from the UK who said "Sending support," among tens of thousands more. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL "The case will eventually reach its conclusion. Whatever that outcome is, Mike and Paula will still have to pick up the pieces of the lives they have put on hold to be there for their daughter. They should not have to face that future without the financial foundation they spent decades building." Fox News Digital has reached out to GoFundMe and the Plymouth County Prosecutor's Office. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8347772c5335ae1047ab7b Socialism will 'control people' and 'take everything away' from America, according to these expats te 2026-08-17T17:40:07.696Z Socialism will 'control people' and 'take everything away' from America, according to these expats As socialist candidates gain traction across the nation, three expats who fled countries under similar policies caution against what happens when socialism goes wrong — warning these governments can seek to "control people" and "scare them." Emmanuel Rincón, a Venezuelan expat who escaped his country in 2017, urged vigilance against democratic socialism in America. "They like to call [it] democratic socialism, [but] there is no democratic socialism, because the main incentive of socialism is to take the money and take what the people have legitimately earned and give it to some people that have never worked," Rincón told Fox News Digital. "That is not democratic in [any] way." EXPERT WHO FLED CUBA WARNS OF ‘VICIOUS CYCLE’ THAT WILL LEAD TO ‘COMMUNISTS IN DOUBLE DIGITS’ IN CONGRESS Democratic socialism is defined by the Democratic Socialists of America as "a system where ordinary people have a real voice in our workplaces, neighborhoods, and society." But those who’ve actually lived under socialist policies warn the promise of a "real voice" is fictional. According to Rincón, who lived his entire life under socialism in Venezuela until 2017, he’d have to wait 18 to 20 hours in line just to put gas in his car, which was heavily regulated. "We could go to the grocer[y store] to buy meat and eggs or milk or whatever… but we wouldn't be able to find meat or milk, or bread… and you have to make lines for 6, 12 hours only to try to buy something... It's really that bad. It was only because of the mismanagement of the socialist administration," he continued. I WATCHED CHICAGO PROMISE FOOD EQUITY. NOW MY NEIGHBORHOOD HAS EMPTY SHELVES Rincón also touched on criminal activities that locals defer to as a means of survival to obtain food, given that wages aren’t enough to buy basic needs. Eliécer Ávila, a Cuban expat who was forced to flee the island in 2017 after speaking out against the negative impact of communist policies on its people, commented that immigrants who escape dictatorships often appreciate the United States more than the Americans born in the country. "Cubans, Venezuelans, Latinos, who lived in dictatorships and who managed to live in democracy, have to appreciate it a lot… Every time I talk to the Americans themselves, I think that I love the United States more than those who were born here, because they have no point of comparison," he said. TRUMP EXPANDS CUBA SANCTIONS BEYOND US COMPANIES IN MAJOR CRACKDOWN ON FOREIGN ENABLERS When asked what he would say to a room full of far-left Democrats or socialists in America, Ávila offered a comparative metaphor to Donald Trump banning democracy and being president for 67 years to attempt to bridge perspectives with those who advocate for socialism. "Imagine [he banned] the Democratic Party on the first day and all the others. That he closed all leftist media outlets… everything. That nobody could criticize Trump because they’d get 30 years in prison, be shot or exiled. Imagine you could only have a car, phone or passport if you’re a Trump supporter," he asked. "Would you agree with that, Democrat?" "I'm sure that 100% of you would say, ‘[I'd] take up arms against him.’ So, [maybe] now you can understand me," Ávila quipped. "There is a gap that's being exploited… because there's a lot of evil forces in the world that do not want America to succeed. And they've realized very early on actually, that America cannot be defeated from the outside — it's too strong — but it can be defeated from the inside," Gene Maine, who escaped the Soviet Union in 1981, said.  "Through generations of things like demoralizing the population, removing trust in the institutions, like elections, like courts, you [sow] doubt in the heads of the people that what you have right now is probably the best that's ever been," he stated. "There is no such thing as free lunch. [People are] starting to understand [that] when [the] government that offers you everything can also take everything away," Maine added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8347762c5335ae1047ab72 DOJ opens new pathway to restore federal gun rights for certain barred individuals te 2026-08-17T17:40:06.979Z DOJ opens new pathway to restore federal gun rights for certain barred individuals Attorney General Todd Blanche on Monday launched a new process to allow certain people who are barred from possessing firearms to apply for restoration of their federal firearm rights. Under a final rule issued by Blanche, applicants must establish the circumstances of their prohibition, as well as show that they are not likely to pose a danger to public safety. " The Second Amendment is not a second-class right, and the federal government should not permanently deprive Americans of a constitutional right without regard to whether they pose a danger to public safet y," Blanche said in a statement. "This rule establishes a rigorous, commonsense process that protects the public while giving deserving Americans a real path to restoration." INSIDE TRUMP'S UNPRECEDENTED BATTLE PLAN TO EXPAND SECOND AMENDMENT RIGHTS THROUGH JUSTICE DEPARTMENT Along with the circumstances of the prohibition, the applicant's record, reputation, and subsequent conduct will also be taken into consideration, the Justice Department said. "Absent extraordinary circumstances, violent felons, registered sex offenders, illegal aliens, and other individuals who present an ongoing danger will remain presumptively ineligible for relief," the agency said. "Any relief granted under the rule removes only applicable federal firearms disabilities and does not override independent restrictions imposed by state law." Monday's announcement is another win for gun-rights advocates. Last week, the Trump administration declined to pause a judge's ruling that allows people to possess short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and silencers without registering them with the federal government. GUN RIGHTS GETS 'GREATEST RESTORATION' IN 100 YEARS WITH LATEST TRUMP DOJ MOVE, LAWMAKER HAILS The National Firearms Act of 1934 (NFA) established a $200 tax on silencers, short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns, and other firearms that also required additional federal registration to obtain. Republicans reduced that tax to $0 in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), prompting gun rights groups to successfully argue that the added registration requirement was unconstitutional. "Our court victory against NFA registration is the greatest Second Amendment legal win in American history," U.S. Rep. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., wrote on X last week. Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83451f2c5335ae1047ab28 American tourist killed by lightning while hiking Sicily's Mount Etna te 2026-08-17T17:30:07.967Z American tourist killed by lightning while hiking Sicily's Mount Etna An American tourist was killed after being struck by lightning while hiking Sicily's Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, which was recently active, Italian firefighters said Monday. The 29-year-old man from Kansas, whose name had not been released at the time of this reporting, was found at an altitude of 1,000 feet in the Rocca Capra area. He was rescued by helicopter after he was struck Sunday night in a barren, exposed area. He was later pronounced dead by medical officials. HIKER WHO SET OUT IN WARM SPRING WEATHER FOUND DEAD AFTER SNOWSTORM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE MOUNTAINS Ash from the volcano forced the closure of Sicily's largest airport last week, impacting summer travelers during the busy travel season. FAMOUS LANDMARKS SLASH VISITING HOURS AS DEADLY HEAT WAVE THREATENS TOURISTS Planes were forced to be re-routed to other airports on the island. More people have died on Etna from lightning strikes over recent decades than from volcanic activity, officials said. The last eruption-related fatalities were in 1987. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8342cd2c5335ae1047aae3 Phillies send Cy Young contender Christopher Sanchez to the mound in wild card race showdown te 2026-08-17T17:20:13.255Z Phillies send Cy Young contender Christopher Sanchez to the mound in wild card race showdown We have only about 25% of the season remaining for most teams. With 125 games done for the majority of clubs, we have fewer than 40 games for teams to figure out who is going to make the postseason. This should be a fairly tight race in both leagues, but the National League seems a bit more decided at the moment than the American League. There are only six teams within 3.5 games of a Wild Card spot, but two of them battle tonight as the Marlins take on the Phillies. The Miami Marlins are on the outside looking in on the postseason if the playoffs started today. They are currently three games back of the Padres and Phillies, who are tied for the final two spots. Of all the teams that are not leading a division in the National League, the Marlins have the best run differential at +20 (excluding the Cubs, who own the first Wild Card spot and are +100). The Marlins played fairly consistent baseball this season in the first half, but had a really rough stretch to start the 2nd half of the year, losing nine straight. In fact, the entire second half has been streaks: 9 losses, three wins, one loss, three wins, four losses, four wins, two losses, two wins. They will need to break out a winning streak if they want to make it to the postseason. They also need to find a way to get their starting pitching to line up well. Tonight, they send out Janson Junk to the hill in hopes that he can battle against a Cy Young contender. Junk is 6-7 for the season with a 4.41 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP. He has made 17 starts for the club this season. He has been substantially worse on the road than at home for Miami this season. On the road, he has allowed 20 earned runs compared to 23 at home. However, those 20 earned runs came in 33.2 innings compared to 54 innings of work at home. He has only faced the Phillies once this year, and he was solid against them, throwing 5.1 innings, allowing five hits and one earned run. The Philadelphia Phillies were the hottest team in baseball at one point, but they have since cooled off. Now, they find themselves in a battle just to make the postseason. Sure, if the season ended today, they would earn the second Wild Card spot. However, I wouldn't call them a lock by any means. There are a lot of teams breathing down their neck, and the Phillies are under .500 since the All-Star Break. It is just two games, but still reflects that they haven't been playing their best baseball lately. The good news for them is that if they do make the playoffs, they have three strong starters to line up for any series. One of them, Christopher Sanchez, takes the ball for the Phillies tonight. Sanchez has been as good as anyone in the game this season. For the year, he is 15-4 with a 2.54 ERA and a 1.19 WHIP. He also has fanned 181 batters in 155.2 innings of work. He has been extra dominant at home with a 1.41 ERA in Philadelphia. He has not faced the Marlins this year, but has held them to a .170 average over 53 at-bats in his career. This is a game the Phillies should win, but let's be honest, me telling you to bet a -220 favorite isn't exactly a tough thing to do. It also isn't something I'd ever do. My bet is to take the Phillies on the run line. In Sanchez's 25 starts, 20 of them have been decided by at least two runs. Meaning there have been only five one run games. In games Sanchez has started and the Phillies have won, 15 of them have been by at least two runs. Only three have been by one run. Give me the Phillies on the run line tonight. 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/6a8342cc2c5335ae1047aada Repeat offender with 7 prior convictions arrested 3 times in 12 days over alleged attacks on women te 2026-08-17T17:20:12.618Z Repeat offender with 7 prior convictions arrested 3 times in 12 days over alleged attacks on women An Oklahoma man was arrested twice in five days over allegations that he sexually assaulted multiple women, then was arrested again days later and booked on a first-degree rape charge. Jail records identify the defendant as Jeff Kufi Asare, 26, who was booked Aug. 12 on a $75,000 cash-or-bail bond. The record did not list a release date. Oklahoma City ABC affiliate KOCO reported that firefighters saw Asare allegedly restraining a woman on the Lake Hefner Trail before alerting police. The arrest followed two others in less than two weeks. On Aug. 1, Oklahoma City police responded to a possible rape call and arrested Asare on probable-cause allegations of felony sexual battery and felony indecent exposure. ICE ARRESTS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ACCUSED OF RAPE, MULTIPLE SEX CRIMES AFTER RELEASE FROM MARYLAND JAIL The incident report obtained by Fox News Digital lists attempted forcible rape and forcible fondling among the reported offenses. Five days later, officers arrested Asare after responding to reports of sexual assaults involving multiple women at a downtown park. Police booked him on probable-cause allegations of attempted kidnapping and felony sexual battery. He also received two city assault-and-battery citations. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Fox News Digital has requested the Aug. 12 incident report, which Oklahoma City police said was not yet complete for release. All three cases involve Asare, but state charges have not been filed because Oklahoma City police are still investigating and have not yet presented the cases to prosecutors, the Oklahoma County District Attorney’s Office told Fox News Digital. The office said it expects to file state charges after receiving the cases from police. Judges set Asare’s bond at $50,000 on Aug. 5 and again on Aug. 10. After his third arrest, prosecutors asked a judge to raise his bond from $50,000 to $75,000, court and jail records show. REPEAT OFFENDER WITH MASSIVE RAP SHEET LEADS COPS ON WILD CHASE AS BLIND PASSENGER BEGS TO ESCAPE: POLICE Since January 2023, Asare’s name has appeared in at least 18 Oklahoma County court dockets, a Fox News Digital review found. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS The total includes early probable-cause proceedings, misdemeanor cases and a pending civil lawsuit. Some of the probable-cause files are tied to later criminal cases stemming from the same arrest. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE The court records also show at least seven misdemeanor convictions. Three were for breaking and entering. The others were for resisting an officer, shoplifting, trespassing and marijuana possession. SEND US A TIP Asare pleaded guilty to resisting an officer, shoplifting and trespassing in September 2023. He later pleaded guilty to breaking and entering and marijuana possession in November 2024, then in two additional breaking-and-entering cases in October 2025 and April. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL He received 45 days in jail in the October case and 30 days in the April case, with credit for time served in both. He also enrolled in a court-ordered outpatient program after prosecutors dismissed a 2025 trespassing and obstruction case. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST In a separate 2024 case, he missed a hearing, and a judge issued a bench warrant. Fox News Digital has requested comment from prosecutors and asked ICE whether it has custody, detainer or immigration-status information involving Asare. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8342cb2c5335ae1047aad1 US military bases are ‘ill-equipped’ to stop drone swarms, top commander reveals after Rubio's UAP warning te 2026-08-17T17:20:12.001Z US military bases are ‘ill-equipped’ to stop drone swarms, top commander reveals after Rubio's UAP warning A top commander responsible for defending the U.S. homeland warned Thursday that American military bases are "ill-equipped" to repel a swarm of small attack drones. The vulnerability that persists even as the Pentagon seeks billions for new counter-drone weapons, and Army Lt. Gen. Joseph Jarrard said the shortfall begins well before troops try to shoot down a drone. Some bases do not have the sensors to spot and track an incoming swarm or the weapons to take it out, the deputy commander of U.S. Northern Command and vice commander of the American contingent at North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). "We don’t have the sensors, and depending on where that swarm is going to attack, it depends on whether we have any sensors at all, and also whether we’ve got any effectors to go after that problem," Jarrard said at the annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium. Jarrard said NORTHCOM is folding counter-drone tactics into Operation Noble Eagle, the long-running U.S.-Canada homeland air-defense mission. For now, he said, NORAD is relying on radars already in its inventory while working to connect with local law enforcement and other agencies that operate detection systems beyond military installations. "Detection is obviously the biggest issue, and so how we are able to detect is one of our biggest concerns right now," Jarrard said. "That’s where we’ve got to get to with respect to the interoperability between not just military systems, but also those that are protecting our cities, critical infrastructure, etc., that are off our installations." PENTAGON CONSOLIDATES DRONE OVERSIGHT AS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION PUSHES RAPID UNMANNED WARFARE EXPANSION Jarrard’s assessment offers a blunt measure of the gap between the Pentagon’s rapid counter-drone push and the protection available at installations today. Cheap, one-way attack drones have changed the battlefield calculus in Ukraine and the Middle East, where adversaries can threaten equipment, infrastructure and personnel without expending the missiles or aircraft traditionally associated with a strike on a military target. "We are ill-equipped right now to handle something like that, and obviously we’ve seen it used," Jarrard told the audience. "We’re seeing it used on a daily basis around the world, and we’ve got to figure out how to mitigate that threat." His warning echoed concerns raised in May by NORTHCOM commander Gen. Gregory Guillot, who said troops deployed along the southern border lacked adequate counter-drone tools. The Pentagon has since sought a record $21 billion for drones, counter-drone weapons, munitions and other related capabilities as it tries to close the gap. The warning also comes as President Donald Trump moves ahead with the Golden Dome plan, his broad homeland missile-defense initiative intended to protect the United States and critical infrastructure from ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles, as well as other advanced aerial threats. The issue has resurfaced as it relates to the administration’s broader discussion of unidentified objects around U.S. military sites. Earlier this week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the government should take seriously reports of objects flying over military installations — more recently called unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAPs) rather than unidentified foreign objects (UFOs). "I don't know who it is. I don't know what it is, but there are things flying over our military installations, and they're not ours, and we should look into this, be serious about it," Rubio said while discussing UAPs in an interview with Katie Miller, wife of top White House aide Stephen Miller. Rubio was not specifically referring to drone swarms, and Jarrard did not suggest that every unidentified object reported near a military site is a drone. Still, the two officials’ comments point to the same practical concern for U.S. forces: an aircraft does not need to be mysterious to present a danger. Jarrard, in his remarks, was describing a more immediate and localized vulnerability: the ability to detect and defeat low-cost drones flying toward a base before they can strike. The military is pursuing several answers, from radio-frequency systems that can jam drone communications or interfere with satellite navigation to high-powered microwave weapons designed to disrupt the electronics of multiple nearby drones at once. PENTAGON RACES TO BUY 10X MORE MISSILES AS IRAN WAR DWINDLES ARSENAL, THREATENS READINESS FOR CHINA AGGRESSION It is also moving closer to fielding high-energy lasers. Fox News Digital reported this month that the Army is nearing a contract award for the Enduring High Energy Laser, or E-HEL, program, which could become the service’s first permanent operational capability for a family of high-energy laser systems. Army acquisition chief Lt. Gen. Frank Lozano said in July that the technology had shown "a lot of recent promise and capability" during testing at White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico. A laser could allow troops to engage drones that have entered a defended area without relying solely on expensive missile interceptors, but it is not a complete solution: lasers are line-of-sight weapons, which limits their reach, and they must be integrated with the sensors, command-and-control networks and other systems Jarrard said are lacking at some locations. In an era when small drones can be cheap, expendable and deployed in numbers, the military must be able to identify the threat quickly and prevent it from reaching the installation it is meant to protect. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8342cb2c5335ae1047aac8 College Football’s AP Top 25 Is out: Who’s overrated, underrated and flat-out snubbed? te 2026-08-17T17:20:11.312Z College Football’s AP Top 25 Is out: Who’s overrated, underrated and flat-out snubbed? College football fans have been waiting on this day for months. With the preseason AP Top-25 now released, every fan has a reason to either complain or rejoice, as the 2026 season is just two weeks away. It's a tradition unlike any other. Voters from across the country — some of whom have no clue about teams in other regions, no matter how much research they do — release their rankings for the college football world to argue about for the next few weeks leading up to Labor Day weekend. This is also the time of year when local sports talk radio shows flourish, inciting near-riots over how their team was shafted compared to others within their own conference. It’s a gold mine of radio segments that will pass the time until an actual ball is kicked off. 2025 AP Top 25 Poll Shake-Up: Ohio State Takes No. 1, Alabama Tumbles After Florida State Loss But I want you to remember something while you’re digesting the initial 2026 rankings: Twelve teams ranked in the preseason AP Top 25 last season finished outside the poll when the 2025 season concluded. Those teams included: COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS FINALLY BACK AFTER MONTHS OF NCAA LAWSUITS, NIL DRAMA AND CONGRESSIONAL FIGHTS Meaning: Don't freak out over where your team lands over the next month. How do you think Penn State, LSU and Clemson fans felt heading into the 2025 season compared to how it ended? Exactly. Ok, everyone hold your breath as you go through the list of teams who some voters across the country are expecting big things from over the next five months. Also, please don't forget that AP voters are spread out across the country, and obviously don't follow your favorite team closely on a daily basis. I would imagine a percentage of voters had to perform a good amount of research on who the starting quarterbacks were at some schools. Better yet, we have no idea who some of these teams will be rolling out as the week-one starter, and we still have at least one more scrimmage in Fall camp for a nice chunk of these programs Well, Clemson was the first team just on the outside receiving votes, followed by Florida, Boise State, Arizona and TCU. Where in the world is South Carolina? Have you cooled down a bit since scrolling? Yes, the Associated Press poll does carry more weight in the eyes of fans, compared to the USA Today coaches poll that is usually voted on by the sports information directors or some staffer at each school. No, the coaches aren't taking time out of their day to piece together a poll on their rivals. COLLEGE FOOTBALL IS FINALLY BACK AFTER MONTHS OF NCAA LAWSUITS, NIL DRAMA AND CONGRESSIONAL FIGHTS How weird is it not to see Florida State in a preseason poll? Mike Norvell had better turn things around in Tallahassee, or his time coaching the Seminoles could end before conference title games. Ok, I could have a pretty strong argument on South Carolina not being ranked in the Top-25, but it seems as though voters are under the impression Clemson has more talent than the Gamecocks in the 'receiving votes' category. College Football Coaches On Hot Seat: Bill Belichick, Mike Norvell and Others Facing Make-Or-Break 2026 Ohio State deserves to be at the top, and we'll obviously find out about the Texas Longhorns when the Buckeyes roll into Austin during week two. Alabama coming in at No. 13 feels about right, while voters are obviously giving Penn State the historical treatment as Matt Campbell enters his first season in Happy Valley. As for the very expensive roster that Lane Kiffin assembled at LSU, it seems as though money can't buy you top-ten votes, and we'll find out soon enough if it can buy the Tigers' wins. LANE KIFFIN KNOWS THERE AREN’T EXCUSES AT LSU. NOW COMES THE TEST OF MAKING IT WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION Oh, and USC being ranked No. 14 is fair, but my goodness the pressure is on Lincoln Riley to win this season. Anything less than an appearance in the College Football Playoff will spell disaster for his tenure with the Trojans. Remember, take a breath. Make sure to infiltrate your local sports talk radio shows, and let me know how you feel in the comments below. We're here folks. College Football season is just two weeks away!! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8342ca2c5335ae1047aabf American tourist killed by lightning while hiking Sicily's Mount Etna te 2026-08-17T17:20:10.550Z American tourist killed by lightning while hiking Sicily's Mount Etna An American tourist was killed after being struck by lightning while hiking Sicily's Mount Etna, Europe's largest volcano, which was recently active, Italian firefighters said Monday. The 29-year-old man from Kansas, whose name had not been released at the time of this reporting, was found at an altitude of 1,000 feet in the Rocca Capra area. He was rescued by helicopter after he was struck Sunday night in a barren, exposed area. He was later pronounced dead by medical officials. HIKER WHO SET OUT IN WARM SPRING WEATHER FOUND DEAD AFTER SNOWSTORM IN NEW HAMPSHIRE MOUNTAINS Ash from the volcano forced the closure of Sicily's largest airport last week, impacting summer travelers during the busy travel season. FAMOUS LANDMARKS SLASH VISITING HOURS AS DEADLY HEAT WAVE THREATENS TOURISTS Planes were forced to be re-routed to other airports on the island. More people have died on Etna from lightning strikes over recent decades than from volcanic activity, officials said. The last eruption-related fatalities were in 1987. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8342c92c5335ae1047aab0 Legal scandal forces Pinal County off high-profile capital murder case te 2026-08-17T17:20:09.336Z Legal scandal forces Pinal County off high-profile capital murder case (Photo via iStock/Getty Images Plus) A Maricopa County Superior Court judge has disqualified the Pinal County Attorney’s Office and the Pinal County Superior Court from trying a high-profile capital murder case plagued by legal scandal. Judge Patricia Starr issued her order Aug. 12. It’s still unclear which county will prosecute the case and where it will be tried, and it’s unknown whether Pinal County will appeal the ruling. The quadruple murder was brutal: two men and two women shot and slashed at a low-rent casita in Casa Grande in October 2017. Alec Perez, the estranged husband of one of the victims, was arrested almost immediately, along with his friend, Rodney Ortiz. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE Perez had a bad meth habit and a history of abusing his wife, Crysta Proctor, whom he met while both were in a halfway house. The other victims, Justin Yates, Connie Carrera and Jose Aguilar, were staying with Proctor, in part, to protect her from Perez. Ortiz allegedly went along for the ride with Perez.  The Pinal County Attorney’s office filed its intent to seek the death penalty against both suspects, and the Pinal County Superior Court appointed defense attorneys for them. The cases dragged on. Seven years later, acting on a tip from the prosecutor’s office, the judge in the case realized that Perez’s attorney, Matthew Long, was not qualified to try a capital case, and he was ultimately removed from the case.  From there, the case doubled back on itself like a staircase in an M.C. Escher painting, and Long was simultaneously walking in both directions. Ortiz’s attorneys asked for a change of venue and a change of prosecutor. Perez’s new attorneys followed suit. And after months of evidentiary hearings, Starr, who was brought in as an impartial evaluator, ruled in the defense’s favor.   “We appreciate the Court’s thoughtful ruling, which upholds Mr. Ortiz’s constitutional right to due process and a fair trial,” Ortiz’s attorneys, Jamie Sparks and James Soslowsky, wrote in an email. “This decision reinforces the fundamental principle that our justice system must not only be fair but appear to be fair.” Long, who did not testify in the disqualification hearings, did not respond to the Arizona Mirror’s question, but did respond to Starr’s order on his Facebook page.  “If both sides of a controversy make a claim about a person and both sides refuse to call that person, then neither side is interested in the truth, but only argument,” he wrote. “When the truth doesn’t advance one side’s argument, then it is that attorney’s duty to not present truthful information — if they can. That is our system.”  The Pinal County Attorney’s Office has not yet commented on the order. Death penalty defendants are assigned two defense attorneys, designated as first and second chair. Long has always insisted — and still maintains —that he was qualified to be first chair, but the court ruled that he had not met one important requirement: that he had worked on a capital case to its conclusion, presumably as second chair.  Long claimed that a capital case he had prosecuted in his earlier job as deputy Pinal County Attorney met the bill. But that case ended in mistrial because of misconduct on Long’s part. Long also had received permission to defend capital cases from the Arizona Supreme Court, but only if he associated with an attorney who was death-qualified. The judge in Perez’s case ruled that he never did. After he was removed from Perez’s defense team, Procter’s mother, Christine Maples, filed a lawsuit against Long and the county. Long also filed a notice of claim against the county and the judge who removed him from the case. Then another case Long had prosecuted was brought to bear. A federal court judge had thrown out the conviction of a man accused of sexual conduct with a minor because Long had vouched for a jailhouse snitch, saying the snitch had received no benefit for his testimony, when in fact he was allowed to plead to a lesser sentence in exchange for testimony. That defendant, Fernando Almanza, filed suit against the county for wrongful conviction. In her order, Starr wondered why neither the Pinal County Attorney’s Office, knowing Long’s history, nor the judge had questioned his qualifications sooner. She also wondered why the court had not referred him to the State Bar for potential discipline. But the immediate problem was that Long was now under scrutiny not only for his actions as a prosecutor but also as a defense attorney, and that the county could ultimately be liable for his actions in both roles. “(I)n this case, the Maples lawsuit and Long’s Notice of Claim essentially implicate all the parties in Pinal County’s legal system,” she wrote in her order. The appearance of impropriety was too much. And the conflicts, real or perceived, could sway the outcome of the Perez and Ortiz trials, especially given the high profile of the cases. “Here, where two lawsuits have been filed based on Long’s conduct and Pinal County’s response to his conduct, and where Long has filed a Notice of Claim against a sitting Pinal County Judge, the possibility of public suspicion is great,” Starr wrote. “The Court finds that possibility so great that it outweighs the benefit of having (Pinal County Attorney’s Office) continue on as the prosecutors.” Then she turned to the court: “Here, given the allegations made in the Maples lawsuit, Almanza lawsuit, and Long’s Notice of Claim, such an observer would naturally doubt whether justice could be done if these cases are heard by (Pinal County Superior Court),” she wrote. “There is no need to find wrongdoing, and the Court finds none. But justice must not just be fair, but appear to be fair. Given the underlying facts here, the only way to achieve that end is to disqualify (Pinal County Superior Court).” The order did not specify what court or what prosecutor office will ultimately try the case. But it is a short list: only three Arizona counties try capital cases, and one has been disqualified. That leaves Yavapai and Maricopa Counties as possible venues. And before that happens, there is a likelihood that Pinal County will appeal the order and the cases will drag on further. Long had another suggestion. “Regardless of the facts, which remain in dispute, the only just outcome is the removal of the death notice. The fact that issue hasn’t been raised or argued should trouble anyone that values truth, justice or due process.” YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8342c32c5335ae1047aa93 Feedly attributes weeklong slowdown to bug, not its AI pivot te 2026-08-17T17:20:03.795Z Feedly attributes weeklong slowdown to bug, not its AI pivot Feedly says a bug is behind the performance issues that have made its web app nearly "unusable" for some users, while complaints about its mobile apps and customer support are adding to frustrations. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8340702c5335ae1047aa6f 47-year-old California pastor makes college football comeback decades after injury stifled career te 2026-08-17T17:10:08.783Z 47-year-old California pastor makes college football comeback decades after injury stifled career Nearly three decades after an injury cut his college football career short, a 47-year-old California pastor is putting the pads back on for an unlikely second shot at his on-field dream. "No one's going easy on me... and I'm not going easy on them," Justin Buzzard told "Fox & Friends First" co-host Todd Piro. "I'm giving them everything I've got, too." Buzzard, who recently made the San Jose City College Jaguars, said his much younger teammates have embraced him despite his initial uncertainty over how they would react to a 47-year-old joining the roster. RAVENS ARE SIGNING A 40-YEAR-OLD DEFENSIVE LINEMAN TO PLAY HIS 19TH NFL SEASON AND IT IS AWESOME "I was really wondering, 'How are they going to handle... a 47-year-old guy showing up?' Are they going to receive me? Are they going to accept me? Will they try to go easy on me? Will they try to attack me? And they've been incredible." Also, a husband and dad of three, Buzzard must also balance his on-field ambitions with his family life — including a wife for 23 years who initially had some reservations about his return to the gridiron. "She told me actually a couple of weeks ago, she said, ‘I want you to make the team, but I don’t want you to play in any games,’" Buzzard recalled. "I told her those are some of the most hurtful words she’d ever told me in my life." TRAVIS KELCE INSISTS CHIEFS RETURN IN 2026 WAS NEVER IN DOUBT: 'HUNGRY TO GET BACK' Her outlook has since changed, however. Now all of her husband's games are on her calendar as she plans to cheer him on from the stands. Buzzard told NBC Bay Area that he got the idea to return to the field after his son highlighted a social media reel about a 60-year-old man playing the sport on the East Coast. To his surprise, reaching out to a coach at San Jose City College led to him lining up as a defensive end, the same position he once played years ago. For Buzzard, the comeback goes beyond football and family and into faith — something that has helped guide him through the unconventional journey. As he prays to stay healthy enough to "go the distance" and make it through the entire season, he remains eager to help his new team in every way possible. And for anyone else wondering whether it is too late to pursue a longstanding dream, Buzzard offered a simple message: "Risk or rust. You're either risking or you're rusting as a man. Take risks. Don't rust." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a833e192c5335ae1047aa31 Ella Langley's Texas photo dump sends country music fans into a frenzy online on Instagram te 2026-08-17T17:00:09.684Z Ella Langley's Texas photo dump sends country music fans into a frenzy online on Instagram Ella Langley has country fans in a frenzy on Instagram. As our loyal readers know, Langley has turned into an unstoppable star in the country music world. The "Nicotine" singer isn't just a star. She currently has no rivals when it comes to being the most popular woman in the genre. Whether it's racking up awards, selling out shows, dominating the charts or going viral, Langley can do it all. MORGAN WALLEN AND ELLA LANGLEY HOLD THE TOP TWO ALBUM SPOTS IN AMERICA FOR FIRST HALF OF 2026 The talented singer, once again, put her skills on display for the internet. Langley hopped on Instagram late Sunday to celebrate playing three shows in Texas, and there's something to note: Her hit song "Choosin' Texas" is currently the most popular song in the country. It makes sense that her shows down in the Lone Star State would be generating significant buzz. MORGAN WALLEN POKES FUN AT ELLA LANGLEY’S ONSTAGE MIX-UP, THEN REPEATS IT "Texas forever 🤍 Austin, Corpus Christi & Fort Worth… I’ll never forget these shows," the "Choosin' Texas" singer wrote in the caption. You can check out the awesome photo dump below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. One fan in the comments used the post to tie it back to Langley's hit song. An obvious opportunity that you can't miss. The fan wrote, "She’s choosin Texas." COUNTRY MUSIC STAR STIRS UP FANS WITH SEE-THROUGH WHITE OUTFIT, VIDEO EXPLODES ONLINE Another added, "She’s choosin’ Texas I can tell." Well played! A third fan commented, "An Absolute US National Treasure." I think it's safe to say many country music fans would agree. Langley's star is 100% only going to shine brighter, and that's a guarantee you can take to the bank. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a833bbe2c5335ae1047a9ec ‘Hidden homicides’: Families push states for more scrutiny of domestic violence deaths te 2026-08-17T16:50:06.842Z ‘Hidden homicides’: Families push states for more scrutiny of domestic violence deaths Dr. William Smock, medical director of the Training Institute on Strangulation Prevention, part of the Alliance for HOPE International, speaks to students about evidence and how to detect staged scenes during a mock crime scene exercise. This year, at least five states have considered “hidden homicide” legislation. (Photo courtesy of Gael Strack/Alliance for HOPE International) Families who believe local officials prematurely ruled their loved ones’ deaths suicides or accidents — rather than investigating whether domestic violence played a role — are pushing lawmakers in a growing number of states to require additional scrutiny. Advocates call the deaths “hidden homicides” — killings they say may be staged to look like suicides, overdoses or accidents and then overlooked by investigators. Some advocates argue that requiring additional investigative steps could prevent potential evidence from being lost before a case is closed. This year, lawmakers in at least five states — Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York and Oregon — have considered legislation aimed at identifying homicides or unexplained deaths involving domestic violence that might otherwise be misclassified. All of the bills have stalled in legislative committees amid concerns over financial and administrative constraints, including requirements for law enforcement training.  California in 2024 became the first state to enact a law addressing the issue when lawmakers approved Joanna’s Law, or Senate Bill 989, which took effect last year. The law requires police officers, in certain cases, to interview family members before determining the manner and cause of death and allows families to request a complete autopsy when specific indicators of domestic homicide are present. The law was inspired by the death of Joanna Lewis, whose family argued her death had been misclassified as a suicide. She had previously sought restraining orders against her husband, Mark Lewis, accusing him of domestic violence. Alliance for HOPE International, an anti-domestic violence advocacy organization that helped develop the legislation, said that case reflects broader concerns about how suspicious deaths involving intimate partner violence are investigated nationwide.  The group has also helped families conduct independent investigations into their loved ones’ deaths.  “We’ve come across some tremendous obstacles and have felt the pain and the frustration that family members have gone through,” said Gael Strack, co-founder of Alliance for HOPE International.  The group would also like to help introduce similar legislation in Alaska, Arizona and Nevada. Advocates acknowledge that not every suspicious death involving domestic violence is a homicide, but argue certain circumstances should prompt investigators to slow down and ask additional questions. “In many of our cases, they make a conclusion on the manner of death within 30 minutes of arriving at the scene. They don’t know anything about the family, the relationship, the history,” said Casey Gwinn, co-founder of Alliance for HOPE International. Advocates point to several reasons they believe deaths can be misclassified, including the limited number of autopsies, inconsistent death investigation practices and a lack of coordination among law enforcement, medical examiners, prosecutors and domestic violence experts. In many cases, advocates say, a death that appears to be a suicide is treated differently than a homicide investigation — meaning investigators may not conduct the same level of scene analysis, interviews or evidence collection. Families seeking answers also often face additional hurdles after a death is classified as a suicide or accident, some advocates say. They may struggle with obtaining police records, challenging a medical examiner’s findings or commissioning an independent investigation.  Among those pushing for legislation is Kellee Harris of Oregon, whose daughter, Kelsey Harris, was found dead in her Linn County home in 2021 a week after she had reported that her boyfriend had strangled her. Local authorities ruled Kelsey’s death a suicide. Harris says investigators failed to fully consider the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death, including the recent strangulation report and the history of abuse she says occurred in the relationship. “I just think that they wanted me to go away,” Harris told Stateline, referring to local authorities. “It’s real easy to slap a suicide determination on on a death, and then they don’t have to do anything else.” Linn County Sheriff Michelle Duncan told Stateline that her office stands by its determination that Kelsey died by suicide. Oregon lawmakers are now working to revive a proposal that stalled during this year’s legislative session. Democratic state Sen. Sara Gelser Blouin, one of the bill’s sponsors, said the original version of the legislation needed revisions after medical examiners and law enforcement raised concerns about its scope and cost. The earlier proposal was interpreted by some stakeholders as requiring significantly more autopsies, leading to concerns about the financial impact. Gelser Blouin said the next version, which she plans to introduce next year, will take a narrower approach. She plans to update the bill’s language to more explicitly require additional evaluation in certain domestic violence-related deaths rather than automatically requiring an autopsy. Those additional steps could include further documentation, toxicology testing, additional imaging or interviews before investigators determine the manner of death. Her goal, she said, is to make the death investigation process in the state more transparent in hopes of helping people find some sense of closure. “People want to do this, and they want to get it right. They don’t want us to pass a law that can’t be implemented because it’s too confusing or that makes it worse,” Gelser Blouin said. Duncan, the Linn County sheriff, said she generally supports efforts to strengthen Oregon’s death investigation system and said she would like to see more autopsies completed. But Duncan said she has concerns about making certain investigative steps mandatory in every case, such as requiring law enforcement to contact family members, because sometimes investigators are unable to locate next of kin. “There’s often people that we just can’t even find family for,” she said. Stateline reporter Amanda Watford can be reached at awatford@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/6a83396a2c5335ae1047a9ab CNN staffers brace for Paramount CEO's potential plan to launch editorial board to oversee network te 2026-08-17T16:40:10.334Z CNN staffers brace for Paramount CEO's potential plan to launch editorial board to oversee network CNN staffers don't all appear to be enthusiastic about the idea of an editorial board overseeing the network if and when Paramount takes over its parent company, Warner Bros. Discovery. Fox News Digital confirmed that Paramount CEO David Ellison is mulling the creation of an editorial board if he takes ownership of CNN, which falls under the WBD umbrella. The editorial board and other potential safeguards would be put in place to "ease concerns over [CNN's] news operation’s independence," according to The Wall Street Journal, which first reported on the internal discussions. "We always remain open to internal improvements to journalistic integrity," a Paramount spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Fox News Digital spoke with CNN staffers about what they think of the theoretical editorial board. PARAMOUNT ESCALATES THREAT TO LEAVE CALIFORNIA AS DEM AG'S ANTITRUST LAWSUIT STALLS WARNER BROS MERGER "I think we'd be fine with one," one CNN staffer reacted. "I mean editorial independence is always a good idea, however it is achieved... My colleagues just want the uncertainty gone." However, another CNN staffer chalked it up to "throwing spaghetti at a wall," calling a hypothetical editorial board "useless at best, paralyzing at worst." "I don’t even think it’s serious," the staffer told Fox News Digital. "I think it’s just a daily throw something at the wall to see if it’s enough." One senior CNN correspondent insists "no one" at the network has confidence that it will maintain its independence even if an editorial board is installed, pointing to the chumminess between the Ellisons and President Donald Trump. David Ellison's billionaire father — Oracle founder Larry Ellison — is a close ally of Trump who is financially backing the deal. CNN STAFFERS SEE PARAMOUNT MERGER AS 'INEVITABLE' DESPITE LEGAL BATTLE DELAYING ELLISON TAKEOVER "As of now, it's impossible to have confidence when the White House and President Trump himself refer to the Ellisons as friends and says he's looking forward to a change in leadership," they said. "Ellison seems to say whatever is necessary to get the merger across the finish line," the correspondent added, saying that the delay in the merger had brought a "sigh of relief" in the newsroom for the time being. "It felt at CNN as though everything was frozen — from hiring to talking about the future when the deal was imminent. Now, it feels slightly more normal." Notably, CNN CEO Mark Thompson, whose future at the network remains unclear if the merger goes through, previously floated an independent board as a barrier between CNN and Paramount, similar to ones established for British news organizations, according to Semafor and CNN's Brian Stelter. A spokesperson for CNN declined to comment. There has been speculation that California Attorney General Rob Bonta, who is leading the antitrust lawsuit hoping to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. merger, wants Ellison to sell CNN in order for him to bless the deal in the Golden State, something Bonta has denied. However, as the Journal noted, the idea of the editorial board came before Bonta and 11 other state attorneys general filed the lawsuit. The trial for the suit is scheduled for next March, and Paramount is hoping to settle before then so the $111 billion merger goes through. Ellison has floated the company leaving California amid the merger fight. PARAMOUNT-WARNER BROS DISCOVERY ANTITRUST TRIAL DATE SET; MERGER PUT ON PAUSE OVER LEGAL BATTLE Paramount's bid to buy Warner Bros. Discovery would be a historic deal merging two major Hollywood studios under one corporate umbrella as well as all of their television networks, including CBS and CNN. Critics of the deal believe such a merger would crush the entertainment industry and lead to mass layoffs. Some have also been vocal against the deal due to the Ellison-Trump relationship. Liberal critics in particular also claim that, as a result of the deal, CNN would be given a MAGA-bent to its coverage, and it would be run by current CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss, who has been criticized by some media liberals. The Paramount CEO has previously assured that CNN would maintain editorial independence following the merger. In a guest essay published in The New York Times, Ellison addressed the "speculation" about what would happen to CNN under his ownership. "I have regularly voted for candidates of both parties; I hold some views that would be called conservative and others that would be called liberal, just like most Americans; and when it comes to our news operations, I do not aspire to lead these companies to bend their newsrooms to my views. I believe that news should be based on facts and truth," Ellison wrote. "Great news organizations like CNN and CBS News are here to tell it straight down the middle," he added. "That requires newsrooms that reflect the whole world, not one side of it. And it requires independence." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8339692c5335ae1047a9a2 House Republican suggests Sen Darline Graham is an 'ally' for the 'swamp' te 2026-08-17T16:40:09.637Z House Republican suggests Sen Darline Graham is an 'ally' for the 'swamp' Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, suggested in a post on X that Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., is an "ally" of the "swamp." Graham, who finished the Aug. 11 South Carolina GOP special U.S. Senate primary in first place, will go head-to-head against second-place finisher Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., in an Aug. 25 runoff. "Ralph Norman will work to drain the swamp. The swamp wants allies not adversaries. The swamp appointed an ally. These are the stakes in South Carolina," Davidson wrote in the Monday social media post. RUSSELL FRY ENDORSES EX-RIVAL DARLINE GRAHAM AFTER FAILING TO ADVANCE TO SPECIAL GOP US SENATE PRIMARY RUNOFF South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham to fill the seat of her late brother, Sen. Lindsey Graham, last month in the wake of the senator's death. Fox News Digital attempted to reach out to Sen. Darline Graham's campaign on Monday. MARK LYNCH ENDORSES RALPH NORMAN AS CONGRESSMAN HEADS INTO RUNOFF AGAINST DARLINE GRAHAM President Donald Trump, who urged Graham to run and endorsed her prior to the special primary, is continuing to back her heading into the runoff contest. "SOUTH CAROLINA: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR DARLINE GRAHAM ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25TH. DARLINE HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" the president declared in an Aug. 14 Truth Social post. DARLINE GRAHAM DETAILS HOW SHE'D FORGE OWN PATH IN SENATE WHILE CARRYING ON BROTHER LINDSEY'S LEGACY The president's post included an image of a post on X in which Rep. Russell Fry, who placed third in the South Carolina special GOP U.S. Senate primary, urged those who backed him in that contest to vote for Graham during the runoff. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8339682c5335ae1047a999 Walker Buehler takes the mound as red-hot San Diego Padres face Mets in series opener te 2026-08-17T16:40:08.948Z Walker Buehler takes the mound as red-hot San Diego Padres face Mets in series opener I had just one play on the diamond yesterday, and it was a no-doubt, no-sweat victory. This was mostly thanks to Edward Cabrera of the Cubs allowing seven runs in the first inning of the game. When you have a total of just 8.5 for the day, giving up seven in the first makes for a pretty comfortable rest of the game. The teams combined for 15 runs yesterday, and we cashed our ticket quickly. Tonight might not be as quick, but let's get a ticket cashed comfortably today as the Padres play against the Mets. The San Diego Padres are a team that I invested in around the All-Star Break, and they are starting to look like the investment has paid off. They are nine games above .500 and are sitting in second place in the NL West. They won't catch the Dodgers for the division, but if they keep this up, they should make the postseason without too much difficulty. They have been one of the hottest teams in baseball over the past 24 days. Since July 24th, they have gone 17-5. Tonight they look to keep that run alive by sending Walker Buehler to the hill. Buehler has been fine this season with a 7-5 record and a 4.88 ERA. He also has contributed 100 strikeouts and has a 1.43 WHIP. Buehler has struggled on the road with an ERA that is a full run higher than his homework. Buehler is a very frustrating pitcher because there are some stretches where you see just how good he can be — for example, in June he allowed five earned runs in five starts spanning 26.1 innings. Then in July, he allowed 16 earned runs in nine innings of work. He has been in one of his better stretches in August, allowing just five earned runs over 14.1 innings covering three starts. Mets hitters are batting .211 against him over 38 at-bats. The New York Mets are one of the more frustrating teams in baseball. I'm not a Mets fan, but it is hard to make sense of why the team falls apart. If you look at their roster on paper, you have to assume they would be a winning club. I suppose looking at the pitching staff would give you pause, but they've seen success with guys in the rotation in the past. Their stats are not that much worse than the Padres, but in terms of wins, they are 13 games under .500. NEW REPORT SUGGESTS THE NEW YORK METS ARE OPEN TO TRADING FRANCISCO LINDOR AMID DISASTROUS SEASON In order to try and take this series opener from the Padres, the Mets send Nolan McLean to the hill. He has been one of their better pitchers this season with an 8-8 record, 3.42 ERA, and a 1.13 WHIP. He has also struck out 159 hitters in 136.2 innings of work. He has been worse in New York than on the road, with a 4.19 home ERA. He also has allowed double the number of homers. He has been strong over the past month or so. In his past eight starts, he has seven quality outings and allowed more than two earned runs in just two of them. Padres hitters are also batting just .176 against him in 18 at-bats. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM While both of these starters have been inconsistent at times in the season, they both seem to be in decent form at the moment. Neither team is really known for its offense this season, either. The Padres are certainly the hotter team at the moment. Now is the right time to back them. Buehler hasn't been great on the road, or overall, but I think we take the team that is on the hot streak and at plus money. Give me the Padres to win this one. For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8339622c5335ae1047a96d Amazon, once an online bookseller, is destroying rare books to train AI models te 2026-08-17T16:40:02.649Z Amazon, once an online bookseller, is destroying rare books to train AI models Rare books are incredibly valuable for training LLMs, since these models have already trained on whatever's available online. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8337142c5335ae1047a3b2 ICE Boston arrests Brazilian illegal alien wanted for murder days before Gov Healy signed Protect Act te 2026-08-17T16:30:12.327Z ICE Boston arrests Brazilian illegal alien wanted for murder days before Gov Healy signed Protect Act An illegal alien wanted for aggravated murder in Brazil was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Massachusetts just two days before Democrat Gov. Maura Healey signed a law to block certain ICE operations in the state. Maycon Souto Dos Reis, 54, was convicted of aggravated murder in Brazil on Sept. 14, 2024 and sentenced to 14 years and three months in prison, when an arrest warrant was issued. The Brazilian national fled Brazil and crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally in June 2024, where he was apprehended but subsequently released into the United States under then-President Joe Biden's open-border policies, according to ICE. "This is yet another example of what the media often characterizes as a non-criminal, when in reality, many of these individuals are murderers, sexual predators, gang members and more: They simply do not have a criminal record in the United States," acting ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) Boston Field Office Director David Wesling wrote in a statement. DEM GOVERNOR IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER TESTING LIMITS OF AUTHORITY WITH MAJOR MOVE AGAINST ICE "We will continue to pursue these dangerous criminal aliens that sanctuary politicians fight to protect." The timing of the Aug. 3 Boston-area arrest corresponded to Healey's Aug. 5 signing of the PROTECT Act, which keeps ICE out of courthouses, schools, child care centers, hospitals and healthcare facilities, while also providing stronger protections for parents in case they are detained or deported, banning new 287(g) agreements and allowing civil rights claims to be made against government officials, including ICE agents. "The PROTECT Act is the strongest law in the country to protect people from ICE, because no one should be afraid to send their child to school, seek medical care or fear reporting a crime or appearing in court," Healey wrote Aug. 5 in a statement announcing the signing of the new restrictions on ICE operations in her state. "It makes us all less safe. So we are getting ICE out of our courthouses, schools and hospitals. This bill is a testament to the hard work and advocacy of so many people across our state. We’re going to keep working together to make Massachusetts and this country the place we all want it to be." GOP SENATORS RALLY AROUND NEW DHS PROPOSAL TARGETING SANCTUARY CITIES: 'SHOULD PAY A PRICE' Dos Reis initially came to ERO Boston’s attention following his May 29 arrest for unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in Southborough, Massachusetts. ICE officers arrested him Aug. 3 during a targeted operation at Westborough District Court in Westborough. ICE officials said Dos Reis had been living in Massachusetts, which has been at the center of clashes between state and federal officials over immigration enforcement. The agency characterized the jurisdiction as one where local policies can complicate federal efforts to locate and arrest immigration offenders. ICE LODGES DETAINER FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ACCUSED OF TRYING TO DISARM VIRGINIA POLICE OFFICER ICE did not provide additional details about the aggravated murder case in Brazil, including when the killing occurred or the circumstances surrounding Dos Reis’ conviction. He remains in ICE custody pending the outcome of deportation proceedings, the agency said. "DHS’s message is clear: If you come to our country illegally and break our laws, we will find you, arrest you, and you will never return," ICE wrote in a release Monday, hailing President Donald Trump and DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin's actions to protect legal American citizens. "Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the United States." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8334b22c5335ae1047a0a7 Groq raises $350M to fuel its pivot from AI chips to neocloud te 2026-08-17T16:20:02.328Z Groq raises $350M to fuel its pivot from AI chips to neocloud Groq raised $350 million at a $3.5 billion valuation as the former AI chipmaker pivots to a neocloud business and expands its Nvidia-powered data center footprint. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8332612c5335ae1047a07f GIANNO CALDWELL: Florida needs Byron Donalds to protect the DeSantis legacy te 2026-08-17T16:10:09.165Z GIANNO CALDWELL: Florida needs Byron Donalds to protect the DeSantis legacy When COVID hit in March 2020, I was living in Los Angeles. What I saw there changed the course of my life. It became clear almost immediately that local officials in California weren't following the science. They were following the politics. Every decision, every mandate, every shutdown got filtered through one lens: how do we use this crisis to fight back against Trump and Republicans? Californians paid for that calculation. Businesses shuttered. Kids lost years of school. Families lost everything they'd built. I watched it happen in real time. Florida went a different way. Governor Ron DeSantis stood firm. While Dr. Anthony Fauci pushed school closures, vaccine mandates, and business lockdowns, DeSantis said no. He signed executive orders and legislation suspending every local COVID mandate on Florida's citizens and businesses, and put into state law the presumption that schools stay open for in-person instruction. The pressure on him was relentless, from the left and from parts of the right. He didn't fold. THE REAL REASON AMERICANS ARE FLEEING BLUE STATES FOR FLORIDA AND TEXAS That's what made my decision. In May 2020, two months into the LA shutdown, I packed up and moved to Miami. I wasn't the only one. Ken Griffin moved Citadel, his multibillion-dollar firm, from Chicago to Miami. Major CEOs followed. Florida became the place serious people came when they were done waiting for their blue state to show any gravitas at all. I didn't agree with every decision Governor DeSantis made. But his tenure speaks for itself. In 2020, registered Democrats still outnumbered Republicans in Florida. Today, Republicans hold a registration advantage of more than 1.5 million voters, and they've expanded their share in all 67 counties. That didn't happen by accident. That happened because of leadership. Now DeSantis is term-limited, which raises a question that matters enormously, and not just to Floridians. Who carries this forward? I've known Congressman Byron Donalds for several years. I've watched him up close. He's the person Florida needs right now. I say that as the founder of the Caldwell Institute for Public Safety, an organization I built after my innocent teenage brother Christian was murdered in Chicago on June 24, 2022. Public safety isn't an abstraction to me. It's the reason I do this work. And it's the clearest place where Byron has distinguished himself. While the defund the police movement swept the country, Byron didn't equivocate. Carlos Arguelles, president of the Hispanic Police Officers Association of Miami-Dade, put it plainly in endorsing him: "During COVID, when the 'defund the police' movement was gaining momentum, Congressman Donalds stood up for law enforcement and doubled down on putting more boots on the ground. He has never been afraid to stand his ground." The Florida Police Chiefs Association endorsed him too, representing more than 1,300 law enforcement executives, along with a majority of Florida's sheriffs. His Zero Tolerance public safety agenda would mandate full cooperation between state and local agencies and federal immigration authorities at ICE and ban sanctuary policies statewide without exception. That last part is personal for me; Chicago has been a sanctuary city for over 40 years. Nearly 7,000 people have been murdered there in the last decade. I've spent four years asking Chicago's politicians to take that seriously. They haven't. Byron is promising Florida will never become that, and I believe him. ICE ARRESTS ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ILLINOIS TEACHER LINKED TO TREN DE ARAGUA MASS SHOOTING He's also serious about the cost that hits Florida families hardest. Property insurance is the biggest affordability pressure in this state, and Byron says he believes he can bring rates down by as much as 20% by reforming Florida's property insurance regulatory framework. Byron grew up in Brooklyn. He came to Florida for college, graduated from Florida State, and built a career in banking and finance in Southwest Florida. He worked his way from local conservative activism to the Florida State House to Congress, where he's represented Florida's 19th District since 2021. President Trump's endorsement was unambiguous: "Byron Donalds would be a truly Great and Powerful Governor for Florida." House Speaker Mike Johnson called him "a principled conservative leader who Floridians can trust as their next governor." But the endorsement that says the most came this week from an unlikely place. Stephen A. Smith, a lifelong Democrat, said on his SiriusXM show: "I ain't no Republican. But if anybody could make me one, it would be him. He's the real deal. Make no mistake about it. I've seen him battling with Democrats. He ain't backing up. He knows his stuff." CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION When a lifelong Democrat says a Republican is the real deal, people pay attention. Congressman Donalds could bring in a new crop of voters like Stephen A. Smith who've traditionally voted for Democrats but are now concerned their party has gone extremely far left. Look at the rhetoric the Democratic Socialists of America are using. Abolish prisons and police. It's crazy talk that's running away traditional Democrats. What I can tell you from knowing Byron personally is something no endorsement captures. He's a man of strong morals and genuine character. I've seen it for myself. When he speaks he means what he says. In a political environment full of people who say whatever the moment requires, that's rarer than it should be. Florida is ground zero for conservative values in America. The next governor either protects what's been built here or lets it erode. Byron Donalds will protect it. The primary is Tuesday, August 18. If you're a Florida voter, go vote. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8332602c5335ae1047a076 Texas dad faces murder charge after estranged wife found dead at suburban home: Police te 2026-08-17T16:10:08.468Z Texas dad faces murder charge after estranged wife found dead at suburban home: Police A man in Texas was arrested after allegedly murdering his estranged wife while their kids were home, according to police. Jake Bigoni, 37, was taken into custody Wednesday after officers performing a welfare check for his estranged wife, Eliana Bigoni, discovered her dead inside his Plano, Texas, apartment. He was initially booked on a felony abuse of corpse charge before authorities later added a murder charge, police said in a news release. Authorities initiated the welfare check after one of Eliana's friends reported that she had not appeared for a scheduled breakfast at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday and could not be reached, according to an arrest warrant obtained by FOX 4. The friend informed authorities that Jake and Eliana Bigoni were separated and that Eliana had been on her way to pick up their 2 and 5-year-old children. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE The two were in the process of a divorce when Bigoni was found dead. Jake Bigoni's mother later called police, saying her son had phoned her and allegedly said, "I have something to tell you. She's dead. We got in a fight and she's dead." SEND US A TIP Upon arriving at Jake Bigoni's apartment, officers allegedly observed what appeared to be a large blood stain on his shirt, which he said the was the result of cleaning. Eliana Bigoni's body would be found in the trunk of a white Hyundai in the apartment's garage, with officials adding she had major damage to her head and face. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Police said the couple's children were in the apartment during the alleged murder and weren't harmed. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS According to the report, Jake Bigoni allegedly has a history of violent behavior. Jake Bigoni is being held in jail with no bond. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8330092c5335ae1047a028 Russian state economist fired after stark warning about Moscow’s economic future te 2026-08-17T16:00:09.883Z Russian state economist fired after stark warning about Moscow’s economic future A prominent Russian state economist was fired after publicly warning that Moscow is losing an economic "war of attrition" with the West and could eventually face a social crisis, as the European Union prepares a major expansion of sanctions targeting Russia’s military-industrial base. The episode goes beyond an internal Kremlin personnel shake-up. For Washington and its European allies, the central question is whether years of economic pressure are beginning to constrain Moscow’s ability to sustain the war — or whether Russia can continue absorbing the costs while replenishing the resources needed to fight. Andrei Klepach, chief economist at state development bank VEB.RF, was dismissed after remarks in which he said Russia was falling behind technologically and economically and suffering mounting costs from the war in Ukraine, two sources familiar with the matter told Reuters on Aug. 17. RUSSIA’S ‘AMAZON’ IN DEEP-STRIKE UKRAINE BLITZ, WIPING BILLIONS FROM PUTIN-LINKED CEO VEB confirmed to Reuters that Klepach was no longer its chief economist but did not give a reason for his departure. Klepach, who had held the position since 2014 after spending a decade at Russia’s Economy Ministry, also confirmed his dismissal. "We are falling behind. We are losing both the technological and economic competition in the world," Klepach said in a May speech to the Nikitsky Club, a forum of economists, academics and government officials. The remarks were delivered in May but did not draw attention in Russian media until last week. "And we are losing it not only to China and the United States, in some ways we are losing it to Ukraine too," he said, attributing Ukraine’s resilience in part to continued financial backing from the West. "We will not win the competition in this war of attrition," Klepach said. "We have the illusion that everything there [in Ukraine] will collapse. It has not collapsed and will not collapse. Our costs are mounting." Klepach acknowledged that Russia had proved resilient to Western sanctions but warned that Ukrainian attacks on energy and logistics infrastructure were creating additional economic pressure. Reuters noted that Russia’s central bank said in July that economic growth could fall as low as zero this year, while repeated Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries and other facilities have caused supply disruptions and added to inflation risks. BRINGING THE WAR TO PUTIN’S FRONT DOOR: IS UKRAINE’S ENERGY STRIKE STRATEGY WORKING? "Economically we will not collapse, but our lag will continue to grow, with all the resulting consequences," Klepach said, predicting that Russia could face a social crisis "precisely when nobody is particularly expecting it." A European intelligence source told Fox News Digital that Russia’s deeper economic problems should not be confused with immediate financial pressure on Putin. The source said higher oil prices had helped Moscow cover more of its budget deficit and could give the Kremlin additional time before economic constraints begin forcing difficult choices over the war. "It doesn’t solve the fundamental economic problems in Russia, but from a budgetary point of view, Putin is okay actually," the source said. "He’s not under pressure." The source argued that this could delay expectations that deteriorating economic and budget conditions would eventually pressure Putin to end the war, potentially allowing Moscow to continue fighting "another spring" or "another season." The assessment adds a counterpoint to Klepach’s warning: Russia may be losing ground economically over the longer term while still retaining enough near-term revenue to sustain its war effort. The warning comes as the European Union prepares to intensify its economic pressure on Moscow. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told Germany’s Die Welt that she plans to propose what she called the "most far-reaching sanctions listings since the start of the war." Kallas said existing EU sanctions had deprived Russia’s war machine of more than $1.16 trillion, , a figure presented by Kallas and reported by Reuters on Aug. 17. EU diplomatic sources told Reuters that the bloc’s diplomatic service is expected to propose sanctions against approximately 1,600 additional Russian individuals and entities, with a particular focus on the country’s military-industrial complex. 'PURE HELL' IN MOSCOW AS UKRAINIAN DRONES STRIKE MAJOR REFINERY SUPPLYING CAPITAL'S FUEL MARKET The measures are expected to include asset freezes along with travel and transaction bans. Officials plan to present the list to EU governments in early September and aim for adoption in October. Inside Russia, authorities also moved Monday against one of the country’s remaining prominent liberal opposition figures. Lev Shlosberg, deputy chairman of the Yabloko party, was sentenced to 11 years and one month in a penal colony, independent Russian outlet Mediazona reported. Shlosberg was accused of ‘discrediting Russia’s armed forces and spreading false information’ about them. Shlosberg, who described the war during his trial as a catastrophe for Russia, maintained his innocence and said the case against him was political. He also repeated his call for a ceasefire. The sentencing came a week after Russia’s Supreme Court barred Yabloko from participating in next month’s parliamentary election. Meanwhile, attacks continued through the weekend and into Monday. Russian strikes targeted port infrastructure in Ukraine’s Izmail district in the Odesa region overnight, according to Ukrainian authorities. A separate strike damaged a civilian Togo-flagged vessel and injured four people. Across the border, a Ukrainian drone attack killed a woman and struck an industrial facility in Russia’s southern Astrakhan region, the regional governor said. Separately, ArcelorMittal said a Russian missile strike on its Kryvyi Rih steel plant over the weekend killed two employees and injured three employees and contractors, damaging major energy and blast-furnace facilities and partially halting production. Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a832daf2c5335ae10479fec Cursed: All four of the Arizona Cardinals first four draft picks are injured, with two out for the season te 2026-08-17T15:50:07.858Z Cursed: All four of the Arizona Cardinals first four draft picks are injured, with two out for the season The Arizona Cardinals are in rebuild mode (again), with a new head coach and a quiver of promising draft picks, but their roster reconstruction has gone sideways mere weeks into the start of training camp because their top four rookies are all injured. Arizona's first round pick is injured. The second round pick is out for the season. The third round pick is injured. The fourth round pick is out for the season. The Cardinals had seven selections in the April NFL draft. A majority are injured. The Cursedinals. HOUSTON TEXANS STAR PRACTICES IN PADS FOR FIRST TIME IN NEARLY TWO YEARS AFTER 2024 CAREER-THREATENING INJURY The latest of the bad news is that running back Jeremiyah Love, the third player taken in the first round of the draft, is out indefinitely with an ankle injury. And, this isn't just a tweak. Love is likely to miss the remainder of the preseason and his availability for the start of the season is in question. That news comes hours after head coach Mike LaFleur announced that guard Chase Bisontis, the team's second round pick and the 34th player taken in the draft, is going to miss the entire season. LaFleur told reporters over the weekend that Bisontis would be placed on the Injured Reserve list, which by NFL rules means he's automatically out for the entire season when the designation is applied in the preseason. Bisontis suffered an MCL injury in his left knee in last Thursday's preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders. He will require surgery. "He will be out for a good amount of time, if not the whole year," LaFleur said. "Sucks for him. Always think about the player first. Sucks for the Cardinals too. He's a good player, but more importantly, you hate it for the player." The sucking is not stopping for the Cardinals. Quarterback Carson Beck, the team's third-round pick, had a good preseason debut in the Hall of Fame game two weeks ago. He completed 15 of 19 passes with a touchdown pass, suggesting he should be included in the team's competition for the starting quarterback job. But, nope. Beck injured his ribs in the game and has not practiced since. He missed the preseason game against the Raiders as well. LaFleur has been coy about giving the exact status of the injury — whether there was a fracture or there is ligament or other soft tissue damage. He's only offered that Beck has experienced "soreness." But that soreness has left Beck's status uncertain for practice this week and Saturday's preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys. 49ERS QUARTERBACK HOSPITALIZED AFTER STRUGGLING TO BREATHE IN FIRST GAME IN NEARLY 2 YEARS Then there is fourth-round pick Kaleb Proctor, who was placed on preseason IR the first day the club reported for training camp on July 22. Proctor injured a knee during an Organized Team Activity session in June. He reportedly tore his meniscus and has required surgery. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM So Proctor is also out for the year. The only bit of encouraging news out of any of this is that Love and Beck are expected to return at some point. Love suffered a "mild high ankle sprain," per Dr. David Chao, OutKick's medical expert and the founder of Sports Injury Central. Chao said "the hope" is Love can be ready for Week 1 of the regular season, but that is to be determined. The problem with ankle sprains is that coming back too early often leads to re-aggravating the weakened ankle, making the situation worse. This pandemic of injuries to the rookie class is not normal. The Cardinals are the only NFL team that are managing injuries to more than half their draft picks. It's almost as if they're cursed. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a832daf2c5335ae10479fe3 NFL cornerback, 28, retires days after signing with new team te 2026-08-17T15:50:07.195Z NFL cornerback, 28, retires days after signing with new team NFL defensive back Sam Webb appeared to hang up his cleats after playing one preseason game with the New York Giants this season. The Giants placed Webb on the Reserve/Retired List on Sunday, one day after New York lost to the Minnesota Vikings. The Giants signed Webb on Thursday and he only had one practice with the team going into the preseason affair. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Webb, 28, was a standout at Missouri Western State before he turned pro. He joined the Las Vegas Raiders in 2022, playing in 17 games for them and recording 36 tackles with three pass break-ups. He had a stint with the Carolina Panthers in 2023 before re-joining the Raiders in 2024. In his second stint in Las Vegas, Webb played in 11 games and had one tackle. He found himself with the Cleveland Browns in 2025. He played in seven games, had eight tackles and returned a fumble for a touchdown. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Webb played 14 snaps in the Giants’ preseason game against the Vikings. But it appeared it was more than enough for him. He had joined the Giants five days after being released by the Denver Broncos. The Giants are hoping their secondary can turn around after a middle-of-the-road season in 2025. New York was 16th in pass defense with about 214 passing yards allowed per game. The team signed Greg Newsome II to help with that. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a832b5a2c5335ae10479f9f Virginia police seek others who fired shots in Virginia State University shooting that wounded 5 te 2026-08-17T15:40:10.145Z Virginia police seek others who fired shots in Virginia State University shooting that wounded 5 Police are seeking additional people who fired weapons during a shooting at Virginia State University that wounded five, as investigators work to determine whether the other shooters were aggressors or acting in self-defense. The new development came as a 19-year-old suspect, who was not a student, remained jailed without bond and Virginia State University President Makola Abdullah addressed the campus community Sunday evening, saying the investigation was still underway and the university was cooperating with local, state and federal law enforcement. The university said police would maintain an increased presence on campus as the investigation continued. POLICE ANNOUNCE ARREST AFTER 5 WOUNDED IN VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SHOOTING: REPORT Investigators have not said how many other people fired weapons during the shooting or publicly identified those they are seeking. Lt. James Lamb, commander of the Chesterfield County Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit, told The Associated Press that detectives were still working to identify them and determine their roles in the gunfire. "We don’t have specific locations that we are looking [at] yet as we are working on identifying them," Lamb told AP in an email. Virginia State University is a historically Black university located in Ettrick, Virginia, about 24 miles south of the state capital of Richmond. The public university has about 5,700 students and was the first fully state-supported four-year college for Black Americans. The victims ranged in age from 17 to 23 and only one of them — a male, 20, with non‑life‑threatening injuries — was a student at the university, according to police. A non-student male, 21, sustained critical injuries, while a male, 23; a female, 19; and a male, 17, have non‑life‑threatening injuries. TOLEDO POLICE NAME SUSPECT KA NYE TAYLOR IN FESTIVAL SHOOTING THAT INJURED 12, HUNT SECOND GUNMAN The shooting erupted at about 1:30 a.m. Saturday near the university’s Quad Annexes residential area. Virginia State University police and Chesterfield County officers responding to the scene found five people suffering from gunshot wounds outside campus residence halls. The shooting prompted a lockdown that was later lifted after authorities said there was no immediate threat to the campus community. Police later arrested Camron Harris, 19, of Henrico, after officers found him hiding in a closet inside Seward Hall, a campus residence hall, at about 4 p.m. Saturday — more than 14 hours after the shooting and several hours after the lockdown had been lifted. Harris, who police said is not a Virginia State student, faces four counts of malicious wounding and four counts of using a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was being held without bond at the Chesterfield County jail and was due in state court Monday. The 20-year-old Virginia State University student was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and released from the hospital. A 21-year-old man remained in critical condition, while the other victims were expected to recover, according to police and university officials. In his Sunday night message, Abdullah said "the investigation remains ongoing" and thanked university police as well as the other law enforcement agencies assisting in the case. He acknowledged the concern the shooting had caused among parents and families and said student and campus safety remained among the university’s highest priorities. Virginia State remains a "strong and resilient community," his statement concluded. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a832b592c5335ae10479f96 Ilhan Omar staffer shredded for downplaying healthcare CEO’s killing after Luigi Mangione guilty plea te 2026-08-17T15:40:09.498Z Ilhan Omar staffer shredded for downplaying healthcare CEO’s killing after Luigi Mangione guilty plea The operations director for a controversial leftist congresswoman downplayed the killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson after Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty to related charges last week. "You’ll never convince me that Luigi is a villain while everyone in the Epstein files is roaming free," Briana Rose Lee said Friday on X after Mangione pleaded guilty to interstate stalking resulting in death and cyberstalking/use of interstate facilities resulting in death. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., is currently seeking re-election for her fifth term in Congress. Lee's X bio says she does "operations" for the progressive congresswoman. Her LinkedIn profile confirms she has been working for Omar since January 2024, and that she is the former chairwoman of the Minneapolis Democratic-Farm-Labor (DFL) party. "On the morning of Dec. 4, 2024, I shot Mr. Thompson in Manhattan," Mangione told the court during last week's proceedings. "I knew what I was doing." LUIGI MANGIONE PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL COURT TO STALKING AND KILLING UNITEDHEALTHCARE CEO BRIAN THOMPSON Thompson, a husband, father-of-two and the top executive at UnitedHealthcare, was a Minnesota resident who lived in the suburbs of Minneapolis — just outside of Omar's district. He was in New York City for business at the time of his death. Lee faced some backlash for her post. "You know you have sold your soul for your political beliefs when you are supporting an assassin who murdered a Minnesota father in cold blood," one X user said in a reply to the post. "You and many others need to seek help." "This comment perfectly highlights the mental illness plaguing the Democratic Party. Completely ignorant and psychotic," said another. 'THE VIEW' HOSTS CALL OUT CONSPIRACY THEORY THAT SHOOTING WAS STAGED, WARN AGAINST MAKING SHOOTER A MARTYR "Luigi changed nothing about our healthcare system. And he killed an innocent man," wrote a third. Omar's office and campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on her staffer downplaying the killing of a Minnesotan. Other leftists kined Lee in dismissing Mangione's actions, including one well-known podcaster who served as the national press secretary for independent Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders during his short-lived 2020 presidential campaign. "Talking about Luigi as a 'killer' without mentioning the tens of thousands of deaths Brian Thompson was responsible for is manufacturing consent for corporate genocide,'" Briahna Joy Gray wrote on X. "The problem with cops is their selective enforcement of crime. It’s about protecting monied interests. Not you." FORMER HOUSE INTEL LEADER POINTS TO DEM RHETORIC 'ENCOURAGING' VIOLENCE; EIGHTH MAN CHARGED IN UFC TERROR PLOT Gray's post drew the ire of at least one elected Democrat. "Luigi Mangione is a cold-blooded assassin who belongs in prison for the rest of his life," said Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., from his personal X account. "Any civilization that lionizes a cold-blooded murderer has forfeited the right to call itself civilized." In response, Gray referred to Torres as a "baby killing Zionist coward." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a832b552c5335ae10479f7e City of Flagstaff to hold community meeting for JW Powell extension project te 2026-08-17T15:40:05.024Z City of Flagstaff to hold community meeting for JW Powell extension project Scheduled for 5 to 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18 at the Flagstaff Aquaplex (1702 N. Fourth St.), the meeting will allow community members to learn more about the project. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8329012c5335ae10479f50 Andy Beshear calls socialism a 'failed experiment' as poll finds Dems view it more favorably than capitalism te 2026-08-17T15:30:09.400Z Andy Beshear calls socialism a 'failed experiment' as poll finds Dems view it more favorably than capitalism Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called socialism a "failed experiment" on Sunday, addressing a new poll that found socialism was viewed more favorably than capitalism by Democrats. CBS News' Ed O'Keefe asked Beshear about a CBS poll that found 58% of Democrats have a positive view of socialism, compared to just 32% who have a positive view of capitalism. "What I make of it is that people are struggling. They're struggling because the cost of groceries is too high. The cost of gas is too high. It's too hard to see a doctor, and when you do, the cost of that is too high as well. They're not asking for a lot," Beshear said on "Face the Nation." He continued, "And right now, they're seeing a system that doesn't work for them. Now, I believe socialism is a failed experiment, but I do believe that we need to get results for the American people, and I think when you look at Democratic governors, you see those results." CAPITALISM IS ABOUT INCENTIVES. STOPPING THE STUPIDITY OF SOCIALISM IS A BIG INCENTIVE Beshear cited some of his work in Kentucky and said Americans just want to see results. "I think Beshear is right about the frustration, but the rise in support for socialism shouldn’t be mistaken for a sudden ideological conversion," author and psychotherapist Jonathan Alpert told Fox News Digital in a statement about Beshear's comments and the CBS polling. "That frustration creates fertile ground for socialism because socialism offers a very seductive message: The system is rigged, your struggles aren’t your responsibility, and government can make things fair. When people feel stuck or powerless, that can be an appealing promise," Alpert said. "The danger for Democrats is confusing economic frustration with a mandate for socialism. There’s a huge difference between voters saying, 'Capitalism isn’t working for me' and saying, 'I want socialism.' Democrats would be smart to address the first without embracing the second," he continued. O'Keefe asked the Kentucky governor about a big and bold idea he was promoting, noting another portion of the CBS poll that found Democrats want their leaders pushing to make big changes. "Well, I'll give you two because people want you to fix the darn economy, and they want you to fix the darn government. On the economy, it is time for an aspirational investment in housing that can bring down the cost of especially first-time home ownership," he said. Beshear said fixing the government meant outlawing partisan redistricting, "enshrine part of the Voting Rights Act right there in the Constitution" and instituting term limits for Congress and the Supreme Court. "It should also overturn Citizens United, and I think call for direct elections of the president and the vice president. That could actually make things work. A big idea that would, yes, change government, but in a way enshrined in the Constitution where people would know it's going to get better," he added. "I didn't realize you support abolishing the Electoral College. If you're saying direct election of the president and vice president," O'Keefe said. KAMALA HARRIS IS THE 'FAIRLY OBVIOUS' 2028 PRESIDENTIAL FRONTRUNNER, DEMOCRATIC INSIDERS SAY Beshear responded, "Yeah, I've said it a number of times, and it's because in Kentucky we will never see a candidate for president or vice president unless they're from here. Why? Because people just expect that it'll go one way or the other. It's the idea that someone would get elected not just knowing about seven states, but having to earn votes all over the United States. I certainly think it's time." Former Vice President Kamala Harris also recently expressed wanting to change the Electoral College. Both Harris and Beshear are considered potential presidential contenders for the Democratic Party in 2028. However, Beshear said he was still deciding on whether he was planning to run during the interview. The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), Kentucky Republican National Committee and Kentucky Democratic National Committee did not immediately return Fox News Digital's requests for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8329002c5335ae10479f47 Tom Brady says too many NFL players are 'looking for easy ways out' by skipping preseason games te 2026-08-17T15:30:08.686Z Tom Brady says too many NFL players are 'looking for easy ways out' by skipping preseason games Tom Brady has a message for NFL players who would rather spend the preseason safely watching from the sideline. Get in the game. The seven-time Super Bowl champion took a shot at the increasingly common practice of established players sitting out exhibition games after a fan shared an old clip of Brady playing deep into a 2010 New England Patriots preseason game. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Brady reposted the video to his Instagram Story and made his feelings pretty clear. "Preseason… Regular season… I never wanted to be taken off the field. Practice makes perfect," Brady wrote. "Too many people looking for easy ways out these days." The clip came from an Aug. 26, 2010 preseason game against the then-St. Louis Rams, when Brady played through New England's first offensive series of the fourth quarter. He finished 18-of-22 for 273 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions and a perfect 158.0 passer rating. One of those touchdowns was a 65-yard strike to Randy Moss. It’s not like he needed to prove himself worthy of a spot on an NFL roster, either. At this point, Brady already had three Super Bowl rings and two Super Bowl MVP awards. BILL BELICHICK CONFIRMS FEUD WITH TOM BRADY WAS FICTION, PRAISES HIS QUARTERBACK'S LEADERSHIP FROM DAY ONE Of course, there's a perfectly reasonable argument for keeping stars out of meaningless preseason games. The NFL now plays 17 regular-season games, and coaches understandably aren't thrilled about risking the health of multimillion-dollar players in August. Brady, apparently, does not care for that argument. "When you're a football player, and it's football season, your job is to play football," he concluded. Sure, this could be dismissed as a classic "kids these days" moment from a retired quarterback yelling at the younger generation to get off his lawn and work harder. Then again, Brady put his seven Super Bowl rings where his mouth is. So maybe there’s something to it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8328fa2c5335ae10479f27 Supreme Court Again Rejects Trump’s Appeal of $5 Million E. Jean Carroll Payment te 2026-08-17T15:30:02.694Z Supreme Court Again Rejects Trump’s Appeal of $5 Million E. Jean Carroll Payment The court declined President Trump’s long-shot request that it reconsider his appeal. He has separately asked the court to overturn a much larger 2024 award. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8326a92c5335ae10479dd1 GOP freshman firebrand targets global consulting giant over 'plainly illegal' DEI practices te 2026-08-17T15:20:09.763Z GOP freshman firebrand targets global consulting giant over 'plainly illegal' DEI practices A top House GOP firebrand is accusing a multibillion-dollar global corporation of injecting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) into the U.S. economy at a time when Americans are struggling with rising cost of living. Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, who chairs the House Oversight Committee's Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses, is targeting McKinsey & Company in a new probe over DEI reports that he says were "highly influential in American corporations." He's accusing the massive consulting firm of publishing reports that say race- and gender-based hiring practices are beneficial to U.S. companies, which he argues are a violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Meanwhile, Americans are at the mercy of many of the same companies as they grapple with high prices across housing, food, and other areas. GEORGIA GOP GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFUL VOWS TO 'BAN DEI' IN STATE BUT HIS OWN NONPROFIT URGED CEOS TO INVEST IN IT "These McKinsey reports have been highly influential, being cited by publicly traded companies, asset managers, proxy advisory firms, and banking institutions, among others, as cause for embedding illegal racial and sex-based targets into hiring, promotion, executive compensation, and asset manager proxy voting policies," Gill wrote in a letter sent Monday. "With the support of the previous administration, progressive activists cited McKinsey’s reports to push companies, governments, and stock exchanges to implement rules which forced or incentivized illegal corporate racial or gender-based hiring and disclosure policies." Gill also questioned whether the findings of that report were legitimate. "Although in 2024 McKinsey stated that it 'stands by its findings,' other researchers have found zero statistical correlation between a company’s gender and racial diversity and its financial performance," the letter said. "Racial discrimination in the employment context, including under the guise of DEI, has been pervasive despite being plainly illegal for over half a century." LEGAL EXPERT CALLS FOR SMITHSONIAN LEADERSHIP OVERHAUL OVER ‘SELF-LOATHING’ PORTRAYAL OF HISTORY: ‘IT’S BILE’ It comes just after Gill's panel led high-profile hearings into the Smithsonian Institute's teaching of American history, bringing national attention to what Republicans are calling a warped and politicized version of the U.S. Gill accused National Museum of American History director Anthea Hartig of pushing a left-wing ideological agenda rather than facilitating a straightforward education on the country's past. Hertig stood by the museum's teachings, which she called apolitical. In the letter sent Monday, Gill cited a 2026 White House Economic Report that said DEI initiatives cost the U.S. economy roughly $94 billion in 2023. He also pointed out that four reports published by McKinsey between 2015 and 2023 argued that companies with increased racial and gender diversity financially outperformed companies without. NEW YORK TIMES SUED BY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OVER ALLEGED 'DEI-RELATED' EMPLOYMENT DISCRIMINATION "Researchers assessing the McKinsey DEI studies cannot recreate the results and also find that McKinsey likely swapped the cause and effect of its DEI conclusions," Gill wrote. "The Executive Office of the President has identified $94 billion in annual economic costs to the U.S. economy due to promotion of otherwise illegal race and gender-based hiring practices, perhaps in part motivated by the findings of McKinsey’s DEI reports that are partially inaccurate or wholly incorrect." McKinsey's corporate website states, "The business case for gender equality, diversity, and inclusion is strong and growing stronger." The website estimated that the national GDP would go up by $12 trillion if the workforce gender gap is narrowed by 2025, but no update appears to be provided. Another statistic cites $2 billion in additional revenue "if financial inclusion efforts broaden services for black Americans." Fox News Digital reached out to the company for comment on Gill's letter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8326a92c5335ae10479dc8 Pro-life publisher facing demands to retract calling abortion ‘killing’ fires back: ‘The answer is No’ te 2026-08-17T15:20:09.062Z Pro-life publisher facing demands to retract calling abortion ‘killing’ fires back: ‘The answer is No’ EXCLUSIVE: A prominent pro-life organization is refusing demands to remove years of abortion-related reporting and to issue sweeping retractions after attorneys representing 13 abortion-rights advocates accused it of publishing false and defamatory claims about their pregnancies. "The answer is ‘No,’" attorneys for Live Action wrote in a fiery response obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital ahead of its public release Monday. The Thomas More Society, representing Live Action, argues that much of the disputed coverage is constitutionally protected speech, including the organization's use of terms such as "killing" to describe abortion, and signals that it is prepared to defend Live Action in court if the dispute escalates. SUPREME COURT UNANIMOUSLY SLAPS DOWN BLUE STATE TARGETING PRO-LIFE GROUP "Live Action will not cease reporting on abortion," the response says, rejecting demands to delete its archive, publish sweeping retractions or agree to restrictions on future coverage. Peter Breen, executive vice president and head of litigation at Thomas More Society, told Fox News Digital that he believes the dispute raises a fundamental free-speech issue. "The other side's argument is that somehow, by using the word kill or calling abortion killing, that you have a problem that you can create that could then be remedied in court," Breen said. "The issue is every single final court decision to deal with this has previously said that's not defamatory," he added. "It's not legally wrong to call abortion killing." BABYLON BEE SUES NEW MEXICO OFFICIALS OVER LAW REQUIRING AI DISCLAIMERS ON POLITICAL SATIRE Amplify Legal's July 15 cease-and-desist, however, alleges that the dispute goes beyond Live Action's use of terms such as "killing." Amplify, which represents 13 people featured in Live Action coverage, accused the outlet of publishing false factual claims about their pregnancies, fetal diagnoses and medical circumstances and demanded that Live Action remove articles and social media posts and issue a public apology and retractions. Amplify Legal responded Monday, telling Fox News Digital that its objections concern statements it says Live Action made about families facing wanted pregnancies. "Live Action has repeatedly accused grieving families with wanted pregnancies of ‘wanting to kill’ their babies. These statements are both inaccurate and cruel," Amplify Legal said in a statement to Fox News Digital. Asked whether Amplify intends to sue following Live Action's rejection of its demands, the group stopped short of committing to litigation. "As our clients’ lawyers, we will be weighing all of their options," the statement said. SURROGATE GIVES BIRTH IN TEXAS TO BABY WITH HEART DEFECT AFTER PARENTS REQUESTED ABORTIO Among the examples cited by Amplify is Kate Cox, a Texas woman who sought an abortion after her unborn child was diagnosed with Trisomy 18. Amplify says Live Action repeatedly disputed whether the diagnosis meant Cox's daughter was certain to die. Cox, whose case made national headlines after she asked the Texas Supreme Court for permission to obtain an abortion was denied and later left the state to have the procedure, was a guest of former first lady Jill Biden at the 2024 State of the Union Address. Amplify further says Live Action failed to contact its clients or their medical providers for comment before publication. "The lying, bullying, and complete disregard for the truth must end now," Amplify Litigation Director Molly Duane said when announcing the demand in July. "What they are doing is not only cruel — it's illegal." GOP LAWMAKERS URGE SUPREME COURT TO STRENGTHEN FIRST AMENDMENT PROTECTIONS FOR STREET PREACHERS Live Action's attorneys dispute Amplify's allegations, but say the organization remains willing to consider specific factual challenges through its normal editorial corrections process. Courts have previously confronted similar rhetoric in the abortion debate. In a 2023 case cited by the Thomas More Society, the Texas Supreme Court considered statements by an anti-abortion activist who characterized abortion-rights organizations as criminal and equated abortion with murder. The court held that the challenged statements were "protected opinion about abortion law made in pursuit of changing that law," placing them "at the heart of protected speech under the United States and Texas Constitutions." The court also cited a 1988 Illinois appellate decision, Van Duyn v. Smith, rejecting a defamation claim involving a poster that used the term "prenatal killing" to describe abortion. Ilya Shapiro, director of constitutional studies at the Manhattan Institute, told Fox News Digital that he believes Amplify's demand runs headlong into First Amendment protections for political debate. GOP RISING STAR DEMANDS ABORTION ADVOCATE NAME ‘FAVORITE’ METHOD IN HEARING CLASH "Amplify Legal's demand letter is legally frivolous activism," Shapiro said. "One side says ‘abortion is murder.’ The other side says denying women the right to abortion takes us to a dystopian Handmaid's Tale. These are opinions, and opinions by definition aren't defamatory." Shapiro went further, arguing that describing an abortion as "killing" does not become defamatory merely because the terminology is fiercely disputed. "In short, you can't criminalize or make someone civilly liable for the standard give and take of heated political debate," he said. Lila Rose, Live Action founder and president, told Fox News Digital that the organization would not change its language in response to the threatened legal action. "Abortion is an act of killing. It deliberately ends the life of a living human child," Rose said. "Americans have every right to say that openly and forcefully, without fear of being dragged into court for refusing to adopt the deceptive language preferred by abortion activists." Rose said the organization would continue using such language regardless of the legal threat. "Threats will not stop us from calling abortion what it is or from fighting for the right of every child to live," she said. "We will keep fighting, and we will win." The letter warns that Live Action could seek attorneys' fees and sanctions if a lawsuit is filed and directs Amplify and its clients to preserve potentially relevant records and communications. Asked whether the Thomas More Society was effectively telling Amplify and its clients, "Go ahead, sue us," Breen stopped short of inviting a lawsuit, but didn't back away. "Certainly, the courthouse door is open," Breen told Fox News Digital. Breen said the Thomas More Society does not want its clients dragged into litigation, but is confident in Live Action's position. "We're not going to back down from that," he said. "If it comes, we will be very, very well-prepared." Amplify, for its part, told Fox News Digital that it is "weighing all of [its clients'] options." For Breen, the next move belongs to Amplify. "The ball is in the other side's court," he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8326a82c5335ae10479dbf Hayden Panettiere remembered by Viola Davis, Bethany Joy Lenz and other celebrities after sudden death at 36 te 2026-08-17T15:20:08.297Z Hayden Panettiere remembered by Viola Davis, Bethany Joy Lenz and other celebrities after sudden death at 36 Hollywood stars are mourning the death of Hayden Panettiere. Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes," "Nashville" and the "Scream" franchise, died Sunday at 36, her representative confirmed to Fox News Digital. "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen," her father, Skip Panettiere, said in a statement provided to ABC News. HAYDEN PANETTIERE DEAD AT 36 Following news of her death, friends, former co-stars and fellow celebrities shared emotional tributes to the actress on social media. Viola Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 movie "Custody," remembered the actress as an "amazing talent" and reflected on the time they spent working together. HAYDEN PANETTIERE: A LIFE IN PICTURES Davis wrote on Instagram that she and her husband, Julius Tennon, "loved working" with Panettiere, describing her as an "old, wise soul" with a deep heart. The Oscar winner said she wished the world had been given more time with Panettiere and reflected on watching the actress rebuild her life through difficult periods. "You will be remembered," Davis wrote before offering prayers for Panettiere's family and daughter. "One Tree Hill" actress Bethany Joy Lenz shared an emotional tribute to Panettiere, recalling that she had known her since childhood and expressing disbelief over her death. "I’m crushed," Lenz wrote on Instagram. "I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen." Lenz recalled Panettiere running through the halls of Screen Gems Studios as a child, describing her as remarkably perceptive and talented even at a young age. HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS FILMING ‘NASHVILLE’ WAS LIKE LIVING THROUGH ADDICTION TWICE "Her intelligence was astonishing," Lenz wrote. "She understood scenes and nuance and human struggle like no child I’d ever seen on camera." The actress said she and Panettiere remained connected on and off for nearly three decades, comparing their relationship to cousins who would reconnect at family reunions. Although the two repeatedly made plans to get together, Lenz said those meetings never quite happened, and she largely kept up with Panettiere through mutual friends. "I dont understand how this is real," Lenz wrote. "Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life." Lenz also expressed regret over the times she did not reach out and shared her heartbreak for Panettiere’s daughter. "These are moments of how I knew you, in glimpses over 27 years," she wrote alongside photos of them over the years. "I don’t know how to process this. I am praying for you to know the peace of God now and always." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Other celebrities and former co-stars also reacted to Panettiere's death. "Scream VI" co-star Melissa Barrera shared a brief tribute on Instagram Stories, writing, "Rest in peace sweet Hayden." Selma Blair left a series of emotional comments on Panettiere's final Instagram post, pleading, "Don't be gone." David Arquette, who appeared with Panettiere in "Scream 4," also shared his heartbreak, writing on his Instagram Story, "Sending my love to Hayden and her family," he wrote. "She was such a brave and brilliant soul." Rosie O’Donnell shared her shock in a brief Instagram reaction, writing, "Oh my god — heartbroken." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Podcaster Jay Shetty reflected on a friendship with Panettiere that he said had only recently begun. "I can’t believe it," Shetty wrote in a comment on Variety's Instagram. "Our friendship had just begun and I was so moved by the conversation we shared earlier this year. My love and condolences to her family and fans." Panettiere's cause of death has not been publicly announced. Fox News Digital's Stephen Solace and Tracy Wright contributed to this post. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8326a22c5335ae10479d9f Nvidia investing $1.5B in SoftBank data center developer behind OpenAI project te 2026-08-17T15:20:02.556Z Nvidia investing $1.5B in SoftBank data center developer behind OpenAI project Nvidia's investment in SoftBank's data center developer will guarantee its chips power an OpenAI data center. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8324512c5335ae10479d7b California stabbing victim's friend blasts 'failed' justice system over illegal immigrant suspect's release te 2026-08-17T15:10:09.687Z California stabbing victim's friend blasts 'failed' justice system over illegal immigrant suspect's release A friend of a California crime victim who was allegedly fatally stabbed by an illegal immigrant on his front lawn lashed out on Monday, accusing the Golden State's justice system of failing the family while calling for change. "California state law, the judge, judicial system really failed Todd [Stewart] and his family and the community," Victoria, whose last name was withheld, told "Fox & Friends." Victoria's outrage stemmed from a string of developments leading up to the Aug. 6 murder, including the suspect's prior release. DEADLY HOSPITAL STABBING PUTS NEWSOM UNDER PRESSURE OVER ICE DETAINER FIGHT According to records, Marcos Iriarte-Valdez, alternatively identified by DHS as Marcos Valdezusper, entered the U.S. illegally during the George W. Bush administration. He had already faced felony burglary charges stemming from alleged home burglaries in April and was later released under pretrial supervision and home detention. Iriarte-Valdez was arrested again on Aug. 4 on allegations that he violated his home-detention requirements, but a judge ordered his release on his own recognizance the following day and referred him back to electronic monitoring. "Clearly, they were not thinking," Victoria said of the release. "And unfortunately, if a person shows you who they are, not once, not twice, not three times, you need to believe them." On Aug. 6, police said Iriarte-Valdez stabbed and killed Victoria's friend, 68-year-old retiree Todd Stewart, during an apparent burglary attempt at Stewart's Contra Costa County home. BYSTANDER SHOT DEAD AFTER INTERVENING IN FLORIDA MAN, WOMAN'S ROADSIDE FIGHT; MURDER SUSPECT WAS OUT ON BOND A Contra Costa County SWAT team arrested Iriarte-Valdez the following day. His bail was initially set at $1.1 million before a judge later ordered him held without bail after prosecutors charged him in Stewart's death. Victoria said that knowing her friend's death was preventable is "difficult" while pointing to broader issues allowing repeat offenders to remain on the loose. "It's very, very difficult when you know that this was preventable and there are ways and methods and laws that could have kept these people off the streets... but that's just not the way it works right now, which is unfortunate," she said. "Maybe if anyone involved with having this criminal released were to go to the crime scene and see firsthand what he did to Todd and have that play in their mind next time they make a decision to release someone dangerous like that onto the streets, maybe they'll think twice or it will have them change the way things are done, because my friend is going to have that vision of seeing her husband murdered in front of her eyes playing through her head for the rest of her life," she added, referring to Todd's wife, Nadia. Fox News' Charles Creitz and Elaine Mallon contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83244d2c5335ae10479d66 Trump Lashes Out as Preliminary Deal With Iran Expires te 2026-08-17T15:10:05.727Z Trump Lashes Out as Preliminary Deal With Iran Expires President Trump took aim at Oman, a U.S. ally that has been mediating the talks, as efforts to end a war he started have faltered. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83244a2c5335ae10479d54 Terra Industries closes $52M seed round to build defense infrastructure for the Global South te 2026-08-17T15:10:02.552Z Terra Industries closes $52M seed round to build defense infrastructure for the Global South African defense tech company Terra Industries announced an additional $18 million in funding, bringing its seed round to $52 million. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8321fb2c5335ae10479d30 LA teachers patrol for ICE before class as DHS blasts enforcement ‘false narrative’ te 2026-08-17T15:00:11.969Z LA teachers patrol for ICE before class as DHS blasts enforcement ‘false narrative’ Los Angeles teachers are patrolling neighborhoods near schools for ICE agents — a rogue effort the school district disavowed as it ramps up support for immigrant families, while DHS blasts critics for pushing a "false narrative" about enforcement at schools. "We recognize the fear and uncertainty that immigration enforcement activity can create for students, families, and staff," a Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Friday. "Our responsibility is to ensure our schools remain safe, supportive, and welcoming places for every student. We have strengthened communication and coordination with city leaders and municipal partners, increased our presence in impacted communities, and established rapid-response protocols should enforcement activity occur." The spokesperson was responding to a report that teachers were participating in "ICE Patrols" before the school day begins, driving through neighborhoods near schools to search for signs of federal immigration agents. CBS Los Angeles reported on the patrols, joining a ride-along with Los Angeles teacher Lupe Carrasco Cardona and other members of an anti-immigration enforcement group, called Unión del Barrio. When the group spots suspected ICE activity, members document what they see — including photographing license plates — and alert families and others in the community. The patrols are not sanctioned by LAUSD, according to the district, but they come as the nation’s second-largest school system has built its own network of services for families worried about immigration enforcement — including legal referrals, "Know Your Rights" resources, transportation assistance and alternative learning options. LOS ANGELES DODGERS REPORTEDLY DONATE $1.1 MILLION TO PRO-IMMIGRATION GROUPS AFTER 2025 FEDERAL ENFORCEMENT "Tinted windows, that is a red flag. We’re looking for double-parked like this one; that would be a red flag," another teacher riding with Cardona told the outlet. The teachers say their patrols have helped families, with Cardona saying some community members plan their days around the group’s reports. "It's been really beautiful to witness teachers devoting their own personal time to just watching the neighborhood and making sure that it's safe," said United Teachers Los Angeles Chapter Chair Jon Paul Arciniega. "It's been really beneficial." The district provides families with "24/7 access to Know Your Rights resources, legal referrals, mental health services, and a dedicated hotline" through its "We Are One" campaign, said the spokesperson. LAUSD also offers a multilingual Family Preparedness Packet to help families understand their rights and prepare for encounters with immigration officers. GEORGIA ICE SWEEP NABS OVER 700 CRIMINAL ILLEGAL ALIENS, INCLUDING SEX OFFENDERS, CHILD ABUSERS "We do not ask about or share a student's immigration status unless required by law, and we remain committed to maintaining safe zones around our schools," said the spokesperson. The schools also offer access to transportation assistance, alternative learning options through the Virtual Academy and referrals to legal service providers. "ICE is not going to schools to make arrests. If a dangerous or violent illegal criminal alien felon were to flee into a daycare, or a child sex offender is working as an employee, there may be a situation where an arrest is made to protect the safety of the children," a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "This is just another false narrative to try and demonize our brave ICE law enforcement who are facing a 1,300% increase in assaults against them and an 8000% increase in death threats," the DHS spokesperson added. "Under President Trump and Secretary Mullin, ICE is targeting the worst of the worst. Nearly 70% of ICE arrests are of illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the U.S. " TRUMP’S DC LAW-AND-ORDER BLITZ MARKS ONE YEAR WITH EYE-POPPING HAUL OF SUSPECTS ICE amped up operations in Los Angeles last year, with Mayor Karen Bass recently reaffirming her support for immigrant communities, saying, "We will always protect our neighbors, and we continue to stand shoulder to shoulder with immigrant families in LA and everywhere." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8321f52c5335ae10479d09 WordPress.com targets the next generation of web creators with a free student plan te 2026-08-17T15:00:05.255Z WordPress.com targets the next generation of web creators with a free student plan WordPress.com Education lets teachers offer their students free domains, plugin support and professional website-building tools. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a831fa12c5335ae10479cde Lions welcome Italian students te 2026-08-17T14:50:09.883Z Lions welcome Italian students Local scholarship winners honored alongside 2026’s guests from Italy The Sedona-Oak Creek Canyon Lions Club welcomed its two Italian exchange students — Enrico Panicciari and Vincenzo Coppola — who will be exploring the American Southwest for four weeks, on Saturday, Aug. 8. The club also welcomed b Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a831fa02c5335ae10479cbe Reporter's Notebook: Daylight saving time fight puts Senate up against a ticking clock te 2026-08-17T14:50:08.710Z Reporter's Notebook: Daylight saving time fight puts Senate up against a ticking clock The U.S. Senate is on the clock. In a matter of speaking. Or ticking. The House of Representatives approved a bill earlier this year to thrust the nation onto permanent Daylight Saving Time. In other words, the House voted to ditch the twice-a-year ritual of springing forward and falling back. Now it’s up to the Senate to sync up. "Around the country, people are going to be excited because they don’t have to go back and forth," opined Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., one of the biggest advocates of shifting to year-round Daylight Saving Time. Under this temporal regime, Florida and many southern states would benefit from "more" sun later in the afternoon and evening in the winter. HOUSE PASSES DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME REFORM AS TRUMP SIGNALS SUPPORT FOR ENDING CLOCK CHANGE Scott isn’t the only one who says time should expire for Daylight Saving Time. "People are sick and tired of having to change their clocks twice a year. It is foolish, inconvenient and, in some cases, very costly. For Cities and States with Watchtowers, and hard to reach places, it costs Millions of Dollars," declared President Donald Trump in a post on his social media site Truth Social. It’s unclear whether Trump was trying to reach voters with allegiances to Jimi Hendrix or Bob Dylan when writing about "Watchtowers." But if the President has his way, the times won’t be "A Changin’," later this fall. We’d be welded to Daylight Saving Time. President Trump continued. "This is an issue that Republicans, Democrats, and Independents can unite behind. I am asking Republican Senators to release their holds, and allow the hotline to clear on the Republican side. LET’S PASS THE SUNSHINE PROTECTION ACT, ASAP," he wrote. Let’s dial things back a bit here and dissect the title of this bill: "The Sunshine Protection Act." First of all, there is a finite amount of sunshine available, period. Any time of the year. Bellingham, Wash. scores only about eight-and-a-half hours of sunlight around the winter solstice in December. And whether we’re on Daylight Saving Time or Standard Time, the sheer amount of sun doesn’t change. The only thing that differs is at what time Bellingham gets that sun. Under Standard Time (following the autumn clock shift) the earliest the sun sets in Bellingham is 4:13 p.m. in mid-December. But under permanent Daylight Saving Time, you can sing good day, sunshine at 3:13 p.m.. The problem is that the sun goes down really early in northern states in the winter under year-round Daylight Saving Time. But southern states — like Florida — benefit. The reason Congress even bothers with this issue is because Article I, Section 8 of the Constitution grants the House and Senate authority to establish the "Standard of Weights and Measures." So all Congress is doing is determining a temporal regimen. In short, if Congress says it’s 3 o’clock, it’s 3 o’clock. But if we fall back in November, then 3 o’clock is really 2 o’clock. However, leave it to Congress to create the illusion that it is safeguarding something for the voters, such as "protecting" sunshine. Or, giving everyone an "extra hour" in the winter. It’s just saying that everything would start earlier. That’s all. TRUMP URGES SENATE TO PASS BILL MAKING DAYLIGHT SAVING TIME PERMANENT AFTER OVERWHELMING HOUSE VOTE Regardless, the push to embrace Daylight Saving Time isn’t partisan. "People across New Mexico and across so many parts of the country don't want to be changing those clocks day after day," said Sen. Ben Ray Luján, D-N.M. Luján survived a stroke several years ago. He believes that a singular time, year-round, would provide health benefits. "I can speak to it from the perspective of all the neurologists that I've spoken to as well. There are more and more health concerns with moving that time change back and forth," said Lujan. And Daylight Saving Time advocates say passing the Sunshine Protection Act is more pressing than you think. "You know, that might be more important to my people back home than the SAVE America Act," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. That’s a reference to the touchstone of the president’s legislative agenda which is stymied in the Senate. The SAVE America Act would require proof of citizenship in order for people to vote. But there are detractors. We heard from southern lawmakers. But many in New England fret about how little sunlight they score in the winter anyway. "You want your kid standing out on the bus stop in the dark at 10 am?" asked Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt. That’s an overstatement. The latest the sun comes up anywhere in Vermont in late December is 7:28 a.m. But shift that to permanent Daylight Saving Time and you’re still in the dark until 8:28 a.m. But you get the idea. And there’s no consensus from residents of states which are split by two time zones. A staggering 14 states feature two time zones: Alaska, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee and Texas. Eastern Time and Central Time cleaves Indiana. "Hoosiers care a lot about time," said Sen. Todd Young, R-Ind. "They also have fundamental disagreements within the state, about what time it is or should be at any given moment." And there’s the old adage that those who don’t learn from history are doomed to repeat it. This potential toggling of the time worries Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas – who represents one of the states which falls within two time zones. HARRIS BECOMES ACCIDENTAL SAVE ACT ‘SALESWOMAN’ AS TRUMP ATTACK SPECTACULARLY BACKFIRES "Didn't we do this once before?" asked Cornyn. "In the ‘70s," I told Cornyn. "And we reversed it in six months." "Yeah, well that should be a cautionary tale," observed the Texas senator. The U.S. faced an oil shock thanks to an embargo by OPEC in the early 1970s. President Richard Nixon – and many in Congress – believed they could "save energy" by moving the U.S. to year-round Daylight Saving Time. Congress approved the move in late 1973. But the decision proved so unpopular that future Senate Majority Leader Bob Dole, R-Kan., prepped a bill to undo the time change. People abhorred having less sunlight in the morning. The bill passed in August, 1974. Interestingly, had Nixon not resigned in August 1974 due to Watergate, it’s possible he would have fought the whiplash time change. In other words, if you want to blame someone for why we switch our clocks twice a year, we’ve found your culprit: Deep Throat. It was the Senate which okayed a bill to nix the biannual time change in 2022. But the House never acted. Now the House has acted. The President is engaged. But it’s up to the Senate. The Senate must take action by the end of this Congress. Time is running out. And they can’t change the clocks for that. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a831f9f2c5335ae10479cb5 Tupac Shakur murder trial kicks off as Duane 'Keffe D' Davis faces jury nearly three decades after shooting te 2026-08-17T14:50:07.965Z Tupac Shakur murder trial kicks off as Duane 'Keffe D' Davis faces jury nearly three decades after shooting Opening statements are scheduled to kick off later today in the murder trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who is charged in connection with the 1996 murder of hip-hop legend Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas. Davis, 63, is not accused of pulling the trigger, but prosecutors allege he was in a white Cadillac with three other individuals during a drive-by shooting targeting Shakur and former music mogul Marion "Suge" Knight, who survived the attack and is currently in a California prison for an unrelated case. Davis allegedly detailed the shooting during a 2008 interview with detectives and in a 2019 book, "Compton Street Legend: Notorious Keffe D's Street-Level Accounts of Tupac and Biggie Murders, Death Row Origins, Suge Knight, Puffy Combs, and Crooked Cops." TUPAC SHAKUR MURDER SUSPECT TAKES CENTER STAGE AT TRIAL NEARLY 30 YEARS AFTER SHOOTING SHOCKED MUSIC WORLD In promotional material for the book on Amazon, Davis is described as a "former shot caller for the Southside Compton Crips and Kingpin of a Compton based drug operation," as well as "one of the only living witnesses to the 1996 slaying of rapper Tupac Shakur." Davis was a confidential informant for the Los Angeles Police Department during the 2008 interview, however the judge agreed with prosecutors that his remarks should be allowed at trial because of the public statements in the book. The defense has argued that Davis embellished and fictionalized claims in the book and challenged the admissibility of statements from the 2008 interview. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE Knight, another living witness, has said in recent interviews that he doesn't intend to cooperate if called to testify. His name appears on the prosecution witness list. He has not responded to messages from Fox News Digital. GOT A TIP? The assailants struck Shakur four times on Sept. 7, 1996, while he was in a BMW alongside Knight on the Las Vegas strip. He died from his injuries six days later at 25 years old. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Three other men believed to have been in the Cadillac with Davis that night have since died. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Hours before the shooting, Shakur, Knight and others were involved in a fight at the MGM Grand with Orlando "Baby Lane" Anderson, Davis’ nephew and a member of the South Side Compton Crips. The other two were Deandrae "Freaky" Smith and Terry "Bubble Up" Brown. Fox News' Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a831f9e2c5335ae10479ca8 GOP appeals election measure ballot description to Arizona Supreme Court te 2026-08-17T14:50:06.748Z GOP appeals election measure ballot description to Arizona Supreme Court (Photo by Jim Small/Arizona Mirror) A law firm linked to President Donald Trump says that the Democratic Arizona Secretary of State’s description of a Republican ballot proposition that would make sweeping election changes is illegal, and wants the state’s highest court to order him to change it.  Representing three voters who supported Proposition 144 during the legislative process, America First Legal asked the Arizona Supreme Court on Friday to take up the case, two days after Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Adele Ponce dismissed it.  Arguing on behalf of America First Legal, attorney James Rogers wrote in the petition to the high court that Ponce made legal errors in her decision that “are an abuse of discretion and leave in place official action exceeding the authority granted” by state law. GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE The America First Legal Foundation was created by White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller, an architect of Project 2025 and one of President Donald Trump’s closest advisors. Rogers contends that the description of Prop. 144 set to appear on the November ballot, which Fontes’ office wrote, leaves out some of the most important provisions of the measure. Additionally, Rogers says that descriptions of what a “yes” or “no” vote would do, also written by Fontes, include “unresolved assumptions.”  Prop. 144, also known as the “Fast Accurate Secure Transparent Election Results Act,” was one of five controversial last-minute ballot referrals that the Republicans who control the Arizona Legislature approved along party lines in a marathon night of voting on the last day of the annual legislative session in June. Written by state Rep. Alexander Kolodin, a Scottsdale Republican who is running against Fontes for secretary of state, the proposition would prohibit foreign nationals from spending money to influence elections, require every voter to show government identification before casting a ballot in every election and require all polling locations to provide on-site tabulation of ballots for voters who want it. Kolodin is an attorney and election denier who was sanctioned by the Arizona State Bar in 2023 for his part in lawsuits challenging the 2020 election that made implausible and evidence-free claims of massive election fraud. He represented Trump’s campaign in the so-called “kraken” lawsuit in Arizona that was based on claims made by people with no actual knowledge of the elections. The description of Prop. 144 to be printed on November ballots reads: “Requires all voters, including voters who vote by mail, to show government-issued ID to vote in each election; makes other changes to election administration and campaign finance prohibitions.” America First Legal Foundation’s chief complaint with Fontes’ description is its failure to mention that Prop. 144 would bake into the state constitution that “only citizens may register and vote in Arizona elections,” as well as that elections “shall be decided solely by the votes of eligible citizen voters.” Arizona voters in 2004 approved a state law to require proof of citizenship when a person registers to vote and ban non-citizen voting, occurrences of which are exceedingly rare. Because it was voter-approved, that law is protected by a constitutional provision barring lawmakers from repealing or weakening it. “The title uses twenty-eight words,” Rogers wrote. “It does not mention citizenship, prohibitions on foreign funding to influence elections, or guaranteed on-site tabulation.” Ballot measure title descriptions are capped at 50 words.  Fontes argued in the trial court that Prop. 144’s backers want to force their preferred campaign arguments into the ballot description. “Plaintiffs seek to wrest control over the Ballot Language from two officials directly accountable to Arizona voters at the last minute, and instead allow themselves — three random individuals who are accountable to no one and have a one-sided position on this measure — to write the Ballot Language,” Fontes argued to the lower court. “This does not comport with Arizona law, and is entirely unworkable.” The lower court ultimately agreed with Fontes’ argument that the “Ballot Language is not false or clearly misleading, nor does it mislead via omission. It covers the principal provisions of Prop 144, and the ‘essential change in existing law’ this measure would cause.” Rogers argued that Fontes didn’t have the discretion to focus the description on changes the ballot measure would make that aren’t already requirements of state or federal law.  “(T)he descriptive title must summarize principal provisions, not merely novel provisions,” Rogers wrote.  The America First Legal Foundation argued that Fontes editorialized in the ballot description of what a “yes” vote would mean when he wrote that it would “create a new standard for judicial review of election laws under the Arizona Constitution, which may make it harder to challenge election laws.” Rogers says that because law regarding whether the measure would make challenging election laws more difficult wasn’t settled, it shouldn’t be mentioned on the ballot.  “No court has decided those issues,” he wrote. “Reasonable lawyers may debate them. The debate is precisely why the conclusion does not belong in the State’s official wording.” Rogers also took issue with “yes” vote language that described the prohibition on spending by foreign nationals as “similar to prohibitions that already exist in federal law.” America First Legal argued that the trial court erred in its decision to allow such language because Fontes’ descriptions “can reasonably be regarded as an attempt to provide necessary and appropriate information to the voting public.”  But Rogers wrote that the description did not meet Fontes’ legal responsibility when drafting ballot language.  “The duty is not merely to draft and publish some language; it is to draft and publish language possessing the content the Legislature mandated,” Rogers wrote. “Performing the shell of a statutory task while violating its substantive requirements is nonperformance, not protected discretion.” America First Legal also argued that the lower court improperly ruled that the three supporters of Prop. 144 didn’t have enough of a specific stake in the ballot measure to bring their lawsuit.  In arguments to the lower court, Fontes described the supporters as “three random individuals” who had no more interest in the ballot language than any other voter, precluding them from bringing a lawsuit based on potential harms specific to them.  Because the three supporters formally registered their support for the ballot measure in the Arizona Legislature’s system, which is publicly viewable, Rogers contends that a misleading ballot description would harm them specifically.  “The result is a government-created distortion of Petitioners’ own recorded position: anyone who compares the (legislative system) record with the State’s ballot materials is invited to understand Petitioners as supporting the measure as Respondents have described it, rather than the text Petitioners actually endorsed,” Rogers wrote.  He added that the reportedly inaccurate ballot description distorts what the supporters were actually backing when they signed in official support of Prop. 144.  “Respondents’ subsequent use of an official description that suppresses principal provisions and substitutes disputed commentary devalues the concrete governmental participation Petitioners already undertook: the proposal presented to voters through the State’s most authoritative description is materially different from the proposal Petitioners placed their names behind during the legislative process,” Rogers wrote.  But in that argument America First Legal fails to acknowledge that the version of Prop. 144, then known as House Concurrent Resolution 2001, that passed the legislature in June underwent significant edits since they formally endorsed it in late 2025 and early 2026.  The version that the three supporters endorsed would have completely eliminated the state’s active early voter list that automatically sends ballots to voters and cut off early ballot drop offs the Friday before an election, both provisions that were removed from the final version of the proposition. The Supreme Court must rule on the case by Aug. 20 so that ballot printing can begin on Aug. 21. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a831af02c5335ae10479c2a Scottie Scheffler terrorizes Memphis, Rory McIlroy completely mails it in, and Jordan Spieth is done te 2026-08-17T14:30:08.152Z Scottie Scheffler terrorizes Memphis, Rory McIlroy completely mails it in, and Jordan Spieth is done It turns out Scottie Scheffler still remembers how to win a golf tournament. The No. 1 player in the world did No. 1 player in the world things in Memphis to not only pick up his first win since January, but also lapped the field to the tune of an eight-shot victory. It was the first 'boring' Sunday we've had on the PGA Tour in quite some time, which is the easiest tell that Scheffler was operating at a different level than everyone else. Rory McIlroy was also in Memphis. He didn't want to be there and made that widely known before Thursday's opening round, yet the mailing it in we saw from the six-time major champion was embarrassing. Yes, future Hall of Famers have bad weeks, but posting 8-over and finishing 25 shots behind the winner deserves criticism. Meanwhile, Jordan Spieth's season is done. He sure made things fun on Thursday at the FedEx St. Jude Championship, but his inconsistencies this season finally caught up to him ahead of the penultimate event on the calendar. Welcome to Par Talk, a weekly read to get you caught up on all the happenings that took place in professional golf that you need to know. You can follow Mark on X @itismarkharris and email him at mark.harris@outkick.com. We humans are reactive, and we also love building narratives, but the one many built about Scottie Scheffler in 2026 will be looked at as perhaps one of the most forced of the modern era. JON RAHM'S REPORTED EXIT FROM LIV GOLF WOULD POSE DEVASTATION TO BREAKAWAY CIRCUIT AMID UNCERTAINTIES For months now, the question of 'What's wrong with Scottie?' has been asked – sometimes legitimately and sometimes tongue-in-cheek – given that his ball-striking took a dip statistically and it felt as if he was allergic to finding the winner's circle. In the grand scheme of things, we lost the very simple plot along the way that winning golf tournaments is hard, even for the best player on Earth. With how easy Scheffler made things look in Memphis, however, the golf world as a whole needs to agree to kill the narrative that something is wrong Scottie. Yes, it's just his second win in 2026, but it was by eight shots in a FedEx Cup Playoff event, and when you couple it with his season resume, he's doing far more right than wrong. Entering the week, Scheffler had his AmEx victory in January, five second-place finishes, two third-place finishes, and a total of 11 Top 10s in 17 starts. While expectations are rightfully as high as possible, and without winning a major in 2026, the knee-jerk reaction of calling it a disappointing campaign is only natural (and maybe even a little fair), but his FedEx St. Jude Championship victory kills the narrative of something being wrong. Scheffler began Sunday's final round in Memphis with a two-shot advantage, and while there was hope for a fun battle between him and Burns in the final pairing, things turned into a snooze after just a handful of holes. Outside of a bogey on the Par 5 third hole, it was clinical from Scheffler on Sunday. Simply one of those days where a 'bad swing' resulted in him missing his target by a few feet. One blemish on Scheffler's Sunday scorecard to go along with five birdies while finishing the week leading the field in strokes gained: putting. That last statistic is a horrifying one for every player hoping to win the FedEx Cup in two weeks' time. Rory McIlroy was not the only player who teed it up at TPC Southwind who wanted to be anywhere but Memphis in mid-August, competing in 100-degree heat. Rory McIlroy is, however, seen by most as the face of the PGA Tour, and playing in the PGA Tour's three playoff events to close out the year seems like something someone in that position should show an ounce of excitement for, but that wasn't the case for McIlroy. It was assumed that McIlroy was going to skip out on Memphis, which he could easily afford to do both financially and from a FedEx Cup points perspective, yet he was a late addition to the field. Upon his arrival, he spoke of the "importance" of being there, which is a complete change in tune from the man who didn't bother teeing it up in the event last season. "So this is a good week -- obviously I want to play well, but it's also a good week to just see where my game is, do a lot of practice, or as much as I can in the heat," McIlroy told the media prior to the first round on Thursday. "Yeah, I think it's important to be here. It's the TOUR's playoffs, and I think it's important for all the players to be here. I've had some good conversations with Brian Rolapp over the last couple weeks. Yeah, I think it's important for me to be here and show support and looking forward to teeing it up." It was suddenly important for McIlroy to play in the first playoff event after some "good conversations" with the PGA Tour CEO? Got it. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Obviously, Rolapp got to McIlroy, which is a nice win for Rolapp and the Tour, but there is also the fact that he basically admitted this was going to be more or less a practice week for him, and he was not lying. McIlroy beat just two players in the 69-man field and did not post a round under par across four days as a player who was very much going through the motions at a track he wanted no part of. It's worth noting, too, that he has three Top 7 finishes at TPC Southwind in his career, so it's not like this is a place he's had zero success at, but one he wanted to treat as a warm-up for the final two playoff events. "Obviously didn't come in here with a ton of reps, almost felt like the more the week went on, the more I felt lost with my golf swing a little bit," McIlroy said following Sunday's final round. I figured it out a little bit the last few holes today, I think. Yeah, I just sort of -- yeah, swing wasn't in sync and obviously didn't do a ton of practice coming in here. "I guess nice to shake the rust off a little bit, but I'm going to have to work pretty hard between now and next Thursday to feel like I have any sort of golf game to compete next week." You can respect the honesty from McIlroy, but his admission of not practicing prior to the tournament and finishing 25 shots behind the winner isn't necessarily the ringing endorsement for the Tour or the fans in Memphis. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Sidenote: McIlroy has only made eight non-major starts this season, which is not enough to qualify him to have an official stat profile with the Tour in 2026. Sometimes you have to do things you don't want to do. That's a sentence I tell my toddler a few times a day, and it applies here, too. Man, that was a fun Thursday. Jordan Spieth fired a 65 in the opening round of the FedEx St. Jude to grab a share of the lead. The round included wayward tee shots, a port-a-potty appearance, and over 122 feet of putts made. It only turned out to be a tease, however, as he ultimately finished T-19, which put him 52nd in the FedEx Cup standings to miss out on the BMW Championship. Spieth was the only player of the 70 who qualified for the FedEx St. Jude without a single Top 10 finish on the year. It was always bound to catch up to him, but at least he gave us a day of hope on Thursday before having the final two weeks of the season decided for him. It's been over four years since Spieth's last win on the PGA Tour, and 11 years since he hoisted the FedEx Cup. If that doesn't make you feel old, I'm not sure what can. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8318962c5335ae104795f4 ‘Duck Dynasty’ stars Jep and Jessica Robertson say ‘a lot of prayer’ led them to leave Louisiana for Texas te 2026-08-17T14:20:06.452Z ‘Duck Dynasty’ stars Jep and Jessica Robertson say ‘a lot of prayer’ led them to leave Louisiana for Texas Jep and Jessica Robertson said they did a lot of praying before they made the decision to move their family from their roots in Louisiana for a new life in North Texas. "It was a lot of prayer, a lot to talking to our friends, but, you know, we love it out here," Jep Robertson told Fox News Digital. The couple will share their journey on their new Great American Media series "Jep & Jess: Beyond the Bayou," which will stream exclusively on Great American Pure Flix every Thursday starting Aug. 13. It will also be available on Great American Family and GFAM+ starting Saturday, Aug. 15 at 9 p.m. ‘SOPRANOS’ STAR JAMIE-LYNN SIGLER FLED HOLLYWOOD FOR TEXAS WHERE SHE NO LONGER FEELS ‘WATCHED’ "And actually, in this part of Texas where the ranch is, when I was a kid, I used to come out here with my dad from about 12 years old to about 16, 17, Jep explained. "Actually, my first kind of decent buck was killed in Texas not far from this ranch we’re filming the show on, and so I love this area of Texas." He said it felt like "God is just like ‘All right, guys, you know, you should try this,’ and we're like ‘OK, we'll try.'" The show follows the couple as they leave "behind the Louisiana bayous that first made them household names," to build a "new life in Texas, transforming Comanche Moon Ranch into a thriving community rooted in craftsmanship, hospitality, and legacy," according to the description of the show on Great American Family’s website. "Along the way, viewers will witness the joys and challenges of creating a place where neighbors become family, love grows deeper, and every project serves a greater purpose." WATCH HERE: ‘DUCK DYNASTY’ STARS ON BIG MOVE AWAY FROM LOUISIANA: ‘WE LOVE IT OUT HERE’ Jep noted that it has been a few years since they had been on TV, "So our family has definitely gotten a lot bigger." COUNTRY STAR TYLER HUBBARD SAYS ‘THE CHOSEN’ BROUGHT THE BIBLE TO LIFE FOR HIS FAMILY "Beyond the Bayou" will also give fans a more "in-depth" look at them, Jep said, adding that it will be "faith-forward." The first episodes, he said, show them talking to their Bible study group about "coming out here and kind of doing this whole project, and which was really cool because what most people don't know is like we didn't tell them. We were just meeting with our Bible group, and then, you know, we talked about kind of what was going on, so it's very authentic, which I thought was really cool." Jep and Jess, who are now grandparents, have been married for nearly 25 years. And while they have a strong marriage, they admit it wasn’t always easy. "I always say, the first seven, eight years were really tough being married," Jep admitted. "I was just like, man, I can't do this. WATCH HERE: ‘DUCK DYNASTY’ STAR JEP ROBERTSON SAYS NEW REALITY SERIES WILL GIVE ‘IN-DEPTH’ ‘FAITH-FORWARD’ LOOK AT THEIR LIVES JESSIE JAMES DECKER ON WHY HER MARRIAGE TO ERIC DECKER HASN'T LOST ITS SPARK AFTER FOUR KIDS The couple, however, had "so many amazing people in our lives," he said, adding that his oldest brother Alan and his wife really helped them navigate their early years as a couple. "And so, I think it's a testament to God and the people he's put in our life, you know, just not giving up," he confessed. "When people ask me about marriage advice --- it'll be 25 years in October --- and I'm like, ‘Man, I would just say, don't give up.’ I mean, that's the main thing is don't give up." It took them years, he said, but eventually they got on the "same team." "It's OK if you make a mistake. It's like, ‘Oh, I screwed up here and you just forget and move on," he said. But it takes time and wisdom to learn these things." LORENZO LAMAS FINDS HAPPINESS WITH HEATHER LOCKLEAR AFTER YEARS OF 'TRIAL AND ERROR' Jess added that "so many people say the first year of marriage is hard, but I always say the first seven because we were super young." The pair met in February, started dating in June and were married by October, "so, we really got to know each other once we were married. And I say the only reason why we're still married is because we love the Lord more than we love, you know, each other. And I think when you're always pointing to him, all the things, all the hurts, all the disappointments, any little, you know comparing you to him, my father and you to my mom, all those things, it makes it OK because you're not looking for that anymore." WATCH HERE: ‘DUCK DYNASTY' STAR JESS ROBERTSON SAYS SHE AND JEP ARE STILL TOGETHER BECAUSE THEY LOVE GOD MORE THAN EACH OTHER She added, "And I think once, like he said, we got on the same team, we knew each other, we were on the team, I know he loves the Lord, I know he has a good heart, and so all the little things that happen, I can let it go, right?" And as they build the ranch, where the public can visit, Jess said she thinks people are looking for a simpler, more community-oriented life. 'MASTERCHEF' FINALIST SAYS BUSY FAMILIES ARE LOSING SOMETHING MORE IMPORTANT THAN HOME-COOKED MEALS "I've noticed like more girls, younger girls wanting to sew and learn to sew and being very creative, learning how to, you know, raise chickens and can tomatoes and make jams," she said, adding that it was encouraging to her to see younger women wanting to learn skills that meant a lot to her growing up that she learned from her grandparents. "So, I think that that's definitely what people want," she continued. "And even if you don't have that," "Beyond the Bayou" is "a show they can watch, and it's actually some place you can actually come and experience. You don't have to actually own it, and you know live this daily. You can actually get away and have this reconnect with your family, with your friend group, family reunions." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8311912c5335ae104791c7 US awards Raytheon $22.9B Tomahawk deal as Trump dismisses weapons stockpile concerns te 2026-08-17T13:50:09.068Z US awards Raytheon $22.9B Tomahawk deal as Trump dismisses weapons stockpile concerns The Department of War announced Monday that the U.S. Navy has awarded Raytheon, an RTX business, a $22.9 billion contract to accelerate production of Tomahawk missiles, as the Pentagon moves to expand the nation’s munitions capacity and replenish critical long-range strike weapons. The news came after President Donald Trump pushed back on concerns over the strain the Iran conflict might be placing on U.S. weapons stockpiles. "What we’ve used is peanuts," Trump told Fox News’ Trey Yingst in an exclusive phone interview earlier Monday. "We have a lot of mid-level weapons." PENTAGON RACES TO BUY 10X MORE MISSILES AS IRAN WAR DWINDLES ARSENAL, THREATENS READINESS FOR CHINA AGGRESSION The massive Tomahawk award is intended to give RTX the stability needed to expand its workforce, increase manufacturing output and strengthen supply chains while speeding deliveries of the long-range cruise missile to U.S. forces, according to the department. "The Department called upon industry to expand munitions production, and RTX has answered that call," Under Secretary of War for Acquisition and Sustainment Michael Duffey wrote in a statement. "This Tomahawk award increases our ability to equip the Joint Force, ensuring our Warfighters never face a fair fight." Pentagon officials have increasingly focused on expanding the U.S. defense industrial base and shortening the time required to produce key weapons as military operations and heightened global tensions put renewed attention on the size and resilience of American weapons stockpiles. "Guaranteeing our naval and joint forces have the lethal firepower they need to deter aggression and protect the homeland is paramount," acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao wrote in a statement. "This landmark $22.9 billion investment will accelerate Tomahawk missile delivery to our warfighters at unprecedented speed. TIM SHEEHY EXPOSES A 'SCARY' SHIPBUILDING COLLAPSE THAT LEAVES THE US VULNERABLE TO CHINA "By working closely with industry to expand our munitions industrial base’s capacity, the Department is utilizing every available tool to meet the demands of our current operations, ensuring they are equipped to fight, win, and come home safe."  The Navy said the agreement also supports the Department of War’s Acquisition Transformation Strategy, which is aimed at accelerating weapons deliveries and reducing procurement lead times. The Tomahawk is one of the U.S. military’s primary long-range strike weapons and can be launched from Navy ships and submarines against targets hundreds of miles away. The Navy’s Portfolio Acquisition Executive Munitions oversees procurement and delivery of the service’s munitions and strike capabilities and is working to coordinate weapons programs with the industrial base to expand production capacity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a830f382c5335ae1047918c Why WWE legend Dawn Marie is heading to OnlyFans at 55 te 2026-08-17T13:40:08.158Z Why WWE legend Dawn Marie is heading to OnlyFans at 55 Most pro wrestling fans who went to an Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) show in the mid-1990s or tuned into WWE programming in the early 2000s would have likely seen Dawn Marie at ringside accompanying a champion or having feuds with other divas on-screen. Marie announced a new endeavor last week when she told her followers she would be joining OnlyFans to give fans the opportunity to see her up close and personal. The 55-year-old New Jersey native, who is now making her living as a nurse, made clear in a recent interview with Fox News Digital she won’t be doing nudes or any kind of crazy collaborations. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL "It's going to be fun. It's going to be flirty," she said. "We're not doing nudes, which I made that very clear. Just going to be Dawn Marie." Marie explained she suffered many injuries while being in the ring, taking bumps from her fellow wrestlers. She said neck injuries, specifically, have made her job as a nurse tough and that joining OnlyFans was a way to think about her children’s futures as a single mom. "I have a lot of residual issues also from being a nurse from wrestling. I choose not to be what I see on a daily basis – people my age in beds and never getting back up. It's scary. And the only difference is it happened to them and not me," she said. "These are the things that go through my head. You know, as we get older, we start thinking about these things, right? So, it just made sense. It just made sense to prepare. "And heck, if I'm able to nurse and continue to nurse and figure it out and not need the extra dollars ... Well, I guess my kids are going to have a great time after I'm gone. … I would love nothing more than to be able to, as a single mom, have my kids finish school and not have a college debt." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Marie also said she’s back doing appearances, which is forcing her to take better care of herself. She said, "Why not?" take the next step and try out OnlyFans. "I’m not trying to be the Dawn Marie of 20 years ago," she said. "I’m trying to be the Dawn Marie that’s 55 and embracing it and enjoying being what I am and what I am now. I think women are beautiful at every age." Furthermore, Marie made clear that doing OnlyFans "wasn’t about the big money grab." "This is just preparing a little extra something for my future – just in case." Marie jumped into pro wrestling in 1995, making her debut at an independent show in New Jersey managing Tony Atlas in his match against Jimmy Snuka. She would work her way up and down the East Coast before getting into ECW and later WWE (then called the World Wrestling Federation). She departed WWE in 2005 and appeared in a few other independent promotions in the late 2000s. She then made her return to WWE in 2024 at NXT Halloween Havoc as a special guest referee for a match between Jaida Parker and Lola Vice. She explained to Fox News Digital that the moment she stepped foot into the first show she knew she had made the right decision for herself. "The second I walked out that curtain and I had that moment. It was so profound," she said. "Literally, I could remember, I walk out and going ... It was weird. It was like, scary at first, but then it felt so peaceful. Like, at first, it was scary because you're like, ‘What the freak is going on, right?’ And then it was like, it just felt right." Pro wrestling fans interested in Marie can subscribe to her page for $12.95. "Keep it fun, flirty and respectful." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a830f372c5335ae1047917c Jaxson Dart's girlfriend Marissa Ayers addresses NFL's propaganda campaign, Angel Reese tries to dunk & Flair te 2026-08-17T13:40:07.460Z Jaxson Dart's girlfriend Marissa Ayers addresses NFL's propaganda campaign, Angel Reese tries to dunk & Flair Alright guys, the sun is trying to come out, the disgusting humidity is gone and now it's time to get another week of life and Monday Screencaps rolling. I'm on my eighth straight day of writing Screencaps, so if I don't use proper grammar, or I use the wrong pronoun, or you have something to complain about with sentence structure, I don't care. Save the email. You guys get what you get at this point of summer. Now that I have the disclaimer out of the way, I want to start with the NFL quarterback girlfriend theme that's going to dominate the 2026 season. Remember this name: Marissa Ayers. She's the former University of Alabama sorority girl who is now dating Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart. JAXSON DART'S GIRLFRIEND MARISSA AYERS MADE HER RUNWAY DEBUT IN A BIKINI AT MIAMI SWIM WEEK "I love the days I put on an outfit, and I think, wow, the cool girl from that 2000 show or movie that I love, would definitely wear this," Ayers said in her latest TikTok where she showed off her NFL gameday fashion while addressing last week's news of the NFL's girlfriend propaganda campaign. "Trust me, they're locked in," Ayers said of the quarterbacks who've been drawn into this NFL content strategy where they help promote current girlfriends to see if they can recreate the Taylor Swift effect across the league. I'm telling you guys right now that Ayers is going to be a content machine this year. She's going to be a throwback to the early days of the Internet when girlfriends (now wives) like Kelly Stafford would do beer bongs on camera without a care in the world. Ayers is a throwback. Don't get mad if we feature her 3-4 times a week. She's a content machine and in this business, you don't get many pageview generators like Marissa. You're damn right SeanJo and I are pumped. JUSTIN HERBERT'S BODY LANGUAGE CHANGES AS MADISON BEER CONTINUES TO PET HIM, SCHOOL SUPPLIES & YAN CELEBRATES 📩 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. LANDRY KIFFIN & HER MOM GET INTO GAME SHAPE FOR THE UPCOMING SEC SEASON, CORN BATS, PLUS A LLWS TANK 📸 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 US FLAG FOOTBALL TEAM STUNNED BY AMERICAN SAMOA IN SHOCKING FIRST LOSS IN 14 YEARS 🗞️ Newsletter: 👉 Subscribe here Speaking of the NFL, it wouldn't be a new NFL season if its woke department didn't come up with something that just makes no sense like the "end racism" or "stop hate" end zone messages that...wait for it....didn't end racism or stop hate. Now they're taking aim at women's sports. Remember, the NFL is about to push HARD to make you care about women's flag football. They've been hinting at the flag football thing for the last 18 months or so. I assume this is the beginning of that push. Don't forget that the Little League teams you see on TV this week are travel ball teams cosplaying as humble small-town rec ball players brought together to play a wholesome Little League World Series. I had to have a conversation with my father this weekend to make sure he understood the cosplay and what ESPN is up to. Meanwhile, I can spot a future travel ball mom from a mile away. Get a job, Faith Morgan. – Travel Ball Hardo Chris B. in Houston emails: Looks like college signing day... for a 7 year old. Kinsey: This is what happens when men let their beloved sports be bastardized by Stanley-succin' mama bears. I blame the men. They're weak. Feeble. What mama bear wants, mama bear gets. If mama bear wants to start burning pumpkin spice latte candles in August because the temp triggers autumnal emotions, she burns her candles. ZHAMIRA ZAMBRANO THROWS ONE OF THE WORST CELEBRITY FIRST PITCHES EVER, MAYOR FREY DANCING & MENDOZA IS READY OK, so you pick your battles. Mama bear doesn't get to turn 7 year old Axe's baseball career into a series of UNC signing day events. And people wonder why their kids grow up to feel entitled and complainers when they can't move into a 2900 sq. ft. house upon graduating college. Guys, this garbage is on YOU. – Brandon in NW Houston says on Instagram DMs: Thought you might appreciate this as a XC dad. I think the 7th and 8th slide were especially poignant. The 8th one talks about the teamwork and it reminded me of one of the races during my sons senior season last year. It was a somewhat meaningless early race but the seniors and the fastest underclassmen sacrificed their times to pace one of the slower runners to a PR. It was pretty amazing and still chokes me up a little to think about. Kinsey: Just had the conversation this weekend that it's so refreshing to not hear parents bitching about their kids not getting the ball enough, or how some family pays more money to the athletic budget so they get more playing time. In two weeks, we'll be driving 2 hours to watch Screencaps Jr. run for 12 minutes and it will be a refreshing day. – Gen X Warren says enough is enough: Do any of you guys use the Flight Radar 24 app for fun? – Mike T. in Idaho emails: Have you this app? It’s fun to see where planes are going when you're sitting outside enjoying a beverage! Kinsey: I know Millennial Chris B. in Bowling Green tracks planes all the time. I think Canoe Kirk is another one who does it. I'll give it a try this month while I'm respecting summer. WNBA PLAYER SAYS THE LEAGUE SHOULDN'T WEAR USA 250 PATCHES FOR THE ALL-STAR GAME BECAUSE OF SLAVERY ################## And with that, let's roll. I'm fired up. Storylines are starting to take shape, including that NFL flag football push that's coming. I'm warning you guys. ESPN is about to beat you over the head with women's flag football. Watch how hard they work to create stars. Go have a great day. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a830cdf2c5335ae1047913a Taylor Sheridan's Lioness keeps fans hooked as latest episode raises the stakes in a big way te 2026-08-17T13:30:07.681Z Taylor Sheridan's Lioness keeps fans hooked as latest episode raises the stakes in a big way "Lioness" fans are absolutely hooked as season three rolls on. The hit series created by Taylor Sheridan focuses on the shadowy world of black operations in the CIA and the military. Season three started on August 2nd on Paramount+, and the season premiere was nothing short of epic. Joe and her team found themselves in Ukraine hunting a Russian agent. LIONESS SEASON 3 EPISODE 2 OPENING SCENE LEAVES FANS STUNNED WITH ITS INTENSITY ON PARAMOUNT+ That was only the start. Joe was later kidnapped and it's officially been off to the races from there. The latest episode is keeping the energy high. *NOTE: There will be spoilers below. Consider yourself warned. The major reveal in episode three of season three – "The Bear Is Infected" – focuses heavily on how deeply the infiltration efforts into the U.S. government have gone. NEW LIONESS SEASON 3 TRAILER SIGNALS TAYLOR SHERIDAN IS TAKING THE PARAMOUNT+ SERIES TO NEW HEIGHTS During an epic scene, Joe (Zoe Saldaña) and Oleksandra, who is not yet fully trusted, walk the team through the different strategies America's enemies use to get sources in the most sensitive areas of the government, military and education. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE There's also an all-time great "Lioness" moment when it's revealed Joe played a role in the death of infamous terrorist leader Abu Musab al-Zarqawi in Iraq. That's a hat tip to the biggest fans of the SOF world. It's also revealed during the episode that at least one U.S. Senator is compromised by foreign forces. The ending scene of the episode will also chill viewers to the bone as it perfectly sets the stakes of what's coming, but I won't say more than that. LAYSLA DE OLIVEIRA TEASES ‘LIONESS’ SEASON 3 DEBUT WITH BEHIND-THE-SCENES PHOTOS Fans were also quick to hop on Reddit and share a variety of reactions and theories: Do you have an interesting theory for what's coming next on "Lioness"? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a830a8a2c5335ae10479069 El-Sayed taunts Trump, claims he's going to make him 'main character of the midterms' te 2026-08-17T13:20:10.832Z El-Sayed taunts Trump, claims he's going to make him 'main character of the midterms' Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed taunted President Donald Trump on Saturday, predicting Trump's attacks on El-Sayed and his wife would elevate him nationally as he battles Republican Mike Rogers for a critical open Senate seat. "Come at us, bro. My wife has more strength than he has ever had. So, come at us. See what happens," El-Sayed said during "On Sunday with Jack Cocchiarella." "I mean, at the end of the day, like, he’s going to turn me into the main character of the midterms, which I’m totally cool with, because my whole argument about Mike Rogers is he’s always been an NPC," he said. "Donald Trump can’t help himself," El-Sayed said. "So, part of me is like, 'Come for me, bro. See what happens.'" An NPC is shorthand for a non-player character in video games. BIDEN-WORLD VETERAN ISSUES STARK WARNING ABOUT ABDUL EL-SAYED AS HE CROSSES PARTY LINES RNC National Press Secretary Natalie Baldassarre told Fox News Digital Sunday that El-Sayed's record would put Democrats across the country on the defensive during the midterms. "El-Sayed is a jihadi jester, and his record of supporting far-left policies, bootlicking terrorists, killing puppies, and cozying up to radicals who think America deserved 9/11 will be on full display. Democrats across the country will be forced to answer for his extreme ideology," Baldassarre said. FOX NEWS POLL: A SENATE BATTLE LOOMS IN MICHIGAN A Fox News Poll released Thursday, the first survey taken after the primary, found Rogers leading El-Sayed 51% to 47%. The contest is among one of Democrats’ most important races as the party seeks to overturn Republicans’ 53-47 Senate majority. The winner will succeed retiring Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich. Rogers, who has the president's endorsement, lost Michigan's 2024 Senate race to Democratic Sen. Elisa Slotkin by roughly 19,000 votes. El-Sayed would become the first Muslim U.S. senator if elected. HASAN PIKER TORCHED OVER PLAYBOOK TO DODGE HIS PAST CONTROVERSIES: 'BATS--- CRAZY' Trump escalated his attacks last weekend by publishing a Truth Social post juxtaposing a photograph of himself and first lady Melania Trump with one of El-Sayed and his wife, Dr. Sarah Jukaku. "Two VERY DIFFERENT America’s," Trump said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Baldassarre's reference concerned El-Sayed's campaign appearances with far-left streamer Hasan Piker, who previously said America deserved the Sept. 11 attacks. El-Sayed distanced himself from those remarks during an April appearance on "Fox & Friends." "Of course, I oppose rape. Of course, I don’t think 9/11 was justified," El-Sayed said. "Just because you appear with somebody, doesn’t mean you agree with them on everything." El-Sayed has campaigned on abolishing ICE, passing Medicare for All and providing tuition-free higher education. He has described himself as a progressive rather than a socialist. Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a830a8a2c5335ae10479060 Trump can protect California avocado farmers and take a bite out of Mexican cartels, too te 2026-08-17T13:20:10.215Z Trump can protect California avocado farmers and take a bite out of Mexican cartels, too President Donald Trump has made Make America Healthy Again a national priority, with avocados at the center of his administration's new food pyramid. But America cannot promote real, healthy food while allowing the American farmers who grow it to disappear. That is exactly what is happening to California's roughly 3,000 avocado growers, who are being undercut by a surge of Mexican imports from regions where cartel activity extorts growers, seizes land and controls communities. Trump has committed to making America healthy again, putting American interests first and stopping cartel criminal activity at our border. Prioritizing California's avocado farmers does all three. California’s avocado growers, many of them small, multigenerational family farms, meet some of the world’s most rigorous labor, environmental and production standards. Yet during their March-through-October harvest season, they face surges of imported fruit from Mexico that disrupt the U.S. market, destroy the market price and threaten their future. SEC BROOKE ROLLINS: HOW TRUMP IS REVIVING THE FIBER WOVEN INTO AMERICA We know there is a meaningful difference in quality as well. California Hass avocados are left on the tree until they reach peak maturity, allowing them to develop a richer oil content that creates a creamier texture, a deeper buttery flavor and a more vibrant fruit profile. They are prized for their consistency, making them the preferred choice for everything from guacamole to sandwiches and salads. California avocados are not simply another commodity, they are among the finest avocados grown anywhere in the world. When American consumers choose California-grown fruit, they are choosing superior quality while supporting American farmers and American agriculture. This year, avocado shipments from Mexico from January through mid-July surged 32% compared to the same period in 2025, flooding the U.S. market and harming our California growers. While we continue working to reduce the regulatory burdens facing California farmers, imported avocados dumped into the market at artificially low prices undermine fair competition and threaten the long-term viability of domestic production. America cannot allow a foreign source to dominate a critical food category while U.S.-grown crops progressively disappear. Total dependency on foreign production in agriculture damages farming communities, compromises food security and ultimately harms consumers. STEVE MOORE: POLITICIANS ARE BLAMING THE WRONG VILLAIN FOR AMERICA’S RISING FOOD PRICES The surges in Mexican avocados implicate another major policy concern. Since day one of his second term, Trump has aggressively committed himself to stopping cartel criminal activity that crosses our border. Mexican avocado production belongs in that conversation. The Treasury Department has documented that cartels operating in Mexico’s avocado-producing regions extort growers, demand payments tied to harvesting and exporting, seize land and use violence to control communities. On Aug. 5, 2026, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico issued an alert suspending all U.S. government activities due to a threat against American interests in the Mexican state of Michoacán, which produces the vast majority of Mexico's avocados exported to the United States. The U.S. resumed those activities on Aug. 13. This is the latest confirmation that cartels exercise significant control over the region and its avocado industry. Many Mexican growers are victims of these organizations, not partners. But a system that ignores cartel coercion can still reward the conditions the cartels exploit. American farmers should not be put at risk by unchecked import surges from regions gripped by cartel exploitation and market distortions. 'NARCO-TERRORIST' FAMILY MEMBERS TARGETED IN RUBIO'S LATEST VISA CRACKDOWN While the administration continues to combat the larger cartel threat, California growers urgently need relief from these market dislocations. The answer is a carefully designed seasonal tariff-rate quota, or TRQ, on Mexican avocados. A TRQ allows a reasonable volume of imports to enter duty-free, then applies a higher tariff only after imports exceed a defined quota. This measured safeguard, which can be achieved during the ongoing USMCA review, can preserve year-round avocado supplies while giving California growers a fair chance to compete in their own market during harvest season. USDA oversight and inspector security should accompany the TRQ because fair trade flows and a food supply safe from disease and infestation are both imperative. If Mexico is unable or unwilling to provide sufficient security for USDA inspectors to perform needed orchard checks, imports should be suspended until the security issues are resolved and the inspections completed. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Farmers need a market where following American rules does not become a competitive disadvantage. Our country, our restaurants, our consumers and our families deserve U.S.-grown production and dependable, high-quality ingredients. A balanced TRQ helps deliver that. America First and Make America Healthy Again come together when we support California farms and their success. Helping American agriculture, like our local avocado growers, strengthens our food supply, sustains local communities and helps put healthy food on more American tables. Andrew Gruel is the founder of Slapfish restaurant, a Huntington Beach City councilman and chef/owner of Calico Fish House in Huntington Beach, California.  CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ANDREW GRUEL Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a830a852c5335ae10479044 Wispr raises $280M at $2B valuation as it looks beyond dictation te 2026-08-17T13:20:05.580Z Wispr raises $280M at $2B valuation as it looks beyond dictation Wispr’s total funding is now over $361 million. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a830a832c5335ae1047903b Uber adds Zipline drones to its Eats delivery network te 2026-08-17T13:20:03.806Z Uber adds Zipline drones to its Eats delivery network Uber is also making investing in Zipline as part of the tie-up. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83082d2c5335ae10479009 As TEP plans next 15 years of power, questions raised on transparency and data centers te 2026-08-17T13:10:05.880Z As TEP plans next 15 years of power, questions raised on transparency and data centers Pima County, the city of Tucson and the Sierra Club all declined to sign a non-disclosure agreement this year with Tucson Electric Power, giving up access to the modeling data that is part of a major energy planning process rather than agree to the confidentiality terms.  The agreement is tied to TEP’s Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP, a planning document utilities file with the Arizona Corporation Commission every three years, sharing how, and how much, power they expect to provide over the next 15 years.  The process is non-binding but offers an important look into how energy decisions are made, including what electricity generation looks like in a rapidly heating region like Southern Arizona, and how controversial projects like data centers are considered in planning decisions.  It comes amid a year of community backlash over the Project Blue data center, which has left stakeholders wary of non-disclosure agreements around resource-intensive projects that obscure details from the public. Some members of the resource council who did sign the non-disclosure agreement said they have not yet received any modeling data.  AriSEIA, a trade organization representing the solar, storage, and electrification industry, said they signed an NDA in January but had not received anything by mid-August.  “The utilities are working hard to hide the ball in the open,” said the group’s executive director Autumn Johnson. “Unless you get the data, I am not sure there is anything to do with the IRP other than line a birdcage. Modeling is only as good as its inputs and assumptions and without the underlying data you can’t access that.” The scrutiny comes as the IRP process could overlap with the TEP rate case in which the company is asking the Arizona Corporation Commission for a 13% rate increase. Also moving ahead is Attorney General Kris Mayes’ case against the Arizona Corporation Commission’s decision to approve the energy agreement between TEP and Project Blue, which has an oral argument scheduled for next month.  The portfolios under consideration, which are reviewed by members of the Resource Planning Advisory Council over a year of regular meetings, include plans that would add more nuclear power or focus more on carbon-neutral resources. They also include two options that would add “high load” customers such as data centers.  An anticipated energy forecast slide shared as part of the council meetings shows that the energy load the company is currently delivering is expected to remain relatively flat, but that it sees “significant increases in load projected as a result of new large customers (primarily data centers).”  Given the ongoing local opposition to data centers, led by the No Desert Data Center Coalition, the next 15 years of energy planning are also likely to include a close watch of where this electricity goes, and an effort to stop it.  “Ultimately, no electricity should be going to hyperscale data centers in the Sonoran Desert. Just as we say not one drop for data, we say not a single megawatt,” according to a statement from the coalition, shared by spokesperson Lee Ziesche. “As we face increasing temperatures and drought, we must also conserve water and electricity, not waste it on energy guzzling hyperscale data centers.”  For the county, the outcome of the process “will affect the County’s emissions reduction goals, energy consumer costs across the community, and costs to the County for energy consumption,” Pima County Administrator Jan Lesher said in an Aug. 5 memo. “Depending on the location, type and amount of resource generation, the IRP could also impact local groundwater resources.”  Image is from a Resource Planning Advisory Council meeting on Aug. 28, 2025. Stakeholders question NDA use  To help draft the document before filing with the ACC, the company brings together a group of stakeholders to provide input on its plan.  This year, the company asked stakeholders who wanted to review modeling data to sign a non-disclosure agreement. Among the stakeholders are local governments, mining interests like Hudbay Minerals, consumer advocacy groups like Interfaith Community Services, education institutions including the University of Arizona and Tucson Unified School District, and business groups including the Chamber of Southern Arizona.  “A considerable barrier in this process is the provision of data and modeling — requiring nondisclosure agreements,” county administrator Lesher said in the August memo.  The Arizona Corporation Commission, Tucson Electric Power and city of Tucson said that using a non-disclosure agreement is standard for a process like the IRP. Tucson Electric Power also said the non-disclosure agreement is not related to data center projects.  The city of Tucson, for example, said it did not sign the non-disclosure agreement because the city could fully participate in the council process without seeing the information covered by the NDA, which was the specifics of a planning model. Both Tucson and Pima County have redesigned their non-disclosure agreement process over the past year in response to the Project Blue process.  For those who did sign a non-disclosure agreement but did not yet receive any modeling data, Tucson Electric Power said its team was working through administrative issues and the data could become available in mid-August.  The Nature Conservancy said it requested data related to the IRP process, but were still waiting for clarification on whether a non-disclosure agreement was required before the information was shared.  Western Resource Advocates, a regional nonprofit that lobbies for climate solutions, said that while non-disclosure agreements are standard in these discussions they don’t always guarantee that important data is available.  “This is especially troubling when stunningly large new data center loads are pushing to interconnect to the grid, when the cost impacts and cost allocations are unclear,” said Gwen Farnsworth, deputy director of state advocacy at Western Resource Advocates.  State regulatory commissions like the ACC, or laws passed at the state level, can define what data access and confidentiality can look like in this process, Farnsworth said. The group has advocated for more information in IRPs to be publicly available, or shared with participants.  “The ratepayers are paying for the energy selected in these IRP processes, and the process is regulated by public oversight, so the public deserves transparency when costs impact their bills,” Farnsworth said.  The group has also been critical of Arizona’s IRP process in general, saying that its process is less robust than other states because plans are acknowledged, not approved, and that the state should not require all the utilities to submit at the same time because it creates an undue burden on staff.  The Arizona Corporation Commission said the current process is that IRPs are presented to the ACC, acknowledged by the commission and filed into a docket which becomes a public record.  IRP rules are currently under review for possible revisions, which will include future stakeholder participation.  A public workshop to present the results of the 2026 Integrated Resource Plan will take place in October; the IRP itself is due Oct. 30 following an extension of several months. Stakeholders will provide comment on the plan this year, then in 2027 the utility will respond to those concerns.  Image is from a Resource Planning Advisory Council meeting on June 4, 2026. Data centers, affordability at stake An administrative law judge is expected to issue a recommendation and order in October on TEP’s rate increase request, and the commission could vote in November. If so, new rates would go into effect in December.  Affordability of energy in Southern Arizona amid increasingly hot summers is among the reasons stakeholders are watching the IRP process.  Tucson’s 2023 IRP promised to accelerate its clean energy expansion, continue to retire coal plants and bring new wind, solar and storage projects online. The company celebrated the expansion of its battery energy storage in southeast Tucson this week, boasting of the 400 megawatts of storage that could power nearly 85,000 homes for four hours.  But the landscape has changed since 2023, with public outrage over the Project Blue data center, along with a national push to build more data centers, stoking public concern about how future energy generation is being planned.  TEP spokesperson Joe Barrios said TEP will continue to meet growing energy needs with a mix of solar, wind and natural gas systems. Data centers would pay for the cost of serving their operations, Barrios said. “Large industrial customers pay rates designed to recover the full cost of serving them, including infrastructure and energy resources,” he said. The No Desert Data Center Coalition, which has been at the forefront of organizing the opposition to a data center in Southern Arizona, said they remain concerned about what any data center projects mean for the region.  “We’re deeply concerned that TEP is continuing to build new, expensive fracked gas generation to power data center demand over the next 15 years that will drive up our monthly bills and contribute to the climate crisis,” according to the No Desert Data Center Coalition statement shared by Ziesche. “TEP’s owners, Fortis, told investors that making money off of new generation for data centers will be a big part of their business moving forward. TEP only makes money one way, through our electric bills.”  Image is from a Resource Planning Advisory Council meeting on Jan. 27, 2026. The post As TEP plans next 15 years of power, questions raised on transparency and data centers appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a83082b2c5335ae10478ffc Crypto hardware wallet owners face fresh security risks after recent spate of personal data thefts te 2026-08-17T13:10:03.924Z Crypto hardware wallet owners face fresh security risks after recent spate of personal data thefts The hacks at shipping companies used to mail out hardware wallets puts crypto owners at greater risk of real-world attacks. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8301272c5335ae10478ebb Meet Kandi Krush – the former Olympic hopeful who is rising through the ranks in Women of Wrestling te 2026-08-17T12:40:07.677Z Meet Kandi Krush – the former Olympic hopeful who is rising through the ranks in Women of Wrestling Kandi Krush is one of the most fearsome competitors on the Women of Wrestling (WOW) roster. Krush, Coach Campanelli and Gloria Glitter (the group known as Top Tier) once held the WOW World Trios Championship. But as with everything else in pro wrestling, Krush and Campanelli turned on Glitter and kicked her out of Top Tier. Krush’s rise in professional wrestling was far from smooth. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL The powerful puncher was once an Olympic hopeful in synchronized swimming. But injuries and what she described in a recent interview with Fox News Digital as a "toxic environment" left her dreams of a gold medal drowned. "My dreams were essentially kind of stripped from me," she said. "But at the same time, I took control over my own future and decided to just pivot. Anytime something bad has happened in my life or, you know, ‘bad’ because, really, it's just like a lesson and maybe like a sign to switch gears, but I pivoted. I pivoted to boxing." Krush said she was able to tap into her work ethic to go undefeated in professional boxing. But not long after she put on gloves, another obstacle was thrown in her way – COVID-19. "I worked my way up in boxing, turned pro, undefeated as a pro and then COVID hit and like it hit all of us like a like a punch from Mike Tyson," she said. "It shut down all the boxing gyms and so it gave me a lot of time to reflect and like what do I want to do? I love being under the bright lights on the big stage which is why I turned pro in the first place for boxing. I love to put on a good show. The crowd's energy just invigorates me, excites me, and I just want to go harder." Krush was inspired by a movie with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and thought pro wrestling was an avenue she could pursue. She said she was going to put her whole heart into the endeavor, despite never watching pro wrestling when she was younger. She saw an advertisement for a pro wrestling tryout with WOW and decided to put her time and energy into making it in the squared circle despite the real possibility she may never make it to a match. "Even if they call me to tell me that I'm cut, like not to show up the next day, I'm going to show up. Like, you can't tell me no. Tell me I can't, I'll show you I can. And so, I was the first one there. I was there before (WOW co-founder) David McLane even showed up at tryouts. I was the first one in, last one out. And that's my mentality. And I think that's why I've made it so far and been able to like rise the ranks in WOW so quickly. And, of course, I went back and did my due diligence and studied wrestling from the past and I had to kind of download the whole encyclopedia into my brain and body, but I never looked back. I love it." Krush said she cultivated her resilience from her never-say-die attitude and the desire to prove people wrong as well as what her mother instilled in her throughout her life. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Failure is part of the journey, but in general, I don't like to lose by quitting," Krush told Fox News Digital. "I will never do that. You fail, you learn. No losses, only lessons. That's what we say in boxing. And I hold that true in everything I do. So, I learn, I get better, I move on, and I move up." Now, "The Heavy Hitter" is determined to keep inspiring those who are watching her compete in the ring. She recalled having a title shot early in her career at WOW and knew she probably wasn’t ready to carry the belt. However, she saw a girl in the stands begging for her to get up off the canvas to continue her fight. "I had that shot and I remember laying on the canvas with my arm essentially broken. She had just been going hard on my arm so that I couldn't knock her out with my KO Krusher. And I remember laying on the canvas looking out into the crowd and there was a little girl that said, ‘Get up, Kandi Krush. You can do it. You can win,’" she said. "It makes me emotional thinking about it right now, honestly. And I was like, you know what? I can do it. And this is why I do it. She believes in me. I gave her a reason to believe. And if she sees me get up and keep moving forward, then she'll remember that too, that moment, and somewhere down the line when she's essentially laying on the canvas in life, she'll hopefully find the strength to get up and keep fighting. "And so that's why I do what I do. I've always, you know, hoped for a platform where I can inspire the world to move mountains, one person at a time, even. And so, it means everything to me. This has been what I've worked towards. I didn't do it in the Olympics. I'm doing it now through wrestling, through WOW. So, I'm blessed. I'm thankful." Los Angeles Lakers minority owner Jeanie Buss co-founded and co-owns WOW. Each episode streams on Tubi and Vice TV. The shows were taking place in Las Vegas, but Buss recently announced that Season 5 will take place at L.A. Live in Los Angeles. "Season 5 is personal for me in a new way," she told Variety. "I’m taking on a bigger, more visible role, and fans are going to see a side of WOW they haven’t seen before. I’ve spent my career fighting for women to be seen and respected in spaces that weren’t built for us, and WOW exists to give women that platform, in the ring and beyond. Women’s sports are having a real moment, and this season delivers on everything we’ve been building toward." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8301272c5335ae10478eb2 Charlie Kirk’s murder sends shockwaves through Christian academy in hit Fox Nation series te 2026-08-17T12:40:07.017Z Charlie Kirk’s murder sends shockwaves through Christian academy in hit Fox Nation series Almost one year after the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk, Fox Nation is taking a look back at how the harrowing event impacted a Christian private high school in Louisiana. Pastor and Evangel Christian Academy head football coach Denny Duron guides his team through Kirk's killing in season 3 of the hit reality television series, "God. Family. Football."  While dealing with the pressures and challenges of competing during the 2025 season, Duron pays tribute to the killed Turning Point USA leader, as shown in episode two. "That young man was a young man I admired," he says in the episode. "I have used football as my platform to be able to speak the name of Jesus to the world, but he used politics."  ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON ASKS JUDGE TO TAKE POTENTIAL DEATH PENALTY OFF TABLE During one practice after Kirk's death, Duron encourages his players not to give in to hate by transforming anger into violence. "There is a spirit of anger in the world today," he says. "And there is no reason for you ever to be angry and commit a sin. If Jesus forgave you, for everything that he forgave you for and forgave me for, then you can not hold anything against anybody for any reason. That's what Christianity is all about." Duron then holds a moment of silence for Kirk and asks the team to "pray for peace on Earth." KELSEY GRAMMER WARNS OF CHILLING DANGER FACING AMERICANS WHO FORGET NATION'S FOUNDING HISTORY The tribute to Kirk continues off the field in the academy's classrooms. Offensive coordinator Kramer Hagan, also a civics teacher at the school, holds an open discussion with his students about the conservative leader's killing.  "I'm excited just to hear their thoughts and see how this younger generation is reacting," he says.  "You cannot allow yourself to be dehumanizing towards other people's beliefs," Hagan adds. "Jesus doesn't teach us to be that way. He wants you to fight and argue and defend your beliefs, but you can never lose your humanity in the process." JACK STORY SKIPPED HIS HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION TO GO BASS FISHING AND WALKED AWAY WITH $100K Navigating the tense political environment was one of the many challenges the team faced throughout the season. In the first three episodes, the team prepares for tough district opponents and grapples with a battle with leukemia and a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. To uncover more about the Evangel Christian Academy football team's inspiring season, tune in to the first three episodes of season 3 of "God. Family. Football." streaming now exclusively on Fox Nation. Fox Nation programs are viewable on demand and from your mobile device app but only for FOX Nation subscribers. Go to Fox Nation to start a free trial and watch the extensive library of your favorite FOX Nation personalities. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82fed22c5335ae10478e7e Trump confirms IRGC backchannel, but calls for Iran's 'white flag of surrender' te 2026-08-17T12:30:10.208Z Trump confirms IRGC backchannel, but calls for Iran's 'white flag of surrender' The 60-day ceasefire deadline is expiring Monday, but President Donald Trump's resolve on ending Iran's nuclear weapons aspirations is not, he told Fox News on Monday morning, where he confirmed there is a backchannel for peace talks with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. "They should put up the white flag of surrender," Trump said in a phone interview, confirming reports of the IRGC backchannel talks that bypass mediators and Iranian political officials. While the 60-day ceasefire expires Monday, Trump said there is still time for peace and Iran's relenting to Trump's primary demand: "The number one Goal is, and always will be, that Iran cannot have, in any way, shape, or form, a Nuclear Weapon," as he wrote on Truth Social around the time of the exclusive call with Fox News' Trey Yingst. TRUMP SEEKS $672M TO STOP IRANIAN NUKES AS NEGOTIATORS WEIGH FATE OF URANIUM STOCKPILE "I have no time schedule," Trump told Yingst. "I'm not in a hurry." While Trump has long lamented reaching peace with a fractured Iranian regime that has had multiple levels of leadership killed in past strikes, he confirmed U.S. officials are communicating directly through a backchannel with IRGC officials. "They’re good poker players, but they’re dying," Trump said. While speculation swirls Iran is engaging in its decades-long strategy of running out the political clock on Trump, before the midterms, if not 2028, Trump rejected the suggestion that politics is guiding his military strategy as commander in chief. TRUMP REVEALS THE LINE IRAN HAS TO CROSS FOR US TO RESTART OFFENSIVE MILITARY CAMPAIGN "Midterms have nothing to do with my thinking," he told Yingst. Trump also issued an extraordinary warning to Oman when asked about the Gulf nation’s role in talks involving Iran. "If Oman gets in the way, we’ll bomb the s--- out of them," Trump said. The president then turned to Israel, where he said he believes it would be most appropriate for him to remain on the sidelines of the country’s elections — while simultaneously leaving open the possibility that he could back a candidate. NETANYAHU'S ISRAEL GRAPPLES WITH TRUMP-IRAN DEAL AS DETAILS REMAIN UNCLEAR "I think it’s most appropriate for me to stay out of Israeli elections, but I may endorse somebody," Trump said. Trump also said Israel should not be carrying out strikes in Gaza, as efforts continue to advance the next phase of a plan that would include the disarmament of Hamas. "We have our own relationship with Hamas," Trump said. "They are giving up their guns." Despite Israel's rejection of trusting the Hamas terrorist group, Trump suggested he could work peace both with a disarming Hamas and Israel. NETANYAHU REJECTS BOARD OF PEACE'S GAZA PLAN: NO 'WITHDRAWAL UNTIL HAMAS IS GENUINELY DISARMED' "They fight well with us," Trump reiterated to Yingst. Trump also pushed back on concerns over the strain the conflict might be placing on U.S. weapons stockpiles, playing down the amount of American firepower used so far. "What we’ve used is peanuts," Trump said. "We have a lot of mid-level weapons." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82fed12c5335ae10478e75 Robot learns to dismantle broken machines te 2026-08-17T12:30:09.522Z Robot learns to dismantle broken machines Robots have spent decades helping build the products around us. Now researchers are teaching them another skill that could become increasingly important: taking those products apart when something goes wrong. More than 4.6 million industrial robots are already operating worldwide. Meanwhile, demand for industrial robots continues to grow as manufacturers automate more production. That creates an obvious question. What happens to all those machines and other complex products when parts wear out or fail? FOREIGN ROBOT BAN TARGETS CHINA OVER SECURITY FEARS Researchers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany have developed a robotic disassembly system designed to tackle that problem. Instead of assuming every screw and component will behave perfectly, the system plans for the messy reality of old machines. A screw may be stuck. A component may already be missing. The machine may no longer match the original design. The robot can figure that out as it works and change its plan along the way. New! Free live CyberGuy class: Protect Your Money From Today’s Biggest Threats Join us Saturday, August 29, at 10 AM ET for a free CyberGuy LIVE class covering five simple steps to help defend yourself against AI scams, fraud, identity theft and financial hacks. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson will explain how to set up bank alerts, strengthen your account logins, protect your phone number, freeze your credit and help secure your retirement savings against unauthorized transfers. No technical experience is needed. You’ll also receive our financial protection checklist, and every registrant will get a link to the class recording afterward. Reserve your free spot today at CyberGuyLive.com. Building something in a factory can be incredibly predictable. A robot knows which part comes next. It knows where the screws belong. Every movement can follow a carefully programmed sequence. Taking an old machine apart is a very different job. Years of use can leave parts corroded or damaged. Previous repairs can also change how a product fits together. That uncertainty creates a huge problem for traditional automation because one unexpected obstacle can derail the entire disassembly sequence. Researcher Jan Baumgärtner puts the challenge in practical terms. When assembling something new, the steps are clear. When dismantling something broken, many things can go wrong. That means a robot needs more than instructions. It needs some ability to reconsider what it believes is happening. The system starts with a CAD model showing how the product should be constructed. From there, the robot examines how individual parts actually behave. It can check whether a component moves the way the model predicts. If the movement looks wrong, the system updates its understanding of the machine. For example, a screw should behave in a very specific way. If the system discovers that a screw moves differently than expected, it can factor that new information into its next decision. The researchers use a probabilistic planning approach known as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process, or POMDP. That complicated name describes a fairly relatable idea. The robot knows it does not have perfect information. So, rather than committing to one rigid plan, it assigns probabilities to what might be wrong and keeps updating those assumptions as new information arrives. The research combines that approach with CAD data, inspection information and the capabilities of the robot itself. HUMANOID ROBOT VIDEOS SHOW MACHINES LASHING OUT Here is where this gets interesting. In one physical experiment, the researchers simulated a stuck screw in an electric motor. The robotic system initially tried the expected approach by unscrewing the fasteners. When it discovered that one screw would not cooperate, the robot changed course. Instead of continuing to fight with that screw, the system chose a milling tool to remove material and gain access to the part it wanted. In another test involving an angle grinder, the robot recognized that a screw was already missing and avoided wasting time looking for it. That adaptability is important because the researchers found that traditional deterministic planning works well when everything behaves exactly as expected. Once uncertainty enters the picture, the probabilistic system can perform better when another disassembly route is available. In the experiments, both approaches performed similarly on new components. As the likelihood of stuck parts increased, the probabilistic planner produced faster disassembly times in scenarios where the robot had another way to reach the target component. The research was presented at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation in Vienna. There is an important distinction here. The researchers are developing technology for robotic disassembly, but the physical demonstrations in this research focused on electric motors and an angle grinder. They did not demonstrate an automated factory where robots dismantle complete industrial robots. Still, the broader concept could eventually apply to much larger systems. Baumgärtner envisions scaling the technology into facilities with multiple robotic arms equipped with different tools. One machine might handle screws while another tackles parts that require a more aggressive removal method. The long-term vision looks almost like an assembly line running backward. Could robots eventually make repairs cheaper? This may be the part you should watch. Baumgärtner says one goal is creating a more circular economy where manufacturers recover useful components from older products instead of discarding the entire device. The system can even prioritize certain components during disassembly. If a manufacturer says a particular part has significant value, the robot can adjust its strategy to improve the chances of preserving that component. Eventually, the researchers envision an automated process that could extract a bad component, replace it and rebuild the product. Their ultimate economic goal is ambitious: make automated repair inexpensive enough that fixing an electronic device can cost less than producing another one. That remains a goal rather than something the system can deliver commercially today. WOULD YOU TRUST A TINY DENTAL ROBOT? You probably will not see one of these robotic repair stations at your neighborhood electronics shop anytime soon. However, this research points toward a different way manufacturers could think about products once they break. Today, many electronics become e-waste because recovering individual components can take too much labor or money. Automation could change some of that math. If robotic systems become good enough at dealing with damaged products, manufacturers could recover more high-value parts. Refurbishing equipment could also become more economical in some industries. There is another potential benefit. A machine that can intelligently preserve useful components may reduce the amount of perfectly good hardware that gets discarded because one part failed. The big question will be whether manufacturers design future products with automated disassembly in mind. Repair becomes much easier when engineers think about how something will eventually come apart while they are deciding how to build it. What catches my attention here is the robot's ability to deal with uncertainty. Factory robots have traditionally thrived in carefully controlled environments where every component arrives in the right place. Broken products refuse to cooperate like that. Teaching machines to recognize when reality no longer matches the blueprint could unlock far more useful applications for robotics. Repair and recycling are especially interesting because the economics often determine whether something gets a second life or lands in the scrap pile. We are still looking at research rather than a repair revolution you can use today. Yet the idea behind it feels important. The smarter robots become at taking products apart, the more realistic it becomes to recover expensive components instead of throwing away an entire machine because one piece failed. If robots could make repairing your electronics cheaper than replacing them, would that change how long you keep your devices, or do you think manufacturers will always have an incentive to sell you something new? 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/6a82fc772c5335ae10478dc3 Dangerous rabid beavers attack 2 teens, with 1 airlifted and popular park partially closed te 2026-08-17T12:20:07.949Z Dangerous rabid beavers attack 2 teens, with 1 airlifted and popular park partially closed A popular state park in Maryland is now partially closed after two recent attacks by rabid beavers. The first beaver attack at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, Maryland, by the town of Thurmont, involved a 13-year-old swimmer on July 26. The teenage boy, who had injuries to his hands and chest, was airlifted to Johns Hopkins Hospital, according to WJLA in Washington, D.C. BISON VICTIM SPEAKS OUT AFTER WILD ATTACK: 'THEY MOVE FASTER THAN YOU COULD EVER IMAGINE' Following the attack, the beaver was euthanized. It tested positive for rabies the following day, a press release from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) noted. Swimming access to Hunting Creek Lake at the park was closed soon afterward. The more recent incident took place on August 5, when a 19-year-old fisherman was bitten in the ankle by a beaver. The young man took himself to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown for examination. He received treatment and a tetanus shot. This beaver was subsequently euthanized and tested positive for rabies. ELITE ROCK CLIMBER'S CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED AFTER HORRIFIC ACCIDENT AT NATIONAL PARK The incidents have prompted partial park closures.  "Currently at Cunningham Falls State Park, day-use areas around Hunting Creek Lake will remain closed until wildlife experts and park management determine it is safe to reopen them to the public," Joe Zimmermann, public information officer for the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, told Fox News Digital.  Other areas of Cunningham Falls State Park remain open for camping and hiking. "Maryland Department of Natural Resources staff, including wildlife specialists and park staff, are working to ensure the safety of the area and confirm that there are no additional beavers present," said Zimmermann.  He noted that in addition to traps, which have been set up since the first incident, wildlife staff are conducting nighttime surveys of the lake area with thermal imaging. During this time, staff have checked the surrounding area for signs of beavers, and workers remain vigilant throughout the entire park, he said. NATIONAL PARK DEATH EXPOSES REPEATED RULE VIOLATIONS AS TOURISTS TAKE DANGEROUS RISKS Cunningham Falls State Parks has many visitors in the summer. The park welcomed more than 455,000 visitors in 2025, according to the park’s spokesperson. Rabies is most commonly transmitted from contact — usually a bite or scratch — with an infected animal, Dr. Roy Gulick, chief of Infectious Disease at Weill Cornell Medicine and NewYork-Presbyterian, told Fox News Digital. (Gulick has not treated and does not know either of the individuals attacked by the rabid beavers.) Globally, up to 99% of human rabies cases come from transmission by infected dogs, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). "In the U.S., canine rabies was largely eliminated by the 1970s — but bats, foxes, raccoons and skunks have been known to transmit rabies," said Gulick. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS Just like humans, dogs can get rabies from contact with infected wildlife, according to Brian Labus, an infectious disease epidemiologist and associate professor at the UNLV School of Public Health in Las Vegas, Nevada. "The virus can be found in the saliva of infected animals," Labus said.  It's important to exercise caution around wild animals and avoid close exposure, said Dr. Cheyenne Falat, associate medical director, Adult Emergency Department, University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Gulick, Falat and Labus all indicated there are clear warning signs. If a beaver shows unusual aggressive behavior by approaching or charging humans or domestic animals, parkgoers are urged to be cautious. The doctors said beavers typically avoid people. But the virus affects their brains and can cause them to lose fear. Beavers can become disoriented or uncoordinated. Rabid nocturnal animals can display uncharacteristic daytime exposure. They may exhibit excess salivation, abnormal coordination or abnormal vocalization, the doctors said. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Experts say that if people are bitten or scratched by a wild animal, they should move to safety to avoid being bitten again, wash their wound with soap and water for 10 to 15 minutes, and seek medical attention immediately. Medical treatment includes receiving a series of rabies vaccines.  Individuals should not try to catch the animal themselves, but instead should report the sighting to animal control or health authorities, experts said.  If bitten by a beaver, an individual should go to a hospital immediately for a rabies shot, as rabies can be fatal if left untreated, the doctors said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82fc772c5335ae10478dba Why WWE legend Dawn Marie is heading to OnlyFans at 55 te 2026-08-17T12:20:07.289Z Why WWE legend Dawn Marie is heading to OnlyFans at 55 Most pro wrestling fans who went to an Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW) show in the mid-1990s or tuned into WWE programming in the early 2000s would have likely seen Dawn Marie at ringside accompanying a champion or having feuds with other divas on-screen. Marie announced a new endeavor last week when she told her followers she would be joining OnlyFans to give fans the opportunity to see her up close and personal. The 55-year-old New Jersey native, who is now making her living as a nurse, made clear in a recent interview with Fox News Digital she won’t be doing nudes or any kind of crazy collaborations. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL "It's going to be fun. It's going to be flirty," she said. "We're not doing nudes, which I made that very clear. Just going to be Dawn Marie." Marie explained she suffered many injuries while being in the ring, taking bumps from her fellow wrestlers. She said neck injuries, specifically, have made her job as a nurse tough and that joining OnlyFans was a way to think about her children’s futures as a single mom. "I have a lot of residual issues also from being a nurse from wrestling. I choose not to be what I see on a daily basis – people my age in beds and never getting back up. It's scary. And the only difference is it happened to them and not me," she said. "These are the things that go through my head. You know, as we get older, we start thinking about these things, right? So, it just made sense. It just made sense to prepare. "And heck, if I'm able to nurse and continue to nurse and figure it out and not need the extra dollars ... Well, I guess my kids are going to have a great time after I'm gone. … I would love nothing more than to be able to, as a single mom, have my kids finish school and not have a college debt." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Marie also said she’s back doing appearances, which is forcing her to take better care of herself. She said, "Why not?" take the next step and try out OnlyFans. "I’m not trying to be the Dawn Marie of 20 years ago," she said. "I’m trying to be the Dawn Marie that’s 55 and embracing it and enjoying being what I am and what I am now. I think women are beautiful at every age." Furthermore, Marie made clear that doing OnlyFans "wasn’t about the big money grab." "This is just preparing a little extra something for my future – just in case." Marie jumped into pro wrestling in 1995, making her debut at an independent show in New Jersey managing Tony Atlas in his match against Jimmy Snuka. She would work her way up and down the East Coast before getting into ECW and later WWE (then called the World Wrestling Federation). She departed WWE in 2005 and appeared in a few other independent promotions in the late 2000s. She then made her return to WWE in 2024 at NXT Halloween Havoc as a special guest referee for a match between Jaida Parker and Lola Vice. She explained to Fox News Digital that the moment she stepped foot into the first show she knew she had made the right decision for herself. "The second I walked out that curtain and I had that moment. It was so profound," she said. "Literally, I could remember, I walk out and going ... It was weird. It was like, scary at first, but then it felt so peaceful. Like, at first, it was scary because you're like, ‘What the freak is going on, right?’ And then it was like, it just felt right." Pro wrestling fans interested in Marie can subscribe to her page for $12.95. "Keep it fun, flirty and respectful." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82fa202c5335ae10478d7d NASCAR star compared to Trump, tells nasty fans to quit 'b----in,' while race wife dusts off her Daisy Dukes te 2026-08-17T12:10:08.324Z NASCAR star compared to Trump, tells nasty fans to quit 'b----in,' while race wife dusts off her Daisy Dukes Monday Morning Pit-Stop is a weekly NASCAR column that runs on OutKick.com and Fox News Digital. If you're looking for a normal NASCAR recap, go check out insufferable ESPN ... assuming they still know NASCAR exists. Felt good to be back under the lights at Richmond, didn't it? It hasn't been the best summer for NASCAR, if you ask me. There's been some good, but, generally, it's just been sort of blah. That's not unusual, of course. I've seen this movie before. Nothing epitomizes 'Dog Days of Summer' quite like NASCAR. It's a grind. There's one off week, the playoffs (Chase, whatever) are forever away, and the tracks aren't great. At least back in the day, we used to get Daytona in July and Bristol in August to break it up a bit! Now, we basically have to pray the Atlanta race is good, or the rest of the summer is cooked. HAS NASCAR LOST THE SOUTH? EX-DRIVER UNLOADS AFTER SEEING "100,000 EMPTY SEATS" Anyway, all that to say .... Richmond was decent! Not the best race you've ever seen, but better than a lot of what we've seen the past few months. I still think NASCAR has killed the short track racing with this new car, but I don't feel like beating a dead horse today. I don't have the energy for it. Joey Logano won, somehow. He's good again, somehow. We'll talk about it. We're also gonna dive right into Kyle Larson's insane night, because folks, it was worthy of a breakdown. Goodness gracious. What a driver. What a champion. I've also got Sam Busch talking about Bristol and Kyle Busch, and Natalie Decker having a pretty dominant Richmond weekend. Off the track, of course. Never on it. You know the drill. Four tires, a splash of Sunoco racin' fuel, and maybe a nice, long nap for Kyle Larson ... Monday Morning Pit-Stop — the "Trump, Taylor & Kyle Larson, Oh My!" edition — is LIVE! Look, it was a fine Cup race, but if you think I'm starting today's class with Joey Logano and not Kyle Larson, you're crazy. I follow the news and the #content, and the news was all about Kyle Larson Saturday night. For those who A) forgot the race was on (me for the first 50 laps), B) didn't care, or C) couldn't find it on the TV (that's a bunch of you, I'm sure), Kyle Larson finished sixth at Richmond, sprinted out of the track, drove to the airport, flew to Iowa, got a POLICE ESCORT to the track, and then promptly won the Knoxville Nationals. KYLE LARSON RELIVES ATTEMPTS AT 'THE DOUBLE' AS HE CONTEMPLATES TRYING IT AGAIN IN THE FUTURE He didn't think he'd be able to make it to Knoxville because the weather forecast, which was supposed to be bad, turned out to be wrong. Stunner! The weatherman is almost never wrong. "When I woke up (Saturday) morning, the weather here looked really bad, like I won’t need a contingency plan. I’ll be able to come here tomorrow and race Sunday. Then the weather was getting better, the forecast was getting better throughout the day," he said. "I was a bit like bummed at that point because I was really happy about the forecast when I woke up. Then I was like, no it’s fine." The Knoxville Nationals, for those who don't follow sprint car racing, are (in)arguably the the biggest, most prestigious sprint car events in the world. It's a four-day tournament, essentially, that takes place every August in Iowa. It's a big deal in the racing world. Larson showed up at the buzzer, and won — hours after finishing sixth in Richmond. Amazing. Sure, it's a little ... odd? ... to hear a crew chief give his driver updates about another race — and another series — during the actual race, but Cliff Daniels and Kyle Larson have won a billion races together at this point. I don't think he cares. Nor should he. Frankly, neither should Kyle. KEVIN HARVICK SHOVES STEPHEN A. SMITH IN A LOCKER FOR SAYING NASCAR DRIVERS AREN’T ATHLETES A lot of folks hate this stuff, you know? True story. There is a section of NASCAR fans today that are annoyed that Kyle Larson won the Knoxville race. "He needs to focus more on winning at his actual job!" Lordy. The internet never ceases to amaze me. Piss alllllllllll the way off. Kyle Larson is the best NASCAR driver on the planet and has been for about six years now. His plane was the most tracked plane in THE WORLD Saturday night. That's a fact. That's a real stat. Race fans love Larson, especially the grass root, local track, lifelong fans who have been buying Busch Lights and corn dogs at the local backroad track every Saturday night since 1975. He appeals to them, and that's important. So quit your b—-ing and moaning! "According to FlightAware, your flight here with the most tracked flight in the entire world." "Well, it's kinda cool that that's stat, because I figured somebody would be tracking Donald Trump or Taylor Swift," Larson said. "I hope all the fans that were b----ing and moaning about running the prelim night, now understand why. Anybody watching at home, on the internet, in the stands, I hope you realize this was best case scenario." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! They don't, Kyle! But it's OK. Maybe just win at New Hampshire this week to at least get on the board this NASCAR Cup season? That would go a long way. Speaking of NASCAR ... let's not forget about Richmond! Joey Logano won again, and he's now gone from bubble Chase driver to ... Championship favorite? It's not a crazy thought: "The Mickey Mouse ears look good on the trophies either way." Hand up, I'd love to see Logano win a championship this season. Everyone and their mother FREAKED out when he won the title in 2024, and the (fake) outrage was so loud, that NASCAR literally revamped the entire playoff format. I thought it was silly then, and I still think it's silly today. So, yes, I'd love to see Logano shove another championship down everyone's throats in a few months. Bottom's up! Next? We've got Bristol in a few weeks, which is stupid because it should really be this coming weekend but NASCAR can't stop making dumb decisions. Anyway, Bristol was arguably Kyle Busch's favorite track, which means next month's race is gonna be a big one: "Bristol wasn't just another race to him," Samantha Busch said during a (very clearly) emotional narration. "He loved everything about that place. Some of the greatest moments in his career happened on that track, in the yellow M&Ms car." Lordy. What a scene that'll be, huh? And how about the pressure on young Ty Gibbs? We haven't seen that iconic car in years. Ever since Mars left NASCAR, and Rowdy left for RCR. Go get 'em, kid! Man, I miss Kyle. OK, that's it for today. Good work, everyone. Solid job all around. Here's Natalie Decker in her daisy dukes cheering on her husband at Richmond to take us into another big week. See y'all at New Hampshire. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82fa1f2c5335ae10478d74 Hayden Panettiere: A life in pictures te 2026-08-17T12:10:07.584Z Hayden Panettiere: A life in pictures Hayden Panettiere is survived by her daughter Kaya, who was born in 2014, with Ukrainian boxer Wladimir Klitschko. Panettiere's younger brother, Jansen, who was also an actor, died of a heart condition in 2023 at age 28. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82f0c02c5335ae104786b9 Actress Hayden Panettiere dies suddenly at age 36 and more top headlines te 2026-08-17T11:30:08.250Z Actress Hayden Panettiere dies suddenly at age 36 and more top headlines 1. 'Nashville' actress Hayden Panettiere dies suddenly at age 36  2. Defeated Michigan Dem demands Hasan Piker be cut loose 3. Historic Smithsonian museum exhibit goes all-in on woke displays FULL FOCUS — Trump declares his 'number one goal' in negotiations with Iran as ceasefire set to expire. Continue reading … CUTTING COSTS — Trump orders major scale back to military drills as North Korea ramps up missile tests. Continue reading … KILLER COMMUTE — Man allegedly props dead wife in passenger seat for drive across multiple states. Continue reading … DEADLY ENCOUNTER — NYPD fatally shoots man armed with butcher knife inside Lower East Side building: police. Continue reading … 'NEVER FORGET YOU' — MLB great Tommy John, whose elbow operation revolutionized pitching, dies at 83. Continue reading … -- TURF TALK — Trump blames vandals for dead grass on National Mall where he hosted 4th of July celebration. Continue reading … SOVEREIGNTY TEST — How President Teddy Roosevelt handed Trump's border plans a big legal victory. Continue reading … 'FIGHTERS' — Russell Fry endorses ex-rival Darline Graham after failing to advance to special GOP US Senate primary runoff. Continue reading … UNDER MICROSCOPE — Federal investigators target organization bankrolling anti-Israel activists: report. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   INSIDER CONFESSION — Former ABC correspondent says network lacked 'viewpoint diversity.' Continue reading … DOESN'T ADD UP — Progressive 'test-blind' policies in California proving disastrous, professor admits. Continue reading … LAW & DISORDER — NY lawmaker calls stealing soap a 'biological need' and experts aren't having it. Continue reading … POWER STRUGGLE — Confirmed 50-49, Trump's top lawyer faces Republican revolt over department autonomy. Continue reading … TED JENKIN — Why Washington's rosy economic pitch could blow up at the ballot box. Continue reading … JOHN ARNOLD — Governors hitting pause on data centers could cost communities a fortune. Continue reading … -- FULL CIRCLE — Von Miller heads back home to Dallas as he signs with Cowboys for Year 15 in NFL. Continue reading … GRACIOUS GRATUITIES — Americans are tipping electronically and noticing one common courtesy has disappeared. Continue reading … END OF AN ERA — Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, believes this will be his final year playing soccer. Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on summer splurges and basketball brilliance. Take the quiz here … Tune in as Republican and Democratic Party leaders are confronting challenges that could determine control of Congress. Listen to more on Castbox.   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 Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ee692c5335ae1047867a Far-left politicians still using ActBlue as 88-year-old disputes donating nearly $150,000 to fundraising giant te 2026-08-17T11:20:09.925Z Far-left politicians still using ActBlue as 88-year-old disputes donating nearly $150,000 to fundraising giant Several prominent progressives—including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Michigan Senate hopeful Abdul El-Sayed—continue raising campaign cash through the embattled fundraising platform ActBlue despite congressional investigations into allegations it failed to stop illegal foreign donations from entering U.S. political campaigns. The fundraising behemoth has been thrust back into the spotlight after a recent viral video showed an 88-year-old Michigan woman disputing nearly $150,000 in political donations attributed to her in federal campaign finance records. She acknowledged using ActBlue to make political donations, but disputed nearly the amount attributed to her. Federal Election Commission records attribute more than 15,000 contributions by the woman over a six-year period. ActBlue says it has processed more than $19 billion in donations since it was founded in 2004, making it one of the largest online fundraising platforms serving mostly Democratic candidates, party committees and progressive organizations. It brands itself as a grassroots fundraising platform that is a "counterweight to the dark money special interests that dominate our politics." FIRST ON FOX: ACTBLUE BOARD MEMBERS IN HOT SEAT AS GOP PROBES 'SERIOUS' MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS Republicans argue the platform has become vulnerable to fraud and illegal foreign donations. Since 2023, House committees have conducted an ongoing investigation into ActBlue's fraud-prevention practices and whether its safeguards adequately prevented illegal foreign and fraudulent contributions. ActBlue denies the allegations and any wrongdoing. An April 2025 interim staff report also cited internal ActBlue records showing the platform detected 237 donations from foreign IP addresses using domestic prepaid cards during a 30-day period in late 2024, a pattern the committees described as a leading indicator of fraud. The congressional investigation remains ongoing, and ActBlue has not been found to have violated campaign finance laws or been prohibited from processing political donations. KEY HOUSE COMMITTEE SCHEDULES HEARING WITH EMBATTLED ACTBLUE CEO: 'NEEDS TO COME CLEAN' ActBlue has evolved from a simple donation processor into one of the Democratic Party's most powerful fundraising platforms. According to its website, ActBlue provides fundraising, organizing, campaign websites, voter outreach and other digital tools for thousands of Democratic candidates and progressive organizations, describing its mission as creating technology to "fuel Democratic wins." ActBlue continues to process donations for some of the Democratic Party's highest-profile campaigns, including El-Sayed, who has been endorsed by Sanders, I-Vt. Sanders' campaign website also directs supporters to ActBlue to donate to El-Sayed's campaign. The platform also processes donations for the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and thousands of other Democratic campaigns and progressive organizations. Its "Trending Campaigns" page currently highlights El-Sayed alongside Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., Texas state Rep. James Talarico, Maine Senate candidate Troy Jackson and former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. Other prominent progressives who continue using ActBlue include Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., Wisconsin state Rep. Francesca Hong, who is running for governor, and former Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., who is running to return to Congress. Beyond candidate campaigns, ActBlue has become a central fundraising platform for thousands of Democratic committees, progressive organizations and advocacy groups. MICHIGAN SENATE CANDIDATE ABDUL EL-SAYED DODGES QUESTION ON WHETHER HE STILL SUPPORTS DEFUNDING THE POLICE The Republican National Committee says Democratic candidates should explain why they continue relying on ActBlue despite the congressional investigation and allegations from donors who say contributions were made in their names without their knowledge. "Democrats claim to oppose special interests with one exception: their own. They defend fraud and schemes like ActBlue because they know cheating the system is the only way for their corrupt campaigns to raise money," Ally Triolo, the RNC's election integrity communications director, told Fox News Digital. ActBlue has denied wrongdoing and the ongoing congressional investigation has not resulted in any finding that the platform engaged in fraud or violated campaign finance laws. One of the cases fueling the renewed scrutiny involves 88-year-old Milan, Michigan, resident Elizabeth Waffle, who acknowledged making donations through ActBlue but disputed donating nearly $150,000 attributed to her in a now-viral interview with the Michigan Enjoyer. Fox News Digital independently reviewed Federal Election Commission records attributing more than 16,000 political contributions totaling nearly $150,000 between September 2020 and June 2026 to an Elizabeth Waffle of Milan, Michigan. During the interview, a reporter presented Waffle with what he said were Federal Election Commission records documenting those contributions. Waffle disputed the nearly $150,000 in political donations attributed to her in those records after a reporter arrived unannounced at her trailer and presented her with records he said were from the Federal Election Commission during the interview "One hundred and fifty thousand? Hell no. I don't have that kind of money," Waffle said. "I don't see $150,000. That's very abnormal and I think it's wrong. I think there's something in there that's off." Federal Election Commission records reviewed by Fox News Digital attribute 47 ActBlue contributions totaling about $518 to an Elizabeth Waffle of Milan, Michigan for El-Sayed's campaign between October 2025 and July 2026. Waffle was not asked about those specific contributions during the interview. She did, however, acknowledge using ActBlue to make political donations while disputing the nearly $150,000 in political contributions attributed to her in records presented during the interview. "Everything goes through ActBlue. ActBlue is like the bank," Waffle said. Waffle was interviewed outside the trailer where she said she has lived since her home burned down two years earlier. During the interview, she said her phone was not getting internet service as she attempted to demonstrate how she used ActBlue to make political donations. El-Sayed, who has pledged to reject corporate PAC money and campaigned on reducing the influence of money in politics, continues to raise campaign funds through ActBlue, which remains under congressional investigation. His campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on its continued use of ActBlue or the allegations raised by Elizabeth Waffle. ActBlue, meanwhile, has rejected the allegations against it as politically motivated. "For three years, ActBlue has been targeted by MAGA Republicans because of who we are and what we stand for, not because of any unlawful conduct," the organization told Fox News Digital. The organization also said it has "zero tolerance for fraud or other illegal activity" and that its fraud-prevention measures meet or exceed legal requirements. A spokesman for House Administration Committee Chairman Bryan Steil, who launched the investigation in 2023, confirmed to Fox News Digital that the committee is examining Waffle's case as part of its broader investigation into ActBlue. "ActBlue employees have repeatedly refused to answer questions under oath about fraud and illegal foreign donations on their platform," Steil said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Our investigation will continue and I will continue to demand answers for the American people." During a June hearing, Steil said current and former ActBlue employees invoked the Fifth Amendment 146 times during congressional interviews, including CEO Regina Wallace-Jones, who declined to answer lawmakers' questions about ActBlue's fraud-prevention practices and the handling of potentially fraudulent donations. Wallace-Jones has not been charged with or accused of any crime and invoking the Fifth Amendment is not evidence of wrongdoing. The congressional investigation remains ongoing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ee692c5335ae10478671 Prince Harry’s ‘The Wasp’ rival stepping down but may remain 'a voice in the king’s ear': expert te 2026-08-17T11:20:09.315Z Prince Harry’s ‘The Wasp’ rival stepping down but may remain 'a voice in the king’s ear': expert King Charles’ right-hand man is stepping down next year, but his departure may not end his influence behind palace doors. Royal experts told Fox News Digital that "The Wasp" could remain "a voice in the king’s ear" as Charles continues to navigate his fractured relationship with Prince Harry. Sir Clive Alderton will step down as principal private secretary next year, People magazine reported. His departure will coincide with his 60th birthday after 20 years of service to the royal household. In his 2023 memoir, "Spare," Harry gave three powerful royal household staffers pointed insect nicknames. Alderton is widely believed to have been "The Wasp" — a fiercely loyal operator and uncompromising defender of the crown. QUEEN ELIZABETH’S AIDE, NICKNAMED 'AK-47,' CLASHED WITH PRINCE HARRY IN EXPLOSIVE ‘TIARAGATE’: EXPERTS "Though Alderton is stepping away from his formal role, courtiers often retain a channel of influence at the palace long after their formal departure," royal commentator Amanda Matta told Fox News Digital. "It’s possible that ‘The Wasp,’ or others like him, could remain a voice in the king’s ear regardless of their employment status," Matta said. "I think their hesitancy with Harry is rooted in not wanting to perpetuate any perceived chaos or scandal within the royal fold. After years of dealing with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor and the fallout from Harry and Meghan’s departure for the U.S., it doesn’t really matter what Harry’s intentions are. He might be seen as a threat by the king’s aides on principle." WATCH: PRINCE HARRY BELIEVED ROYAL FAMILY COULD HAVE ALLOWED A HYBRID ROLE: AUTHOR "These truly are power brokers at the palace — the people who decide on access, influence and narratives long before the public hears about them," Matta added. On July 10, King Charles reunited privately with Harry and his family at Highgrove House as they continued efforts to repair a rift that has persisted since the Duke and Duchess of Sussex stepped back from royal life. Harry’s portrait of "The Wasp" came with plenty of sting. "The Wasp was lanky, charming, arrogant, a ball of jazzy energy," he wrote, as quoted by People magazine. "He was great at pretending to be polite, even servile. You’d assert a fact, something seemingly incontrovertible — I believe the sun rises in the mornings — and he’d stammer that perchance you might consider for a comment the possibility that you’d been misinformed: ‘Well, heh-heh, I don’t know about that, Your Royal Highness, you see, it all depends what you mean by mornings, sir.’" "Because he seemed so weedy, so self-effacing, you might be tempted to push back, insist on your point, and that was when he’d put you on his list," Harry continued. "A short time later, without warning, he’d give you such a stab with his outsized stinger that you’d cry in confusion. ‘Where the f--- did that come from?’" "Harry has long reserved choice words for palace aides whom he has seen as adding to familial tensions," Matta explained. "So he likely does feel a degree of frustration with his father’s entire circle, and that of his grandmother's, the late Queen Elizabeth II, who he previously noted were ‘blocking’ his access to the queen. But it’s clear that Alderton, in particular, got under his skin with his outwardly self-effacing manner that could turn treacherous once you walked away." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Matta noted that in 2022, Harry said in a televised interview that he was "just making sure that she’s protected and got the right people around her," referring to the queen. Matta said that comment was taken as "an early dig" at her advisors, including Alderton. "Alderton was said to have unprecedented access to the queen in her later years, briefing her on both official and family matters," she claimed. People magazine reported Alderton sits on RAVEC, a 10-person committee that determines official protective security for public figures in the U.K. After stepping back as a senior royal in 2020, Harry lost his publicly funded police protection in his home country and is fighting to have it reinstated. People reported that a review of the Duke of Sussex’s security arrangements by RAVEC had yet to conclude as of late June. Harry’s representatives told the outlet that RAVEC’s own terms of reference call for a Risk Management Board review at least once a year. They argued that Harry’s last review was conducted nearly seven years ago. In May 2025, Harry suggested in an interview with the BBC that he believed his father, as king, could influence RAVEC’s decision. Buckingham Palace has consistently denied that the king can reinstate Harry’s security. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS According to the U.K. government’s website, Alderton joined the Foreign Office in 1986 and served in various diplomatic posts. He joined the royal household in 2006 as a deputy private secretary to Charles and Camilla before becoming their private secretary for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. People reported that he served as the queen’s ambassador to Morocco and non-resident ambassador to Mauritania from 2012 to 2015 before becoming Charles and Camilla's principal private secretary. Several royal experts told Fox News Digital that Alderton harbors no ill will toward the king’s younger son, saying his priority has always been shielding the crown from scandal. "Sir Clive Alderton is unquestionably one of the most influential figures in King Charles’ orbit," Kinsey Schofield, host of "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," told Fox News Digital. "The private secretary is effectively the gatekeeper to the sovereign, manages access, information and the logistics surrounding the monarch. Harry would have understood perfectly well that Alderton was not simply another anonymous man in a suit. But I also think Harry tends to attribute enormous power to courtiers when he dislikes the outcome of a situation." "These people can advise, warn and facilitate, but they do not overrule the king," she said. "Alderton’s influence ultimately derives from the confidence Charles places in him. As for ‘The Wasp’ nickname, it’s a jarring personal description. I think it tells you almost as much about Harry’s resentment toward the palace establishment as it does about Alderton." Harry has been at odds with his family since he and his wife, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, stepped back as senior royals and moved to California in 2020. They cited intrusions by the British press and a lack of support from the palace as reasons for their royal exit. They aired their grievances in interviews and documentaries. Harry’s memoir further strained his relationship with his family. Harry has repeatedly suggested that senior courtiers can exert significant influence over the sovereign. He was particularly explicit about the late queen and her advisors. "Courtiers matter because access matters," Schofield explained. "They control diaries, facilitate conversations, manage competing demands and advise the monarch on potential risks. When relationships within the family are already strained, those functions become even more significant. But I would push back against the idea that courtiers somehow stand between a helpless Harry and a helpless Charles." That issue of access surfaced days before Harry’s July 10 reunion with his father. Harry and royal officials publicly disputed an offer for him to stay at Buckingham Palace. Palace sources said Harry missed the deadline to accept the accommodation, while Harry’s spokesperson said the offer was withdrawn after he formally accepted it. "Charles is the king," said Schofield. "His private secretary works for him, not the other way around. Harry’s frustrations with courtiers sometimes appear to overlook that uncomfortable reality. When an aide delivers a decision Harry dislikes, the easiest person to blame is the messenger. Sometimes the message may actually reflect the wishes or priorities of the monarch." British royal expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that Alderton’s departure has fueled speculation that the king wants to be "more open to Harry," with the longtime aide stepping down at a relatively young age for the role. PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON COULD SEEK 'GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT' TO PROTECT PRINCE GEORGE AT ETON: EXPERTS "From all accounts, from those who know him, Sir Alderton is a stalwart supporter of the monarchy," said Fordwich. "Given his position, he was an obvious target for Harry, who singled him out, no doubt due to knowing how traditional the role has always been." "Palace aides like Alderton have been labeled the ‘Men in Grey’ for their bureaucratic, ubiquitous nature," said Matta. "But Prince Harry’s characterization of Clive Alderton as ‘The Wasp’ certainly gives a new perspective to how seriously they take their role. ... This would, sometimes, mean taking a hard line even between the monarch and family members if the aide believes that was the best course of action to uphold the interests of the monarchy." "Even now, King Charles funnels all of his communications, official and personal alike, through his staff — he doesn't have a mobile phone — and so they really are a formidable ‘line of defense’ for Harry getting one-on-one time with his father." British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard told Fox News Digital that Alderton’s influence on the monarchy will undoubtedly endure long after his departure. "Colleagues describe Sir Alderton as ‘the ringmaster,’ the person who could control complex, chaotic situations without drama," she explained. "He was valued for candor. He did not simply agree. He advised, and he did so with the institution at the center of every decision.  "His relationship with Prince Harry was notably difficult. From the palace perspective, Sir Clive acted as a constitutional safeguard, ensuring that personal appeals did not override the advice and structures that protect the monarchy." People reported that the palace is recruiting Alderton’s successor, who is expected to start in the spring or summer of 2027. Alderton's replacement will also take his spot on RAVEC. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ee682c5335ae10478668 CEO says doing business in state ‘sucks’ as company heads to Texas amid California exodus te 2026-08-17T11:20:08.722Z CEO says doing business in state ‘sucks’ as company heads to Texas amid California exodus "Doing business in the state of California sucks," Hil Davis, a California businessman, bluntly told Fox News Digital. That frustration ultimately drove Davis, CEO of Digital Brands Group, more than 1,300 miles to Texas. The apparel and e-commerce company relocated its headquarters to Round Rock, just north of Austin, leasing roughly 70,000 square feet of warehouse and office space as it expands its collegiate sports apparel business. Davis said the sprawling Texas facility costs roughly the same as the company’s former space in Vernon, California, about five miles south of Los Angeles. And rent was only part of the equation. BILLIONS IN TAXPAYER INCOME ARE LEAVING TWO ICONIC STATES — AS A NEW ECONOMIC MAP EMERGES Davis pointed to California’s high cost of living, long employee commutes and the rising cost of doing business, including defending against lawsuits. "You start to add all those things up," he said. "It doesn’t work. It doesn’t make sense. It’s too hard." The relocation comes as California wrestles with a much bigger question about whether the state’s costs, taxes and regulations are driving away the businesses and wealthy residents it relies on. That debate has intensified around a proposed one-time tax of up to 5% on Californians worth more than $1 billion. Supporters say the billionaire tax could raise billions for health care and other public programs by asking the state’s wealthiest residents to pay more. Opponents warn it could instead send major taxpayers packing — and take future tax revenue with them. California is already seeing taxpayers and their income move elsewhere. Los Angeles County led the nation in taxpayer losses in the latest IRS data, with a net 17,496 tax filers leaving for other states and taking nearly $1.9 billion in income with them. THE ONLY MAP YOU NEED TO SEE AS CALIFORNIA'S BILLIONAIRE TAX FIGHT HEATS UP The losses extended beyond Los Angeles. Orange County recorded a net loss of 11,618 tax filers, followed by San Diego County with 9,401, Riverside County with 8,968 and San Bernardino County with 8,462. Those departures can carry fiscal consequences. When taxpayers move, the income they take with them can shrink the state and local tax base that helps fund schools, public safety and infrastructure. Davis does not predict a sudden stampede out of California. He expects a slow drip. "I don’t know if there’ll be, like, an explosion," he said. "I just think it’ll be a constant leak." California still has powerful anchors. Silicon Valley remains a magnet for technology talent and capital, while Los Angeles has a deep bench of creative workers. Davis acknowledged those industry "centers of gravity" are difficult to replicate elsewhere. THE RED STATES RACING AHEAD IN AMERICA’S POWERFUL WEALTH BOOM — AND THE STATES FALLING BEHIND Digital Brands Group will keep some production operations in Los Angeles after moving its headquarters to Texas. But Round Rock offered Davis a different equation with lower operating costs, a central shipping location for a company serving universities across the country and access to Austin’s creative workforce. He said permitting for the new facility also moved quickly. Employees now have their own choice to make. Some are eager to follow the company to Texas, Davis said. Others have deep roots in California and may stay behind. Digital Brands Group has already made its choice. And as California debates how to tax its wealthiest residents, Davis says the real story is still unfolding, one company at a time. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ee682c5335ae1047865f Brad Pitt says he can drink in ‘restrained manner’ after 7 sober years, but expert raises red flag te 2026-08-17T11:20:08.131Z Brad Pitt says he can drink in ‘restrained manner’ after 7 sober years, but expert raises red flag After seven years of sobriety, Brad Pitt has revealed that he resumed drinking alcohol in moderation — an approach that has raised concerns among some addiction experts. In an Esquire interview published on Aug. 10, the actor said, "I was sober for seven years. And then I got back off the wagon." Pitt shared that he now drinks "in a more restrained manner," saying that he doesn’t consume "big quantities" of alcohol. BRAD PITT ADMITS HE BEGAN DRINKING AGAIN AFTER YEARS OF SOBRIETY "I got overconfident a couple times, went, ‘Yep, nope, not good for me,’" he acknowledged. "I have to be professional about it." Pitt once spoke about his sobriety in a 2019 New York Times interview, disclosing that he’d spent 18 months in Alcoholics Anonymous. "I had taken things as far as I could take it, so I removed my drinking privileges," he said. BEER, WINE OR LIQUOR? MASSIVE STUDY REVEALS WHICH WAS LINKED TO LOWER DEATH RISK Jessica Steinman, a Los Angeles addiction specialist and chief clinical officer for No Matter What Recovery, generally advises against people returning to alcohol after a problematic relationship with it, warning that "testing the waters" can potentially be "dangerous." The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines alcohol use disorder (AUD) as an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol use despite adverse social, occupational or health consequences. The condition can range from mild to severe. "There are people who struggle with substances and take a very large break, have a long period of sobriety and recovery, and they may choose to integrate it back into their lives," Steinman, who was not diagnosing Pitt with AUD, told Fox News Digital. "As an addiction professional, as someone who's been in this field for a very long time, I don’t see a whole lot of success with that." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Although some people do successfully return to substances after needing to stop, Steinman considers them "anomalies and exceptions to the rule." "People think, ‘Oh, I've gone this long. I think I'm going to be able to manage it – I have the skills now. I have tools,’" she said. Addiction can alter the brain’s reward system, she said, making it highly responsive to the dopamine release associated with drinking or substance use. "And that doesn't go away – it lays dormant," Steinman said, comparing it to a bear in hibernation. "If you wake that bear … life can quickly become unmanageable. So they want to be very mindful of that happening." The NIAAA notes that alcohol addiction involves changes across multiple brain systems related to rewards, stress, decision-making and learned responses to alcohol-related cues, and that some of those changes can continue even after drinking stops. For those struggling with substance use issues and mental health issues, it's a "lifelong issue" that must be managed like any other chronic illness, according to Steinman. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "I liken it to diabetes or heart disease – you have to manage this health issue," she said. "And it's the same thing for alcoholism and substance use issues." While NIAAA acknowledges that alcohol addiction can leave some people vulnerable to relapse, the agency notes that each recovery trajectory is unique. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES For someone who has returned to drinking after a period of sobriety, Steinman said there are certain warning signs that can indicate the return of problematic patterns. Those might include escalating consumption, erratic behavior, drinking alone, secretly drinking and drinking during the day. Moderation can also mean different things to different people, she noted. "Is it one drink a day? Is it a drink at dinner only? I've had people try out moderation by not having liquor at all and just sticking to beer and wine," Steinman said. "So it's all these different trials that they're doing when someone starts seeing an escalation." Anyone who is noticing problematic behaviors with alcohol or drug consumption should speak with an addiction counselor, she advised. For people with alcohol use disorder, the NIAAA says it is generally recommended to abstain from drinking for the "greatest chance of long-term success." However, the agency also notes that some people can return to occasional drinking without resuming problematic use, and says specific treatment goals should be decided between the patient and a doctor or addiction specialist. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ee672c5335ae10478656 AOC froze her eggs at 36. Here’s what my generation got wrong about motherhood te 2026-08-17T11:20:07.540Z AOC froze her eggs at 36. Here’s what my generation got wrong about motherhood Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez recently announced that, at 36, she is freezing her eggs. She has chosen to make the deeply personal process public, describing the decision as one that has given her a greater sense of control over her life and left her feeling empowered. I don’t begrudge her that decision. I hope she gets the family she wants, when she wants it. But her announcement made me think about the message my generation of women received about motherhood — and the one we are now passing down to future generations of girls. AOC DOCUMENTS EGG-FREEZING JOURNEY, TAKES AIM AT TRUMP ADMIN OVER WOMEN'S REPRODUCTIVE CHOICES When did postponing motherhood become a symbol of female empowerment? AOC and I are essentially the same age. We came of age during the rise of the "girl boss," when female empowerment was increasingly defined by independence, achievement and personal fulfillment. Travel. Build yourself. Establish yourself. Prove yourself. The message was relentlessly centered on the self: What do I want? What makes me happy? What life do I want to build? Put yourself first. Everything else can come later. Motherhood doesn’t fit neatly into a "me first" culture. Children require sacrifice and rearrange our priorities around someone other than ourselves. No wonder a generation taught to prioritize the self learned to see children as something that might get in the way. ERIKA KIRK HITS BACK AT NY TIMES NEWSLETTER ABOUT MARRIAGE AND KIDS, ACCUSES WRITER OF MISSING THE POINT I believed it. I believed it so deeply that, for years, I wasn’t even sure I wanted children. I wasn’t a 25-year-old woman desperately longing for babies but forcing myself to wait. I was a woman who had absorbed a culture that made motherhood look limiting. Children seemed like something that might interrupt the exciting life I was supposed to be building. We didn’t just teach women to delay motherhood. We taught some women not to want it at all. Then God changed my heart. I became a mother, and so much of what I thought I understood about fulfillment was turned upside down. The children I once feared might hold me back became the greatest blessing of my life. But by the time I understood that, I was racing the clock. I’m 37 now, just a few months older than AOC, and I gave birth to my third child earlier this year at 36. I had three children back-to-back-to-back because once I realized how much I wanted a larger family, I knew I did not have unlimited time. I would do it all over again. My regret is that I waited so long to understand what I was missing. OUR KIDS ARE GROWING UP DISPLAYED ONLINE. HERE’S HOW MOMS CAN ANCHOR THEM IN FAITH Starting younger might have meant having more children. But even more than that, I think about the years I could have had with the children I already have. More birthdays. More Christmas mornings. More bedtime stories and ordinary Tuesdays. And, God willing, I want to be there when my daughters become mothers and my son becomes a father — to have the energy to help them and the years to know my grandchildren and watch them grow. But I don’t just wish I had more years with them. I wish I had become their mother sooner because of what motherhood did to me. Having children reordered my priorities without erasing my ambitions. The work I do, the causes I fight for, my faith and the future of this country became more personal because I’m no longer thinking only about the world I live in, but also the world my children will inherit. My life is more chaotic now, but it is also richer, more purposeful and better. Motherhood didn’t make my world smaller. It made it bigger. BIRTH ORDER LINKED TO 150 HEALTH CONDITIONS IN STUDY OF 10 MILLION AMERICAN SIBLINGS You don’t think about those years when you’re 25 and the world is telling you that you have plenty of time. But time matters, and my story is part of a much larger trend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently documented what it calls "The Rising Age of Motherhood in the United States." Women are becoming mothers later, and between 2016 and 2023, first births among women 35 and older increased 25 percent. Of course, not every woman who becomes a mother later chose to wait. Finding the right person matters. Infertility is real. Life doesn’t always unfold according to our plans, and this isn’t about judging women for circumstances beyond their control. But reproductive technology can make postponing motherhood feel less consequential than it is. Having more options later is not the same as having a guarantee. Children aren’t products we manufacture when life finally becomes convenient. Motherhood is a gift, not something women should be taught to postpone until everything else comes first. Why have we defined female freedom in a way that so often requires putting motherhood off? When delaying it is celebrated as progress, younger women hear the same message my generation heard: There will always be time later. There may not be. This isn’t an argument that women should abandon their ambitions. I certainly haven’t. I have a career I care deeply about, and women are doing consequential work while raising families. Karoline Leavitt was pregnant while serving as White House press secretary. Fox News' Rachel Campos-Duffy built a major television career while raising nine children. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna became a mother while serving in Congress. And my friend Erika Kirk is leading one of the most influential conservative organizations in the country while beautifully raising two young children after losing her husband. CLINT BLACK AND LISA HARTMAN BLACK'S ONE RULE THAT HAS KEPT THEIR MARRIAGE STRONG FOR NEARLY 35 YEARS Some women will stay home with their children. Some will build major careers. Some will move between the two. That’s not the debate. The question is why we’ve spent a generation telling women to postpone motherhood in the first place, treating family and ambition as competing forces. What if we have that backward? Motherhood didn’t diminish my ambition. It gave much of that ambition a deeper purpose. There is no perfect time to start a family. After the next promotion, after we make more money, after we travel, after we buy the house — there will always be another reason to wait. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ SHRUGS OFF PAST 'DEFUND THE POLICE' COMMENTS, JOKING 'WOKE 1 WAS CRAZY' AOC has millions of young women watching her. There is nothing empowering about teaching another generation to put motherhood last. We spent decades treating motherhood like something women needed to escape. Now we celebrate our ability to postpone it. Motherhood is not something women need to be liberated from. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION If I could speak to my younger self, I wouldn’t tell her to abandon her dreams. I’d tell her to dream bigger. Marriage and children aren’t consolation prizes after you’ve accomplished everything important. They may be among the most important things you ever build. So I’ll tell young women what I wish someone had told me: Don’t wait because the culture convinced you motherhood will hold you back. Build the career. Chase the dream. Take the trip. But don’t be afraid to build the family, too. It’s a life worth living. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JILLIAN ANDERSON KING Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ee662c5335ae1047864d Enes Kanter Freedom roasts Angel Reese over late miss, then turns his fire on NBA vet Paul George te 2026-08-17T11:20:06.916Z Enes Kanter Freedom roasts Angel Reese over late miss, then turns his fire on NBA vet Paul George Enes Kanter Freedom turned Angel Reese's latest crunch-time miss into fresh ammo Sunday, roasting the Atlanta Dream star while somehow dragging Paul George into his ongoing WNBA campaign. Reese bricked a crucial layup late in Atlanta's 95-91 overtime loss to Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, and Freedom wasted no time pouncing. He took to X: CAITLIN CLARK DROPS 32-POINT DOUBLE-DOUBLE IN TAYLOR SWIFT NIKES AS FEVER SURVIVE STUNNING SKY COMEBACK IN OT "Sis! Once I go No. 1 pick in the 2027 @WNBA Draft, the first player I’m dunking on is Angel Reese. She’s the Paul George of the WNBA. Just lean into the podcast already." Reese finished with 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, but her biggest miss came with three seconds left in regulation. With the game tied, she missed a point-blank putback that could have won it for Atlanta. Freedom mocked Reese's game, but she wasn't the only one catching heat. WNBPA ISSUES STATEMENT EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AMID TRANS ATHLETE DEBATE IN WOMEN'S SPORTS Calling Reese "the Paul George of the WNBA" and telling her to "lean into the podcast" was a dig at George's "Podcast P," which launched in 2023. The nine-time All-Star isn't exactly putting up prime PG numbers these days, either. He averaged 17.3 points last season, a steep drop from his career-best 28.0 in 2018-19. The George jab also circled back to the bigger fight Freedom has been pushing for weeks. The 11-year NBA veteran has been challenging the league's trans eligibility policies by threatening to declare for the 2027 draft himself. Former NBA forward Royce White has since joined the push. THE WNBA HAS LIMITED OPTIONS AFTER TWO MEN DECLARED FOR THE DRAFT, AND THOSE OPTIONS AREN'T GREAT Freedom laid out his WNBA game plan during an interview with former Auburn coach Bruce Pearl. "By their rules, if I step on that court and identify as a woman, I am allowed to play," Kanter told Pearl. "Next spring, I'm going to take my talents and join the WNBA." He even envisioned joining forces with Clark in Indiana. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "Me and Caitlin will be modern Kobe and Shaq," he said. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ec0e2c5335ae10478618 ESPN turns Angel Reese’s 49 ‘mebounds’ into proof that she’s a legendary WNBA rebounder te 2026-08-17T11:10:06.758Z ESPN turns Angel Reese’s 49 ‘mebounds’ into proof that she’s a legendary WNBA rebounder ESPN really, really wants you to know how good Angel Reese is at rebounding. The network published a lengthy feature Saturday about the "secrets" behind Reese’s "legendary" work on the glass. CHINEY OGWUMIKE CLAIMING THAT A'JA WILSON IS 'GREATER' THAN TOM BRADY EXPOSES ESPN'S WNBA CREDIBILITY PROBLEM Then it spent Sunday’s Fever-Dream game broadcast selling viewers on the article. Ryan Ruocco brought it up during the first quarter and praised ESPN writer Katie Barnes for writing such a terrific article. Late in the second quarter, Ruocco tossed to Holly Rowe for another plug. "You talked about Katie Barnes’ great article about Angel Reese and her rebounding acumen," Rowe said before discussing her favorite part of the story. She then closed with "Great article, Katie Barnes." So, by halftime, ESPN had promoted its own Angel Reese profile twice during a live WNBA game. That's fine. It's called cross-promotion and executives love that kind of stuff. They call it "corporate synergy." But there's a big difference between mentioning a timely feature and turning a regular-season broadcast into a promotional tour for your colleague’s work. Especially when the story is working awfully hard to convince readers that Reese is not just a great rebounder, but some sort of basketball clairvoyant. ANGEL REESE’S LATEST WNBA CONTROVERSY SHOWS HOW VICTIMHOOD BECAME CENTRAL TO HER BRAND Let me be clear: I read the article so you don't have to. You're welcome. Sometimes I feel like readers don't appreciate all the things I do for them, so I felt it necessary to give myself some credit. Anyway, the article compares Reese to Dennis Rodman and Charles Barkley. Seriously. But it gets better. It invokes magnets in her palms, rebounding DNA, a crystal ball, geometry, physics and something "beyond human understanding." Reese herself offers a simpler explanation. "I just know," she says. Alrighty, then. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Reese is a great rebounder. She reached 1,000 career rebounds in 79 games, 10 games faster than Tina Charles. She leads the WNBA in rebounds per game and her production on the glass is historically good. But context matters. The story includes a section titled "The ‘mebound’ phenomenon." That's where Barnes reports that Reese has recorded 49 "mebounds" this season, or rebounds she grabbed after missing her own shot. That's 25 more than the next-highest player in the league. The same article reports that 148 of Reese’s points this season have come on second-chance opportunities, 30% of her total, and that she is shooting 46.0% in the paint, worst among the 27 WNBA players with at least 175 paint attempts. Barnes puts the numbers in the story. Then she asks readers to view all of it as proof Reese has basketball magnets in her palms. Come on. Missing a layup and retrieving it is not a supernatural power. ANGEL REESE GOT A BARBIE DOLL, SIGNATURE SHOE AND WNBA THEME NIGHT, THEN PLAYED VICTIM AGAIN The ESPN broadcast also praised Angel Reese at every opportunity, even in spots that didn't make sense. She shot 3 of 10 from the field in the first half and even described her own first-half performance by saying she "played like s---" for most of the half. At one point, the commentators described her as "versatile enough to bring the ball up the floor." She dribbled the ball into the frontcourt and then handed it to a teammate. That's not exactly quarterbacking the offense. Then, of course, there were the multiple story plugs. Ruocco praised Barnes’ story in the first quarter, noting that it was about how great Reese is at basketball. Then Rowe came back before halftime to call it a "great article" and discuss her favorite part. They even added a third reference in overtime, which only happened because Reese missed a layup with less than five seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. ESPN made the same pitch all afternoon: Angel Reese isn’t just a great rebounder. She’s legendary. But the numbers and the eye test say she’s a limited offensive player who misses plenty around the basket and creates a chunk of her rebounds by chasing those misses. ESPN took those numbers and sold Angel Reese as a cross between Dennis Rodman and Charles Barkley. Corporate synergy, baby. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82e9ba2c5335ae104785e4 Mom and daughter told to cover up XX-XY T-shirts, say they were threatened with ejection at Fever-Dream game te 2026-08-17T11:00:10.910Z Mom and daughter told to cover up XX-XY T-shirts, say they were threatened with ejection at Fever-Dream game The Indiana Fever visited the Atlanta Dream Sunday evening. It was a thrilling game between two of the WNBA’s most exciting teams, but what happened to a mother and daughter in the stands, just feet away from the court, was the biggest story of the night. Georgia locals, Kasey Thomason, and her daughter, Annie, bought tickets just two rows back from courtside. They each wore an XX-XY Athletics T-shirt to support Sophie Cunningham and the ongoing fight to keep women’s sports and spaces female. Kasey wore an XX-XY shirt with the letters in stars and stripes, while Annie wore a Riley Gaines collaborative piece with "XX" on the front and "For the Girls" on the back. They were able to wear their shirts with no hassle or issue, until overtime when a security guard approached them. WNBA FAN SUBREDDIT BANS POSTERS FROM USING SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM'S NAME AFTER DEFENSE OF WOMEN'S SPORTS About halfway through the five minute overtime period, a security guard tried to get Kasey and Annie to leave their seats to talk to him. They were unsure why they were specifically being targeted at that moment, so Kasey asked him, "[Is it] about our shirts?" Then things took an insane turn. The security guard told them that a fan(s) were offended by their shirts, so they had the choice to wear the provided Atlanta Dream "Wellness & Health Night" shirts, or they would be escorted out of the building. To this, Kasey responded by saying, "Biology and science is offensive?", before reluctantly agreeing to put the shirts on so they didn’t miss the last two minutes of overtime, where the Indiana Fever eventually secured a 95-91 victory. With about two and a half minutes left in overtime, the Thomasons are seen on the ESPN broadcast with the tan Dream shirts in hand. They can be seen talking to fans around them, who they said loved their shirts and showed support for them and Cunningham throughout the game. At about 1:30 remaining, both Kasey and Annie had put the shirts on. According to the State Farm Arena prohibited items list, "Clothing, garments or signs displaying explicit language, profanity or derogatory characterization towards any person(s)" is strictly prohibited. The NBA Fan Code of Conduct states, "Obscene or indecent messages on signs or clothing will not be permitted." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! If State Farm Arena and the Atlanta Dream were really trying to claim the shirts worn by the Thomasons were a "derogatory characterization" or "indecent messages" on clothing, that would be an arbitrary way of enforcing their rules, at best. Discrimination, at the worst. But the fact remains, the security guard didn’t claim any of these things from the prohibited items list or the Fan Code of Conduct. He just said the shirts were "offensive." Kasey told Fox News Digital/OutKick that she assumes a woman sitting courtside in a "Protect Trans Rights" t-shirt, who was featured on the video board earlier in the game, made a fuss with security, who then sided with that fan, which led to the threat of ejection from the game. While speaking to a conservative YouTuber, Adam Francisco, Annie said, "She was the one that told on us." They told me that the same woman mockingly said, "I like your shirt" once they were in the tan Atlanta Dream "Wellness Night" shirts. The Thomasons are unsure if security held that woman to the same standard with her t-shirt, though they did see her jacket was zipped up late in the game, no longer displaying the trans messaging. SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM TAKES VICIOUS ELBOW TO FACE, AND FANS FUME AT WHAT REFS DID NEXT This whole situation is discriminatory, disgusting, and quite frankly, Orwellian. In no shape, manner, or form, is a shirt that displays four prominent letters, representing a biological truth that women have XX chromosomes and men have XY chromosomes, "offensive." What's even crazier and ironic, is Sunday's "Wellness and Health Night" in Atlanta is a supposed to "use the power of sport to improve health outcomes for women and girls across Georgia," according to the Dream's website and messaging during the game. They also claim, "The Atlanta Dream and Emory Healthcare believe sports can become one of the most powerful vehicles for improving women's health." Fox News Digital/OutKick reached out to the Dream for comment. I'll tell you this, Atlanta Dream, the mental health of these two women, is not better off after the way they were treated. They were targeted, threatened with ejection, and embarrassed for no good reason. You held a night for women's health, while mistreating the very women who are working tirelessly to keep women's sports and spaces female. You're actions speak louder than your words. This situation is less than a month removed from two teenagers who were verbally attacked by a co-owner of the Seattle Storm, Celeste Keaton, for simply wearing XX-XY T-shirts courtside, causing one of them to cry. Keaton was eventually suspended for five games and fined an undisclosed amount for her actions. For all the talk about fighting hate and vitriol from the WNBA, it seems like the hate, discrimination, and unsportsmanlike conduct is coming from a specific side of the aisle. We’re at a boiling point, and it’s way past time the league did something about this. The problem is not the women rallying outside of every Fever game across the country for the last month in support of Sophie Cunningham, and it certainly isn’t teenagers and their moms wearing XX-XY t-shirts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82e9ba2c5335ae104785db 'The Odyssey' streaming scam could steal your bank info te 2026-08-17T11:00:10.158Z 'The Odyssey' streaming scam could steal your bank info Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is one of the biggest movie releases of the summer. You have been hearing about it for months, but maybe you have not made it to the theater yet. Then an ad pops up promising you can watch The Odyssey online for free. The site looks polished. Reviews make it appear legitimate. Better yet, you can supposedly start watching within minutes. There is one catch. You need to create an account. Then the supposedly free service asks for your credit card information to activate a trial. Enter those details, and you could soon discover there was never a movie waiting for you. The real purpose of the site was to get your financial information. CHEAP TV BOXES MAY SECRETLY CLICK ADS FOR FRAUD Security researchers say scammers are taking advantage of the enormous interest surrounding The Odyssey, which Universal Pictures released in U.S. theaters in July. Here's how these fake streaming traps work and what you can do to avoid getting caught in one. New! Free live CyberGuy class: Protect Your Money From Today’s Biggest Threats Join us Saturday, August 29, at 10 AM ET for a free CyberGuy LIVE class covering five simple steps to help defend yourself against AI scams, fraud, identity theft and financial hacks. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson will explain how to set up bank alerts, strengthen your account logins, protect your phone number, freeze your credit and help secure your retirement savings against unauthorized transfers. No technical experience is needed. You’ll also receive our financial protection checklist, and every registrant will get a link to the class recording afterward. Reserve your free spot today at CyberGuyLive.com. Cybercriminals have created fake websites that claim to let you stream The Odyssey online for free. Some sites appear through online ads or search results. Others can be reached through questionable streaming and piracy sites. The pages can look surprisingly convincing. According to reports citing Kaspersky researchers, scammers have created versions in different languages. Some even advertise dubbed versions based on the visitor's location. Fake reviews and ratings help make the service look trustworthy. When you try to play the movie, the website asks you to register. You may first be asked for your name and email address. Eventually, the site requests your bank card information. It claims the information is needed to activate a free trial. There is no free movie. Instead, you have handed sensitive information to people who may use it for fraudulent transactions or other scams. The Federal Trade Commission has specifically warned that websites offering free movies and TV shows can infect computers with malware. The agency says criminals use malware to steal personal information and commit fraud. That can include login information for online accounts. The FTC also warns that malware can steal usernames and passwords as well as bank account numbers. That makes a fake movie site more than an annoyance. Clicking the wrong download or following a bogus instruction could put information stored on your device at risk. We've seen this playbook before when we previously reported on how hackers use free streaming movies to lure people toward malware. We also covered how illegal movie downloads can hide dangerous malware. Scammers keep recycling the same strategy whenever a major release creates enough interest. There is another reason to be careful when searching for copies of The Odyssey online. Cybersecurity company Malwarebytes found scams targeting people searching for pirated copies within hours of the movie's release. Researchers found cloned piracy sites displaying fake browser warnings. Other scams offered movie downloads that were actually Windows executable files disguised as video files. One fake warning claimed the browser was missing a component and encouraged visitors to click a button to fix it. There was no missing browser component. According to Malwarebytes, clicking the button could push visitors into a malvertising network. Where they ended up could vary depending on the advertising campaign running at that moment. Researchers also found a supposed Odyssey movie download ending in .exe. That is a huge warning sign. An .exe file is a Windows program, not a video. If a website says you need to install software or fix your browser before watching a movie, leave the site. Criminals understand timing. When a movie becomes a cultural event, millions of people start searching for it. Some want to know when it will arrive on streaming. Others hope they can find a free copy. That creates an opening for scammers. A fake website does not have to convince everyone. It only needs to catch the person who is excited enough to click before checking where the movie is actually available. Fake reviews make that easier. So does a professional-looking video player. We saw a similar tactic during the Barbie craze. CyberGuy reported on scammers using the movie's popularity to steal bank information from moviegoers. The next bait could be whichever movie or show everybody is talking about next. IMAX CEO DESCRIBES 'FRENZY' AFTER CHRISTOPHER NOLAN'S 'THE ODYSSEY' SHATTERS RECORDS A slick website does not prove you are dealing with a legitimate streaming service. Start with availability. If a movie has only recently arrived in theaters, be suspicious when an unfamiliar website suddenly claims you can stream it for free. Universal Pictures currently lists The Odyssey as a theatrical release. Next, look closely at the website address. A scammer may use a domain that resembles a familiar streaming service. A small spelling change or an unusual domain ending can be easy to miss when you are moving quickly. Do not rely on reviews posted on the streaming site itself either. Reports about the Odyssey scam say fake ratings and reviews were used to make fraudulent pages appear legitimate. You should also be wary when a website promises something for free but suddenly needs your credit card. Legitimate companies can require payment information for free trials. The difference is that you should already know and trust the service before handing over your card. We reached out to Universal Pictures for comment about the fraudulent sites targeting The Odyssey but did not hear back before our deadline. A few extra seconds of checking can save you from a much bigger headache later. Strong antivirus software can help detect malicious downloads and warn you about dangerous websites. That protection becomes particularly valuable when a scam starts with an innocent-looking search or advertisement. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com Use established streaming platforms or check the movie studio's official website to see where a film is available. If you have never heard of the streaming service, investigate it before creating an account. Do not enter payment information simply because the page says it needs to verify your account. Open a new browser tab and research the service independently. Look carefully at the domain before entering personal information. Do not assume the first search result or a sponsored result is automatically legitimate. A streaming site should not require you to install an unfamiliar program to watch a movie. Be especially careful with .exe files. Malwarebytes found one being disguised as a supposed Odyssey movie download. If you create an account on a fraudulent website and reuse a password from another service, scammers may try those credentials elsewhere. Use a password managerto create and store a unique password for every important account. Then turn on multi-factor authentication wherever it is available. FBI HELPS TAKE DOWN AI PHISHING RING I think movie scams work so well because they arrive at exactly the moment we are looking for something. You already want to see the film. Then somebody puts a shortcut in front of you. That is where a little skepticism pays off. The Odyssey may be the bait this summer, but criminals can use the same idea around the next blockbuster. A few minutes of entertainment are never worth giving a stranger access to your credit card or computer. I would much rather wait for a movie to reach an official streaming service than spend the next few weeks disputing charges or changing compromised passwords. When "free" entertainment asks for your financial information, the price can become very real. Would a professional-looking streaming site with convincing reviews ever persuade you to enter your credit card for a movie you have been dying to see, or are you now too suspicious to take that chance? 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/6a82de002c5335ae10478439 Russell Fry endorses ex-rival Darline Graham after failing to advance to special GOP US Senate primary runoff te 2026-08-17T10:10:08.517Z Russell Fry endorses ex-rival Darline Graham after failing to advance to special GOP US Senate primary runoff Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C., the candidate who placed third in the Aug. 11 South Carolina special Republican U.S. Senate primary, has endorsed top-finisher Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C. "President Trump needs fighters and allies in the Senate who will show up every day and get results. I believe Darline Graham will be exactly that," Fry said in part of a Friday post on X. "Darline knows what it means to struggle, persevere, and keep fighting when life deals you a difficult hand. Those experiences shaped her, and I believe they give her a real understanding of the challenges families across South Carolina face," he continued. MARK LYNCH ENDORSES RALPH NORMAN AS CONGRESSMAN HEADS INTO RUNOFF AGAINST DARLINE GRAHAM "On August 25, I’m asking everyone who supported our campaign to join me in supporting Darline Graham for the United States Senate. Campaigns are temporary. The cause is bigger than any one candidate. Now let’s get it done," he noted. Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., who placed second in the South Carolina special GOP U.S. Senate primary, will face Graham in the Aug. 25 runoff. SOUTH CAROLINA GOP SENATE SHOWDOWN HEADS TO RUNOFF IN RACE TO SUCCEED LINDSEY GRAHAM Last month, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster appointed Graham, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, to serve the remainder of her brother's term. President Donald Trump, who backed Graham ahead of the special primary contest, is continuing to support her for the runoff. DARLINE GRAHAM DETAILS HOW SHE'D FORGE OWN PATH IN SENATE WHILE CARRYING ON BROTHER LINDSEY'S LEGACY "SOUTH CAROLINA: GET OUT AND VOTE FOR DARLINE GRAHAM ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 25TH. DARLINE HAS MY COMPLETE AND TOTAL ENDORSEMENT — SHE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!" he wrote in a Friday Truth Social post, which included an image of Fry's post on X endorsing Graham. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ddff2c5335ae10478430 Tipping screen puts customers on the spot as experts reveal when it's OK to hit 'no tip' te 2026-08-17T10:10:07.912Z Tipping screen puts customers on the spot as experts reveal when it's OK to hit 'no tip' Tipping prompts have become commonplace at checkout counters and kiosks, but should customers who leave a digital gratuity expect a "thank you" in return? The question came up during a recent discussion on "Fox & Friends" about a viral video involving a Shake Shack customer who selected "no tip" at an airport kiosk. "Do you notice when you tip people electronically, they never say thank you?" co-host Brian Kilmeade said. "If you physically give somebody a tip like at Starbucks or, you know, they'll say thanks, but there must be something that doesn't register when you actually do it electronically because you never get a thank you." SHAKE SHACK CUSTOMER HITS 'NO TIP' AT KIOSK, THEN WATCHES PRICES JUMP IN VIRAL VIDEO Etiquette expert Jacqueline Whitmore, founder of the Protocol School of Palm Beach in Florida, told Fox News Digital that employees shouldn't necessarily distinguish between customers who leave a tip and those who don't. "I think it's good customer service for an employee to thank a customer each and every time, whether they give a tip or not," Whitmore said. "They're thanking the customer for coming in. They're thanking the customer for being loyal to their business. So, regardless of whether that person chooses to give a tip or not, I think good customer [service] calls for a thank you each and every time." Robert Mahon, managing partner of New York-based Mahon Hospitality Group, said his company's expectations for employees are similar. AMERICANS SAY TIPPING PRACTICES 'HAVE BECOME RIDICULOUS' AS DIGITAL PROMPTS PUSH HIGHER GRATUITIES "We encourage every member of our team to welcome our guests warmly and thank them as they leave, regardless of the amount of gratuity left," Mahon told Fox News Digital. "It is very rare that a guest leaves no tip at all, and more often than not, our team receives gratuities of 20% or more. We believe the generosity of the vast majority of our guests more than makes up for the very occasional instance where no gratuity is left." Whitmore said there isn't much difference, from an etiquette standpoint, between specifically acknowledging a tip and simply thanking someone for patronizing the business. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS "A 'thank you' is a 'thank you,'" she said. "Just looking someone in the eye and saying, 'Thank you very much. Have a nice day. Come back and see us.' It's just good customer service." The proliferation of digital tip prompts, however, can create another etiquette dilemma: Customers may feel pressured to leave a gratuity when an employee is standing nearby and can potentially see what they select. "I want to remind everyone, tipping is optional," she said. "TIP: To Insure Proper Service." Whitmore said customers shouldn't feel obligated simply because a checkout screen asks them for money. "You don't need to expect to pay a certain percentage just because a machine is requesting it," she said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Whitmore said tipping etiquette also depends on the type of service being provided. At a restaurant where employees bring food to the table, refill drinks, provide condiments and clean up afterward, she said leaving a few extra dollars can be appropriate. "But in instances where you go in, you grab and go, I don't recommend that you tip at all because you really, in many instances, don't even have face-to-face interaction with a human being," she said. Both experts suggested the amount a customer tips shouldn't determine the level of courtesy he or she receives. "I don't think that money should be a motivator for employees to treat their customers better or worse," Whitmore said. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ It's dependent upon management to establish that expectation, Mahon said. "Management sets the culture of a business. Our goal is simple: we want every customer to become a repeat customer," he said. "We do our best to train our teams to approach every guest interaction with that mindset. Ultimately, hospitality is not just a food and beverage business. More importantly, it is a people business." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ddff2c5335ae10478427 Massachusetts teen accused of killing mom, brother in affluent suburb after disturbing ChatGPT activity: DA te 2026-08-17T10:10:07.338Z Massachusetts teen accused of killing mom, brother in affluent suburb after disturbing ChatGPT activity: DA A 17-year-old Massachusetts boy who allegedly used ChatGPT to explore fantasies about killing his family is accused of murdering his mother and younger brother inside the family's home in an affluent Boston suburb, and was ordered held without bail Thursday as prosecutors revealed new details about the violent scene. Arjun Aravind, of Acton, was arraigned Thursday in Concord District Court on two counts of murder, two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and two counts of assault and battery, the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office confirmed to Fox News Digital. He was charged as an adult under Massachusetts law and he pleaded not guilty, the DA’s office said. Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan said Wednesday that investigators uncovered what she characterized as "concerning behavior" by Aravind in the period before the deaths, including internet activity and the use of ChatGPT to explore theoretical or fictional scenarios involving the killing of his family. DISPATCH AUDIO RELEASED IN MICHIGAN FAMILY MURDER-SUICIDE AS TROUBLED FAMILY'S SECRETS EMERGE Ryan said Aravind allegedly used the artificial intelligence chatbot to "make searches including for theoretical ideas or fantasies regarding killing his family." The teen is accused of murdering his mother, Sudha Venkatesan, 45, and his 14-year-old brother, Siddharth Aravind, who were found dead Tuesday evening inside the family’s Martha Lane home. Acton is an affluent community about 30 miles northwest of Boston and the family had recently moved to the town in part for its schools and a support system for the children, Aravind’s defense attorney, Debra DeWitt, told CBS News Boston following Thursday’s hearing. Authorities were called to the home shortly after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday after Aravind’s father requested a well-being check. The father had been at work and was worried after a tutor who arrived at the house was unable to get inside, according to authorities. After repeated attempts to contact his family went unanswered, he contacted police. GET BREAKING NEWS ALERTS MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING TWO TEENS CLAIMED HE WAS CARJACKED — HIS OWN DASHCAM FOOTAGE SHOWS OTHERWISE: COPS Responding officers entered the home and found Siddharth dead on the first floor. Venkatesan was subsequently found dead in the finished basement, authorities said. Prosecutors said Thursday that investigators encountered evidence of a violent physical struggle inside the home and that preliminary evidence indicated both victims suffered blunt-force trauma. The official causes of death remain pending determinations by the medical examiner. CLICK HERE FOR MORE U.S. NEWS Venkatesan was last seen alive at about 7 a.m. Tuesday, when her husband left for work, according to Ryan. Siddharth went to a recreational facility around 9 a.m. and returned home shortly after noon. FOLLOW US ON X Investigators quickly discovered that Venkatesan’s green Honda Accord was also missing from the residence. TEEN SUSPECT IN MURDER OF TWO BANK EMPLOYEES IN KENTUCKY LEADS POLICE ON WILD 130 MPH CHASE Aravind was located at approximately 3:40 a.m. Wednesday inside his mother’s vehicle in a parking lot in nearby Wayland, Massachusetts, and was taken into custody without incident. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Prosecutors said Thursday that investigators recovered several items from the car that they believe corresponded with evidence from the scene, though officials have not publicly identified those items. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS Court documents also indicate Aravind’s father had become concerned about his son’s recent behavior and internet use and had begun hiding knives inside the home, CBS News Boston reported. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE Aravind received medical treatment for injuries to his hand before Thursday’s appearance and was medically cleared to attend court, prosecutors said. SEND US A TIP His attorney requested that he receive a mental health evaluation. When the judge asked whether the request concerned Aravind’s competency to stand trial or his potential criminal responsibility, DeWitt said that had not yet been determined. GOT A TIP? Aravind is due back in court Sept. 11 for a probable cause hearing. Fox News Digital has reached out to OpenAI for comment. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82ddfe2c5335ae1047841e New York socialist lawmaker takes heat after saying shoplifting results from 'biological need' te 2026-08-17T10:10:06.704Z New York socialist lawmaker takes heat after saying shoplifting results from 'biological need' A New York democratic socialist lawmaker's referral to shoplifting being the result of a "biological need" is getting swift blowback. New York state Assemblywoman Emily Gallagher suggested this week that aggressive prosecution of theft of items like soap and toothpaste was wrongheaded, saying the "true crime is that there is such incredible wealth disparity in this city that there are people who can be thrown in jail simply for having a biological need." "This is exactly the wrong way to talk about crime and poverty. Poverty can help explain why someone commits an offense," former Palm Beach County State Attorney Dave Aronberg told Fox News Digital. "It should matter when prosecutors decide how to handle a case. But poverty is not a permission slip to steal." Aronberg, who now leads his own law firm, rejected the suggestion that prosecution necessarily means incarceration and pointed to alternatives available for first-time offenders. SOROS NETWORK REBUILDS PROGRESSIVE PROSECUTOR PUSH AFTER STRING OF ELECTION LOSSES "Suggesting that someone who steals toothpaste for the first time is automatically being thrown in jail creates a false picture of how the system actually works. Prosecution does not have to mean incarceration," Aronberg said. "There are diversion programs, treatment, conditional dispositions and other ways to impose accountability without ruining someone’s life." Retired New York Police Department Sgt. Joe Imperatrice, founder of Blue Lives Matter NYC and a retired NYPD supervisor with more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, said politicians should focus on crime victims rather than make excuses for offenders. He also defended the policing strategy Gallagher wants New York City to abandon. "Broken Windows is a proven theory which holds people accountable for their actions and rightfully so," Imperatrice said. "The tides are turning and everyday New Yorkers are getting sick and tired of this reckless narrative." "In the very near future we will thank all of these ridiculous so-called ‘leaders’ for pushing the needle so far left that the great days of the late 90's and early 2000's will be resurrected better than ever before," he added. CHICAGO POL SAYS WALGREENS SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH 'FIRST-DEGREE CORPORATE ABANDONMENT' OVER CLOSURE OVER THEFT Gallagher, who represents Greenpoint and Williamsburg in Brooklyn, made the remarks Thursday outside Manhattan Criminal Court during a news conference with Court Watch NYC and other lawmakers. She described misdemeanor theft cases involving basic necessities as "crimes of poverty." "People who are stealing things like toothpaste, people who were stealing things like, you know, soap. And that means if you’re stealing those things, you need them," Gallagher said. Gallagher contrasted struggling New Yorkers with large drugstore chains and argued that wealth inequality was the greater offense. "And we are choosing to protect billion-dollar companies, like CVS and Walgreens, over the people who are struggling to get by," she said.  Organizers said Court Watch NYC monitored 360 arraignments over four days and found more than half involved misdemeanor offenses. CRIME IS FALLING, OFFICIALS SAY — VICTIMS CLAIM REPORTING ISN’T WORTH IT Gallagher and her allies also urged Mayor Zohran Mamdani to end "broken windows policing." Mamdani entered office promising to shift some responses to homelessness, mental illness and low-level disorder away from police while maintaining enforcement against serious violent crime. The NYPD reported retail theft declined 16.3% citywide during the first half of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The department attributed the decline to analyzing crime patterns, deploying officers at high-theft locations and conducting sustained investigations. Aronberg also warned that Gallagher’s argument could damage the Democratic Party politically by allowing Republicans to portray the party as unconcerned about crime. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE "Democrats should reject the idea that enforcing laws against theft is somehow incompatible with caring about poverty. That is bad policy, and politically it is a gift to Republicans who want to portray Democrats as indifferent to public safety," Aronberg said. Fox News Digital reached out to Gallagher for further comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82dbac2c5335ae104783da More Than Hair: How the Back-to-School Haircut Impacts Confidence te 2026-08-17T10:00:12.414Z More Than Hair: How the Back-to-School Haircut Impacts Confidence Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82dbab2c5335ae104783d1 More Than Hair: How the Back-to-School Haircut Impacts Confidence te 2026-08-17T10:00:11.692Z More Than Hair: How the Back-to-School Haircut Impacts Confidence Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82dbaa2c5335ae104783c8 4 hábitos diarios para mantener un cerebro sano y mejorar la función cognitive te 2026-08-17T10:00:10.684Z 4 hábitos diarios para mantener un cerebro sano y mejorar la función cognitive Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82dba92c5335ae104783bf 4 hábitos diarios para mantener un cerebro sano y mejorar la función cognitive te 2026-08-17T10:00:09.755Z 4 hábitos diarios para mantener un cerebro sano y mejorar la función cognitive Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82dba82c5335ae104783b6 Qué buscar al considerar un préstamo personal con garantía de auto te 2026-08-17T10:00:08.850Z Qué buscar al considerar un préstamo personal con garantía de auto Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d6fa2c5335ae10478337 IN PICTURES: Historic Smithsonian museum packed with woke political messaging on race and gender te 2026-08-17T09:40:10.725Z IN PICTURES: Historic Smithsonian museum packed with woke political messaging on race and gender As the Smithsonian Institution continues to face scrutiny over its leftward drift, a Fox News Digital tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History revealed exhibits that present the nation's past through the lens of oppression of minority groups. Perhaps nowhere in the museum was that more apparent than the popular Entertainment Nation Exhibit. The series of installations, focused mainly on sports, television and music, is a ubiquitous hotbed of woke history. One display focuses on the 2010 "Los Suns" protest, which features a special basketball jersey worn by a Phoenix Sun's player during the protest. SMITHSONIAN AMERICA 250 EXHIBIT FEATURES 3X MORE LIBERAL ITEMS THAN CONSERVATIVE ONES "In solidarity with the Latinx community, the Phoenix Suns basketball team challenged Arizona’s new immigration law on the court," says the headline of a placard explaining the display. "In 2010 Arizona empowered police to question anyone on their immigration status, in effect targeting any Spanish-speaking person with brown skin," the placard says, adding that the professional team described the state's new law as a violation of "our basic principles of equal rights and protection under the law." A mannequin head displays the hijab worn by the first Muslim woman to win a major ice skating competition while wearing the religious head covering. Another display links a 2014 "X-Men" movie to the Black Lives Matter movement, which sparked during the summer of that year. "As #BlackLivesMatter went viral in the summer of 2014, one of the first Black woman superheroes was fighting discrimination on the big screen," says the headline in the placard for that display. DESCENDANT OF SLAVES SHAMES SMITHSONIAN’S WOKE ‘INDOCTRINATION’ AGAINST THE ‘GREATEST NATION ON EARTH’ The writing describes the main characters in the fantasy the film faced discrimination for "being different," Halle Berry was the lead actress in the film, and her costume is featured in the museum. The exhibit also pays homage to the massively successful mid-2010's show "Glee," which ran for eight seasons. Its placard says the show "celebrated the arts, and, most importantly, humanity." "The television series Glee told the story of a fictional high school glee club comprised of a diverse group of students: Black, white, Asian, straight, LGBTQ+, disabled, brassy, rebellious, shy, and geeky. Even as they grappled with navigating interpersonal conflicts and developing their identities as young adults, they came together to support each other and sing as one—exemplifying the motto on a plaque in their school auditorium: 'See the world not as it is, but as it should be,'" says the placard. Another exhibit display, focused on the 1960s and 70s, mentions NBA legend Bill Russell's greatness on the court, but rather than solely highlight his accomplishments in sports, the placard focuses on his racial activism. SEN TIM SCOTT: MY FAMILY'S JOURNEY SHOWS AMERICA'S FOUNDING PROMISE IS ALIVE AND STRONG "Bill Russell was a defensive powerhouse on the court who played offense against racism," the title says. "Bill Russell redefined defensive play, blocking shots and capturing rebounds. The five-time MVP led the Boston Celtics to 11 championships as he championed civil rights," says the placard. "In 1961 Russell led Black teammates in a protest against racial discrimination, staging the first NBA game boycott." Yet another display features a massive gold chain, a crew neck sweatshirt and a notepad with hand-written song lyrics belonging to rapper Nipsey Hussle, a proud Rollin' 60s Crip gang affiliate who rapped about violence and drugs. His real name was Ermias Asghedom. "Nipsey Hussle’s political ethos was as strong as his rap," the placard says. CHARLES BARKLEY ADMONISHES SOCIETY FOR BEING HOMOPHOBIC IN VIRTUE-SIGNALING RANT ABOUT JASON COLLINS' DEATH "Raised in the Crenshaw District of Los Angeles, Grammy Award-winning rapper Nipsey Hussle made his mark through music, activism, and business savvy," it continues. "As an artist, Hussle’s lyrics painted vivid pictures of West Coast life filled with insights well beyond his years. As an activist, he mentored and inspired a generation to become politically engaged. And as an entrepreneur, he chose to reinvest millions into the streets that raised him. Despite his untimely passing, his spirit of dedication, self-reliance, and community empowerment continues to resonate." The nondescript "untimely passing" refers to the rapper's murder after he confronted a Rollin' 60s gang member, Eric Holder Jr., and accused of of "snitching" to law enforcement. An enraged Holder produced a handgun, shooting and killing Asghedom and wounding several others. Also on display are a jersey worn by the first active and openly gay NBA player, Jason Collins, the hat worn by Dr. Anthony Fauci when he threw the ceremonial first pitch at Washington Nationals game when the team league restarted after COVID-19 shutdowns and a skateboard highlighting the struggles of female skateboarders to break into the male-dominated sport. Fox News Digital reached out to the Smithsonian for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d6f62c5335ae10478328 Qué buscar al considerar un préstamo personal con garantía de auto te 2026-08-17T09:40:06.493Z Qué buscar al considerar un préstamo personal con garantía de auto Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d24b2c5335ae104782c8 From New York to Texas, states should respect local control on data centers te 2026-08-17T09:20:11.068Z From New York to Texas, states should respect local control on data centers There are already nearly 4,600 data centers in the United States, and thousands more in the works. In 2025, companies spent almost $400 billion on U.S.-based data centers, with spending trending even higher this year. From New York to Texas, the backlash is growing. "Leading the nation" read a sign on the podium as New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced a statewide moratorium on hyperscale data centers. Texas followed on Aug. 3, when Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced a pause on new data center grid connections until state agencies can audit the projects. At least 14 other states are considering similar actions, including Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and even Virginia, whose northern suburbs are the data center capital of the world. These misguided efforts seek to protect residents from data centers by ensuring they miss out on the benefits. Communities that excluded canals and railroads in the 19th century often found themselves bypassed by new economic activity. TEXAS GOV. GREG ABBOTT EFFECTIVELY PAUSES NEW DATA CENTER PROJECTS PENDING STATEWIDE GRID AUDIT States that make it hard to build artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure risk a similar mistake. Compute can be accessed remotely, but the communities that permit the necessary physical infrastructure – like data centers – will still attract capital, expand their tax base and create jobs and other opportunities that other areas may miss out on. The resistance does not come from nowhere. The biggest worry is that data centers will drive up local prices for power. Overall, however, this just hasn’t happened. When the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory explored why retail electricity prices rose above inflation from 2019-2024, it offered seven explanations, none having to do with data centers. Still, it’s fair for people to worry that data centers’ voracious need for power will stress the grid and squeeze consumers. Policymakers and the hyperscalers, major cloud computing and data center providers, themselves are taking steps to minimize this risk. Utilities in 19 states, for example, have imposed "large load tariffs," in which big power consumers pay for new generation and transmission (and sometimes more). The White House announced in late July that Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Oracle, xAI and more than 200 other players have agreed to pay for 100% of the power infrastructure required by data centers. FOUR WAYS TO HARDEN AMERICA'S POWER GRID BEFORE OUR GLOBAL ENEMIES STRIKE Once the power problem is sorted, the remaining issues, such as noise and traffic, are local. So are the potential benefits, such as tax revenue and construction jobs. Communities should therefore have the right to decide whether the benefits are worth the disruption. This is a version of the Coase Theorem, an economic theory that holds that private parties (in this case, one side being a community) can negotiate solutions to externalities on their own without heavy government intervention. And localities are indeed proving themselves willing and able to negotiate good deals for their residents. Lancaster, Pa., for example, secured commitments that will limit noise and water usage, along with $20 million for the city’s economic development and sustainability efforts. Cedar Rapids, Iowa, struck a community betterment agreement with Google and QTS that included job and wage guarantees. Teachers in Richland Parish, La., received bonus checks of as much as $51,000 thanks to higher local sales tax revenues generated by the construction of a nearby massive data center. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION State-level restrictions also carry a whiff of luxury belief, with people who don't live in areas where data centers could be built imposing their preferences on those who do. Many struggling communities with more land than prosperity would love the chance to negotiate with a hyperscaler. AMERICA'S AI BOOM IS A JOBS OPPORTUNITY, NOT AN EXCUSE FOR UNIVERSAL BASIC INCOME To be sure, the principle cuts both ways. Just as states should not enact blanket bans, they should not force projects on unwilling towns or counties. States and communities also should not rush to offer tax benefits or other incentives to hyperscalers that have proven willing to invest massive sums on compute. At the very least, the public should always know exactly, and beforehand, what kind of incentives are being offered. AI will become an ever-greater part of our economy, whether the data center is near or far. What can be done is to embrace the opportunity, while limiting the potential harm. When it comes to data centers, that balance is best struck by those who will live near them. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d24a2c5335ae104782bf It’s not the economy, stupid. Americans vote based on their personal economy te 2026-08-17T09:20:10.500Z It’s not the economy, stupid. Americans vote based on their personal economy Every election season, politicians suddenly become economists. They start talking about GDP, inflation rates, job creation, trade deficits and economic growth. They point to charts showing why the economy is doing better or worse depending on which party is holding the microphone. But there’s one problem. Most Americans don't live their lives on a government spreadsheet, job reports, GDP data or CPI Index information. FOX NEWS POLL: MOST RATE THE ECONOMY NEGATIVELY, INCLUDING HALF OF REPUBLICANS They live at the grocery store. They live at the gas pump. They live with when the mortgage payment comes out of their checking account. They live with the credit card bill. And they live it when their kid asks, "Can we afford that?" In Bill Clinton’s successful 1992 presidential campaign, strategist James Carville famously posted the message, "It’s the economy, stupid," as a reminder to keep the campaign focused on what mattered to voters. More than three decades later, I think that famous line needs an update. JAMES CARVILLE BREAKS WITH FAMOUS ‘IT’S THE ECONOMY, STUPID’ SLOGAN BECAUSE OF TRUMP It’s not the economy, stupid. It’s your personal economy that matters. And we will see this front and center as the runaway No. 1 issue in the midterms. Because when Americans walk into the voting booth, they aren't carrying a copy of the latest GDP report. They're carrying around 365 days of financial experience. Can I afford groceries? Can I afford my house? Can my kid afford a house? Is my paycheck keeping up with my bills? Can I afford health insurance? Can I fill up my SUV without wondering whether I should have bought a bicycle? Those questions may ultimately matter more politically than any economic statistic Washington can produce. FOX NEWS POLL: ECONOMIC GLOOM, TRUMP RATINGS SIGNAL TOUGH GOP MIDTERM PATH Here’s the disconnect politicians often miss and the Republicans may miss as a whole. The economy can look good on paper while your personal economy feels terrible. The stock market can hit records, but that doesn't help much when your rent just went up $200 a month. Unemployment can look relatively low, but that doesn't make you feel better if you're worried about losing your job. Inflation can cool, but "cooling inflation" doesn't mean prices went back down. It means they're generally rising more slowly. DAVID MARCUS: WHY RISING PRICES MAY NOT COST REPUBLICANS AS MUCH AS YOU THINK Try explaining that distinction to somebody staring at a $250 grocery bill. And this is where politicians in both parties make a huge mistake. You don't get to tell people how their wallet feels. You can tell Americans inflation is improving. You can tell them wages are growing. You can tell them the stock market is booming. You can put an economist on television with 17 charts explaining why Americans should feel better. THE SURPRISING HIDDEN COST QUIETLY ADDING NEARLY $132K TO NEW HOME PRICES REVEALED But if a family has $200 less left over at the end of every month, their personal economy isn't improving. And that is exactly what matters to voters. If a first-time homebuyer can't afford the monthly payment on a starter home, their personal economy isn't working. If filling the family SUV, buying groceries and paying the electric bill takes a bigger bite out of the paycheck, no government statistic is going to convince that family they're financially thriving. You don't get to tell people how their wallet feels. Their bank account already did that. Housing may be the ultimate example. For many young Americans, the question isn't whether they can negotiate another quarter-point off their mortgage rate. It's whether homeownership is becoming financially impossible altogether. I have three kids in their 20s who all have good jobs and are wondering how they can afford their first homes. That's your personal economy. Then there's gasoline. Politicians can debate why gas prices rise. Including war, oil markets, geopolitics, refinery capacity, regulation, taxes or supply disruptions. The person standing at Pump No. 7 doesn't care one iota about the political PowerPoint. They see the number spinning at the tank. $40. $60. $80. That number is the economy to them. What do my eyes tell me? 100 DAY SPRINT TO THE MIDTERMS KICKS OFF AS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS CLASH FOR CONTROL ACROSS THE COUNTRY This is why politicians heading into election season should be very careful about telling Americans how good or how bad the economy is right now. Republicans can point fingers at Democrats. Democrats can point fingers at Republicans. Both sides will cherry-pick statistics that make their economic record look better. But voters will perform a much simpler calculation: Am I financially better off right now than I was two years ago? Do I have more breathing room than I did a few years ago? Can my paycheck buy more or less? Do I feel like I'm getting ahead or falling behind? That's the economic report card that ultimately matters. Elections may be fought over immigration, foreign policy, taxes, abortion, crime and dozens of other deeply important issues. But money has a funny way of cutting through political noise. Because you can turn off a campaign commercial. You can scroll past a political argument on social media. You can even ignore Washington entirely. But you can't ignore your mortgage payment. You can't unsubscribe from the grocery store. And eventually, you have to fill up the car. Carville was onto something in 1992. But in 2026, I'd change the message. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION It’s not the economy, stupid. It’s your personal economy that matters most. And Washington would be wise to remember one simple rule: You don't get to tell Americans how their wallet feels. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM TED JENKIN Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d2492c5335ae104782b6 America’s broken permitting system is quietly raising your cost of living te 2026-08-17T09:20:09.947Z America’s broken permitting system is quietly raising your cost of living Permitting reform isn't simply an energy issue or an environmental issue. It is an affordability issue. The economics are straightforward. In a market economy, prices are determined by supply and demand. When the supply of housing, energy or manufactured goods increases, prices tend to fall. When supply is constrained, prices rise. If policymakers are serious about lowering costs for American families, they should focus on making it easier — not harder — to increase supply. That begins with fixing America's broken permitting system. THE SURPRISING HIDDEN COST QUIETLY ADDING NEARLY $132K TO NEW HOME PRICES REVEALED America does not suffer from a shortage of entrepreneurs willing to invest, workers eager to build or capital ready to finance new projects. But the permitting system fails to produce timely, predictable government decisions. Today, major housing developments, energy infrastructure and even manufacturing facilities routinely spend years navigating overlapping federal reviews, duplicative agency requirements and prolonged litigation. Time becomes a hidden tax. Every year a project sits in regulatory limbo, financing costs rise, construction expenses increase, investors demand higher returns and uncertainty discourages future investment. Those costs are ultimately paid by consumers through higher rents, home prices, utility bills and costlier goods. Much of this dysfunction stems from decades of expanding procedural requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Enacted in 1970, NEPA was designed to ensure informed environmental decision-making. Over time, it has evolved into a procedural maze that too often delays projects without producing better environmental outcomes. Endless rounds of paperwork, overlapping agency reviews and years of litigation have become commonplace, even after exhaustive environmental analysis is completed. The resulting delays impede new supply. TRUMP-APPROVED ENERGY PROJECTS AT RISK OF SUDDEN DEATH BY NEXT HOSTILE PRESIDENT The Mountain Valley Pipeline illustrates the problem. First proposed in 2014, the project did not begin operating until nearly a decade later despite extensive environmental review, public comment and regulatory oversight. Repeated litigation under NEPA, the Endangered Species Act and the Clean Water Act delayed construction and increased costs. It took an act of Congress to finally complete the project and deliver natural gas to households and businesses. af Housing faces similar obstacles. Following the closure of the Mare Island Naval Shipyard in California in 1996, planners envisioned a vibrant mixed-use community with thousands of new homes. Decades later, significant portions of the property remain unavailable because environmental remediation and overlapping federal oversight still delay redevelopment. Years of delays mean fewer homes entering the market and higher housing costs. The cumulative impact of these delays extends far beyond individual projects. Delayed housing means higher home prices and rents for families already struggling to afford them. Delayed transmission lines and pipelines mean more expensive and less reliable electricity. Delayed factories send investment—and jobs—to countries with more predictable regulatory systems. Fixing this does not require sacrificing environmental protection. America should continue to maintain high environmental standards. Clean air, water and responsible stewardship of public lands remain essential public priorities. But protecting the environment and requiring government agencies to make timely decisions are not mutually exclusive. Endless procedural delays rarely produce cleaner air or healthier ecosystems. More often, they discourage investment, inflate costs and leave communities waiting years for needed projects. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Congress has an opportunity to modernize the permitting system while preserving core environmental protections. Reasonable deadlines for agency decisions, better coordination among federal regulators, narrower opportunities for duplicative litigation after agencies have completed their work and greater regulatory certainty would all make it easier to build without weakening environmental safeguards. Several proposals already before Congress — including the SPEED Act , the FREEDOM Act and the PERMIT Act —offer practical frameworks for accomplishing those goals. Permitting reform should not be viewed through a partisan lens. Whether the goal is more affordable housing, lower energy prices, stronger domestic manufacturing or greater economic competitiveness, the solution begins with allowing projects to move from blueprint to construction in a reasonable amount of time. In today's polarized Congress, achieving bipartisan agreement on major legislation can seem nearly impossible. Yet permitting reform has proven to be the exception. The SPEED Act, the FREEDOM Act and the PERMIT Act have all attracted bipartisan support. This rare consensus reflects a fundamental truth: Permitting delays are not a partisan problem, but a practical one that hampers economic growth and competitiveness regardless of which party is in power. If Congress can leverage this rare bipartisan agreement to modernize America's permitting system, it would demonstrate that gridlock isn't inevitable, and it would deliver real results for American families seeking affordable housing, a stronger economy and enhanced global competitiveness. Making it easier to build America again is not simply good regulatory policy — it’s one of the most effective affordability policies available. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d2482c5335ae104782a5 Best Bets: Monday, Aug. 17, 2026 te 2026-08-17T09:20:08.653Z Best Bets: Monday, Aug. 17, 2026 Coming Up Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d2472c5335ae1047829c Davis Dam releases for Aug. 17 te 2026-08-17T09:20:07.847Z Davis Dam releases for Aug. 17 Monday Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d2472c5335ae10478293 Gas prices Aug 17 te 2026-08-17T09:20:07.190Z Gas prices Aug 17 National average: $4.07 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82d2462c5335ae1047828a Our View: Parents should decide what their children read te 2026-08-17T09:20:06.443Z Our View: Parents should decide what their children read The debate over what children can find at a public library can quickly turn into a fight over books, censorship and competing values. Mohave County has a better option: Give parents the tools to make those decisions for their own… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82cfeb2c5335ae1047823a Democratic Socialists Look for Upsets in Hostile Territory: Florida te 2026-08-17T09:10:03.917Z Democratic Socialists Look for Upsets in Hostile Territory: Florida Three primaries for the House and the Senate on Tuesday pose a fresh test for the left, this time in a conservative-leaning state where socialism is often seen as a dirty word. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82cd9d2c5335ae10478208 Federal Government Adds $432 Billion To Deficit In July, Shortfall Nears $1.8 Trillion te 2026-08-17T09:00:13.712Z Federal Government Adds $432 Billion To Deficit In July, Shortfall Nears $1.8 Trillion By Ethan Faverino | The federal government ran a $432.308 billion deficit in July, marking the largest monthly deficit since March 2021, according to the Joint Economic Committee’s latest Monthly Fiscal Update. The July deficit brought the federal government’s total deficit for the fiscal year through July to $1.799 trillion. The figure is 10.46% higher than the $1.629 trillion deficit recorded during the comparable period in FY25. The federal government has spent $1.40 for every $1 it has collected in revenue so far in FY26, with 28.62% of total outlays not covered by federal receipts. For comparison, the federal government recorded a total deficit of $1.775 trillion during fiscal year 2025. In July, the Fed gov ran a deficit of $432.308B, the largest monthly deficit since March 2021. FY2026-July, deficits were $1.799T. This means 28.62% of outlays in FY2026 were not paid for by revenues & for every dollar the Fed gov received in revenue, it spent $1.40.… — Joint Economic Committee Republicans (@JECRepublicans) August 13, 2026 The Congressional Budget Office’s (CBO) most recent 10-year budget projections estimate that the federal deficit will reach $1.853 trillion in FY26, followed by $1.887 trillion in FY27 and $2.080 trillion in FY28. Federal net outlays totaled $766.318 billion in July, bringing total net outlays for the fiscal year through July to $6.284 trillion. That represents a 5.17% increase compared to the $5.975 trillion in net outlays recorded during the same period in FY25. Total federal outlays reached $7.010 trillion during FY25. The largest categories of federal spending so far in FY26 have been Social Security, Medicare, income security and veterans benefits, net interest on the national debt, defense, and Medicaid. Social security accounted for $1.384 trillion in spending through July, or approximately 22% of all federal outlays. Medicare accounted for $954.52 billion, or 15.2%. Income security and veterans benefits accounted for another $968.31 billion (15.4%), while net interest on the federal debt totaled $931.36 billion (14.8%). Defense spending totaled $764.71 billion through July, representing 12.2% of federal outlays, while Medicaid spending reached $598.21 billion (9.5%). In July alone, Medicare accounted for $174.25 billion in federal spending, followed by Social Security at $140.68 billion, income security and veterans benefits at $119.28 billion, net interest at $104.15 billion, defense at $86.05 billion, and Medicaid at $58.30 billion. The CBO currently projects total federal net outlays of $7.449 trillion for FY26, increasing to $7.772 trillion in FY27 and $8.151 trillion in FY28. Federal spending has continued to exceed revenue despite receipts also increasing compared to the same period last fiscal year. The federal government collected $334.010 billion in net receipts during July. For the fiscal year through July, total net receipts reached $4.485 trillion. That is a 3.19% increase from the $4.437 trillion collected during the comparable period in FY25. Total federal receipts reached $5.235 trillion durning FY25. Individual income taxes remain the largest source of federal revenue, generating $2.369 trillion through July, or 52.8% of all federal receipts. Social insurance and retirement taxes generated another $1.523 trillion, accounting for 33.9% of receipts. Corporation income taxes have generated $292.91 billion so far in FY26, representing 6.5% of total receipts. Customs duties have brought in $154.47 billion (3.4%), while all other receipts accounted for $146.22 billion (3.3%). In July, individual income taxes generated $173.27 billion, while social insurance and retirement taxes generated $139.07 billion. Corporation income taxes generated $13.57 billion during the month. Customs duties recorded a negative $8.55 billion in July, compared with $135.69 billion collected during the comparable period of FY25. Despite the July figure, customs duties have generated $154.47 billion for the fiscal year to date. The CBO projects federal receipts will total $5.596 trillion in FY26, $5.885 trillion in FY27 and $6.071 trillion in FY28. While federal receipts have increased 3.19% compared with the same point in FY25, net outlays have increased by 5.17% The difference between federal spending and revenue has contributed to the $1.799 trillion deficit accumulated through July. The federal government’s fiscal year ends September 30, meaning the July figures cover 10 months of FY26. Ethan Faverino is a reporter for AZ Free News. You can send him news tips using this link. The post Federal Government Adds $432 Billion To Deficit In July, Shortfall Nears $1.8 Trillion first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82cd9b2c5335ae104781ff Amish Shah Faces Scrutiny Over Support For D.C. Statehood te 2026-08-17T09:00:11.965Z Amish Shah Faces Scrutiny Over Support For D.C. Statehood By Matthew Holloway | The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) is targeting Democratic congressional nominee Amish Shah over his documented support for admitting Washington, D.C., as the 51st state. The criticism comes as Arizona’s competitive First Congressional District race moves into the general election. The NRCC said Thursday that Shah supported the proposal on multiple occasions while serving in the Arizona House of Representatives and characterized statehood as an effort to expand Democratic power in Congress. The committee cited a 2021 letter signed by Shah and a 2023 concurrent resolution listing him among its sponsors. The D.C. Statehood Compact, an organization supporting admission, lists Shah among 33 Democratic Arizona lawmakers who signed the 2021 letter. The lawmakers wrote that “the State of Arizona supports admitting Washington, D.C. into the Union” and urged the state’s congressional delegation to support federal statehood legislation. Two years later, Shah joined more than two dozen Arizona House members and eight state senators sponsoring House Concurrent Resolution 2034. The measure, which died in committee without receiving a floor vote, would have proclaimed support for admitting Washington, D.C., as a state and enacting federal legislation granting statehood to its residents. The resolution argued that District residents pay federal taxes, serve in the military, and remain without full voting representation in Congress. It also cited the 2016 districtwide referendum in which approximately 86 percent of voters supported statehood. Federal statehood legislation would preserve a smaller federal district containing the White House, Capitol, Supreme Court and other federal buildings while admitting the residential and commercial portions of Washington as the State of Washington, Douglass Commonwealth. The proposed state would elect two senators and initially one voting member of the House. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton and Sen. Chris Van Hollen reintroduced companion measures in January 2025. Republicans have argued that admission would produce two reliably Democratic Senate seats and an additional Democratic vote in the House. District voters have supported the Democratic presidential nominee in every election since they first participated in 1964. Former Vice President Kamala Harris received 90.28 percent of the District’s vote in 2024, while President Donald Trump received 6.47 percent. NRCC spokesman Ben Petersen linked Shah’s statehood position to the committee’s broader criticism of his policy record. ALERT: Arizona Democrat Socialist @DrAmishShah pushed for making Washington D.C. 🟦 the 51st state — a Democrat power grab Uncovered docs revealed Socialist Shah wanted to create two new Democrat-held U.S. Senate seats and a Democrat U.S. House seat 🟦🟦🟦 Shah showed he's a… pic.twitter.com/tSJ3rWFnBr — Ben Petersen (@bennpetersen) August 13, 2026 In a post to X, Petersen wrote, “Arizona Democrat Socialist @DrAmishShah pushed for making Washington D.C. the 51st state — a Democrat power grab. Uncovered docs revealed Socialist Shah wanted to create two new Democrat-held U.S. Senate seats and a Democrat U.S. House seat.” “Socialist Amish Shah demonstrated he’s a partisan Democrat obsessed with seizing power to force unpopular far-left tax hikes on Arizonans,” Petersen said, adding, “Arizona families can’t afford Socialist Shah rubber-stamping a radical left agenda in Congress.” Shah’s campaign describes him as an independent voice who worked across party lines during his five years in the state Legislature. His campaign says his congressional priorities include lowering costs, protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid, and defending abortion rights. The new attack follows a contentious Democratic primary in which Shah openly criticized national party leaders. In May, Shah accused the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee of interfering in the race after it endorsed former television journalist Marlene Galán-Woods. Shah said the committee had previously assured candidates that it would remain out of the primary and described its intervention as “hubris.” Shah defeated Galán-Woods and two other candidates in July and will face Republican nominee Jay Feely in November. Feely, a former Arizona Cardinals kicker, received Trump’s endorsement during the Republican primary. The open district includes Scottsdale, northeast Phoenix, Fountain Hills, and Paradise Valley and is expected to help determine control of the U.S. House. The NRCC has also focused on remarks Shah made about taxes and the Democratic Party’s progressive wing. During a Democratic forum this year, Shah called Trump’s tax cuts “abominable” and said he would use his platform to “prosecute” Trump and congressional Republicans “as vigorously as I can.”   During a 2018 appearance that resurfaced in the 2024 campaign, Shah said the country’s economic system was unfair, blamed Reagan-era tax reductions for contributing to inequality and welcomed what he called a “huge progressive movement” within the Democratic Party. Shah also said during the 2024 campaign that he opposed extending the Trump tax cuts because many of their beneficiaries were wealthy. Shah previously won the district’s Democratic nomination in 2024 and lost to Republican Rep. David Schweikert by approximately four percentage points Schweikert left the seat open after forgoing reelection to run unsuccessfully for governor. 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 Amish Shah Faces Scrutiny Over Support For D.C. Statehood first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82cd9a2c5335ae104781f6 Arizona Governor, Secretary Of State, Attorney General Accused Of Straw Donor Scheme te 2026-08-17T09:00:10.188Z Arizona Governor, Secretary Of State, Attorney General Accused Of Straw Donor Scheme By Staff Reporter | A new complaint filed this week alleges that Arizona’s governor, secretary of state, and attorney general may have participated in a straw donor scheme. The complainant, San Tan Valley resident Gary DeBerge, has asked Arizona District Attorney Timothy Courchaine and Maricopa County Attorney Rachel Mitchell to look into what he says are “mysterious and unexplained” irregularities in the campaigns of Gov. Katie Hobbs, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes, and Attorney General Kris Mayes.  A copy of the complaint obtained by AZ Free News alleges that recent filings by one of the campaigns reflect “repeatedly altered reported receipts by millions of dollars” due to alleged eliminations of prior reported contributions.  Elect Katie Hobbs, the governor’s reelection campaign account, issued 10 amended reports for the 2026 Quarter 2 report, several of which varied by millions of dollars.  Exempt small contributions amounting to less than $100 totaled more than $1.4 million in the original filing and the first amended report, dropped to $0 in the second and third amended reports, then rose to nearly $400,000 in subsequent amended reports.   Total receipts amounted to more than $2.6 million in the original filing, but jumped to $3.1 million in the first amended report, then dropped below $1.7 million in the second amended report, then rose again to more than $2.2 million in the third amended report, and then rose again, back to more than $2.6 million in subsequent amended reports.  Donations under $100 are considered eligible for aggregate rather than individual reporting. Elect Katie Hobbs 2026 Quarter 2 Reported Contributions Total ReceiptsSmall ContributionsCash Balance Original Filing (ID: 385354)$2,642,060$1,426,552$2,378,206 First Amended Filing (ID: 408467)$3,105,230$1,426,552$2,841,375  Second Amended Filing (ID: 409125)$1,678,677$0 $1,414,823 Third Amended Filing (ID: 419576)$2,257,740$0 $1,993,885 Fourth Amended Filing (ID: 421346)$2,652,525$394,785$2,388,670 Fifth Amended Filing (ID: 421347)$2,649,025$394,785$2,385,170 Sixth Amended Filing (ID: 421760)$2,649,020$394,785$2,385,165 Seventh Amended Filing (ID: 421761)$2,648,520$394,785$2,384,665 Eighth Amended Filing (ID: 421762)$2,648,267$394,785$2,384,412 Ninth Amended Filing (ID: 421763)$2,648,259$394,784$2,384,404 Tenth Amended Filing (ID: 421765)$2,648,276$394,802$2,384,421 The complaint petitioned investigators to determine whether the millions moved around in amended filings reflected “a calculated attempt to obscure the true source and disposition” of the funds.  As noted by the complaint, Hobbs’ campaign reported much smaller totals of exempt small contributions throughout 2025 and the first quarter of 2026. Exempt small contributions across five quarters amounted to $600,000 in total. Then, in the second quarter of this year, the campaign reported a surge in exempt small contributions that amounted to more than double what the campaign pulled for an entire year and a quarter.  “Elect Katie Hobbs has reported approximately $1.4 million in exempt contributions and then later reported that those same contributions never existed,” stated the complaint. “This should immediately raise questions regarding the accuracy of one, if not all, of the recent filings made by this committee.”  The Trump administration and Republican leaders in Congress have initiated investigatory efforts into straw donor schemes by online fundraising platforms.  An example of this was illustrated prominently in the media earlier this year, when investigative reporters discovered that ActBlue, the primary fundraising platform for Democrats, allegedly misattributed around $100,000 in donations across thousands of individual political contributions over five years to one Elizabeth Waffle, an 88-year-old woman in Michigan living in a trailer with limited income. ActBlue allegedly misattributed more than 13,000 donations that occurred once or multiple times on a daily basis.  The complaint also questioned the number of contributors listed as “not employed” across the three campaigns’ 2026 filings to date. Below are the total number of instances in which individual contributors were listed as “not employed” for the three report filings due so far this year and the four report filings made in 2025. These instances exclude retirees and may include individuals who contributed more than once. Candidate“Not Employed” or “Unemployed” in 2026 Filings“Not Employed” or “Unemployed” in 2025 Filings Katie Hobbs46,33526,643 Andy Biggs2621 Kris Mayes17,53013,162 Warren Petersen00 Adrian Fontes12,6403,294 Alexander Kolodin21 AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Arizona Governor, Secretary Of State, Attorney General Accused Of Straw Donor Scheme first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82c1de2c5335ae1047809d Arizona warns feds of 'catastrophic' harm from Colorado River plan te 2026-08-17T08:10:06.874Z Arizona warns feds of 'catastrophic' harm from Colorado River plan Arizona continues pressing its case against potentially “catastrophic” cuts in its water supply, asserting that the federal government’s developing plan for the Colorado River ignores critical legal requirements to deliver water to the Southwest. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82c1de2c5335ae10478094 Lake Havasu City secures federal land rights for second bridge te 2026-08-17T08:10:06.116Z Lake Havasu City secures federal land rights for second bridge Lake Havasu City has secured federal land rights needed for the second bridge project, clearing another hurdle as the city moves toward construction. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82c1dd2c5335ae1047808b Western Arizona state parks draw loyal visitors as attendance shifts from pandemic highs te 2026-08-17T08:10:05.195Z Western Arizona state parks draw loyal visitors as attendance shifts from pandemic highs Arizona state parks in Mohave and La Paz counties are keeping a remarkably loyal base of visitors, even as attendance at some of the region’s parks remains below the levels seen around the COVID-19 pandemic. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a82b8802c5335ae10477b66 Australia sets launch for sweeping gun buyback after Bondi Beach terror attack: 'Sensible gun reform' te 2026-08-17T07:30:08.727Z Australia sets launch for sweeping gun buyback after Bondi Beach terror attack: 'Sensible gun reform' New South Wales in Australia is slated to begin a gun buyback scheme in November, the first state in the nation to kick-off the program as part of the national response to a shooting spree that killed 15 people at a Hanukkah celebration in the state capital of Sydney, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced on Sunday. Albanese and New South Wales Premier Chris Minns said the scheme would start on November 2. People who return eligible firearms under the first phase would receive fixed compensation ranging from $450 to $1,000 per firearm, depending on the type. A second phase will provide a valuation pathway for certain higher-value firearms, capped at $10,000 per firearm. Albanese's center-left government adopted new gun-control laws in January in the aftermath of the December 14 attack at a Bondi Beach Hanukkah celebration, including the gun buyback program and tighter firearms measures. New South Wales separately passed tighter state firearms laws in December, while the federal government also strengthened laws targeting hate speech and extremism. The pair of alleged gunmen used firearms that were obtained legally. Australia's government said there were a record 4.1 million firearms in the country last year, including more than 1.1 million in New South Wales, its most populous state. AUSTRALIA VOWS TO STRENGTHEN HATE SPEECH LAWS, GUN CONTROL IN WAKE OF BONDI BEACH ATTACK "We must do everything we can to make sure the antisemitic terrorist attack in Bondi doesn’t happen again. That includes meaningful nationwide gun reform," Albanese said in a statement. The initiative is set to be Australia's largest buyback since a similar effort following the 1996 massacre in Tasmania's Port Arthur, when a gunman killed 35 people. "Australians are quite rightly proud of our gun laws, but the fact is there are more guns in Australia today than there were at the time of dealing with the Port Arthur gun buyback ," Albanese said. New South Wales generally limits individual firearm ownership to four guns under restrictions sparked by the Bondi Beach attack, with exemptions allowingcertain licence holders, including some primary producers, sport shooters and others with specified genuine reasons, to possess more firearms. It estimates that up to 274,000 registered firearms — about 24% of the total number of registered firearms in New South Wales — and about 50,000 license holders are affected by the new limits on gun ownership and reclassification of some types of firearms. VIRGINIA GUN SALES SPIKE AHEAD OF JULY 1 ASSAULT WEAPONS BAN SIGNED BY GOV. SPANBERGER "After Bondi, we promised the people of New South Wales we would introduce the toughest gun laws in the country, and that’s exactly what we did," Minns said. "The next step is getting the guns that are no longer permitted under those laws out of circulation and permanently off our streets." "There are potentially hundreds of thousands of firearms affected by these changes," Minns added. "We want those guns handed in, compensated for and safely destroyed. This is a big undertaking, but the principle behind it is simple: fewer dangerous guns in our community means a safer New South Wales." The attack was allegedly carried out by a father and son who police believe were inspired by the Islamic State. The 50-year-old father, Sajid Akram, was shot and killed by police at the scene, while the surviving suspect, Naveed Akram, 24, has not yet entered pleas on a slew of charges, including 15 counts of murder. Authorities have charged him with 59 offenses in total, including committing a terrorist act and 15 counts of murder. A man identified as Ahmed al Ahmed has been praised as a hero for tackling and disarming one of the gunmen. He suffered gunshot wounds in the incident and is still recovering. "After the tragedy at Bondi, we committed to dealing with the motive and the method," Minister for Home Affairs Tony Burke said. "Since then, we have strengthened our hate crimes and hate speech laws, which are now the strongest in our country’s history." "Today we continue the proud Australian tradition of sensible gun reform designed to protect our community from weapons which have no utility other than to cause harm." he added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a829eb72c5335ae1047729d Trump blames vandals for dead grass on National Mall where he hosted 4th of July celebration te 2026-08-17T05:40:07.506Z Trump blames vandals for dead grass on National Mall where he hosted 4th of July celebration President Donald Trump is blaming vandals for large spots of dead grass on the National Mall near the World War II Memorial, the same area where the president hosted crowds for a 4th of July celebration. Trump made the claim without providing evidence or explaining why he believes vandals damaged the grass. He shared a photo showing an area by the World War II Memorial with patches of brown and dead grass across much of the sprawling turf that was previously full of green grass. "Look what VANDALS did to the grass connecting the vandalized World War II Monument and the vandalized Reflecting Pool, which will be opened again, and better than ever, shortly," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "Anybody who thinks the Reflecting Pool wasn’t vandalized should go back to Law School!" he continued. TRUMP URGES JEANINE PIRRO TO REVISIT DROPPED LINCOLN MEMORIAL REFLECTING POOL VANDALISM CASE Trump had a large stage built and invited crowds to the same lawn for his Independence Day celebration last month. He is now blaming vandals for the grass damage. Crowds gathered to hear from the president and watch fireworks to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Photos from the celebration show a large bandstand and seating areas covering nearly the entire lawn Trump now says was damaged by vandals. Photos from subsequent days showed workers removing the structures, revealing brown and damaged grass underneath. The photographs show that event infrastructure occupied much of the affected lawn, but do not by themselves establish what caused all of the grass damage. Trump has repeatedly blamed vandals for damage to his renovation projects in Washington, D.C., often without evidence and contradicting accounts from his officials. Earlier this month, Trump criticized U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro after her office moved to dismiss the vandalism case after newly disclosed evidence showed widespread liner damage stemming from a flawed installation and the rush to complete the project ahead of Independence Day events, undermining the case against the defendant. On Friday, an arrest was made in connection with vandalism at the World War II Memorial after the words "Clean hands dirty $" were found painted on the monument and bubbles filled a fountain. Felony charges in that case are being brought against Melissa Farris, according to Pirro. Charging documents in that case do not mention the once-grassy area Trump referred to in his new social media post. Authorities said Farris was previously arrested for camping on federal property a few blocks from the World War II Memorial, but not the spot referenced by Trump. OBAMA JUDGE HANDS PROGRESSIVES A WIN OVER ANTI-TRUMP '86 47' MESSAGE AMID RISING THREATS On Aug. 1, Trump posted a different photo of the same area of dead that appears to show the numbers "86 47," which federal officials argue is a threat against Trump. The numbers are not visible in the photo Trump shared on Sunday. Trump cited that image as evidence against Pirro's conclusion, describing it as "a pure case of VANDALISM, that included the grass." "There may have been some contractor difficulty, but the major damage was caused by VANDALS!" he wrote. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8280402c5335ae10476e29 NYPD officers fatally shoot man armed with butcher knife after he advanced toward cops: police te 2026-08-17T03:30:08.199Z NYPD officers fatally shoot man armed with butcher knife after he advanced toward cops: police NYPD officers fatally shot a 54-year-old man Sunday afternoon after police said he advanced toward them with a large butcher knife inside a Lower East Side apartment building. The shooting happened shortly after 4 p.m. at 126 Ludlow Street, where officers were responding to multiple 911 calls reporting an assault in progress. When officers entered the building, they found a trail of blood leading up a staircase, NYPD Assistant Chief Melissa Eger said during a Sunday evening news conference. As officers headed upstairs, they encountered 54-year-old Wei Chan coming down the staircase while armed with what police described as a large butcher knife. LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY PARK SHOOTING KILLS 1, INJURES 4 DURING LIVE BAND PERFORMANCE "Officers repeated multiple commands for the male to show his hands in an effort for him to drop the weapon," Eger said. "As officers issued repeated commands, the male continued to advance towards the officers armed with the large butcher knife." The officers then opened fire, striking Chan. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. "He has no known criminal history with our department. However, he does have a documented mental health history with the department," Eger said. POLICE REVEAL NEW DETAILS ABOUT GUNMAN, 5 VICTIMS KILLED IN RURAL MICHIGAN SHOOTING RAMPAGE Officers also found Wei Chan's 75-year-old father, Cheung Chan, suffering from a laceration to the head. Investigators said Wei Chan had injured his father before police arrived. He was also taken to the hospital and is expected to survive. The responding officers were also taken to a hospital for evaluation, police said. "Their actions are a reminder of how officers run towards danger and not away from it," Eger said. VIRGINIA STATE UNIVERSITY SHOOTING SUSPECT FOUND HIDING IN DORM CLOSET ARRESTED Mayor Zohran Mamdani said Sunday that he had been briefed on the shooting and that the incident would undergo an internal investigation. "As with every incident in which NYPD officers discharge their weapons, there will be an internal investigation, and body-worn camera footage of the incident will be released," Mamdani wrote on X. The circumstances surrounding the shooting remain under investigation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a827de72c5335ae104767e1 Hayden Panettiere dead at 36 te 2026-08-17T03:20:07.825Z Hayden Panettiere dead at 36 "Nashville" actress Hayden Panettiere died, her representative confirmed to Fox News Digital. She was 36. Circumstances surrounding her death were not immediately made available. "It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her – and to the millions who watched her onscreen," her rep said in a statement provided to ABC. Fox News Digital's Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.  This is a developing story. Check back here for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8272302c5335ae10476287 Von Miller signs with Cowboys in homecoming move for 2-time Super Bowl champion: 'Let's make this one special' te 2026-08-17T02:30:08.577Z Von Miller signs with Cowboys in homecoming move for 2-time Super Bowl champion: 'Let's make this one special' Von Miller, the eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion, is heading to Jerry’s World for his 15th NFL season. Miller announced he is signing with the Dallas Cowboys, though the specifics of the deal were not disclosed. "Dallas ! Let’s make this one Special !" Miller wrote on X with a photoshopped picture of himself in a Cowboys uniform. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Cowboys legend Demarcus Ware, who also won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos alongside Miller, also posted a FaceTime screenshot of the two of them smiling together with the a smiling emoji and "#CowboysNation." Miller also won SB 50 MVP during that game against the Carolina Panthers as well. Miller is coming off a nine-sack season for the Washington Commanders, where he also collected 26 combined tackles across 17 games with his fourth NFL franchise in his career. QUINNEN WILLIAMS AGRESS TO $105.9M CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH COWBOYS, LOCKING HIM IN THROUGH 2030 SEASON Now, Miller will be facing off against the Commanders, and other NFC East foes, with the Cowboys. COWBOYS LEGEND RELISHES IN CALEB DOWNS PICK AS RIVAL TEAM MISSES OUT ON FILLING SECONDARY HOLE Miller is a future Hall of Fame defensive end who has two first team All-Pro nods under his many accolades. He also heads into the 2026 NFL season tied ninth all-time in sacks alongside Ware with 138.5 for his career. This is also a full-circle moment for Miller, who returns home. The DeSoto, Texas native starred at DeSoto High School before earning national recognition during his time with the Texas A&M Aggies. The Broncos ended up taking Miller second overall in the 2011 NFL Draft, but now he heads to Dallas, which is less than an hour away from where he grew up. For the Cowboys, the addition of Miller runs with the theme they’ve had since trading away Micah Parsons one year ago. They have been trying to find that skilled pass rusher since Parsons landed with the Green Bay Packers. Last season, the Cowboys had just 31 sacks, which was in the bottom third of the league. Of course, sacks are not the only statistic that matters, but as a defense, Dallas allowed the third-most yards (377.0) and the most points (30.1) per game of any team in the league. COWBOYS LOCK IN GEORGE PICKENS WITH $27.3M FRANCHISE TAG DESPITE FAILING TO REACH LONG-TERM CONTRACT The Cowboys have tried to shore up their defense this offseason, including the addition of Parsons’ old Packers teammate, outside linebacker Rashan Gary, ex-Los Angeles Chargers defensive end Otito Ogbonnia, and ex-San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dee Winters while using two first-round draft choices on defensive players — Ohio State safety Caleb Downs and UCF linebacker Malachi Lawrence. Finally, with new defensive coordinator Christian Parker in place, the Cowboys want to see their defense keep opponents out of the end zone, while their offense continues to find it like they did at a high rate last season. The Cowboys had the second-best offense in terms of yards in 2025. Can Miller be that much of a difference, though? Can he fill the sack void left when Parsons packed for Green Bay? He had a solid performance in 2025, and perhaps the homecoming will add some extra juice for the future Hall of Famer as he joins his new team. 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/6a8264202c5335ae1047611c Louisiana man accused of killing wife, propping her body up for multistate drive te 2026-08-17T01:30:08.422Z Louisiana man accused of killing wife, propping her body up for multistate drive A Louisiana man is accused of killing his wife and propping her body up in the passenger seat of his car and driving through multiple states before he was arrested in Tennessee, according to authorities. Tyronne Brazille, 50, was pulled over by police in Memphis for a traffic violation on Thursday when officers found the lifeless body of his wife, Lanessa Bradford, 50, in the passenger seat of his vehicle with a gunshot wound, WREG reported. A longtime friend of the woman, Shelicka Decker, told the outlet that the couple had been married for years and Bradford was planning to leave Brazille. NEW JERSEY MAN ACCUSED OF KILLING WIFE WITH BARBELL ALLEGEDLY CONFESSED IN MESSAGES TO RELATIVES: REPORT "She had the money saved up. She had come up with a plan, and she was going to just vanish. That was the only way she would be able to get away from him," Decker said. "She was going to leave her car, she was going to leave all the things behind, and she had been in touch with her family that was out of town, and that’s how she was going to make this move to get away." But before Bradford had the chance to leave, investigators allege Brazille shot and killed her during an argument at Independence Community Park in Baton Rouge, according to investigators, WREG reported. Investigators said Brazille drove through several states with his wife's body in the vehicle before he was stopped in Memphis. He was taken into custody in Memphis as a fugitive. "I have so many questions, like, what were you doing in the car with her that amount of time while she was deceased," Decker said. "Where was his mind at during that ride? It’s so crazy and heartbreaking." DATING-APP CHARMER ACCUSED OF MURDER AFTER HISTORY OF DOMESTIC ARRESTS INVOLVING WOMEN HE MET ONLINE Decker said Bradford had told her that Brazille threatened to kill himself or Bradford when she discussed leaving him, but Decker said she never believed he would actually follow through. "He never put his hands on her up until recently, like maybe like two or three months ago," Decker said. "It wouldn’t have surprised me if someone had called and said that he killed himself because he always says this. It surprised me that he killed her." Decker said Bradford worked at an elementary school in Baton Rouge, and the school asked police to conduct a welfare check at her home after she missed a few days of work. "It’s such an unfortunate situation, like everybody, she was such a good person. Everybody, she uplifted a lot of people, a lot of parents," Decker said. "My prayers are with her family and friends as well as his, because we were all friends. We all, you know, hung around each other, and this is just not the same person that we grew up with." Brazille is scheduled to appear in court on Monday as he awaits extradition to Louisiana. Police said Brazille is expected to face a murder charge after extradition in connection with Bradford’s death. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a825f6f2c5335ae104760af Todd Blanche backs Jeanine Pirro after Lincoln Memorial pool vandalism case dismissal te 2026-08-17T01:10:07.796Z Todd Blanche backs Jeanine Pirro after Lincoln Memorial pool vandalism case dismissal U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche on Sunday said he supports U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro after her office moved to dismiss the vandalism case involving the newly renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Federal prosecutors on July 31 moved to drop the case against Olympic canoeist David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the $14 million project after cracks, algae growth and peeling sealant were discovered. Prosecutors cited evidence indicating the damage may have stemmed from a botched renovation rather than vandalism. Blanche said he and President Donald Trump both support Pirro, but acknowledged that he could not fault the president for his reaction to the case dismissal, as "potential vandalism" may still be involved. "I absolutely support U.S. Attorney Pirro, as does President Trump," he said on NBC’s "Meet the Press." TRUMP URGES JEANINE PIRRO TO REVISIT DROPPED LINCOLN MEMORIAL REFLECTING POOL VANDALISM CASE "Now, that’s different than whether the president is extraordinarily frustrated at what happened in that case. And I don’t in any way fault him for that." Blanche clarified that the court filings did not conclude that all of the damage was caused by faulty construction, noting that a witness reportedly claimed to have seen Hearn vandalizing the reflecting pool. However, he acknowledged that witness accounts alone are not sufficient evidence to prove the case. "Well, there’s a witness that said, ‘I observed the defendant vandalizing the reflecting pool.’ Now, that’s different than whether ultimately we have the proof." Hearn has maintained his innocence.  TRUMP DOUBLES DOWN ON REFLECTING POOL VANDALISM ALLEGATIONS, CITES NEW WITNESS ACCOUNT Despite the evidentiary issues surrounding the case, Blanche said Pirro is doing a "phenomenal job" prosecuting vandalism involving memorials and monuments.  His comments came after Pirro’s office pursued a separate $1,000 property-destruction case involving a veterans memorial last Thursday. A female suspect, Melissa L. Farris, allegedly spray-painted the words "clean hands, diary money" in bright pink paint and dumped bubble soap into the memorial’s fountain. "U.S. Attorney Pirro is doing a phenomenal job enforcing that, going after anybody who’s doing it. And I think judging her on a single case because of the evidence that we had is not fair," he said. Blanche also said he would also consider last Thursday’s White House request asking the Justice Department to explore whether a new misdemeanor prosecution could be brought against Hearn after Pirro’s office dropped the original vandalism case. WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL ON NATIONAL MALL VANDALIZED WITH PINK SPRAY PAINT; FOUNTAIN OVERFLOWING WITH BUBBLES "Will I take the President of the United States’s view on something into consideration? Yes, of course," he said. "That’s certainly something that I listen to." The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a825f6f2c5335ae104760a6 Mercury coach blasts WNBA narratives but ignores Fever coach Stephanie White’s role in the mess te 2026-08-17T01:10:07.152Z Mercury coach blasts WNBA narratives but ignores Fever coach Stephanie White’s role in the mess Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts lit up his media session Saturday, taking dead aim at the endless noise surrounding the WNBA. But instead of addressing why players like Sophie Cunningham and Caitlin Clark keep taking hits from activists and mainstream outlets, Tibbetts rushed to the defense of Indiana Fever head coach Stephanie White. "It really pisses me off. It's disappointing," Tibbetts said regarding the narrative around the league. "This is a great league. We've got great players. There's great stories, great rookies, great teams. We just spend so much time talking about the wrong stuff. I don't know why that happens in our league. It's disappointing. I don't know who can help change the narrative. Is it the coaches? Is it the players? Is it the media? There's outside sources that are trying to create division, and at times it's not a lot of fun." TEXAS LAWMAKER SAYS WNBA RESPONSE ON CAITLIN CLARK ‘FALLS SHORT,’ KEEPS ‘EVERY OPTION ON THE TABLE’ Tibbetts singled out the backlash directed at White after her limp reaction to a hard foul on Cunningham. "We make it about basketball, but some of the things that Steph has to go through, that's wrong," Tibbetts added. "There's no other coach in any professional sport that has to go through the stuff that she does, and I think of her a lot. It's not fair. It's not fair. She's hired to coach basketball. They got a great team and they're just dealing with stuff that doesn't really matter. So that still pisses me off." White has been criticized for being too passive in protecting her players, notably after DiJonai Carrington slammed Sophie Cunningham across the neck. Cunningham was already a target in the media for daring to speak out about protecting women's sports regarding transgender athletes. FEVER COACH STEPHANIE WHITE DODGES QUESTION ON GOP LETTER ABOUT CAITLIN CLARK’S TREATMENT IN WNBA Instead of standing up for her player, Stephanie White ducked behind a wall of corporate word salad. White insisted Carrington had no bad intent, brushed it off as a routine hard foul, and apparently hoped everyone would just move along. White's spineless refusal to defend Cunningham or acknowledge the targeted hostility toward players like Clark is what actually drives the outrage. When activists and media hacks attack your locker room, a head coach cannot just sit on the fence. Tibbetts wants fans to blame outside agitators for ruining the league's momentum. In reality, his impassioned defense of White is basic WNBA brand protection. WNBA SUDDENLY WANTS TO STICK TO BASKETBALL AFTER YEARS OF MAKING POLITICS PART OF THE PRODUCT The WNBA would rather circle the wagons around its own establishment than back players who dare to express their views on matters like protecting women's sports. Until coaches like White stop playing it safe and start defending their players, Tibbetts can complain about the narrative all he wants. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a825d1a2c5335ae1047605c Rob Schneider leans on faith, holds hope for reconciliation with estranged daughter Elle King te 2026-08-17T01:00:10.350Z Rob Schneider leans on faith, holds hope for reconciliation with estranged daughter Elle King Rob Schneider's relationship with estranged daughter Elle King may be strained, but he has hope for the future. Schneider, 62, admitted on Andrew Gold's "Heretics" podcast that he'll always be there for the "very talented" country singer despite challenges with the past. The "Grown Ups" actor recalled a previous public appearance where he admitted he "wasn't the dad" that his daughter needed. KELSEY GRAMMER URGES AMERICANS TO LOOK TO FOUNDING FATHERS FOR GUIDANCE AS NATION FACES DEEP DIVISIONS "I wasn't prepared emotionally for the outpouring of what I received after that," Schneider said. "There's an endemic – and I don't know if in other cultures, but in the United States – an endemic of kids who went off to college and came back and said, 'My daughter doesn't want to have a relationship with me anymore,' or, 'I can't see my grandkids.'" "It's an attack on the culture in a way that the culture is vulnerable." In 2024, King shared insight into her at-times "toxic" childhood during an appearance on BunnieXO's "Dumb Blonde" podcast. King confessed that her dad was "just not nice" and would go "four or five years without talking" to her. "I put out my record and people finally started asking about my dad," she said. "My dad called me, and was like, ‘Don’t f---ing talk about me in the press.'" DENISE RICHARDS SAYS SAMI 'STANDS UP' TO DAD CHARLIE SHEEN AND THAT HE NEEDS IT She remembered, "If I would ever spend a summer with my dad, it would be on a movie set. I would just get lost in the shuffle. If I ever messed up a shot, if I ever was talking, like, I would get in f---ing trouble." "He also didn't have a very good reputation. I don't want to be associated with him. He's just not nice. You can want someone to change so much; you can't control anyone else's actions. You can't control people's feelings. All you can control is how you react and what you do with your feelings, and sometimes I f---ing boil up, and I boil over and I f---ing bust my lid." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER King added, "You try every different angle. I would try letters. I would try soft. I would try yelling … my dad forgot about every single birthday. I spent my 18th birthday in a summer school, and they brought me cupcakes, and I came home and my dad forgot my birthday." Schneider later apologized for the past, and admitted he wasn't sure if his daughter accepted his words. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "The door's open, and I would say, you know, I love you and ... I'm there when you want," he said. "We had an exchange, and I'll leave it at that. The thing about, as a parent, you just have to love and be available and be an open door. My door's always open." He added, "The second she needs me, I'll be there. That's all you can do, and the idea that I'm going to somehow ... that I need something, that I can force my way or force ... no. It has to be something that ... an openness." Schneider conveyed the importance of recognizing a "higher power" to help guide him through difficult times. "When things get taken away, and if that's everything – your fame and your attachment to this stuff – if that gets taken from you, and that's all you have, then you have nothing," he said. "But if you realize there is something higher than all of that and your connection to that, then at that point there's nothing that anybody could do to you." He added, "The thing about Christianity, it's really … it's love others, and it's really about forgiveness. And forgiveness isn't something you give to somebody else. It's a gift you give to yourself. You can't carry stuff. You have to let go." King's representatives did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a825abf2c5335ae10476013 Todd Blanche rejects NBC anchor’s DOJ independence pledge, says Trump would never cross ‘legal line’ te 2026-08-17T00:50:07.539Z Todd Blanche rejects NBC anchor’s DOJ independence pledge, says Trump would never cross ‘legal line’ Newly confirmed Attorney General Todd Blanche rejected NBC host Kristen Welker's request Sunday on "Meet the Press" that he pledge the Justice Department (DOJ) would always act independently of the White House, arguing the agency must remain able to carry out lawful presidential policy priorities. "No, I’m not going to pledge that. And no attorney general should ever pledge that," Blanche said. Blanche used President Donald Trump’s directive to target violent criminals to distinguish lawful presidential direction from political interference in an individual case. TRUMP’S DC LAW-AND-ORDER BLITZ MARKS ONE YEAR WITH EYE-POPPING HAUL OF SUSPECTS "If President Trump says, ‘I want the Department of Justice to go after every violent criminal in this country,’ which is what he has said, what you’re saying to me is I should say, ‘No, sir, I’m not going to do it,’" Blanche said. According to the Justice Manual, the department's own rules draw the distinction Blanche described. They permit coordination between the White House and DOJ on policy matters unrelated to pending cases, while limiting contacts about cases to senior officials to protect enforcement decisions from partisan or improper influence. Blanche also gave a similar answer when Sen. Chris Coons, D-Del., asked whether the Justice Department was independent from the White House during his confirmation hearing in July. "The Department of Justice, like every single Department in the executive [branch], is part of the executive," Blanche said. BLANCHE SURVIVES REPUBLICAN DEFECTORS AS TRUMP GETS HIS NEW ATTORNEY GENERAL The Justice Department pointed Fox News Digital on Sunday to a post from Emily Covington, director of DOJ’s Office of Public Affairs, in response to questions about Welker’s exchange with Blanche. NBC News and the White House did not immediately respond. "DOJ is part of the executive branch. Are you suggesting that the focus of the Department should not align with the policy goals of the President, who was elected by the American people? Elected because the people voted for the priorities of that President," Covington said. Welker followed Blanche's explanation by asking whether he would comply if Trump directed him to cross an ethical or legal line. Blanche rejected the premise and pointed to his constitutional oath. "He never has. He never will," Blanche said. "I swore to the Constitution of the United States like every cabinet secretary has done and like every attorney general before me has done." DOZEN GOP REBELS FAIL TO PERMANENTLY KILL TRUMP'S CONTROVERSIAL $2B FUND DOJ separately told Fox News Digital that Blanche had addressed the issue publicly and raised the Biden-era investigation into classified records at Mar-a-Lago. "The AG has addressed this at length publicly," a DOJ spokesperson said. FBI records released by Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley showed officials in the Washington Field Office said they had not established probable cause for a search warrant and favored seeking Trump’s cooperation through a consensual search. The DOJ’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section maintained that probable cause existed and pressed forward with the warrant. A federal magistrate approved the warrant before the August 2022 search. A separate May 2022 FBI communication showed coordination among DOJ, the White House Counsel’s Office and the National Archives during the classified-records investigation. Plans to interview Trump aide Walt Nauta depended on the timing of a Biden briefing and coordination between White House Counsel and DOJ. The publicly reported excerpt concerned the Nauta interview and executive-privilege questions, rather than an explicit White House directive to conduct the later search. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE The National Archives said the White House transmitted a DOJ-backed statutory request for the FBI to access 15 boxes Trump had returned, but distinguished that process from the later search and said NARA had no prior knowledge of or involvement in it. Blanche later said he would consider Trump's views on an individual prosecution but would stand up for what he believed was right. He also denied that the president directs him to prosecute specific people. Blanche's confirmation faced opposition as some Senate Republicans demanded that he rescind a $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund and narrow IRS audit protections for Trump and his family. Senators Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, ultimately joined every Senate Democrat in opposing his nomination. "Mr. Blanche has taken several actions that have further eroded the Department’s independence, and that is the basis for my vote to oppose his confirmation," Collins said. Blanche sought to reassure DOJ employees during his first workforce address as attorney general Thursday by promising fair and impartial enforcement. "I promise you that I will lead this department with integrity," Blanche said. "I promise you that I will focus on our core mission, which is to uphold the rule of law fairly and impartially." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a825abe2c5335ae1047600a Iran war thrusts Diego Garcia into spotlight as official calls US military base ‘integral’ te 2026-08-17T00:50:06.895Z Iran war thrusts Diego Garcia into spotlight as official calls US military base ‘integral’ An official with the self-described Chagossian government-in-exile said Sunday that the war with Iran has underscored Diego Garcia’s strategic importance to U.S. forces and Middle East regional stability, with the Pentagon shifting logistics to the remote U.K.-U.S. base in the Indian Ocean after an Iranian strike on a major American installation in Bahrain. The base, in the southern Chagos Archipelago, has reportedly supported carrier strike groups including the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose forces have conducted air operations and helped enforce the blockade of Iranian ports. The U.S. military’s wartime logistics network now stretches across a roughly 2,200-mile maritime supply route to Diego Garcia, allowing forces to avoid coastal facilities vulnerable to Iranian attacks but requiring longer shuttle runs and slower replenishment, according to The New York Times. "That is an inconvenience, but it shows the importance of the base," James Tumbridge, an international lawyer who serves as attorney general for the Chagossian government-in-exile, told Fox News Digital. UK DEFENSE SHORTFALLS HIGHLIGHTED AS BRITAIN AVOIDS IRAN OFFENSIVE ROLE AMID TRUMP CRITICISM "The base is integral to regional security for the U.K., U.S. and our allies. This latest news emphasizes it." "Bahrain is a far easier target, so the U.S. change of supply arrangement makes sense," Tumbridge said, adding, "Hopefully the new British PM will not deny the U.S. this change of use." "It shows the importance of the base and asking a third country for permission is not what the U.S. will want, and so I hope this means Trump will still oppose the handover," Tumbridge went on to say, referring to a proposed agreement that would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius. In 2025, the U.K. and Mauritius signed a treaty that would recognize Mauritian sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago while allowing the U.K. to retain control of Diego Garcia for an initial 99-year period. The British government later put implementation of the agreement on hold amid renewed U.S. concerns over the sovereignty transfer. STARMER IN 'SEISMIC' CRISIS, UK DEFENSE CHIEF QUITS BEFORE HIGH-STAKES TRUMP NATO SUMMIT Reports emerged in June that U.S. officials had drafted a proposal to bypass Britain and strike a deal to take control of Diego Garcia, one of several alternatives to then-Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plan to transfer sovereignty to Mauritius. The first minister of the self-described Chagossian government-in-exile responded that month and said the Chagos Islands were not for sale or "for stealing either," but argued that he "can’t blame" Trump for "looking to secure the military base." "Trump cannot buy the islands. That suggestion made by some is unhelpful to us all. Only the U.K. can sell the islands, as only the U.K. owns them," Tumbridge also said on Sunday. "The arguments over sovereignty do not get fixed via a sale, and Mauritius cannot sell them unless the U.K. first gives them away," he added. "It is not in the U.K.’s interest to sell them. Whether we keep them and continue our support for the U.S. base or we cede them to Mauritius is the choice — my desire is the former." Mauritius has long claimed sovereignty over the archipelago, a position backed by a 2019 advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice and subsequent U.N. action. The U.K. government, however, permitted the U.S. to use Diego Garcia for limited defensive operations targeting Iranian missile capabilities in March after initially withholding approval for offensive strikes. GULF COUNTRIES STRONGLY CONDEMN IRAN'S DRONE ATTACK ON BAHRAIN AS RISING TENSIONS THREATEN MOU "The U.S. wanted to use Chagos Diego Garcia for air strikes at the very beginning. The U.K. consulted Mauritius and refused — hence Trump finally appreciating why sovereignty transfer was a problem," Tumbridge said. "After the attacks on Cyprus, the U.K. allowed certain so-called defense uses, and Iran did fire at Diego Garcia, but they missed." On March 20, Reuters reported that Iran had fired two ballistic missiles toward Diego Garcia. One missile failed in flight, while a U.S. warship fired an interceptor at the other, though it was initially unclear whether the interception succeeded. British officials later said one missile fell short and the other was intercepted. "No serious concerns have been shared — the earlier attempt showed a lack of range and targeting ability," Tumbridge said. "The British Government and the Commissioner for the Territory have already tried to say the last attack makes the islands unsafe. No one seriously believes that Iran would try to target the outer islands that presently only have a population of six people." PENTAGON RACES TO BUY 10X MORE MISSILES AS IRAN WAR DWINDLES ARSENAL, THREATENS READINESS FOR CHINA AGGRESSION The reported U.S. logistical strains and renewed focus on Diego Garcia came as the USS Abraham Lincoln approached nine months of continuous deployment in the region. Speaking at Joint Base Andrews on Aug. 14, Trump said a new aircraft carrier was heading to the Middle East to replace it. "That ship is moving," Trump said when reporters asked about the carrier. Meanwhile, Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of U.S. Central Command, also met with service members aboard the carrier, which is expected to be relieved amid concerns raised by families over the extended deployment. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Pentagon for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8256132c5335ae10475f93 Haley Stevens urges El-Sayed to ditch Hasan Piker affiliation after Michigan primary te 2026-08-17T00:30:11.025Z Haley Stevens urges El-Sayed to ditch Hasan Piker affiliation after Michigan primary Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., urged Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed, who defeated her in Michigan's fierce Democratic primary election, to sever ties with controversial, far-left streamer Hasan Piker on "The Sunday Briefing," saying the party's nominee should now turn his attention toward Michigan voters as he pivots to the general election. Stevens maintained her primary-season criticism of Piker even while backing El-Sayed, describing herself as still committed to the party. "It certainly makes sense to get rid of this Hasan Piker affiliation," she said, also asserting that the Democratic plans for healthcare, democracy and Black-owned businesses are better than those of Republican Mike Rogers, who will oppose El-Sayed in the Senate race. Asked whether El-Sayed had said or done anything other than winning the Democratic nomination to earn the support and assuage the concerns of groups that voted for Stevens, such as Jewish voters, Black voters or Reagan-era Democrats, Stevens pointed to her own good performance with those demographics, identifying herself as a Zionist Democrat and asserting that her party had room for all those communities. HASAN PIKER TORCHED OVER PLAYBOOK TO DODGE HIS PAST CONTROVERSIES: 'BATS--- CRAZY' DSA BRAND ON TRIAL AS EL-SAYED STRUGGLES WHERE DEMS CAN LEAST AFFORD IT "I came really close [to winning the primary] and I'm still a Democrat. I'm still out here talking about my views and values. I want the people who share my views and values to feel safe and to feel heard in the Democratic Party." The face-off to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters, who backed Stevens, is a must-win contest for Democrats and one of roughly a dozen general election Senate races expected to determine whether Republicans retain their narrow majority. A new Fox News poll indicates that the progressive El-Sayed trails Republican candidate Mike Rogers by four points in the general election race, and that he is underperforming with Black voters, women and suburban voters compared with former Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election. Rogers and El-Sayed are set to face off in the swing state's Senate election on Nov. 3. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8256112c5335ae10475f8a Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry gets a new chapter in Fever-Dream overtime thriller te 2026-08-17T00:30:09.732Z Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese rivalry gets a new chapter in Fever-Dream overtime thriller Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese gave the WNBA an overtime thriller Sunday evening at State Farm Arena. Clark scored 26 points, hit two enormous free throws late in overtime and grabbed the game-sealing rebound as the Indiana Fever beat Reese and the Atlanta Dream, 95-91. ANGEL REESE’S LATEST WNBA CONTROVERSY SHOWS HOW VICTIMHOOD BECAME CENTRAL TO HER BRAND It was a real team win for the Fever. But Clark and Reese were right in the middle of the biggest moments, including Reese’s missed layup at the end of regulation that sent the game to overtime. Indiana had to earn it, too. The Fever trailed by eight after Atlanta scored 28 points in the third quarter to open a 72-64 advantage. But for a team known for its offensive firepower, it was Indiana’s defense that made the clutch plays down the stretch. The Fever held the Dream to nine points in the fourth, outscored Atlanta 17-9 and forced overtime. It was the lowest fourth-quarter scoring output for the Dream this season. But it almost didn't matter. The Dream had the ball in the final seconds of regulation with the score tied 81-81. Rhyne Howard missed a 3 with 5.5 seconds left, but Reese grabbed the offensive rebound and had a clean look at the basket. She clanked the layup attempt off the backboard and then the front of the rim. Naz Hillmon collected the rebound and threw up a desperation shot before time expired, but she also missed and the game went to overtime. Reese opened the extra period with a basket off a teammate’s miss, but Indiana scored the next eight points. Kelsey Mitchell’s layup with 13.6 seconds left stretched the Fever’s lead to 93-88 and gave her 20 points, extending her streak to 19 consecutive 20-point games. Then came the wild finish. A controversial foul call on Clark with 10 seconds remaining sent Howard to the line for three free throws. Indiana challenged the call and ESPN broadcasters said they thought the call would be overturned. Instead, officials upheld the call. Howard made all three, cutting Indiana’s lead to 93-91. WNBA SILENT AFTER CAITLIN CLARK SAYS LEAGUES SHOULD DETERMINE WHO SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN WOMEN'S SPORTS Atlanta had no choice but to foul Clark on the other end. She calmly made both free throws to essentially seal the victory. The Dream missed their final shot, Clark grabbed the rebound and alertly heaved the ball to the other end of the court to run out the remaining few seconds. Clark finished with 26 points and nine assists, though she needed 20 shots to get there and committed five turnovers. Still, she was there when Indiana needed her most, both at the line and on the glass. Mitchell added 20 points on 9-for-22 shooting. Makayla Timpson was terrific with 20 points on 9-for-13 shooting, including six points in OT. Aliyah Boston posted 18 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, five steals and three blocks. Sophie Cunningham had just three points, but they came on a clutch and-1 to give the Fever a 78-77 lead with 3:35 left in the fourth quarter. Reese put together another active stat line with 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. But she shot just 5 for 16 from the field, committed four turnovers and had five fouls. Allisha Gray carried Atlanta offensively with 32 points, while Howard added 17. The Dream made nearly everything at the foul line, going 25-for-26. It still wasn’t enough. Clark and Reese have played in plenty of big games before. Sunday’s game had a little of everything: early runs, a late defensive stand, a missed shot at the buzzer, overtime drama and Clark sealing it at the line. That’s a pretty good new chapter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/home