https://meenews.co/post/6a8674c22c5335ae1048d9cb Illegal immigrant accused of operating overcrowded boat that capsized near Liberty Island arrested by ICE te 2026-08-20T03:30:10.931Z Illegal immigrant accused of operating overcrowded boat that capsized near Liberty Island arrested by ICE The man accused of operating an overcrowded, unlicensed boat tour that capsized near Liberty Island, killing a mother and her infant daughter earlier this month, was living in the U.S. illegally and is now in ICE custody, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Manuel Hernandez, 46, an El Salvador national, was taken into immigration custody after a U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service investigation confirmed he was unlawfully present in the country, according to DHS. Hernandez was initially charged by New York authorities with 13 counts of reckless endangerment and was later federally charged with two counts of misconduct and neglect of a ship officer resulting in death in connection with the Aug. 8 capsizing in New York Harbor. OVERCROWDED MIGRANT VESSEL WITH 240 PEOPLE ON BOARD INTERCEPTED NEAR TURKS AND CAICOS Federal prosecutors allege Hernandez was operating unlicensed boat tours and ignored multiple safety requirements before the fatal excursion, which killed a 5-month-old girl and her 27-year-old mother. DHS said Hernandez claims he illegally entered the United States through Texas in 2007. He allegedly lied to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officer and falsely claimed to be a U.S. citizen to enter the country, according to the agency. Federal prosecutors said Hernandez was not licensed to carry paying passengers but had 14 people aboard the Yamaha AR210 he was piloting, despite the vessel having a maximum capacity of 10. He also allegedly took the 5-month-old infant aboard without an appropriate life vest. ICE ASKS NORTH CAROLINA TO HOLD ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT ACCUSED IN TODDLER’S BATHTUB DEATH According to the federal complaint, Hernandez told investigators he did not know that a Merchant Mariner Credential or Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection was required. He also allegedly said the borrowed vessel did not have a capacity placard and that he did not know its maximum capacity. "This criminal illegal alien was illegally and recklessly conducting unlicensed boat tours in New York Harbor when his boat capsized, killing a 27-year-old woman and her 5-month-old baby," DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin said in a statement. Mullin said Hernandez would be removed from the country after facing the criminal case against him. "Once he faces justice for his crimes, we will make sure that he is swiftly removed from our country," Mullin said. HAWAII TOURIST CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTED MURDER, ACCUSED OF STABBING VETERAN BOAT CAPTAIN ON SNORKEL TOUR According to the federal complaint, Hernandez allegedly told investigators after his arrest that he had previously piloted at least two other paid boat tours for the same company using his own vessel. He allegedly acknowledged that he did not have the required Merchant Mariner Credential or Coast Guard Certificate of Inspection and said he was paid approximately $1,000 for each trip. SAN FRANCISCO BAY SEARCH SUSPENDED FOR 3 MISSING BOATERS AFTER VESSEL CAPSIZES AMID 5-FOOT SWELLS Before the fatal excursion began, Hernandez allegedly asked the baby's parents whether they had an infant-sized flotation device. When they said they did not, Hernandez told them the boat did not have one either, according to the complaint. Prosecutors said Hernandez nevertheless instructed one of the parents to wear a life vest and hold the baby during the tour. "The defendant allegedly flouted those regulations when he transported paying customers on a commercial vessel without appropriate licenses, overcrowded the vessel, and took on a 5-month-old infant passenger, with no infant life vests onboard," U.S. Attorney Jamie McDonald said in a statement. The vessel later capsized near Liberty Island, throwing all 14 people into New York Harbor. According to the complaint, Hernandez told investigators that he made a U-turn into a swell, possibly caused by the wake of a larger vessel, and tried to accelerate through it before water came over the bow. Eleven passengers and Hernandez survived, while the mother and infant were recovered unresponsive and later pronounced dead at a Brooklyn hospital. Each of the two federal charges carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison. Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a866db22c5335ae1048d437 Missouri Judge Says Redrawn Congressional Map May Be Used in Midterms te 2026-08-20T03:00:02.891Z Missouri Judge Says Redrawn Congressional Map May Be Used in Midterms The decision was a win for Republicans, who have been pushing for the new map in an effort to help maintain the party’s narrow control in the U.S. House in November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8664582c5335ae1048d2bc Rory McIlroy gets snarky on the return of LIV Golf players to PGA Tour: 'have they brought value?' te 2026-08-20T02:20:08.193Z Rory McIlroy gets snarky on the return of LIV Golf players to PGA Tour: 'have they brought value?' Despite the FedEx Cup Playoffs entering their second week, and even more historic dominance from world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, the main topic of conversation in golf right now is the future of the breakaway LIV Golf tour. With Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund pulling their financial support for LIV after the 2026 season and the lack of clarity around the mysterious investors who are reportedly willing to back it, there's plenty of discussion around what comes next. Some players, like Ian Poulter, have said that time is running out for LIV to arrange more funding. Bryson DeChambeau, arguably the tour's biggest star, has seemingly been keeping his options open. While it appears likely that Jon Rahm, the other big star on LIV, may try to bolt and return to the PGA Tour sooner rather than later. Even if it includes substantial financial penalties. JON RAHM COULD BE SET TO LEAVE LIV GOLF, PAY MASSIVE PENALTIES TO RETURN TO PGA TOUR IN MATTER OF WEEKS Given all the discussion, it's not surprising that one of the most prominent figures in the PGA-LIV battle was asked his thoughts about it, again, at the BMW Championship in St. Louis. During media availability on Wednesday, Rory McIlroy was asked about LIV golfers returning to the PGA Tour and whether they'd provide value by returning, and gave just about the snarkiest possible answer. "I mean, I’d argue have they brought value to LIV?" he said. "I think the PGA Tour's in a really good spot." McIlroy added a bit more context, saying that while he's not involved with whatever negotiations might be happening, he's confident that whatever deal they get may not be as lenient as the one Brooks Koepka got. BROOKS KOEPKA CALLS FIRST YEAR BACK ON PGA TOUR 'PRETTY PATHETIC' AFTER MISSING FEDEX CUP PLAYOFFS "I mean, look, eventually they will," McIlroy said. "I'm not part of these discussions, but I'm pretty sure they're not going to be welcomed back straight away. If they were offered this returning member program back in February, the one that Brooks took, then maybe. But that has sort of come and gone. "And I think it was said at the time that the deal that they might get going forward, if they do decide to come back, isn't going to be as good as the one that Brooks got. So, yeah, I would say it's going to be a tough, tough road back." To an extent, McIlroy is right. If Rahm, DeChambeau, Dustin Johnson, Tyrell Hatton or even Phil Mickelson were enough of a draw on their own, LIV wouldn't be in the situation it's in. On the other hand, some of LIV's apparent failure comes down to the business model itself. They paid out massive purses and guarantees that were unsupported by ratings and fan attendance, in an effort to entice top stars to leave the tour. They offered equity to players in their LIV team, as though they would eventually become meaningful franchises people were attached to, like the Lakers or Yankees. Even though that might take years, if not decades, if it ever happened at all. An unlikely proposition considering golf is very different from traditional team sports. Then there was the other problem; fans are used to the courses on the PGA Tour. They know Torrey Pines and Riviera, Pebble Beach and Bay Hill, or TPC Sawgrass and Muirfield Village. LIV went to some very high quality courses, but without the history and tradition that many fans appreciate. International events were popular, including in Australia and South Africa, but that's clearly not enough to support the financial model LIV used. Still, you could make the case that if those stars were big enough, maybe it would have. In sharp contrast to McIlroy, Scheffler was asked a similar question and gave a much more magnanimous answer. He said LIV has some "really good" players that would, in fact, provide "a lot" of value in a return to the PGA. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "When we talk about the best players, LIV has a few players that are really good," Scheffler said. "I think the depth that we have on our tour is unmatched, but I think when you look at the higher levels of LIV Golf there’s definitely some players that would provide a lot of value to the tour, and guys that I love competing against as well." Rahm and DeChambeau in particular would inarguably provide value to the PGA Tour. They have fanbases, are in the prime of their careers, are consistent contenders in big tournaments or major championships, and in DeChambeau's case, have an existing competitive rivalry with McIlroy. It's also odd that McIlroy would make this argument when Rahm and Hatton are key members of the European Ryder Cup teams. The narrative on Europe's dominance in that event is that the players are all closer than the U.S. team, and that their desire to win gives them an intangible advantage. Now McIlroy's bad mouthing two of Europe's best players. Doesn't seem like they're that close, does it? Regardless, as McIlroy said, it seems inevitable there'll be a reunion. How and when? Well, that's still up for debate. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8662022c5335ae1048d265 Idaho county probation officers compile ‘foreign-born list’ to hand over to ICE as critics raise alarms te 2026-08-20T02:10:10.094Z Idaho county probation officers compile ‘foreign-born list’ to hand over to ICE as critics raise alarms A southwestern Idaho county's probation officers have been compiling a list of foreign-born people on probation for federal immigration authorities, even though county officers did not independently verify whether everyone identified was in the U.S. illegally. In Canyon County, Idaho, more than 140 emails between county probation officers and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents from May to July 2026 show how the probation department has coordinated with ICE’s Boise office, including by combing through its case files to create a list of foreign-born people on probation to hand over to ICE, according to communications obtained by InvestigateWest. In May, a probation officer emailed ICE about a man she would meet the next day for his regular check-in. "His meeting has not changed and he is expected to be here tomorrow morning at 7:30 a.m.," Norma Naranjo, a senior probation officer for Canyon County’s misdemeanor probation department, wrote in a May 13 email to six ICE agents. MISSISSIPPI LAW COULD CREATE STATEWIDE REGISTRY OF UNDOCUMENTED IMMIGRANTS The next day, the man arrived for his appointment a few minutes early, and Naranjo contacted the ICE agents again to ask if they would be coming soon. "He is here are you guys on your way?" she wrote. It was unclear from the heavily redacted emails if ICE agents took the man into custody at his probation appointment, according to InvestigateWest. The list compiled for ICE appeared to have been made without confirming that the people in question are in the country illegally. According to InvestigateWest, one probation officer said in an email that the names he submitted included everyone in his files who had reported being born outside the United States. Foreign birth alone does not indicate unlawful immigration status; foreign-born people can include naturalized U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents, commonly known as green-card holders. Idaho law enforcement agencies have long worked with federal immigration officials to detain illegal immigrants who are in jail or serving their sentence on probation, but immigration attorneys and advocates fear that Canyon County’s foreign-born list could lead to probationers in the country legally being detained, particularly as ICE agents during the Trump administration detained or caught up U.S. citizens and people with lawful or pending immigration status in immigration enforcement actions. Some lawfully present noncitizens, including green card holders, can also be subject to removal based on certain criminal convictions or other grounds under federal law. Nikki Ramirez-Smith, an immigration attorney with Ramirez-Smith Law in Nampa, Idaho, said the county’s efforts to compile a list of foreign-born people on probation for ICE is "an invasion of privacy." "It’s one thing to know that someone is "undocumented", it’s another thing to just start targeting every single person who was born in another country," she told InvestigateWest. Jeff Breach, the director of Canyon County's misdemeanor probation department, said the list includes "individuals whose place of birth is a foreign country — and can also include individuals that have been previously flagged with an immigration hold." "Verifying and determining legal presence/status, along with any related enforcement, is within the purview of federal authorities," Breach told the outlet. Breach said ICE has requested a list of people that could be in the country illegally, typically on an annual basis and across administrations. He said the probation department coordinates with ICE the same way it would with any local or state law enforcement agency by providing them "information to carry out their lawful duties." Steve Cushman, director of constituent services for Canyon County, said he did not know exactly when the lists were first requested and provided, but added that it is his understanding that it goes back as far as the Obama administration. On June 3, Naranjo told five ICE officers that she would talk to Breach about  the "foreign-born list." "We are working on a procedure to keep a list current for your agency," Naranjo wrote. "I will get back to you on this as soon as we figure something out." Two days later, Breach sent an email to his staff directing them to compile a list of illegal immigrants. "ICE has requested a list of offenders who are in the country illegally," he wrote. "I need you to go through your caseload this month and send me a list of names of offenders who you believe are in the country illegally. I’ll review the names and put together a list that can be sent to ICE so that they can look into if the person is in the country illegally and if they want to take any action." The email shows ICE requested offenders believed to be in the country illegally, rather than all foreign-born probationers. Subsequent messages, however, show at least some probation officers used foreign birthplace as a way to identify people for review. Most of the emails from May 1 to July 10 are heavily redacted, but they show how probation officers used information in their case files to compile the list. "That’s everyone in my cabinet that filled out (an) intake form and stated not born in US," Brandon Black, a Canyon County probation officer, said in an email back to Breach on June 8. Another officer, Justin Donovan, told Breach that he only identified one person under his supervision who "may be here illegally," adding that the man "only had an ID from Mexico during his last arrest." More than half of the people on the list were on probation for driving under the influence, five people were on probation for drug-related crimes and nine people for disturbing the peace, according to InvestigateWest. Only seven people were identified as having an ICE hold, meaning the federal government had already identified them for potential deportation. Probation officers were regularly alerting ICE agents about the dates and times that certain probationers would be arriving at their office, according to the emails. In some cases, probation officers asked ICE if a person who had missed check-ins was in their custody. In two instances, officers emailed ICE just before and during the appointments to verify they were on their way to detain a probationer. One officer also gave ICE agents the home address and make, model and license plate of a probationer’s car. Breach estimated that in the last three months, ICE agents have been at one or two probation appointments per month. "All the law enforcement agencies we work with prefer to meet with offenders up in the office due to it being a controlled environment, which means it is safer for the offender, the officer, and the public," he wrote. "There is an expectation from law enforcement agencies and the public that probation officers work cooperatively with law enforcement to ensure the safety of all parties involved." Pressed on whether the department is concerned that U.S. citizens or others with legal status could be included in the list, Breach referred to a previous statement that verifying a person’s status "is within the purview of federal authorities." "ICE may still target someone if they think the conviction is a deportable or removal offense even if they (have legal) status. Sometimes, ICE doesn’t get that right," Alycia Moss, an immigration attorney with Fennemore Law in Coeur d’Alene, told InvestigateWest, noting that ICE agents should know if someone on the list is deportable or not but may still target people who are in the U.S. legally. NEW YORKER SUING ICE AFTER OFFICERS WENT TO HIS HOME TO WARN HIM OVER CRITICISM OF AGENCY Canyon County has faced criticism in the past for its attempts to help ICE. In 2019, staff at the Canyon County Sheriff’s Office were told to notify immigration officials of "all foreign-born inmates" who were booked into the jail. Some of the people they alerted agents to were U.S. citizens who had posted bond, according to the Idaho Press. If inmates served jail time and posted bond, staff were directed to contact immigration officials. That year, Canyon County faced three lawsuits from people who said they were illegally held in jail, despite posting bond, because the county refused to release them over their immigration status. The county settled with at least one man for $13,000. The sheriff’s office is also facing a lawsuit from the ACLU of Idaho over allegations that the county and other law-enforcement agencies involved in an October 2025 ICE raid racially profiled Latino attendees and unlawfully detained people at a horse-racing venue. The allegations have not been adjudicated. Fox News Digital has reached out to the county's probation department and ICE for comment. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a865d532c5335ae1048d169 AJ Brown says there's been silence between him and ex-teammate Jalen Hurts since his move to New England te 2026-08-20T01:50:11.441Z AJ Brown says there's been silence between him and ex-teammate Jalen Hurts since his move to New England A.J. Brown experienced a reunion of sorts this week when his new team, the New England Patriots, hosted his former team, the Philadelphia Eagles, for joint practices during training camp. After an uneven 2025 season for both Brown and the Eagles' offense, Philadelphia traded him to the Patriots for a pair of future draft picks amid signs that his once-close friendship and productive on-field partnership with quarterback Jalen Hurts had deteriorated. While more than two months have passed since Brown's move to New England, questions about his relationship with the Eagles quarterback resurfaced Wednesday. Following the latest Eagles-Patriots joint practice, Brown confirmed that he has not spoken with Hurts since changing teams. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "No," Brown said in a one-word response when asked whether he had a conversation with Hurts since June. He otherwise kept his comments about his former Eagles teammates upbeat. "Honestly guys, none of that stuff even matters, man. You all should want to report something positive. You know asking the question is going to turn negative," Brown said when reporters pressed him with follow-up questions about his relationship with Hurts. "So let's not get into that. Let's keep everything positive. It's love my way." Meanwhile, Hurts offered a similarly warm assessment of Brown. "I've got a lot of love for him and always have," the Super Bowl LIX MVP said. FORMER EAGLES COACH REVEALS THE TWO THINGS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE TEAM'S MAJOR REGRESSION LAST SEASON Brown did note that he could eventually reconnect with Hurts at some point during the joint practices in Foxborough. Brown set the two highest single-season receiving yardage marks in Eagles history, with 1,496 yards in 2022 and 1,456 in 2023. Philadelphia was eliminated in the wild-card round in January, losing at home to the San Francisco 49ers. Brown then told the Eagles' front office he wanted a change of scenery, general manager Howie Roseman said at the time. Sources told ESPN that part of Brown's frustration centered on Hurts and a belief that he was not being targeted enough when he faced zone coverage. Brown also made several social media comments and comments during media sessions during the 2025 season that appeared to reflect frustration with his role in the offense. During breaks in practice and after the session ended, Brown was seen chatting with former teammates Saquon Barkley and Cooper DeJean. Brown caught all six of his targets from third-year quarterback Drake Maye during 7-on-7 and team drills. He was unable to come down with a pass during a one-on-one rep against All-Pro cornerback Quinyon Mitchell. Brown said that while his chemistry with Maye is still developing, he has already seen what makes the young quarterback special. "There's definitely been some challenges, but he's very special, and he makes my job a lot easier. Just learning how he sees the game and getting on the same page," Brown said. Brown also made clear he did not view Wednesday’s moment with the Eagles as a sign of closure, saying his affection for Philadelphia remains even as his focus has shifted to New England. "It's love. I won a Super Bowl ring with them. It will always be love no matter how anyone feels. I love Philly and I will always love Philly but I'm here now," said Brown. "That's where my feet are and that's what I'm focused on." The Eagles open the regular season Sept. 13 at home against the Washington Commanders. The Patriots, meanwhile, visit the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 9 to open their 2026 season. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a865d522c5335ae1048d160 Chinese national in blue state charged with illegally voting in federal election under another man's name: DOJ te 2026-08-20T01:50:10.798Z Chinese national in blue state charged with illegally voting in federal election under another man's name: DOJ A Chinese national living in Massachusetts was arrested Wednesday after federal prosecutors said he impersonated another Chinese national to register and vote in the 2024 presidential election — then reported the alleged victim to immigration authorities for illegally voting. Yupeng Sun, 33, of Andover, was charged with one count of fraudulent voter registration and one count of fraudulent voting, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts. The criminal complaint alleges Sun admitted during a July interview with federal investigators that he registered the victim to vote and later cast a ballot using the man's identity. "I tell you the truth, I register," Sun told investigators when shown the victim's voter registration information, according to the complaint. CANADIAN NONCITIZEN ACCUSED OF ILLEGALLY VOTING IN FEDERAL AND STATE ELECTIONS After investigators showed Sun a photograph of the early voting ballot envelope submitted at Malden City Hall on Oct. 31, 2024, Sun allegedly responded, "I used his name to vote." Massachusetts voter records show the ballot cast under the victim's name was accepted for the 2024 presidential election, according to the complaint. Sun previously rented a room from the victim and his family in Malden, and investigators allege he also impersonated the victim and his wife in immigration documents requesting that they abandon their legal permanent resident status. When the couple returned from an international trip in June 2024, their green cards were confiscated and they were placed into removal proceedings.  An immigration judge restored their legal permanent resident status in January 2026, after finding their testimony credible and receiving forensic evidence that they had not signed the forms, according to the complaint. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT LEARNS FATE AFTER USING STOLEN IDENTITY TO VOTE IN US ELECTIONS FOR DECADES Federal investigators say Sun later submitted anonymous tips to Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services accusing the victim of illegally voting in the 2024 election. Sun allegedly acknowledged sending the tips when investigators interviewed him. "I went to post office and, uh, to report the father vote," Sun said, according to the complaint. Sun is a citizen and national of China who entered the U.S. in September 2020 on a B-2 tourist visa that expired in March 2021, according to the complaint. He has deferred action status based on a U-Visa application submitted in February 2022. DHS DIRECTS ICE TO DEPORT ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO VOTE IN AMERICAN ELECTIONS UNDER NEW DIRECTIVE The Massachusetts Secretary of State's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Each voter fraud charge carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, three years of supervised release and a $250,000 fine. Prosecutors said Sun could also face deportation after completing any sentence imposed. U.S. Attorney Leah Foley and Jeff Grimming, acting special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, announced the charges. The Lexington and Andover police departments assisted in the investigation. The charges contained in the court documents are allegations. Sun is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a865d512c5335ae1048d146 SPORTS-CAR-NASCAR-CHICAGO-FILEPIC-TB te 2026-08-20T01:50:09.390Z SPORTS-CAR-NASCAR-CHICAGO-FILEPIC-TB Racers tear around a turn during the NASCAR Cup Series Grant Park 165 on July 6, 2025, in Chicago. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a865d502c5335ae1048d13d NASCAR won’t race on the streets of Chicago next summer te 2026-08-20T01:50:08.081Z NASCAR won’t race on the streets of Chicago next summer CHICAGO — The streets of Grant Park will not echo with the sounds of 200-mph race cars in 2027. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86564f2c5335ae1048d04e Iran taps financial lifeline, Russian arms as Trump escalates 'crushing' economic warfare te 2026-08-20T01:20:15.700Z Iran taps financial lifeline, Russian arms as Trump escalates 'crushing' economic warfare Tehran is deepening its financial and military ties with Beijing and Moscow, forging a critical lifeline as it seeks to circumvent U.S. sanctions and weather Washington’s renewed "maximum pressure" campaign, regional security analysts warned Wednesday. As the U.S. continues to ramp up Operation Economic Fury, Iran, they say, has turned to non-Western blocs and alliances to unite further with Russia and China while positioning itself as a "linchpin" in a network that directly challenges American influence. The warning came as President Donald Trump announced Wednesday what he called the "most crushing economic operation ever taken against any country," threatening sweeping consequences for nations and businesses that provide Iran with an economic lifeline as he seeks to further isolate Tehran. "This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale," Trump said in a post shared on Truth Social. IRAN DEAL CLOCK HITS ZERO AS TRUMP DEMANDS ‘WHITE FLAG’ WITH NEW PRESSURE CAMPAIGN LOOMING "The Islamic Republic is looking to survive, but in order to survive, it needs to adapt," Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), told Fox News Digital. "It needs to adapt not just to U.S. and Israeli military pressure, but this U.S. political and economic pressure." "There's no doubt the Islamic Republic is looking to maximize its enmeshment with countries like Russia and China that have been subject to U.S. political and economic pressure in the past." BRICS — an economic bloc consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa and several recent expansion nations — and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), a Eurasian political, economic and security alliance led by Beijing and Moscow, have become key vehicles for Iran’s outreach of late. Trump has previously labeled BRICS policies "anti-American," CNBC reported. CHINA ORDERS FIRMS TO IGNORE US IRAN SANCTIONS, DARING US TO ENFORCE CRACKDOWN Abdolnasser Hemmati, governor of the Central Bank of Iran, said Tehran will soon join the BRICS-backed New Development Bank, though the bank told Reuters it could not confirm Iran’s membership. "The most important result of cooperation among BRICS member countries is the establishment of the New Development Bank, and our country will soon become a member of this bank," Hemmati said, according to state media. "You can see Iran trying to benefit from its role in BRICS, as well as a constellation of other organizations, that really would allow itself to be shielded—or try to make itself more shielded—from U.S. political and economic pressure," Taleblu explained. "The Islamic Republic is looking to be more formally integrated into economic orders brought about by Russia and China, which are looking to contest the U.S. dollar as much as they're looking to contest U.S. power and influence." "It is quite key and important for policymakers in Washington to wake up and see how interconnected these state threats are becoming," Taleblu warned. IRAN TURNS TO PUTIN AS US TALKS COLLAPSE, HORMUZ STANDOFF THREATENS GLOBAL OIL FLOW "These are independent relationships that have been coming together. They have differences, but as an authoritarian axis, these are countries that are better able to manage their differences at present than it seems like America and the liberal western order are able to handle their differences." NBC News also reported Aug. 17 that Russia is supplying Iran with ammunition, drone components and TNT via Caspian Sea shipping routes, citing a European government document verified by a Western official. The report comes amid indications that Tehran is relying on Russian technology and military support to adapt to U.S. military and economic pressure. "Even limited technology and military flows from Russia to the Islamic Republic help it fight to survive, adapt, and live another day to combat the U.S. order in the region," Taleblu said. "In the short term, there is less transaction cost on this anti-American authoritarian order that is fast emerging than there is on the pro-American order." TRUMP TO CONFRONT XI AT HIGH-STAKES SUMMIT OVER CHINA BACKING FOR IRAN, RUSSIA Taleblu also highlighted Iran’s dual role in what he terms the "Axis of Aggressors" — a coalition of hostile, authoritarian states including Russia, China and North Korea — and the "Axis of Resistance," Tehran’s network of regional proxy groups including Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Shiite militias in Iraq. "They all have hostile intentions towards the U.S. and the liberal world order. They are authoritarians at home and creditors abroad. He also noted that even if Tehran’s economic goals within BRICS fail to fully materialize, the political and military backing it gets from Moscow and Beijing is significant. "So even if what the Islamic Republic wants from the BRICS countries, particularly the likes of Russia and China, doesn't happen, that doesn't mean that political, economic, and military support to this regime at a critical time is not happening. "The linchpin between the state threats that the U.S. faces in the 21st century, from the Axis of Aggressors and the non-state threats in the Middle East, is the Islamic Republic of Iran," Taleblu clarified. "It is actually a bridge for capabilities, money, and technology from states to flow to non-state actors," he warned. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86564e2c5335ae1048d045 Parents seek six figures from surrogate who refused abortion after baby’s heart diagnosis: report te 2026-08-20T01:20:14.995Z Parents seek six figures from surrogate who refused abortion after baby’s heart diagnosis: report The biological parents of a baby born after their surrogate refused their request for an abortion are now seeking more than $100,000 from the woman who carried their child, alleging she breached their surrogacy agreement. TMZ reported Wednesday that it obtained the countersuit filed by Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed against surrogate McKenna West weeks before she gave birth in Texas on Aug. 12. The couple is seeking more than $100,000 for alleged breach of their surrogacy agreement, along with unspecified damages over what they call West's "malicious, outrageous conduct." The couple alleges they paid West $60,000 during the pregnancy under the surrogacy agreement, which included provisions addressing termination, TMZ reported. The counterclaims accuse West of breaching that deal and causing the couple emotional distress. SURROGATE GIVES BIRTH IN TEXAS TO BABY WITH HEART DEFECT AFTER PARENTS REQUESTED ABORTION The filing comes after the pregnancy became the subject of a multistate legal fight. The baby was diagnosed around 20 weeks with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a severe congenital heart defect. Gilkar and Ahmed allegedly asked West to terminate the pregnancy after the diagnosis, according to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton's office. West refused and later traveled to Texas to give birth. YOUTUBER SPARKS OUTRAGE AFTER ANNOUNCING HE AND WIFE TERMINATED PREGNANCY OVER DOWN SYNDROME DIAGNOSIS West denies wrongdoing and is asking the court to dismiss the counterclaims, TMZ reported Wednesday. Live Action founder and president Lila Rose, whose pro-life organization has been working with West, sharply condemned the lawsuit in a statement to Fox News Digital. OUTCRY OVER YOUTUBER'S DOWN SYNDROME ABORTION PROVES AMERICANS ARE 'REPULSED BY EUGENICS,' ACTIVIST SAYS "The people who ordered McKenna to abort this little boy because of his heart condition are now dragging her into court, trying to punish and financially ruin her for refusing to kill him, while demanding custody of the same child they ordered to be killed," Rose told Fox News Digital. "This lawsuit is retaliation against a courageous woman who is barely a week postpartum after carrying this baby and fighting to save his life." The biological parents have disputed allegations that they threatened or tried to force West to terminate the pregnancy. The Texas Tribune previously reported that, in a court filing, their attorneys claimed West initially agreed to terminate and made the appointment before later changing her mind. TWO FAMILIES SUE NORTH DAKOTA HOSPITAL ON ALLEGATIONS BABIES WERE SWITCHED AT BIRTH The dispute has since played out in Alaska, California and Texas, with West asserting parental rights and the biological parents prevailing in key parentage proceedings. West calls the baby "Gabriel," while Gilkar and Ahmed call their son "Rumi." The child was born Aug. 12. LifeNews reported Tuesday that he underwent a Norwood procedure Monday, the first of three surgeries typically required for children with HLHS. NEONATOLOGIST SOUNDS ALARM OVER MASSACHUSETTS ABORTION LAW ALLOWING PROCEDURES UP TO BIRTH: 'VERY DISTURBING' Rose said the baby's survival underscores why West was right to refuse the abortion. "This child is alive today and recovering from his first life-saving surgery because McKenna had the courage to say no," Rose said. "No contract can give one person the right to order the killing of another. Women are not incubators for hire, and children are not products to be discarded when they are sick." PRO-LIFE PUBLISHER FACING DEMANDS TO RETRACT CALLING ABORTION ‘KILLING’ FIRES BACK: ‘THE ANSWER IS NO’ "McKenna acted heroically to save the baby boy she carried, and Live Action will continue to stand with her and defend the dignity and right to life of every child," she added. Attorney Lee Budner, who represents Gilkar and Ahmed, confirmed the procedure in a statement reported by LifeNews and said the child's condition "remains critical and complex." Budner has also called West's continuing claims of custody "baseless" and said they violate court orders in Alaska and California. BOARD-CERTIFIED OBGYN WARNS NEW MASSACHUSETTS LATE-TERM ABORTION LAW EXPOSES MOTHERS TO DANGER The fight over the baby's medical care also drew intervention from state and federal officials. Paxton secured an emergency court order before the birth requiring that medically necessary care not be delayed or obstructed. His office also notified UT Southwestern Medical Center and Children's Medical Center of Dallas of their obligations to provide life-saving treatment. "The court has made the right decision in immediately acting to protect baby Gabriel's life and ensure he receives the care he deserves," Paxton said at the time. "My office utilized every tool at our disposal to protect life, and we will not back down in continuing to support baby Gabriel's well-being. Every child in our state deserves to be cared for and protected, and that's exactly what I'll fight for." The Department of Health and Human Services’ Office for Civil Rights later notified the two Dallas hospitals of their obligations under federal disability law, including requirements barring discrimination in medical treatment based on a patient’s disability. The parents ultimately authorized the heart surgery, and their attorney has said they are focused on their son's recovery. West continues to seek parental rights in Texas. A hearing in the Dallas County case is scheduled for Aug. 25. Fox News Digital reached out to Budner and Paxton's office for comment on the biological parents' counterclaims. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86564e2c5335ae1048d03c RNC warns Democrats face 'political suicide' after DSA praises Fidel Castro, demands Rubio's prosecution te 2026-08-20T01:20:14.317Z RNC warns Democrats face 'political suicide' after DSA praises Fidel Castro, demands Rubio's prosecution The Republican National Committee warned Wednesday that the Democratic Socialists of America's online tribute to Fidel Castro would damage Democrats in November after the group praised the late Cuban dictator and demanded U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's prosecution over the Trump administration's Cuba pressure campaign. "Democrats are openly embracing the same policies that left the people of Venezuela, Cuba, and China with empty shelves, no electricity, and their freedoms stripped away," national press secretary Natalie Baldassarre told Fox News Digital. "Their embrace of this poisonous ideology is political suicide and it will be their downfall in November." Rubio, the son of Cuban immigrants, condemned Castro's legacy in a post on X last Thursday, the centenary of Castro's death. He did not mention the DSA by name. CUBA'S FOREIGN MINISTER ACCUSES MARCO RUBIO OF LYING TO AMERICANS TO JUSTIFY ACTION AGAINST CUBA "Fidel Castro was a complete failure at everything except destroying Cuba and impoverishing, jailing and murdering his own people," Rubio said. "I strongly suggest that anyone tempted to try and follow his example should carefully reconsider, because if they do they would be dooming themselves to failure as well," he added. The DSA statement described Castro, who ruled Cuba for nearly half a century after the 1959 revolution, as a model of anti-imperialist resistance. "Fidel was an organizer, a fighter, and endures as a stalwart symbol of anti-imperialist struggle and self-determination for the Global South," the organization said. TRUMP EXPANDS CUBA SANCTIONS BEYOND US COMPANIES IN MAJOR CRACKDOWN ON FOREIGN ENABLERS The DSA said U.S. restrictions had blocked critical resources from reaching Cuban civilians and constituted genocide under Rubio’s leadership. "By intentionally imposing conditions calculated to kill a civilian population, Marco Rubio is leading a genocide," the organization said. The group demanded an end to what it called a U.S. blockade and threats of military action, normalized relations, reparations for what it claimed were trillions of dollars in damage and Rubio's prosecution for crimes against humanity. The White House rejected DSA’s characterization of Rubio’s Cuba policy and blamed Cuba’s communist government for the island’s economic hardships and human rights abuses. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said in a statement to Fox News Digital Wednesday that the administration was prepared to pursue a new relationship with Havana. "The Cuban regime exemplifies everything that’s wrong with Communism as its population suffers from food shortages, blackouts, poor standards of living, and egregious human rights abuses," Kelly said. "Secretary Rubio wants a better future for the Cuban people, and the United States is ready to open a new chapter in the relationship between our two countries. The only thing standing in the way are those who control Cuba for their own gain." RUBIO WARNS CUBA HAS INFILTRATED US WITH SPIES, CALLS COMMUNIST REGIME AN 'ESPIONAGE SUPERPOWER' The administration’s pressure campaign expanded in June when Rubio designated five entities that he said generated revenue for Havana, including three associated with the military-controlled conglomerate GAESA, as well as a member of Castro’s extended family. The action followed a May executive order authorizing sanctions against those deemed responsible for repression in Cuba or threats to U.S. security. A State Department report released last month called Cuba the "capital of 21st century communism" and named DSA among organizations it alleged helped sustain pro-Cuba activism in the United States. DSA rejected the report three days before its tribute, saying it organized independently of the Cuban government and accusing the administration of trying to silence its movement. Castro died in 2016 at age 90, 10 years after illness led him to hand power to his brother Raúl. Fox News Digital reached out to the DSA for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8653ed2c5335ae1048cfc1 Trump Threatens Economic Pain for Countries That Help Iran te 2026-08-20T01:10:05.403Z Trump Threatens Economic Pain for Countries That Help Iran The president did not specify what actions he would take, and he has on other occasions abandoned threats to dramatically escalate the war with Iran. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8651952c5335ae1048cf50 NAU ROUNDUP: Football ranked No. 24 in Preseason AFCA Coaches Poll te 2026-08-20T01:00:05.347Z NAU ROUNDUP: Football ranked No. 24 in Preseason AFCA Coaches Poll NAU football is ranked in the top 25 in the American Football Coaches Association FCS Preseason Poll. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a864f422c5335ae1048cf15 Ex-New York Magazine writer announces he will 'take some time away' after plagiarism scandal te 2026-08-20T00:50:10.461Z Ex-New York Magazine writer announces he will 'take some time away' after plagiarism scandal Former New York Magazine writer and The Metropolitan Review editor-in-chief Ross Barkan apologized once again after several plagiarism allegations against him and revealed Wednesday that he plans to "self-reflect" with some time away. "Let me first begin by saying I'm sorry. I truly am sorry for the mistakes I made," Barkan wrote on X. "None of them, genuinely, were willful or intentional. In the course of writing many columns a week, I did not use citations as aggressively as I should have and did not paraphrase well enough. I never intended to crib from anyone's work. I promise all of you that. I recognize, though, how I failed. I am sorry to the journalists whose work I did not properly cite."  "I'm going to take some time away and self-reflect," he added. "I promise to do a much better job going forward." EX-CAMBRIDGE PROFESSOR FOUND DEAD AFTER PLAGIARISM SCANDAL LED TO ABRUPT RESIGNATION Barkan originally hinted at an event in September through the Metropolitan Review in an X post last week but has not provided any updates since then beyond his new statement. He has not yet clarified whether he will retain his position at the Metropolitan Review. Fox News Digital reached out to Barkan and The Metropolitan Review for comment but did not immediately receive a response. The controversy originally began in May when Washington Post reporter Drew Harwell accused Barkan of lifting from his report about conservative commentator Ben Shapiro and his outlet, The Daily Wire, for one of his columns. After Harwell highlighted the similarities between the two articles, New York Magazine updated its piece with an editor's note crediting to The Washington Post, though Harwell explained he wasn't "entirely sure what happened." HARVARD PROFESSOR CAUGHT USING AI TO CONDENSE FINANCIAL TIMES OP-ED TRASHING TRUMP TARIFFS NPR correspondent Bobby Allyn found additional examples of what appeared to be Barkan lifting similar phrases and descriptions from The Intercept and Compact Magazine in other reports. Barkan initially denied these accusations, calling them "ridiculous," but New York Magazine announced Friday that it would be severing ties with Barkan after an investigation found that he "did not adhere" to editorial standards of proper citation. "After an independent editorial review, New York found that Ross Barkan did not adhere to our editorial standards, and we have updated 67 columns that did not include proper attribution of language, information, and/or sourcing," the publication said in a statement obtained by Semafor.  "We have updated our archives to include proper attribution in all of the stories that our review found previously inadequate, noting that those updates were made, and are committed to addressing any other instances that come to light," the statement added. NPR’S NINA TOTENBERG LONG HISTORY OF CONTROVERSIES, FROM PLAGIARISM AND ETHICS CONCERNS TO ALITO RETRACTION In a statement to Fox News Digital at the time, Barkan wrote, "We've decided to end the column and I send all the best to New York Magazine. In the course of nearly 250 pieces, there were times I should have been more careful with citation. I'm sorry about these errors and will work to do better, more careful in the future." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a864f412c5335ae1048cf0c Harvard agrees to $53M settlement with families after donated body parts were stolen, sold on black market te 2026-08-20T00:50:09.790Z Harvard agrees to $53M settlement with families after donated body parts were stolen, sold on black market Harvard University has agreed to a proposed $53 million settlement with families who accused the school of negligently handling its anatomical gift program after a former morgue manager stole and sold body parts from remains donated for medical research and education. Massachusetts Superior Court Judge Debra A. Squires-Lee on Tuesday granted preliminary approval to the class action settlement, which would establish two funds totaling $53 million to resolve claims against the university. A final approval hearing is scheduled for Dec. 9, 2026, when the court will consider whether to grant final approval of the settlement. SAN FRANCISCO ARCHDIOCESE AGREES TO $395M SETTLEMENT WITH 530 CLERGY ABUSE SURVIVORS The litigation followed the 2023 arrest of Cedric Lodge, who managed Harvard Medical School's morgue for nearly three decades and who prosecutors said stole and sold parts of cadavers donated to the school for medical research and education. Lodge pleaded guilty to interstate transport of stolen human remains and was sentenced to eight years in prison. His wife, Denise Lodge, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in prison. PENNSYLVANIA MAN ACCUSED OF STEALING OVER 100 SETS OF HUMAN REMAINS APPEARS IN COURT IN ‘HORROR MOVIE’ CASE Lodge admitted that, from 2018 through at least March 2020, he participated in the sale and interstate transport of human remains stolen from the Harvard Medical School morgue, including organs, brains, skin, hands, faces, dissected heads and other parts from donated cadavers after they had been used for research and teaching purposes but before they were disposed of in accordance with anatomical gift donation agreements. He transported the remains to his home in New Hampshire without the knowledge or permission of Harvard, the donors or their families, officials said. Harvard condemned Lodge's conduct in a message to the school's community Monday. "His violations … were despicable, abhorrent, and a flagrant betrayal of our values as a medical community," George Daley, Harvard's dean of the faculty of medicine, and Bernard Chang, dean for medical education at Harvard Medical School, wrote in the letter. The university noted that the federal indictment said Lodge acted "without the knowledge or permission of HMS." MORE THAN 50 BODIES FOUND DECOMPOSING INSIDE CHICAGO FUNERAL HOME AFTER NEIGHBORS COMPLAINED OF 'STENCH' Harvard said the proposed settlement also includes a pledge by HMS to provide a statement to claimant families reaffirming that Lodge's criminal acts were "morally reprehensible and inconsistent with the standards that Harvard University and HMS expect for the treatment of anatomical donors and their loved ones." The university also said it will establish an annual financial aid scholarship for medical students beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year in appreciation and honor of its anatomical donors. "We hope that this resolution ensures that this never happens to another family ever again," John Morgan, whose law firm, Morgan & Morgan, represented families in the litigation, said in a statement. Fox News Digital's Alex Koch and Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a864f412c5335ae1048cf03 Hayden Panettiere death: DEA reportedly joins probe into what happened to late star te 2026-08-20T00:50:09.101Z Hayden Panettiere death: DEA reportedly joins probe into what happened to late star The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has reportedly joined the investigation into actress Hayden Panettiere's death. TMZ is reporting that the DEA has agents assisting parallel death investigations that are already underway. Panettiere died Sunday at the age of 36. She was found unresponsive and in cardiac arrest at an apartment in Greenville, South Carolina. Resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful and the "Nashville" and "Remember the Titans" actress was pronounced dead. Preliminary autopsy results found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death, Fox News Digital confirmed. This is a developing story. Check back for details. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a864a912c5335ae1048ce56 UK Home Office guide tells asylum seekers not to rape, harass women or make kissing noises te 2026-08-20T00:30:09.923Z UK Home Office guide tells asylum seekers not to rape, harass women or make kissing noises A guide published by Britain's Home Office reminds asylum seekers not to rape women or sexually harass people, while noting that women are allowed to "earn their own money" and "make their own decisions about their lives." The nine-page document is among the resources provided to asylum seekers seeking refuge, though it appears to target mostly men. The guidance is meant to foster an understanding of expected behaviors for those arriving from other countries. Aside from earning a living, women are allowed to attend school, choose who they marry, travel freely, and generally make their own decisions. 200,000 SMALL BOAT ARRIVALS LOOM AMID UK RAISING THREAT LEVEL TO ‘SEVERE’ FOLLOWING RECENT TERROR ATTACK ELON MUSK DEMANDS PRISON FOR POLITICIANS WHO 'TURNED A BLIND EYE' TO GROOMING GANGS AS NEW REPORT RELEASED "Women do not need permission from a husband, father, brother, or any other man to do any of these things," the guide states. Sections of the booklet cover gender equality, domestic abuse, sex and consent, respect in public, getting help, and living in the UK. The section on domestic abuse warns of arrest and prison time for committing physical or emotional abuse against a partner. "We expect everyone who comes to the UK to abide by our laws," a Home Office spokesperson told GB News. "If they do not, they will face consequences, including the refusal of their asylum claim and removal from the UK." SOUTH AFRICA’S ILLEGAL MIGRATION BACKLASH MIRRORS POLITICAL BATTLES ACROSS THE WEST "Returns of failed asylum seekers have reached their highest level since 2010 under this government," the spokesperson added. The booklet notes that asylum seekers are expected to "treat your partner and family with respect," "let them make their own choices," and "never physically or verbally abuse or control them." In public, one must not direct sexual comments at people, even if they think it's appropriate, follow someone or block their path to refrain from whistling or making kissing noises at someone, it states. A section on consent adds that both people must consent to sex without threat or pressure, and that anyone can change their mind at any time. "If you have sex with someone without their consent, this is called rape. Rape is a serious crime in the UK. You could go to prison, lose your support and accommodation, and it will affect your asylum claim," the document states. Anyone under the age of 16 is considered a child and cannot legally consent to sex, according to the guidance. Support hotline numbers for victims of sexual and domestic abuse are provided at the end of each section and at the back of the booklet. BYSTANDERS HAILED AS 'HEROIC' AFTER INTERVENING IN BRUTAL KNIFE ATTACK BY SUDANESE MIGRANT IN UK Nearly 70,000 illegal immigrants and foreign criminals have been returned or deported from the United Kingdom since the Labour Party came to power in July 2024, the BBC reported. "Instead of trying to train these mainly young, male illegal immigrants to behave in a civilized way towards women, they should be deported," Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8648392c5335ae1048cdfb Heather Graham flaunts fit physique in bikinis on romantic Italian escape te 2026-08-20T00:20:09.794Z Heather Graham flaunts fit physique in bikinis on romantic Italian escape Heather Graham soaked up the sun in style while enjoying a romantic Italian vacation with her boyfriend Michele Civetta. The 56-year-old actress stunned in a series of bikini photos that she shared on Instagram as she gave her fans a glimpse into her picturesque getaway in the famed village of Positano on Southern Italy's Amalfi Coast. "I love Positano and pasta Nerano! 🇮🇹❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️And @mcivetta 💕," Graham wrote in the caption of her post on Sunday, tagging Civetta and adding the hashtags #positano, #italy and #summer. In the first photo of Graham's carousel, the "Boogie Nights" star showed off her fit physique in a royal blue string bikini and sported a pair of black sunglasses as she strolled down the shoreline towering cliffs and lush greenery behind her. JULIANNE HOUGH FLAUNTS HER TONED FIGURE IN BIKINIS AS SHE SHARES SNAPS FROM HER TRIP TO SARDINIA Graham also rocked a burgundy string bikini with white polka dots in several other images that she shared. The actress's two-piece featured a plunging halter top and matching bottoms that tied at the hips. She was seen wearing the swimsuit, which she paired with oversized black sunglasses, while wading through the waves of the Mediterranean Sea. The "Hangover" star also modeled the polka-dot bikini while posing on the beach in another image. Graham accessorized with a straw hat and a pair of yellow flip-flops as she stood in front of a boat with colorful umbrellas and lush mountains in the background. In one photo, Graham donned a brown string bikini, wide-brimmed sun hat and black sunglasses while standing on a pebble beach against a backdrop of Positano’s colorful cliffside buildings. She was also seen wearing the swimsuit in a selfie that she took with Civetta. The couple posed together on the beach with Graham flashing a peace sign as they beamed at the camera. LANDMAN' STAR ALI LARTER SHOWS OFF HER FIT PHYSIQUE IN BARELY-THERE BIKINIS DURING YACHT VACATION IN ITALY Graham's slideshow also featured photos in which she was seen taking a dip in the sea while wearing a dark brown polka dot bikini with black cateye sunglasses. In another snap, the "Austin Powers" star slipped on a sleeveless, sheer white floral cover-up over a white bikini along with a straw hat and tortoiseshell sunglasses as she posed against a sweeping view of the Mediterranean. Graham and Civetta were also seen enjoying Positano's cuisine and exploring the village in several photos that the actress shared, including one in which they were seen dining on plates of pasta. The duo were also pictured enjoying a night out in Positano with Graham donning a yellow sundress and Civetta sporting a brown-printed shirt with white pants and brown shoes. KIM KARDASHIAN STUNS IN BIKINI PHOTOS AS SHE GOES INSTAGRAM OFFICIAL WITH BOYFRIEND LEWIS HAMILTON CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER In another photo, Graham and Civetta posed together on a walkway overlooking the beach. Graham wore a pink satin slip dress with lace detailing as she wrapped her arm around Civetta, who was clad in a tan T-shirt, white shorts, burgundy slip-on shoes and sunglasses. Graham and the Italian filmmaker were first publicly linked earlier this year and made their relationship Instagram official in March. The Wisconsin native, who has never married or had children, previously opened up about her romance with Civetta during an April interview with Us Weekly. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Graham told the outlet that she and Civetta share similar views when it comes to relationships. NICOLE KIDMAN, RACHAEL RAY, TED DANSON KEEP MARRIAGES HOT WITH UNCONVENTIONAL RULES "I feel like I’m unconventional," she said. "Most people are like, I need to get married. I need to have kids. I’m just not totally feeling that, and he’s kind of similar. He was married, and he’s not opposed to marriage, but he feels like an unconventional person as well. It’s nice." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8648382c5335ae1048cde0 Scene pkg Aug 19 te 2026-08-20T00:20:08.500Z Scene pkg Aug 19 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8648322c5335ae1048cdc1 Trump Officials Scrap Effort to Recruit Pentagon Lawyers to Represent Migrant Children te 2026-08-20T00:20:02.667Z Trump Officials Scrap Effort to Recruit Pentagon Lawyers to Represent Migrant Children The reversal of the plan, which had not been publicly disclosed, comes amid mounting confusion about how the administration is protecting the rights of unaccompanied minors. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8645dd2c5335ae1048cd73 Court OKs ballot language on election law initiative te 2026-08-20T00:10:05.867Z Court OKs ballot language on election law initiative PHOENIX — The Arizona Supreme Court won’t order Secretary of State Adrian Fontes to recraft his description of a ballot measure that, if approved, would make some major changes in state election practices. In a divided opinion Wednesday, Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer said the language prepared by Fontes, which will go on every ballot, “is not false or clearly misleading.” Plus, Timmer said the supporters of Proposition 144 who filed suit are not personally and immediately harmed by the secretary’s decision.  Not everyone on the high court agreed. “Petitioners, who are Arizona citizens and voters, have shown a sufficient beneficial interest to establish standing to seek mandamus relief for compliance,” wrote William Montgomery and Kathryn King. More to the point, they said Fontes was wrong not to mention two provisions of Prop. 144. Those would add language to the state constitution saying only citizens may vote in Arizona elections, and that elections “shall be decided solely by the votes of eligible citizen voters.” Montgomery and King said they would have directed the secretary to recraft what he had written. The ruling comes a day after the Supreme Court rejected a separate legal argument that Prop. 144 should not even be allowed on the ballot at all. The majority rejected arguments by Tempe City Councilman Randy Keating that there are too many unrelated proposed changes in election laws to be given to voters on a take-it-or-leave-it basis. As approved by the Republican-controlled Legislature, Prop. 144 seeks to put several new provisions in the Arizona Constitution. Aside from the ones about only citizens voting, it would require that those who get their ballots in the mail have the option not just to drop them off at polling places on Election Day — something already in law — but to have the ballots tallied at that time by presenting proof of identification. That is designed to prevent delays in getting final results. Part of what provoked the lawsuit was that Fontes said Prop. 144 “may make it harder to challenge election laws.” Attorneys for the challengers, represented by the conservative organization America First Legal, argued that Fontes was predicting what might — or might not — happen, something they said he is not allowed to do. Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Adele Ponce rejected that argument, saying that the secretary is entitled to describe the potential impact of the ballot measure. “The description can reasonably be regarded as an attempt to provide necessary and appropriate information to the voting public,” she wrote. The Supreme Court upheld that decision unanimously. King and Montgomery parted ways with the other justices over Fontes’s failure, in crafting a title for the measure that will appear on the ballot, to mention the two sections of Prop. 144 that would put the citizenship requirement into the state constitution. Fontes, for his part, said that’s not necessary in the 50 words he’s given to craft a title. He argued that, in a measure with multiple provisions, these were not “principal provisions” that had to be pointed out to voters. Timmer and the majority did not specifically address that issue. Instead, they concluded that the argument about what’s a “principal provision” is legally irrelevant because the challengers had no right to sue in the first place. “[The law] leaves to the secretary’s discretion the specific wording used to convey the measure’s principal provisions,” they wrote, with the attorney general given the same discretion to approve or reject the language. The post Court OKs ballot language on election law initiative first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86412c2c5335ae1048ccaf Susan Nicolson: How a small department keeps Arizona real estate fraud at bay te 2026-08-19T23:50:04.846Z Susan Nicolson: How a small department keeps Arizona real estate fraud at bay As the commissioner of the Department of Real Estate, Susan Nicolson keeps a sharp eye on real estate fraud while overseeing thousands of real estate licensees. It’s no small task. Nicolson said her department receives at least one, if not two or three, reports every week of some type of real estate fraud.  According to the Attorney General’s Office, they have received 372 real estate fraud complaints since January 2024. Several lawmakers have written legislation to address these issues, such as Sen. Wendy Rogers’ Senate Bill 1426, which more quickly stops squatters from claiming a home as their own. The bill was signed into law this year. “I knew the pain and the pressure points because I was a practicing agent,” said Nicolson, whom Gov. Katie Hobbs appointed in 2023. “Whenever it is that I am finished, I know Arizonans will be better protected in their property.”  She also taught real estate courses as an instructor and added several courses that are now required for licensees, including deed fraud, water education and renewing licenses. Nicolson said that when licensees provide good, reliable information, they become better agents for their clients. She grew up in Florida and married a pilot who was based in Phoenix. They have two daughters.  The questions and answers have been edited lightly for style and clarity. How big is your department?  We are only 25 people. We regulate 83,000 real estate licenses. We have to be enormously efficient and good at what we do. Our budget is about $3.2 million each year.  What are your responsibilities? We regulate real estate licenses. We also issue subdivision public reports. There are 25 items in statute that are required to be in a public report. We can make exceptions if it’s warranted and if it’s not going to cause any harm to the public. I wish everybody would read them. They are packed with great information.  We have our licensing team. We license entities, schools, instructors and we review continuing education courses for content and the minimum course requirements.  Then we have investigators and auditors. They do audits over the bank accounts of real estate brokerages to make sure that if there’s money that’s set aside in a trust account, that money is being kept properly, not being commingled and not being used for Nordstrom’s runs or anything.  Investigations is where we receive complaints from the public, and we investigate all complaints received in writing. And then if we have findings, that moves into enforcement and compliance. That determines if this is going to be a letter of concern. Is this an accelerated settlement statement, or are we going all the way to a summary suspension or a cease and desist?  How common is real estate fraud and predatory practices in Arizona? Not a week goes by that something doesn’t come in. Sometimes there’s two or three a week. It’s a big-ticket item if you can successfully steal real estate. It’s like robbing a bank. I realized law enforcement and the Department of Real Estate were all just disjointed and not communicating with one another. Real estate licensees would help if they knew how, but they don’t know what to do when they encounter this. I released a mandatory deed fraud education course that would teach real estate licensees the red flags to look for in a real estate transaction. I made it mandatory to renew your real estate license because I knew if licensees knew how to recognize the signs of the crime and the red flags, they would raise the red flag on a transaction. It’s a class five felony to record a fraudulent deed, and there’s an alert system at the county that will let you know that somebody did that. But then an Arizonan still has to pay an attorney to undo [it]. We set our minds to figure out how we could create a system to alert people in a real estate transaction when the innocent buyer is about to buy stolen property. That system should release in three weeks, and I’m really excited about it.  It’s a truly devastating crime.  Are there any recent trends to be on the lookout for? The other problem we have is our elder population is constantly being attacked with romance scams and catfishing scams. The ultimate goal seems to be to get them to sell their houses and give the money to these scammers. We’ve worked really hard with a group called Home Fraud Defense. It helps consumers because if you receive a text message and you’re kind of suspicious, or you’ve got a postcard in the mail and you’re wondering if that’s a scam, you can take a picture of it and upload it. This free site runs it against known real estate fraud, and it can say it is very likely fraudulent. Then it gives instructions on how to report it and how to protect yourself. There are people out there that pose as investors, and one of the big things that we’re seeing right now is they call it “Sub-to,” and what they mean is subject to your existing mortgage. They are “buying somebody’s house” without paying off the original lender on loans that are not assumable loans. Or even if they are assumable loans, they are not properly assuming the loan. We see people fall victim to this, and obviously, if this person who has bought your house that you’ve signed your deed over to stops paying the mortgage, it’s not on their credit. It’s still on your credit, and you don’t have a house to back it up anymore because you signed over the ownership portion of it. I can’t warn people enough not to get into bed with one of those quick offers for a little bit of cash in your pocket, and they just take over your mortgage. Mortgages don’t work that way. The post Susan Nicolson: How a small department keeps Arizona real estate fraud at bay first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a863ed92c5335ae1048cc5e Pennsylvania AG asked whether Penn State could face action over alleged fraternity drug ring te 2026-08-19T23:40:09.696Z Pennsylvania AG asked whether Penn State could face action over alleged fraternity drug ring Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday addressed whether his office would take action against Penn State after authorities uncovered an alleged cocaine trafficking ring running through the university’s fraternities. Authorities said about 1 kilogram of cocaine moved through the drug operation every other month as part of what Sunday described at a news conference as an "upper-level trafficking organization." "This was a very sophisticated endeavor. This wasn't just a couple kids at college who were sharing drugs with each other," Sunday told "The Story" on Wednesday. SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY RUNNING METH LAB AT MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY’S LARGEST ACADEMIC BUILDING "It was a lot of drugs and it was done in a very serious and very sophisticated manner," the attorney general added. Fourteen individuals, including current and former Penn State students, face felony or misdemeanor charges stemming from alleged illicit activity between 2023 and 2024. Prosecutors identified Agostino Abbatiello, 24, and Thomas Robinson, 23, as the suspected ringleaders. The alleged drug kingpins reportedly made regular trips to Philadelphia and New York to pick up "large quantities" of powder cocaine, arranged drug deals via Snapchat and accepted payments through Venmo. "As the attorney general, obviously I have a lot of concern when you have organizations like this that run for as long as it did," Sunday told Fox News. 5 MEXICAN CARTEL BOSSES CHARGED IN WEAPONS, DRUG TRAFFICKING, TIMESHARE FRAUD SCHEMES, DOJ SAYS The attorney general said pledges at the Delta Upsilon and Sigma Chi fraternities were allegedly instructed to cut and package cocaine as part of their initiation, pointing to peer pressure as a factor in their involvement. "When you're young… and this isn't an excuse but, peer pressure is one of the most powerful forms of motivation in the world," Sunday said. "And there's a lot of peer pressure that was involved here." MIAMI SECRET SERVICE AGENT CHARGED IN NEAR-DEADLY FRATERNITY HAZING, OFFICIALS SAY Penn State said it is "horrified" by the accusations and placed Delta Upsilon on interim suspension. The university does not recognize Sigma Chi as an organization, as the fraternity operates outside of the university’s oversight. The allegations come nearly a decade after another fraternity-related case brought national scrutiny to Penn State. In 2017, 19-year-old Tim Piazza died after being served excessive quantities of alcohol during a hazing incident at the Beta Theta Pi fraternity. Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum asked Sunday whether his office would take action against Penn State in light of the alleged cocaine drug ring and the university’s history of fraternity-related incidents. "My hope is that Penn State will take the appropriate actions under these circumstances," the attorney general said. "Up to this point, the university has been very open to collaboration," he continued. "And that is my hope and belief moving forward, that maybe we can help remedy some of these issues collectively and collaboratively together." Fox News Digital reached out to Penn State for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a863ed92c5335ae1048cc55 Geno Smith's Jets reunion is 'like a Hollywood script,' says former teammate Ryan Fitzpatrick te 2026-08-19T23:40:09.032Z Geno Smith's Jets reunion is 'like a Hollywood script,' says former teammate Ryan Fitzpatrick Geno Smith is back with the New York Jets this season, and he’s certainly hoping his second stint with the team that drafted him goes more according to plan. When Smith was taken in the second round out of West Virginia, he had just two seasons in the starting quarterback role, where the team went 11-18 in those games, and an infamous locker room punch ultimately led to Ryan Fitzpatrick stepping in during 2015 as the team’s starter. Fitzpatrick, now out of the game and serving as an analyst for "Thursday Night Football," believes the Jets are getting a completely different Smith this time around. And he thinks it’s coming at the perfect time for a franchise in desperate need of veteran leaders. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "This is like a Hollywood script that you wouldn’t even believe," Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital, while highlighting his partnership with VRST, the men's activewear and apparel brand from DICK'S Sporting Goods . "Demario Davis is back, too. I have a couple of teammates that are back there. But I think the one thing they’ve been craving for years now is leadership, and hopefully Geno’s able to come in and provide that." Smith’s career took the path of a backup, one many believed he would be moving forward, never again reaching the heights of a starter unless necessary with the team he signed for. He infamously got the nod for one game in 2017 for the New York Giants, which ended Eli Manning’s 210 consecutive starts streak. Then, after a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, Smith landed as the backup to Russell Wilson with the Seattle Seahawks. It was in the Pacific Northwest where Smith got his big break, staying on as the team’s starter in 2022 when Wilson was traded to the Denver Broncos. He won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, and the veteran proved he can still be the franchise leader on offense. RUSSELL WILSON ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM NFL AFTER 14 SEASONS Smith earned two Pro Bowls with the Seahawks, while throwing for over 4,300 yards during the 2024 season. However, he was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders to reunite with Pete Carroll in a one-and-done season for both quarterback and head coach. The Jets wanted a reunion of their own and traded for Smith in March for a sixth-round pick. Now, it’s up to Smith to rewrite what Jets fans knew about him during his time in New York. Fitzpatrick believes he’s equipped now to do just that, even as critics say this will simply be the same old Jets in 2026. "The biggest thing he’s gonna provide is stability and professionalism. I think it’s cool for some of the people in the building who were there with Geno in his younger days to see him come back and see how much he’s grown as a person, as a player. That professionalism is something that team really needs," Fitzpatrick explained. "Obviously, bringing in a guy like Demario Davis, how he’s still doing it. I mean, you talk about a physical position and a guy who has been as physical as somebody, to still enjoy going out there and thumping heads on every down. He’s also going to bring a professionalism to that locker room, and I like what [head coach] Aaron Glenn did there. These are two pieces, one on offense and one on defense. We’re going to show you what you need to do every single day to become a professional and a good NFL player. I think they’re on the right track there." On paper, the Jets have pieces that Smith can utilize on offense, which is being called by new coordinator Frank Reich. Garrett Wilson, despite being on one of the worst teams in the NFL since he was drafted in 2022, had three straight 1,000-yard seasons before injuries hurt his production in 2025. There’s also running back Breece Hall, though dealing with a groin injury, who will be pivotal in the team’s rushing attack under Reich. He’s also a solid pass-catcher out of the backfield, and someone Smith can rely on during the season. The Jets also spent two of their three first-round picks on Oregon tight end Kenyon Sadiq and Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. David Bailey, the second overall pick out of Texas Tech, will be featured at defensive end on their defense. Smith has pieces to succeed if they can find the right chemistry. And just like a Hollywood script, Fitzpatrick is rooting for his old teammate to write that happy ending as he gets a second chance with New York. INSIDE THE NEW YORK JETS' REVAMPED PERFORMANCE FACILITY AND PLAYER DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY COOL AND COMFORTABLE WITH VRST In the coming months, Fitzpatrick will be all over with the "Thursday Night Football" crew, providing his best analysis on the featured early game of the NFL schedule. It's quite the active lifestyle, especially when he also has to throw in his family duties on top of that. Fitzpatrick partnered with VRST because of how well he feels the activewear's performance and style fit exactly what he's going to be doing no matter what the day throws his way. "For me, the authenticity of it — it just captures my vibe," he said. "It’s not just the resort wear, it’s the active lifestyle stuff. The Limitless pants — there’s a lot of stuff that I’m pulled in a lot of different directions whether it’s running to a kid’s soccer game, or driving a carpool, or flying somewhere for ‘Thursday Night Football.’ All the different things I do, to be able to look good and feel comfortable, I think those are the two biggest things for me that made this a no-brainer for this partnership. "It fits my active lifestyle and it actually looks good." Fitzpatrick is known for his vibrant colors and patterns with his TNF fits, which VRST is helping him out with this season. But no matter the occasion, he knows he has options that will be comfortable, while also showcasing that evolved men's style fit for today. "You can wear it in so many different situations. That’s the biggest thing for me," he said. "I’ll have people come up to me and ask me about the shirts, or ask me about the pants. Look, I just got off a plane, I’ve been flying all morning. I feel comfortable. I’m standing out here at a soccer practice in the same thing feeling great and looking great." Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a863ed32c5335ae1048cc14 Stripe didn’t really buy OpenRouter because of the ‘singularity’ te 2026-08-19T23:40:03.466Z Stripe didn’t really buy OpenRouter because of the ‘singularity’ What does a payments giant want with a startup that routes prompts between different AI models? Stripe says it's because of "the singularity" but it's really for a far more real and powerful reason. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a863c832c5335ae1048cbf2 Minneapolis City Council moves to pass dress code ordinance to fight velvet rope discrimination te 2026-08-19T23:30:11.034Z Minneapolis City Council moves to pass dress code ordinance to fight velvet rope discrimination The Minneapolis City Council is one step closer to approving a dress code ordinance for businesses citywide after a committee passed a new ordinance Tuesday to counter what City Council members described as efforts to "discriminate against people." The ordinance, which received unanimous support from the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee, would require any business licensed to sell liquor or beer to post any required dress code near its entrance. This new ordinance would not cover the "no shirts, no shoes, no service" rules as those are health and safety policies regulated by the state. If passed by the full City Council, the ordinance would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2027. The City Council is expected to discuss the ordinance on Aug. 27. SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY REQUIRES BUSINESS SUITS, BANS DU-RAGS AND OTHER HEADWEAR IN NEW DRESS CODE According to members of the committee and City Council, the ordinance will combat what is known as "velvet rope discrimination," or barring entry of someone into a facility based on race, gender or orientation. According to KSTP, councilmember Jason Chavez described it by saying, "I think about the high-profile case that happened at a downtown bar here in Minneapolis. There was a White man that was allowed entry wearing a Twins shirt and a Black man not allowed entry wearing a Twins shirt."  Chavez, who identifies as LGBTQ, also says he personally experienced this discrimination before becoming a council member after being denied entry into a bar while wearing a rainbow pouch. He said that an individual who was "wearing similar clothes" but with a black pouch was allowed access. "I can understand why some people may not understand racism exists in this country, but it does." Chavez added, according to FOX 9. "What we're trying to do here is make sure that people are transparent about their dress code to help prevent that discrimination." POPULAR STEAKHOUSE'S DRESS CODE SPARKS BACKLASH AS DINERS TOLD TO DITCH HATS OR EAT AT THE BAR Fellow council members Pearll Warren and Jamal Osman also voiced support for the ordinance as a way to counter discrimination based on appearances. "Picking and choosing based on your look or your dress or your culture should not be tolerated. We’re not in the 1950s here," Osman said, according to KARE 11. Warren denied there should be any issues, saying, "If an establishment is saying no ballcaps and jerseys are allowed in this establishment, then have that posted outside that says that otherwise you cannot discriminate against people coming in with ballcaps and jerseys." Speaking to Fox News Digital, Council Member Michael Rainville said that he believes the ordinance will eventually pass based on the unanimous support from the committee and hopes that it will alleviate concerns from community members. "I am not in a position to disagree with my fellow council members of color that this racism persists in the bars and restaurants. You know, I don't have that personal experience, so I rely on their judgment. And if this will alleviate some concerns by merely posting dress code rules, then so be it," Rainville said. OUTRAGED CRUISE PASSENGERS BLAST COMPANY'S 'IDIOTIC' NEW DRESS CODE CRACKDOWN Fox News Digital reached out to the Business, Housing & Zoning Committee for comment and other members of the Minneapolis City Council but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a863c822c5335ae1048cbe9 Trump threatens 'unprecedented' economic consequences for any nation aiding Iran te 2026-08-19T23:30:10.306Z Trump threatens 'unprecedented' economic consequences for any nation aiding Iran President Donald Trump on Wednesday issued a stern warning to any nation thinking about offering a lifeline to Iran after announcing the launch of a U.S. operation he likened to an "economic D-Day." "Today, I am announcing the MOST CRUSHING ECONOMIC OPERATION EVER TAKEN AGAINST ANY COUNTRY! This will be Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale," Trump wrote on Truth Social. "I am also announcing that ANY country that allows its financial institutions, businesses, airports, or government entities to provide any type of lifeline to Iran will itself face TREMENDOUS Economic Consequences." "Oil smuggling, swap lines, cash transfers, exchange houses, ship registries, front companies — It all needs to stop NOW," he continued. "You know who you are. This will be an ECONOMIC D-DAY, and we need all of our Allies to stand with the United States of America to isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat. These maniacs are on the ropes, and these HISTORIC MEASURES will cripple them and their ability to project terror worldwide." This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a863c812c5335ae1048cbe0 Pastor and wife spread Gospel nationwide before abuse case exposed disturbing reality te 2026-08-19T23:30:09.630Z Pastor and wife spread Gospel nationwide before abuse case exposed disturbing reality A Tennessee pastor who spent years traveling the country for his ministry will spend the rest of his life behind bars after a jury convicted him of raping a child, while his wife was found guilty of facilitating the abuse, authorities said. Benjamin Garlick, 35, was found guilty Monday of seven counts of aggravated rape of a child, six counts of aggravated sexual battery, one count of solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor and two violations of Tennessee's Child Protection Act following a two-week trial in Rutherford County. Circuit Court Judge Barry Tidwell sentenced Garlick to life in prison without the possibility of parole on the aggravated rape convictions, according to the Murfreesboro Police Department. He still faces sentencing on the remaining convictions on Nov. 10. Garlick's wife, 32-year-old Shaantal Garlick, was convicted of two counts of facilitation of aggravated rape of a child and two counts of aggravated child neglect. She is scheduled to be sentenced Nov. 10. OHIO POLICE CHIEF ARRESTED IN FLORIDA AFTER GRAND JURY HANDS DOWN 70-COUNT CHILD SEX INDICTMENT The case began in August 2023, when the Murfreesboro Police Department's Special Victims Unit launched an investigation into the sexual abuse of a child who was just 5 years old at the time. Police said the abuse had occurred over several years. As detectives dug deeper, they identified two additional victims, according to police. Investigators also determined that Shaantal Garlick knowingly neglected a victim in a way that affected the child's health and welfare and assisted in the sexual abuse, police said. "The Murfreesboro Police Department thanks all members of the Child Protective Investigative Team (CPIT) for their tireless work throughout this investigation and trial, ensuring the victims’ voices were heard and justice was served," lead investigator Detective James Wilkinson said following the convictions. "The children of Rutherford County are safer because of the compassion, dedication, and commitment each member of the CPIT Team brings to their roles every day," Wilkinson said. FORMER GEORGIA CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TEACHER LEARNS FATE FOR SEXUALLY ABUSING 15-YEAR-OLD STUDENT Garlick's life outside the courtroom stood in stark contrast to the crimes for which he was convicted. Murfreesboro police said their investigation showed he had spent several years traveling as a minister, primarily focused on the Hispanic community, and that he and his wife had traveled across the country. WSMV previously reported that Garlick helped run La Espada, a Murfreesboro-based ministry for Spanish speakers. The station reported that videos and images posted online showed Garlick and his sermons connected with churches in Florida, Indiana, Minnesota and Texas. FORMER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL TEACHER SENTENCED AFTER PLEADING GUILTY TO CHILD SEDUCTION CHARGE The couple also described deep family ties to the ministry in biographies that appeared on La Espada's former website and remain available through the Internet Archive. The site said La Espada was founded by Garlick's grandfather, Rolando Garlick, and showed Benjamin working with the ministry under the direction of his late father, Daniel Garlick, by at least 2015. Benjamin Garlick wrote that he began traveling with his father as a child, felt drawn to the ministry at a young age and later became an evangelist. Shaantal Garlick wrote that she met Benjamin at a youth conference when she was 18 and described her calling as serving God full time alongside her husband and working with La Espada to reach the Hispanic community with the Gospel. FBI AND TEXAS AUTHORITIES ARREST 276 SUSPECTED CHILD PREDATORS, RESCUE 89 CHILDREN IN SWEEPING OPERATION Benjamin and Shaantal Garlick were arrested in September 2023. The case continued to grow, and a Rutherford County grand jury reindicted the couple in March 2024, according to Murfreesboro police. As investigators pursued the case, Special Victims Unit detectives publicly urged potential victims to come forward, particularly people in the Hispanic community, police said. Shaantal Garlick, who had been free on bond, was taken into custody following Monday's verdict, police said. Both she and her husband are being held at the Rutherford County Adult Detention Center. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8637cf2c5335ae1048cae1 Ketel Marte's unexplained absence gets stranger as Diamondbacks fight for NL wild card spot te 2026-08-19T23:10:07.131Z Ketel Marte's unexplained absence gets stranger as Diamondbacks fight for NL wild card spot One of the weirdest stories of the 2026 Major League Baseball season just keeps getting weirder. The Arizona Diamondbacks had a tough start to the year, but have battled back to put themselves squarely in postseason contention. Led by Corbin Carroll, Geraldo Perdomo, Gabriel Moreno and a resurgent Nolan Arenado, the Diamondbacks as of Wednesday afternoon found themselves just 1.5 games out of the third wild card spot in the National League. Importantly, they finish out the season with three games against the team they're chasing, the San Diego Padres. Perhaps even more importantly? They might have to chase those Padres down without one of their best players, infielder Ketel Marte. SAN DIEGO PADRES STAR MANNY MACHADO IS WRONG TO COMPLAIN ABOUT MODERN MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Marte's had a down season, by his very high standards, but still leads the team in home runs with 21, strikes out just 15% of the time, and typically contributes solid to above-average defense. There's just one problem: he didn't show up to the game a few days ago, and nobody seems to know exactly why. Monday afternoon, the Diamondbacks were set to start a series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Each game vitally important, a series against a tough opponent on the road, and Marte just... didn't show up. With no explanation. Arizona waited until 20 minutes before game time to put Marte on the restricted list, and the story got even stranger afterward. Manager Torey Lovullo was asked about Marte's absence after the game and said he tried talking to his star infielder but "there was very little coming back." "It's been a crazy day. All I know is he's dealing with a personal issue," he said postgame. "We're trying to figure that out. He didn't show up today, and he was put on the restricted list. That's as much as I know right now. "I'm sure in time we'll start to uncover and unravel some information. But I knew that there was something going on today. … I still believed he was going to be here. He just didn't show up." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Lovullo also seemed uncertain that Marte was even in Boston at all. That personal matter, whatever it is, then turned into him getting an MRI for some undisclosed injury. After not showing up on Monday, he was absent once again on Tuesday, meaning he wasn't seen by the team's medical staff or coaching personnel. Once again, Lovullo seemed completely unaware of what was happening with the 32-year-old. "I think he's headed back to Phoenix to get some exams done on his left knee," he said. Lovullo went on to essentially say the team has moved on from worrying about Marte's status, instead focusing on trying to win games. "That's what I've been told," he added. "But overall, my focus has shifted. My focus yesterday was squarely on this topic, but right now it's on the 26 players that are inside of the clubhouse right now. That's my responsibility and that's what we have to do in this game. We've got to shift our focuses and be present for what's most important. And the most important thing to me right now is going out to win a baseball game." They lost 9-4 on Tuesday. On Wednesday, Marte's agent, Charisse Espinosa-Dash, issued a statement to MLB reporter Jon Morosi, reiterating that he's dealing with an undisclosed "personal matter," as well as repeating that he'll get an MRI on his knee. MLB STARS ADDRESS SALARY CAP, OWNERS SAYING BASEBALL IS BROKEN AHEAD OF ALL-STAR GAME: 'BAD FOR THE GAME' "[Marte] is currently managing a personal matter and will be undergoing an MRI on his knee tomorrow. Ketel appreciates the unwavering support from fans, teammates, the Diamondbacks organization, and Torey Lovullo during this time. He remains optimistic about his recovery and looks forward to returning to the field to contribute to the team as soon as possible," the statement said. So to sum up, Marte didn't show up to the stadium on Monday, didn't tell his team he wasn't going to show up, his manager wasn't sure he was even in Boston, he's dealing with a personal matter, and he now has a knee injury that requires an MRI — though he apparently didn't come to the ballpark to tell team medical staff about it or get the MRI during the road trip. Bizarre, to say the least. This isn't the first time that Marte's had an odd absence from his team. In 2025, he missed three games after the All-Star break and went home to the Dominican Republic, reportedly frustrated that his home had been burglarized. He's also asked for games off, something the team has acknowledged, though the "load management" model has been less of a problem than simply not showing up. Several outlets have reported that his teammates are frustrated with his absences or missed games, though Lovullo has repeatedly denied it. When asked about it, teammate Geraldo Perdomo said he didn't get a response to a text asking Marte what happened. He did say that he's had a knee issue since mid-July. "I texted him and asked him what happened, and he didn't respond to me yesterday," Perdomo said. "But today I just texted him about how his knee feels, because I know it's been bothering him since the [All-Star] break. And he told me he felt a little uncomfortable and was going to get an MRI. So, that's the conversation that we had." No one would fault Marte for missing games due to a knee injury. And obviously, personal matters can be extremely serious and justify being away from the team, regardless of the time of year or postseason ramifications. But not showing up to the ballpark, with no communication? That's inexcusable. The worst part for the Diamondbacks and their fans? Nobody seems to know when to expect Marte back, if at all. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86357b2c5335ae1048ca7b Prince Harry, Meghan Markle planning to move back to UK with children 6 years after royal exit: reports te 2026-08-19T23:00:11.016Z Prince Harry, Meghan Markle planning to move back to UK with children 6 years after royal exit: reports Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are planning to move back to the United Kingdom with their two children later this month, six years after stepping away from royal duties and settling in California, according to multiple reports. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex intend to relocate to a private residence outside London, the BBC reported Wednesday, citing earlier reporting from The Telegraph and The Sun. Their children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, are enrolled to begin attending a British school in September, according to the BBC. PRINCE WILLIAM'S ABSENCE SPEAKS VOLUMES AS KING CHARLES REUNITES WITH PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE: EXPERTS King Charles III was informed of the move Sunday and reportedly welcomes the opportunity to spend more time with the Sussex family privately. Prince William and Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, have also been informed. The move is not expected to change Harry and Meghan's royal status. They reportedly have no plans to resume duties as working royals and will remain private individuals. KING CHARLES SENDS 'DEFIANCE' MESSAGE TO PRINCE WILLIAM WITH BUCKINGHAM PALACE ROOM OFFER TO HARRY: EXPERT Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace and Archewell, which oversees the offices of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, for comment. The development follows a July reunion between the Sussexes and Charles at Highgrove House, the king's private residence in Gloucestershire. It marked the first time Charles had seen Archie and Lilibet in person in more than four years, according to the BBC. KING CHARLES HOPES TO REUNITE WITH PRINCE HARRY, BUT QUEEN CAMILLA IS DRAWING ONE FIRM LINE: EXPERTS Harry and Meghan had not visited the U.K. together since Queen Elizabeth II's funeral in 2022. The couple left royal duties in 2020 and ultimately settled in Montecito, California. Their relationship with the royal family became increasingly strained after they publicly discussed their grievances in interviews, their Netflix docuseries and Harry's 2023 memoir, "Spare." Harry has repeatedly expressed a desire to reconcile with his family, but security has remained a major point of contention. The Duke of Sussex lost a legal challenge in 2025 over the level of police protection available to him and his family while in the U.K. He has previously said safety concerns prevented him from bringing Meghan and their children to Britain. Despite the planned return, royal experts previously told Fox News Digital that reconciliation with Harry's family would not necessarily mean a return to royal duties. "There's always room for Harry to support his family privately as a son and brother," Kinsey Schofield, host of YouTube's "Kinsey Schofield Unfiltered," told Fox News Digital. "That's very different from supporting the monarchy publicly as a working royal. The monarchy has successfully adapted to a smaller working team." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86357a2c5335ae1048ca72 John Stamos celebrates turning 63 with a thirst trap that has fans saying 'have mercy' te 2026-08-19T23:00:10.181Z John Stamos celebrates turning 63 with a thirst trap that has fans saying 'have mercy' John Stamos is celebrating his birthday with a steamy mirror selfie. The now 63-year-old "Full House" star took to Instagram to celebrate his birthday with a mirror selfie featuring him in his birthday suit, which he captioned, "63." Fans went wild in the comments section, with many making references to his character in the popular '90s sitcom, Uncle Jesse. While his phone blocked his face, the black-and-white photo showed off Stamos' toned abs and gave fans a peek at the tattoo on his left shoulder. SOFIA VERGARA SIZZLES IN RED BIKINI WHILE CELEBRATING 54TH BIRTHDAY ON YACHT IN ITALY "More like Uncle Yes-se! 😂 Happy Birthday!❤️" one fan wrote, while another added, "HAVE MERCY," which was his character's catchphrase in the show. Other comments included catchphrases from the show, with one writing, "You Still Got It Dude 😎👍🔥🥵" and another adding, "✂️ it outttttt! 🔥" Another fan added, "Not John Stamos with the thirst trap 🪤," while his former "Full House" co-star, Candace Cameron Bure also chimed in in the comments section, writing, "Happy birthday Uncle J 🥳." Stamos debuted the tattoo on his shoulder in March, in an Instagram video showing the tattooing process, with the words, "Guess who got his first tattoo," written across the video. In the caption, Stamos explained the significance behind the tattoo, which features a Native American horseback rider looking skyward, in his caption. "The Beach Boys placed this image: ‘Appeal to the Great Spirit’ over Brother Records as a symbol of artistic freedom and trust in a higher creative path," he wrote. "Lately I’ve felt that same pull in my own life. Stepping into this new chapter of my career, taking bigger swings, following the work wherever it leads." During a recent appearance on "The Bobbycast" podcast, Stamos shared why he has declined to compete on "Dancing with the Stars," despite being asked by producers a number of times. "What makes that show good is people suffering and looking like fools," Stamos began. "They’re breaking their feet, calluses. I don’t want that." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS He later added that after repeatedly being asked to compete on the show he finally told producers, "Don’t ever ask me again," telling podcast host, Bobby Bones, "I'm never gonna do that show." Bones notoriously won the show in 2018 with his pro partner, Sharna Burgess, a win which sparked backlash on social media. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8635792c5335ae1048ca69 Jon Ossoff's controversial Trump jab sparks media feeding frenzy over White House aide Natalie Harp te 2026-08-19T23:00:09.049Z Jon Ossoff's controversial Trump jab sparks media feeding frenzy over White House aide Natalie Harp A White House aide is becoming a household name due to a feeding frenzy by liberal media stemming from a comment by an ambitious Democrat. Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., who polls currently suggest will win reelection in November and has already been generating 2028 presidential buzz, went viral over the weekend for a jab he made at President Donald Trump, heavily suggesting he was having an inappropriate relationship with his personal aide Natalie Harp. Ossoff claimed Trump would rather "build a ballroom and travel with Natalie" than do his job as president. The comment drew instant backlash from conservatives. When asked about it on MS NOW, Ossoff insisted he referenced her merely as Trump's "security blanket" and nothing more — leaving conservatives to pummel him as a "coward" for not standing behind what they considered was his sexist innuendo. JON OSSOFF DODGES ON WHY HE INVOKED TRUMP AIDE'S NAME DURING GEORGIA CAMPAIGN RALLY Still, that hasn't stopped the media from obsessing over the 35-year-old White House aide. The New York Times published a profile on how Harp "emerge[d]" in the national spotlight following Ossoff's comment. "She never takes a day off, not even on Sunday," the Times began the profile. "She works out of the Oval Office and she’s got a regular seat on Marine One. She texts with world leaders on the president’s behalf. She stays up late with him drafting social media posts. She rarely speaks on camera and yet she is never not there, ever-present with a wide smile and her eyes fixed on the president."  "She is a platinum blonde geyser of positivity, there to buck him up when the going gets rough," the paper wrote, adding how she's often referred to as Trump's "human printer" for giving him hard copies of things with her portable printer. WHITE HOUSE PUSHED FOR PROTOCOL TO PRESERVE CORRESPONDENTS' CREDIBILITY AFTER TRUMP'S SECRET PLANE SWITCH Harp has received overwhelming coverage on cable news. Her name has been mentioned at least 86 times on MS NOW since Monday, according to Grabien transcripts. Meanwhile, CNN has mentioned her at least a whopping 132 times in the same period. CNN made headlines with a story, citing unnamed sources, alleging Harp "jumped into an SUV trunk" in order to ride with Trump in an October 2023 court appearance because she "wouldn’t take no for an answer" when the vehicle didn't have enough room. The network also drew intense backlash for interviewing Harp's estranged brother on air. CNN's Brian Stelter said it "mounts to a victory for Ossoff," crediting him with "the art of the viral clip." "His 'travel with Natalie' line... showed a sophisticated understanding of the social media environment. It titillated, provoked and enraged different audiences simultaneously," Stelter wrote. CNN FIRES BACK AT TRUMP WHITE HOUSE OVER ATTACKS ON REPORTER, CALLS THEM 'BENEATH OF OFFICE' The Daily Beast ran a tabloid-esque story alleging first lady Melania Trump is "locked in a secret power struggle" over her husband with Harp, citing speculation from anti-Trump author Michael Wolff. Rolling Stone declared in a headline, "Nothing About Trump and Natalie Harp Is Normal," while Forbes went more suspicious with its headline, "Natalie Harp Seen Everywhere With Trump Lately—Why That’s Raising Questions." The far-left publication Salon tied Harp's presence to Trump's health, running the headline, "Trump aide Natalie Harp nurses his decline." "Whatever the case, the rumors have served to draw more attention to Trump’s age. But the simple fact that he requires a woman to linger around him most of the time, ready to express her devotion and that of his most ardent followers, isn’t a great look. When considered alongside the extraordinary medical privacy exerted by Trump and the White House, it cuts against his failing efforts to position himself as virile and robust," Salon wrote. WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS WIDELY PRAISE KAROLINE LEAVITT AS SHE ANNOUNCES EXIT FROM TRUMP ADMINISTRATION Others, meanwhile, are reveling in the media discourse set off by Ossoff. Axios examined how his one-liner is testing "Democrats' appetite for going low" ahead of 2028. "Some battleground candidates are going viral for shooting from the hip. Jon Ossoff is doing it from a carefully controlled script," Politico wrote. "Ossoff’s campaign appearances are marked by pithy stump lines that are prone to catch fire online and aggressive jabs at Trump and his Republican opponent that appeal to Democrats’ desire for fighter candidates. But behind his bold persona on the trail is a senator who is hands-on in all aspects of his campaign, including messaging." Conservative critics are blasting the rampant coverage of Harp.  "So Jon Ossoff and some very online Dems make catty and suggestive remarks about Natalie Harp and so all the major news orgs scramble to follow ‘the story,’" Washington Free Beacon reporter Chuck Ross reacted. "The egregious sexist attacks on Natalie Harp are absolutely insane — and they’re coming from prestigious journalists. What is wrong with everyone?!" podcast host Meghan McCain posted on X. "Every president has close aides and sometimes they are females. Like what year is this?! Should women never go into politics?!" In a statement to Fox News Digital, the White House called Harp "one of the most loyal and hardest-working aides on President Trump's team." "The Fake News’s continued attacks on President Trump and his Administration prove exactly why trust in media is at historic lows," White House spokesman Davis Ingle said. "The media should get back to reporting real news and stop regurgitating Trump-Deranged liberal talking points." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86331f2c5335ae1048ca0c 8-year-old boy killed after tree falls at YMCA summer camp in Massachusetts te 2026-08-19T22:50:07.401Z 8-year-old boy killed after tree falls at YMCA summer camp in Massachusetts An 8-year-old boy was tragically killed after a tree fell on multiple people Tuesday morning during summer camp at a YMCA facility in Massachusetts, officials said. The incident, which also injured a camp counselor, happened at the YMCA’s Camp Chickami in Wayland, the fire and police departments said in a joint statement. The boy was struck by a large branch when a tree fell and struck another tree, creating a domino effect, Fire Chief Neil McPherson said, according to MassLive. The adult victim was reportedly struck by a smaller branch. TERRIFYING SCENE UNFOLDS AT SIX FLAGS AS STORM-TOPPLED TREE SENDS 4 GUESTS TO HOSPITAL First responders rushed to the scene "to find a child suffering from life-threatening injuries and an adult suffering from less serious injuries," officials said. The child was then airlifted by medical helicopter but ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, according to officials. A YMCA representative told Fox News Digital that the adult victim suffered minor injuries and has since been released from the hospital following treatment. HEARTBROKEN FATHERS FIND DIVINE HOPE IN SECRET NOTES LEFT BY GIRLS KILLED IN CAMP MYSTIC FLOOD Following the incident, the camp will remain closed for the rest of the week, West Suburban YMCA President and CEO Jack Fucci said in a statement. "The entire West Suburban YMCA family is grieving the loss of a young camper when a tree fell at Camp Chickami in Wayland on Tuesday," he said. "We are keeping the camper’s family foremost in our thoughts at this extraordinarily difficult time. We are making grief counseling and other support resources available to camp staff, campers, and their families. " Wayland officials also extended their condolences following the incident. "I want to offer our sincere thoughts and support to the family and friends who are facing this tragic loss," Acting Police Chief Mark Hebert said in a statement. "Our Wayland community is grieving today, and thinking of those who lost so much as a result of this tragic accident," McPherson added. "I encourage anyone who is experiencing overwhelming grief or anxiety to talk to someone, reach out for help, and to remember that we are the strongest when we stand together as a community." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86331a2c5335ae1048c9e4 Senate Health Panel Chairman Voices Strong Reservations About F.D.A. Nominee te 2026-08-19T22:50:02.566Z Senate Health Panel Chairman Voices Strong Reservations About F.D.A. Nominee Senator Bill Cassidy said Dr. Heidi Overton’s role in President Trump’s executive order on vaccines last week was “almost disqualifying.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8630c92c5335ae1048c98c Bronx man accused of attacking Shabbat worshippers admitted motive in recorded interview, feds say te 2026-08-19T22:40:09.017Z Bronx man accused of attacking Shabbat worshippers admitted motive in recorded interview, feds say A Bronx man charged with federal hate crimes for a violent disruption at a Midtown Manhattan synagogue explicitly admitted to investigators in a recorded interview that his actions were "all a racial thing" and "all religious motivated," according to federal prosecutors. During the recorded post-arrest interview, Larry Montes, 46, of the Bronx, allegedly made several anti-Semitic and derogatory remarks including, "F--- the Jews ... It’s racial," and "I will never affiliate with no filthy f------synagogues, either here or in f------ Israel." Montes, who is charged with two counts of committing hate crimes and one count of destruction of religious property resulting in bodily injury, faces up to 30 years in prison, according to the Justice Department. WATCH: LETITIA JAMES TOLD ‘DO HER F---ING JOB’ BY REPUBLICAN ENRAGED BY INACTION ON ANTISEMITIC CRIMES ANTISEMITIC VIOLENCE REACHES DEADLIEST LEVEL SINCE 1994, NEW GLOBAL REPORT FINDS Prosecutors claim Montes brazenly assaulted two people and shouted obscenities at parishioners during the Jewish Sabbath service at the Central Synagogue in Midtown, which was attended by 375 people. During the Shabbat service, Montes stood up, began shouting, and physically struck and damaged two ceremonial silver candlesticks with gold accents, authorities said. As the head of security attempted to remove him from the sanctuary, Montes screamed, "F--- you people" and "I don’t f--- with you people," according to prosecutors. Montes then punched a female congregant with a closed fist and assaulted a security guard who was attempting to handcuff him, authorities said. MAMDANI SLOW TO RESPOND TO SUSPECTED ANTISEMITIC STABBING AS HOCHUL, OTHER NY OFFICIALS CONDEMN ATTACK He allegedly directed a racial slur at the guard, who is Black, before spitting in his face and headbutting his left eye socket, prosecutors said. Montes also threatened to return to the synagogue at a later date. In addition to the federal charges, he faces state charges related to the incident. New York City Police Commissioner Jessica Tisch said the woman and the security guard who were assaulted are doing well. Following the attack, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed shock over the violence. "I can only imagine the pain and fear an attack like this, during Shabbat services, causes for the congregation and for Jewish New Yorkers across our city," he wrote on X. "Every New Yorker must be able to observe their religion without fear of violence." Montes remains in custody. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8630c52c5335ae1048c96a Deadline: New county morgue could be finished by July te 2026-08-19T22:40:05.527Z Deadline: New county morgue could be finished by July A Mohave County morgue facility could soon be coming to Kingman, bringing a long-delayed project out of purgatory and into future development. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a862e742c5335ae1048c925 Florida woman accused of hiding thousands in stolen cash inside body after allegedly scamming senior te 2026-08-19T22:30:12.220Z Florida woman accused of hiding thousands in stolen cash inside body after allegedly scamming senior A Florida woman accused of posing as a bank representative to scam a senior citizen allegedly carried the scheme all the way to jail, where authorities said they found $3,200 in cash hidden inside her body. Moniquie Love Turnbull, 31, of Miami, was arrested after Martin County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) deputies alleged she showed up at a senior citizen's home pretending to work for the alleged victim's bank. The MCSO said Turnbull told the victim the account had been compromised and tried to obtain the person's debit or credit card under the guise of disposing of it. NEW BANK SCAM LAWS COULD STOP SUSPICIOUS PAYMENTS The alleged victim became suspicious and contacted law enforcement. While deputies investigated, they received another call identifying Turnbull as a possible suspect in a similar case, according to the MCSO. Deputies located Turnbull driving near Interstate 95 before she could leave Martin County and arrested her on fraud charges Monday during a traffic stop caught on MCSO bodycam video. Turnbull faces charges of scheme to defraud, felony use of a two-way communication device and fraudulent use of a credit or debit card without consent involving a victim 60 or older, according to the MCSO. TWO MEN ACCUSED OF POSING AS FEDERAL AGENTS ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY TARGETING 85-YEAR-OLD IN $200K GOLD SCAM The case took another turn after Turnbull was brought to jail. Authorities said Turnbull entered the prison with $3,200 in cash lodged in her vagina. "It’s not clear who the money was taken from, but for now, it’s accounted for and sealed in evidence," the MCSO said in a social media post. "Keep in mind, at some point the cash will be back in public circulation." FLORIDA WOMAN TELLS POLICE SHE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT DRUGS THAT ALLEGEDLY FELL OUT OF HER ‘JAIL PURSE’ Turnbull faces an additional charge of introduction of contraband into a prison. Her bond was set at $500,000, the sheriff's office said. After the arrest, the MCSO warned people not to hand over credit cards, cash, gold or other valuables to anyone who unexpectedly shows up at a home claiming to represent a bank, financial institution, government agency or other organization. Authorities advised anyone confronted with a similar situation not to allow the person inside or give them valuables and instead call 911. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a862e732c5335ae1048c91c Third body found in Minneapolis in three days as police investigate string of deaths: report te 2026-08-19T22:30:11.621Z Third body found in Minneapolis in three days as police investigate string of deaths: report Police have reportedly been finding bodies across Minneapolis, with the latest grisly discovery made near the city’s Stone Arch Bridge. FOX9 reports that the University of Minnesota Police Department found a body near the bridge but has not revealed the circumstances leading up to the person’s death. The grim find marks the third body found in Minneapolis in three days. The first body was found on Saturday at 6 p.m. in a wooded area near East River Flats park near the Mississippi River. THREE WOMEN FOUND DEAD IN POPULAR AMERICAN TOURIST HOT SPOT AS LOCAL POLICE SEARCH FOR CLUES Police have identified the woman found Saturday evening as Karen Lynn Sognesand, 56, from Maple Grove, The Minnesota Star Tribune reported. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS An obituary for the woman says, "The most loving, caring, daughter, sister and friend has left us too soon. Her struggle with mental health and the loss of her dad was just too much." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE SEND US A TIP The second body was found on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. near the shoreline of Bde Maka Ska Lake. REMAINS FOUND NEAR FLORIDA BRIDGE IDENTIFIED AS MISSING COLLEGE STUDENT WHO VANISHED WEEKS AGO LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL "The body was found in a severe state of decomposition, according to a statement from the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board," the Star Tribune reported. BODY BELIEVED TO BE KANSAS CITY HIGHWAY SHOOTING SUSPECT FOUND IN BURNED HOME'S BASEMENT BY FAMILY: POLICE It is unclear if the three bodies discovered are connected to a crime. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a862e722c5335ae1048c913 Shirley MacLaine makes rare video appearance, pokes fun at 1960s movie flop te 2026-08-19T22:30:10.910Z Shirley MacLaine makes rare video appearance, pokes fun at 1960s movie flop Shirley MacLaine, who played the title role in 1969’s "Sweet Charity," made a rare video appearance this week for a New York theater doing a screening of the musical. The 92-year-old actress told the Southampton Playhouse in Long Island in a video posted to their Instagram: "Wish I could be with you" ahead of their Aug. 25 showing of her movie. "I would like to see ‘Sweet Charity’ again,’" she added. "And while you’re watching it, remember how hard we worked." '80S ICON KRISTY MCNICHOL MAKES RARE APPEARANCE 25 YEARS AFTER LEAVING HOLLYWOOD The "Steel Magnolias" star then stage whispered, "And between you and me, it didn’t do very well, so I hope you guys like it." "Much love," she added, blowing a kiss. MacLaine received plenty of love in the comments. "Oh, Shirley. I love you. What an incredible human being," one fan wrote, and another said, "I fell in love with Shirley in 1969 when I saw her up on the big screen in Sweet Charity." A third quipped: "The greatest legs in showbiz!" "Sweet Charity," which was legendary choreographer Bob Fosse’s directorial debut, flopped at the box office, making only $4 million domestically on a $20 million budget, according to Turner Classic Movies. The film’s failure slowed the rollout of big budget musicals in the industry for a time. JOAN COLLINS SHARES HER SIMPLE SECRETS TO AGING GRACEFULLY AT 93 Fosse’s second directorial effort, "Cabaret" with Liza Minelli, three years later, however, was a success. The legendary actress has been spotted out and about in Los Angeles a couple of times this year, and her last public appearance was last December when she received a lifetime achievement award at the first-ever Dance Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Los Angeles. Chita Rivera, who was in "Sweet Charity" with MacLaine told a Playbill reporter several years ago that Fosse told her and Paula Kelly that their dancing had to be perfect in the number "There’s Gotta Be Something Better Than This" because he would always use the take when MacLaine looked the best. But she added when she overshot a leap and Fosse decided that was the shot to go with, MacLaine sensed Rivera’s frustration and used her position to ask Fosse if they go do it again so Rivera could get it right. JANE FONDA TOUTS HER ROLE IN EARTH DAY MUSICAL 'DEAR EVERYTHING' AS HER LATEST ENVIRONMENTALIST EFFORT MacLaine left for New York to dance when she was just a teenager. She told CBS in 2024 that she remembered her dance teachers telling her "that I have too much expression in my dancing. I might want to think about acting." MICHELLE PFEIFFER SAYS SHE FELT 'HUMILIATED' FOLLOWING HER AUDITION FOR HER BREAKTHROUGH ROLE IN 'GREASE 2' She got her start in the Broadway play "The Pajama Game," and was quickly cast in Hitchcock’s "The Trouble with Harry" in 1955. She received her first Academy Award nomination three years later for her role in "Some Came Running" and won an Oscar for her performance in "Terms of Endearment." MacLaine told CBS she’s not afraid of dying. "I’m kind of interested in going there," she said. "I’m looking forward to being part of the Heaven experience. I really am." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a862e722c5335ae1048c90a Drew Brees calls Hurricane Katrina 'defining moment' of career, credits faith and community for perseverance te 2026-08-19T22:30:10.193Z Drew Brees calls Hurricane Katrina 'defining moment' of career, credits faith and community for perseverance Drew Brees said two words at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio earlier this month that started a loud roar through the seats during his Pro Football Hall of Fame induction speech. New Orleans. Brees said he and his wife were scared, yet excited to embark on the next chapter of his NFL career in a city with which he would become synonymous — through the good and the bad. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! As Brees joined the New Orleans Saints before the start of the 2006 season, Hurricane Katrina had devastated the city. The Hurricane created a total of $125 billion in estimated damage and was the deadliest American hurricane since 1928 with 1,392 deaths. Football was the last thing on the minds of those trying to rebuild their beloved community in New Orleans, but it became a pillar of hope and positivity, something to rally around thanks to Brees and his teammates. After a 20-year stay in the NFL filled with ups and downs, Fox News Digital asked Brees in a recent interview if joining the Saints while dealing with Hurricane Katrina was a defining moment in his Hall of Fame career. "It was definitely a defining moment in my career," Brees responded quickly, while highlighting his partnership with DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS. "Honestly, most of the defining moments in my career, especially as it pertains to football, came on the heels of something devastating happening, or something that was a difficulty, a challenge, a failure. Something where I felt like maybe it was being taken away from me. Injuries give you that feeling in sports. DREW BREES GIVES HIS STANCE ON ELI MANNING'S PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CANDIDACY AMID STRONG DEBATE "Hurricane Katrina, everyone in New Orleans felt like they were losing everything, losing the entire city, and truly having to start over. So, that’s where the bond was created." Repairs were eventually made to the then-Louisiana Superdome, and the Saints held their first game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sept. 25, 2006, for a community that was still trying to come back but screamed their heads off for their home team after they spent weeks away to start the season. Brees couldn’t help mentioning in his Hall of Fame speech the famed blocked punt early in the first quarter by Steve Gleason that sent the stadium into rapture. Not only was it years building back the city, but the Saints were building something special at the same time. Years later in Super Bowl XLIV, Brees won the game’s MVP after leading the Saints to a 31-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. It was a true culmination of perseverance, strength, support and courage that led to Brees lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy up in the air in Miami for not just his entire team, but an entire city that had his back through even the worst of times. "I’ve always taken the approach with those events that it’s your opportunity to come back stronger," he explained. "It’s your opportunity to maybe learn from the things that happened before, and apply the lessons learned that are going to help you come out on the other side better, stronger, both mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally. So, you do. You need those things. It’s hard to manufacture those things in any other way. It’s just the mindset you have around it, that I’m always going to come back stronger from those moments. It’s not if those moments are going to happen — it’s when. Then, the approach I’m going to take around using it as fuel. It’s very necessary." Brees also noted how important his Christian faith was throughout his career, but especially during that time when Hurricane Katrina wrecked the lives of so many in his city. OPINION: SPORTS IS ONE OF AMERICA'S GREATEST TRADITIONS AND A POWERFUL FORCE THAT UNITES US "To me, that’s what got me through so many of those tough moments, knowing that God has a plan and this is just equipping me for what is to come next," he said. "So, I need to use this to be strengthened, to be molded, and just to believe there’s a higher calling. There’s a higher purpose. That this is here for a reason. It’s so true. "I mean, every one of those moments, especially going to New Orleans because you look at that on the surface. To the average person looking from afar, you would think, ‘How does that city overcome this situation?’ Yet, you pull all these pieces together and you have this belief. You have this faith, you have this trust. You see what happened when you get people who come together with that mindset." As Brees put it in his Hall of Fame speech: "You trusted me with the soul of the city, and I would’ve died to protect that calling." SPORTS ALL IN ONE PLACE Outside of football, Brees is also a businessman, being a co-owner and partner in Walk-on’s Sports Bistreaux, one of the fastest-growing sports bar franchise concepts in the country. It began in Louisiana, has grown to 80-plus units, and it continues to pave its way through the country. As a sports bar concept, there’s nothing that matters more than having any game, any time, for customers walking into the establishment. Football is king in the Southeast, as well as throughout the rest of the country, and DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS makes it easy for those like Brees to bring together live TV and streaming networks all in one place. More than 300,000 bars and restaurants have access to local, national, college and pro games for fans to watch through DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS, which includes NFL Sunday Ticket. "We pride ourselves on Louisiana-inspired cuisine. It's unbelievable food," Brees said of Walk-on’s Sports Bistreaux. "My kids crave it all the time. But like a really family-friendly atmosphere, you know, whether it's date night, bring the family, bring the little league after the game — something for everybody. Obviously, it’s sports, and high energy, and excitement on the TV all the time. Thanks to our partnership with DirecTV for Business, that's what allows us to basically have access to every college and pro game around the country. And that's not just football. We're talking basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer. So big events like March Madness and the Kentucky Derby, Masters — you name it. So, we're really appreciative of that DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS partnership. It allows us to help create that energy and excitement around our establishments. "And for the fans themselves, sportsbarfinder.com allows them to find those sports from DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS at their local spot anywhere in the country, which Brees loved to see. "There's a saying: fans have more friends. You know, they really do. You step into your local sports bar wearing the local jersey. Man, all of a sudden, next thing you know, you're high-fiving everybody, and you just made 100 more friends. That's the kind of atmosphere and that's what sports does, it brings people together," he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a862e712c5335ae1048c901 Thousands of North Korean IT workers are infiltrating corporate America te 2026-08-19T22:30:09.511Z Thousands of North Korean IT workers are infiltrating corporate America Thousands of North Korean operatives posing as IT workers are applying for remote jobs at U.S. companies, and many are getting hired.  Using stolen American identities, U.S.-based "laptop farms" and artificial intelligence to write résumés and help answer interview questions, Kim Jong Un’s regime is exploiting the remote-work economy to get its workers inside American companies. In 2024 alone, the sprawling, state-directed workforce generated nearly $800 million for North Korea, according to the Treasury Department, helping the heavily sanctioned regime fund its weapons programs. "The North Korean regime targets American companies through deceptive schemes carried out by its overseas IT operatives, who weaponize sensitive data and extort businesses for substantial payments," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement. The threat goes beyond the paycheck.  Once hired, the workers gain legitimate credentials and trusted access to corporate networks, potentially opening the door to theft, espionage, extortion and more sophisticated North Korean cyber operations. Fox News interviewed Michael "Barni" Barnhart, a former Army intelligence specialist turned cybersecurity threat hunter who tracks North Korean IT workers for a living.  Barnhart said the workers are so pervasive that when he recently sampled 20 Fortune 500 companies, he found evidence that North Korean IT workers had applied to, worked for or targeted 18 of them. Barnhart has spent much of his career hunting America’s adversaries.  He joined the Army as a teenager, training in human intelligence before moving into signals intelligence and counterterrorism and deploying to Iraq.  He later moved into cybersecurity, eventually helping build Mandiant’s North Korea-focused threat hunting operation before the company was acquired by Google. Now at cybersecurity firm DTEX, Barnhart focuses on nation-state insider threats, including the sprawling North Korean IT worker operation. His pursuit of North Korean hackers has even left a permanent mark.  Barnhart has tattoos on his feet commemorating North Korean hacking groups he has helped investigate, including APT43 and APT45, groups tied to operations targeting U.S. think tanks and healthcare organizations.  Another tattoo reads "IT workers rich experience," a reference, he said, to language that repeatedly appears on résumés used by North Korean IT workers. "Anytime we knock off a North Korean hacking unit, I get them tattooed on my feet," Barnhart said. Barnhart said North Korea begins building its cyber workforce remarkably early. The regime can identify children with an aptitude for math, science, technology and problem-solving and funnel them into specialized training beginning as young as seven years old. "For a communist regime, everything's a little different," Barnhart said. "If you look like you're gonna have some sort of potential or some sort of potential later on, you're going to get swept in that pipeline." By college, some are already working on technology with military applications, Barnhart said, including drones and anti-drone technology. The most talented can be funneled toward North Korea's elite hacking units, while others become part of its sprawling overseas IT workforce. And the scheme is evolving. As American companies become better at spotting suspicious overseas applicants, North Korean operatives are increasingly recruiting people in the U.S. and other countries to become their faces in job interviews, host company laptops or lend them their identities. They are also turning to AI. North Korean operatives are now using generative AI and interview-assistance tools to help them answer questions during job interviews in real time. He said they are also using deepfake and other AI technologies as companies become more adept at identifying suspicious applicants. "They're using AI, a lot of times, in their actual interviews, using that generative AI to help do it, using interview AI assistance," Barnhart said. The technology helps address one of the weaknesses that previously made the scheme easier to spot.  An applicant claiming to have been born and raised in the United States might struggle with basic questions about the city where he supposedly lives, speak with an unexpected accent or appear to be reading answers from another screen. But as employers learn more about these warning signs, Barnhart said North Korean operatives are changing their tactics.  North Korean operators are increasingly working through people in countries including Pakistan, India and Nigeria, Barnhart said, adding even more layers between the North Korean worker and the company being targeted.  They can also exploit third-party contractors, potentially allowing them to reach a company's network without ever coming directly through its front door. DEMOCRATS SOUND ALARM OVER AI JOB APOCALYPSE — BUT LABOR MARKET ISN'T FOLLOWING SCRIPT "As soon as everyone has a lead on them, they like to switch," Barnhart said. These schemes can rely heavily on people thousands of miles away from North Korea. Often, companies mail a work laptop to a new employee. An address in North Korea, Russia or China where some of these workers are, would immediately raise red flags. To create the appearance the employee is actually working from inside the United States, North Korean operatives recruit Americans to receive and host the computers. Some Americans host dozens of computers for dozens of companies. These are called, "laptop farms." The Justice Department has prosecuted a growing number of Americans and other facilitators for participating in such schemes.  In some cases, the participants knowingly help overseas workers deceive American companies. In others, Barnhart said, people can initially be "hoodwinked" into believing they are simply helping a foreign developer or earning easy passive income.  North Korean operatives scour social media, messaging apps, job sites and online forums for potential recruits, Barnhart said, including Reddit, Discord, Telegram, WhatsApp and Craigslist. The targets are often people struggling financially. "They like them poor because you need that incentive to dangle in front of them," Barnhart said. A person might initially be offered a few hundred dollars to host a laptop, lend an identity or become the American face of an overseas developer. The requests can then escalate. "All I got to do is have this laptop in my house, and you're going to give me money," Barnhart said, describing how an unsuspecting participant might view the arrangement. "Little by little you can start to see over the years the schemes get larger or the asks get bigger." Barnhart provided Fox News with an actual recruitment message obtained from a real operation showing how someone was asked to impersonate a job applicant during interviews. "In my past experience, hiring managers liked my skills and experience but they were not moving forward with me because of my lack of English level. We are looking for a native English speaker/software developer to collaborate closely with me. "You will be joining all meetings (Google or Zoom) with the given profile name to do interviews with clients and pretend to be someone else during interviews." The use of Americans and overseas intermediaries creates another problem for investigators: the person whose identity, address or laptop is being used may not necessarily be the person actually doing the work. Federal prosecutors have documented schemes involving both witting and unwitting third parties, stolen identities, proxy computers and U.S.-based laptop farms.  Recent Justice Department cases have also shown facilitators allowing overseas IT workers to create fraudulent résumés in their names, participate in employer vetting and remotely access company-issued laptops from abroad. In 2025, Arizona resident Christina Chapman was sentenced to more than eight years in prison after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud, aggravated identity theft and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments. Chapman helped North Korean IT workers get jobs at more than 300 U.S. companies, including several Fortune 500 corporations. The companies included a top-five major television network, a Silicon Valley technology company, an aerospace manufacturer, an American carmaker, a luxury retail store and a U.S. media and entertainment company, according to the Justice Department. Chapman operated a "laptop farm," receiving computers from U.S. companies at her home and helping deceive those companies into believing their employees were located in the United States. She shipped 49 laptops overseas, including to China. More than 90 laptops were seized from her home following the execution of a search warrant in October 2023. Chapman organized and stored the company laptops in her home, even including notes identifying which U.S. company was associated with each computer so she would not confuse them. North Korean workers are stealing the identities of normal everyday Americans.  The Wall Street Journal recently highlighted a victim of identity theft, Michael Brown. North Korea used Brown’s identity to get jobs in at least two companies, according to the WSJ.  "North Korea is not just a threat to the homeland from afar. It is an enemy within. It is perpetrating fraud on American citizens, American companies, and American banks. It is a threat to Main Street in every sense of the word," U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro said in a statement. The threat, however, is not limited to the money North Korea collects. Barnhart said he initially viewed the IT workers primarily as a revenue-generation operation and focused his attention instead on North Korea's more sophisticated hacking units. Then investigators began finding the IT workers intertwined with those hacking operations. "They're not just fraudulent hires," Barnhart said. "You really got to watch out." Once a fraudulent worker has been hired, the dynamic changes dramatically. Instead of a North Korean hacker trying to break through a company's defenses from the outside, the company itself may have handed a North Korean operative credentials, a laptop and trusted access to its systems. Barnhart said he has seen evidence of workers inside organizations with strategic intelligence value to North Korea, including critical infrastructure, defense-related organizations, research and development and other sensitive sectors. "Do they have the placement and access to do it? Yes, I can tell you right now, verified," Barnhart said. "I've seen them in places we do not want them to include critical infrastructure as well." Barnhart said North Korea's approach is essentially scattershot: place thousands of workers inside organizations around the world. At an ordinary retail company, the primary objective may simply be collecting a paycheck. But a worker who lands inside a defense contractor, pharmaceutical company, government organization or critical infrastructure operator can suddenly become far more valuable. The worker could steal information or potentially provide an opening for more sophisticated North Korean cyber operators, Barnhart said. That possibility is one reason the IT-worker operation represents something different from ordinary employment fraud. "These are not just insider threats," Barnhart said, describing them as insiders who can potentially "open the door" for more skilled North Korean hackers. "This is going to supply a weapons program for a regime that is sanctioned to their eyeballs," Barnhart said. North Korean IT workers had already started targeting remote jobs at U.S. companies before the COVID-19 pandemic began. Barnhart said the operation can be traced back more than a decade, with the threat accelerating in the mid-2010s. Then millions of Americans suddenly began working remotely. "Once the pandemic hit, it became absolute gasoline on a fire," Barnhart said. The remote-work revolution gave North Korean operatives something they previously lacked at scale: the ability to get hired by an American company without ever physically entering an American office. For North Korea, the operation also offers a critical way around international sanctions. NORTH KOREA EXPERT WARNS US CAN 'NEVER TAKE THEIR EYE OFF' KIM JONG UN FOLLOWING MISSILE TEST DURING IRAN WAR Barnhart contrasts the IT workers with North Korea's massive cryptocurrency thefts. A hacking unit might steal millions of dollars in a single operation, drawing immediate international attention. The IT workers instead provide thousands of legitimate-looking paychecks arriving little by little. "The IT workers are a slow, steady paycheck," Barnhart said. Spread across thousands of workers, those salaries create a steady stream of money flowing toward one of the most heavily sanctioned governments in the world. "It's a bypass sanction because this is a country that's sanctioned to their eyeballs," Barnhart said. And the money generated by the scheme may have consequences far beyond the Korean Peninsula. The Treasury Department says the North Korean government uses most of the wages earned by its IT workers to generate hundreds of millions of dollars to support the regime's weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missile programs. And North Korea is now increasingly intertwined with Russia's war in Ukraine. Earlier this month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russia is preparing to deploy an additional North Korean contingent and has received additional ballistic missiles from Pyongyang. Russia is increasingly dependent on North Korea for its war in Ukraine.  "For the first time in its history, Russia cannot wage war without reinforcements from North Korea," Zelenskyy said. Zelenskyy warned the relationship also gives North Korea something valuable in return: an opportunity to test its troops and weapons under real battlefield conditions and improve them.  "The more North Korean strikes there are here in Ukraine, in Europe, the more their missiles and soldiers are used, the more they correct their shortcomings and blind spots, the greater the danger will later be for Japan, the Republic of Korea, the Philippines, and other countries in the region," Zelenskyy said. Barnhart argues that Americans should understand the chain connecting the remote-work scheme to North Korea's expanding military relationship with Russia. Western companies can unknowingly pay North Korean workers. Those workers generate hard currency for a regime under extensive international sanctions. North Korea uses revenue from overseas workers and other illicit schemes to support its government and weapons programs. Pyongyang, in turn, has supplied weapons and troops to Russia. TRUMP TEASES POTENTIAL KIM JONG UN MEETING LATER THIS YEAR "If the Western dollars and ally dollars are going to North Korea to help their weapons program, and they in turn are giving those weapons to the Russians to help with their Ukrainian conflict," Barnhart said, the implications become much broader. The connection shows why U.S. officials increasingly view the fraudulent-worker operation as more than an employment scam. It is a mechanism for generating hard currency for a sanctioned regime that is simultaneously expanding its military support for Moscow, Barnhart explained.  Barnhart warned companies cannot rely solely on federal law enforcement to stop the threat because of the sheer scale of the operation and because the North Korean workers themselves are often beyond the reach of U.S. authorities. "It's on us to trust but verify," Barnhart said. He said companies need to rethink remote hiring and identity-verification procedures, particularly for employees who will receive access to sensitive networks, intellectual property or critical systems.  One way companies can do this is to run identity checks as well as background checks on potential employees.  While a traditional background check looks into an applicant’s record, an identity check can determine whether the person sitting down for the interview on the computer screen is the same person whose face is on the identification and credentials that were submitted.  "We have to change," Barnhart said. "We can't just rely on law enforcement. They're only gonna go so far. We have to rely on our own policies and our own verifications in being able to stop them." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a862e6b2c5335ae1048c8c1 Waymo’s cheaper, next-gen robotaxi is now open to all riders in these three cities te 2026-08-19T22:30:03.607Z Waymo’s cheaper, next-gen robotaxi is now open to all riders in these three cities The next-generation robotaxi called the Waymo Ojai, is central to the company's push towards mass scale, and eventually, profitability. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a862c182c5335ae1048c89d El-Sayed reveals he would go ‘step further’ than Sanders on socialist plan for major US industry te 2026-08-19T22:20:08.896Z El-Sayed reveals he would go ‘step further’ than Sanders on socialist plan for major US industry Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed said he wanted to "take it a step further" when asked whether he supported Bernie Sanders' public-ownership model for major artificial intelligence companies, arguing for "some system of public control" — days after a top House Democrat rejected suggestions that young socialists are talking about "seizing the means of production." Asked during a June 12 appearance on the left-wing "Head in the Office" podcast whether he supported public ownership models for major artificial intelligence companies like one proposed by Sanders, El-Sayed said he wanted to "actually take it a step further," adding that while he agreed "we need public ownership," he also believed "we need some system of public control." El-Sayed did not explicitly call for the government to seize or take ownership of private AI companies, instead describing possible forms of "public control" that included public representation on corporate boards or an oversight body. EL-SAYED TAUNTS TRUMP, CLAIMS HE'S GOING TO MAKE HIM ‘MAIN CHARACHTER OF THE MIDTERMS’ "I want to actually take it a step further. I agree that we need public ownership, but I also agree that we need some system of public control. What is the point of democracy if it's not to protect us from existential risk? And, right now, there is no regulation," El-Sayed said when asked about public ownership and public control of major AI companies, with the podcast host citing proposals from Sanders. "I just think it’s really important for us to be thinking what is democratic control over this industry? What does it look like?" El-Sayed continued. El-Sayed later offered examples of what such "public control" could look like, including public representation on corporate boards or a public oversight body over the companies, while arguing that AI poses potentially "existential" risks requiring greater public oversight. "Democracy is supposed to fix these problems and right now they’re trying to slip democracy and we cannot allow that," El-Sayed continued about the political power tech companies wield in Washington. "And so we need leaders who both understand the technological risk and are not bought off by the AI industry itself. It is mission-critical right now for our future." EL-SAYED AIDE LIKENS GOP OPPONENT'S CAMPAIGN TO ‘KKK CROSS BURNING’ OVER VIDEO WITH FORD PICKUP El-Sayed’s call to "take it a step further" on public ownership comes as senior Democrats have sought to push back on the idea that the party’s rising socialist wing is seeking government control of the means of production. Rep. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., recently argued that young Americans who identify as socialists are not embracing socialism in its traditional Marxist sense, asking whether they mean, "I want to socialize the means of production," before answering, "I don’t think so." Raskin has similarly argued that young self-described socialists are primarily seeking "greater equality and opportunity," rather than embracing concepts such as "dialectical materialism" or the "dictatorship of the proletariat." But some of the movement’s most prominent figures have used more explicit language. Mamdani said during a 2021 Young Democratic Socialists of America conference that one of the movement’s firmly held beliefs was the "end goal of seizing the means of production," while acknowledging it did not then enjoy the same level of public support as other progressive causes. The June podcast comments are drawing fresh attention as El-Sayed, a progressive who has embraced comparisons to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, seeks to carry that brand of politics into a marquee statewide Senate race. The resurfaced exchange also comes amid a broader debate over the Democratic Party’s embrace of democratic socialists and how far the movement’s economic agenda extends beyond policies such as universal healthcare and a higher minimum wage. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a862c122c5335ae1048c85d OpenAI seeks to one-up Anthropic with new customer privacy protections te 2026-08-19T22:20:02.817Z OpenAI seeks to one-up Anthropic with new customer privacy protections A competition is developing between OpenAI and Anthropic over who can provide the best privacy protections for enterprise customer data. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8629bf2c5335ae1048c839 Former congressman Matt Gaetz speaks out on helping Royce White in WNBA Draft pursuit te 2026-08-19T22:10:07.421Z Former congressman Matt Gaetz speaks out on helping Royce White in WNBA Draft pursuit Former U.S. House of Representatives member from Florida Matt Gaetz is providing legal counsel to former NBA player Royce White in White's bid to join the WNBA. White formally declared for the 2027 WNBA Draft on Monday, in a letter sent by Gaetz and his law firm Gaetz Law, sent directly to the WNBA league office. "Gaetz Law is currently providing legal counsel to Royce White. Royce White changed how the NBA thinks about player mental health. Now Royce White is an inspirational voice for Black transexual lesbians everywhere who aspire to play in the WNBA," Gaetz told Fox News Digital. FORMER NBA PLAYER ROYCE WHITE OFFICIALLY DECLARES FOR 2027 WNBA DRAFT AS LEAGUE'S CULTURE WAR CONTINUES White's notice of draft declaration, written by Gaetz, states that "As of the signing of the attached declaration, Ms. White identifies as a transgender woman. Consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 2026–2033 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WNBA and the WNBPA, Ms. White affirms her eligibility to be considered for selection on that basis." President Donald Trump initially tapped Gaetz to be his Attorney General after Trump's election in November 2024, as Gaetz resigned from Congress to accept the role. However, Gaetz then withdrew his nomination for U.S. Attorney General on Nov. 21, 2024, because intense bipartisan scrutiny and controversy over past allegations made a successful Senate confirmation unlikely. His appointment faced major hurdles due to a lingering House Ethics Committee investigation and past federal probes. The House Ethics Committee was probing allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use. Gaetz strongly denied all allegations, calling the claims completely false, uncorroborated, and a partisan smear, noting he was never charged or sued in court. Now, Gaetz is looking to assist in White's bid to make it to the WNBA. White previously told Fox News Digital that he would pursue legal action if he goes undrafted and is not signed to a team. "I have to file a discrimination lawsuit, right? I mean, that's, that's ridiculous," White said. "We're gonna have to have a huge legal battle about discrimination if I can't play." White said only the league could end his challenge by stating its position plainly on the subject of males playing in women's sports. "I think the WNBA could come out and make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the Women’s Association," he said. Asked whether he would proceed unless the league did make such a statement, White replied, "Oh, no, I’m declaring. And I don’t want to be discriminated against. I want fair treatment. I’m a young Black, hopefully United States Senator that would like a fair chance to participate as a sometimes-identifying-as-a-transgender-woman athlete." The WNBA's gender eligibility criteria has come under scrutiny in recent weeks, as the policy does not state that only athletes who are biologically female are allowed to compete in the WNBA. White was running for U.S. Senate at the time of his WNBA announcement, but recently lost his primary bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota on Aug. 11, finishing behind Michele Tafoya. This followed his earlier 2024 general election defeat when he won the Republican nomination but lost the state's Senate race to incumbent Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86276c2c5335ae1048c7cf Court won’t force Adrian Fontes to rewrite GOP election measure’s ballot summary te 2026-08-19T22:00:12.880Z Court won’t force Adrian Fontes to rewrite GOP election measure’s ballot summary (Photo by Getty Images) The Arizona Supreme Court ruled against a Trump-aligned law firm that wanted to force the Democratic secretary of state to rewrite a ballot description of a proposed constitutional amendment that makes sweeping changes to how elections are conducted. In a split decision, the majority of the justices agreed with the trial court that the three supporters of Proposition 144, who were represented by the America First Legal Foundation, did not have standing to bring the lawsuit. And even if they did, the justices concluded, the language that Secretary of State Adrian Fontes chose to describe the measure on the ballot fell within his legal discretion. 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. 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.  The wide-ranging measure would add a series of provisions to the Arizona Constitution that will change how elections are administered in the Grand Canyon State. The most consequential is requiring every voter — including those to cast their ballots by mail — to show government identification. (State law already requires people who vote in person at a polling location to provide identification.) Roughly 80% of Arizona voters in any election vote by mail, but how they would show identification is unknown; Prop. 144 would direct the legislature to figure that out. It also 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 — and require all polling locations to provide on-site tabulation of ballots for voters who want it. And it creates a new, tougher standard for challenging election laws enacted by the state legislature. Prop. 144 also contains provisions limiting registering to vote and voting to citizens. Those already exist in state law, and have since Arizona became a state in 1912. The three supporters of Prop. 144 represented by America First Legal Foundation contended that the provisions declaring that “only citizens may register and vote in Arizona elections,” and that the results of the elections “shall be decided solely by the votes of eligible citizen voters” were the most important parts of the measure. They argued that Fontes illegally left any mention of the citizenship provisions out of the ballot description, and asked the courts to force him to change that prior to the deadline to finalize ballots on Aug. 20.  Both the trial and Arizona Supreme Court denied that request.  “A measure like Prop. 144 contains several substantive provisions competing for a fifty-word title; determining which are sufficiently ‘important,’ ‘consequential,’ or ‘primary’ to warrant inclusion … necessarily requires the Secretary to weigh and rank provisions against one another,” Timmer wrote.  To have legal standing to bring their challenge to the ballot language describing Prop. 144 to voters, its supporters had to show that they could suffer specific harms, beyond what a typical voter might experience, based on what they described as a “misleading” summary.  Because the three supporters formally registered their support in the Arizona Legislature’s system for the legislation that placed Prop. 144 on the ballot, the America First Legal Foundation argued that a misleading ballot description would harm them specifically.  Attorney for the foundation, James Rogers contended that the reportedly inaccurate ballot description would distort what the supporters were actually backing when they signed in official support of Prop. 144.  But both the trial court and the high court disagreed, with Chief Justice Ann Timmer writing for the majority that the supporters’ official register of their backing of the referral in the legislative system and their intent to advocate for it ahead of the November election did not put them at risk of specific harms needed to give them power to bring the lawsuit.  “These characteristics are shared with many voters across the state during a busy election season and certainly do not constitute a distinct and palpable injury,” Timmer wrote. “Additionally, Petitioners do not allege any interest that has been or will be injured by the Secretary and Attorney General’s descriptive title. Nothing prevents Petitioners from continuing to advocate publicly for Prop. 144.” Timmer was joined by Justices John Lopez, James Been and Maria Elena Cruz. Justices Bill Montgomery and Kathryn King dissented, writing that they would grant the supporters of Prop. 144 standing to bring the lawsuit under a relaxed standard and ordered Fontes to rewrite the description to include references to its citizenship requirements.  The dissenting justices wrote that because they found that citizenship requirements were “principal provisions” of the ballot referral, they should be included in the ballot description. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8627682c5335ae1048c7b1 Trump, Who Has Amassed Enormous Wealth in Crypto, Hosts Industry Leaders te 2026-08-19T22:00:08.057Z Trump, Who Has Amassed Enormous Wealth in Crypto, Hosts Industry Leaders President Trump called on Congress to pass a major cryptocurrency bill that would tilt regulation in the industry’s favor. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8627632c5335ae1048c790 Cognition CEO denies report that SpaceX tried to acquire the startup te 2026-08-19T22:00:03.955Z Cognition CEO denies report that SpaceX tried to acquire the startup SpaceX was reportedly in talks to buy AI coding startup Cognition. SpaceX has already acquired Cursor as it races to catch up to rivals like OpenAI and Anthropic in enterprise AI. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86250f2c5335ae1048c742 Nearly 600 homes listed for sale in Lake Havasu City te 2026-08-19T21:50:07.515Z Nearly 600 homes listed for sale in Lake Havasu City Lake Havasu City’s housing market entered August with nearly 600 properties for sale, while recently sold homes fetched an average of 94.5% of their original asking prices. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86250c2c5335ae1048c71c Travis Kalanick kicks off another round of VC bashing: ‘1% are helpful’ te 2026-08-19T21:50:04.249Z Travis Kalanick kicks off another round of VC bashing: ‘1% are helpful’ After raising $1.7 billion for his new robotics company Atoms, Travis Kalanick is introspective about the role VCs have played in his career. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8622ba2c5335ae1048c6f9 Pat McAfee has officially surpassed Stephen A Smith as the Face of ESPN te 2026-08-19T21:40:10.684Z Pat McAfee has officially surpassed Stephen A Smith as the Face of ESPN Pat McAfee is officially the face of ESPN. On Wednesday, the network announced that McAfee will join its "Monday Night Football" pregame show this season and host his daily program live from the site of the matchup. The move also positions McAfee to serve as a main analyst on ESPN's pregame and halftime coverage of the network's first Super Bowl broadcast in February. McAfee will continue his role on "College GameDay." In doing so, he will become the first ESPN personality to work both "GameDay" and "Monday Night Countdown," the network's two most important live shoulder programs. Further, ESPN and McAfee are in discussions to renew his current agreement with the network for around $60 million a year, sources confirm to OutKick. JOSH PATE WAS EVICTED WHILE EARNING $27K. NOW, HE RUNS A COLLEGE FOOTBALL MEDIA EMPIRE For much of the past decade, Stephen A. Smith held the unofficial but consensus title of "face of ESPN," just as Chris Berman did before him. But Smith's stature inside ESPN is not what it was. He is no longer part of the network's NBA Finals coverage. "First Take's" ratings have slumped. The perception of Smith now falls somewhere between repetitive and uninformed. Smith's waning influence inside ESPN is perhaps best demonstrated by his inability to retain his preferred co-stars. For four straight offseasons, he has fought to keep at least one of Michael Irvin, Shannon Sharpe and Ryan Clark. ESPN let each of them go. It was also McAfee, not Smith, whom ESPN tapped to host a live alternative broadcast from Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in June. More importantly, McAfee embodies ESPN's newfound direction. Smith does not. Stephen A. represented the ethos of an era built around hot takes and manufactured conflict. During a company town hall earlier this month, ESPN EVP Mike Foss instructed the company's talent to move beyond "embrace debate" and instead "embrace authenticity." Translation: Be more like McAfee and less like Smith. McAfee's appeal is rooted in an entirely different philosophy of sports programming. His show is overwhelmingly celebratory. He and his cast of producers and friendly guests spend less time scolding athletes and more time promoting the games, personalities and absurdities that define the interest in American sports. "The Pat McAfee Show" leans into the irrational excitement, anxiety, tribalism and anticipation of fandom. Sports fans are the target demographic. That formula may sound obvious. At ESPN, it qualifies as something of a breakthrough. For too long, the network programmed toward a niche audience of viewers who were "awakened" to the supposed social injustices lurking beneath American sports. ESPN routinely filtered athletic rivalries through racial politics, whether Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese or Josh Allen vs. Lamar Jackson. Whatever financial rewards Smith received for thriving during that iteration of ESPN, the era damaged the network's reputation and shrank its broader appeal. At this point, Smith resembles a musical act whose prime has passed, but whose record label keeps extended for one large contract too many. By contrast, ESPN is investing in McAfee because the network failed to build someone like him. That's an important distinction. McAfee did not need ESPN to make him a star. He arrived as one and forced ESPN to make room for him. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Last week, ESPN college football contributor Josh Pate spoke to OutKick about McAfee's impact on sports media and why everyone else is now playing catch-up. "Pat McAfee, to me, when you mention that name, you have to mention that name, and then you have to stop," Pate told OutKick. "That's the end of any sentence that he's in." Pate compared McAfee's impact on sports media to Stone Cold Steve Austin's impact on professional wrestling during the Attitude Era. "And I remember, you know, since that Attitude Era, late '90s, when I would have been a kid growing up, since that era, there's been this whole industry that's scaled and blown up about retrospectively looking back at that era," Pate said. "One of the concepts that always stood out to me and slapped me in the face, because I can relate to it, I can apply it to my professional life, is when people talk about the impact Steve Austin had on the industry of pro wrestling, they don't talk about him as just, no doubt, like, there have been big stars before. There have been guys who made a lot of money." ESPN will try to build on McAfee's momentum this fall with the debut of "Bussin' with Pate" feaurting Pate, Will Compton and Taylor Lewan, airing Fridays from college football campuses. Like McAfee, Pate and the co-hosts of "Bussin' with the Boys" built large, valuable audiences independently of traditional network media. They now command audiences, particularly in coveted demographics, that legacy networks have struggled to capture. Hence the partnerships. For all of ESPN's blunders, executives Mike Foss and Burke Magnus have established a coherent vision for what comes next. The new regime wants less virtue signaling, racial fixation and compulsory culture warring. Unlike the previous regime, that vision follows viewer demand, both on linear television and across digital media. ESPN ceded ground to brands like Barstool, OutKick and The Ringer while previous executives tried to dictate what sports fans ought to care about. The audience noticed. So did the competition. That is not to say the McAfee-led era of ESPN won't have detractors. It already does. But notice who is complaining. It's not sports fans raging on Threads. It's the sports media establishment. Among those most irritated by McAfee's expanded presence on Monday Night Football are Dan Le Batard and reporters from Sports Illustrated, Yahoo, and CBS. That cohort disapproves of ESPN pivoting away from identity politics and back toward fandom. McAfee's friendly association with President Trump, despite not being political in nature, has added to the consternation among the media's self-appointed hall monitors. Still, the outrage shouldn't phase ESPN decision-makers. The disconnect between sports journalists and sports fans is profound. Commentators like Le Batard and Jemele Hill worry that ESPN will prioritize popularity more and skin color less. For viewers, that's step forward. Pat McAfee's ascension represents a transfer of cultural influence inside the most powerful brand in sports media. The fans and viewers have taken back control. They, not the executives, made McAfee the face of ESPN. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8622b92c5335ae1048c6f0 Teacher found dead with throat slit as detectives scrutinize husband’s shifting story te 2026-08-19T21:40:09.870Z Teacher found dead with throat slit as detectives scrutinize husband’s shifting story A Colorado elementary school teacher was found dead inside her home, and investigators said evidence at the scene raised questions about her husband's account of what happened. Patrick Theodore "Ted" Barnett, 40, was arrested in connection with the death of his wife, 37-year-old Lindsey Barnett, and is being held without bond on suspicion of first-degree murder, Lakewood police said. An arrest affidavit obtained by Fox News Digital reveals new details about the investigation and what detectives said led them to suspect Barnett in his wife's death. Barnett called 911 shortly after 6 a.m. on Aug. 13, 2026 and said Lindsey had cut herself and her throat and was not breathing, according to the affidavit. He sounded frantic and told dispatchers their two young children, a toddler and an infant, were inside the Lakewood home. CALIFORNIA MOM BEGGED FOR HELP BEFORE EX GUNNED HER DOWN IN FRONT OF THEIR 4-YEAR-OLD SON: DA First responders found Lindsey in the shower with a 5- to 6-inch laceration across the front of her neck and a roughly 5-inch serrated knife beside her, investigators wrote. ALEX MURDAUGH LAWYERS ALLEGE ‘FABRICATED’ EVIDENCE WAS USED TO SECURE MURDER INDICTMENTS The bedroom, however, immediately raised questions, authorities said. Officers described a large amount of blood covering portions of the couple's bed, including the sheets and pillow, along with what appeared to be blood clots. A trail of blood ran from the bed toward the bathroom, where investigators said there was comparatively little blood around Lindsey's body. ALEX MURDAUGH MAKES 'EXPLOSIVE' BID TO BLOW UP MURDER CASE HINGING ON DNA, DIRTY MONEY AND LIES: EXPERT Beside the bed, officers also found a footprint they described as "dainty" and appearing to have come from a woman's foot, as well as a knocked-over plant with dirt scattered toward the bathroom. Forensic processing later revealed additional blood between the bed and bathroom that was not visible to the naked eye, according to the affidavit. Barnett told investigators he and Lindsey had been having marital problems for several months and were sleeping separately. He said he had been staying in the basement while Lindsey slept in the main bedroom. NORTH CAROLINA COUPLE FOUND DEAD ONE DAY AFTER 40TH ANNIVERSARY IN SUSPECTED MURDER-SUICIDE Barnett said he woke around 5:30 a.m., heard the shower running and went upstairs, where he found Lindsey bleeding. He told detectives he moved her head and called 911. Investigators also documented injuries and apparent blood on Barnett. Detectives noticed what they described as a fresh injury to his thumb, which he attributed to an ultimate Frisbee injury from July, saying a scab had recently fallen off. LINDSAY CLANCY JUDGE SHIELDS 911 CALL, AUTOPSY PHOTOS IN MOM’S TRIPLE-MURDER TRIAL After the interview, a crime scene investigator photographed Barnett and documented fresh scratches and cuts on his upper arm, chest, abdomen and near his collarbone. The detective wrote that the marks were consistent with fingernail scratches and defensive wounds. Investigators also observed apparent dried blood on Barnett's neck extending into his beard and a smear of apparent blood behind his right ear. His hands, however, were clean of blood despite his account that he had moved Lindsey while checking her pulse, the affidavit states. LINDSAY CLANCY’S EX-HUSBAND DETAILS ‘BIG SPIRAL’ AS EXPERT SAYS ONE PART ‘SCARED ME’ IN MOM’S MURDER TRIAL Lindsey had injuries beyond the wound to her neck. The affidavit describes bruises on her arms, legs, back and hips, a fresh injury to her left knee, a scratch across her right shoulder and a cut to her left index finger that the detective said was consistent with a defensive wound. Her neck wound appeared to have injured a major artery, investigators wrote. Barnett told detectives Lindsey had experienced prepartum and postpartum depression. Lindsey's mother, however, told investigators her daughter had never expressed suicidal thoughts or attempted suicide and was making plans for the upcoming school year, according to the affidavit. TIKTOK INFLUENCER WHO ACCUSED ESTRANGED HUSBAND OF PEDOPHILIA FOUND DEAD IN POSSIBLE MURDER-SUICIDE Her mother also described the couple's relationship as troubled in recent months. She told detectives Barnett was "verbally abusive and controlling toward Lindsey," though she said he had never been physically abusive. She recalled witnessing arguments in which Barnett yelled while Lindsey remained calm, according to the affidavit. Detectives also learned Barnett had another relationship. Later that day, a woman called police requesting a welfare check on him and identified herself as his girlfriend, the affidavit states. She told investigators Barnett had said he was in the process of divorcing Lindsey and that Lindsey was living outside the home. Barnett had initially denied infidelity when detectives questioned him. During a second interview, he acknowledged the relationship but claimed Lindsey knew about it and was fine with it, according to the affidavit. Police arrested Barnett later that evening during a traffic stop in Evergreen and brought him back to Lakewood for additional questioning. During that interview, detectives confronted Barnett with what they described as inconsistencies in his story. He said he had partially picked Lindsey up in the shower to check her pulse, turned off the water and then sat on the blood-covered bed while speaking with 911, according to the affidavit. Investigators said he could not explain the apparent blood on his neck or behind his ear. Detectives then told Barnett they believed Lindsey had died in the bed and "did not get to the shower on her own," the affidavit states. Barnett maintained that he found his wife in the shower and said he had no knowledge of what happened or how she got there. In seeking a first-degree murder charge, the detective wrote that forensic evidence indicated Lindsey's body had been moved from the bed to the shower and cited Barnett's injuries, apparent blood on his body and what investigators described as his shifting and inconsistent statements. Jefferson County jail records show Barnett was booked Aug. 13 and remains in custody without bond. Jail records show he is scheduled to return to court on Aug. 20, 2026. Hutchinson Elementary confirmed to Fox News Digital that Lindsey was an art teacher who served both the Hutchinson and Westgate Elementary communities. "Lindsey was a joy to have in our school," Principal DeAnn Hoffman wrote in a letter to families provided to Fox News Digital. Hoffman described Lindsey as a "sweet soul" with a deep passion for teaching art and an "extraordinary dedication" to her students. Hoffman said Lindsey "always put our kids first," helping organize special projects and pouring her heart into the district art show for both schools. She said the loss had "shaken our entire community." School mental health and district support staff were made available to students and employees struggling with her death. Lakewood police said Barnett was being held on suspicion of first-degree murder and that the First Judicial District Attorney's Office would review the case for potential charges. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8622b42c5335ae1048c6c8 Trump to Appear on Radio With Michael Cohen, His Onetime Nemesis te 2026-08-19T21:40:04.626Z Trump to Appear on Radio With Michael Cohen, His Onetime Nemesis The call is the latest sign of a rapprochement between President Trump and his former fixer, who served as the star witness against his former boss in New York State Court. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8620632c5335ae1048c68c Bill Maher reveals Ben Affleck refuses ‘Real Time’ return after stormy appearance in 2014 debating Islam te 2026-08-19T21:30:11.235Z Bill Maher reveals Ben Affleck refuses ‘Real Time’ return after stormy appearance in 2014 debating Islam Bill Maher said Monday that Ben Affleck has rejected yearly invitations to return to HBO’s "Real Time" since the actor branded Maher and Sam Harris’ comments about Islam "gross" and "racist" during a heated 2014 discussion. Maher said on his "Club Random" podcast he had invited the Oscar-winning actor back every year and still hoped nearly 12 years later that a private conversation could resolve their disagreement. "I love him, but we just are going to disagree on that one," Maher said. "I don’t know. Maybe if I talked to him privately, or it’s been, you know, 12 years, maybe I think there’s a middle ground." MAHER SHAMES CLINTONS, KAMALA, DEMS, SAYING THEY WON'T GO ON HIS SHOW OR ANYWHERE THEY AREN'T 'PRE-ADORED' Affleck's representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment about Maher's account or whether the actor would consider returning to the show. His October 2014 appearance remains his most recent visit to the HBO program. Affleck later explained in a 2017 interview that his response came from his opposition to stereotyping people by race or faith, according to The Guardian. "I love a good debate and I get very energized by it," Affleck said. "On ‘Real Time,’ I think people could tell I had a genuine emotional response, because I strongly believe that no one should be stereotyped on the basis of their race or religion. It’s one of the most fundamental tenets of liberal thought." SPENCER PRATT SLAMS BEN AFFLECK'S RESURFACED CLAIM THAT 'THE CURE FOR ADDICTION IS SUFFERING' The original "Real Time" discussion included author Sam Harris and New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof. Affleck rejected what he viewed as sweeping claims about Muslims after Harris said criticism of Islamic doctrine was often mischaracterized as bigotry. "How about more than a billion people who aren’t fanatical, who don’t punch women, who just want to go to school, have some sandwiches, pray five times a day, and don’t do any of the things you’re saying of all Muslims?" Affleck said. "It’s stereotyping." Maher defended his criticism during the same exchange by citing threats and violence tied to blasphemy and dissent. "It’s the only religion that acts like the mafia that will f---ing kill you if you say the wrong thing, draw the wrong picture, or write the wrong book," Maher said. HASAN PIKER ACCUSES BILL MAHER OF BEING AN 'ISLAMOPHOBE' AND DEMONSTRATING 'ANTI-BLACKNESS' CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Affleck also called the characterization gross and racist. Harris said liberal critics had confused his criticism of religious beliefs with hostility toward Muslims. In a response published days later, Harris said he had distinguished among jihadits, Islamists, conservatives and other Muslims during the discussion. Harris said during a 2022 appearance on "Club Random" that he and Affleck had privately reconciled after the broadcast. Maher said in the new podcast episode that he had not had a similar conversation with Affleck. Maher said the enduring attention surrounding the exchange exceeded its significance as an episode of television. "More people mention that episode to me than anything," Maher said. "It wasn’t the best episode we ever had, but it got emotional with a movie star. That’s America." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8620622c5335ae1048c683 US warns Americans to avoid vacation hot spot amid quake fallout and violent crime te 2026-08-19T21:30:10.444Z US warns Americans to avoid vacation hot spot amid quake fallout and violent crime Americans who may be weighing a trip to a South American country are confronting fresh safety concerns after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck the western part of Colombia on Aug. 10, killing at least 289 people and leaving more than 26,000 homes destroyed, as The Associated Press (AP) reported. The quake was centered in Chocó. Communities there are continuing to recover from widespread damage, according to AP. The deadly earthquake adds another concern for travelers as Colombia remains under a Level 3 "Reconsider Travel" advisory from the U.S. State Department because of crime, terrorism, civil unrest, kidnapping and natural disasters — with several regions carrying the more severe Level 4 designation, per the State Department. AMERICANS WARNED POPULAR TRAVEL ROUTES THIS SUMMER COULD CARRY CRIME AND KIDNAPPING RISKS U.S. officials have also cautioned that foreign visitors can be targeted by criminals, including schemes involving drugs used to incapacitate victims before robberies or assaults. The epicenter of the earthquake was near San José del Palmar in Chocó, along Colombia's Pacific coast and roughly 250 miles west of the capital city of Bogotá, according to the AP. Footage obtained by Fox News Digital shows the aftermath of the earthquake in Pereira, with furniture overturned and household belongings scattered across floors in one house. Nearly 1.2 million visitors from the United States traveled to Colombia in 2024, according to the country's Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. CRUISE DIRECTOR WARNS OVERNIGHT HOTEL STAYS COULD LEAVE PASSENGERS STRANDED ABROAD American travelers frequently visit destinations including Cartagena on the Caribbean coast, as well as Medellín and Bogotá. Though the earthquake struck outside the major tourist hubs, travelers may still need to consider conditions in affected areas when planning transportation and itineraries. Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for additional information. While earthquakes and other natural disasters are rare while on vacation, they do happen, travel expert and journalist Angel Castellanos told Fox News Digital. "We see travelers caught in these situations all the time," said Castellanos, who has visited Colombia multiple times. He recommended travelers first determine whether their itineraries include affected areas. "Check in on their airline to make sure that the flight is still happening, that the routes are not impacted for their particular itineraries," Castellanos said, adding that travel insurance is a necessity. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "I always advise travelers to purchase travel insurance once they start spending the big dollars on big-ticket items like airfare and like hotels," he added. "That way they're fully covered, but definitely look into it a lot more and just check on the airlines first." CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS Castellanos also encouraged Americans traveling abroad to enroll in the State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP. The program allows travelers to register their trip with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ "You should think of it as a really boring travel chore that you should do for your mom or your grandma or your loved ones," Castellanos said. "It allows you to register your complete itinerary in case something goes wrong," he added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8620612c5335ae1048c670 Federal judge blocks Trump admin from changing teen pregnancy prevention program te 2026-08-19T21:30:09.102Z Federal judge blocks Trump admin from changing teen pregnancy prevention program Caption and credit: Children’s Aid, a 170-year-old organization in New York City, told Stateline in July that their nearly $1 million grant that served 1,200 youth each year was cancelled. A federal judge ruled Wednesday that the Trump administration can’t move forward with its proposed changes to the national prevention program. (Photo Courtesy of Children’s Aid) A federal judge in the District of Columbia issued an order Wednesday blocking U.S. Health and Human Services from implementing sweeping changes to grants under the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program while a lawsuit proceeds, but dozens of existing grants that were cancelled this summer will remain so for now, unless the administration chooses to reinstate the funds.   The agency canceled 53 out of 67 grants under the program at the end of June, affecting grantees in more than two dozen states, including Louisiana, New York, Oklahoma and Texas. Grantees were given no advance notice and were told their programs did not align with agency priorities — most were told their programs normalized or promoted sexual activity for minors. The grants were canceled two years before their expiration dates. Following the cancellations, three affected grantees and sex education advocacy group SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change filed a lawsuit in the District of Columbia federal court district on July 14. U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, said the plaintiffs are likely to succeed in the case, warranting his decision to block the Trump administration’s actions.  But Cooper said it’s unclear whether he can order the restoration of nearly $70 million in canceled funds, and that other court cases need to be resolved before he can move forward with that kind of action. Congress established the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program in 2010 as a national, evidence-based grant program that would fund diverse programs working to prevent teen pregnancy using methods that have repeatedly shown to be effective. Grant recipients typically offer educational programs about preventing pregnancy or identifying healthy relationships, and provide referrals for community and healthcare resources as needed.  Since then, teen pregnancy rates fell about 72%, which researchers say is the biggest contributor to the overall drop in national birth rates. To replace the cancelled grants, HHS published two notices for new programs that focused less on preventing pregnancy and more on fertility tracking, “body literacy” goals and “reproductive goals counseling.” “HHS is perfectly entitled to formulate its own views about how to stem teen pregnancy — or even whether it is worth preventing at all — and to pursue policy initiatives consistent with its viewpoint,” Cooper wrote in his ruling. “But it is not at liberty … to impose conditions on grant recipients that Congress did not intend or that are unreasonable or unexplained. The preliminary record suggests that HHS has done just that.” Cooper said HHS could choose to reissue the grant funding opportunities under the previous guidelines, but it can’t move forward with the new ones while the lawsuit proceeds. The judge also noted that in July 2025, HHS issued a notice telling grantees to revise their programs to align with current executive orders, including by deleting any references to health equity and inclusivity, and offered guidance about what it considered medically accurate and age appropriate content.  Three grantees sued over the notice, saying it was contrary to the statute guiding the program as established by Congress, and another D.C. judge agreed, vacating the guidance and blocking its implementation.  “As the saying goes, ‘When at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’ HHS has taken this adage to heart,” Cooper wrote this week, citing the 2025 court case. “Unfazed by the adverse ruling, HHS issued new (grant funding notices)  that repackaged the vacated policy changes and imposed additional grant parameters.” The administration could appeal the decision in the coming weeks. Stateline has requested comment from HHS officials. Stateline reporter Kelcie Moseley-Morris can be reached at kmoseley@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/6a861e092c5335ae1048c60d Are you team yellow or red? DeWalt and Milwaukee deals worth shopping, according to reviewers te 2026-08-19T21:20:09.537Z Are you team yellow or red? DeWalt and Milwaukee deals worth shopping, according to reviewers In the tool world, yellow and red usually mean two of the biggest names in the category: DeWalt and Milwaukee. We combed through tons of Amazon reviews to find the best products for our readers.  DeWalt favorites include an orbital sander reviewers praise for its cordless design, plus drills, work lights and more. Milwaukee earns strong marks for everything from tape measures to larger power tool sets. DeWalt's signature yellow tools are popular with both DIYers and professional carpenters.  Original price: $179 DeWalt’s orbital sander makes quick work of rough wood or old paint, and reviewers love the cordless design.  "It has plenty of power for removing material quickly, but also runs smooth enough for fine finishing work," one reviewer said. "The variable speed control is great for dialing it in. I love not having to deal with a cord — being cordless makes it easy to move around the shop or job site without fighting extension cords." READ MORE: Amazon reviewers can't get enough of these 12 DeWalt tools, starting at $35 Original price: $239 DeWalt's drill and impact driver come with two batteries and a charger, and reviewers praise the set's power and lightweight design. "The drill delivers excellent power for drilling through wood, metal and plastic, while the impact driver makes driving long screws and bolts effortless," said a reviewer. "Both tools are lightweight, comfortable to hold, and built with DeWalt's renowned quality and durability." Original price: $129.97 Move air through a workshop or garage with DeWalt's floor fan. Reviewers give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars, and it's currently priced at a 30-day low.  "[This is a] fantastic fan that's big enough to move a lot of air yet quiet enough not to be disruptive. [I] love the versatility and ability to adjust the angle for the best performance," one reviewer wrote.  Original price: $129.50 If you need a tool that does a little bit of everything, DeWalt's oscillating multitool can handle jobs ranging from cutting wood and drywall to removing grout. "For small home projects and areas, this works fantastic… The built-in light function is a great help as well," the reviewer said.  Original price: $249 Currently a bestseller on Amazon, DeWalt's angle grinder earns high praise for its balance and manageable size.  "[It] balanced perfectly in my hand, which tends to be on the smaller side," explained one reviewer. "I finished stripping the whole [RV] gate in a day once it was delivered. Having the right tool makes a difference…I'm sure I will be using it for many more projects because the additional wheels you can change out makes this especially versatile." Original price: $84 When you need to light up your shop, DeWalt's light gets the job done.  "[This LED light] works great! [It's] super bright," a reviewer said. "Very convenient and doesn’t seem to drain the battery much. Although I've only had it on for somewhat short periods of time, I've used it many times. [This is] another must for DeWalt loyalists." READ MORE: Avoid bending and reaching with these grabber tools, starting at $9 Original price: $200.58 This electric planer earns a near-perfect rating on Amazon, with thousands of positive reviews citing its durability. It even surprised one reviewer: "I didn't expect much from a 20-volt battery-operated planer, but this thing rocked. Planing went much quicker than expected and cut very cleanly. Great tool!" Original price: $279 Reviewers say this cordless ratchet can save time when working on a car. The built-in light and trigger lock help you stay safe and see clearly. "What a time saver! [It's] easy to hold and keep stable," said one reviewer. "[It's so] lightweight for such a powerful tool. Can't go wrong with DeWalt!" Milwaukee is known as the brand that's built to last, and reviewers often praise its tools for holding up over time. Original price: $299.99 Stock up on Milwaukee's batteries while they're $130 off on Amazon.  "If you have been using standard batteries on a string trimmer, be prepared to be wowed by these high-output Milwaukee M18 batteries," a reviewer said. "[They have] at least twice the time, and they are worth every penny!" Original price: $308.98 Save your arm and switch out your manual ratchet set for Milwaukee’s electric version. "It's great for repetitive tasks that require a lot of arm! Saves you strength and cuts work time by half or better," explained a reviewer. "[It's] great for tight areas where a standard wrench is hard to turn or multiple bolts with long threads." Original price: $246.99 A reciprocating saw can cut through multiple materials, including wood, metal and plastic. You only get the tool itself, so make sure to grab a blade, too.  "The tool is well-built. It cuts quickly, but feels manageable in use thanks to the ample rubberized grip and pressure-sensitive speed controls," said a reviewer. "With this tool and a demolition bar, it only took me 15 minutes to break down a large wooden shipping crate." READ MORE: Need new tools? DeWalt, Craftsman and Bosch deals start at $20 Original price: $999.99 If you're ready for a full upgrade, snag this Milwaukee’s 8-tool kit while it's more than $100 off.  "[The] tools were a good price and very well-built," one reviewer said. "[They] come with a carrying bag, chargers and battery. They’re working out perfectly. [They're] all the tools you need to do the finishing touches [on a house build]." Milwaukee’s circular saw offers a compact option for smaller wood projects. "[It] cuts through 2x4s, no problem," said an Amazon reviewer. "4x4s are a bit of a challenge, mostly because of the blade size, but [it still] has enough power to do so. For a daily use/contractor tool, I'd spend more on a circular with a bigger blade and more guts, but for occasional quick cuts for projects around the house, [I'm] very happy with it." Original price: $149 This compact impact driver is designed for easier handling in tight spaces. "[It’s the] perfect tool. Not heavy at all and it's quiet. [It’s] super powerful, does exactly what I need, [making it] worth the money," one reviewer noted.  For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals Original price: $25.99 With so many options to choose from, Milwaukee’s tape measure is one of the most purchased picks thanks to its 4.4-star rating on Amazon. "This tape measure is right in the Goldilocks zone where it’s light and small enough to carry around all day without it weighing down your belt line all day," a reviewer explained.  If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a861e082c5335ae1048c604 Montana boy killed after being flung from carnival ride operating with missing restraints, lawsuit alleges te 2026-08-19T21:20:08.730Z Montana boy killed after being flung from carnival ride operating with missing restraints, lawsuit alleges A 13-year-old boy was killed last month after being thrown from a "Yo-Yo" carnival ride in Montana, according to a lawsuit alleging that carnival workers failed to follow safety protocols and operated the ride despite several missing seats and restraints. The estate of Clayton Phillips alleges that ride operator Midway West Amusements knew that at least 10 chairs lacked pelvic safety belts, clips and connectors. Rather than making repairs, the company relied entirely on employee memory and verbal instructions to keep those chairs vacant, the lawsuit states. EXCLUSIVE: TEEN GIRLS RECALL JERSEY SHORE RIDE MALFUNCTION THAT LEFT THEM STUCK HANGING UPSIDE DOWN SIREN'S CURSE ROLLER COASTER STRANDS RIDERS VERTICALLY TWICE IN ONE WEEKEND AT SIX FLAGS CEDAR POINT Despite the deficiencies, improperly trained employees placed Phillips in an unsafe chair during the carnival in Butte, the lawsuit alleges. "C.J.P. was thrown, ejected, and/or fell from the moving Yo-Yo ... fell from a substantial height and violently struck the ground and/or surrounding surface," the lawsuit states. Designed to swing outward and elevate passengers as its rotational speed increases, the Yo-Yo ride hurled Phillips from his seat; he died from his injuries two weeks later. FAMILY SEEKS $105 MILLION FROM NEW YORK CITY AFTER TEEN’S FATAL CENTRAL PARK CARRIAGE RIDE The lawsuit names the government of Butte-Silver Bow, Midway West Amusements, ride inspection company Shady Acres Safety Services, and its owner, Dennis Sutherland, as defendants. They did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment. It also cites 20 unidentified individuals or entities — including managers, ride operators, maintenance personnel and contractors — whose specific roles and identities were unknown at filing. According to the lawsuit, Midway West representative Michelle Jensen admitted to the ride's mechanical deficiencies when interviewed by law enforcement after the crash. Phillips' family is seeking unspecified damages, including all compensatory, general, special, economic, and non-economic damages, as well as compensation for lost future earnings, medical expenses and emergency costs. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a861e032c5335ae1048c5de Alabama Democrats Look for a Black Backlash Over Voting Rights te 2026-08-19T21:20:03.782Z Alabama Democrats Look for a Black Backlash Over Voting Rights Democrats in Alabama and beyond are trying to harness Black anger over the Supreme Court’s weakening of the Voting Rights Act and the Republican redistricting that followed. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a861bb02c5335ae1048c592 Colorado black bear dies after becoming trapped inside unlocked car for days: report te 2026-08-19T21:10:08.169Z Colorado black bear dies after becoming trapped inside unlocked car for days: report A black bear in Colorado spent days trapped inside a vehicle, tried to escape and destroyed the car's interior in the process before being found dead. The roughly 300-pound bear was likely trapped inside the car for days before it was discovered in Colorado Springs, The Denver Gazette reported. A Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) wildlife Officer Travis Sauder told The Gazette bears are smart and dexterous enough to open unlocked car doors while searching for food, but can struggle to escape if a door closes behind them. "Typically what happens is they pull the door open, get in, get their food and then they leave," he said. "But sometimes the door closes behind them, and they have trouble figuring out how to get out." GATLINBURG POLICE FREE BLACK BEAR THAT LOCKED ITSELF INSIDE HOTEL BATHROOM IN WILD VIRAL VIDEO The deadly encounter comes as Colorado experiences an unusually active year for bear sightings and conflicts. CPW received 6,129 reports of bear sightings and conflicts between Jan. 1 and Aug. 13, nearly double the 3,115 recorded during the same period last year, according to The Gazette. The number has already surpassed the 5,299 reports recorded during all of 2025. Wildlife officials have linked the increase in encounters to poor natural food conditions. Low snowpack and late freezes have reduced some of the food sources bears typically rely on, pushing the animals to travel farther and take greater risks in search of calories, Sauder told the newspaper. The timing adds to the concern as bears enter hyperphagia, the period when they consume large amounts of food and water to build fat reserves ahead of winter. BEAR CAUGHT ON CAMERA PERCHED ATOP NEW MEXICO UTILITY POLE BEFORE REPORTEDLY SUFFERING FATAL ELECTROCUTION CPW advises people living in bear country to eliminate potential food sources and other attractants that can bring bears close to homes, campsites and vehicles. Food, trash and scented items can draw bears searching for an easy meal. CPW advises keeping vehicles clean and removing anything that could attract a bear, including food and other scented products. "Treat your vehicle the way you would a campsite by removing any attractants," Sauder told The Gazette. "Whether it’s pet food, a kid’s snack or even flavored bubble gum, get it out of your vehicle." CPW also warns against intentionally feeding bears. Bears that become accustomed to food provided by people can lose their natural fear of humans, increasing the risk of conflicts. This year is on pace to produce the highest number of reported bear-human interactions since CPW began digitally tracking them in 2019, according to The Gazette. CPW did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a86195b2c5335ae1048c537 Disney alum Christy Carlson Romano rips Hollywood for failing child stars after Hayden Panettiere’s death te 2026-08-19T21:00:11.591Z Disney alum Christy Carlson Romano rips Hollywood for failing child stars after Hayden Panettiere’s death For years, Christy Carlson Romano has used her platform to expose the pitfalls of Hollywood. Now, in the wake of Hayden Panettiere’s death, the former child star is calling for stronger safeguards to protect young actors from the lasting consequences of growing up in the spotlight. In a new op-ed for Elle, the Disney alum — who starred on "Even Stevens" from 2000 to 2003 as a young teen — compared early fame to CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy) while ripping Hollywood executives, networks and stage parents for failing to do more to protect young performers during their most formative years. "The former child actor exists in a category the world does not know how to hold," she wrote. "We are children when the public wants to feel protective of us, professionals when the industry wants to profit from us, and spoiled celebrities when we eventually show symptoms of having been both." BELLA THORNE SAYS HOLLYWOOD TREATED HER LIKE A KID ON SCREEN AND AN ADULT OFF CAMERA "Early fame is like CTE. Not as a diagnosis," Romano continued. "As a way of thinking about repeated impact. We now have language for youth sports: protocols, helmets, parents worried about concussions. But we have almost no language for what happens when stress, scrutiny, rejection, adult pressure, and the collapse of privacy become the architecture of a childhood." "We put youth athletes in helmets and pads. We invented entire sciences around protecting them from long-term damage. Why can’t we pad the children paid to make the world smile?" she later added. FORMER DISNEY STAR MAITLAND WARD SAYS YOUNG ACTORS WERE TREATED LIKE A 'PRODUCT' IN HOLLYWOOD FACTORY Romano argued that despite decades of stories about former child stars struggling later in life, young actors continue to be viewed as fortunate exceptions rather than children performing demanding professional work. "Young performers are still treated as exceptions. Lucky exceptions. Cute exceptions. Talented exceptions," she said. "Exceptions whose labor powers one of the most profitable storytelling machines in the world, while their mental needs are treated as inconvenient or irrelevant. Social work be damned." 'LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE' STAR SAYS CHILD ACTORS GET 'DROPPED' AFTER HOLLYWOOD FAME FADES Romano said "notoriety comes at a cost" in this day and age — even when the fame itself occurred decades earlier. The actress, who rose to prominence as a teenager on the Disney Channel, acknowledged that she has been fortunate enough to receive meaningful help as an adult. "Unlike some, I have had access to real help over the years. Help that addressed not only my thoughts but my nervous system," Romano said. "I am not theorizing. I am describing what I finally found when I kept looking after decades of confusion." "Many former young performers do not have that kind of access or motivation for hard-won answers," she added. HAYDEN PANETTIERE AND THE CHILD STARS WHOSE RELATIONSHIPS WITH THEIR MOMAGERS TURNED COMPLICATED Having experienced child stardom firsthand, Romano described a cycle in which responsibility for the welfare of young performers is repeatedly shifted among the adults and institutions surrounding them. "Responsibility gets passed around. Stage parents blame producers, producers blame parents, networks blame culture, and culture then blames the child when the child becomes an adult in pain," she said. "By then, the young performer is no longer cute enough to protect. They are a cautionary tale. A headline. A person expected to be grateful for the extraordinary childhood that may have cost them an ordinary self for life." Romano said the public often sees the consequences years later, rather than the circumstances that may have contributed to them. HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS FILMING ‘NASHVILLE’ WAS LIKE LIVING THROUGH ADDICTION TWICE "This is human and relatable in that the world always sees trauma after the fact," she said. "It sees the adult unraveling, not the child adapting. It demands the scandal, not change from the system. It sees the addiction, not the architecture or the years when intervention could have mattered." Romano’s thoughts carry added weight in the wake of Panettiere’s sudden death, which remains under investigation. HAYDEN PANETTIERE'S MOTHER POINTS FINGER AT BRIAN HICKERSON AFTER 'NASHVILLE' STAR'S DEATH AT 36 Panettiere was found dead inside a Greenville, South Carolina, residence on Sunday. Preliminary autopsy results found no signs of trauma that contributed to her death, Fox News Digital confirmed. "First responders and Emergency Medical Services arrived on scene and located a female in cardiac arrest," the Greenville County Coroner’s Office said in a statement. "EMS personnel initiated advanced cardiac life support measures; however, resuscitation efforts were unsuccessful, and the individual was pronounced deceased at 2:32 PM." The Greenville County Coroner’s Office and the Greenville City Police Department launched parallel investigations into her death. "At autopsy no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death," the coroner’s statement continued. "The cause and manner of death remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies. "This investigation remains active and ongoing. No further details are available for release at this time." Romano reflected on Panettiere’s death through the lens of her own experiences as both a former child star and a mother. "I am thinking of Hayden, her daughter, the people who loved her in real life — not as a headline, not as a symbol," Romano said. "I am thinking of my own daughter still upstairs, still crawling into my bed afraid of the dark, and how badly I want her to grow up in a world where children are not asked to become consumable before they become whole." "We need to stop calling the truth bitterness just because it interrupts nostalgia," she said. "And we need to stop assuming former child performers are fine because they look pretty, sound grateful, book a job, and smile on cue." "Some of them are not unscathed," Romano concluded. "Some of them are simply still performing." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8619592c5335ae1048c51a Police Department employee, boyfriend, arrested in stabbing, choking domestic violence te 2026-08-19T21:00:09.688Z Police Department employee, boyfriend, arrested in stabbing, choking domestic violence BULLHEAD CITY — Police arrested a couple, including a police department employee on domestic violence charges Wednesday morning. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8617032c5335ae1048c4b8 South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers trades 8 a.m. classes for cutting grass, picking up golf balls te 2026-08-19T20:50:11.593Z South Carolina's LaNorris Sellers trades 8 a.m. classes for cutting grass, picking up golf balls For South Carolina quarterback LaNorris Sellers, his only tasks this semester are preparing for the Gamecocks' upcoming games and taking care of his duties at a local golf course near campus. Imagine waking up as a college student and realizing you don't actually have to attend that dreaded 8 a.m. class — the one you think about skipping three times before finally rolling out of bed. If you were wondering, Sellers has already finished all of his course work that will end with him earning a degree in sports and entertainment. After working the books over the past four years at South Carolina, the star quarterback can now avoid a last-minute cram session for an exam, or the study halls that take place in the team hotel during road games. Now, it's football and golf that takes up his time without course work. But, he's not hitting the links in hopes of working on his handicap. No, LaNorris Sellers is finishing his degree at South Carolina by interning at The Par Tee Golf Center in West Columbia that will be the final step in his academic career. So, what does an internship look like for the starting quarterback? "Just facility management and stuff like that, cutting grass and picking up balls like that," Sellers told reporters this week. That's right, he's out there working like any other college student, even though he's also cashing six-figure checks every month. Sure, I'd imagine his internship comes with perks, like a free outing on the course with his friends, but he's making sure this last piece of academic work is taken care of which will result in him getting a degree. Oh, and don't lose your minds folks. It's normal for a college athlete to not have classes to attend during their final semester in school. Just last season, folks decided to complain on social media when Miami quarterback Carson Beck told reporters that he was not taking classes during his final semester in South Florida. No, these athletes aren’t just handed a degree. And, there will be opportunities for them once their football career ends. This also wasn’t the first internship LaNorris had taken part in while at South Carolina. The quarterback has plans for when his life on the field is over, which right now center around engineering or some type of job that involves helping piece together buildings. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS Before this interesting internship, Sellers worked 'Contract Construction', which was given the rights to upgrade Williams-Brice Stadium at South Carolina. STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW! "I sat in with a lot of those meetings at the stadium, the group out of Oklahoma that they gave the job to build the stadium, do the design and all that, I met with them. I pretty much knew what was going on over there before a lot of people did," LaNorris mentioned to reporters. So, if South Carolina fans see the starting quarterback on the golf course fetching golf balls or helping cut the grass, just know he's out there doing it for a college degree. Not a bad way to end your collegiate career. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8617022c5335ae1048c4af Kathy Griffin 'really hurt' she's not a guest on Kimmel's show during Rosie O'Donnell's week to host te 2026-08-19T20:50:10.872Z Kathy Griffin 'really hurt' she's not a guest on Kimmel's show during Rosie O'Donnell's week to host Comedian Kathy Griffin revealed Tuesday she was "really hurt" that she wasn't invited to appear during Rosie O'Donnell's week guest hosting Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show, lamenting on her podcast that she is good friends with both of them. "I'm going to be honest today," Griffin said at the start of her "Talk Your Head Off" podcast. "I might cry. I am asking for your pity. I love a good pity cry. I'm going to be open and honest and hope you understand. And I'm trying to talk about something bigger than TV talk shows, but you know, I talk a lot about Hollywood and I give you the inside scoop, etc. But this one's really personal."  "I'm just going to come out and say it, are you ready?" she continued. "It's embarrassing to say, but I have to tell you guys because we're friends. My feelings are really hurt that I was not invited to go on Rosie's week of the Jimmy Kimmel show."  O'Donnell started guest hosting "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" on Monday and will continue through Thursday. Kimmel revealed she would be stepping in earlier this year as a treat for President Donald Trump, whom O'Donnell criticizes frequently. MENTALIST OZ PEARLMAN PULLS OUT OF KIMMEL GUEST APPEARANCE, REPLACED BY LEFT-WING PODCASTER "We're good pals," Griffin said Tuesday of her relationship with O'Donnell. "We're like sisters and everybody knows sisters fight, sisters and brothers fight. Best friends fight, relatives, co-workers fight. And we're not even fighting." "I'm just being honest that when I found out that Rosie was going to take over for a full week for my beloved Jimmy Kimmel — I love that he said to the camera, 'And I'm doing it as a special treat to Donald Trump' — and I thought, ‘Oh, fantastic.’ He's leaning into it and his viewers are honestly leaning more to the left," she continued. Griffin then brought up her infamous and controversial photo from 2017 that showed her holding a Halloween mask covered in fake blood that appeared to resemble Trump, which was widely condemned. She said she thought she would receive support from members of her community after the post and subsequent backlash. "And instead, what happened was quite the opposite, and in my own community of Hollywood, of stand-up comedy, where you're supposed to be edgy, you're supposed to make political statements as well as be funny, she said. "In my opinion, that's what the greats do, that's who the greats I admire did. It did not go that way for me initially." Griffin said O'Donnell had made comments that were not supportive of her Trump head photo on a recent podcast, and said it had upset her. O'Donnell made the remarks on "The Tangle" with Kyle Ridley, and said she didn't agree with Griffin's decision to post the photo. ROSIE O'DONNELL’S RETURN TO LATE NIGHT REIGNITES DECADES-OLD FEUD WITH DONALD TRUMP Griffin revealed she had a chance to catch up with O'Donnell on a recent flight to Los Angeles and noted that she told O'Donnell that she would love to be a guest. "I mean, think about it," Griffin said. "You've got these two women who share this very unique thing in common. And while what happened to me was much more extreme than what happened to Rosie, it's pretty unusual that you've got these two women that have been so outspoken about — well he wasn't the president when she talked about him on ‘The View.’ But, he was the president when I talked about him and as I have spoken about before most of Hollywood turned on me overnight."  O'Donnell responded to Griffin on Instagram. "Kathy — shoulda called me honey — I didn’t choose the guests …," O'Donnell commented on Griffin's Instagram post of her video. Kimmel's show did not immediately respond to a request for comment. ROSIE O'DONNELL CLAIMS TRUMP HAS 'PTSD RESPONSE' TO HER AS BACKLASH ERUPTS CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Griffin acknowledged that O'Donnell might have no say in booking the guests, despite guest hosting the show, and encouraged people to support her and continue watching Kimmel's show. O'Donnell has focused her monologues on Trump, referring to the president as "Mango Mussolini" during Monday's episode. Addressing Trump during her opening monologue on Tuesday, O’Donnell sarcastically credited the president with returning her to the network television spotlight. "I’m back in the spotlight all thanks to President Oompa J. Loompa, who is watching us this evening from inside a catering cart," O’Donnell said. "You know, I couldn’t have done it without you, sweetie. You brought me back just like you did with fascism and the measles." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8612532c5335ae1048bf49 Manhunt intensifies for armed woman after veteran Massachusetts police officer found dead at home te 2026-08-19T20:30:11.899Z Manhunt intensifies for armed woman after veteran Massachusetts police officer found dead at home A woman connected to a veteran Massachusetts police officer who was found dead inside their home remained on the run Wednesday, as police released new video of Karen Solomon and warned the 58-year-old suspect is still believed to be armed. The Worcester Police Department released the updated video and photo of Solomon as officers pressed their search into a second day and urged the public to remain vigilant. Worcester police have not publicly identified the officer. The New England Police Benevolent Association, however, identified him Wednesday as Officer Kurt Solomon, a 31-year veteran of the Worcester Police Department and a member of the association. The association said Solomon dedicated more than three decades to serving Worcester and was known as an "incredibly dependable officer, colleague and friend." LINDSAY CLANCY JUDGE SHIELDS 911 CALL, AUTOPSY PHOTOS IN MOM’S TRIPLE-MURDER TRIAL "Thirty-one years of service represents an extraordinary commitment to a community and to the profession of law enforcement," the association said. "Officer Kurt Solomon answered that call for more than three decades, and his service, friendship and dedication will not be forgotten." The group said it was mourning alongside Solomon's family and fellow officers as the investigation continues, adding that it had "full confidence" in authorities working to determine what happened and locate the person being sought. Public records reviewed by The Associated Press show Kurt and Karen Solomon co-owned the Wildwood Avenue home and that Kurt identified Karen as his wife in a 2016 bankruptcy filing. A Worcester city councilor also publicly referred to Karen as Kurt's wife Wednesday. MISSOURI NURSE FOUND DEAD MONTHS AFTER ANESTHESIOLOGIST HUSBAND ADMITTED TO ASSAULTING WOMAN "She is still believed to be armed," a Worcester Police Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital Wednesday morning, adding that the case remains a "very active investigation." The department declined to discuss further details, including the relationship between Karen Solomon and the deceased, but said another update could come later Wednesday. Police said officers responded to Wildwood Avenue at approximately 5:28 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a person down and found an off-duty Worcester police officer dead inside. His cause and manner of death have not been released. NYPD OFFICERS FATALLY SHOOT MAN ARMED WITH BUTCHER KNIFE AFTER HE ADVANCED TOWARD COPS: POLICE Authorities described Solomon during a Tuesday news conference as a suspect they want to question about what happened inside the home. The district attorney said Solomon had been at the house and that other people were also there, but declined to discuss further details, citing rules surrounding domestic violence cases. SUSPECTS IN DEADLY CONNECTICUT HOME INVASION ARRESTED IN ATTACK THAT ROCKED BEACH TOWN Solomon is described as a White woman with dark brown hair and brown eyes. Police initially said she was last seen wearing pajama shorts and a tank top and walking toward Westcott Street. Authorities warned Tuesday that she was presumed "armed and dangerous." In Wednesday's update, Worcester police said they continued to believe she was armed and asked the public to remain vigilant. Police urged anyone who sees Solomon or has information about her whereabouts to contact the department. A police spokesperson told Fox News Digital that anyone who sees or comes into contact with Solomon should call Worcester police at 508-799-8606 or 911. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8612532c5335ae1048bf40 ‘The Office’ star Jenna Fischer exposes the grueling reality that forced her off TV te 2026-08-19T20:30:11.173Z ‘The Office’ star Jenna Fischer exposes the grueling reality that forced her off TV After wrapping up her iconic role as Pam Beesly on one of television's most beloved sitcoms for nine seasons, "The Office" star Jenna Fischer quickly discovered acting was no longer for her. Years after the show concluded in 2013, Fischer starred in the ABC comedy "Splitting Up Together" in 2018. While the mom of two said she "really loved" the show's cast, the workload became difficult to reconcile with life at home. "The hours were so intense," Fischer said during an appearance on "Dinner's On Me with Jesse Tyler Ferguson" podcast. "It was like 65, 70 hours a week. You know, it was like really, really hard, and my kids were very small." ‘X-FILES’ STAR GILLIAN ANDERSON REVEALS PARENTING REGRET, SAYS SHE WISHES SHE WAS 'LESS SELFISH' The actress said the experience ultimately prompted her to reconsider what she wanted from her career. "I just decided after that that being, like, the lead of a television show or even a regular on a television show was not going to be a fit for me anymore," she said. GOLDEN GLOBE WINNER ANN JILLIAN LEFT HOLLYWOOD AT HER PEAK FOR MOTHERHOOD: ‘SOMETHING IS GOING TO SUFFER’ When "Splitting Up Together" was canceled, Fischer found her next chapter with her former "The Office" co-star and close friend, Angela Kinsey. The pair launched "Office Ladies," a podcast built around revisiting episodes of the hit NBC sitcom and sharing behind-the-scenes memories. For Fischer, podcasting offered something her television career couldn't: control over her time. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The new career path provided "both a steady income" and the freedom to become a regular presence at her children's activities, she explained. "I was now at every school drop-off, every school pickup, every teacher conference, every concert," Fischer said. "I didn't have to beg someone to go to the Halloween parade." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Fischer described the change as becoming "the agent of my own time, the architect of my own time, so to speak." Fischer's focus on her family later took on new significance when she was diagnosed with Stage 1 triple-positive breast cancer in December 2023. The actress publicly revealed her diagnosis in October 2024, explaining that an inconclusive mammogram had led to additional testing. Fischer underwent a lumpectomy in January 2024, followed by chemotherapy and radiation. She said the cancer was caught early and had not spread to her lymph nodes or elsewhere in her body. Fischer announced she is cancer-free in 2024. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8612512c5335ae1048bf2d Over 50,000 ballots never made it to voters in Arizona’s primary election. That isn’t unusual. te 2026-08-19T20:30:09.844Z Over 50,000 ballots never made it to voters in Arizona’s primary election. That isn’t unusual. A ballot drop box sits outside the Navajo County governmental complex south of Holbrook, Arizona. The number of undelivered ballots in the county during Arizona's July 21, 2026, primary drew media coverage and concern from voters, but data and records suggest they are a normal part of elections. (Photo by Christopher Lomahquahu/Votebeat) At least 50,000 mail ballots never made it to voters during Arizona’s July 21 primary election. That number, based on information gathered by Votebeat from 11 of the state’s 15 counties, isn’t out of the ordinary. In fact, it appears roughly in line with that of prior major elections. About 71,000 mail ballots went undelivered statewide during the 2024 general election, according to data from the U.S. Election Assistance Commission that represented all of the state’s counties. Every year, some ballots that are mailed out to voters are returned to election officials because the voter’s address is incorrect or the voter has a forwarding address on file. (In Arizona, ballots legally can’t be forwarded.) Their return does not necessarily mean those voters were disenfranchised, as they could have voted in person instead. But slowdowns in mail processing and President Donald Trump’s invections against mail voting put voters and advocates nationwide on edge about the U.S. Postal Service’s role in elections. Anxiety is especially acute in Arizona, where the vast majority of voters cast ballots by mail. That has put more attention on the state’s undeliverable ballots. Those fears were on full display last month in Navajo County, a rural county in the northeast quadrant of the state where Recorder David Marshall said just before the primary that his office was experiencing “an issue” with the U.S. Postal Service. “We have received over 900 returned ballots — over 900,” Marshall, a Republican who was recently appointed to his post, said in a public meeting on July 14. “Why? Don’t know.” Later, the number of undelivered ballots in the county rose to more than 1,300 — a figure that continues to tick slightly upward as delayed returns from the Postal Service trickle in. The news quickly spread, drawing extensive media coverage and the attention of Trump himself. This year, more ballots than usual statewide might have been undeliverable because voters were out of town. Some county recorders told Votebeat that they noticed a slightly higher number of ballots returned with postal codes indicating that the intended recipients were temporarily away. Most chalked that up to the state’s earlier-than-usual primary date. In February, state lawmakers shifted the primary from Aug. 4 to July 21. But in the Navajo County case, data and records suggest nothing nefarious, or even all that unusual, was afoot. What data and records show about undeliverable ballots in Navajo County Votebeat found that Navajo County’s rate of undeliverable ballots was indeed higher than that of other jurisdictions across Arizona during this year’s primary. As of Aug. 12, county officials said 1,377 ballots went undelivered in the rural county, or about 3.9% of the total number of ballots mailed out. By contrast, across the other 10 counties where Votebeat was able to collect data, only 2.3% of ballots were returned undelivered. (function(){function e(){window.addEventListener(`message`,function(e){if(e.data[`datawrapper-height`]!==void 0){var t=document.querySelectorAll(`iframe`);for(var n in e.data[`datawrapper-height`])for(var r=0,i;i=t[r];r++)if(i.contentWindow===e.source){var a=e.data[`datawrapper-height`][n]+`px`;i.style.height=a}}})}e()})(); But data from the EAC shows Navajo County’s undeliverable ballot rate isn’t unheard of historically in Arizona. During the 2024 general election, for instance, La Paz County saw about 4.4% of its mail ballots returned as undeliverable. In 2022, Coconino and Pinal each received thousands of undeliverable ballots from the Postal Service — about 5.5% and 3.8% of the total number of mail ballots sent to voters by officials, respectively. Statewide, undeliverable ballot rates rose as high as 4.7% in the 2016 general election. Furthermore, undeliverable ballot rates can vary widely from year to year. Navajo County, for instance, has seen its rate fluctuate from as low as 0.6% to as high as 3.3% in recent general elections. The data isn’t perfect. Some counties told Votebeat they counted undeliverable ballots in the primary election slightly differently than other counties. The EAC collects data on undeliverable ballots after each general election, but not for primary elections. And in some years, not all counties reported undeliverable ballot data to the EAC. But records obtained by Votebeat also suggest that Navajo County’s high rate of returned ballots wasn’t because something went wrong with their delivery. Following Marshall’s remarks, county officials asked the Postal Service to examine a sampling of the undeliverable ballots. When the Postal Service did so, it found that nine of the 10 ballots submitted by the county had a valid reason for being returned. The remaining ballot required further investigation. Officials appear to be backing away from undeliverable ballot fears Federal, state, and local officials have been working to tease out whether there was an identifiable issue connected to the undelivered ballots in Navajo County — or if the number, while not ideal, came from processes operating as usual. Initially, some officials — including Marshall in his remarks at the public meeting — appeared to suggest that something may have gone awry. But in recent weeks, the county’s tone has gradually shifted. For instance, the Navajo County Recorder’s Office said in a July 24 statement that it was working with the Postal Service to “identify any issues that may have occurred during the mailing process.” Later, on July 31, the office issued an updated statement. It said it had sent an expanded sample of 200 undeliverable ballot envelopes to the Postal Service for review. Of those, the Postal Service found that 66% were returned because the recipient had some type of change-of-address order on file. Others were marked undeliverable because they were addressed to vacant homes or closed postal boxes. “Returns of ballots occurred in other Arizona counties, demonstrating that this is a routine part of election administration statewide,” the statement read. Calli Jones, a spokesperson for the Arizona Secretary of State’s Office, told Votebeat on July 30 that her office was working to set up meetings with the Postal Service to “learn more about this situation on their end.” And on Aug. 14, Richie Taylor of the Arizona Attorney General’s Office said his office believed the undeliverable ballots were normal after looking into the matter. “We’ve spoken to the recorder in Navajo County and they’ve verified that the rejection rate is in line with historical rejection rates, so we don’t believe there’s anything nefarious going on there,” Taylor told Votebeat. Meanwhile, Cathy Purcell, a spokesperson for the Postal Service, told Votebeat on July 24 that mail carriers returned the ballots to the county “in accordance with proper protocol.” Can Arizona reduce its undeliverable ballots? Some number of undeliverable ballots may be normal and a sign that the system is working as intended. Still, undeliverable ballots are far from ideal, and officials in Navajo County say they will work to reduce them in the future. In a statement, officials said they would begin taking more proactive steps to clean up the county’s voter rolls ahead of November. When ballots are returned as undeliverable, the Navajo County Recorder’s Office will begin sending affected voters a mailed notice that can be forwarded by the Postal Service to their current address, if available. The office will also seek to email, call, and text voters if their contact information is available in their voter record. “This additional step will provide multiple ways for voters to receive information, respond, and update their registration,” officials said on July 31. 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/6a860ffc2c5335ae1048bee7 Trump's approval rating plummets to new low ahead of critical midterms: 'More work to do' te 2026-08-19T20:20:12.248Z Trump's approval rating plummets to new low ahead of critical midterms: 'More work to do' President Donald Trump's approval rating has plummeted to a record low during his second term in office, and is now tied for his lowest approval rating ever as commander-in-chief, according to a new poll. Only 33% of those surveyed in a new Reuters/Ipsos poll approve of the 45th and 47th president's job in the White House. The rating is down from 35% last week. A survey of 1,166 respondents showed that 64% disapproved of Trump's job performance. Trump hit 33% approval in December 2017, his lowest during his first term in office, according to Reuters/Ipsos. FOX NEWS POLL: AS ECONOMIC PAIN DEEPENS, DISAPPROVAL OF TRUMP HITS NEW HIGH Meanwhile, 80% of survey respondents said they expect the war in Iran "will go on for an extended period of time." The war began in February, and was explained to Americans as mission to wipe out the Middle Eastern country's nuclear weapons program. Iranian attempts to assert dominance over the Strait of Hormuz have complicated matters. One fifth of the world's oil traverses the Strait, and the effects have been felt at the pump. LAWMAKERS CLASH OVER TRUMP GAS TAX HOLIDAY AS IRAN WAR DRIVES PRICES HIGHER Since the war began, national average gas prices have jumped from just under $3 per gallon to just over $4 per gallon, according to American Automobile Association (AAA) data. On Friday, at a rally with law enforcement in New York touting record low crime rates, Trump defended the jump in prices at the pump. "Remember that when you have to pay a little bit more, $4, it’s okay," he said, adding that he did "the right thing," and saying, "I'll never apologize." Inflation has also spiked since the beginning of the war. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), year-over-year inflation in February was 2.4%. That number now sits at 3.4%. TRUMP’S AFFORDABILITY PLAN FACES CONSERVATIVE PUSHBACK AS POCKETBOOK ISSUES LOOM OVER MIDTERMS "President Trump has signed the largest middle-class tax cuts in history, lowered the cost of prescription drugs, sealed the border, driven violent crime to the lowest level in nearly a century, unleashed an energy revolution, and sent Americans’ 401(k)s climbing to record highs," White House spokesperson Olivia Wales told Fox News Digital in response to questions about the polling. "President Trump is cleaning up Joe Biden’s mess and there is more work to do, but the United States of America has never been stronger," she continued. The White House did not comment on whether there is a target date for ending the war. Democrats have seized on the war, which only 35% of Americans support according to Reuters/Ipsos, along with affordability in their attempts to re-take the House and Senate in November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a860ff62c5335ae1048bec0 More of Trump’s Chosen Candidates Lose Republican Primaries te 2026-08-19T20:20:06.710Z More of Trump’s Chosen Candidates Lose Republican Primaries A series of recent losses has eroded the president’s winning record, raising new questions about his hold over the party’s voters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a860ff42c5335ae1048be9e Rillet raises $100M Series C at $1B valuation — 2 years after emerging from stealth te 2026-08-19T20:20:04.591Z Rillet raises $100M Series C at $1B valuation — 2 years after emerging from stealth AI-native account startup Rillet became a unicorn, led by ICONIQ after it doubled its ARR in the past three months, it said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a860d9f2c5335ae1048baa2 Tucson nonprofit opens free internet café for public te 2026-08-19T20:10:07.495Z Tucson nonprofit opens free internet café for public We Care Tucson cut the ribbon this month on Desert Byte, a free internet café aimed at closing the digital divide for Tucson residents who lack reliable access to computers and broadband. We Care Tucson is a nonprofit that aims to expand access to technology, provide STEM-based learning experiences and promote e-recycling across Southern Arizona. The group works to expand youth STEM and workforce development pathways via summer camps, computer classes and workshop days. We Care Tucson CEO MeMe Aguila had been thinking about opening a cyber café for a while, saying the idea was sparked years ago during a discussion about what to do with some empty building space. "It seemed like a natural thing that fit," Aguila said. The café is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, operating outside of We Care Tucson's regular business hours. It will have designated youth hours daily from 3 to 5 p.m. and adult-only hours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Desert Byte will also host a youth Dungeons & Dragons program on the second and fourth Saturday of each month. The café was designed to be more than just a place to use computers, it's a space for adults and children to make connections. "We want people here to hang out," said We Care Tucson board member Eryn Neff. "How can we reach the people who don't have access to a computer or access to a proper phone? We came up with the idea of a café where people can use these things for free." Your membership pays emerging journalists to cover Southern Arizona the way it deserves. Desert Byte's cyber café features free computer and internet access, along with communal seating designed to encourage visitors to linger and connect. Gabrielle Cotnoir / Tucson Spotlight. Matthew Dunkel, vice president of the board, posted about his excitement for the café on social media. "(It's) a place where people can come gather, use free technology, have coffee, have treats, talk about things, walk through things. And if people have questions, we have staff on-duty that can help answer these questions," Dunkel said. We Care Tucson's board was involved in the opening of the café, designing the interior and ensuring that people had a safe place to use technology for free. A big part of the process was removing any potential stress for parents regarding their child's internet access. "(I worked on) trying to make sure the actual core of it, the internet itself is there and available. The internet is important to the internet café," said Chief Technology Officer Coleman Hammer-Tomizuka. Hammer-Tomizuka helped ensure that access to potentially harmful websites, such as gambling sites or the dark web, was blocked and entirely unavailable to those using the café. While the café's computers offer similar functions to a library computer, We Care Tucson hopes to provide additional support to those who may require help, with on-site technology professionals being just one key resource Desert Byte hopes to provide. "If people go to university — have the money to go to university — they have a lot of resources. But imagine people who are not going to university. They are just regular people working at a job, and they need access to computers. So, I think that can be kind of challenging," Neff said. She said many jobs and applications require programs such as Adobe, which can be too expensive to justify if only used occasionally. "People need this to start applying for jobs, to start applying for school," Neff said. Community members step inside Desert Byte following the ribbon-cutting ceremony for We Care Tucson's newest project. Gabrielle Cotnoir / Tucson Spotlight. The idea behind Desert Byte has always been rooted in community needs, reflecting a call for better, free internet access for Tucson residents. "We're excited to give this community a place to have access to broadband and have access to computers that work," said Board President Gordon Stewart. Aguila said she has high hopes for the internet café and believes that providing a space like Desert Byte is necessary for the success of both youth and adults alike. She said opening the café would not have been possible without the help of the community and that she can't wait to see how it grows. Aguila has seen We Care Tucson's summer camps grow from 18 to 30 attendees in a single year, eventually requiring a waitlist after enrollment topped 50 kids. She said that sometimes things just take time. That growth, she said, has come almost entirely through word of mouth — which is exactly why she's hoping the community helps spread news of Desert Byte, too. "Help spread the word, that's the biggest thing. That's been one of our hardest things, is getting the word out," Aguila said. The youth Dungeons & Dragons club will hold its first meeting August 22, with more classes and programs to come. Additional information can be found on We Care Tucson's website. 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/6a860d9e2c5335ae1048ba87 Gambling on the Little League World Series? Sports bettors have gone too far te 2026-08-19T20:10:06.122Z Gambling on the Little League World Series? Sports bettors have gone too far Have we tried turning off society and turning it back on again? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a860d9c2c5335ae1048ba7e Gwyneth Paltrow allegedly set to throw dinner in honor of Sam Altman te 2026-08-19T20:10:04.850Z Gwyneth Paltrow allegedly set to throw dinner in honor of Sam Altman The actress' firm Kinship Ventures is an investor in the company. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a860b4f2c5335ae1048ba58 14 slip-on shoes that make getting out the door easier, from sneakers to clogs te 2026-08-19T20:00:15.148Z 14 slip-on shoes that make getting out the door easier, from sneakers to clogs Slip-on shoes make it easier to get out the door without sacrificing comfort or style. Our picks include everything from comfortable sneakers and office-ready penny loafers to casual slippers and sandals from brands like Birkenstock, Skechers and Cole Haan. Original price: $75 The Skechers Expected Avillo is a casual slip-on sneaker that maximizes comfort. The lace-free canvas upper, memory foam insole and relaxed fit are designed for everyday comfort. Ideal for business-casual settings, Cole Haan's GrandPro Luxe Slip-Ons pair a polished leather look with the convenience of elastic laces. A foam footbed and cushioned midsole add comfort for extended wear. The Skechers Hands Free Go Walk Flex is a no-frills walking shoe designed for comfortable everyday walking and easy on-and-off wear. It features a mesh upper, memory foam insoles and flexible outsoles that move with your feet. If you need extra room, wide widths are also available. Skechers' Summits High Range Slip-in sneakers feature a breathable, machine-washable knit upper, memory foam insoles and shock-absorbing midsoles for added comfort during daily wear. READ MORE: Expert-recommended shoes to help with plantar fasciitis, starting at $75 The Kizik Monaco offers the look of a classic retro lace-up in a hands-free design. Simply step into the sneakers, and the specially designed heel helps secure them to your feet without requiring you to untie the laces. Original price: $92 Despite having laces, the Skechers Contour Foam Cozy Fit is designed to slip on. The quilted upper gives it the appearance of a retro sneaker. For outdoor walks, the Skechers Max Cushioning Zirrus Hands Free Slip-In features a water-repellent upper, elastic laces and rugged outsoles for traction. Inside, you'll find the brand's signature Air-Cooled Memory Foam insoles for daily comfort.  READ MORE: Expert-recommended insoles for runners, nurses and people with foot pain The L.L.Bean Sweater Fleece Scuffs combine a fleece interior, foam midsoles and rubber outsoles for warmth and traction indoors or outside. Women's styles are also available from L.L.Bean.  Original price: $114 By combining the construction of a performance running sneaker with Skechers' Slip-In technology, the Max Cushioning Gel Glide Step Advert is both sporty and easy to wear. To complete the design, Goodyear rubber outsoles add traction. The UGG Tasman II features a sheepskin interior, suede upper and thick EVA outsole, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor wear. Its signature braided collar adds a distinctive finish. Women’s sizes are also available on Amazon.  READ MORE: The best comfortable sneakers for people who are on their feet all day — from $38 Birkenstock's Boston Clog is a versatile casual style you can wear year-round. The classic design features a suede or nubuck upper and cork footbed that gradually molds to your foot with wear. Women's sizes are also available. If you like Birkenstock's signature cork footbed but prefer an open-toe design, the Arizona Sandals are a classic option. They feature a leather upper, metal hardware and a cushioned cork footbed for everyday wear. Women's sizes are also available. Original price: $120 The Florsheim Launch Moc Toe Venetian Slip combines loafer styling with sneaker-inspired comfort. Plush insoles, foam midsoles and flexible traction zones add cushioning and flexibility while wide wifths provide extra sizing options. For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals Original price: $250 G.H.Bass is closely associated with the classic penny loafer, and its Logan Weejuns deliver the traditional look in leather. The shoes can also be resoled to help extend their wear. If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a860b4e2c5335ae1048ba4f Majority of young adults say they are 'more concerned than excited' about AI: Pew Research te 2026-08-19T20:00:14.256Z Majority of young adults say they are 'more concerned than excited' about AI: Pew Research A majority of young adults are now more worried than enthusiastic about the growing role artificial intelligence (AI) has in their daily lives, according to a Pew Research survey released Tuesday. Among adults ages 18 to 29, 55% said they were more concerned than excited about AI, while just 11% said they felt the reverse. That marks a sharp shift from 2021, when Pew began tracking Americans’ views on the then-emerging technology. At the time, only 31% of young adults expressed greater concern than excitement. This general feeling is now shared by all age groups, with 52% of U.S. adults saying they are more concerned than excited about AI. The broad AI skepticism largely centers on how it will affect employment, according to Pew's latest poll, which included 3,488 U.S. adults and was conducted from June 22 to June 28. The vast majority of Americans, 71%, believe AI will lead to fewer jobs in the U.S. over the next two decades. Just 5% said AI would lead to more jobs over that time period. Young adults also expressed their belief that AI will stifle creativity and human connection over the long term. "They largely think it will make connection and creativity harder to come by. And though most say they use chatbots, they’re just as likely to say these tools hurt their own creativity as help it," the survey's authors wrote. There is also a growing concern that overuse of AI chatbots among children and teenagers can negatively impact their development, with some cases leading to far more serious outcomes. Last August, the parents of 16-year-old Adam Raine sued OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT helped their son plan and carry out his suicide. The case, filed in San Francisco County Superior Court, is ongoing and is among the first lawsuits to allege that an AI chatbot contributed to a user’s death. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). In the wake of growing scrutiny over the effects of AI chatbots on children, OpenAI and other AI firms have rolled out stronger safeguards, including parental controls, age-verification systems and tools designed to detect signs of self-harm. OpenAI announced Tuesday on Fox News' "Fox & Friends" that it is creating "ChatGPT for Teens," a separate portal that will serve as the default experience on the AI chatbot for users between 13 and 17. OpenAI said that most teen users of ChatGPT use it for homework and help with their studies, so the new platform is intended to allow for study aides without giving the answers away and was designed with Stanford University. It will feature quizzes and responsible-homework reminders that redirect teens toward collaborative problem-solving, as well as a "Study Hours" feature that allows teens or parents to set "Study Mode" as a default during certain time periods. The new platform also includes stronger default safeguards addressing self-harm, violence, eating disorders, dangerous activities and explicit sexual or graphic content through age-appropriate interventions. OpenAI did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a860b4d2c5335ae1048ba46 Trump White House envoy visits Pro Football Hall of Fame to amplify museum as global tourist destination te 2026-08-19T20:00:13.297Z Trump White House envoy visits Pro Football Hall of Fame to amplify museum as global tourist destination The Pro Football Hall of Fame last weekend hosted Special Presidential Envoy for American Tourism Nick Adams to its venerable museum and sprawling campus as part of a White House initiative to amplify national and international tourism to great American sites. The Hall of Fame that honors the heroes of America's favorite sport makes sense for a visit because, well, it recently enshrined its latest class and placed the new bronze busts, a new football season is on the horizon, and the facility itself is growing by leaps and bounds. "I went there because Number One, I was invited, but Number Two because we believe in looking for places that we can really amplify and drive both domestic and international visitation to," said Adams, who is essentially tasked with being the brand ambassador or chief salesman for America. Other countries call such people their ministers of tourism. And this tourism czar of sorts represents an administration that is fully immersed in sports. DONALD TRUMP IS THE MOST SPORTS-MINDED PRESIDENT IN RECENT MEMORY "Look, the administration loves sports," Adams said. "President Trump is crazy about sports, the Secretary of State and others. So we are looking to kind of push that and make sure that we invite the rest of the world to America to come and experience it." The rest of the world recently visited America during the World Cup. The NFL is visiting abroad with games this season scheduled for Australia, Brazil, England, Germany, France and Mexico. And now the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio is in that global conversation. NFL COMMISSIONER ROGER GOODELL CONFIRMS LEAGUE WANTS MULTIPLE TEAMS BASED OUTSIDE THE US: 'NO DOUBT' The Hall, which asks visitors where they're from, says that international visitors rank 17th highest among the 52 places – 50 states, Washington D.C. and abroad – where its visitors reside. In case you're wondering visitors from Pennsylvania represent the most visitors, followed by New York, Illinois, Texas and Michigan. The Hall of Fame is working to improve its overall experience because next March it expects to complete its second phase of expansion to its Hall of Fame Village. The 112-acre village will then be opening a 100,000-square-foot water park and at least three restaurants to go along with the venerable museum, the adjacent football stadium and other fields onsite. "We're super excited about that, because the entire village project was built strategically around the museum to give an opportunity for folks to stay and play longer, to have things to do, restaurants to go to, engagement opportunities to elongate their stay," said Hall of Fame Resort and Entertainment Executive Vice President Anne Graffice. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS Graffice led the tour of dignitaries that included Adams, Ohio State House Representative Tex Fischer, and others. "I'm already setting up meetings to support the expansion," Adams said. "I'll be working hard to increase their visibility. It's an amazing museum. It was an amazing experience and I think it's an unbelievable museum and attraction and I think it will continue to be great for Ohio." And for that, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is grateful. "We were honored to welcome [Ambassador] Adams to the museum that celebrates this country's most popular sport," said Hall of Fame Chiefs Communications and Content Officer Rich Desrosiers. "We know he took away a great experience that will help him understand the work that we do to promote the values of the game." FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a860b4c2c5335ae1048ba3d Florida Democrat sends 'condolences' to Hasan Piker after defeating DSA challenger in Florida primary te 2026-08-19T20:00:12.246Z Florida Democrat sends 'condolences' to Hasan Piker after defeating DSA challenger in Florida primary Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz took a victory lap on X Tuesday after he was declared the winner over a democratic socialist challenger in Florida's congressional primary, sending mocking "condolences" to Hasan Piker, a far-left streamer who backed his opponent. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-backed Oliver Larkin lost to the more moderate Moskowitz in the Democratic primary in Florida's 25th District, the Associated Press reported. The heavily redrawn congressional swing district is among roughly two dozen House seats that will likely determine whether Republicans hold on to their razor-thin majority in the midterm elections. "My condolences to @hasanthehun," Moskowitz wrote on X. Piker responded to Moskowitz's call-out on X and wrote, "its pretty wild that his first thought was a prominent critic of israel, before even thanking his constituents lmao. really worried about his genocidal emotional support apartheid state." PRO-ISRAEL MODERATE SURVIVES PRIMARY CHALLENGE BY SOCIALIST INSURGENT Moskowitz thanked his constituents on Wednesday in another post to X. "I want to thank the voters of District 25 for continuing to have the faith in me to deliver results for Florida," he wrote. "I want to thank my wife and kids who I have spent a lot of time away from. My dad died of cancer 4 years ago. He would have enjoyed all of this. I miss him. Onward!" Moskowitz's campaign did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment. "Democrats shouldn’t play hide the Piker now," Moskowitz said after his victory, according to Politico Playbook. "For all those people who thought it was a great idea to campaign with him, as Jay-Z once said, ‘Bring ’em out, bring ’em out.’ They shouldn’t be hiding him now." Piker hit back in a comment to Playbook and said, "I’m genuinely concerned for his mental well-being." "I think he should stop posting on the internet and focus on defeating the Republican in his newly redistricted congressional seat," Piker added, according to the outlet. Moskowitz then called DSA members "anti-American at their core." WHO IS HASAN PIKER? MEET THE FAR-LEFT STREAMER WHO IS STIRRING UP CONTROVERSY AND DIVIDING DEMOCRATS Piker has been a political flashpoint within the Democratic Party, as a debate over whether the party should embrace or distance itself from the streamer has taken shape. The streamer has campaigned with far-left candidates, including Francesca Hong, who lost her gubernatorial primary in Wisconsin, and Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, among others. Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., said during an interview in early August that the party should include people like Piker, and said that the streamer reaches a lot of voters. Others, like Democratic strategist James Carville, have said they don't want to belong to the same political party as Piker. Commentator Kaivan Schroff told Fox News Digital that Piker would likely be taking a similar victory lap had Larkin won the race. "One of the asymmetries in Democratic politics right now is that when a DSA candidate wins, it is immediately treated as evidence of some enormous ideological realignment in the party," he said. "When a more moderate Democrat wins, there is usually much less hype and almost no corresponding narrative."  "We saw that with David Crowley beating Francesca Hong in Wisconsin, and now Moskowitz has beaten a DSA-backed challenger in Florida," Schroff continued. "Imagine the coverage if the result had gone the other way, and imagine the victory lap Hasan Piker and the online left would be taking right now." "I actually think there is value in Moskowitz picking this fight," he added. "Piker backed his opponent and made himself part of the race. By going after him publicly, Moskowitz is forcing people to tell the other side of this story, and frankly, here we are talking about it because he did." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE After El-Sayed won his race in Michigan, Piker rejected calls for the Michigan Senate candidate to repair relationships with skeptical Democrats during the candidate’s election event at the Majestic Theatre in Detroit, even as the candidate promised reconciliation ahead of the general election against Republican Mike Rogers. "Like everyone being like, Abdul has a f--- ton of work to do mending bridges. Here's the f---ing take nuke for you, OK? You are all unbelievably Islamophobic pieces of s---, OK?" Piker said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8608f22c5335ae1048b78b Clarence Thomas chokes up as he reveals promise he made after grandparents’ sudden deaths te 2026-08-19T19:50:10.522Z Clarence Thomas chokes up as he reveals promise he made after grandparents’ sudden deaths Supreme Court Justice Clasrence Thomas choked up recalling a promise he made after his grandparents’ deaths during a wide-ranging conversation about economist Thomas Sowell’s influence on his thinking and views on Black Americans. "When both my grandparents died suddenly in 1983, the decision I made was to live the rest of my life as a memorial to theirs," Thomas shared with Hoover Institution fellow Peter Robinson during an on-stage discussion. The conversation paused for a few seconds as Thomas gathered his composure. "And the point I'm going to make is that is the way I feel about Professor Sowell," Thomas said. JUSTICE THOMAS REVEALS THIS ELITE INSTITUTION IS ‘OFF LIMITS’ TO HIM " ‘THAT'S THE WORLD WE'RE IN’ "All right," Robinson said. "Watch this because I'm going to lighten the mood here." Thomas was raised by his maternal grandparents in segregated Savannah, Georgia, after his father left when he was 7 years old. His grandfather was raised by a freed slave. "We actually lived — farmed on a part of that plantation, and we grew up every summer, we farmed on that plantation," Thomas said. Neither of Thomas' maternal grandparents ever set foot in a high school. Thomas said his grandfather, Myers Anderson, had only nine months of formal education, and his grandmother, Christine Anderson, had only a sixth-grade education. SEN TIM SCOTT: MY FAMILY'S JOURNEY SHOWS AMERICA'S FOUNDING PROMISE IS ALIVE AND STRONG "Even though my grandfather only had nine months of education, the crown jewel was education. My grandmother went to the sixth grade, for her the crown jewel," Thomas said. Thomas described his grandmother as a "saintly woman" and his grandfather as a "great man" who taught him the importance of self-reliance and hard work. "It wasn't taking the measure of what you don't have. It wasn't to complain about that, but to develop the capacity to do things that you needed to do in order to… improve your life." DESCENDANT OF SLAVES SHAMES SMITHSONIAN’S WOKE ‘INDOCTRINATION’ AGAINST THE ‘GREATEST NATION ON EARTH’ "My grandfather, I remember him often saying, as a kid," Thomas said, referring to his grandfather responding when Thomas complained about being unable to do something. "And his favorite saying was, ‘old man can't is dead. I helped bury him." "And the old man can't was buried many times in our house," Thomas said. "My grandfather, no education, raised by a freed slave, and he never complained," Thomas stated. "He did it. He was a — he was just a great man. Now what do you do? How do you complain when he had nothing, no education? What do you say to it? But he sets this example of how you live your life." Thomas said rediscovering Sowell, who is also Black, gave him permission to think differently from Black leaders. He recognized Sowell's message in his grandparents and the Catholic nuns who educated him. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER "Well, I think it's something that Professor Sowell has been trying to stress, that a lot of the groundwork to being able to do difficult things, to achieve, are attitudes. And he talks about other groups," Thomas said. "And that's what attracted me initially to Race and Economics, because if you go back and you look at Race and Economics, he talks about attitude of self-reliance, of self-discipline, etc., how important those were." "Where did I first hear that? I heard from my grandfather, the single greatest man I've ever known, my grandmother, a saintly woman, my nuns. Same thing. It's the exact same thing," Thomas continued. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8608f12c5335ae1048b782 Penn State frat cocaine ring suspects allegedly used Cash App, Snapchat to arrange drug deals te 2026-08-19T19:50:09.433Z Penn State frat cocaine ring suspects allegedly used Cash App, Snapchat to arrange drug deals More details are emerging in the Penn State fraternities cocaine ring bust. Court complaints allege cocaine and drug transactions were being made using apps like Cash App and Snapchat. Nearly all complaints for the men charged, including the suspected kingpin, Agostino Abbatiello, 24, who has been dubbed online as "Pablo Pledgescobar," detail alleged transactions involving the purchase, packaging, transportation, sale or distribution of cocaine. Abbatiello is among 13 other people who have been charged in connection with the cocaine trafficking operation. THREE COLLEGE FRATS IN CROSSHAIRS AS HAZING CLAIMS OF BOOZE, BURNS AND HOSPITAL TRIPS SPARK CRACKDOWN: SCHOOL In one of the sales, one of Abbatiello's alleged associates sent an estimated $30,000 to the alleged ringleader via Cash App in exchange for drugs. The suspect also used SnapChat "to facilitate the delivery of cocaine to known persons" court documents said. 📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com 📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv 🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS His codefendants Thomas Michael Robinson, 23, and Mohammed Huraibi, 22, also used Snapchat for cocaine transactions, according to authorities. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE SEND US A TIP A criminal complaint said, "Huraibi testified before the Grand Jury that in the Fall of 2023, he set up the first purchase of cocaine from Abbatiello using Snapchat, a messaging application on his phone." FEDS SEIZE $6.4M WORTH OF COCAINE ABOARD OIL TANKER AT PORT OF LOS ANGELES, ARREST SUSPECTED CARTEL SMUGGLER LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST A criminal complaint for Robinson alleges he "facilitated delivery of suspected cocaine" using the Snapchat name "Tommy Robinson" in 2024. BORDER AGENTS UNCOVER $20M COCAINE STASH HIDDEN BENEATH TRUCK FLOORBOARDS IN MASSIVE BUST The document goes on to say, "The agreement was to purchase around 100 grams of cocaine for $4,000. Robinson and Huraibi both contributed cash for the purchase. Abbatiello brought the drugs to Delta Upilson and delivered 100 grams of cocaine to Huraibi in exchange for cash." GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8608f02c5335ae1048b779 5 Americans killed in helicopter crash in Kenya, including Telemundo executive te 2026-08-19T19:50:08.678Z 5 Americans killed in helicopter crash in Kenya, including Telemundo executive Five Americans died Wednesday following a major helicopter crash in northern Kenya, according to the U.S. State Department. Seven people were on board when the incident occurred around 9 a.m. local time in a mountainous region near Kirish in Samburu County, the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority said. One of the deceased reportedly includes Telemundo executive José Suárez, who oversaw multiple stations in Florida as president and general manager. He was identified in a message to employees by NBCUniversal News Group Chairman Cesar Conde, according to NBC News. DEADLY MILITARY HELICOPTER CRASH IN TEXAS KILLS 2, SPARKS WILDFIRE AND FORCES EVACUATIONS: OFFICIALS Lady Lori Helicopters, the company that operated the aircraft, said it was "deeply saddened" by the incident and extended its condolences to all those affected. "Our deepest sympathies are with the guests, crew, their families and loved ones, and all those affected by this tragic accident," Lady Lori said in a post on social media. MISSOURI SKYDIVING PLANE CRASH THAT KILLED ALL 12 ABOARD IS A 'DEVASTATING LOSS,' COMPANY SAYS According to the operator, the aircraft was on a charter flight from Suyian Conservancy, a 44,000-acre private wildlife refuge, to Otolokwe when it crashed near Mount Otolokwe. Officials said the aircraft was a Eurocopter EC130 B4, with Lady Lori saying it was registered as 5Y-GYM. The cause of the accident has not yet been determined and is subject to investigation by the relevant authorities, the operator said. The U.S. Embassy is in contact with local authorities and is providing consular assistance. "The Trump Administration has no higher priority than the safety and security of Americans," the State Department said. "We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones on their loss." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8606992c5335ae1048b71d Pat McAfee sets the record straight on nasty Lee Corso rumor, Lindsey Vonn shows off the arms & fall weddings! te 2026-08-19T19:40:09.320Z Pat McAfee sets the record straight on nasty Lee Corso rumor, Lindsey Vonn shows off the arms & fall weddings! '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. Middle Hump Day of August, folks. Two down. Two to go. We're 10 days away from our first real college football game. We've got NFL preseason action tomorrow. Fantasy football drafts are about a week away from launching around this great country. There's a 6-way tie for the final wild card spot in the AL, and every single team is below .500. Don't you dare tell me things are slow on the sports calendar right now. They're about to kick into HIGH gear. Let's roll. HERE IS HOW PAT MCAFEE HAS SURPASSED STEPHEN A SMITH AS THE FACE OF ESPN | BOBBY BURACK Welcome to a Hump Day Nightcaps — the one where Pat McAfee sets the record straight on a nasty internet rumor involving a sacred college football tradition. Side note: Is ESPN over-serving us on McAfee? Folks are pissed at the latest development, but I'm not sure what the true pulse is. You'll see. What else? I've got Lindsey Vonn showing off the biceps as she works her way back from February's horrific knee injury, and a full spectrum of reader emails from Monday's 'Best Sports Movie' question on the heels of Hayden Panettiere's sudden death at just 36. Seems like most of you (correctly) agree with me that Remember the Titans is No. 1. Most. Not all. Grab you a soft ice cream for National Soft Ice Cream Day, and settle in for a Hump Day 'Cap! I know nobody is here for a history lesson on soft ice cream, but you're gonna get it anyway because we set a record yesterday in my Florida town for high temps (97!) and I'd like some ice cream right about now. Did you know that soft ice cream is actually a thing? True story. From the AI bots who now run the internet: In 1934 on Memorial Day weekend in Hartsdale, New York, Tom Carvel had a flat tire. After pulling his ice cream truck into a parking lot, the businessman knew his product was melting. As vacationers drove by, Carvel sold the softened ice cream to them. Surprisingly, they loved the soft ice cream! The potential for a new dessert was not lost on the salesman. Two years later, Tom Carvel opened his first ice cream store on the site where his truck broke down. In the preceding years, Carvel patented a super low-temperature ice cream machine and created a secret formula ice cream. While they are made with the same ingredients, soft ice cream has less milk fat. It also has more air than hard ice cream. Who knew ice cream had such a history behind it. This is why this class wins (hypothetical) awards. You're welcome! OK, let's get going with Pat McAfee debunking a nasty internet rumor that he would be taking over Lee Corso's headgear selection this year on College GameDay. Fake news, dorks! "Coach Corso’s Head Gear was retired after week 1 last year (Coach Corso went perfect on that day as well)," McAfee wrote on X. "I have come to a fun chapter where folks just make stuff up to make me look like a bigger a**hole." Obviously, Pat McAfee isn't reviving the headgear pick. He's not an idiot. ESPN is dumb, but they're not that dumb. OK, they are, but at least not in this instance. I do want to use that as a jumping off point to a larger question ... Is ESPN giving us too much McAfee? I ask because he was recently added to the Monday Night Football panel (presumably replacing Ryan Clark, which is funny in itself), and folks on the internet seem ... tired: Look ... I like McAfee. I'm a Pat McAfee guy. I contend that GameDay was on a bad trajectory until he showed up, and he revived the show. Particularly Kirk Herbstreit (even though his dog annoys the crap out of me). I don't mind the shtick. I think the kicking segment is, arguably, the greatest segment in pregame TV history, if there's a metric for that sort of thing. It's excellent. My kid is GLUED to the TV every time it comes on, and she's 4. That being said, I do understand the fatigue. The same thing happened in the mid-2010s with Kevin Hart. Remember that? When Kevin Hart was suddenly in every single movie for a solid five straight years? And they were all bad? The difference is, McAfee isn't bad. The numbers prove that. GameDay has been on the rise for three years now, and it directly coincides with McAfee. ESPN isn't pushing McAfee to the center of the table for political points or any sort of agenda. They're doing it because the ratings say it works. It's pretty simple, actually. OK, let's rapid-fire this Hump Day class into a big Hump Day night. First up? How about this rage-bait going viral on the internet today? Thoughts? First impressions? Folks are PISSED at the notion that college football sickos actively skip fall weddings to watch the greatest sport on the planet. I somewhat disagree with that train of thought, by the way. If it's the right wedding, a fall Saturday wedding is awesome. I had two buddies get married in October — a WEEK apart — a few years back. I was in both. Right in the middle of college football season. Those two Saturdays were the greatest college football Saturdays since college, because ... it was like I was back in college. The groomsmen sat there, all day long, and just watched/gambled on college football until it was time for the ceremony. It was amazing. No kids running around wanting to watch Blue's Clues in the third quarter of the noon games. No wife wanting to go thrifting right when the 3:30 games kick off. No unmowed yard staring me in the face the whole day and making me feel guilty. Just me and the boys, watching ball and losing money. So, no, fall weddings aren't a dealbreaker ... as long as they're the right weddings. Next? I asked Monday if Remember the Titans was the best sports movie ever. You all had thoughts. From Cliff F: Without a doubt the best sports movie ever! I’ve watched it a gazillion times and will watch it again each and every time it comes on.  From Stephen W: The original Angels In The Outfield from 1951 with Paul Douglas and Janet Leigh.  From Tod L: Definitely best soundtrack across any genre. I’m partial to Bull Durham And, from Chuck F: I have to go with Miracle. No better sports story than the 1980 gold medal team. Thanks, all! Good work, everyone. Hard to argue with Miracle. That's up there. Bull Durham is excellent. Angels in the Outfield is a sneaky one. Wanna know something embarrassing? I've never seen the original version from 1951. Only the '94 remake. I know. I'll be better. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS OK, that's it for today. Solid Hump Day everyone. Second half of the week is on deck. Let's finish strong. STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW! Here's Lindsey Vonn working in a lift on the way out. See you tomorrow. Too much McAfee? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8606982c5335ae1048b714 Blackhawks great Patrick Kane gets incredible standing ovation from Cubs and White Sox fans at Wrigley Field te 2026-08-19T19:40:08.604Z Blackhawks great Patrick Kane gets incredible standing ovation from Cubs and White Sox fans at Wrigley Field While the future looks promising with young stars like Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, we're still in the midst of some uncharacteristically lean years for the Chicago Blackhawks. That's why there's so much excitement surrounding Patrick Kane's return to a Blackhawks sweater. A key piece of the team's juggernaut run in the 2010s, Kane gives fans a chance to celebrate the past while they wait for the next great Chicago team to emerge. And, man, at Wrigley Field, they were certainly ready to cheer. NHL'S TOP AMERICAN-BORN SCORER PATRICK KANE SIGNS DEAL TO RETURN TO CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS The Cubs hosted their cross-town rival White Sox on Tuesday at the Friendly Confines — which, speaking of hockey, was the site of one hell of a donnybrook this week — and while the two fanbases can't agree on much, there was one thing they could get on the same page about. The Blackhawks. Specifically, No. 88. Kane — fresh off signing a nifty two-year, $16 million deal with the Blackhawks — was given first-pitch duties, and the Chicagoland fans gave him a massive ovation. There was so much clapping I thought some people were going to have to eat their next Italian beef sandwich with a pair of bloody stumps where their hands used to be. But the guy deserves it. Kane is the top American-born scorer in NHL history, and there's really no way they win those three Cups without him. CONNOR BEDARD RE-SIGNS WITH BLACKHAWKS, ENDING HOPES FOR ANOTHER NHL OFFER SHEET THIS OFFSEASON Especially the one in 2010 (as a Flyers fan, that winning goal still haunts me). But that's the past, and the objective will be a little different this time around. This deal could be his last, and it's going to be about pointing the next generation of Blackhawks in the right direction so they can build a dynasty of their own. Of course, that's easier said than done, especially this year, as Connor Bedard will miss the start of the season after undergoing surgery. If the Blackhawks want a shot at keeping up with the Central Division frontrunners, they'll need to play well in his absence, and that's where they'll need some of that patented Patrick Kane offensive production. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8606972c5335ae1048b70b Kim Kardashian wows in string bikini during PDA-filled beach trip with Lewis Hamilton te 2026-08-19T19:40:07.832Z Kim Kardashian wows in string bikini during PDA-filled beach trip with Lewis Hamilton Kim Kardashian is putting her romance on center stage. In a recent Instagram slideshow, the 45-year-old reality TV star shared a series of photos from her recent tropical family vacation, including a few bikini shots, some featuring her boyfriend, Lewis Hamilton. The "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" star opened the post with a photo of her and Hamilton, taken from the back, walking along the shoreline with their arms around each other. Hamilton has his hair up in a bun, while Kardashian let her long brunette locks flow in the wind as she covered up with a sparkly green skirt. KIM KARDASHIAN STUNS IN BIKINI PHOTOS AS SHE GOES INSTAGRAM OFFICIAL WITH BOYFRIEND LEWIS HAMILTON In another photo, the two are posing for a mirror selfie, which features Kardashian in large sunglasses and a pink bikini top, which showed off her toned abs, which she paired with a pink bandanna and a pink long-sleeve. Hamilton posed with his arm around her waist in pink pants, a gray shirt and a denim bucket hat with white letters on it. Kardashian also included a few photos of her posing along on the beach. In one of them, she is flashing a peace sign at the camera while in a baseball hat, a gray muscle T and large red shorts. In another, she is knee-deep in the ocean while in a barely-there purple bikini, as she gives the camera a serene expression. "I’ve never manifested love for two strangers I don’t know like this in my entire life," one fan wrote in the comments section. She continued to share photos from her vacation in an Instagram post on Wednesday, which included a few more photos of her in string bikinis. The selfies featured her in a black bikini, which she paired with gold chain straps and a gold necklace worn around her waist. She also included a solo shot of her in the pink bikini she previously posed alongside Hamilton in, as well as a photo of her wearing a white crop top and gray sweats with the jungle visible behind her. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Another added, "KIMILTON 🥺😍," while a third wrote, "Love love love everything about this 😍." The slideshow also featured photos of Kardashian with her kids and nieces and nephews, including videos of them all surfing and playing in the sand together. Kardashian and Hamilton went Instagram official in a video posted to Hamilton's account in April, which showed him driving his Ferrari F40 at a track in Tokyo, Japan, with Kardashian in the passenger seat. Celebrity matchmaker, Alessandra Conti, told Fox News Digital in May that "There are certain couples that just make sense and feel natural," and to her, Kardashian and Hamilton are one of them. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "I love this pair because they are both at the top of their careers, and although incredibly famous, they are in industries that are different but complimentary," she said. "Kim is notorious for having very public relationships, while Lewis is known for being private. They both deeply value ambition and living a fully packed, jet-setting lifestyle." "The issues that typically come in when there are two people with demanding careers are usually centered around the basics, namely having enough time together to actually build a long-lasting, healthy relationship. If they both prioritize seeing each other, this is a relationship that could really go the distance." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8604432c5335ae1048b6b2 Ex-counterterrorism chief advocates for Trump to 'walk away from' Iran war, yank troops out of Middle East te 2026-08-19T19:30:11.354Z Ex-counterterrorism chief advocates for Trump to 'walk away from' Iran war, yank troops out of Middle East Former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joe Kent, who resigned in March due to his opposition to the Iran war, contends that President Donald Trump should remove U.S. combat troops from the Middle East. During an interview with Fox News Digital on Tuesday, he said Republicans and Democrats both support U.S. involvement in "endless foreign wars," but that he wants to help create another "political coalition." Kent, a military veteran and gold star husband who personally grasps the grave consequences of war because his late wife Shannon was killed in Syria in 2019, said that the U.S. is "making our troops basically tripwires so that if the Iranians hit us, and we lose more troops, then we will have to double down" on the war. "This war is not in our national security interest," he said. "Iran posed no imminent threat," the retired Green Beret asserted, reiterating the same view he voiced in his mid-March resignation letter to the president less than a month after the start of the Iran war. "This war was prompted by the pressure that the Israelis were able to exert on the Trump administration and the influence that the, the Israelis have over our government." CLICK HERE TO WATCH FOX NEWS DIGITAL'S FULL INTERVIEW WITH JOE KENT U.S. bases in the region have proven to be a liability, he said. "The Iranians were able to hit them with their ballistic missiles, with their drones. We had to evacuate our bases. We couldn't even fight a war from our military bases. So the fundamental question is, what good is a military base that you can't fight a war from? So really our bases and our presence in the region simply give the Iranians the ability to reach us and strike us whenever they want," Kent asserted. EX-COUNTERTERRORISM OFFICIAL JOE KENT CONTINUES CALLING FOR US MILITARY WITHDRAWAL FROM MIDDLE EAST More than five months have passed since Trump launched the war against Iran in conjunction with Israel. The U.S. military is currently conducting a blockade against Iran and it remains unclear when the conflict will conclude. "Right now, we're at a place where President Trump could walk away from it. We haven't recently taken any losses," Kent said, adding that the president could withdraw U.S. troops from the region. "And I think he has the political power to basically sell it as a win or at least kind of a draw to the American people." Kent said he would encourage those who agree with him to "call their congressmen, call their senators, call the White House and" tell them "that we want out of war right now." In a statement to Fox News Digital on Wednesday, White House spokesman Davis Ingle targeted Kent. "President Trump has destroyed nearly all of Iran’s military capabilities and is crushing what’s left of its abysmal economy with the most powerful naval blockade in world history. In quitter Joe Kent’s twisted mind, that somehow means Iran is winning, which only proves he doesn’t know his ass from his elbow," Ingle said in the statement. TRUMP CAN DECLARE IRAN VICTORY NOW AND WITHDRAW TROOPS, FORMER COUNTERTERROR OFFICIAL ARGUES Asked whether he has any interest in running for political office again, Kent, who has run unsuccessfully for Congress twice, told Fox News Digital that he does not "have any political aspirations." But he said that he wants to help construct a "political coalition" that conveys to Americans "that a reason why it seems like no matter who they vote for their, their quality of life is not improving," is because no matter who occupies the Oval Office, much of "their time and our money ... and our national will" is expended "on these foreign wars," and "propping up an empire that does not benefit the American people." Both parties "agree that we should be engaged in ... endless foreign wars," he said. When Americans choose between a Republican and Democrat, they end up with "the next war," "more deficit," "more debt," and have "their civil liberties ... encroached upon," he said. TRUMP SAYS IRAN TALKS ARE DEAD, INSISTS STRAIT OF HORMUZ IS 'OPEN AND OPERATING' Kent said the U.S. cannot afford to dole out foreign aid, given the national debt, inflation, and the condition of the economy — but if foreign aid is going to be distributed, he said that it should go "to partners that actually benefit our nation's security, not to countries that are gonna drag us further into more conflicts" which "actually end up costing America more in the long run." He said the U.S. should not provide aid to nations "that are actively spying on us and running influence operations like the Israelis are." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8601e92c5335ae1048b651 Tourists cling to each other in desperate struggle as raging flood sweeps them down waterfall te 2026-08-19T19:20:09.792Z Tourists cling to each other in desperate struggle as raging flood sweeps them down waterfall Desperate tourists were caught on video clinging to one another for dear life as they were swept downstream by raging water during a flash flood at a waterfall in Thailand. The incident happened at Mae Sa Waterfall in Chiang Mai on Aug. 15, when tourists ventured onto rocks in the water at Doi Suthep-Pui National Park, according to Viral Press. Video from the scene shows rushing water surrounding the group as the tourists struggled against the strong current and tried to help one another. TOURIST BREACHES SAFETY BARRIER AT WORLD’S LARGEST WATERFALL SYSTEM TO RECOVER CELLPHONE Several people can be seen holding onto each other and attempting to stay on their feet before some were swept downstream by the force of the water. One tourist is seen struggling to make his way through the water as others scream for help. Park rangers later helped bring the group to safety. The tourists reportedly suffered only minor scratches and were given first aid, according to Viral Press. Witness Arttie Martin told Viral Press he had been preparing to enter the water himself to take a photo when he heard a park officer blow a whistle moments before the flash flood struck. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "It was truly a matter of split seconds," Martin said. "I was just about to take off my shoes and walk into the middle to follow the foreigners and take a photo of the waterfall," he added. Martin said he shared footage of the frightening incident as a warning to other travelers about how quickly conditions can become dangerous around waterfalls during Thailand's rainy season. "Especially during the rainy season, when visiting waterfalls, you should exercise extra caution, observe warning signs and instructions from staff, and continuously monitor the color, level and current speed of the water, as conditions can change extremely quickly," he said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES Access to Mae Sa Waterfall remained restricted following the flash flood, according to Viral Press. Fox News Digital previously reported on another dangerous encounter at a waterfall, when a tourist climbed over a safety barrier and entered the water above Iguazu Falls in Brazil to retrieve a cellphone. Video of the incident showed the man lowering himself into the river just yards from the falls, where fast-moving water flows toward steep drops. He recovered the phone and returned to the walkway without injury before being escorted from the site by firefighters, according to Jam Press. The incident was one of several risky encounters reported at Iguazu Falls this year — including a tourist who crossed protective barriers to retrieve a hat and another visitor who was recorded lifting a baby over a safety barrier near a viewpoint. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8601e82c5335ae1048b648 DeSantis suggests ally appointed to Palm Beach post could face death penalty over child sex abuse charges te 2026-08-19T19:20:08.963Z DeSantis suggests ally appointed to Palm Beach post could face death penalty over child sex abuse charges Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis this week suggested that a former ally he appointed as Palm Beach County Clerk of Court could face the death penalty if convicted of child sex abuse charges. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, DeSantis said that Michael Caruso could be in for a "world of hurt" if convicted. Caruso, 67, who has been suspended from his clerk duties following his arrest on Tuesday, is accused of preying on a young boy more than half a dozen times since 2024. He faces charges of kidnapping, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, luring or enticing a child, and child abuse causing mental injury. The victim detailed the alleged abuse to investigators in Orange County, according to local media reports. HAITIAN ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO FATALLY BEAT FLORIDA STORE CLERK WITH HAMMER WILL FACE THE DEATH PENALTY One of the more serious allegations involved a seven-day Royal Caribbean cruise in which Caruso allegedly separated the victim from his family and engaged in inappropriate acts. DeSantis suspended him from his post following the arrest. During a news conference, DeSantis noted that Caruso could face the death penalty if found guilty. "We’re the first state to reintroduce the death penalty for pedophiles," DeSantis told reporters. "I’m proud that I signed that into law, and I’m proud that we have very strong penalties for people that abuse children." "If he is convicted, he’s going to be in for a world of hurt," the governor added. DeSantis noted that Caruso was a "clean vet" and "was well regarded in the community" at the time he was appointed. He said the decision to "yank him from that position" was an easy one. Florida lawmakers in April 2023 passed a law allowing prosecutors to seek the death penalty for those convicted of capital sexual battery of a child under the age of 12. 74-YEAR-OLD BECOMES FLORIDA'S OLDEST INMATE EXECUTED AFTER 1982 KILLING OF TEEN However, it is unclear whether Caruso could face the ultimate punishment, as the charges against him do not appear to qualify as capital sexual battery. "Based upon the current precedent, this law would pass constitutional muster," said Mark Schlakman, who reviewed death penalty cases while working under former Florida Gov. Lawton Childs as assistant general counsel and serves as the senior program director for the Florida State University Center for the Advancement of Human Rights. Schlakman noted that one can't predict what the U.S. Supreme Court will do if the law comes before the high court. "What would happen or will happen? Can't tell you," he said. As of Wednesday, Florida has carried out 13 executions, leading all other states. The most recent happened Tuesday when William Francis Silvia, 61, died by lethal injection for fatally shooting his estranged wife and wounding his mother-in-law. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8601e22c5335ae1048b60b AI was supposed to win people over by now — it hasn’t te 2026-08-19T19:20:02.169Z AI was supposed to win people over by now — it hasn’t As AI becomes harder to avoid, consumers are growing more wary of the technology — and Silicon Valley is discovering that widespread adoption doesn’t necessarily lead to acceptance. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ff8a2c5335ae1048b5b2 Google packs Search and Gemini with new AI study tools te 2026-08-19T19:10:02.402Z Google packs Search and Gemini with new AI study tools The launch of the new study features marks Google's latest effort to make Gemini the AI assistant that students turn to when learning and studying, as it continues to compete with companies like OpenAI. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85fd3d2c5335ae1048b58f Suspects at large after Tucson police recruit killed, Pima County corrections officer wounded in shooting te 2026-08-19T19:00:13.613Z Suspects at large after Tucson police recruit killed, Pima County corrections officer wounded in shooting Arizona authorities are on the hunt for multiple suspects after an early morning shooting left a 23-year-old Tucson police recruit dead and his 23-year-old romantic partner, a Pima County corrections officer, hospitalized with a gunshot wound, according to investigators. A spokesperson for the Pima County Sheriff's Department told Fox News Digital that deputies are searching for multiple suspects. They were described as Hispanic males wearing all black clothes and ski masks and driving gray Acura MDX. Police said the piece over the gas cap may be missing. Authorities initially described the couple as husband-and-wife but later said they were engaged. Sheriff Chris Nanos said they do share a child. "This is a pretty sad day for law enforcement, today," he told reporters at a news briefing at the scene Wednesday. NANCY GUTHRIE SHERIFF SAYS INVESTIGATORS MAY HAVE MORE VIDEO EVIDENCE AS THEY REVIEW THOUSANDS OF CLIPS The initial call came in at 6 a.m. regarding a home on the 7700 block of South Enchanted Spring Drive, about 17 miles southwest of Tucson. SEND US A TIP Responding deputies found the male victim, later identified as TPD recruit Carlos Ramirez, dead and rushed the female to a hospital, where she is in stable condition, the sheriff said. Tucson Police Chief Monica Prieto is asking anyone with information to call 911. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Prieto called it both a "tragic event and tremendous loss for...our community, this city and our department." GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Nanos said during a news briefing he expected to be briefed by detectives when more information is available. A PCSD spokesperson said the shootings are not believed to be connected to the abduction of Nancy Guthrie, which took place on the other side of town — at her home in Tucson's Catalina Foothills on Feb. 1. This is a developing story. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85fd3c2c5335ae1048b586 Soros-linked prosecutor blasted after accused killer got passport, fled US te 2026-08-19T19:00:12.578Z Soros-linked prosecutor blasted after accused killer got passport, fled US A Democratic prosecutor permitted a Tajik national held in a psychiatric hospital after his landlord's killing to travel to Washington to obtain a passport, which he later used to leave the U.S. Abdulloi Doniyor Toshpulodzoda left the country after he was granted a second "community pass" in July from the Northern Virginia Mental Health Institute (NVMHI) in Falls Church, went to nearby Dulles International Airport and flew to Dushanbe, Tajikistan, by way of Turkey, prompting renewed criticism of Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Steve Descano over his prosecution of cases involving migrants. Toshpulodzoda had been found not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI) in the killing of Mohammad Hemmatian but was still granted the equivalent of a day pass twice — once to travel 20 miles to Washington, D.C., to obtain a passport and again in July to stay at an apartment furnished through a Fairfax County program — despite being under county supervision. Former Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares criticized Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano for failing to recognize what Miyares described as the danger of allowing Toshpulodzoda to obtain a passport. SANCTUARY COUNTY REFUSED 615 ICE TRANSFER REQUESTS, TURNED OVER JUST 11 ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS, RECORDS SHOW "A judge said no, Virginia authorities said yes anyway," former Attorney General Jason Miyares said in a statement. Descano has faced criticism for years over his prosecution of cases involving illegal immigrants and foreign nationals. "Fairfax’s Steve Descano supported a violent, committed man accused of killing his landlord to obtain a passport. The passport request should have been the five-alarm fire, but instead it ignored and he was allowed to walk out of a mental facility and flee the country. This is an unconscionable level of incompetence," Miyares added. Virginians for Safe Communities, an advocacy group that highlights crimes, including those involving foreign nationals and illegal immigrants, called Fairfax County’s justice system "a joke." "You hear the one about the crazed killer who walked into Dulles and went to Tajikistan?" the group tweeted. "If Descano policies were literally written by illegal immigrant confessed murderers in mental institutions, how would they be different?" asked conservative commentator Mary Katharine Ham. DOJ OPENS INVESTIGATION INTO SOROS-BACKED DA ACCUSED OF SHIELDING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM CONSEQUENCES Descano’s office confirmed it "did not oppose" Toshpulodzoda taking an "escorted visit" outside the confines of NVMHI to obtain "updated documentation from the [Tajik] embassy." "[B]ut, that is not indicative of our position on community release [itself]," a Descano spokeswoman said. SOROS-BACKED PROSECUTOR HIT WITH REBUKE AFTER DISMISSING PROBE AS TRUMP ‘PARTISAN ATTACKS’: ‘HEY SCUMBAG’ The spokeswoman said Descano’s prosecutors repeatedly opposed Toshpulodzoda’s release in annual court hearings, citing public safety concerns. Descano’s prosecutor Claiborne Richardson and Toshpulodzoda’s attorney, Amy Jordan, jointly requested and received court permission for Toshpulodzoda to travel to Washington, D.C., with institute staff on May 29, 2024, according to court documents. Descano’s office said prosecutors argued at a June hearing that Toshpulodzoda should remain in the institute’s custody, and the judge agreed. Descano’s office deferred further questions about the issuance of day passes to the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health. TRUMP DOJ UNLEASHES LARGEST DENATURALIZATION EFFORT IN DEPARTMENT HISTORY — AND SAYS IT’S ‘ONLY THE BEGINNING’ Laura Cunningham, a spokesperson for VDBH, said federal and state privacy laws preclude public discussion of individual patients' cases. She added that the "community pass" process utilized by Toshpulodzoda is available under Virginia law for clinical teams to request "graduated privileges" that are later reviewed by experts before "progress[ing] to the next level." Fox News Digital reached out to the Fairfax-Falls Church Community Services Board for comment. The board furnished the Alexandria apartment where Toshpulodzoda stayed through its Fairfax Permanent Supportive Housing Program. The Daily Wire reported that Toshpulodzoda told authorities he was "guilty" but was later found NGRI. A DHS spokesperson said in a statement that Toshpulodzoda’s departure was the "ultimate compliance of his final removal order" placed on him after an immigration judge ordered him removed on June 24. JORDAN GRILLS SOROS-BACKED DA DESCANO IN HEATED SPAT OVER SOFT-ON-CRIME POLICY: 'THIS IS ALMOST LAUGHABLE' Conservative columnist and Fairfax resident Tim Carney similarly tweeted that "my local prosecutor Steve Descano has a unique deportation policy." "He endorsed giving an accused murderer, who was deemed insane, permission to travel to DC to get a passport. The accused murderer, on weekend leave, then hopped on a plane and fled to Asia." "Total system failure," former police officer turned conservative commentator Brandon Tatum tweeted. Virginia authorities have issued a warrant for Toshpulodzoda’s arrest if he returns to the U.S. Toshpulodzoda entered the U.S. during the Obama administration and later violated the terms of his admission, according to DHS. According to several reports, Toshpulodzoda admitted to Fairfax authorities that he killed Hemmatian but was later found NGRI and institutionalized. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros contributed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Descano’s local races in the heavily Democratic Beltway county. Fox News Digital reached out to the Tajik Embassy, the Fairfax County Sheriff’s Office and the State Department for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85fae22c5335ae1048b52b Walz defies Trump on key minerals as GOP warns China stands to benefit te 2026-08-19T18:50:10.885Z Walz defies Trump on key minerals as GOP warns China stands to benefit Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is catching heat for defying President Donald Trump on a key energy policy. The progressive Midwestern leader issued an executive order on Tuesday blocking mining permits and leases near a swath of land in northeast Minnesota called the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a significant portion of which is under federal jurisdiction. That's despite President Donald Trump signing legislation in April that reversed a Biden administration-era order blocking new mining leases near the Boundary Waters for a period of 20 years. House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., the highest-ranking Minnesotan in Congress, called Walz's move "stupid" and "dangerous." TRUMP'S AMBITIOUS ENERGY BET COULD BE A WINNING HAND AS THE WORLD BURNS MORE OIL, GAS THAN EVER "This lame duck loser is trying to make us more energy and mineral-dependent on our adversaries," Emmer told Fox News Digital. MINNESOTA FRAUD SCANDAL WILL HAUNT FLANAGAN IN HIGH-STAKES SENATE RACE, TOP HOUSE REPUBLICAN WARNS He said the order would "harm Minnesota, good union jobs in northern Minnesota," and "put our national defense more at risk with our enemies, adversaries like Communist China." The legislation, which passed the House and Senate before getting to Trump's desk, was led by Rep. Pete Stauber, R-Minn. Walz's order focuses on the mining of metals like copper and nickel, which have a variety of uses including boat components, electric vehicle components, military equipment, and commercial electronics. TRUMP GETS MAJOR WIN AGAINST CHINA IN AFRICAN RARE EARTH MINERALS RACE Northeastern Minnesota is home to the largest known untapped source of nickel and copper in North America, called the Duluth Complex. Emmer argued that a failure to tap into those resources would put the U.S. at a disadvantage to China's metal mining industry. Mining is already banned inside the Boundary Waters, but environmental groups who hailed Walz's order have warned that mining in the protected lands outside its buffer zone still risks harming that inner area, according to MPR News. "The Federal Government sold out our canoe country earlier this year by stripping away protections that took hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans' voices and years of work to secure, all while ignoring science and the will of the public," Save The Boundary Waters executive director Ingrid Lyons said in a statement. "Now, our Governor is doing right by Minnesota by pulling out all of the stops to keep toxic copper mining out of the headwaters of the Boundary Waters, while also calling on our state's legislature to finish the job permanently. Thank you, Governor, for your actions that save the Boundary Waters today, and for building a foundation from which to protect it for generations to come." But when asked about environmental groups' support, Emmer dismissed it as a "false argument." "Every one of us is an environmentalist. I make this point, so nobody gets to claim the high ground. It's like somebody saying, 'I'm a better conservative than you.' No, we all care about our environment. We all want clean water. We all want clean air," he said. "What you're literally saying is, 'I'd rather have the Chinese and other adversaries mine in the old-fashioned ways and not care about leaving the world in a better condition, than allow us to do it right here in Minnesota, where we have one of the top precious metal mines in the world'...and we have the most stringent environmental laws in the world, I would argue, that are going to ensure that it's done safely, and it protects not only the people doing the work, but it protects the environment." Fox News Digital reached out to Walz's office for a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85fadb2c5335ae1048b4ec Researchers complain that OpenAI revoked their access to limited cyber program te 2026-08-19T18:50:03.319Z Researchers complain that OpenAI revoked their access to limited cyber program Multiple cybersecurity researchers said they suddenly lost access to OpenAI’s Trusted Access for Cyber (TAC) program, which offers models with fewer guardrails for vetted users. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f88d2c5335ae1048b2a1 Sedona police, Sedona Fire District and SWAT to hold full-scale training exercise in Uptown on Aug. 24. te 2026-08-19T18:40:13.176Z Sedona police, Sedona Fire District and SWAT to hold full-scale training exercise in Uptown on Aug. 24. On Monday, Aug. 24, from about 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. the Sedona Police Department, Sedona Fire District and the Verde Valley Regional SWAT team will conduct a multi-agency, full-scale training exercise in Uptown to practice their collaborative response to various public safety threats. The exercise will Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f88b2c5335ae1048b280 Karen Bass ripped after viral video lays out taxpayer-funded match of campaign donations te 2026-08-19T18:40:11.634Z Karen Bass ripped after viral video lays out taxpayer-funded match of campaign donations Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is facing scrutiny after an online ad revealed that that campaign contributions from supporters of her reelection bid would be matched by taxpayer dollars. "Your donation to our campaign right now is more critical than ever before," said Bass, speaking into a lapel microphone with upbeat music playing in the background of the ad, which was posted to her campaign's X account. "Let me explain," she continued. "Thanks to LA's super match program, every qualified donation from Los Angeles residents is matched 6-to-1 by the city. But after the primary, we had to start over from scratch, so we need you to rush your matching donation right now to help fuel this campaign." CALIFORNIA ELECTION RESULTS STILL UNDECIDED AS LOS ANGELES BEGINS COUNTING BALLOTS Bass noted that chipping in $5 would equate to a $35 total donation, while $25 would become $175. The explanation immediately raised eyebrows for those concerned that taxpayer dollars are being used as campaign contributions. "It's a system they set up to enrich themselves and their friends and get themselves elected," Roxanne Hoge, chairwoman of the Republican Party of Los Angeles County, told Fox News Digital in response to Bass' video.  "It's like when you're a kid, and the kid with the fancy ball gets to make all the rules of the game you're about to play. That's what this is." But the system is perfectly legal. "It's much like when people complain about election fraud in California. It's not fraud. Everything is codified just the way they like it," said Hoge. "Almost none of the money that Los Angeles takes in is used for things that make sense," she continued. "Money goes to homelessness and it increases homelessness. Basically, nothing makes sense here, and this is another thing that doesn't make sense." Bass' campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Still, critics raged online about a program that has been in use for mayoral candidates since the 1990s. "This is grotesque," said author and University of Austin professor Michael Shellenberger in response to the video of Bass. "Outrageous," quipped Richard Grennell, a Trump administration official. "Hold your horses... The current Mayor of the City of LA, who is running for reelection, is allowed to take money from the city to fund her campaign at a 6 to 1 payout???" asked former Ronald Reagan official David McIntosh incredulously. "That's so innovative, I'm sure this totally legit and not communist at all," Los Angeles activist Tony Moon said sarcastically. SUPREME COURT STRIKES DOWN LIMIT ON PARTY CAMPAIGN SPENDING IN COORDINATION WITH CANDIDATES The matching program has been in effect for qualified mayoral candidates since 1990. Slowly over time, the match limit has increased, and in 2019 the current 6-to-1 match took effect and has been in use since then. Qualified candidates can choose to participate in the matching program, and must fill out a statement of acceptance of matching funds, according to city campaign rules. LA MAYORAL RACE HEADS TO NOVEMBER RUNOFF AS KAREN BASS FACES MAMDANI-STYLE SOCIALIST To qualify, a candidate must have already raised 300 times the maximum matchable amount per contributor — $257 — have at least 100 donors who have contributed $5 or more and live in Los Angeles, have an opponent and hold at least one public town hall or debate. All matched donations must come from Angelenos. FAR-LEFT POLITICIANS STILL USING ACTBLUE AS 88-YEAR-OLD DISPUTES DONATING NEARLY $150,000 TO FUNDRAISING GIANT The maximum allowable qualifying donation is $257, which, after the taxpayer-funded 6-to-1 match becomes $1,799. The total cap on matched donations is just over $1.5 million in the general election. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f6392c5335ae1048b223 Scandals, socialists and Trump roil primaries, send incumbents packing at near-record pace te 2026-08-19T18:30:17.149Z Scandals, socialists and Trump roil primaries, send incumbents packing at near-record pace Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida, facing a pair of controversies, is the latest in a growing list of congressional incumbents sent packing in party primaries this year. Twelve House members and two senators have been ousted in the 2026 midterms as they bid for renomination, according to the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. "It’s one of the highest numbers in decades in a non-national redistricting year," Center for Politics Communications Director Kyle Kondik told Fox News Digital. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Kondik noted that "the years that the number was higher are years that end in the number two, which are full national redistricting years. This was a partial redistricting year, but it’s a very high number historically." While the rare but not unheard of redistricting push over the past year contributed to some of the losses by incumbents, there were plenty of other factors. Those include incumbents wounded by scandals, President Donald Trump's moves to oust some GOP lawmakers, the increasing push by Democrats for generational change, and the successful movement by the far-left to target more moderate, establishment-backed Democrats in nomination showdowns. Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan was defeated earlier this month by a left-wing challenger, state Rep. Donavan McKinney, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York was ousted in the state's June primary by progressive challenger Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller who was backed by socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York, a Democrat who serves as Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair, was defeated by community organizer and activist Darializa Avila Chevalier, a DSA member who was also supported by Mamdani. Age was also a factor in the race, as the 32-year-old Chevalier ousted the 71-year-old Espaillat. Ideology and age were also key ingredients in DSA-member Melat Kiros' victory over more moderate Democratic Rep. Diana Degette of Colorado, who has served in the House for nearly three decades. Age and the push for fresh faces fueled a victory by 38-year-old Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee, who won a special congressional election earlier this year, over Rep. Al Green, a fellow Democrat who turns 79 next month. The two incumbents faced off for a House seat redrawn through a Texas Republican redistricting push. CHECK OUT THE LATEST FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS IN THE MIDTERM RACES Redistricting in Texas also forced Democratic Rep. Julie Johnson into a showdown in the state's 33rd Congressional District against her predecessor, former Rep. Colin Allred, which Allred won in a runoff election. Generational change was the key factor as 47-year-old former Mayor Luke Bronin of Hartford, Connecticut, scored a victory in the Democratic primary over nearly 30-year congressional veteran Rep. John Larson, who is 78. Trump played a key role in the ouster of Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana earlier this year. Cassidy was one of a handful of Republican who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial five years ago. Meanwhile, longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn was defeated in the Texas GOP Senate nomination runoff election in late May by state Attorney General Ken Paxton, a MAGA firebrand and major supporter of the president. Trump stayed neutral during the year-long bitter battle, but endorsed Paxton at the last minute ahead of the runoff. 10 HOUSE INCUMBENT LAWMAKERS WHO SAW THEIR 2026 RE-ELECTION BIDS END IN PRIMARY DEFEAT Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a very vocal Republican Trump critic, lost his renomination bid to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who was backed by the president. Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas went down to defeat a more conservative challenger, state Rep. Steve Toth, who cast the incumbent as anti-Trump. While the president remained neutral in the race, Toth was supported by conservative firebrand Sen. Ted Cruz. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee lost the renomination despite having Trump's endorsement. Ogles, saddled by controversial comments and social media posts in recent years, was defeated by former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, who was backed by Gov. Bill Lee, former Gov. Bill Haslam and other prominent Republicans including former Trump Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. In Florida, Mills was topped by Ryan Elijah, a former local television news and sports reporter, in a four-way GOP primary in the right-leaning 7th Congressional District. Elijah repeatedly targeted Mills over the House Ethics Committee investigation into the congressman, and the restraining order placed against Mills by a judge last year after a former girlfriend said that the two-term lawmaker threatened to release sexually explicit videos of her. Mills, an Army veteran and former military contractor, denied the allegations, but faced bipartisan calls to resign. An endorsement earlier this year from President Donald Trump wasn't enough to save him in Tuesday's primary. Meanwhile, earlier this year, GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas , who had advanced to a runoff election, quit his race after admitting to an affair with a former staffer who died by suicide. Facing heavy pressure from House leaders, he resigned from Congress entirely weeks later. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f6382c5335ae1048b21a Morning coffee could interfere with popular weight-loss pill, doctors warn te 2026-08-19T18:30:16.341Z Morning coffee could interfere with popular weight-loss pill, doctors warn Those who take oral glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications, such as Wegovy tablets, are advised not to take the medication with morning coffee or tea. According to FDA prescribing information, Wegovy tablets should be taken on an empty stomach with up to 4 ounces of water — and no other liquids. Patients should wait at least 30 minutes before consuming food, other beverages or oral medications. As the first FDA-approved oral medication for chronic weight management, the pill has different guidelines than the original injectable options, particularly because absorption through the digestive system can be affected by food and drink. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Dr. Michael Hall, a board-certified physician, longevity specialist and author of "Infinite Youth," confirmed that oral Wegovy should be taken on an empty stomach, only with water. "Coffee, tea, juice or other drinks should not be taken with the pill because they can interfere with how the medicine is absorbed," the Miami Beach, Florida-based doctor told Fox News Digital. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ For oral GLP-1 users, Hall recommends the following morning routine. "Food and beverages other than water, and other oral medicines, can affect absorption if taken too soon," Hall said. "The safest rule is 30 minutes of nothing by mouth except water after the tablet." The expert added that GLP-1 medications can also slow stomach emptying, which can impact how other oral medications are absorbed. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Fox News senior medical analyst Dr. Marc Siegel agreed that a GLP-1 pill should not be taken with caffeine, but only on an empty stomach with water. While drinking tea throughout the day generally does not interfere with oral GLP-1s or block their absorption, patients should consult their physicians, Siegel told Fox News Digital. The doctor added that certain teas, like green, black and white teas, can help support digestion, while ginger and peppermint tea can help alleviate nausea. Fox News Digital reached out to Wegovy maker Novo Nordisk for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f6302c5335ae1048b1f4 Veterans have waited long enough te 2026-08-19T18:30:08.505Z Veterans have waited long enough Matt Kenney In 2014, the country learned something that veterans in Phoenix already knew: the system that was supposed to care for them was failing.  The Phoenix VA scandal exposed veterans waiting months for medical appointments while employees manipulated scheduling records to make wait times appear shorter. An investigation identified approximately 1,700 veterans in Phoenix who were waiting for care but were not even on the official electronic wait list. It was an extraordinary breach of trust. I had returned home from serving as an active-duty Army infantry officer only a few months earlier. Watching what happened in Phoenix pulled me into veterans advocacy. I went to work advocating for VA reform because I could not accept that veterans who kept their commitment to this country were being failed by the institutions responsible for keeping our commitment to them. A lot has changed since 2014. The scandal forced Washington to confront longstanding problems at the VA and helped launch a decade of bipartisan reforms aimed at accountability, access to community care and giving veterans greater control over their health care. Those reforms mattered. But they did not finish the job. Congress now has another opportunity to make meaningful improvements for veterans and their families by passing the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. The legislation brings together more than 60 veterans’ priorities, addressing health care, disability benefits, mental health, caregivers, surviving spouses, education and the transition to civilian life. Many have been debated and negotiated for years. They don’t need another hearing. They need a vote. One provision I care most about is the Major Richard Star Act. Today, some veterans medically retired because of combat-related injuries cannot receive the full military retirement pay and VA disability compensation they would otherwise be entitled to receive.  In effect, the injury that ended their military career can also prevent them from receiving the full benefits associated with that career. That has never made sense to me. Retirement pay recognizes military service.  Disability compensation recognizes an injury incurred because of that service. They are two different things. If an American goes to war and suffers a combat-related injury that ends his or her career, that veteran should not receive less because the injury prevented them from making it to 20 years. The Richard Star Act would help fix that inequity. But it is only one part of a much larger bill. The Take Care of America’s Veterans Act also addresses veterans’ access to care, mental health and addiction treatment, support for surviving spouses and caregivers, and dozens of other issues that rarely make national headlines but matter enormously to the people affected by them. There are legitimate disagreements about portions of this legislation. Good. Work them out. That’s the job. I don’t expect Congress to pass a major piece of legislation without debating its cost or consequences.  With a national debt that threatens our long-term security, I want lawmakers asking hard questions about federal spending. But fiscal responsibility also means understanding the difference between making a new promise and honoring an old obligation. Veterans benefits are not charity. When the United States sends a young man or woman to war, some costs don’t appear until years or decades later. They appear as disability claims, cancer treatments, mental health care, caregiver needs and survivor benefits.  Those costs don’t stop being costs of war simply because they appear in the VA budget instead of the Pentagon’s. I think often about the generation that answered the call after September 11. My generation. The lesson I took from Phoenix in 2014 was simple: promises to veterans mean very little unless someone is willing to fight to make government keep them. More than a decade later, that principle hasn’t changed.  Nobody needs to pretend the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act is perfect. If something needs to be changed, change it. If lawmakers have a legitimate concern, resolve it. But don’t use imperfection as an excuse to do nothing.  Congress has an opportunity to build on more than a decade of veterans reform and deliver meaningful improvements for veterans, caregivers, survivors and military families. Finish the negotiations. Find the votes. Pass the Take Care of America’s Veterans Act. Matt Kenney is a veteran advocate, combat veteran and former member of the Arizona Veterans’ Advisory Commission.  The post Veterans have waited long enough first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f62b2c5335ae1048b1d9 Investigadora de la UA desarrolla un marco ético para datos de tribus te 2026-08-19T18:30:03.565Z Investigadora de la UA desarrolla un marco ético para datos de tribus Leer en inglés Stephanie Russo Carroll ha pasado dos décadas observando cómo personas ajenas a las comunidades indígenas toman elementos de estas sin permiso: desde ceremonias de cabañas de sudor vendidas en retiros de bienestar hasta datos genéticos de una tribu utilizados para investigaciones que nunca fueron aprobadas. Ahora, ha desarrollado un marco de trabajo destinado a poner fin a esta situación. Para Carroll, la lucha no es algo abstracto. Es personal, profesional y, en ocasiones, ha llegado directamente a su propia bandeja de entrada. Carroll, quien pertenece al pueblo Ahtna y es ciudadana de la Native Village of Kluti-Kaah en Alaska, además de tener ascendencia siciliana, es directora del Collaboratory for Indigenous Data Governance de la Universidad de Arizona y profesora asociada de Comunidad, Medio Ambiente y Políticas Públicas. Asimismo, es miembro fundador de U.S. Indigenous Data Sovereignty Network y de la Global Indigenous Data Alliance, y preside a nivel mundial el Equity for Indigenous Research and Innovation Coordinating Hub.. Trabajó en el ámbito de la gobernanza indígena durante más de 20 años antes de obtener su doctorado en salud pública. Durante ese tiempo, Carroll observó que los departamentos tribales a menudo no compartían datos entre sí; según ella, esto dificultaba comunicar sus necesidades de manera que cumplieran con los estándares gubernamentales de registro estadístico y financiación. También descubrió que muchos gobiernos tribales desconocían las leyes federales relativas al intercambio de información sanitaria protegida, lo que agravaba aún más la falta de coherencia. Enseñar a los gobiernos tribales a gestionar y compartir eficazmente sus propios datos se convirtió en el punto de partida de la labor de Carroll con los datos de las naciones indígenas. Sin embargo, el acceso y el intercambio de estadísticas tribales no son el único foco de atención de Carroll. También le preocupa la ética en la recopilación y el uso de dichos datos; sostiene que el conocimiento, la lengua y la cultura indígenas solo deben recopilarse con consentimiento, comprensión cultural y beneficio mutuo, y que los investigadores no indígenas deben garantizar la exactitud de los datos que recaban. "Es una cuestión ética, porque los pueblos indígenas, las naciones tribales y las comunidades indígenas tienen derechos y responsabilidades respecto al cuidado de sus conocimientos, lenguas e información," declaró Carroll al El Foco de Tucson. "Los sistemas creados en este país, así como muchas otras estructuras coloniales, no están diseñados para respetar ni siquiera para cumplir con esos derechos y responsabilidades." Tu membresía permite remunerar a periodistas emergentes para que cubran el sur de Arizona como se merece. Stephanie Russo Carroll ayudó a desarrollar los principios CARE en 2020, un marco diseñado para proteger el conocimiento, la cultura y los datos indígenas frente a la explotación. Cortesía de la UA. Carroll no tiene que buscar muy lejos para encontrar un ejemplo. Las cabañas de sudoración ilustran por qué esto es importante. Durante milenios, han servido como una práctica sagrada, privada y medicinal. Hoy en día, es común ver anuncios de "cabañas de sudoración" en retiros de bienestar, centros de recuperación y otros negocios no tribales; una práctica que, según Carroll, contraviene los valores indígenas tradicionales y subraya la necesidad de contar con conocimientos culturales sobre cómo se emplean estas prácticas. Muchas de las personas que estudiaron y ahora ofrecen esta práctica nunca solicitaron permiso ni reconocieron la autoría de las naciones indígenas de las que la tomaron, dejando a dichas comunidades fuera de las decisiones sobre el uso de sus conocimientos y de los beneficios derivados de los mismos. Algunos actores externos se han lucrado con la práctica, mientras que las comunidades de origen no han recibido reconocimiento ni beneficio alguno. Patrones similares se han observado en los sectores farmacéutico, de gestión ambiental y de gobernanza. Para abordar estas cuestiones, Carroll ayudó a desarrollar en 2020 un nuevo marco para la gestión de datos indígenas denominado CARE (siglas en inglés de Beneficio Colectivo, Autoridad para Controlar, Responsabilidad y Ética). Estos principios están diseñados para complementar los estándares de datos científicos existentes y atender las necesidades específicas de las comunidades indígenas. El "beneficio colectivo" refleja la idea de que las naciones indígenas pueden utilizar sus datos no solo para generar ingresos muy necesarios, sino también para mejorar la salud y el bienestar de todos los parientes, tanto humanos como no humanos. La Global Indigenous Data Alliance describe el beneficio colectivo como algo que incluye "el derecho a generar valor a partir de los datos indígenas de maneras fundamentadas en las cosmovisiones indígenas y que aprovechen las oportunidades dentro de la economía del conocimiento." La "autoridad para controlar" tiene como objetivo proteger a las naciones indígenas de la explotación y evitar la difusión de interpretaciones erróneas de los conocimientos culturales. Este principio también otorga a las naciones y pueblos indígenas la capacidad de establecer salvaguardas sobre cómo se utilizan sus datos; un aspecto que Carroll destaca al referirse al caso en que la Universidad Estatal de Arizona (ASU) utilizó información genética de la tribu Havasupai. En 2010, ASU llegó a un acuerdo para resolver una demanda tras haber utilizado información genética del pueblo Havasupai sin su consentimiento. Los investigadores habían empleado las muestras para probar teorías, incluidas algunas de índole racista, que iban mucho más allá de lo que los Havasupai habían autorizado al dar su consentimiento. Casos como este, señaló Carroll, demuestran por qué es necesaria la capacidad de controlar los datos indígenas para evitar que actores malintencionados hagan un uso indebido de ellos. El principio de "responsabilidad" de los principios CARE reafirma el derecho de los pueblos, comunidades y naciones indígenas a ser los responsables de cómo se recopilan, utilizan y transfieren sus datos. Dicho principio cobra especial relevancia para Carroll a raíz de su propia experiencia durante la pandemia de COVID-19, cuando las tribus estaban obligadas a reportar datos con mayor frecuencia y bajo modalidades distintas a las exigidas a las agencias locales y estatales; una situación que derivó en una filtración de información que llegó a su bandeja de entrada. "No sé si se compartió a propósito o por error, pero se envió por correo electrónico en una hoja de cálculo de Excel," comentó Carroll. El medio The Hill informó que el incidente se debió a un error de un empleado. Se filtraron datos sobre tenencia de tierras, gastos, población e información de contacto de representantes tribales a terceros, incluidas otras tribus, según lo reportado por dicho medio. El principio de responsabilidad sostiene que los propietarios de los datos deben ser quienes se encarguen de su custodia y difusión. Para Carroll, todo se reduce a una idea sencilla: las personas a las que se refieren los datos deben tener la última palabra sobre el destino de los mismos. Carroll espera que estas nuevas normas éticas sirvan de marco para futuras políticas y aporten legitimidad a las naciones indígenas que enfrentan desafíos relacionados con su soberanía. Katherine Martinez es una estudiante de periodismo de ascendencia Kickapoo-Potawatomi en la Universidad de Arizona y pasante en El Foco de Tucson. Puede contactarla en martinezk29@arizona.edu. 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/6a85f3da2c5335ae1048b183 Incumbents sent packing at near-record pace as scandals, socialists and Trump roil primaries te 2026-08-19T18:20:10.651Z Incumbents sent packing at near-record pace as scandals, socialists and Trump roil primaries Republican Rep. Cory Mills of Florida, facing a pair of controversies, is the latest in a growing list of congressional incumbents sent packing in party primaries this year. Twelve House members and two senators have been ousted in the 2026 midterms as they bid for renomination, according to the Center for Politics at the University of Virginia. "It’s one of the highest numbers in decades in a non-national redistricting year," Center for Politics Communications Director Kyle Kondik told Fox News Digital. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Kondik noted that "the years that the number was higher are years that end in the number two, which are full national redistricting years. This was a partial redistricting year, but it’s a very high number historically." While the rare but not unheard of redistricting push over the past year contributed to some of the losses by incumbents, there were plenty of other factors. Those include incumbents wounded by scandals, President Donald Trump's moves to oust some GOP lawmakers, the increasing push by Democrats for generational change, and the successful movement by the far-left to target more moderate, establishment-backed Democrats in nomination showdowns. Democratic Rep. Shri Thanedar of Michigan was defeated earlier this month by a left-wing challenger, state Rep. Donavan McKinney, who is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA). Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman of New York was ousted in the state's June primary by progressive challenger Brad Lander, a former New York City comptroller who was backed by socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Rep. Adriano Espaillat of New York, a Democrat who serves as Congressional Hispanic Caucus chair, was defeated by community organizer and activist Darializa Avila Chevalier, a DSA member who was also supported by Mamdani. Age was also a factor in the race, as the 32-year-old Chevalier ousted the 71-year-old Espaillat. Ideology and age were also key ingredients in DSA-member Melat Kiros' victory over more moderate Democratic Rep. Diana Degette of Colorado, who has served in the House for nearly three decades. Age and the push for fresh faces fueled a victory by 38-year-old Democratic Rep. Christian Menefee, who won a special congressional election earlier this year, over Rep. Al Green, a fellow Democrat who turns 79 next month. The two incumbents faced off for a House seat redrawn through a Texas Republican redistricting push. CHECK OUT THE LATEST FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS IN THE MIDTERM RACES Redistricting in Texas also forced Democratic Rep. Julie Johnson into a showdown in the state's 33rd Congressional District against her predecessor, former Rep. Colin Allred, which Allred won in a runoff election. Generational change was the key factor as 47-year-old former Mayor Luke Bronin of Hartford, Connecticut, scored a victory in the Democratic primary over nearly 30-year congressional veteran Rep. John Larson, who is 78. Trump played a key role in the ouster of Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana earlier this year. Cassidy was one of a handful of Republican who voted to convict Trump during his second impeachment trial five years ago. Meanwhile, longtime Republican Sen. John Cornyn was defeated in the Texas GOP Senate nomination runoff election in late May by state Attorney General Ken Paxton, a MAGA firebrand and major supporter of the president. Trump stayed neutral during the year-long bitter battle, but endorsed Paxton at the last minute ahead of the runoff. 10 HOUSE INCUMBENT LAWMAKERS WHO SAW THEIR 2026 RE-ELECTION BIDS END IN PRIMARY DEFEAT Rep. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, a very vocal Republican Trump critic, lost his renomination bid to former Navy SEAL Ed Gallrein, who was backed by the president. Republican Rep. Dan Crenshaw of Texas went down to defeat a more conservative challenger, state Rep. Steve Toth, who cast the incumbent as anti-Trump. While the president remained neutral in the race, Toth was supported by conservative firebrand Sen. Ted Cruz. Republican Rep. Andy Ogles of Tennessee lost the renomination despite having Trump's endorsement. Ogles, saddled by controversial comments and social media posts in recent years, was defeated by former Tennessee Agriculture Commissioner Charlie Hatcher, who was backed by Gov. Bill Lee, former Gov. Bill Haslam and other prominent Republicans including former Trump Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue. In Florida, Mills was topped by Ryan Elijah, a former local television news and sports reporter, in a four-way GOP primary in the right-leaning 7th Congressional District. Elijah repeatedly targeted Mills over the House Ethics Committee investigation into the congressman, and the restraining order placed against Mills by a judge last year after a former girlfriend said that the two-term lawmaker threatened to release sexually explicit videos of her. Mills, an Army veteran and former military contractor, denied the allegations, but faced bipartisan calls to resign. An endorsement earlier this year from President Donald Trump wasn't enough to save him in Tuesday's primary. Meanwhile, earlier this year, GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales of Texas , who had advanced to a runoff election, quit his race after admitting to an affair with a former staffer who died by suicide. Facing heavy pressure from House leaders, he resigned from Congress entirely weeks later. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f3d52c5335ae1048b15a Carrillo returns to coaching NPA boys soccer with work to rebuild team te 2026-08-19T18:20:05.140Z Carrillo returns to coaching NPA boys soccer with work to rebuild team Coconino boys soccer coach Erik Carrillo is also coaching at NPA this fall season, returning to where his high school coaching career started. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f1852c5335ae1048b120 Angel Reese 'didn't sleep' after blowing game-winning layup against Fever, smirking Caitlin Clark te 2026-08-19T18:10:13.542Z Angel Reese 'didn't sleep' after blowing game-winning layup against Fever, smirking Caitlin Clark Missed layups are part of basketball, even at the professional level, but not all missed layups are equal, and Angel Reese may understand that reality more than any other player in the WNBA. The three-time All-Star is no stranger to missing layups – it comes with the territory as a post position player – but she's also been on the receiving end of plenty of criticism for her, let's call them efforts, underneath the basket. One of her most recent bricked layup attempts carried more weight than others, and she admitted it weighed on her in a major way. With her Atlanta Dream team knotted up with the Indiana Fever 81-81 in the fourth quarter on Sunday, Reese found herself with an opportunity to win the game with just seconds remaining. She missed the layup, the game went to overtime, and Caitlin Clark's Fever got the last laugh, 95-91. ANGEL REESE ADMITS SHE WAS 'PLAYING LIKE S---' BEFORE HELPING DREAM BUILD HALFTIME LEAD OVER FEVER "I didn’t sleep, and the competitor in me wanted to win that game so bad," Reese recalled of the missed game-winner following the Dream's win over the Las Vegas Aces on Tuesday. "I replayed that play so many times, but I’m like: Why would I let one moment dictate everything else that I have going on that is positive?" Reese scored 15 points and snagged 14 rebounds in the loss to the Fever over the weekend, but the double-double wasn't memorable as the missed layup or Clark being caught on camera smirking after the failed game-winning attempt. CAITLIN CLARK HELPS WNBA SHATTER ANOTHER TV RATINGS RECORD AS FEVER-DREAM DRAWS MASSIVE AUDIENCE Reese made it a point to try and flush the bad ending against the Fever before her team's eventual win over the Aces on Tuesday. "It would have been negative for me not to come out tonight and just bounce back, and I knew they expected it from me — so just being able to do it obviously against [A'ja Wilson], trying to deflect as many passes as I can," Reese said after the Dream's win over Las Vegas. "I mean, she’s going to get her shots up, of course. But just knowing my spots and how great I am defensively to put pressure on her." Wilson scored 27 points and recorded 14 rebounds in the Aces' 97-82 loss against Reese and the Dream. Reese leads the WNBA in rebounding this season, averaging 12 per contest, and has notched 24 double-doubles in 34 games. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f1842c5335ae1048b117 Yankees favored on the moneyline against Orioles as Baltimore's postseason hopes fade further te 2026-08-19T18:10:12.755Z Yankees favored on the moneyline against Orioles as Baltimore's postseason hopes fade further It was another loss on my record yesterday, and that makes three straight, which, unfortunately, means I'm on a losing streak. It isn't quite a slump yet, and we've had a really good stretch over the last month or so. Still, I never like losing, especially when I'm on the right side of two games, but took the run line instead of the moneyline. I'm going to hope we can dodge that same fate today in a game between the New York Yankees and the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees are still staying afloat. They are currently 15 games above .500, but they are looking up at the Tampa Bay Rays in their own division. If you're a Yankee fan, you have to wonder where the team would be if Aaron Judge never got hurt. The problem is that it seems Judge gets injured every season. As great as he is, if he isn't on the field, he obviously cannot make an impact. They have a lot more injuries than just Judge at the moment. Cody Bellinger is injured, Giancarlo Stanton is out, and Max Fried went on the injured list when Carlos Rodon got off of it. AARON JUDGE OFFICIALLY OUT INDEFINITELY WITH STRESS FRACTURE IN HUGE BLOW TO YANKEES' TITLE HOPES No one will feel bad for the team — everyone has to deal with injuries. Today, the Yankees send out Will Warren to the hill. He has an 8-6 record with a 4.42 ERA and a 1.41 WHIP. He isn't someone that you'd really want to rely on to win you a postseason game, but being a fourth or fifth starter is a good role for him. He has been about the same on the road as he has been at home this season. Warren has been solid against Baltimore this season. He has made two starts against the Orioles, and he has only allowed three earned runs over 12 innings. The Orioles are creeping toward .500 baseball for the season, but it is likely too little, too late. The team came in with big expectations considering that they signed Pete Alonso in the offseason. He has been the lone bright spot for the team, leading them in all three major categories. It wasn't just a bad start for the club; it was a bad first half of games. In their first 81 games, the team went 38-43. Not too much different than where they are overall at the moment, but they were nine games under .500 on July 8th. Since then, they've gone 19-15. There is still an outside chance they can get hot enough to make the postseason. STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW! Hoping to push their roll a bit further is tonight's starter, Chris Bassitt. For the season, Bassitt is 4-4 with a 5.11 ERA and a 1.62 WHIP. He has been substantially better in Baltimore than he has been on the road, throwing to a 3.09 ERA at home compared to 7.28 on the road. He has made only 13 appearances and 11 starts this season. None of those outings have come against the Yankees. He made his return to action just five days ago against the Rays, going 5.1 innings and allowing two earned runs. Yankees hitters have been successful against him, batting .272 overall. It seems like this is a good opportunity to take the Yankees. Warren has been very good against Baltimore this season, and Bassitt has a rough history against the Bronx Bombers. Bassitt has been better in Baltimore, but I don't feel like this is a great spot to trust him. He is in just his second game back from injury, and I think we need to fade him a bit here. Give me the Yankees to take this one at -118. For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f1832c5335ae1048b10e Tim Robbins urges Democrats to drop outrage and 'get their stuff together' te 2026-08-19T18:10:11.915Z Tim Robbins urges Democrats to drop outrage and 'get their stuff together' Tim Robbins has a blunt message for Democrats. The Oscar winner criticized the state of Democratic politics, arguing that the party needs to stop leaning so heavily on the opposition. "I personally am not a happy guy with either [party]," Robbins said of the political landscape. "I got to say, there got to be better ideas and better, you know, better motivation for people to vote for Democrats. They have to get their stuff together. They really do." TIM ROBBINS TURNS TO AYAHUASCA AFTER FEELING 'CONSUMED BY ANGER' OVER CANCEL CULTURE The "Shawshank Redemption" star offered his assessment of the Democratic Party during an appearance on the "SmartLess" podcast with Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes and Will Arnett. Robbins, 67, reflected on his 1992 directorial debut, "Bob Roberts," a  about a conservative politician who uses folk music and media savvy to build his public persona. Robbins said the film's themes have taken on new resonance in today's political climate. "Yeah. Yes. It's weird," Robbins said when asked whether he had ever looked back on the movie and realized how prescient it was. The actor recalled that when he was promoting the film, journalists frequently asked whether the movie was about then-President George H.W. Bush, who was seeking re-election against Bill Clinton. "I said, 'Well yeah, he's actually in the film. You know, there's clips of him in the film, but it also could be about, you know, the Gore Vidal character, too. It could be about why change doesn't happen.’" Robbins argued that people can use political outrage as a substitute for purpose by waking up, checking their phones and immediately looking for the latest person or political development to hate. KELSEY GRAMMER SUSPECTS HE 'MAY HAVE' LOST HOLLYWOOD ROLES DUE TO CONSERVATIVE VIEWS "The idea that you can find your worth and purpose and virtue by hatred is this terrible, terrible idea," Robbins said. "The idea that if the source of your hatred is a particular person you don't know, it's even a worse idea. You're battling a concept or an idea or a philosophy. You're not dealing with an individual." Robbins said the phenomenon isn't confined to one side of the political aisle. "So I feel like there's too many people that wake up agitated about political figures … on either side and it's not a good way to start your day." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "If the first thing you're doing is doomscrolling about something that will make you feel better about your political beliefs, you know, you might try a little yoga, or you might try a little exercise or take a bike ride." The comments come weeks after Robbins discussed his own struggle with political anger and polarization. In July, Robbins said an ayahuasca experience helped him let go of anger he had carried over America's increasingly bitter cultural divide. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Robbins explained that he entered the ayahuasca experience hoping to stop allowing outrage to consume him. "They tell you to go in with an intention," Robbins said during an appearance on "The Joe Rogan Experience." "My intention was to … I was frustrated with feeling anger about what was going on in the world, and I said, 'I want to release that. I don't want to be consumed by that anger.'" Robbins has been a fixture in Hollywood for more than four decades, winning the Academy Award for best supporting actor for 2003's "Mystic River" and starring in films like "The Shawshank Redemption," "Bull Durham" and "Top Gun." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f1832c5335ae1048b105 Former Fauci adviser pleads guilty to conspiring to conceal COVID-19 records te 2026-08-19T18:10:11.176Z Former Fauci adviser pleads guilty to conspiring to conceal COVID-19 records David Morens, a former advisor to Dr. Anthony Fauci and senior official at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), pleaded guilty Tuesday to conspiring to evade records requests involving COVID-19 research grants, FBI Director Kash Patel announced. "After an FBI investigation with our DOJ partners, Dr. Fauci’s associate, David Morens, just pleaded guilty to conspiracy in a scheme to avoid FOIA requests and the Federal Records Act connected to COVID-19 research grants," Patel wrote in a Tuesday post on X. "The FBI uncovered that Morens, Co-Conspirator 1, Co-Conspirator 2, and others conspired during the COVID-19 pandemic to defraud the United States after the National Institutes of Health terminated Co-Conspirator 1’s grant," Patel's post continued. "NIH terminated the grant, 'Understanding the Risk of Bat coronavirus Emergence,' based on allegations that COVID-19 emerged from the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) in Wuhan, China. Mr. Morens and his co-conspirators then agreed in writing to intentionally hide their communications from public view by corresponding through Morens’s personal Gmail account rather than his official NIH email account," Patel also added. RAND PAUL BRINGS CIA WHISTLEBLOWER TO SENATE HEARING ALLEGING 'DEEP STATE' COVID-19 CONSPIRACY The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) indicted Morens in April, charging him with conspiracy, destruction and concealment of federal records and related offenses. FAUCI'S DIARY SHOWS HE FED QUESTIONS TO JOURNALISTS, BUILT FRIENDSHIPS WITH MEDIA FIGURES Morens, it was revealed after the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic acquired his emails, instructed colleagues to circumvent his official NIAID email and communicate with him through his private email address. "This is sent from my gmail account. Please send all replies here To gmail ... There are things I cant say except [Senior NIAID official 1] is aware and I have learned that there are ongoing efforts within NIH to steer through this with minimal damage to you, [Co-Conspirator 1], and colleagues, and to nih and niaid," Morens wrote to a colleague, according to emails released by the committee. FAUCI HELD IN CONTEMPT AS COVID CELLPHONE LANDS IN HANDS OF SENATE INVESTIGATORS In another email Morens wrote to EcoHealth Alliance President Peter Daszak, Morens appeared to recount how a Fauci aide instructed him to delete emails. "I learned from your FOIA lady here now how to make emails disappeared when I am FOIA'ed but before the search starts, so I think we are all safe. Plus, I deleted most of these earlier emails after sending them to Gmail," he wrote in 2021. "In another email, dated 4/21/21, Morens wrote, "I forgot to say, there is no worry about FOIAs. I can either send stuff to Tony on his private email or hand it to him at work or at his house. He is too smart to let colleagues send him stuff that could cause trouble.'' Daszak, who ran the EcoHealth firm that obtained a federal grant to study coronaviruses in China, was debarred from receiving federal grant funding in 2025 after allegedly failing to disclose the grant's role in funding gain-of-function research on viruses. When sentenced on Nov. 12, Morens could face up to five years in prison. "By pleading guilty today, Dr. Morens has taken responsibility for what he did, ​and he will continue to do so," Morens' attorney Timothy Belevetz said in a statement, according to NBC News. Fox News Digital contacted Morens' attorney, the DOJ and the NIAID for further comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f1822c5335ae1048b0fc DSA’s growing grip on Dem Party hits new territory as establishment falls in line te 2026-08-19T18:10:10.309Z DSA’s growing grip on Dem Party hits new territory as establishment falls in line The Democratic Socialists of America is expanding its influence inside the Democratic Party, as socialist-backed candidates rack up primary wins and establishment Democrats increasingly fall in line behind them. That dynamic is now reaching Georgia, where Sen. Jon Ossoff backed Michigan Democratic Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed after his primary victory, even as Republicans seek to make El-Sayed's socialist support and political associations an issue in Ossoff's own race. The victories are creating a new political vulnerability for Democrats, as party leaders increasingly close ranks behind candidates backed by the left while Republicans try to tie them to the socialist movement’s policies and allies. "The primary is in the past and the nominee has my support," Ossoff said after El-Sayed emerged victorious from Michigan's Democratic primary. BIDEN-WORLD VETERAN ISSUES STARK WARNING ABOUT ABDUL EL-SAYED AS HE CROSSES PARTY LINES The Atlanta DSA chapter also opened its first independent office in August, giving the organization a permanent organizing base in Georgia. Ossoff is not alone. Rep. Haley Stevens, who warned during the Michigan primary that Democrats embracing socialism were "missing" what was at stake, rallied behind El-Sayed after narrowly losing to him. "That's called democracy," Stevens said of backing El-Sayed. "You don't sign up for a Democratic Party to be salty grapes and... just continue to hold a grudge." The post-primary unity gives Republicans a chance to argue that Democrats who once distanced themselves from socialism are now supporting socialist-backed candidates. "Jon Ossoff’s big plan is to abandon Georgia to run for president, but he can’t do that without the support of the communist wing of his party, which calls all the shots. To seek the blessing of the communists, Ossoff knew he had to endorse the Islamo-Marxist [Abdul El-Sayed] in Michigan," Georgia GOP Senate candidate Mike Collins’ campaign adviser Tim Murtaugh told Fox News Digital. "But he must also know that he gets everything that comes along with that, including the dangerous anti-American, racist, anti-Jew, pro-Marxist junk. By wrapping his arms around the most radical elements of his party, Jon Ossoff has embraced the unembraceable," Murtaugh added. Socialists see the same election results very differently. Hartzell Gray, a DSA member and former congressional candidate, called recent primary victories the movement's "scoreboard." "We come with a movement. We cannot be stopped," Gray told Fox News Digital. "And no matter what one person or one personality that's gonna be targeted, there's a whole lot of personalities that are reclaiming our power." Socialist streamer Hasan Piker’s continued association with El-Sayed has come under fire from Republicans and other critics, particularly as Piker faces renewed scrutiny over inflammatory remarks from his past. Piker has faced widespread criticism for saying that "America deserved 9/11" and, in another resurfaced remark, calling to let the streets soak in "red capitalist blood." MICHIGAN DEMOCRAT HALEY STEVENS BACKS EL-SAYED AFTER NARROW PRIMARY DEFEAT, CALLS SOCIALISM ‘DANGEROUS’ Weeks before the primary, El-Sayed was pressed on Piker's remark during an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press." "It was a dumb statement," El-Sayed said, while making clear that he did not believe America deserved the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, but rejected the idea that Piker should be cast aside over it. Piker endorsed and supported Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2020 presidential campaign, and the two have since appeared together at events. Sanders, when previously asked about Piker's 9/11 remark, similarly called it "a dumb statement." Gray also rejected the idea that Piker's rhetoric should make him politically untouchable. HASAN PIKER TORCHED OVER PLAYBOOK TO DODGE HIS PAST CONTROVERSIES: 'BATS--- CRAZY' "I'll tell you right now, if given the chance to go back on, I go on again and again," Gray told Fox News Digital of appearing on Piker's podcast. "I'd be a weekly correspondent. I'll make my own theme song." Gray argued that Piker is helping to "reclaim the American promise" as socialist candidates challenge Democratic establishment figures around the country. PROGRESSIVES WANT TO TAX BILLIONAIRES FIRST, AND YOU'RE NEXT ON THE LIST Gray said "billionaires should not exist," arguing that capitalism itself does not create wealth — working people do. "It is working people who have been exploited along the way that have made our folks successful and whatever that is that that means," Gray said. The socialist movement notched another major victory Tuesday, when DSA member Angie Nixon upset Alex Vindman in Florida's Democratic Senate primary, becoming the party's nominee to face Republican Sen. Ashley Moody in November. Fox News Digital reached out to Sanders, Piker and the DSA for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85f17d2c5335ae1048b0d6 In Wyoming’s G.O.P. Primaries, an Emphatic Rebuke of the Hard Right te 2026-08-19T18:10:05.470Z In Wyoming’s G.O.P. Primaries, an Emphatic Rebuke of the Hard Right The Wyoming Freedom Caucus had ambitions for a total takeover of elected state government. But its candidates were rejected from the governor’s mansion to the Legislature. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ef2c2c5335ae1048b09d Former NBA player Royce White officially declares for 2027 WNBA Draft as league's culture war continues te 2026-08-19T18:00:12.369Z Former NBA player Royce White officially declares for 2027 WNBA Draft as league's culture war continues EXCLUSIVE: Former NBA player and men's college basketball star Royce White has officially declared for the WNBA Draft. White's notice of draft declaration was signed on Monday and sent to the WNBA League office, as seen in a copy obtained by Fox News Digital. The declaration was signed by White's legal counsel, former U.S. Congressman Matt Gaetz. "As of the signing of the attached declaration, Ms. White identifies as a transgender woman. Consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 2026–2033 Collective Bargaining Agreement between the WNBA and the WNBPA, Ms. White affirms her eligibility to be considered for selection on that basis," Gaetz wrote in the notice. "Ms. White further affirms, consistent with Article XIII, Section 1(b)(i), that she will be at least twenty-two (22) years of age during the calendar year of the Draft and has no remaining intercollegiate eligibility. We respectfully request written confirmation of the League's receipt of this notice within ten (10) business days of the date above, and a written determination of Ms. White's eligibility status, including the basis for any determination, at the League's earliest opportunity. We appreciate your attention to this matter and are available to discuss at your convenience." White wrote in the notice, "As of signing this declaration, I identify as a transgender woman." FORMER NBA PLAYER ROYCE WHITE SAYS HE IS DECLARING FOR NEXT WNBA DRAFT AFTER ENES KANTER ANNOUNCEMENT White has provided a statement to Fox News Digital addressing the declaration.  "FBA Trans Lesbains matter and we have a right to exist. We have a right to be included and follow our dreams. Thank you to all the Americans that are supporting me, it does not go unnoticed," White said.  Fox News Digital has reached out to the WNBA for a response to White's declaration, and is awaiting a response. White announced he would be declaring for the WNBA Draft in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital on Aug. 7. The announcement came hours after fellow former NBA star Enes Kanter Freedom announced on social media he would be declaring for the WNBA Draft. "I'm transgender. I'm a woman. I identify as sometimes identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I'll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027 as well," White said that day. White said only the league could end his challenge by stating its position plainly on the subject of males playing in women's sports. "I think the WNBA could come out and make a definitive statement about guys with a pair of balls playing in the Women’s Association," he said. Asked whether he would proceed unless the league did make such a statement, White replied, "Oh, no, I’m declaring. And I don’t want to be discriminated against. I want fair treatment. I’m a young Black, hopefully United States Senator that would like a fair chance to participate as a sometimes-identifying-as-a-transgender-woman athlete." White also suggested that he would pursue legal action if he goes undrafted and is not signed to a team. WNBA COMMISSIONER CATHY ENGELBERT SENDS TRANS INCLUSION MEMO AFTER ENES FREEDOM, ROYCE WHITE ANNOUNCEMENTS "I have to file a discrimination lawsuit, right? I mean, that's, that's ridiculous," he said. "We're gonna have to have a huge legal battle about discrimination if I can't play." White never scored a point in the NBA, only playing nine total minutes across 3 games for the Sacramento Kings, but was a star in college for Iowa State. During the 2011-12 college basketball season, White led the Cyclones in points, rebounds, assists, blocks, and steals while earning All-Big 12 First Team honors and a 16th overall pick in the NBA Draft. White was running for U.S. Senate at the time of the announcement, and recently lost his primary bid for a U.S. Senate seat in Minnesota on Aug. 11, finishing behind former Michele Tafoya. This followed his earlier 2024 general election defeat when he won the Republican nomination but lost the state's Senate race to incumbent Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar. STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW! White and Freedom's announcements have thrust the WNBA further into the cultural debate over transgender athletes in women's sports. After Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham publicly shared her stance in supporting the protection of women's sports from biological males in July, rallies in support of Cunningham have followed the Fever to most of their games since the All-Star break, which has also prompted pro-trans counterprotesters to attend the events as well. The eighth rally in support of Cunningham is planned to take place in Dallas on Thursday ahead of the Fever's game against the Wings, and the ninth rally is planned to take place in New York City on Saturday ahead of the Fever's game against the Liberty. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ef2a2c5335ae1048b08b Here are the eight ballot measures Arizona voters will decide in November te 2026-08-19T18:00:10.702Z Here are the eight ballot measures Arizona voters will decide in November A sign directing voters to a polling location on the Navajo Nation on July 30, 2024. (Photo by Shondiin Silversmith/Arizona Mirror) After a flurry of cases were decided Tuesday by the Arizona Supreme Court, the November ballot is set and voters will be deciding the fate of eight different ballot measures. One result of the expedited appeals that the high court decided this week is that voters won’t have any direct say over how Arizona’s universal school voucher program will or won’t be regulated in the future.  Public school advocates saw their dreams of imposing strict new guardrails on the voucher system dashed when the Supreme Court ruled in a way that left them short of the minimum number of valid signatures to qualify for the ballot. And in a separate case, the justices rejected a ploy by Republican lawmakers to amend the Arizona Constitution to effectively permanently bar future changes to the universal voucher system if there is any negative impact to military families who are in the legacy portion of the Empowerment Scholarship Account program. Another proposed constitutional change that GOP legislators pushed as retribution against the Arizona Education Association, the state’s largest teachers union, for backing the voucher-reform initiative was thrown off the ballot last month after a judge concluded that it improperly also would have outlawed unions representing police officers and fire fighters. Here are the eight ballot measures remaining: Proposition 141 — Ban on vehicle-miles-traveled taxes Amends the Arizona Constitution to bar all levels of government from imposing a tax or fee based on vehicle miles traveled, or monitoring those miles. The proposal seeks to preemptively eliminate possible replacements to the gas tax that currently pays for road construction and maintenance, but which is underfunded both because the tax has not increased in decades and the proliferation of electric vehicles and fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles. Proposition 142 — Anti-DEI amendment Amends the Arizona Constitution to add prohibitions targeting diversity, equity and inclusion efforts. It would bar public institutions from compelling endorsement of race-based preferences or DEI/intersectionality tenets, and from spending public money on offices that promote race-based preferential treatment. It includes carve-outs for coursework, research, student groups and instruction about events like slavery and the Holocaust. Proposition 144 — “Fast Election Results Act” Amends the Arizona Constitution to include a series of election reforms: only citizens may vote; foreign nationals may not contribute anything of value to influence an Arizona election; and every voter must show government-issued ID before casting a ballot “whether voting in person or by any other method.” The provisions limiting voting to citizens and requiring voter ID at polling places are already in state law; it is unclear how voters would show their ID if they vote by mail, as more than 70% of voters do. Proposition 316 — Cap on local grocery taxes Amends state law to cap municipal sales taxes on food for home consumption at 2% and requires voter approval for new or increased taxes; cities and towns already above 2% are frozen at their current rate rather than rolled back. Proposition 317 — Drug cartels as terrorist organizations Amends state law to declare drug cartels terrorist organizations and direct the Arizona Department of Homeland Security to act against them. The text includes a clause stating nothing in it supports an alien’s asylum claim, and ties its findings to Proposition 314, which voters approved last year, and the “actually invaded” constitutional language. Proposition 318 — Anti-trans “Protect Girls’ Sports Act” Amends state law to expand the existing statute banning transgender students from playing on the gender-appropriate K-12 or college sports team to require that teams be designated by biological sex (per original birth certificate) beginning in 2027. Additionally, the law would be expanded to bar schools from letting transgender students use the bathroom that matches their gender identity, something Republican lawmakers have failed to add to state law for more than a decade. The provisions would now also apply to private “athletic associations,” like Little League, not just Arizona schools. Proposition 319 — Photo-enforcement voter approval Amends state law to require local governments and agencies to win voter approval to keep operating speed- and red-light cameras, unless under contract by Dec. 31, 2026. If voters approve the cameras, that authorization lasts for 10 years, after which voters must once again vote on their use.  Proposition 320 — 60% direct-instructional-spending mandate Amends state law to require large school districts (those with at least 7,500-plus students) and all districts in Maricopa and Pima counties to spend at least 60% of operational dollars on direct classroom instruction, phased in over several years, with escalating cuts to a district’s Classroom Site Fund if it doesn’t comply. The Auditor General reported that, on average, 52.1 cents of every dollar currently ends up classified as instruction, the lowest in two decades of that report. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ef242c5335ae1048b06e U of A ranks among nation's top university-affiliated business incubators te 2026-08-19T18:00:04.202Z U of A ranks among nation's top university-affiliated business incubators U of A ranks among nation's top university-affiliated business incubators lburtchbuus Wed, 19 Aug 2026 - 10:31 U of A ranks among nation's top university-affiliated business incubators Today The University of Arizona was recognized by TI Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ecd22c5335ae1048b025 Socialist bigwig blasts the wealthy while living in $1.4M Brooklyn brownstone with eyebrow-raising backstory te 2026-08-19T17:50:10.098Z Socialist bigwig blasts the wealthy while living in $1.4M Brooklyn brownstone with eyebrow-raising backstory The co-chair of New York City’s Democratic Socialists of America has railed against the wealthy and championed the working class — while living in a roughly $1.4 million Brooklyn home purchased and renovated by his parents. Property records show that a family LLC purchased the Bed-Stuy home in 2019. Gordillo’s father, a Peruvian immigrant and successful businessman, told the New York Post that he renovated the property and allows his two sons, including the DSA co-chair, to live there. The arrangement has drawn scrutiny because Gordillo has become a prominent voice in New York City’s democratic socialist movement while criticizing wealth, high investment returns and the affordability pressures facing working-class residents. Critics say his living arrangement — in a valuable Brooklyn property purchased and renovated by his family — undercuts that message and highlights the contrast between his political rhetoric and the financial advantages provided by his family. DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST HEADED FOR $142K LEGISLATURE SALARY BEGS FOR RENT HANDOUT, DELETES POST AFTER BACKLASH "Nothing says working class like a $1.4M townhouse your daddy bought you," New York City Councilwoman Joann Ariola wrote on X. Gordillo, a Yale graduate with an art degree, lists his occupation as a "union electrician" on social media. Gordillo attracted controversy in July when he told Fox News that the DSA doesn’t "think that anyone should have a constitutional right to double-digit returns on their investment." His father’s business success helped provide the family with the means to purchase and renovate the Brooklyn property in an increasingly expensive New York City FRUSTRATED BLUE-COLLAR UNION BOSSES RIP SOCIALIST POLITICIANS, WARN OF LABOR EXODUS FROM DEM PARTY "I am shocked, just shocked that the co-chair of the NY Socialist party lives like a king in [the] $1 million+ home his parents bought for him in cool Bed-Stuy," former New York State Senate candidate Maria Danzillo wrote. "Who would have ever guessed that a [New York City DSA] gentrifier doesn’t have to worry about paying rent or any of the other mundane problems actual working class people have to contend with?" In February, Gordillo complained that "millionaires don't actually leave New York the way other income groups do," arguing that it was unfair that lower income people and minorities were being priced out of the city. INSIDE THE LAVISH LIFESTYLE OF ULTRA-WEALTHY DEM ENDORSED BY TOP BERNIE SANDERS GROUP "Not only did DSA co-chair Gustavo Gordillo's parents buy him this rowhouse, they converted it from a two family and renovated it into a luxury single-family home for him," New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino said on X. "Exactly the kind of 'greed' the DSA rails against on a daily basis, and reducing valuable housing inventory by one more unit, which is supposedly something the DSA cares very deeply about." Gordillo and his father did not respond to requests for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Wednesday. "In Dostoevsky’s novel ‘The Possessed,’ it was the sons of rich boomers who were the most in love with socialism. Not the poor. The more things change, the more things stay the same," Manhattan Institute senior fellow Rob Henderson wrote on X. Gordillo acknowledged his wealthy upbringing in an August interview with the New York Times, squaring the apparent gap between his affluence and ideology by arguing that the democratic socialist project seeks to "build a world" where his parent’s success story is "not exceptional." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85eccd2c5335ae1048b001 Driver Kills Two College Cyclists in Tennessee, Officials Say te 2026-08-19T17:50:05.101Z Driver Kills Two College Cyclists in Tennessee, Officials Say Milligan University said two members of its cycling team had been killed. Five others were injured, officials said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ea782c5335ae1048afc0 Gage Jump's strong road ERA and Seth Lugo's five straight home quality starts point to under 9 in Kansas City te 2026-08-19T17:40:08.730Z Gage Jump's strong road ERA and Seth Lugo's five straight home quality starts point to under 9 in Kansas City We are just about three weeks from the official start of the NFL season, and I'm super excited for the opportunity to bet on some pigskin. Before we get to that point, we have about five weeks left of the baseball season. Then the NFL will be in full swing, and the MLB will be looking at the playoffs. In addition, we will get the start of basketball. What a great time! Before we get there, though, we want to get some money in the bank, and we will do that with a game between the Athletics and Royals. The Athletics are one of the worst teams in baseball, which is a bit frustrating because they made some good progress last year. This season, they are almost 30 games under .500 and have a chance to be the worst team in baseball. I'm not sure there is one single thing you can point at as a reason for the failures. Perhaps it is due to injuries - Nick Kurtz and Shane Langeliers have played fewer than 100 games. Maybe it is that their pitching staff has one of the worst ERAs in the game at 5.47 and a 1.50 WHIP. Today, the Athletics send out Gage Jump to the hill in hopes of maybe lowering that team ERA. Jump is 5-7 for the season with a 4.50 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP, so not much better than the overall team marks. Jump is still young, just 23 years old, so this is mostly a development year for him. He has shown strong performances on the road with a 2.60 road ERA. He has made six road starts this season and has allowed just 10 earned runs on the road, with six of them coming in one game. The Kansas City Royals don't have much room to talk, and arguably have been the more disappointing team this season. They are 21 games under .500 this season, but they were expected to win the AL Central division. Even if they weren't going to win it, they were expected to at least be competitive. They have been playing good baseball lately, winning four of the past five games. Offensively, they aren't much different than the Athletics, but the pitching has been slightly better. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW! Tonight, the Royals send out Seth Lugo to the hill. Lugo is 5-7 for the season with a 4.59 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. These aren't the strong numbers that he has put up the past few years. However, he is pitching in the best spot for him. He has a 3.70 home ERA for the year, and he has been better in night games than day games. Lugo hasn't been great lately, but his home starts have stood out. He has five straight quality starts at home. Athletics hitters are batting .273 against him over 22 at-bats. The Royals are probably going to win this game, just based on how hot they've been lately. The Athletics are also very bad on the road. They are bad overall, but couple that with the Royals being .500 at home, it helps make a case for Kansas City. I'm going to back the under 9 instead, though. Jump has been very good on the road, and Lugo has been very reliable at home lately. Give me the under 9 for tonight. For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ea772c5335ae1048afb7 NHL announces plans for 'Hometown Remix' program with new sweaters for all 32 franchises te 2026-08-19T17:40:07.933Z NHL announces plans for 'Hometown Remix' program with new sweaters for all 32 franchises Is there anything quite like the MLB's City Connect jerseys or the NBA's City Edition jerseys to completely confuse the hell out of you when you turn on the game? Nothing makes you think you're hallucinating quite like seeing the Red Sox in yellow or the Mets in purple. But it's a cool way to pay homage to each team's city, and the NHL is getting in on this with the official announcement of their Hometown Remix program in partnership with league jersey supplier Fanatics. NEW YORK ISLANDERS PICK THEIR TOP 8 FAN-DESIGNED JERSEYS AND SOCIAL MEDIA HATES THEM ALL According to the league, Hometown Remix will be Fanatics' first crack at a league-wide jersey program since becoming the official supplier in 2024. The NHL's previous jersey partner, Adidas, produced two editions of the Reverse Retro program — reimagined jerseys from a team's history or their city's broader hockey history — which were well received. The program will also include merchandise featuring the colors and logos of each team's hometown remix, and over the last few months, it's been reported that some teams will have very different looks. SENATORS ARE DEFINITELY NOT STILL BITTER ABOUT BRADY TKACHUK TRADE, LAUNCH LAME JERSEY EXCHANGE PROGRAM The website Icethetics has released an entire graphic with the colors teams are expected to use, and yes, it looks like a pink Panthers (cue the iconic Mancini theme) jersey might finally be coming. There are going to be some absolute classics in this bunch if all of these colors are on the money, but there will also be some that are just hard to accept. A green Blackhawks jersey? It makes me think of an old-school UND hockey jersey. But while the program and some of the details have been swirling for a while, it wasn't clear when the unveiling would come. If you were hoping to see them in the next few weeks (like I was), too bad. The league says more info will come shortly after the 2026-27 season begins. On the plus side, the NHL season starts earlier this year thanks to the new collective bargaining agreement implementing an 84-game schedule. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85e8202c5335ae1048af35 U of A named a 'Best College' by The Princeton Review te 2026-08-19T17:30:08.237Z U of A named a 'Best College' by The Princeton Review U of A named a 'Best College' by The Princeton Review nprevenas Wed, 19 Aug 2026 - 09:49 U of A named a 'Best College' by The Princeton Review Today The University of Arizona is once again featured in The Princeton Review's list of Ameri Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85e81d2c5335ae1048af19 T-Mobile ‘chopped a cable’ to expel Chinese hackers from its network te 2026-08-19T17:30:05.878Z T-Mobile ‘chopped a cable’ to expel Chinese hackers from its network The U.S. phone provider escaped a large-scale breach of its network after identifying Chinese-backed hackers early on. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85e81b2c5335ae1048af10 Meet the startup helping Wall Street put a price on AI compute te 2026-08-19T17:30:03.546Z Meet the startup helping Wall Street put a price on AI compute The AI buildout shows no signs of slowing. And with hundreds of billions of dollars a year going into data centers and GPUs, compute has become the single biggest cost for anyone building AI products. But for all that spending, there still isn’t a straightforward way to put a price on compute — or f Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85e5c92c5335ae1048aeee US Marshals survive deck collapse while serving warrant at sex offender's home te 2026-08-19T17:20:09.159Z US Marshals survive deck collapse while serving warrant at sex offender's home Members of a U.S. Marshals task force surrounding the Missouri home of a convicted sex offender suddenly plunged to the ground when the elevated deck beneath them collapsed as they attempted to serve a warrant, startling video shows. The officers had gathered on the deck at the rear of the home when it suddenly gave way, sending several members of the task force tumbling to the ground below. The subject of the warrant, Jacob Alexander Munoz, 26, was taken into custody later that day, the U.S. Marshals Service said. DEPUTY US MARSHAL FATALLY SHOT WHILE SERVING ARREST WARRANT IN LOUISIANA The Marshals Service said those injured in the collapse are doing well, though some face a longer recovery and could experience lasting effects. "We expect some long-term effects of this incident for a couple of our TFOs [task force officers] and DUSMs [deputy U.S. Marshals] but nothing that will keep them from continuing the mission of the USMS," the agency said. The Randolph County Sheriff’s Office obtained a state warrant in June or July after Munoz, who had been registering as a sex offender following his release, allegedly stopped complying with the terms and conditions of his release, according to the Marshals Service. The Missouri State Highway Patrol Sex Offender Registry currently lists Munoz as a Tier 1 sex offender. His most recent offense is listed as possession of child pornography involving more than 20 images or one film or video. The registry lists the offense date as March 16, 2020, when Munoz was 20 years old, and identifies the victim as a girl between the ages of 9 and 13. The offense occurred in Randolph County, Missouri. Munoz was convicted in 2022, according to the Marshals Service. FBI NABS MORE THAN 350 ALLEGED CHILD SEX ABUSE OFFENDERS Local police had seen multiple guns inside Munoz’s home during an earlier search in 2020, the Marshals Service said. That search was conducted to seize electronic devices and led to the charges that resulted in Munoz’s 2022 conviction, according to the agency. The task force was serving the warrant as part of Operation Adam’s Watch, a nationwide U.S. Marshals effort targeting fugitives whose original charges involved sex crimes. The operation marked the 20th anniversary of the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85e5c82c5335ae1048aee5 ‘Stripper’ Venmo ‘scandal’ makes Dems the punchline as Trump candidate flips script on viral DNC post te 2026-08-19T17:20:08.374Z ‘Stripper’ Venmo ‘scandal’ makes Dems the punchline as Trump candidate flips script on viral DNC post Conservatives mocked criticism of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s son-in-law, Republican congressional candidate Michael Alfonso, over old Venmo payments with suggestive captions, arguing the notes were being taken too literally as Alfonso called the criticism "wildly dishonest" and turned it into a fundraising pitch. A post from the DNC’s social media account, FactPost, went viral this week after highlighting Venmo payments Alfonso made with notes reading "The strippers" and "High supplies." Alfonso responded by sharing screenshots of the payments and saying the captions were jokes. "It’s wildly dishonest to leave out the part where the ‘strippers’ were $5 because—brace yourself—they obviously weren’t actual strippers. You can write literally anything in a Venmo note. This is called a joke—something the humorless left is incapable of comprehending," he wrote. TRUMP-BACKED MICHAEL ALFONSO WINS CROWDED GOP PRIMARY FOR HIS FATHER-IN-LAW'S FORMER WISCONSIN SEAT "Patriots: I would be very grateful for $5 or any amount you can contribute to my campaign. None of the proceeds go to strippers or high supplies—only toward defeating the radical left in November," he wrote. The exchange sparked a broader discussion about Venmo payment captions and the joking or unserious descriptions users may attach to payments, with conservatives arguing that Alfonso’s critics were reading too much into the notes. "I have no idea if there is anything here. I do know that literally not one of my male friends has ever—ever—sent me a Venmo payment with a description that wasn't a joke," said National Review editor Charles C.W. Cooke. "People thinking the Venmo comment line is an actual audit trail," wrote Wisconsin State Representative Calvin Callahan. YOUNG CONSERVATIVES REVEAL WHAT’S TOP OF MIND AS GOP, DEMOCRATS BATTLE FOR 'HOPELESS' GEN Z VOTERS "Yeah, because people who pay strippers totally put that truthfully in Venmo," said one user. "BREAKING: boomers have discovered the Venmo comment section exists," said New York Post correspondent Lydia Moynihan. "This is such a Gen Z ‘scandal’ I’m dying Buckle up, because every incoming member of Congress under 30 is going to have something like ‘heroin — $1’ in their Venmo history," Alfonso’s wife, Evita Duffy-Alfonso, wrote. "The Left can’t meme, can’t take a joke, and then wonders why it keeps losing young men at the ballot box," she added. TWO HOUSE RACES TAKE CENTER STAGE AS CONSERVATIVE PAC LAUNCHES MULTIMILLION-DOLLAR BIG TECH PUSH "One time my wife Venmoed a bunch of our friends for their share of an Airbnb with risqué captions, got banned from the app, and had to call customer service to explain it was just a joke. Unlike the media, Venmo understood and let it go," shared Daily Wire bureau chief Tim Rice. The 26-year-old congressional candidate advanced Aug. 11 in a crowded GOP primary and is set to face Democrat Fred Clark in November. Fox News Digital reached out to Alfonso for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85e3722c5335ae1048ae69 Derek Chauvin targets George Floyd murder conviction with new claims his prosecution was unlawful te 2026-08-19T17:10:10.277Z Derek Chauvin targets George Floyd murder conviction with new claims his prosecution was unlawful Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of killing George Floyd, has again filed a petition to vacate his state murder conviction. On Tuesday, attorneys representing Chauvin filed a motion requesting the Minnesota Court of Appeals to stay his current appeal. Essentially, Chauvin wants the court to pause that appeal so he can send his case back to the local trial court to argue a brand-new claim that his original charges were unlawfully brought against him. NYPD COP FOUND GUILTY OF CHOKEHOLD IN FIRST CONVICTION SINCE RESTRAINT TACTIC BANNED AFTER GEORGE FLOYD DEATH In April 2021, Chauvin was convicted of the 2020 murder of George Floyd. Records show the former officer kneeled on Floyd's neck for nine minutes and 29 seconds while Floyd was face down and handcuffed on the ground; Floyd suffered a fatal lack of oxygen to the brain. 📩 Send me a story idea: kelsie.cairns@fox.com 📸 Instagram: kelsiecairns_tv 🎥 Facebook: Kelsie Cairns ALEX MURDAUGH'S DOUBLE MURDER CONVICTION UNANIMOUSLY OVERTURNED BY SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Back in June, Chauvin's team filed an appeal against a judge's decision denying his petition for post-conviction relief. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS The judge denied Chauvin's entire post-conviction petition on May 1, more than five months after it was initially filed in November 2025. This is Chauvin's third petition for conviction relief. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE SEND US A TIP "Mr. Chauvin became aware of additional violations of Mr. Chauvin’s due process rights in the unlawful assignment of authority by Governor Tim Walz to Attorney General Keith Ellison to prosecute State v. Chauvin," the motion said. VANCE REFERS TIM WALZ, MINNESOTA ATTORNEY GENERAL TO DOJ FOR CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION OVER STATE'S ALLEGED FRAUD The Tuesday motion asks the court to pause Chauvin's pending appeal so the trial court can evaluate new procedural claims—including improper prosecutor assignment, failure to convene a grand jury, lack of court jurisdiction, and judicial bias—which his defense argues amount to non-waivable "structural errors." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Fox News Digital has reached out to the Minnesota Attorney General for comment. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85e11c2c5335ae1048ae10 Trump to nominate Dr Heidi Overton as next FDA commissioner te 2026-08-19T17:00:12.890Z Trump to nominate Dr Heidi Overton as next FDA commissioner President Donald Trump announced Wednesday that he is nominating Heidi Overton, deputy assistant for domestic policy, as the next FDA commissioner. Overton, a physician, is known for her pro-life views and Trump said she has been a "ROCKSTAR" in his administration so far. "Dr. Overton will continue putting AMERICA FIRST, and creating a HEALTHY AMERICA," Trump said in a Truth Social post. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85e1152c5335ae1048adec Prosecutor Reduces Charges Against L.A.P.D. Whistle-Blower After Uproar te 2026-08-19T17:00:05.857Z Prosecutor Reduces Charges Against L.A.P.D. Whistle-Blower After Uproar A Los Angeles officer faced prison for secretly recording colleagues making offensive remarks. The county prosecutor is reducing those charges after critics said they would discourage whistle-blowers. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85dec12c5335ae1048ad5c Who is Angie Nixon? Bullhorn-wielding socialist upsets establishment favorite in Sunshine State stunner te 2026-08-19T16:50:09.080Z Who is Angie Nixon? Bullhorn-wielding socialist upsets establishment favorite in Sunshine State stunner Another Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member just toppled the party establishment’s preferred candidate, this time in Florida. Florida state lawmaker Angie Nixon, who recently disrupted a vote in the Florida Legislature with a bullhorn protest inside the state Capitol, defeated establishment-backed candidate Alexander Vindman. Nixon, a progressive activist and DSA member, defeated the retired Air Force officer by more than 10 percentage points despite Vindman’s $16.3 million campaign war chest, compared with Nixon’s roughly $1 million. Nixon’s viral moment came in April when she took a bullhorn to a legislative fight, walking down the aisle and disrupting proceedings on the Florida House floor during final passage of a redistricting bill backed by Gov. Ron DeSantis. Dressed in a pink jumpsuit and carrying a pink megaphone, Nixon approached the House speaker's dais and shouted to fellow Florida representatives as the final vote was called. She shouted, "This is a violation of the Constitution! It is!" SOCIALISTS CAPTURE MAJOR FLORIDA VICTORY ON HIT-OR-MISS NIGHT FOR TRUMP-ENDORSED PRIMARY CANDIDATES Nixon continued shouting into the bullhorn for the entirety of the vote. She insisted, "What y’all are doing is illegal!" and "I will not allow you to destroy our democracy!" As she shouted, several colleagues could be seen filming her on their phones. The protest did not stop the vote. While she continued shouting, "You are out of order!" and "This is a violation of the Constitution," the Florida House granted final approval of the redistricting bill in an 83-28 vote. A month later, WUSF reported that Nixon was arrested after she refused to leave DeSantis’ office while protesting the redistricting measure. She was released shortly afterward. WUSF previously reported that Nixon self-identified as a member of the DSA. SHOCKING PERCENTAGE OF DEMOCRATS IDENTIFY AS 'DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS' ACCORDING TO NEW POLL: 'TOXIC POLICIES' Nixon also publicly objected to resolutions honoring the late Charlie Kirk. In a September social media post, Nixon called it "BEYOND disrespectful" to honor Kirk because, as she wrote, "that man said some of the most hateful about [sic] Black People and cloaked it in scripture." Nixon claimed that if someone supported honoring Kirk, "you are a tool of white supremacy." After his assassination, Nixon also claimed that Kirk was "homophobic, antisemitic, [and] misogynistic." On her campaign website, Nixon vows to fight for what she calls a "working families guarantee," which she says includes Medicare for all, free childcare, a national rent freeze, a moratorium on evictions and a universal jobs program with inflation-adjusted wages. Her website says the government could pay for the programs by taxing billionaires "so that everyone pays their fair share" and by prioritizing "the needs of everyday Americans instead of spending trillions on war and violence overseas." Nixon also advocates for "abolishing ICE and rebuilding immigration enforcement from scratch." Nixon has said, "I don’t believe any person is illegal, and I don’t believe human beings should be treated as commodities in a system built to punish rather than to heal." On policing, Nixon has called for "demilitarizing policing and investing in community-based public safety, violence prevention and crisis response." SOCIALISTS LAUNCH RADICAL PLATFORM TO ABOLISH THE US SENATE IN BID TO FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORM AMERICA Nixon has also claimed that the U.S. has "fueled the genocide in Palestine." SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Fox News Digital reached out to Nixon and the DSA for comment. Fox News Digital's Peter D'Abrosca contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85dec02c5335ae1048ad53 House Democrat accused of sexual assault after admitting to 'consensual' encounter te 2026-08-19T16:50:08.346Z House Democrat accused of sexual assault after admitting to 'consensual' encounter A sitting House Democrat who's being investigated over sexual relations with a congressional aide is now being accused of assault. One of the women interviewed by the House Ethics Committee for its probe into Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., is disputing his account of a "consensual" affair in what her lawyers are calling a "brazen" example of misconduct. "We represent one of the women who was interviewed by the House Committee on Ethics about her experience of sexual harassment and assault by Representative Jimmy Gomez. Contrary to Representative Gomez’s assertion in his statement, his actions were not ‘consensual in nature’ with respect to our client," the woman's lawyers said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. HOUSE BACKS MASSIE'S PUSH TO RELEASE TAXPAYER-FUNDED SEXUAL HARASSMENT SETTLEMENT RECORDS "We fully expect that the House Committee on Ethics will come to the same conclusion in its investigation." Gomez admitted to making "mistakes outside [his] marriage" in a statement to Fox News Digital earlier this week after the House's internal watchdog announced it was probing him for misconduct. GOP LAWMAKER'S GIFTS, 'EFFUSIVE AFFECTION' TOWARD YOUNG STAFFERS DETAILED IN EXPLOSIVE ETHICS REPORT He said on Monday, "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." But the woman's lawyers said Wednesday that it is "just the latest example of brazen sexual misconduct by a member of Congress." "Congress must act to rein in its members who seem to believe that preying on young women working on Capitol Hill is one of the perks of their job. We will continue to work with our client and with the House Committee on Ethics to ensure there is accountability for Representative Gomez and a safe path for any other survivors to come forward and share their experiences," the lawyers said. Fox News Digital reached out to Gomez's office for a response. He's the latest House lawmaker to be accused of improper relations with a member of congressional staff. His former ally, ex-Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., saw his gubernatorial campaign derailed earlier this year amid allegations of rape. Reps. Tony Gonzales, R-Texas, and Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., both dropped their re-election bids amid backlash over sexual harassment accusations. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85debf2c5335ae1048ad4a AEW's Adam Copeland talks enormous reaction from crowd at Arena México: 'Very blessed and lucky' te 2026-08-19T16:50:07.574Z AEW's Adam Copeland talks enormous reaction from crowd at Arena México: 'Very blessed and lucky' Adam Copeland shared a list of famous venues he wanted to compete in during the next stage of the year earlier this month. The All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star included Arena México in the bullet points as well as Maple Leaf Gardens in Toronto and Tokyo Dome in Japan. Copeland received his chance to compete at Arena México on Aug. 5 when AEW held Grand Slam Mexico at the facility. He competed in an eight-man tag team match with Christian Cage and Matt and Nick Jackson. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON OUTKICK It was the first match of the night and the arena exploded when Alter Bridge’s "Metalingus" blared through the speakers. It was so loud that AEW commentator Tony Schiavone said on his "What Happened When" podcast he never experienced a pop like that in his career. Copeland told Fox News Digital that it was the loudest reaction he felt since he was in WWE and made his return to the ring at the 2020 Royal Rumble. "He had text me. He goes, ‘I've never heard anything like that in my years.’ And that’s saying something, which Schiavone’s heard some stuff, you know, so I was like, ‘Whoa, man.’ And I knew even that night, as I came out, it was one of those where you kind of leave your body for a second and you're there, but you're kind of somewhere else soaking it in," Copeland told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "I don't know how to explain it. The only other time that that's happened was at the (2020) Rumble when I came back. "So, I feel like those two and I mean, I'm very, very blessed and lucky that in this comeback I've had a lot of really great reactions, and the fans have really come out to support and I think also understand like, ‘Hey, this ain't supposed to be happening and this is limited so we better enjoy it while we got it kind of thing,’ and me too. But that one was special. I put a post and I could feel it in my bones like it felt like I was the Memorex guy in that commercial. Like it blew my hair back. I was just like oh whoa. It's so much to process it." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Copeland admitted that one of the toughest parts of the night was to come down from the electric crowd afterward. He said he had to try to find something to get him to relax so he could finally fall asleep. "The hardest thing about a night like that is back in the hotel after because you're wired for sound," he said. "You're just like … now and I've found that I now have to do things to kind of go, right, OK, wrestling's gone now. Let's, I don't know, I'll watch an episode of ‘Northern Exposure’ or I'll like, you know, just try and bring down the fight or flight that kind of reaction, you know, it hits you in the heart, man, in a very good way. But you also want to be able to sleep. So yeah, that that's what I've always found is the battle. "But yeah, man. I mean, you can't have a night like that and just be thankful, for all of it and thankful that people this far along still remember or care. And I think it's one of those kind of reciprocal things where Mexico knows I wasn't there for 18 years and chances are I'm not getting back. And I'm not, so I think we all kind of understand, let's enjoy this thing, man because I'm getting to wrestle in Arena Mexico for the first and last time. That's fun. That's fun." Copeland and Cage are set to take on The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson) for the AEW World Tag Team Championship at All In – the biggest event on the AEW calendar. They captured the tag titles at Double or Nothing in a tag team I Quit match at Double or Nothing. Copeland and Cage, whose real name is Jay Reso, started Pure Plank nearly two years ago in an effort to help others get healthy. Copeland told Fox News Digital he still has people coming up to him thanking him for helping them to get healthy. "When you start to help people find a path to getting healthier, you can knock a path down, but whether people get on the path is up to them, right? We just assumed with planking it's a path that doesn't seem too demoralizing or too intimidating," he said. "It's like, no, you just get down to 30 seconds. Start there. Start with 30 and anybody can start with 30 seconds and that's going to be hard at first and then move on. "And hopefully the trickle-down effect from that is I'm feeling better, right? I'm not carrying that kettlebell full of gut anymore. Now I could incorporate a full workout. Now I could incorporate yoga. Now I could incorporate whatever you want to try and incorporate. I could kayak now. I can this. I can that. To me, it's kind of like the gateway and planking was the gateway for Jay and I to get back in shape except this is a positive of gateway." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85dc6c2c5335ae1048acdc Trump teases potential Kim Jong Un meeting later this year te 2026-08-19T16:40:12.818Z Trump teases potential Kim Jong Un meeting later this year President Donald Trump said Wednesday he expects to meet with dictator Kim Jong Un "later this year," signaling ongoing direct diplomacy with Pyongyang despite a direct denial by North Korea. "I get along with him very well," Trump told reporters during an impromptu White House construction walkthrough, adding, "I expected to meet with him later this year. Yeah, I will be." North Korea rejected Trump's reference to talks. "The relationship between the two leaders remains excellent," Kim Yo Jong, the sister of the North Korean leader, wrote in a statement, according to state media KCNA. "However, the U.S.’s hostile policies toward the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea haven’t changed." Trump declined to say whether he had exchanged letters with Kim, telling a reporter, "Can’t tell you that." The president repeatedly pointed to his personal relationship with the North Korean leader as an asset, calling Kim a "very powerful player" and saying their ability to get along was "a good thing, not a bad thing." Trump did not provide a date or location for the potential meeting. This is a breaking story, check back here for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85dc6c2c5335ae1048acd3 Rosie O’Donnell ‘thanks’ Trump for making her famous again, says he revived ‘fascism and the measles’ te 2026-08-19T16:40:12.061Z Rosie O’Donnell ‘thanks’ Trump for making her famous again, says he revived ‘fascism and the measles’ Former "The View" host Rosie O'Donnell credited President Donald Trump with making her famous again Tuesday on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" in Los Angeles, saying their decades-long feud revived her career during the second night of her four-night guest-hosting run and accusing him of reviving fascism and measles. Addressing Trump during her opening monologue, O’Donnell sarcastically credited the president with returning her to the network television spotlight. "I’m back in the spotlight all thanks to President Oompa J. Loompa, who is watching us this evening from inside a catering cart," O’Donnell said. "You know, I couldn’t have done it without you, sweetie. You brought me back just like you did with fascism and the measles." ROSIE O'DONNELL’S RETURN TO LATE NIGHT REIGNITES DECADES-OLD FEUD WITH DONALD TRUMP In a statement to Fox News Digital, the White House pointed to a meme Trump shared on Truth Social. The image depicted O'Donnell lying in bed, reading, washing dishes and driving, with Trump pictured in a thought bubble above her in each scene. "She (?) is OBSESSED!" the meme said. O'Donnell's catering-cart reference alluded to reports that Trump used an airport catering truck and Air Force One as a decoy before secretly transferring to another military aircraft while leaving a NATO summit in Turkey because of a credible Iranian threat. ROSIE O'DONNELL CLAIMS TRUMP HAS 'PTSD RESPONSE' TO HER AS BACKLASH ERUPTS The monologue repeated an assertion O’Donnell made during a recent appearance on Amy Poehler’s "Good Hang" podcast, where she credited Trump’s continued criticism with raising her profile. "I feel like recently, I’m re-famous. That’s what I feel. I told my kids, ‘Well, kids, hold on, ’cause mommy’s re-famous,’" O’Donnell said. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 2,566 confirmed U.S. measles cases through Aug. 13, surpassing the 2,289 cases recorded during all of 2025 and 285 cases in 2024. The agency said outbreaks can spread when imported cases reach communities with low immunization levels, while national MMR vaccination coverage among kindergartners has fallen below the 95% target. TRUMP ENTERS FINAL NATO SUMMIT DAY AS UKRAINE, DEFENSE SPENDING TAKE CENTER STAGE During her Monday guest-hosting debut, O’Donnell opened the show by warning viewers that she intended to continue Kimmel’s criticism of the president. "The President hated ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ when it was hosted by Jimmy Kimmel. Buckle up, people," O’Donnell said. The Kimmel appearances returned O'Donnell to U.S. network television after she moved to Ireland with her youngest child in January 2025, five days before Trump's second inauguration. She later sought Irish citizenship while retaining her U.S. citizenship and quietly returned to America for a family visit in early 2026. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Trump escalated their feud in July 2025 when he floated revoking O’Donnell’s U.S. citizenship. "She is a Threat to Humanity, and should remain in the wonderful Country of Ireland, if they want her," Trump said. The Constitution does not permit a president to strip the citizenship of an American born in the United States. O'Donnell was born in Commack, New York. Their public feud began in 2006 after O'Donnell criticized Trump's handling of a Miss USA controversy while co-hosting "The View." During a 2015 Republican presidential debate, Trump was asked about derogatory terms he had used to describe women. "Only Rosie O’Donnell," Trump said. Fox News Digital reached out to the RNC for comment, but did not immediately receive a response. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85dc6b2c5335ae1048acca Céline Dion reveals 17-year secret health battle before rare diagnosis te 2026-08-19T16:40:11.239Z Céline Dion reveals 17-year secret health battle before rare diagnosis Céline Dion is opening up about the yearslong health battle she kept hidden from fans before finally receiving a life-changing diagnosis. The 58-year-old singer recently appeared on the cover of the Harper’s Bazaar Global Icons issue and revealed in the accompanying interview that she had been experiencing symptoms of stiff-person syndrome for about 17 years before she was first diagnosed in August 2022. Stiff-person syndrome (SPS) is a rare neurological disorder that causes severe muscle stiffness and painful, often unpredictable spasms. CELINE DION DESCRIBES FEELING ‘LIKE SOMEBODY IS STRANGLING’ HER WHEN SINGING WITH STIFF PERSON SYNDROME During those years, Dion's symptoms could become so debilitating that she struggled to walk and, at times, relied on high doses of Valium "simply to function," according to the outlet. "It is a progressive condition," Dion told Harper's Bazaar. "I don’t like to say ‘disease.’" According to Harper's Bazaar, Dion also struggled with guilt over attributing canceled shows to sinus infections or coughs while privately dealing with far more serious symptoms. As her unexplained health problems intensified around the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Dion largely withdrew from public view due to concerns that fans might question her concert cancellations if they saw her otherwise going about her life, Harper's Bazaar reported. Dion first publicly revealed her stiff-person syndrome diagnosis in an emotional video she shared on Instagram in December 2022. "While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what has been causing all of the spasms I've been having," she said at the time in the clip. "Unfortunately, these spasms affect every aspect of my daily life, sometimes causing difficulties when I walk and not allowing me to use my vocal cords to sing the way I'm used to." After revealing her diagnosis, Dion initially postponed a string of European concerts and canceled several others. In May 2023, she announced that she was scrapping the remainder of her Courage World Tour, canceling all remaining 2023 and 2024 dates. In the years since being diagnosed, Dion has undergone an intensive rehabilitation regimen as she works to manage the condition and return to the stage. According to Harper's Bazaar, Dion's regimen includes medication, physical and vocal therapy, and immunotherapy. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS As her treatment progressed, the "My Heart Will Go On" songstress slowly began stepping back into the public eye. In February 2024, Dion returned to the spotlight at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards, appearing on stage for the first time since she stopped performing in 2020. Dion served as the final presenter of the night, announcing Taylor Swift's win for album of the year. Dion continued her gradual return to the spotlight that summer, promoting her documentary, "I Am: Céline Dion," and making a rare red carpet appearance at its New York premiere in June. The following month, Dion made a triumphant return to the stage when she performed at the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony, singing Édith Piaf’s "Hymne à l’amour" from the Eiffel Tower. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER In November 2024, Dion performed at Elie Saab’s 1001 Seasons fashion show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Earlier this year, Dion announced on her 58th birthday that she would headline a five-week residency in Paris beginning next month.  "This year, I’m getting the best birthday gift of my life," she said in a video. "I’m getting the chance to see you, to perform for you once again in Paris, beginning in September!" "I’m feeling good, I’m strong, I’m feeling excited, obviously a little nervous, but most of all, I’m grateful to all of you!" she added. "I love you all and I’ll see you soon!" As she prepares for her Paris residency, Dion has incorporated 90-minute Pilates sessions three times a week and ballet classes on other days into her recovery regimen, according to Harper’s Bazaar. The five-time Grammy Award winner told the outlet that reconnecting with her fans remains at the heart of her comeback. "It’s been so long, I would like to offer them something to show how I’ve missed them," she said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85dc662c5335ae1048aca3 Marana teen builds car detailing business by 18 te 2026-08-19T16:40:06.252Z Marana teen builds car detailing business by 18 Alex Bjorke spent his high school years playing varsity basketball, keeping up his grades and building something else entirely: a car detailing business that now serves clients across Tucson, Casas Adobes, Tanque Verde and Green Valley. Bjorke, 18, started Salvation Mobile Detailing as a way to earn extra money, but the business has since become his passion. "I didn't always have the entrepreneurial mindset," Bjorke said. "While growing up, I had always wanted to go to college and get a good degree, try to find a good paying job. Maybe I want to be a lawyer, maybe I want to be an engineer." Living in his grandmother's house in Marana with his mother and sister, Bjorke worked with his friends on odd jobs like painting house numbers on the curbs. The inspiration behind the mobile detailing business came from Bjorke's friend Alex Ho, who suggested they start cleaning cars. Ho and Bjorke had been best friends since fifth grade and would work together on "side hustles" to earn money. During their sophomore year at Mountain View High School, Ho suggested he and Bjorke go door-to-door and see who was interested in paying them for car detailing services. Early on, some people were skeptical that anyone would pay, let alone trust, two teenagers to clean the inside and outside of their car. But with hard work, good customer service and a turn of good luck, they proved their worth and word got around that they were reliable. "On the first day, we made a couple hundred bucks, which kind of just hooked me," Bjorke said. Alex Bjorke, owner of Salvation Mobile Detailing, started his business as a way to earn spending money in high school. It now serves clients across Tucson, Casas Adobes, Tanque Verde and Green Valley. Courtesy of Alex Bjorke. Still in high school and with limited responsibilities, Bjorke and Ho treated detailing as an occasional source of spending money. But Bjorke had a change of heart about his career path and began considering pursuing a business degree in college. His plans changed after a bad leg injury while playing basketball his junior year of high school, which meant he had to stay home over winter break to heal. At first, Bjorke and Ho maintained an agreement in which Bjorke sourced clients and Ho provided the service, with Bjorke receiving a percentage of the pay. Eventually, their business relationship soured, and the two parted ways as partners. After he recovered, Bjorke wanted to continue doing the work that he knew, but had also grown to enjoy. Chatting and getting to know the people he works for is Bjorke's favorite part of the job. Especially during the summer, he said, customers will bring him ice-cold water or other small gifts while he works. "Yesterday … I had somebody offer me ice cream," Bjorke said. That kind of appreciation is part of what keeps him going. Salvation Mobile Detailing operates as a contract business where customers can get quotes for detailing jobs ranging from an interior vacuuming or basic exterior wash to waxing and even mold remediation. In addition to his customer base in Marana, Bjorke has expanded the business to include Casas Adobes, Tanque Verde and Green Valley. "What I realized is that if I wasn't serving those places, then I'd be cutting myself off from potential income," he said. Since Salvation Mobile Detailing is not the only car detailing business in town, Bjorke has subcontracted with other local companies to get more work, often negotiating the contracts himself. Bjorke is hoping to expand into the Phoenix area in the future. Quentin Agnello is a University of Arizona alum and freelance journalist in Tucson. Contact him at qsagnello@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/6a85da122c5335ae1048ac6e Two missing children rescued from trailer as police arrest babysitter on kidnapping charges te 2026-08-19T16:30:10.835Z Two missing children rescued from trailer as police arrest babysitter on kidnapping charges Atlanta police officers rescued two children from a locked trailer, where they were found with a babysitter who has been accused of kidnapping them and keeping them for nearly two days. After being reported missing on Saturday night, Zola Cooper, 4, and her 11-month-old sister, Norah Cooper, were found Monday afternoon during an intensive search of an apartment complex. Eventually, police heard the cries of a baby inside a white trailer that was parked inside the complex. Body camera video released by the Atlanta Police Department showed officers using a cinder block and bolt cutters to break into the trailer, where they discovered the children with 42-year-old Lakesha Brown. Both children were crying as officers entered and carried them to safety. CALIFORNIA AUTHORITIES SEARCH FOR 2 CHILDREN ALLEGEDLY ABDUCTED BY FATHER, FEAR FOR THEIR SAFETY According to an arrest warrant obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta, it was 97 degrees Fahrenheit when the officers found the children. Police also said the cluttered trailer had no air conditioning and only had an overhead ventilation system. Despite that, the kids were "reunited with their mother in good health," police said. Brown was arrested and charged with two counts of kidnapping and two counts of first-degree cruelty to children, court records show. OHIO DAYCARE WORKER CONVICTED OF HORRIFIC PHYSICAL ABUSE OF TODDLERS SENTENCED TO YEARS IN PRISON After Brown was arrested, Atlanta police discovered she had an active arrest warrant for failing to appear in court for a separate child kidnapping case in Alabama that involved a newborn baby, People reported. Brown denied being involved in the August 2021 kidnapping of the 4-day-old child, but authorities said she posted pictures of the boy to her social media. In the Atlanta case, the girls were reported missing at around 10:00 p.m. on Saturday night by their mother, Elica Redding, according to FOX 5 Atlanta. Redding had left the girls with Brown, whom she described as a friend of hers, at around 6 p.m. so she could go out to dinner, police said. She called 911 roughly four hours later, explaining that Brown still had not returned the kids. "[Brown] told me there was an accident, but she's not answering her phone," Redding told the dispatcher, according to audio first obtained by FOX 5 Atlanta. Redding said Brown told her that they were taken to a hospital, but when Redding called every hospital she could, there was no record of her kids being admitted at any of them. Redding told police she had met Brown about a year earlier through a Facebook group for pregnant women. Brown allegedly represented herself as someone who offered babysitting services, FOX 5 Atlanta reported. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85da122c5335ae1048ac65 Trump says he will meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un 'later this year' te 2026-08-19T16:30:10.018Z Trump says he will meet with North Korea's Kim Jong Un 'later this year' President Donald Trump said Wednesday he expects to meet with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un "later this year," signaling ongoing direct diplomacy with Pyongyang. "I get along with him very well," Trump told reporters during an impromptu White House construction walkthrough, adding, "I expected to meet with him later this year. Yeah, I will be." Trump declined to say whether he has exchanged letters with Kim, telling a reporter, "Can’t tell you that." The president repeatedly pointed to his personal relationship with the North Korean leader as an asset, calling Kim a "very powerful player" and saying their ability to get along was "a good thing, not a bad thing." Trump did not provide a date or location for the potential meeting. This is a breaking story, check back here for updates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85da102c5335ae1048ac52 License-plate surveillance giant Flock tightens rules as cities, lawmakers push back amid police abuse te 2026-08-19T16:30:08.572Z License-plate surveillance giant Flock tightens rules as cities, lawmakers push back amid police abuse Flock Safety license plate readers are typically mounted on tall poles, with a camera and solar panel on top. The company says its technology is used in more than 6,000 communities across 49 states in partnership with thousands of law enforcement agencies nationwide. (Photo courtesy of Flock Safety) Flock Safety is tightening privacy and oversight controls for its nationwide network of automated license plate readers as more communities pull back from the technology and lawmakers across the political spectrum push for new restrictions. The company announced Thursday that it will recommend that police agencies retain license plate reader data for seven days, down from 30, while adding tools to restrict data sharing between agencies and detect potentially abusive searches. Flock also plans to require law enforcement users to associate searches with case codes and automatically suspend users whose activity is flagged as abnormal. The changes come amid growing scrutiny of a surveillance network that Flock says has more than 120,000 cameras across 49 states and serves thousands of law enforcement agencies and communities. The cameras photograph passing vehicles and record information including license plates, vehicle characteristics, location and time. Police can search the resulting data during investigations, sometimes across jurisdictional lines. More than 50 agencies or communities have canceled, suspended or rejected a Flock contract or deactivated their cameras since the beginning of 2026, according to DeFlock, a grassroots group that tracks license plate reader deployments. Cameras have also been vandalized in communities around the country. Recent incidents involving police officers accused of using Flock to track friends, relatives and romantic partners have added to concerns about how the data can be accessed and shared. The technology also has been criticized after inaccurate license plate information contributed to wrongful police stops, arrests and detentions. Flock says the new measures will give communities greater control over their data while strengthening safeguards against misuse. “These changes, like I said, are the next chapter of a long book I hope to write on how we build a better version of America that’s both safer, protects our privacy and holds those who have power accountable,” Flock Safety co-founder and CEO Garrett Langley said in a video statement. But civil liberties advocates say some of the safeguards have been tried before and question whether the company’s changes address broader concerns about a system that can create a record of people’s movements even when they are not suspected of a crime. States have taken different approaches to regulating technologies used in policing, including artificial intelligence, facial recognition, drones and automated license plate readers. More than a dozen states have enacted laws governing such technologies, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures, but there is no consistent national framework for their use. Strengthening privacy and accountability Flock’s seven-day retention recommendation is one of its most significant changes. When the company launched nine years ago, it set 30 days as the default recommendation, while allowing communities to choose shorter or longer periods. For investigations that require older information, Flock is introducing “Evidence Mode,” which will allow detectives to preserve specific license plate data as evidence in an active case. The change does not automatically apply to existing customers, which can keep their current retention policies. Communities also will continue to choose their own retention periods. The American Civil Liberties Union called the shorter retention period a potential step forward but said its impact will depend on how the new mode works. In a statement, the group recommended a 48-hour retention period and warned that if searches cause data to be preserved, the new system could allow significant amounts of location information to remain available longer than seven days. Flock also is giving communities more control over which outside agencies can search their cameras. Under the new “offense filtering” system, a community could allow another agency to search its cameras for specific crimes or offenses and block searches related to immigration enforcement, for example. Flock also will require all law enforcement customers to adopt its audit assistance tool by the end of the year. The system looks for unusual search activity and flags it for administrator review. Flock plans to automatically suspend users whose activity meets certain criteria for abnormal behavior while their access is reviewed. The company also will require case codes for law enforcement searches by the end of the year. Officers can bypass the requirement during emergencies, but those searches also will be flagged for review. Police misuse and erroneous alerts Flock’s new controls build on safeguards the company has introduced in recent years, including electronic audit logs and requirements that users provide a reason for searches. The ACLU, in its statement, said some of those earlier safeguards were ineffective. The group pointed to cases in which officers circumvented search-purpose restrictions by entering vague or meaningless explanations before Flock replaced a free-text field with a list of approved search reasons. The Washington Post reported earlier this month that nearly 50 police officers had been charged or accused of using Flock cameras for unauthorized purposes, many involving attempts to track current or former romantic partners or family members. In Savannah, Georgia, four police officers and two civilian employees were fired last week after a department investigation found searches involving personal acquaintances and family members, according to a news release. The investigation also found that an officer had allowed an outside law enforcement agency to access Savannah’s Flock system. The activity was identified using Flock’s audit assistance tool. All six cases were referred to the Georgia Bureau of Investigation for independent criminal investigations. The technology has also drawn scrutiny when information in the system is inaccurate or outdated. In Wisconsin, a woman was pulled over at gunpoint earlier this month after a Flock camera incorrectly flagged her vehicle as being involved in a homicide. Brookfield police stopped Amber Newell on Interstate 94 after receiving the alert, but Milwaukee police told officers they no longer needed the vehicle or its occupants. Newell was released. Milwaukee police later said the incident was caused by an employee’s failure to remove an outdated wanted-vehicle alert from the Flock system, rather than an error by Flock itself. Newell said she had also been stopped at gunpoint earlier that week and was afraid to drive afterward. In its announcement, Flock said its alerts are intended to be investigative leads rather than conclusions and that officers should visually confirm a vehicle’s license plate before taking action. The company said its system produces fewer than nine human-reported errors for every 1 million alerts. Bipartisan interest A bipartisan group of Pennsylvania lawmakers announced Monday that they plan to introduce legislation establishing statewide privacy and accountability requirements for automated license plate readers, including Flock cameras. The proposal would establish rules governing access to the data, documented reasons for searches, audit trails, data retention and transparency. It also would create civil penalties for unauthorized access, use or disclosure and allow people harmed by misuse to bring civil suits. “Technology that can help keep our communities safe should never become a tool for stalking or abuse,” Democratic state Rep. Jennifer O’Mara said in a statement announcing the proposal. Republicans in Congress also have introduced or plan to introduce at least two proposals aimed at restricting automated surveillance technology. One would restrict federal agencies from purchasing or using certain automated surveillance technology, while the other would bar state and local police from using federal funds to acquire automated license plate reader systems. Last month, 15 Democratic lawmakers in Michigan sent a letter to the state Department of Transportation to end an agreement allowing federal agencies, including U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security Investigations, to install surveillance technology on state property. The lawmakers argued that automated license plate readers infringe on residents’ constitutional rights. The West Virginia House Democratic Caucus also released a statement last month opposing Flock cameras and said it is monitoring canceled contracts and lawsuits involving the technology. Abandoning the technology Some local governments are going further by ending their relationships with Flock altogether. DeFlock’s tracker lists dozens of communities that have canceled contracts, deactivated cameras or rejected proposals since 2021. More than 50 agencies or communities have taken one of those steps since the beginning of 2026. Several communities in Rhode Island and Nebraska have acted this month, with city leaders voting to cancel contracts or uninstall cameras. Earlier this month, the Burnet County Sheriff’s Office in Texas announced that it had removed all fixed Flock cameras after repeated vandalism damaged the equipment. The cameras were provided by the Heart of Texas Auto Theft Task Force, a multi-agency, multijurisdictional task force in Central Texas. The sheriff’s office has initiated criminal cases, but there are currently no suspects, according to a news release. The debate over this technology is likely to continue through the rest of the year and into 2027, when more state legislatures return to session. That could bring additional proposals to regulate artificial intelligence tools used in policing, as well as how license plate reader data is collected, retained, shared and used. 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/6a85d7bc2c5335ae1048aa13 US ally on Putin’s doorstep braces for war as Russia tensions take ominous turn te 2026-08-19T16:20:12.456Z US ally on Putin’s doorstep braces for war as Russia tensions take ominous turn Russia’s threat of "consequences" against Britain and a stark warning from a senior Polish defense official are intensifying concerns that Moscow could seek to test NATO directly as the war in Ukraine continues. Polish Deputy Defense Minister Cezary Tomczyk said his country is actively preparing for the possibility of conflict, telling Super Express in an interview published Aug. 17: "We are preparing for war, hoping that it never happens." The Polish Embassy in Washington told Fox News Digital that Warsaw’s accelerated defense preparations are intended to deter potential aggression rather than signal that conflict is inevitable. RUSSIA PREPARING HYBRID ATTACKS ON NATO'S EASTERN FLANK, INTELLIGENCE WARNS The embassy pointed to Poland’s defense spending of nearly 5% of GDP and invoked the Latin principle Si vis pacem, para bellum — "If you want peace, prepare for war" — saying that, given Russia’s war in Ukraine and what Poland views as Moscow’s imperial ambitions, strengthening deterrence is the country’s only sound strategy. A European diplomat, speaking on condition of anonymity, backed Tomczyk and said Poland sees a pattern of escalating Russian pressure across multiple fronts. "We are hurrying to be prepared for war since Russia is giving us and our neighbors constant signals that they want us back as their vassals, their colonial backyard," the diplomat told Fox News Digital. The diplomat pointed to what they described as Russian disinformation campaigns, cyberattacks, sabotage efforts and repeated tests of Poland’s air defenses, as well as increasingly frequent nuclear rhetoric from Russian officials and propagandists. "Altogether, it shows quite clearly that if Russia or Belarus saw any chance to attack Poland to destroy an obstacle to restoring the Soviet or Tsarist Russian empire in Eastern Europe, they would do it without hesitation," the diplomat said. The diplomat added that Tomczyk therefore had "quite solid bases to state his prediction," while stressing that the concern was not rooted in hostility toward ordinary Russians. "We want to have Russia as a good neighbor, business partner. We would like to host their tourists. We want to have a cultural exchange with them," the diplomat said. "But they — at least the imperialists who are the foundation of the Putin administration — would like to turn Poland, the Baltics and, of course, Ukraine back into their colonial part of Europe." UKRAINE POUNDS BLACK SEA FLEET’S ‘LAST MAJOR STRONGHOLD’ WHILE PUTIN FLEXES NAVAL POWER IN PACIFIC Retired Air Force Gen. Philip Breedlove, who commanded U.S. European Command and served as NATO ’s Supreme Allied Commander Europe from 2013 to 2016, told Fox News Digital that Poland ’s warning reflects a concern shared by many former military leaders. "It’s a problem that many of us are worried about," Breedlove said. "They’re trying to test the alliance: Is Italy going to go to war? Is Spain going to go to war? There are several places where Russia could try to snatch something. Their goal is to divide and ultimately break up the alliance." Breedlove warned Moscow could attempt a provocation calibrated to create uncertainty over whether NATO should respond collectively. "It is likely that Russia will try to initiate a provocation that is just enough to raise the question of a NATO response," he said, arguing that Moscow’s objective would be to expose divisions among allies. NATO’s Article 4 allows members to request consultations when an ally’s territorial integrity, political independence or security is threatened. Article 5 provides for collective defense following an armed attack, although NATO says Article 4 consultations are not a prerequisite for action under Article 5. The comments follow similar warnings from other eastern-flank governments. The Associated Press reported July 15 that Lithuanian President Gitanas Nausėda said intelligence pointed to possible limited Russian attacks on critical infrastructure in the Baltics or Poland. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Warsaw was preparing "very intensively for various scenarios," according to AP. Russia rejected the allegations. RUSSIA LINKED TO ARSON ATTACKS ON PROPERTIES CONNECTED TO UK PM KEIR STARMER, POLICE SAY The warnings came as tensions between Moscow and London escalated Tuesday. Russia’s embassy in Britain threatened unspecified "consequences" after The Times reported British-made drones had been used by Ukraine for long-range strikes inside Russia, according to Reuters on Aug. 18. Britain’s Ministry of Defence did not confirm whether British drones were used, Reuters reported. "London’s actions will inevitably carry consequences for which it will have to answer," the Russian Embassy said. The British defense ministry responded that Britain stood "shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine," according to Reuters. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov escalated the rhetoric later Tuesday, saying Moscow had the right to regard direct British involvement in strikes on Russian territory as participation in the war, according to Reuters on Aug. 18. Separately, Russian state television host Vladimir Solovyov called for using Russia’s Poseidon weapon against Britain, saying: "Give the British three days to learn to breathe underwater, then hit them with Poseidon," The Times reported Aug. 18. Poseidon is a nuclear-powered, nuclear-capable underwater weapon that Russia said it successfully tested in October 2025, Reuters reported at the time. Breedlove described the rhetoric as part of a broader Russian information campaign aimed at coercing Western governments. US MILITARY BASES ARE ‘ILL-EQUIPPED’ TO STOP DRONE SWARMS, TOP COMMANDER REVEALS AFTER RUBIO'S UAP WARNING "Without question, Russia is fighting an information war and trying to achieve what practitioners call ‘reflexive control’ to try to force NATO capitulation," Breedlove said. He argued that Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy, logistics and defense-industrial targets are creating growing pressure on the Kremlin and said Putin may increasingly seek to portray NATO itself as the external enemy. Breedlove said NATO is capable of facing Russia in a conventional war but warned that the alliance faces a different vulnerability exposed by the conflict in Ukraine. "What NATO is not ready for — and what the U.S. is not ready for — is the new kind of drone warfare that Russia is waging against Ukraine," Breedlove said. "Our air defense capabilities in the West are not even close to what is needed for the level of drone warfare that Russia is waging against Ukraine." Fox News Digital reached out to the Russian and British embassies for comment but did not receive responses in time for publication. Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d7b32c5335ae1048a9d9 Time’s running out! Save $300 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass until August 21  te 2026-08-19T16:20:03.977Z Time’s running out! Save $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/6a85d5612c5335ae1048a9ae For college football fans, "no fall weddings" isn't a bit or a gimmick, it's a lifestyle te 2026-08-19T16:10:09.067Z For college football fans, "no fall weddings" isn't a bit or a gimmick, it's a lifestyle Though it may not feel like it with the scorching temperatures and weekend pool parties still in full swing, fall is right around the corner, and with that, the start of the college football season. For a long time, though, fall has been a pretty famous (or infamous) wedding season, and it's easy to see why. The temperatures across the country reach reasonable levels, the foliage is as picturesque as it will ever be, and the sun seems to hit just right for those photo opportunities. THE 5 MOST DISAPPOINTING PRESEASON TOP-10 COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAMS OF THE 21ST CENTURY But for college football fans, fall weddings are the bane of our existence, and the war between weekend responsibilities and viewing pleasure has been an intense one since the advent of the sport. This was an almost unanimous sentiment among college football fans as far back as I can remember, but I've been seeing a growing portion of the fanbase start to push back on the "no fall weddings" movement. They call it a gimmick. They call it a bit. They tell college football fans to "grow up." I'm here to tell those fake fans and casuals that this isn't a bit, it's a lifestyle. All kidding aside, college football is my favorite sport, so I sympathize with the "no fall weddings" crew and consider myself a part of it. My wife and I agreed when we got married to have our wedding in August so as not to interfere with the season. CURT CIGNETTI REVEALS HOW WORKING FOR NICK SABAN CHANGED EVERYTHING: 'EVERY DAY WAS 4TH-AND-1' I'm not telling people to NOT have fall weddings, I'm just warning them that if you have one, I probably won't show up. And if I do end up going, it won't be of my own volition. My wife dragged me to an October wedding back in 2021 on a college football Saturday, and she still hasn't heard the end of it from me. Florida lost to Kentucky in the middle of the reception, and you have likely never seen a more miserable man doing the Electric Slide. And to the people telling college football fans to "grow up," I think having your priorities straight is pretty grown up in and of itself. My Saturdays during the fall are sacred. You can bother me any other day of the week or during a Saturday that falls on one of the other eight months out of the year. Or just have your wedding on a Sunday, like my buddy and fellow OutKicker Matt Reigle did. Sure, you'll piss off the NFL fans, but they're only slightly less insane than college fans, so it'll be fine. I also love the argument that "you can just watch all the games on your phone," because it's even stupider than just telling fans to grow up. First, I think it's less rude to just flat out refuse to go to a wedding than it would be to sit in the corner with your nose buried in your phone like a wallflower at prom. And second, I need to be in the comfort of my own home or among like-minded individuals when I'm watching a Florida game. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS Let's just say my behavior on a Saturday in the fall isn't exactly acceptable for a functioning member of society. STAY "FEARLESS" ON THE GO! TAKE TOMI LAHREN WITH YOU. DOWNLOAD THE TLIF PODCAST NOW! All of that is to say, if you want to have a fall wedding, go right ahead. No one is stopping you. But don't take offense when the rest of us college football fans decide to skip it because Notre Dame and Miami play that weekend. We will send you something off the registry and make sure to have an extra hors d'oeuvre in our honor! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d5602c5335ae1048a9a5 Kai Trump reveals how family rallied around mom Vanessa amid breast cancer battle: ‘It’s a long journey’ te 2026-08-19T16:10:08.216Z Kai Trump reveals how family rallied around mom Vanessa amid breast cancer battle: ‘It’s a long journey’ Kai Trump is offering advice to young people with a parent battling cancer, drawing from her own family’s experience as she launches a new initiative shaped by her mother Vanessa Trump’s breast cancer diagnosis. President Donald Trump’s 19-year-old granddaughter, who recently began her freshman year at the University of Miami, told Fox News Digital that her family’s experience has taught her the importance of simply being present for a loved one during treatment. "The advice I'd give is just … spend time with them, be there for them," Kai said. "It's a long journey." She added, "It's always going to be up and down and kind of all over the place, but just be there for your family member, and be there as support and just spend time with them." KAI TRUMP REVEALS DIET AND NUTRITION SECRETS THAT CREATED SIX-PACK ABS POST-SURGERY Vanessa Trump revealed her breast cancer diagnosis in May. By June, she said she was recovering from surgery and preparing for the next phase of treatment. As she underwent treatment, Kai — the eldest of Donald Trump Jr. and Vanessa Trump’s five children — said she and her siblings took on more responsibilities at home and tried to ease the burden on their mother. "It's obviously a very tough thing, especially when my mom has a lot of kids," Kai said. "She always really took care of her five kids, and then going through the treatment, we all had to like step in and help out — which we always do — but just … making sure she's very calm and not stressed and stuff like that," she said. KAI TRUMP RECALLS ‘A LOT OF CRYING’ WITH MOM VANESSA BEFORE COLLEGE AMID BREAST CANCER BATTLE That experience also helped inspire Kai’s latest merchandise collection, which launched Wednesday and includes a charitable component benefiting breast cancer causes. "My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in May and hearing her go through treatment and then obviously being with her through the treatments, I just want to give back and give money back to breast cancer," Kai said. Kai said she hopes the effort can help fund additional breast cancer research and support other families affected by the disease. Her apparel shop first launched in September 2025, when she debuted a collection of KT-branded crewneck sweatshirts. VANESSA TRUMP REVEALS BREAST CANCER DIAGNOSIS IN EMOTIONAL STATEMENT: 'I AM STAYING FOCUSED AND HOPEFUL' "I did a drop last year and I wanted to do like a summer drop, a back-to-school drop," Kai said. "All my friends have been wearing it and they love it. So I'm super excited to launch new pieces." The new collection also includes tank tops, sweaters, crewnecks, bags and hats, according to Kai. "We're pretty much covering every single category," Kai said. "I'm looking forward to it." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d3102c5335ae1048a943 Julio Rodriguez's inexcusable gaffe in center field is perfect microcosm of Mariners 22-0 loss to Brewers te 2026-08-19T16:00:16.861Z Julio Rodriguez's inexcusable gaffe in center field is perfect microcosm of Mariners 22-0 loss to Brewers The Seattle Mariners are paying Julio Rodriguez $18 million this season to play center field. The 25-year-old keeping up with how many outs there are in an inning would be the least he could do for the ball club, but Rodriguez failed to do so during Tuesday's contest against the Milwaukee Brewers. Fortunately for Rodriguez, his gaffe in center field happened when the game was so far out of reach for Seattle that it didn't really have much impact. That, however, doesn't mean it wasn't a wildly embarrassing moment for the three-time All-Star. With the Mariners trailing the Brewers 19-0 in the eighth inning, Milwaukee's Christian Yelich hit a routine pop-up to Rodriguez in center field. Rodriguez made the routine catch, and as outfielders typically do when recording the final out of the inning, he tossed the ball towards a group of fans beyond the wall. The one very important issue with that is Rodriguez's catch wasn't the third out of the inning; it was the second. GUARDIANS ROOKIE TOSSES BALL INTO STANDS AFTER MAKING SECOND OUT, COSTS TEAM GO-AHEAD RUN With the ball being chucked while the bases were loaded for the Brewers, Milwaukee scored two runs on the play: a runner tagged up from third base, and the runner on second advanced to home plate. Per the rules of baseball, each runner on base advances two bases in this instance. When it was all said and done, Seattle suffered its worst loss in franchise history on Tuesday, falling 22-0 to the Brewers. The Mariners began the eighth inning trailing 13-0, but surrendered a whopping nine runs in the frame. Rodriguez turning his brain off for a split second in a game that was long, long over is somewhat forgivable. It's fair to say he and his teammates were ready for things to end as quickly as possible, and his tossing of the baseball in the stands was a reaction to just that. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS Seattle third baseman Leo Rivas took the mound as an emergency reliever in the eighth inning and was essentially thrown to the wolves as he gave up nine hits and nine runs in his lone frame of work. Rodriguez also went 0-for-4 at the plate with two strikeouts against the Brewers. It was the quintessential night to forget for the young star and his club. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d3102c5335ae1048a93a A massive brawl at Cowboys and Saints joint practice includes punches and helmets thrown and WWE moves te 2026-08-19T16:00:16.043Z A massive brawl at Cowboys and Saints joint practice includes punches and helmets thrown and WWE moves It is that lovely time for summer NFL training camps when very large men are anxious because they're trying to earn jobs, they're in foul moods because it is oppressively hot, and they're also competing against opposing teams because clubs schedule joint practices with each other. It is a petri dish of frustration and ire and aggressiveness mixing to form occasional fighting. And that's what the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints did on Tuesday when they went at it, so to speak, during their dual practice in Oxnard, Calif. How to describe that one: RAIDERS QUARTERBACK KIRK COUSINS, MAXX CROSBY GET INTO SCUFFLE IN TENSE TRAINING CAMP MOMENT There was a dustup. Then skirmishes (plural). And then a full-on brawl with punches exchanged to top it off. Asked afterward how he judged the work his team did in practice Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer answered thusly: "Right now," Schottenheimer said, "I'm charge of fight club." Yes, punches were thrown, which isn't the smartest because a fist typically doesn't work great against a helmet. So, some guys got smart and tossed their adversary's helmet. JA'MARR CHASE THROWS HELMET AS FIGHT BREAKS OUT ON FIRST DAY OF BENGALS TRAINING CAMP Then, at one point, Saints tight end Brock Rechsteiner grabbed Cowboys safety Jalen Thompson and applied a Suplex wrestling move. Makes sense because Rechsteiner is the son of WWE Hall of Famer Scott Steiner. Cowboys second-year linebacker Donovan Ezeiruaku was removed from practice because officials saw him throw a punch. Cowboys cornerback Caelen Carson also threw a punch, per a video captured by the Dallas Morning News. Saints center Erik McCoy launched a Cowboy player's helmet to the moon, although the flight didn't reach its destination and the helmet landed mere yards away. That's when Ezeiruaku similarly grabbed McCoy's helmet, slung it off his head and similarly sent it flying. And then Ezeiruaku threw his punch. "You don't want punches thrown or anything like that," Saints linebacker Pete Werner said. "...But you want your guys protecting each other. You can also say that for the other team. There's a part of it that's good. Other part where it's, 'Let's be smart here. Let's get this moving.'" The coaches were not happy about the so-called fight club. They want professional work by professional players so they can hone skills and improve. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Such dual practices long ago took the place of preseason games for veterans because they compete against the opposing team's starters in these sessions and then do not play in the week's preseason game. The reason for going this route is these practices are supposed to be a controlled environment – usually. "Nobody wants this," Schottenheimer told reporters. He described the escapades as "unfortunate" and added the session "disappointed" him because his team didn't get the work it needed. There will not be a round 2 between these two teams on Wednesday. The Saints will be going down the road to visit the Rams for a joint practice on Thursday. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d30b2c5335ae1048a90c Self-defense claim at center of Windsor Beach gun trial te 2026-08-19T16:00:11.658Z Self-defense claim at center of Windsor Beach gun trial An attorney says self-defense motivated his client to use a weapon following an argument over poor boating etiquette at the crowded Windsor Beach launch ramp more than a year ago. A 2–3-day trial for William Wachtveitl, 54, Yucca, opened Monday… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d30a2c5335ae1048a903 Arizona Supreme Court ruling knocks ESA reform measure off ballot te 2026-08-19T16:00:10.342Z Arizona Supreme Court ruling knocks ESA reform measure off ballot PHOENIX -- A measure proposing major reforms to the Empowerment Scholarship Account program will no longer go to voters after missing the mark on signatures, according to a ruling from the Arizona Supreme Court. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d3082c5335ae1048a8fa Arizona Supreme Court clears election overhaul for November ballot te 2026-08-19T16:00:08.659Z Arizona Supreme Court clears election overhaul for November ballot PHOENIX -- Arizonans will get a chance to decide on a package of proposed changes in election law on everything from who can spend money to influence races to a requirement for all voters -- including those who cast ballot… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d3062c5335ae1048a8f1 Kingman man accused of firing 17 rounds at two homes te 2026-08-19T16:00:06.893Z Kingman man accused of firing 17 rounds at two homes No one was struck or injured when a Kingman man allegedly fired at least 17 rounds from a handgun at two local residences on Monday, Aug. 17. Deputy Police Chief Joel Freed said it is believed that the house gunfire… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d0b32c5335ae1048a8b1 Tyler Robinson rarely hit bullseye in practice shots, putting bystanders at risk in Kirk shooting: prosecutors te 2026-08-19T15:50:11.043Z Tyler Robinson rarely hit bullseye in practice shots, putting bystanders at risk in Kirk shooting: prosecutors Accused Charlie Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson allegedly "seldom hit the bullseye and sometimes missed the target completely" when taking practice shots with the suspected murder weapon, according to Utah prosecutors, who opposed the defense team's attempt to have the potential death penalty taken off the table before trial. They are attempting to illustrate that the defendant knowingly put other people at great risk of death if he took a shot at Kirk from a rooftop, toward a crowd of thousands. Kirk, who was taking questions from the audience at a small stage in the campus courtyard, was struck in the neck. Robinson's defense, in a previous filing, argued that the fatal gunshot came from above the crowd and did not travel through it. They noted that only one shot was fired, it struck the intended victim, and no bystanders were shot. ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON ASKS JUDGE TO TAKE POTENTIAL DEATH PENALTY OFF TABLE In order to seek capital punishment, prosecutors need to prove an aggravating factor at trial — which they have alleged to be that the shooting created a great risk of death to someone other than Kirk and that Robinson knew of that danger. The defense wants to have the aggravator stricken before trial, which would eliminate the risk of a potential death sentence if he is convicted. The allegations came in a reply made public Tuesday, in answer to the defense team's earlier brief. The filings come in the wake of a week-long preliminary hearing in early July aimed at determining whether there is enough probable cause to send the case to trial. Judge Tony Graf Jr. has said he would issue a final decision on Sept. 1. TYLER ROBINSON HEARING ENDS WITHOUT RULING AS EVIDENCE DISMANTLES CHARLIE KIRK CONSPIRACY CLAIMS 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 Prosecutors told Graf that not only should Robinson's case be sent to trial — but also that the defendant's legal team "violated their ethical duty of candor to the Court" by ignoring basic case law in how evidence should be evaluated at the preliminary hearing stage. GOT A TIP? When drawing inferences, prosecutors wrote, the magistrate — the jurist overseeing the preliminary — "must" draw all reasonable ones in the state's favor. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Simply put, Graf could infer that shooting someone on the other side of a large crowd could put bystanders at risk of being hit, as prosecutors have alleged. Robinson has not yet entered a plea. SURVEILLANCE VIDEO TIMELINE TRACKS ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN ACROSS UVU CAMPUS BEFORE FATAL ROOFTOP SHOT He is accused of driving from his home in southern Utah to Orem and fatally shooting Kirk during a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University in September 2025, then confessing to several people before surrendering to authorities in his hometown. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d0ad2c5335ae1048a88a Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves millions for local schools te 2026-08-19T15:50:05.833Z Coconino County Board of Supervisors approves millions for local schools “Education funding in Arizona is at a crisis point,” said Coconino County Board of Supervisors Chair Patrice Horstman. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85d0aa2c5335ae1048a86a TerraPower’s nuclear reactor has a secret weapon for powering AI data centers te 2026-08-19T15:50:02.572Z TerraPower’s nuclear reactor has a secret weapon for powering AI data centers TerraPower's nuclear power plant possesses a strategic advantage over competitors, especially when chasing after data center deals. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ce5c2c5335ae1048a85e Police show up at home linked to Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend days after her sudden death te 2026-08-19T15:40:12.444Z Police show up at home linked to Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off boyfriend days after her sudden death Hayden Panettiere's troubled relationship with on-and-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson had one final, unexpected chapter that is still unfolding. On Wednesday, Greenville police showed up at a South Carolina home linked to Brian and Zach Hickerson just days after Hayden Panettiere’s death. Officers appeared to be carrying out a welfare check, but nobody answered the door. Two police cruisers were spotted around 8 a.m. Wednesday morning and again around 10 a.m. Fox News Digital reached out to Greenville Police Department for comment. Hickerson, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Panettiere in the years before her death at 36, was among those at the South Carolina apartment when she was found unresponsive, according to the police report obtained by Fox News Digital. His presence there marked a striking final chapter in a relationship that had previously led to domestic violence charges and his eventual conviction. Hickerson and his brother had called 911 after finding Panettiere unresponsive, according to the report. Authorities spoke to both Hickerson and his brother, Zach, and executed a search warrant at the home. READ THE POLICE REPORT: WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO MOURNS FORMER FIANCÉE HAYDEN PANETTIERE, VOWS TO KEEP HER MEMORY ALIVE FOR DAUGHTER KAYA The police report claimed Zach appeared "very emotional" while paramedics worked to revive Panettiere. Meanwhile, Hickerson did not become emotional until the "Ice Princess" star was declared deceased. Officers were also given a bag of medication Panettiere had allegedly been taking by Hickerson. Panettiere had an on-again, off-again relationship with Hickerson in the years before her death at 36. Panettiere and Hickerson reportedly met through mutual friends in 2018 shortly after her split from Wladimir Klitschko. Hickerson, who is from South Carolina, worked in real estate before pursuing acting and had a small role in the 2017 thriller "M.F.A." Hickerson reportedly traveled with the "Remember the Titans" actress from Los Angeles the day before she was found unresponsive at a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment complex on Aug. 16, according to TMZ. The two broke up briefly in 2022, but rekindled their romance the following year. Hickerson's brother confirmed to police Brian was in a relationship with the actress at the time of Panettiere's death. HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS FILMING ‘NASHVILLE’ WAS LIKE LIVING THROUGH ADDICTION TWICE The former couple's relationship was marked by highly public legal troubles. Hickerson was first charged with domestic violence in connection to Panettiere in 2019. He was arrested again in 2020 on eight felony domestic violence charges, including felony charges of corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon and a misdemeanor charge of battery on a spouse/cohabitant. In 2021, he was sentenced after pleading no contest to two felony charges connected to the domestic violence involving Panettiere. The rest were dismissed due to the plea agreement. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Panettiere publicly addressed the allegations following Hickerson’s arrest, saying she hoped sharing her story would help others in abusive relationships. "I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve," she said in a statement, according to People magazine. "I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Three days before Panettiere's death, Hickerson appeared in Los Angeles court in an effort to have his felony charges reduced. "On Aug. 13, the prosecution objected to the defense’s motion to expunge and reduce both counts," a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office told Fox News Digital. "The court denied both." Hickerson had tried to have the charges reduced once before, appearing in court on July 18, 2025, Fox News Digital confirmed. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ce5b2c5335ae1048a840 Ted Cruz takes victory lap as iconic American brand's stock plunges to 12-year low te 2026-08-19T15:40:11.496Z Ted Cruz takes victory lap as iconic American brand's stock plunges to 12-year low Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, is again dunking on a popular sports brand as the company’s stock price hits a 12-year low. Cruz joined in on social media criticism of Nike, the Swoosh-emblazoned brand whose stock price has been on a steady decline for years. The lawmaker responded to conservative social media influencer Douglass Mackey’s list of reasons why Nike’s stock was suffering in a callback to his own boycott of the brand several years ago. MARY CAIN'S BOOK AND NIKE'S TRANS-ATHLETE STUDY REVEAL THE SAME PATTERN OF CORPORATE HYPOCRISY "Sad & predictable," Cruz posted on X, where he reiterated that Nike’s decision to nix its Betsy Ross themed shoe was how the company "lost me." "For my whole life, I wore nearly 100% Nike for athletic wear," Cruz said. "Kaepernick pissed me off, but when they cancelled the Betsy Ross shoe it showed that their marketing plan was America-hate. I went out & bought brand new shoes, shorts, t-shirts." "Turns out I wasn’t the only one," he continued. "#GoWokeGoBroke." Nike’s stock price hit a 12-year low earlier this week, dropping nearly 80% since the company’s all-time high in 2021. NIKE CRITICIZED FOR WALKING BACK BOSTON MARATHON AD FOLLOWING ‘PACE SHAMING’ BACKLASH The yearslong tumble downward saw nearly $200 billion in market value erased for the company, which five years ago saw its share price hit an all-time high of $177.51. It’s also not Cruz’s first foray into bashing the brand. In 2019, Cruz joined several conservatives to boycott Nike after the company opted to dump its planned Betsy Ross-themed shoe. Former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who earned the ire of conservatives for sitting and kneeling during the national anthem in an act of protest against police brutality a decade ago, reportedly urged the company to drop the product. MLB GREAT JIM EDMONDS SAYS HE WOULDN'T HAVE TOLERATED NATIONAL ANTHEM PROTESTS: 'WE STAND UP AND SALUTE' He argued that the Revolutionary-era flag, with 13 white stars in a circle on a blue backdrop, was a symbol that had been adopted by White nationalist groups and a reminder of a time when Black people were enslaved. Nike said in a statement at the time that it opted to yank the shoe, which was set for a July Fourth release, because of "concerns that it could unintentionally offend and detract from the nation's patriotic holiday." Cruz at the time blasted the company and dumped his Nike gear. "It's a good thing @Nike only wants to sell sneakers to people who hate the American flag.... @NFL #HappyFourth," he said on X. He wasn’t the only major political figure to take a shot at the brand. Then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., criticized the decision to pull the Betsy Ross-themed shoe, and countered that if any other company had the same idea, he’d be the first in line to buy. "If we’re in a political environment where the American flag has become controversial to Americans, I think we’ve got a problem," McConnell said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ce5a2c5335ae1048a837 Taylor Sheridan pours cold water on long-rumored 6666 spinoff after lots of speculation te 2026-08-19T15:40:10.780Z Taylor Sheridan pours cold water on long-rumored 6666 spinoff after lots of speculation Taylor Sheridan made it clear a long-rumored "Yellowstone" spinoff isn't happening. The "Yellowstone" universe is arguably the strongest entertainment product on TV today. The only thing that comes close might be "Game of Thrones." Either way, there is no question Sheridan created a powerhouse that has dominated the entertainment world. 'YELLOWSTONE' FANS GO ABSOLUTELY WILD FOR TAYLOR SHERIDAN'S NEW SPINOFF, RATINGS SOAR It's also spawned several spinoffs and prequels. One of the most talked about potential spinoffs is "6666" focused on Jimmy. Sheridan owns the actual 6666 ranch in Texas, where part of "Yellowstone" took place in the original saga. Well, "Yellowstone" fans shouldn't get too excited about the idea of Jimmy getting his own show because it's not happening. Sheridan officially poured cold water all over the idea. "There’s never going to be one. I would never fictionalize that ranch…People thought that that was going to be...but I would never do that. Because at some point, what you have to do to sustain it. I’ve actually got on my computer all the scenes of Jimmy at the Four Sixes pulled out and strung together, and it makes its own perfect little movie. Where you watch him go there as this misfit, and leave a man and a respected cowboy," Sheridan said during an interview with Dale Brisby. The "Yellowstone" creator said creating a spinoff at the 6666 would be "trivializing and fictionalizing something where real people work and they raise their families there...I could never do that to them." You can watch his full comments in the video below starting around 45:00, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Well, this is a bit of a shame. Jimmy was one of the most lovable characters on "Yellowstone." He started as a drug addict with no future, and turned into a legitimate cowboy under the leadership of John Dutton and Rip. Eventually, he was shipped to the 6666, where he really grew into a mature person. It certainly appeared a spinoff was being set up, but as Sheridan made clear, he's not doing it, especially on his own massive ranch. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS The good news is there's plenty more of the Dutton story coming. "Dutton Ranch" was a smashing success with season one, and the prequel "1944" is still in the works. I'm especially excited for the latter. What do you want to see next from the "Yellowstone" universe? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ce532c5335ae1048a7fb Rivian spinout Also raises another $150 million te 2026-08-19T15:40:03.423Z Rivian spinout Also raises another $150 million The round, led by Prysm Capital, will fund the company's expansion beyond pedal-assist electric bikes and commercial cargo quads to autonomous delivery vehicles. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85cc032c5335ae1048a7d0 Jill Biden hails Hunter having his 'time to shine' as media tour raises questions about political ambitions te 2026-08-19T15:30:11.729Z Jill Biden hails Hunter having his 'time to shine' as media tour raises questions about political ambitions Former first lady Jill Biden praised her son, Hunter Biden, and his media "explosion" and momentum during an interview on Monday, telling podcast host Jamie Kern Lima that it was Hunter's "time to shine." Kern Lima said during the interview on her podcast that Hunter could be the "next star" in the Biden family, pointing to his social media presence and several recent podcast interviews, in which he has opened up about his struggle with addiction and more. "How do you and President Biden feel about his recent explosion?" she asked the former first lady. HUNTER BIDEN REVEALS HE NEVER WANTED JOE BIDEN TO RUN FOR RE-ELECTION, BUT REFUSED TO TELL HIM TO STOP "We’re just so proud of him, that he can be so honest and say things other people won’t say, and feel comfortable with it, because he’s been through it," she said. "I think now is Hunter’s time to shine. He’s doing really good things." She said it was amazing how things had turned around for him and that good things could come from bad things. Biden also described how it was "heartbreaking" for her to hear Hunter's memoir read aloud when he went to trial. "But as parents, one of the toughest things I had to do was when Hunter was taken to court, and they played his book on tape in the courtroom, to hear him tell his story in his own words. I mean, it was like so heartbreaking. And I had my daughter Ashley, our daughter Ashley, next to me and it's just hearing the sound of his voice talking about it. And that's why I think, I don't know, it's amazing how things have turned around. So you see I do believe a lot of times that good things come from bad things," Biden said. HUNTER BIDEN CLAIMS UNDER OATH THAT HIS FAMILY IS BROKE AMID FIGHT OVER $17M LEGAL BILL "He's now coming out and sharing, and people are listening to what he has to say. And it's just, there is something happening. And I can spot momentum a million miles away. There's something happening with Hunter Biden right now. Something's happening," Kern Lima added. Biden agreed that something good was happening to him. Biden has appeared on NPR's "Newsmakers," and the podcasts of California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Don Lemon and "I've Had It." He's also appeared on a Barstool Sports podcast and with "The View" co-host Ana Navarro on her show, "Bleep!" When reached for comment by Fox News Digital, Newsbusters Managing Editor Curtis Houck responded to Jill Biden's remarks: "'Time to shine' is certainly one way to put it. I would certainly think of it as a cry for help or a plea for attention. Clearly, no one is interested in Hunter's terrible artwork, and since there's no serious influence left to peddle from anyone on Team Biden, the money spigot has dried up." He continued, "All these interviews with rancorous figures in the podcasting world have shown is that the liberal, elitist media's protections of the Biden family for so long were solely out of self-preservation and their visceral hatred of Donald Trump (even though he's tremendous for their bottom lines). There's nothing hip, intriguing, or even stimulating about this crash-out."  During the conversation on Barstool Sports' "Macrodosing" podcast, the host known as Big Tennessee, said, "As I see you making the rounds, it just seems like a guy who might want to run for something. And then I saw you come in the building today." JILL BIDEN REVEALS TO 'THE VIEW' IT WAS 'HEARTBREAKING' WHEN DEMS ABANDONED JOE AFTER 2024 DEBATE The host said Hunter's reception when he entered the building was "of somebody that wants to run." "I'm definitely not running for anything," Biden said, joking that if he secured the Barstool host's endorsement he might. JILL BIDEN ADMITS PRESIDENT BIDEN WOULD NOT HAVE BEEN ABLE TO SERVE ANOTHER FOUR YEARS Kern Lima asked Jill Biden during her conversation what she and former President Joe Biden would tell Hunter if he wanted to run for president, but the first part of her interview ended there. Biden has also been outspoken about critics of his father over the 2024 election. He discussed Joe Biden's debate performance on the "Macrodosing" podcast. "My dad walked out and he literally, for the first time in my life, I’ve ever seen this, he looked like a deer in the headlights. He looked blank. And what do I attribute that to? … I mean, we didn’t find out until nine months later that he not only had Stage 4 prostate cancer, but he had Stage 4 metastatic bone cancer, which means that it had been metastasizing for over a three-year period of time," he said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Biden's cancer diagnosis was not revealed until last year. Hunter Biden said during the interview that his father's debate performance came as a complete surprise to him and that he hadn't seen him like that before that night. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85cc022c5335ae1048a7c7 Cuba’s economic freefall is hiding a national security threat just miles from Florida: report te 2026-08-19T15:30:10.794Z Cuba’s economic freefall is hiding a national security threat just miles from Florida: report A new report warns that Cuba’s relationships with Russia, China and Iran could provide America’s adversaries with a strategic foothold just 90 miles from Florida, arguing that the island’s deepening economic crisis does not necessarily make it less dangerous to the United States. The America First Policy Institute report, The Dictatorship Next Door: Cuba and the Fight for the Western Hemisphere, argues that Washington has too often viewed Cuba primarily as a human rights, migration or economic problem while overlooking the national security implications of Havana’s relationships with U.S. adversaries. The report says those partnerships create opportunities for intelligence collection, military cooperation, cyber operations and political influence close to the U.S. homeland. "Cuba is a massive national security threat to the U.S.," report author Melissa Ford Maldonado, director of AFPI’s Western Hemisphere Initiative, told Fox News Digital in an interview ahead of the report’s release. RUBIO WARNS CUBA HAS INFILTRATED US WITH SPIES, CALLS COMMUNIST REGIME AN 'ESPIONAGE SUPERPOWER' "They are a hostile communist regime that is only 90 miles from Florida," Ford Maldonado said, arguing that Cuba has a decades-long history of working against American interests and supporting U.S. adversaries. The report’s most concrete current concern centers on China and suspected intelligence facilities on the island. A June 18, 2026, analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies found continued activity at Cuban sites capable of supporting signals intelligence collection. CSIS said it had previously identified four such sites, several with possible links to China. Ford Maldonado said she believes the broader evidence of Chinese intelligence activity on Cuba is compelling. "There is a lot of credible evidence that there are Chinese bases and that there is spying going on in Cuba," she said, claiming that China has taken advantage of Cuba’s geographic position to monitor U.S. activity. CUBA BUILT COVERT NETWORK INSIDE AMERICA THROUGH SPIES, ACTIVISTS AND UNIVERSITIES, STATE DEPT ALLEGES Russia’s relationship with Havana is older and more extensive. Ford Maldonado described Moscow and Havana as increasingly "intimate, reliable partners," pointing to diplomatic and military cooperation as well as Cuban nationals joining Russian forces fighting in Ukraine. The number of Cubans fighting for Russia is contested. A U.S. State Department cable obtained by Reuters on Oct. 5, 2025 estimated that 1,000 to 5,000 Cubans were fighting in Ukraine alongside Russian forces. Reuters reported that Ukrainian officials had also raised concerns with U.S. lawmakers about Russia’s recruitment of Cuban nationals. Cuba has denied sending troops to Ukraine. In an Oct. 11 statement reported by Reuters, the Cuban Foreign Ministry said Cuba was not participating in the conflict with military personnel and said it had prosecuted Cubans for mercenary activity. Havana said 40 defendants had faced criminal proceedings between 2023 and 2025, with 26 convicted. Ukraine nevertheless closed its embassy in Havana in October 2025 and downgraded relations, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha accusing Cuban authorities of failing to act against what Kyiv described as large-scale Russian recruitment of Cuban citizens, according to The Kyiv Independent. The public evidence regarding Iran is considerably less developed — something Ford Maldonado acknowledged when pressed by Fox News Digital. "Iran was a little bit trickier," she said. "There wasn’t that much substance that I could find to include it in the report," Ford Maldonado said, adding that she believes Iran has used Cuba primarily as a platform for influence operations. "The evidence was not as substantive as we saw with China and Russia and Venezuela," she said. The Trump administration has nevertheless grouped Iran with Russia and China in its own assessment of Cuba. US SANCTIONS FIVE CUBAN ENTITIES, CASTRO FAMILY MEMBER IN LATEST PRESSURE CAMPAIGN, RUBIO SAYS In a Jan. 29, 2026, executive order, President Donald Trump declared Cuba’s policies an "unusual and extraordinary threat" to U.S. national security and said Havana aligns itself with Russia, China, Iran and Iran proxies – Hezbollah and Hamas. The order also accused Cuba of hosting foreign military and intelligence capabilities and specifically alleged deep intelligence and defense cooperation with China and Russian signals-intelligence activity. AFPI’s report calls for a substantially tougher U.S. response. "We are not advocating for new American bases," she clarified. Instead, she said Washington could pursue expanded access agreements, overflight rights, cooperative security locations and stronger regional partnerships. "The objective is just permanent and persistent ... American capability," Ford Maldonado said. The call for even greater pressure, however, comes as ordinary Cubans are enduring a severe humanitarian crisis. Power outages were exceeding 20 hours a day in most provinces, Reuters reported Aug. 13, 2026, crippling food production, transportation and tourism and pushing Cuba’s electrical system toward technical collapse. Reuters described the situation as one of the most severe economic and political crises in Cuba’s modern history and said it had been exacerbated by the Trump administration’s oil restrictions and hardened sanctions. A July 7 investigation by Human Rights Watch described severe shortages of food and medicine, prolonged blackouts, water shortages and deteriorating living conditions. WALTZ WARNS OF CHINESE, RUSSIAN-FUELED ‘NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT’ LOOMING CLOSE TO US SHORES HRW attributed Cuba’s crisis to multiple factors, including longstanding structural inefficiencies in its highly state-controlled economy, decades of U.S. restrictions on trade and financing, the collapse of tourism during the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent tightening of U.S. sanctions. HRW said the 2026 restrictions on oil supplies further deepened the energy crisis. Critics of the Trump administration’s maximum-pressure strategy argue that further squeezing an already collapsing economy risks worsening civilian suffering and triggering additional instability and migration. On June 8, UN-appointed independent human rights experts called for the sanctions to be lifted, arguing that they were putting Cubans’ access to essential goods and services at risk. Asked about that broader criticism, Ford Maldonado said the blame belongs with Havana rather than Washington. "Maximum pressure isn’t harming the Cuban people, it’s harming their regime," she said, arguing that the Cuban government and Cuban people should be treated as distinct. "One has brutalized and repressed the other for 67 years now," Ford Maldonado said. "So maximum pressure is what’s necessary from the United States and from the rest of the world in order to be able to help the Cuban people." Fox News Digital reached out to the Russian, Chinese and Iranian embassies but did not receive a response in time for publication. Reuters and the Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85c9a62c5335ae1048a754 Police: Two brothers arrested following dirtbike chase te 2026-08-19T15:20:06.570Z Police: Two brothers arrested following dirtbike chase A municipal park violation led to felony charges this weekend for two California residents, after police say the suspects fled on their dirtbikes to avoid confrontation with Lake Havasu City Police officers. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85c7582c5335ae1048a710 Iran loses key economic lifeline in Middle East that Trump's sanctions couldn't reach as deadlock persists te 2026-08-19T15:10:16.784Z Iran loses key economic lifeline in Middle East that Trump's sanctions couldn't reach as deadlock persists The United Arab Emirates suspended all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran after accusing Tehran of firing ballistic missiles toward maritime traffic. The action severs one of the Islamic Republic’s most important commercial and financial links and threatens to close off an economic route President Donald Trump's sanctions have struggled to reach. It also further deepens Iran’s isolation amid its standoff with the U.S. The UAE supplied 31% of Iran’s imports, valued at roughly $21 billion, in 2024, and was the destination for 13% of its exports, according to World Trade Organization trade data. IRAN DEAL CLOCK HITS ZERO AS TRUMP DEMANDS ‘WHITE FLAG’ WITH NEW PRESSURE CAMPAIGN LOOMING Miad Maleki, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and former Treasury official, said the UAE is one of Tehran’s two key economic lifelines. "The UAE and China are Iran's two economic bloodlines. If UAE is serious about its economic embargo against Iran, then it'll close the one the U.S. Navy couldn't touch," Malek wrote on X. KEY CHINA-IRAN INFRASTRUCTURE EXPOSES CRITICAL HOLE IN TRUMP'S WAR STRATEGY Maleki said Dubai has become Tehran’s gateway to global commerce, with third-country goods routed through the emirate to Iran. "Most of what Iran calls ‘imports from the UAE’ was never Emirati. Dubai has been basically Iran's window to the world economy," he said. The UAE Foreign Ministry said the measures would remain in place "until further notice," citing a regional escalation that it said undermined peace and security. Emirati officials said two ballistic missiles launched from Iran fell into the sea and were targeting maritime navigation. Iran denied responsibility, with its foreign ministry deeming the accusation as "baseless." Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said the UAE’s claim ran counter to good-neighborliness and referred to what he called a history of "multiple false-flag operations" in the region. Dubai has also served as an important conduit for Iranian financial networks facing U.S. sanctions. Earlier this month, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned Dubai-based exchange houses and trading fronts it said helped Iranian networks move hundreds of millions of dollars and recover revenue from oil sales. The Treasury said this action advanced President Donald Trump’s maximum-pressure policy, though neither Washington nor Abu Dhabi has said the UAE’s new trade freeze was coordinated with the U.S. campaign. IRAN FAILS TO STRIKE DEAL WITH US AS DEADLINE PASSES AND TRUMP CALLS FOR ‘WHITE FLAG OF SURRENDER' The UAE’s move to suspend trade comes at a time when U.S.-Iran diplomacy has again broken down due to disputes over the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway that had carried roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas before the war started earlier this year. A deadlock again emerged this week after Monday's 60-day deadline came and went with no new deal on the table. Trump said Tuesday that no talks with Iran were underway or planned after a 60-day window for a broader agreement expired. He also said the U.S. naval blockade remained in effect and insisted the strait was "open and operating," while Iran maintained it would remain closed until Washington lifted oil sanctions, ended its blockade of Iranian ports and met other conditions. A day earlier, Trump posted a map on Truth Social labeling the Strait of Hormuz "NEW U.S. Territory," escalating the dispute over control of the strategic waterway. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85c7572c5335ae1048a707 New York grandmother vanishes in Las Vegas as family gets mysterious texts from her phone asking for Bitcoin te 2026-08-19T15:10:15.965Z New York grandmother vanishes in Las Vegas as family gets mysterious texts from her phone asking for Bitcoin Days after a New York grandmother vanished without a trace while visiting Las Vegas, her family says they began receiving chilling text messages from her phone asking for Bitcoin. Alisa Goods, a 63-year-old grandmother of five, was reported missing Aug. 10, two days after she was last seen leaving a friend's apartment near Maryland Parkway and Tropicana Avenue, according to her family and a missing person report obtained by KLAS-TV. Goods was staying with her longtime friend Roger John, who told the station she left his apartment around 12:45 p.m. Aug. 8 to take a bus to a nearby CVS to pick up iron pills. She never came back. 'WONDERFUL' CA NURSE AND MOTHER VANISHES AFTER GOING TO CASINO, CAR FOUND ABANDONED AT MOUNTAIN PARK: FAMILY "Last I saw her, she was going down the stairs. And I said, ‘OK, see you later,’ And that’s the last time I saw her," John told the station. John said he initially wasn't alarmed because Goods sometimes spent hours out shopping. When she didn't return, he began calling and texting her without success and later contacted her family. "This is not like her to just go missing," Goods' niece, Alana Calloway, told the outlet. "She has a family that loves her, cares about her. We want her home and want her home safe and alive." SCAMMERS EXPLOIT NANCY GUTHRIE CASE WITH QR CODE MONEY REQUESTS, PIMA COUNTY SHERIFF WARNS On Aug. 12, Goods' family says messages started coming from her phone. The person asked for gas money and Bitcoin, requests the family found suspicious because Goods doesn't drive and didn't have a car in Las Vegas. "I said, ‘What do you need gas for? The car?’ My aunt does not drive. There is no car," Calloway told CBS News. The family says they still don’t know who is texting from Goods’ phone, raising the possibility that she had been kidnapped. "If they have her phone, there's a possibility that they have her," Calloway told the outlet. "I want to know that she's OK and that she is alive." The family has checked local hospitals, jails and the coroner's office but has found no sign of Goods. Her daughter, Kristen, traveled to Las Vegas to help search for her. SAVANNAH GUTHRIE MAKES DESPERATE PLEA SIX MONTHS AFTER MOM NANCY WENT MISSING: 'SOMEONE KNOWS SOMETHING' "I am hoping to God for the best, but my heart can't take what it could be, which is the worst," Kristen Goods told the station. Las Vegas Metropolitan Police (LVMPD) told CBS News that Goods' missing person case remains active and asked anyone with information to contact investigators. Fox News Digital has reached out to LVMPD but did not immediately hear back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85c7572c5335ae1048a6fe Fauci scandal grows as top House committee accuses Biden Cabinet official of hiding COVID diary te 2026-08-19T15:10:15.218Z Fauci scandal grows as top House committee accuses Biden Cabinet official of hiding COVID diary FIRST ON FOX: Dr. Anthony Fauci's woes on Capitol Hill are far from over after his contentious Senate hearing late last month. The House Oversight Committee is now questioning why Fauci's COVID-19 pandemic-era diary and cellphone were not turned over to Congress before this year, and it is placing the blame on former President Joe Biden's top health official. In a letter sent Monday, Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., highlighted a November 2023 request by House Republicans for former Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra, a California gubernatorial candidate, to produce any records from Fauci containing the words "COVID-19," "gain-of-function," and "Wuhan." EXCLUSIVE: BIDEN PARDON WON'T SHIELD FAUCI IF HE LIES TO CONGRESS, COMER SAYS "These terms, among others outlined in the document request, appear throughout Dr. Fauci’s diary. Despite the existence of this clearly relevant and responsive information, you failed to include any portion of Dr. Fauci’s diary in your response, let alone even acknowledge its existence," Comer wrote. "The Committee is concerned that you either intentionally withheld this information, or that you failed to conduct an adequate search of the Department’s systems as requested in the November 2, 2023, letter." FAUCI HELD IN CONTEMPT AS COVID CELLPHONE LANDS IN HANDS OF SENATE INVESTIGATORS Current HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. turned over Fauci's COVID-era diary and cellphone to Sens. Rand Paul, R-Ky., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis., earlier this year. The diary in particular caused an uproar among Fauci's critics, who accused him of gloating about his influence and celebrity during the pandemic at a time when millions of Americans were grappling with a slew of government regulations. FAUCI'S NEWLY RELEASED COVID DIARIES REVEAL BIZARRE FIXATION ON FAME AS PANDEMIC DEATHS MOUNTED More than 1,000 pages released to the public showed insight into Fauci's private thoughts as pandemic science rapidly evolved, as well as entries of the longtime public health official mulling over his newfound fame. Fauci told the Oversight Committee's now-defunct pandemic subcommittee in June 2024, "The CDC was responsible for those kinds of guidelines to schools, not me," when discussing measures like the six-foot distancing rule that played a major role in keeping schools closed across the country. Multiple diary entries suggest Fauci at least discussed school closures with political leaders. For example, one 2020 excerpt has the doctor saying he "convinced" then-New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio "based on what I was saying publicly and my conversation tonight to close the NYC schools." Fauci spoke to none of that during his Senate hearing in late July, however. Instead, the infectious disease expert invoked the Fifth Amendment over 100 times as Republicans hammered him over the pandemic's effects and the revelations from his diary. Becerra, whom Comer is directing scrutiny at now, is currently running for governor of California. Comer asked him to answer a series of questions by Sept. 2 of this year, including whether he was aware of the diary's existence, why it was not produced in House Republicans' initial document request, and whether any fellow Biden officials pressured him to withhold anything from the 2023 request. Fox News Digital reached out to Becerra's gubernatorial campaign for a response. It comes on the heels of a former Fauci adviser, David Morens, pleading guilty to conspiracy to conceal COVID-19 records related to grant funding. During his June 2024 House hearing, Fauci conceded it was "inappropriate" for Morens to edit a press release concerning grant funding and that Morens violated federal health policy by editing a letter sent to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), among other actions. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85c74e2c5335ae1048a6c2 Amazon makes its AI-powered Alexa+ free on Fire TV, no Prime required te 2026-08-19T15:10:06.465Z Amazon makes its AI-powered Alexa+ free on Fire TV, no Prime required Amazon is making its AI-powered Alexa+ assistant free on all compatible Fire TV devices in the U.S., automatically upgrading users whether or not they subscribe to Prime. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85c74d2c5335ae1048a6b9 Sachin Bansal’s fintech Navi raises first outside capital with $100M Prosus investment te 2026-08-19T15:10:05.353Z Sachin Bansal’s fintech Navi raises first outside capital with $100M Prosus investment The investment comes amid Navi plans to go public. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85c4ff2c5335ae1048a696 Bill de Blasio backs Democrats' socialist wing, says Americans are 'hungry' for far-left vision te 2026-08-19T15:00:15.213Z Bill de Blasio backs Democrats' socialist wing, says Americans are 'hungry' for far-left vision Former New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio says Americans are "hungry" for the vision being offered by leaders on the Democratic Party's socialist flank as Democrats debate the party's ideological future. "There are specific leaders who have emerged out of DSA who are providing a vision that actually a lot of people in this country are hungry for," de Blasio said Tuesday on "The Ingraham Angle." De Blasio pointed to Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani as leaders he believes are tapping into frustration with the political status quo by focusing on issues such as affordability. DE BLASIO DEFENDS SOCIALIST 'INSURGENCY' INSIDE DEMOCRATIC PARTY, SAYS TRUMP HAS BECOME 'STATUS QUO' "It is about the leaders that are emerging, like Bernie Sanders, AOC, Mamdani, some of the folks who won primaries lately," he said. "They are pointing in a specific direction, and there's a reason they're winning." AOC CRUISES TO PRIMARY VICTORY AS SPECULATION SWIRLS ABOUT POLITICAL FUTURE De Blasio, who has said he is neither a socialist nor a member of the DSA, nevertheless expressed support for several parts of the movement's economic and social agenda when pressed by host Laura Ingraham. He expressed support for ending the war in Iran, Medicare for All, raising taxes on America's wealthiest people — policies he argued speak directly to voters' concerns about affordability. "These progressive candidates are winning because they're talking about how to raise wages, how to lower health care costs, how to get out of the war in Iran that is shooting up gasoline prices," he said, also acknowledging there are limits to his alignment with the movement. Outside of affordability, de Blasio also called for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to be abolished and replaced with a new agency. "We need a secure border, but we should abolish ICE because it's a broken agency and start over with a different kind of agency that can secure our border without creating so much violence in our cities," he said. He also called for a "path to legalization" for illegal immigrants who have not committed violent or serious crimes. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85c4f82c5335ae1048a65b Amazon’s Prime Air is taking off in nearly 500 U.S. cities te 2026-08-19T15:00:08.053Z Amazon’s Prime Air is taking off in nearly 500 U.S. cities Amazon is significantly expanding its Prime Air drone delivery service, with plans to reach nearly 500 U.S. cities by the end of 2026. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85bdf32c5335ae1048a585 Lindsay Clancy described a male voice ordering her to ‘kill her children and kill herself’: testimony te 2026-08-19T14:30:11.923Z Lindsay Clancy described a male voice ordering her to ‘kill her children and kill herself’: testimony If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). A psychologist testified Tuesday that Lindsay Clancy said she heard a "male voice" commanding her to kill her children, according to testimony at her murder trial. Lindsay Clancy, 36, faces three counts of first-degree murder in connection with the deaths of her children — Cora, Dawson and Callan, all younger than 6, who were discovered strangled at the family's Duxbury home in 2023. The prosecution rested its case Monday morning, and Lindsay Clancy's defense attorney has begun presenting its case, contending that she was experiencing postpartum psychosis at the time she killed her children. Dr. Paul Zeizel, a clinical and forensic psychologist, testified that after Lindsay Clancy killed her three children, she told her then-husband Patrick that she had heard a voice instructing her to kill them. WATCH: LINDSAY CLANCY MURDER TRIAL BECOMES SOCIAL MEDIA OBSESSION AS TIKTOKERS, SLEUTHS DEBATE CONTROVERSIAL CASE "She had told Patrick that she loved him very much. She was unable to express a lot of emotion, but she expressed love for him, and she had said that she heard a male voice ordering her, telling her that she didn't have any choice. But she had to kill her children and then kill herself," Zeizel said. Kevin Reddington, Clancy's defense attorney, asked if she was lying about her symptoms. WHEN IS A MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS TOO SEVERE FOR TELEHEALTH? WARNING SIGNS FAMILIES SHOULDN'T IGNORE "She was not faking. There was no evidence of any malingering. She presented as an honest citizen," Zeizel said. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Zeizel visited Clancy in the hospital following the alleged killings of her children, after Reddington obtained a court order permitting him to speak with her. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE Reddington asked Zeizel why he let Clancy use his phone. SEND US A TIP "I let her call her husband out of human compassion," he said. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS Susan Clancy, Lindsay's mother-in-law, said on Tuesday that she had concerns about Lindsay's mental health during the 2022 holiday season, but described her as a "wonderful mother." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST "Lindsay was struggling. We were all very concerned," Susan Clancy said. "She was very nurturing, very loving." GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL "She was begging for help," Susan Clancy added. The defense resumed its case Wednesday morning, as attorneys work to persuade jurors that Lindsay Clancy was suffering from severe postpartum psychosis when she killed her children. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85bdf32c5335ae1048a57c Publix ditches longtime checkout lane rule in major change for shoppers te 2026-08-19T14:30:11.078Z Publix ditches longtime checkout lane rule in major change for shoppers Publix shoppers may notice a change the next time they head for the express checkout lane. The Florida-based supermarket chain has dropped the traditional 10-item limit from its express lanes, giving store employees more flexibility to manage checkout traffic and potentially reduce wait times. "To better serve our customers and improve checkout efficiency, we recently updated our express lane process to provide associates with greater flexibility in managing customer flow," a company spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News Digital. TRADER JOE'S WORKERS SHUT DOWN LONG-RUNNING CHECKOUT LINE RUMOR: 'OVER-THE-TOP FRIENDLINESS' "Rather than adhering to a specific item limit, our focus is on reducing wait times and ensuring customers can be served as efficiently as possible." Signs that previously designated lanes for customers with "10 items or less" are being replaced with signs that simply say "express," according to reports. The change does not mean Publix is doing away with express checkout altogether. Instead, the supermarket is moving away from using a specific number of items to determine who should use the lane. The policy could allow employees to take factors such as store traffic and the size or complexity of an order into account when directing customers to checkout lanes. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Publix has also increasingly offered self-checkout stations at its stores, providing another option for shoppers looking to quickly pay for smaller purchases. The Lakeland, Florida-based company operates more than 1,400 supermarkets across eight Southeastern states. It was not immediately clear whether the updated express checkout policy applies to every Publix location or when the change officially took effect. The change has generated discussion among shoppers over whether removing the item limit will make checkout more efficient or defeat the purpose of having an express lane in the first place. "An express lane with no item limit is just another checkout lane," one person wrote on Reddit. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS Another commenter suggested Publix should simply make self-checkout the faster option for shoppers with smaller orders, writing, "Just make it another regular register and push SCO as the express option." Others supported the change, arguing that the number of items in a customer's cart does not necessarily determine how long a transaction will take. "I actually kinda like this," one commenter wrote. "Express is meant for quick orders." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Publix's existing customer service policies continue to list a variety of payment options at checkout, including cash, checks with proper identification, debit or credit cards and contactless payments. Publix also maintains its longstanding "Publix Promise," under which a customer who is charged more for an item at checkout than the shelf or advertised price receives it for free, excluding alcohol and tobacco products. Additional quantities are charged at the lower price. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85bb982c5335ae1048a520 Karmelo Anthony's defense targets judge who said jury 'got it right' after murder conviction te 2026-08-19T14:20:08.665Z Karmelo Anthony's defense targets judge who said jury 'got it right' after murder conviction A Texas judge will hear arguments Wednesday over whether the judge who presided over Karmelo Anthony’s June murder trial should be removed from his post-trial case, one day before a separate hearing on the convicted murderer’s request for a new trial. Anthony’s new legal team, led by Attorney Russell Wilson II, has asked another judge to remove Judge John Roach from all remaining proceedings, arguing Roach’s public comments after the trial created an appearance of bias. The recusal hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday. Court records identify Judge Sid Harle as the presiding judge. KARMELO ANTHONY BLASTS JUDGE IN NEW FILING OVER HANDLING OF MURDER TRIAL Anthony is expected to attend Wednesday’s hearing, a Collin County official told Fox News Digital. The official said a bench warrant had been issued in the case. Anthony was convicted in June of murdering 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, who prosecutors said he fatally stabbed during an altercation at a Frisco track meet. A Collin County jury sentenced Anthony to 35 years in prison. KARMELO ANTHONY FOUND GUILTY OF MURDER IN TEXAS TRACK MEET STABBING Wilson leads Anthony’s legal team, which filed two motions July 7 – one to recuse Roach and the other seeking a new trial. The new-trial hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday. The defense argues Roach cannot fairly rule on the post-trial motions because of remarks he made to reporters after the verdict. KARMELO ANTHONY TRIAL IGNITES RIVAL CAMPS THAT THREATEN TO GET IN JURORS’ HEADS IN TRACK MEET STABBING: EXPERT KARMELO ANTHONY STAYS SILENT AS ANALYSTS WARN DEFENSE FACES UPHILL BATTLE IN TRACK MEET STABBING TRIAL The filing cites comments in which Roach said the jury "got it right" and defended several trial rulings, including his handling of courtroom access and the dismissal of three Black prospective jurors. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X Anthony’s attorneys contend those comments have created the appearance that Roach prejudged the defense’s claims. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS The filing does not directly challenge Anthony’s guilt or innocence. Instead, it alleges constitutional and legal errors that the defense says deprived him of a fair trial. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE The motion argues Anthony’s trial was not open enough to the public. Cameras were barred from the courtroom and only 27 seats were available for members of the public. SEND US A TIP Anthony’s lawyers also accuse prosecutors of breaking an off-the-record agreement about character evidence and other alleged acts unrelated to the murder charge. They argue the dispute forced Anthony to decide whether to testify while risking the introduction of evidence they say could unfairly prejudice jurors. CONVICTED KILLER KARMELO ANTHONY CLAIMS HE IS 'PENNILESS' IN APPEAL DESPITE MAJOR DONOR-FUNDED LEGAL CAMPAIGN The defense also challenges the jury instructions, arguing they limited jurors’ ability to fully consider Anthony’s claim of self-defense. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Roach referred the recusal request to another judge under Texas procedure. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL The outcome of Wednesday’s hearing could determine who handles Anthony’s new-trial motion and other remaining post-conviction matters in the trial court. Fox News Digital has reached out to Anthony’s defense team for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85b9432c5335ae1048a4c2 Lindsey Graham’s sister admits she’s ‘not that informed on national security’ while seeking full Senate term te 2026-08-19T14:10:11.280Z Lindsey Graham’s sister admits she’s ‘not that informed on national security’ while seeking full Senate term Sen. Darline Graham, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s sister who was appointed to fill his vacant seat, admitted during a South Carolina GOP Senate debate that she is "not that informed on national security" as she campaigns for a full six-year term. Graham made the candid admission just days before South Carolina’s GOP Senate runoff between her and Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., after a moderator asked whether Taiwan and the South China Sea are national security issues for the United States. She responded that national security is "not my thing" and "not my area of expertise." The political newcomer has the backing of President Donald Trump, who urged her to seek a full term and endorsed her candidacy after she was appointed to the Senate by South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster. "Are Taiwan and the South China Sea national security issues for the United States, and if so, why or how?" the moderator asked. RALPH NORMAN SUGGESTS SPECIAL GOP PRIMARY RUNOFF RIVAL DARLINE GRAHAM IS THE ESTABLISHMENT'S CHOSEN CANDIDATE "I’m just going to be honest here. I’m not that informed on national security," Graham responded. "But I do support the military. My brother was in the Air Force for 33 years, so I will do everything I can to support the military. My dad was in the Army. I’m not a polished politician up here. National security is not my thing, not my area of expertise. But I do support the military." The gaffe earned Graham backlash and responses on X, including from Nikki Haley, former U.N. ambassador and South Carolina governor. "Lindsey Graham was well informed on the United States’ national security. Darline Graham admits she’s not. This is not something you inherit. And it’s critical in the U.S. Senate," Haley wrote on X alongside a clip of Graham's remarks. "DEVASTATING: Darline Graham can't answer a softball question about China and Taiwan, admitting she doesn't know much about foreign policy," wrote South Carolina talk-show host Tara Servatius, noting that her "stunned 16 year old answered it off the top of his head." After the debate, Graham told reporters that South Carolinians are "worried about their pocketbooks more than they’re worried about the South China Sea, quite honestly," according to the Post and Courier. TRUMP'S FIERCEST GOP CRITIC BECAME HIS MOST INFLUENTIAL VOICE ON WAR AND PEACE Graham’s spin room comments echoed how she has previously described the differences between herself and her late brother, who made foreign policy and national security a hallmark of his Senate career. During a July interview on Fox News’ "Hannity," Graham recalled urging her brother to focus more on the everyday issues facing voters rather than national security. "I would watch him, and I’d be like, ‘Lindsey, are you just talking about national security all the time?’" Graham said, pointing instead to issues such as groceries, gas and healthcare. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Graham's response to the Taiwan question wasn't the only gaffe she had during Tuesday night's debate. Graham is also facing heat for saying that South Carolina was home to 50 million residents, when in fact it only has about 5 million. "Darlene Graham doesn't even know how many people live in South Carolina! Here she is saying 50 million people live here. Darlene darling, approximately 5.5 million people, not 50 million people live in South Carolina. I can't even right now with this Senate race," said Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., on X. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85b9422c5335ae1048a4b9 Kevin Sorbo blasts Hollywood 'blacklisting' of conservatives as 'seventh grade mean girls' culture te 2026-08-19T14:10:10.505Z Kevin Sorbo blasts Hollywood 'blacklisting' of conservatives as 'seventh grade mean girls' culture Kevin Sorbo has a message for Hollywood. The actor is calling out what he sees as Hollywood's double standard for conservatives, arguing that creators who embrace Christian or traditional values can find themselves blacklisted. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Sorbo, who appears in the faith-based movie "Elijah Peel," compared Hollywood's treatment of conservative and Christian voices to the behavior of schoolyard bullies. "That's why I find a lot of things in Hollywood, with their blacklisting people that have conservative or Christian viewpoints, I find it like they're seventh grade mean girls. It's just ridiculous and childish to me. We all have different opinions. There's nothing wrong with that," Sorbo said. HOLLYWOOD'S 'FIRST CANCEL CULTURE VICTIM' KEVIN SORBO SEES INDUSTRY DRAMATICALLY SHIFTING UNDER TRUMP The "Hercules" star's comments came while discussing "Elijah Peel," a true-story-inspired drama about a rock star whose meteoric career, addiction and self-destructive lifestyle come crashing down after a near-fatal heart attack. The movie, from executive producers Willie and Korie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty," follows Elijah as he encounters a remarkable young girl whose faith ultimately forces him to confront the life he's been living. Sorbo plays Elijah's talent manager, a man desperately attempting to keep the troubled rock star's life from completely falling apart. The movie's themes of addiction, redemption and spiritual transformation also prompted Sorbo to discuss his belief that some struggles can involve more than physical or psychological factors. WATCH: ACTOR KEVIN SORBO SAYS ‘DEMONIC STUFF’ IS HAPPENING IN HOLLYWOOD When Fox News Digital asked Sorbo whether addiction can sometimes be a spiritual battle as much as a physical or psychological one, Sorbo didn't hesitate. "Oh, most definitely. Most definitely. I think it covers all those bases," he said. Sorbo also said "there's no question" he has encountered what he considers genuine spiritual darkness during his years in Hollywood. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "I think there's a lot of demonic stuff going on out there," Sorbo said. He criticized efforts to remove Christian and religious references from schools and other institutions, tying the issue to what he described as America's Christian founding values. "It's weird when America was founded on really Christian values by our founding fathers, and now they want to get rid of all these things out of schools," he said. "We took the Bible out in '64. We want to take plaques that have been locked in the buildings built in the 1700s in the Ivy League. And now students go, 'I'm offended by that. Take it down.' Well, maybe I'm offended by you being offended. When does it end?" WATCH: ACTOR KEVIN SORBO TOUTS ‘ELIJAH PEEL’ FOR WHAT HOLLYWOOD ABANDONED Sorbo has previously spoken openly about his Christian faith and conservative political views, positions he said can make navigating Hollywood particularly difficult. "It's the conservatives that are in the closet now because they saw me get canceled," Sorbo said. "But I'm still working. And I get a lot of these actors stop me at events we're at, and go, ‘Hey man, thanks for being a voice for us.’ And I go, 'be a voice for yourself, let's stop letting fear rule your life.'" Sorbo told Fox News Digital "Elijah Peel" is part of a larger conversation about faith, morality, addiction and the possibility of redemption. For Sorbo, that message was precisely what attracted him to the project. KELSEY GRAMMER SUSPECTS HE 'MAY HAVE' LOST HOLLYWOOD ROLES DUE TO CONSERVATIVE VIEWS "I think we hear a lot about rock and roll stars, you know, the fall down, the women, the sex, the drugs, you know, the booze and everything like that," Sorbo said. "But you don't hear a lot of the redemption stories that come out for some of those people." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Sorbo said the movie offers something he believes is increasingly rare in Hollywood — a story about what happens after someone hits rock bottom. "I like movies that are based on true stories and I like movies that have redemption in them because we don't do many of those anymore," Sorbo said. "And that's kind of the road that I've been on for a while. Hollywood used to make movies like this that had good messaging in it." "Elijah Peel" is currently playing in theaters. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85b93c2c5335ae1048a474 The founder’s secret weapon: Work at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and learn how the pros do it  te 2026-08-19T14:10:04.518Z The founder’s secret weapon: Work at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and learn how the pros do it  Volunteer at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 and get an insider's view of how world-class tech events get built and more. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85b93a2c5335ae1048a46b Calendly throws its hat into meeting note-taker circus te 2026-08-19T14:10:02.418Z Calendly throws its hat into meeting note-taker circus Calendly is also releasing a meeting scheduling assistant called Callie Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85b6ec2c5335ae1048a443 5 takeaways from Florida Senate primary: GOP Sen Ashley Moody will face DSA's Nixon te 2026-08-19T14:00:12.343Z 5 takeaways from Florida Senate primary: GOP Sen Ashley Moody will face DSA's Nixon President Donald Trump celebrated the primary defeat of longtime political foe Alexander Vindman on Tuesday night after Democratic Florida State Rep. Angie Nixon pulled off a stunning upset in the primary that sought to flip the seat held Sen Ashley Moody, R-Fla. This will be a first general election race for Moody, outgoing Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis' hand-picked successor for former senator and current Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and it will be an ideological battle between a leading legal mind and one of the Democratic Socialists of America's up and coming figures in Nixon. Here are five takeaways from Tuesday night's high-profile Florida Senate primary: FAR-LEFT SOCIALIST WINS MASSIVE FLORIDA UPSET: KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM TUESDAY'S PRIMARIES Trump dunks on Impeachment 1 witness The Obama-Biden establishment Democrat era sees another one of its national political figures suffer a loss in Florida, a state that once was former President Barack Obama's key swing state. "SleazeBag Vindman loses tonight to a Radical Left Lunatic," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday night. "How cool is that???" Vindman, a retired Army Lt. Col. who fled Soviet Ukraine as a child with his twin brother Eugene, rose to prominence as a Russia hawk during the final years of the Obama administration's Pentagon. Vindman testified during the first Trump impeachment trial that he "was asked to serve" on the National Security Council in July 2018, serving under fellow-impeachment witness Fiona Hill. He became a polarizing national political figure when he testified during the 2019 House impeachment inquiry about Trump’s phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. SOCIALIST SURGE: FAR-LEFT DEMOCRATS TEST NATIONAL PLAYBOOK AFTER BLUE-CITY PRIMARY SHOCKS Dems again burn big money opposing DSA candidate Vindman, backed by the Democrat establishment, raised 16 times as much money as Nixon, but like the big-ticket loss in the Michigan Democratic primary race won by Abdul El-Sayed against Rep. Haley Stevens, D-Mich., it proved to be money wasted before November's midterm general elections. That comes as Democrats have widely reported issues with fundraising right now. They trail Republicans' national apparatus and Trump's MAGA coffers by hundreds of millions, showing the power of incumbency, despite the long historical challenges of midterm elections swinging power back to the opposition party. EXCLUSIVE: OVERSIGHT PROJECT SUES TO BLOCK MARYLAND DEMOCRATS’ REDISTRICTING MEASURE BACKED BY GOV MOORE Vindman raised $16.27 million to roughly $1 million for the DSA-backed Nixon, according to federal filings. Despite the nearly 16-to-1 cash advantage, Vindman lost in roughly a 12-point blowout. That comes on the heels of the estimated $70 million spent on Stevens. Democrats, whose small-donor platform ActBlue is under congressional investigation, could use those millions against the RNC's reported $128.5 million June cash on hand and Trump's reported $800 million. Florida delivers Election Night results fast: A contrast of red state-blue state "Florida proved there’s no excuse for elections to drag on for days or weeks," Republican National Committee (RNC) spokeswoman Ally Triolo wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Floridians voted, ballots were counted, and we woke up knowing who won. It can be done — and it should be the standard nationwide." Defeated California independent mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt marveled in a trolling X post on election integrity. "Wait. How did Florida count all their votes already?" Pratt wrote. "I was reliably informed democracy takes 5 weeks." ELECTION 'HUMAN ERROR' DELAYS KEY PRIMARY RESULTS IN LATEST VOTING MISHAP TO HIT BLUE STATES RNC Chair Joe Gruters, who resides in southwest Florida, called that quick result shot to Fox News Digital weeks ago, repeating a long-hailed refrain by Gov. DeSantis. "I always say, go look at Florida, my home state, state of 23 million people, a state where literally within 90 minutes, we can give you results everybody has full faith and confidence – that's with Democrat and Republican supervisor of elections across the state," Gruters said. "We could do this nationwide. It's not rocket science, but when you have a party that does everything they possibly can to cheat, lie, and steal to win elections, when it's all about control and power, rather than trying to make sure we protect democracy, we got to do everything we can to put the ship in the right direction, and that's what we've done at the party. We're going to continue to do anything we can make sure these elections are safe and secure." Florida won redistricting, but Nixon won Democratic voter cred Nixon sparked national headlines during Florida's legislative redistricting battle when she pulled out a bright pink megaphone on the House floor to protest a GOP-drafted congressional map. Undeterred by a state reprimand, Nixon stood by her actions, famously stating that "fighting for democracy is more important than having decorum" and declaring that she had no regrets about speaking out. That viral floor protest helped define Nixon's political identity as a confrontational progressive willing to break norms, serving as a signature centerpiece for her high-profile U.S. Senate campaign. In the primary, the newly redrawn maps shifted competitive dynamics across the state, while Nixon's stand against redistricting became her primary rallying cry against the well-backed establishment. In her campaign, Nixon urged voters to "make sure you wear your pink to the polls." Moody’s law-and-order résumé gives Nixon a steep credibility test Moody, who served six years as Florida’s attorney general before DeSantis appointed her to fill the seat vacated by Rubio, enters the general election with a résumé built around the issues Republicans are likely to put front and center: crime, fraud and public safety. By contrast, Nixon comes to the race from activism on the pavement, not the courtroom. The Jacksonville Democrat built her profile as a progressive organizer and state lawmaker, championing government-run healthcare, expanded social programs and other priorities aligned with DSA. The Florida Senate seat will be a target for the cash-strapped Democratic National Committee, but it will have to invest its resources of time, energy and money into a DSA candidate opposing a tough on crime fraud-fighter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85b48e2c5335ae1048a3b7 NAH Meet Our Experts Live seminar in August focuses on sleep te 2026-08-19T13:50:06.263Z NAH Meet Our Experts Live seminar in August focuses on sleep This month’s event will be held Thursday, Aug. 20 from 5 to 6 p.m. at McGee Auditorium on the Flagstaff Medical Center campus (1200 N. Beaver St.) and will also be open for virtual attendance. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85b48a2c5335ae1048a398 Home batteries are suddenly cheap and everywhere. Here’s why. te 2026-08-19T13:50:02.706Z Home batteries are suddenly cheap and everywhere. Here’s why. Companies including Tesla and Base Power are vying for a piece of the rapidly growing market for home batteries. One technology has made it all possible. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85b2382c5335ae1048a374 Massive piece of 9/11 history makes stunning 10,500-mile journey across America te 2026-08-19T13:40:08.949Z Massive piece of 9/11 history makes stunning 10,500-mile journey across America The Tunnel to Towers Foundation is transporting a steel beam recovered from the South Tower on the final stretch of a 10,500-mile journey across America, bringing a piece of Ground Zero to communities across the nation in remembrance of the 9/11 attacks as the 25th anniversary approaches. "This tour is about ensuring that every generation can remember, and truly understand, what happened 25 years ago," said, Tunnel to Towers Foundation chairman and CEO Frank Siller said in a press release of the campaign. The 16,900-pound, 21-foot steel beam from the South Tower will travel to over 20 different states with events featuring appearances from local officials, first responders and members of the foundation. The steel beam serves as a traveling memorial to the victims and first responders of 9/11. AS AMERICAN PRIDE HITS A 25-YEAR LOW, A NEW 9/11 EDUCATION PLATFORM URGES THE NATION TO NEVER FORGET "Steel Across America is our promise to bring this sacred piece of history to every corner of this country – honoring the civilians, first responders, and service members who gave their lives on 9/11 and in the years that followed," Siller added. "No one, regardless of their age or, where they live, should ever forget what happened here or the bravery that was shown by so many heroes." Siller founded the organization in honor of his brother, FDNY firefighter Stephen Siller, who died responding to the attacks. The truck hit the road on May 2, beginning its journey in Lower Manhattan. It will travel across nearly half the country, making stops in places like California, Arizona, Washington, D.C., and Texas before reaching its final destination at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. The beam will be on display at museums, town squares, sporting events, and the White House before returning to Ground Zero on the 25th anniversary of 9/11. 9/11 MUSEUM TO OFFER FREE ADMISSION FOR VETERANS AHEAD OF MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND One stop was Emma E. Booker Elementary School in Sarasota, Florida, where President George W. Bush was informed that America was under attack on Sept. 11, 2001. Former White House chief of staff Andy Card whispered to Bush, "a second plane hit the second tower, America is under attack," was at the school for the truck’s visit in May. Tunnel to Towers has provided mortgage-free homes to families of fallen service members and first responders while also working to combat veteran homelessness. The foundation is honoring the 343 FDNY firefighters who died on 9/11 by delivering 343 mortgage-free homes this year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85afe42c5335ae1048a324 Federal $25 minimum wage mandate would destroy over 5M jobs, hit booming Sun Belt hardest: study te 2026-08-19T13:30:12.263Z Federal $25 minimum wage mandate would destroy over 5M jobs, hit booming Sun Belt hardest: study A federal $25 minimum wage mandate would destroy millions of jobs across the country and hit several of the Sun Belt states that have seen a significant influx of new residents in recent years, an economist warned in an interview with Fox News Digital. The warnings come in response to recent legislative efforts from progressive members of Congress pushing to raise the federal minimum wage floor to $25 per hour by 2031 for large employers, while smaller businesses would reach that rate by 2038. The proposal would also eliminate the federal tip credit, raising the direct cash wage requirement for tipped employees up to $25 per hour. Rebekah Paxton, research director at the conservative Employment Policies Institute (EPI), warned that a $25 federal mandate would be a total "job killer." SANDERS-AOC BACKED PROGRESSIVE DEBUTS FEDERAL $25 MINIMUM WAGE BILL WITH COALITION OF 100+ ORGANIZATIONS The EPI projects that the policy would slash over 5 million jobs nationwide. The group expects states including Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina and Florida to suffer the largest absolute job losses. "Some of the top states that are going to be impacted by a $25 minimum wage include Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee … These states have a massive workforce. They also currently abide by the federal $7.25 minimum-wage rate, so a $25 minimum wage represents more than tripling the current minimum wage applicable in those states," Paxton told Fox News Digital. Texas, North Carolina and Florida have been among the primary beneficiaries of post-COVID migration. While major metropolitan areas, including Cook County, Illinois, and Los Angeles County, experienced population declines, U.S. Census figures show the Southeast is booming, with many of the fastest-growing counties in the nation concentrated in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. "When you’re talking about doubling or tripling the minimum wage, you’re talking about doubling and tripling labor costs for businesses in those areas," Paxton added. "There may be some businesses that try to absorb that through higher prices, but ultimately what we know from economists, business owners, and workers themselves is that it doesn't always work." "In a lot of ways, it means business owners are going to have to slash jobs and reduce the number of hours that folks are able to work," she explained. "Our report shows that that’s going to cost almost five million jobs across the country. LA HOTELS HIT BY LARGEST JOB LOSSES IN A DECADE AS 'OLYMPIC WAGE' MANDATES BITE, DATA SHOWS More than one-third of the projected job losses are concentrated in the restaurant and hospitality industry, including 1.2 million tipped workers, according to the report. The federal government is facing renewed pressure from left-leaning activists to mandate a $25-an-hour minimum wage as the national affordability crisis continues to squeeze working-class families. The federal minimum wage has sat at $7.25 per hour since 2009. One Fair Wage, part of a national coalition of more than 100 advocacy organizations and labor unions pushing for the $25 floor, told Fox News Digital that voters across the political spectrum are mobilized by the issue. "We're seeing so many MAGA voters excited about a $25 minimum wage," said Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage. "We see people across the political spectrum — and frankly, the vast majority who are not politically affiliated at all — saying, ‘I don't care about Republicans, Democrats, or Independents; what I care about is can I feed my family and who's going to deliver for me?’" The federal push, anchored by legislative proposals like the Living Wage For All Act, is backed by progressive lawmakers including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and progressive organizing allies who support proposals such as Medicare for All, wealth taxes and immigration enforcement reform. The movement is also pursuing aggressive localized initiatives. In California and New York, local chapters and union partners have introduced "30 by '30" ballot drives and municipal resolutions aimed at bringing minimum wages in high-cost cities like Oakland and New York City toward $30 per hour for major employers by the end of the decade. AOC-BACKED $25 MINIMUM WAGE PLAN SOUNDS GREAT — BUT AT WHAT COST? While proponents argue that steep wage hikes are necessary to keep pace with living costs, free-market economists and business groups caution that rapid government wage mandates will accelerate inflation and freeze entry-level hiring. Responding to the Employment Policies Institute's claims, One Fair Wage told Fox News Digital that "America is in an affordability crisis because work does not pay enough." "The federal minimum wage has remained $7.25 since 2009, while rent, groceries, health care, and child care have continued to rise. Raising paychecks is as essential as lowering prices," a spokesperson for One Fair Wage said. One Fair Wage added that "one job should be enough to live on" and that "Congress should pass the Living Wage For All Act and make that standard the law." "Workers across the country are organizing for $25 and $30 because that is what it takes to live. The Living Wage For All Act turns that worker-led demand into a national standard. The largest corporations move first, smaller businesses have years to adjust, and federal subminimum wages end — ensuring tipped workers receive the full minimum wage with tips on top," the organization said. "That projection is inconsistent with decades of minimum-wage research," it continued. "The Economic Policy Institute estimates that a federal minimum wage equal to two-thirds of the national median wage would raise pay for nearly 40 million workers. Research from UC Berkeley economist Michael Reich and the Roosevelt Institute finds that ambitious, phased increases at this level raise incomes broadly with little effect on overall employment." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85afe32c5335ae1048a319 Trump administration sanctions sitting president of the International Criminal Court for 'abuses of power' te 2026-08-19T13:30:11.480Z Trump administration sanctions sitting president of the International Criminal Court for 'abuses of power' The Trump administration has sanctioned two top International Criminal Court officials, escalating its campaign to dismantle a body that has investigated alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan and issued arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials over the war in Gaza. In announcing the sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and the ICC's senior trial lawyer, Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the court "corrupt and fatally politicized." "These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction," Rubio said in a statement, adding that the ICC "has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate." The sanctions against Akane and Seye freeze assets they hold in U.S. jurisdictions and largely cut them off from transactions with Americans or the U.S. financial system. SEN MIKE LEE: TRUMP PROVES AMERICA CAN STAND UP TO A POWER-MAD FOREIGN COURT "Our whole of government campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the ICC to national sovereignty will be sweeping and we expect more countries to join our campaign by ending their funding and participation in this politicized and unaccountable court," Rubio said. "The ICC’s ability to target American nationals and those of other non-States Parties must end." An executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February 2025 created the sanctions' framework. The Trump administration argues that the ICC lacks the power to investigate soldiers, military commanders and political leaders from countries that are not parties to the court, including the U.S. and Israel. NETANYAHU FIRES BACK AT NYC MAYOR MAMDANI'S VOW TO ENFORCE 'BOGUS ARREST WARRANT' The ICC said the Trump administration's latest sanctions "undermine the rule of law," adding that they amount to "a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution." The ICC maintains that it can exercise jurisdiction over nationals of non-member states when they are accused of qualifying crimes committed on the territory of a state that has accepted the Court’s jurisdiction. Qualifying crimes under the Rome Statute include genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. Afghanistan and Palestine are both members of the court, which the ICC says allows it to investigate alleged crimes committed on their territories, including alleged war crimes by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan and alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by Israeli officials in Gaza. In September 2024, the ICC also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, the minister of defense at the time. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85afe22c5335ae1048a302 Bryson DeChambeau & hockey goalie Mikayla Demaiter dating rumors heat up, tarps off in Chicago & NFL tension te 2026-08-19T13:30:10.552Z Bryson DeChambeau & hockey goalie Mikayla Demaiter dating rumors heat up, tarps off in Chicago & NFL tension Let's get Wednesday Screencaps rolling with one of the hottest topics from the world of sports and pop culture that we weren't covering because in this age of AI and Instagram influencers you just have to be very careful on what we're seeing. I'm talking about the Bryson DeChambeau and Canadian hockey goalie Mikayla Demaiter content convergence. Are they dating? Is this just some sort of content play for both of them to dominate social media? What we know is that Bryson's been making it a priority to play golf in Canada. And Mikayla has been dumping out Bryson-branded content from his home gym and from a hotel room while wearing LIV credentials. PAULINA GRETZKY LEAVES THE INTERNET SPEECHLESS WITH LATEST CONTENT BARRAGE, DORM DECORATIONS & BABE AT 34 Due to this evidence, including Bryson insisting on so much Canadian golf content, I'm fully convinced these two are dating. You can thank the Taylor Swift effect. Now imagine what the PGA Tour is going to look like in 2027. You'll have Paulina Gretzky and Demaiter at The Masters, if what I'm seeing comes to fruition, now that LIV is imploding. Looking ahead, if MLB does go through with its lockout, golf is going to be the epicenter of drama and pageviews. Buckle up. LIV GOLF TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP SET FOR INDIANAPOLIS AS MICHIGAN TOURNAMENT IS CANCELED AMID LEAGUE'S MURKY FUTURE 📩 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 – Travel Ball Hardo Chris B. in Houston proudly emailed this to me: Kinsey: I cannot wait to watch this. I pray there's a segment where they're all sitting around a Hampton Inn suckin' down High Noons and backstabbing each other. Mailbag: boy names & ESPN/NFL is about to force feed us flag football! – Mike in Texas checks in: Good Afternoon Joe. Perusing Texas high school football on X, came across the following names and immediately thought of you! Breydon, Cody, Cole, Kaegan, Kolton, Kross, and Raiden. What the heck!!! WOODY JOHNSON: MAKING FLAG FOOTBALL OFFICIAL GIVES GIRLS A CHANCE TO CATCH THEIR FUTURES Kinsey: Suburban moms gone wild, Mike. Happy wife, happy life. Men have to let them give their kids bastardized names so they'll look cool on 11U travel baseball AI-created rosters posted on social media. – Rob M. in Florida can see it coming: Flag football, I’ve seen it, we’ve all seen it. We know what is coming, we know that his year will be swamped with WNFL (do we know what the league will be called?) promos with former NFL players as coaches and assistants. They’ll be up in the booth during the game, talking up this great new league and all of the great athletes that will participate in it. We’ll have to listen as former NFL greats tell us that they have never seen the likes of the incredible athletes that are playing in this league, and how impressed they are with the skills and determination that that these women have. However, the truth is, leagues like this and the WNBA are nothing but remoras, the fish that stick to sharks and feed off of them. This league will be no different than that other league that feeds off of the NBA, propped up by a bunch of Beta men who are too afraid to say what we all know. It’s hard to write about the NFL having Beta men, but I’m not talking about the men that actually play the sport, I’m talking about the executives that green light this kind of garbage. The first time that Sue Bird or some other Lesbian Overlord walked into the NFL headquarters and pitched this, there should have been one response, "Thanks but no, I’ve seen what the WNBA is putting out, there is no way I want my league to be associated with what is basically a Real Housewives reality series in running shoes". But that’s not what happened, these guys sat at attention ad ate it all up, they couldn’t wait to say yes. You know why? The NFL prints money, even in the offseason, just stone cold prints it by the ton. They know their fan base will take it, they know we aren’t going anywhere. We’ll put up with virtue signaling slogans in the end zone, we’ll pay $19 a beer at the stadium, we’ll pay $100 to park. Oh, there will be those that tell you that they have had it, but they are lying too, they watch, secretly sitting in their basement with their 6 Fantasy teams and four screens of games on, hiding in the dark like a teenager watching porn. They may get onto Facebook and proclaim that they are done with the NFL, but they are not. Joe, you are not wrong, it’s coming, it will be force fed to us every Sunday. ESPN will carry the league, promote the league and chastise us for not watching these great athletes perform at a high level, levels to which we have never seen before. The articles will be written about the misogyny that these women face, the homophobia and racism that is rampant in the NFL and what we can do to fix it. Then, two attractive white women will star dominating the league, people will actually watch the games and find it entertaining. The Overlords will become offended that these two women are becoming the face of the sport, the other players will resent them and actively try to kill them on the field. The drama will escalate, and the cycle will repeat again and again. You know what? Let’s do this, I’m in, let’s see what this turns into. You will get column inches out of it and I’ll get to type out four paragraph rants about it. I can’t wait, bring it on…… Kinsey: Rob's final paragraph is the blueprint. Now we all get to sit back and watch this play out and laugh. – Paul in Wisco says: Oh man those DUMPkin wipes cracked me up. Speaking of cracks, I am a Dude Wipes user and only buy the unscented ones on Amazon. I don't need someone out in public asking "Where is that nice autumnal scent emanating from?" and then I answer "My clean ass." Dude Wipes also had a Bomb Pop scent at Sam's Club this summer. Not sure if that qualifies as Respect Summer, but I'll give it to them for their marketing efforts. – Rory on washing hats in the dishwasher: Yes, dishwasher works, but the heat and cycle will warp the hats. When I was kid (late 80s/early 90s) they used to sell these hat washing cages you could pop them in, but it still warped them. As someone who likes to keep my rotation of golf hats looking clean, I've found the best method is to soak in some hot water with Oxy Clean. Swish it around every so often, then once clean give it a good rinse and hang dry. The Little League World Series and travel ball teams masquerading as a group thrown together a few weeks ago to represent some small town – Reed in Minnetonka, MN checks in: You made an interesting comment this week as to the LLWS and all these teams are absolutely Travel Ball units disguised as tight-knit, small-town groups of tremendous ball players. And I would bet the mortgage you are right in 2026. I know in 1986 I was on the REC/community all-star team for LL (no travel ball existed) and we had a path to LLWS in Louisiana. Went to local regionals and got smoked by a Dwight Gooden sized dude who threw what I remember to be 80 MPH. I was the only one to reach base as I was too scared to swing, got a walk, to second on a passed ball and that was our offense for the day. They weren’t Travel, just athletically superior. We drove back to Monroe, LA. That said, I see you have the Great Lakes representation for the LLWS just down the road in Hamilton, OH (population 64k). You may already have the recon that they are big time Travel Ball. If not, you can go on a BIG J assignment and truly dig into the make-up of this squad as to how they came to be, origins of the players, truly what was the path for this unit to get to the show, do they have an Alyssa Milano-type mom pimping for Venmo to fund their trip. Kinsey: I know that Hamilton is a crazy baseball town. I also know the Little League is legendary down there. I also know that Hamilton hosts MASSIVE travel sports events. You might remember my story in July of the families who were being charged over $200 for mom and dad to attend travel basketball tournaments. That was Hamilton. I have to believe the team you see out of Ohio at the LLWS will be a travel team. I've yet to have anyone email me saying these teams are traditional Little League teams like 25 years ago. Matt in Phenix City, AL already told us the Alabama team is a travel team. The state of flashlights – Mike T. in Idaho is out and about prepping for winter: Brands just keep Disrespecting Summer – Tom in Clarksville, TN is concerned: ################# And that's it for this mid-Augusta morning with college football inching ever so close. You can feel it. Ohio high school football starts Friday night as does the National Tractor Pull in Bowling Green, OH. Guess which one I'm attending? You're damn right, the PULLLLLLLLLLL. Let's get after it. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85afe12c5335ae1048a2f9 Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' spends 18 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100; sets new record te 2026-08-19T13:30:09.766Z Ella Langley's 'Choosin' Texas' spends 18 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100; sets new record Ella Langley continues to prove she's absolutely unstoppable. Langley hasn't just become a hit with the OutKick audience. She's turned into a megastar in the country music world over the past couple years. That was solidified beyond question when she absolutely boat raced everyone at the ACM Awards with seven wins. ELLA LANGLEY’S BEHIND-THE-SCENES ACM AWARDS VIDEO HAS FANS 'CRYING ALL OVER AGAIN' AFTER RECORD-BREAKING NIGHT Now, her run on the charts has hit a new level. Langley's hit song "Choosin' Texas" has been on a generational run as it absolutely shreds the competition on the Billboard Hot 100. ELLA LANGLEY'S 'CHOOSIN' TEXAS' ENTERS RARE BILLBOARD TERRITORY AFTER 12 WEEKS RULING THE HOT 100 She now has another notch in her belt of accomplishments. Billboard announced this week that the song has officially spent 18 weeks in the number one spot on the Hot 100. That's the most weeks for a female singer in the number one spot for a non-holiday song. Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You" holds the number one spot at 22 weeks. The talented country singer is also one week out of tying the number two spot overall. If that happens, Langley will be in a three-way tie with Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" and "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X feat. Billy Ray Cyrus. ELLA LANGLEY JOINS MUSIC ROYALTY WITH 'INSANE' MILESTONE FOR 'CHOOSIN' TEXAS' Langley also teamed up with Koe Wetzel for the new viral hit "Jaded." The woman simply can't stop winning, and something tells me there's a high chance "Choosin' Texas" will move into the number two spot overall by next week. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS Then all eyes will turn to whether or not she can dethrone Mariah Carey for the top spot overall. MATTHEW MCCONAUGHEY PROMPTS PRICELESS REACTION FROM ELLA LANGLEY AFTER OSCAR WINNER COVERS ‘CHOOSIN’ TEXAS’ What do you think about Langley and her music? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85afe12c5335ae1048a2f0 Sophie Cunningham sent a loud and clear message after getting viciously booed in Canada te 2026-08-19T13:30:09.015Z Sophie Cunningham sent a loud and clear message after getting viciously booed in Canada Sophie Cunningham put on her big girl pants and hard hat, and ventured into Canada for the first time in her life Tuesday night. That's right. Canada. More specifically, Toronto. What a patriot! It can be the Wild Wild West when you go North of the Border. I love Canadians. Nicest people in the world. But, still, you never know what you're gonna get up there when it comes to politics. Anyway, Cunningham was mercilessly booed every time she touched the basketball in Tuesday's game — presumably because she said men don't belong in girls' locker rooms — and responded by hitting all three 3-pointers she took, helping the Fever to a 101-95 win. SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM SENDS BLUNT MESSAGE TO BOOING, TRANS FLAG-WAVING WNBA CROWD AFTER DRILLING SHOT After the game, she made it a point to shout out the Tempo crowd — unprompted. Instead of crying about it, she embraced it. What a breath of fresh air: "I want to shout out the Tempo crowd and the city," she said. "We've had so much fun. The crowd was absolutely amazing. I think that’s what sports is all about. You’re going to get boos and you’re going to get cheers." Cunningham also had some ... interesting ... comments directly after the final buzzer: "The Big Three are going to do their thing every night," she said. "Like I said, I'm just gonna come, have some fun, maybe inspire some young girls to come beat me one day." She's just such a normal person, and that's becoming increasingly rare in today's world — especially when you're talking about the WNBA. Don't think I didn't notice that little smirk right after she said that, either. I noticed. We all noticed. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Back to the crowd ... It is amazing that they were apparently so offended by what Cunningham said, that they felt the need to boo her on every play. Again, just to put that into the proper context, here's what Sophie told ESPN a month ago that started this whole mess: "I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that.’ I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men." SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS That's it! That's why the Tempo crowd booed Sophie Cunningham every time she touched the ball last night. That's why the Minnesota coach wore a "Trans Kids Belong" shirt last month when the Lynx played the Fever. Because Sophie Cunningham said she wanted to protect young girls in a locker room. Amazing. What a time to be alive. Take your boo-birds and shove it, Toronto! Sophie has another three to drill. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ab312c5335ae1048a214 Redistricting gives Republicans an edge, but affordability will decide the midterms te 2026-08-19T13:10:09.379Z Redistricting gives Republicans an edge, but affordability will decide the midterms Republicans may be winning the redistricting war while losing the voters they need to build a lasting majority. The latest Fox News Power Rankings reveal a serious warning for Republicans. The new maps favor the GOP, but the political environment favors Democrats. The GOP could gain a dozen seats, including up to nine in Florida and Texas, due to redistricting. However, House Democrats expanded their midterm target list to 58 Republican-held districts, adding 12 seats in territory President Donald Trump carried. While expanded targets do not guarantee Democratic victories, they signal that Democrats see an opening among dissatisfied voters. Republicans must confront this challenge before the November midterms, but they must also recognize the opportunity to strengthen the party for future elections. Redistricting can give overlooked voters a stronger voice, attract better candidates and provide Republicans the stability needed to govern, but it cannot generate public confidence or voter enthusiasm. Current polling signals the urgency. Seventy-five percent of voters said inflation had caused financial hardship, while 54% expected the economy to worsen. Democrats lead the generic congressional ballot 53% to 46%, with voters preferring them on inflation by 10 points and the economy by nine. Democrats also hold an enthusiasm advantage, with 68% saying they are extremely motivated to vote in November compared with 57% of Republicans. In counties likely to determine control of Congress, where Trump and Kamala Harris finished within 10 points in 2024, Democrats lead the congressional ballot 59% to 41%. A separate Reuters/Ipsos poll found voters preferring Democrats over Republicans on the economy for the first time in nearly a decade. While the advantage is only one point, it is significant because Republicans risk losing their historic advantage on the issue that often determines elections. IT’S NOT THE ECONOMY, STUPID. AMERICANS VOTE BASED ON THEIR PERSONAL ECONOMY There is no doubt that Republicans should use every lawful political advantage available to them. Democrats certainly will. Republicans deserve credit for pursuing redistricting that was both strategic and necessary to secure fairer representation for voters who had previously been trapped in gerrymandered districts. Republicans now have an enormous opportunity to make the case for the promises they have already kept, including securing the border and delivering historic tax relief through the One Big Beautiful Bill. The next step is to explain what additional measures Republicans will take to confront the affordability crisis. Republicans cannot redistrict their way out of an affordability crisis because congressional maps will not lower grocery bills, make housing affordable or reduce the cost of gasoline, childcare and healthcare. Map victories will not convince the younger generation that hard work will lead to homeownership or reassure a small-business owner whose revenue is being overtaken by higher labor, energy and borrowing costs. Voters judge the economy through weekly bills, not maps. Even voters who agree with Republicans on immigration, crime and cultural issues may conclude that the party in power has not delivered. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Republicans must govern on affordability by producing economic results Americans can feel. The path is clear: continue lowering energy costs, restrain federal spending, remove barriers to home construction, protect small businesses and provide additional tax relief for working families. Every Republican measure should answer a simple question: Does this make life more affordable for Americans? Republicans won the presidency by promising safety, security and the restoration of the American Dream. Voters will measure delivery at the grocery store, the gas pump and the kitchen table. There is a difference between holding a majority and earning the public’s trust. A majority gives Republicans enough votes to elect a speaker, but public trust gives them the support needed to lead the country. Redistricting buys Republicans time to protect the majority, but that time is valuable only if used to govern. If Republicans deliver affordability, security and economic opportunity, they can build a lasting coalition. If they mistake favorable district lines for voter approval, today’s safe districts could become the epicenter of tomorrow’s political earthquake. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85ab2a2c5335ae1048a1cb CareCloud confirms 3.7M patients had their medical records stolen in data breach te 2026-08-19T13:10:02.861Z CareCloud confirms 3.7M patients had their medical records stolen in data breach The cyberattack at CareCloud resulted in one of the largest reported data breaches in the U.S. healthcare industry this year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85a8dc2c5335ae10489d1e Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios hit with suspension after testing positive for cocaine at ATP event te 2026-08-19T13:00:12.023Z Aussie tennis star Nick Kyrgios hit with suspension after testing positive for cocaine at ATP event Former Wimbledon finalist Nick Kyrgios has revealed that he has been provisionally suspended from tennis after testing positive for cocaine. The 31-year-old Australian shared a statement on Instagram about the failed drug test that took place during the Mallorca Open in June, explaining that he takes full responsibility for the "huge mistake" he made. Kyrgios, often labeled tennis' 'bad boy', also shared that he has "felt helpless and alone" in recent years as injuries have kept him off the court for the most part. "I'm sorry to my fans, my family, my sponsors and everyone close to me," Kyrgios wrote in an Instagram Story. "Above all, I'm sorry to the kids who follow me. I know the example this sets and I'm deeply disappointed in myself. SERENA WILLIAMS CRITICIZES 'GRUELING' ANTI-DOPING PROCESS AHEAD OF WIMBLEDON RETURN "I'm not going to make excuses, but I do want to give some context about where I've been. The last couple of years of injuries have taken a huge toll on me, both physically and mentally. My body hasn't been able to do what my mind expects it to do, and coming to terms with being near the end of my career has been harder than I ever imagined. "I've always said I didn't choose tennis - tennis chose me. But letting go of something that has been my whole life is one of the hardest things I've ever had to face. At times I've felt helpless and alone." Kyrgios now faces a ban of up to four years after testing positive for the banned substance, although a lighter sanction is to be expected. British player Dan Evans tested positive for cocaine at the 2017 Barcelona Open and ultimately served a one-year suspension. Kyrgios has not appealed the mandatory provisional suspension that was applied on Aug. 4. His positive test and suspension comes after he publicly slammed tennis stars Jannik Sinner and Iga Swiatek for failing doping tests in 2024. The International Tennis Integrity Agency has said that Kyrgios' sample was taken on June 22, with the positive result not being confirmed until July 17, after Kyrgios lost an opening-round doubles match at Wimbledon. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS Kyrgios suffered a knee injury in October 2022 and played just once over the course of the next two years. He got back on the court in 2025, but posted a 1-4 record and was featured in just one Grand Slam, losing a first-round match at the Australian Open. In December 2025, Kyrgios defeated four-time Grand Slam winner Aryna Sabalenka in a 'Battle of the Sexes' match held in Dubai. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85a8d72c5335ae10489cfb Autonomous truck deployment prompts pushback as states write rules te 2026-08-19T13:00:07.086Z Autonomous truck deployment prompts pushback as states write rules The push to swap human drivers in commercial trucks with artificial intelligence-powered systems is being met with public wariness, pushback and even litigation, as the technology moves from testing to deployment. The autonomous truck industry says driverless semis can save lives and help address a driver shortage. Critics counter that self-driving big rigs pose a danger and will supplant jobs.  Tension is growing between the two sides as deployment quickly expands and as states write the rules of the road without federal regulations. Teamsters California sued the Department of Motor Vehicles this month challenging new state regulations for light- and heavy-duty autonomous vehicles. The Teamsters say self-driving trucks are an “existential threat to the livelihoods” of its members and allege the DMV violated the law by not properly evaluating the economic impacts or allowing adequate public feedback.     “Such a critical decision with life-and-death consequences must involve public input and transparency,” Peter Finn, Teamsters California co-chair, said in an Aug. 5 statement announcing the lawsuit.  The DMV declined to comment on active litigation. Jeff Farrah, CEO of the Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association, criticized the lawsuit in a statement posted to X as a “last-ditch attempt to undermine the regulatory authority of the Department of Motor Vehicles, and it should be rejected.” The Teamsters have sought to pass laws in California and elsewhere requiring human drivers behind the wheel of autonomous trucks, which the industry views as a roadblock to deployment.  California Gov. Gavin Newsom and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, both Democrats, have twice vetoed so-called driver-in bills. In a veto statement this year, Polis said the bill “risks preventing Coloradans from being on the cutting edge of innovation that would improve safety in the future.” Read more: Newsom vetoes autonomous truck bill Similar legislation failed last year in Delaware, Indiana, Maryland and Texas.  “Requiring a human operator in a driverless truck isn’t unreasonable — it’s common sense,” Brent Taylor, a Texas Teamsters official, said in a statement when the bill was still under consideration.  This year brought other proposed autonomous truck regulations, reflecting public skepticism. A March poll from Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety found that 85% of respondents were concerned about sharing the road with autonomous trucks. Alabama lawmakers failed to pass a bill that would have prohibited autonomous oversized loads. An Iowa bill barring hazardous shipments without a human driver also died. The Alaska House unanimously passed a “driver-in” bill, but it stalled in the Senate. Meanwhile, other states are embracing the technology. Indiana and Ohio have teamed up on a U.S. Department of Transportation grant project to allow “platooning” trucks on Interstate 70 between Columbus and Indianapolis. Under the program, a lead truck with a human driver is electronically linked to a second truck that follows close behind. The second truck also has a driver in the cab as a safety measure. Swedish-based Einride is operating driverless short-haul freight operations in Marysville, Ohio. Read more: Ohio roads to see self-driving, cab-less trucks for first time A 2025 Montana law instructed the state Department of Transportation to study the feasibility and safety of platooning trucks, given the state’s harsh weather conditions and terrain.  Minnesota lawmakers considered a bill that would allow a vehicle platoon pilot project for sugar beet hauling in two Minnesota counties. It was modeled on a program in North Dakota.  The legislative battles come as more driverless trucks hit the road. Aurora Innovation announced this month that it has begun autonomous tractor-trailer operations at night across the 240 miles between Dallas and Houston. The company began daytime trips between those cities in May 2025. The company also operates between Fort Worth and Phoenix, and Dallas and Oklahoma City.  Gatik, which operates autonomous box trucks, is transporting PepsiCo products in Arizona, Arkansas and Texas. Gatik driverless trucks also deliver products for Walmart and Tyson Foods Kodiak AI trucks haul oil field sand in the Permian Basin of New Mexico and Texas with plans to expand operations. Last week, Kodiak announced that it received a permit under the new California DMV regulations, which will allow it to begin testing its trucks on California roads with a safety driver on board. Aurora and Gatik also have permits. Even as the industry celebrates these milestones, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which represents unionized drivers, is battling back with bills aimed at slowing the rollout of autonomous trucks. Read more: Teamsters pump the brakes on autonomous vehicle bills The legal landscape for autonomous trucks varies state to state because there is no federal framework.  According to U.S. Rep. Vince Fong, a California Republican, 35 states allow autonomous truck testing or deployment. He has sought to advance federal legislation that would preempt those states with driver-in laws for commercial vehicles.  Elements of Fong’s proposed framework were incorporated into the BUILD America 250 Act, a bipartisan bill to reauthorize the nation’s surface transportation funding. The bill was advanced by the House Transportation committee. “With other nations rapidly integrating autonomous trucking into their supply chains, America cannot afford to fall behind,” Fong said in a statement in May. “Currently, a confusing patchwork of state regulations is holding us back.”  The Trump administration has been bullish on autonomous vehicles. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy released an Autonomous Vehicle Framework in April 2025 aimed at removing regulatory barriers and encouraging commercial deployment while prioritizing safety. Companies and investors are betting big on autonomous trucking’s future. The Autonomous Vehicle Industry Association says that since 2018 more than $6 billion in private capital has been invested in the nascent industry.  Consulting firm McKinsey in 2024 projected that the autonomous trucking industry could become a $600 billion market by 2035. A University of Illinois study released last month estimated that driverless trucks could save 35% in transportation costs. The post Autonomous truck deployment prompts pushback as states write rules first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85a4282c5335ae1048987b Louisiana football phenom Peyton Houston credits faith, family for his remarkable success te 2026-08-19T12:40:08.133Z Louisiana football phenom Peyton Houston credits faith, family for his remarkable success A young Louisiana football star is dominating on the field and excelling in the classroom, and he recently revealed the pillars that drive his success. Evangel Christian Academy quarterback Peyton "Pop" Houston joined "America's Newsroom" to open up about his athletic and academic talents and how he achieves his lofty goals. The four-star Louisiana State University (LSU) recruit is a top-10 quarterback in the 2027 class, according to 247Sports.  The Shreveport native is also prominently featured in season 3 of the hit Fox Nation reality series, "God. Family. Football.," which follows the Evangel Eagles' season on and off the gridiron. CHARLIE KIRK’S MURDER SENDS SHOCKWAVES THROUGH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY IN HIT FOX NATION SERIES Houston praised his family as a "big reason" for staying grounded and balancing his athletic prowess with a 4.0 GPA. But he also cited his faith as a major driver for his success. "Every chance I get out there to go display the talent that God has blessed me with, we use it," he told co-hosts Shannon Bream and Bill Hemmer. "I use it as my form of worship, giving it back to him, and with school it's easy. My parents teach me to be a student athlete and not an athlete student, so staying focused in the classroom is big." Houston also emphasized the importance of discipline. He said he has half his team come to Planet Fitness at 3:30 a.m. for workouts, calling the decision an attempt to make him "mentally strong." OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST PRAISES REAL AMERICAN FREESTYLE FOR 'OPPORTUNITY' AHEAD OF HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEBUT "It's a mental thing, being able to be mentally strong, preparing your body to fight against itself," he said. "Your body will give up faster than your mind, and your mind controls the whole body. So being able to have a strong mind helps in football tremendously." Houston was asked about the potential impact of college name, image, and likeness (NIL) on his motivation to play, but shut down any concerns that it would affect how he approaches his game. "I play the game because I love the game," he said. "So I really try not to worry about the money. I tell myself if I'm able to go out there and perform on the football field, that NIL, the attributes outside of football, they'll come your way. So I got to perform and keep the main thing the main thing and work on perfecting my craft, so I'm able to perform on Saturday nights or Friday nights and then all the other things will come too." TRUMP ADVISOR, EX-NFL PLAYER CODY CAMPBELL WARNS PROTECT COLLEGE SPORTS ACT IS FINAL CHANCE TO RESTORE ORDER Houston went viral in 2024 when he shattered the record for most passing yards in a single National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) game, throwing for 817 yards in a wild 77-76 loss to Captain Shreve. Evangel head coach Denny Duron expressed shock at the stunning performance, calling it "impossible." The highly touted quarterback also signed a historic NIL deal with Nike ahead of his senior season, becoming one of 11 high school athletes to reach a deal with the apparel giant. To watch Houston's high school career unfold, make sure to tune into all three seasons of "God. Family. Football." streaming exclusively on Fox Nation. 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/6a85a4272c5335ae10489872 Mystery voicemail scam can hit without your phone ever ringing te 2026-08-19T12:40:07.487Z Mystery voicemail scam can hit without your phone ever ringing It starts quietly. Your phone buzzes with a voicemail notification. The strange part is that your phone never rang. Then it happens again. Before long, your voicemail inbox is filling up with messages you never heard come in. That's exactly what Mike from Westport, Connecticut, is dealing with right now. He wrote to us saying: "I am so upset. Every 20 to 30 minutes, I am getting voicemails, but what's weird is my phone never rings. After blocking the number, it just rolls over to a new source number. When I go to play the message, there is no audio. Is this a scammer just trying to get me to call them back? Not sure what the endgame is here. What can I do to stop this from happening? I really appreciate your help." Mike's experience has the hallmarks of automated spam activity, but there is an important distinction. A voicemail that appears without your phone ringing does not automatically mean a scammer used a special "ringless voicemail" system. Your phone's call-screening settings, your wireless carrier's spam filters and automated robocalls can all produce a similar result. FTC REVEALS WHERE SPAM CALLS HIT HARDEST The safest approach is to treat repeated unexplained voicemails from unfamiliar numbers as suspicious and avoid calling those numbers back. Here's what may be happening behind those mystery voicemails, why the numbers keep changing and what you can do to make them stop. 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. There are several ways a voicemail can appear even though you never heard your phone ring. One is ringless voicemail, sometimes called direct-to-voicemail. This technology can deliver a prerecorded message to a wireless voicemail inbox without making the phone ring. The FCC ruled in 2022 that ringless voicemail to wireless phones qualifies as a "call" under federal robocalling rules when an artificial or prerecorded voice is used and therefore is subject to applicable consent requirements. Another possibility is that the call reached your number, but your phone or wireless carrier filtered it before you heard it. On current iPhones, for example, calls identified by a carrier as potential spam or fraud can be silenced and sent to voicemail. Apple also allows you to screen or silence callers who are not saved in your contacts. Automated calling systems can also result in extremely short or silent messages when a call reaches voicemail, but the recording never plays properly. So, the symptom alone cannot tell you exactly what caused the voicemail. We discussed this issue in detail on The CyberGuy Report podcast at cyberguy.com/podcast/. Mike also noticed that blocking one number does not help for long. Another number simply replaces it. Caller ID spoofing is one reason this happens. Scammers can falsify the caller ID information that appears on your phone, making a call appear to come from a local number, a company or even another person's phone. That means the number you see may have little connection to whoever actually placed the call. In some cases, the displayed number can belong to an innocent person whose number is being misused. This is why manually blocking every number can become a frustrating game of whack-a-mole. Blocking can still help with repeat callers, but broader spam filtering is usually more useful when the displayed numbers keep changing. AMAZON RECALL TEXT SCAM COMES WITH RED FLAGS A completely silent message may seem pointless. Sometimes it may simply be an automated call where the recording failed to play correctly. However, unwanted calls can also be designed to get you to respond. An unfamiliar voicemail notification creates curiosity. You may wonder whether you missed something important and return the call. That's where you need to be careful. The FTC advises people who receive illegal robocalls to hang up, avoid pressing buttons and not call back. There are also callback scams specifically designed around curiosity. In so-called one-ring or Wangiri scams, criminals place short calls hoping you'll return them. A callback can lead to an international or premium-rate number and unexpected charges. You can read more about unexpected international call scams and why calling back can cost you. A silent voicemail isn’t automatically a one-ring scam. Still, the same safety rule applies. Do not return an unexplained call simply because you want to know who was behind it. A voicemail merely appearing in your inbox does not prove that you listened to it or that a scammer successfully confirmed you as a responsive target. Engaging is different. Calling back, pressing prompts or interacting with an illegal robocall gives the other side a response. The FTC specifically warns that pressing a number to supposedly get off a calling list can lead to more unwanted calls. That's another reason to let suspicious calls end with you. Some robocall campaigns operate at enormous scale. A system can place call after call with little or no human involvement. If the call reaches voicemail but the recording does not start correctly, you may end up with a blank or extremely short message. When the same thing happens repeatedly from changing numbers, automated calling activity becomes one possible explanation. However, the voicemail alone isn’t enough to identify the exact system or caller behind it. Repeated silent voicemails by themselves are not evidence that someone has hacked your phone. The more likely explanations involve calls being routed, screened, blocked or sent to voicemail rather than someone gaining access to the device. Still, pay attention to other warning signs. If your phone suddenly loses cellular service, you stop receiving verification codes or your carrier says your SIM or eSIM was changed unexpectedly, that is a different problem and could point to a SIM swap scam. You should also contact your carrier if you notice unexpected changes to your voicemail greeting, voicemail PIN or call-forwarding settings. For the pattern Mike described, however, the immediate concern is unwanted calling activity and what happens if he engages with it. You may not be able to eliminate every unwanted voicemail, especially when callers constantly change numbers. However, these steps can reduce the disruption and make it harder for suspicious calls to reach you. If there is no meaningful message and you do not recognize the caller, there is usually no reason to return the call. A legitimate caller with an important reason to reach you can identify themselves in a voicemail, send you a message or try again. If someone claims to represent your bank, a government agency or another organization, look up the organization's official contact information yourself rather than using a callback number from an unexpected message. Apple's current iPhone software gives you several ways to handle unknown and suspected spam callers. Turn on Call Screening With this setting, calls from unknown numbers are asked for more information before your iPhone rings. Once the caller provides a name and reason for calling, you can decide whether to answer. You can also select Silence , but keep the tradeoff in mind. Calls from unsaved numbers will be silenced and sent to voicemail, while still appearing in your recent calls. That can be useful if you never want unknown callers interrupting you, but it can also mean more legitimate unsaved callers end up in voicemail. Turn on spam filtering Calls identified by your carrier as potential spam or fraud can then be silenced, sent to voicemail and moved to the Spam list. That is also one legitimate reason you might find a voicemail on your iPhone even though you never remember hearing it ring. For more ways to deal with these calls, see our guide on sending spam calls to voicemail on iPhone and Android. Samsung Galaxy phones offer Caller ID and spam protection through the Samsung Phone app on supported devices. The first option blocks calls identified as spam or scams regardless of risk level, while the second focuses on calls identified as higher-risk scams. You can also block unknown numbers: That is a fairly aggressive setting, so consider whether you regularly receive legitimate calls from doctors, delivery drivers, businesses or other people who may not be in your contacts. Samsung now offers an AI-powered Call screening feature on compatible Galaxy phones running Android 16 with One UI 8.5 or later. To turn it on: You can also enable Auto screen calls to automatically screen unknown callers. When Call screening handles a call, Galaxy AI can provide a live transcription so you can decide whether to accept or reject it. Automatic screening can also explain some unusual call behavior because the AI may answer an unknown call before you interact with it. If Call screening does not appear, your Galaxy model, software version or carrier may not support it. For even more options, check out our guide on how to trace and block anonymous calls. For Mike's situation, where blank messages arrive every 20 to 30 minutes, I would involve the wireless carrier. Tell the carrier that you are receiving repeated silent voicemails from rotating numbers without hearing the incoming calls. Ask what network-level spam controls are available and whether anything can be done to prevent the unwanted callers from reaching voicemail. Your carrier may also have more information about how the incoming calls are reaching your line than you can see from the phone itself. Call-blocking and call-labeling tools can help identify known spam patterns before you answer. The FTC recommends looking into call-blocking and call-labeling solutions as one way to reduce unwanted calls. Before installing a third-party app, check the company's privacy policy and what access the app requests. We have more options in our guide to getting rid of robocalls with call-blocking apps and privacy tools. Scammers and marketers can obtain phone numbers in many ways, including databases, people-search sites and data brokers. Some robocalls may also simply be placed randomly, so reducing online exposure cannot prevent every unwanted call. Still, having less personal information publicly available gives strangers fewer places to gather details about you. You can submit removal requests to data brokers yourself or use a reputable data removal service to help manage them. 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 Our guide explains how to remove your personal information from the web and keep checking when it comes back. Keep expectations realistic. Removing a phone number from data broker sites will not instantly stop a robocall campaign that already has your number. You can also learn about 9 ways scammers can use your hone number to try to trick you. Antivirus software will not stop a silent voicemail from reaching your phone, so I would not position it as a robocall blocker. However, it becomes important if the person behind the call follows up with a text message, email, malicious link, fake website or dangerous download. Strong antivirus protection can help detect phishing attempts, malicious websites and malware before they compromise your device or personal information. That extra layer matters because a suspicious voicemail may only be the first contact in a scam that later tries to get you to click or download something. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com The key is still not to engage with suspicious callers. However, keeping strong security software on your devices can provide another layer of protection if a scam attempt moves from your voicemail to your browser, texts or email. See our guide to what to look for in antivirus software without the jargon. If you're receiving illegal robocalls, the FTC says to report them at DoNotCall.gov . When filing a report, it helps to provide: Those reports can help regulators identify calling patterns and support call-blocking and enforcement efforts. You can read more about what complaint data shows in our report on where spam calls are hitting Americans hardest. If you lost money or gave personal information to a scammer, you can also file a fraud report at ReportFraud.ftc.gov . The National Do Not Call Registry can help reduce unwanted sales calls from legitimate companies that follow the law. However, it does not physically block calls and will not stop scammers who are already making illegal calls. Registration is free for both mobile and home phone numbers. If you've registered and wonder why unwanted calls still get through, we explain the problem in The 'Do Not Call' list loophole: Why your phone still won't stop ringing. Getting voicemail notifications when your phone never rang can be unsettling, especially when they keep appearing from different numbers. However, there is no single explanation for every case. Ringless voicemail technology exists, but phone screening, carrier spam filtering and automated robocalls can also result in messages appearing without you hearing a ring. The biggest mistake is letting curiosity pull you into calling an unexplained number back. Delete meaningless messages, use your phone's spam controls and get your carrier involved when the problem becomes relentless. For Mike, the rotating numbers and repeated blank messages make automated spam activity a reasonable concern. Nothing he described, however, is proof that his phone has been hacked. For more on this topic, be sure to listen and subscribe to The CyberGuy Report podcast at Cyberguy.com/podcast/ . Have you ever found a voicemail on your phone even though you swear it never rang? What did the message say, and did you figure out where it came from? 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/6a85a4262c5335ae10489869 Turkey accuses Netanyahu of pursuing ‘expansionist’ policies after Israeli strike on Syrian airbase te 2026-08-19T12:40:06.737Z Turkey accuses Netanyahu of pursuing ‘expansionist’ policies after Israeli strike on Syrian airbase The Turkish government publicly denounced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for allegedly pursuing "expansionist and destabilizing policies" after Israel launched airstrikes on a Syrian airbase this week. Netanyahu's office took responsibility for the Tuesday morning strike on the Abu al-Duhur airbase the next day, saying Syria was on the verge of breaching a security agreement by allowing Turkish troops to deploy from the base, which is near Aleppo. "Israel repeatedly warned Syria that such a deployment would pose a threat to Israel's security," Netanyahu's office said Tuesday night. "Syria chose to ignore these warnings. Israel will not tolerate threats to its security, and would welcome a return to the status quo." On Wednesday, Turkey called these allegations from Israel "untenable," arguing that they are intended to legitimize Israel’s unlawful airstrikes targeting Syria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity." CRITICS SAY TURKEY'S VERBAL ATTACKS ON ISRAEL HAVE CROSSED INTO ANTISEMITISM "The imputations voiced stem from Netanyahu’s intent to pursue expansionist and destabilizing policies in the region ahead of the elections in Israel," Turkey's government said in a social media post. "Türkiye, like the vast majority of the international community, stands for the consolidation of lasting peace in our region. The sole path to this objective lies in Netanyahu’s abandonment of his aggressive and coercive policies and in his respect for international law," it continued. "Türkiye will resolutely continue to cooperate with the Syrian Government on a legitimate basis for the establishment of peace, stability, and prosperity in Syria, and will never allow the destabilization of Syria," the statement concluded. TRUMP BETS ON FORMER NATO TROUBLEMAKER AS TURKEY'S STRATEGIC VALUE SURGES The strike on the Syrian airbase, which caused damage but no casualties, also drew criticism from U.S. Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, despite a senior Israeli official telling Fox News that "highly sensitive intelligence was shared with the United States in advance" of the attack. "We are deeply concerned that the confirmed Israeli airstrikes on Abu al-Duhur Airbase constitute an unnecessary escalation that does not advance regional stability," Barrack said in an X post. Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has not "adopted a predatory posture nor maintained proxy forces" and has "repeatedly indicated a preference for de-escalation with Israel," Barrack added. Barrack, who is also the U.S. special envoy for Syria, told Reuters he is working to establish a deconfliction mechanism to ease tensions between Israel, Turkey and Syria. TRUMP'S TURKEY ARMS SALE PROPOSAL SPARKS CONGRESSIONAL QUESTIONS BEFORE NATO SUMMIT Al-Sharaa, formerly the head of Al Qaeda's affiliate group in Syria, became the country's new leader in January 2025 after he led rebel forces that ousted Bashar al-Assad from power. President Donald Trump has expressed strong support for al-Sharaa's government, including by lifting broad economic sanctions on Syria in late June. But Turkey, which has been training Syria's soldiers to rebuild the country's armed forces, has routinely accused Israel of trying to destabilize the region. BRIEF ALCOHOL BAN IN DAMASCUS SPARKS CONCERNS ABOUT PRESIDENT AL-SHARAA'S VISION FOR SYRIA Since al-Assad was deposed in December 2024, Israel has repeatedly struck targets within Syria seeking to prevent the new government from building up its military capabilities near the border. Netanyahu reiterated in July that he wants the region south of Damascus to remain demilitarized, while also professing a desire to protect the Druze population, an ethnoreligious minority that lives in Syria. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85a1d12c5335ae10489801 Hayden Panettiere’s ex Brian Hickerson reportedly handed police bag of medication after her death te 2026-08-19T12:30:09.935Z Hayden Panettiere’s ex Brian Hickerson reportedly handed police bag of medication after her death Hayden Panettiere's troubled relationship with ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson had one final, unexpected chapter on Aug. 16. Hickerson, who had an on-again, off-again relationship with Panettiere in the years before her death at 36, was among those at the South Carolina apartment when she was found unresponsive, according to the police report. His presence there marked a striking final chapter in a relationship that had previously led to domestic violence charges and his eventual conviction. Hickerson and his brother had called 911 after finding Panettiere unresponsive, according to the report. Authorities spoke to both Hickerson and his brother, Zach, and executed a search warrant at the home. WLADIMIR KLITSCHKO MOURNS FORMER FIANCÉE HAYDEN PANETTIERE, VOWS TO KEEP HER MEMORY ALIVE FOR DAUGHTER KAYA The police report, obtained by Fox Carolina, claimed Zach appeared "very emotional" while paramedics worked to revive Panettiere. Meanwhile, Hickerson did not become emotional until the "Ice Princess" star was declared deceased. Officers were also given a bag of medication Panettiere had allegedly been taking by Hickerson. Panettiere had an on-again, off-again relationship with Hickerson in the years before her death at 36. Panettiere and Hickerson reportedly met through mutual friends in 2018 shortly after her split from Wladimir Klitschko. Hickerson, who is from South Carolina, worked in real estate before pursuing acting and had a small role in the 2017 thriller "M.F.A." Hickerson reportedly traveled with the "Remember the Titans" actress from Los Angeles the day before she was found unresponsive at a Greenville, South Carolina, apartment complex on Aug. 16, according to TMZ. The two broke up briefly in 2022, but rekindled their romance the following year. It's unclear what the status of their relationship was at the time of Panettiere's death. HAYDEN PANETTIERE SAYS FILMING ‘NASHVILLE’ WAS LIKE LIVING THROUGH ADDICTION TWICE The former couple's relationship was marked by highly public legal troubles. Hickerson was first charged with domestic violence in connection to Panettiere in 2019. He was arrested again in 2020 on eight felony domestic violence charges, including felony charges of corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, a felony charge of assault with a deadly weapon and a misdemeanor charge of battery on a spouse/cohabitant. In 2021, he was sentenced after pleading no contest to two felony charges connected to the domestic violence involving Panettiere. The rest were dismissed due to the plea agreement. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Panettiere publicly addressed the allegations following Hickerson’s arrest, saying she hoped sharing her story would help others in abusive relationships. "I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve," she said in a statement, according to People magazine. "I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Three days before Panettiere's death, Hickerson appeared in Los Angeles court in an effort to have his felony charges reduced. "On Aug. 13, the prosecution objected to the defense’s motion to expunge and reduce both counts," a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office told Fox News Digital. "The court denied both." Hickerson had tried to have the charges reduced once before, appearing in court on July 18, 2025, Fox News Digital confirmed. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a859f792c5335ae10489794 Massive brawl erupts at Wisconsin State Fair as seven arrested during chaotic closing hours te 2026-08-19T12:20:09.365Z Massive brawl erupts at Wisconsin State Fair as seven arrested during chaotic closing hours Massive fights erupted at the Wisconsin State Fair during its chaotic closing hours Sunday, with viral video showing people in crowds throwing punches and brawling as police moved in to break up the mayhem. Seven people were arrested in connection with the disturbance, according to Wisconsin State Fair Park. One police officer was "struck" but did not suffer serious injuries, and there were no reported serious injuries to fairgoers. Fair officials said Wisconsin State Fair Park Police, assisted by officers from Milwaukee and West Allis, responded to disturbances "on and around" the fairgrounds near the close of the annual event on Aug. 16. LONG ISLAND STREET TAKEOVER ERUPTS AS DRIVERS BLOCK ROAD, PERFORM DONUTS, BURNOUTS: POLICE The incidents involved groups fighting on the fairgrounds and people attempting to enter the fair without authorization, officials said. Law enforcement and security personnel "responded quickly as these incidents occurred," according to Wisconsin State Fair Park. Officials also pushed back on reports of gunfire that circulated Sunday night, saying law enforcement confirmed there were no gunshots associated with the incidents. The ugly scenes also spilled into Wisconsin politics, with Republican gubernatorial nominee Rep. Tom Tiffany seizing on video of the fighting to hammer his November Democratic opponent, Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, over public safety. "This is Milwaukee County under David Crowley. Crime. Chaos. At least one officer punched," Tiffany wrote on X. "Public safety starts with leadership, and Crowley’s leadership has failed Milwaukee County. Don’t let him fail Wisconsin," Tiffany added. Crowley did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the fighting or Tiffany’s remarks. MEET THE DEMOCRAT WHO NARROWLY DEFEATED SOCIALIST RIVAL IN KEY SWING-STATE BATTLE OVER THE PARTY’S FUTURE Wisconsin State Fair Park officials said the violence was confined to the final hours of an otherwise safe 11-day fair attended by hundreds of thousands of people. "The incidents Sunday evening were isolated to the final hours of the Fair and are not representative of the experience our guests enjoyed throughout the event," officials said. "The behavior is always unacceptable and is not what we expect or will tolerate at the Wisconsin State Fair Park," the statement continued. Officials said additional law enforcement and security were in place throughout the fair, including officers from the Milwaukee and West Allis police departments. Milwaukee Police District 3, the department’s Major Events Response Team, mounted and bicycle patrols and drones were also used during the fair. Fair officials declined to say how many officers were deployed, citing security protocols, but said the additional resources helped authorities respond quickly Sunday night. "We continually review our security plans with our law enforcement partners and look for ways to make the Fair even safer for our guests," officials said. Wisconsin State Fair Park said the safety of fairgoers, vendors, exhibitors and employees remains its "highest priority," and thanked the law enforcement agencies that responded Sunday. Fox News’ Patrick McGovern contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a859d242c5335ae10489733 Does pot make you a better parent? This 'garden mom' says yes, but the reality is hazy te 2026-08-19T12:10:12.585Z Does pot make you a better parent? This 'garden mom' says yes, but the reality is hazy A new trend has emerged on social media among women rejecting the wine mom culture of generations past and instead smoking marijuana to unwind from the stressors that come with motherhood and life. They call themselves "garden moms." Fox News Digital spoke with one of these moms, Taylor Mitchem, who goes by @thatgardenmomma on TikTok and Instagram, sharing her typical day-in-the-life as a Colorado mom of a six-year-old daughter who partakes in smoke sessions. Mitchem explained that "gardening" is code for smoking weed to be able to make it past the algorithms. These moms have used #gardenmom as a code for videos showing their marijuana use. TRUMP ADMIN LOOSENS REGULATIONS ON STATE-LICENSED MEDICAL MARIJUANA "Why can't I take a hit and then and still come in and be a cool mom?" shared Mitchem. Dr. Jeremy London, a cardiovascular surgeon who also has a background in functional medicine, spoke with Fox News Digital about this trend and offered warnings about marijuana use. Dr. London has millions of followers on social media, where he shares health tips. He is also the host of "The London Podcast," has a newsletter, does speaking engagements and has been a guest on top shows like "The Mel Robbins Podcast" and "The School of Greatness," hosted by Lewis Howes. He acknowledged the desire to find things to help people unwind but said it is important to weigh all the risks. "Life is really stressful and it's hard," he said. "But like everything in life, particularly when we're looking at things that we're doing to our bodies, there's consequences." Mitchem shared that by smoking weed, she feels more clarity and focus as a mother. "I've always grown up feeling like there was something a little different about me and no medication up or down was going to help that until I found cannabis," she said. "And that's been kind of a battle with me and my husband because he doesn't smoke cannabis at all, doesn't really like the smell of it necessarily, but he has seen the transformation in how it's helped me in just myself and then also as a mother." The 36-year-old mother embraces the "natural" way to help her on a day-to-day basis. "I feel like we were the test dummies of the ADHD meds, my generation," she said. "When I decided I didn't want to take them anymore, and kind of phased out of that. I grew into loving the natural ways of the plant and how it just rewired my brain in such a way that let me find peace and balance again without having to take a pill." EVERYDAY HABIT LINKED TO DRAMATICALLY LOWER RISK OF DYING FROM HEART DISEASE Although Dr. London believes ADHD medication has been overprescribed in the past 20 years, he encourages healthier coping mechanisms. "You always have to be cognizant of what you're substituting," he warned. Dr. London said that cannabis can "significantly" increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. "Smoking cannabis in particular increases your risk of cardiovascular disease significantly," he said. "Really in the short term, there was a recent study that came out that even if you don't have a history of cardiovascular diseases, particularly blockages in the heart, it still increases your risks significantly of having a heart attack. In the short term, even after smoking cannabis, I'm talking hours." Dr. London said smoking damages the inner lining of the arteries and impacts the autonomic nervous system, often known as the "fight or flight" system. He warned that smoking weed is a "dangerous" coping mechanism. "Heart rate goes up, heart starts beating very fast, starts racing," Dr. London said. "You also have constriction of the blood vessels. And you get release of a lot of stress hormones as well. In addition to causing blockages in a heart attack, it can also increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythms. And that's smoking or not, cannabis in general, in any form, increases the risk of having abnormal potentially dangerous heart rhythm." BEER, WINE OR LIQUOR? MASSIVE STUDY REVEALS WHICH WAS LINKED TO LOWER DEATH RISK Mitchem compared smoking marijuana to how moms would use alcohol to unwind and asked, "Where is our break?" Dr. London did acknowledge the dangers of alcohol. "If we look at alcohol and how it affects the body and compare it to THC, the short answer would be that alcohol is toxic to every cell in the body." Although he doesn’t view marijuana as a healthier alternative. "Cannabis does not have that level of toxicity (compared to alcohol), but that being said, you are still altering your neurologic function." Dr. London encouraged healthier habits to cope, such as exercise, including walking, breath work and meditation, and said life is meant to be "lived untampered." "I think that there's a lot of trendy self-care that's presented on social media these days as the new holy grail, the new shiny button, the way to deal with the stressors that all moms and all of us deal with in various forms in our lives," he said. "And it becomes very tempting to jump on that bandwagon, but my opinion is twofold. One, that life is meant to be lived untampered and when you start to numb those edges, both the highs and the lows, you're losing the human experience." DOCTORS SAY 8 FORGOTTEN HABITS COULD HELP FIGHT STRESS, OBESITY AND CHRONIC DISEASE Mitchem emphasized that when she is smoking, she is responsible, never driving a car and always putting her daughter first. "And I feel like it's so easy for people to see a one-minute clip of your day and puzzle it all together in their head, thinking that after I did this one thing, I'm immediately driving my kiddo and, you know, going somewhere, which is the absolute not truth," Mitchem said. "And should there be an emergency, my husband is here. He's coherent completely. He doesn't smoke marijuana. And we also have a hospital directly across the street, which makes it really nice for us as well." Mitchem said her daughter doesn’t know that she smokes weed, and her daughter knows not to go into the room where she does. TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER DIRECTING FDA TO REVIEW PSYCHEDELICS DESIGNATED AS BREAKTHROUGH THERAPY DRUGS Dr. London, who is a father of three grown sons, said that kids are always watching. "Always remember that kids are watching what you're doing, and they learn your behavior, your coping skills as the best way to do things," he said. "And I think that if you feel like you have to hide something from your child that you feel is a positive in your life, you might — I want to think about that before you utilize that as your primary coping skill because you think that your kids don't know what's going on. They do, they really do." While state laws on cannabis vary, the FDA does not evaluate or approve raw cannabis or recreational weed for safety and efficacy. Only select prescription-derived cannabinoid drugs are federally approved. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a859d232c5335ae1048972a Ancient shipwreck gives up dazzling treasures after more than 1,300 years underwater te 2026-08-19T12:10:11.841Z Ancient shipwreck gives up dazzling treasures after more than 1,300 years underwater Archaeologists examining an ancient shipwreck recently revealed a trove of gold — and evidence that a wealthy and powerful passenger and his entourage may have been aboard. The findings were formally presented by the Croatian Conservation Institute this summer after years of underwater excavation, Reuters reported. The ship dates to the late 7th or early 8th century A.D., and was discovered on the seabed near the Croatian island of Mljet more than a decade ago. ARCHAEOLOGISTS UNEARTH SECRET CHURCH TIED TO COUNCIL OF NICAEA, CHRISTIANITY'S DEFINING MOMENT Systematic underwater excavations of the site have been underway since 2015. Pictures released by officials show a dazzling collection of jewelry — including an elaborate piece studded with pearls and a green gemstone. The buckles, decorated with rubies, emeralds and pearls, along with a golden signet ring, suggested the ship was carrying someone of considerable status. The ring, in particular, "certainly wouldn't be worn by just anyone," Pavle Dugonjic, head of the Department of Underwater Archaeology at the Croatian Conservation Institute, told Reuters. AUTHOR DINESH D'SOUZA CHALLENGES BIBLE SKEPTICS WITH 'STARTLING' ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERIES The wreck also contained gold coins issued by four emperors of the Heraclian dynasty, which ruled the Byzantine Empire during the 7th and 8th centuries. The more than 1.3 pounds of gold represents the largest amount ever recovered from a shipwreck in the Mediterranean, according to Igor Miholjek, head of research at the Croatian Conservation Institute, per Reuters. "This is an impressive amount of gold," he told the outlet. It's "the largest ever ‌found ⁠on a shipwreck in the entire Mediterranean," he added. "It weighs over 600 grams when weighed after cleaning and restoration." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER Justin Leidwanger, ⁠professor of archaeology at Stanford University, told Reuters that the Mljet wreck is "the most important shipwreck of its period." "If you're studying the end of the late Roman Empire and the transformation into the medieval world, this is a critical site ⁠for ​us to understand and to gain insights into ​how the Mediterranean was held together by its sea routes, how it fragmented, how the empire ​fell apart," he said. The Byzantine Empire, the eastern continuation of the Roman Empire, lasted until 1453 and once controlled vast stretches of the eastern Mediterranean. CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS The shipwreck is among a number of significant Byzantine discoveries in recent years. In 2025, archaeologists unveiled a 1,600-year-old Byzantine-era mosaic from an ancient Christian monastery in southern Israel, putting it on public display for the first time. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ This summer, archaeologists uncovered a 1,700-year-old Byzantine city in Egypt, complete with a church and a deacon's home. Reuters contributed reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a859d232c5335ae10489721 PGA TOUR 2026: BMW Championship best bets at Bellerive Country Club for the FedExCup Playoffs te 2026-08-19T12:10:11.093Z PGA TOUR 2026: BMW Championship best bets at Bellerive Country Club for the FedExCup Playoffs We are down to 50 golfers as the second round of the PGA TOUR's 2026 FedExCup Playoffs heads to Bellerive Country Club in St. Louis, Missouri, for the BMW Championship. After the BMW, the top 30 players of the FedExCup standings advance to East Lake for next week's TOUR Championship. Bellerive is a long par-70 (7,448 yards) with bentgrass greens that has hosted a few majors, most recently the 2018 PGA Championship won by Brooks Koepka. With rain forecasted to soften conditions even further, expect a birdie-fest where elite driving and dialed-in iron play will determine the winner. World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler got the monkey off his back by winning his second tournament this year — his first since the 2026 season opener — at last week's FedEx St. Jude Championship. Scottie absolutely dummied the field, winning the St. Jude by eight strokes, and he was the only guy to shoot double-digit under par. 'PAR TALK: SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER TERRORIZES MEMPHIS, RORY MCILROY COMPLETELY MAILS IT IN, AND JORDAN SPIETH IS DONE With that in mind, I'd understand if you bet in the "Winner without Scottie Scheffler" markets. I wouldn't be shocked if Scottie wins the BMW and the TOUR Championship next week, but I just can't bet him at +300 or lower. Instead, I'm wasting 2.19 units (u) on outrights and 2.5u on placement bets on the losers below. The following odds are from when I bet on the golfers listed below. Subject to change. 🇺🇸 Chris Gotterup +3000 (0.67u) and Top-10 with ties +189 (0.75u), both at Kalshi 🇯🇵 Hideki Matsuyama +3000 at FanDuel (0.67u) and Top-10 with ties +198 at Kalshi (0.75u) 🇺🇸 Collin Morikawa +3800 at DraftKings (0.53u) and Top-10 with ties +265 at Kalshi (0.5u) 🇺🇸 Michael Thorbjornsen +5500 at BetMGM (0.36u) and Top-10 with ties +312 (0.5u), both at Kalshi One of Gotterup's three wins this season, and his most recent, the John Deere Classic, was at another Midwest course with bentgrass greens. His other two wins this year were the Sony Open in Hawaii and the WM Phoenix Open in the desert, and his breakthrough win last season was the Genesis Scottish Open. I.e., Gotterup's game travels well. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! That said, it doesn't make sense why Gotterup has worse odds than Si Woo Kim, Tommy Fleetwood and Ludvig Åberg, none of whom have won this year. Gotterup is one of 14 golfers who made the cut at every major this season, and he ranks fifth in my model at Betsperts Golf, ahead of those three guys. Bellerive is a driver-heavy course, and Gotterup ranks second in this field for Strokes Gained (SG): Off-the-Tee over the last 24 rounds, per Betsperts Golf. Seven of the top-10 at the 2018 PGA Championship at Bellerive ranked in the top-10 of SG: Ball-Striking (driving and approach) that week, and Gotterup is fourth in this field in ball-striking over the last 24 rounds. The bottom line is Matsuyama’s odds are too long — tied for the 11th at FanDuel — for how well he is playing. My guy, Hideki, made me money again last week by finishing T7 at the FedEx St. Jude Championship. He has six consecutive T14-or-better finishes, including four straight T7s or better. Also, I want to bet a golfer who is lighting it up because the weather forecast is predicting rain in St. Louis this week, which will make Bellerive softer and easier, aka, more birdies. Well, Matsuyama leads this field in birdie-or-better rate over the last 24 rounds, according to Betsperts Golf. Furthermore, he ranks second in this field for ball-striking over the last 12 rounds but 31st in short-game (chipping and putting), per Betsperts Golf. I’m more focused on his good ball-striking because that’s more predictive and Hideki has one of the best short-games in the world. Meaning, as long as Matsuyama keeps pounding fairways off the tee and pin-hunting with his irons, he should continue scoring and contend at Bellerive this week. These odds are disrespectful. Collin was +2500 at last week’s St. Jude (T52) and +3000 at the 2026 British Open (T18) with deeper and tougher fields. I get that Bellerive is more of a "bomber’s course," but Morikawa’s ball-striking accuracy can help him anywhere. Morikawa leads the TOUR in Strokes Gained: Approach this season and ranks 10th in driving accuracy. He won the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am in February and made the cut at all four majors this year, featuring a T7 at The Masters, and Augusta is one of the most driver-heavy courses in the world. Bentgrass is Collin's best putting surface. He gained strokes on the greens at Aronimink (host of the 2026 PGA Championship) and Augusta this year, and both have much tougher green complexes than Bellerive. Ultimately, this is just a good price for Morikawa, who is one of the few golfers with an A-game that can beat Scheffler’s B-game, which is all that matters considering how much win equity Scottie has this week. Supposedly, the sharps are betting Thorbjornsen. He is going for +5000 or higher at DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Kalshi. However, Bookmaker lists him at +4274 as of Tuesday evening, and Bookmaker is considered a sharp sportsbook for golf betting. Thorbjornsen got his first TOUR win at another Midwest, driver-heavy course with bent greens (the Rocket Classic) two starts back. His other best finishes this year were at similar courses to Bellerive, including a T3 in Phoenix, T14 at the Texas Children's Houston Open, 16th at the Charles Schwab Challenge and T7 in Scotland. He has gained strokes across the board (driving, approach, chipping and putting) over the last 24 rounds. Thorbjornsen is starting to live up to the hype he got after being the 2024 PGA TOUR University valedictorian, and Bellerive fits his game well. Mayo Cup season standings: 4,386th with $6,003,249 _____________________________ Follow me on X @Geoffery-Clark, and check out my "OutKick Bets Podcast" for more betting content and random rants. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a859d1c2c5335ae104896d8 You can Venmo your college tuition, for some reason te 2026-08-19T12:10:04.967Z You can Venmo your college tuition, for some reason Kids these days don't know how good they have it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a859d1b2c5335ae104896cf AI isn’t close to curing cancer. This startup says it knows what it will take. te 2026-08-19T12:10:03.348Z AI isn’t close to curing cancer. This startup says it knows what it will take. It's the data, stupid. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a859acb2c5335ae104896a3 AEW's Willow Nightingale opens up about winning title, All In expectations ahead of Mercedes Moné match te 2026-08-19T12:00:11.269Z AEW's Willow Nightingale opens up about winning title, All In expectations ahead of Mercedes Moné match Willow Nightingale will make her first All Elite Wrestling (AEW) Women’s World Championship defense later this month at the company’s biggest event of the year – All In. Nightingale defeated Thekla for the title at Redemption back in July while her All In opponent – Mercedes Moné won the Owen Hart Foundation Women’s Tournament to earn a chance at the championship. For Nightingale, she said the feeling of being a champion didn’t initially set in for her until the "Dynamite" show following Redemption. COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON OUTKICK "I think initially when it happened, I didn't entirely process it, especially like I always feel hung over the day after I wrestle just because it's so, like, one, I'm getting a little bit older, but two, like you really are just putting everything out there," she told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "You're giving your all and sometimes on show day I do my best to stay hydrated, but sometimes it just takes it all out of you. It dehydrates you a little bit. So, I'm like trying to deal with physically recovering from a match like that because, Thekla, she's tiny, but she's tough. She gave me hell. She made it really hard for me to get this championship. And my parents were there and then you immediately get thrown into the press conference into the scrum with Tony Khan, which is exciting. I love all that. I love all the hustle and bustle. I wouldn't be in this crazy wrestling business if I didn't love the hustle and bustle. "But you don't really get that moment to let it sink in. But the ‘Dynamite’ following Redemption, the Detroit crowd just showed me so much love and that's really when it hit me. I was like, ‘Holy crap, I'm the world champion.’ So, it has hit me. But I think, going into All In, if I get like a successful title defense under my belt, especially against like Mercedes, I'll feel kickass, unstoppable. That will be like the test." All In will take place on Aug. 30 at Wembley Stadium in London. Nightingale is a fan favorite. She’s a member of The Conglomeration faction and is a two-time TBS champion, holding the belt for 140 days in her last reign before she was forced to relinquish the title due to an injury. However, going into Wembley, Nightingale said she’s expecting a split crowd given the impact Moné has made on the pro wrestling industry throughout her career. "So, I'm definitely expecting a split crowd. I'll be completely honest," she said. "One of my biggest strengths is I know the people are there for me, I know the people are cheering for me, but I would be a fool to not recognize the popularity of Mercedes, even though people see her ways. They see that she's not truly like a good person at heart. There's something about her that some people are drawn to. So, I am kind of anticipating that. "My biggest strength maybe being a little torn, a little split, but as I mentioned, anytime you're kind of at this caliber, we're All Elite Wrestling. We're All Elite, and I'm in world championship tier, right? I am the world champ. The people who are going to be facing me for this are going to be elite. They're going to be bringing their best. They're going to be giving their all. So, I have to go in already knowing it's going to be a hard fight. Already knowing I'm going to have to push through when my body wants to give out." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! To beat Moné, Nightingale said she’ll have to tap into her mind and really dig down deep. "A lot of it really comes down to like the mental toughness," she said. "Like, can you tell yourself, when you feel like there's nothing left, you can push a little more? You can give a little more? And then in a crazy stadium like that, with that many people, when they're all looking down at you, you're like, ‘Nope, I can't embarrass myself. I can't feel shame. I got to keep pushing.’ Which is a thing I've felt time and time again where it's like, listen, you might feel tired. You might feel like you just want to get to the end, but don't give up. So, I'm preparing myself for that moment." Just being in a marquee match at one of the biggest pro wrestling shows of the year is a highlight for Nightingale. The 32-year-old New York native joined AEW in 2021 and success wasn’t exactly easy to come by. She started out on "AEW Dark: Elevation" and made appearances in Ring of Honor. During her first TBS Championship reign, she lost the title to Moné – who ended up holding it for 584 days. SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS Nightingale said she’s not taking it lightly that she’s been pushed to the top of the women’s division and has a real opportunity to prove herself as world champion. "Well, I've always been a team player. Before I even got to AEW, like when it first started, when the company kind of first got off the ground and was starting to do weekly television, it was very intriguing to me," she told Fox News Digital. "You know, before we started recording, we were talking about how I have this like tattoo art behind me. I used to work at a tattoo shop. I always felt a little bit like — not completely subculture because I know there's all these different niches and people be like ‘you're a poser, you're not this’ — but I definitely felt like I followed the beat of my own drum and whenever everyone was zigging, I wanted to zag. "And so, it was very exciting to have this alternative and to see something fresh and new, and I was like, ‘I want to be a part of that.’ I've been wrestling at that time maybe for already like six years or so, but I saw it and I was like, ‘That's what I want to do. That's where I want to be.’ And so then to work my way up through the card, through being on our YouTube show ‘Dark’ that we had, to kind of being in all these tags just to have a body in a match or whatever, to being a person who's kind of like, ‘Oh, she's got something. Let's feature her.’ I always just wanted to do whatever was best by the company. "And now to be put in this position where it's like the company is trusting me to put on the best show, to be one of the marquee headliners, to be the world champ, to put me in the position to fight for this and now defend it, I don't take it lightly. I love AEW. I love the people who have that same mindset where we're always pushing to be the best. You know, they say we're the best wrestling, and for me to be at the top of that, is an honor that I just can't blow. I can’t shrug it away. I got to bring the best." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a859aca2c5335ae1048969a Far-left socialist wins massive Florida upset: Key takeaways from Tuesday's primaries and more top headlines te 2026-08-19T12:00:10.332Z Far-left socialist wins massive Florida upset: Key takeaways from Tuesday's primaries and more top headlines 1. Far-left socialist wins massive Florida upset: Key takeaways from Tuesday's primaries 2. Republicans poised to sweep nearly every open statewide office amid unusual turnover 3. Polling firm closes its doors after admitting bombshell election surveys were a hoax ‘ACT OF GOD’ – Mom of 3 killed in freak highway accident that ‘could have happened to anybody’. Continue reading … BROADCAST BRAWL – ABC makes admission about 'The View' in its lawsuit against FCC. Continue reading … BALLOT CONFUSION – Harris backs Peltola to flip a race Republicans thought was locked up in November. Continue reading … TRADE BREAKTHROUGH – Trump announces Canada deal hours before 50% tariffs were set to hit. Continue reading … TELL-ALL TROUBLE – Tupac murder trial faces ‘snitches get stitches’ problem but defendant's ghostwriter could be key. Continue reading … -- ALLIANCE AT STAKE – Inside the tension that drove Trump’s South Korea alliance from ‘historic new era’ to military pullback. Continue reading … PAPER CHASE – Trump admin sued over visa time restrictions for foreign students, journalists. Continue reading … TUNDRA SHOWDOWN – More than a dozen candidates vie in heated gubernatorial primary in icy confines. Continue reading … HAT IN THE RING – America’s reddest state crowns GOP governor nominee. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   NO STRAIGHT ANSWER – Ossoff goes viral targeting a presidential aide, but then dodges when asked why. Continue reading … FEUD FILL-IN – Rosie O'Donnell 'surprised' by being tapped to guest host for Kimmel, but eager for anti-Trump platform. Continue reading … FLOOR FIGHT – Federal $25 minimum wage mandate would destroy nearly 5M jobs, hit booming Sun Belt hardest: study. Continue reading … LIVING HISTORY – New ‘Reagan’ movie museum planned for president’s hometown. Continue reading … COLIN REED – Socialist candidates' deleted posts reveal what they actually think about America. Continue reading … ROBERT MAGINNIS – Iran war forces America to confront the strategic cost of deterring China. Continue reading … -- INVISIBLE TOLL – Cancer risk may be higher for people with one particular type of job, research suggests. Continue reading … 'SPEAK UP' – Portland parent fights child's elementary school over 'final straw' of adding trans-inclusive flag. Continue reading … CROWN VS CROSS – King Charles accused of 'deserting Christians' as experts warn Prince William may abandon historic royal role. Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ – Test yourself on summer splurges and basketball brilliance. Take the quiz here … Tune in as we take a closer look at Luigi Mangione's unexpected guilty plea in federal court that has thrown his upcoming New York state murder trial into limbo. 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 Thursday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8596172c5335ae104893cc Exclusive: Sam Burns wants LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau back on the PGA Tour te 2026-08-19T11:40:07.356Z Exclusive: Sam Burns wants LIV Golf stars Jon Rahm, Bryson DeChambeau back on the PGA Tour ST. LOUIS – Sam Burns never seriously considered leaving the PGA Tour for LIV Golf when the rival league launched in 2022. But Burns also didn't hold it against the players who did. Four years later, with LIV facing an uncertain future, Burns told OutKick in an exclusive interview that he would welcome stars like Jon Rahm and Bryson DeChambeau back on the PGA Tour. BRYSON DECHAMBEAU DETAILS THE TWO COMPLICATED HURDLES IN HIS WAY OF A POTENTIAL PGA TOUR RETURN "I think it's best for the game of golf as a whole," Burns said. "And ultimately that's what I want as a competitor. You want to play against the best players every week." Burns also believes there will eventually be a way for those players to return. "Ultimately, I think there will be a path back for those guys," Burns said. "I don't exactly know what it'll look like." Burns lived through the split as one of the players who stayed put when LIV started throwing money around. Burns, a five-time PGA Tour winner currently ranked No. 7 in the world, has emerged as one of the top American players in the sport. He spoke to OutKick at The Highlands Golf & Tennis in Forest Park, where he partnered with Raising Cane's to work with local kids ahead of this week's BMW Championship at Bellerive Country Club. Back in 2022, Burns' name briefly surfaced in rumors about players who could potentially defect to LIV. Burns quickly shot those rumors down and made clear that he never intended to leave the PGA Tour. "I fully support the PGA Tour 100 percent," Burns said at the time. "It was a pretty easy decision for me." But Burns took a much softer stance toward the players who chose differently. "I don't really fault anyone for the decision that they make to go play another tour," Burns said. LPGA LEGEND ANNIKA SORENSTAM SAYS LIV GOLF INTERRUPTED THE GAME OF GOLF, FORCED PGA TOUR TO MAKE CHANGES Burns acknowledged that he didn't know the circumstances or life experiences that led other players to make that decision. He said he disagreed with their choice, but didn't believe that gave him reason to shame or hate them for it. That position has largely remained unchanged four years later. "I don't blame anyone for going," Burns told OutKick. "I think everyone has the freedom to kind of choose the path that they want to take. And ultimately, sometimes we make decisions with information that we have, and it doesn't pan out." And four years later, that last part looks a lot more relevant. Brooks Koepka returned to the PGA Tour earlier this year after leaving LIV, though the path back wasn't exactly painless. The PGA Tour created a one-time Returning Member Program for 2026 that included significant financial penalties and other restrictions for eligible players. Koepka accepted the terms and returned at the Farmers Insurance Open in January. The program has since closed and the Tour explicitly said it did not establish a guaranteed pathway for future LIV players who might want to return. Meanwhile, LIV is going through major changes of its own. Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund plans to end its financial backing after 2026, although LIV CEO Scott O'Neil said this month that the league has reached an agreement with a new lead investor to fund the circuit going forward. LIV GOLF PLAYER ADMITS BREAKAWAY TOUR MIGHT BE NEARING THE END: 'I THINK TIME MIGHT RUN OUT' The league also announced this week that its 2026 season will end earlier than originally planned, with the Indianapolis event replacing the previously scheduled season-ending team championship. Burns acknowledged that uncertainty. "A lot of the LIV stuff is kind of up in the air right now," he said. "I don't really know the future of it." He also isn't pretending to know what a future return policy should look like. "It's definitely a topic that's kind of over my head. There's a lot of things to figure out with it," Burns said. Whatever the PGA Tour decides to do, Burns knows what he wants: the best golfers competing against each other again. "I think ultimately you'll see those guys back at some point," Burns said. "I don't know what the path will look like or their return to the PGA Tour. But as a fan of golf as well, I think it's great for our game." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8593c22c5335ae10489365 Robot performs 26 cataract surgeries with surgeon control te 2026-08-19T11:30:10.379Z Robot performs 26 cataract surgeries with surgeon control If you or someone you love has had cataract surgery, you know how routine the whole thing can feel. You arrive, the surgeon does the procedure and you are usually back home the same day. Now a robot is entering that familiar routine. ForSight Robotics says its JASPER Robotic Surgical Platform has now been used in 26 fully robotic-assisted cataract surgeries in human patients. According to the company, every procedure was completed robotically without the surgeon having to switch to a manual operation. That may sound like the robot took over the operating room. It did not. 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. ROBOT LEARNS TO DISMANTLE BROKEN MACHINES JASPER works through surgeon-controlled telemanipulation. The doctor directs the procedure while the robotic system translates those commands into tiny movements inside the patient's eye. That matters because we're starting to see robots take on bigger roles in surgery. However, the details about who is actually in charge can get lost in the headline. Fully robotic-assisted cataract surgery reaches 26 patients ForSight announced its first-in-human robotic cataract surgery earlier this year. The company has since completed another 14 procedures, bringing its total first-in-human clinical experience to 26 patients. ForSight says all 26 procedures were completed with JASPER without converting to conventional manual surgery. The patients also received the same types of anesthesia commonly used in cataract surgery. Doctors used either topical anesthesia or mild sedation depending on the patient. Everyone went home the same day. That may sound like a small detail next to the robot, but I think it is one of the more interesting parts of this story. ForSight is trying to show that robotics can fit into the way cataract surgery already works. The goal is to add robotic technology without turning a familiar outpatient procedure into something completely different. So far, the company says JASPER has worked within that normal clinical routine. Still, 26 patients is a small group. This is early clinical experience, not proof that robotic cataract surgery is ready for widespread use. The phrase "fully robotic-assisted" needs a little unpacking because it can easily sound like JASPER is making decisions on its own. It isn't. The surgeon controls the procedure through telemanipulation. JASPER then translates those commands into movements by the robotic instruments working inside the eye. The system gives the surgeon high-definition 3D visualization. It can scale movements and filter out natural hand tremor. Real-time eye tracking helps JASPER respond as the eye moves during surgery. ForSight also uses computer vision to help support the surgeon during the procedure. The big difference here is that JASPER is designed to perform the complete cataract procedure, rather than stepping in for only one part of the operation. The doctor still decides what happens next and remains in control throughout. We have seen other approaches to robotic surgery move in different directions. CyberGuy previously covered an AI-powered robot that independently completed a key phase of gallbladder surgery on a lifelike surgical model. JASPER takes a more hands-on approach from the surgeon's perspective. The robot handles the physical movements, but the doctor is still calling the shots. COULD A PAINT-ON ELECTRONIC TATTOO SPOT HEART ATTACKS? Cataract surgery is already one of the most common operations in the world. ForSight says more than 30 million procedures are performed each year globally. That gives this technology a very different kind of potential impact. We are not talking about a robot built for an extremely rare procedure. If systems like JASPER eventually prove safe and practical, they could enter a part of medicine that touches millions of people every year. Robotic surgery is also beginning to stretch beyond the traditional operating room. In March, CyberGuy reported on a London surgeon who remotely guided a robot to remove a patient's prostate cancer from about 1,500 miles away. More recently, researchers tested humanoid robots during live gallbladder surgeries in a preclinical study. Human surgeons remotely controlled those robots too. JASPER brings that same idea of surgeon-controlled robotics to the eye, where tiny movements matter enormously. ForSight believes the technology could give surgeons greater precision and stability. The company also sees JASPER as a possible foundation for future AI-enabled surgical tools. Before you start asking your eye doctor when the robot is arriving, there is an important reality check. JASPER is still under design and development and has not been approved for commercial use. ForSight is continuing clinical work as it moves toward additional studies and regulatory submissions. There is also one number in the announcement that deserves a closer look: 100%. ForSight says 100% of the 26 procedures were completed robotically without switching to manual surgery. That is impressive, but it is also very specific. The figure does not mean JASPER has a 100% success rate. Nor does it prove the system is safer than conventional cataract surgery. We also do not yet know whether patients will have better long-term outcomes. Those questions need much more evidence. Whenever you see a big percentage attached to a new medical technology, look at exactly what the number measures. In this case, it measures robotic completion of the procedure. If you need cataract surgery today, this does not change your treatment options. JASPER isn’t a commercial system that you can request from your eye doctor. What it does give us is a preview of how surgery could evolve. Instead of a surgeon physically manipulating every instrument by hand, the doctor could control a robotic system that translates those decisions into extremely precise movements. For eye surgery, that could be a big deal. The technology may eventually help surgeons work with greater stability. It could also open the door to new ways of performing highly specialized procedures. But there is a difference between something working in 26 patients and something being ready for millions of people. Researchers still need larger studies. Regulators will have to examine the system closely. Doctors will also want to see how robotic cataract surgery compares with the procedures they already perform every day. For now, JASPER gives us an intriguing look at where eye surgery may be heading. What grabs me about this story isn’t simply the fact that a robot was involved in eye surgery. We've been watching robots move deeper into medicine for years. What gets my attention is how normal ForSight says the experience remained for the patient. People received familiar anesthesia and went home the same day. Meanwhile, a surgeon controlled a robotic platform through the complete cataract procedure. That tells me the real test for medical robots may be whether they can fit into existing care without making everything more complicated. At the same time, 26 patients is still 26 patients. I want to see larger studies and a clearer picture of how patients do over time. Another big question is whether robotic surgery actually improves results or mainly gives surgeons a different way to perform the same procedure. Then there is the AI question. ForSight says JASPER could eventually support AI-enabled surgical capabilities. That could push this technology into a very different territory down the road. Right now, though, the surgeon is still firmly in charge. If your eye doctor told you a robot would perform the physical movements during cataract surgery while the surgeon controlled every step, would you be comfortable with that or would you want the traditional approach? 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/6a8593c12c5335ae1048935c Trump administration sanctions sitting president of the International Criminal Court for 'abuses of power' te 2026-08-19T11:30:09.694Z Trump administration sanctions sitting president of the International Criminal Court for 'abuses of power' The Trump administration has sanctioned two top International Criminal Court officials, escalating its campaign to dismantle a body that has investigated alleged U.S. war crimes in Afghanistan and issued arrest warrants for senior Israeli officials over the war in Gaza. In announcing the sanctions against ICC President Tomoko Akane of Japan and the ICC's senior trial lawyer, Abdoulaye Seye of Senegal, Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the court "corrupt and fatally politicized." "These individuals have directly engaged in efforts by the ICC to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute officials whose government has not consented to ICC jurisdiction," Rubio said in a statement, adding that the ICC "has maliciously abused its authority and exceeded its mandate." The sanctions against Akane and Seye freeze assets they hold in U.S. jurisdictions and largely cut them off from transactions with Americans or the U.S. financial system. SEN MIKE LEE: TRUMP PROVES AMERICA CAN STAND UP TO A POWER-MAD FOREIGN COURT "Our whole of government campaign to dismantle the threat posed by the ICC to national sovereignty will be sweeping and we expect more countries to join our campaign by ending their funding and participation in this politicized and unaccountable court," Rubio said. "The ICC’s ability to target American nationals and those of other non-States Parties must end." An executive order signed by President Donald Trump in February 2025 created the sanctions framework. The Trump administration argues that the ICC lacks the power to investigate soldiers, military commanders and political leaders from countries that are not parties to the court, including the U.S. and Israel. NETANYAHU FIRES BACK AT NYC MAYOR MAMDANI'S VOW TO ENFORCE 'BOGUS ARREST WARRANT' The ICC said the Trump administration's latest sanctions "undermine the rule of law," adding that they amount to "a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution." The ICC maintains that it can exercise jurisdiction over nationals of non-member states when they are accused of qualifying crimes committed on the territory of a state that has accepted the Court’s jurisdiction. Qualifying crimes under the Rome Statute include genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression. Afghanistan and Palestine are both members of the court, which the ICC says allows it to investigate alleged crimes committed on their territories, including alleged war crimes by U.S. personnel in Afghanistan and alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity by Israeli officials in Gaza. In September 2024, the ICC also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, the minister of defense at the time. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8593c12c5335ae10489353 Former CDC advisor says decline in kindergarten vaccinations nothing to worry about: 'Keep calm and carry on' te 2026-08-19T11:30:09.037Z Former CDC advisor says decline in kindergarten vaccinations nothing to worry about: 'Keep calm and carry on' Recent data published by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows U.S. kindergarten vaccination rates fell slightly in the 2025-2026 school year. Former vice chair of the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) Dr. Robert Malone told Fox News Digital the drop is nothing to be concerned about. The CDC on Monday released vaccination data for the 2025-2026 school year showing a 0.1% decline in vaccination coverage among children entering kindergarten and an increase in parents claiming vaccine exemptions for their children. Malone, however, downplayed the significance of the decline. "The latest CDC data indicates a 0.1% year-in-year decline in the uptake or acceptance of the vaccine schedule among kindergartners. In certain contexts, the average across the United States shows roughly a 1% shift. Regardless, we are still talking about a very low single-digit lack of compliance with the CDC's recommended vaccine schedule," Malone, an accredited physician and veteran scientist, told Fox News Digital. RFK JR SAYS COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTERS SHOULD BE THE MODEL FOR AMERICAN HEALTHCARE "Those are the facts," he continued, "and they are not particularly alarming." "Even by the CDC's own report, we still maintain a very high rate of compliance among kindergartners," he added. Malone also criticized the media for its coverage of the data drop. "The narrative that this represents a clear and compelling signal of parents becoming disaffected with vaccination... whoever's promoting that kind of messaging, it's not in the data," he added Malone specifically cited CNBC's coverage and its mention of an ongoing measles outbreak in the U.S., stressing that the U.S. is not an outlier. "Media outlets like CNBC have highlighted that we are in the middle of a historic measles outbreak. However, context is critical: this outbreak is not restricted to the United States. It is occurring worldwide, including in Canada and across many nations that have not experienced this level of vaccine controversy or hesitancy," he told Fox News Digital. He also added that vaccination is still the best protection against contracting measles. "Regarding the overall picture: measles cases are on the rise globally, and vaccination remains the most effective protection against infection. However, does this new kindergarten data represent a major threat? Absolutely not," he stated to Fox News Digital. Malone, who was a vocal critic of vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic, did pin some blame on falling trust in the scientific establishment for the slight down tick in inoculations. "Does it represent a potential signal that a certain part of the population, very small, is growing in its skepticism of the benefits of childhood vaccination? I would say, yeah, that is that signal," he told Fox News Digital. Still, despite growing mistrust, vaccination rates remain strong, Malone argued. "I think we can all agree [there were] failures in accurate communication by the government during COVID. And certainly they're highlighted in the recent Tony Fauci hearings and the various disclosures coming out of the Senate," Malone told Fox News Digital. REPUBLICAN AGS WORKING TOGETHER TO INVESTIGATE FAUCI EXPLAIN HOW STATES CAN POSSIBLY BYPASS BIDEN PARDON "Despite all of that, despite all the controversy around the potential role, the hypothesized role of childhood vaccine schedules being linked in some way to autism, we still have very robust year-in, year-out uptake of vaccines in kindergarten ages," Malone told Fox News Digital. "The takeaway is simple: keep calm and carry on. There is nothing in this data to panic about," Malone concluded. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85916b2c5335ae104892df The undisputed answer to Israel’s legitimacy: The Dead Sea Scrolls te 2026-08-19T11:20:11.665Z The undisputed answer to Israel’s legitimacy: The Dead Sea Scrolls The Dead Sea Scrolls have fascinated me for years, not only because of what they tell us about Judaism and the biblical world, but because of what they tell us about one of the most disputed questions in the Middle East today: the historical connection of the Jewish people to the land of Israel. I have spent years advocating for peace and reconciliation between Muslims and Jews. And I have never understood why acknowledging the ancient Jewish connection to this land should be considered threatening to Muslims. In fact, I believe the Dead Sea Scrolls are one of Israel’s greatest defenses of its legitimacy. Far more powerful than Iron Dome or F35. The Scrolls demolish one argument that has become increasingly common in parts of the Arab and Western worlds: the claim that Jewish attachment to the land is a recent political invention created by Europeans in the nineteenth or twentieth century. FORMER VICE PRESIDENT MIKE PENCE: FIVE YEARS ON, THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS STILL POINT THE WAY TO PEACE The Dead Sea Scrolls make that argument very difficult to sustain. Their modern story began in 1947, when Bedouin shepherds discovered ancient manuscripts in caves near Qumran, close to the Dead Sea. Over the following years, additional caves were discovered containing thousands of fragments representing hundreds of manuscripts dating from the final centuries before the Common Era and the first century A.D. They were written by Jews living in this region more than 2,000 years ago. When people discuss the Dead Sea Scrolls, they often imagine that the collection consists primarily of copies of the Hebrew Bible. Biblical manuscripts are certainly among its greatest treasures. The Great Isaiah Scroll, for example, is one of the most remarkable surviving biblical manuscripts in the world. But a large majority of the material discovered at Qumran was not simply biblical text. The collection also contains rules governing religious communities, prayers, legal discussions, biblical interpretations, hymns, wisdom literature and writings concerned with the end of days. Some texts tell us how members of particular Jewish communities organized themselves, disciplined their members and understood religious purity. That is one reason I find the Scrolls so much more interesting than merely saying, "Here is an old copy of the Bible." They allow us to enter the intellectual and religious world of Jews who lived approximately two millennia ago. EXTREMISM THRIVES IN 'KEYBOARD COURTROOM' — AMERICA MUST THINK LIKE JURORS, NOT MOBS We see how they prayed. We see how they interpreted Scripture. We see disagreements about religious law. We see their expectations of redemption and the Messiah. We even see the Hebrew and Aramaic languages they used. As someone fascinated by languages, manuscripts and the history of religion, I find that extraordinary. It also places the Scrolls remarkably close to another historical world that has always fascinated me: the world of Jesus. Jesus was a Galilean Jew born into the religious environment of Second Temple Judaism in Bethlehem. The Scrolls give us an extraordinary window into that broader environment. I cannot prove that Jesus ever entered the Qumran community, nor can anyone prove that he physically held one of the particular manuscripts later discovered in those caves. But I personally believe it is entirely possible that Jesus encountered or read texts belonging to the same scriptural tradition represented by the Dead Sea Scrolls (as he did with the Greek translation). The Gospel of Luke describes Jesus entering a synagogue, receiving the scroll of Isaiah and reading from it. Today, we possess a manuscript of Isaiah discovered near the Dead Sea that predates the time of Jesus. For me, there is something profound about that. As a Muslim, Jesus is also part of my religious tradition. We call him Al-Maseeh, the Messiah, (which ironically ultimately means the Savior of Israel and some Muslims reject Israel!) and the Quran speaks about him with tremendous reverence. So when I look at the Great Isaiah Scroll, I do not see something that belongs to a civilization completely foreign to me. I see part of the religious and historical landscape from which Christianity emerged and which Islam itself repeatedly acknowledges. This is why I believe Muslims should be among the last people to deny ancient Jewish history. The Quran is filled with the history of the Children of Israel (Bani Israel). THE WAR ON AMERICA’S JUDEO-CHRISTIAN ROOTS THREATENS EVERYTHING WE SHARE Moses is mentioned more frequently in the Quran than any other prophet. The Quran speaks of King David, Solomon, Aaron, Joseph and the tribes of Israel. It acknowledges the Torah and repeatedly places its own religious message in conversation with earlier Jewish and Christian traditions. There is therefore something deeply strange, in my view, about some Muslims feeling that we must erase Jewish history in order to defend Arab or Palestinian rights. I can acknowledge that the Jewish people have an ancient and undeniable relationship with this land while also acknowledging the humanity and legitimate aspirations of Palestinians (as long as it doesn’t revolve around annihilating Israel and Jews). Those two ideas are not mutually exclusive. Peace will never be built by creating historical amnesia. For decades, political arguments surrounding Israel have frequently moved beyond criticism of Israeli policy into something much more troubling: an attempt to deny Jewish history altogether. Israel can be criticized. Israeli governments can be criticized. Policies can be criticized. But criticism of a government should not require pretending that a nation did not exist on its ancestral homeland. And this is where the Dead Sea Scrolls become so powerful. They are silent witnesses. They do not participate in political debates. They do not appear on television. They do not care about modern ideologies. They tell us that Jewish communities lived in this land, copied Hebrew Scripture in this land, developed religious institutions in this land and debated the meaning of their faith in this land centuries before Islam appeared and centuries before modern European nationalism existed. SIGN UP FOR ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED NEWSLETTER This is why I sometimes describe the Dead Sea Scrolls as one of Israel's greatest weapons. I mean a weapon against historical denial. And unlike political propaganda, archaeological evidence does not need to shout. For me, this subject is also becoming increasingly personal. My academic background is software engineering, but over the years I have become deeply interested in the ancient languages, archaeology and religious history of our region. One of my greatest personal ambitions is to pursue doctoral studies in Israel focusing on the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem. I want to study their Hebrew and Aramaic, the communities that produced them, their relationship with the Hebrew Bible and the world of Second Temple Judaism. There is something especially meaningful to me about the idea of an Arab Muslim studying ancient Jewish manuscripts in Israel. I have spent much of my public life arguing that Arabs and Israelis, Muslims and Jews do not have to remain prisoners of the political and religious conflicts inherited from previous generations. Real peace is not merely a treaty between governments. It is also an intellectual and cultural transformation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION It happens when a Muslim becomes curious about Jewish history instead of frightened by it. It happens when an Arab studies Hebrew. It happens when Jews learn the history and language of their Arab neighbors. It happens when acknowledging another people's story no longer feels like an attack on our own. The Dead Sea Scrolls cannot solve the Middle East conflict. But they can teach us something essential about how we approach it. History cannot become something we recognize only when it supports our political position. If archaeology proves something uncomfortable, we should not destroy the archaeology. We should adjust our understanding. For Muslims in particular, recognizing the Jewish people's ancient connection to this land should not frighten us. It does not diminish Islam, and it does not require denying Palestinian identity or Palestinian suffering. It simply requires intellectual honesty. The Dead Sea Scrolls spent almost two thousand years hidden in caves. When they finally emerged, they brought with them the voices of an ancient Jewish world. We should have enough confidence in our own identities to listen to those voices. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85916a2c5335ae104892cb Gas prices Aug 19 te 2026-08-19T11:20:10.354Z Gas prices Aug 19 National average: $4.06 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8591692c5335ae104892c2 Laughing at life: Comedian Steve Treviño brings his working class humor to Laughlin te 2026-08-19T11:20:09.558Z Laughing at life: Comedian Steve Treviño brings his working class humor to Laughlin One needn’t look far to find humor in everyday life, and nationally-touring comedian Steve Treviño is able to perfectly capture this feeling in his high-energy stand-up routines. Marriage, family life, and Latino culture are favorite topics for his down-to-earth jokes,… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8591682c5335ae104892b4 Ask the doctors: Measles vaccination remains highly effective te 2026-08-19T11:20:08.682Z Ask the doctors: Measles vaccination remains highly effective Dear Doctors: Our two kids are vaccinated for measles, but some of their friends are not. They're protected even if their friends get sick, right? Also, can you please discuss immune system amnesia? I read that it happens with measles,… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8591672c5335ae104892ab Stephanie Lueras: A plethora of protein te 2026-08-19T11:20:07.934Z Stephanie Lueras: A plethora of protein I know you’re going to be shocked when I say that there is a lot of misinformation that floats around regarding diets, nutritional needs, and what someone “should” eat. Even in my research to confirm the information I’m presenting to… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8591672c5335ae104892a2 Fighting Forward: The waiting, the worry, and the words I never expected to hear te 2026-08-19T11:20:07.121Z Fighting Forward: The waiting, the worry, and the words I never expected to hear Not long after my PET scan, the results appeared in my patient portal. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a858f112c5335ae1048923c Trump wants to help 146,000 mentally ill who are homeless. Democrats want to stop him te 2026-08-19T11:10:09.324Z Trump wants to help 146,000 mentally ill who are homeless. Democrats want to stop him Democrats are fighting to stop the Trump administration’s attempt to get 146,000 homeless people with serious mental illness the help they need. In late July, House and Senate Democrats launched an inquiry accusing the Trump administration of wanting to "return to a time when people with disabilities were denied basic civil rights." But there’s one problem: the system these Democrats are defending is the reason there are so many mentally ill people living in squalor on America’s streets. Until recently, when it came to helping the mentally ill homeless, states had their hands tied. For decades, government lawyers interpreted the Supreme Court’s 1999 Olmstead decision extremely broadly, pushing states to offer "community-based care." HOUSING FIRST IS A DISASTER. I SAW SACRAMENTO'S HOMELESS CHAOS FIRSTHAND For the seriously mentally ill, this meant independent living in single units where mental health and substance abuse treatment was optional – and often refused. In June, the Department of Justice released a controversial legal opinion that would fix this by revamping federal oversight of state mental healthcare. The Trump administration’s new framework allows states to offer small-scale, affordable supportive housing options, such as community-based group homes, that would provide court-ordered treatment to people (often homeless) who are disabled by mental illness or substance abuse issues. Intermediate housing options like this have historically been difficult to establish and maintain because of unrealistic regulations that put resident autonomy above safety and clinical need, preventing states from building a middle ground between hospitalization and community-based care. For the first time in three decades, states may finally be able to meet this crucial but ignored need. The administration’s new approach would not involve a reversion to large state psychiatric hospitals, which offer few opportunities for federal reimbursement and, at an average cost of $1,400 per patient, per day, are too expensive to rely on except when truly necessary. SEATTLE CLEANED UP FOR THE WORLD CUP BUT ONLY WHILE THE WORLD WAS WATCHING, COMMENTATOR SAYS But even so, activist groups claim that this shift "open[s] the doors for states to revert to warehousing people," evoking the dark imagery of midcentury American asylums. This is fearmongering, plain and simple. It conveniently ignores the squalid conditions — and public safety risks — created by the current system, which too often "warehouses" homeless people in dangerous outdoor encampments. As anyone who has walked the streets of an American city knows, mental illness and addiction among the homeless are urgent problems. Tens of thousands of Americans with serious mental disorders, severe substance-use disorders, or both live outside, where they pose a danger to themselves and the public. They face high levels of victimization, crime, disease, and premature mortality. They are also the most likely of all homeless subpopulations to resist outreach, because of the effect of severe mental illness on brain function and reasoning. This catastrophe of homeless mental illness is decades in the making. Since 1992, the federal government has asserted unprecedented authority over state behavioral health systems. Through federal regulations and the landmark Olmstead case, states have been forced to focus their resources disproportionately on voluntary mental healthcare in communities. KAREN BASS GRILLED OVER BROKEN HOMELESSNESS PROMISE, BLAMES BUREAUCRACY FOR SLOWED PROGRESS This form of care is important, but it is also the least appropriate form of care for the most severely mentally ill who require a level of daily structure and support that is incompatible with living isolated in single-occupancy units in the community. As a result, states have faced a difficult choice: they can comply with federal law and neglect the most seriously ill patients in their care, or provide the necessary care and risk federal litigation. After decades of choosing the latter and losing in court, most states now choose the former. Before the DOJ’s recent memo, the risk of federal litigation was so great that states created so-called "Olmstead Plans" that set benchmarks for reducing the populations of state psychiatric hospitals, regardless of whether this was appropriate with respect to patient well-being and public safety. As a result, since 1990, states have eliminated tens of thousands of psychiatric hospital beds. By 2016, fewer than 38,000 beds remained nationwide – a 96% decrease compared to the 1950s – even as the U.S. population grew by 110%. SEATTLE MAYOR REFUSES TO GRADE HERSELF AS CRIME, HOMELESSNESS SURGE This trend was amplified by state-level watchdogs, known as protection and advocacy agencies, that historically focused on investigating abuse and neglect in psychiatric institutions, but now focus primarily on pressuring hospitals to release patients under threat of litigation. Tragically, tens of thousands of these patients end up homeless or in the criminal justice system due to premature or inappropriate release. Even at the time of the Olmstead ruling, Justices Anthony Kennedy and Stephen Breyer foresaw this concerning possibility, which has since come to pass. As Kennedy wrote in his Olmstead concurrence, quoting Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg: "It is careful, and quite correct, to say that it is not 'the ADA's mission to drive States to move institutionalized patients into an inappropriate setting, such as a homeless shelter.’" Federal policies may have "liberated" them from psychiatric hospitals, but those same policies now banish them to conditions that rival the poorest places in the world. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The history of institutional abuse in this country is real, and the vigilance of earlier generations of disability rights advocates helped end some of its worst practices. But learning from the mistakes of the past shouldn't mean ignoring the evidence of the present: the current system, built to prevent one form of harm, has left tens of thousands to face worsening illnesses, unsheltered and untreated on the street. The Trump administration is right to revisit federal regulations in light of that evidence. The tragedy is not that these changes are coming — it’s that they took so long. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a858f102c5335ae10489233 Popular daily drinking habit could nearly triple risk of deadly cancer, major study finds te 2026-08-19T11:10:08.614Z Popular daily drinking habit could nearly triple risk of deadly cancer, major study finds Consuming a sugary drink a day may significantly raise the risk of developing stomach cancer, according to new research from Mass General Brigham. After accounting for other risk factors, the researchers found that one or more sugary drinks per day was linked to nearly triple the risk of gastric cancer compared with fewer than one serving per month. Roughly two-thirds (63%) of U.S. adults report consuming sugar-sweetened beverages at least once a day, CDC data states. BEER, WINE OR LIQUOR? MASSIVE STUDY REVEALS WHICH WAS LINKED TO LOWER DEATH RISK While earlier studies linked sugary drinks to higher rates of liver, breast and colorectal malignancies, their specific impact on gastric tissue remained unclear until now. The new study analyzed data from more than 100,000 participants in the Nurses' Health Study and Health Professionals Follow-Up Study. The long-term prospective cohort studies, which were managed by Harvard-affiliated researchers, analyzed links between lifestyle, diet and chronic disease among healthcare workers. DIRTY SODA DRINKS ARE EVERYWHERE, BUT DOCTORS WARN OF HEALTH RISKS: 'METABOLIC DISASTER' "It's definitely a concern because we are seeing an increase in cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in young people [under] 50," senior author Andrew T. Chan, a gastroenterologist and epidemiologist with the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute in Boston, told Fox News Digital. "Our increasing consumption of sugary drinks and also ultraprocessed foods is likely to be contributing to some of these cancer trends," he added. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Gastric cancer is heavily linked to Helicobacter pylori bacteria, a type of bacteria that lives in the stomach lining.  In a subset of study participants, there was no connection found between sugary drink intake and H. pylori, strengthening the hypothesis that sugar (fructose) plays a role. The researchers defined sugar-sweetened drinks as regular sodas, fruit punches, lemonade and sports beverages, in which fructose is the main sweetener. Higher fructose consumption was associated with greater stomach cancer risk. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Artificially sweetened drinks, including diet sodas and other low-calorie carbonated drinks, were not linked to an increased risk of gastric cancer among more than 100,000 subjects. The research was observational, which means it could only show correlation and not direct causation. The participants were predominantly White healthcare professionals, meaning the findings need to be confirmed across diverse populations, the team acknowledged. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER "The study is unable to really prove cause and effect," Chan said. "What we did see was an association. We certainly need to do more research to understand whether this association between sugary sweetened beverages and stomach cancer is truly causal." The study was published in the journal Gastro Hep Advances. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a858f0f2c5335ae1048922a Federal $25 minimum wage mandate would destroy nearly 5M jobs, hit booming Sun Belt hardest: study te 2026-08-19T11:10:07.887Z Federal $25 minimum wage mandate would destroy nearly 5M jobs, hit booming Sun Belt hardest: study A federal $25 minimum wage mandate would destroy millions of jobs across the country and hit several of the Sun Belt states that have seen a significant influx of new residents in recent years, an economist warned in an interview with Fox News Digital. The warnings come in response to recent legislative efforts from progressive members of Congress pushing to raise the federal minimum wage floor to $25 per hour by 2031 for large employers, while smaller businesses would reach that rate by 2038. The proposal would also eliminate the federal tip credit, raising the direct cash wage requirement for tipped employees up to $25 per hour. Rebekah Paxton, research director at the conservative Employment Policies Institute (EPI), warned that a $25 federal mandate would be a total "job killer." SANDERS-AOC BACKED PROGRESSIVE DEBUTS FEDERAL $25 MINIMUM WAGE BILL WITH COALITION OF 100+ ORGANIZATIONS The EPI projects that the policy would slash nearly five million jobs nationwide. The group expects states including Texas, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina and Florida to suffer the largest absolute job losses. "Some of the top states that are going to be impacted by a $25 minimum wage include Texas, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee … These states have a massive workforce. They also currently abide by the federal $7.25 minimum-wage rate, so a $25 minimum wage represents more than tripling the current minimum wage applicable in those states," Paxton told Fox News Digital. Texas, North Carolina and Florida have been among the primary beneficiaries of post-COVID migration. While major metropolitan areas, including Cook County, Illinois, and Los Angeles County, experienced population declines, U.S. Census figures show the Southeast is booming, with many of the fastest-growing counties in the nation concentrated in Florida, Georgia and North Carolina. "When you’re talking about doubling or tripling the minimum wage, you’re talking about doubling and tripling labor costs for businesses in those areas," Paxton added. "There may be some businesses that try to absorb that through higher prices, but ultimately what we know from economists, business owners, and workers themselves is that it doesn't always work." "In a lot of ways, it means business owners are going to have to slash jobs and reduce the number of hours that folks are able to work," she explained. "Our report shows that that’s going to cost almost five million jobs across the country. LA HOTELS HIT BY LARGEST JOB LOSSES IN A DECADE AS 'OLYMPIC WAGE' MANDATES BITE, DATA SHOWS More than one-third of the projected job losses are concentrated in the restaurant and hospitality industry, including 1.2 million tipped workers, according to the report. The federal government is facing renewed pressure from left-leaning activists to mandate a $25-an-hour minimum wage as the national affordability crisis continues to squeeze working-class families. The federal minimum wage has sat at $7.25 per hour since 2009. One Fair Wage, part of a national coalition of more than 100 advocacy organizations and labor unions pushing for the $25 floor, told Fox News Digital that voters across the political spectrum are mobilized by the issue. "We're seeing so many MAGA voters excited about a $25 minimum wage," said Saru Jayaraman, president of One Fair Wage. "We see people across the political spectrum — and frankly, the vast majority who are not politically affiliated at all — saying, ‘I don't care about Republicans, Democrats, or Independents; what I care about is can I feed my family and who's going to deliver for me?’" The federal push, anchored by legislative proposals like the Living Wage for All Act, is backed by progressive lawmakers including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and progressive organizing allies who support proposals such as Medicare for All, wealth taxes and immigration enforcement reform. The movement is also pursuing aggressive localized initiatives. In California and New York, local chapters and union partners have introduced "30 by '30" ballot drives and municipal resolutions aimed at bringing minimum wages in high-cost cities like Oakland and New York City toward $30 per hour for major employers by the end of the decade. AOC-BACKED $25 MINIMUM WAGE PLAN SOUNDS GREAT — BUT AT WHAT COST? While proponents argue that steep wage hikes are necessary to keep pace with living costs, free-market economists and business groups caution that rapid government wage mandates will accelerate inflation and freeze entry-level hiring. Responding to the Employment Policies Institute's claims, One Fair Wage told Fox News Digital that "America is in an affordability crisis because work does not pay enough." "The federal minimum wage has remained $7.25 since 2009, while rent, groceries, health care, and child care have continued to rise. Raising paychecks is as essential as lowering prices," a spokesperson for One Fair Wage said. One Fair Wage added that "one job should be enough to live on" and that "Congress should pass the Living Wage For All Act and make that standard the law." "Workers across the country are organizing for $25 and $30 because that is what it takes to live. The Living Wage For All Act turns that worker-led demand into a national standard. The largest corporations move first, smaller businesses have years to adjust, and federal subminimum wages end — ensuring tipped workers receive the full minimum wage with tips on top," the organization said. "That projection is inconsistent with decades of minimum-wage research," it continued. "The Economic Policy Institute estimates that a federal minimum wage equal to two-thirds of the national median wage would raise pay for nearly 40 million workers. Research from UC Berkeley economist Michael Reich and the Roosevelt Institute finds that ambitious, phased increases at this level raise incomes broadly with little effect on overall employment." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8588072c5335ae10488bfd King Charles accused of 'deserting Christians' as experts warn Prince William may abandon historic royal role te 2026-08-19T10:40:07.673Z King Charles accused of 'deserting Christians' as experts warn Prince William may abandon historic royal role King Charles III was criticized by Queen Elizabeth’s former chaplain, Gavin Ashenden, recently, who claimed the monarch is "deserting Christians" and abandoned his oath as "Defender of the Faith." This came after "Defender of the Faith" was replaced in this year’s Sovereign Grant Annual Report in June with "His Majesty is Supreme Governor of the Church of England and protects the space for Faith within the multi-faith nation." Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams told Fox News Digital the "new wording" has "caused considerable controversy." PRINCE HARRY'S 'THE WASP' RIVAL STEPPING DOWN BUT MAY REMAIN A 'VOICE IN THE KING'S EAR': EXPERT He added that it would have been better to leave "‘Defender of the Faith’ in the text after ‘Supreme Governor of the Church of England’ and then add a phrase that recognised Britain as multi-faith which should be included. Whoever wrote ‘protects the space for Faith within the multi-faith nation’ is no credit to the English language as this phrase is both weak and woke." Christopher Andersen, author of the new biography "Kate!" noted that Charles has always had a "powerful ecumenical streak." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "As far back as his student days at Cambridge, Charles in the 1970s was showing a strong interest in what eastern religions had to offer, particularly Islam, Buddhism, and Hinduism," he said. And while Elizabeth was "very respectful" of other religions' customs, "she never wavered when it came to her Christian beliefs," he said. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Andersen explained, "Charles is just a different sort of animal. The current king has long believed that no one religion has all the answers. He also knows that if he is going to have a big-tent reign, then he can't leave non-Christians standing out in the cold — he's going to have to let Muslims and Hindus and Jews and Buddhists inside." And it’s not just Charles, he noted. "The new generation of royals isn't quite so sure about how to react to the whole ‘Defender of the Faith’ thing," Andersen said. "A particularly telling moment came when William enrolled at Eton College in 1995." With cameras rolling, William sat at a desk filling out enrollment papers. PRINCE WILLIAM, KATE MIDDLETON COULD SEEK 'GENTLEMAN'S AGREEMENT' TO PROTECT PRINCE GEORGE AT ETON: EXPERTS "When it came time to fill out the space marked ‘Religion,’ the future Head of the Church of England looked up at his father quizzically and asked what he should put down," Andersen emphasized. "If that is any indication, it is obvious that once they are king and queen, William and Kate will in all likelihood move to phase out the Defender of the Faith role altogether." Royal broadcaster Ian Pelham Turner called Charles a "deep thinker when it comes to religion, adding that "William is not interested in the church whilst Catherine has been a staunch Christian especially renewing her beliefs more recently during her cancer diagnosis." Fitzwilliams, however, stressed that the Church of England shouldn’t be weakened any further. "Queen Elizabeth memorably compared the Church of England to an umbrella under which other faiths could flourish," he said. "She was a believer. The Church of England is clearly extremely weak. It is emphatically not in the royal family's interest, especially as we are the only monarchy in Europe to have a Coronation, to weaken it further." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8588062c5335ae10488bf4 Canadian powerlifting champion April Hutchinson leads first Sophie Cunningham rally outside the US te 2026-08-19T10:40:06.824Z Canadian powerlifting champion April Hutchinson leads first Sophie Cunningham rally outside the US Canadian powerlifting champion April Hutchinson led the seventh Sophie Cunningham rally on Tuesday night in Toronto – the first to take place outside of the U.S. A crowd of Cunningham supporters gathered outside of Scotiabank Arena ahead of the Indiana Fever's win against the Toronto Tempo. Supporters were seen wearing XX-XY Athletics T-shirts. Hutchinson told Fox News Digital it was all Cunningham supporters, until a small crowd of around five people wearing pro-transgender messaging exchanged words with the Cunningham crowd. "Only about five were wearing protect trans kids and protect the dolls t shirts, [they] walked by and said that our signs were disrespectful," Hutchinson said. Hutchinson also credited Toronto police for helping ensure the safety of the rallygoers. "The Toronto police contacted me this morning and wanted details about the rally to ensure our safety," Hutchinson said. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! However, a disagreement between Cunningham supporters and local police broke out. A large mobile billboard that featured Cunningham and messaging by Martina Navratilova addressing fairness in women's sports, and other athletes, prompted police to issue tickets. RILEY GAINES SAYS TARGET CENTER STAFFER TRIED TO SHUT DOWN HER SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM SIGN The billboard was set up by the news outlet Rebel News. Rebel News has told Fox News Digital they have contacted a lawyer to fight the charges. A copy of the ticket obtained by Fox News Digital showed the charges listed as "Display sign with animation/video display/illumination/flashing lights/sound/movement or simulation motion, contrary to Toronto Municipal By-law 693-14, Section 12." The Toronto Police Department responded to Fox News Digital's request for comment, writing, "Since this charge is now before the courts, we won’t be able to provide any further information." Inside the arena, Cunningham had a solid shooting night, hitting three of three shots from three-point range, finishing with 13 total points. However, many fans in the arena booed Cunningham, as she has become a polarizing figure since coming out in support of protecting women's sports from biological males. WNBA FAN SUBREDDIT BANS POSTERS FROM USING SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM'S NAME AFTER DEFENSE OF WOMEN'S SPORTS Cunningham addressed the boos after the game, and praised the Toronto crowd. "I want to shout out the Tempo crowd, and the city, I think we had so much fun, it's my first time being in Canada... but the crowd was absolutely amazing, and I think that's what sports is all about, you're going to get boos you're going to get cheers, but just the fact that they're so passionate, they're loud and they're putting out for the city, I think it's amazing," Cunningham told reporters. The Cunningham rallies will follow the Fever to their next two games, as two more "Sophie Nights" are planned to take place outside Indiana's next game in Dallas against the Wings, and in New York on Saturday ahead of a matchup against the Liberty. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8581022c5335ae10488ab3 New ‘Reagan’ movie museum planned for president’s hometown te 2026-08-19T10:10:10.758Z New ‘Reagan’ movie museum planned for president’s hometown FIRST ON FOX — Young America’s Foundation is partnering with the "Reagan" movie to showcase some of the sets and props from the biopic. The materials from the movie about President Ronald Reagan’s life will become permanent exhibits at the new museum in Dixon, Ill., complementing YAF’s stewardship of Reagan’s Boyhood Home in Dixon and the historic Reagan Ranch, also known as "Rancho del Cielo," in Santa Barbara, California. The collection includes a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, the Situation Room, the office of the Soviet leader, the wall of the Hilton Hotel where Reagan was shot, along with hundreds of artifacts from the film. It is expected to open in 2028. YAF President and former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker said it’s been meaningful to bring students and families to Dixon over the years to learn about President Reagan, and said the movie museum will help guests discover even more about the beloved actor-turned-president. NEW DIRECTOR'S CUT OF 2024 ‘REAGAN’ BIOPIC WILL RETURN TO THEATERS FOR AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY "There’s a great series of stories about what he learned in the Midwest and how that impacted the rest of his public life," Walker told Fox News Digital. "And our hope now is with the connection with the ‘Reagan’ movie, we helped them film a number of the things, particularly at the ranch, created this bond, and then after the movie was done, I thought how cool would it be to connect [with] things like the Oval Office, and have students and families and other guests come in and have a chance not only to take a picture and see what it was like, but then ask questions about, ‘What did he learn here in the Midwest, what impact, what influences, what books, what life experiences shaped not just him becoming President of the United States, but one of the greatest leaders of the 20th century in the entire world?"  "Bringing down communism, bringing patriotism back to America, and revitalizing our economy," Walker added of Reagan. "So those will be a part of, taking not just the sets, but then tying them in with virtual and photographic and video images of President Reagan so that young people in the end will feel a connection to Ronald Reagan, but more importantly to his ideas." "Young America’s Foundation has done extraordinary work preserving Ronald Reagan’s physical legacy," "Reagan" producer Mark Joseph said in a press release. "By bringing these artifacts from our film to them, we are ensuring that visitors to Dixon can experience the story of Reagan’s humble beginnings. We hope this museum will be a place where fans of the movie can gather and enjoy the sets that our team worked so hard to build." When Dixon hosted its own premiere of "Reagan" in 2024, it seemed like nearly the entire town had turned out to celebrate. It didn’t hurt that lead actor Dennis Quaid had showed up, too. In an interview with Fox Digital before the premiere, Quaid said he was happy to brush shoulders with the locals because Hollywood "forgot" about small towns. Walker expects the turnout for the museum will also be "huge." DENNIS QUAID THRILLS LOCALS IN DIXON FOR ‘REAGAN’ PREMIERE, SAYS HOLLYWOOD ‘FORGOT’ ABOUT SMALL TOWNS "You saw how the hometown came out in force," Walker said of the movie premiere. "And I love how Dennis Quaid could have just done the Hollywood premiere, but he was so connected to Ronald Reagan in that movie, he personally said he wanted to come and join us in Dixon – not only to do the tour of the boyhood home, but then to come over and do an interview in front of the crowd before the movie premiered. "I just think it’s a tremendous story, not only for Dixon and that county and that area, but I think it’s an American story." Walker said he "loves" telling students about Reagan’s humble upbringing. His parents, he said, rented their first home and each of their homes got progressively smaller because his dad was an alcoholic and kept losing his job, so his mom would have to take on odd jobs to help them stay afloat.  Yet, she still made time for some philanthropy, staying involved in church, and a ministry to reach out to inmates in the local jail. She later attended a community college and worked the night shift on the radio. SCOTT WALKER WARNS HONG 'UNDERMINING ONE OF HER STRENGTHS' WITH CAMPAIGN BACKTRACKING Walker said Reagan kept that humility throughout his career. "It’s a great reminder to kids, you don’t have to grow up with privilege or money, or go to a certain school. Anyone can live the American Dream, whether it’s in politics, in business, in education, and life in general," he said. The museum announcement comes as filmmakers prepare the release of the director’s cut of "Reagan," featuring 10 additional minutes, which will be released nationwide on September 25. Walker reflected on the glaring disparity between movie critics and audiences upon the original film’s release. While the movie only had a Rotten Tomatoes critics score of 18% in the weeks following its release, it boasted a 98% audience score. Walker chalked the disparity up to "snotty elitists" among the critics. "I love that because when Ronald Reagan was president, the political critics hated him," Walker said. "They overwhelmingly said, ‘This guy is an actor, he doesn’t know anything, he’s going to get nothing done, he’s going to start World War III, he’s awful.’ And what happened? Forty-nine of 50 states went for him." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8581022c5335ae10488aaa Tupac murder trial faces ‘snitches get stitches’ problem but defendant's ghostwriter could be key te 2026-08-19T10:10:10.046Z Tupac murder trial faces ‘snitches get stitches’ problem but defendant's ghostwriter could be key Tupac Shakur's murder trial could come down to the words of his accused killer and a ghostwriter involved in the book that helped authorities bring charges in the decades-old cold case, according to a retired LAPD detective. Although the mantra of "snitches get stitches" hangs over the case, defendant Duane "Keffe D" Davis outlined his alleged involvement in a series of interviews with law enforcement — in part while working as a confidential informant — in a TV interview and again in his own memoir. While the defense has hinted that Davis' ghostwriter Yusef Jah fictionalized some details and that the defendant wasn't involved in the crime, prosecutors have Jah's name on their witness list. TUPAC SHAKUR MURDER TRIAL KICKS OFF AS DUANE 'KEFFE D' DAVIS FACES JURY NEARLY THREE DECADES AFTER SHOOTING "I suspect that the prosecution is going to have to call the writer of this book and ask him point blank and directly: Did you write this based on what Davis told you?" said Moses Castillo, a retired LAPD detective. "And then if he says yes, and this is what he told me, then it's gonna be very hard to dispute that fact." Still, he told Fox News Digital, prosecutors have a tough case because Shakur's murder happened nearly 30 years ago and few witnesses cooperated at the time. Even survivor Marion "Suge" Knight, a co-founder of Death Row Records who was in the car with Shakur and wounded in the shooting, has said he does not want to testify if called to the stand. Like Jah, he's also on the witness list. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS "When you're in this circle of gangs and gang involvement, you don't want to be a snitch," Castillo added. "You don't wanna be that person that's being classified as a rat. Because as they say: snitches get stitches, and that is really true." TUPAC SHAKUR MURDER SUSPECT TAKES CENTER STAGE AT TRIAL NEARLY 30 YEARS AFTER SHOOTING SHOCKED MUSIC WORLD But as Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney Binu Palal said in his opening statement Monday, one person did talk. That was Davis, who sat for interviews with investigators in 1998, 1999, 2008 and 2009, in addition to sitting for a BET documentary and discussing details in his book. Prosecutors played some of his statements from 2008 in court on Monday — including his account of obtaining the gun and his claim that his nephew, who has since died, fired the shots. GOT A TIP? Defense attorney Michael Sanft countered that it's up to jurors to decide what the facts are, based on evidence shown in court. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST "What they are telling you, they're representing it to be a fact when it really is fiction. And it's up to you to determine what the facts are in this case," he said in his own opening. Sanft said investigators never vetted the claims in Davis' book, not even interviewing other witnesses allegedly in the suspect vehicle before they died. A gunman in a white Cadillac opened fire on a BMW carrying Shakur and Knight on Sept. 7, 1996, on the Las Vegas Strip. Knight recovered from minor injuries. Shakur succumbed to his injuries six days later at 25 years old. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8580fb2c5335ae10488a63 Relativity Networks raises $22 million to bring a faster kind of fiber to data centers te 2026-08-19T10:10:03.676Z Relativity Networks raises $22 million to bring a faster kind of fiber to data centers Relativity Networks deals in hollow-core fiber, a rarely deployed technology that allows data to be transmitted 30% faster than conventional fiber. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85779e2c5335ae10488725 Chinese Comic Investigated After Singing a Riff of a Patriotic Song te 2026-08-19T09:30:06.105Z Chinese Comic Investigated After Singing a Riff of a Patriotic Song Guo Degang, one of the country’s best-known comedians, was reported to the authorities, as the arts continue to be a focus for ideological crackdowns. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8575492c5335ae1048866a Socialists capture major Florida victory on hit-or-miss night for Trump-endorsed primary candidates te 2026-08-19T09:20:09.331Z Socialists capture major Florida victory on hit-or-miss night for Trump-endorsed primary candidates Tuesday night's primary elections featured closely-watched federal races from sunny south Florida to the frigid Alaskan tundra and two states in between, all of which will help decide whether Republicans maintain control of Congress, or whether Democrats overtake them. Three states also featured critical gubernatorial primary elections. Observers are already using the race results as bellwethers to gauge Trump's grip over the GOP and the power of the emergent socialist movement. Here's what stood out: Sunshine State socialist scores shocking Senate upset despite being heavily outspent A socialist will have a chance to unseat a sitting Republican senator after blindsiding her supposed shoo-in opponent who outspent her by a factor of nine to one. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) member and Democratic state Rep. Angie Nixon scored a massive upset in the state's Democratic primary for U.S. Senate. Nixon ran against retired Air Force Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman, a prominent critic of Trump who played a central role in the left's failed 2019 impeachment attempt, who was expected to emerge victorious. She defeated Vindman by almost 12 points, despite his $16.3 million war chest, compared to hers of only about $1 million. As of July, Vindman had spent about $9 million on the race, while Nixon had spent just over $700,000. TRUMP'S HANDPICKED DESANTIS SUCCESSOR WINS CROWDED GOP PRIMARY FOR FLORIDA GOVERNOR Nixon will square off in a statewide race against Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla. Trump has a hit-or-miss endorsement night Across the country, some of Trump's endorsed candidates won their respective races, while others struggled. Trump-endorsed Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., won the Sunshine State's Republican gubernatorial primary against a field that included Lt. Gov. Jay Collins and outsider James Fishback. Donalds won 47% of the vote to Collins' 25%. Fishback won 10.5% of the vote. Donalds will face former Florida Republican congressman-turned-Democrat David Jolly, who won the nod for the job on the Democratic side. TRUMP FLEXES GOP MUSCLE IN ARIZONA PRIMARIES AS DEMS DODGE FAR-LEFT UPSET Likewise, Republican Sen. Ashley Moody, herself a Trump endorsee, took home a victory in a special Senate primary election to finish the remainder of Secretary of State Marco Rubio's U.S. Senate term, which ends in 2028. Moody was appointed to the seat last year after Rubio joined the Trump administration. Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida's 6th Congressional District, also endorsed by Trump, easily won his reelection bid. However, it wasn't all smiles for team Trump. Scandal-plagued incumbent Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., who represents the state's 7th Congressional District, lost his race to challenger and former TV anchor Ryan Elijah. Trump endorsed Mills in February, but the congressman is facing a wide-ranging House Ethics Committee investigation into possible campaign finance violations, allegations of assault against a romantic partner and allegations of improperly received or solicited gifts. Mills has denied wrongdoing. The 7th District leans red, meaning Elijah should have an edge come November. Meanwhile, Catalina Lauf, who scored an 11th-hour endorsement from Trump last week, lost her bid to fill Donalds' seat in Florida's 19th Congressional District in a race featuring a myriad of compelling tidbits. Media executive Jim Schwartzel won the five-way race with 29.1% of the vote, while Lauf earned 22%. Businessman Jim Oberweis placed third with 15.7% of the vote. Lauf and Oberweis are familiar rivals, having squared off in a crowded midwestern Republican primary years ago. Both ran in Illinois' 14th Congressional District back in 2020. Oberweis won that round, but lost to a Democrat in the general election. Two years later, Lauf ran unsuccessfully in Illinois' 11th Congressional District, though that race did not feature Oberweis. The fourth place finisher in Tuesday night's 19th Congressional District race in Florida was former Rep. Madison Cawthorn of North Carolina, who was defeated in 2022 amid scandal and after attempting to change districts. Schwartzel is all but certain to win his November general election in the deep red district. AMERICA’S REDDEST STATE CROWNS GOP GOVERNOR NOMINEE A similar story played out in the western U.S. In Wyoming's U.S. Senate primary, Trump-endorsed Rep. Harriet Hageman, who serves as the state's at-large congresswoman, won in a landslide. She defeated cattle rancher Sam Mead. With 80% of the votes counted, Hageman held a 62% to 28% lead over Mead, with three others lagging well behind. However, in Wyoming's gubernatorial primary, Republican voters spurned Trump's choice, electing state Sen. Eric Barlow over, Megan Degenfelder, the state's superintendent of public instruction. Barlow, too, won decidedly, holding a lead of 50% to Degenfelder's 29.7% with three quarters of the votes counted. Both races were called shortly after polls closed. TRUMP-ALIGNED CONSERVATIVE EMERGES FROM CROWDED PRIMARY TO DECIDE WHO FILLS WYOMING’S LONE HOUSE SEAT Wyoming's Secretary of State Chuck Gray won a competitive five-way primary, garnering 25% of the vote. Businessman Steve Freiss earned 20.7% of the vote. Army veteran Kevin Christensen won 17.8% of the vote. The state hasn't elected a Democrat in a statewide race since 2006, and that trend is likely to continue in November. Incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan finished second in the state's non-partisan primaries, and will move on to the general election where he will face three other candidates, including former Democratic congresswoman Mary Peltola, the top vote-getter, in November. Trump buried the losses in a post on TRUTH Social. "A lot of great WINS tonight!!!" he said. VETERAN DEM DEFEATS SCANDAL-PLAGUED FORMER LAWMAKER, PROGRESSIVE CHALLENGER IN TRUMP'S BACKYARD On the House side, a familiar face won in the newly redrawn 20th Congressional District in Florida. Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., was drawn out of the the 25th District, which she currently represents. Wasserman Schultz defeated four other candidates, including self-proclaimed socialist activist Elijah Manley, a serious contender who raised nearly $1 million in his bid. Despite the fundraising haul, Manley placed third behind former mayor of Broward County Dale Holness. Manley argued on Monday night in an appearance on NBC news that it was inappropriate for Wasserman Schultz to run in the 20th District when she lives in what is now the 22nd District, and said Democrats "need fresh leaders" in Washington. He also argued that it was inappropriate for a White person to occupy the seat. Race was a major issue in the race, with DWS' detractors slamming her for running in the district that has been described as "historically black." "One of the last remaining opportunity districts that we have in the South being held by a white Democrat, that's unacceptable," Manley said in his Monday interview. Former Democratic Rep. Sheri Cherfilus-McCormick placed fourth in the race. She represented the district until April when she resigned after facing federal criminal charges involving alleged misuse of disaster-relief funds. She has pleaded not guilty to those charges. Wasserman Shultz should breeze her way to victory in November in a distict that heavily favors Democrats. Elsewhere in the state, Rep. Jared Moskowitz crushed a surging socialist challenger in Florida's 25th Congressional District, defeating Oliver Larkin by margin of 64% to 36%. Moskowitz ran as a centrist Democrat, while Larkin proudly touted his membership in the DSA on the campaign trail. Larkin said on the campaign trail that he wanted to abolish and prosecute members of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), taking his party's stance on ending the agency one step further. The former Bernie Sanders campaign field director also championed packing the Supreme Court, a $25 minimum wage, ending the Cuba embargo and D.C. statehood, along with statehood for Puerto Rico, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa and the Northern Mariana Islands. Moskowitz issued a fiery statement denouncing the DSA. "Tonight, Democratic voters sent a clear message. I faced a challenge from the DSA. They threw everything at me and I didn’t change who I am or what I believe, and the voters overwhelmingly chose the independent-minded approach I’ve brought to Congress," he said. "I led the effort to have Kristi Noem fired, I've taken on this Administration, and I've taken on extremes in the DSA and won. Now we're running in a tough district hand-drawn by Republicans to defeat me, but I plan to win that too." Moskowitz's district, once reliably blue, leans Republican after redistricting. He will face Republican former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer. One of the most closely-watched Senate races in the country is ongoing in Alaska, as Republicans cling to a narrow majority in the upper chamber. Alaska has non-partisan "top-four" primary elections, meaning that candidates from all parties compete in an open race, and the top four vote-getters advance to the general election. In the general election, the state uses ranked-choice voting. Trump-endorsed Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan faced 15 primary challengers, including former Democratic Rep. Mary Peltola and a retired teacher. The incumbent Sullivan was second in voting at the time the race was called, and will move on to the general election. Peltola, who lost her seat to Republican Rep. Nick Begich III in 2024, was in first and held a razor thin lead of less than 1%. As of early Wednesday morning, AP had not yet called the final two candidates who would advance to November's four-way Senate contest. Alaska's only member of the House, Begich, will be on the ballot in November as he battles to keep his seat. He will be joined by a surging independent candidate in fisherman Bill Hill and two others. As of early Wednesday morning, AP had not yet called the remaining two candidates who would advance to the four-way November race for Alaska's lone House seat. The top two contenders in the gubernatorial race were separated by only two percentage points at the time AP called the race. Politics runs in the Begich family, as Nick's uncle, Tom Begich, a Democrat and former state senator, secured a spot in the November general election alongside Democrat Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins. As of early Wednesday morning, AP had not yet called the final two candidates who would round out Alaska's four-person gubernatorial field for November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8572f32c5335ae10488606 Inside the tension that drove Trump’s South Korea alliance from ‘historic new era’ to military pullback te 2026-08-19T09:10:11.471Z Inside the tension that drove Trump’s South Korea alliance from ‘historic new era’ to military pullback President Donald Trump is scaling back major joint military exercises with South Korea after Seoul declined to support U.S. operations against Iran, a sharp U-turn with an ally his administration publicly praised just days prior. The move came just three days after Secretary of State Marco Rubio called South Korea an "indispensable partner" and said the allies had entered a "historic new era" of cooperation following Trump’s state visit to Seoul last fall. Victor Cha, the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, told Fox News Digital that Trump appears to see the drill reduction as a win-win for the U.S. — pressure Seoul to move faster on investment and burden-sharing while offer Kim incentives to reopen diplomacy. "He sees this as a two for one," Cha said. "A combination of things led to Trump's frustration, that South Korea is not moving the trade and investment framework agreement on investments faster and his desire to meet the North Korean leader." TRUMP ORDERS MAJOR CUT TO US-SOUTH KOREA DRILLS AS NORTH KOREA RAMPS UP MISSILE TESTS Behind the administration’s recent praise of Seoul, strains had been building, potentially leading to the mixed-messaging. Trump has grown frustrated with the slow rollout of a $350 billion trade and investment framework, commercial disputes involving American companies and what he sees as South Korea’s unwillingness to do more for U.S. priorities, Cha detailed. "That combination of things led Trump to make a decision where he said, 'Hey, yeah, I'm gonna scale down these exercises maybe it'll get a response from Kim Jong-un. At the same time, the South Koreans are rich, they should be doing their own exercises and like we should not be paying for them.'" The deal would bring substantial South Korean investment to the United States while offering Seoul expanded cooperation on shipbuilding and nuclear-powered submarines. But the first investments have moved slowly, despite Trump’s earlier threat to raise tariffs on South Korean goods by 25%, while parallel agreements with Japan are advancing faster. The pressure on Seoul comes as Trump returns to another unfinished project from his first term: diplomacy with Kim. Trump’s tumultuous relationship with the North Korean leader swung between threats of "fire and fury" and historic summits. The first was in Singapore in 2018 and the second in Hanoi in 2019, which was followed by a third meeting at the Korean demilitarized zone later that year. NORTH KOREA EXPERT WARNS US CAN 'NEVER TAKE THEIR EYE OFF' KIM JONG UN FOLLOWING MISSILE TEST DURING IRAN WAR The formal encounters made Trump the first sitting U.S. president to meet a North Korean leader, but the diplomacy ended without a denuclearization deal after negotiations collapsed over the terms of sanctions relief and North Korea’s nuclear program. In announcing the exercise cut, Trump wrote that the drills "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea, which he said "has been unthreatening and respectful" during his second term. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for more details. A War Department official said the department is "actively working on executing the Commander-in-Chief’s directive," while declining to offer details. Kim’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, has said her brother retains good memories of Trump, but North Korea has expanded its nuclear and missile capabilities since the first summits while deepening its ties with Russia and China. Pyongyang has not ruled out returning to diplomacy, but it has also signaled that Washington would first need to abandon its demand for North Korean denuclearization. NORTH KOREA LAUNCHES ANOTHER BALLISTIC MISSILE AS US, SOUTH KOREA PREPARE FOR MILITARY DRILLS "Where they haven't ruled out negotiations with the U.S., but they have basically said, unless the U.S. accepts their nuclear status, there isn't really a reason to talk," Jenny Town, a senior fellow at the Stimson Center and director of 38 North, told Fox News Digital. The drills are more than a show of force, they are where American and South Korean troops practice how to fight together if deterrence fails — from moving forces and equipment to sharing targeting information and operating under a single command structure. Before Trump’s order, this year’s Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise was set to incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine, including drone warfare, GPS disruption and the prospect of losing communications in a crisis. Those are no longer theoretical concerns for the alliance: North Korean troops have fought alongside Russian forces and brought battlefield experience back to the peninsula. SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT JUMPS TO INVEST IN MILITARY AFTER TRUMP CUTS JOINT EXERCISES "The exercises are the biggest military maneuver exercise that the Alliance does every year," Cha said. "There's nothing that can substitute for live fire and military exercises." Town said the last-minute nature of the decision risks creating uncertainty inside the alliance. "This last minute haphazard way of sending this message really sends a lot of mixed messages, but also creates a lot of angst in the U.S.-South Korea alliance," she said. Trump’s order drew bipartisan criticism on Capitol Hill. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., said: "North and South Korea are still technically at war." "Our ability to help defend our ally against the North Koreans is because our forces are well trained and able to coordinate with the South Koreans. Hollowing out these joint exercises is shortsighted and a mistake," the retired U.S. Navy Captain added. Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina, a Republican, said reducing the drills "does nothing more than free up thousands of North Korea's troops to support Putin's systematic kidnapping, torture, rape, and murder of innocent Ukrainian citizens." "President Trump is playing right into Kim Jong-Un's hands," Sen. Elissa Slotkin, D-Mich., claimed on X. "Our alliance with South Korea is critical to U.S. security and announcing a decision to unilaterally scale back joint exercises, over social media, all while touting a "very good relationship" with Kim, is a gross miscalculation," she added. "Trump is rewarding a regime that sends weapons and troops to fight for Russia and has a long history of cooperation with Iran. Undermining our allies while making concessions to our adversaries is not a show of strength—it only emboldens those who threaten us.:" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8572f22c5335ae104885fd Silicon Valley is losing the data center fight, risking a repeat of a classic failure te 2026-08-19T09:10:10.875Z Silicon Valley is losing the data center fight, risking a repeat of a classic failure Silicon Valley has spent decades winning consumer loyalty. In unprecedented numbers, people have Apple iPhones in their pockets and Amazon Alexas on their counters while they browse on Google and write in Microsoft Word. Americans have shown themselves eager to try every new technology, from health tracking rings to doorbell cameras to robot vacuums. Yet Silicon Valley has seemingly been caught flat-footed facing something it has never faced before: the near-united opposition of the American people. When it comes to artificial intelligence (AI) and data centers, the tech industry has never been more unpopular. The industry that has created the tools of modern life is losing the fight for public opinion because, ironically, it is using the wrong tools, at least in the arena of political advocacy. The tech industry certainly funds a formidable political machine. But it’s a machine focused on fighting over what happens on screens — content moderation, privacy, antitrust, intellectual property. Its political teams are not built for what AI actually requires: power plants, transmission lines, water rights, land use permits and the approval of hundreds of local communities across America. TRUMP’S REINDUSTRIALIZATION AGENDA FACES ITS BIGGEST HURDLE — AMERICANS That mismatch is why the industry is losing — badly. Local opposition has already blocked or delayed $64 billion in data center projects between May 2024 and March 2025. A Gallup poll found that 71% of Americans oppose data centers being built in their communities — opposition now exceeding that of nuclear power plants. And just recently, New York became the first state to ban data centers. Companies with enormous influence in Washington are losing at county commission meetings, utility hearings and state legislatures. The problem is not a communications gap. It is a structural one. Before, tech had to win big policy fights just in Washington. Now, it must win countless small fights across the country, not against local communities, but against an organized opposition with years of experience using state and local networks to block development. Note the activist groups heading the charge against data centers. More than 230 organizations — led by Food & Water Watch and including Greenpeace and Friends of the Earth — have formally demanded a national data center moratorium. TOP ENERGY GROUP WARNS WEALTHY FOREIGNERS ARE POTENTIALLY BANKROLLING ANTI-DATA CENTER CAMPAIGNS ACROSS US Setting aside for the moment the irony that these so-called environmental groups are trying to thwart the biggest private-sector renewable buildout in history, these are not grassroots organizations. They are well-funded political machines that have lawyers, full-time activists, local chapters and decades of experience stopping energy projects. And some of these organizations have drawn congressional scrutiny over foreign funding: The House Energy and Commerce Committee opened an investigation to explore Chinese influence on U.S. energy policy. The logic is simple: When America fails to invest in energy infrastructure that powers AI, China wins. No matter how they are funded, these political machines know how to take a legitimate concern about electricity rates or water consumption and turn it into a national campaign against technology itself. They have done it before with fracking and nuclear (again, in both cases, ironically driving up emissions by keeping coal plants online longer). Fracking offers the tech industry a more hopeful template. The shale industry survived not because it out-lobbied environmentalists in Washington, but because it created direct beneficiaries in hundreds of communities. Landowners received royalties, workers earned paychecks, businesses gained customers, towns collected tax revenue and everyone gained affordable energy. Those benefits created armies of local defenders. Nuclear, on the other hand, shows what losing looks like. Despite nuclear being an incredible, zero-emissions technology, it lost the political fight in the 1970s before its value was fully understood. America then spent 50 years underbuilding nuclear capacity. It was only surging electricity demand from AI that made nuclear energy essential enough to overcome old opposition. ANTARES REACHES REACTOR CRITICALITY UNDER TRUMP PILOT PROGRAM, MARKING MAJOR NUCLEAR MILESTONE Yet the campaign against data centers is moving faster than either of those precedents. The coordinated opposition is already sharing legal strategies, draft language for moratoriums, claims about water waste and grid strain and graphics and social strategies that can travel across the country in an instant. If the tech industry doesn’t act fast to counter this coordinated opposition with a strategy of its own, it will follow the path of nuclear energy, setting back America’s AI ambitions years, if not decades. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION The largest AI companies have the resources to respond seriously. They can finance dedicated power generation that protects existing ratepayers. They can fund local infrastructure improvements, school programs and economic development that give host communities a genuine stake in the project's success. They can hire people with relationships in state capitals and county seats, not just K Street. And they can invest in pushing out the honest message about AI and data centers, dropping the negative, Silicon Valley-preferred language of "disruption" and "singularity" to talk about real-world benefits, like empowerment, prosperity and security. Silicon Valley already spends billions building the physical infrastructure of AI. It now needs to invest in the public support that will allow America to build it at all. Aiden Buzetti is the president of the Bull Moose Project. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM CHRIS JOHNSON Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8572f22c5335ae104885f4 Socialist candidates can delete old posts, but they can't erase their radicalism te 2026-08-19T09:10:10.285Z Socialist candidates can delete old posts, but they can't erase their radicalism This summer, as millions of Americans were enjoying fireworks or gearing up for the fall football season, the campaign of the Democratic Senate candidate in Michigan was scrambling to cover up past statements denouncing both. You read that right: the campaign of Abdul el-Sayed was caught red-handed by CNN erasing hot takes declaring that "fireworks suck" and linking football to slavery. On one hand, you can’t blame him. El-Sayed is running for statewide office in Michigan, which voted for President Donald Trump twice in the last decade. Better to take the hit on the flip-flop and sell voters on his canned declaration about his love for "Michigan football on Saturdays" than defend the indefensible. DEM SENATE HOPEFUL ABDUL EL-SAYED RECOUNTS SMASHING VODKA BOTTLE AFTER BEARD CRITICISM On the other, if character is what counts when no one is watching, el-Sayed has shown who he is. Voters should believe him. To be fair, he’s not the only candidate navigating the collision course between a hard-left worldview and the political realities of getting elected in a center-right country. In neighboring Wisconsin, Francesca Hong, the Democratic Socialist candidate, came up just short in her gubernatorial primary. Unlike el-Sayed, her past social media commentary surfaced before Election Day, including her support for canceling Thanksgiving. Down the home stretch, Hong’s campaign was overrun with similar questions about some of her past and current extreme views. At one point, the candidate even declared Thanksgiving her "favorite" holiday, but the damage was done. FRANCESCA HONG REMARKS THANKSGIVING IS HER 'FAVORITE HOLIDAY,' ANSWERS SHE DOES NOT 'WANT TO CANCEL IT' While some expressed surprise at the narrow margin, the more appropriate question is how Hong came within roughly 4,000 votes of grabbing the nomination in one of America’s most purple states. One of the leaders of this movement, New York Democrat Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has deployed a creative tactic when faced with questions about her past views, saying that "Woke 1.0 was crazy." There are at least three reasons these seemingly unelectable candidates are driving the national conversation this summer. First, an empowered activist class is stepping up and filling the void of a party in need of new ideas, leaders and voices. The Democratic Party is still reckoning with the scars of the previous election. Until it has reckoned with and acknowledged the mistakes of the past, moving forward becomes difficult. ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ SHRUGS OFF PAST 'DEFUND THE POLICE' COMMENTS, JOKING 'WOKE 1 WAS CRAZY' Second, this new crop of candidates grew up in the digital age. El-Sayed is 41. Hong is 37. Ocasio-Cortez is 36. Social media has been readily available to them their entire adult lives. Anyone has a platform to pop off on the news of the day without giving it a great deal of thought. Or how it will look under the glare of a future political campaign. This phenomenon is not limited to one political party or ideology, either. Any first-time candidate would be wise to audit and clean up their online presence before embarking on their journey into public life. Finally, and most importantly, many of these sentiments are consistent with the core principle of socialism taking hold within the American left. At its core, socialism believes that the American experiment is over and the dream is dead. What better ways to express that perspective than opposing football, fireworks and Thanksgiving? SOCIALIST VICTORIES SHOW DEMS' DESCENT DOWN 'DEADLY PATH OF COMMUNISM,' JOHNSON WARNS Proponents of socialism want voters to believe it’s all about free health care, free pre-K and free college. New York City, under the Mamdani administration, is even pursuing government-run grocery stores. They present their ideology as merely a means of righting the economic wrongs in our country, and duck questions about rgw price tag or practicality with vague platitudes about making the wealthy "pay their fair share." CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION It’s no secret the GOP faces a challenging midterm electorate. Early voting starts in some states in a matter of weeks. Trump is not on the ballot, and the ongoing conflict in Iran has bogged down his approval ratings. Republicans’ best case may well be not just that woke 1.0 was crazy, but it never left the building. Old social media posts and videos can be taken down, but the insight into the world view on philosophy remains – and it’s downright chilling. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM COLIN REED Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8572f12c5335ae104885eb Iran war forces America to confront the strategic cost of deterring China te 2026-08-19T09:10:09.654Z Iran war forces America to confront the strategic cost of deterring China The most strategically revealing military move in the Iran war this week isn’t another strike on Tehran. It is an American aircraft carrier leaving the Pacific. The USS George Washington is heading toward the Middle East to relieve the USS Abraham Lincoln, whose overall deployment has exceeded 260 days, including more than 240 uninterrupted days at sea. The move could leave the Pacific without a U.S. carrier for an unknown period. That does not mean China is preparing to attack Taiwan. It means the United States is making a real strategic tradeoff: a carrier reinforcing the Middle East cannot simultaneously deter in the Western Pacific. America has global reach, but its forces are not infinite, and geography still imposes choices. The same point was visible in Adm. Brad Cooper’s just-completed 10-day trip through six Middle Eastern countries. CENTCOM says more than 50,000 American service members are now operating across the region. Iran is consuming ships, aircraft, munitions, logistics and command attention at the same time Washington says the Indo-Pacific must remain a priority. PENTAGON RACES TO BUY 10X MORE MISSILES AS IRAN WAR DWINDLES ARSENAL, THREATENS READINESS FOR CHINA AGGRESSION That is the strategic dilemma. The question is no longer simply whether the United States has enough military power to continue operations against Iran. We do. The harder question is whether we are allocating that power in a way that matches our declared priorities. The 2026 National Defense Strategy is unusually clear on this point. It calls for a strong denial defense along the First Island Chain and places deterring China among the Pentagon’s top priorities, expecting allies to shoulder more responsibility elsewhere. Whatever one thinks of that approach, it is strategy because it makes choices. Now events are testing whether Washington is prepared to live by those choices. This is not the familiar debate over whether America can "fight two wars." That phrase is too crude. The United States remains capable of fighting in more than one theater. The real problem is deterrence: Can we sustain a demanding conflict in the Middle East while keeping enough ready combat power elsewhere to persuade China that this is not its moment to attack Taiwan? THREE KEY REASONS WHY AMERICA CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE TAIWAN TO COMMUNIST CHINA Deterrence does not require an adversary to believe we are invincible. It requires him to believe the cost of acting now is greater than the potential gain. Beijing does not need to conclude that America has become weak. Chinese planners need only ask whether American forces, munitions, maintenance capacity and political attention are tied down enough elsewhere to alter the risk of acting in the Pacific. History offers useful warnings, not because 2026 replays 1941 or 1950, but because strategy has always meant matching ends, ways and means. Britain learned that lesson painfully before Singapore fell on February 15, 1942. London carried military commitments across Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East and Asia while its naval resources were stretched by a global war. British defense planning for Singapore depended on reinforcing the Far East in a crisis, but when Japan struck, Britain was already fighting for survival elsewhere. The lesson wasn’t courage. It was strategic capacity: Britain had accumulated commitments it could no longer defend simultaneously. The United States chose differently in World War II. Pearl Harbor made Japan the immediate enemy in the American mind, but Roosevelt and Churchill kept the main Allied effort focused on defeating Germany first. They reaffirmed that priority at Casablanca in 1943 while continuing the war against Japan. Strategy required distinguishing the most immediate enemy from the most consequential one. The lesson isn’t that America needs a simplistic "China First" slogan; strategy cannot be reduced to a bumper sticker. It is that priorities have consequences. A nation cannot call one theater its principal military challenge and then assume repeated emergency commitments elsewhere carry no cost. Our Navy makes that cost unusually visible. Airpower can shift between theaters quickly, though the tankers, bases, weapons and support that sustain it cannot. Naval power is less forgiving. A carrier committed to the Middle East is a carrier unavailable in the Pacific. The Lincoln illustrates the point. Its deployment has stretched past 260 days at sea, and lawmakers have pressed the Pentagon for answers on the strain that extended combat cruise has placed on the ship and its roughly 5,000-person crew. The George Washington rotation is necessary. But necessary rotations still carry strategic tradeoffs. REP GARAMENDI, SEN KELLY: WE MUST WORK TOGETHER TO MAKE AMERICA A SHIPBUILDING POWER Nor can the Pentagon solve this quickly by ordering more ships. Congress and the administration should debate the size and composition of the future fleet, but a carrier ordered today will not arrive for years. Shipbuilding capacity, maintenance backlogs and munitions production are decades-long problems. Strategy operates with the force we have, not the force we wish we had. That distinction matters as the Iran conflict stretches past six months. The larger strategic issue now reaches beyond Iran: What does each additional Middle Eastern commitment cost America’s ability to execute its wider defense strategy? That question only grows more urgent the longer the conflict lasts. The answer need not be withdrawal. Nor does it require conceding the Middle East to Iran. It requires something Washington often resists: enforcing priorities. Which American interests are vital? Which can be handled primarily by allies? Which military capabilities must be protected for the highest-priority contingency? And what level of risk are we accepting elsewhere each time we surge into this crisis? The Truman administration confronted a related problem when North Korea invaded the South in June 1950. Korea demanded immediate American combat power, but Washington faced the larger contest with the Soviet Union. NSC-68, issued two months earlier, had already called for a major military buildup to counter that threat. Korea accelerated it. Washington fought the immediate war without losing sight of the larger competition. US DRAINS CRITICAL MISSILE STOCKPILES IN IRAN WAR AS YEARSLONG REBUILD LOOMS That is the discipline required now. The George Washington’s move toward the Mideast should focus attention in Congress and the White House, turning an abstract strategic debate into something visible on a map. One of America’s most powerful warships is leaving the theater our own strategy calls central, headed toward a war we are already fighting. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Perhaps that is the correct decision. But if it is, Washington should acknowledge the risk being accepted and explain how it intends to preserve deterrence in the Pacific. If such tradeoffs become routine, then our stated strategy and our actual force allocation are moving in different directions. America does not lack military power. It lacks the ability to treat every threat as equally urgent at the same time. That is why strategy requires choices. Iran may demand action today; China remains the larger challenge. Washington must weigh what each requires and decide deliberately. If we don’t set our priorities, events eventually will. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ROBERT MAGINNIS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8572ed2c5335ae104885bf Byron Donalds Is Favored to Become Florida’s First Black Governor te 2026-08-19T09:10:05.168Z Byron Donalds Is Favored to Become Florida’s First Black Governor Byron Donalds, a three-term congressman who won the state’s Republican primary on Tuesday, endorsed President Trump over his own governor, Ron DeSantis. The payoff has been huge. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8572ec2c5335ae104885b6 U.S. Will Try California Arson Suspect Again After Stunning Mistrial te 2026-08-19T09:10:04.143Z U.S. Will Try California Arson Suspect Again After Stunning Mistrial The man accused of setting the blaze that later turned deadly in the Pacific Palisades is now readying for a new prosecution after a previous effort in June failed. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8572ea2c5335ae104885ad The Left Notches Another Win With This Secret Weapon: Old-Fashioned Organizing te 2026-08-19T09:10:03.000Z The Left Notches Another Win With This Secret Weapon: Old-Fashioned Organizing State Representative Angie Nixon scored a stunning upset on Tuesday in Florida’s Democratic Senate primary. Now comes the hard part: running as a progressive firebrand in a red state. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8567422c5335ae104881f9 Hamadeh Accuses Arizona Republic Of Downplaying JoAnna Mendoza’s Dual Property-Tax Benefit te 2026-08-19T08:20:18.785Z Hamadeh Accuses Arizona Republic Of Downplaying JoAnna Mendoza’s Dual Property-Tax Benefit By Matthew Holloway | Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08) recently blasted the Arizona Republic as a “dying newspaper. The congressman accused the outlet of “covering for” Democratic congressional candidate JoAnna Mendoza through its framing of a report about property-tax benefits she received on two homes. “The Arizona Republic, a dying newspaper, is at it again!” Hamadeh wrote. “This time they’re covering for Democrat candidate JoAnna Mendoza, Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s opponent.” The Arizona Republic, a dying newspaper is at it again! This time they’re covering for Democrat candidate JoAnna Mendoza, Congressman Juan Ciscomani’s opponent. They use these words and framing in the headline to cover for her. “Mistake” “Acknowledged the error” If I sneezed… https://t.co/dzIg5dbsC4 — Abe Hamadeh (@AbrahamHamadeh) August 13, 2026 Hamadeh criticized the newspaper’s use of the terms “mistake” and “acknowledged the error” in its coverage of Mendoza’s receipt of Arizona’s State Aid to Education property-tax reduction on two residences categorized as her primary home. “If I sneezed the wrong way 20 years ago, these propagandists would write a nasty story about me,” Hamadeh wrote. “But all they do is cover for DEMOCRATS. Because they are an unofficial arm of the Democrat Party.” Hamadeh said the article should have been presented under the headline: “Democrat candidate JoAnna Mendoza unlawfully takes tax benefit and claims primary residency in two counties, drawing scrutiny.” “These people aren’t journalists, they’re activists and propagandists — and have zero credibility,” Hamadeh wrote. The criticism followed an Aug. 13 Arizona Republic report by Laura Gersony. The version republished by the Arizona Daily Star carried the headline, “House candidate Mendoza wrongfully took home tax credit.” The report described the dual property classifications as an error and quoted Mendoza’s campaign calling it an honest mistake. A tax filing mistake is drawing attention in a Southern Arizona House race after a candidate acknowledged the error. https://t.co/Lpb6fFZ4EB — azcentral (@azcentral) August 13, 2026 According to the report, Mendoza purchased a central Tucson home for approximately $330,000 in 2021 and received the State Aid to Education reduction on that property. She purchased another home in Red Rock for approximately $337,000 in 2023 and later began renting the Tucson residence. Both properties remained categorized as primary residences, leading Pima and Pinal County officials to apply the reduction to each property. The Tucson classification saved Mendoza $404.29 in 2024 and $415.87 in 2025, a combined $820.16. Her 2026 property-tax bill was not yet publicly available. Arizona’s State Aid to Education program reduces qualifying school-district property taxes on owner-occupied residential property. The reduction is calculated through a parcel’s property classification and is generally capped at $600 under. Arizona law classifies residential property occupied by its owner as a primary residence as Class Three property. Residential property used solely as a rental is classified as Class Four property. County assessors are required to review residential property classifications and investigate parcels that may be rented while classified as primary residences. If an owner fails to respond to the notices prescribed by law, the assessor must reclassify the property and could impose a civil penalty equal to the additional state aid paid on the parcel during the preceding tax year. Mendoza acknowledged to the Republic that she did not submit the necessary paperwork after she began renting the Tucson property and moved to Red Rock. Records cited by the Republic showed that she contacted Pima County officials on Aug. 10 to have the Tucson home reclassified. “JoAnna is already in touch with the county assessor to correct the filing mistake,” campaign spokesman Kyle McCarthy told the Republic. The campaign said Mendoza would pay the amount county officials determine she owes. The Republic also reported that Mendoza disclosed approximately $20,000 in rental income when filing her congressional financial disclosure. Mendoza is challenging incumbent Rep. Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ-06) in the general election. Federal Election Commission records showed Mendoza had raised approximately $7.35 million through July 1, compared with approximately $6.17 million raised by Ciscomani. 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 Hamadeh Accuses Arizona Republic Of Downplaying JoAnna Mendoza’s Dual Property-Tax Benefit first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8567412c5335ae104881f0 School Board Candidate Lisa Everett Runs As A Republican While Battling Conservative Candidates And Groups te 2026-08-19T08:20:17.056Z School Board Candidate Lisa Everett Runs As A Republican While Battling Conservative Candidates And Groups By Matthew Holloway | Lisa Everett, a Dysart Unified School District Governing Board candidate who describes herself as a Republican activist, has recently drawn attention for criticizing conservative candidates, including Arizona Corporation Commission nominee Ralph Heap, and the conservative groups that supported his campaign. Everett has filed two campaign-finance complaints against Heap, one with the Arizona Citizens Clean Elections Commission and one with the Secretary of State’s Office while publicly defending his primary rivals, Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers. She has also repeatedly called on Heap to withdraw from the race, even after he advanced to the general election over Myers. Everett’s public support for the two Republican incumbents Heap challenged predates the complaints. In her June 1 “Patriotnheels” newsletter, Everett published a section titled “Truth vs. Lies: The Record of Arizona Corporation Commissioners Kevin Thompson and Nick Myers.” The newsletter summarized Thompson and Myers’ defenses of their records on renewable-energy mandates, President Donald Trump’s energy agenda, utility rate mechanisms, and grid reliability. Heap challenged Thompson and Myers for one of two Republican nominations to the Corporation Commission. In the July 21 primary, Thompson finished first with 35.8% of the vote, Heap finished second with 33%, and Myers finished third with 31.2%. Thompson and Heap advanced to the November general election. After the primary, Everett escalated her public opposition to Heap. She announced her Secretary of State complaint, publicly thanked Clean Elections when commissioners denied Heap’s request to leave the public-financing program, and subsequently urged Republicans to call for Heap’s withdrawal. She has continued publishing updates about the campaign-finance proceedings through her Patriotnheels account. Heap entered the Corporation Commission race with support from the Arizona Free Enterprise Club and Turning Point Action. Everett has previously criticized Turning Point’s influence in Arizona Republican primaries. In May, she told the Arizona Capitol Times that Turning Point “puts their money behind people, and that machine rolls, but it turns off the independent voters.” Everett has also directly criticized the Arizona Free Enterprise Club’s involvement in Corporation Commission races. In a post to X on August 4 she wrote, “Some have asked me why I am pursuing this. – Accountability. Some are concerned a Democrat could get elected. My prayer is Heap removes himself from the ballot and the Party appoints a great candidate. If we lose this seat the blame lays at the feet of Arizona Free Enterprise Club and their partners. They ran candidates against two great incumbents simply because the incumbents could not be controlled. The blame also lies at the feet of Heap for violating campaign finance laws. This is truly a case of don’t blame the messenger.” Some have asked me why I am pursuing this. – Accountability. Some are concerned a Democrat could get elected. My prayer is Heap removes himself from the ballot and the Party appoints a great candidate. If we lose this seat the blame lays at the feet of Arizona Free Enterprise… pic.twitter.com/VbzS6qRbhH — Patriotnheels 🇺🇸👠 (@patriotnheels) August 4, 2026 In an August 7 reply on X, she added, “Arizona Free Enterprise Club continues to recruit candidates that know nothing about utilities. They do this because they want a puppet at the ACC. Nick and Kevin follow statutes and understand the issues.” Everett describes herself as a conservative Republican. Her Patriotnheels website identifies her as a longtime Republican organizer and describes the outlet as a West Valley platform that promotes conservative viewpoints and candidates. The same site also features an essay written by Everett titled, “The Republican Party Is Still A Big Tent — Let’s Start Acting Like It.” In that piece, she criticized Republican “purists” and “RINO” labeling and argued against isolating “McCain Republicans” and “moderate Republicans.” She also urged Republicans to engage with political opponents rather than limit their political activity to people who already agree with them. Everett has applied that argument to disputes over Republican political figures as well. During an August 7 discussion on X over whether former Mesa Mayor John Giles (now the running mate for Democrat Governor Katie Hobbs) should be described as a leftist, Everett wrote, “The far right does not understand that concept. If you fail their purity test – you are a leftist.” The far right does not understand that concept. If you fail their purity test – you are a leftist. — Patriotnheels 🇺🇸👠 (@patriotnheels) August 7, 2026 Everett drew attention for that approach in 2025 while serving as chair of the Legislative District 29 Republican Committee. In April of that year, Everett organized Republican counter-protests against Northwest Valley Indivisible demonstrations targeting President Donald Trump and Rep. Abe Hamadeh (R-AZ-08). Everett told AZ Free News at the time that she organized supporters after seeing the anti-Hamadeh demonstrations and said the Republican participants supported the Trump administration’s agenda. Four months later, Everett joined Brent Peak, co-chair of Northwest Valley Indivisible, in advocating for Peoria-area restaurant owner Lai Kuen “Kelly” Yu after Yu was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. AZ Free News reported in August 2025 that Everett and Peak were working on Yu’s behalf even as Democratic Senators Ruben Gallego and Mark Kelly, along with Rep. Greg Stanton (D-AZ-04), also supported Yu. Everett told The Center Square that Yu came to the United States while pregnant, sought asylum, and became active in the Peoria community. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said Yu had entered the country illegally in 2004 and had exhausted her legal avenues to remain. Court records cited by AZ Free News showed the Ninth Circuit denied Yu’s asylum appeal in 2016. The Maricopa County Republican Committee subsequently censured Everett by a 23-6 vote over her advocacy for Yu and her work with Peak. It also called for her resignation from her district leadership position. Everett defended her actions and later wrote on X that the county party was increasingly controlled by people she considered extremists, describing them as “so far right they are turning left.” MCRC Censures LD29 Chairwoman Lisa Everett Last night, the Maricopa County Republican Committee voted to censure me, Lisa Everett, Chairwoman of LD29. With that vote, my name is now listed alongside an ever-growing roster of Republicans who have been censured by MCRC: County… pic.twitter.com/5hvdhA5iTZ — Patriotnheels 🇺🇸👠 (@patriotnheels) September 3, 2025 Everett is now campaigning for the Dysart Unified School District Governing Board, where her campaign lists protecting the district’s A rating, supporting teachers and staff, and maintaining facilities among her priorities. Heap and Thompson will appear on the Nov. 3 Corporation Commission ballot alongside Democrats Clara Pratte and Jonathon Hill and Green Party candidate Mike Cease. 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 School Board Candidate Lisa Everett Runs As A Republican While Battling Conservative Candidates And Groups first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85673f2c5335ae104881e7 Arizona Supreme Court Knocks Anti-School Choice Initiative Off Ballot After Legal Challenge te 2026-08-19T08:20:15.385Z Arizona Supreme Court Knocks Anti-School Choice Initiative Off Ballot After Legal Challenge By Staff Reporter | Teachers’ union activists were once again dealt a serious blow after the Arizona Supreme Court issued an order effectively removing an initiative from the ballot that aimed to undo the state’s universal school choice program. Nearly four years ago to date, a similar initiative was removed from the ballot for failing to have the required number of signatures. Katie Hobbs, secretary of the state at the time and now the governor, held out on invalidating the ballot initiative.  The court’s order to recalculate the signature totals using the trial court’s formula, issued on Tuesday, is projected to have brought Proposition 212, the Protect Education Act, below the required signature total following a legal challenge filed by the Goldwater Institute in Clark v. Fontes.  Protect Education Accountability Now, the political action committee (PAC) behind the Protect Education Act, confirmed that the Arizona Supreme Court order meant their initiative would not qualify for the ballot. The PAC blamed “big money in partnership with Republican lawmakers and the anti-public education lobby” for the initiative’s demise. A spokesperson for the PAC stated that the initiative should have been included on the ballot regardless of the invalid signatures. “This does not reflect what Arizona voters want. It does not reflect the overwhelming support of educators, parents and public school advocates across the state who volunteered their time and demanded a voice in reforming a program that abused taxpayer money and pulled funding from their neighborhood public schools,” said the spokesperson. “Instead, the hard-earned resources educators raised to fund this were buried under a mountain of big money, political power, and a system that consistently sides with special interests.” pic.twitter.com/isdr561NO6 — Protect Education Ballot Initiative (@ProtectEdAct) August 18, 2026 Activists submitted around 420,000 signatures to qualify for the ballot. Pending a review incited by the Goldwater Institute’s court challenge, the number of valid signatures will fall to a projected total of approximately 245,000. The initiative needed approximately 256,000 to qualify for the ballot.  Nearly 70,000 signatures were invalidated due to their discovery as duplicates or having been collected by legally ineligible circulators, like felons. The court also upheld the trial court ruling which invalidated entire sheets of signatures due to the petition circulator providing an address at which they weren’t living.  The ballot measure would have rolled back the universality of the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) program by imposing an income cap.  The union-backed Protect Education Act appears to have fallen short of the valid signatures needed to make the November ballot. In this special Keep Arizona Free Update with @Darla4freedom: ➡️ The campaign submitted roughly between 416,000-421,000 signatures, but after trial… pic.twitter.com/l7886cgtT9 — Arizona Free Enterprise Club (@azfec) August 18, 2026 The court also agreed with a lower court ruling that the ballot language drafted by Secretary of State Adrian Fontes was false and misleading because it used the term “voucher” to describe the ESA program. Vouchers must be spent immediately and only at certain approved schools, whereas ESA program funds may be rolled over and applied to various schooling types and educational resources. The PAC behind this second failed initiative to end universal school choice raised more than $7.5 million and spent more than $7.2 million.  More than $6.5 million, or 87%, came from the National Education Association. $810,000, or nearly 11%, came from the Arizona Education Association.  Other major donors included $50,000 from the United Food and Commercial Workers Active Ballot Club, the PAC of a D.C.-based union; and $50,000 from Arizonans for Quality Education, a corporation or LLC based in Phoenix.  The latter entity was formerly known as Friends of ASBA, with ASBA standing for the Arizona School Boards Association, and was registered as a domestic nonprofit corporation, according to Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) records. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Arizona Supreme Court Knocks Anti-School Choice Initiative Off Ballot After Legal Challenge first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85673d2c5335ae104881de MELANIE COLLETTE: The Green Climate Fund Ran Short Of Other People’s Money te 2026-08-19T08:20:13.787Z MELANIE COLLETTE: The Green Climate Fund Ran Short Of Other People’s Money By Melanie Collette | On July 14, the UN’s Adaptation Committee put fund managers, negotiators, and development bankers on a video call to work through a problem that clearly has them rattled. The money is drying up. The Green Climate Fund, the Global Environment Facility, and the Adaptation Fund all sent people to explain how developing countries can tap them for cash. What they mostly did was ask for more. The reason they are running short, though, is news that ought to please anyone who pays U.S. taxes. In February 2025, the United States rescinded roughly $4 billion in outstanding pledges to the Green Climate Fund. We were the first country to do it. This spring, the United Kingdom followed, halving its pledge from £1.6 billion to about £815 million. The people on the call treated this as a crisis. For anyone who works for a living and pays the bills, it looks more like a rescue. It’s worth being clear about what these funds are. They hand out grants, not loans. Hansol Park of the Green Climate Fund said about 80% of its public-sector adaptation money is grant based, and the Adaptation Fund gives grants exclusively. Grant means gift — no repayment, no return, nothing back. When Washington pledged $4 billion, it was pledging to give $4 billion away and call it climate policy. Where does the money go? The funds prefer to answer that in their own vocabulary. Ask what they finance, and you get “readiness,” “institutional capacity,” “capacity building,” “accreditation  support,” “project preparation,” and “locally led adaptation.” Some of it does buy physical things,  water systems and farms and flood defenses. A good deal of it, though, pays to build and staff  the offices that write the grant applications in the first place. The Green Climate Fund has placed outside experts inside developing-country governments, with more on the way. It runs multi-year “readiness” programs to prop up national agencies, with eight approved and 93 countries waiting in line. Over at the Adaptation Fund, staff run proposal-writing workshops and report that the workshops produce stronger proposals, which tells you the process is complicated enough to need a training seminar just to fill out the forms. Roxanne Valentine-Donegan of the Development Bank of Jamaica, one of the few speakers who had actually tried to pull money through the system, said getting it is “genuinely difficult,” slowed by shifting requirements and document-heavy applications. So the recipients themselves say the system is too slow, too technical, and too expensive to  navigate. And the answer on offer is not less paperwork; it is more staff and more workshops to  process the paperwork. That is how bureaucracies grow. Every new hurdle becomes the reason to  hire someone to help you clear it. “Institutional capacity” is the polite expression that makes reference to the permanent layer of  coordinators, accredited entities, and consultants standing between a donor’s check and an actual  project on the ground. The Adaptation Fund alone works through roughly 62 accredited entities.  The NDC Partnership, which helps developing countries navigate climate finance, says it has  received more than 7,000 requests for support since 2016. Yet after nearly a decade and tens of  billions of dollars, the people running this system are still saying they need more funding, more  staff, and more capacity. The bureaucracy never seems to reach the point where it decides it has  enough. The Adaptation Fund reported an active pipeline worth about $1.9 billion with an appetite that  seems to have no ceiling. Adaptation Fund specialist Alyssa Gomes said flatly, “We do need more finance.” The Green Climate Fund talked up a board decision that could unlock roughly $4 billion in new programming capacity. No number is ever sufficient, because the demand is set by the funds themselves, not by any budget a taxpayer ever approved. The dialogue ended the way these things invariably do, with appeals for donors to give more, at a  faster pace, with fewer strings attached. The honest answer from the American side is already on  the record. We are keeping the $4 billion. Originally published by the Daily Caller News Foundation. Melanie Collette is a contributor to the Daily Caller News Foundation and a senior policy analyst for the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow  (CFACT), a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that champions free markets, property rights, and innovation as the keys to protecting both people and the environment. The post MELANIE COLLETTE: The Green Climate Fund Ran Short Of Other People’s Money first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85673b2c5335ae104881cc Comedian Steve Treviño te 2026-08-19T08:20:11.398Z Comedian Steve Treviño Comedian Steve Treviño Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85673a2c5335ae104881c3 Immortal entertainment: 27 - The Ultimate Tribute makes Laughlin Debut, revives legends lost in their prime te 2026-08-19T08:20:10.587Z Immortal entertainment: 27 - The Ultimate Tribute makes Laughlin Debut, revives legends lost in their prime The 27 Club is an informal club most people neither can nor want to join. It’s composed of music superstars who all died in their prime at the age of 27, chief among them Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison,… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8567392c5335ae104881ba 27 - The Ultimate Tribute te 2026-08-19T08:20:09.874Z 27 - The Ultimate Tribute 27 - The Ultimate Tribute Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8567392c5335ae104881b1 'Time marches on': Tracy Lawrence visits Laughlin in latest chapter of a storied country career te 2026-08-19T08:20:09.132Z 'Time marches on': Tracy Lawrence visits Laughlin in latest chapter of a storied country career Fans of classic country are in for a treat as longtime country music star Tracy Lawrence plays in Laughlin this Saturday, Aug. 22 at the Edge Pavilion. It’s the latest stop in Lawrence’s 2026 No Alibis Tour, featuring decades of… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8567382c5335ae104881a8 Tracy Lawrence te 2026-08-19T08:20:08.265Z Tracy Lawrence Tracy Lawrence Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a854d702c5335ae1048758a State of play: What to know about California showdown to replace Swalwell after massive scandal te 2026-08-19T06:30:08.609Z State of play: What to know about California showdown to replace Swalwell after massive scandal The special election to fill the seat vacated by former Rep. Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., remained undecided in the early Wednesday morning hours. The battle to succeed Swalwell comes after he resigned in April amid sexual assault allegations from at least five women. Prior to the allegations, Swalwell was also making a bid for California's gubernatorial race, but he dropped that bid as well. Vying for Swalwell's seat are two women: progressive state Sen. Aisha Wahab and moderate Democrat and Bay Area Rapid Transit Board (BART) President Melissa Hernandez. Tuesday's primary race will determine who will immediately fill Swalwell's seat for the remainder of the term. However, it is also serving as the primary race for the midterms, meaning that Wahab and Hernandez will face each other again in November. STATE OF PLAY: HIGHLY WATCHED HONG RACE REMAINS TOO CLOSE TO CALL AS PROGRESSIVES NOTCH KEY PRIMARY WINS Wahab and Hernandez both emerged as the "top-two" vote getters in the special election's jungle primary race held on June 16 for California's 14th Congressional District. Under California law, elections have open primaries, meaning whoever the top vote getters are, regardless of their party affiliation, will move on to the general election. The race between Hernandez and Wahab mirrors a larger trend reflected across Democratic primary races, as far-left progressive candidates, often backed by the Democratic Socialists of America, are seeking to defeat establishment-backed Democratic candidates. Wahab, who has served in the state Senate since 2022, is running on a campaign platform centered on cracking down on ICE, having co-authored legislation making it easier for citizens to sue agents, lowering prescription drug prices and pushing for investments in green and renewable energy. She has received the backing of Our Revolution, a group that was founded by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., Attorney General Rob Bonta, and fellow progressives Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and Congressman Greg Casar. Hernandez, on the other hand, has taken a moderate approach on key issues such as immigration. Hernandez, who is the daughter of Mexican immigrants, acknowledged that the immigration system is "broken" but that she "supports smart border security and regional cooperation." She has received the endorsement of close to a dozen Congressional members. But despite Wahab's critical stance of ICE, she found herself in the hot seat when her father took to Facebook calling for his daughter's supporters to "call ICE" on Hernandez. The mishap led to Wahab's campaign to issue an apology on its website. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8546682c5335ae1048747c Former state rep tops ranked-choice slugfest as Alaska advances nominees for governor te 2026-08-19T06:00:08.640Z Former state rep tops ranked-choice slugfest as Alaska advances nominees for governor Seventeen governor-lieutenant governor candidate pairs battled Tuesday to make the primary cutoff and advance to the November general election to succeed term-limited Republican Gov. Michael Dunleavy. Former state Rep. Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins and running mate Zac Johnson finished first, while former Democratic state Sen. Tom Begich and Julia Hnilicks finished second. They will advance to the November general election, alongside two more winning governor-lieutenant governor pairs.  Several major political names were among the 34 candidates on the ballot for the two executive offices. The frontrunner heading into Tuesday’s contest was Begich, whose family has been involved in Alaska politics nearly since the Last Frontier achieved statehood. COURT KEEPS ‘DECOY DAN’ ON ALASKA BALLOT AS EXPERT WARNS RANKED-CHOICE SYSTEM CREATES VOTER ‘TRAPS’ Tom Begich’s father, Rep. Nick Begich Sr., D-Alaska, served in the state and federal legislatures from 1962 until a plane carrying him and House Majority Leader Hale Boggs, D-La., disappeared during a flight through the Inside Passage between Anchorage and Juneau. Tom Begich’s brother, Mark, was a longtime U.S. senator from Alaska, and most of the family members are Democrats — except incumbent Rep. Nick Begich III, R-Alaska. Business owner Bernadette Wilson is among the leading Republicans in the nonpartisan primary. Wilson grew up on the Kenai, and her family has lived in Alaska for generations. Her running mate is Michael Shower. Dunleavy’s Republican deputy, Lt. Gov. Nancy Dahlstrom, another leading Republican candidate, dropped out of the race in June. Republican Michael Loren Gilbert is also on the ballot. Gilbert told Ballotpedia he wants to expand the state’s energy dominance and consider a highway link to the Lower 48. Gilbert’s running mate, Timothy Hickel, represents another storied Alaskan political family. JUDGE RULES REPUBLICAN WITH SAME NAME AS SEN DAN SULLIVAN CAN STAY ON ALASKA PRIMARY BALLOT Former Gov. Wally Hickel, Timothy’s father, served two nonconsecutive terms as governor decades apart and also served as President Richard Nixon’s interior secretary. The western bypass of downtown Anchorage that serves Ted Stevens International Airport is known as the Walter J. Hickel Parkway. Former Anchorage Mayor David Bronson, a Republican, is also considered a leading candidate. Bronson’s running mate is Josh Church. Former state Sen. Click Bishop, R-North Star, was also in the race with lieutenant governor candidate Greta Schuerch. SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER The state uses ranked-choice voting in general elections. Voters rank candidates by preference, and votes are redistributed in successive rounds as lower-performing candidates are eliminated. Though Alaska is considered a red state, Dunleavy’s departure gives Democrats such as Begich an opportunity to flip the governor’s mansion. Begich III defeated then-Rep. Mary Peltola last cycle after Peltola had won the seat following the death of Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, who had represented the state for nearly five decades. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85440f2c5335ae10487408 Alaskan political scion hopes to hold onto state's single House seat te 2026-08-19T05:50:07.671Z Alaskan political scion hopes to hold onto state's single House seat A heated battle for Alaska's only U.S. House seat will see a handful of candidates face-off in November after four candidates advanced in Tuesday's rank-choice primary. First-term incumbent Rep. Nicholas Begich III, R-Alaska, is hoping to hang onto his seat, and will have a chance to do so in November. But he is facing an insurgency from independent candidate Bill Hill. AP called the race for Begich and Hill early on, and Begich led by a 47.9% to 29.5% margin. Both will advance to the general election.  The crowded race in the open primary also featured two other Republicans, Ed Goldfarb and Clay Strickland, Democrats Eric Hafner and Yaquelin Reynoso, Libertarian John Foddrill, along with nonpartisan candidates David Ambrose, Lady Donna Dutchess, David Richey and Melania Salazar. William Schultz, a Democrat, dropped out of the race citing financial concerns, but remained on the ballot.  WASHINGTON REWARDS FAILURE. IT’S TIME TO SEND CAREER POLITICIANS HOME Despite dropping out, Schultz was in third place at the time the race was called, followed by Hafner, who himself faces unique circumstances.  Hafner is described by the Anchorage Daily News as a "federal inmate and perennial candidate," and a review of Ballotpedia shows Dutchess has run several times for office with little support. Hafner is serving a 20-year sentence for making false bomb threats and threatening judges and police officers. He was convicted in 2022. Hill is a standout when it comes to running an independent campaign. He has raised more than $1.3 million in 2026, nearly all of it from individual donors. SENATE CANDIDATE RUNNING AS 'INDEPENDENT' CONTINUES TO BE BANKROLLED BY LEFT-WING DONORS A lifetime commercial fisherman and member of the Dena’ina Athabascan native Alaskan people, Hill has lived in Anchorage and Fairbanks in the past. He currently lives with his wife in the southwestern Alaskan town Naknek, which has a population of 470 people. His platform incorporates popular positions from both sides of the political aisle. While he supports the Second Amendment, tax cuts and police and first responders, he also supports a "woman's right to choose" and making billionaires pay their "fair share," according to his campaign website. Meanwhile, Begich led the charge to overturn a Biden-era rule restricting oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. "Unlocking Alaska's resources" is listed as a major priority on Begich's campaign site, along with cutting costs, creating jobs, protecting Alaska's native communities and securing the border. He serves as the Executive Vice Chair of the Congressional Western Caucus. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a853d0b2c5335ae104872f0 Trump-aligned conservative emerges from crowded primary to decide who fills Wyoming’s lone House seat te 2026-08-19T05:20:11.477Z Trump-aligned conservative emerges from crowded primary to decide who fills Wyoming’s lone House seat Wyoming’s Republican Secretary of State Chuck Gray has won the GOP nomination for the state’s at-large U.S. House seat to replace Rep. Harriet Hageman, who is running for Senate. Gray emerged from a crowded primary to become the heavy favorite to represent the deeply conservative state in Congress. Gray, a prominent Trump-aligned conservative who has served as secretary of state since 2023, defeated a field that included businessman Steve Friess and Reid Rasner. WYOMING ELECTION CHIEF MOUNTS FULL-COURT PRESS AGAINST 'RADICAL LEFT'S' PUSH TO REMOVE TRUMP FROM BALLOT The Republican primary was triggered by Rep. Harriet Hageman’s decision to give up Wyoming’s lone House seat and run for the U.S. Senate. Hageman, who was first elected to Congress in 2022 after defeating former Rep. Liz Cheney in a nationally watched Republican primary, is seeking the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Cynthia Lummis. The reshuffling has produced an unusual number of open races in Wyoming, with the governorship, Senate seat and House seat all open in the same election cycle for the first time in more than three decades. GOP LAWMAKER RIPS 'LOST IN THE WILDERNESS' DOGE PROTESTERS AMID CHAOS AT HER TOWN HALL: 'HIGHLY ORCHESTRATED' The contest to replace Hageman drew a sprawling Republican field and became the most expensive race on Wyoming’s primary ballot. The race unfolded without an endorsement from either Trump or Hageman, leaving candidates to compete for many of the same conservative voters. That stood in contrast to other major Wyoming primaries: Trump endorsed Hageman in the Senate contest and state Superintendent Megan Degenfelder in the governor’s race. Whoever captures the Republican nomination will be heavily favored in November. Wyoming is among the most Republican states in the country with Trump carrying the state by nearly 46 percentage points in 2024, his largest margin in any state. Wyoming has elected just one Democrat to statewide office in more than three decades. Republicans also hold every statewide elected office and overwhelming majorities in both chambers of the state Legislature. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a853d0a2c5335ae104872e7 GOP senator, ex-House Dem emerge from Alaska’s ‘jungle primary’ despite far-left meddling te 2026-08-19T05:20:10.860Z GOP senator, ex-House Dem emerge from Alaska’s ‘jungle primary’ despite far-left meddling Four candidates advanced out of Alaska’s nonpartisan jungle primary on Tuesday evening in one of the races that could decide the balance of power in the U.S. Senate come November. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska and former Rep. Mary Peltola, D-Alaska, will advance alongside two other candidates in the state’s four-candidate general election. The outcome, which pits an incumbent Republican against the only Democrat to win statewide office in Alaska in 50 years, is in line with what many had expected, but it also highlights the unique nature of Alaska’s primary as well as attempts to use its process to confuse voters. FOUR MONTHS TO MIDTERMS: 12 RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE MAJORITY Alaska uses a top-four nonpartisan primary followed by ranked choice voting in the general election, a system also sometimes referred to as an instant runoff election. Under this system, voters rank their preferred candidates. If their top choice is eliminated, their support passes on to their next-ranked option. While supporters of the process argue it expands the power of voters and greatly increases the influence of candidates that may not otherwise be a top choice, its critics — like Sullivan — believe it also introduces confusion. "Like many others who did not support ranked choice voting in 2020, I still believe that this new election system has created unnecessary confusion among voters," Sullivan told local Alaskan media in 2024. Fears of that confusion rose earlier this year when news broke that Alaska's primary would feature two candidates with the exact same first and last names. Dan J. Sullivan, a logger, appeared among the 16 candidates on the ballot on Tuesday evening, running against Sen. Dan Sullivan. Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign announcement did not list a party affiliation. His website does not state his position on any political issues. Instead, it leaned into the name overlap. JUDGE RULES REPUBLICAN WITH SAME NAME AS SEN DAN SULLIVAN CAN STAY ON ALASKA PRIMARY BALLOT "Dan Sullivan challenges Dan Sullivan for U.S. Senate Seat, urges Alaskans to defeat incumbent, elect a Sullivan who stands up for Alaska," it read. According to his biography, Dan J. Sullivan spent his early career working blue-collar jobs like logging, construction, bartending and forestry but decided to enter his bid for Senate after growing frustrated with government mismanagement. A Fox News Digital review of the campaign earlier this year uncovered that Amber Lee, a progressive consultant, had helped author some of Dan J. Sullivan’s campaign materials. Lee previously supported Peltola, the former congresswoman. The campaign has drawn criticism from Republicans who believe it’s an effort to put two "Dan Sullivans" on the ballot in November and, through ranked choice voting, draw away votes from the senator. Sen. Sullivan, for his part, called it an effort to "steal an election." "The Democratic Party is talking about ‘we care about fair elections.' It’s bulls---," Sullivan said. "The Democrats in D.C., the Peltola campaign, are complicit in trying to trick Alaskans." Peltola, at the time when she was elected in 2022, was the only Democrat to win a statewide election in Alaska since 1972. She lost re-election in 2024 in a 51.2% to 48.8% race against Rep. Nicholas Begich, a businessman. Despite losing control of Alaska’s at-large district, Democrats nationally view her narrow loss as evidence that Peltola is the party’s best chance at flipping Sullivan’s seat. That’s the view of Democrats like former Vice President Kamala Harris. "If there’s anyone who can flip Alaska and secure the Senate majority for Democrats — it’s Mary," Harris wrote in a fundraising email earlier this year. SAME-NAME CANDIDATE DISQUALIFIED FROM KEY SENATE RACE OVER ALLEGED DEM SCHEME TO CONFUSE VOTERS Having cleared the primary, the four candidates will face off again on Nov. 3. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a853d042c5335ae104872c0 Progressive Democrat Makes Runoff for Alaska Governor te 2026-08-19T05:20:04.881Z Progressive Democrat Makes Runoff for Alaska Governor Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins, a former state legislator from Sitka, Alaska, will be one of four candidates on the ranked-choice voting ballot in November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a853d032c5335ae104872b7 Scion of Democratic Politics Makes Runoff for Alaska Governor te 2026-08-19T05:20:03.839Z Scion of Democratic Politics Makes Runoff for Alaska Governor Tom Begich, a former Democratic legislator and singer-songwriter, will be one of four candidates on the ranked-choice ballot for governor in November. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a853ab12c5335ae1048727a Trump admin sued over visa time restrictions for foreign students, journalists te 2026-08-19T05:10:09.169Z Trump admin sued over visa time restrictions for foreign students, journalists A group of unions and advocacy groups filed a lawsuit on Tuesday seeking to block the Trump administration from enforcing new visa restrictions that would limit how long foreign students and journalists can stay in the U.S. without applying for extensions. The Department of Homeland Security's rule creates fixed periods of admission for people in F status as international students, J status as exchange visitors and I status as foreign journalists. People in those classifications generally have been admitted for the duration of their studies, exchange programs or qualifying media assignments rather than until a fixed date. Under the new rule, set to take effect on September 15, F students and J exchange visitors generally would be admitted for the length of their program, for no more than four years at a time, and would have to seek an extension to remain longer. TRUMP ADMIN PLANS TO IMPOSE 4-YEAR LIMITS FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS STUDYING IN US The period of admission for most foreign journalists in I status, which currently can last years, would be limited to 240 days, while I-status journalists presenting PRC passports, excluding Hong Kong and Macau SAR passport holders, generally would be admitted for up to 90 days. Journalists may seek extensions of up to 240 days, or 90 days for the covered PRC passport holders, but no longer than the length of their assignment. In the lawsuit, the coalition said the new changes would be "catastrophic" for universities, international students and scholars and the U.S. "They will discourage foreign students and other nonimmigrants from coming to the United States, repelled by the intolerable prospect of losing lawful immigration status partway through their studies," the groups said in the lawsuit. The rule does not require international students to complete their studies within four years; students in longer programs may apply to extend their stay. It separately imposes new restrictions on transfers and changes in educational objectives, including limits affecting some graduate-level students. Foreign students, notably, typically pay more tuition and receive fewer scholarship opportunities, meaning the proposed rule may have a financial impact on U.S. colleges if it leads to a dip in international enrollment. "Students will lose opportunities, schools will lose talent, and the public will lose billions of dollars of economic contributions supported by one of the United States’ top exports: education," the complaint reads. The Department of Homeland Security dismissed the lawsuit as "performative," arguing that the changes would root out fraud without offering evidence of the alleged fraud. DHS has said the fixed periods of admission will allow immigration officials to periodically assess whether visa holders continue to comply with the terms of their status. "If the media really cared about legitimate international students, they would be thanking President Trump for cracking down on the rampant fraud to ensure only those truly intending to study in the United States are given the privilege," a department spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters. NewsGuild-CWA President Jon Schleuss, whose organization represents thousands of media members in the U.S., called the rule an attack on journalists. TRUMP JOLTS IMMIGRATION HAWKS WITH SURPRISING DEFENSE OF CHINESE STUDENTS IN USA "In addition to attacking international students and scholars, the Trump administration is again attacking journalists by also shortening the duration of I Visas, which support the important work of international journalists working in the United States," Schleuss said in a statement. "Our First Amendment makes it clear that the United States is supposed to be a champion of a free press, not an opponent. These rule changes are just another attempt by this administration to chill reporting done by talented journalists." "Our democracy depends on journalism and journalism dependents on journalists of all stripes. We are proud to stand with other partners and fight these  illegal rule changes intended to weaken our democracy," he added. DHS previously said that requiring regular assessments for foreigners to remain in the U.S. for a longer period would allow the agency to conduct "proper oversight" and reduce the number of people in the country on visas. Reuters contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a853aac2c5335ae10487253 Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan Advance in Key Alaska Senate Contest te 2026-08-19T05:10:04.432Z Mary Peltola and Dan Sullivan Advance in Key Alaska Senate Contest The Democratic former congresswoman and the incumbent Republican senator will face off in November. Whether a potential spoiler candidate with the same name as the senator qualifies alongside them has not been determined. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85314b2c5335ae104870d3 A Stunning Win for the Left in Florida: 6 Takeaways from Tuesday’s Primaries te 2026-08-19T04:30:03.457Z A Stunning Win for the Left in Florida: 6 Takeaways from Tuesday’s Primaries State Representative Angie Nixon, a progressive firebrand, defeated a moderate who dramatically out-raised her with grass-roots enthusiasm. Can it carry her to victory in November? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a852a492c5335ae10486fd7 Ryan Fitzpatrick says friends raving about Highmark Stadium despite harsh critics: 'Absolutely unbelievable' te 2026-08-19T04:00:09.802Z Ryan Fitzpatrick says friends raving about Highmark Stadium despite harsh critics: 'Absolutely unbelievable' The Buffalo Bills' new Highmark Stadium was seen for the first time by fans in recent weeks, and the reception of the venue hasn't been the brightest. But former Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is hearing differently. The Bills have played one preseason game against the Carolina Panthers and held open practices at the new Highmark Stadium, the NFL franchise's new $2.2 billion home. New stadiums are always exciting for fans to see, but critics came out in droves on social media. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Posts showing obstructed views from some seats, complaints about sightlines and even early criticism from players about the grass field’s condition have quickly turned what could have been a warm reception cold. However, Fitzpatrick told Fox News Digital that he’s had friends take his season tickets to the stadium for the first preseason game, and he heard glowing reviews. BUFFALO BILLS IN DAMAGE CONTROL MODE OVER THEIR $2.2 BILLION STADIUM THAT IS GETTING CRUSHED ONLINE BY FANS "As it was being constructed, I was there right before they put the grass in, so it’s been a while," Fitzpatrick said, while highlighting his partnership with VRST, the men's activewear and apparel brand from DICK'S Sporting Goods. "Everybody has their opinions. It could be the opinion of 14 people versus the opinion of 59,000 people. So, I rely on the people that I know and love the best. "A few of my neighbors that I talk to that have been to the games, because they’ve sat in my season tickets. They did the [open practice] scrimmage, and then I had some that also did the first preseason game against Carolina. Everything that I’ve heard from the experience from parking to walking into the stadium, to the food, the sight lines — it’s absolutely unbelievable. I’m excited to get my own eyes on it and get my own experience of it." One of the knocks on the new stadium has been its seating capacity. The new Highmark Stadium has 10,000 fewer seats than the old venue. However, Fitzpatrick believes it's going to be advantageous for the Bills in the long run. "What I know is it’s 10,000 less seats. It’s 60,000 people, but I think for the opponent that comes in there, it’s going to feel even louder," he explained. "People are on top of you. You got the canopy, so noise is going to be bouncing off the canopy. I’m excited to feel the energy in that new stadium, especially in their season opener against Detroit." Fitzpatrick and the Prime Video "Thursday Night Football" crew will be in Buffalo on Sept. 17 for the Bills' home opener in Week 2. It will be there Fitzpatrick can finally see the finished product. Will the reception be better by then? Will the field be better for the players? One anonymous Bills player told The Athletic, "The field a-- right now. But it’s early." But linebacker Dorian Williams said differently. NFL PLAYERS MAY COLLECTIVELY BARGAIN FOR GRASS FIELDS IN FUTURE NEGOTIATIONS BUT IT WOULD COME AT A COST ‘The grass looked good. It was cool," he said to the same outlet. "A couple spots kind of chunked up a little bit, but it’s better than playing on turf." COOL AND COMFORTABLE WITH VRST In the coming months, Fitzpatrick will be all over with the "Thursday Night Football" crew providing his best analysis on the featured early game of the NFL schedule. It's quite the active lifestyle, especially when he also has to throw in his family duties on top of that. Fitzpatrick partnered with VRST because of how well he feels the activewear's performance and style fit exactly what he's going to be doing no matter what the day throws his way. "For me, the authenticity of it — it just captures my vibe," he said. "It’s not just the resort wear, it’s the active lifestyle stuff. The Limitless pants — there’s a lot of stuff that I’m pulled in a lot of different directions whether it’s running to a kid’s soccer game, or driving a carpool, or flying somewhere for ‘Thursday Night Football.’ All the different things I do, to be able to look good and feel comfortable, I think those are the two biggest things for me that made this a no-brainer for this partnership. "It fits my active lifestyle and it actually looks good." Fitzpatrick is known for his vibrant colors and patterns with his TNF fits, which VRST is helping him out with this season. But no matter the occasion, he knows he has options that will be comfortable, while also showcasing that evolved men's style fit for today. "You can wear it in so many different situations. That’s the biggest thing for me," he said. "I’ll have people come up to me and ask me about the shirts, or ask me about the pants. Look, I just got off a plane, I’ve been flying all morning. I feel comfortable. I’m standing out here at a soccer practice in the same thing feeling great and looking great." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8527ef2c5335ae10486f4b 5 Things to Know About Dan Sullivan, the Alaska Senator Seeking Re-election te 2026-08-19T03:50:07.504Z 5 Things to Know About Dan Sullivan, the Alaska Senator Seeking Re-election The incumbent Republican has been a reliable supporter of President Trump, giving Democrats a pickup opportunity in a state where most are politically unaffiliated. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8527ee2c5335ae10486f42 5 Things to Know About Mary Peltola, Democratic Senate Candidate in Alaska te 2026-08-19T03:50:06.771Z 5 Things to Know About Mary Peltola, Democratic Senate Candidate in Alaska The Alaska Native, who grew up along the Kuskokwim River near the Bering Sea and fished for salmon, is the leading Democrat in the nonpartisan primary race. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8525962c5335ae10486ef7 America’s reddest state crowns GOP governor nominee te 2026-08-19T03:40:06.939Z America’s reddest state crowns GOP governor nominee Wyoming Republicans chose former state House Speaker and current state Sen. Eric Barlow on Tuesday as their nominee for governor in the race to succeed outgoing Gov. Mark Gordon. The selection tees up the likely next person to move into the governor's mansion in January, considering the deep-red roots that run in Wyoming's statewide officials. Gordon considered seeking a third term and challenging Wyoming’s two-term-limit law, before ultimately deciding against another bid. This left Republicans with an open contest to replace him in November's midterms. Trump-endorsed State Superintendent Megan Degenfelder came in second behind Barlow Tuesday, while Marine Corps colonel and 2022 gubernatorial candidate Brent Bien finished third. 2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS Barlow emerged from a four-way primary that featured Degenfelder, Bien and professional bull rider Curt Blake who had less than 1,000 votes with 26% of the total counted. He will face Democrat Kenneth Casner in the Nov. 3 general election. REPUBLICAN SURVIVES PRIMARY ON TIM WALZ'S OLD CONGRESSIONAL TURF AS DEMS EYE SEAT FLIP Degenfelder and Barlow entered the final stretch of the campaign on roughly similar financial footing, reporting about $1.3 million and $1.2 million raised, respectively, according to campaign finance figures cited by The Associated Press. Bien reported raising about $192,000, while Blake reported no money raised. Republicans enter the general election with a substantial political advantage in Wyoming. Every statewide elected office is currently held by a Republican. The governor’s race is one of several open-seat contests at the top of Wyoming’s ballot this year. The state also has open races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, secretary of state and superintendent of public instruction, creating an unusually large turnover in Wyoming’s political leadership. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8523402c5335ae10486ea0 Caitlin Clark helps lift Fever past Tempo after Kelsey Mitchell sits out late while 'overheated' te 2026-08-19T03:30:08.586Z Caitlin Clark helps lift Fever past Tempo after Kelsey Mitchell sits out late while 'overheated' Fever star guard Kelsey Mitchell came out firing Tuesday night, pouring in 16 points in the opening quarter before finishing with 29 as Indiana held off the Toronto Tempo 101-95 for their fifth straight win. Caitlin Clark added 24 points as Indiana kept its hot streak rolling, even with Mitchell sitting out the fourth quarter. The performance also put Clark and Mitchell in the WNBA record book. The duo has now scored at least 20 points apiece in the same game 16 times this season, surpassing the previous mark of 15 set by Diana Taurasi and Cappie Pondexter with the Phoenix Mercury in 2008. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Mitchell’s night also put her alongside another of the league’s biggest stars. Her standout performance marked her 20th consecutive game with at least 20 points, matching four-time WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson for the longest such streak in WNBA history. But after pouring in eight points in less than a minute late in the third quarter, Mitchell headed to the locker room and did not return. Fever head coach Stephanie White said Mitchell got "overheated." Aliyah Boston scored 16 points, and Sophie Cunningham made all three 3-point attempts and finished with 13 for the Fever, who never trailed. Indiana has now won 10 of their past 12 games, while Toronto has dropped 11 in a row. Toronto’s Marina Mabrey cut the gap to 97-93 with back-to-back 3-pointers late in the final quarter, but the Tempo got no closer. CAITLIN CLARK HELPS WNBA SHATTER ANOTHER TV RATINGS RECORD AS FEVER-DREAM DRAWS MASSIVE AUDIENCE In the Fever’s first visit to Toronto this season, there was a mix of cheers and boos when Cunningham entered the game, and fans cheered when she missed her first free-throw attempt. Cunningham said in an ESPN profile published last month that she was opposed to transgender girls and women competing in girls’ and women’s sports. Late in the fourth, fans cheered when someone holding a banner in support of transgender rights was shown on the video screen during a timeout. The Fever travel to Dallas to face the Wings on Thursday, while the Tempo return to action Wednesday against the Washington Mystics. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85233a2c5335ae10486e7e ‘I’m Not That Informed on National Security,’ Graham Says in South Carolina Debate te 2026-08-19T03:30:02.866Z ‘I’m Not That Informed on National Security,’ Graham Says in South Carolina Debate Senator Darline Graham made the remark in a debate against Representative Ralph Norman, her opponent in the runoff election to succeed her brother, Lindsey Graham. Here are five takeaways. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8520e82c5335ae10486e3d Democrats pick their fighter for uphill bid to flip deep-red Senate seat te 2026-08-19T03:20:08.796Z Democrats pick their fighter for uphill bid to flip deep-red Senate seat Former state representative James Byrd advanced Tuesday against former golf club greenskeeper Billy Benavidez in Wyoming’s Democratic primary race for the newly opened Senate seat. Incumbent Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis announced in December that she would not seek re-election, saying she did not have the energy for another six-year term and creating an open Senate seat in deep-red Wyoming. Byrd was an exploration geophysicist in the energy industry then later became an IT project manager and software consultant. WYOMING OFFICIAL FACES BACKLASH AFTER POSTING 'HANG BAD JUDGES' COMMENT ON ABORTION RULING He served in the Wyoming House of Representatives for a decade, beginning in 2009, and has touted his bipartisan approach to lawmaking in a majority Republican legislature. The Senate seat has been held by Republicans since 1962. Joseph O’Mahoney was the last Democrat elected to the seat, winning in 1954, while Democrat John J. Hickey was appointed to the seat in 1961 and served until November 1962. The moderate Democratic candidate ran a Wyoming-first campaign running on protecting public lands, supporting energy jobs and lowering rural healthcare costs. SON OF REPUBLICAN MEGADONOR THROWS HAT IN THE RING FOR OPEN AT-LARGE HOUSE SEAT IN WYOMING His opponent, Benavidez, ran as a more libertarian-leaning Democrat, campaigning on individual liberty, opposition to government surveillance, free-market policies, congressional term limits, and reducing the power of the federal government. Byrd has criticized President Donald Trump over tariffs, arguing they have hurt Wyoming beef and agricultural products by reducing access to foreign markets. TRUMP BET TARIFFS WOULD BRING BACK AMERICAN FACTORY JOBS. NEW REPORT SAYS IT DIDN'T WORK On immigration, Byrd has taken a more moderate stance than many Democrats, supporting stronger border security and enforcement while opposing family separation and backing broader immigration reform and expanded legal pathways for workers. Byrd has also backed expanding data centers in Wyoming, arguing they could diversify the state’s economy, create jobs and take advantage of Wyoming’s abundant energy resources. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a851e902c5335ae10486dd3 Republican who kicked Liz Cheney out of Congress seeks higher office in reddest state te 2026-08-19T03:10:08.335Z Republican who kicked Liz Cheney out of Congress seeks higher office in reddest state Wyoming Republicans chose Rep. Harriet Hageman, R-Wy., on Tuesday as their nominee for U.S. Senate in the race to succeed retiring Republican Sen. Cynthia Lummis. Lummis, elected to the Senate in 2020 after serving four terms in the U.S. House , announced she would not seek a second term, opening the seat in one of the nation’s most reliably Republican states. Hageman emerged from a five-way Republican primary featuring former Kirby Mayor Sam Mead, Jill Edwards, John Holtz and former environmental services business owner Jimmy Skovgard. 2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS Hageman, in the country's most red state based on registered voter percentage, entered the race as the best-known and best-funded candidate in the field. She is seeking a promotion to the upper chamber. President Donald Trump endorsed Hageman after also backing her successful 2022 campaign to unseat former Rep. Liz Cheney in Wyoming’s Republican House primary. Now serving her second term as Wyoming’s lone U.S. House member, Hageman rose to national prominence with her victory over Cheney. Cheney became Trump's biggest target in 2022 after she served as one of the only two Republicans on the House Committee investigating the January 6 Capitol riots alongside fellow GOP Rep. Adam Kinzinger, R-IL, who did not seek reelection that year. The ousted Wyoming congresswoman, daughter of Vice President Dick Cheney, become one of Trump’s most prominent Republican critics. TRUMP-BACKED NOMINEES DOMINATE PRIMARY CONTESTS AS PRESIDENT TIGHTENS PARTY VICE GRIP Hageman will now face the Democratic nominee in the Nov. 3 general election — though with Wyoming's deep red roots, it's highly unlikely the single U.S. House seat will flip blue this year. The at-large seat is ranked by the bipartisan Cook Political Report as solidly Republican with a R+23, the best odds of any Senate race this election cycle. Republicans enter the general election with a substantial advantage in Wyoming. All of the state’s statewide elected offices are currently held by Republicans. The Senate contest is part of an unusually large turnover in Wyoming’s political leadership. For the first time in 32 years, the state has open races for governor, U.S. Senate and U.S. House in the same election cycle. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a851e8b2c5335ae10486db1 Pentagon Scales Back Major Training Exercises With South Korea te 2026-08-19T03:10:03.206Z Pentagon Scales Back Major Training Exercises With South Korea The move to end the military training a week earlier than scheduled comes after President Trump ordered the Defense Department to reduce joint military exercises with the key U.S. ally. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a851c372c5335ae10486d58 Harriet Hageman, Backed by Trump, Wins Wyoming’s Republican Senate Primary te 2026-08-19T03:00:07.178Z Harriet Hageman, Backed by Trump, Wins Wyoming’s Republican Senate Primary Ms. Hageman, who unseated Representative Liz Cheney in 2022, is a heavy favorite to replace Senator Cynthia Lummis in the deep-red state. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8517872c5335ae10486ca7 Chiefs' Eric Bieniemy returns to camp after wife gives 'blessing' as she recovers from Virginia home shooting te 2026-08-19T02:40:07.771Z Chiefs' Eric Bieniemy returns to camp after wife gives 'blessing' as she recovers from Virginia home shooting Mia Bieniemy was shot on July 26, and Eric Bieniemy left the Kansas City Chiefs soon after to be with his wife and the rest of his family. The couple's 27-year-old son, Elijah, was arrested in connection with the shooting. Bieniemy returned to Kansas City last week ahead of the team’s preseason loss to the Los Angeles Rams. The Chiefs offensive coordinator hinted that his return was prompted by some gentle encouragement from Mia, joking that he had been "driving her and a bunch of my family members crazy" while staying by her side during her recovery from the shooting at their Virginia home. Speaking publicly about the shooting for the first time on Tuesday, Bieniemy said his wife’s progress gave him the comfort he needed to return to football. "First and foremost, yes, she's on a great road to recovery. Yes, she's doing great." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "It is one of the main reasons that I am back here, because of her recovery. She's truly a soldier. She's a saint. And it's been incredible to watch." Bieniemy, who spent the 2023 season as the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator, remained closely involved with the Chiefs while back home in Ashburn, Virginia. He watched practices at Missouri Western State University remotely and regularly joined team meetings before and after workouts. ERIC BIENIEMY’S SON BELIEVED TO HAVE CALLED COPS SAYING 'HIS PARENTS' CUT OFF HIS ACCESS TO WEAPONS: REPORT Eventually, Bieniemy called Chiefs general manager Brett Veach at one point, knowing Andy Reid was sitting beside him, and had Veach pass over the phone so he could point out a small coaching detail involving one of the players. "I was yelling at the screen, yelling at players, yelling at coaches — 'What the hell are we doing?!' I'm yelling at myself, 'Why would you put that play in!?'" Bieniemy said, smiling. "At the end of the day, I was making sure I was keeping up with what was going on." At the same time, he was driving Mia and the rest of the family crazy. "So she was like, 'You have my blessing to leave,'" Eric said, "so it was time to get back." Elijah Bieniemy has been charged with malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling. His court appearances remain delayed pending a mental health evaluation. "I'd like to say thank you to the Hunt family, the entire Chiefs family for the outpouring, the love and support that my family has received through this particular situation," Eric Bieniemy said. "And with all that said, we're back to football." Bieniemy was part of coaching staffs that helped the Chiefs reach three Super Bowls and win two, and he helped to set the foundation for the dynasty to come. Following a one-season stint with the Commanders, Bieniemy spent one season at UCLA before coaching the Chicago Bears’ running backs last season. He returned to Kansas City to replace Matt Nagy, who left to become the New York Giants’ offensive coordinator. "Obviously, it’s great to have him back. We missed him and prayed for his family when he was out," Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton said. "But to have a guy like that come back to the field, man, a competitor — it brings out the best in us." The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8517872c5335ae10486c9e 69 live animals found stuffed in pillowcases in hidden car compartment after border arrest: Feds te 2026-08-19T02:40:07.065Z 69 live animals found stuffed in pillowcases in hidden car compartment after border arrest: Feds A woman identified by federal prosecutors as a Tijuana resident was arrested at the U.S.-Mexico border before U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers discovered 69 live animals — including venomous vipers, caimans and a baby crocodile — allegedly stuffed inside taped-shut pillowcases in a hidden compartment of her Volkswagen the following day, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California. Georgina Bribiesca Chavez, 66, of Tijuana, was arrested Aug. 10 while attempting to enter the U.S. through the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the Justice Department said. Chavez allegedly told a CBP officer she had nothing to declare, but a records check revealed an outstanding warrant tied to a wildlife trafficking investigation. CBP seized the Volkswagen, but officers did not discover the animals until they inspected it the following morning. Behind the rear seat, they found a concealed factory compartment containing pillowcases that had been knotted shut and sealed with tape. BORDER AGENTS UNCOVER RPG LAUNCHER, CACHE OF RIFLES HIDDEN IN VEHICLE HEADING TO MEXICO One of the pillowcases was moving. The bags were taken to the San Diego Zoo, where workers found 60 abronia lizards, four venomous yellow-blotched palm pit vipers, three caimans, a baby crocodile and an indigo snake, according to the DOJ. Prosecutors said Chavez never told officers about the animals, leaving them inside the vehicle for nearly 24 hours in the August heat. All three caimans died. The other animals were stable and remained in the zoo's care as of last week. Chavez pleaded not guilty to a federal wildlife trafficking charge and was ordered held without bond. Her alleged trafficking partner, Salvador Pelayo, 28, of Chula Vista, was arrested in July and has also pleaded not guilty. MASSACHUSETTS HOMEOWNERS STUNNED AFTER TOWN WARNS JULY 4 FLAGS THREATEN ENDANGERED BIRDS The arrests followed an approximately 18-month undercover investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, though prosecutors allege Chavez and Pelayo had trafficked wildlife together since 2023 and made tens of thousands of dollars selling exotic animals. During one alleged undercover transaction in March 2025, Chavez delivered four protected Mexican box turtles to an agent for $2,600 cash shortly after crossing the U.S.-Mexico border. All four turtles later died after being transferred to the Oakland Zoo, prosecutors said. The turtles were already in poor health when they were acquired during the undercover operation and were believed to have been wild-caught and suffering from respiratory disease, according to prosecutors. Pelayo is separately accused of using the alias "Jose Lopez" to ship four protected Mexican and Yucatan box turtles to an undercover agent in New York. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Office of Law Enforcement is investigating the case with assistance from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and California Department of Fish and Wildlife. Chavez and Pelayo face Lacey Act trafficking charges carrying a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8512d72c5335ae10486234 Roadrunners to open the season against the Bulldogs te 2026-08-19T02:20:07.812Z Roadrunners to open the season against the Bulldogs By Greg Perkins Holbrook opens its 2026 football season at home on Friday night, hosting Winslow in a big early-season clash for both teams. While the Bulldogs still play in the 3A North, and Holbrook is a member of the 2A North, at least in football, that doesn’t matter much when these two rivals take the field.  Last year Holbrook won a defensive battle in Winslow 12-0. Two years ago, the Bulldogs prevailed 29-6, also on Winslow’s field. Friday night, the two meet at Roadrunner Stadium.  Holbrook’s head coach, Paul Agramont, is in rebuild mode this year due to the loss of 18 seniors from last year’s roster. A season in which they went 6-5 overall, losing in the first round of the 2A state playoffs to Pima.  Winslow posted a 4-6 record a year ago but had only 11 seniors on a roster filled with younger players. This game could go either way. Can Holbrook’s inexperienced players use the home field advantage to start the season with a win, or does Winslow’s more veteran lineup prevail?  The game starts at 7 p.m. on Friday. All tickets are sold via GOFAN only. Tickets can be purchased online ahead of time or at the gate, which opens at 6 p.m. on Friday night. The post Roadrunners to open the season against the Bulldogs first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8512d72c5335ae1048622b Wildcats ready to kick off fall sports te 2026-08-19T02:20:07.064Z Wildcats ready to kick off fall sports By Greg Perkins Fall sports are about to kick off for area schools, including Joseph City High School, where the Wildcat football and volleyball teams may be on different competitive spectrums to start the new year.  Last season, the Lady Wildcats went 25-9-1 overall before falling in the second round of the 1A state playoffs. Gone from that team are eight seniors, including standouts Amber and Audrey Neill. This season, Head Coach Charlsye Miller has five seniors, three juniors and one freshman on the varsity roster after one week of practice.  The Lady Wildcats will open their season at Mogollon on Aug. 27, then will make the short trip to Holbrook to face the Roadrunners on Aug. 31. Joseph City’s football team, under the direction of head coach Martin Roes, potentially has 24 players returning from last year’s roster. The team did have eight seniors but overall, they were a young squad who went 4-4 and improved late in the season, coming up just short of the 1A state playoffs.  The Wildcat football team opens the season on Friday night on the road at Desert Heights Prep. The Coyotes posted a 6-3 record, advancing to the first round of the playoffs, where they were soundly beaten by Mohave Accelerated.  Playing on the road right out of the gate could be a tough start for a Wildcat team looking to return to the postseason for the first time since the 2022 season. Next week, they will host a Valley Lutheran team that went 0-8 last year. The post Wildcats ready to kick off fall sports first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8512d62c5335ae10486222 Most HHS athletics to compete in 3A North Region te 2026-08-19T02:20:06.186Z Most HHS athletics to compete in 3A North Region By Greg Perkins The Lady Roadrunner volleyball team will be the first team to compete as an official member of the 3A North Region.  Basketball, baseball, softball and track, along with wrestling and cross country, are also now in the 3A North Region at least for the next two-year block. For fans of all sports, that means a few changes. The majority of the 3A schools in the North Region have clear bag policies in place for visiting fans. They all accept GOFAN, along with cash. Each school is a little different.  Holbrook only accepts GOFAN tickets, which can be purchased ahead of time or with a card at the door. No cash sales for tickets are available.   Also, fans traveling to games need to be cognizant of the time difference between Holbrook and schools on the Navajo Reservation, as they are one hour ahead until time changes in November.  Due to flooding from the big monsoon earlier in July, Holbrook’s volleyball team will be playing most of their home games at Mike Starr Gym on the Holbrook Junior High School campus.  Floor repairs need to be done at Tony Munoz Gym, which may take up until fall break at the earliest. The post Most HHS athletics to compete in 3A North Region first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8512d52c5335ae10486219 Soccer season begins on August 26 for HHS te 2026-08-19T02:20:05.205Z Soccer season begins on August 26 for HHS By Greg Perkins Victor Paz and Tony Aguilera return as head coaches for the girls and boys Roadrunner soccer teams. Low initial numbers in the first week of practices, which began back on July 27, have seen improvement over the last couple of weeks, with both programs having around 20 kids to start the season. Last year the Lady Roadrunners went 2-10 overall but had just four seniors on the roster. This season’s roster is still taking shape, but the team will get its season started on Thursday afternoon at Roadrunner Stadium when they host Chino Valley with a 4 p.m. scheduled start time.  Holbrook’s boys team looks to improve on last year’s 3-9 campaign. Only four seniors dotted that roster and at least nine players with experience have returned along with several newcomers to try and get the job done.  The boys’ team will start its season on Tuesday, Aug. 25, with a trip to face the Grand Canyon Phantoms. Both soccer teams will play at home on the 26th when they host Page in a doubleheader. The girls’ team plays at 4 p.m., with the boys’ team following at 6 p.m. The post Soccer season begins on August 26 for HHS first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8510842c5335ae104861bf Liberia agrees to accept 1,200 third-country deportees from US within a year te 2026-08-19T02:10:12.462Z Liberia agrees to accept 1,200 third-country deportees from US within a year Liberia announced Tuesday that it will accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the U.S. over the next year under an agreement between the two countries. The agreement marks one of the largest arrangements of its kind under the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement crackdown. Liberia's President Joseph Boakai was one of five West African leaders who traveled to the White House last year to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump. As part of the arrangement, the first group of 20 deportees are expected to arrive on Thursday, Liberia’s Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah told reporters. The 1,200 deportees who will be sent to the country within the next 12 months will include Africans as well as nationals from North America, South America and the Caribbean, Piah said. TRUMP ADMIN SCORES COURT WIN TO END DEPORTATION PROTECTIONS FOR ETHIOPIAN MIGRANTS Piah said the deportees would be received "as guests," adding that they could leave when they wanted and apply for asylum in Liberia. He also said Liberia will receive support from the U.S. to manage the program and strengthen its migration system. But he said the deal was not part of a quid pro quo with the U.S. government and that the African nation was not demanding compensation in exchange for taking in the deportees. "Liberia’s gesture is entirely humanitarian and in keeping with the country’s longstanding traditions," he said. "The government of Liberia intends to provide the transferred persons with the necessary support to seek protection in Liberia and to be safe during their stay here." Liberia's government referenced its historical ties to the United States, including its roots in a 19th-century settlement established for free and formerly enslaved Black Americans and its history as a country with "a long history of accepting people seeking refuge from political and other crises." Liberia’s Justice Minister Natu Oswald Tweh said that the country has screened the migrants ahead of their arrival. "Most of them are people who had immigration violations and offenses," he said. The Liberian government said the arriving deportees are not criminals and are not being prosecuted under U.S. or Liberian law. Since Trump returned to the White House in January of last year, his administration has reached several deals with African countries to accept third-country deportees, including in some cases migrants who have legal protections barring their return to their countries of origin because of risks of torture, persecution or other abuses. It was not immediately clear whether any members of the group being sent to Liberia have such protections. TRUMP SCORES MAJOR IMMIGRATION VICTORY AS JUDGE CLEARS WAY TO END TPS PROTECTIONS FOR THOUSANDS OF SOMALIS Under several agreements that have not always been publicly disclosed in full, the administration has deported thousands of people to nearly two dozen countries that are not their own, with about 10 of them in Africa, according to immigration advocates. The administration has defended the third-country deals as lawful, saying federal immigration law permits the government to remove migrants to willing third countries. The Supreme Court last year stayed a lower-court order that had imposed additional procedural requirements on third-country removals while litigation continued. The U.S.-Liberia agreement says Liberia will not return a transferred person to their home country while a protection claim is pending and that both governments intend to act consistently with their obligations under refugee and anti-torture law. Rights groups say some migrants have been sent to countries they have never visited or where they could face safety risks, potentially increasing pressure on them to return to their countries of origin. Other African countries that have taken in third-country deportees include the Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Cameroon, Ghana and Sierra Leone. Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8510832c5335ae104861b6 Your favorite cocktail could be an unexpected casualty of Trump's looming trade fight te 2026-08-19T02:10:11.796Z Your favorite cocktail could be an unexpected casualty of Trump's looming trade fight President Donald Trump's latest trade fight with Canada could soon spill into your cocktail glass, with a looming 50% tariff on Canadian spirits putting bars, restaurants and liquor stores on edge. Chris Swonger, president and CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, said the stakes cut both ways, saying the tariff could hit U.S. hospitality businesses while also potentially pressuring Canada to put American spirits back on its shelves. "First and foremost, great thanks to President Trump because he has recognized that our industry has lost 73% of our American distilled spirits exports to Canada as a result of the provincial ban of purchasing American distilled spirits," Swonger told Fox News Digital. "We are hopeful that an agreement will be made between the Trump administration and Canadian politicians to put American spirits back on the shelves," he added. FROM BOURBON TO BORDEAUX: TRUMP'S TARIFFS SPILL INTO GLOBAL BOOZE MARKETS The new tariff threat marks the latest escalation in a trade fight that has already sent U.S. spirits exports to Canada plunging. In retaliation for earlier U.S. tariffs, some Canadian provinces pulled American spirits from store shelves. Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney held last-minute talks Tuesday as the two sides raced to avert the 50% tariffs before the midnight deadline. The tariffs cover roughly $20 billion in Canadian imports, including liquor, dairy products, vehicles, hockey equipment and other goods. Canadian whisky, vodka, gin, rum, wine and beer are among the products facing the new levy. Canada had been a roughly $250 million annual market for American distillers before the trade dispute, but fell from the second-largest destination for U.S. spirits to sixth in 2025, according to DISCUS data previously reported by Fox News Digital. From March through December, exports plunged from $203 million in 2024 to $60 million in 2025 — a roughly $143 million drop. The fallout has been especially significant for Kentucky, which produces 95% of the world's bourbon and supports more than 23,000 industry jobs, according to the Kentucky Distillers' Association. Swonger said the prospect of steep tariffs on Canadian liquor could prove to be the leverage needed to persuade Canadian officials to reopen their market to U.S. producers. "Considering applying a 50% tariff on Canadian distilled spirits would hopefully be the trigger, the forcing mechanism to get the Canadian province leaders to put American spirits back on the shelves," he said. US WHISKEY EXPORTS TO CANADA COLLAPSE NEARLY 70% AFTER TRUMP TARIFF FIGHT The stakes extend beyond distillers on both sides of the border. Canadian whisky and other distinctive Canadian spirits are consumed by Americans at home and served by U.S. bars and restaurants, meaning a new trade barrier could reverberate through the hospitality industry. Swonger said the U.S. historically exports roughly $220 million worth of distilled spirits to Canada annually, while Canadian producers have exported more than $500 million worth of spirits to the much larger U.S. market. But Swonger cautioned that the American spirits industry ultimately does not want the tariffs to take effect. He warned a 50% levy would be "absolutely devastating to the Canadian distilled spirits industry" and would have "a real impact on the American hospitality economy." ‘WE WERE RIGHT’: HE TOOK TRUMP’S TARIFFS TO THE SUPREME COURT AND WON Unlike products that can simply be swapped for a domestic equivalent, Swonger argued that spirits are distinctive products. American consumers seek out Canadian whisky, while Canadian consumers have increasingly embraced American whiskey. The industry's preferred outcome, he said, remains a return to free trade rather than an escalating tariff battle. "We're an industry that thrives on zero-for-zero tariffs and zero trade barriers," Swonger said. With negotiations continuing ahead of the deadline, Swonger said distillers are anxiously waiting to see whether Trump's pressure campaign produces a deal. "We hope we can get back to that tomorrow," he said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8510812c5335ae1048619c Five local men arrested in operation targeting child sexual offenders te 2026-08-19T02:10:09.497Z Five local men arrested in operation targeting child sexual offenders Herculano Gasaway Adam Smith Brett Romo Max Jones Robert Jahner On Aug. 6-7, the Show Low Police Department conducted a multi-agency, two-day undercover operation focusing on identifying and apprehending sexual predators preying on children in our community. The operation targeted adult predators seeking to engage in illicit sexual activities with children in the City of Show Low. During the operation, five alleged sexual predators were identified and taken into custody. The suspects are facing various charges including luring a minor for sexual exploitation (class 2 felony), attempted sexual conduct with a minor (class 3 felony) and child sex trafficking (class 2 felony). The following suspects were arrested in connection with the incident: Brett Romo, 32, of Holbrook, attempted sexual conduct with a minor; Adam Smith, 37, of Snowflake, unlawful flight from a law enforcement officer, child sex trafficking and sexual conduct with a minor; Herculano Gasaway, 22, of Snowflake, aggravated luring of a minor for sexual exploitation; Max Jones, 69, of Concho, luring of a minor for sexual exploitation and attempted sexual conduct with a minor; and Robert Jahner, 35, of Globe, child sex trafficking and attempted sexual conduct with a minor. All suspects were booked into the Navajo County Jail. Show Low Police Department Chief Westover commented, “The safety of our children is the utmost priority, and combating child sex crimes requires a strong, united community committed to protecting our most vulnerable. Protecting children from abuse, exploitation, and trafficking requires a united effort from families, community members, schools, and law enforcement. The Show Low Police Department is committed to ensuring that credible allegations are thoroughly investigated and those responsible are held accountable through the justice system.” Several agencies participated in the operation which included the Show Low Police Department, the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office, and Snowflake/Taylor, Pinetop/Lakeside, Chandler, Tucson, Mesa police departments, Arizona Department of Public Safety, Navajo County Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Arizona Anti Trafficking Network and Darkhorse Benefits. The post Five local men arrested in operation targeting child sexual offenders first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8510802c5335ae10486193 Board of Supervisors proclaim August 14 Navajo Code Talker Day te 2026-08-19T02:10:08.688Z Board of Supervisors proclaim August 14 Navajo Code Talker Day By Talaina Kor The Navajo County Board of Supervisors made a proclamation deeming Aug. 14 as Navajo Code Talkers’ Day. This proclamation is to honor those of the Navajo Nation who were called upon by the U.S. government to support the military efforts. More than four hundred Navajo men were recruited and enlisted to serve in standards communications units, these patriots became known as “Navajo Code Talkers.” Supervisor Alberto Peshlakai read from the proclamation, saying, “The Navajo Code Talkers were honorable men who performed an important service to the preservation of freedom and democracy.” Peshlakai noted that other Native tribes participated in this service as well. “We do not forget them.” Later in the meeting, board received a presentation on the county’s grant performance, updates on grant funded projects and grant related issues. According to the presentation, the county spent $13.4 million in federal funds, received $5.5 million in grant funds and were awarded 30 grants in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025. The board received an annual treasurer’s report for FY 2025-26, including information on real property tax levy totals, the county’s investment portfolio and the treasurer’s processing fund. After the presentation, the board approved the receipt of the annual report of collections and delinquencies, settlement of accounts and request for authorization to invest funds. Following the meeting, the board held a work session on information regarding data centers. During the meeting, the board: * Adopted of the FY 2026-2027 property tax rates for all Navajo County taxing districts. * Approved tax year 2026 and FY 2027 tax rates and levies for all Navajo County School Districts. * Approved the submission of comments regarding the Office of Management and Budget’s proposed revisions to 2 CFR Part 200, commonly referred to as the Uniform Guidance. * Approved an appreciation letter to Arizona Congressman Eli Crane. * Approved letters of support to Summit Healthcare for Regional Cancer Access and Technology Initiative and to 4th Trimester AZ for First 40 Days Rural Postpartum Care Innovation Initiative. * Approved the marketing, website development, and retainer agreement with Razor Thin Media LLC. Razor Thin Media will consult for the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office to develop a comprehensive recruitment marketing program centered around a fully customized, recruitment-focused WordPress website. The website will serve as the primary recruitment and information hub for the sheriff’s office and will showcase the department’s mission, career opportunities, leadership, professionalism, community, and the lifestyle advantages of living and working in Navajo County.  The agreement includes a one-time cost of $35,000 for website development and production, a $1,500 fee for a five-year GoDaddy Hosting Package, and a $2,000 monthly retainer for ongoing website management and marketing. Advertising costs are separate and will be funded by the sheriff’s office as needed.   * Approved to process 2026 fiscal year-end fund transfers that were included in the fiscal year budget for the fund reconciliations. * Approved the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area agreement (HIDTA) in the amount of $132,801. The Sheriff’s Office has again received funding from the HIDTA program through the City of Tucson. The funds will pay for salary and partial employee related expenses for the HIDTA Major Crimes Apprehension Team Lieutenant, along with $12,000 of overtime salary. Additionally awarded was $7,500 for services and $5,000 for supplies. * Approved the Arizona Criminal Justice Commission Drug, Gang, and Violent Crime Control grant for the sheriff’s office in the amount of $265,551. The award consists of $111,531 in federal funds, $87,631 in state funds and requires a $66,387 match. The grant pays the salary and employee related expenses for a minimum of two sheriff’s office personnel. The grant period runs from July 1 of this year to June 30, 2027.   * Approved of an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) between Navajo County, City of Show Low, and Show Low Unified School District for school resource officer services at Linden Elementary School for one year. * Approved a resolution to cancel the Nov. 3, school governing board member elections and appointing those positions for: Cedar USD No. 25, Iris Yesslith, to fill one of two four-year terms and Alban Naha, a two-year term; Heber-Overgaard USD No. 6, Gwendolyn Hall and Brigham Tenney, four-year terms, and John Piva, a two-year term; Holbrook USD No. 3 Ward 1, Claudia Jackson, a four-year term; Holbrook USD No. 3 Ward 2, Linda Yazzie, a four-year term; Joseph City USD No. 2, Dayton Flake and Cat Hansen, both for four-year terms; Whiteriver No. 20, Kandace Declay and Candy Lupe, both for four-year terms; Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT) Blue Ridge, Robert Stoddard, a four-year term; NAVIT Holbrook, Leon Heward, a four-year term; and NAVIT Show Low, Jerry Walker, a two-year term. The following positions received no nomination petitions and no nomination papers as of the statutory deadlines:  Cedar USD No. 25, one four-year term; Holbrook USD No. 3 one two-year term for Ward 3; NATIVE Kayenta, one two-year term; and NAVIT Winslow, one four-year term. * Approved the Navajo County Elections Department to conduct school governing board elections on Nov. 3, each for two four-year terms: Blue Ridge USD No. 32, Kayenta USD No. 27, Pinon USD No. 4, Show Low USD No. 10, Snowflake USD No. 5, and Winslow USD No. 1. * Approved the change in vendors for backup services of the county’s data that is stored in the cloud. This will now be done by PowerProtect software sponsored by Dell for an annual contract at a cost of $5,184 per year for three years.  Total cost is $15,552. * Approved tax exemptions filed as a request for redemption of waiver. * Approved the appointment of Diane A. Talbott, Martin L. Dornan and Jeffrey L. Crowl as Republican Precinct Committeeman for their respective precincts, valid through Oct. 1. * Approved the certificate of removal and abatement purging record of tax, penalty and interest on personal property taxes. * Approved the reissuance of a stale check in the amount of $140 for OID Overgaard Domestic Wastewater Improvement District. * Approved a resolution to cancel the board member elections for the Heber/Overgaard Sanitary District, the Joseph City Sanitary District and the Pinetop Sanitary District on Nov. 3 and appointing the candidate(s) or deeming the position vacant. * Approved a resolution to cancel the board member election for Nov. 3 for the following Water Improvement Districts: Joseph City, Ponderosa, Pinedale Estate, Misty Mountain, Heber, Clay Springs, Porter Creek, Overgaard Townsite, Wonderland Acres, Three-0-Three and Woodruff, and appointing the candidate(s) or deeming the position vacant. * Approved a resolution to cancel the board member election for the following fire districts: Heber/Overgaard, Joseph City, Timber Mesa, McLaws Road, Woodruff, Sun Valley and Pinetop Fire, and appointing the candidate(s) or deeming the position vacant. * Approved contracts signed by the county manager for Professional Services with Johnson Walzer Associates, LLC for the Navajo County Courts building family toilet remodel professional services contract. * Approved contracts signed by the county manager for Cisco Support contract renewal and purchase agreements for Cisco Firewall, Nexus Switches, Cisco Switches and Cisco C9200s. The purchase agreements are for the procurement of hardware that is necessary for the security and stability of the Navajo County Network infrastructure.  * Approved sympathy letters for Michele Duran and Ora Jensen. Convening as the Navajo County Public Health Services District, the board: * Approved an amendment to the Arizona Department of Health Services (ADHS) IGA for the Prop 201 Smoke-Free Arizona Program. The amendment adjusts reimbursement for progress reports and quarterly Contractor Expenditure Reports. The annual not-to-exceed contract amount is reduced to $57,878, a decrease from $75,082. The reduction in funding is due to decreased statewide tobacco product sales, which has reduced the available grant funding awarded by ADHS. All other terms, conditions, scope of work, and provisions of the original agreement remain unchanged. * Approved the Healthy People Healthy Communities IGA contract between the Arizona Department of Health Services and the Navajo County Public Health Services District. The agreement consolidates funding for several existing public health prevention programs into a single contract, including Tobacco Prevention, Suicide Mortality Review, Child Fatality Review, the Health in Arizona Policy Initiative, Youth Mental Health First Aid and Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program.  * Approved an amended agreement between Navajo County Public Health Services District and Trilogy MedWaste. The amendment updates the existing Trilogy MedWaste service agreement by adding the Navajo County Code Enforcement Building, located at 1121 W. Pinedale Road in Taylor as an additional service location to complement the existing public health facility located at 600 N. 9th Place in Show Low. The amendment provides regulated medical waste collection services at the Taylor facility every four weeks, including two 43-gallon reusable regulated medical waste containers. The additional service includes a fee of $51.50 per container exchange, a $51.50 no-waste fee when applicable, and a $97.85 stop charge. These additional costs will be incorporated into the Medical Examiner Program’s operating budget. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement remain unchanged. * Approved the federal award funding between Navajo County Public Health Services District and ADHS. ADHS awarded Navajo County Public Health’s Medical Examiner Program a $23,876 federal grant through the Overdose to Data Action States program. The Medical Examiner Program will utilize these funds to support forensic toxicology testing of suspected overdose deaths and enhance local medical examiner operations. These improvements will provide more timely and accurate overdose surveillance data while strengthening the county’s ability to investigate overdose-related deaths and support statewide public health initiatives.  The grant will also assist with providing more accurate data to ADHS to help guide statewide prevention and intervention strategies. The post Board of Supervisors proclaim August 14 Navajo Code Talker Day first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85107f2c5335ae1048618a NCSO appoints new chief deputy te 2026-08-19T02:10:07.942Z NCSO appoints new chief deputy Photo courtesy of Navajo County Sheriff’s Office Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse (left) congratulates Jeff Sharp (right) in his appointment to the position of chief deputy over the department. Navajo County Sheriff David Clouse announced the appointment of Jeff Sharp as chief deputy of the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office (NCSO) last week. “After careful consideration and extensive evaluation of our long-term objectives, I have made the decision to hire Jeff Sharp to serve as our next chief deputy,” Sheriff Clouse said. “Sharp brings a unique skill set rooted in building strong relationships and a proven capability to carry out the core vision of the sheriff’s office. His experience and leadership will be a tremendous asset to NCSO and the citizens we serve.” Sharp comes to NCSO with 33 years of law enforcement experience, including 10 years as a Minnesota state trooper and 23 years with the Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS). During his career, Sharp served in numerous specialized and command assignments, including K-9 handler, DEA task force officer, DPS armory, internal affairs, commander of the State Capitol District, and commander of the Northern Narcotics District. While with DPS, he also served as interim chief of the Round Valley Police Department. In 2019, Sharp transferred to Show Low, where he served as district commander for DPS District 3 – Holbrook until his retirement on Jan. 2. His time in the region provided him with firsthand knowledge of the unique public safety needs of Navajo County and the surrounding communities. “I am incredibly honored and excited to join the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office,” Sharp said. “Throughout my career, I was fortunate to serve in a variety of challenging and rewarding assignments. Each role strengthened my commitment to public service and reinforced the importance of teamwork, integrity and leadership. I look forward to this opportunity to serve alongside the men and women of NCSO and continue serving the communities of Navajo County.” As chief deputy, Sharp will work alongside Sheriff Clouse in overseeing the operations of the sheriff’s office and supporting the agency’s continued focus on effective law enforcement, organizational development, and service to the public. “Sharp knows this region, understands the challenges facing law enforcement, and knows the importance of taking care of the people who serve our communities,” Sheriff Clouse said. “I am confident in his ability to help lead this organization and in what he will bring to the Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.” The Navajo County Sheriff’s Office welcomes Chief Deputy Jeff Sharp and looks forward to this next chapter for the agency. The post NCSO appoints new chief deputy first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85107f2c5335ae10486181 Local hunger relief effort brings 40,000 pounds of food to assist vulnerable populations te 2026-08-19T02:10:07.167Z Local hunger relief effort brings 40,000 pounds of food to assist vulnerable populations Photo courtesy of JustServe JustServe volunteers sort boxes of donated food to be distributed to food banks throughout Navajo County. JustServe volunteers and local community organizations partnered with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Thursday, Aug. 6, to deliver a much-needed semi-truckload of food to 11 local organizations serving the community’s most vulnerable populations. The donation, containing 40,000 pounds of food with the capacity to provide 33,000 meals, represents a significant boost to regional food security efforts during a time of heightened need. The food distribution reached a wide network of community partners, including local food banks, senior centers, and emergency assistance programs: Holbrook Emergency Food Bank, Bread of Life Mission in Holbrook, Silver Creek Senior Center and Food Bank, the ReCenter, Salvation Army, Tonto Basin Food Bank, Round Valley Food Bank, Shepherd’s Kitchen, Heber/Overgaard Food Bank and Senior Center, and Fishers of Men for Veterans. “Thank you so much! That was the perfect amount of food today. Just perfect timing too. We are so grateful,” said Ryan Lowe with the ReCenter, reflecting the urgent need these organizations face in serving their communities. The demand for food assistance remains consistently high across the region. Deb Bradford, director of the Heber/Overgaard Food Bank, emphasized the critical nature of such donations. “I can’t begin to tell you how much we truly appreciate what you are giving us. As you probably know, our demand is very high right now and doesn’t seem to be lessening,” she said. Beyond the tangible impact of the food itself, the partnership has strengthened community relationships. A Coordinated Effort The donation reflects The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ commitment to follow Jesus Christ by caring for those in need regardless of faith, background, or beliefs. Caring for those in need is a central part of the church’s efforts to provide relief, build self-reliance and strengthen communities. The church’s welfare system draws from surplus resources at its welfare farms, orchards, processing facilities, and storehouse systems. Food is grown, prepared, and distributed through coordinated efforts involving employees, missionaries, volunteers, and professional transportation teams. The distribution was made possible by the dedicated work of several volunteers, including missionaries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as the generous support of KSI Metals, who provided facility access and forklift equipment essential to unloading and distributing the food. The effort reflects an ongoing commitment among community organizations, volunteers, JustServe and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to care for those in need and strengthen communities through service. As local organizations continue to experience high demand for food assistance, partnerships such as these make all the difference. For local residents facing food insecurity, the arrival of such resources provides immediate relief during a challenging time. The participating organizations emphasize that ongoing support from donors and partners like JustServe and the LDS Church remains critical as demand continues to rise across the region. The post Local hunger relief effort brings 40,000 pounds of food to assist vulnerable populations first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85107e2c5335ae10486178 Supervisor Alberto Peshlakai discusses road improvements for Indian Wells Elementary te 2026-08-19T02:10:06.415Z Supervisor Alberto Peshlakai discusses road improvements for Indian Wells Elementary By Talaina Kor At the Holbrook Unified School District (HUSD) No. 3 Governing Board meeting on Aug. 11, Navajo County District 2 Supervisor Alberto Peshlakai presented on supervisor updates as well as the road improvements. Peshlakai spoke on his collaborative with Indian Wells Elementary School (IWES) to get a road safety audit, which began with a resolution made in February. “The community of Indian Wells entertained my request to pass a local chapter resolution in regard to a road safety audit,” he stated, mentioning a particular road in front of IWES that poses as a hazard to the community as well as students. Although the specific road was not mentioned, Peshlakai cited it as a high traffic area and in need a turnout lane for buses taking children to and from school, as well as signage and flashing lights to notify motorists of the school bus zone. “Within the last two months I believe, the 25th Navajo Nation Council had allocated $700,000 to this road safety audit.” He stated that Wilson & Company will complete the safety audit and provide a recommendation in the future. Other road improvement projects and issues on reservation lands were discussed and reviewed as well, including the use of Highway User Revenue Funds (HURF) to improve district bus routes. “We utilized some of our funds to help provide gravel to help these bus turn around areas that are in areas with dirt roads off the main paved roads that allow for buses to run around, or either pick up or drop off students in an area where they won’t get muddy.” The board received a report on the work projects done over the summer, including remodels of several spaces throughout the district and a full roof replacement for IWES. Environmental service projects noted were new fire alarms implemented at Holbrook High School (HHS) and Holbrook Junior High School (HJHS), new HVAC installed at IWES and mini split units installed in Park Elementary pending a new HVAC system. Projects completed by the information technology department and transportation services were reviewed as well. Superintendent Dr. Robbie Koerperich provided a school safety report, which included the district’s Emergency Operation Plans (EOP). Systems already implemented within the district include emergency plans, drills, camera surveillance, scan badges, RAVE notification, an inter-agency communication platform called Mutual Link, tabletop scenarios, safety modules and trainings. “We don’t have a resource officer at the time, but we do have funding for that if we can find one,” added Dr. Koerperich. The district also mandates monthly trainings for staff. Visual screening, first aid, crisis stress management and reunification were listed as part of those training sessions. “For reunification, we practiced that last year, which was the first time that we’ve ever done reunification plans.” Reunification training and planning is to ensure students safely return to guardians following an emergency or crisis. Following the presentation, the board approved the school safety plans for School Year (SY) 2026-27. The board also took public comment on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 budget revision, which had no changes aside from updating the budget to most current forms provided by the Arizona Department of Education after the completion of the legislative session. No one from the public spoke. The board then adopted the FY 2027 budget revision. In other business, the board: * Approved Dr. Koerperich, Clete Hargrave, Connie Gover, Nichole Tow, Rasheed Hollins, Galen Knight, Bernice Gover, Andrea Tomlin, Sierra Browning and Jeff Meeks as qualified evaluators for the district’s performance evaluation systems for SY 2026-2027, all have attended qualified evaluator training. * Approved the continuation of the class size differential stipend for SY 2026-27. * Approved SY 2026-27 contracted mileage administrative procedure. * Approved the Education Specialist Effectiveness Performance Evaluation System, Leader Effectiveness Performance Evaluation and Teacher Effectiveness Performance Evaluation as performance evaluation systems for SY 2026-27. * Approved a list of qualified hearing officers to use in matters of student discipline and employee-related issues that arise throughout the school year. * Approved an extra duty job description for a foster care coordinator to coordinate all foster care responsibilities on behalf of the district.  * Approved an extra duty job description for district testing coordinator.  * Approved a payroll transition plan while searching for a payroll specialist.  * Approved the SY 2026-27 preschool parent handbook for IWES. * Approved a School Facility Oversight Board Minimum Adequacy Guideline (MAG) exception for R7-6-220, which pertains to a learning and technology center for Hulet Elementary School once the Hulet to Park transition occurs.  This will acknowledge that Hulet will not require a full library, but classroom libraries will be utilized for preschool and kindergarten classrooms at Hulet.  The MAG exception will be submitted to the School Facilities Division for approval. * Approved a revised Park Elementary School gym funding resolution. The resolution outlines funding from the school facility board, unrestricted capital and adjacent way including funding for site conditions from the School Facility Oversight Board (SFOB) will be contingent upon approval from the SFOB. * Approved HUSD to use the GoFan online payment system to be used for electronic payment for concession, student activity fees, tax credit donations, general donations and ticket sales, as well as additional electronic payment applications as an online card payment system. President Craig Stuart, Vice President Linda Yazzie and Board Members Debbie Shumway and Alfred Clark voted in favor of the motion, with Claudia Jackson voting against. Jackson explained, stating “I don’t like GoFan, only because I have elders that don’t understand paying with a phone when they have to attend games.” Dr. Koerperich noted that he would look into seeing if they accept cash. * Approved for first reading the Arizona School Boards Association (ASBA) policy revisions and updated for: Policy BEDB Agenda, Policy CA Qualifications and Duties of the Superintendent, Policy DJ Purchasing Ethics, Policy DJE Bidding/Purchasing Procedures, Policy IHA Basic Instructional Program, Policy IHB-R Special Instructional Programs, Policy IKE-RB Promotion and Retention of Students, Policy IKF Graduation Requirements, Policy JF-R Student Admissions, Policy JFAA-R Admission of Resident Students, Policy JFAB-R Tuition/Admission of Nonresident Students, Policy JFABC-R Admission of Transfer Students, Policy JFABD-RB Admission of Homeless Students, and Policy JFABDA-RB Admission of Students in Foster Care. * Approved Vice President Yazzie to be a delegate to represent HUSD at the 2026 ASBA Delegate Assembly, with Board Member Clark approved as an alternate. Delegates vote on legislative priorities for advocacy on behalf of public-school districts for the 2027 legislative session. Each member district is allowed one vote for each action item. The assembly will be held on Sept. 11. * Approved the classified resignation of Fiaa Bitahay and Braylee Livingston, both graduated student workers, effective May 22; Joshua LeSueur, graduated student worker, effective Aug. 5; Nancy Canada, lead cafeteria worker, effective July 29; Jason Coley, HHS, academic advisor, effective July 21; Anthony Larsen, computer services specialist, effective Aug. 17; and Tonya Vrbas, district, payroll and leave benefits clerk, effective Aug. 7. * Approved the separation of services of Judy Saiz, transportation, high needs paraprofessional, effective Aug. 5. * Approved the classified employment of Elena Baldonado, Kyle Honeysuckle, Antasia Kennedy and Stephanie Ortega, all substitute cafeteria workers; Ashley Hayes, Hulet, preschool aide; Kamryn Lampsa, cafeteria delivery; Letitia Lee, transportation, bus monitor; Ezabelle Salazar, special needs assistant; and Jacquelyn Saxton, district, substitute secretary. * Approved the certified employment of Sierra Browning, HHS, teacher, increased to 160 days from 135 days; and Shurrell Nardi and Jason Strong, district substitutes. * Approved extra duty for Paul Agramont, HHS, head football coach and assistant track coach; Ashley Attakai, HHS, assistant volleyball coach; Leslie Baldonado and Cheryl Carlson, HHS, mentors; Dylan Barela, HHS, assistant baseball coach; Destany Begay, HJHS, sixth and seventh grade softball coach; Saraphania Benally and Karalyn Reidhead, Hulet, special education (SPED) individual education plan (IEP) liaisons; Dawna Bitsoie and Deborah Koerperich, IWES, mentors 2026/27; Bridegam Stephanie and Andrea Tomlin, IWES, SPED IEP liaisons; Steven Carbonneau, HHS, boys head wrestling coach; Madison Chappell, HHS, girls assistant basketball coach; Dennis Fortuna, HHS, E-Sports coach; Alli Gardner, Hulet/Park, cadre; Kara Gardner and Jessica Hubbard, Hulet, mentors; Karen Estridge. Kyle Gardner and Alicia Jimenez, HJHS, mentors; Danelle Garner and Nicole Moyte, Hulet, grade level chairs; Connie Gover, Clete Hargrave and Galen Knight, HHS, SPED IEP liaisons; Ramie Hatch, Callie Jensen, Shannon Knight and Heather Morgan, HHS, tutorial; Tobias Herndon, HJHS, sports help; Nora John, Johnson O’Malley Indian Education Committee; Delmar Johnson, HHS, boys assistant soccer coach and boys head basketball coach; Noah Johnson, HJHS, non-AIA (Arizona Interscholastic Association) game official and SPED IEP liaison; Jamie Justman, HHS, NAVIT (Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology) career advisor; Bryan Lang, HJHS, AIA game official; Aaren LaRose, HHS, head volleyball coach; Athina Lewis, IWES, student council 2026/27; Jeremy Madison, HHS, head golf coach; John McDaniel, HJHS, sports help and boys head cross country coach; Nicholas Moyte, HHS, head cross country coach; Anika Francis, Mandi Chee, Gypsi Gover, Gabriel Nells, Sophia Nells, Courtney King, Jasilyn Yazzie and Theresa Yazzie, IWES, White Fleet drivers; Arletta Nez, HHS, assistant cross country coach and head track coach; Jerald Nez, Ashley Mitchell and Stephanie Thompson, HHS, mentors 2026/27 and tutorial; Rochelle Nez, IWES, sports help; Daniel Orton, HHS, girls assistant basketball coach; Victor Paz, HHS, girls head soccer coach and boys assistant basketball coach; Greg Perkins, HHS, girls head basketball coach; Beth Plumb, HJHS, girls head cross country coach; Amanda Remos and Rasheed Hollins, Hulet, Mentors 2026/27 and Park, SPED IEP liaisons; Meagan Newton-Pender and Monica Sanchez, Park, grade level chair 2026/27; Cayla Serna, HHS, assistant volleyball coach; Nichole Tow, Park, SPED IEP liaison; Rebekah Wilson and Marc Yazzie, IWES, game official and sports help. * Approved volunteers Antonio Aguilera, HHS, boys head soccer coach; Julian Chavez, HJHS, football coach; Toby Christensen, HHS, sports help; Angel Curley, Park, classroom help; Tom Gomez, Aaron Hush and Alan Roes, HJHS, AIA game official; Colleen Hubbard, HJHS, sixth and seventh grade softball, head volleyball coach and white fleet driver; Jerome King, IWES, football and softball; Adriana Monroe, HJHS, seventh grade softball coach; Daniel Moore and Donavan Rodriguez, HHS, assistant football coaches; Erlinda Murray, Park/Hulet, classroom help; Mark Oberriter, HJHS, sixth and seventh grade football coach; Jonathan Sample Sr., HHS, assistant football coach and HJHS, football coach; and Farrel Yazzie, HHS, boys assistant wrestling coach. * Approved professional leave for Meghan Carbonneau and Cheryl Carlson to attend the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America advisor leadership academy, Tucson, Aug. 31–Sept. 2, estimated cost to the district is use of a district vehicle; Cheryl Carlson, Northland Pioneer College educator preparation department meeting, Snowflake, Aug. 18, estimated cost to the district is use of a district vehicle; Karen Estridge, Connie Gover, Michaela Saxton and Andrea Tomlin, NAVVY, Flagstaff, July 22, estimated cost to the district is use of a district vehicle; Jeremy Madison, Future Business Leaders of America adviser leadership conference, Tucson, Aug. 24–26, estimated cost to the district is use of a district vehicle; Gabriel Nells, athletic directors meeting, Dilkon, Aug. 7; Amanda Remos, hearing/vison hands-on competency, Whiteriver, Aug. 7, estimated cost to the district is use of a district vehicle; and Loren Silver, Sparks of Possibility conference, Phoenix, Sept. 29 – Oct. 1, estimated cost to the district is use of a district vehicle.  * Approved expense and revolving fund vouchers totaling $248,523 for FY 2025/26 and $862,367 for FY 2026/27.       * Approved payroll and expense vouchers totaling nearly $946,582. * Approved personnel pay No. 4: curriculum development, classroom set up, project momentum, nurse’s hours and new teacher training, $36,454. * Approved HHS clubs and sports to run concessions during the sports seasons for SY 2026/27, expected to earn $1,000 to $3,000 per event; and HHS volleyball to host cookie sales, Aug. 14 – Sept. 4, expected to earn $5,000. * Approved Policy GCCA Professional/Support Staff Sick Leave for final adopted.  The updates include revisions to the policy to align to current practices.   * Approved Policy IKF Graduation Requirements for final adopted. The policy update outlines new language for accepting nationally recognized assessments by transfer students.  * Approved consent agenda items and expense vouchers.  Detailed information for all District expenditures may be obtained by contacting the School District business office located at 1000 North 8th Ave., or by calling 928-524-6144. The post Supervisor Alberto Peshlakai discusses road improvements for Indian Wells Elementary first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e312c5335ae1048612a Maryland rocked by third beaver attack in weeks after 2 animals test positive for rabies te 2026-08-19T02:00:17.903Z Maryland rocked by third beaver attack in weeks after 2 animals test positive for rabies Maryland wildlife officials are searching for a beaver that attacked a 10-year-old girl at a state park, marking the state's third reported beaver attack in less than three weeks. The girl was swimming and wading with an organized group at Seneca Creek State Park in Montgomery County when a beaver attacked and bit her around 3:30pm Thursday, according to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources. Camp counselors intervened and removed the beaver from the girl before the animal escaped into the water, DNR said. The girl suffered three lacerations to her upper leg and was taken by family members to Suburban Hospital in Bethesda for treatment. DANGEROUS RABID BEAVERS ATTACK 2 TEENS, WITH 1 AIRLIFTED AND POPULAR PARK PARTIALLY CLOSED No other injuries were reported. The attack occurred at a bend in Seneca Creek near Berryville Road, close to the Potomac River. DNR closed the area, including roughly one mile of trail and river access points, until further notice while wildlife teams search for the beaver. Other parts of Seneca Creek State Park, including the Lake Area off Clopper Road in Gaithersburg, remain open. A separate group of people canoeing in the area also reported a beaver attempting to charge one of their boats, but no one was injured, according to DNR. HIDDEN DANGER AT POPULAR US NATIONAL PARK FORCES TRAIL CLOSURES AS BEAR SIGHTINGS CLIMB The Seneca Creek attack follows two beaver attacks at Cunningham Falls State Park in Frederick County, more than 36 miles away. A beaver attacked a 13-year-old swimmer at Cunningham Falls on July 26. Another beaver bit a 19-year-old fisherman on the ankle in the park's South Beach Day Use area on Aug. 5. The fisherman took himself to Meritus Medical Center in Hagerstown, where he received treatment for rabies exposure and a tetanus shot, DNR said. Natural Resources Police caught and euthanized the beavers involved in both Cunningham Falls attacks. Both animals later tested positive for rabies. BEACHGOERS WARNED AFTER DEADLY 'FLESH-EATING' BACTERIA KILLS 5 IN SOUTHERN STATE Following the second attack, the Maryland Park Service closed the Houck Day Use Area, the adjacent boat ramp and Big Hunting Creek above the lake while wildlife officials investigated the incidents. DNR said the Seneca Creek attack is not considered related to the Cunningham Falls cases because of the distance between the parks and the home range and social behavior of beavers. Health department data also show no indication of a rabies outbreak in either Frederick County or Montgomery County, according to DNR. Beaver attacks on people are rare, the agency said, and are thought to primarily involve animals infected with rabies. Before this year's incidents, the last recorded beaver bites in Maryland confirmed to involve rabid animals occurred in 2021 and 2015. Beavers typically avoid conflict with people, according to DNR. The agency recommends maintaining a minimum distance of 25 yards from the animals in the wild. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e312c5335ae10486121 Prosecutors hammer Tyler Robinson bid to derail death penalty in Charlie Kirk murder case te 2026-08-19T02:00:17.183Z Prosecutors hammer Tyler Robinson bid to derail death penalty in Charlie Kirk murder case Utah prosecutors are urging a judge to send Tyler Robinson to trial on every charge in the killing of Charlie Kirk, arguing that the evidence against him is overwhelming and pushing back against the defense's effort to take the potential death penalty off the table. In a 19-page filing Tuesday, prosecutors responded to a defense brief asking Judge Tony Graf to throw out the sole aggravating factor that could expose Robinson to the death penalty. The defense has argued prosecutors failed to show that the shooting created a great risk of death to anyone other than Kirk. ACCUSED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN TYLER ROBINSON ASKS JUDGE TO TAKE POTENTIAL DEATH PENALTY OFF TABLE Prosecutors said the evidence shows otherwise, arguing Robinson allegedly fired his grandfather's high-powered rifle toward a crowd of thousands, with several people in the line of fire or close to Kirk. They rejected the defense's argument that the bullet traveled above the crowd, saying people near Kirk were still within the "zone of danger" created when Robinson allegedly fired the rifle. "The evidence here easily establishes at least probable cause" that Robinson knowingly created a great risk of death to others, prosecutors wrote. They said the evidence is "more than sufficient to support a finding beyond a reasonable doubt." The state also took aim at the defense's broader challenge to the evidence presented during Robinson's preliminary hearing. CHARLIE KIRK MURDER CASE AS 'STRAIGHT-FORWARD' AS IT GETS, PROSECUTORS ARGUE AS CASE NEARS TRIAL DECISION "Defendant does not challenge the substance of the evidence demonstrating that he was the person who crawled to the sniper’s perch on the Losee Building rooftop, fired the fatal shot that killed Mr. Charlie Kirk, hid the rifle in a wooded area, got rid of some of the clothing he was wearing, and told his roommate to delete their texts about the shooting," prosecutors wrote. Prosecutors also accused Robinson's attorneys of relying on case law that was later rejected by the Utah Supreme Court while failing to alert the judge to those later decisions. "This blatant omission violates counsel’s duty of candor to the court," prosecutors wrote. The filing also defends a witness-tampering charge involving Robinson's roommate and an allegation that Robinson committed a violent offense in the presence of a child. UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY SCRAPS CONTROVERSIAL COMMENCEMENT SPEAKER WHO CRITICIZED CHARLIE KIRK AFTER HIS MURDER Prosecutors also argue there is evidence Kirk was targeted because of his political expression, pointing in part to a cartridge engraved with the words "Hey fascist, catch." Robinson, 23, is accused of fatally shooting Kirk, 31, as he spoke at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, 2025. Robinson has not entered a plea. Graf is expected to decide at a Sept. 1 hearing whether prosecutors have shown enough probable cause to send the case to trial. Fox News' Lee Ross contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e302c5335ae10486118 Yankees' Jazz Chisholm boots routine grounder, immediately blames umpire as replay tells another story te 2026-08-19T02:00:16.495Z Yankees' Jazz Chisholm boots routine grounder, immediately blames umpire as replay tells another story New York Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. managed to turn a basic fielding error into an embarrassing display of deflection during Tuesday night's matchup against the Baltimore Orioles. After kicking away an easy grounder, he instantly launched into a rant against the second-base umpire, looking for a scapegoat the second things went wrong. The mistake came in a scoreless second inning at Camden Yards with runners on first and second. Carlos Rodon executed his pitch perfectly, coaxing Christian Franklin into what should have been an inning-ending double-play ball hit straight to Chisholm at second base. CINCINNATI REDS PITCHER RIPS 'F—ING FATA–' UMPIRE FOR GETTING IN DEFENDER'S WAY ON GROUND BALL Instead, Chisholm clanked the ball off his glove, loaded the bases, then somehow decided the umpire was the problem. Before the ball even stopped rolling, Chisholm was already pointing at second-base umpire Ryan Additon. The replay quickly killed the excuse, showing Additon standing exactly where he belonged while Chisholm simply butchered the grounder. Fortunately for Chisholm, Rodon bailed him out. With the bases loaded and one out, Rodon struck out Carlos Narvaez and Jackson Holliday back-to-back to strand the runners, allowing the Yankees to eventually walk away with a 3-1 win. JAZZ CHISHOLM JR GIVES BLUNT SELF-ASSESSMENT AFTER EMBARRASSINGLY FAILED ABS CHALLENGE The childish reaction comes during a miserable 2026 season for Chisholm, who dragged a pathetic .216 average into Tuesday after getting benched over the weekend. Jazz even offered his own brutal assessment earlier this year, stating, "It sucked. I've sucked all season. The numbers speak for themselves." ANTHONY RIZZO CALLS OUT JAZZ CHISHOLM'S 'IMMATURITY' AFTER EJECTION DURING YANKEES' FENWAY PARK SWEEP Chisholm got lucky his pitcher cleaned up the mess before it showed up on the scoreboard. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e2c2c5335ae104860fc City of Winslow animal control faces issues with overcrowding te 2026-08-19T02:00:12.475Z City of Winslow animal control faces issues with overcrowding By Shawn White The City of Winslow’s animal shelter is dealing with overcrowding as the facility is housing 41 animals in a facility with 27 kennels, Police Chief Ernie Cano told the Winslow City Council last Tuesday, a count roughly 52% above what the building was designed to hold. The shelter had 35 dogs and six cats when the quarterly figures were compiled. “The numbers fluctuate daily,” Cano said. “Pretty often we are above what the capacity of the shelter is and we work with it.” Mayor Birdie Cano said she and Councilmember Darcey McKee had just returned from the Rural Policy Forum in Kingman with information from nonprofit organizations that work on dog and cat overpopulation and that the material would go to animal control. She said the programs described there run on volunteer and donor support rather than city money. “The idea is that it’s all public based,” the mayor said. The chief said that if the department cannot act on the information itself, “We can share with members of the community that might want to pursue trying to create something like that to help with that ongoing issue.” Animal control investigated six bite cases during the quarter and logged 23 incidents through the department’s system, a figure that does not capture walk-ins or calls placed directly to the shelter. Cano then informed the council that the police department is also using software that reviews every hour of body camera footage its officers record. Chief Cano said the program, called Truleo, has been in use since last July and analyzed 10,234 hours of video this quarter, flagging 25 events involving non-compliant subjects, 22 events in which officers maintained composure under pressure, 105 instances of high professionalism and eight expressions of thanks from community members. “It’s kind of like a quality control,” the chief said, noting the department does not have enough staff to review that volume of video by hand. Flagged clips are still checked by him or a commander, because the software cannot tell who is speaking. “So we have to go back and check it and verify”, he told council. If an officer used profanity inappropriately, he added, “then we can address it.” Elsewhere in the report, patrol handled 1,471 calls for service, 359 traffic stops and 300 criminal cases, part of 2,134 total patrol incidents that produced 266 misdemeanor and felony arrests and 124 citations. Code enforcement carried 62 open cases and collected 15 shopping carts and also helped an elderly resident clear debris the resident could not remove alone. Cano said he pushes that division toward that kind of work. “It isn’t just about getting out there and writing tickets,” he said. “I want them to be a little more community-based and community oriented, especially when there’s a need there.” The department added a community service officer, an animal control officer, a transport officer and two cadets now at the police academy in Snowflake. Cano also thanked state prison Warden Eduardo Barragan, who has since been transferred, for a security assessment of the holding cells, a donated bench for the break area and an ongoing project to replace the cell doors. The council voted to cancel both of its November meetings and to add a special session on Wednesday, Nov. 18. City Manager David Coolidge called it “a little bit of a wrinkle” in the usual practice of dropping one meeting around Thanksgiving. The scheduled Nov. 10 meeting falls the day before a holiday and, more importantly Coolidge note, “It’s also only seven days after the election. And so we don’t believe the canvass will be ready at that time.” The Nov. 18 date allows about 15 days for the canvass and is a night the meeting room at the Winslow Visitor’s Center is available. The council also canceled its second December meeting, which falls during Christmas week, leaving the Dec. 8 meeting as the only regular session between early November and the new year. Relic Road Brewing Company, located at 107 W. Second St., will move from a restaurant liquor license to a bar license after the council pulled the application from the consent calendar and approved it separately. Stephanie Armstrong, co-owner of the brewery, told the council the bar license was purchased for a planned Third Street location and that “because it’s not opened yet, that timeline is expiring.” The business has operated under a restaurant license for its nine years and does not intend to change how it operates. “We don’t plan on becoming a bar,” Armstrong said, adding that the company expects to return to the council to transfer the license once the Third Street building opens. The Friends of the Library will hold their annual book sale Sept. 17-20 at the Elks Lodge auditorium, opening with a members-only night Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. Public hours run Friday from 12 noon to 6 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday from 12 noon to 4 p.m., with memberships sold at the door. Head Librarian Brandee Leary suggested a strategy for anyone hoping to get first look at the stock. “Best way to pick your books out is to come volunteer that Wednesday the 16th and help unload the books,” she said, “because then you can set anything you want aside.” Leary, during her quarterly report to the city council, reported that 467 people signed up for the summer reading program and read 567,000 minutes against a community goal of 400,000 and that 41 programs drew more than 1,330 people. The library also won a grant from the Arizona State Library and Archives, in partnership with Penworthy, for about $2,500 in educational kits spanning a wide age range. “A lot of people go, STEM it’s just for kids,” Leary said. “A lot of these are actually really good for elderly people who might need a little bit of hands-on.” Next summer’s reading theme, she said, will be mystery. On the consent calendar, the council approved the check register and previous meeting minutes, two Circle K liquor license applications for the 1702 N. Park Drive and 317 N. Williamson Ave., locations. Also approved was a memorandum of understanding with the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office that allows the Winslow Police Department to share and access law enforcement data through the Peregrine software platform, an agreement that requires no matching funds from the city. The post City of Winslow animal control faces issues with overcrowding first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e2b2c5335ae104860f3 First permanent MRI machine in region comes to LCMC in Winslow te 2026-08-19T02:00:11.699Z First permanent MRI machine in region comes to LCMC in Winslow Photo by Shawn White A crane hoists Little Colorado Medical Center’s new 30,000-pound MRI machine into its purpose-built suite at the Winslow hospital on Saturday, part of a project totaling nearly $2 million. By Shawn White There is a new arrival at Little Colorado Medical Center (LCMC), and it came in through the roof. On Saturday, a crane lowered a state-of-the-art MRI machine, all 30,000 pounds of it, into a purpose-built suite at the Winslow hospital, capping a project years in the making and marking one of the largest single investments in the medical center’s recent history and over two years’ worth of work. The total price tag came in just under $2 million, covering not only the machine and accessories and equipment it also covered the removal and rebuilding of a section of the hospital’s roof to get it inside. For a 25-bed critical access hospital serving more than 30,000 people across northeastern Arizona, this represents a significant accomplishment during a time when just a few months ago the hospital was listed as potentially at risk due to cuts to Medicare. Until now, many local patients needing advanced imaging faced a familiar rural reality: the drive. A trip to Flagstaff often meant a half-day or more away from work and family, assuming an appointment could be found at all. And that is just for residents of Winslow. For the many patients who already travel 50 or more miles from the reservations and surrounding communities just to reach Winslow, a scan in Flagstaff could mean a round trip of well over 200 miles. The new machine changes that math, with routine outpatient MRI scans soon available right on Williamson Avenue and wait times that hospital leadership expects to beat larger regional facilities. Anyone who has been through an MRI knows the drill: a narrow tube, loud knocking and the slow crawl of the clock. LCMC’s new unit was chosen with that experience in mind and hospital CEO Travis Udall lights up when he talks about it. “Most of them are like two or three inches [from your face]. This one’s going to be eight or nine inches away,” Udall said, describing the experience as much better than an older machine. “It actually has surround lighting and music!” The table can also accommodate patients up to roughly 600 pounds, which means fewer people will be turned away or sent elsewhere because they simply could not fit. The larger space also allows for people, for instance, in a cast to fit even if they need to keep their body in a certain position that the smaller model could not accommodate as easily. The project hit its share of snags along the way, including construction challenges, crane logistics and a delivery pushed back a full year. Udall said they purchased the biggest MRI machine that they make and it had to be delivered using the largest crane available in the state of Arizona. But the delay came with a silver lining. LCMC had placed its order with vendor United Images last year, securing the purchase with nothing more than a purchase order, and when manufacturing delays pushed the timeline, the company made it right. “We didn’t even put any money down,” Udall said of the original order and the company even went above and beyond to compensate. Udall said they gave them the newer and more upgraded model instead of the one they originally ordered which he said usually costs $600,000 more. The service agreement carries its own protections too, with the vendor covering the hospital’s costs if the machine ever goes down. The MRI has been on LCMC’s wish list for a long time. It appeared on a hospital strategic plan dating back to 2016, a document Udall says he discovered months into the job, only to realize his team had already checked off two-thirds of it. The machine joins a wave of growth at the medical center, which has been steadily adding services in recent years even as rural hospitals across the country cut back. “The whole thing is going to be wrapped up in October, and then the state has to certify it,” Udall said, noting that certification applies to inpatient use while outpatient scans can begin sooner. Among those counting down the days is Maggie Sepulveda, a radiologic technologist who recently joined LCMC from Round Valley and will operate the new machine. At her previous hospital, the MRI lived first in a trailer and later in a modular building, so the new suite came as something of a revelation. “I’ve never worked on a brand-new machine, so I’m super, super excited,” Sepulveda said. “This is probably the nicest MRI room I’ve ever seen. It’s going to be something special.” The old setup, she said, “was nothing compared to this,” and the transition in Winslow has gone far smoother. She predicts the finished suite will compare to brand new rooms in big cities, then added with a smile, “but it’s going to be nicer, because you get us.” The MRI’s obnoxious roar, dreaded in waiting rooms everywhere, softens into something like a hum more than howl for the people who, until now, never lived close enough to hear it. The post First permanent MRI machine in region comes to LCMC in Winslow first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e2a2c5335ae104860ea Holbrook council certifies election results te 2026-08-19T02:00:10.889Z Holbrook council certifies election results By Shawn White The Holbrook City Council certified the results of the July 21 primary election last week, confirming three new four-year council members and one two-year member while declaring that all four proposed charter amendments failed at the ballot box. According to the official canvass, that was adopted unanimously, the city’s 2,462 registered voters cast ballots. Adrian Tubbs led the four-year council seat race with 362 votes, followed by Karina Pack with 341 and Arcenia Pacheco with 310, all three winning seats. Alexandria Carroll won the two-year seat with 347 votes. The winners will be sworn in Nov. 18 following the Nov. 3 general election. Voters rejected every charter question put before them. Proposition 451, repealing the charter section on the city treasurer’s position and duties, failed 221 to 273. Proposition 452, on voter approval of certain public expenditures, failed 199 to 298, and Proposition 453, on the timing of election canvasses, failed 229 to 265. Proposition 454, addressing the use of gender pronouns throughout the charter, saw the widest defeat at 178 to 317. The council had already conducted an unofficial canvass at a July 28 special meeting to satisfy the charter’s requirement that results be canvassed within seven days, but official results from the Navajo County Elections Department arrived too late that week to adopt by resolution. Mayor Kathleen Smith noted Tuesday that the numbers had not changed from those announced at the special meeting. In the night’s most debated item, the council pulled back a proposed zoning change that would have opened the city’s C2 general commercial district, including much of the historic Route 66 corridor, to apartment conversions, sending Ordinance 26-06 back to the Planning and Zoning Commission after its first reading rather than advancing it to a scheduled second reading on Sept. 9. The amendment would have allowed multifamily housing as a conditional use throughout the district and created a legal pathway for motels to convert to apartments, something city staff say has already happened illegally at several properties operating with substandard conditions. “We just don’t have the legal framework to actually work with it,” Kevin Auster, the City Planner and Community Development staff member, told council. Smith, citing a citizen email forwarded to the full council, said her chief worry was the downtown core along Hopi Drive, where inexpensive commercial buildings could be bought up by investors for duplexes and triplexes just as the city hopes for retail growth. “We desperately need to look at our zoning issues,” she said. “We need opportunities for multifamily housing, but we do want to protect our commercial streets.” Other members pointed to burned out motels still standing, lost lodger’s tax revenue and the city’s enforcement record. “We get all these codes and we want all these ordinances and we want to do all these things, but then we don’t enforce any of them,” Councilmember Teri Tafoya said. “So my problem is if we’re not going to enforce what we approve, then there’s no point in approving it.” Auster acknowledged enforcement has historically lagged and said a citywide enforcement policy is under review with the city’s attorneys. He floated a compromise keeping parcels that front Hopi Drive and Navajo Blvd. purely commercial while allowing conditional multifamily use on land behind the main streets. The council directed staff to restart the process at Planning and Zoning and plans a work session, likely in September, that will include public comment. The council also advanced two grant funded projects. On a 5-1 the council adopted a resolution authorizing City Manager Randy Sullivan to apply for a Land and Water Conservation Fund grant for a new community park anchored by the city’s first fishing pond, a project estimated at $2.7 million with the city responsible for roughly half in matching funds that can include in-kind staff time. The pond would sit on the flood-prone ground near the BNSF property and is pitched as part of the answer to the area’s standing water and mosquito problems. Councilwoman Pacheco cast the lone no vote, questioning the roughly $1.3 million match and the cost of maintaining a seventh park. Smith stressed the vote committed the city only to applying, saying, “This isn’t the end all be all decision tonight,” and that acceptance would return to the council if the grant is awarded, which is expected to be known around January. The council separately approved $294,293.60 in new playground equipment for Hunt Park from vendor WillyGoat, funded by a $129,500 Arizona Public Service grant and by federal ARPA money set aside for recreation during the pandemic. Members struck a heavy-duty seesaw from the order over safety concerns and asked the city’s risk pool to review the equipment, which will replace the park’s central climbing structure and buried tires with a new structure. APS wants the project done by year’s end, with installation expected two to three months after approval. Two construction bids were awarded without dissent. Teal Enterprises won a $67,450 contract to build roughly 1,000 linear feet of six-foot block wall around the cemetery’s new section behind the American Legion, beating a $93,750 competing bid, with Sullivan telling the council the existing cemetery has about two years’ worth of plots remaining. Mr. Tanner Construction of Chandler, the sole bidder, won a contract of about $71,760 to apply a penetrating fog seal to Golf Course Road and the road to the firehouse; work expected this summer that may briefly close the golf course. In a late addition that prompted the amended agenda, the council approved a special event liquor license application for the Holbrook Chamber of Commerce for Wild West Days, set from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22, at the historic courthouse, where the chamber will partner with Empty Pockets on a beer garden. The council also settled its calendar through December. November will have a single meeting on Nov. 18 because Nov. 11 is Veterans Day and Nov. 25 falls the night before Thanksgiving, while regular meetings remain Sept. 9, Oct. 14 and Dec. 9, with Dec. 23 cancelled and Sept. 23 likely reserved for the zoning work session. Smith proclaimed Sunday, Sept. 6, as Rat Rod Day, when up to 125 custom rat rods on the Rat Rod Magazine Route 66 Invasion Tour are expected to arrive around 1 p.m. for photographs at the city’s new Route 66 sign on Hopi Drive and a luncheon hosted by Custom Stitch. In closing remarks, she thanked residents and city crews still working through cleanup from the flooding several weeks ago and Sullivan reported that Hill Road remains closed to protect an exposed water line, with reconstruction of the crossing set to begin in about two weeks. All council members attended except Councilmember Roxanne Pergeson, who was excused. The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m. The post Holbrook council certifies election results first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e292c5335ae104860e1 Supervisors discuss election concerns te 2026-08-19T02:00:09.884Z Supervisors discuss election concerns By Talaina Kor The Navajo County Board of Supervisors convened for a regular meeting Tuesday, Aug. 11, during which County Manager Bryan Layton presented regarding the July 21 primary election and to address questions pertaining to the 1,357 returned early mail-in ballots and the discovery of 3,000 blank ballots from the 2024 election. Layton explained that early ballots being returned by United States Postal Service is to be expected and not unique to Navajo County, but the usual number of returned ballots was not stated. “Ballots are designed not to be forwarded. They can’t be forwarded and that triggers additional steps to clean-up voter rolls.” Follow-up efforts were outlined for the board, including notification letters that were sent by the Recorder’s Officer as well as political parties providing outreach to all those whose ballots were returned, which included door-to-door and phone call outreach. A sample of 200 ballots were analyzed by the postal service, which revealed that 66% were returned due to a permanent, temporary or expired change of address on file. “Other reasons include address was vacant, insufficient address or PO box was closed,” stated Layton. New mailers that are designed to be forwardable, automated calls, emails and text messages are being implemented as additional notice avenues. Layton also encouraged residents to reach out to the recorder’s office with their updated address if they suspect their ballots were returned. The finding of 3,000 unused ballots at a Heber/Overgaard polling location was also addressed by Layton, in which he clarified the ballots were unused and still in shrink wrap from 2024 general election. “We are beginning our investigation and will report back.” Additional steps being taken while the investigation is underway includes a secondary audit by the county’s finance team at pre- and post-election, a comprehensive review of training manual and procedures, and an evaluation of potential implemented of on-demand printers to reduce pre-printed ballots. Layton also apologized for the wording in a press release the county shared on the matter on July 27. “In that press release it said that ballots were not returned as required. Now to clarify, poll workers are not responsible for returning ballots and equipment. That is the responsibility of county staff.” Layton stated that he received many comments interpreting the press release as blaming a poll worker for those ballots not being returned. “I apologize, that was not the intent.” Prior to the presentation, Vice Chair Dawnafe Whitesinger spoke on the issue. “In the light of the recent incident involving ballot discovery in a storage area, I have spent a considerable amount of time speaking with staff, reviewing the circumstances surrounding the matter and understanding the additional safeguards and procedures that will be implemented going forward.” She explained the importance of fair and secure elections and added her appreciation for the work being done by staff to rectify the matter and strengthen weak spots in procedures. “As a member of this board, I will continue to exercise the oversight responsibility entrusted to me and work to ensure that we protect both the integrity of our election systems and the confidence of the citizens that we serve.” Several county residents spoke during call to the public regarding the recent election, including Overgaard poll worker Jerry Hubbard. During the July 21 election, Hubbard stated it was at his polling location that an inspector found the 3,000 unused ballots. Hubbard was angered by the insinuation made, blaming poll workers in the press release. “This is just another example of the carelessness and breakdown of the chain of custody that happens with this election department,” said Hubbard. Kayenta resident Jaynie Parrish also voiced her concerns over elections conducted within the county, beginning much earlier than the July 21 election. “What started this concern is when the county elected a man in 2024 as their county recorder who pulled a gun on two young men, Native men, during a road rage incident. He was later indicted, appointed. He then resigned,” She continued, saying, “The board then appointed his replacement, a former state legislator, who, by his own voting record in the legislature, supported banning vote centers and restricting mail-in voting. He’s the one seeing over our elections now.” She also noted that the returned mail-in ballots contradicted claims from residents that their addresses were correct, which can break down trust amongst voters. “We know the legacy of how hard it’s been for Native people to vote, and we’re still fighting for that right today.” In addition to Parrish, members of the Hopi and Apache tribes also addressed the concerns regarding the returned ballots. Triston Black echoed Parrish’s sentiments and advocated for the county to be clear about its voting practices, how returned mail-in ballots work and protocol for overcoming barriers that can occur in rural areas on the reservation. “On election day, we saw a lot of flooding, we saw some power outages and a lot of unforeseen issues. So, what is the coordination plan for that?” asked Black. Brent Meyer also spoke during call to the public, imploring the county to allow for a discussion and vote on Flock Safety cameras, which are used as license plate readers that can log details on passing vehicles into searchable databases. The post Supervisors discuss election concerns first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e282c5335ae104860d8 Who makes final the decisions? Property owner rights and public concerns for renewable energy te 2026-08-19T02:00:08.787Z Who makes final the decisions? Property owner rights and public concerns for renewable energy By Talaina Kor During last week’s Navajo County Board of Supervisors meeting, County Manager Bryan Layton provided a review and response to the board and those present regarding resident concerns regarding county operations pertaining to renewable energy. Layton provided a breakdown of the history of renewable energy, beginning with the 80% property tax sanctioned by the state in 2000. In his presentation, Layton spoke on the need to balance public outcry against wind and solar projects with the rights of private property owners, which use their land for these projects. “The balance point, provided by the legislature, are regulation powers. That’s the power of zoning, setbacks, buffering, permitting requirements and other standards.” Enhancements done in 2025 to strengthen ordinances were reviewed, as well as the difference between special use permits and development agreements, which are now used by the county due to being legally binding and providing greater certainty and adaptability to the county. “The concern about water usage and water sustainability is probably the most frequent concern that I hear from the public and from you as individual board members,” Layton stated, specifically regarding how much water is used to build windmill turbines. Using the West Camp II located North of Joseph City as an example, Layton explained that 18,000 gallons of water is used per turbine, equaling 2.6 million gallons for all 144 turbines being constructed. Layton acknowledged the size of that number but created necessary context for water usage. “Some things to keep in mind: It is a one-time use for construction, wind turbines do not require the use of water for ongoing electricity production,” he added that in comparison, 2.6 million gallons of water is roughly the equivalent to a week of watering for a single 18-hole golf course operating under Arizona Department of Water Resources’ allotment. Another issue presented by residents was a need for more public input, which the board plans to mend with the implementation of a two-meeting process. Meeting one will be for project proposals, which will include technical details, outlines and terms, as well as developer input and public comment. Meeting two will provide updates based on the previous meeting, as well as input from community and developers once again. Decommissioning standards for renewable projects and security bonds were also reviewed. In comparing 79 benchmark requirements for renewable ordinances in the counties of Navajo, Apache, Cochise, Coconino and Yavapai, Layton stated that it could be argued that Navajo County’s has the most comprehensive requirements based on the research. “The survey shows that Navajo County’s ordinance and development agreement process overall is not deficient compared to others,” later adding that it is “Comparatively, very strong.” The survey revealed that the majority of Navajo County’s requirements were labeled as either greater, or equal/comparable to other counties, with only six labeled as having lesser than or no requirements. The six requirements found within the county that were flagged as not in depth as others were in relation to solar, including total acre limit, periodic soil testing, glare study, height restrictions, setbacks and groundcover. Board directed staff to look at other counties in an effort to refine the county’s requirements on soil testing. Layton clarified that these markers do not indicate good or bad requirements, but rather are indicative that the language within those requirements could be viewed as either stronger or weaker in comparison to the others, and that the language and implementation varies greatly in each county. Despite the many calls to stop renewables from entering the county, Layton explained that in reality, it isn’t that easy. “Supervisors, we understand that some residents do not see the value in renewables, and even see them as a negative. Requests to rescind the updated ordinance and the comprehensive plan, however well meaning, would not stop the developments and would only remove all the additional protections and safeguards we’ve discussed today.” During call to the public on the presentation, five county residents spoke. Karen Allen said that while Layton’s presentation covered many of her concerns, she would still like to see more public input and transparency from beginning to end. She further stated her opinion on renewables options, saying, “I don’t see the need for wind and solar if there’s a proposed plan for a nuclear power plant in the Joseph City area.” While there are currently no specific plans for nuclear plant development, Arizona Public Service will be converting Cholla Power Plant, which was a coal plant that closed in 2025, to natural gas plant with an estimated completion date 2029. Layton responded to these concerns, stating that all studies for West Camp II have been published online, but staff will make efforts to post studies as soon as possible for the public to view. County resident Brent Meyer claimed that he didn’t see public being considered in the balance between private property rights and residents that are anti-renewable companies, “Where do we weigh on that balance?” he asked, referring to the public. This despite several mentions of public input and consideration during the presentation, along with the fact that Layton labeled one side of that balance being members of the public that are against renewable energy. Holbrook Councilmember Robert Black also spoke, particularly expressing complaints about the nightly blinking of red lights at the West Camp II, which were expected by the county to stop being continuous back in June. Layton acknowledged this issue of the aircraft detection lighting system, apologizing for the delay and explaining they are required to be off by ordinance unless an aircraft is in the area, but have remained on due to pending Federal Aviation Administration certification. “If they’re not all off right now, they should be turning off. And in the future, any of those red blinking lights should be turned off after FAA certification.” Supervisor Jason Whiting asked for clarification from County Attorney Brad Carlyon on the legal abilities of the county regarding renewable projects, which clarified that the state does not allow the county to prohibit renewable projects outright and prohibition would have to be done on a federal or state level, something that has been reiterated in prior meetings. “The restrictions you [Board of Supervisors] put in place would have to achieve a legitimate government purpose and could not be a centrifuge for prohibition,” explained Carlyon when asked by Whiting if the county could make ordinances so restrictive they become prohibitive. The county has provided clarification on its role in renewable development in numerous board meetings with little impact on those attending the meetings in opposition of this type of development. As noted in prior board meetings, approaching state legislature regarding the issues may be more impactful as the state sets the statutes that the county must abide by. The post Who makes final the decisions? Property owner rights and public concerns for renewable energy first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e272c5335ae104860cf JCUSD board discusses district enrollment figures te 2026-08-19T02:00:07.619Z JCUSD board discusses district enrollment figures By Linda Kor The Joseph City Unified School District Governing Board met on Aug. 11, during which Superintendent Shannon Harvilla reported on student enrollment. He noted that district enrollment totaled 387 students, including 28 preschool students, 137 students in kindergarten through fifth grade, 93 students in sixth through eighth grade and 129 students in grades nine through 12. He noted that the FY2027 budget adopted in July was built on a projection of 357.5 K-12 students, not including preschool, putting the district two students ahead of that projection. “I want to be careful about what this does and does not mean. Two weeks of attendance is not a trend, and the number that actually drives our funding is the Oct. 1 count. Between now and then we will lose some students and gain others. What I can tell you is that the direction is the right one, and that the elementary is carrying it,” stated Harvilla. In the last board meeting the board approved the cost for homeschooled students receiving ESA funds and wanting to enroll in at least one class, club or sport. Harvilla reported that since that meeting 13 ESA students have enrolled, with the district receiving $15,500. Six of those students signed up for just classes, three for classes and an activity and seven for either a sport or a club. It was noted that this enrollment is not included in the overall full-time student enrollment numbers. “The dollars are not the part I care most about. Thirteen students who were not in our buildings in May are in our classrooms, our gym and our shop today. Seven of them came back through a sport or a club rather than a class, which is exactly the door I hoped they would use. A family that trusts us with a season is a family that may trust us with a class next year, and a student who competes in our uniform is a student who is one of ours again,” stated Harvilla. In his report, Harvilla noted that the new business manager, Caleb Layden is fully in the business manager role with consulting support at a fraction of the previous cost, which he projected will save the district about $80,000 this year. Harvilla informed the board that Layden contacted the Navajo County Treasurer’s Office to confirm the district’s line of credit and learned that the bank had canceled it. “For the record, the district drew that line every fall and spring for five straight years and repaid it in full every cycle, most recently a $1 million draw in September 2025 repaid in November. It was a working tool with a clean repayment record,” stated Harvilla. Later in the meeting the board authorized administration to request a revolving line of credit through the Navajo County Treasurer for Fiscal Year 2026-27 in an amount not to exceed $2.6 million. The board also authorized Harvilla to request an advance of basic state aid from the Arizona Department of Education. The funds are tax dollars provided to the district but since they are not provided when needed, a line of credit has been used to pay costs until the funding is received. If approved the advance would save the district an estimated $30,000 in interest costs. Two people spoke during call to the public, the first was Kelly Metzger encouraging participation in the Box Tops for Education collection for student supplies. The second speaker was Adrienne Bushman, informing the board of the new security procedures at the elementary school for students entering and leaving the campus. She emphasized that although some parents have stated they do not like the changes, viewing them primarily as inconvenient, the procedures have been implemented to ensure the safety and wellbeing of students. In other business, the board: * Approved expense vouchers. * Reviewed the student activities funds report. * Approved student fundraisers including the football camp for the high school football team and the high school cheerleaders selling ads. * Approved gifts and donations including six 98cc engines from GoPower Sports valued at $1,320 for hands-on learning, a donation of $100 for supplies from Harbor Freight and approximately $500 in school supplies from Blattner Energy. * Approved qualified evaluators for certified staff. * Approved the disposal of unused surplus furniture, equipment, books, vehicles and other items in compliance with Arizona statutes and administrative code via the online auction web service. * Approved personnel requests for Laurie Bowler, Chess Club sponsor, class sponsor, NCA chairperson and National Honor Society sponsor; Gianna Brawley, student worker; Micah Brawley, class sponsor and Skills USA; Brayden Bushman, student worker; Dan Bushman, graduation coordinator and Career and Technical Education director; Jess Bushman, class sponsor; Trenton Deets, student worker; Christian Delgado, student worker; Jeri Edwards, class sponsor and junior high student council advisor; Brad Fischer, class sponsor; Rosemary Fischer, student worker; Dominik Flake, volunteer; Michael Gayer, chess club sponsor and class sponsor; Justin Gardner, student worker; Kylie Hansen, student worker; MarijJoe Hansen, class sponsor; Dan Hutchens, class sponsor; Daniel Hutchens III, auditorium coordinator; Taura Isaacson, class sponsor; Aaron Johnstun, class sponsor; Trina Larsen, class sponsor and FFA assistant sponsor; Kylie Miller, class sponsor; Paxton Miller, student worker; Darrel Mosier, volunteer; Lillian Neal, class sponsor; Kalebrinta Nez, student worker; Jordan Pedersen, auditorium worker; Wylie Petersen, student worker; Amy Peterson, class sponsor, concession stand supervisor, FBLA sponsor and Red Ribbon coordinator; Dimitrios Rael, student worker; Synali Rael, student worker; Kay Rush, class sponsor; JJ Sander, student worker; Tyson Smith, class sponsor, Hot Rod Club advisor and Skills USA; Ed Sorgen, concession stand supervisor; Gina Spurlock, substitute bus driver; Sharon Spurlock, junior high assistant softball coach, Jean Varney, junior high/high school volunteer; Jennifer Westover, high school student council advisor; and Jason Whetten, drama coach. * Approved Board Member Lexi Nelson as the delegate to represent the JCUSD governing board at the Arizona School Boards Association Delegate Assembly to be held Sept. 12, with Board President Eldon Larsen as the alternate. * Due to the ASBA event, the board changed the September board meeting date to 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. The post JCUSD board discusses district enrollment figures first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850e232c5335ae104860c1 Harvard Agrees to $53 Million Settlement in Body Part Theft Scandal te 2026-08-19T02:00:03.732Z Harvard Agrees to $53 Million Settlement in Body Part Theft Scandal The agreement settles lawsuits filed by relatives of people whose remains, donated for medical research and teaching, were stolen and sold by the former manager of the school’s medical morgue. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850bd22c5335ae10486049 Potential successor to cowboy hat-wearing Dem tops crowded Florida primary te 2026-08-19T01:50:10.820Z Potential successor to cowboy hat-wearing Dem tops crowded Florida primary Retiring Rep. Frederica Wilson's chosen successor has won the crowded Democratic primary to replace her in Congress. Miami-Dade County Commissioner Oliver Gilbert is now likely to follow Wilson, D-Fla., to Congress representing her safe blue seat in Florida's 24th Congressional District. The district is located in South Florida and includes part of Miami. It remains largely Democratic after Florida Republicans redrew the state's congressional map this year, though areas along the shore, including Miami Beach, are now part of a neighboring constituency. Wilson has been in Congress since 2011, first representing Florida's 17th Congressional District for a single term before redistricting spurred her to run in the 24th. TRUMP FLEXES GOP MUSCLE IN ARIZONA PRIMARIES AS DEMS DODGE FAR-LEFT UPSET She is perhaps best known for her eccentric attire, which centers on brightly colored wide-brimmed hats that Wilson regularly wears both inside and outside the U.S. Capitol. Her exit from Congress at the end of this year spurred a mad dash among Democrats to replace her, with seven people running in the party's primary. House Democratic leaders have stayed out of the race so far but are likely to coalesce behind the now-chosen winner. Wilson emphatically endorsed Democrat Oliver Gilbert in the race, declaring at a rally for the candidate, "If I am endorsing you, everybody in District 24 should be endorsing you." And while competitive, the race was notable in that it was not one of the litany of high-profile clashes between establishment Democrats and the far-left that have come to define the 2026 midterm season. BERNIE SANDERS, DSA REVEAL DEMANDS FOR DEM PARTY AFTER SOCIALISTS SWEEP NEW YORK ELECTIONS Far-left Democrats across the country, many linked to the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), have been posing competitive challenges and, in some cases, even unseating incumbent lawmakers within the party. Elsewhere in Florida, DSA member Oliver Larkin challenged moderate Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Fla., in a district drawn to more heavily favor Republicans this year. Self-described socialist Elijah Manley is one of many challengers to Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, D-Fla., who has generated controversy for running in a majority-Black district after her own seat was changed by the Florida GOP-backed new congressional map. Wasserman Schultz won Tuesday night. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850bcf2c5335ae10486030 Jack Rabbit Trading Post welcomes celebrity visitor te 2026-08-19T01:50:07.190Z Jack Rabbit Trading Post welcomes celebrity visitor Photo courtesy of Jack Rabbit Trading Post The Jack Rabbit Trading Post has a special visitor stop at this hoppin’ roadside attraction. Actor Erik Estrada (center) grabbed some souvenirs and had a visit with shop owners Tony and Cindy Jaquez (pictured). Also pictured are the Jaquez’s grandkids Maximo Aguilera (pictured with Tony) and Santi Aguilera pictured with Cindy. Estrada’s visit was part of the Great American Road Rally Celebrity Edition, a celebrity tour of Route 66 as part of the centennial celebration to raise awareness, drive fund-raising, and activate local communities. The post Jack Rabbit Trading Post welcomes celebrity visitor first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850bce2c5335ae10486027 Local marksman participates in national competition te 2026-08-19T01:50:06.377Z Local marksman participates in national competition Photo courtesy of Twyla Taylor Kelton Reidhead, a 2026 Holbrook High School graduate, recently had the opportunity to compete in the national high school .22 long rifle shooting event in Lincoln, Neb. Reidhead qualified for the National Arizona team throughout the year competing in events from August until June. He placed first overall in Arizona, which qualified him to go to nationals in July. The top four contestants from 44 states, five Canadian Provinces, Australia, Mexico, New Zealand and Guatemala all competed in Nebraska. Kelton had an amazing first round of shooting, placing him second out of more than 150 contestants. The top 20 advanced to the final round of shooting. Kelton placed ninth in this round. These combined scores gave him an overall placing of fifth in the nation. He received prizes and scholarships for college. The post Local marksman participates in national competition first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a850bca2c5335ae1048601a ‘With All My Heart, Natalie.’ Trump’s Most Devoted Aide Emerges. te 2026-08-19T01:50:02.243Z ‘With All My Heart, Natalie.’ Trump’s Most Devoted Aide Emerges. President Trump’s White House aide Natalie Harp is always by his side. What, exactly, does she do? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8509772c5335ae10485fdd NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirms league wants multiple teams based outside the US: 'no doubt' te 2026-08-19T01:40:07.477Z NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirms league wants multiple teams based outside the US: 'no doubt' The NFL has made no secret of its desire to increase its footprint internationally. Not content with dominating the domestic marketplace, commissioner Roger Goodell has been open about the importance of playing more games overseas. The 2026 season will already feature nine international games, spread out in different countries around the world. Melbourne, Australia hosts a week one game between the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams. In week three, the Ravens and Cowboys will play in Rio De Janiero, Brazil. Then there are four straight weeks with games in Europe. Colts-Commanders in London in week four, Eagles-Jaguars also in London in week five, Texans-Jaguars at Wembley in week six, and Steelers-Saints in Paris in week seven. Later weeks feature the Bengals-Falcons in Madrid, Patriots-Lions in Munich and Vikings-49ers in Mexico City. ROGER GOODELL DISMISSES 49ERS COACH'S CONCERNS ABOUT PLAYING IN AUSTRALIA, SAYS IT'S PART OF LONG-TERM PLAN While most years had eight international games, and this upcoming season features nine, there's already been a vote to approve up to 10 non-US games starting in 2027. That vote also removed the ability of teams to prevent their home games from being moved to an international host. All this is to say that the international expansion in the NFL is only growing. And Goodell took that a step further this week, saying in a new interview that there will be not just one but multiple teams, plural, based internationally. "At some point, there will be NFL teams outside the USA," Goodell said in an interview with former NFL player Markus Kuhn for German media outlet RTL/ntv. "I have no doubt that this will happen one day." While he didn't specify a city, or cities, that would host these "teams," he made an even more aggressive prediction: that the new international destination could potentially hold a Super Bowl. NFL OWNERS UNANIMOUSLY VOTE TO BRING SUPER BOWL LXIV TO NASHVILLE'S NEW $2 BILLION STADIUM IN 2030 "There are definitely international cities that could host something like that," Goodell said. "But we would like to see an NFL team in such a city first." Just imagine, a Super Bowl played outside the United States. Fans will be thrilled. This isn't the first time Goodell has said the NFL is serious about expanding internationally. There's a nearly-limitless fountain of money available if the league is able to grow a serious permanent foothold in Europe, for example, and there is nothing the NFL cares more about than increasing its revenue. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM He's also spoken of a desire to host games in Asia, and Mexico City was a frequent destination from 2016-2022. How this would work, however, still seems up for debate and discussion. There are the obvious travel and logistical hurdles, especially if Europe is the ultimate choice, as seems likely. West coast teams would have 10-12 hour flights to London or Paris. Even East Coast teams would have to adjust to different travel schedules, time zones and jet lag. Then just imagine having a Super Bowl played at the Tottenham Stadium. Or Wembley. Or the Stade de France. How bizarre, off-putting and disconnected from the NFL would that be? Not to mention the difference in time zones leading to some, shall we say, interesting, scheduling questions. The Super Bowl typically kicks off at 6:30pm Eastern, but 6:30pm Eastern is 11:30pm in London. Moving the game to say, 8pm in London would mean a 12pm kickoff time on the West Coast, and 3pm on the East Coast. That's on Sunday, so it's less worrisome to not be in prime time, but it's hard to imagine the NFL upending tradition so thoroughly. Obviously, this is years, or even decades, away from happening. But the NFL and Goodell are clearly committed to putting teams, multiple teams, in other countries. Money comes first, last and always. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8507212c5335ae10485eb4 ‘Hebrew Hammer’ defeats social media influencer after bitter campaign marred by antisemitic posts te 2026-08-19T01:30:09.937Z ‘Hebrew Hammer’ defeats social media influencer after bitter campaign marred by antisemitic posts Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., has won the Republican primary in Florida’s 6th Congressional District, defeating a crowded field after a campaign marked by fierce personal attacks against him. Fine cruised to victory in a district rated solidly Republican by Cook Political Report, beating businessman Manuel P. Asensio, former challenger Aaron Baker, retired U.S. Army Reserve Brig. Gen. Charles Gambaro and social media influencer Dan Bilzerian, who unleashed a barrage of antisemitic attacks against Fine during the campaign. Fine entered the contest with major advantages, including a substantial fundraising edge and the backing of President Donald Trump. Trump endorsed Fine in October 2025, calling him a "MAGA Warrior." Fine, who was first elected to Congress in a 2025 special election after Mike Waltz resigned, has quickly established himself as one of the House GOP's most outspoken advocates for Israel and efforts to combat antisemitism and protect Jewish communities. Before coming to Congress, Fine — then Florida's only Jewish Republican legislator — earned the nickname the "Hebrew Hammer" from colleagues for that work, a moniker he has since embraced. TRUMP FLEXES GOP MUSCLE IN ARIZONA PRIMARIES AS DEMS DODGE FAR-LEFT UPSET Bilzerian is a social media influencer and businessman who built his online persona around being a playboy, posting videos and photos of himself surrounded by women. He is the founder of IGNITE International Brands, which sells products including disposable vapes, vodka and tequila. Bilzerian flaunts his sexually promiscuous lifestyle and has publicly described "manosphere" social media influencer Andrew Tate as a friend. Tate was arrested in Miami in July and awaits extradition to the United Kingdom, where he and his brother Tristan are charged with rape and sex trafficking. They have also been charged with similar offenses in Romania. Bilzerian has repeatedly drawn condemnation for antisemitic remarks and conspiracy theories about Jews. He has claimed Jews knew about the Sept. 11 attacks and were responsible for John F. Kennedy’s assassination, that Jewish people control the media and has questioned the number of Jews murdered in the Holocaust. JEWISH CALIFORNIA CONGRESSIONAL CANDIDATE SAYS HARASSMENT FROM GAZA AGITATORS WENT ‘BEYOND FREE SPEECH’ Bilzerian’s attacks against the Jewish community and Fine continued after he launched his campaign. Just days before the election, Bilzerian posted two photos of himself with supporters on X with the caption: "District 6 understands the jewish problem- Dan Blizerian." The social media influencer also posted a two-and-a-half-minute AI-generated campaign ad attacking Fine, calling him a "fat Jew" and including other antisemitic remarks. The video caught the attention of House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., who condemned the video. "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 wrote on X. "Antisemitism and outward hatred of Jewish communities have no place in our politics or in America, and we will continue to call them out wherever they arise." SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER Before coming to Washington, Fine served eight years in the Florida House and then in the state Senate, where he chaired five committees. He became closely associated with school choice, immigration enforcement and legislation targeting what he described as harmful ideologies in schools. Fine, Florida’s only Jewish Republican legislator, has referred to himself as the "Hebrew Hammer." Fine’s victory sets him up for the November general election in a district rated safely Republican. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8504ca2c5335ae10485e56 Federal judge blocks Trump admin plan to move FBI headquarters to Reagan Building te 2026-08-19T01:20:10.181Z Federal judge blocks Trump admin plan to move FBI headquarters to Reagan Building A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s plan to move FBI headquarters into Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Building, preserving the previously selected Greenbelt, Maryland, site for the bureau’s long-planned new headquarters. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled Monday that the FBI and General Services Administration’s (GSA) decisions to select the Reagan Building were "not in accordance with law" and exceeded their statutory authority. The court also found the FBI’s decision to redirect previously appropriated funds toward the move was arbitrary and capricious. The FBI blasted the decision in a statement to Fox News. REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT MAKES DRASTIC CHANGE FOLLOWING DEADLY 2025 MIDAIR COLLISION "This is not the first time courts have tried to undermine the administration in its goal to make government more cost-effective for American taxpayers. The court has chosen to impermissibly intervene for political reasons. This FBI is mission focused and will continue the best course of action to meet the needs of law enforcement. Sycophants seeking to undermine the work of this FBI, which has led the largest reduction in crime in American history under President Trump, will not deter us." The ruling marks the latest turn in a fight stretching back more than a decade over replacing the deteriorating J. Edgar Hoover Building, which has housed FBI headquarters since 1974. The court noted that the building is obsolete, cannot house all headquarters staff and does not meet applicable security standards. GSA selected Greenbelt in 2023 after Congress directed the agency to choose among three previously identified sites: Greenbelt and Landover, Maryland, or Springfield, Virginia. But in July 2025, the FBI and GSA announced that they instead planned to relocate headquarters to the Reagan Building in Washington. GSA FINDS CHINA-MADE TECH LABELED ‘MADE IN USA,’ ORDERS SWEEPING FEDERAL PROCUREMENT REVIEW Chuang found that those congressional site-selection requirements prevented the agencies from unilaterally choosing a different location. The court said the Reagan Building was not among the three sites Congress authorized and that the FBI exceeded its statutory authority by selecting it. The ruling blocks the FBI from moving forward with its planned headquarters at the Reagan Building and reinstates Greenbelt, Maryland, as the selected site. The judge said Congress would have to change the law if the administration wants to pursue a different location. The White House referred Fox News Digital to the FBI for comment on the ruling. Fox News' David Spunt contributed to this reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8504c92c5335ae10485e4d Portland parent fights child's elementary school over 'final straw' of adding trans-inclusive flag te 2026-08-19T01:20:09.536Z Portland parent fights child's elementary school over 'final straw' of adding trans-inclusive flag Portland, Oregon, mother Allison Roberts told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that she hopes her fight with her children's elementary school over a trans-inclusive flag will inspire others to speak out for their beliefs. "I think the increased political presence with the progressive flag was a bit much," Roberts said of her situation. "And I think that was the final straw that got me to open my eyes and see that, yes, the school had become a political apparatus. It wasn't my problem with the pride flag, per se, it is what I think is using it as a political apparatus and indoctrination for the kids." According to the Liberty Justice Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of Roberts last week, she initially expressed concern last year over Meriwether Lewis Elementary School's decision to repaint its traditional rainbow pride flag with an "Intersex-Inclusive Progress" variant, as well as 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. PORTLAND PARENT BANNED FROM SCHOOL EVENTS AFTER OPPOSING GENDER IDENTITY ASSIGNMENT FILES LAWSUIT Roberts described herself as a liberal Democrat but felt the new flag was a step too far, particularly given her religious beliefs, and warned that situations like hers are likely happening in other schools. "I never would have thought it would have happened in Portland, arguably one of the most, at least, vocally liberal cities out there. I really didn't think it could happen here," Roberts said. "So if it can happen here, I have no doubt that it can happen anywhere, and again, it's ... it's curriculum that is being stealthily placed into and around other curriculum. So I do firmly believe that it's happening everywhere." 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." PARENTAL RIGHTS GROUP FILES COMPLAINT AGAINST OREGON SCHOOL SYSTEM FOR ALLEGED RACIAL DISCRIMINATION 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. Timothy R. Snowball, senior counsel at the Liberty Justice Center, also told Fox News Digital that the school's actions were particularly problematic given Roberts was criticizing the school outside school property. "Not only is that problematic for the First Amendment, but it really undermines our entire democratic system of government," Snowball said. "We have something called the marketplace of ideas in which each citizen is supposed to be able to participate. And hopefully, through that conversation, you arrive at the best policy prescriptions for everyone." "And so, shutting somebody down because you don't like what they're saying, really is problematic for that," he continued. "There's no offense exception to the First Amendment. There's no hate speech exception to the First Amendment. These are made-up words, made-up things, and so really what they are doing here is insidious, I think, on several different grounds." WASHINGTON MOTHER PULLS CHILDREN FROM SCHOOL AFTER PRIDE LESSON SHOWN IN MUSIC CLASS WITHOUT NOTICE Portland Public Schools declined to comment to Fox News Digital about the ongoing case. In the meantime, Roberts encouraged other parents to get involved with their children's schools and take action when necessary. "Don't be afraid to speak up. Be loud," she said. "I think the time for hoping that the common sense and the adults will enter the conversation and make things right is kind of over. And I think it is time for us to be vocal and to get involved."  "And I would say to people, get involved in your school, your kid's school," Roberts added. "Go take a tour when it starts up this year. That's all I'd say." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8502732c5335ae10485dfd Democrats get their man as scandals put once-safe GOP House seat in play te 2026-08-19T01:10:11.333Z Democrats get their man as scandals put once-safe GOP House seat in play A retired Navy helicopter pilot backed by the Democratic establishment cruised to victory in the Florida primaries on Tuesday night. Bale Dalton defeated ex-congressman Alan Grayson and progressive Marialana Kinter, another Navy veteran, for the Democratic nomination to run in the Sunshine State's 7th Congressional District, which is currently represented by Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla. What was once expected to be a safe GOP seat is now being viewed as a possible pickup opportunity for Democrats in November as scandals continue to pile up for Mills. WATCH: CORY MILLS BLASTS DOJ PROBE AS ‘POLITICAL OP' AHEAD OF FLORIDA PRIMARY The nonpartisan Cook Political Report downgraded Republicans' chances of keeping the district from a "safe" to "likely" win for the GOP. It's rated R+5, meaning Democrats could have a shot with the right candidate. Dalton is already on the House Democratic campaign arm's "Red to Blue" list, meaning left-wing leaders are expected to pour money and other resources into the race. He was also endorsed by progressive veterans group VoteVets, the moderate-left Blue Dog Coalition, as well as Reps. Kathy Castor, D-Fla., and Lois Frankel, D-Fla. Mills, who served in the Army, has been bogged down by controversies in recent years that have prompted two of his fellow Florida Republicans — Reps. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., and Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla. — to call for him to drop out of the race. REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER WELCOMES HOUSE ETHICS PROBE INTO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM They backed challenger Ryan Elijah, a former longtime Orlando news anchor. Mills is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and allegedly by the Department of Justice (DOJ), though he denied the latter probe's existence. Mills has also denied all wrongdoing. He went into his bid for a third term endorsed by President Donald Trump, though the commander-in-chief has not spoken on the allegations of sexual harassment and financial impropriety that have dogged the sitting Republican incumbent. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a8502722c5335ae10485df4 Federal judge blocks Trump admin plan to move FBI headquarters to Reagan Building te 2026-08-19T01:10:10.564Z Federal judge blocks Trump admin plan to move FBI headquarters to Reagan Building \\\\\ A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration’s plan to move FBI headquarters into Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Building, preserving the previously selected Greenbelt, Maryland, site for the bureau’s long-planned new headquarters. U.S. District Judge Theodore Chuang ruled Monday that the FBI and General Services Administration’s (GSA) decisions to select the Reagan Building were "not in accordance with law" and exceeded their statutory authority. The court also found the FBI’s decision to redirect previously appropriated funds toward the move was arbitrary and capricious. The FBI blasted the decision in a statement to Fox News. REAGAN NATIONAL AIRPORT MAKES DRASTIC CHANGE FOLLOWING DEADLY 2025 MIDAIR COLLISION "This is not the first time courts have tried to undermine the administration in its goal to make government more cost-effective for American taxpayers. The court has chosen to impermissibly intervene for political reasons. This FBI is mission focused and will continue the best course of action to meet the needs of law enforcement. Sycophants seeking to undermine the work of this FBI, which has led the largest reduction in crime in American history under President Trump, will not deter us." The ruling marks the latest turn in a fight stretching back more than a decade over replacing the deteriorating J. Edgar Hoover Building, which has housed FBI headquarters since 1974. The court noted that the building is obsolete, cannot house all headquarters staff and does not meet applicable security standards. GSA selected Greenbelt in 2023 after Congress directed the agency to choose among three previously identified sites: Greenbelt and Landover, Maryland, or Springfield, Virginia. But in July 2025, the FBI and GSA announced that they instead planned to relocate headquarters to the Reagan Building in Washington. GSA FINDS CHINA-MADE TECH LABELED ‘MADE IN USA,’ ORDERS SWEEPING FEDERAL PROCUREMENT REVIEW Chuang found that those congressional site-selection requirements prevented the agencies from unilaterally choosing a different location. The court said the Reagan Building was not among the three sites Congress authorized and that the FBI exceeded its statutory authority by selecting it. The ruling blocks the FBI from moving forward with its planned headquarters at the Reagan Building and reinstates Greenbelt, Maryland, as the selected site. The judge said Congress would have to change the law if the administration wants to pursue a different location. The White House referred Fox News Digital to the FBI for comment on the ruling. Fox News' David Spunt contributed to this reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85001e2c5335ae10485d84 Never-Trump Republican is top Dem choice in crucial Florida primary te 2026-08-19T01:00:14.325Z Never-Trump Republican is top Dem choice in crucial Florida primary David Jolly, a former Republican congressman and now a Democratic candidate for governor in Florida, won a primary election on Tuesday evening, topping a crowded field of hopefuls to become the party's nominee to replace outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Sunshine State. DeSantis is prevented by term limits from running for a third term. Jolly’s win sets up a race to see if a moderate Democrat can tempt a solidly Republican state to voice its frustrations with the Trump administration and, more pointedly, with Trump himself. In many ways, that’s the crux of Jolly’s message as a candidate. HAWAII GOV JOSH GREEN CRUISES TO DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY WIN, SETS UP FALL MATCHUP WITH GOP NOMINEE Jolly previously served as the representative for Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014-2017, but, after losing the general election to Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, he began voicing disagreements with the direction of the GOP and President Donald Trump. In 2018, Jolly published an opinion piece with NBC, stating that "you can’t be never-Trump and be a Republican." "I was a sitting Republican member of Congress who took to the house floor and called on then-candidate Donald Trump to drop out of the presidential race," Jolly said. On the campaign trail in 2016, Jolly balked at a proposed "Muslim ban" Trump and the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump made crude remarks about advances toward women. IDAHO DEMOCRATS CHOOSE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN UPHILL RACE AGAINST INCUMBENT GOP GOVERNOR "Three years later, I find myself fully immersed in a dwindling coalition of Republicans often referred to as never-Trumpers. That is, I was immersed in that coalition — last month I came to the conclusion that it was time to finally leave the Republican Party and registered with no party affiliation," Jolly said. Now, running as a Democrat, Jolly has pitched himself as an opportunity to break Trump’s momentum. "Since the emergence of Donald Trump in 2015 when he came down the escalator, he has disrupted the entire American experiment over the last 10 years," Jolly said in a campaign video. "If in the state of Florida, Florida’s voters are the ones who say, ‘not anymore, ‘we will have provided a reset." Among his top priorities, Jolly lists insurance affordability, public schools and campaign finance reform on his website. He also supports more traditionally Democratic platform elements like increasing access to abortion. FLORIDA GOP GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY CANDIDATE SAYS AS GOVERNOR, HE'D 'SHUT DOWN' EVERY ABORTION CLINIC IN STATE In his campaign, Jolly has raised nearly $6.4 million, according to the Florida Department of State Division of Elections. Having secured the nomination, Jolly faces an uphill race to the general election on Nov. 3. Florida last elected a Democrat for governor in 1994, in Lawton Chiles. Chiles served from 1991 until his death in 1998, just three weeks before the end of his second term. Most recently, DeSantis last won reelection in a 49.4% to 40.0% victory over Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, a former Biden representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85001d2c5335ae10485d7b Media executive overcomes Trump endorsement in race to succeed Byron Donalds in ‘circus-like primary’ te 2026-08-19T01:00:13.625Z Media executive overcomes Trump endorsement in race to succeed Byron Donalds in ‘circus-like primary’ Florida media executive Jim Schwartzel won the GOP nomination to succeed Rep. Byron Donalds despite President Donald Trump endorsing his opponent. President Donald Trump endorsed Catalina Lauf, who served in the Department of Commerce during his first term in office, on August 13, upending the race just days before voters headed to the polls in Florida’s 19th Congressional District. Tuesday night’s results bucked a trend of Trump-endorsed candidates fairing well in primary contests. As of mid-July, 97% of candidates endorsed by the president had won their primaries. Trump’s endorsement success rate has remained at 93% or higher since 2018, according to Ballotpedia’s election tracker. TRUMP MAY HAVE ENDORSED DARLINE GRAHAM, BUT GOP SENATE HOPEFULS AREN’T BACKING DOWN Lauf and Schwartzel weren’t the only ones to throw their hats into the race to be Donalds’ successor. The field in Florida’s 19th Congressional District also included former Rep. Madison Cawthorn, who lost his North Carolina seat after a series of scandals in 2022; former Rep. Chris Collins, a former New York congressman convicted of insider trading; and Jim Oberweis, a wealthy former Illinois state senator. The unusual cast of characters running in the election attracted amusement and ridicule from the national media. Axios dubbed the race "the GOP's carpetbagger primary" and wrote that "whoever claws their way through the circus-like primary is almost guaranteed a ticket to Washington." TLAIB UNDER FIRE FOR WORKING TO UNSEAT TWO JEWISH HOUSE DEMOCRATS IN FLORIDA On the campaign trail, Schwartzel attacked Lauf for running for Congress twice in Illinois before recently moving to Florida, arguing that his ties to the state ran deeper than hers. Lauf responded that she is a "blue state refugee," not a "carpetbagger." "I came here, I didn’t have a choice to be born and raised in Illinois, but I have a choice to live here," she said during a July debate. SOCIALIST INSURGENCY HEADS TO TRUMP’S BACKYARD, TARGETS PRO-ISRAEL DEMOCRAT Lauf accused Schwartzel of being behind the firing of a popular local meteorologist. Schwartzel responded that although he owns several local media stations, he did not have an ownership stake in the network that fired the meteorologist. Schwartzel said his supporters expressed anger after Trump endorsed Lauf. "The President endorsed my opponent tonight. You're hearing it from me before you hear it anywhere else," he said on the night of the endorsement.  "​​But let's be precise about where that anger belongs. Not with President Trump — I've supported him from the beginning and I'll support him after Tuesday. It belongs with the operation that worked this for months: the out-of-state super PACs that have poured millions into this district, the Washington consultants who packaged a candidate who ran for Congress twice in Illinois and sold her as Southwest Florida's choice, the people who decided our seat shouldn’t be settled in a room a thousand miles from here." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a85001c2c5335ae10485d72 Drew Brees gives his stance on Eli Manning's Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy amid strong debate te 2026-08-19T01:00:12.589Z Drew Brees gives his stance on Eli Manning's Pro Football Hall of Fame candidacy amid strong debate Drew Brees has officially entered the great halls of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, as he, alongside other legends of the game, were inducted earlier this month. Brees’ career resume speaks for itself: second all-time in passing yards and passing touchdowns, Super Bowl XLIV winner and MVP, 13 Pro Bowls, and the list goes on. Brees was always going to see his golden bust on that stage in Canton one day. Others, though, have to wait their turn – if it ever comes. And one name in particular has been debated about since he retired from the game. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Eli Manning, a fellow quarterback, spent 16 years in the NFL leading the New York Giants to two Super Bowl victories, while joining Brees, though further down, on the all-time passing leaders lists. Surely, Manning should join Brees, his older brother Peyton, and the many others in the Hall, right? Over the last two years, though, Manning hasn’t received enough votes to be inducted. He missed being one of the 15 modern-era finalists for the second straight time this past voting period. So, does Manning deserve to be in the Hall of Fame? Brees gave his stance. "Yeah, he is," he told Fox News Digital, while also highlighting his work with DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS. "It's always funny to hear how people want to evaluate the quarterback position. I mean, look, there's so much that goes into it. It's body of work, it's consistency, certainly championships factor into it. I think when you look at all those things, it's hard to argue the things that he accomplished in his career with his two championships, and then, you know, his body of work and his consistency. " ADAM VINATIERI SHAMED INTO OFFERING APOLOGY AND EXPLANATION FOR HALL OF FAME SPEECH THAT WAS EPIC Brees called what Manning did across his 16 seasons leading one of the most iconic franchises in the sport "impressive." And it’s hard to ignore the fact it was done against a generation of fantastic quarterbacks like himself, Peyton, Tom Brady, who Eli beat in his two Super Bowl appearances, and more. "I think overall I look at this era that we had a chance to be a part of," Brees explained. "It started with Peyton [Manning]. You go Peyton, Tom Brady, my draft in '01, and that ‘04 draft was impressive with Eli, with Philip [Rivers]. With Ben Roethlisberger and then Aaron Rodgers coming the year after that. "I kind of look at that as kind of an era of quarterbacks that we all battled against each other, man. It was some epic battles , too, when you look at them. I think we all brought out the best in each other in a lot of ways because we knew what we were going up against week in and week out." The argument against Eli, however, is that there was too much mediocrity in his career despite the greatness he showcased. He owned an even 117-117 record in the regular season. Eli also never made a first-team All-Pro squad, while never once receiving a vote for AP NFL MVP. Then, there’s the turnovers. Eli was never afraid to fit the football in any window, or allow his receivers to make a play – the David Tyree helmet catch in Super Bowl XLII is a prime example of that. But he led the NFL in interceptions three separate times, while owning a completion rate of 60.3% on his passes. But then again, Manning’s durability (210 consecutive regular-season games played for the Giants), career totals and the ability to clutch up in the playoffs against a dynasty in the New England Patriots twice in the biggest game on the gridiron, let alone other postseason moments, is too great a resume to ignore. At least, it is for Brees, who believes Manning will eventually hear his name called to Canton one day. FOOTBALL ALL IN ONE PLACE Outside of football, Brees is also a businessman, being a co-owner and partner in Walk-on’s Sports Bistreaux, one of the fastest-growing sports bar franchise concepts in the country. It began in Louisiana, has grown to 80-plus units, and it continues to pave its way through the country. As a sports bar concept, there’s nothing that matters more than having any game, any time, for customers walking into the establishment. Football is king in the Southeast, as well as throughout the rest of the country, and DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS makes it easy for those like Brees to bring together live TV and streaming networks all in one place. More than 300,000 bars and restaurants have access to local, national, college and pro games for fans to watch through DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS. "We pride ourselves on Louisiana-inspired cuisine. It's unbelievable food," Brees said of Walk-on’s Sports Bistreaux. "My kids crave it all the time. But like a really family-friendly atmosphere, you know, whether it's date night, bring the family, bring the little league after the game — something for everybody. Obviously, it’s sports, and high energy, and excitement on the TV all the time. Thanks to our partnership with DirecTV for Business, that's what allows us to basically have access to every college and pro game around the country. And that's not just football. We're talking basketball, baseball, hockey, soccer. So big events like March Madness and the Kentucky Derby, Masters — you name it. So, we're really appreciative of that DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS partnership. It allows us to help create that energy and excitement around our establishments. "And for the fans themselves, sportsbarfinder.com allows them to find those sports from DIRECTV FOR BUSINESS at their local spot anywhere in the country, which Brees loved to see. "There's a saying: fans have more friends. You know, they really do. You step into your local sports bar wearing the local jersey. Man, all of a sudden, next thing you know, you're high- fiving everybody and you just made 100 more friends. That's the kind of atmosphere and that's what sports does, it brings people together," he said. 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/6a84fdc52c5335ae10485d03 Never-Trump Republican is Dem’s top choice in crucial Florida primary te 2026-08-19T00:50:13.109Z Never-Trump Republican is Dem’s top choice in crucial Florida primary David Jolly, a former Republican congressman and now a Democratic candidate for governor in Florida, won a primary election on Tuesday evening, topping a crowded field of hopefuls to become the party's nominee to replace outgoing Gov. Ron DeSantis in the Sunshine State. DeSantis is prevented by term limits from running for a third term. Jolly’s win sets up a race to see if a moderate Democrat can tempt a solidly Republican state to voice its frustrations with the Trump administration and, more pointedly, with Trump himself. In many ways, that’s the crux of Jolly’s message as a candidate. HAWAII GOV JOSH GREEN CRUISES TO DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY WIN, SETS UP FALL MATCHUP WITH GOP NOMINEE Jolly previously served as the representative for Florida’s 13th Congressional District from 2014-2017, but, after losing the general election to Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, he began voicing disagreements with the direction of the GOP and President Donald Trump. In 2018, Jolly published an opinion piece with NBC, stating that "you can’t be never-Trump and be a Republican." "I was a sitting Republican member of Congress who took to the house floor and called on then-candidate Donald Trump to drop out of the presidential race," Jolly said. On the campaign trail in 2016, Jolly balked at a proposed "Muslim ban" Trump and the Access Hollywood tape in which Trump made crude remarks about advances toward women. IDAHO DEMOCRATS CHOOSE SMALL BUSINESS OWNER IN UPHILL RACE AGAINST INCUMBENT GOP GOVERNOR "Three years later, I find myself fully immersed in a dwindling coalition of Republicans often referred to as never-Trumpers. That is, I was immersed in that coalition — last month I came to the conclusion that it was time to finally leave the Republican Party and registered with no party affiliation," Jolly said. Now, running as a Democrat, Jolly has pitched himself as an opportunity to break Trump’s momentum. "Since the emergence of Donald Trump in 2015 when he came down the escalator, he has disrupted the entire American experiment over the last 10 years," Jolly said in a campaign video. "If in the state of Florida, Florida’s voters are the ones who say, ‘not anymore, ‘we will have provided a reset." Among his top priorities, Jolly lists insurance affordability, public schools and campaign finance reform on his website. He also supports more traditionally Democratic platform elements like increasing access to abortion. FLORIDA GOP GUBERNATORIAL PRIMARY CANDIDATE SAYS AS GOVERNOR, HE'D 'SHUT DOWN' EVERY ABORTION CLINIC IN STATE In his campaign, Jolly has raised nearly $6.4 million, according to the Florida Department of State Division of Elections. Having secured the nomination, Jolly faces an uphill race to the general election on Nov. 3. Florida last elected a Democrat for governor in 1994, in Lawton Chiles. Chiles served from 1991 until his death in 1998, just three weeks before the end of his second term. Most recently, DeSantis last won reelection in a 49.4% to 40.0% victory over Democratic challenger Charlie Crist, a former Biden representative to the International Civil Aviation Organization. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84fdbf2c5335ae10485ccd 5 Things to Know About David Jolly, the Democratic Nominee for Florida Governor te 2026-08-19T00:50:07.188Z 5 Things to Know About David Jolly, the Democratic Nominee for Florida Governor A former Republican, he plans to run on an affordability agenda. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84fdbe2c5335ae10485cc4 5 Things to Know About Byron Donalds, Republican Nominee for Florida Governor te 2026-08-19T00:50:06.344Z 5 Things to Know About Byron Donalds, Republican Nominee for Florida Governor Representative Donalds, the Republican nominee for governor of Florida, made a name as a Black conservative in Congress, but his loyalty to President Trump has been his ticket. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84fb722c5335ae10485532 Trump's support doesn't save scandal-plagued lawmaker in primary te 2026-08-19T00:40:18.861Z Trump's support doesn't save scandal-plagued lawmaker in primary President Donald Trump's endorsement was not enough to save one scandal-plagued Florida congressman on Tuesday night, as the 2026 primary season took the head of yet another House incumbent. Rep. Cory Mills, R-Fla., lost his bid for a third term representing the Sunshine State's 7th Congressional District as a House Ethics Committee investigation and alleged federal probe weighed down his candidacy. The winner in the race was Ryan Elijah, a former Orlando-area news anchor for FOX 35 and a one-time NFL sideline reporter who. WATCH: CORY MILLS BLASTS DOJ PROBE AS ‘POLITICAL OP' AHEAD OF FLORIDA PRIMARY Elijah lives in Seminole County with his wife where they pair raised their two adult sons, according to his campaign website. The win is undoubtedly an upset victory against Mills, who held a sizable lead in multiple polls leading up to primary night and earned the most important and coveted endorsement in GOP politics. But the effort to oust Mills from Congress has lasted months, and was ultimately successful. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., led a failed bipartisan effort to censure Mills and threatened to push for his expulsion, though she later backed off the latter measure. She also endorsed Elijah's bid against the Florida lawmaker. Earlier this month, Reps. Mike Haridopolos, R-Fla., and Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., announced they were also endorsing Elijah over Mills in a race for the seat in their home state. Mills, a military veteran, referenced his Trump endorsement several times on the campaign trail as he downplayed scandals plaguing his bid to keep his job. REPUBLICAN LAWMAKER WELCOMES HOUSE ETHICS PROBE INTO SEXUAL MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS AGAINST HIM Mills is the latest in a strong of House Republicans to fall amid scandals in recent months. Rep. Chuck Edwards, R-N.C., dropped his re-election bid in the wake of an explosive House Ethics Committee report that accused him of harassing two young female staffers. House Democrats also targeted Mills as a potential vulnerability for the GOP in the 2026 midterms. It's not clear if they will put the same focus on Elijah now that he ousted the embattled congressman. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f9132c5335ae10484c04 Progressive Florida lawmaker Angie Nixon topples Trump impeachment witness in Dem Senate primary upset te 2026-08-19T00:30:11.887Z Progressive Florida lawmaker Angie Nixon topples Trump impeachment witness in Dem Senate primary upset Florida state Rep. Angie Nixon defeated retired Army Lt. Col. Alex Vindman in the state’s Democratic Senate primary Tuesday, pulling off an upset over the nationally known Trump impeachment witness and advancing to the general election that will select who will finish out the remainder of Marco Rubio’s former seat. Nixon’s victory came despite a massive fundraising advantage for Vindman, who entered the race with a national profile stemming from his role in President Donald Trump’s first impeachment.  Nixon will now face Trump-backed Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., in November for the right to serve the remaining two years of Rubio’s Senate term. Moody was appointed by Florida GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis after Rubio vacated his seat to join the Trump administration, but must win in November to retain the seat through the end of his term. FLORIDA COLD-CASE SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY CONFESSES TO 1987 MURDER AND REVEALS SECRET CRIME SCENE DETAILS Nixon, a Jacksonville Democrat first elected to the Florida House in 2020, entered politics after years of community and labor organizing. Her campaign describes her as a union organizer, and SEIU says Nixon served as state field director for SEIU Florida and as director of the Florida Public Service Union’s Higher Education Campaign. The union also identifies Nixon as an SEIU member, while her official Florida House biography lists her occupation as "Higher Education Director." In an exclusive Fox News interview days before the primary, Nixon defended her support for abolishing ICE, arguing that existing law enforcement agencies could handle criminal conduct and saying, "Immigration is not a criminal issue. It’s a civil issue." She also backed freezing rents nationwide for at least one year, blaming rising costs on "corporate greed" and insurance companies. Asked about the cost of Medicare for All and her other economic priorities amid the rising national debt, Nixon said she would not raise taxes on the middle class and added that "the only debt that I’m concerned about is the debt of hardworking, everyday people." She also declined to commit to supporting Schumer as the Senate’s Democratic leader, saying Democrats need "new leadership all across the country." RUBIO TESTIFIES IN TRIAL OF EX-FLORIDA CONGRESSMAN ALLEGEDLY HIRED BY MADURO GOVERNMENT TO LOBBY FOR VENEZUELA Nixon’s relationship with the Democratic Socialists of America also drew attention during the primary. Nixon told public radio in July that she was a DSA member, but DSA officials told Fox News on primary night that she had previously belonged to a local chapter and unsuccessfully sought its endorsement, while saying her current membership status was unclear. Fox News reached out to Nixon’s campaign for clarification. Vindman, meanwhile, entered the contest as its most nationally recognizable Democrat. The retired lieutenant colonel was serving on the National Security Council when he raised concerns about Trump’s 2019 call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and later became a central witness in the impeachment inquiry. Vindman reported approximately $14.6 million in campaign receipts through June 30, more than 20 times the roughly $625,000 reported by Nixon during the same election cycle, according to FEC records. Nixon will vhead into November trying to break a long Democratic drought in the Sunshine State. No Democrat has won a Florida U.S. Senate election since 2012. The winner in November will serve through the end of Rubio’s term before the seat is contested again in 2028. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f90d2c5335ae10484bd1 Former Mayor of Boca Raton Wins G.O.P. Primary in Florida’s 25th District te 2026-08-19T00:30:05.417Z Former Mayor of Boca Raton Wins G.O.P. Primary in Florida’s 25th District Scott Singer will face the winner of the Democratic primary in one of the most competitive House races in the nation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f6be2c5335ae10484b86 Rep Ralph Norman calls Senate hiatus 'a slap in the face' while SAVE Act remains stalled te 2026-08-19T00:20:14.115Z Rep Ralph Norman calls Senate hiatus 'a slap in the face' while SAVE Act remains stalled Rep. Ralph Norman, R-S.C., criticized Senate Republican leaders for taking a five-week recess while conservative priorities, including the SAVE America Act, remained stalled in the Senate. Speaking on the "Fox News Rundown" podcast recently, Norman discussed his campaign and scolded Senate Majority Leader John Thune for allowing the break with so many issues in flux. "To go on a five-week hiatus is an abomination to — and a slap in the face of — people all over this country. That's what I want to change," Norman told Fox News senior White House correspondent Jacqui Heinrich. SEN RICK SCOTT: AMERICANS WORK FIVE DAYS A WEEK, WHY CAN’T THE SENATE? Senators began their break on Aug. 8 and won’t return to Washington, D.C., until Sept. 14. Several conservative priorities remain stalled in the Senate, including the SAVE America Act, a House-passed bill requiring documentary proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote in federal elections. Norman said there’s "no more important legislation than the SAVE Act" and called on senators to focus on passing it.  "If we don't know that American citizens are voting for the leaders of our great country, what do we have? We don't have a democracy," Norman said. He criticized the Senate’s progress on conservative priorities but stopped short of calling for Thune’s removal as Majority leader. TRUMP'S VOTER ID BILL CATCHES UNLIKELY BREAK AS MCCONNELL REMAINS SIDELINED "Here's what disappoints me with Sen. Thune: I like him. I've met him. What frustrates me is we keep hearing the same refrain. 'We don't have the votes.' How long are we going to hear that? Are you staying in session, or are you going on a five-week hiatus like they did?" Norman said. "We've got to dial into fixing this country in a way that we haven't had to do. It's D-Day now. It's time to do it," he later added. Though Norman focused his criticism on the Senate, both chambers of Congress are on their scheduled August recess. The Senate has also previously held votes on election integrity and voter ID measures during late-night floor sessions, but none secured the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster.  Norman also addressed President Donald Trump’s decision to endorse his primary opponent, Darline Graham.  "I wanted the president's endorsement, I called him. He chose otherwise, that's fine. South Carolina will pick the next senator for six years," Norman said. Graham and Norman advanced to an Aug. 25 runoff following South Carolina’s special Republican primary on Aug. 11. Both are vying for the Republican nomination to succeed the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11. Darline Graham, Lindsey Graham’s sister, was appointed to finish her brother’s term and is now seeking a full six-year term. Trump endorsed Darline Graham in a Truth Social post following her brother’s death, writing, "She is a spectacular person, and a true American Patriot. Lindsey was one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, and his sister shares his deep love of our Country, and the State of South Carolina." RALPH NORMAN SUGGESTS SPECIAL GOP PRIMARY RUNOFF RIVAL DARLINE GRAHAM IS THE ESTABLISHMENT'S CHOSEN CANDIDATE "I asked Darline, for the Good of our Nation, to run for the U.S. Senate in the Special Republican Primary on Tuesday, August 11, 2026. I hope Darline does this, in that there would be nobody better to honor the legacy of her beloved brother, Lindsey," Trump added. Norman announced his Senate bid during an interview with "Saturday in America" host Kayleigh McEnany in July, telling her, "I'm here to announce that I will be a candidate for the Senate. I'll be throwing my hat in the ring. And day one, Kayleigh, I will be laser-focused on passing President Trump's America First, and it starts with the SAVE America Act." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f6bd2c5335ae10484b7d Israeli student wins gold at computer science olympiad in Uzbekistan then gets disqualified for flag te 2026-08-19T00:20:13.353Z Israeli student wins gold at computer science olympiad in Uzbekistan then gets disqualified for flag An Israeli high school computer science prodigy was erased from the official leaderboard at an international competition in Uzbekistan after displaying an Israeli flag on the victory podium. Yotam Budnik, a 12th-grade student from Rehovot, won a gold medal at the 2026 International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) before being disqualified for displaying the Israeli flag. Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported that Budnik displayed the flag amid restrictions on Israeli students representing their country at the competition. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Budnik brought an Israeli flag with him and unveiled it after taking the stage, according to reports of the incident. The display defied restrictions preventing Israeli participants from competing under their national flag. Following the display, Budnik's official recognition was revoked and organizers sought the return of his physical gold medal, according to reports. Budnik reportedly refused to return it. The disqualification stands in stark contrast to Budnik's experience just weeks earlier at the International Mathematical Olympiad in Shanghai, China, where he won gold while representing Israel. Budnik also openly displayed the Israeli flag following his victory in Shanghai without facing a similar sanction. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE The disparate treatment meant that an expression of Israeli national identity that carried no apparent consequence in Shanghai was followed weeks later in Uzbekistan by Budnik's disqualification and removal from the official standings. Official IMO results show Budnik finished 23rd among 666 competitors from 117 countries, earning a gold medal with 33 out of a possible 42 points. The result marked Budnik's second consecutive gold at the prestigious mathematics competition after he also won gold in 2025. He earned bronze in 2024. Budnik later criticized the restrictions as political and maintained that the disqualification did not diminish his achievement. While organizers in Uzbekistan could erase Budnik's name from the leaderboard, they reportedly could not reclaim the gold medal. Budnik refused to give it back. OutKick reached out to the International Olympiad in Informatics for clarification on what rule Budnik was found to have violated and the basis for his disqualification, but did not receive an immediate response. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f6bc2c5335ae10484b74 Trump's handpicked DeSantis successor wins crowded GOP primary for Florida governor te 2026-08-19T00:20:12.518Z Trump's handpicked DeSantis successor wins crowded GOP primary for Florida governor President Donald Trump's handpicked successor to Gov. Ron DeSantis cruised to victory in the Republican gubernatorial primary Tuesday despite a crowded field including several Florida heavy hitters. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a third-term congressman and former Florida state lawmaker, easily defeated his Republican opponents, garnering ()% of the vote. Already one of the GOP’s most recognized figures, Donalds’ campaign was further boosted by Trump’s endorsement, which came even before he announced he was running in February 2025. In second was current Florida Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, a close ally of the governor who explicitly ran on a platform to "protect the DeSantis legacy." Despite heavy support from the Florida GOP establishment, Collins ultimately garnered just ()% of the vote on Tuesday night. DeSantis did not endorse in the primary to succeed him. Collins, however, emphasized that DeSantis appointed him. SOCIALIST INSURGENCY STORMS TRUMP’S BACKYARD, WITH PRO-ISRAEL DEMOCRATS IN CROSSHAIRS With the GOP nomination secured, Donalds is expected to have a major advantage in the general election as Florida has grown increasingly red over the last decade. Donalds is running on a platform to "enact the Trump agenda" in Florida, including immigration enforcement, and has placed a heavy emphasis on affordability, deregulation and lower taxes. He has also campaigned on growing Florida’s infrastructure and completing the Everglades restoration. DESANTIS' REDISTRICTING FIGHT GETS MAJOR BOOST FROM HIS POTENTIAL GOP SUCCESSOR: 'DOING THE RIGHT THING' He is a longtime Trump ally, most significantly supporting him over DeSantis in the 2024 Republican presidential primary. Even before announcing his campaign, Trump issued a preemptive endorsement of Donalds in February 2025. In a social media post,, Trump wrote, "Byron Donalds would be a TRULY GREAT and POWERFUL Governor for Florida and, should he run, will have my complete and total endorsement. RUN, BYRON, RUN!" TRUMP’S AFFORDABILITY PLAN FACES CONSERVATIVE PUSHBACK AS POCKETBOOK ISSUES LOOM OVER MIDTERMS Now, Donalds will (likely) face off against David Jolly, a former Republican congressman who left the party in 2018 and is now running for Florida governor as a Democrat. Jolly is also running on an affordability message and has cast the election as "a decision about what Florida becomes next." Whichever candidate emerges victorious will succeed DeSantis, a popular two-term governor exiting office because he is term-limited.v Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f6bb2c5335ae10484b6b Caitlin Clark helps WNBA shatter another TV ratings record as Fever-Dream draws massive audience te 2026-08-19T00:20:11.789Z Caitlin Clark helps WNBA shatter another TV ratings record as Fever-Dream draws massive audience Caitlin Clark is doing that thing again. You know, the thing where she plays basketball and the WNBA suddenly posts a television number that was literally impossible in the 15 years before she entered the league. Clark and the Indiana Fever faced Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream on Sunday, and the game averaged 2.6 million viewers on ESPN, making it the most-watched WNBA game in cable television history. CAITLIN CLARK AND ANGEL REESE RIVALRY GETS A NEW CHAPTER IN FEVER-DREAM OVERTIME THRILLER Not just a regular-season game. Not just an ESPN game. Any WNBA game ever on cable, regular season or playoffs. The audience peaked at a whopping 4 million viewers as the game went down to the wire and eventually reached overtime. The average audience was up 178% compared to ESPN's WNBA regular-season average last year. Yeah, that's a pretty big number. Of course, it probably didn't hurt that the game featured Clark and Reese. The rivalry between the two stars dates back to the 2023 NCAA women’s national championship game, when Reese's LSU Tigers defeated Clark's Iowa Hawkeyes and Reese famously, and without class, taunted Clark in the closing moments. Since then, Clark-Reese matchups have consistently brought eyeballs to women's basketball, first in college and then in the WNBA. ANGEL REESE AND CAITLIN CLARK EXCHANGE WORDS IN SECOND DREAM-FEVER MEETING IN THREE DAYS Plus, unlike some of their previous WNBA matchups, Sunday's game actually lived up to the hype. Indiana erased an eight-point second-half deficit and forced overtime before defeating Atlanta, 95-91. Clark led the Fever with 26 points and nine assists, while Reese posted 15 points, 14 rebounds and six assists for the Dream. Clark hit two clutch free throws to secure the win, while Reese shot just 5 of 16 from the field and turned the ball over four times. The 2.6 million average smashed the previous cable record of 2.3 million viewers, set by, you guessed it, a Caitlin Clark game. That one also featured the Clark vs. Reese rivalry and came in June 2024 when Clark's Fever faced Reese's then-team, the Chicago Sky, on ESPN. Clark's WNBA debut against the Connecticut Sun averaged 2.11 million viewers on ESPN2 and now sits behind Fever-Dream and Fever-Sky among WNBA cable broadcasts. Essentially, Clark just broke a television record that she had already helped set. Sounds familiar. WNBA LEGEND SLAMS GENERAL MANAGERS FOR DISRESPECTING CAITLIN CLARK IN ANNUAL SURVEY Just five days before the Fever-Dream game, Indiana's matchup against the New York Liberty averaged 2 million viewers on ESPN, which at the time ranked as the third-most-watched regular-season WNBA game ever on cable. Then, Sunday happened. The second game of ESPN's Sunday doubleheader, Portland Fire-Phoenix Mercury, averaged 1.4 million viewers on the night Phoenix retired Diana Taurasi's jersey. ESPN said that was its most-watched regular-season WNBA game ever that didn't feature Indiana. That's the positive spin. The negative spin is that the game lost nearly half the viewers from the massive Clark lead-in audience. Through 25 games, WNBA broadcasts on ESPN networks are averaging 1.4 million viewers, up 16% year-over-year. That's legitimate growth for the league. But it all comes back to Caitlin Clark. And when Angel Reese is on the other side, the rivalry adds another layer that casual sports fans clearly find compelling. At this point, the Caitlin Clark effect isn't a theory. It's a fact reinforced by almost every new ratings release. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f6ba2c5335ae10484b62 Rubio’s GOP successor clears key hurdle to finish his six-year Senate term te 2026-08-19T00:20:10.899Z Rubio’s GOP successor clears key hurdle to finish his six-year Senate term Sen. Ashley Moody, R-Fla., won Florida’s GOP Senate primary Tuesday, clearing a key hurdle in her bid to finish the final two years of Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s six-year Senate term. The Trump-backed incumbent defeated three Republican challengers — Chris Gleason, Neelam Taneja Perry and Ernest "Ernie" Rivera — after entering the primary as the overwhelming favorite. Moody, a former two-term Florida attorney general, was appointed to Rubio’s seat by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis in January 2025 and was sworn into the Senate days after Rubio resigned to join President Donald Trump’s administration. Trump endorsed Moody ahead of the special election, saying she was doing a "tremendous job," and she entered the race with support from a broad swath of Florida Republicans, including Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and several other members of the state’s congressional delegation. TRUMP FLEXES GOP MUSCLE IN ARIZONA PRIMARIES AS DEMS DODGE FAR-LEFT UPSET "Senator Ashley Moody is doing a tremendous job representing the incredible people of Florida, a State I love, and WON BIG, in 2016, 2020, and 2024!" President Trump wrote on TruthSocial last month.  "A fifth generation Floridian, Ashley served as State Attorney General for six years prior to becoming a very distinguished and well respected U.S. Senator," he continued. "Ashley is working tirelessly to Grow our Economy, Cut Taxes and Regulations, Promote MADE IN THE U.S.A., Champion American Energy DOMINANCE, Help Secure our already Secure Southern Border, Stop Migrant Crime, Murderers, and other Criminals from illegally entering our Country, Strengthen our Great Military/Veterans, and Defend our always under siege Second Amendment." Moody entered the primary with a major financial advantage, reporting more than $10.8 million in receipts and about $8.4 million cash on hand through June 30, according to FEC records. She will now face Democrat nominee Angie Nixon in November after she won her primary Tuesday.  The special election will determine who serves through the end of Rubio’s term that ends in January 2029. Democrats have not won a U.S. Senate election there since 2012. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f6b92c5335ae10484b4e Justices uphold sweeping GOP election measure for November ballot te 2026-08-19T00:20:09.693Z Justices uphold sweeping GOP election measure for November ballot Photo via Getty Images The Arizona Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a Republican-backed ballot referral that would amend the state’s constitution to make sweeping changes to how elections are conducted can remain on the November ballot.  Critics had argued that Proposition 144, also known as the “Fast Accurate Secure Transparent Election Results Act,” violated a provision in the Arizona Constitution that demands that proposed constitutional amendments be limited to a single action.  GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE The GOP-crafted ballot measure 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. It also adds a constitutional provision declaring that “only citizens may register and vote in Arizona elections,” and that the results of the elections “shall be decided solely by the votes of eligible citizen voters.” Both of those provisions are already in state law, and have been since Arizona became a state.  Tempe City Councilman Randy Keating challenged Prop. 144’s constitutionality and sought to have it removed from the ballot, claiming that it violated the Arizona Constitution’s Separate Amendment Rule.  A trial court dismissed Keating’s arguments last week, and he appealed to the Arizona Supreme Court, which concurred with the lower court in its ruling on Tuesday.  Vice Chief Justice John Lopez wrote for the majority that the provisions in Prop. 144 were topically related, given they all pertain to the administration of Arizona elections.  “They embrace the single general topic of election administration of public elections; they concern a single new constitutional section; and they are qualitatively similar in their shared aim of ensuring that Arizona elections are decided by, and only by, eligible citizen voters,” Lopez wrote.  Joining in the majority opinion were Justices James Beene, Bill Montgomery and Kathryn King.  Lopez wrote that even though the provisions cover different aspects of election administration, they are all aimed at “protecting the franchise from ineligible participation and foreign influence and ensuring eligible votes are accurately counted.” Written by state Rep. Alexander Kolodin, a Scottsdale Republican, 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, the Republican nominee challenging Democratic Secretary of State Adrian Fontes in his race for reelection in November, 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. Chief Justice Ann Timmer and Justice Maria Elena Cruz dissented, writing that they would reverse the lower court’s decision because portions of Prop. 144 are not sufficiently related to one another that they “should stand or fall as a whole.”  In their dissent, Timmer and Cruz wrote that the provisions requiring counties to offer on-site tabulation for voters on Election Day to speed up results and a section that would make challenging election laws passed by the legislature more difficult are distinct enough from the rest of the measure that they constitute separate amendments. Voters should be able decide on them separately, they said.  Justice Clint Bolick recused himself from the case.  The Arizona Supreme Court has yet to rule on whether it will force Fontes to change the description of Prop. 144 to be placed on the ballot. The Trump-aligned America First Legal Foundation challenged the description, saying it was misleading and didn’t contain key provisions. The high court has until the Aug. 20 ballot printing deadline to make its ruling.  YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f6b32c5335ae10484b25 California Becomes First State to Regulate the Squish of Car Tires te 2026-08-19T00:20:03.733Z California Becomes First State to Regulate the Squish of Car Tires The rule to require efficient replacement tires was praised by environmentalists. But manufacturers warned that the change would hurt American companies and increase tire prices. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f4672c5335ae10484aea Pro-Israel moderate survives primary challenge by socialist insurgent te 2026-08-19T00:10:15.061Z Pro-Israel moderate survives primary challenge by socialist insurgent The far left on Tuesday suffered a high-profile setback at the hands of the center-left establishment in the battle for the Democratic Party's ideological future. Democratic Socialists of America (DSA)-backed Oliver Larkin was downed by more moderate Rep. Jared Moskowitz in the Democrats' primary in Florida's 25th District, the Associated Press reported. The heavily redrawn congressional swing district is among roughly two dozen House seats that will likely 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 Sen. Bernie Sanders' 2016 Democratic presidential campaign, was the only DSA-endorsed House candidate running in a competitive congressional swing district. Larkin said he supported abolishing the U.S. Senate, arguing in a Fox News interview that it's an "undemocratic institution." He 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. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The two-term federal lawmaker, a former state representative and Florida FEMA director appointed by GOP Gov. Ron DeSantis, 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 now leans red. Moskowitz was backed by the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as well as indirectly by AIPAC, a major pro-Israel political group. Larkin had backing from prominent far-left figures, including controversial political streamer Hasan Piker. "Democratic socialism can win in any district, in any race, for any office all across the country," Larkin told Fox News this past weekend. He added that was "very proud" to be carrying the "torch forward as a DSA candidate." SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER But Larkin fell short, and Moskowitz will now face off in the general election against the winner of a Republican primary field that included Dan Franzese, Raven Harrison, Joe Kaufman, former state Rep. George Moraitis, and former Boca Raton Mayor Scott Singer. Larkin's defeat was the second setback for the far left in a week, in this year's Democratic Party primaries. In last week's Wisconsin's Democratic gubernatorial showdown, DSA-member Francesca Hong was upset by a razor-thin margin by Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley, who was backed by retiring Democratic Gov. Tony Evers. But the same day, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan downed moderate Democratic Rep. Angie Craig by roughly 20 points, to grab the party's nomination in blue-leaning but competitive state, in the race to succeed another retiring Democrat, Sen. Tina Smith. Progressives scored their biggest victory to date two weeks ago, when Abdul El-Sayed narrowly edged moderate Rep. Haley Stevens to capture the party's Senate nomination in battleground Michigan, in the race to succeed retiring Democratic Sen. Gary Peters. Both El-Sayed and Flanagan were backed by top far-left leaders, including Sanders, the progressive champion from Vermont. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f4662c5335ae10484ae1 ABC more cautious of booking candidates on 'The View' amid FCC pressure, Disney's First Amendment lawsuit says te 2026-08-19T00:10:14.435Z ABC more cautious of booking candidates on 'The View' amid FCC pressure, Disney's First Amendment lawsuit says Disney's First Amendment lawsuit against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) alleges "The View" has had to be "more circumspect" about the content that airs on the program amid the agency's crackdown on ABC stations. The FCC, under chairman Brendan Carr, appointed by President Donald Trump, called for early renewal review of eight ABC-owned stations' licenses in April despite their license renewals being originally scheduled between 2028 and 2031. That came after the agency launched a probe into "The View" last February triggered by the appearance of Democratic Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. In the lawsuit pushing back against the FCC's crackdown on First Amendment grounds, Disney acknowledged that "The View" has had to curb its bookings. DISNEY SUES FCC OVER 'RETALIATORY CAMPAIGN AGAINST ABC,' SEEKS TO BLOCK EARLY RENEWAL PROCEEDINGS "No candidate for public office has appeared on ‘The View’ since the Bureau’s February 2026 inquiry regarding Mr. Talarico’s appearance on February 2, 2026," the lawsuit stated. "Although there have been no changes in the program’s editorial standards regarding the newsworthiness of any candidate who might otherwise have been invited during this period the cumulative pressure from the FCC’s multiple actions against ABC has impacted the program’s decisions about which guests to invite." "Those escalating pressures have led Plaintiffs to be more circumspect in booking political candidates on 'The View,' and have resulted in passing on further consideration of booking several political candidates," the lawsuit continued. "Those pressures have impacted not only potential bookings, but also the video clips that could constitute an 'appearance' on ‘The View’ under the FCC equal opportunities regulation: Plaintiffs have chosen not to air clips that it otherwise would have aired during the Hot Topics segment of 'The View' and also in the cold open of the program." ABC ACCUSES FCC OF 'RETALIATION' AS FEDERAL AGENCY THREATENS TO REVOKE DISNEY'S BROADCASTING LICENSES "The View" has only hosted a handful of political figures on the show since Talarico, including Democratic Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., former first lady Jill Biden and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel, none of whom are seeking office in the 2026 election cycle. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Carr called the lawsuit "meritless" and vowed that the FCC will "follow the facts and the law wherever it takes us." The FCC's year-long feud with ABC goes beyond "The View." Carr leveled a threat against Disney last September after ABC late-night host Jimmy Kimmel sparked outrage for his comments about the Charlie Kirk assassination. ABC FIRES BACK AT FCC PROBE OF 'THE VIEW,' CALLS OUT AGENCY'S 'CHILLING EFFECT ON FIRST AMENDMENT' Disney insists Kimmel has been a motivating factor in Carr's call in April for early license renewal reviews of its eight ABC stations, which came after Kimmel's controversial "expectant widow" joke about first lady Melania Trump fueled calls for his firing. Carr said the FCC's DEI probe prompted the early review, not Kimmel. "The pressure exerted by the Administration’s mounting campaign of retaliation against ABC has been deeply felt throughout the company. The campaign is also calculated to operate in terrorem upon the rest of the industry: ABC is the visible target and suffers the most immediate harm, but the message is addressed to every broadcaster in the country, and the ultimate cost is borne by the press as a whole," Disney wrote. "Each day that the proceeding continues, ABC suffers continued First Amendment harm," the company added. "The FCC’s demand for early renewal applications reveals its intent to either hold a hearing to deny the applications or simply to subject Plaintiffs to months — and likely years — of onerous litigation and regulatory uncertainty. Either way, the agency succeeds at continuing to punish Plaintiffs." KFSN-TV in Fresno; KABC-TV in Los Angeles; KGO-TV in San Francisco; WLS-TV in Chicago; WABC-TV in New York; WTVD in Durham, N.C.; WPVI-TV in Philadelphia; and KTRK-TV in Houston are the Disney-owned stations in question. Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f4652c5335ae10484ad8 Antiracism activist blames 'White-owned' media for 'lynched' Black scholar's death, sparks online outrage te 2026-08-19T00:10:13.714Z Antiracism activist blames 'White-owned' media for 'lynched' Black scholar's death, sparks online outrage One day after British academic Jason Arday was found dead, controversial author and antiracism activist Ibram X. Kendi ignited a social media firestorm by accusing the mainstream media of contributing to his death because of his skin color. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. In an article for The Emancipator, a publication Kendi co-founded, titled "The Media Lynched Jason Arday," Kendi argued that the "White-owned, mainstream media" contributed to Arday’s death through "waves of attacks" over plagiarism allegations and inconsistencies about his personal biography. "The death of Jason Arday hit so close to home that I had no words yesterday," Kendi wrote in an X post on Saturday. EX-CAMBRIDGE PROFESSOR FOUND DEAD AFTER PLAGIARISM SCANDAL LED TO ABRUPT RESIGNATION "But I woke up with words," he continued. "To be a prominent antiracist Black scholar is to know you are a target, almost totally surrounded by resentments. You know that at any point, the attacks can come like a lynch mob. And if you die from all the attacks, the media still calls the attacks on you ‘accusations’ to wash their hands of the blood. Your lynchers announce your death as if they had no role in your lynching." Arday recently entered the international spotlight amid doubts over his claims that he was non-verbal until age 11, practically illiterate until 18 and ran 30 marathons in 35 days for charity, as well as allegations that he plagiarized portions of his academic work. The controversy prompted an investigation into the sociology professor, who resigned shortly after. The comments sparked an online uproar, with critics pushing back on Kendi’s response to Arday’s shocking death. "Ibram X Kendi, of course, blames Jason Arday's death on White people," Turning Point USA contributor Jack Posobiec posted on X. FAR-LEFT PLATNER SUPPORTER MELTS DOWN AFTER NEW SCANDAL, ACCUSES MEDIA OF 'POLITICALLY ASSASSINATING' HIM In another post on X, Kimberly Ross, a writer and Washington Examiner contributor, wrote, "Arday died by his own hand. Suicide is tragic but exceedingly selfish. Those who wanted his claims to be true never cared whether they were true. Cambridge set him up to fail. And people like Ibram X. Kendi continue the false narratives because the truth is less comforting." "If I had to name a more contemptible charlatan than Arday, it would be Ibram X. Kendi, who despite producing nothing of value enjoys a charmed life telling everyone of the fear he pretends to live in as a black man, even though he owes his entire career to guilt-ridden whites," Libertarian author and podcast host Tom Woods posted on X. CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PROFESSOR RESIGNS AFTER MAJOR PLAGIARISM ACCUSATIONS PROMPT INVESTIGATION "As someone who cares deeply about the cause of anti-racism, Ibram X. Kendi makes my job much more difficult," Richard Hanania, president of the Center for the Study of Partisanship and Ideology, also posted on X. In a post on X, actor Kevin Sorbo wrote, "This race grifting is pathetic. Jason took his life after being exposed as a fraud. The media did not ‘lynch’ him. Stop it." "Ralph Ellison couldn't write a follow up to Invisible Man because the endless recurrence of the terminal nightmare in which the novel's hero had been ensnared had already swallowed up any sequel. He had created a work too definitive to permit any further elaboration. The same awful fatality he depicted in the novel created both Jason Arday and Ibram X. Kendi," writer Wesley Yang posted on X. Kendi, who is now the inaugural director of Howard University’s Institute for Advanced Study, also came under fire over his academic work two years earlier. In 2024, Kendi faced backlash over his leadership of Boston University’s Center for Antiracist Research after former staffers described poor financial and administrative decisions, unfulfilled promises to donors and little research output despite tens of millions of dollars in funding. A university investigation found no financial misconduct, and the center officially closed in June 2025. Arday was found "unresponsive" at a south London address, BBC News reported Friday. In a statement to BBC News, Metropolitan Police said: "At this time, his death is being treated as unexpected, but is not believed to be suspicious." "We are desperately saddened to hear this tragic news," Cambridge University Vice Chancellor professor Deborah Prentice previously told Fox News Digital. "Our heartfelt sympathies go to Jason Arday's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time." Fox News Digital reached out to Kendi's team for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f4612c5335ae10484ab2 Protect Education Act fails to qualify for November ballot te 2026-08-19T00:10:09.114Z Protect Education Act fails to qualify for November ballot Key points:  A citizen’s initiative that would reform the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program appears not to have enough valid signatures to qualify for the November ballot The Arizona Supreme Court affirmed a ruling that will likely keep the measure off the ballot ESAs continue to be a major issue for Republicans and Democrats this election Arizona voters won’t get a chance to weigh in on proposed reforms to the state’s Empowerment Scholarship Account program this November after a state Supreme Court ruling that would likely invalidate enough signatures to disqualify the Protect Education Act citizens’ initiative.  The decision, which upholds a ruling from the Maricopa County Superior Court, is a win for the conservative Goldwater Institute, the Free Enterprise Club and ESA advocates who have contended that signature gatherers fell short. The state Supreme Court’s ruling disqualified about 24,000 signatures that proponents argued had been improperly subtracted twice — leaving the measure 10,000 short of the needed 255,949 signatures. Goldwater celebrated the Supreme Court’s ruling and described the Protect Education Act as an “attack” on school choice for more than 100,000 students who are enrolled in the program.  “Despite spending an unprecedented amount of money in an effort to deceive voters into restricting school choice, the unions could not convince even a small fraction of Arizonans to sign their petition,” said Victor Riches, President and CEO of the Goldwater Institute. “Instead, they had to resort to unlawfully collecting thousands of signatures to try to game the system and dupe their way onto the ballot.” The court rejected Protect Education Act Accountability Now Committee’s argument that removing duplicate signatures during multiple reviews could result in double counting.  The Secretary of State’s Office identified duplicate signatures in a random sample it prepared for further review from Arizona’s 15 counties to determine a county signature validity rate. According to the committee, duplicate signatures were subtracted twice by both the Secretary of State and the counties, thus resulting in a higher effective signature threshold to qualify for the ballot than the constitutionally required 15% of statewide votes in the previous gubernatorial election.  But Chief Justice Ann Timmer wrote in the decision that the committee found no specific evidence that signatures were subtracted twice from the valid count and the court could not rule on a theoretical possibility.  The Supreme Court sent the case back to the superior court to make the final determination of the measure’s ballot status. That decision was not filed by Tuesday afternoon, but proponents of the Protect Education Act began conceding the measure’s defeat before the trial court’s ruling.  “Today is a victory for the powerful and a loss for the people,” Protect Education Committee spokeswoman Olivia Fierro said in a written statement following the Supreme Court’s ruling. The committee initially submitted more than 421,000 signatures in July. Fierro blamed “anti-public education lawmakers” and “wealthy” allies for keeping the measure off the ballot.  “They knew Arizonans were ready to vote for accountability for a billion-dollar voucher program that is draining resources from public schools and putting children at risk, so they stopped at nothing to keep this issue off the ballot and out of the hands of the voters,” Fierro said.  Lawmakers also put forth a competing ballot measure, Proposition 145. Republicans designed that measure on the final day of the legislative session to protect ESAs for military families and prevent Prop. 212 from taking effect if both measures passed.  The Supreme Court also affirmed a lower court’s ruling that Prop. 145 is unconstitutional. The court ruled its provisions that would keep other measures like Prop. 212 from taking effect don’t form a “single, workable proposition” that can stand or fall on its own.  Leaders of both political parties signaled the fight over ESAs is not over. The future of the ESA program will be heavily influenced by which party has control of the Legislature and the governor’s office in 2027.  House Minority Leader Oscar De Los Santos, D-Laveen, and House Minority Assistant Leader Nancy Gutierrez, D-Tucson, said in a joint statement that they hope a new legislative majority will continue their efforts to reform the ESA program.  “School choice opponents have spent years trying to roll back educational freedom in Arizona, and they will keep trying,” said House Speaker Steve Montenegro, R-Goodyear. “Arizona House Republicans will keep standing with parents. We will defend ESAs, protect school choice, and make sure parents, not unions, bureaucrats, or politicians, remain in charge of their children’s education.” The post Protect Education Act fails to qualify for November ballot first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f45f2c5335ae10484a96 Angie Nixon Scores Upset Win in Florida Senate Primary te 2026-08-19T00:10:07.331Z Angie Nixon Scores Upset Win in Florida Senate Primary The underdog faces another uphill battle this November against a Republican incumbent heavily favored to win. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f45e2c5335ae10484a8d Former Republican David Jolly Wins Democratic Nomination for Florida Governor te 2026-08-19T00:10:06.600Z Former Republican David Jolly Wins Democratic Nomination for Florida Governor The former Republican congressman will try to appeal to voters disaffected with President Trump in a state where Republicans significantly outnumber Democrats. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f45d2c5335ae10484a84 Byron Donalds Wins Republican Nomination for Florida Governor te 2026-08-19T00:10:05.743Z Byron Donalds Wins Republican Nomination for Florida Governor Mr. Donalds, a conservative congressman with the backing of President Trump, seeks to become the state’s first Black governor. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f45c2c5335ae10484a7b Representative Cory Mills Loses G.O.P. House Primary in Florida te 2026-08-19T00:10:04.699Z Representative Cory Mills Loses G.O.P. House Primary in Florida Mr. Mills, who is under investigation by the House Ethics Committee and has faced allegations of assault and threatening behavior toward women, lost to Ryan Elijah, a former TV news anchor. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f20e2c5335ae10484a3e Trump-backed Republican survives primary after bucking him on deportations te 2026-08-19T00:00:14.261Z Trump-backed Republican survives primary after bucking him on deportations Incumbent Rep. Maria Elvira Salazar advanced Tuesday against Michael Arias in Florida’s 27th Congressional District. Miami attorney Arias is a former state prosecutor and SEC enforcement attorney who ran as a political outsider focused on fiscal responsibility, affordability, and government accountability. He campaigned on reducing the federal deficit and inflation, lowering South Florida’s cost of living — including housing and property-insurance costs — and increasing funding for public safety. Trump-backed Salazar has held the seat for more than five years, after defeating Democratic incumbent Donna Shalala in 2020 and flipping the district red. TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ORDERS GREEN CARD APPLICANTS TO LEAVE THE US, APPLY FROM THEIR HOME COUNTRIES The Cuban American, who chairs the House Foreign Affairs Western Hemisphere Subcommitteee, emerging as a key congressional ally of the Trump administration’s Latin America agenda. Salazar pushed to cut off Venezuelan oil revenue and later backed the administration’s capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. While she supports the majority of Trump’s major priority, she differs when it comes to immigration. SOCIALIST IN TRUMP COUNTRY GIVES KARL MARX VISION THUMBS-UP BEFORE DUCKING KEY TAX QUESTION Salazar has taken a more moderate approach to immigration than some of her hardline GOP colleagues, pairing strong border enforcement with a pathway to legal status for qualifying immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.  While her immigration stance puts her at odds with the Trump administration’s push for widespread deportations, she still remains firmly in Trump’s corner. Arias took a similar stance on border enforcement and deporting those here illegally, but has called for deportations to be carried out in a more "humane matter" and focused on violent criminals. Florida’s 27th district covers major Florida counties such as Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach. The district has one of the largest foreign-born populations in the country, with roughly 428,000 foreign-born residents—about 54% of the district’s population—more than double Florida’s statewide rate, according to 2024 U.S. Census data. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f2052c5335ae10484a0f Jared Moskowitz, Centrist Democrat From Florida, Beats Back Challenge From Left te 2026-08-19T00:00:05.085Z Jared Moskowitz, Centrist Democrat From Florida, Beats Back Challenge From Left Mr. Moskowitz, one of the most vocal Democratic supporters of Israel in the House, will compete in a highly competitive general election in the fall. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a84f2032c5335ae10484a06 Sydney Gruters, Wife of R.N.C. Chair, Wins House Primary in Florida With Trump’s Backing te 2026-08-19T00:00:03.793Z Sydney Gruters, Wife of R.N.C. Chair, Wins House Primary in Florida With Trump’s Backing Ms. Gruters had been favored to win in a congressional district that was redrawn as part of Gov. Ron DeSantis’s new map, which leaned even more Republican. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/home