https://meenews.co/post/6a054b2fa200899a00eb1ddc Midsize Cities Held Steady as U.S. Population Growth Declined te 2026-05-14T04:10:23.641Z Midsize Cities Held Steady as U.S. Population Growth Declined New census estimates show that the nation’s largest cities saw the sharpest slowdowns in population growth over the past year amid declines in immigration and plunging birthrates. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0546d3a200899a00eb1d2b Democratic hopefuls for state schools chief target ESA program during televised Clean Elections/Arizona Media Association debate te 2026-05-14T03:51:47.653Z Democratic hopefuls for state schools chief target ESA program during televised Clean Elections/Arizona Media Association debate Political newcomers Brett Newby and Teresa Leyba Ruiz called for more oversight of Arizona’s school voucher program and higher pay for teachers, staff Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0546c0a200899a00eb1d22 How to watch the Arizona Republican Superintendent Debate live on 12+ te 2026-05-14T03:51:28.058Z How to watch the Arizona Republican Superintendent Debate live on 12+ Republicans Kimberly Yee and incumbent Tom Horne are competing for the Republican nomination. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0546a7a200899a00eb1cf2 Trump’s upbeat China message collides with deepening Beijing rivalry te 2026-05-14T03:51:03.410Z Trump’s upbeat China message collides with deepening Beijing rivalry President Donald Trump opened his high-stakes meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping by predicting a "fantastic future together" — striking an unusually warm tone as his administration pursues new trade and investment deals with Beijing. "In fact, the longest relationship of our two countries that any president and president has had," Trump said at the start of the bilateral meeting Thursday local time. "We've had a fantastic relationship. We've gotten along." "And whenever we had a problem, we worked that out very quickly," he continued. "We're going to have a fantastic future together." Trump also praised Xi directly, calling him "a great leader" and emphasizing the personal relationship between the two leaders as a foundation for future cooperation. TRUMP HEADS TO BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI TALKS AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH Xi, in his own opening remarks, emphasized cooperation and shared interests between the two countries. "As leaders of major countries, this year is the 250th anniversary of American independence," Xi said, according to a translator. "Congratulations to you and to the American people. I always believe that our two countries have more common interests than differences."  "Success in one is an opportunity for the other, and a stable bilateral relationship is good for the world," he continued. XI JINPING WARNS TRUMP US WOULD 'LOSE FROM CONFRONTATION' WITH CHINA AS RENEWED TRADE WAR LOOMS "China and the United States both stand to gain from cooperation and lose from confrontation. We should be partners, not rivals. We should help each other succeed and prosper together, and find the right way for major countries to get along well with each other in the new era." Xi added that he looked forward to working with Trump "to set the course for and steer the giant ship of China–U.S. relations so as to make 2026 a historic landmark year that opens up a new chapter in China–U.S. relations." The comments came as Trump arrived in Beijing accompanied by a delegation of top American executives, underscoring the administration’s focus on economic dealmaking even as broader tensions between the two countries remain unresolved. INSIDE THE ‘DIGITAL LOCKDOWN’ FOR US OFFICIALS AS TRUMP ARRIVES IN CHINA "I just want to say, on behalf of all of the great delegation that we have … we have the greatest businessmen," Trump said. "We ask the top 30 in the world. Every single one of them said yes." The delegation includes executives from major U.S. firms spanning aerospace, finance, technology and agriculture, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. White House officials said ahead of the trip that Americans should expect the president to "deliver more good deals," with talks expected to include aerospace, agriculture and energy, as well as continued work on a proposed U.S.-China "Board of Trade" and "Board of Investment." A senior administration official said the potential trade framework under discussion could involve "double-digit billion" levels of commerce, along with possible purchase commitments from China in areas such as aircraft and agricultural products. The emphasis on dealmaking comes after years of friction between Washington and Beijing over trade, technology and military competition. Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on Chinese goods — a policy he has continued into his second term — while repeatedly accusing Beijing of unfair trade practices. He also has criticized past U.S. policy that helped integrate China into the global trading system, arguing Beijing benefited from open markets without offering the same access in return. But in his opening remarks Thursday, the president emphasized business ties and personal rapport, highlighting what appeared to be an effort to stabilize economic relations between the world’s two largest economies. The comments came as administration officials said trade discussions with China are ongoing, alongside talks on issues including Iran, artificial intelligence and other security matters. Trump’s praise of Xi is consistent with his longstanding approach of using personal diplomacy with foreign leaders, including rivals, as a negotiating tactic — though whether that approach will translate into concrete agreements with China remains to be seen. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a05467da200899a00eb1cc1 No confidence: Pima Supes still have levers to deal with Nanos te 2026-05-14T03:50:21.136Z No confidence: Pima Supes still have levers to deal with Nanos Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a05444fa200899a00eb1c79 China rolls out red carpet for Trump as Xi meeting tests trade, Taiwan tensions te 2026-05-14T03:41:03.567Z China rolls out red carpet for Trump as Xi meeting tests trade, Taiwan tensions President Donald Trump was greeted with pomp and circumstance by the Chinese as he met China's President Xi Jinping ahead of a high-stakes bilateral meeting between the two nations.  After arriving in his armored vehicle Thursday morning local time, Trump met with Xi in front of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in front of crowds of military personnel, dignitaries, music and children.  After shaking hands with the Chinese president, the pair introduced each other to their dignitaries and later stood beneath a ceremonial red-and-yellow canopy for a photo-op as the star-spangled banner and China's national anthem played in the background.  TRUMP LANDS IN BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI SUMMIT AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH "That was an honor like few I have ever seen before," Trump said after they made their way into the Great Hall. "I think I was particularly impressed by those children. They were happy, they were beautiful. The military is obvious — it couldn't be better — but those children were amazing, and they represent so much. And I know, I know, they represent so much to you." The ceremony marked the formal start of Trump’s high-stakes visit, with the pageantry outside the Great Hall giving way to a series of meetings expected to focus on trade, security and the broader effort to stabilize relations between Washington and Beijing.  The discussions will test whether the public display of diplomacy can translate into progress on the deep disputes that continue to define the U.S.–China relationship. MARCO RUBIO SAYS US WILL PUSH CHINA TO TAKE A MORE ‘ACTIVE ROLE’ IN IRAN NEGOTIATIONS AHEAD OF TRUMP-XI SUMMIT During the opening ceremony, Trump walked around and admired the pomp and circumstance that included children waving flags and holding flowers.  The event included marching by Chinese soldiers and music from Chinese military bands.  Xi could be seen shaking hands with many of Trump's closest advisors, like policy advisor Stephen Miller and communications director Steven Cheung, in addition to members of his Cabinet. The public part of the bilateral meeting following the ceremony was very short. "I look forward to our discussions on major issues important to our two countries and the world," a translator for Xi said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a054427a200899a00eb1c69 South Carolina Governor Plans Special Session to Redraw House Maps te 2026-05-14T03:40:23.749Z South Carolina Governor Plans Special Session to Redraw House Maps Gov. Henry McMaster, a Republican, appears prepared to thrust the state into the nation’s redistricting wars. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0541e9a200899a00eb1c28 Human smuggler sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison in Arizona case with national security implications te 2026-05-14T03:30:49.683Z Human smuggler sentenced to more than 11 years in federal prison in Arizona case with national security implications Federal prosecutors say a convicted Arizona smuggler helped more than 200 migrants illegally enter the U.S. from 20 countries. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a053640a200899a00eb1a00 ESPN is reportedly preventing the College Football Playoff from expanding to 24 teams te 2026-05-14T02:41:04.107Z ESPN is reportedly preventing the College Football Playoff from expanding to 24 teams The College Football Playoff was supposed to provide some certainty in a sport that, for too long, based its rewards on unreliable polls. And to the extent that there's no debate over the team crowned as national champions, it's worked. But if there's one thing fans have learned over the last few years, it's that little in modern college football is certain. And after one round of expansion, from four teams to 12, there's now more discussion and debate over the next round of growth. Some, including many fans, are happy leaving the field at 12. The SEC, arguably the most powerful conference, wants to move to 16, while maximizing the number of at-large teams. That would, in their view, allow for more teams to reach the field based on strength of schedule instead of conference affiliation. Strength of schedule=more SEC teams, the thinking goes. Then there's the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, and independent Notre Dame. INSIDE THE FIGHT: NIL ARMS RACE FUELING NEW PUSH FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF EXPANSION This week, several reports confirmed that the majority of power conferences and the Irish want a 24-team playoff field. While that number has been met with justified skepticism from most fans, there's apparently plenty of support within the sport. Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark told On3 that 24 is their strong preference. "We like 24, we want 24," he said. "There are too many teams getting left out and 24 teams provides the type of access that is warranted.  That being said, we need to do the work around the economics around a 24-team format and make sure we address any unintended consequences." HERE'S WHY THE COACHES ASSOCIATION'S 24-TEAM COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF COULD RUIN THE SPORT ACC Commissioner Jim Phillips said much the same thing at his conference's media days this week. "Our desire with the coaches and the ADs is 24," Phillips said. "When you’re leaving national championship-contending teams out of the playoff, you don’t have the right number. We lived through it, we suffered through it with Florida State, when the field was four. "I know other schools have suffered for it. Notre Dame was a CFP worthy team last year and you saw what happened to the last team that got invited with Miami." That aligns with what the Big Ten and Commissioner Tony Petitti proposed in initial discussions after the end of the 2025-2026 season. So if the Big Ten, the Big 12, the ACC and Notre Dame, essentially four of the five most important voices in college football all agree on 24 teams, why hasn't it already happened? Reportedly, mostly because of ESPN. "ESPN’s made it clear, they want it to stay at 12 or 14, but no more than 16," Phillips added on Wednesday. What? ESPN? A broadcaster has that much power over the playoff format for an entire sport? There are some reasons why ESPN would want the playoff to stay where it is, or not expand too widely. Mainly that they own the rights up to a 14-team field, meaning they'd be forced to open up bidding on any additional playoff games. Ironically, for fans that dislike ESPN's perceived level of control over college football, it's that exact level of control that could stop a potentially unpopular 24-team format. The SEC also has an important voice in the room, and Commissioner Greg Sankey already reaffirmed recently that he believes a 16-team expansion is better. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "That focus hasn’t changed," Sankey explained Monday at a media meeting in Alabama. "We’re open to the conversation, but there are a lot of ideas out there that have to be supported with analysis and information, not speculation." The incentives here are obvious. The ACC and Big 12 believe that a larger field will give them more opportunities in a new landscape dominated by the Big Ten and SEC. The Big Ten thinks 24 teams would bring in more revenue and the opportunity to host more home playoff games. Notre Dame has realized that, as teams optimize their schedules to make the playoff instead of play tougher non-conference opponents, it'll be a struggle for them to compete with the strength of the Big Ten or SEC resumes and reach the top 12 each year. Meanwhile, the SEC wants 16 teams with as few auto bids as possible in the hopes of putting half their conference in the field each year. Thereby reinforcing their view that they're the premier conference in the sport. And half the conference isn't an exaggeration, considering Sankey's prior remarks. Where this ends up is anyone's guess, but it's hard to see ESPN winning out in the long run relative to the power of those other conferences. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a053618a200899a00eb19f1 U.S. Cruise Passenger Moved Out of Isolation te 2026-05-14T02:40:24.523Z U.S. Cruise Passenger Moved Out of Isolation The passenger, who had tested positive once in the Canary Islands, was being monitored in a special biocontainment facility in Omaha, until a new test came back negative. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0533c0a200899a00eb1978 U.S. Cruise Passenger Moved Out of Isolation te 2026-05-14T02:30:24.261Z U.S. Cruise Passenger Moved Out of Isolation The passenger, who had tested positive once in the Canary Islands, was being monitored in a special biocontainment facility in Omaha, until a new test came back negative. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a053190a200899a00eb1905 US lifts costly visa bond requirement for some World Cup travelers, Trump administration says te 2026-05-14T02:21:04.463Z US lifts costly visa bond requirement for some World Cup travelers, Trump administration says Citizens of a select group of countries who have purchased tickets to this summer’s World Cup matches in the U.S. will no longer be required to provide thousands of dollars in visa bonds to enter the country and attend the tournament. On Wednesday, the State Department confirmed the Trump administration is waiving a prior mandate requiring visitors from Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Tunisia to post visa bonds of up to $15,000 to enter the U.S. The department imposed the bond requirement last year for countries it said had high rates of visa overstays and other security concerns as part of a broader immigration crackdown. Travelers from at least 50 countries are subject to the bond requirement, but the five aforementioned nations' teams have qualified for this year’s World Cup. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM World Cup team players, coaches and some staff already had been exempt from the bond requirement as part of the administration’s orders to prioritize the processing of visas for the tournament. STATE DEPT TO START ROLLING OUT FIFA PASS FOR FOREIGN SOCCER FANS LOOKING TO ATTEND WORLD CUP IN US "The United States is excited to organize the biggest and best FIFA World Cup in history," Assistant Secretary of State for Consular Affairs Mora Namdar said. "We are waiving visa bonds for qualified fans who bought World Cup tickets" and opted in to the FIFA Pass system that allows expedited visa appointments as of April 15. In its own statement, FIFA said the announcement shows "our ongoing collaboration with the U.S. government and the White House task force for the FIFA World Cup to deliver a successful, record-breaking and unforgettable global event" and thanked the administration for the partnership. However, the administration has barred travelers from Iran and Haiti, though World Cup players, coaches and other support personnel are exempt. Travelers from the Ivory Coast and Senegal face partial restrictions under an expanded version of that travel ban, even without the visa bond exemption. The World Cup begins June 11 and is co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Some measures from the administration prompted Amnesty International and dozens of U.S. civil and human rights groups to issue a "World Cup travel advisory" that warns travelers about the climate in the U.S. In a report this month, the main advocacy group for U.S. hotels blamed visa barriers and other geopolitical issues for "significantly suppressing international demand," leading to hotel bookings for the soccer tournament that are far below what had initially been anticipated. As of early April, the number of World Cup fans affected by the bond requirement was believed to be relatively small, perhaps only about 250 people, according to U.S. officials who were not authorized to comment publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity. But they said that number was changing rapidly as more people buy tickets and some with tickets opt against traveling. FIFA had requested the waiver, which had to be approved by the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security, officials said. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a053166a200899a00eb18d6 Dust, busted: Pima County cites Project Blue for air quality violations te 2026-05-14T02:20:22.415Z Dust, busted: Pima County cites Project Blue for air quality violations Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a052f24a200899a00eb1885 Iran says its small subs deployed to Strait of Hormuz as expert explains threat: ‘Vulnerable to detection’ te 2026-05-14T02:10:44.868Z Iran says its small subs deployed to Strait of Hormuz as expert explains threat: ‘Vulnerable to detection’ Iran says it has deployed small submarines to act as an "invisible guardian" of the Strait of Hormuz amid a series of rejected peace deals between Tehran and the U.S., according to reports. The deployment claim came as analysts said that although the Iranian Ghadir-class mini-subs could threaten U.S. naval forces, the vessels’ limited range, firepower and endurance would blunt any real strategic impact. The submarine deployment was highlighted by Bloomberg and first reported by the semi-official Tasnim News Agency. Rear Admiral Shahram Irani, commander of Iran’s navy, said that his forces deployed its light submarine, referred to as the "dolphins of the Persian Gulf," according to the Iranian state media outlet. IRAN TURNS TO PUTIN AS US TALKS COLLAPSE, HORMUZ STANDOFF THREATENS GLOBAL OIL FLOW It also comes as Tehran seeks to reinforce its control over the strait, now defining it as a far larger zone, Reuters reported. "Time would be limited, probably a couple of days at the most," defense analyst Tom Shugart told Fox News Digital about the Iranian vessel deployment. The retired U.S. Navy submarine warfare officer also said the small diesel-electric submarines face fundamental operational constraints. IRAN HOLDS WORLD ENERGY HOSTAGE WITH 'NIGHTMARE' STRAIT OF HORMUZ SEA MINES, FORMER CENTCOM OFFICIAL WARNS "If they run their diesel engines to snorkel and recharge batteries, that could generate sound that could be detected," Shugart said. "Their snorkel mast projecting from the water could be detected by radars on patrol aircraft or helicopters," Shugart added. The submarines are said to be designed for shallow waters like the Strait of Hormuz and can operate quietly for limited periods on battery power. "While they may be able to sit on the bottom for a while and operate somewhat quietly on their batteries for a while, they have no air-independent propulsion system (AIP) like more modern diesel-electric submarines," Shugart said before adding that they’ll, "eventually have to come up and snorkel. This will make them more vulnerable to detection and destruction." INSIDE IRAN’S MILITARY: MISSILES, MILITIAS AND A FORCE BUILT FOR SURVIVAL The IRGC Navy is said to be the sole operator of this class of submarine, all of which serve in the Southern Fleet. "Any remaining Ghadirs, if they exist and are actually deployed, may be able to lay mines and may be able to threaten merchant ships," Shugart warned. "But I don’t see them as a serious threat to U.S. Navy warships — and certainly not to U.S. submarines," he said. "But I can say for sure that I wouldn’t want to go out on one in the current environment." HORMUZ CHOKE POINT PERSISTS AS IRAN HALTS OIL TRAFFIC DESPITE TRUMP CEASEFIRE The U.S. Navy confirmed May 10 that a U.S. Navy Ohio-class nuclear-armed submarine had arrived in Gibraltar. "The port visit demonstrates U.S. capability, flexibility and continuing commitment to its NATO allies," U.S. Sixth Fleet Public Affairs said in a statement. "Ohio-class ballistic missile submarines are undetectable launch platforms for submarine-launched ballistic missiles, providing the U.S. with its most survivable leg of the nuclear triad," it added. Meanwhile, Shugart’s remarks came as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, with commercial tanker traffic largely choked off amid ongoing military activity and the continued U.S. blockade of Iranian ports. The United Arab Emirates and South Korea reported new strikes on stranded vessels Wednesday, while the IRGC increased its fast-attack craft activity, according to reports. President Donald Trump has maintained Iran’s navy is "completely obliterated." The Pentagon did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a052355a200899a00eb1632 Get closer to fine arts & classic films in Tucson this week te 2026-05-14T01:20:21.507Z Get closer to fine arts & classic films in Tucson this week Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a05214fa200899a00eb1510 Jeff Probst's defiant message to 'Survivor 50' critics over Zac Brown backlash: 'I've also got a backbone' te 2026-05-14T01:11:43.875Z Jeff Probst's defiant message to 'Survivor 50' critics over Zac Brown backlash: 'I've also got a backbone' Jeff Probst isn't afraid to "outwit, outplay, outlast" fans, but also recognized that the tribe has spoken out against "Survivor 50." The longtime, Emmy Award-winning host took qualms with superfans spinning a narrative that the show's once ruthless narrative has softened over the years. "We experiment with all kinds of new ideas, and we tried to usher in the most unpredictability we’ve ever had," Probst told Variety. 'SURVIVOR' RETURNS FOR MILESTONE 50TH SEASON WITH ALL-STAR CAST INCLUDING 'WHITE LOTUS' CREATOR "Whether or not you like the season is subjective, but it’s not that something didn’t work. We’ve made bad choices in the past. I just don’t think we did in 50." ‘MORMON WIVES’ IS CLASHING WITH CORE LDS VALUES AND AMERICA IS EATING IT UP: EXPERT Of the myriad new additions to the evolving series, "Survivor" enlisted the help of a celebrity panel — including Jimmy Fallon, Billie Eilish, MrBeast and Zac Brown — to collaborate on new twists for the show. Fan-favorite contestant Cirie Fields was taken aback by seeing the "Country Fried" singer — who is also a close Probst friend — appear on the island in Fiji during Season 50. "We’re in a bubble. So to walk out on the beach and see Zac Brown standing in front of me, it’s like, 'How did you get in?'" she said. "We’ve never had someone from the outside come be a part of this. That let me know that Season 50 was about to be off the rails. Mind-blowing things that would never happen in the 'Survivor' of old are happening on Season 50." Brown's guest spot became a hot topic on social media after viewers watched the country singer spearfishing to feed immunity challenge winners and then playing them music while they ate. Additionally, Brown appeared in a number of individual confessionals and received more air time than a few contestants. 'SURVIVOR' CONTESTANT MATT BLANKINSHIP CONFIRMS ROMANCE WITH FELLOW CONTESTANT: 'I'M THE REAL WINNER' Legendary "Survivor" winner Parvati Shallow also criticized Brown's appearance, and noted, "They showed [Brown] catching the fish, and then they didn't show Ozzy catching one." In hindsight, Probst wouldn't change much about Brown's visit, but admitted that the country star could have impacted the game instead of serving as a reward. "It’s fascinating to me that a couple of people, most of them either former players or people who will never play, criticize the show, and it gets momentum," he said. LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "I tell anyone who wants to listen: If that’s your goal, to somehow impact our point of view, it will fail. We trust what we’re doing. If you think we’re going to re-edit because you thought there was too much Zac Brown, you’ve not been reading interviews with me." He added, "I couldn’t be more serious. I love 'Survivor.' I love joy. I love fans. I’ve also got a backbone. It’s gonna take more than that to knock me over." Probst, 64, began hosting "Survivor" at its inception in 2000. One decade into hosting the popular competition show, Probst became disillusioned by the audience's desire to revel in conflict. "I didn’t like the stories we were telling, and I was losing my joy of the format, therefore my joy of the job, therefore my joy of life," Probst said. "I didn’t want vitriol and who can be the meanest, most spiteful person." At one point, he tried to quit, but was met with resistance by executive producer Mark Burnett after confessing he was "done" with the gig. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER It was Burnett who recognized that Probst likely needed some time off, in addition to more responsibility on the back end of the show. "CBS was initially horrified. They didn’t want stars to be given showrunner status," Probst said. "But I was so argumentative and sure that it was the right thing to do that I convinced them." "It was the best move I’ve made in my career." While recognizing the cultural impact, Burnett admitted that playing "Survivor" is similar to a "management training test." "If someone works for you, can you fire them and have them shake your hand after?" Burnett wondered. "At 'Survivor,' you’re voting people out — firing them every week — then you’re asking the very people you fired to give you $1 million. That’s a tricky thing to do." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a05213ca200899a00eb1503 Tech entrepreneur flees Washington due to companies being 'villainized' te 2026-05-14T01:11:24.258Z Tech entrepreneur flees Washington due to companies being 'villainized' A prominent Washington tech entrepreneur is joining the growing exodus of business leaders fleeing the Evergreen State, citing a "dramatic" shift in the state’s tax climate following the passage of a controversial new "millionaire tax." Jesse Proudman, the founder and CTO of the privacy-focused generative AI platform Venice.ai, told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that the state he once called a "startup sanctuary" has become increasingly hostile to the very people who fuel its economy. "I started three companies here in the state. I have been an entrepreneur my whole life here," Proudman said. "The business climate when I started my first company was very entrepreneurial-friendly, and the startup community was looked upon as a contributing member of the city. Over the last number of years, that has changed dramatically." Proudman, who previously founded the private cloud company Blue Box and the crypto-investing platform Makara, is now serving as a spokesperson for Let’s Go Washington. The political committee is currently spearheading a massive signature-gathering effort to repeal the tax measure before it can take root. STARBUCKS CUTS JOBS IN SEATTLE AS FORMER CEO HOWARD SCHULTZ BLASTS ‘SOCIALIST’ MAYOR The tax, pushed through by the Democratic-controlled legislature during the 2026 session and signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson in March, imposes a 9.9% levy on annual income exceeding $1 million. While it is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2028—with the first payments due in 2029—the mere threat of its implementation is already shifting the state’s demographics. "We have until July 2nd to gather about 325,000 signatures to put this on the November ballot," said Hallie Herzberg, Director of Communications for Let's Go Washington. "The people deserve the right to vote on this. It’s already driving businesses, employers, and families out of the state." The move marks a seismic shift for Washington, which has historically been one of only a handful of states with no personal income tax. However, the legal ground shifted in 2023 when the state’s Supreme Court upheld a 7% capital gains tax, effectively opening the door for broader income-based levies that critics argue violate the state constitution’s requirement that property (which includes income) be taxed at a uniform rate. GOV ABBOTT EXTENDS OFF-RAMP FOR NY BILLIONAIRES FLEEING MAMDANI'S POLICIES State Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle), the Senate Majority Leader and the bill's primary sponsor, has dismissed concerns of "tax flight." "The reality is the millionaire tax is not likely to result in businesses leaving," Pedersen told a local FOX affiliate following the bill’s signing. He later told Fox News Digital that there is "no evidence" that high earners will migrate to lower-tax jurisdictions like Florida or Texas. Data from the Association of Washington Business (AWB) suggests otherwise. A recent survey reported by The Center Square found that 44% of business leaders in the state are considering moving their personal residences elsewhere. Furthermore, Washington businesses reported they are now more than twice as likely to expand outside the state than within it. For Proudman, the decision has already been made. He plans to relocate his life and business interests to Austin, Texas. "It's no longer a friendly place to conduct business," Proudman said. "Startup companies are being villainized. With the passing of this tax, we have looked at alternative places to move, and we'll probably end up in Austin." SIX DIFFERENT WAYS THAT PROVE THE WEALTHY PAY A LOT MORE THAN THEIR ‘FAIR SHARE’ Proudman warned that while the tax is currently branded as a "millionaire’s tax" to gain public favor, the long-term economic consequences will eventually hit middle-class residents as the tax base shrinks. "They are targeting a very highly mobile cohort of the population," Proudman argued. "When those folks leave, this will become a tax on everybody. The voters are unwittingly creating an incredibly worse tax situation for themselves. Washington is already the 45th worst state from a tax point of view. This is a constitutionally illegal tax that ultimately will apply to everyone." Sen. Pedersen’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital's latest request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a052114a200899a00eb14ec Justice Dept. Sues D.C. Bar Over Efforts to Discipline Government Lawyers te 2026-05-14T01:10:44.321Z Justice Dept. Sues D.C. Bar Over Efforts to Discipline Government Lawyers The move escalates the administration’s feud with legal disciplinary bodies over the ethical conduct of government lawyers. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a052100a200899a00eb14d3 11 Rescued From Raft After Plane Crash Off the Coast of Florida te 2026-05-14T01:10:24.865Z 11 Rescued From Raft After Plane Crash Off the Coast of Florida Those on board, who were all Bahamian adults, spent about five hours stranded on a raft before rescuers hoisted them to safety. All were in stable condition, officials said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a051ed6a200899a00eb147d Fire in Tonopah burning 2 travel trailers, threatening a third te 2026-05-14T01:01:10.531Z Fire in Tonopah burning 2 travel trailers, threatening a third Fire officials say units have taken a defensive strategy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0517e1a200899a00eb12f3 AMES Construction failed inspection of the Project Blue worksite in Tucson, officials say te 2026-05-14T00:31:29.091Z AMES Construction failed inspection of the Project Blue worksite in Tucson, officials say AMES failed to employ dust mitigation practices which resulted in visible fugitive dust emissions being generated. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0517b4a200899a00eb12bb First clade I mpox case confirmed in Connecticut after patient traveled to Western Europe te 2026-05-14T00:30:44.035Z First clade I mpox case confirmed in Connecticut after patient traveled to Western Europe A case of clade I mpox — a more virulent version of the virus that causes monkeypox, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — has been confirmed in the U.S., as global health officials also monitor newly reported hantavirus cases in Europe. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CDPH) said Wednesday that the state’s first identified case of clade I mpox was detected in a person who recently traveled to Western Europe, where officials continue to monitor infectious disease activity. The World Health Organization (WHO) has also reported new hantavirus cases in Spain and France, drawing attention to the rare but potentially severe disease, which can cause serious respiratory complications in humans. Hantavirus is typically spread through contact with infected rodents and can lead to severe respiratory illness, though cases remain rare, according to the WHO. While health officials said the mpox case "does not pose a risk to the general public," they still encourage those who may be at risk to receive the JYNNEOS vaccine. NEW MPOX STRAIN CONFIRMED IN US STATE FOR FIRST TIME Mpox symptoms can include fever, swollen lymph nodes and a characteristic rash, according to CDC. "Mpox hasn't gone away, and we want people to be protected, especially as many in our community prepare for travel, festivals, and gatherings this summer," CDPH Commissioner Dr. Manisha Juthani said in the release. "The vaccine is safe, effective and widely available. Completing the two-dose series is the best way to protect yourself and your partners." HANTAVIRUS DEATHS ON CRUISE SHIP HIGHLIGHT DANGERS OF RODENT-BORNE DISEASE Clade I and clade II mpox are genetically distinct forms of the virus with key differences in severity and geographic origin, according to the CDC and the WHO. Clade I, historically identified in Central Africa, has been linked to more severe illness and higher mortality rates, with cases often involving more widespread rashes and complications. Clade II, which has circulated primarily in West Africa, is generally associated with milder disease and drove the global outbreak beginning in 2022, when most patients experienced less severe symptoms and lower hospitalization and death rates, according to the WHO. The CDC and WHO say distinguishing between the two clades helps guide risk assessments, particularly as international travel increases. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a05155ba200899a00eb1249 Denise Powell Wins Democratic Primary in Key Nebraska House Race te 2026-05-14T00:20:43.082Z Denise Powell Wins Democratic Primary in Key Nebraska House Race Denise Powell prevailed in a close primary race for an Omaha-based seat, currently held by a retiring Republican, that could help determine control of the House. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a051545a200899a00eb1222 'Day to day:' Cooling centers provide short-term respite for Southern Arizonans in extreme heat te 2026-05-14T00:20:21.473Z 'Day to day:' Cooling centers provide short-term respite for Southern Arizonans in extreme heat Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a051315a200899a00eb11cd Which teams have the most valuable college football rosters heading into 2026 season? te 2026-05-14T00:11:01.972Z Which teams have the most valuable college football rosters heading into 2026 season? The new era of college football based around name, image and likeness payments has changed how rosters are built and which programs can compete at the top. The Indiana Hoosiers came out of nowhere in 2024, reaching the College Football Playoff in Curt Cignetti's first year as head coach. Then, with some help on the NIL front, they brought in Fernando Mendoza through the transfer portal. Mendoza went on to win the Heisman Trophy, and the Hoosiers went 16-0 and won the National Championship. Just a few months after Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian said undefeated teams were a thing of the past. There are plenty of other examples: Texas Tech, with the support of billionaire Cody Campbell, built up one of the top defenses in the country and reached the playoff. NIL can dramatically change a program's fortunes overnight. Spending more money on players can't guarantee anything. But there's a much stronger likelihood that more expensive rosters will generally lead to higher-quality teams. So as we rapidly approach the start of the 2026 college football season, looking at estimates of NIL spending by team carries a significant amount of weight. Which teams will dominate their conferences and make a run at the playoff? Or which may have to hope they've spent their money wisely, even if it's a lower overall number? INSIDE THE FIGHT: NIL ARMS RACE FUELING NEW PUSH FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF EXPANSION An organization called "College Front Office" has been compiling estimated NIL valuations for 68 teams in the Power 4 conferences, with the ultimate goal of determining which team has the most valuable roster in the sport. And, wouldn't you know it, there are plenty of playoff and SEC teams near the top of the list. Here's how the top 15 looks, per their estimates. It's important to note that these are based on valuations of the players on the roster and not necessarily what these teams and their collectives actually spent on NIL. But valuations are likely closely correlated to real-world spending, and the results bear that out. WHICH TEAMS HAVE THE TOUGHEST STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE HEADING INTO COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON? There are several obvious takeaways here, primarily that it's no surprise Texas, Miami and Ohio State are leading the way. The Longhorns have Arch Manning, one of the most valuable NIL players in the sport, and were widely viewed as the most expensive team in college football in 2025 as well. Miami's another example of a program that rebuilt itself quickly after committing to spending more. The Hurricanes were just a few plays away from winning the National Championship game themselves, and beat Texas A&M in a road game, Ohio State and then Ole Miss in the playoff just to advance to the final. Another takeaway? The SEC and Big Ten are dominant, with 12 of the top 15 teams from those two conferences. Miami is the lone ACC team; Texas Tech is once again one of the top teams and the only Big 12 program on the list. And Notre Dame, with this level of talent and the schedule they have, looks to be a near guarantee to reach the 12-team field. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Interestingly, Indiana is not listed in the top 15, despite coming off a National Championship win. Will that matter, or can the Hoosiers and Curt Cignetti rely on getting the most out of the talent they have? Lane Kiffin, too, has spent this offseason talking about the project he's facing at LSU, but the talent he has on the roster is, at least by these estimates, clearly playoff caliber. Then there are two other programs that have a high-dollar-figure roster with little to show for it thus far: USC and Michigan. Every other team on this list has either made the playoff over the last two years, or in LSU's case, hired a new head coach who led his previous team to the playoff in the last two years. Michigan's Bryce Underwood is a sophomore and looking to build on an up-and-down freshman year and also has a new head coach. USC is at a pivotal point in Lincoln Riley's tenure, with a roster that's now finally capable of competing against other playoff-caliber teams. Again, money can't buy everything, but the success rate of these programs in reaching the playoff indicates some level of connection. Or can Indiana be the exception once again? Yet again, we're heading for a fascinating college football season. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a051302a200899a00eb11c4 Margaret Cho blames Trump and ICE for missing out on hit HBO Max series te 2026-05-14T00:10:42.506Z Margaret Cho blames Trump and ICE for missing out on hit HBO Max series Actress and comedian Margaret Cho blamed President Donald Trump and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for missing out on a role in the hit HBO Max series "Heated Rivalry." "Last year, I got a pilot script for a show that I really loved, but it shot in Canada," Cho told the "I Never Liked You" podcast last week. "And I was so scared because I’m so vocal about hating ICE and hating this administration. I was like, I will get detained at the border and I will be put in ICE detention if I go." Cho confirmed that the series was the 2025 sports romance show about two professional hockey players played by Connor Storrie and Hudson Williams who form a romantic bond while playing for rival teams. COMEDIAN NIKKI GLASER WORRIED THAT SHE COULD ‘NOT BE LET BACK INTO THE COUNTRY’ FOR TRUMP JOKES She added that she has since become a fan of the show and the woman who played her part. Cho also suggested she is looking to potentially appear in its second season. "I've watched it. I've hosted some rewatch parties, and I'm like it kills me, like it kills me because of Trump," Cho said. CELEBS DECRY ICE AGENTS, TRUMP GOVERNMENT AS 'MONSTERS' AND THE 'WORST OF THE WORST' IN SCATHING CRITIQUES Fox News Digital reached out to HBO and ICE for comment. Cho has been among many celebrities who have attacked Trump in the past, calling him "abhorrent" in 2015. Earlier this year, Cho recalled being asked to appear on Trump's show "The Apprentice" because Trump was reportedly "a fan" of her comedy, which she found "weird." "I was asked several times to be on it, season after season, and they kept saying, 'Well, Donald Trump really loves you. Please come on,'" Cho said in March. "I just had a bad feeling about it, because I did go on one of the challenges because my friend Cyndi Lauper was competing one year, and so she did something at a diner, so I went, and I helped out." She continued, "I was at the diner, and so I was part of an episode, but I never actually was a contestant, but I was asked several times because Donald Trump was a fan." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0510c0a200899a00eb1161 Morgan Wallen fan goes viral kicking a phone out of someone's hand as she's being escorted out in handcuffs te 2026-05-14T00:01:04.566Z Morgan Wallen fan goes viral kicking a phone out of someone's hand as she's being escorted out in handcuffs Move over Romper Stomper. There's a new woman who went viral at a Morgan Wallen concert that the internet has fallen in love with. She hasn’t been given a clever nickname as far as I know, but she has racked up millions of views across the internet. She did so with a perfectly executed kick that sent another fan's phone flying. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The kick came as she was walking down the stairs in handcuffs with a police officer holding her arm. The details of how she ended up in that position in the first place aren’t known. All we can go on is the video footage that has captivated social media. In it, we see her coming up empty on an initial kick attempt over a railing and across the aisle from where she's standing. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE That failed attempt didn’t keep her from trying again. As the officer continues to escort her down the stairs, she notices that someone within kicking reach is recording her, and without hesitation she lets her boot fly. Making contact with the phone and sending it sailing through the air had to feel pretty good after her first kick attempt came up empty. Whiskey Riff reports that the viral moment took place over the weekend at Wallen's concert at Lucas Oil Stadium. Aside from comments asking for details about how she ended up in cuffs in the first place, the comment section was overwhelmingly supportive of her kick, earning her a lot of fans. I don't blame anyone for pulling out their phone when they see something out of the ordinary at a concert, but you do so at your own risk. You could be taking video of someone who can impressively still throw a kick while walking down stairs in handcuffs with their hands behind their back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a051099a200899a00eb1156 House Approves Year-Round Sale of Higher-Ethanol Gas te 2026-05-14T00:00:25.195Z House Approves Year-Round Sale of Higher-Ethanol Gas In a rare bipartisan vote, the House passed a bill allowing for the sale of an ethanol blend known as E15, over the objections of Republican hard-liners and some oil refiners. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050e67a200899a00eb10db Fetterman calls out 'absolute socialist' Seattle mayor and 'avowed communist' Graham Platner te 2026-05-13T23:51:03.549Z Fetterman calls out 'absolute socialist' Seattle mayor and 'avowed communist' Graham Platner Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., called out several rising Democratic stars on Wednesday as outright "socialist" or "communist" in the party's efforts to cater to the fringe base. "I think the extremism is driving it without a doubt," Fetterman said in a Reason interview. "Look at the primaries, you know, all across in the Senate and in the House and look at the kinds of people that have already been elected." He continued, "Like, for example, the mayor in Seattle, she's an absolute socialist, if not more, how people [go] 'hey, I'm leaving' and she's like, ‘bye’ and just describe that kind of thing." SOCIALIST MAYOR’S BLUNT 1-WORD MESSAGE TO FLEEING MILLIONAIRES SPARKS OUTRAGE: ‘WE'RE DOOMED’ Fetterman was referring to Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, who last month laughed off the idea of millionaires leaving the state based on her support for a progressive tax. "I think the claims that millionaires are going to leave our state are, like, super overblown. And if — the ones that leave, like, bye," Wilson remarked to an audience at Seattle University. Fetterman then moved on to target New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who recently proposed a "pied-à-terre" tax on luxury second homes owned by wealthy city residents. NYC MAYOR MAMDANI CALLS THREAT OF RICH PEOPLE LEAVING NYC OVER TAXES 'IMAGINED' "Then, of course New York, that's its own situation, too. And I thought [Florida Gov. Ron] DeSantis had a great line saying, you know, Mamdani is my favorite real estate agent now. And it's driving people away. People can move, and they can just vote, you know, with their feet. That explains why Florida continues to flourish. But a lot of these states like New York and other blue states, we've read that $2 trillion dollars have migrated out of these states too," Fetterman said. He also warned that Democrats have moved so far into the extreme that they have begun to support communism, citing Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner as an example. "I mean in Maine, for example, Graham Platner, he's an avowed communist. He described himself as a communist. Antifa, that's not a slur from me. That's not GOP kinds of hit. That's his own words, how he described that," Fetterman said. JOHN FETTERMAN RIPS DEMOCRATS FOR RUNNING CAMPAIGNS ON 'F--- TRUMP' INSTEAD OF CONSTRUCTIVE MESSAGING Fox News Digital reached out to Wilson and Mamdani's offices as well as Platner's campaign for comment. Fetterman, who referred to himself as a "pro-capitalist Democrat," called out the extremists in his party for pushing out billionaires and millionaires while the party accepts billionaires and millionaires funding progressive causes. "I don't think those are the kind of people that are the problem now. And if you make billionaires...they love the billionaires that fund those kinds of causes and those kind of organizations that are actually driving a lot of the protesting and that's where that energy is as well," Fetterman said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050e53a200899a00eb10d2 AG aims to retry Alex Murdaugh ‘quickly’ as both sides enter courtroom chess match with each other’s gameplans te 2026-05-13T23:50:43.751Z AG aims to retry Alex Murdaugh ‘quickly’ as both sides enter courtroom chess match with each other’s gameplans South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson says his office will move quickly to retry Alex Murdaugh after the state Supreme Court threw out the disgraced lawyer’s murder convictions, stressing prosecutors still believe they can secure a guilty verdict. "The Supreme Court, in its order today, basically laid the blame on this reversal on the shoulders of former Colton County Clerk of Court, Rebecca [Becky] Hill, and it was her conduct that has led to this decision today, not the conduct of anyone else," Wilson told Fox News Digital. Wilson said the Palmetto State plans to retry Murdaugh and will push for a speedy trial as prosecutors evaluate next steps. ALEX MURDAUGH'S DOUBLE MURDER CONVICTION UNANIMOUSLY OVERTURNED BY SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT "We are disappointed in the court’s decision. We respect this court, we respect the members of the court, but we strongly disagree with their reasoning," Wilson told Fox News’ Martha MacCallum on The Story. The South Carolina Supreme Court vacated Murdaugh’s 2023 convictions in the killings of his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, ruling that misconduct by former Colleton County Clerk Becky Hill tainted the jury process. At issue were allegations that Hill made improper comments to jurors during the trial, conduct the court said created a risk of influencing the verdict. MURDAUGH COURT CLERK BECKY HILL RELEASED ON BOND AFTER ARREST ON PERJURY, MISCONDUCT CHARGES The comments included that jurors said "that Hill told the jurors not to be fooled by the evidence Murdaugh's defense presented," saying "They're going to say things that will try to confuse you. Don't let them confuse you or convince you or throw you off."  Wilson said prosecutors were not aware of the clerk’s conduct during the trial. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "No, we obviously weren’t aware of any of this conduct until after. Obviously, it had occurred," he told MacCallum. "We never defended her conduct. We just believe that it wasn’t enough to warrant a reversal." MURDAUGH LAWYER ‘CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC’ COURT CLERK’S MISCONDUCT COULD PAVE WAY FOR NEW TRIAL WATCH: South Carolina AG on overturned Murdaugh conviction: ‘We have time to try him again’ Retrying the high-profile case will come with challenges, but Wilson said his office still has most of the original team in place and a clear road map from the first trial. "So we had the benefit of having a road map for our case that we developed three years ago. Obviously, the defense knows what our trial strategy was. We know what their trial strategy is. And so it will be a different kind of trial because both sides have seen the hands we have to play," he told Fox News Digital. SEND US A TIP HERE CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO: DICK HARPOOTLIAN'S PLAN TO OVERTURN ALEX MURDAUGH'S CONVICTION The attorney general said multiple legal options remain under consideration, including potential appeals. "The state has 15 days on whether or not we want to petition the state Supreme Court for reconsideration of their decision. And we have up to 90 days to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to take this case up on appeal. All options, all legal options, are on the table," Wilson said. "But regardless, it is my intention right now, assuming that nothing changes, to retry this case as quickly and expeditiously as possible. That is our goal," he said. Wilson said his office is aiming to bring the case back to court within the next year, though he admitted that timeline is not guaranteed. "Look, I'm being aspirational when I say this, but we would like to try to get this case up before January 2027. That would be our goal," he said. Murdaugh, 54, was convicted of gunning down his wife, Maggie, and son, Paul, at the family’s hunting estate in 2021. The case exposed a web of lies including Murdaugh’s opioid addiction and millions in stolen client funds. Despite the legal win, Murdaugh will not be walking free. He remains behind bars serving lengthy sentences for a string of financial crimes that cemented his fall from power. For his financial crimes, Murdaugh was sentenced in state court to 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to 22 counts including money laundering and breach of trust. In federal court, he received a 40-year sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which he is serving concurrently with his state time. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Though his murder convictions and subsequent life sentences were overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday, he remains in prison to serve the financial sentences. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050c68a200899a00eb1097 Missing child found safe te 2026-05-13T23:42:32.026Z Missing child found safe BULLHEAD CITY — Police are reporting Hayden Powell has been found safe. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050c53a200899a00eb108e Scene pkg May 13 te 2026-05-13T23:42:11.925Z Scene pkg May 13 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050c3fa200899a00eb1085 Scene pkg May 13 NDS te 2026-05-13T23:41:51.842Z Scene pkg May 13 NDS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050c11a200899a00eb1042 California death row inmates watching porn on taxpayer-funded tablets, evading security controls: report te 2026-05-13T23:41:05.218Z California death row inmates watching porn on taxpayer-funded tablets, evading security controls: report Condemned prisoners on California's death row are partly filling their time by watching pornography and engaging in lewd conversations using taxpayer-funded tablets, according to reports, as the state continues its shift toward a Norwegian-inspired approach to rehabilitating criminals.  In an effort to connect its prison population with the outside world, California issued around 90,000 tablets to inmates as part of a multimillion-dollar program where incarcerated people could send and receive messages in real time to loved ones amid a push for digital equity. The devices could also be used, in theory, for educational purposes. However, some have used the devices for more adult endeavors, The California Post reported. PRISON OFFICERS INTERCEPT DRONE DELIVERING STEAK, CRAB LEGS WITH SEASONING TO INMATES IN CONTRABAND DROP The newspaper spoke with several death row inmates who claimed that users can evade security controls on the devices. Robert Maury, a serial rapist who strangled and killed at least three women in the 1980s, told the newspaper that he viewed pornography on his taxpayer-funded digital tablet. Inmates use the tablets to send nude images and watch porn, he said from a state prison facility in Stockton. Many watch through a video chat application where an inmate can call someone on the outside who can "put porn on their TV" for the inmate to watch. In one instance, Maury said he received a topless photo from a 22-year-old German psychology student who was "hoping that I would share my story with her for her class project." He also claimed he "flirted" with her "for a while." Samuel Amador, another serial killer sentenced to death, said porn videos are delivered in short 30-second clips and that inmates also have sexually explicit conversations through their tablets. "I watch porn and short clips of my family at the beach," he told the Post. "We get around their bullsh*t," he said regarding the explicit exchanges. CALIFORNIA SERIAL CHILD RAPIST GRANTED PAROLE ADMITTED HAVING PEDOPHILIC FANTASIES AS RECENTLY AS 2021 Nathaniel Ray Diaz, a convicted child sex offender, allegedly made thousands of calls to a girl he was accused of sexually abusing and threatened her with a gun from inside Avenal State Prison, authorities said. Prosecutors said he told the girl to send him sexually explicit images, which he received through a third party. Jamar Tucker, an inmate at High Desert State Prison convicted of killing three men, said he has received videos of women "dancing … in a thong," despite rules that prohibit such material. He uses racy photos for sexual pleasure, he added. While the tablets themselves are provided at no cost to the inmates, usage fees apply; messages cost 5 cents per text and video calls cost 16 cents per minute, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Sen. Josh Becker, a Democrat, is pushing for the state to make inmates' messages free.  "It's the injustice of the whole thing," said Becker. "And not only injustice, but also the illogical nature of charging in a world where telecommunications costs are moving closer to free." "It's the injustice of the whole thing," Becker told Cal Matters in March. "And not only injustice, but also the illogical nature of charging in a world where telecommunications costs are moving closer to free." BLUE STATE ‘PRIORITIZING THE CRIMINALS’ WITH $239M TAXPAYER-FUNDED PRISON PROJECT, PROSECUTOR SAYS "We created a pathway for them to reach out and groom folks," Douglas Eckenrod, former deputy director of California’s adult parole operations, told the Post. "There are going to be victims that didn’t need to have been victims because of these decisions." Fox News Digital has reached out to the CDCR. The office of Gov. Gavin Newsom referred questions about the continuation of the tablet program to the corrections' agency. The CDCR told the Post the tablets were "tightly controlled education tools" that provided inmates with "access to the Bible, education, and reentry resources that actually reduce crime." California recently signed a contract with Securus Technologies that, with optional extensions, could cost taxpayers up to $315 million. The core contract is valued at $189 million over six years. Its contract with the state showed that it would charge less for those services than a former vendor.  However, some inmates and the people they communicate with on the outside have said there are discrepancies in the cost of messages, which the company said would be a charge of 3 cents per message. Grace Coleman, who is incarcerated at the women's prison in Chino, had sticker shock upon learning the price to stream movies on prison-issued tablet.  "All of the new movies, the ones that you would actually want to watch, you rent each of them individually," she told Cal Matters. "For example, Wicked: For Good is $8.99 -- and once you hit play, you only have 48 hours to watch it. "They're making bank. These are like normal world prices," she added. Fox News Digital has reached out to Securus. California has slowly moved toward the "California model," an initiative dedicated to improving the well-being of inmates, prison staff and visitors, according to a 2023 CDCR video. Taking a page from Norway's model of focusing on rehabilitation over punishment, the California model focuses on expanding employee wellness lowering recidivism rates and increasing job opportunities for released inmates. "The victims I've spoken with about some of the programs that are going on right now… they're really impressed," Katie James, the CDCR's chief of the Office of Victim and Survivor Rights & Services, said in the video. "They know that probably won't change their circumstances because the crime’s already happened but they're really leaving with that peace of mind that it'll change somebody else's future and that really empowers them and it makes them very thankful to be part of any of that process that we can bring them in on, giving them that sense of balance that the person that went in that did this crime will not be the same person coming out." In March 2019, Newsom issued a moratorium on the death penalty, halting all executions and closing the execution chamber at San Quentin State Prison. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050bfda200899a00eb1039 Bella Thorne stuns in sheer lace bra as she debuts dramatic return to her signature red hair te 2026-05-13T23:40:45.311Z Bella Thorne stuns in sheer lace bra as she debuts dramatic return to her signature red hair Former Disney star Bella Thorne left little to the imagination as she unveiled a revealing lingerie look over the weekend. The 28-year-old actress slipped into a sheer black lace bra for a series of sizzling snaps that she shared to Instagramon Sunday. Thorne's bra featured delicate straps and an intricate floral design layered over sheer mesh with a slight cinch at the center. The "Shake It Up" alum also showed off a dramatic hair transformation as she revealed she had ditched her dark brunette hair and returned to her iconic red locks. JENNIFER LOPEZ, KELSEA BALLERINI, RENÉE ZELLWEGER STUN IN LACE, SHEER AND CUT-OUTS: PHOTOS In the caption of her post, Thorne called out her hair makeover, referencing Merida, the redheaded Scottish princess from the hit Disney animated movie "Brave." "Merida down in this b--------h," Thorne wrote. In her carousel of photos, Thorne posed for several sultry shots that appeared to be taken in her bedroom. PAMELA ANDERSON DITCHES ICONIC BLONDE HAIR FOR DRAMATIC NEW LOOK The "Midnight Sun" actress wore her hair down in loose curls and sported a natural makeup palette that included a rosy blush and a soft pink lipstick. Thorne's fans quickly flocked to the comments section of her post to rave over her eye-catching look and return to red hair. "OMG Bella," one fan wrote as another chimed in, "Hello gorgeous." "you look like a mermaid," one follower commented. "Red is soo back," another wrote, adding smiley face with heart eyes emojis. "God, I always wanted you to return to that color, my life, I love you, you are the most perfect," gushed one fan. BELLA THORNE AND PARIS HILTON DAZZLE IN VINTAGE-INSPIRED OUTFITS AT FORMER DISNEY STAR’S 28TH BIRTHDAY BASH "She is baaccck the most beautiful ginger giirrll," added another. In one of her photos, Thorne flashed the diamond engagement ring that her fiance Mark Emms gave her when he proposed in May 2023 after nine months of dating. Thorne made headlines last August when she proposed to Emms a year after the British producer first popped the question. The actress shared a video of the intimate moment, which took place in their living room as the two were surrounded by candles, flowers and heart-shaped balloons. Fans were divided over Thorne's proposal to Emms, with some praising the move as "cute" and an example of "girl power," while others questioned the gesture, asking, "Why propose again?" and urging, "Let’s not normalize this." Thorne later acknowledged the mixed reaction, saying the response was "totally split down the middle," with supporters cheering her on and critics pushing back on the unconventional moment. In December 2025, Thorne revealed that she and Emms were postponing their wedding planning until after they wrapped up their current work commitments. CANDACE CAMERON BURE SHARES HEARTWARMING PHOTOS FROM DAUGHTER'S SECRET WEDDING TO DISNEY STAR Emms served as a producer for Thorne's upcoming directorial debut "Color Your Hurt." Thorne also produced and wrote the screenplay for the movie in which she stars alongside Jason Parks, Christopher Eccleston, Tammy Blanchard, Gideon Glick and Jordan Alexander. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER In addition, Emms is also a producer for Matthew Bright's upcoming "Spring Breakers" sequel "Spring Breakers: Salvation Mountain" starring Thorne, Grace Van Dien, Ariel Martin, and True Whitaker. "We're making our love child, which is this movie we just made together that I wrote and directed," she told E! News. "I think once we're done with this movie — completion and editing, and everything and press — and then we do 'Spring Breakers.'" LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS "Once we're done with those two, then we will have the brain capacity to think and really do it right," she said of planning their wedding. During her interview with E! News, Thorne also reflected on her decision to propose to Emms. "We had gone through so much in a really beautiful way and a lot of dark times as well," she said. "Creating art is really hard. It is so difficult. At some point, right before filming, I wanted to return the love that he had given me when he proposed and make it equal. He was crying. It was so sweet and endearing and authentic." "It's so shocking and it's so not done that when it does happen, they feel so honored, like 'You chose me?' and you're like, 'Yeah. You chose me and I choose you. This is a two-way street.'" Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050be9a200899a00eb1030 Carson Hocevar says his mom was more fired up about him going to the Met Gala than winning at Talladega te 2026-05-13T23:40:25.599Z Carson Hocevar says his mom was more fired up about him going to the Met Gala than winning at Talladega It's been a good few weeks to be Carson Hocevar, driver of the No. 77 Chevrolet for Spire Motorsports. Last month, Hocevar won his first career NASCAR Cup Series race when he took the checkered flag in the Jack Link's 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, then dropped a celebration for the ages. Then just days later, he became the first NASCAR driver to hit the Met Gala since Jeff Gordon went in 2010. Sure, it's usually a parade of people sniffing their own farts in dumb costumes, but it's still a big deal for the sport to get a driver there. BUBBA WALLACE TRIGGERS ONE OF THE BIGGEST WRECKS IN NASCAR HISTORY, 'DEGA LAP DANCES & COWBOY PILLOW GIRLS! So, you've got to imagine that Hocevar's family is pretty pumped for him, but guess as to which one of those achievements his mom was more excited about. While the Cup Series is at Dover this weekend for the NASCAR All-Star Race, Hocevar dropped by Indianapolis Motor Speedway for the second day of Indianapolis 500 practice. During the visit, he was hanging around with Andretti Global — a corporate cousin of Spire Motorsports, as both fall under the TWG Motorsports umbrella — but also took some time to visit Will Buxton, James Hinchcliffe and Townsend Bell in the IndyCar on FOX booth. INDYCAR DRIVER ROMAIN GROSJEAN GIVES STOMACH-CHURNING DETAILS ABOUT HITTING A BIRD DURING INDY 500 TEST There, he talked about the Met Gala and how fired up his mom was about him being there. "I laugh that, like, my mom thought winning Talladega was cool and everything," he said. "(But it was) a lifelong accomplishment for her son to go to the Met Gala." Hocevar also revealed that he was there not because NASCAR had purchased a table at the event, but because organizers had reached out to them. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "The craziest part was that they reached out to NASCAR," he said. "It wasn't NASCAR paying for a ticket or trying to hook me up or a sponsor. It was literally like NASCAR got the car and was like, 'Do you know what this is? Would you want to go?" Well, like I said, as much of an eyeroll as the Met Gala gets — deservedly so — having Hocevar on-hand was a big win for NASCAR when it comes to getting eyes on the sport. Now, it's just a matter of how many of those eyes that were watching Met Gala coverage will tune into a race. Unfortunately, I suspect not as many as they would hope. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0509e6a200899a00eb0fcd Another measles case confirmed in Maricopa County, bringing total to 15 te 2026-05-13T23:31:50.927Z Another measles case confirmed in Maricopa County, bringing total to 15 Three public exposure sites have been identified in Mesa and Queen Creek. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0509bca200899a00eb0fb7 911 call reveals ICE pepper-sprayed 47 detainees in overcrowded Mesa holding facility te 2026-05-13T23:31:08.433Z 911 call reveals ICE pepper-sprayed 47 detainees in overcrowded Mesa holding facility The Arizona Removal Operations Coordination Center at Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport houses a temporary holding facility for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security that houses people detained for immigration violations before they are either flown to long-term detention centers or are deported. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror) In the early morning hours of late February, a 911 call was made from a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Mesa because a man was having a seizure after immigration agents used pepper spray on a group of 47 detainees in an enclosed room.  “Um, yeah we had, uh, a officer safety issue here,” ICE Ofc. Gene Rivero told a dispatcher with the Mesa Fire and Medical Department, according to a 911 call obtained by the Arizona Mirror through a public records request. “Pepper spray was used and we have a couple subjects that need to be looked at and one subject specifically that appears to be seizing.”  The incident had occurred at the Arizona Removal and Operations Coordination Center housed at the Mesa-Gateway Airport. The facility, first exclusively reported on by the Mirror, is a 25,000-square-foot facility at the airport. It opened in 2010 to little fanfare and can house up to 157 detainees and 79 ICE employees. It is one of many temporary hold facilities across the country, meant to house detainees for short periods of time before they are shipped to longer-term facilities or removed from the country. But a Mirror analysis of data of ICE detention records that the Deportation Data Project obtained via the Freedom of Information Act showed that, in some cases, detainees have stayed for longer than the 12 hours ICE has said the facility is meant for.  window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}); And AROCC has regularly held far more detainees than it is supposed to. The day that ICE agents pepper sprayed the inmates as they were housed in a small room — each room has a capacity of no more than two dozen, though nearly 50 were in the room this day — there were a reported 332 detainees being held. The pepper spray incident happened a week after a congressional oversight visit, prior to which ICE had shuffled around detainees so that AROCC had some of the lowest numbers it had seen all year.   ICE said the officers used pepper spray to quell disruptive behavior in the overcrowded detention room. “Oleoresin Capsicum (OC) spray was deployed on a group of detainees at the Arizona Removal Operations Coordination Center in Mesa, AZ, following repeated verbal commands to cease kicking the cell door, banging the windows, and exhibiting aggressive behavior toward officers,” ICE said in a statement to the Mirror. “At approximately 2:15 a.m., an ICE detainee was transported to East Valley Emergency Room (EVER) due to an asthma episode. The detainee was released from EVER at approximately 3:15 a.m.. There is no evidence to suggest that the asthma episode experienced was caused by exposure to OC spray with the detainee’s pre-existing medical condition.” ICE did not respond to questions asking about the comments made by its own employee about the detainee “seizing,” if any employees of the agency also required treatment or what policies the agency has for the use of pepper spray in confined spaces.  From the 911 call, it’s clear that ICE agents were affected by the spray. As he spoke with the dispatcher, Rivero repeatedly paused to cough, and others can be heard coughing in the background. Rivero told the dispatcher that ICE agents were attempting to “air out” the facility to clear out the chemical agent.  Firefighters said they “found one individual outside with security that was struggling from the exposure to the pepper spray.”  “We also found many people sitting in the breeze way (sic) shackled at the feet. Security was bringing inmates out five at a time and placing them in the breeze way,” according to a fire department report obtained by the Mirror.  “At the beginning we only had the one patient. Eventually we ended up evaluating a second patient who ended up refusing transport,” the report says.  A report of the incident obtained by the Mirror shows that firefighters said that there was only one patient, but approximately 30 others were “getting out of cells” and that they “may need a lot of ppl wash down” due to the pepper spray.  Both the Queen Creek Fire Department and Gilbert Fire Department helped respond to the call.  GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE Last month, three Arizona Democratic members of Congress showed up at AROCC unannounced for a surprise oversight visit. They said afterward that the holding rooms had roughly double the number of people than the maximum capacity posted outside each room. One said that detainees were packed in the rooms “like sardines.”  One of those lawmakers, U.S. Rep. Yassamin Ansari, told the Mirror in a written statement that the audio from the 911 call made her sick.  “This makes me sick to my stomach. You could hear detainees coughing and struggling to breathe,” Ansari said. “ICE is cruel — I’ve witnessed that cruelty firsthand. I’ve seen my constituent, Yari, coughing up blood while suffering from medical neglect. I’ve seen people packed into small concrete cells at Mesa Gateway, sick and crowded together like sardines.  “Time and time again, I’ve demanded answers from ICE and they’ve failed to show basic humanity or accountability. That’s why I’ll continue to vote NO on any additional funding for ICE.” An airplane sits on the tarmac at Mesa Gateway Airport on the evening of April 9, 2026, outside of the Arizona Removal Operations Coordination Center, an ICE facility where detainees are temporarily housed before they are put on a plane to either be deported or moved to a different ICE facility. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror) Another one of those lawmakers, U.S. Rep. Adelita Grijalva, said in a statement to the Mirror that she is “deeply concerned” with the increased use of force against ICE detainees.  “People who are simply asking for food, water, and medical care should not be met with force,” Grijalva said. “Equally concerning is the severe overcrowding at this facility, where the population on the day of the incident far exceeded the facility’s maximum capacity. When detention facilities become overcrowded and conditions deteriorate, the risk of escalation and harm increases significantly.”  The Tucson Democrat said she is also troubled by ICE’s response to questions about the incident and is calling for greater transparency on this incident as well as what protocols the agency has on use-of-force “particularly in confined spaces and against medically vulnerable individuals.”  “ICE’s immediate attempt to dismiss any possible connection between the medical emergency and the deployment of pepper spray is equally concerning and reflects a broader pattern of deflecting accountability and gaslighting the public,” she said. “I’m calling on ICE to provide full transparency regarding this incident, including whether proper protocols were followed and what steps are being taken to ensure the health and safety of individuals in custody.” An internal report, obtained by the Washington Post and published as part of a larger database of use of force incidents at detention centers, gives a little more insight into the incident.  “On February 27, 2026, (Enforcement and Removal Operations) Phoenix reported the use of force on a group of 47 detainees while housed at the AROCC in Mesa, Arizona,” ICE wrote. “No injuries were reported, ERO leadership. (Mesa Fire and Medical Department), and the ICE (Office of Professional Responsibility) Intake Center were notified.”  Mesa Fire had already seen the overcrowding at the facility a few weeks prior and had given ICE a list of corrections.  In late January, the local agency responded to a medical call at AROCC, where it found such severe overcrowding that it gave ICE a list of corrections it needed to make. ICE told Mesa Fire that the 238 people records show were detained that day was an aberration because of a measles outbreak at another Arizona facility. The agency promised the number of detainees would be back under the listed maximum capacity of 157 within a week.  But the next day, records show the daily population was 646 people. The day after that, it was 526. Within a couple of days, there were 777 people being housed at AROCC. On Feb. 4, the day ICE had said the overcrowding would be resolved, there were 513 people locked in the facility’s detention rooms. window.addEventListener("message",function(a){if(void 0!==a.data["datawrapper-height"]){var e=document.querySelectorAll("iframe");for(var t in a.data["datawrapper-height"])for(var r,i=0;r=e[i];i++)if(r.contentWindow===a.source){var d=a.data["datawrapper-height"][t]+"px";r.style.height=d}}}); The use of force incident at AROCC is one of many this year.  In 2024, there were 23 reported use of force incidents for the entire year at detention centers in Arizona. In 2025, that number rose to 34. In just the first two months of  2026, there were 13 incidents, putting ICE on pace to use force on immigrant detainees 78 times.  From the start of January to the end of February in 2024, there were three use of force reports and in 2025, there were five. This year marks a 333% and 160% increase from the same timeframe in previous years.  The majority of use-of-force incidents are taking place at the Eloy Detention Center, and the reports offer little information on what happened.  So far in 2026, the Eloy Detention Center has reported 4 use of force incidents; the narrative supplied in the official database only lists the nationalities of those involved, the date of the incident and that there was a “use of force.”  In 2024, under the administration of President Joe Biden, reports included more information.  For example, a report on Jan. 6, 2024, provides a narrative about how “contract staff” issued verbal commands to a “Senegalese national detainee” to “stop punching and kicking his cell door.”  “The EDC staff deployed a short burst of OC spray into the detainee’s cell to gain compliance. The detainee was extracted and escorted to the shower area for decontamination,” the narrative says. It goes on to say that the detainee was evaluated and later released in “administrative segregation pending a disciplinary hearing.”  Reports since President Donald Trump began his second term in January 2025 have become less transparent. While reports in 2025 continued to include some information about the use of things like pepper spray and why use of force was used, reports on incidents in 2026 have virtually no details.  “ERO Phoenix reported the use of force on a Jamaican national detainee and a Syrian national detainee while housed at the EDC in Eloy, Arizona. No injuries were reported. ERO leadership was notified,” the narrative for one 2026 report states.  “ERO Phoenix reported the use of force on two Mexican national detainees and two Cuban national detainees while housed at the EDC in Eloy, Arizona. No injuries were reported. ERO leadership was notified,” another report says.  None of the 2026 narratives supply information about what force was used or what led up to the use of force. ICE did not respond to the Mirror’s questions as to why the narrative section of the use of force reports has become less detailed this year.  But getting a glimpse behind the curtain on use of force by ICE has never been simple.  “It’s never been easy to get data on this,” Katherine Hawkins, senior legal analyst of the Constitution Project at the Project on Government Oversight, told the Mirror.  Requests for use-of-force data often are withheld as sensitive law enforcement information, and incidents are generally learned about via detainee lawyers.  “It has never been particularly transparent,” Hawkins said.  A detainee boards a 747 that is part of Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Air Operations at Mesa Gateway Airport on Sept. 23, 2025. (Photo by Jerod MacDonald-Evoy/Arizona Mirror) Reporting by the Washington Post has found that, during Trump’s second administration, use of force at ICE detention centers has surged. Their analysis found that detention staff have used force 37% more times than the previous year and a 54% increase from under Biden.  Meanwhile, populations at these centers, like AROCC, are continuing to grow and outpace the size of the facility.  The airport where AROCC is located has raised concerns that conditions there could be a violation of the lease agreement with the private company that sub-leases the space to the federal government.  At AROCC, ICE is detaining more people for longer periods than it ever has. The average length of stay in 2026 is about 36 hours, compared to the same time frame in 2025, when detainees were housed for just about 12 hours on average.  In 2025, the average daily population was approximately 21 people for the same timeframe. So far in 2026, there have been an average of 274 detainees each day. The Mirror found one individual in the data who stayed for 18 days, coinciding with a time when the population of the facility was near its peak of 777 people.  Conditions at the Eloy facility and the Florence Detention Center, where there have been multiple reports of abuse that has led to deaths, have garnered headlines. Oversight of facilities like AROCC, Eloy and Florence exists in theory, but appears to be minimal, at best. Such oversight generally is done internally by the Office of the Inspector General or internal DHS units that have all been gutted by the Trump administration. Just this month, the administration closed the office meant to provide oversight of detention center abuses.  “Accountability has always been very, very limited and in short supply,” Hawkins said, adding that finding people willing to come forward about issues inside can be considerably difficult, as well. “The witnesses may be deported before it can even be investigated.” Additionally, facilities like the one in Eloy and the Central Arizona Florence Correctional Complex are run by private companies, meaning that there is a “less clear chain of command for discipline.” Those facilities are run by CoreCivic who reported a 25% increase in total revenue for the first quarter of this year, largely attributing government contracts with DHS and ICE to their success. YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0509a6a200899a00eb0f96 It never ends: GOP moves to fund border, Democrats blast Trump spending te 2026-05-13T23:30:46.860Z It never ends: GOP moves to fund border, Democrats blast Trump spending This story never ends. The government is still not fully funded for the rest of the fiscal year – meaning September 30. Yes. The House and Senate approved a bipartisan bill funding most of the Department of Homeland Security in late April. It’s similar to what the Senate approved unilaterally in late March. But the House never took it up until just before a recent Congressional recess.  Now the GOP is trying to go around Democrats and pass a three-year bill to fund ICE and the Border Patrol. Democrats never secured reforms at ICE. So they aren’t willing to help out. That’s why Republicans are using a special process called budget reconciliation to bypass Democrats. The only hitch is that it takes a while. The goal is to pass this bill by June 1. House GOP pushes back on Senate’s ‘skinny’ plan to end record-breaking DHS shutdown Republican Congressional leaders initially wanted to make this bill rather spare, just funding ICE and Border Patrol. But they expanded that measure to include $1 billion for President Trump’s ballroom security after the recent assassination attempt at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. So Democrats are launching a blitz about the ballroom. RELATED: REPUBLICANS QUESTION TRUMP BALLROOM FUNDING IN DHS BILL "Republicans say let them eat cake and demand American taxpayers build Trump a palace while they're at it," said Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) "These ‘ballroom Republicans’ have a constituency of one: Donald Trump's ego." "The president just plowed down the East Wing of the White House. And it sits there as a gaping hole waiting to be filled. It was going to be his billionaire buddies filling it. Now it's the American taxpayers," complained Senate Minority Whip Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) Senate Republican leaders initially insisted that the latest funding bill only stick to funding Border Patrol and ICE. "While my personal preference is to put as much as you possibly can in this reconciliation vehicle, there may only be an appetite for Border Patrol or ICE," said Rep. Russell Fry (R-S.C.) But the decision by GOP leaders to shove $1 billion into the bill opens the floor for other Republicans to stuff additional priorities into this budget reconciliation measure. "I'd love to see the SAVE Act in some form or fashion," said Rep. Pat Fallon (R-Texas) on Fox, referring to the bill which requires proof of citizenship to vote. "There are a lot of good conservative wins that we can put forth for the American people," said Rep. Greg Murphy (R-N.C.) on Fox Business. Some pro-life Republicans are pushing an extension of a ban on money for Planned Parenthood. The prohibition expires later this year. "It's been a very thorny issue. It's all under negotiation right now," said President Trump. Meantime, Republicans accuse Democrats of returning to their mantra to defund the police as they fight Border Patrol and ICE funding. Democrats remain opposed because they never secured the safeguards they wanted for ICE after what happened this winter in Minnesota. "My Democrat colleagues refused to provide a single dollar for the men and women who protect our borders," said Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD).  Efforts to fully fund the Department of Homeland Security emerged as a flashpoint in recent years. There are too many controversial policy areas fused together under one federal roof. That’s why there’s now a bipartisan plan to permanently split up DHS. "It's just become too big. It's become too bureaucratic," said Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-Fla.), one of the chief sponsors of the bill. The legislation would make the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) its own cabinet-level department. The Secret Service would report directly to the President. And the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) would head to the Department of Transportation. Consider the consternation by travelers with the government not paying TSA during the 43-day comprehensive government shutdown. The same thing happened over the winter and into the spring as DHS remained unfunded. Moskowitz believes his legislation would curb some government shutdowns. And, it would shield tourists from fiscal fallout. "The American people's travel cannot be held up in the political dysfunction of Washington," said Moskowitz. But that debate is for another day. The immediate question is if the Republican-led House and Senate can advance the package to finish off funding for ICE and CBP.  Secret Service Director Sean Curran met with Senate Republicans over lunch Tuesday to defend the $1 billion request. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) was skeptical after she emerged from the meeting, noting that the Administration needed to provide "justifications" and "details," not "just toplines." Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) defended the spending request. "You've got a President with three assassination attempts just in the last two years. And obviously the money that's in there is about securing the building. And the Secret Service has a job to protect the president. We need to make sure they have the tools to do it," said Thune. After the meeting, Thune said Curran "did a very good job of laying it out and developing the case for why these resources need to be used." Other lawmakers need to hear more. "I don't know if they're talking about infrastructure dollars or other kind of technology," said Rep. Dave Taylor (R-Ohio). "I need to see the details before I pass judgment on whether or not the request is reasonable." Remember that Republicans want to support the President. But they also don’t want anything attached which will hold up ICE and Border Patrol funding. Especially this late in the game. "Members are diving in a little bit. They want to understand how much of this is really related to security," said Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.) "Obviously, we have to keep the President and his guests safe. But when you're talking about $1 billion, members are going to ask a lot of questions. They're digging into details. I don't think we know exactly how this shakes out yet." Here’s what we do know: The Senate Budget Committee won’t meet until late next week to prep its version of the bill – regardless of what’s in or out of it. The Senate must then conduct a "vote-a-rama" which goes around the clock to adopt the measure. Then whatever the Senate adopts goes to the House. This won’t play out until the final days of next week, just before the Memorial Day recess. President Trump established June 1 as a deadline for finishing this bill. The House just adjusted its schedule for next week. The House won’t meet for votes until next Wednesday, May 20. That means there’s a chance the House may need to hang around Washington for part of Memorial Day weekend to pass the bill. The House and Senate are both scheduled to be out of session for Memorial Day week itself. If lawmakers pass this bill, the fight over all government funding for Fiscal Year 2026 will finally conclude. That’s sixteen months after House and Senate committees were hearing testimony from cabinet departments and agencies about what they needed for last fall. RELATED: SENATE TAKES MAJOR FIRST STEP TO PREVENT FUTURE SHUTDOWNS WITH PAINFUL ACCOUNTABILITY PLAY And yet this story continues. Even if they pass this final tranche of funding for DHS, lawmakers have to start again on the spending hamster wheel for this fall. Otherwise, there’s another government shutdown on October 1. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050990a200899a00eb0f66 The China Gambit: From Nixon to Trump te 2026-05-13T23:30:24.227Z The China Gambit: From Nixon to Trump President Trump’s visit to Beijing comes as relations with China have became more combative. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050761a200899a00eb0e6e TX AG Paxton demands Dallas sheriff pursue ICE agreement as deadline dispute sparks legal threat te 2026-05-13T23:21:05.336Z TX AG Paxton demands Dallas sheriff pursue ICE agreement as deadline dispute sparks legal threat Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday demanded Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown comply with a new state law requiring cooperation with federal immigration authorities, warning he could take legal action if she fails to act. Paxton announced he is investigating Brown over what he described as "sanctuary policies" and sent a formal letter ordering her to pursue a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, which would allow local deputies to carry out certain federal immigration enforcement duties. The demand stems from Senate Bill 8, which took effect Jan. 1, 2026, and requires sheriffs in counties that operate jails to seek agreements with ICE to increase cooperation on immigration enforcement. Known as 287(g) agreements, the partnerships allow federal authorities to delegate certain immigration enforcement powers to local officers, including questioning inmates about their immigration status and serving administrative warrants.  "I will not allow the people of Dallas County to suffer because the Sheriff refuses to work with ICE to keep violent illegals off our streets," Paxton said, adding that his office "will ensure" compliance with state law. TEXAS BILL REQUIRING SHERIFFS TO COLLABORATE WITH ICE GIVEN INITIAL APPROVAL BY STATE HOUSE In the letter, Paxton accused Brown of publicly rejecting the requirement after the law passed, citing her October 2025 statement that "no additional efforts" would be made to secure such an agreement. He said her office has not reported any attempt to comply, despite a state requirement that sheriffs show proof they have tried to enter into an agreement. Paxton warned that failure to act could expose Brown to legal consequences and said his office has authority to bring action against sheriffs who do not comply with the statute. He has demanded that Brown report efforts to secure an agreement before June 1. DALLAS MAYOR CONDEMNS POLICE CHIEF'S 'UNILATERAL' DECISION TO REJECT $25M ICE GRANT He also pointed to other large Texas counties — including El Paso, Bexar, and Harris — that have either finalized agreements with ICE or are negotiating them. Brown pushed back on Paxton’s claims, writing in a letter acquired by FOX 4 Dallas that his timeline is incorrect and that the Legislature set a compliance deadline of Dec. 1, 2026, not June 1. ILLEGAL ALIENS ACCUSED IN DALLAS KILLING OF TEEN MOTHER'S UNBORN BABY CHARGED WITH CAPITAL MURDER She also defended her department’s current practices, saying Dallas County already works with federal immigration authorities. "Dallas County currently maintains an active working relationship with ICE and participates in operational coordination substantially similar to the jail-enforcement model contemplated by Chapter 753," Brown said in a statement. She added that her earlier remarks about making "no additional efforts" were taken out of context and reflected her view that existing cooperation already meets the law’s public safety goals. The dispute sets up a potential legal clash between the state’s top law enforcement official and one of Texas’ largest county sheriff’s offices over how far local agencies must go in assisting federal immigration enforcement. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a05074da200899a00eb0e65 Marco Rubio says US will push China to take a more 'active role' in Iran negotiations ahead of Trump-Xi summit te 2026-05-13T23:20:45.446Z Marco Rubio says US will push China to take a more 'active role' in Iran negotiations ahead of Trump-Xi summit Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed that U.S. officials will attempt to persuade China to take a more "active role" in resolving the conflict in Iran as President Donald Trump prepares to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Joining "Hannity" from aboard Air Force One while en route to China, Rubio explained that the U.S. has made its case to Beijing on why it should engage in efforts to settle simmering tensions with Iran. "It’s in their interest to resolve this," Rubio said Wednesday. "We hope to convince them to play a more active role in getting Iran to walk away from what they're doing now and trying to do now in the Persian Gulf." TUNE IN TO WATCH SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO'S FULL INTERVIEW ON 'HANNITY' AT 9PM ET ON FOX NEWS CHANNEL! "We've made the argument to the Chinese, and I hope it's compelling, and they'll have a chance to do something about it at the United Nations later this week," he said. IRAN WAR SUCCESS GIVES PRESIDENT A TRUMP CARD TO PLAY IN CHINA MEETING Rubio argued it is in Beijing’s best interest to assist the U.S. with Iran — despite its strategic ties to Iran — as Chinese ships remain stuck in the Strait of Hormuz and place increased strain on the nation’s economy. China has the opportunity to back condemnation of Iran's actions on Hormuz at the United Nations. "China's economy is export-driven, meaning their economy is fueled not by what they consume domestically, but by what they make and sell to other countries," the Secretary of State said. IRAN TURNS TO PUTIN AS US TALKS COLLAPSE, HORMUZ STANDOFF THREATENS GLOBAL OIL FLOW "Economies are melting down because of this crisis in the Strait," he added. "They're going to be buying less Chinese product and the Chinese exports are going to drop precipitously." Trump's meeting with Xi is the first by a U.S. president since his own visit to China nine years ago. Rubio also explained how the U.S. must strike a balance in its foreign policy toward China, noting that while the U.S. tames China as a geopolitical rival, it must also maintain a healthy relationship to preserve world stability. "[China] is both our top political challenge geopolitically, and it's also the most important relationship for us to manage," the secretary told host Sean Hannity. MARCO RUBIO TO CHINESE FOREIGN MINISTER: TRUMP WILL PUT 'AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST' IN US-CHINA RELATIONS "We're going to have interests of ours that are going to be in conflict with interests of theirs. And to avoid wars and maintain peace and stability in the world, we're gonna have to manage those," he added. China sidestepped its own sanctions on Rubio by changing the spelling of his name, allowing him to enter the country for the high-stakes Trump-Xi meeting. He was barred from China in 2020 over his criticism of Beijing’s human rights record. At the high-stakes two-day summit, Trump and Xi are expected to discuss artificial intelligence, Taiwan and trade as the U.S.-Iran conflict simmers. Rubio said Trump will cooperate with Xi where possible, while remaining steadfast on America’s core demands, including a non-nuclear Iran. "There are clearly areas where they're so important for the United States that we're going to have to raise those issues, and we'll continue to do so. The president's going to continue to do so," he told Fox News. "There might be some areas of cooperation, too. And we want to make sure we don’t walk away from those." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050737a200899a00eb0e36 New Mexico Diocese Tries to Block Government From Seizing Land for Border Wall te 2026-05-13T23:20:23.247Z New Mexico Diocese Tries to Block Government From Seizing Land for Border Wall The diocese’s lawyers argued that the land, which is below a 29-foot-tall statue of Jesus Christ on a mountain peak, is a holy site protected under religious freedom. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0502d9a200899a00eb0d57 Spencer Pratt fires back at critics over luxe Hotel Bel-Air stay as LA mayoral run heats up te 2026-05-13T23:01:45.442Z Spencer Pratt fires back at critics over luxe Hotel Bel-Air stay as LA mayoral run heats up Spencer Pratt escalated his war of words with critics this week, alleging safety threats forced him into a high-end hotel stay. Pratt fired back Wednesday as scrutiny over his living situation intensified following reports he was not living in an Airstream trailer parked on the lot of his former California home. The former "Hills" star acknowledged he is not actively staying in the trailer, despite suggesting he was in a recent mayoral campaign ad. "Hey guys, why don’t they wanna talk about why I need a hotel in the first place?" Pratt wrote on X. "Karen Bass let my home burn down. Also 6,000 of my neighbors. NBD." "Funny how they never attack my policy ideas," the reality TV star added in a separate post. "They can only try to assassinate your character. They don’t wanna talk about my debate masterclass a week ago, they wanna talk about a reality show from a lifetime ago." SPENCER PRATT'S LA MAYORAL CAMPAIGN VIDEO DRAWS JOHN WICK COMPARISONS AS FANS RALLY BEHIND HIM "That’s because they want the continued decline of the city," Pratt continued. "They are locked in an ideological death spiral and can’t shake it. Come at my policies or go sit back down on the back bench. I’m in the arena, son." Pratt has been staying at the Hotel Bel-Air for the past month while his wife and kids have been staying in Carpinteria, Calif., sources told TMZ. The 42-year-old told the outlet the Airstream had become unsafe as he campaigns to be Los Angeles’ next mayor, claiming the hotel’s "armed security" made it "the only option." SPENCER PRATT ANNOUNCES LA MAYOR RUN ON ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF PALISADES FIRE THAT DESTROYED HIS HOME "The reality is the Ba--holes and Ramaniacs are a little bit whacko, and since I destroyed them in the debate, and am surging in the polls, they are getting increasingly desperate and hostile," he explained. "I can't talk about specific threats, but that lot is ... unsafe now," Pratt added. Fox News Digital reached out to a representative for Pratt. Pratt took aim at the media back in April as he accused the Los Angeles Times of harassing his family and trying to expose where his children live as his campaign gains traction in the polls. According to Pratt, a journalist had reached out to his wife, sister, mother and even a restaurant he frequents to track down details about his family. "Creepy LA Times 'journalist' has been phone-stalking & harassing my sister, my wife, my MOM, and even my favorite burrito restaurant trying to dox where my kids sleep and go to school, all because I pulled ahead of Nithya Raman in the polls, and she sent her lapdog to do her dirty work," Pratt wrote on X. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "That’s what they call 'journalism' at the LA Times, folks!" he added. "They’re scared of our campaign. We’re gonna take back our city, and they know they can’t stop us." A Los Angeles Times spokesperson told Fox News Digital: "The Times learned that Mr. Pratt was living in Carpinteria, and contacted him and those around him for comment. We stand by our story and the reporting of our journalists." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Pratt, who lost his home in the deadly 2025 Palisades wildfire, announced he was running for mayor on Jan. 7. Pratt told the crowd at a fire anniversary event that "this just isn’t a campaign, this is a mission. And we are going to expose the system." The event, called "They Let Us Burn!," was a rally critical of state and local government’s handling of the Jan. 7 wildfire that killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. In the aftermath of the fire, Pratt emerged as an outspoken critic of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, both Democrats, and said they failed to prevent the blaze. He has since sued the city of Los Angeles. The complaint blames Los Angeles and its municipal water department for the water issues that hampered firefighting efforts and says it ultimately led to the damage to their properties. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0502c5a200899a00eb0d4e Reported hantavirus protocol breach at hospital forces 12 employees into 6-week quarantine te 2026-05-13T23:01:25.579Z Reported hantavirus protocol breach at hospital forces 12 employees into 6-week quarantine A Dutch hospital has quarantined a dozen staff members following reports of a protocol breach involving a patient infected with hantavirus, hospital officials said Monday. The breach occurred last week at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, Netherlands, after the facility admitted a patient tied to a rare and deadly hantavirus outbreak aboard the MV Hondius luxury cruise ship. The hospital said the patient’s blood and urine were not processed and disposed of using the strictest international protocols required for handling the specific hantavirus strain. "Because of these circumstances, 12 employees will go in preventive quarantine for six weeks as a precaution, despite the fact that the chance of infection is small," the hospital said. RARE HANTAVIRUS HUMAN-TO-HUMAN TRANSMISSION SUSPECTED ON LUXURY CRUISE SHIP WHERE 3 HAVE DIED According to the hospital, when the patient was admitted on May 7, their blood was processed according to standard procedures but should have been handled under stricter protocols required for the nature of the virus. Staff also realized on Saturday that the most up-to-date international regulations for disposing of a hantavirus patient’s urine had not been followed. Instead, they had adhered to what was considered standard procedure. Dutch Health Minister Sophie Hermans addressed the incident in Parliament on Tuesday, reassuring officials that the protocols that were followed were still considered strict. "At Radboud Hospital in Nijmegen, strict procedures have been followed, but not the strictest procedures applicable in the case of this hantavirus," she said. Hospital executives said they regretted what happened in a statement Monday, adding that they remain committed to providing care for any new hantavirus patients who may arrive. CRUISE SHIP LINKED TO DEADLY HANTAVIRUS OUTBREAK ARRIVES OFF TENERIFE AS PASSENGER EVACUATION BEGINS "Despite the fact that the chance of actual infection is very small, these measures have a major impact on all those involved. We regret that this happened in our [university medical center]. We will carefully investigate the course of events to learn from this so that it can be prevented in the future," Bertine Lahuis, chair of the hospital's executive board, said. "Of course, we will ensure that the colleagues involved receive all the support they need. We have great appreciation for their commitment, and that of their colleagues, to ensure that care for the patient runs smoothly. In the meantime, our [university medical center] stands ready to admit any new patients should this be necessary." The announcement marks a backtracking from earlier hospital statements during the patient’s admission that "appropriate isolation measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the virus, in accordance with internationally agreed protocols." As of May 13, there have been 11 hantavirus cases — up from eight reported on May 8 — and three deaths, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. THE EVERYDAY PLACES AMERICANS COULD BE EXPOSED TO HANTAVIRUS — WITHOUT KNOWING IT The agency reported that two of the most recent cases have been confirmed and are from Spain and France. The French patient became symptomatic during repatriation, while the Spanish patient tested positive following repatriation and remains asymptomatic. A third case returned inconclusive results, with the patient initially testing positive and later negative. In total, eight cases are confirmed, two are probable and one is inconclusive. The three deaths also include two confirmed cases and one probable case. Health officials say the virus can be deadly but poses a low risk to the public. Contact tracing for all individuals linked to the hantavirus-stricken cruise ship remains ongoing. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Wednesday added that it has deployed a team to the Canary Islands, where passengers disembarked, to provide onsite healthcare, including speaking with each American passenger at risk of potential exposure. The CDC said it will not release exactly how many passengers are currently being monitored. The outbreak began when a Dutch cruise ship carrying 147 passengers and crew departed Argentina on April 1 for a South Atlantic voyage. It is believed the initial infection was contracted by a passenger who may have been exposed to rodents during regional birdwatching activities prior to boarding, according to the WHO. Following multiple infection reports, the ship docked in Spain’s Canary Islands on May 10, where the remaining passengers and most of the crew were evacuated under quarantine protocols. Passengers have been repatriated to their home countries for a recommended 42-day isolation period. The ship, along with a skeleton crew of 25 and two medical professionals, then sailed to Rotterdam, Netherlands, The Associated Press reported. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0502b1a200899a00eb0d45 Missouri man’s explosives tutorial helped New Orleans terrorist plan NYE attack, feds say te 2026-05-13T23:01:05.987Z Missouri man’s explosives tutorial helped New Orleans terrorist plan NYE attack, feds say A Missouri man accused of turning social media into a virtual bomb-making classroom is now facing federal charges after investigators say his online tutorials were used by the terrorist behind the deadly New Year’s Day rampage on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. Jordan Derrick, 40, of Sweet Springs, Missouri, was arrested by the FBI Tuesday after prosecutors accused him of posting detailed online videos showing followers exactly how to manufacture explosives, detonators and improvised explosive devices using volatile chemical compounds. According to a newly unsealed criminal complaint, Derrick spent months uploading graphic, step-by-step demonstrations showing viewers how to create explosive materials including TNT, PETN, RDX and other highly dangerous compounds commonly associated with military-grade explosives and terror attacks. Investigators allege Derrick began posting the content on multiple social media platforms as early as September 2023, effectively creating an online "how-to" guide for homemade bombs. FBI NABS FLORIDA MAN WITH ALLEGED PLAN TO LIVESTREAM NEO-NAZI TERROR ATTACK, GRAPHIC SIGNAL MESSAGES RECOVERED The complaint alleges Derrick demonstrated how to manufacture detonators and volatile explosive compounds, including nickel aminoguanidine perchlorate, ethylene glycol dinitrate, HMTD, hexamine dinitrate and ammonium nitrate mixtures capable of causing catastrophic damage. Federal authorities say the videos eventually reached Shamsud-Din Jabbar, the ISIS-inspired terrorist responsible for the deadly Bourbon Street attack in New Orleans on Jan. 1, 2025. According to investigators, Jabbar downloaded Derrick’s publicly available bomb-making videos and used the tutorials to construct improvised explosive devices consistent with the methods shown online. PRO-ISIS GROUP CALLED ON MUSLIMS TO CONDUCT NYE ATTACKS AHEAD OF NEW ORLEANS MASSACRE The FBI previously said Jabbar killed 14 people and injured dozens more after driving a rented Ford F-150 through packed New Year’s crowds in the French Quarter during the early morning hours of Jan. 1 before opening fire on police officers, who shot and killed him at the scene. Authorities later recovered improvised explosive devices near Bourbon Street that failed to detonate and were ultimately rendered safe by bomb squads — a development prosecutors now say may have prevented an even deadlier mass-casualty attack. The FBI has said Jabbar became increasingly radicalized online in 2024 and researched ISIS propaganda, previous vehicle attacks and crowded New Orleans events in the months leading up to the massacre. GOT A TIP? Investigators also said Jabbar traveled from Houston to New Orleans weeks before the attack, where he scoped out the French Quarter, researched balcony access points and used Meta smart glasses to secretly record video while biking through Bourbon Street. Hours before carrying out the Bourbon Street massacre, investigators say Jabbar researched the deadly Christmas market attack in Germany. FOLLOW US ON X But prosecutors now believe Derrick’s alleged online explosives empire reached far beyond New Orleans. PA MAN CHARGED WITH ATTEMPTING TO MAKE WEAPONS OF MASS DESTRUCTION AFTER NEIGHBOR TIP Federal investigators say they also linked Derrick’s bomb-making tutorials to a separate explosion at a home in Odessa, Missouri, earlier this month. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL According to the criminal complaint, investigators responding to the May 4 blast discovered suspected explosive components inside the residence. The homeowner allegedly told authorities he learned how to build explosive devices by watching online tutorial videos connected to Derrick’s social media accounts. That explosion remains under investigation. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS Derrick is charged with manufacturing explosive materials without a license, unlawfully possessing an unregistered destructive device and distributing information related to the manufacture of explosives. If convicted, Derrick could face up to 20 years in federal prison on the charge of distributing information related to manufacturing explosives, along with two additional charges carrying maximum penalties of 10 years each. Federal inmates are not eligible for parole. The FBI is leading the investigation alongside federal prosecutors and the Justice Department’s National Security Division. Derrick has not yet entered a plea. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a05029ba200899a00eb0d17 How Jerome Powell Managed a Chaotic Era te 2026-05-13T23:00:43.754Z How Jerome Powell Managed a Chaotic Era Our reporter Colby Smith, who covers the Federal Reserve and the economy, looks back at Jerome Powell’s tenure as chair of the Fed. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a050288a200899a00eb0d0e Duffy’s ‘Great American Road Trip’ Prompts Ethical Concerns te 2026-05-13T23:00:24.035Z Duffy’s ‘Great American Road Trip’ Prompts Ethical Concerns A YouTube series starring Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and his family is part of the nation’s 250th anniversary celebrations, but it doubled as a family excursion for them. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a05002ea200899a00eb0c6d This is what some of the world’s largest banks of malware look like stacked as hard drives te 2026-05-13T22:50:22.605Z This is what some of the world’s largest banks of malware look like stacked as hard drives What would some of the world's largest repositories of malware look like if they were stacked as hard drives, one on top of the other? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04fdd9a200899a00eb0bee NFL announces that inaugural Thanksgiving Eve game between Packers and Rams will be streamed on Netflix te 2026-05-13T22:40:25.921Z NFL announces that inaugural Thanksgiving Eve game between Packers and Rams will be streamed on Netflix The National Football League has found yet another day to take over. The NFL announced on Wednesday its inaugural Thanksgiving Eve game will be played this year between the Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams, on Netflix. A few years ago, the NFL realized that Black Friday could be an option for fans to gather around their televisions, and it found another as hometown bars will be packed the night before the big holiday. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The NFL has dipped its toe into holidays, also becoming the new king of Christmas. The Packers and Rams played each other each season from 2020 to 2024 (the 2020 campaign bout was during the playoffs) but did not face off in 2025. The Packers have walloped the Rams in recent memory, winning 16 of their last 21 meetings dating back to 1992, including 10 of their last 11. AN NFL GAME THE NIGHT BEFORE THANKSGIVING IS OFFICIALLY 'TOO MUCH FOOTBALL' Oddly enough, before their 2024 bout, each of their prior four meetings was in Green Bay, but this will now mark back-to-back contests in Los Angeles. The last time the two teams met, back on Oct. 6, 2024, Tucker Kraft had two touchdowns for the Packers, including one that went for 66 yards. The Rams tried their best at a fourth-quarter comeback, but Green Bay came away with a 24-19 victory on the road. The game will be broadcast on Netflix, with the streaming service also broadcasting the Rams' Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers in Australia, two Christmas games and a Week 18 Saturday game. 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/6a04fba9a200899a00eb0b66 Vance turns up heat on states with federal cash threat over Medicaid fraud crackdown te 2026-05-13T22:31:05.933Z Vance turns up heat on states with federal cash threat over Medicaid fraud crackdown Vice President JD Vance warned Wednesday that states could lose federal funding if they fail to aggressively pursue Medicaid fraud, escalating the Trump administration’s pressure campaign on governors and state Medicaid officials. "We are sending letters that will require them to show that they are effectively and aggressively prosecuting Medicaid fraud in their states. And if they do not, if they do not aggressively prosecute Medicaid fraud, we are going to turn off the money that goes to these anti-fraud units," said Vance during a fraud press conference on Wednesday. Vance said the federal government has provided states with "billions of dollars" for Medicaid Fraud Control Units and warned that funding could be cut off if states fail to comply with the crackdown. He pointed to states that have received billions of dollars in federal funding to protect against fraud, but have yet to produce a conviction or indictment.  The warning came as the administration announced it is deferring $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements from California, with Vance accusing the state of failing to take fraud seriously. California officials have disputed the administration’s claims. HOUSE GOP LAUNCHES NEW TASK FORCE, PROBES ALLEGED $250B MEDICAID FRAUD IN OHIO "We're announcing that the federal government is deferring $1.3 billion in Medicaid reimbursements from the state of California. And the simple reason is because the state of California has not taken fraud very seriously," Vance added.  Vance said that Ohio, a red state, and Maryland, a blue state, have been good examples of states they have been working with that are taking the "fraud seriously." Ohio governor Mike DeWine issued a press release on the same day announcing a series of new measures his state is taking to crackdown on suspected fraud, including proposing a six-month moratorium on new home healthcare and hospice providers enrolling in Medicaid.  As for other states, Vance pointed to a handful of Democrat-led jurisdictions for not tackling the fraud scandals more aggressively.  "This does not have to be a red state or a blue state issue. This is just basic good government. However, states like California, states like Hawaii, states like New York have completely not taken the fraud issue seriously in the Medicaid program and so for those states that refuse to get serious about fraud, we are going to turn off that anti-fraud money," said Vance. VANCE ANTI-FRAUD TASK FORCE SUSPENDS 221 CALIFORNIA HOSPICE AND HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS SO FAR He continued that if states do not take the fraud crackdown seriously, other resources within their Medicaid programs could be turned off too. "We don't want to turn off any money. What we want to do is ensure that people are taking fraud seriously. We want to protect Medicaid," said Vance. "We want to protect Medicare, but we can't do that if the states that are administering those programs are allowing those programs to be fleeced by fraudsters."  READ: DR. OZ PUTS ALL 50 GOVERNORS ON NOTICE OVER BILLIONS LOST TO MEDICAID FRAUD Oz previously gave governors and state Medicaid leaders 10 business days on April 23 to tell CMS whether they will commit to conducting a swift "revalidation" of high-risk Medicaid providers and provide a proposed timetable, Fox News Digital exclusively reported at the time, alongside a separate 30-day deadline for a broader provider-revalidation strategy, escalating federal pressure on states to tighten anti-fraud enforcement. "While the factors contributing to fraud are multifaceted and require a comprehensive approach to address, a revalidation process for high-risk providers will immediately deter criminal actors from continuing their fraud schemes, as the federal and state governments closely review and scrutinize the qualifications of providers to suspend or terminate clearly abusive actors from the program," Oz wrote in a letter. The letters targeted providers at "high risk of waste, fraud, abuse, and corruption," particularly those with "less rigorous enrollment and billing requirements," with CMS directing states to include any provider operating without a National Provider Identifier. A second letter was also sent to each state Medicaid director reiterating the call for a revalidation strategy tailored to each state. "Our analysis of national trends strongly suggests a persistent and growing Medicaid threat posed by sophisticated actors knowingly exploiting these complex systems for financial gain," Oz wrote. Fox News Digital reached out to the office of the vice president and CMS for additional comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04fb96a200899a00eb0b5d Skip Bayless boosts Stephen A's sluggish "First Take" ratings by 24% on their reunion show te 2026-05-13T22:30:46.530Z Skip Bayless boosts Stephen A's sluggish "First Take" ratings by 24% on their reunion show Skip Bayless’ return to "First Take" on ESPN last week boosted viewership by 24%, ESPN confirms to OutKick. The episode aired Friday, May 9, and averaged 647,000 viewers. The program is averaging 520,800 viewers so far in 2026. This was Bayless' first television appearance with Stephen A. Smith in nearly 10 years. The increase is notable. While "First Take" remains one of ESPN’s higher-rated shows, it has struggled to keep pace with the growth of surrounding programs. ESPN recently said "Get Up" is up 18% and "The Pat McAfee Show" is up 16%. "First Take," which airs between them, is up just 5%. JEMELE HILL BECOMES SURPRISING VOICE OF REASON IN CAITLIN CLARK-MORGAN WALLEN "CONTROVERSY" There is a case that the show has grown stale under its current format of rotating contributors debating with Smith. The lineup often features mid-tier former athletes like Ryan Clark, Kendrick Perkins and Chiney Ogwumike. That dynamic forces Smith to drive the discussion himself. As his other former debate partner Max Kellerman explained, Smith is at his best reacting cartoonishly to provocative takes, not constructing them. Enter Skip Bayless. Friday’s episode felt more engaging because Bayless set the tone. As in the past, he answered first, made an argument, and Smith responded theatrically. This format does not appeal to everyone and can veer into the corny, but it is more compelling than watching Smith stretch to carry debates on his own. Since Bayless’ departure, Smith has often appeared unprepared and uninformed on general sports topics. His increased focus on political commentary outside ESPN has not helped. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Looking ahead, ESPN labeled Bayless’ return a "one-time" appearance. However, Smith said as recently as last year that he had no interest in reuniting with Bayless in any capacity. Plans change, especially when viewership is a factor. Stephen A. sees Mike Greenberg (the host of "Get Up") and Pat McAfee closing in on his viewership. The gaps between the three are now minimal. At this pace, one or both could surpass "First Take" by football season. Smith, who is also the executive producer of "First Take," will undoubtedly take note of the lift Bayless provides and consider bringing him back again. Whether Bayless can deliver sustained gains beyond a nostalgia-driven, one-time spike is unclear. ESPN and Smith may test that with additional appearances before making any longer-term decision. In any event, a full-time return for Bayless is unlikely. Smith has long emphasized his control over the show and is unlikely to want to share it. On one hand, a part-time role could be a blow to Bayless' ego. "First Take" was his show in 2012. He pushed for Smith to join him, despite internal resistance at ESPN to use him as anything more than a radio talent. Returning as a contributor to a platform that used to be his cannot be ideal. On the other hand, Bayless recently posted a 28-minute video recapping the appearance and called his relationship with Smith the "greatest thing to ever happen" to him, even above his marriage. He sounds desperate. Since leaving FS1 in 2024, he has struggled to break through in the digital media space. Ultimately, Skip Bayless returning once a week to debate Smith, like Chris "Mad Dog" Russo does each Wednesday, would make the most sense for all parties. Bayless needs it. Stephen A. and "First Take" might as well. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04fb82a200899a00eb0b54 Kendrick Perkins accidentally exposed the NBA's biggest problem during ESPN's 'First Take' te 2026-05-13T22:30:26.641Z Kendrick Perkins accidentally exposed the NBA's biggest problem during ESPN's 'First Take' Kendrick Perkins said the quiet part out loud during ESPN's First Take on Wednesday. The NBA analyst was discussing Victor Wembanyama after the San Antonio Spurs star once again reminded everyone that he is not a normal human being (don't call him an alien unless you want Stan Van Gundy to scold you). The 2023 No. 1 overall pick scored 27 points, grabbed 17 rebounds and added five assists and three blocks to lead the Spurs to a Game 5 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves, 126-97, on Tuesday night. The victory put San Antonio one win away from a trip to the Western Conference Finals. Wembanyama is 7-foot-4, handles like a guard, shoots threes, and blocks shots. He already looks like the best two-way player in the league. He's truly unlike anything basketball fans have ever seen, arguably a better Giannis Antetokounmpo than, well, Giannis Antetokounmpo. That led Perkins, who has had some really terrible opinions in the past, to reach an interesting conclusion. The NBA belongs to international players. "I thought American basketball was catching back up," Perkins said. He argued that Antetokounmpo's injury issues and Nikola Jokic's slight decline this season (in Perkins' view) provided an opening for Americans to step back into the spotlight over a pair of foreigners who have dominated the league in recent years. Then came Wembanyama. "And then all of a sudden, Wemby comes along in this postseason and last night in particular, and shows us that no, it still belongs to the international players," Perkins said. "The international players have completely taken over our league." It's not often I find myself agreeing with Perkins, but this is one of those times. However, he didn't go far enough. He accidentally identified one of the NBA’s biggest problems. Perkins continued by rattling off the recent MVP winners: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, Jokic again, Jokic again, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Giannis Antetokounmpo again. An American-born player hasn't won the league's MVP award since 2018 (James Harden). It's not likely to happen this season, either, with SGA the overwhelming favorite to capture the award for the second consecutive season. The ESPN analyst then added that Wembanyama is going to be the best player on the floor "on both ends" for the next decade and is likely to add his name to the foreign-born MVP list in the near future. Again, he’s probably right. And that’s a problem for the NBA in America. Not because international players are bad. Quite the opposite. They have brought a ton of skill to the league and the game of basketball in general, including college hoops. That’s great for the NBA globally. But it’s not great for the league domestically (although, foreign money pads the bank account just the same, so the league might not even care). Americans like rooting for Americans. This is not complicated, even though people in sports media love pretending that it is. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Look at hockey. For decades, hockey struggled to grab the average American sports fan because it never really felt like an American sport. It was dominated by Canadians, Russians, Swedes, Finns and Czechs. Great players. Great sport. But for many casual American fans, it didn’t feel like ours. Then Team USA beat Canada for Olympic gold, and suddenly the entire conversation changed. Matthew Tkachuk, Jack Hughes, Connor Hellebuyck and the rest of the American stars didn’t just win. They made Americans feel like hockey belonged to them, too. That matters. The NHL didn’t fundamentally change overnight. The rules didn’t change. The ice wasn’t any bigger. The puck wasn’t any easier to follow. But once Americans saw American stars beating Canada at its own game, the sport felt different. And TV ratings have shown that the Olympics bump increased American interest in the NHL. The NBA is dealing with the opposite problem. For years, the NBA had a very easy domestic marketing formula: sell American greatness. Magic Johnson. Larry Bird. Michael Jordan. Shaquille O’Neal. Kobe Bryant. LeBron James. Steph Curry. Kevin Durant. Dwyane Wade. Charles Barkley. Allen Iverson. Yes, the league had international stars mixed in, and some were great players. But the face of the league was almost always American. More specifically, the NBA’s cultural power was built largely through black American superstardom. That’s why one of the laziest narratives in basketball has always been that the NBA, or NBA media, secretly wants more European stars because some of them are White. That's patently false and not supported by a shred of evidence. Do people really think American fans preferred Nikola Jokic because he’s white over LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kobe Bryant, Allen Iverson or Anthony Edwards? Come on. That's easy to disprove because when Jokic's Nuggets won the NBA Finals in 2023, it was one of the lowest-rated series ever (excluding the years affected by COVID). When Curry's Warriors were dominating the league, NBA Finals games were averaging nearly 20 million viewers. In addition, some of the best international players in the league aren’t white. Wembanyama is black. Giannis is Black. Embiid is black. Shai is black. This isn’t a "white European" takeover. It’s an international takeover. Second, American fans have always connected more with American stars, regardless of race. Black American NBA stars (really, all elite black athletes) have been among the most famous, popular and marketable athletes in the history of this country. Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods are two of the most recognizable figures in American pop culture. The issue isn’t race. The issue is connection. Wembanyama, Jokic, Luka Doncic and Giannis are incredible athletes. But they don’t feel like American sports heroes. Because they aren't. That might make some people uncomfortable. It shouldn’t. It’s just reality. Sports fandom is tribal. It’s regional. It’s national. It’s emotional. And in the United States, fans still want a reason to feel like the league belongs to them. Perkins captured that with one phrase: "our league." He didn’t say "the league." He said "our league." For many American basketball fans, the NBA increasingly doesn’t feel like "our league" at the very top. It feels like a global league that happens to play most of its games in the United States. Maybe the NBA is fine with that. Maybe Adam Silver and league executives look at international growth, global merchandise sales and streaming numbers and shrug. Maybe they believe losing a bit of American cultural attachment is worth gaining a larger worldwide footprint. That’s a business decision. But don’t act confused when the average American sports fan doesn’t feel the same attachment to a league where the best player conversation is dominated by a Serbian, a Slovenian, a Greek-Nigerian, a Frenchman, a Cameroonian and a Canadian. As good as they are, they’re not American-born. And that matters in the United States. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE "There is no hope for us to take over our league," he said. "There is no hope whatsoever, at least for the next 10 years, for us to get our league back." That’s a wild thing to hear from an ESPN NBA analyst. It’s also the truth. Wembanyama isn’t the NBA’s problem. He might be the future of basketball from a gameplay and talent perspective. But if the future face of the NBA is not an American star, then the league has to accept what comes with that. Global relevance might go up. American emotional investment might not. And for a league built in America, that’s a bigger problem than many are willing to admit. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f951a200899a00eb0ab4 No need to wait for LeBron James to retire, the next 'great one' is already here and his name is Wemby te 2026-05-13T22:21:05.489Z No need to wait for LeBron James to retire, the next 'great one' is already here and his name is Wemby While the NBA Playoffs are still in full swing, the offseason rhetoric is already ramping up regarding whether Lakers superstar LeBron James has played in his last NBA game. And, with that rhetoric, the question will inevitably rise about who the "next one" is. When Michael Jordan retired, he relinquished that crown to Kobe Bryant, who, in turn, had it wrestled away from him by LeBron, where it has sat comfortably upon his head for the better part of two decades. It's a classic "circle of life" type of thing that happens in the NBA whenever that era's "GOAT" hangs up his sneakers, but, much like with the transfer of power from Kobe to LeBron, we don't have to wait for The King to officially call it quits. LEBRON JAMES ADMITS FUTURE IN NBA IS UNCLEAR AFTER LAKERS' PLAYOFF EXIT The "next one" is already here, and his name is Victor Wembanyama. You can accuse me of calling my shot a little prematurely, but I believe the next contender to enter the "greatest of all time" discussion is currently playing basketball in San Antonio, Texas. I've talked about Wemby at length several times since joining OutKick, and for good reason. SPURS' VICTOR WEMBANYAMA STYMIES NETS WITH INCREDIBLE SEQUENCE DURING WIN The 7-foot-4 Frenchman has the rare combination of talent and physical gifts that were previously unheard of before he arrived on the scene. Similarly to LeBron, Wemby has had the insane hype surrounding him from a very young age. I remember hearing about this 7-foot-tall 17-year-old in France who could shoot like Dirk and handle like a point guard, and even back then, people were anointing him the next GOAT. VICTOR WEMBANYAMA SETS NBA POSTSEASON BLOCK RECORD IN THE SPURS' LOSS TO THE TIMBERWOLVES I thought it was a little early at the time, but they were on to something. Fast forward to 2026, and Wemby is already a two-time NBA All-Star, a Defensive Player of the Year, and has led the league in blocks three consecutive seasons. He is also one win away from having the San Antonio Spurs back in the Western Conference Finals for the first time in nearly a decade, thanks to a masterful 27-17-5-3 performance in Game 5 against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Don't just take my word for it, either. A couple of Basketball Hall of Famers believe Wemby is already on a GOAT-like trajectory at just 22 years old. According to Larry Brown Sports, NBA champion and Hall of Fame forward Paul Pierce called Wemby "[the] most complete player in the history of the game," on his podcast "No Fouls Given." VICTOR WEMBANYAMA AVOIDS SUSPENSION FOR ELBOW ON NAZ REID, WILL PLAY IN PIVOTAL GAME 5 Shaquille O'Neal, one of, if not the greatest centers in NBA history, called referred to Wemby as "the first perfect big man." If you're old enough to remember how dominant Shaq was in his prime, that comment carries a ton of weight. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! My point is this: Don't wait to jump on the Wemby hype train, because that bad boy has already pulled out of the station. If he can guide the Spurs past the Wolves and somehow take down the 64-win Thunder to reach the NBA Finals, San Antonio will assuredly be the heavy favorite to take down the Eastern Conference's representative and raise a Larry O'Brien trophy. Should that happen, Wemby would be just 22 years old with a ring, a DPoY and the whole league in the palm of his hand. If you're looking to buy Wemby stock, it's already too late. The next "GOAT" has already arrived. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f93da200899a00eb0aab Isles Matthew Schaefer annihilates Calder Trophy field, rookie wins award unanimously te 2026-05-13T22:20:45.761Z Isles Matthew Schaefer annihilates Calder Trophy field, rookie wins award unanimously The Calder Trophy — awarded to the NHL's rookie of the year — is usually one of the most talked-about awards that the league dishes out, and that's because there's usually a pretty compelling race for the award. Well... not exactly this year. Instead, Islanders rookie standout Matthew Schaefer was the runaway winner. Schaeffer, who was selected by the Isles with the first-overall pick in the 2025 NHL Draft, was surprised with the trophy during an appearance on ABC's 'Good Morning America', with his father on hand. Also in attendance were former Islander Matt Martin and his family, with whom Schaefer lived this season. Emotions were high as Schaefer overcame some personal tragedy when his mother passed away in 2024. He has quickly become a key piece of an Islanders team that looked to be on course for the postseason but faded down the stretch. Despite the disappointment for the team, Schaefer had an incredible 59 points (23G, 36A) as a defenseman and a +13 rating after appearing in all 82 games this season. It was so impressive that he won the Calder Trophy unanimously, taking all the first-place votes ahead of Montreal Canadiens forward Ivan Demidov and Anaheim Ducks winger Beckett Sennecke. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! And that's not to imply that Demidov and Sennecke were slouches this year. Far from it. Demidov racked up 62 points (19G, 43A), while Sennecke had 60 points (23G, 37A), and both were key pieces that helped their respective teams not only make it into the playoffs at all, but into the second round. The win makes Schaefer the first unanimous Calder Trophy winner since Teemu Selanne won the award in 1992-93 as a member of the original Winnipeg Jets. Schaefer — who seems like a really good dude — capped off the day by taking his new hardware to a local children's hospital. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f924a200899a00eb0a5e Where ICE detained a neighbor, Tucson communities hold a vigil te 2026-05-13T22:20:20.776Z Where ICE detained a neighbor, Tucson communities hold a vigil Sebastián Quinac takes a sky-blue tissue paper flower and walks toward the chain-link fence outside the Latino supermarket El Super. He carefully places the flower on one of five white pennants that flutter under Tucson’s intense sun. Inscribed on them are the names of migrants captured by immigration agents at this site and others, or who died in detention centers across the country. Quinac does not know these people, but to him they represent families who do not know where their parents, children or siblings are. “But we are here to help them,” he says in a firm voice. He is among the attendees at the first May vigil in a series of gatherings that will take place every second Saturday of the month. The interfaith effort will focus on different parts of Tucson, where members of Southern Arizona’s immigrant community have been taken by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Trump’s second administration. Members of the Good Neighbor Interfaith Coalition and other community members gathered on Saturday, May 9, outside the El Super store located at the corner of South 6th Avenue and East Benson Highway to remember Tucson neighbors who have been detained by ICE agents. Credit: Beatriz Limón The Good Neighbor Interfaith Coalition and other community members unite outside the El Super grocery store, at the corner of South Sixth Avenue and East Benson Highway. It’s Saturday, May 9, and they want to make visible abuses against immigrant communities. “The word solidarity is very powerful among people who seek unity, justice and love; that’s why we are here,” Quinac tells Arizona Luminaria. The Kaqchikel Mayan activist from Guatemala, provides translation and assistance to local Indigenous migrants who speak neither Spanish nor English. Quinac works for the Alianza Indígenas sin Fronteras, or Indigenous Alliance Without Borders in English, and is part of the local Rapid Response Team, observing local ICE operations. Sebastián Quinac is a Kaqchikel Mayan activist from Guatemala who provides translation and assistance to Indigenous migrants who speak neither Spanish nor English. Credit: Beatriz Limón “Families who were separated, who were deported, need to hear from us that we are here, even if they are in their countries, even if they are here sad, abandoned — but we are with them in different ways,” Quinac tells Arizona Luminaria, with a gentle voice and face shaded by a straw-colored hat that protects him from the unforgiving sun. This first vigil is at the Tucson site where Steven Davis, also a Rapid Response volunteer, recorded agents wearing masks to hide their faces. They followed an older Latino man carrying a small bag of groceries. They stopped him across the street. Agents smashed the man’s truck window and detained him. A community network shared the video on Jan. 18, showing ICE agents pulling a man from his vehicle outside El Super. Four months later, in that same place, dozens of people — including Davis — now gather to raise their voices and offer prayers and songs of faith for those they say have been “kidnapped and disappeared”  by the U.S. immigration system. “‘It was really devastating for me. Being back here today has brought back all those feelings of grief,’” Davis says, noting that memories of witnessing the government take one his neighbors continues to affect him. Retired pastor Tina Schlabach, who has advised families affected by deportations, leads a prayer during the first vigil against ICE detentions, organized by members of the Good Neighbor Interfaith Coalition and other community members. Credit: Beatriz Limón Retired Pastor Tina Schlabach said the next vigil will take place in the Menlo Park neighborhood, where hundreds of residents have gathered to express concerns about immigration operations and organize coordinated responses in their neighborhoods. “We will hold them every month. We are going to choose another place where people have disappeared, where ICE has detained them,” says Schlabach, who has spent years advising families affected by deportations. Immigrant advocacy groups in Southern Arizona have a long tradition of fighting for the safety of migrants, as well as honoring those who died crossing the desert or in detention centers. Now, they say, they are also being forced to build altars and organize vigils for those taken by ICE on the streets of Tucson. “We do this because otherwise these things are invisible; they happen quickly and people don’t know. So we have decided that once a month we will be in these places,” Schlabach says. “We will pray for the families of the people who have been detained and tell the stories of how immigration authorities have carried out violence, with a lack of respect and due process.” Sebastián Quinac places a paper flower in tribute to people captured by ICE. Credit: Beatriz Limón To select vigil locations, the interfaith coalition will use the newly published Tucson Migra Map, a community documentation project built from reports by hundreds of residents seeking to expose the scope of immigration enforcement operations and the violence they say immigrant communities face daily. People interested in attending the vigils can contact members at goodneighbortucson@gmail.com for more information. “It is very important to us that this not be forgotten or made invisible,” Schlabach says while holding a white pastoral stole hand-embroidered by migrant women in shelters in Mexico. She chose a shortened biblical verse from the Book of Deuteronomy stitched into the fabric in black and red capital letters: “I HAVE SET BEFORE YOU LIFE AND DEATH… CHOOSE LIFE. SO THAT YOU AND YOUR DESCENDANTS MAY LIVE… Dt 30:19.” “It is blessed,” Schlabach says with a slight smile before walking away. Behind her, the white pennants crowned with paper flowers sway on the chain-link fence. Names, written in black marker, remain visible: Miguel Ángel García Medina. Emmanuel Damas. Parady LA. Chaofeng Ge. The post Where ICE detained a neighbor, Tucson communities hold a vigil appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f6fba200899a00eb09fc Jewish Dem lawmaker pans NY Times, suggests paper on 'Hamas' payroll' for Palestinian prisoner dog rape report te 2026-05-13T22:11:07.201Z Jewish Dem lawmaker pans NY Times, suggests paper on 'Hamas' payroll' for Palestinian prisoner dog rape report Note: This story contains graphic allegations of sexual violence. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J. joined the growing choir of critics lambasting The New York Times for its explosive report alleging systemic sexual violence targeting Palestinian prisoners, including training dogs to rape them. A report authored by Times columnist Nicholas Kristof went viral Monday outlining claims from 14 men and women who say they were "sexually assaulted by Israeli settlers or members of the security forces." The allegations range from abuse of genitalia to penetration by a dog. "WTF @nytimes!" Gottheimer wrote on X. "Nick Kristof amplifies proven Hamas-affiliated sources and their propaganda, while the NYT continues to gloss over the systematic sexual violence, rape, and mutilation Hamas committed on October 7, now fully documented in the new Civil Commission report." "We should expect better from the paper of record, particularly with allegations as serious as these. It’s almost as if the NYT is on Hamas’ payroll," the Democratic lawmaker added. FORMER ISRAELI PM ACCUSES NY TIMES OF MISREPRESENTING HIS COMMENTS IN VIRAL PRISONER DOG RAPE STORY The New York Times did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. The Gray Lady has drawn heavy backlash from critics over Kristof's report, including by the Israeli government. The Israeli Foreign Ministry called it "one of the worst blood libels ever to appear in the modern press." "In an unfathomable inversion of reality, and through an endless stream of baseless lies, propagandist Nicholas Kristof turns the victim into the accused. Israel — whose citizens were the victims of the most horrific sexual crimes committed by Hamas on October 7, and whose hostages were later subjected to further sexual abuse — is portrayed as the guilty party," the Israel Foreign Ministry wrote on X. "This publication is no coincidence. It is part of a false and well-orchestrated anti-Israel campaign aimed at placing Israel on the U.N. Secretary-General’s blacklist," it added. "Israel will fight these lies with the truth — and the truth will prevail." ISRAEL FOREIGN MINISTRY CONDEMNS NEW YORK TIMES PIECE AS 'ONE OF THE WORST BLOOD LIBELS' IN MODERN PRESS Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, who was quoted in Kristof's story, accused The Times of mischaracterizing his comments after saying, "Do I believe it happens? Definitely." "Mr. Kristof's article includes claims of extraordinary gravity: that Israeli authorities have directed the rape of children, that dogs have been used as instruments of sexual assault, that systematic sexual torture is state policy. I did not validate these claims," Olmert said in a statement obtained by The Free Press. "I have no knowledge supporting these claims, as I said to Mr. Kristof. Therefore, the positioning of my quote after pages of such allegations misrepresents my views," he added. NYT COLUMNIST 'TORN' ABOUT ROOTING FOR IRANIAN REGIME'S DOWNFALL SINCE IT WOULD GIVE A WIN TO TRUMP, NETANYAHU The Times defended Kristof amid the mounting criticism. "Nicholas Kristof is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has reported on sexual violence for decades, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s best on-the-ground reporters documenting and bearing witness to sexual abuse experienced by women and men in war and conflict zones," Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander wrote.  "He traveled to the region to report firsthand on the stories of the Palestinians who suffered abuse, and his article collects accounts in the victims’ own words, backed by independent studies," the statement added. Stadtlander also pushed back against Olmert's criticism, telling Fox News Digital, "Mr. Olmert was one of many people that Nick Kristof spoke to for his column, offering the former Prime Minister the context and overview of what he was writing. Olmert's quote was given on the record, tape-recorded and is presented accurately and in appropriate context to readers." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f6e4a200899a00eb09ce Miami Residents Sue Over Trump’s Plan to Make His Library a Hotel te 2026-05-13T22:10:44.673Z Miami Residents Sue Over Trump’s Plan to Make His Library a Hotel The suit argues that the development on state-donated land would violate the Constitution’s domestic emoluments clause, which prohibits the president from accepting money or gifts from states. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f6d1a200899a00eb09c5 Trump Administration Will Withhold $1.3 Billion in Medicaid Payments to California te 2026-05-13T22:10:25.217Z Trump Administration Will Withhold $1.3 Billion in Medicaid Payments to California Vice President JD Vance said the state had not done enough to fight fraud in the public health insurance program. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f4bca200899a00eb090b Arizona PBS hosts first GOP school superintendent debate after critical ESA audit te 2026-05-13T22:01:32.472Z Arizona PBS hosts first GOP school superintendent debate after critical ESA audit Ahead of Wednesday's debate, Kimberly Yee sends a cease-and-desist letter to Superintendent Tom Horne over DEI claims. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f48fa200899a00eb08d3 Phillies vs Red Sox betting preview favors Boston through five innings despite Philadelphia's hot streak te 2026-05-13T22:00:47.821Z Phillies vs Red Sox betting preview favors Boston through five innings despite Philadelphia's hot streak We have a getaway day in baseball, which means there are a lot of series wrapping up today. There are a few that are starting, but for the most part, every team tends to play every Wednesday. That means there is a ton of games to sift through and find good bets to place. I personally love the one I have for today's game between the Phillies and Red Sox. The Philadelphia Phillies have already had a wild season, and we haven't even fully reached the middle of May. They are 20-22, a year after being one of the best teams in baseball. The offseason offered some hope as they re-signed two of their key players, Kyle Schwarber and JT Realmuto. However, this year hasn't gone according to plan yet. They fired their manager after a 9-19 start, and since that move, the team has responded. Under Don Mattingly, the team is 11-3. Looking to keep that run going for the Phillies is tonight's starter, Andrew Painter. Looking at his stat line, it gives you a lot of pause about backing the Philadelphia right-hander. For the year, Painter is 1-4 with a 6.89 ERA and a 1.71 WHIP. To make matters worse, he has a worse road ERA than home ERA. In three road outings, he has allowed 12 earned runs over 14.2 innings. He is also coming off his worst start of the season - eight earned runs over 3.2 innings. The Red Sox have never faced Painter, so he might have a bit of an edge, but teams are hitting .295 against him the first time through the lineup. The Boston Red Sox are never void of news stories or attention, but they've also had their fair share of stories this season. They are just 17-24 for the year, and the expectation was that this team was going to compete for the AL East. I don't necessarily think that is impossible, but they need to figure out their hitting soon. They have just 157 runs scored for the season, which is among the lowest in the league. They also fired their manager, Alex Cora, but they haven't seen the turnaround they had hoped for. They are 7-7 since Cora was dismissed. This one didn't seem as welcome to the players. ALEX CORA TURNED DOWN PHILLIES' MANAGERIAL JOB JUST DAYS AFTER BEING FIRED BY RED SOX: REPORT One guy the team had hoped would provide some stability for the club this season is tonight's starter, Sonny Gray. He was acquired from the Cardinals in the offseason, and so far he has been a strong contributor for the club. He is 3-1 with a 3.54 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. He has been great at Fenway with a 1.80 ERA. The problem is that he hasn't gone very deep into games. He has reached the sixth inning just twice in six outings. Phillies hitters are decent against Gray with a .250 batting average overall. Alec Bohm is the guy you'd probably want to take a look at if you're going for a player prop -- he is 6-for-13 against Gray. Schwarber is 2-for-24 against him with 10 strikeouts so his under 0.5 hits might be a look (+153), but he will almost certainly get an at-bat or two against the Red Sox bullpen. Schwarber at 2+ strikeouts is +126. I'd probably go for a Schwarber play over Bohm. For the game, I'm taking the Red Sox. I know the line is moving in favor of the Phillies, so I'll cut this down and just play the first five innings. Gray has been good at home, a more reliable starter, and Painter has been awful overall. If he has been bad overall, he's been a disaster on the road. Give me Boston through five at -135. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f475a200899a00eb0876 Donde ICE detuvo a un vecino, comunidades de Tucson levantan una vigilia te 2026-05-13T22:00:21.358Z Donde ICE detuvo a un vecino, comunidades de Tucson levantan una vigilia Sebastián Quinac toma una flor de papel de china color azul celeste y se acerca al cerco de malla ciclónica a las afueras del supermercado latino El Super. Coloca con cuidado la flor sobre uno de los cinco banderines blancos que ondean bajo el intenso sol de Tucson. En ellos se leen los nombres de inmigrantes capturados por agentes migratorios en ese lugar y otros, o fallecidos en centros de detención en todo el país. Quinac no conoce a estas personas, pero para él representan familias que no saben dónde están sus padres, hijos o hermanos. “Pero aquí estamos para ayudarlos”, dice con voz firme. Él se encuentra entre los asistentes a la primera vigilia de mayo, parte de una serie de encuentros que tendrán lugar cada segundo sábado del mes. Esta iniciativa interreligiosa se centrará en diferentes zonas de Tucson donde inmigrantes han sido detenidos y trasladados por miembros del Servicio de Inmigración y Control de Aduanas de Estados Unidos durante la segunda administración de Trump. Miembros de la Good Neighbor Interfaith Coalition y otros integrantes de la comunidad se reunieron el sábado 9 de mayo frente a la tienda El Super, ubicada en la esquina de South 6th Avenue y East Benson Highway, para recordar a vecinos de Tucson que han sido detenidos por agentes de ICE. Credit: Beatriz Limón La Good Neighbor Interfaith Coalition y otros miembros de la comunidad se reúnen frente al supermercado El Super, en la esquina de South Sixth Avenue y East Benson Highway. Es sábado, 9 de mayo, y quieren visibilizar los abusos contra las comunidades inmigrantes. “La palabra solidaridad es muy poderosa entre las personas que buscan unidad, justicia y amor; por eso estamos aquí”, dice Quinac a Arizona Luminaria. El activista maya kaqchikel de Guatemala ofrece traducción y asistencia a migrantes indígenas locales que no hablan ni español ni inglés. Quinac trabaja para la organización Alianza Indígenas sin Fronteras y forma parte del equipo de Rapid Response, que monitorea las operaciones locales de ICE. Sebastián Quinac, un activista maya kaqchikel de Guatemala, que brinda traducción y asistencia a migrantes indígenas que no hablan español ni inglés. Credit: Beatriz Limón “Las familias que fueron separadas, que fueron deportadas, necesitan escuchar de nosotros que aquí estamos, aunque estén en sus países, aunque estén aquí tristes, abandonados, pero nosotros estamos con ellos de diferentes maneras”, dice Quinac con voz suave y el rostro sombreado por un sombrero de color paja que lo protege del sol implacable. Esta primera vigilia tiene lugar en el sitio donde Steven Davis, un voluntario del equipo de Rapid Response grabó a agentes que llevaban máscaras para ocultar sus rostros, quienes siguieron a un hombre latino mayor que cargaba una pequeña bolsa de comestibles. Lo detuvieron al cruzar la calle. Los agentes rompieron la ventanilla de la camioneta del hombre y lo detuvieron. Una red comunitaria difundió el video el 18 de enero, en el que se observa a agentes de ICE sacando a un hombre de su vehículo a las afueras de El Super. Cuatro meses después, en ese mismo lugar, decenas de personas —incluido Davis— se reúnen para alzar la voz y ofrecer oraciones y cánticos de fe por quienes, dicen, han sido “secuestrados y desaparecidos” por el sistema migratorio de Estados Unidos. “‘Fue realmente devastador para mí. Volver aquí hoy me ha traído de nuevo todos esos sentimientos de duelo’”, dice Davis, quien señala que los recuerdos de haber presenciado cómo el gobierno se llevó a uno de sus vecinos siguen afectándolo. La pastora retirada Tina Schlabach, quien ha asesorado a familias afectadas por deportaciones, lidera una oración durante la primera vigilia contra las detenciones de ICE, organizada por miembros de la Good Neighbor Interfaith Coalition y otros integrantes de la comunidad. Credit: Beatriz Limón La pastora retirada Tina Schlabach dijo que la próxima vigilia se llevará a cabo en el barrio de Menlo Park, donde cientos de residentes se han reunido para expresar preocupaciones sobre los operativos migratorios y organizar respuestas coordinadas en sus vecindarios. “Las haremos cada mes. Vamos a escoger otro lugar donde las personas han desaparecido, donde ICE las ha detenido’”, dice Schlabach, quien ha pasado años asesorando a familias afectadas por deportaciones. Los grupos de defensa de los inmigrantes en el sur de Arizona tienen una larga tradición de luchar por la seguridad de los migrantes, y honrar a quienes murieron cruzando el desierto o en centros de detención. Ahora, dicen, también se ven obligados a construir altares y organizar vigilias por quienes han sido detenidos por ICE en las calles de Tucson. “Lo hacemos porque, si no, estas cosas son invisibles; pasan rápido y la gente no sabe. Así que hemos decidido que una vez al mes vamos a estar en estos lugares”, dice Schlabach. “Vamos a orar por las familias de las personas que han sido detenidas y vamos a contar las historias de cómo migración ha ejercido violencia, con falta de respeto y de debido proceso”.  Sebastián Quinac, un activista maya kaqchikel de Guatemala, coloca una flor de papel en tributo a las personas detenidas por ICE. Sebastián Quinac places a paper flower in tribute to people detained by ICE. Credit: Beatriz Limón Para elegir los lugares de las vigilias, la coalición interreligiosa utilizará el recién publicado Tucson Migra Map, un proyecto comunitario de documentación construido a partir de reportes de cientos de residentes que buscan exponer el alcance de los operativos de control migratorio y la violencia que, aseguran, enfrentan diariamente las comunidades inmigrantes. Las personas interesadas en asistir a las vigilias pueden contactar a los miembros en goodneighbortucson@gmail.com para obtener más información. “Es muy importante para nosotros que esto no sea olvidado ni invisibilizado”, dice Schlabach mientras acaricia su estola pastoral blanca bordada a mano por mujeres migrantes en albergues de México. Ella eligió una versión abreviada del versículo bíblico del Libro de Deuteronomio cosida en la tela con letras mayúsculas en negro y rojo: “HE PUESTO DELANTE DE TI LA VIDA Y LA MUERTE… ESCOGE LA VIDA. PARA QUE TÚ Y TU DESCENDENCIA VIVAN… Dt 30:19”. “Está bendita”, dice Schlabach con una leve sonrisa antes de alejarse. Detrás de ella, los banderines blancos coronados con flores de papel se mecen en el cerco de malla ciclónica. Algunos nombres, escritos con plumón negro, permanece visibles:  Miguel Ángel García Medina. Emmanuel Damas. Parady LA. Chaofeng Ge. The post Donde ICE detuvo a un vecino, comunidades de Tucson levantan una vigilia appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f29da200899a00eb083e Kyrene School District raises teacher salaries, approves stipends te 2026-05-13T21:52:29.025Z Kyrene School District raises teacher salaries, approves stipends The raises come a few months after the Tempe district decided to close multiple schools. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f270a200899a00eb0810 Tennessee angler lands monster 15-pound largemouth bass that shatters state record held since 2015 te 2026-05-13T21:51:44.217Z Tennessee angler lands monster 15-pound largemouth bass that shatters state record held since 2015 A Tennessee angler just landed the fish of a lifetime. The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency confirmed this week that a new state record largemouth bass has officially been established after angler Darren Nunley reeled in an absolute monster earlier this year. And when we say monster, we mean monster. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Nunley’s fish weighed in at a staggering 15 pounds, 7 1/2 ounces and measured 27 7/8 inches long, officially breaking a state record that had stood for more than 11 years. According to TWRA, Nunley caught the fish on Feb. 28 in Nickajack Reservoir using a jackhammer chatterbait lure while fishing with a 17-pound fluorocarbon line and a Shimano reel. The Whitwell, Tenn., resident landed the fish around 8 a.m., and after the bass was weighed on a certified scale and underwent genetic testing, the state officially confirmed the new record on May 9. The previous Tennessee record belonged to Gabe Keen, whose 15-pound, 3-ounce largemouth bass was caught back in 2015. RANDY MOSS LAUNCHES YOUTUBE BASS FISHING SERIES WHILE HEADLINING RECORD $3.25M TOURNAMENT IN NASHVILLE Longtime bass guide Hensley Powell was in the boat with Nunley when the record fish hit. "I gave Darren a Z-Man JackHammer Chatterbait to tie on that morning," Powell told Outdoor Life. "It was a half-ounce, colored green-pumpkin with a Hog Farmer Spunk Shad plastic trailer on the lure." At first, Powell thought Nunley had gotten snagged in grass. "He was just swimming the lure along and had a strike," Powell said. "I thought he was hung on grass when his rod bowed and he started cranking … I saw it boil the surface. It never jumped, but when it turned sideways, I told Darren that was a good one." Then came the moment every bass fisherman (and woman) dreams about. "I told him, ‘Now that’s a fish,’" Powell recalled. "Darren was shocked when he saw how big it was." And the timing of all this couldn’t be much better for Tennessee’s bass fishing scene. This fall, the Nashville area will host The Champions, a massive new bass fishing tournament featuring the top anglers from both the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour competing for a record-setting $3.25 million purse. The event is scheduled for Oct. 28-Nov. 1 on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, just outside Nashville. And after seeing the kind of fish Tennessee waters are producing these days, it’s pretty easy to understand why the Volunteer State is becoming a bass fishing hot spot. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f25ca200899a00eb0807 Toronto is handing out free World Cup-themed condoms, including one with an eggplant and attached soccer balls te 2026-05-13T21:51:24.726Z Toronto is handing out free World Cup-themed condoms, including one with an eggplant and attached soccer balls In January, the Toronto Sun reported that Toronto Public Health was spending nearly $200,000 on "condoms and other sex paraphernalia for the World Cup." Among the items purchased were 576,000 branded condoms and 200,000 individual packages of lubricant. The outlet added that the wrappers on the condoms would come in six designs. The free World Cup-themed condoms are so that fans can "score safely" next month when the tournament arrives in the city. The last thing the TPH wants is STDs in Toronto getting out of hand. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Yesterday, the six World Cup condom designs hit social media and they are something. The six different designs didn't just have a soccer ball or World Cup logo slapped on them. These things are supposedly designed for fans "attending a soccer match, a watch party, hitting a summer festival or partying." They look like they're designed for collectors. That's plain to see when you see the wrappers for the first time. There are phrases like "block those shots" and "what a finish" on them. But the true magic of the designs is the ones with an eggplant emoji with soccer balls attached to it. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE That alone, in my humble opinion, would have made those wrappers. But they went a step further for public safety or promoting sexual health, or whatever they're doing, by also including a peach emoji on that same condom wrapper standing in front of a goal. I thought the point of these was for people to use them. Who in their right mind is going to tear open one of these bad boys? I'm not even a soccer fan, not even when the World Cup is taking place, and if I got my hands on one of these, there isn’t a chance I'm destroying that kind of artwork. That could just be me. I am a bit of an aesthete. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f249a200899a00eb07fe Cal Raleigh ends 0-for-38 streak with unorthodox superstition involving his full uniform te 2026-05-13T21:51:05.341Z Cal Raleigh ends 0-for-38 streak with unorthodox superstition involving his full uniform After Cal Raleigh walked, struck out and flied out in his first three plate appearances Tuesday, his hitless streak stretched to 38 consecutive at-bats. The Seattle Mariners' catcher, who was the runner-up to Aaron Judge in the American League MVP vote last year after hitting 60 home runs, had Major League Baseball's longest single-season hitless streak since Craig Counsell went 0-for-45 in 2011. But in the top of the seventh, Raleigh finally broke out of his slump, singling to center field. He stayed hot in the ninth, singling to left. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Derek Jeter once famously wore a gold thong, at the behest of Jason Giambi, to break out of an 0-for-32 slump -- he homered with it on. Raleigh didn't quite reach that mark, but he did have an unorthodox way of helping him break out of the slump. "Logan (Gilbert) gave me some good advice to wash off the bad mojo or juju from the baseball gods," Raleigh said. How exactly did he do that? Well, pitcher Bryan Woo was the one who initially told reporters that Raleigh showered in full uniform Monday night. METS GET UNLIKELY ASSIST FROM UMPIRE COLLISION AS TIGERS BASERUNNER IS THROWN OUT AT HOME PLATE IN KEY MOMENT "So yeah, it worked. He was right, so I got to give him credit where credit’s due," Raleigh added. "We were all screaming for him and it was a lot of relief for sure and I know it felt good for Cal," manager Dan Wilson said. Getting out of the slump did not come without some pain, though, as Raleigh naturally took a foul tip near his manhood. Raleigh led the American League with a Seattle-record 60 home runs and 125 RBIs last season. But he’s batting just .166 with seven home runs and 18 RBIs in 40 games this year. But he is now 2 for his last 2, and we all know what he can do when he does get hot. 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/6a04f235a200899a00eb07f5 Mother charged after 2 toddler daughters found drowned with cocaine in their systems in Texas te 2026-05-13T21:50:45.763Z Mother charged after 2 toddler daughters found drowned with cocaine in their systems in Texas A mother has been arrested in Florida, three months after her two young daughters allegedly drowned in Texas with cocaine in their systems, according to authorities. The case dates back to Feb. 11, when deputies with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office responded to a home in Katy, Texas, for reports of two children drowning. The victims, ages 2 and 3, were later found to have cocaine in their systems. The circumstances surrounding the deaths have raised questions about how the children were exposed to the drug and what alleged role their mother, Laura Nicholson, 23, may have played, according to authorities. Before being arrested Monday in Fort Myers, Florida, Nicholson was charged May 8 with two counts of injury to a child in connection with the deaths. NEW HAMPSHIRE 6-YEAR-OLD TESTS POSITIVE FOR COCAINE, CANNABIS, AS MOTHER FACES MULTIPLE CHARGES Under Texas law, injury to a child can include acts or omissions that cause serious bodily harm or place a child in imminent danger, though officials have not publicly detailed the specific actions that led to the charges in this case. Authorities have not said when toxicology results confirmed the presence of cocaine or what specific evidence led to charges being filed nearly three months after the incident. The Harris County Sheriff’s Office said its Violent Criminals Apprehension Team coordinated with the Caribbean Regional Fugitive Task Force to locate Nicholson in Florida. COLORADO MOM ACCUSED OF KILLING 2 CHILDREN AND FLEEING TO UK RETURNS STATESIDE TO FACE MURDER CHARGES Nicholson was taken into custody Monday afternoon in Fort Myers, according to Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno. Members of the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, who are also deputized as part of the U.S. Marshals Task Force, located Nicholson at a local mental health treatment facility around noon and took her into custody without incident. She was transported to the Lee County Jail. "This arrest highlights the strong partnership the Lee County Sheriff’s Office has with the U.S. Marshals Service and law enforcement agencies across the country, working together to locate and apprehend wanted fugitives," Marceno said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "We are deeply saddened by the tragic deaths of two young toddlers — sisters — in our community," Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, wrote on X, announcing Nicholson's arrest. "May these little ones rest in peace." FORMER NYC DAYCARE OWNER LEARNS FATE FOLLOWING TODDLER'S FENTANYL POISONING DEATH Authorities have not said how the toddlers were exposed to cocaine or whether investigators believe the substance was ingested accidentally or through neglect. It also remains unclear whether anyone else could face charges in connection with the case, and when Nicholson will be extradited to Texas to face the charges. It was not immediately clear whether Nicholson has retained an attorney. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Harris County Sheriff’s Office for additional details. Investigators have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the drowning deaths, and the case remains under investigation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04f21ea200899a00eb07b2 Notion just turned its workspace into a hub for AI agents te 2026-05-13T21:50:22.296Z Notion just turned its workspace into a hub for AI agents Notion’s new developer platform lets teams connect AI agents, external data sources, and custom code directly into their workspace as the company pushes deeper into agentic productivity software. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ed9aa200899a00eb06b6 NBA Playoffs Game 5 betting pick: Why the Cavs-Pistons over 211.5 looks like the play te 2026-05-13T21:31:06.582Z NBA Playoffs Game 5 betting pick: Why the Cavs-Pistons over 211.5 looks like the play Well, my break from betting the NBA didn't last long as I'm back at it with tonight's Eastern Conference Game 5 between the Cavs and Pistons. It has not been a great second round of the NBA Playoffs for me, so if you want to fade, I don't blame you, but I do feel pretty good about the play. The Cleveland Cavaliers went back home and did exactly what they needed to do in order to preserve any hopes of them advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals. After dropping the first two games in the series, they were able to grab the two home games in Cleveland. Now, they need to do something they have yet to do in the playoffs — win a road game. The team was nine games above .500 on the road in the regular season, so it isn't like they can't win as a visitor. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The Cavs have beaten the Pistons on the road this year, early in the season, but whatever is causing them issues in the postseason has prevented them from winning. Part of it is that they can't seem to close out games. James Harden and Donovan Mitchell are both really good individual players, but neither seems to want to take over close games in this postseason. The Detroit Pistons are not too pleased with how they've been officiated. However, there really aren't any teams that I'd say are happy with the way they've had games called this postseason. Unlike what I've said about the Lakers, the Pistons may have a legitimate gripe. In Game 4 alone, the Cavs shot 34 free throws compared to just 12 for Detroit. Mitchell shot more (15) than the entire Pistons roster. It was closer in Game 3, but the Cavs still had 28 attempts compared to the Pistons' 22. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Again, you can make a case about who is driving the ball more, but it would be hard to see that one team is fouling that much more than the other. Still, even with that disparity in Game 4, it took a historic performance from Mitchell and the free throws to give the Cavs a win. The Pistons still only lost by nine points. The squeaky wheel seems to get the grease. That seems to be the case for most sports. If a team complains about fouls, and there is reasonable legitimacy, as there is here, I tend to see them get a more favorable whistle the next game. We've already seen the struggles of the Cavs on the road, but this series could legitimately be a sweep for either team, or tied (as it is). It is about who is closing the games out best during the stretch. The games have been a bit lower scoring, but I expect the clock to stop more here with more free throws for the Pistons, and still around 20 for the Cavs. This game should go over the 211.5 now that both offenses are comfortable. Mitchell also may have found his groove, which will lead to more scoring as well. Back the over. For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ed87a200899a00eb06ad Placement, groups and matchup bets for the 2026 PGA Championship featuring Brooks Koepka vs Patrick Reed te 2026-05-13T21:30:47.181Z Placement, groups and matchup bets for the 2026 PGA Championship featuring Brooks Koepka vs Patrick Reed Picking an outright winner on the PGA TOUR is a tall task. With the world’s best converging at Aronimink Golf Club this week, banking on one golfer to beat the entire field is a high-variance game. So, while everyone wants to hold a winning ticket, the "winner-take-all" volatility of the 2026 PGA Championship can quickly deplete a bankroll. OUTKICK BETS PODCAST's 2026 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP BEST BETS, POOL PICKS FT. MARK HARRIS & DAN Z That is why smart money shifts toward derivative markets. Targeting top-five/10/20 bets, matchups, and groups allows you to profit from a golfer’s high floor and course fit without needing them to beat the PGA Championship's 156-man field. With that in mind, we are moving past the long shots to focus on high-probability outcomes. Here are the best non-outright plays for the weekend. (The "u" stands for "units risked on this bet.) Brooks seems to be in a good headspace entering as a three-time PGA champion. Koepka said this is the best time he’s had playing golf in a long time at last week’s Myrtle Beach Classic, an alternate event to the Truist Championship. Reed, on the other hand, hasn’t played competitive golf since finishing T12 at The Masters last month. Brooks was also T12 at The Masters, and he doesn’t have a green jacket like Reed. Koepka quietly has solid lead-in form. He has five T18-or-better finishes in his last six starts, including a T13 at THE PLAYERS Championship, the aforementioned T12 at The Masters and T11 at Myrtle Beach last week.  This is insurance for my outright bet on Fitzpatrick. He's finished in the top-10 in 13 of his last 25 international starts, with four wins at the 2025 DP World Tour Championship, the Valspar Championship in March and the RBC Heritage and Zurich Classic last month. Fitzpatrick has two top-10 finishes in the PGA Championship, including a T8 at Quail Hollow last year. He is the 2022 U.S. Open champion and a four-time European Ryder Cupper. DataGolf.com ranks him fifth in the world, so if anything, we are getting a good price in the outright and top-10 markets. As I wrote Tuesday, Cantlay is kind of on a heater with four straight T12-or-better finishes: T7 at the Valspar, T12 at The Masters, T8 at the RBC Heritage and T10 at the Truist. 2026 PGA CHAMPIONSHIP BEST BETS: PICKS TO WIN, 'ONE-AND-DONE' SELECTION FOR ARONIMINK GOLF CLUB Meanwhile, Cantlay has played well at crossover courses to Aronimink. He was T2 at the 2025 TOUR Championship at East Lake Golf Club and T9 at the 2023 PGA Championship at Oak Hill Country Club, both of which are Donald Ross courses. Cantlay finished T4 at the 2025 Truist Championship at the nearby Philadelphia Cricket Club, which is an easier version of Aronimink. Both have bentgrass greens. You will need to putt well to be on the first two pages of the leaderboard and bentgrass is Cantlay's best putting surface. He is the biggest dog in the Top Canadian Golfer market and has the most legit win equity. He is a five-time PGA TOUR winner, including his national open, which is essentially a major for him. The five-time PGA TOUR winner comes in with sneaky-good form, finishing T14 at the Truist last week and T9 at the Cadillac earlier this month. Plus, I like the course fit: He was T17 at the 2025 Truist in Philly and Aronimink feels like a more forgiving version of last year’s U.S. Open venue, Oakmont Country Club, where Taylor finished T23. The rest of the Canadians have plenty of warts. Corey Conners (+220), the co-favorite in this market, has just two top-20s this year and has lost strokes ball-striking in four straight starts, which is a major red flag for a guy whose entire case is built around tee-to-green play. Taylor Pendrith (+300) has the putting yips, and Sudarshan Yellamaraju (+270) is making his first major start, so I’ll gladly fade his inexperience. At this price, Taylor is the value play to be the low Canadian. The Englishman has finished higher than Jon Rahm (+189), the betting favorite in this market, in three consecutive majors, and higher than Bryson DeChambeau (+312), the second-betting choice, in two of the last three. I don’t have anything bad to say about Rahm. He is the rightful favorite, but maybe he is in a bad headspace with all the LIV drama. Regardless, Hatton is good enough to outplay Rahm. As for Bryson, Aronimink probably isn’t a good course fit for him. DeChambeau isn’t good with scoring clubs and there will be a lot of wedge shots in the first 12 holes at Aronimink. Hatton had a legit chance to win the 2025 U.S. Open at Oakmont. While Rahm backdoored a top-10 and Bryson missed the cut.  Ultimately, Hatton is solid throughout the bag; there are many different ways to win at Aronimink and his odds should be closer to DeChambeau's. _____________________________ 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/6a04ed73a200899a00eb06a4 10 travel wallets and passport holders reviewers swear by — from $25 te 2026-05-13T21:30:27.290Z 10 travel wallets and passport holders reviewers swear by — from $25 Travel season is here, and with the hustle and bustle of air travel, keeping your important documents organized is half the battle. A smart passport holder keeps your cards, cash and boarding passes in one place. Many styles add RFID-blocking protection and even AirTag slots for extra peace of mind. Here are 10 shopper-approved options worth packing from brands like Quince, TUMI and Satechi. Quince keeps prices low by selling direct, so this Italian Nappa leather passport holder comes in under $30 instead of the $100-plus you might see at a department store. Inside, you'll find four card slots and a slip pocket for boarding passes, along with RFID-blocking lining to help protect your information. "I bought the bright green one and it's easy to find in my handbag," one five-star reviewer wrote. "[It's] very good quality with pockets for a couple of cards and some currency." Frequent international travelers may want to consider this Royce four-zip travel organizer, which holds up to four passports along with boarding passes, cash and cards in separate compartments.  "On international trips I struggle to keep up with currency," wrote one reviewer. "With four separate colored coded zipper compartments, my essentials are neatly organized." The full-grain leather exterior adds a polished look built for frequent travel. READ MORE: What to pack for any trip – from cruises to long-haul flights Original price: $175 TUMI's Voyageur passport case uses the same lightweight nylon as the brand's carry-on bags, helping it resist everyday scuffs. One reviewer praised the material's quality, writing "The zipper feels very nice, and there are good internal compartments."  Inside, you'll find four card slots, a slip pocket and a dedicated passport sleeve. The brand's Tracer ID program also lets you register the case in case it's lost. Original price: $29.95 If pickpocketing is a concern at your destination, this hidden money belt can be worn under clothing instead of carrying a visible wallet. The slim, RFID-blocking design lies flat against the waist and holds your passport, cash, cards and even an Apple AirTag. One reviewer said it worked well on their previous trip to Italy: "It's nice and slim enough to easily fit under your shirt. The material's lightweight too, so it's easy to forget it's there." This Zero Grid passport holder is a solid budget option at around $25, with a layout comparable to more expensive designs. One reviewer called it the "best travel wallet they'd ever purchased," further adding that "it’s compact and not bulky." It fits your passport, credit cards, cash, boarding pass and even a smartphone. Leatherology's zip-around travel wallet wraps a passport, cards, cash and a pen behind a 360-degree zipper, so nothing slips out in transit. It's also particularly useful for multi-currency trips since it comes with eight card slots and a coin pouch. The full-grain leather develops a patina over time, so your wallet will always look unique.  "I wanted a larger wallet for easy travel but also for everyday [use]," a five-star reviewer wrote. "This serves as a great clutch because I can fit my iPhone and keys in it without warping the wallet."  READ MORE: Travel in style with these luggage options for any trip Cuyana's passport wallet keeps things minimal with smooth Italian leather and a slim profile that slips easily into a jacket pocket. Despite its compact size, it includes space for two passports, six cards and a billfold compartment for multiple currencies. One reviewer wrote that their money felt secure: "I like that there are dividers for keeping different currencies and a large coin pouch."  This one also comes with free monogramming and a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. Want to pack light? This SlimFold passport holder weighs almost nothing and stays under a quarter-inch thick even when filled. The water-resistant material also wipes clean if it gets caught in the rain. "It's as thin as realistically possible and incredibly durable," one five-star reviewer said. "The magnetic closure helps ensure things don't fall out [by] accident." For filling out customs forms mid-flight, Bellroy's travel wallet includes a micro pen that tucks into the spine. It holds a passport, four cards, cash and boarding passes, all wrapped in environmentally certified leather that softens over time. One review from a business traveler wrote that they preferred this wallet because "the size accommodates multiple boarding passes and luggage claim papers easily." For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals Satechi's FindAll passport cover is a smart option if you tend to misplace your wallet, thanks to a built-in tracker that works with Apple's FindMy network. There's no need for a separate AirTag, and the battery can last up to two years before needing replacement. The vegan leather design includes slots for three cards and a boarding pass.  "My wife loves it for her travels and my peace of mind," one reviewer wrote before describing its tracking abilities as a "game changer."  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/6a04eba9a200899a00eb062b Museum of Northern Arizona opening exhibit featuring work of Artist Hopid te 2026-05-13T21:22:49.997Z Museum of Northern Arizona opening exhibit featuring work of Artist Hopid The exhibit features work from the Artist Hopid collective, formed in 1973 by Hopi artists Michael Kabotie, Delbridge Honanie, Terrance Talaswaima, Neil David St. and Milland Lomakema. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04eb95a200899a00eb0622 Hullabaloo Festival returns to Flagstaff on June 6 and 7 te 2026-05-13T21:22:29.966Z Hullabaloo Festival returns to Flagstaff on June 6 and 7 The festival will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04eb81a200899a00eb0619 NAU ROUNDUP: Track and field ends outdoor regular season on high note te 2026-05-13T21:22:09.995Z NAU ROUNDUP: Track and field ends outdoor regular season on high note A look at news and results from NAU. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04eb6da200899a00eb0610 LOCAL ROUNDUP: Area teams represent on baseball, softball all-region teams te 2026-05-13T21:21:49.922Z LOCAL ROUNDUP: Area teams represent on baseball, softball all-region teams A look at how local teams have fared recently. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04eb56a200899a00eb05e6 Are teams that insist on singing 'Sweet Caroline' during games the worst thing in sports? te 2026-05-13T21:21:26.849Z Are teams that insist on singing 'Sweet Caroline' during games the worst thing in sports? It's Wednesday, which means it's time to fire off whatever has been bugging us over the last week in another edition of The Gripe Report! Y'know, this is OutKick, and what does OutKick do? Creates must-read, watch and listen content across a variety of platforms? Well, yeah, but what else? Employs a very handsome and funny writer who is great at complaining and is also surprisingly good at sit-ups when he forces himself to do them out of shame and/or guilt? I mean, that goes without saying, but I was thinking of something else. Sports? CAROLINA HURRICANES DROP THE NATION'S NEXT GREAT NOVELTY BEER CUP Bingo. So, this week, I wanted to run through a few sports gripes, so, without further ado, let's get this griping show on the road. I’ve been watching a lot of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, as I do every year, but I’ve been noticing something that now drives me crazy. It's teams that play the 1-Up sound effect from Super Mario Bros. when they kill a penalty and the player returns to the ice. I’ve noticed that the Pittsburgh Penguins do this, and so do the Buffalo Sabres, but there could be others. I get the joke. It’s a hacky joke, but I get it. THE PHILADELPHIA FLYERS CHALLENGE FANS TO EAT THREE CHEESESTEAKS AND THREE ORDERS OF FRIES IN A SINGLE GAME But it’s not the hackiness that bugs me; it’s the fact that they’re actually doing something that can hurt the team. So, usually when a team’s power play winds down, their goalie will start banging his stick on the ice to let everyone on the ice know that a player is about to come out of the penalty box. When play is in the offensive zone, it means the player coming out of the box will be behind them. They need to be aware of this so that the team that has just killed off a penalty can’t grab the puck and airmail the dude coming out of the sin bin a home run pass for an easy breakaway. But what if the goalie forgets to do that or doesn’t keep an eye on the clock? That would mean that the power play unit might give up one of these easy breakaways. Well, the 1-Up sound makes this impossible, because it takes the place of the goalie banging his stick and will always sound, no matter where the play is. So, teams that play this are preventing themselves from sneaking a player out of the box. They're sabotaging themselves. I can’t believe any teams will take a very done-to-death joke, even if it means sort of hurting their team. Don’t get me wrong, when my Flyers played the Penguins, and they were dumb enough to do this, I loved it. SHOULD YOU WATERBOARD YOURSELF IF YOUR TEAM FALLS DOWN 3-1 IN THE PLAYOFFS? But if they’re smart, they’ll throw that sound effect in the trash. I’ve written about this before, but it was years ago, and obviously fell on deaf ears because I still hear it: stop playing "Sweet Caroline" and acting like it's some unique tradition. There are so many teams at the college and pro level who are like, "It’s our thing to all sing ‘Sweet Caroline.’" DIANNA RUSSINI'S ALLEGED PLAYLIST WITH MIKE VRABEL IS HOT GARBAGE Well, if everyone does it, it’s not much of a unique team tradition, is it? I’ll answer that for you: it is not. At the very least, pick a better song, because "Sweet Caroline" absolutely stinks. Never has a mediocre song gotten so much mileage out of the fact that idiots like going, "Bah-bah-baaaaaaah!" It's maybe an okay song if you hear it once or twice, but it's inescapable. You hear it at every game, regardless of whether it's professional, collegiate or even high school. And that's why it bugs me when fanbases are like, "This is our tradition." It would be like someone saying that cheering when their team came out on the field was their tradition. Everyone does it! Pick a new song. Even another Neil Diamond song, if you have to, just give those of us with musical taste a break. We recently had the NFL Draft, and one of my least favorite parts of the entire thing is when a team picks, and they herd a bunch of their fans right in front of the camera. But what bugs me more is that a lot of these fans aren’t just fans, they’re trying to become some kind of character. Usually one that ends in "Man." "Bengals Man," "Colts Man," "Jets Man," etc. Just kidding about Jets Man. No one wants that title. It’s one thing to go all out, cheering for your team like David Puddy, throwing on some face paint and cheering on the Devils. I’m talking about people with elaborate costumes to try to become unofficial mascots for their team. They want people to stop them in the concourse to get photos with them. They’ve got Instagram accounts. It’s just too much. The only thing I like about this is imagining what family life is like for these people. Like, imagine "Commanders Man" telling his kid he has to miss their starring role in their school musical because he has to go cheer on camera when the team makes their pick at the draft. Scot is going to land the plane for us, with a gripe that is also kind of a history lesson and will send us in a strange philosophical direction: I am expressing a gripe I've had for years.  The wildly inaccurate use of the phrase "walkoff" among baseball media.  This term was brilliantly coined by Dennis Eckersley to describe the act of throwing a pitch and walking off the mound as you realize the batter just swatted it to the moon to win the game.  Now, it is used ubiquitously in baseball circles to describe any game-winning hit, sac fly, walk, error, hit by pitch, etc. -- even those that involve plays at the plate.  Get it right, people! … I was unaware of this, and am probably guilty of it. Does it bug me, too? Not really, but it probably will now. It does, however, go along with something I was thinking about recently: if enough people say or use something wrong, when does the wrong version become the right version? *Twilight Zone music plays* The best example I can give is this: I think most people know what a whammy bar is on a guitar. It’s that piece of metal attached to the bridge (where the end of the strings go) that you push down on, and the pitch lowers. You’ll sometimes hear this referred to as a "tremolo." That’s because Leo Fender designed something called the "synchronized tremolo" for Stratocasters. But here’s the rub: the effect a "tremolo" creates isn’t tremolo — a fast fluctuation in volume — it’s vibrato, a fluctuation in pitch. Still, you’ll hear this part referred to as a tremolo. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! And while you still get some hardos who will correct you, it's still so commonly used that if you walk into your local Guitar Center and say, "I need a guitar with a tremolo," the guy who works there will not bat an eye. In fact, he’ll probably be like, "Damn, this guy knows guitars." So, my point is, if everyone is using the term walk-off incorrectly… at one point, is the incorrect version the correct version? I think there is a point, and we may have hit it with walk-off, but you have to be careful because we’re starting to stray into Orweillian "2+2=5" territory. Alright, now I need to go take some Advil and lie down after that one… ... That's it for this edition of The Gripe Report! Be sure to send in your gripes for the next one!: matthew.reigle@outkick.com Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04eb43a200899a00eb05dd Jemele Hill becomes surprising voice of reason in Caitlin Clark-Morgan Wallen "controversy" te 2026-05-13T21:21:07.021Z Jemele Hill becomes surprising voice of reason in Caitlin Clark-Morgan Wallen "controversy" The discourse around Caitlin Clark walking out with Morgan Wallen at his concert last Saturday is so far off the rails that it turned Jemele Hill into a voice of reason. Yes, you read that correctly. For background, the usual race idolaters expressed fierce outrage over Clark associating with Wallen, who once used a racial slur in 2021. Van Lathan and Jalen Rose's adult daughter were among the loudest critics. An ESPN guest writer named Jayson Buford published this gem on Substack: "Caitlin Clark is beloved by most people despite her proximity to the type of whiteness that is inherently scary," Buford wrote. "So why did she walk out with Morgan Wallen? It's so blatantly corny. Just be cool." CAITLIN CLARK DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS AFTER SURPRISE MORGAN WALLEN CONCERT WALKOUT FOLLOWING FEVER LOSS DOUBLE STANDARD: IT'S ONLY A CONTROVERSY WHEN CAITLIN CLARK WALKS OUT WITH MORGAN WALLEN Given the racial framing surrounding Clark, it would've been easy to assume Hill would join the fray. However, Hill actually defended the Fever guard. "On the latest episode of SPOLITICS Live, I ask why Caitlin Clark is getting smoke for walking out with country star Morgan Wallen at his concert when Peyton Manning, Travis Kelce, Myles Garrett, Marshawn Lynch, and many other male athletes have done the exact same thing," Hill said. And Patrick Mahomes. That was the same point OutKick made on Monday. The list of athletes, both black and white, who have walked out with Wallen is long. Yet somehow, it only became controversial when Clark did it. Now, Hill avoids upsetting her audience by framing the disparate response to Clark as a gender issue. That is not accurate. WNBA player Paige Bueckers and Coach Dawn Staley posed and hugged Chris Brown at his concert last year without any pushback. Whatever you think of Wallen, Brown is a serial abuser. He committed violent crimes. At worst, Wallen committed a word crime. The issue is that various black commentators and influencers have an unusual disdain for Clark because she is a straight white woman who is the biggest star in a league marketed around identity politics. Historically, Jemele Hill has fit squarely into that crowd. She previously defended WNBA players for targeting, hard fouling and bullying Clark, dismissing the treatment as mere "competitiveness." She also claimed Clark didn't face the same online harassment as black female athletes, a post she later deleted after police arrested a man accused of stalking Clark. Note: Clark is the most famous player in the league by far. She almost certainly receives more online harassment than anyone else in the WNBA. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK ANALYSIS Nonetheless, we are surprised to see Hill stand up for Clark. It must've been challenging for her to do so. And she backed her point, noting that some people can separate the art from the artist, even though she cannot always do so. "[I'm] done with Kanye. Been done with Kanye. Can't do it," Hill explained. "R. Kelly, been done with R. Kelly. Can't do it." She then compared the reaction to Wallen with the public treatment of Chris Brown: "Chris Brown did his time. So okay. Well, some would say Morgan Wallen did too. He apologized. He went to rehab. He gave half a million dollars to black organizations. They would say he did too." Fair enough. Few people in the media have benefited more from manufactured claims of racism than Jemele Hill has. We also maintain that she plays a racist character online for clout, when she has spent her entire career surrounding herself with White colleagues, agents, managers and bosses. It's an act. Racial division pays well, especially when you play a black person who makes nasty comments about white people. Still, credit where it's due. Hill provided a refreshing, nuanced response to the Caitlin Clark-Morgan Wallen "controversy." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04eb2fa200899a00eb05d4 Children’s book author sentenced for husband’s poisoning death as judge calls her ‘too dangerous’ te 2026-05-13T21:20:47.230Z Children’s book author sentenced for husband’s poisoning death as judge calls her ‘too dangerous’ A Utah children’s book author who once wrote about helping her young sons cope with grief was sentenced Wednesday to life in prison without the possibility of parole after being convicted of killing her husband with a fentanyl-laced drink. Kouri Richins received the sentence in a case that stunned observers with its mix of alleged greed, deception and deeply personal fallout. In handing down the sentence, Judge Richard Mrazik said he considered the full scope of the case under Utah law, including the severity of the crime and its impact on those involved. He noted that even under a lesser sentence of 25 years to life, Richins likely would not have been eligible for parole until around age 66. UTAH CHILDREN’S BOOK AUTHOR KOURI RICHINS CONVICTED IN HUSBAND’S MURDER The judge said the sentence ensures Richins "will be unable to harm anyone for the next three decades or much longer," while acknowledging the long-term emotional toll on her children. He said he has "genuine concern" for the boys in the decades ahead and could not predict how their views may evolve over time, expressing hope that those affected by Eric Richins’ death will eventually find peace. The judge added that Kouri Richins is "simply too dangerous to ever be free." Before the sentence was handed down, the judge warned those in the courtroom to remain composed. CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR ACCUSED OF POISONING DEAD HUSBAND SPUN WEB OF TALL TALES: PROSECUTORS "This is an emotionally charged situation, reasonably so, but no outward reactions," Mrazik said. Richins sat at the defense table in a lime green jail uniform as her supporters filled the back rows, while Eric Richins’ family sat just feet away. Prosecutors called victim witnesses, beginning with Eric’s father, Gene, who described a son devoted to his family. "Eric was first and foremost an incredible father," he said. "To his three boys, his sons were his world." UTAH MOM IN UPSCALE SKI COMMUNITY KILLED HUSBAND TO FUND ROMANCE AND LAVISH LIFESTYLE, DA SAYS "The sports teams still break their huddle by saying, ‘1-2-3 Eric,’" he added. "Eric’s boys lost a father. I lost my son." Eric’s sister, Katie, spoke next on what would have been his 44th birthday. "Today is Eric’s birthday. I stand before you because he can’t," she said. HOUSEKEEPER EXPECTED TO PLAY KEY ROLE IN TRIAL OF WIFE ACCUSED OF HUSBAND’S MURDER IN WEALTHY SKI TOWN She accused Richins of cutting the boys off from family and trying to access their father’s assets. "She used them as a bargaining chip," Katie said, adding Richins spent years fighting for control of trust funds. Statements from the couple’s children were also read in court, describing fear and trauma. UTAH CHILDREN’S AUTHOR KOURI RICHINS SAYS STATE THREATENED WITNESSES AHEAD OF TRIAL IN HUSBAND’S POISONING "I woke up to sirens… I was scared," one child wrote. "You took away my dad for no reason other than greed," another said. In records obtained by PEOPLE, the children also expressed fear of their mother being released. SUSPECTED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN’S LAWYER POUNCES ON WITNESS FLIP IN UTAH POISON MOM CASE "I’m afraid if she gets out, she will come after me and my brothers," one wrote. Prosecutors urged the court to hold Richins fully accountable. "Kouri Richins earned this," Summit County Attorney Brad Bloodworth said. "Fathers are not meant to bury sons." CHILDREN'S BOOK AUTHOR AND ENGINEER HUSBAND EXPOSED FOR DOUBLE LIFE IN HOUSE OF HORRORS The sentencing fell on what would have been Eric Richins’ 44th birthday. During the hearing, prosecutors asked the judge to bar Richins from contacting her children unless they initiated it, but the judge said he could not legally grant that request. "I don’t like what I’m about to say, but under the law, I cannot," Mrazik said. The court scheduled a restitution hearing for July 31. The defense presented letters asking for leniency, while a pastor described Richins as active in jail programs. Richins became emotional as her brother addressed her directly. "Little sister, I love you. I miss you," he said. Richins then addressed the court, speaking directly to her children. "My sweet baby boys," she said. "I know today you don’t want to speak with me… That’s OK." She urged them not to let the case define them. "Use those opportunities to grow and to learn. They do not define you." Richins claimed she had tried to contact them but had been cut off. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X "I have been desperately trying to get in contact with you," she said. She insisted she had not abandoned them. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER "I did not abandon you, regardless of what anyone tells you." She also reflected on her marriage, acknowledging infidelity on both sides. SEND US A TIP HERE "I fell in love with someone who wasn’t your dad… Your dad fell in love with someone who wasn’t me." "We forgave and moved on and we loved. Our love was enough. Your love is all you need to ignore the noise," she added. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Richins was convicted earlier this year of murdering her husband, along with multiple counts of fraud and forgery tied to what prosecutors described as a calculated plot to collect nearly $2 million in life insurance while drowning in roughly $7.5 million in debt. Jurors heard she closed on a $2.9 million mansion the same day her husband died and later spent more than $1.3 million in insurance proceeds within months. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB Investigators testified that Eric Richins had more than five times the lethal amount of fentanyl in his system. Prosecutors also pointed to an earlier alleged attempt to poison him weeks before his death. The case drew national attention not only for the allegations, but for what followed. After her husband’s death, Richins published a children’s book about grief meant to help her sons cope with the loss — a detail prosecutors said underscored the calculated nature of the crime. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04eb18a200899a00eb05a4 Homeland Security Dept. Escalates Its Dispute With Federal Judge te 2026-05-13T21:20:24.522Z Homeland Security Dept. Escalates Its Dispute With Federal Judge In a column, the top lawyer for D.H.S. claimed that the judge, Melissa DuBose, was engaging in an “intimidation campaign” by referring a government lawyer for a misconduct investigation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e912a200899a00eb0338 Christian counselors challenge Wisconsin conversion therapy ban after Supreme Court ruling te 2026-05-13T21:11:46.388Z Christian counselors challenge Wisconsin conversion therapy ban after Supreme Court ruling A Wisconsin rule restricting "conversion therapy" is being challenged in federal court by two Christian counselors who say the regulation is unconstitutional and violates their First Amendment rights. Counselors Terri Koschnick and Joy Buchman, represented by the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty, filed a federal lawsuit against Gov. Tony Evers’ administration seeking to overturn a state regulation that deems it "unprofessional conduct" for a licensed counselor, social worker or marriage and family therapist to employ or promote an intervention or method "that has the purpose of attempting to change a person’s sexual orientation or gender identity." The lawsuit argues the Wisconsin rule is "materially identical" to a Colorado law challenged in Chiles v. Salazar, a recent U.S. Supreme Court case involving a Christian counselor’s First Amendment challenge to restrictions on counseling related to sexual orientation and gender identity. In the 8-1 ruling, the court held that Colorado’s law, as applied to talk therapy, regulated speech based on viewpoint and required more rigorous scrutiny. The majority said the law allowed counselors to affirm a minor client’s sexual orientation or gender identity, while barring counseling aimed at helping a client change those feelings or identity. Koschnick, a licensed marriage and family therapist, and Buchman, a licensed professional counselor, say they provide faith-based talk therapy to clients who voluntarily seek counseling consistent with their religious beliefs. Their lawsuit argues the Wisconsin rule violates their First and Fourteenth Amendment rights by regulating their speech and penalizing them for their religious views. The complaint also argues the rule is vague and unenforceable. SUPREME COURT OVERTURNS BAN ON SO-CALLED 'CONVERSION THERAPY' ON FIRST AMENDMENT GROUNDS WILL is asking the court to declare the Wisconsin rule unconstitutional and block state officials from enforcing it. WILL deputy counsel Rebecca Furdek said the Evers administration was notified about the group’s viewpoint discrimination concerns after the Supreme Court ruling but refused to change course. "Wisconsin’s rule is materially indistinguishable from Colorado’s statute held to be viewpoint discrimination by SCOTUS. When we notified the Evers administration of this fact, we were met with a blatant refusal to follow the Supreme Court holding, along with inflammatory, baseless rhetoric accusing WILL of ‘bullying’ children and Wisconsinites," Furdek said in a statement. "However, Wisconsin counselors have every right to provide Christ-centered talk therapy to the clients who seek them out for that type of counseling." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE In a May 5 letter responding to WILL and Wisconsin Family Action, Evers said his administration had "no intention of repealing Wisconsin’s conversion therapy ban" and argued the groups’ demand relied on "a significant misreading" of the Supreme Court’s ruling. Evers said the practice is "at best, ineffective and, at worst, dangerous," according to the Wisconsin Examiner. At the time of the Chiles ruling, about two dozen states and Washington, D.C., had laws similar to Colorado’s in place. Evers’ office did not immediately return Fox News Digital’s request for comment. Fox News' Michael Dorgan contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e8fea200899a00eb032f Maple Leafs give head coach Craig Berube the boot after a miserable season, GM change te 2026-05-13T21:11:26.817Z Maple Leafs give head coach Craig Berube the boot after a miserable season, GM change The 2025-26 NHL season was about as miserable as it gets for the and when you factor in the fact that the team recently hired a new GM, it was hard not to think a coaching change was imminent. Well, now it's official: Craig Berube has been let go. The Leafs fired former GM Brad Treliving late in the season and recently hired controversial former Arizona Coyotes GM John Chayka, with franchise legend Mats Sundin as an advisor. Obviously, when a team's division, some changes need to be made, and one of the first of those changes was parting ways with Berube. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Berube had won a Stanley Cup with the St. Louis Blues in 2019 and joined the Leafs ahead of the 2024-25 season. His first season ended with a second-round playoff elimination, so obviously, this season was a massive step in the wrong direction. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "Craig is a tremendous coach and an even better person," Chayka said in a statement. "This decision is more reflective of an organizational shift and an opportunity for a fresh start than it is an evaluation of Craig. We are grateful for his leadership, professionalism and commitment to the Maple Leafs organization and wish Craig and his family nothing but the best moving forward." The new GM didn't get into details about his big-picture plans for the team, per Leafs Nation, but he did say that his discussions with captain and star player Auston Matthews did not factor into his decision to fire Berube. Those talks with Matthews are hugely important as well. The 28-year-old has two years left on his deal, and Chayka has to decide how he factors into the team's plans, or if Matthews even wants to stay in Toronto. Those plans will also likely involve Penn State star Gavin McKenna, who the Leafs are likely to select with the first-overall pick in this year's draft. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e8eba200899a00eb0326 Arrest of gang member convicted of murder puts Dem state's sanctuary policies on blast te 2026-05-13T21:11:07.062Z Arrest of gang member convicted of murder puts Dem state's sanctuary policies on blast Customs and Border Protection (CBP) worked with local authorities to foil California's sanctuary city policies and took into custody a gang member from Mexico who concluded a 12-year prison sentence for second-degree murder. Local law enforcement in southern California turned over to federal agents the Sureños-13 gang member outside the John J. Benoit Detention Center immediately after concluding his sentence last week, according to CBP. The apprehension contrasts sharply with sanctuary city policies that have thrown up roadblocks for federal-state coordination. It also highlights the payoff that could happen with the types of partnerships the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) hoped to build with local authorities during President Donald Trump's administration. IMMIGRATION AUTHORITIES HIGHLIGHT CRIMINAL HISTORY OF MULTIPLE MIGRANTS ARRESTED IN LOS ANGELES "This is a prime example of the great strides local, state and federal law enforcement can deliver to the American public in terms of safety when common sense cooperation exists," Daniel Parra, acting chief patrol agent at El Centro Sector, said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Honoring federal detainers, such as in this case, makes our communities safer." It's unclear when the detainee originally re-entered the U.S. He is now facing federal prosecution for reentry after previous deportation. If local authorities did not work with CBP, it's possible that the gang member could have been released from jail and escaped into the U.S. without detection by immigration authorities. DEM GOVERNOR IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER TESTING LIMITS OF AUTHORITY WITH MAJOR MOVE AGAINST ICE The recent arrest follows moves by Democrats, such as New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, to restrict federal-local partnerships. Last week, Hochul urged New York lawmakers to ban the 287(g) program — a law that allows local officers to assume authority to conduct immigration-related work normally carried out by federal officials. Lauren Bis, acting assistant secretary for public affairs for the Department of Homeland Security, blasted the push by Hochul, which follows other blue states seeking to stifle federal immigration operations. "Instead of working with us, Governor Hochul is choosing to release violent criminals from her jails directly back into our communities to perpetrate more crimes and create more victims," Bis said. IGNORED ICE DETAINERS ‘PUT LIVES AT RISK,’ DHS SAYS, TARGETING NEWSOM, PRITZKER, HEALEY In addition to the second-degree murder conviction, the unnamed gang member’s criminal history includes felony possession of a firearm, taking a vehicle without consent, battery and providing false identification to an officer. The Sureños-13 gang, one of many groups that operates in and around Southern California, mainly deals in mid-level drug distribution schemes, according to records from the Department of Justice. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e8d4a200899a00eb02f6 Trump’s Remark on Americans’ Finances and Iran War Points to GOP Midterm Challenges te 2026-05-13T21:10:44.436Z Trump’s Remark on Americans’ Finances and Iran War Points to GOP Midterm Challenges “I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation,” he said of his calculations on the Iran war. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e8c0a200899a00eb02ed Homeland Security Dept. Escalates Its Dispute With Federal Judge te 2026-05-13T21:10:24.971Z Homeland Security Dept. Escalates Its Dispute With Federal Judge In a column, the top lawyer for D.H.S. claimed that the judge, Melissa DuBose, was engaging in an “intimidation campaign” by referring a government lawyer for a misconduct investigation. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e6b8a200899a00eb0252 Georgia Governor Brian Kemp Calls Special Session to Redistrict for 2028 Elections te 2026-05-13T21:01:44.161Z Georgia Governor Brian Kemp Calls Special Session to Redistrict for 2028 Elections Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, also asked lawmakers to delay changes to the state’s election system that could cause disarray in the midterms. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e6a4a200899a00eb01ba Utah Children’s Book Author Who Poisoned Husband Will Spend Life in Prison te 2026-05-13T21:01:24.706Z Utah Children’s Book Author Who Poisoned Husband Will Spend Life in Prison Kouri Richins, 36, who wrote a children’s book about grief after murdering Eric Richins, will serve without the option of parole. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e68ea200899a00eb018e Anti-abortion groups wanted Marty Makary fired. Now he’s out as Trump’s FDA commissioner. te 2026-05-13T21:01:02.688Z Anti-abortion groups wanted Marty Makary fired. Now he’s out as Trump’s FDA commissioner. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e67ba200899a00eb016f Phoenix launches portal to report ICE and federal agent abuses amid growing distrust te 2026-05-13T21:00:43.264Z Phoenix launches portal to report ICE and federal agent abuses amid growing distrust Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e667a200899a00eb0101 Trump taps former private prison exec to lead ICE te 2026-05-13T21:00:23.777Z Trump taps former private prison exec to lead ICE Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e426a200899a00eb003a Navy SEAL veteran warns China, Russia are watching US-Iran war to gauge American military strength te 2026-05-13T20:50:46.753Z Navy SEAL veteran warns China, Russia are watching US-Iran war to gauge American military strength Navy SEAL veteran Jack Carr warned that U.S. foreign adversaries will take note if the United States loses the Iran War as the conflict drags into a third month. Carr said nations like China and Russia are watching U.S. military actions, taking note of American capabilities, while referencing the lessons the nations learned from the United States' handling of the Afghanistan War. "What do we think North Korea is learning? What do we think Iran is learning from what we did in Afghanistan and how we spent 20 years there — we had 20 years to prepare to exit and that was the best that we could do?" Carr said on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity." "They're taking lessons from that. That's why what we're doing now is a reset." MORNING GLORY: TRUMP HAS RESTORED THE GOP AS THE PARTY OF DEFENSE AND DETERRENCE The SEAL veteran said President Donald Trump’s war on Iran is a "reset," and foreign adversaries are monitoring the outcome. "This is really an opportunity for us to reestablish ourselves and reestablish that deterrence that we enjoyed for so long following World War II," Carr told Fox News. He reflected on the impact of U.S. failures in Afghanistan, arguing that the weak exit in 2021 left international enemies with more confidence to take military action. FROM SYRIA TO SOMALIA, US TROOPS REMAIN DEPLOYED THIS HOLIDAY SEASON UNDER MISSIONS THAT NEVER FORMALLY ENDED Days before the U.S. troop withdrawal, a suicide bomber killed about 170 Afghan civilians and 13 U.S. service members — an attack that drew criticism of the quick exit. The Afghanistan War (2001–2021) has faced scrutiny as an endless and costly conflict, with critics questioning whether the fight was worth the loss of lives and resources. Carr said the conflict degraded the United States' power to control global order and stability, pointing to weak military strategy during the conflict. IRAN STRIKES COULD SIGNAL LIMITS OF BEIJING, MOSCOW’S POWER AS US FLEXES STRENGTH "After Afghanistan and certainly after Iraq, we lost that ability to deter just by being the United States of America because our enemy said, ‘Look, this is the best they can do? This is how we leave Afghanistan? This is what they did for 20 years there? This is what they did for this decade-plus in Iraq? OK, I think we can get away with X, Y and Z because the United States does not know how to effectively and efficiently deploy their military and employ their military." Carr said China will "take lessons" if the United States fails in the Iran conflict and suggested it could give Beijing the military confidence to invade Taiwan. "We have to win because if we do not win this thing, then they take another lesson, China specifically," he said. "They take lessons about Taiwan from that if we lose. So, the stakes are pretty high." Carr also argued the U.S.-Iran conflict is less about the global economic impact, like surging oil prices caused by the Strait of Hormuz’s closure, and more about global order and stability. He emphasized the importance of U.S. success in the Iran conflict as foreign adversaries watch to assess American military capabilities. "That's why these stakes are so high. This is why… the outcome of what's happening in Iran right now is so important, not just for the administration or not just for the region, but for the world," he concluded. Carr's full conversation with Sean Hannity is available now on the "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" podcast. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e410a200899a00eb000b Uyghurs Hope Trump Returns to First-Term Toughness at Summit te 2026-05-13T20:50:24.417Z Uyghurs Hope Trump Returns to First-Term Toughness at Summit In 2020, the president declared China’s crackdown on Uyghurs a genocide. Now, it rarely surfaces. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04e1bba200899a00eaff9a DHS says two women killed six years apart in Texas should still be alive after illegal immigrant's arrest te 2026-05-13T20:40:27.428Z DHS says two women killed six years apart in Texas should still be alive after illegal immigrant's arrest First on Fox: Two women allegedly murdered by an illegal immigrant in Texas six years apart should still be alive, the Department of Homeland Security said Wednesday. Luis Fernando Benítez-González, 26, a Mexican citizen, is linked to the murders of 34-year-old Alyssa Ann Rivera in Austin and 28-year-old Alba Jenisse Aviles in Bastrop County, authorities said. He was arrested in Dallas on April 27 by U.S. Marshals and other law enforcement agencies. "This illegal alien from Mexico is accused of murdering two women in Texas," said DHS Acting Assistant Secretary Lauren Bis. "He has also been arrested for charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and possession of dangerous drugs. SUSPECTED TEXAS KILLER IS AN ILLEGAL FROM MEXICO ACCUSED IN RASH OF 'EXTREME VIOLENCE' AGAINST WOMEN "Alba Jenisse Aviles and Alyssa Ann Rivera should still be alive today," she added. Benítez-González is charged with first-degree murder and two counts of second-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, according to jail records in Travis County, where he is currently being held. He also has a previous drug possession charge, according to DHS. He was connected to the killings through DNA evidence, authorities said. Aviles was murdered on April 14, 2018; her body was discovered by a passing motorist. She was last seen alive at Club Caribe in Austin with an unidentified Hispanic man. Bastrop County detectives found evidence that Aviles had been dragged, strangled, and assaulted, noting mud on her clothing and feet, bruising on her neck, chin, and lip, and blood on her face and the exterior of her car. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CHARGED IN CHEERLEADER'S MURDER 'KNEW WHAT HE WAS DOING' DESPITE LATEST CLAIM, MOM SAYS Detectives also found one of her earrings 10 feet away from the vehicle, Fox 7 Austin reported. Benítez-González told detectives he was defending himself, claiming Aviles attacked him during an argument over drugs. He allegedly admitted to grabbing her by the neck from behind and strangling her for approximately seven minutes. Rivera's body was found by Austin police in an abandoned home on June 21, 2024. She was discovered with an extension cord wrapped around her neck. Police also found a bloody rock, bloody handprints, and evidence that Rivera had been forcibly dragged into the house and assaulted. PATEL TOUTS FBI DNA BREAKTHROUGH HE SAYS BUSTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IN DECADE-LONG SERIAL RAPE CASE A medical examiner determined Rivera had been struck in the head and nose. Surveillance footage showed her walking with a man shortly before she was killed. In that case, Benítez-González claimed Rivera tried to strangle him with a seatbelt, which he then turned on her, according to reports. "There was DNA found at both scenes," APD Sgt. Nathan Sexton said in 2024. "Multiple sources of DNA at both scenes, but the same suspect links back in both cases." The suspect, however, was not in the police database because he had no prior arrest record. In December 2025, Austin detectives were notified of two incidents where a man shot two women in separate attacks weeks apart. Authorities later received a tip that Benítez-González was the shooter and was attempting to sell firearms in an effort to flee the United States. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas County Sheriff's Office for further comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04dfdea200899a00eaff22 New footage captures rare jaguar roaming through Arizona te 2026-05-13T20:32:30.222Z New footage captures rare jaguar roaming through Arizona Wildlife cameras have recently captured a male jaguar walking through southern Arizona. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04dfb1a200899a00eafef4 Three hospitalized in Napa County as California's fatal wild mushroom outbreak continues to spread te 2026-05-13T20:31:45.162Z Three hospitalized in Napa County as California's fatal wild mushroom outbreak continues to spread Three adults were rushed to the hospital over the weekend after consuming toxic wild mushrooms in Napa County, California, prompting health officials to renew urgent warnings this week about a fatal statewide outbreak. Two lethal mushroom species, the death cap (Amanita phalloides) and western destroying angel (Amanita ocreata), have poisoned at least 47 people and claimed four lives since mid-November, according to the California Department of Public Health. A dozen California counties have been impacted, with the most recent outbreak fueled by wet weather. CALIFORNIA HEALTH OFFICIALS ISSUE URGENT WARNING TO MUSHROOM FORAGERS AFTER DEADLY POISONING OUTBREAK "Poisonous mushrooms can look and taste similar to safe mushrooms, and even experienced mushroom hunters have been affected by this outbreak," Napa County Public Health Officer Christine Wu wrote in a statement. "State health officials also caution that newly arrived residents might fatally mistake these toxic California fungi for safe varieties they are accustomed to foraging in their home countries." The public health department stressed that cooking, boiling, freezing or drying toxic mushrooms will not make them safe to eat. Symptoms often do not appear until 6 to 24 hours after ingestion. Early warning signs include severe stomach pain, cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion and a drop in blood pressure. ENOKI MUSHROOM PACKAGES RECALLED FOR POSSIBLE LISTERIA CONTAMINATION Even if initial symptoms seem to fade within a day, victims can still develop fatal liver or kidney damage, or suffer from seizures within two to three days. Residents are asked to avoid eating wild mushrooms under any circumstances, watch children closely while they are outside, keep pets away from wild mushrooms and only purchase mushrooms from trusted grocery stores and retailers. Those who believe they may have eaten a poisonous wild mushroom should seek emergency medical care immediately and call the California Poison Control Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Officials said victims should also place any uneaten portions of the mushroom in a paper bag or waxed paper and refrigerate it, or take photos of the cap, stem and underside to help medical experts identify the toxin. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04df9da200899a00eafeeb Jim Furyk says Tiger Woods will have a spot on his 2027 Ryder Cup staff despite DUI arrest te 2026-05-13T20:31:25.642Z Jim Furyk says Tiger Woods will have a spot on his 2027 Ryder Cup staff despite DUI arrest Tiger Woods' future, both within and outside the game of golf, is an uncertainty at this point following his March DUI arrest, but U.S. Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk wouldn't mind putting something on the big cat's calendar. Woods was involved in a two-car accident on Jupiter Island, Florida, on March 27 and charged with two misdemeanors: DUI with property damage and refusal to submit to a lawful test. The 15-time major winner cleared 0.00 results on both breathalyzer samples he provided, but his refusal to submit to a urine test resulted in him being charged. Woods was previously arrested in May 2017 on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs after he was found asleep in his car. USGA SHARES TIGER WOODS STATUS UPDATE WITH US OPEN FAST APPROACHING Four days after the accident and subsequent arrest, Woods announced that he would be stepping away from golf to "seek treatment and focus on my health." He was granted permission to travel outside the United States to begin treatment. Speaking ahead of this week's PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club, Furyk admitted that he had not talked to Woods since his March arrest, but made it clear he'd have a spot on his 2027 Ryder Cup staff. "We haven’t spoken yet. I think, out of kind of courtesy for him and his family and I know maybe a road to health, I haven’t reached out, but I will," Furyk explained. "Definitely. We’ll see where that role may fall," Furyk continued when asked if he anticipated having a role on the staff for Woods. "I will say I enjoyed serving – I use that word serving – as a vice-captain with him a number of times. I think he brought a lot to the team room and a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience." JIM FURYK SHARES THE ONE REASON HE CHOSE TO ACCEPT U.S. RYDER CUP CAPTAINCY Woods was the presumed favorite to take on the role of U.S. Ryder Cup captain in 2025 at Bethpage Black, but reportedly declined the opportunity. He was also on the list of names who could serve as captain for the 2027 Ryder Cup at Adare Manor in Ireland, but his accident and arrest forced the PGA of America to go a different route, and one that led to Furyk being named captain. Furyk was the captain of the U.S. side during the 2018 Ryder Cup, one that quickly turned into a nightmare for the Americans, who ultimately lost to Team Europe 17.5-10.5. Not only will Furyk look to put the 2018 mess in the rearview mirror, but he'll also be looking to lead the Americans to their first Ryder Cup victory on foreign soil since 1993. The 2027 Ryder Cup will begin on Sept. 17. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04df8aa200899a00eafee2 Illegal aliens accused in Dallas killing of teen mother's unborn baby charged with capital murder te 2026-05-13T20:31:06.186Z Illegal aliens accused in Dallas killing of teen mother's unborn baby charged with capital murder Two illegal aliens in Dallas are facing capital murder charges after allegedly shooting a pregnant 17-year-old girl whose unborn child died as a result, according to authorities. Yeremy Alexander Zapata Aleman, 17, of Honduras, and Keyner Ariel Calero Jiron, 20, of Nicaragua, who both crossed the border illegally according to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), are accused of the murder after a verbal altercation in a 7-Eleven parking lot led to a drive-by shooting and later a police chase, KDFW reported. The incident occurred on May 3, around 12:40 a.m. The pregnant teen was riding with another person who confronted Zapata Aleman and Calero Jiron from a vehicle before leaving the 7-Eleven. The victims reported that shortly thereafter, the two suspects followed them from the parking lot. WAVE OF ALLEGED MIGRANT MURDERS IGNITES FURY ACROSS US AS OFFICIALS WARN OF MORE CARNAGE, CRACKDOWN NEEDED Calero Jiron was allegedly driving the car when the shots rang out, striking the victim and her unborn child. Another vehicle was also struck by gunfire, but the driver was uninjured. Police later located Calero Jiron's vehicle, and say that he led them on a pursuit, eventually crashing. Authorities say they found cocaine and MDMA in the vehicle, along with illegal weapons. ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS CAUGHT BLASTING GUNS ON PACKED HIGHWAY, SHOOTING AT FAMILY IN ROAD-RAGE ATTACK: COPS When the victim, who was 22 weeks pregnant, told police she was carrying a child, she was taken to nearby Baylor Hospital where a cesarean section was performed. The baby did not survive. If convicted on the capital murder charges, both Zapata Aleman and Calero Jiron could face the death penalty. Along with the murder charge, Calero Jiron faces five counts of felony aggravated assault, one count of possession of cocaine, one count of unlawfully carrying a weapon. Zapata Aleman faces five counts of felony aggravated assault and one count of possession of cocaine along with his murder charges. Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Homeland Security for further comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04df76a200899a00eafed9 Lawmakers clash over Trump gas tax holiday as Iran war drives prices higher te 2026-05-13T20:30:46.353Z Lawmakers clash over Trump gas tax holiday as Iran war drives prices higher Capitol Hill lawmakers are clashing over President Donald Trump’s proposal to suspend the federal gas tax as prices climb past $4 a gallon amid the conflict with Iran. Democrats are urging the president to "end the war," while Republicans are split on whether the plan would deliver real relief. "He’s got to bring this war to an end if he wants these gas prices to come down," Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., said. "And he’s gotta stop this war and stop looking for other gimmicks." "Why doesn’t he just end the Iran war, which is an illegal war, so that would take care of those issues?" Sen. Mazie Hirono, D-Hawaii, said. "He did not get authorization. It’s on President Trump. And the rise in gasoline and everything else, it’s on him." DEMOCRATS POUNCE ON $4 A GALLON GAS, BLAME TRUMP’S IRAN WAR FOR ‘BROKEN PROMISE’ Lawmakers’ comments came after Trump backed a temporary suspension of the federal gas tax on Monday as escalating tensions with Iran pushed fuel prices higher nationwide. Gas prices have climbed to an average of $4.51 a gallon, and diesel prices have risen to $5.66 as of Wednesday, according to AAA. "I mean we want to keep costs low," Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., said. "Higher gas prices add costs to groceries and everything else, and so I think it’s something worthy to consider, and I'd be amenable to it." The suspension would potentially slash the cost of each gallon of gasoline by 18.4 cents and 24.4 cents per gallon of diesel.  Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., introduced legislation Monday to suspend the federal gas tax after Trump backed the idea. Hawley’s Gas Tax Suspension Act would provide relief at the pump for at least 90 days, while also allowing for an additional 90-day extension if prices remain elevated. ENERGY SECRETARY WRIGHT SAYS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OPEN TO SUSPENDING FEDERAL GAS TAX AMID PRICE SURGE Support for suspending the gas tax has emerged from both parties, but other lawmakers have proposed alternative methods to address rising gas prices.  "I think that year-round E-15 is a better idea," Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., said. "Year-round, E-15 would bring down the price of gas maybe 30, 40 cents a gallon. You throw in our credit card bill, it would bring it down another dime, 15 cents a gallon. So I think those are probably two better ideas to do it." E-15 is a cheaper, ethanol-blended gasoline that cannot be sold nationwide during the summer months due to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's pollution rules. Some Republicans, like Marshall, argue year-round access to E-15 would lower gas prices more effectively than a gas tax suspension. ARAB ALLIES RECOGNIZE IRAN’S DANGER, LAWMAKERS SAY, AS REGION VIEWS REGIME CHANGE CAUTIOUSLY While some lawmakers focused on lowering costs at the pump, others argued the U.S. should maintain or even escalate pressure on Iran despite rising prices. "Let’s finish Iran, the IRGC anyway, once and for all," Bacon said. "The Iranian people are great people, but their government is our enemy. They’ve been the most ruthless enemy that we’ve had over four decades." "They should be pummeled," he said. Bacon’s comments reflect a group of Republicans who argue the surge in gas prices is a consequence of taking on Iran, warning that backing off pressure could carry far greater risks. "Iran with a nuclear weapon is a threat to America and the whole region," Bacon said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04df62a200899a00eafed0 Joe Rogan podcast appearance tied to rise in demand for alternative cancer treatment te 2026-05-13T20:30:26.897Z Joe Rogan podcast appearance tied to rise in demand for alternative cancer treatment Prescriptions for an antiparasitic drug spiked for cancer patients after a celebrity endorsed the medication during a recent episode of Joe Rogan’s podcast. Ivermectin–benzimidazole, a combination of antiparasitic medications, was touted as an off-label cancer treatment during actor Mel Gibson’s January 2025 appearance. Gibson spoke about three of his friends who had stage 4 cancer, noting that "all three of them don’t have cancer right now at all." When Rogan asked what treatments they used, Gibson replied, "Ivermectin, fenbendazole." WOMAN WITH CANCER REVEALS THE DIET THAT SHE SAYS SAVED HER LIFE Ivermectin is an antiparasitic medication used in humans and animals to treat infections caused by certain worms and parasites. Fenbendazoleis, a veterinary antiparasitic drug used to treat worms in animals, belongs to the benzimidazole class of medications, according to medical sources. "I don’t believe that there is anything that can afflict mankind that hasn’t got a natural cure for it," Gibson added. HIDDEN VIRUS INSIDE GUT BACTERIA LINKED TO DOUBLED COLORECTAL CANCER RISK, STUDY FINDS Researchers from the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, UCLA and the University of Michigan analyzed the health records of over 68 million patients in ambulatory care settings.  They checked for increases in same-day prescribing of ivermectin plus a benzimidazole: albendazole, fenbendazole, mebendazole or thiabendazole – with the goal of determining whether Gibson’s endorsement resulted in a spike. Following the episode, which was viewed 60 million times in the month after airing, overall prescribing rates nearly doubled, rising 2.5 times among cancer patients. Among those patients, larger increases were seen in men, White patients, people ages 18-64 and those who lived in southern states, the researchers found. The study, which was published in JAMA Network Open on Tuesday, did not measure any safety outcomes of the drug combination. No clinical trials have supported the safety or effectiveness of ivermectin–benzimidazole for treating cancer, experts noted. "Clinicians talk about how difficult it is when the patient demands or asks for a medication that they really feel passionately might help," said lead author Michelle Rockwell, PhD, RD, a health services researcher at Virginia Tech, in a press release. "And that's where I think these celebrity influencers really play a big role." CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES While some laboratory and animal studies have shown that these drugs can promote anti-cancer activity, the required dose for even a small effect would "typically be considered toxic for humans," according to Skyler B. Johnson, MD, of the University of Utah Huntsman Cancer Institute. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Johnson, who was not involved in the research, shared with CIDRAP News his concerns about ivermectin’s effect on how the body processes cancer treatments and other medications. The study did have some limitations, including that it was observational in design and could not prove that Gibson’s appearance led to the increase in prescriptions. Also, the fact that prescriptions were ordered does not necessarily mean that they were filled or used. It is also possible that some patients sought out ivermectin without a prescription, perhaps from agricultural retailers who sell it for livestock. There is also the potential that cancer status was misclassified, the researchers noted. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The study also did not assess whether patients were taking ivermectin alongside conventional treatment or if they used it as a substitute. Patients should consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical guidance before making treatment decisions, doctors say. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04dd0ca200899a00eafe38 Democrats caught on camera coaching candidate on how to be 'authentic' in 2026 messaging te 2026-05-13T20:20:28.236Z Democrats caught on camera coaching candidate on how to be 'authentic' in 2026 messaging FIRST ON FOX — Democrats campaigning in Pennsylvania inadvertently posted online a video giving a look behind the curtain on their 2026 midterm strategy and how they’re preparing to appear more authentic and win back voters who felt 'left behind.' The clip viewed by Fox News Digital and not previously reported shows Democratic Pennsylvania candidate Bob Brooks in a conversation with Biden-era Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg — who couldn't even remember what district he was campaigning in. The pair received coaching from an off-screen staffer, urging them to stay on message. "Think about your audience," the staffer prompted. "Why is this race so important? We need to win the House [of Representatives] — all of that. Winning over people who feel like they’re left behind by the party, flipping the district; all of that I think is really strong, showing up for working people, affordability." FORMER OBAMA STAFFERS URGE DEMOCRATS TO STOP SPEAKING LIKE A 'PRESS RELEASE,' LEARN 'NORMAL PEOPLE LANGUAGE' The rare look at a behind-the-scenes campaign moment, filmed by Democratic campaign arm The Bench, highlights the efforts the party is taking to underscore affordability, appeal to everyday voters and come across as naturally as possible after losing swaths of their base in the 2024 election. "We are going to have a really normal conversation with three cameras pointing at you," the staffer joked. "Everybody act normal," Buttigieg chuckled. "—And remind me the district number we’re in?" he asked the staffer before the conversation commenced. The staffer also gave Buttigieg and Brooks guidance on a pair of beer cans set out as "props." Brooks, who faces a tight primary race next week, has attracted the support of a wide swath of the Democratic Party figures, garnering endorsements from the likes of Buttigieg, Sen. Bernie Sanders, D-Vt., and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. BUTTIGIEG SAYS HE'S 'LOOKING AT' POSSIBLE SENATE RUN IN BATTLEGROUND STATE His background as a firefighter has also drawn the support of the Bench, a campaign group that acts as an extension of the Democratic National Committee (DNC). The group describes its ideal candidates as "community-rooted, values-driven, and ready to connect with voters across party lines." The Bench also supports Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, Michigan Senate candidate Mallory McMorrow and Iowa House candidate Sarah Trone Garriott. Brooks faces a four-way primary for a chance to unseat Republican incumbent Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, R-Pa. Pennsylvania’s seventh district is among the most competitive in the country. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report places the race as a "toss-up" — just one of 18 seats to receive that designation this year. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE APOLOGIZES FOR PAST PRO-POLICE, PRO-GUN POSTS IN KEY BATTLEGROUND RACE Despite their coaching, the off-screen staffer told Brooks they would try to avoid directing the interview too much. "Bob, feel free to prompt Pete with a question: why this race, why here in the Lehigh Valley and we will interject if needed to do a little directing but we’re going to be mostly hands off," the staffer said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04dab3a200899a00eafd9e Vance confronted over 2028 ambitions after Trump teases 'dream team' Rubio ticket te 2026-05-13T20:10:27.160Z Vance confronted over 2028 ambitions after Trump teases 'dream team' Rubio ticket Vice President JD Vance brushed off questions about a possible 2028 Republican ticket with Secretary of State Marco Rubio after President Donald Trump floated the pair as a political force earlier this week.  "I love Marco. I think he's a great secretary of state. He's become a very, very dear friend. But I think both of us are very much focused on accomplishing the American people's business right now," said Vance during a press conference on Wednesday focused on the administration's fraud crackdown.  Trump teased a potential ticket with Vance and Rubio earlier this week, but the president did not say who would be the one to fill his shoes. Vance had previously said the media was creating "conflict" when asked in recent months about alleged tension between the pair as Washington, D.C., inches closer to 2028.  "Who likes J.D. Vance? Who likes Marco Rubio? All right. Sounds like a good ticket," Trump said Monday, adding, "By the way, I do believe that’s a dream team." JD VANCE ADDRESSES POSSIBLE PRESIDENTIAL RUN WITH MARCO RUBIO AFTER TRUMP TEASES 'UNSTOPPABLE' TICKET Vance shared that it is one of the topics he least likes to discuss when he is "having a good time and trying to do good work in the job that the American people already elected me to do." "If I was the American people, there are a few things that I would hate more than a person who's barely been in one office for a year and a half, is angling for a job two and a half years down the road," said Vance, referencing himself. VANCE TAPPED AS ‘FRAUD CZAR’ AS TRUMP TARGETS BLUE STATES OVER TAXPAYER THEFT A second reporter followed up during the press conference that the media was not promoting 2028 tension between the pair, as the president had directly floated the potential ticket.  "I just don't think it sounds like the president of the United States to have a televised competition for who would succeed him as his apprentice," quipped Vance in response. "I just think that's not at all what you would expect the president to do." Vance added it was "natural" for Trump to joke around with him and Rubio, adding that the president has "always been fascinated by politics." RUBIO HEADS TO ROME WITH TRUMP’S IRAN CLASH LOOMING OVER POPE LEO, MELONI TALKS Vance’s big initiative has been cracking down on fraud, waste, and abuse while leading the White House Task Force to Eliminate Fraud. The press conference on Wednesday was held as Vance holds down the fort at the White House while Trump is in China for high-stakes meetings alongside administration leaders, such as Rubio and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d8c0a200899a00eafd18 DOJ argues voter data ruling that blocked Arizona request would have undermined civil rights te 2026-05-13T20:02:08.090Z DOJ argues voter data ruling that blocked Arizona request would have undermined civil rights Voting booths await voters in the general election on Nov. 5, 2024, at North Junior High in Boise. (Photo by Pat Sutphin for the Idaho Capital Sun) The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday suggested to a federal appeals court that upholding a lower court decision blocking the Trump administration’s access to sensitive voter data would weaken its ability to investigate racial discrimination in voting. The 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held oral arguments on whether to reverse a district court judge’s opinion that Michigan doesn’t have to provide the Justice Department with its unredacted voter list that contains dates of birth, driver’s license and partial Social Security numbers.  At the core of the case is how federal courts should interpret the 1960 Civil Rights Act, which grants the U.S. attorney general broad access to documents and records that “come into the possession” of election officials. Congress passed the law to empower investigations into voting discrimination against Black citizens.  A lawyer for the Trump administration on Wednesday sought to discredit the logic behind the district court judge’s decision. He said the decision would have hampered 1960s era investigations into discrimination against Black voters if it had been in place at that time. An assistant Michigan attorney general called that a major misreading of the law. The judges did not meaningfully suggest which argument they found persuasive. The Justice Department has sued 30 states and the District of Columbia over their refusal to turn over the data. At least 15 conservative states have voluntarily provided the information, which the Trump administration plans to feed into a Department of Homeland Security computer program to identify potential noncitizen voters. Democrats and voting rights advocates have raised privacy concerns about the Trump administration’s plans for the data. They also say Homeland Security has wrongly flagged voters as potential noncitizens and that the administration is seeking to build a national voter list. The Justice Department’s courtroom argument on Wednesday came amid the backdrop of the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision two weeks ago to severely weaken the 1965 Voting Rights Act, which was intended to stamp out discriminatory voting laws in the South. Trump has cheered the ruling and Republican state lawmakers in Southern states are rushing to draw new congressional maps that could oust Black Democrats. Debate over Civil Rights Act U.S District Court Judge Hala Jarbou, an appointee of President Donald Trump, in February ruled that the Justice Department isn’t entitled to voters’ data. Michigan’s voter registration database is a record created by state officials, not a document that comes into their possession, she reasoned. On Wednesday, Justice Department attorney David Goldman told a panel of three appellate judges that Jarbou had created a “carveout” in the Civil Rights Act not rooted in the law.  “It carves a hole in the attorney general’s investigative authority so gaping that the most blatant civil rights violations of the 1960s could have marched right through it,” Goldman said. Michigan Assistant Attorney General Heather Meingast, representing Michigan Democratic Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, told the judges that the Justice Department’s demand is unprecedented and unsupported by federal law.  The state’s voter registration database includes voter information but isn’t a document under the Civil Rights Act, Meingast argued. The database is dynamic, she said, constantly changing as voters are added and removed. “It doesn’t seem to meet the test of what the (Civil Rights Act) was talking about in the 60s,” Meingast said. “And the purpose was voters turning in their documents, their applications, their poll taxes.” Judges don’t tip hand The case is being heard by Senior Judge R. Guy Cole, Jr., a Clinton appointee; Judge Andre B. Mathis, a Biden appointee; and Judge John B. Nalbandian, a Trump appointee. Much of the judges’ questions centered on what it means for records to “come into the possession” of election officials. The judges posed skeptical questions to both sides, leaving it unclear who will prevail. One judge likened the voter database to baking a cake, an image used in a brief filed by voters and civic groups in the case. Anyone baking a cake wouldn’t say they “came into possession” of a cake, the judge said. “What about common sense?” the judge said. The 6th Circuit, based in Cincinnati, provided an audio-only livestream of the arguments and the judges didn’t identify themselves when speaking. Courthouse News Service reported the judge who made the remark was Nalbandian. The oral arguments lasted about 40 minutes. The three-judge panel gave no deadline for issuing an opinion. Other cases In the Justice Department’s voter data lawsuits, six district court judges have ruled against the Trump administration — in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Oregon and Rhode Island, in addition to Michigan. The Michigan case is the first to reach oral argument before an appellate court. Oral arguments are set for next week in appeals of the DOJ’s losses in California and Oregon. The appellate cases mark the next stage of the Justice Department’s year-long campaign for state voter data. DOJ attorneys have urged appeals courts to move quickly, arguing that the security of the November midterm elections is at stake. On Tuesday, the Justice Department released an opinion from its Office of Legal Counsel, which provides legal advice to executive branch agencies, that supports the DOJ’s efforts to obtain state voter data. DOJ attorneys immediately filed the opinion in the Michigan appeal in a last-minute bid to bolster their case before oral arguments. “It’s memorializing advice that was given in early to mid-September,” Goldman said — the same time period when the Justice Department began suing states for refusing to turn over voter data. Aria Branch, an attorney at the Elias Law Group representing voters and a civic group in the case, noted that six courts have already ruled against the Justice Department.  “DOJ’s attempt to exploit the Civil Rights Act for its current dragnet simply resembles trying to fit a square peg into a round hole,” Branch told the judges. “It simply doesn’t work.” Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d8aaa200899a00eafcfa Joy Reid guest accuses America of ‘coddling weak White men’ in anti-Trump rant targeting conservatives te 2026-05-13T20:01:46.500Z Joy Reid guest accuses America of ‘coddling weak White men’ in anti-Trump rant targeting conservatives Ex-MSNBC host Joy Reid and liberal commentator Wajahat Ali unleashed a rant against "weak White conservative men" during a recent episode of "The Joy Reid Show," targeting President Donald Trump, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and other conservatives while accusing America of "coddling" White men. "These weak, pathetic, fragile, brittle, porcelain teacups," Ali said during the segment. "They can dish it, but they can’t take it." Reid claimed the country rewarded "mediocre" White men while unfairly questioning minorities' qualifications. DEMOCRATS' FUROR OVER 'UNQUALIFIED' TRUMP NOMINEES PUTS BIDEN'S STAFFING DECISIONS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT "This is what America was built on in telling these weak-chinned, unaccomplished mediocrities that the meritocracy means they get everything they want," Reid said. Ali and Reid also mocked conservatives as fragile and unable to handle criticism during the discussion. "They demand safe spaces for themselves. No safe spaces for anyone else," Ali said. "They demand civility, but give only cruelty." FAR-LEFT COMMENTATOR CONDEMNS ‘WHITE MAGA VOTERS,’ DECLARES AMERICA WILL BECOME 'S---HOLE' WITHOUT IMMIGRANTS Reid agreed with Ali’s criticism and argued America had allegedly elevated unqualified White men into positions of power while dismissing the accomplishments of women and minorities. "Donald Trump is not qualified to be president of the United States," Reid said. The former MSNBC host also mocked Hegseth, claiming he became defense secretary because Trump "thinks [he] is attractive." "You’re qualified to be secretary of defense … simply because you’re a White guy who Donald Trump thinks is attractive," Reid said. EX-MSNBC HOST JOY REID CLAIMS ROMAN EMPIRE FELL BECAUSE OF NO DIVERSITY, WARNS US WILL BE NEXT Ali additionally argued that conservatives were teaching White men they could succeed without merit. "They’re literally having a deficit of White men even trying to go to college now because they’re telling them you don’t have to do s---," Reid said. Throughout the discussion, Reid and Ali repeatedly accused the Trump administration of filling key positions with unqualified loyalists while removing women and minorities from leadership roles. "They got rid of women, Black people — especially women of color," Ali said.  "These dumba-- mediocre men purged all the women and people of color for their bros," he later added. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE White House spokesman Davis Ingle blasted Reid’s remarks in a statement to Fox News Digital. "There’s a reason Joy Reid’s show got canceled — her takes were too dumb even for MSDNC," Ingle said. "I lose brain cells every time I have the displeasure of hearing her speak." Reid departed MSNBC — since rebranded as MS NOW — in February of last year, after the network canceled "The ReidOut." Since leaving the network, she has continued political commentary through online appearances and independent media projects. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d896a200899a00eafcf1 Tim Brando joins Dan Dakich, EVISCERATES Lane Kiffin for his racially charged Vanity Fair comments te 2026-05-13T20:01:26.986Z Tim Brando joins Dan Dakich, EVISCERATES Lane Kiffin for his racially charged Vanity Fair comments In case you've been living under a rock this past week, Lane Kiffin put his foot in his mouth again this offseason. I know, try to contain your shock. Kiffin sat down with Vanity Fair at the beginning of the month to discuss a whole grab bag of topics, but the most sensational headlines came from his comments regarding his former employer, Ole Miss. In a nutshell, Kiffin blamed the university's lack of diversity for losing out on some recruits while he was the head coach there, and added that parents of recruits liked LSU's campus because "It feels like there’s no segregation." REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: HOUSE DEMS QUESTION SPORTS BILL TIMING AMID LANE KIFFIN CONTROVERSY The next day, Kiffin backtracked, saying that he didn't mean any ill will towards Ole Miss and that these were just "factual" statements and not shots at the university. One man who isn't buying Lane's act of contrition is Tim Brando. The legendary college football commentator and Louisiana native sat down with OutKick's Dan Dakich to hash out the comments made by Kiffin. OLE MISS STAR ACCUSES LANE KIFFIN OF TRYING TO 'STEAL OUR SHINE' AMID COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF RUN: 'A TROLL' "I'm up to here with it, Dan," Brando said when asked his thoughts about the situation. "He chose to go to a wider, and far more liberal audience, to do this interview. And they're going to run with it and use it, and stereotype with it the way they always do." Brando's point is well taken, and it disproves Kiffin's claims that he never meant to cause any harm to his former team. Kiffin knew damn well what he was doing when he made those comments as well as who he made the comments to; everything he does is calculated. PAT MCAFEE BEGS LANE KIFFIN, COLLEGE FOOTBALL'S TOP COACHING CANDIDATE, TO REMAIN AT OLE MISS "For those of us that were alive when John F. Kennedy was killed, and Martin Luther King was killed, and understand what the Jim Crow South was about," Brando continued, "I'm a part of it, we don't need to be reminded of it, we lived through it. Where the hell was Lane?" "You're touching a pilot light that's been way low, and you're igniting it again when you go down this route, and it's wrong." Brando also touched on his experiences with both schools, having a daughter enrolled at LSU as well as one at Ole Miss, and reminded everyone that this rhetoric could cause "trouble down the road." LANE KIFFIN ALLEGES OLE MISS FANS TRIED TO CHASE HIM 'OFF THE ROAD' WHILE LEAVING OXFORD FOR LSU COACHING JOB "When you start talking about these kinds of issues, you can't expect all of the fans to perceive it the way he (Kiffin) wants them to perceive it." It's a good reminder that Kiffin's comments aren't victimless. In this day and age of heightened scrutiny with regard to racial tensions, his words could have dangerous consequences, be they unintended or otherwise. The only thing worse than the comments, in Brando's eyes, was the apology. "And that God-awful apology he tried to submit to On3 yesterday... was a pathetic response," Brando said. "It's offensive period. Don't go there." If there's one word to describe Kiffin's comments, and his offseason tour in general, it's "narcissism," according to Brando. "His own narcissism would not allow him to get through that interview with, once again, not trying to justify abandoning a team that he was coaching that was on the precipice of playing for and maybe even winning a national championship." "You got the job. You got the $91 million. Shut up! We've heard enough." I don't think I could have said it better myself. I warned everyone very early on in the offseason that Kiffin would make some poor choices and some questionable comments, but I must admit, I didn't even see this coming. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Expect the unexpected when dealing with Lane Kiffin. There is a good chance he wins a national title while in Baton Rouge. As a matter of fact, I would bet good money on that. The football marriage between a coach as good as Kiffin and a program as resource- and tradition-laden as LSU will be a fruitful one indeed, but the Vanity Fair interview (along with other offseason comments) represents the downside to having the Lane Train pull into your station. The winning will just have to be enough to offset that cost. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d883a200899a00eafce8 Six illegal immigrants, including 14-year-old, found dead in shipping container along southern border te 2026-05-13T20:01:07.139Z Six illegal immigrants, including 14-year-old, found dead in shipping container along southern border Texas officials announced six illegal immigrants were found dead Monday inside a shipping container along the southern border, with officials pointing to extreme heat as the likely cause. The Webb County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed three men, one woman and a 14-year-old boy were found dead at the Union Pacific Railyard in North Laredo. The sixth person has not yet been positively identified. Investigators said the deceased originated from Mexico and Honduras. TRUMP PULLS US OUT OF UN-LINKED MIGRATION FORUM IN BOLD IMMIGRATION MOVE Following initial examinations, authorities determined that the 29-year-old woman died from hyperthermia. While formal medical exams for the remaining five people are pending, officials said it is "highly probable" that hyperthermia was the cause of death for the entire group. The Webb County Medical Examiner's Office is working in close coordination with the Mexican Consulate to contact the migrants' families, confirm the final identity and assist with the repatriation process. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d86fa200899a00eafcdf Whoopi Goldberg argues America is 'de-balled' and unserious on the world stage te 2026-05-13T20:00:47.706Z Whoopi Goldberg argues America is 'de-balled' and unserious on the world stage As co-hosts of "The View" blasted President Donald Trump’s rhetoric on the costs of the Iran war, Whoopi Goldberg suggested on Wednesday that America looks castrated and vulnerable on the world stage. In a now-infamous clip, Trump was asked on Tuesday morning about whether he considers Americans’ financial situations amid negotiations to end the costly Iran war.  "Not even a little bit," Trump replied. "The only thing that matters when I’m talking about Iran — they can’t have a nuclear weapon. I don’t think about Americans’ financial situation. I don’t think about anybody. I think about one thing — we cannot let Iran have a nuclear weapon. That’s all." THE WAR HITS HOME: WHY FINANCIAL PAIN AND ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY THREATEN TRUMP’S DRIVE TO TOPPLE IRAN’S REGIME Many Americans, including his supporters, have lamented that the war was not only a major betrayal of his campaign promises, but has also made their economic situations far worse. The co-hosts of "The View" blasted Trump for the statement he made, arguing it shows his indifference to Americans and even "his own cult." "He didn’t care about his own supporters’ pleas for no more wars when he went into Iran, and now he doesn’t care that Americans can’t afford to feed their families," Whoopi argued. The co-hosts later noted that multiple high-profile members of Trump’s administration have been lampooned as unserious people or security liabilities for the nation itself, arguing this often reaches such a pitch that even Trump eventually sours on them and fires them. MARK KELLY TRASHES TRUMP OVER IRAN, CLAIMS PEOPLE 'OFF THE STREET' WOULD DO BETTER THAN THE ADMINISTRATION The hosts discussed recent reporting from The Atlantic about the alleged issues associated with FBI Director Kash Patel. The Atlantic recently published an article that cited multiple anonymous sources telling the outlet that the FBI director had an "emotional outburst" related to difficulty logging into a computer system, has had "bouts of excessive drinking" and has been absent enough to prompt security concerns. "I have no faith in the people running anything. I don’t believe in anybody running this country right now, and that’s what makes me nervous," Whoopi said. "Okay, well, who is going to take responsibility — you know, the CDC, right now? No one is running the CDC. We have this potential virus, and they keep saying, ‘No, there’s nothing to worry about.’ I don’t want to hear that from you because you don’t know if there’s nothing to worry about!" "We have been de-balled as a nation, I feel," Whoopi said. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE As other co-hosts asked if she meant to say castrated, Whoopi replied, "It’s the same thing. I don’t have them, but I know it’s the same thing. But the idea that no one is in charge freaks me out." "I think America still has its basketballs. I just think we have some very struggling leaders right now," co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin replied. The sentiment around the world, Whoopi argued, is that "They just don’t believe anything we’re doing, because nothing we do seems to have any weight." "Deeply unserious, de-balled," Whoopi concluded. "Whatever it is, it’s not what America should be seeing and how we should be seeing it." Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d859a200899a00eafcad Gen. Caine’s Silence on Iran War Leaves Questions About Military Strategy te 2026-05-13T20:00:25.445Z Gen. Caine’s Silence on Iran War Leaves Questions About Military Strategy The president’s top military adviser is walking a tightrope as he leads the military through a divisive and unpopular war. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d691a200899a00eafc37 Olivia Dunne cozies up with Baywatch model Brooks Nader, Oxford police on alert & Rockies girl Gianna Girardi! te 2026-05-13T19:52:49.763Z Olivia Dunne cozies up with Baywatch model Brooks Nader, Oxford police on alert & Rockies girl Gianna Girardi! Middle Hump Day of May? Sure, why not?! We're halfway to June, somehow, and that means ... well, it means very little. It's a pretty slow(ish) time of year, which is fine with me. I know what's coming. I know what's on the horizon. In fact, we're already starting to get a little taste of it. The college football world is heating up ahead of "spring" meetings later this month. The NFL's full schedule gets released tomorrow. We've got OTAs and minicamps in a few weeks. We're about nine weeks away from training camps. College GameDay just announced its first two locations of the college football season. Herbie's dog is resting up. Again, it's slow right now. But, I know what's coming. It ain't that far away. For now, though, we ride the wave and see where it takes us (whatever that means). Let's ride. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE Welcome to a Hump Day Nightcaps — the one where Olivia Dunne parties with her Baywatch friends while Miller Lite continues to raise the bar ahead of next month's FIFA World Cup. I think Molson Coors is in for a big second half of 2026, folks. Strap in. What else? I've got Rockies girl Gianna Girardi dumping out #content from a dominant few weeks, the Oxford Police Department is ready for Lane Kiffin, and Mr. October got fooled by a totally plausible AI video of a hot blonde running onto a soccer pitch. We've all been there, Reggie. Chin up! OK, grab you a Miller Lite in a giant soccer ball, and settle in for a Hump Day 'Cap! Look at that thing. I hate soccer. Despise it. Won't watch a single second. Not one. But buddy, I will absolutely throw some money at a soccer ball filled with beer cans. Genius. So simple, so effective. A few weeks ago, I got into a heated back-and-forth with a reader because he was pissed at my love for Busch Light Apple. Any domestic beer, really. He told me to stop giving the big corporations money, and start supporting local beer. And that's fair. My wife is an artist. Believe me, I know all about "supporting local." I get it. When I go to the brewery down the road, I support local. I'm all for it. Funky Buddha Floridian is probably my favorite "local" beer in the state. But ... I do love a good Miller Lite. Sorry, I like what I like. Now they're putting cans in a soccer ball on the heels of partnering with Olivia Dunne? How am I supposed to say no to this? Yeah, I just can't. I have to respect good, smart advertising, especially after what I lived through in 2023 with Bud Light. Fair is fair, and I'm simply being fair here. PS: The old Miller Lite blue cans are the best of the best. Elite stuff. OK, let's get this class going with Miller Lite influencer Olivia Dunne dominating the Fox red carpet with her Baywatch friends last night: Olivia Dunne and Brooks Nader on the same set? Again, I assume the new Baywatch reboot will be a tough watch. Most reboots are. But I will be DIALED in whenever it premieres. I was too young for the Baywatch craze back in the '90s. I'll be damned if I miss out this time. Give 'em hell, ladies! Speaking of hell, let's check in on the Oxford Police Department ahead of the recently announced Sept. 19 night game between LSU and Ole Miss! ONE DAY AFTER LANE KIFFIN MESS, STEVE SARKISIAN TORCHES OLE MISS FOR 'BASKETWEAVING' CLASSES IN OXFORD Perfect. No notes. 10/10. Speaking of Oxford potentially burning to the ground, I did get an email from a student this week on the heels of Lane Kiffin telling Vanity Fair that he had a hard time recruiting five-stars because of ... segregation. Shockingly, boots on the ground in Oxford say that's complete BS. From Matt: Just read the comments Lane made about recruits and parents and segregation in Oxford BS. My oldest daughter went to Ole Miss for grad school. We visited many times. Never saw an ounce of segregation, racism, or anything related. Actually, her first year there (fall 2022-2023) she worked with a kid at Neilson's on the square...young guy, nice kid.  He was homecoming king that year... he also happened to be black and gay. Amazing how that didn't seem to bother anyone in Oxford when he was voted homecoming king. Kiffin is a good coach (I'll give him that), but he is also good at getting diarrhea of the mouth.  Thanks, Matt! Black AND gay. Talk about a one-two punch. Can't believe Oxford survived that one. I guess Lane's recruits missed him during their visit. Oh well. Hopefully they all feel safer in Baton Rouge! OK, let's stick with college football and rapid-fire this Hump Day into a Hump Night. How do we feel about the first two (three) College GameDay visits of the new season? How many times are we going to try to stuff Clemson into a marquee Week 1 game? I feel like we do this every year! They'll be ranked 23rd just so ESPN can market this as a top-25 game. I've seen this movie before. Don't get me wrong, I'm rooting for Dabo. I'm very much out on Lane Kiffin at this point, if you couldn't tell. But going to Death Valley ... at night ... in Week 1 of the Lane Kiffin era? Yikes. Ohio State-Texas in Week 2 is a no-brainer, although I'm sure Big Noon would've liked that game. They haven't announced Week 3 yet, but we can assume Herbie's dog will get a police escort into Oxford that weekend. I know it's a rival network and rival show but goodness ... I miss football. Three more months. Hold on tight, folks. We're almost back. Next? Let's end the day on the diamond ... with a legend! Reggie! NOOOOO! Reggie Jackson got duped by maybe the most clearly AI video I have ever seen in my life. Poor Reggie. We've all been there before. Mr. October, by the way, turns 80 next week. 80! What a player. PS: "The Bronx is Burning" is one of the most underrated miniseries of all time. Just an absolute banger back in the mid-2000s. If you're a baseball fan and haven't seen it, go track it down at your local Blockbuster before the weekend! OK, that's it for today. Good Hump Day. Let's stay on the diamond and with the Yankees theme, and end the day with Rockies in-game host (and Joe's niece) Gianna Girardi! See you tomorrow. OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots). Is Oxford in for a rough night this September? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d679a200899a00eafbf2 Musk’s xAI is running nearly 50 gas turbines unchecked at its Mississippi data center te 2026-05-13T19:52:25.698Z Musk’s xAI is running nearly 50 gas turbines unchecked at its Mississippi data center Gas turbines at xAI's Colossus 2 data center have drawn a lawsuit over the company's use of "mobile" gas turbines as power plants. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d664a200899a00eafbd2 Arizona lawmakers advance religious protest bill amid national push on ‘anti-Christian bias’ te 2026-05-13T19:52:04.100Z Arizona lawmakers advance religious protest bill amid national push on ‘anti-Christian bias’ Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d64fa200899a00eafbb9 Rising costs, fewer Flying Samaritans could limit trips to rural Mexico to provide free health care te 2026-05-13T19:51:43.979Z Rising costs, fewer Flying Samaritans could limit trips to rural Mexico to provide free health care Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d63ca200899a00eafba4 Hiring, overtime, and AI: VA processing veterans’ disability claims faster than ever te 2026-05-13T19:51:24.450Z Hiring, overtime, and AI: VA processing veterans’ disability claims faster than ever Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d628a200899a00eafb95 Arizona voters rank water supply above immigration & inflation, new poll finds te 2026-05-13T19:51:04.395Z Arizona voters rank water supply above immigration & inflation, new poll finds Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d614a200899a00eafb86 Trump admin kills rule putting public lands conservation on equal footing with resource extraction te 2026-05-13T19:50:44.568Z Trump admin kills rule putting public lands conservation on equal footing with resource extraction Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d600a200899a00eafb71 Adult ballet classes growing in Tucson as people turn to dance for fitness te 2026-05-13T19:50:24.866Z Adult ballet classes growing in Tucson as people turn to dance for fitness Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d3bea200899a00eaf8f8 PGA Championship tickets are surprisingly cheap one day ahead of Thursday's opening round te 2026-05-13T19:40:46.519Z PGA Championship tickets are surprisingly cheap one day ahead of Thursday's opening round Want to attend the PGA Championship this week at Aronimink Golf Club just outside Philadelphia? Good news: waiting might have actually saved you money. That’s not usually how sold-out major sporting events work, but here we are (maybe people are saving their money for the outrageously expensive World Cup). Tickets for the PGA Championship have been sold out since July, according to Front Office Sports, but resale prices on SeatGeek (the Official Ticketing Provider of the event) dropped below face value for all four tournament rounds as of Wednesday afternoon. The get-in prices, according to the ticket resale platform, were: $176 for Thursday's opening round (including all fees), $170 for Friday, $223 for Saturday and $243 for Sunday's final round. That’s especially notable because face value for Championship+ general admission tickets ranged from $199 for Thursday to $299 for weekend rounds, before taxes and fees, according to a PGA of America spokesperson who spoke with Front Office Sports. In other words, fans can currently get into any of the four rounds for below face value and, in some cases, for much less than the tickets originally cost. That's particularly true of Saturday's third round where ticket prices are roughly $75 cheaper. And resale prices above include fees and taxes, while the face-value prices are pre-fee and pre-tax, so the true all-in difference is actually larger. Again, this is for a sold-out major championship outside Philadelphia. KEEGAN BRADLEY KICKS OFF PGA CHAMPIONSHIP WEEK WITH ODD QUOTE ABOUT THE 'SMELL' OF THE NORTHEAST The sports ticket market generally doesn’t reward procrastination but this one might. And these aren’t normal "get in the gate and then pay $9 for a bottle of water" tickets, either. The PGA Championship’s Championship+ ticket (the prices shown above) includes access to the grounds at Aronimink Golf Club and food and non-alcoholic beverages at concession venues throughout the property. Each time a ticket holder visits a concession venue, they can receive one entrée item, one snack item and one non-alcoholic beverage. A patron may return as often as they choose. That’s a pretty big deal. Axios reported that the operation at Aronimink includes breakfast items like doughnuts, fruit, yogurt bars and chicken biscuits, plus lunch options such as hot dogs, chicken sandwiches, ham sandwiches, cheeseburgers, Italian sausages, plant-based burgers and Mediterranean salads with falafel. The entire food operation is massive. Roughly 200,000 spectators are expected during the week, and Axios reported the tournament’s caterer prepared for the event by staffing 60 chefs, 170 managers, around 800 food-service employees, 10 on-site kitchens and 600,000 square feet of food-service space. Fans are forecast to consume 124,000 burgers, 88,000 hot dogs and 372,000 bottles of water during the week. So, yes, paying in the neighborhood of $200 to walk around a golf course is still expensive. But compared to plenty of other major sporting events, where fans' wallets can quickly be destroyed by ticket prices and then get hit again at the concession stand, the PGA Championship ticket comes with legitimate added value. It's even more added value for a golf tournament, where fans might spend eight hours (or more) inside the venue. That's unlike other sporting events, like football or baseball, where the average game lasts around three hours. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE The question is why the resale market softened in the first place. Weather isn't expected to be an issue (outside of a potential short spot shower on Thursday). Maybe buyers simply overestimated demand when tickets sold out last summer. Maybe the Philadelphia-area market has only so much appetite for several days of golf at major-championship prices (especially with the World Cup starting in June). Or maybe fans realized they could wait out the secondary market. Whatever the reason, the math is pretty simple: The PGA Championship is sold out, the tickets include food and non-alcoholic drinks, and resale prices are still sitting below face value. That’s not something fans see very often. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d3aaa200899a00eaf8ef TNA Wrestling star AJ Francis makes bold prediction for upcoming street fight: 'It’s going to be crazy' te 2026-05-13T19:40:26.957Z TNA Wrestling star AJ Francis makes bold prediction for upcoming street fight: 'It’s going to be crazy' The feud between Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) star A.J. Francis and KC Navarro will come to a head on Thursday night as the two will compete in a SacTown Street Fight in Sacramento, California, at the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Navarro returned from an injury to help Nic Nemeth defeat Francis at Rebellion. And since then, the two had been at each other’s throats. Navarro pinned Francis three weeks ago in his first match since July 2025. Ahead of the two-day "Thursday night Impact" special on AMC, Francis spoke to Fox News Digital about his fight with Navarro and made a blunt prediction. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "If it wasn’t for me, KC wouldn’t be in these opportunities," Francis said. "I saw him on his little interviews, KC came out and said that he took the hard bumps from me and he did all these things for me … The only thing KC did for me was be a shadow. KC learned a lot from me. KC is in this position because of me. KC was just another guy in the back they had nothing for until I needed somebody to stand next to me. "I’m happy KC is finally getting an opportunity to show what he can bring to the table. But unfortunately for him, he’s doing it against me. And I’m going to beat him within an inch of his life. Anytime you give me an opportunity to prove that I’m exactly who I say I am in a big match I always show up. I always deliver. It’s going to be crazy. I’m going to put KC out of his misery. When I’m done with him, he might try to dye his hair green or orange or something else just to wash the stench of that pink off of him." Navarro cut an impassioned promo last week on "Impact," saying Francis took advantage of him. He also said that he vowed to his "sick" uncle that he would return to the ring sooner than later after he suffered a torn ACL. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM But Francis was having none of that. "You know what’s crazy? All these wrestlers come up with all these excuses for why people should feel sorry for them," Francis told Fox News Digital. "KC sits there and cries about his sick uncle and Mike Santana talks about his dad passing away. My mom passed away and nobody gave a s---. My grandmother passed away and nobody gave a s---. My grandfather passed away nobody gave a s---. My pop-pop passed away, nobody gave a s---. So, why do I care about the family troubles of all these losers? "Nobody cares when it’s me going through something but I’m supposed to care because KC’s got a sick uncle. I hope his sick uncle has AMC in his hospital so he could watch me beat his nephew within an inch of his life." Francis added there was no chance of making up with Navarro. "Not at all. I wish KC nothing but the worst. I hope that going forward he learns a lesson after this a---whooping I put down on him on Thursday and that he realizes to never cross me again," he said. "He cost me an opportunity at one of the biggest wins of my career at Rebellion. He cost me an opportunity at one of the biggest wins of my career at Slammiversary last year when he got hurt and cost us the tag team titles. He cost us an opportunity at the NXT tag team titles because he got hurt when we were doing our crossover matches with them. "He’s been nothing but a disappointment. He lost our only singles tag team title match in his debut match with First Class. He was the one who got pinned and lost it for us. He’s been nothing but a disappointment since the day that I met him and I’m very much glad to be done with him after Thursday." Francis and Navarro’s match will take place on Thursday night. "Impact" airs each week at 9 p.m. ET on AMC. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d17ca200899a00eaf85c Mayes joins ACLU challenge to Arizona law limiting abortion providers te 2026-05-13T19:31:08.507Z Mayes joins ACLU challenge to Arizona law limiting abortion providers Key Points: Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes sides with ACLU challenging Arizona abortion laws Mayes asks court to declare restrictions on abortion services unconstitutional Arizona voters approved Proposition 139, adding abortion rights to constitution Democratic Attorney General Kris Mayes is once again at odds with Republican legislative leaders over abortion. Mayes has decided to side with attorneys from the American Civil Liberties Union who are challenging state laws that bar certain “advanced practice clinicians” like specially trained nurse practitioners from providing abortion services. And she is asking — as are the challengers — that Maricopa County Superior Court Judge John Blanchard declare the restrictions unconstitutional. What makes that significant is that Josh Bendor, the solicitor general in Mayes’ office, said Arizona law generally requires the Attorney General’s Office to defend state laws when they are challenged in court. But, he said, that rule doesn’t apply “when there is not a plausible argument” to make, a stance that could prove significant given voters in 2024 agreed to put a right to abortion into the Arizona constitution. That, in turn, has resulted in House Speaker Steve Montenegro and Senate President Warren Petersen hiring their own private lawyers, at taxpayer expense, who, on their behalf, are asking Blanchard to toss the case. Neither GOP leader would respond to questions about their decision to defend the law that Mayes and Bendor say is legally indefensible.  “To me, the question is, why is the Legislature spending taxpayer money to defend these kinds of things in the face of the will of the voters,” Bendor said. How quickly the issue can be resolved — and whether there can even be a ruling on who can and cannot perform abortions in Arizona — is unclear. At a court hearing earlier this week, attorneys provided no timeline for when they would be ready to bring the case to court. Central to the lawsuit is the fact that the state Board of Nursing, which also regulates advanced practice nurses, concluded in 2008 that they can safely perform first-trimester abortions. They are a subset of registered nurses who, by virtue of advanced education and training, have a broader scope of practice than traditional registered nurses. They also can hold special licenses, like a certified nurse midwife and a nurse practitioner license. The Republican-controlled Legislature responded almost immediately with a measure stripping the nursing board of its power to decide who can perform the procedure. What changed since then is that voters in November 2024 approved Proposition 139 by a 3-2 margin,  adding a “fundamental right to abortion” to the Arizona Constitution prior to fetal viability, generally considered between 22 and 24 weeks. And attorneys for challengers say the only exception is when there is a “compelling state interest that is achieved by the least restrictive means.” It is now up to Blanchard to decide the scope of the voter-approved initiative. Challengers say the verbiage is on their side. “The fundamental right to abortion means little when Arizonans cannot get care from a trusted and skilled provider in their own community,” said Lauren Beall, a staff attorney at the ACLU of Arizona. “Overturning senseless restrictions that tie the hands of advance practice clinicians is the next step to fulfill the promise of the Arizona Abortion Access Act.” Montenegro and Petersen, through their lawyers, are taking a contrary position. “None of the challenged provisions denies, restricts, or interferes with the right to abortion,” they are telling Blanchard. And if that argument doesn’t work, they have another one — one linked to the exception within the amendment. They contend that, if nothing else, each of the restrictions “is justified by a compelling state interest that is achieved by the least restrictive means.” But the legal papers filed so far on their behalf do not explain that claim. Bendor, however, said that he and Mayes see no legal basis for GOP lawmakers to argue that the restrictions remain enforceable. “The standards changed a lot when voters enacted Prop. 139,” he told Capitol Media Services. “It sets a pretty high burden for laws to meet to restrict the right to abortion.” It was that touchstone, Bendor said, that his office used to evaluate the legal restrictions on advanced practice nurses. He said these are restrictions that exist “even though nurses have done so historically, have done so elsewhere, do other gynecological things that are more complicated.” “We determined that these restrictions don’t meet the constitutional requirements,” he said. Conversely, Bendor said, the office had no good arguments why the laws would pass muster, even with the exceptions built into Prop. 139. He said the decision to side with challengers was not made lightly. “As a matter of process, we start with the assumption that our job is generally to defend state law,” Bendor said. “But when there just is not a plausible argument in defense of a given state law, then it’s not in the public interest or within our responsibility to do so,” he said. “And that’s more likely to happen when you have an intervening change in constitutional law that then calls into question statutes that were enacted without that constitutional provision even in mind because it didn’t exist at the time.” And all that, said Bendor, leads to “a very different calculus” in terms of the role of the Attorney General’s Office. In fact, Bendor said, that is the same sort of calculus that should have — but did not — affect the decision by GOP lawmakers to defend a law despite that intervening change of the adoption of Proposition 139. The fight over the restrictions, according to challengers, has real-world impacts. In their own legal filings, they said that since that ban took effect, abortion has only been consistently available in Pima and Maricopa counties, with “interrupted and limited services” at a single clinic in Coconino County. The requirement that only doctors can provide abortions, the challengers argue, means patients often have to drive for hours. They also claim there is no medical reason for the law, backing that up with is a statement from by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which says that bans like the ones in Arizona “are not based in science, improperly regulate medical practice, and impede patients’ access to quality, evidence-based health care.” And the federal Food and Drug Administration, in approving the drugs used in medication abortions, have authorized advanced clinicians to provide medication abortions. But what’s also involved, the challengers say, is the right of women to make choices for themselves. “People choose their health care provider, whether a physician or an APC, for various reasons, some deeply personal,” the lawsuit states. “Particularly when it comes to abortion care, they may have a strong preference for a trusted provider they have seen for other primary or reproductive health care.” And sometimes, the lawsuit says, it can be as simple as people preferring a clinician to a doctor, wanting someone who can see them quicker, or even is closer to home. “By overriding people’s choice or provider, for no medical reason, the APC ban violates their autonomy.” This isn’t the first time Mayes has refused to defend abortion laws that were in existence when Proposition 139 was approved. She took a similar stance when the ACLU and the Center for Reproductive Rights filed suit in 2025 challenging a series of prior existing laws. That included laws like a 24-hour waiting period before a woman can terminate a pregnancy and a ban on doctors performing an abortion if they have reason to believe the patient is seeking the procedure because of a fetal genetic defect. Challengers also sought to void a prohibition on the use of telemedicine in abortion cases — including a ban on the mailing of abortion pills to patients. “We have determined that the three laws that the plaintiffs are challenging here are unconstitutional and cannot withstand tests that the voters stood up when they amended the constitution to protect abortion rights,” Mayes said at the time. All of those laws were later voided by a trial judge who rejected arguments by GOP lawmakers that they remained enforceable despite voter approval of Prop. 139. That ruling, however, remains on appeal. There also is a separate but related issue playing out in federal court where Louisiana got a federal appeals court to ban telehealth abortions — and, specifically, the shipping of abortion pills — based on the argument that it allowed its residents to circumvent that state’s abortion ban. But that ruling has been paused by the U.S. Supreme Court. The post Mayes joins ACLU challenge to Arizona law limiting abortion providers first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d163a200899a00eaf7f9 Hantavirus Attacks Patients’ Bodies. This Doctor Tends to Their Minds. te 2026-05-13T19:30:43.340Z Hantavirus Attacks Patients’ Bodies. This Doctor Tends to Their Minds. David Cates, a psychologist working with Americans exposed to the disease on the MV Hondius, said psychosocial supports are just as important as physical care. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04d14ea200899a00eaf7d9 Anthropic’s Cat Wu says that, in the future, AI will anticipate your needs before you know what they are te 2026-05-13T19:30:22.180Z Anthropic’s Cat Wu says that, in the future, AI will anticipate your needs before you know what they are The head of product for Claude Code and Cowork says that the next big step for AI is proactivity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04cefaa200899a00eaf717 Michael Rapaport doubles down on 2029 NYC mayoral run, vows 'street fight' against Zohran Mamdani te 2026-05-13T19:20:26.315Z Michael Rapaport doubles down on 2029 NYC mayoral run, vows 'street fight' against Zohran Mamdani Michael Rapaport is doubling down on his plans to run for mayor of New York City. On Tuesday, the 60-year-old actor and comedian said he plans on running against Mayor Zohran Mamdani, who is known for his democratic socialist policies, with a "New York City street fight mentality" come 2029. "I never thought that I would even consider running for mayor of New York City and I will do it with the best intentions and I won’t do it the way any other political person has ever done it," Rapaport told Chris Cuomo during an appearance on News Nation. "The only way to beat this guy is to make it and take it with New York City street fight mentality." "There’s no way to out nice him. There’s no way out slick him. I think that he’s the greatest bull crapper in the history of politicians…and that’s saying a lot," he continued. "But New York City needs to do something, we need to plan right now because 2029 is around the corner and yes, I’m running for mayor of New York City and I will only drop out until I feel like there’s somebody who’s more qualified that could actually beat Zohran the moron." "My bark is a lot louder than my bite," he added. "There's no way to out finesse this guy, out smile this guy. It has to be a dogfight. It has be ugly and that's what I will do in my campaign." The outspoken comedian, who has been vocal about his disdain for the democratic mayor, first announced his plans to run for mayor in January. "My name is Michael Rapaport, a.k.a. Mayor Rapaport. Mr. Mayor Rapaport," he said during an episode of his "I Am Rapaport" podcast. MICHAEL RAPAPORT CLAIMS HE'S HAVING TROUBLE FINDING ACTING JOBS OVER HIS ISRAEL ADVOCACY "Let me tell you something, guys, girls, women, children of all ages. 2025 was crazy, and I don't see it getting any… calmer or cooler in 2026, the way things started," he continued. "That's why I'm running for mayor." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER In addition to making the announcement on his podcast, Rapaport also took to Instagram to share the news, emphasizing in the video that he was "born and raised in New York City." "Born. Raised. NYC. Nothing’s free. No bulls---. No fake grins," he wrote in the caption. "I’ll own my mistakes, apologize when I screw up, and fight to make this city safe, affordable, and thriving. You got Zoron the Moron now…Mayor Rapaport is coming. How you like them apples? 🍎🗽." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Last week, Rapaport called on the NY governor to resign after anti-Israel protests spun out of control in front of a synagogue. "HALLOWEEN SPRING FLING, Now right now in NYC, lunatics dressed in Halloween terra costumes are outside of…. You guessed it a Synagogue in NYC," he wrote on X, with a video of a protest. "@GovKathyHochul, you’ve had 3 years to do a mask mandate & see if this stops the bulls---, you did nothing. RESIGN in SHAME," he concluded. Representatives for Rapaport and Mamdani did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this post. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ccb5a200899a00eaf662 Trump gets red-carpet welcome in China, but past Beijing trip shows pageantry only goes so far te 2026-05-13T19:10:45.705Z Trump gets red-carpet welcome in China, but past Beijing trip shows pageantry only goes so far President Trump received a red-carpet welcome when he landed in Beijing on Wednesday, with a military honor guard, band and children waving American and Chinese flags ahead of high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The ceremony also highlighted the bigger question around Trump’s return to China: whether this visit can yield more lasting progress than his 2017 trip, which featured major business announcements but was later followed by a sharp deterioration in U.S.-China trade relations. The meeting comes as trade tensions, the Iran war and disputes over Taiwan place new pressure on Washington and Beijing to stabilize relations between the world’s two largest economies. TRUMP HEADS TO BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI TALKS AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH The red carpet was rolled out with a welcome ceremony consisting of military honor guard and a military band with Chinese children waving American and Chinese flags. "Welcome, welcome! Warm welcome!" the children chanted in Chinese. Trump exited Air Force One and was greeted by United States Ambassador to China David Perdue, Chinese Vice President H.E. Han Zheng, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to the United States H.E. Xie Feng, and Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs H.E. Ma Zhaoxu. First Lady Melania Trump accompanied Trump nearly nine years ago for his first state visit. The 2017 trip emphasized pomp, personal diplomacy and commercial announcements, and included excursions such as a Forbidden City tour, a Peking opera performance, and a formal welcome ceremony at the Great Hall of the People. The 2017 trip produced more than $250 billion in announced commercial deals and cooperation pledges, but it did not prevent trade relations from deteriorating in 2018.  Most notably, Trump announced a $12 billion deal for cellphone chips from Qualcomm and $37 billion for Boeing commercial jets, AP reported at the time. DONALD TRUMP DETAILS 'MOST EXCITING PART' OF CHINA TRADE AGREEMENT "These deals will create jobs for American workers, farmers, and ranchers by increasing United States exports to China and stimulating investment in American communities," the White House said at the time. A strategic focus of his first visit was North Korea’s nuclear program. Trump and Xi agreed at the time that North Korea should not become a nuclear weapons state, declaring the two countries would apply "maximum pressure." China had already tightened enforcement earlier that year, including suspending North Korean coal imports, while Trump later said Chinese banks were scaling back business with North Korean entities. But U.S.-China cooperation weakened as broader trade tensions escalated, and North Korea continued advancing its missile and nuclear programs. The summit did not prevent a sharp deterioration in trade relations the following year, after Trump imposed tariffs on Chinese imports, triggering a prolonged trade standoff. Trump’s latest visit comes after a broader tariff escalation in which his administration imposed sweeping duties on imports from dozens of countries, with China emerging as the central flashpoint after Beijing retaliated and later tightened export controls on rare earth minerals, prompting Trump to threaten an additional 100% tariff on Chinese goods. Trump is expected to press Xi on trade once again, suggesting that American entrepreneurs and executives could help drive growth inside China if Beijing lowers barriers and allows U.S. firms more room to operate. TRUMP WARNS CHINA OF 'STAGGERING' 50% TARIFF IF CAUGHT SUPPLYING MILITARY AID TO IRAN Accompanying Trump on the trip are top U.S. executives, including Elon Musk, Apple CEO Tim Cook, BlackRock CEO Larry Fink, Blackstone CEO Stephen Schwarzman, Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg, Cargill CEO Brian Sikes, Citi CEO Jane Fraser, GE Aerospace CEO Larry Culp, Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon, Micron CEO Sanjay Mehrotra, and Qualcomm CEO Cristiano Amon. Iran is expected to be among the issues surrounding the talks, though Trump has downplayed differences with Xi over the war. Trump and Xi will hold bilateral talks and a formal banquet Thursday. Fox News Digital’s Eric Mack and Morgan Phillips contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04cc9ca200899a00eaf60e Live debate: Democratic candidates for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction te 2026-05-13T19:10:20.545Z Live debate: Democratic candidates for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Democratic candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction Brett Newby and Teresa Leyba Ruiz face off Wednesday at 6 p.m. The debate runs 56 minutes. Candidates have one minute each for opening and closing statements, followed by moderator questions. Watch it live below: The post Live debate: Democratic candidates for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04cad4a200899a00eaf562 Prosecutors say Luigi Mangione defense team's juror questions are too 'intrusive' in federal case te 2026-05-13T19:02:44.353Z Prosecutors say Luigi Mangione defense team's juror questions are too 'intrusive' in federal case Prosecutors in the Luigi Mangione case are arguing that his defense team's plan to dig into jurors' private lives is too "intrusive." In a court filing made on Monday, federal prosecutors responded to proposed questions to jurors made by Mangione's defense team, which haven't yet been made public. Deputy U.S. Attorney Sean Buckley wrote that some of the questions are "unnecessarily intrusive." Mangione is accused of assassinating UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. In his filing, Buckley argued that a question proposed by Mangione's team asking jurors about some aspects of their personal lives goes too far. SEND US A TIP HERE "Disputed Question 14(a)—which asks jurors to list, among other personal details, the ages, genders, occupations, and education histories of their children—is unnecessarily intrusive," he wrote. LUIGI MANGIONE'S CEO MURDER CASE RAISES CONCERNS ACTIVIST JURORS MAY IGNORE EVIDENCE READ THE DOCUMENT: Another question disputed by federal prosecutors asks potential jurors "how often they attend religious services." LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST "This question is inappropriate because a juror’s religious practices have no bearing on the juror’s fitness to serve," Buckley wrote. One of the other questions opposed by federal prosecutors asks if potential jurors have been "targeted" or "investigated" in connection with a criminal matter, which Buckley says "is not appropriate." LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB "Where proposed questions are duplicative, seek highly personal information unrelated to juror impartiality, or risk embedding advocacy and legal argument into the voir dire process itself, this Court should decline to include them," Buckley wrote. Mangione faces state and federal charges in connection with his alleged assassination of Thompson. His federal trial is currently scheduled to begin in October. In April, a judge overseeing Mangione's state court case moved the trial date from June 8 to Sept. 8. If convicted, he faces life in prison. Fox News Digital has reached out to Mangione's defense team for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04cac0a200899a00eaf559 Bodycam footage captures Tennessee police officer saving mother and two kids from burning two-story home te 2026-05-13T19:02:24.624Z Bodycam footage captures Tennessee police officer saving mother and two kids from burning two-story home A Tennessee police officer is being praised for his bravery after rushing into a home engulfed in flames earlier this month to rescue a mother and her two children. The Chattanooga Police Department said Officer Rogers arrived at the scene on May 1, reaching the house before firefighters. The Department stated that when Rogers arrived, he encountered a two-story structure with flames visible on the front door and the exterior and interior walls of a second-floor home. The fire was already extending into the attic space above. FROM PROM NIGHT TO HEROIC RESCUE: HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS SAVE FAMILY FROM RAGING FIRE After neighbors informed Rogers that people were still inside, he "jumped into action" to rescue a woman and two children. He then returned with a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames on the front porch. "Luckily, no injuries were reported," the department said in a Facebook post featuring bodycam footage. The department noted that while its officers are not trained in firefighting, they are "proud to have exemplary officers like [Rogers]" and thanked him for his dedication to the community. TEXAS WOMAN CHARGED FOR APARTMENT FIRE AFTER ALLEGEDLY BURNING BOYFRIEND’S CLOTHES IN BBQ PIT According to WTVC, Rogers carried 4-year-old Marlowe to safety while her mother, Rachel Blaylock, followed with her 10-year-old son, Charles. "I keep thinking back: 'How was I going to get two kids down the stairs?'" Blaylock told WTVC. "He just grabs [Marlowe], and he was willing to go back in. I was trying to tell him that no one else was there, but he was already going back up." The Chattanooga Fire Department confirmed the blaze was knocked down within 20 minutes and that the Red Cross is now assisting the residents. An online fundraiser noted that the Blaylock home was destroyed and the family lost all of their belongings. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04caada200899a00eaf550 Trump keeps secret Vance letter in Resolute Desk if crisis erupts, official reveals te 2026-05-13T19:02:05.059Z Trump keeps secret Vance letter in Resolute Desk if crisis erupts, official reveals President Donald Trump has instructions tucked away in the Oval Office for Vice President JD Vance should he ever need to succeed him as president, deputy assistant to the president Sebastian Gorka said in a recent podcast interview.  "There is a letter in the drawer in the Resolute Desk that is addressed to the vice president should something happen to him," Gorka said on the "Pod Force One" podcast on Wednesday. Trump has faced repeated threats to his life, with an attempted assassination just weeks ago at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner drawing concerns about the president’s safety and growing political violence from left-wing actors. Gorka cast doubts that foreign countries would attempt to take out the president as Trump attends a high-stakes summit in Beijing.  WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS’ DINNER SHOOTING LATEST IN YEARS OF ATTACKS TARGETING TRUMP, CONSERVATIVES "Everybody wants recognition from this man. This is the most powerful individual we have seen since the likes of Eisenhower. Right? This is a man everybody wants to be at the table with him, to have the state dinner, to have the recognition," said Gorka. "The idea that you do something that undermines your recognition goes against what they wish to have." IF IRAN ATTEMPTS ASSASSINATION, 'THEY GET OBLITERATED': PRESIDENT TRUMP "We have protocols, trust me. Not ones I can discuss, but we have protocols," he added of the letter.  A White House spokesperson pointed Fox News Digital to a recent Trump interview when asked for comment on Gorka's remarks that such a letter exists.  Trump told NewsNation in January that he has "very firm instructions" if he were to be taken out by the Iranian regime. MELANIA TRUMP ADVISOR REVEALS WHAT FIRST LADY WAS THINKING AS SECRET SERVICE RUSHED WHCA DINNER "Like if I were here and they were making that threat to somebody, even not even a president, but somebody like they did with me, I would absolutely hit them so hard," said Trump. "Anything happens, they're going to wipe them off the face of this earth." Under the Constitution, the vice president is first in line to the presidency. The Presidential Succession Act of 1947 sets the order after the vice president, beginning with the House speaker and Senate president pro tempore before moving through eligible Cabinet officials. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ca99a200899a00eaf537 ICE drops ‘uncontrolled’ fraud bombshell involving thousands of foreign students, ‘phantom employees’ te 2026-05-13T19:01:45.285Z ICE drops ‘uncontrolled’ fraud bombshell involving thousands of foreign students, ‘phantom employees’ Acting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director Todd Lyons announced that federal investigators have uncovered more than 10,000 foreign students connected to "suspect employers" as part of another potentially massive fraud scheme, this time involving the federal STEM Optional Practical Training (OPT) extension program. In a news conference on Tuesday, Lyons said the cases uncovered thus far are "just the tip of the iceberg." OPT is a U.S. immigration program that lets international students on F-1 visas work temporarily in the country in jobs related to their field of study. Lyons said that when the program was first created under the Bush administration and expanded under the Obama administration, the Department of Homeland Security expected "only a few thousand foreign students would receive training approval before returning home." "Instead," Lyons said, that OPT "ballooned into an uncontrolled guest worker pipeline with hundreds of thousands of foreign students working in the United States." He added that "as the program size exploded, so has the fraud." TRUMP ADMINISTRATION BEGINS NEW WAVE OF INTERNATIONAL STUDENT VISA REVOCATIONS: 'NO ONE HAS A RIGHT TO A VISA' "Today, we are announcing we have identified over 10,000 foreign students who claim to be working for highly suspect employers, and that’s just among the top 25 OPT employers. This is only the tip of the iceberg," he said, adding, "We’ve dramatically expanded our oversight of OPT and can report that we found fraud nationwide." According to Lyons, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) officers have visited "problematic OPT worksite employers" in Virginia, Texas, Georgia, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina and Florida. He said that many of the suspicious employers include nongovernmental organizations. According to Lyons, investigators have "discovered empty buildings and locked doors at addresses where hundreds of foreign students are allegedly employed." Investigators have also found hundreds of foreign students listed as working out of residential addresses. "In many places," he continued, "multiple OPT employers claim to operate from the same address, but none actually lease the facility." ICE PROBES SUSPECTED MINNESOTA FRAUD SITES AS OFFICIALS FOLLOW POTENTIAL $9B MONEY TRAIL "When someone does open the door, their statements are inconsistent, or they claim no knowledge of the business," said Lyons. The ICE director also said investigators uncovered what he referred to as "phantom employees," who he said are foreign students who obtained work authorization through OPT but never actually showed up for work at the sites they claimed to work out of. "This is not accidental," Lyons concluded. "This is deliberate, coordinated and criminal." He added that "this fraud is not victimless," calling it a "blatant attack on the goodwill of the American people." EX-BIDEN DHS HEAD CONCEDES ADMINISTRATION COULD HAVE ACTED SOONER ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION Vice President JD Vance, who President Donald Trump appointed "fraud czar," celebrated the discovery in an X post as "another great win for our fraud task force." Vance wrote that the administration "will not tolerate foreign nationals abusing our visa system at the expense of the American people." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ca85a200899a00eaf52e Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump's economic vision comes into focus te 2026-05-13T19:01:25.210Z Senate confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed chair as Trump's economic vision comes into focus The Senate cleared Kevin Warsh on Wednesday to lead the Federal Reserve, ushering in a new era at the central bank under President Donald Trump's nominee. Earlier in the week, Warsh was confirmed to the Fed’s Board of Governors, a 14-year appointment and a required step before serving as chair. He previously served on the board as its youngest member at age 35 and now returns to lead the central bank at a pivotal moment. Though the Federal Reserve operates largely out of public view, its decisions shape borrowing costs, job growth and interest rates for millions of Americans, making Warsh’s confirmation a pivotal moment for how that influence will be wielded. Warsh, a lawyer and financier, steps into the role at a particularly volatile time. FROM MORTGAGES TO CAR LOANS: HOW AFFORDABILITY RISES AND FALLS WITH THE FED The central bank is grappling with persistent inflation, the economic fallout from the war in Iran, and a looming Supreme Court decision involving Fed Governor Lisa Cook, all while political pressure builds ahead of the midterm elections in November. The 56-year-old multimillionaire has already signaled a clear break from the central bank’s current approach. In testimony before lawmakers on April 21, Warsh pledged to keep monetary policy "strictly independent" and said he intended to keep the central bank "in its lane," warning that the Fed had become too involved in social policy. He has also taken aim at what he sees as a complacent central bank, warning that large institutions are prone to inertia and that clinging to the "status quo" in a fast-moving economy is not just outdated, but dangerous. WATCH: SEN. WARREN UNLOADS ON TRUMP’S FED NOMINEE KEVIN WARSH IN EXPLOSIVE HEARING SHOWDOWN At the same time, he has signaled openness to closer coordination with elected leaders and to work with the White House and Congress on non-monetary matters — an approach that could reshape how the Fed operates in Washington. How that balance is struck could define not only Warsh’s tenure, but the future direction of the institution that plays a major role in the financial lives of millions of Americans. Warsh will take the reins from Jerome Powell, whose eight-year tenure as Fed chair concludes Friday. Powell, widely considered the most crisis-tested Fed chair, is not leaving the central bank entirely. Powell's term on the Fed board runs through 2028, and he has indicated he plans to remain in place until all investigations into a renovation project at the Fed’s headquarters are complete. POWELL WILL REMAIN AT THE FED FOR NOW, SETTING UP POTENTIAL CLASH WITH TRUMP If Powell stepped aside entirely, it would have opened a seat for Trump to fill, giving him another opportunity to shape the Fed’s leadership. By staying on, Powell retains influence over U.S. monetary policy, potentially intensifying tensions with the president. "I plan to keep a low profile as a governor. There is only ever one chair of the Federal Reserve Board. When Kevin Warsh is confirmed and sworn in, he will be that chair," Powell told reporters at a news conference at the Federal Reserve on April 29. Powell said that decision ultimately depends on the outcome of the investigation. "I will not leave the board until this investigation is fully resolved with transparency and finality," Powell said. "I’m encouraged by recent developments, and I am watching the remaining steps in this process carefully. My decisions on these matters will continue to be guided entirely by what I believe is in the best interest of the institution and the people we serve." Powell’s tenure at the central bank dates back to 2017, when he was selected by Trump to succeed Janet Yellen. He was reappointed to a second four-year term by President Joe Biden in 2022, which expires on May 15. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ca71a200899a00eaf515 Trump turns Air Force One into a boardroom — and dares China to blink te 2026-05-13T19:01:05.510Z Trump turns Air Force One into a boardroom — and dares China to blink Few people in the world understand the power of symbols better than Donald Trump. He doesn’t just get tough on immigration — he builds a wall. He doesn’t just cut taxes for hardworking people — he eliminates taxes on overtime and tips, putting money in the pockets of the people who punch a clock. Every policy comes packaged in a picture, a story, a gut-level image that lands before a single word is read. So when Donald Trump boards Air Force One bound for Beijing with a plane full of American CEOs — Boeing’s Kelly Ortberg, Citigroup’s Jane Fraser, and others — don’t be fooled into thinking that’s just a meeting. That’s a statement. That’s the president of the United States walking into the most consequential economic relationship in the world and saying: American business is in the room. We came to compete. We came to win. The U.S. and China are working toward a managed trade framework — a so-called "Board of Trade" for nonsensitive goods — with both sides potentially identifying around $30 billion worth of imports where tariffs could be reduced. That’s not small ball. But the number almost doesn’t matter. What matters is the optics. What matters is the message. TRUMP HEADS TO BEIJING FOR HIGH-STAKES XI TALKS AS TAIWAN TENSIONS, TRADE DISPUTES TEST US STRENGTH The last time a sitting U.S. president visited China was nearly a decade ago. Trump is the one who made that trip happen. He’s the one in the room. Now, here’s what the polls say right now — and I want to be honest about them because I think they tell a more complicated story than the headlines suggest. Trump’s economic approval has dropped to 30% in a recent CNN poll, with about two-thirds of Americans saying his policies have worsened economic conditions nationally. His overall job approval sits at 40%, a five-point drop from last quarter, with a net approval of minus 18 — the lowest measured across either of his terms. The share of Americans saying the economy is "getting worse" has climbed from 25% in January 2025 to 61% today. TRUMP POLL NUMBERS ON ECONOMY FALL DURING TRADE FIGHT, SURVEYS FIND Those are real numbers. I won’t pretend otherwise. But here is what I know as someone who has spent decades studying how public opinion actually moves: Sentiment is a lagging indicator. People feel the pain before they feel the relief. And right now, they are feeling the pain — at the gas pump, at the grocery store, in their wallets. That anxiety is real, and no amount of symbolism fixes a household budget. But symbolism matters for what comes next. DAVID MARCUS: WHY TRUMP'S MAJOR TRIUMPHS WILL OUTLAST HIS POLLING DIP My prediction: We are going to start to see a shift in these numbers — and this China trip is one of the reasons why. When people see the president of the United States commanding a room in Beijing, flanked by the CEOs of America’s biggest companies, fighting for American jobs and American business on the world stage, something shifts. It may not move overnight. But it moves. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Donald Trump is also the head of central casting. He knows how to fill a room to send a message. When Trump visited China during his first term in 2017, nearly 30 CEOs accompanied him, signing 37 major deals worth more than $250 billion. The imagery of that trip — and the deals that followed — is seared in the memory of anyone who watched it. He’s trying to recreate that energy now. The White House put it plainly: "Americans can expect the president to deliver more good deals for the United States while in China." That’s the bet. And Trump has made that bet before and won. The question is whether the American people are watching — and whether they’re ready to update what they believe. Public opinion doesn’t move in a straight line. It moves in moments. And this week, the moment is Beijing. Message sent. Message received. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM LEE CARTER Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ca5ba200899a00eaf4e3 Senate Confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair te 2026-05-13T19:00:43.012Z Senate Confirms Kevin Warsh as Fed Chair President Trump’s pick to replace Jerome H. Powell takes the helm at a highly uncertain moment for the economy and with heightened concern about the Federal Reserve’s ability to operate independently. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ca44a200899a00eaf4b9 Debate en vivo: candidatos demócratas para superintendente de Instrucción Pública de Arizona te 2026-05-13T19:00:20.481Z Debate en vivo: candidatos demócratas para superintendente de Instrucción Pública de Arizona Los candidatos demócratas para superintendente de Instrucción Pública, Brett Newby y Teresa Leyba Ruiz, se enfrentan este miércoles a las 6 p.m. El debate dura 56 minutos. Los candidatos tendrán un minuto cada uno para sus declaraciones de apertura y cierre, seguido de preguntas de los moderadores. Véalo en vivo a continuación: The post Debate en vivo: candidatos demócratas para superintendente de Instrucción Pública de Arizona appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c7f1a200899a00eaf32a Dearborn schools apologize after 200+ students mistakenly served pork during Ramadan te 2026-05-13T18:50:25.612Z Dearborn schools apologize after 200+ students mistakenly served pork during Ramadan Dearborn Public Schools in Michigan has apologized to parents after more than 200 students were accidentally given pork during Ramadan. "Although our investigation found no malicious intent on behalf of those involved, human error does not excuse the seriousness of this incident," interim Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Lamis Srour wrote in a recent letter to parents. "As much as we wish we could, we cannot change what has occurred," Srour wrote. "I humbly offer you my most sincere apologies and a promise to ensure this does not occur in the future."  DEARBORN RESIDENTS PUSH CITY TO CURB NOISE LEVELS FROM MOSQUE'S CALL TO PRAYER Over 200 servings of non-halal pepperoni pizza, which contained pork, were given to students at O.L. Smith Middle School in Dearborn during Ramadan between February 23 and March 5, 2026. Srour said various steps have been taken to ensure Muslim students are never fed non-halal meat again, specifying that "a second Halal Certified food provider is being added to the district’s vendor list."  "Dearborn is one of the first school districts in the country to offer halal food options to our students starting in 2003 when we began offering limited menu options," Srour wrote.  "Over the years we have been able to expand offerings, train staff on proper handling procedures, and offer meal options that meet the dietary needs of all students," she added. "Know that our commitment to improving and being responsive to our students will always ensure that our cafeterias are a welcoming space to everyone in our community." PA SCHOOL FACES FURY AFTER MUSLIM CLUB’S PRO-PALESTINE BOOTH LEAVES JEWISH STUDENTS ‘SHAKEN’ Some users took to X to share their concerns about what the incident means for non-Muslim students. Dan Burmawi, CEO of the Ideological Defense Institute, writing in part, "What about the rights of students who don’t want to eat halal food? Why don’t Muslim parents pack halal lunches for their children instead of forcing all public schools in the district to adhere to an Islamic standard?" Burmawi added, "This is how accommodation turns into de facto Islamic standardization in a taxpayer-funded institution." MISSISSIPPI TEACHER FIRED AFTER ALLEGEDLY FEEDING STUDENTS DOG TREATS MISTAKEN FOR BEEF JERKY Another user wrote, "During Passover every year, my mom had to make a special non bread lunch for me because the cafeteria didn’t offer anything. We didn’t make a big deal of it." Fox News Digital has reached out to Dearborn Public Schools for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c668a200899a00eaf2d5 Mohave Accelerated softball finishes as 2A runner-up for second straight year te 2026-05-13T18:43:52.503Z Mohave Accelerated softball finishes as 2A runner-up for second straight year The Mohave Accelerated softball team played in its second 2A Championship and looked to win their first title in the AIA. It was scoreless through three innings at Grand Canyon University on Monday before Willcox got on the board and… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c654a200899a00eaf2cc 0I2A4618.jpg te 2026-05-13T18:43:32.494Z 0I2A4618.jpg The Patriots celebrate the home run by Kennedy Lamb in the fifth inning on Monday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c640a200899a00eaf2c3 0I2A4337.jpg te 2026-05-13T18:43:12.528Z 0I2A4337.jpg Kennedy Lamb gets ready to throw a pitch in Monday's 2A Championship game against Willcox. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c62ca200899a00eaf2ba The Conversation: Is your cat or dog overweight? Why simply feeding less doesn’t always help te 2026-05-13T18:42:52.897Z The Conversation: Is your cat or dog overweight? Why simply feeding less doesn’t always help Overweight and obesity are among the most common conditions veterinarians see in both dogs and cats. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c617a200899a00eaf28e East Valley tenants charged 'junk fees' may be eligible for compensation te 2026-05-13T18:42:31.607Z East Valley tenants charged 'junk fees' may be eligible for compensation Renters who lived at two complexes in the East Valley may be eligible for a refund if they were charged inaccurately for fees, officials say. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c5e8a200899a00eaf25e Twin court rulings reshape House battlefield as Democrats fight uphill redistricting battle te 2026-05-13T18:41:44.906Z Twin court rulings reshape House battlefield as Democrats fight uphill redistricting battle As they push to flip the House and capture the chamber's majority in this year's midterm elections, Democrats are facing a steeper hill to climb, thanks to two blockbuster court rulings. The Virginia Supreme Court decision last week to strike down the state's voter-passed congressional redistricting ballot measure, coupled with the ruling a week earlier by the Supreme Court to slash a key protection in the 1965 Voting Rights Act, were major setbacks for Democrats. The twin rulings gave President Donald Trump and Republicans a major boost in their high-stakes mid-decade redistricting battle with Democrats, giving the House GOP a bit of breathing room as they defend their razor-thin majority in the midterms. At stake is which party will control the House and the Senate during the final two years of Trump's second term in the White House. SOUTH CAROLINA REPUBLICANS DEFY TRUMP, TANK REDISTRICTING, FOR NOW The Virginia decision negated four more likely left-leaning congressional districts in that state. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ruling, which determined that race should not dictate the redrawing of legislative district maps, spurred a slew of Republican-controlled southern states to quickly redraw their maps and create more right-leaning seats ahead of the midterms. "We have a battlefield, a map, that favors Republicans," Rep. Richard Hudson of North Carolina, the chair of the National Republican Congressional Committee, highlighted Monday in a Fox News Channel interview as he pointed to the possibility of the GOP having a net gain of up to a dozen more right-tilting House districts as a result of redistricting initiated by Trump a year ago. But some Republicans are raising concerns that the newly drawn GOP-controlled districts could put once safe red seats in play by diluting the percentage of Republican voters in those districts. "You could in essence take … like here in Texas, take big cities, which are typically Democrat, and split them up among several sort of suburban and rural Republicans and thereby reduce their margin and make [House Republicans] more vulnerable in an election year," veteran GOP strategist and longtime Fox News contributor Karl Rove said Sunday in an interview on the Fox News Channel. House Democrats vow to keep fighting in the redistricting wars. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries wrote in a Monday letter to fellow congressional Democrats. "Our effort to forcefully push back against the Republican redistricting scheme will not slow down. We are just getting started." But with the clock quickly ticking towards midterm filing deadlines, and the conservative majority on the nation's highest court unlikely to cooperate, the Democrats' legal options seem limited at best. Democrats, though, still enjoy campaign tailwinds thanks to an extremely rough political landscape facing Republicans. Republicans — as the party currently in power — were already up against traditional political headwinds that lead to a loss of congressional seats. Add to that the challenging climate fueled by persistent inflation, soaring gas prices tied to what polls show is an unpopular war with Iran and President Trump's increasingly negative approval ratings. Democrats have spotlighted affordability as they've won and overperformed in a slew of ballot-box showdowns in the more than 15 months since Trump returned to the White House, including flipping legislative seats in red-leaning districts. That messaging campaign will only intensify going forward, especially in the wake of this week's economic reporting indicating inflation soaring to 3.8% as gas prices top a national average of $4.50 per gallon and that prices overall are outpacing wages for the first time in three years. ALABAMA REPUBLICANS PLOW FORWARD ON REDISTRICTING Add to that Trump this week saying, "I don't think about Americans' financial situation," in discussing what factors come into play as he tries to negotiate to end the war with Iran. The comments were an instant political gift to Democrats. "Given the highly unfavorable political environment confronting House Republicans, the extremists will not meaningfully benefit from their scandalous gerrymandering scheme. Quite the opposite," Jeffries argued in his letter to Democrats. Despite the redistricting setbacks, top nonpartisan political handicappers still give the Democrats the upper hand in the midterm battle for the House majority as they point to the current political atmosphere. The Cook Report said that it still believes Democrats are "favored to win control of the House due to the poor national environment for the GOP. But they are no longer overwhelming favorites." And Sabato's Crystal Ball said they "still think the Democrats are favored overall in the House, particularly if the environment does not improve for Republicans." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c5d5a200899a00eaf255 Chelsea Handler says ‘something’s wrong’ with men as she rips modern dating culture te 2026-05-13T18:41:25.099Z Chelsea Handler says ‘something’s wrong’ with men as she rips modern dating culture Chelsea Handler is sounding off on modern dating — and according to the comedian, the problem is men. During a fiery appearance on the "Howie Mandel Does Stuff" podcast, Handler ripped today’s dating culture, arguing that dating apps and endless options have created a generation unwilling to commit. "It’s very hard in today’s world to meet straight guys that have their s--t together… something’s wrong. I don’t know what’s wrong," Handler said. The 51-year-old comedian said she originally wanted to help women connect with quality men, but quickly realized many successful women are facing the same frustration. CHELSEA HANDLER RIPS MARRIAGE AS ‘OUTDATED,’ SAYS SHE PRIORITIZES FREEDOM "So, I was initially trying to help straight women meet straight men…" she explained. "But I think with dating apps and social media, there’s just so much abundance and so much choice that nobody really feels like they have to… lock it in." According to Handler, swipe culture has destroyed effort in modern romance. SYDNEY SWEENEY SAYS HER SUCCESS CAN BE 'INTIMIDATING' TO MEN AS SHE LAYS OUT RELATIONSHIP NON-NEGOTIABLES "They can swipe through 50 women a day," she said. "So they’re not making the effort that people used to make to date." Handler then praised the women she knows as ambitious and accomplished — while claiming many of them are all running into the same dead end. "I meet all these amazing, incredible women that are like bada---s," she said. "They have their own lives, they have their big jobs, and they’re all just like, ‘There’s no men out there.’" CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Meanwhile, Handler said she’s embracing casual dating on her own terms. "I wouldn’t say I’m in a relationship," she admitted. "I would say I’m dabbling in different areas of my life. I don’t like to be tethered to one person." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS Handler’s latest comments come years after her split from fellow comedian Jo Koy, whom she dated for less than a year before their 2022 breakup. At the time, Handler said Koy restored her "faith in men, in love, [and] in being 100% who I am." During an appearance on the "Now What?" podcast, Handler admitted she eventually realized the relationship wasn’t built to last. "Towards the end of the relationship, it just became clear that this was not my person," she said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c5c1a200899a00eaf24c PWHL announces new expansion franchises are coming to Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario te 2026-05-13T18:41:05.351Z PWHL announces new expansion franchises are coming to Las Vegas and Hamilton, Ontario The Professional Women's Hockey League has proven to be a success with teams in Boston, Minnesota, Montreal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto and Vancouver. On Wednesday, the league announced that it will be adding another two teams, with franchises being awarded to Hamilton, Ontario, and Las Vegas. That's right. I think we can officially call Las Vegas a "Hockey Town." According to the league, the team in Hamilton — currently known as PWHL Hamilton — will play at TD Coliseum, while PWHL Las Vegas will play at T-Mobile Arena, home of the NHL's Vegas Golden Knights. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE Both cities make a ton of sense. The league says that Hamilton has one of the most concentrated areas in the world for women's and girls' hockey. Meanwhile, Las Vegas has seen a 600% explosion in female hockey participation since the Golden Knights began play in 2017. And I think it's probably reasonable to expect that number to rise even more when the PWHL team gets rolling. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Of course, the addition of Las Vegas expands the league's footprint outside of the northern United States and Canada, which is a big deal and will get more eyes on the league. Both teams will begin play next season, which is an impressive time frame considering the league's Walter Cup Final between the Ottawa Charge and Montreal Victoire is about to get underway this week. Even more impressive, the league will also be welcoming a previously announced expansion team in Detroit. It's great to see this kind of growth and more professional opportunities for women's hockey players. If you watched the Olympic tournament, you know there's a lot of talent both in North America and abroad. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c5aaa200899a00eaf21a Stephen Cloobeck, Former California Governor Candidate, Arrested in Los Angeles County te 2026-05-13T18:40:42.916Z Stephen Cloobeck, Former California Governor Candidate, Arrested in Los Angeles County Stephen Cloobeck, a wealthy developer who dropped out of the governor’s race in November, was arrested on suspicion of witness tampering in a felony case involving his fiancée, a former Penthouse model. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c595a200899a00eaf1f9 Supervisores de Pima votan contra destitución de Nanos y remiten acusación de perjurio a Oficina del Fiscal General del estado te 2026-05-13T18:40:21.053Z Supervisores de Pima votan contra destitución de Nanos y remiten acusación de perjurio a Oficina del Fiscal General del estado Read in English La Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Pima votó en contra de destituir al sheriff Chris Nanos de su cargo y decidió “remitir las acusaciones de posible perjurio” a la oficina de la Fiscal General de Arizona. Sin embargo, Steve Christy, el único republicano de la junta, abrió inicialmente la discusión con una moción para destituir al demócrata Nanos de su cargo e iniciar de inmediato el proceso de reemplazo. La moción fracasó al no recibir apoyo de los otros cuatro supervisores, incluido Matt Heinz, quien previamente había respaldado la destitución de Nanos. Los supervisores discutieron el reciente informe de Nanos ante la junta en sesión ejecutiva durante la reunión de estudio del martes más temprano ese mismo día. Al explicar la respuesta, el supervisor Rex Scott hizo referencia al consejo legal recibido. Scott presentó su propia moción solicitando que la junta no tomara medidas respecto al cargo de Nanos. “Siguiendo el consejo de los asesores legales, propongo que no tomemos ninguna medida para declarar vacante el cargo de sheriff ni para impulsar la destitución del sheriff con base en el Estatuto Revisado de Arizona 11-253”, dijo. Scott agregó que el administrador del condado remitiría las acusaciones de posible perjurio a la fiscal general, sin que la junta adoptara una “posición sobre si se cometió o no perjurio”. La moción fue aprobada con cuatro votos a favor y la abstención de Christy. Tras la votación, Scott dijo que “basado en el consejo de los asesores legales, no creo —y obviamente la mayoría de la junta coincide— que tengamos el derecho de destituir al sheriff o declarar vacante el cargo. Él cumplió con sus obligaciones bajo el estatuto”. Scott agregó que la raíz de la investigación, la desconfianza en el liderazgo de Nanos, aún tendrá que ser abordada. “Lo más importante es que el sheriff tome medidas inmediatas para reparar el extraordinario clima de desconfianza y falta de fe en su liderazgo”, dijo Scott. Nanos no estuvo presente en la reunión del martes. Durante la llamada al público, residentes se pronunciaron en contra de Nanos. Corey Stevens, residente del condado y orador frecuente en reuniones públicas, pidió a la junta destituir a Nanos. “Ustedes tienen un deber, no una obligación, un deber, con los ciudadanos del condado de Pima para corregir esto. Deben preguntarse: ¿cuántas personas han sido afectadas por este hombre?”, dijo Stevens a la junta. “Espero que hoy traiga alguna resolución en la investigación del sheriff Nanos”. Otros, como el ex legislador demócrata Bruce Wheeler, enfatizaron las posibles consecuencias cívicas perjudiciales de que los supervisores votaran para destituir a un funcionario electo “que pudo haber actuado —o no— de manera deshonrosa”. Bruce Wheeler se dirige a la Junta de Supervisores del Condado de Pima durante el turno de intervención del público el 12 de mayo de 2026. Crédito: Carolina Cuellar “Es preocupante pensar que tres funcionarios electos puedan deseleccionar y destituir de su cargo a otra persona que fue elegida y votada por miles de votantes”, dijo a la junta. Wheeler afirmó que su postura no era partidista y agregó que en una elección anterior respaldó al oponente republicano de Nanos. “Podemos iniciar una revocación de mandato, podemos sacarlos del cargo mediante el voto o podemos destituirlos políticamente. En el caso del sheriff, las dos primeras opciones están disponibles para nosotros”, dijo. La agenda pública del martes citó como “asunto pendiente” el tema de “Sheriff Nanos conforme al A.R.S. §11-253”. La solicitud realizada el 7 de abril por la junta de mayoría demócrata incluyó preguntas sobre cuatro temas: su representación previa de su historial laboral con el Departamento de Policía de El Paso, las acciones disciplinarias contra la teniente Heather Lappin y el sargento Aaron Cross, la cooperación de su departamento con autoridades federales de inmigración y los repetidos casos en que su departamento excedió su presupuesto. Nanos presentó una respuesta de 22 páginas el 21 de abril a través de su abogado, poco antes de la fecha límite. Los supervisores aplazaron la discusión hasta el 12 de mayo, argumentando que necesitaban tiempo para revisar el informe. Desde entonces, el vicepresidente de la junta, el supervisor Heinz, había argumentado que el sheriff no cumplió con la solicitud de la junta porque el informe no fue presentado bajo juramento y no respondió completamente a las preguntas sobre su historial laboral. Heinz ha dicho que esas deficiencias podrían tener consecuencias para Nanos. “Hay deficiencias significativas en su respuesta que considero tan problemáticas que lo ponen en riesgo de ser removido del cargo”, dijo Heinz a Arizona Luminaria en abril. Nanos, a través de su abogado, ha sostenido que cumplió con la solicitud de la junta y que sigue disponible para responder preguntas adicionales. Su equipo legal ha argumentado que la junta no exigió explícitamente un informe bajo juramento en su moción, a pesar de citar el A.R.S. 11-253. Ese desacuerdo expuso una incertidumbre más amplia sobre cómo funciona el estatuto. Steve Primack, director ejecutivo del Arizona Legislative Council, dijo a Arizona Luminaria que la ley no especifica claramente cómo las juntas deben invocar el requisito de testimonio bajo juramento. “Sospecho que un tribunal tendrá que decidir si simplemente citar el estatuto es suficiente o si la junta tiene que usar específicamente las palabras del estatuto y solicitar que el informe sea presentado bajo juramento”, dijo Primack. La agenda pública de la reunión del 7 de abril citó explícitamente el requisito: “Solicitud de informe al sheriff Nanos conforme al A.R.S. §11-253(A). Discusión/Dirección/Acción respecto al borrador del lenguaje y las preguntas sobre las cuales la Junta solicitará un informe bajo juramento del sheriff Chris Nanos”, señala el registro público. Presentar el informe bajo juramento es clave porque, según la ley, si un funcionario se niega a presentar el informe, la junta puede removerlo del cargo. El informe de Nanos llegó después de una intensificación de la presión política en torno al sheriff. Nanos ya enfrenta un posible esfuerzo de revocación de mandato, demandas y críticas del sindicato de agentes, que emitió un voto unánime de desconfianza. La controversia se remonta en parte a documentos descubiertos sobre los primeros años de carrera de Nanos en el Departamento de Policía de El Paso a finales de los años setenta y principios de los ochenta. Los supervisores han cuestionado discrepancias entre su currículum público y registros disciplinarios que muestran que renunció en lugar de ser despedido. Traducción: Beatriz Limón The post Supervisores de Pima votan contra destitución de Nanos y remiten acusación de perjurio a Oficina del Fiscal General del estado appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c340a200899a00eaf17f Eric Trump, Who Runs the Family Business, Hops Along on the Plane to China te 2026-05-13T18:30:24.865Z Eric Trump, Who Runs the Family Business, Hops Along on the Plane to China The president’s middle son is said to be joining his father in a “personal capacity” rather than to make business deals. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c125a200899a00eaf0fe Former Israeli PM accuses NY Times of misrepresenting his comments in viral prisoner dog rape story te 2026-05-13T18:21:25.393Z Former Israeli PM accuses NY Times of misrepresenting his comments in viral prisoner dog rape story Note: This story contains graphic allegations of sexual violence. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is pushing back against The New York Times after he was quoted appearing to validate explosive allegations of systemic sexual violence against Palestinian prisoners. A report authored by Times columnist Nicholas Kristof went viral Monday outlining abuse claims from 14 men and women who say they were "sexually assaulted by Israeli settlers or members of the security forces." The allegations range from abuse of genitalia to penetration by a dog. "To try to make sense of what I found, I called up Ehud Olmert, who was prime minister from 2006 to 2009," Kristof told readers. "Olmert told me he didn’t know much about sexual violence against Palestinians but was not surprised by the accounts I had heard." ISRAEL FOREIGN MINISTRY CONDEMNS NEW YORK TIMES PIECE AS 'ONE OF THE WORST BLOOD LIBELS' IN MODERN PRESS Kristof went on to quote Olmert, who said, "Do I believe it happens? Definitely... There are war crimes committed every day in the territories." However, Olmert took exception to the placement of his quote, which was placed toward the bottom of Kristof's report. "Mr. Kristof's article includes claims of extraordinary gravity: that Israeli authorities have directed the rape of children, that dogs have been used as instruments of sexual assault, that systematic sexual torture is state policy. I did not validate these claims," Olmert said in a statement obtained by The Free Press.  "I have no knowledge supporting these claims as I said to Mr. Kristof. Therefore, the positioning of my quote after pages of such allegations misrepresents my views," he added. The New York Times did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. NYT COLUMNIST 'TORN' ABOUT ROOTING FOR IRANIAN REGIME'S DOWNFALL SINCE IT WOULD GIVE A WIN TO TRUMP, NETANYAHU The report drew heavy backlash from critics, with many questioning the credibility of Kristof's sources, some of whom are vocal supporters of the terrorist group Hamas that carried out the Oct. 7 attack. Others called it "propaganda." The Israeli Foreign Ministry has condemned the report, calling it "one of the worst blood libels ever to appear in the modern press." "In an unfathomable inversion of reality, and through an endless stream of baseless lies, propagandist Nicholas Kristof turns the victim into the accused. Israel — whose citizens were the victims of the most horrific sexual crimes committed by Hamas on October 7, and whose hostages were later subjected to further sexual abuse — is portrayed as the guilty party," the Israel Foreign Ministry wrote on X.  "This publication is no coincidence. It is part of a false and well-orchestrated anti-Israel campaign aimed at placing Israel on the U.N. Secretary-General’s blacklist," it added. "Israel will fight these lies with the truth — and the truth will prevail." ‘60 MINUTES’ HOST RIPPED FOR ASKING EX-HOSTAGE IF HAMAS STARVED HIM BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T HAVE ENOUGH FOOD The Times defended Kristof amid the mounting criticism. "Nicholas Kristof is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has reported on sexual violence for decades, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s best on-the-ground reporters documenting and bearing witness to sexual abuse experienced by women and men in war and conflict zones," Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander wrote.  "He traveled to the region to report firsthand on the stories of the Palestinians who suffered abuse, and his article collects accounts in the victims’ own words, backed by independent studies," the statement added. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c111a200899a00eaf0f5 Country music star goes viral with heartwarming moment involving young fan, reactions pour in te 2026-05-13T18:21:05.794Z Country music star goes viral with heartwarming moment involving young fan, reactions pour in Riley Green continues to prove he's one of the coolest guys in music. Green has turned into an absolute mega-star in the country music world. As my readers know, I'm a huge fan of his music. The "Jesus Saves" singer's music spans the entire country music spectrum. The tunes can be great for a bonfire with the boys and he also has some much deeper and more serious tracks. COUNTRY MUSIC STAR STIRS UP FANS WITH SEE-THROUGH WHITE OUTFIT Speaking of his hit song "Jesus Saves," it's arguably the most powerful song that Green has ever recorded. It's a deeply moving and somber song. COUNTRY STAR RILEY GREEN’S CONCERT TAKES UNEXPECTED TURN AS WOMAN CRASHES STAGE, ESCORTED OFF BY SECURITY The country music star was performing in Georgia this past weekend when he decided to bring a young kid onto the stage to sing his hit. The kid didn't miss. In fact, he might have stolen the show with his performance of "Jesus Saves." LUKE BRYAN CALLS OUT ROWDY FANS, BRAXTON KEITH STORMS OFFSTAGE AS CONCERT CHAOS SPIRALS Green shared a video on TikTok this week of the touching moment. Give it a watch below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. People quickly flooded the comments with reactions and support for the classy move. One wrote, "This made my heart smile." Another person commented, "That little boy will tell the world throughout his life about this incredible day." This also isn't the first time Green has done something like this. He previously went viral for having a Marine come out and sing Jamey Johnson's legendary song "In Color." What do you think of the awesome moment with Green and the young man? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c0faa200899a00eaf0c1 Eric Trump, Who Runs the Family Business, Hops Along on the Plane to China te 2026-05-13T18:20:42.882Z Eric Trump, Who Runs the Family Business, Hops Along on the Plane to China The president’s middle son is said to be joining his father in a “personal capacity” rather than to make business deals. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04c0e5a200899a00eaf0a5 This is what some the world’s largest banks of malware look like stacked as hard drives te 2026-05-13T18:20:21.760Z This is what some the world’s largest banks of malware look like stacked as hard drives What would some of the world's largest repositories of malware look like if they were stacked as hard drives, one on top of the other? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04bef4a200899a00eaf04b Judge sentences Nevada mom for drowning young son, daughter: 'I will remember your case forever' te 2026-05-13T18:12:04.695Z Judge sentences Nevada mom for drowning young son, daughter: 'I will remember your case forever' A federal judge sentenced a Las Vegas mother to life in prison on Tuesday after she pleaded guilty to drowning both of her children in bathtubs in 2021. Jovan Trevino, 38, apologized for her actions before the sentencing, saying she was not in her "right mind" at the time of the murders. Police in Henderson, Nevada, found Trevino's two children, Christopher Fox, 4, and Gihanna Fox, 1, dead inside the family's home in July 2021. "On Monday July 19, 2021, my babies’ precious, innocent lives were taken at the hands of their mommy," Trevino told District Judge Carli Kierny, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "I truly was not in the right mind, in the darkest place that I’ve ever been, which is evident by the horrific crime that I did commit," she added. KILLER MOM SUSAN SMITH IS NOW 'COMPLETE NIGHTMARE' AFTER PAROLE WAS DENIED: REPORT While handing down the life sentence, Kierny had a message for Trevino. "I know that as you live out the rest of your life in a jail cell, you'll probably see them at night, you'll think of them," she said. "That's really the only tribute left that you can give them at this point."  Kierny added: "I will remember your case forever." Clark County Chief Deputy District Attorney John Giordani called the murders an "unforgivable crime." "This is one of the most extreme cases of matricide that I’ve seen in my 15-year career," Giordani said during proceedings. Police said that Trevino told officers that she had drugged herself with a sleeping aid and alcohol before carrying out the murders. The children’s father, Christopher Fox, and their grandmother, Shawna Fox, also testified before the court prior to Trevino's sentencing. "The cruelty of what you did by leaving them floating dead in their bathtubs for their daddy to find them when he got home from work is unthinkable," Shawna Fox said. "I just want the courts to remember my kids as joyous loving children. Nothing else," Christopher Fox said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04bee1a200899a00eaf042 Age of first-time mothers hits record high in blue states as birth rates keep falling te 2026-05-13T18:11:45.127Z Age of first-time mothers hits record high in blue states as birth rates keep falling American women are having children later than ever with birth rates hitting record lows and the divide between red and blue states becoming even more stark. A new analysis of birth rates highlights Washington, D.C., and Mississippi as emblematic of trends among first-time mothers. The findings highlight how education, economic opportunities, costs of living and access to reproductive healthcare are reshaping when — and if — Americans start families. But it's also hard to ignore the party-line divide between areas with the highest age of first-time mothers and the lowest. The top ten states with the highest average age of first-time moms all turned blue in the past five presidential elections; meanwhile, nine of the ten states with the lowest age have turned red in those same elections. Data shows that Washington, D.C. — where three-quarters of voters are registered Democrat — has the highest average age of women becoming moms for the first time at 30.8 while Mississippi, a deep red state often ranked poorest in the U.S., is lowest at 24.7. In the decades following the 1960s sexual revolution, which ushered in oral contraceptives and a challenge to traditional gender roles, American women have steadily delayed motherhood. The average age of first-time mothers rose from 21 in 1972 to 27.5 in 2024, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And the analysis breaking down the age disparities between different jurisdictions show a significant six-year gap between the states where the youngest and oldest first-time moms are living. ROGAN WARNS OF US ‘POPULATION COLLAPSE’ DUE TO TOXIC CHEMICALS AND DELAYED PARENTHOOD TANK BIRTH RATES In Washington, D.C., later motherhood is closely tied to higher levels of education, greater career opportunities and broader access to reproductive healthcare. In contrast, women tend to start families at younger ages in Mississippi, where educational achievements are lower and economic opportunities are more limited compared to the nation's capital. The 10 states ranked highest in age for first-time moms all voted blue in the 2024 presidential election and the youngest 10 all voted red. Institute for Family Studies senior fellow Brad Wilcox hypothesized that young people living in blue states, particularly in the Northeast, are more motivated by career, while young people in other regions are more family oriented. "So what we see in blue states across the country is that men and women are more likely to embrace a kind of Midas mindset where there's a premium on work and money and education, and they're less likely to embrace a kind of marriage mindset where there's a premium on focusing on love, marriage and starting a family," Wilcox told Fox News Digital. "And so what we see as a consequence of that is that the age of first birth is more likely to be markedly higher in blue states, which often also have higher levels of education and income for women as well," he continued. Data from the CDC reflected that women with higher levels of education tend to delay having their first child. On average, women with a professional or doctorate degree have their first child at the age of 34. Meanwhile, women with a high school diploma will have their first child at the average age of 27.2. And women continue to outpace men when it comes to receiving college degrees, with 47% of American women between the ages of 25 and 34 with degrees. Meanwhile, only 37% of men in that age range have college degrees, according to Pew Research. Wilcox suggested that modern men are falling out of step in the workplace. "Men on the employment front are sort of floundering," Wilcox said. "And so these trends we're seeing just make it harder, I think, for men to find their footing and to have a kind of constructive role to play, both in the family and society too often." Maggie McKneely, director of Government Relations at Concerned Women for America, suggested that women are seeking a man with an equal educational or economical status, and they aren't finding it. "Men in particular are more reticent to settle down," McKneely told Fox News Digital. "But I think another part of it is that women are more educated than they ever have been before, and many of them do not want to choose a partner less successful than themselves." Raquel Debono, a single 30-year-old conservative influencer living in New York City, has just passed the average age when women in her state have their first child, which is 29.1 years old. She told Fox News Digital that the general sentiment among women in the post-feminism era is that delaying motherhood is "empowering." "In cosmopolitan cities especially, women are rewarded for becoming the main character of their own lives first," Debono said. "The degree, the promotions, the chic apartment, the solo trip to Italy, the emotionally unavailable boyfriend who 'isn’t ready right now." "Motherhood becomes something you schedule in between Pilates and a board meeting." THE STATES REVEALED AS BEST TO START A FAMILY AMID CRATERING BELIEF IN THE AMERICAN DREAM Debono claims that dating apps also make settling down more difficult. "Dating apps convinced everyone there’s always someone better one swipe away: taller, richer, hotter, more emotionally intelligent, less avoidant, more spiritually evolved," she told Fox News Digital. "So people keep optimizing instead of choosing." "Women have never had more freedom, yet many feel more anxious about love, commitment, and timing than ever before," Debono concluded. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04becaa200899a00eaf009 Billionaire Rick Jackson Is Upending the Georgia Governor’s Race te 2026-05-13T18:11:22.147Z Billionaire Rick Jackson Is Upending the Georgia Governor’s Race Rick Jackson was largely unknown to voters just a few months ago. Heading into Tuesday’s Republican primary, he’s keeping some of the state’s best-known politicians on their toes. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04beb6a200899a00eaf000 ICE Detains Ex-Kansas Mayor Joe Ceballos Who Voted Illegally te 2026-05-13T18:11:02.627Z ICE Detains Ex-Kansas Mayor Joe Ceballos Who Voted Illegally Joe Ceballos said he did not know he was ineligible to vote and run for office as a green-card holder. The Trump administration has drawn attention to the case. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04bea2a200899a00eaeff7 Trump Administration Pushes I.R.S. to Identify Undocumented Immigrants te 2026-05-13T18:10:42.760Z Trump Administration Pushes I.R.S. to Identify Undocumented Immigrants The deliberations are a sign that the Trump administration may once again try to harness the power of the I.R.S. to advance its immigration agenda. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04be8ea200899a00eaefee Chinese Firms Plot Secret Arms Sales to Iran, U.S. Officials Say te 2026-05-13T18:10:22.936Z Chinese Firms Plot Secret Arms Sales to Iran, U.S. Officials Say The effort involves plans to send weapons through other countries in an effort to hide the origins of the shipments. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04bc79a200899a00eaefa1 Trump taps former career ICE official to lead agency te 2026-05-13T18:01:29.218Z Trump taps former career ICE official to lead agency An Immigration and Customs Enforcement ICE officer's badge and weapon are seen in Washington, D.C., on August 30, 2025. (Photo by Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images)  WASHINGTON — Long-time federal immigration official David Venturella will lead U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the agency spearheading President Donald Trump’s mass deportation campaign, according to a Department of Homeland Security spokesperson. Venturella will replace outgoing ICE acting Director Todd Lyons, who last month announced he would leave his position by May 31, the DHS official told States Newsroom on Wednesday. Venturella will also take on the role on an acting basis. ICE has been without a permanent, Senate-confirmed director since Trump first took office in 2017. Venturella will oversee an agency that has come under intense congressional and public scrutiny after federal immigration agents shot and killed two U.S. citizens in Minneapolis in January.  The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti led to a months-long shutdown of DHS, after Democrats pushed for constraints on federal immigration officers. The shutdown ended last month, and Republicans are moving forward with funding ICE and Customs and Border Protection for the next three years, through a complex legislative process that does not require Democratic votes.  Venturella worked at DHS during the Obama administration, when he led the Secure Communities program in which local law enforcement shared fingerprints and booking information with federal immigration officials to identify immigrants in the country without legal authorization. The Obama administration eventually ended the program, but Trump revived it in 2017. Venturella has also worked for the private prison company GEO, which earns billions in government contracts to detain immigrants across the country. He retired from GEO in 2023 after serving as the vice president of client relations. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04bc63a200899a00eaef81 Billionaire Dem donor who turned on party after allegations against Swalwell is arrested te 2026-05-13T18:01:07.455Z Billionaire Dem donor who turned on party after allegations against Swalwell is arrested The billionaire timeshare magnate who abruptly cut ties with former Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and kicked him out of his California mansion amid sexual misconduct allegations was arrested Tuesday. Stephen Cloobeck, founder of Diamond Resorts International, turned himself in to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department in West Hollywood on Tuesday following a warrant issued for his arrest. He is suspected of a felony charge of attempting to prevent or dissuade a victim or witness from testifying, the California Post reported. The circumstances of the alleged crime remain unclear. He was released on $300,000 bail, according to jail records. Fox News Digital reached out to the sheriff's department and to Cloobeck for comment. BILLIONAIRE SUGAR DADDY KICKS SWALWELL OUT OF HIS MANSION, WANTS $1M BACK AFTER HEINOUS SEX ALLEGATIONS "These charges are false, and we look forward to our day in court," a spokesperson for Cloobeck told the newspaper. Cloobeck, a former gubernatorial candidate, most recently supported Swalwell's bid for California governor before cutting ties with him after sexual assault allegations and leaving the Democratic Party. DEM SENATOR RIPPED FOR 'SMEAR' OF FEMALE ACTIVIST ADVOCATING FOR SWALWELL'S ACCUSERS: 'VERY BAD LOOK' "I am no longer supporting Eric. F---ing tell everyone I’m a libertarian. F--- you, Democratic Party. I’m a libertarian now," Cloobeck told the Post at the time. "I am now a Republican," he added to Fox 11 LA. Swalwell has denied the claims against him in a video filmed inside Cloobeck's home. At the time, Cloobeck—who briefly ran for governor before dropping out and endorsing his former friend—said he kicked Swalwell out of his Beverly Hills mansion, stating that Swalwell "busted the trust" between them. "I am no longer associated with a man that takes advantage of women," Cloobeck told reporters. "I support women’s rights." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04bc4fa200899a00eaef78 Feds say woman tried to extort NBA team owner with fake sex videos after one-night stand te 2026-05-13T18:00:47.910Z Feds say woman tried to extort NBA team owner with fake sex videos after one-night stand An alleged sextortion plot targeting Milwaukee Bucks co-owner Wes Edens backfired after the Chinese climate activist accused of blackmailing him discovered she'd contracted an STD and demanded more money, according to court documents. Prosecutors allege Changli "Sophia" Luo demanded as much as $1 billion, later reduced to $50 million — while threatening to "destroy" the billionaire investor with fabricated explicit images and reporting him to authorities. She was arrested at John F. Kennedy International Airport last year with a one-way ticket to her native China, according to court documents. FBI CAPTURES BANGLADESHI FUGITIVE EXTRADITED IN MASSIVE ONLINE CHILD SEXTORTION CASE Bail filings show her $500,000 bond was secured by a man named Robin Mui, whom the New York Post identified Wednesday as an executive at a U.S.-based newspaper with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. But her defense team says she's not a flight risk after surrendering her passport. Luo is the founder of One World Initiative, a New York-based nonprofit focused on "climate change, economic development, world health" and other topics, according to its LinkedIn. The nonprofit's website was not accessible Wednesday, but archived versions call for "net zero emissions by 2050" and describe climate change as "the number one challenge facing humanity." Edens, 64, is a billionaire Wall Street investor and part owner of the Bucks. COZY TIES BETWEEN TOP NEWSOM ALLY AND CCP OFFICIAL UNEARTHED ON NETWORKING SITE: 'SHE HELPED ME A LOT' "In or about May 2024, LUO sent two letters to Victim-1 via iMessage, accusing Victim-1, among other things, of having 'misled' LUO in order to have sex with her, and, in the alternative, having sex with LUO while she was mentally incapacitated or mentally disabled," prosecutors wrote in court filings. "LUO stated in these letters that her 'home has cameras,' and that '[e]verything [Victim-1] did was caught on camera,' which LUO will expose to 'mass media,' if Victim-1 did not apologize." The two initially reached a settlement for around $6 million — before she discovered she'd contracted HPV from the encounter, according to a court filing from one of her defense attorneys, Arthur Aidala. He filed a motion to dismiss the case last month, arguing her previous civil attorney, Tyrone Blackburn, mishandled settlement negotiations and made threats against Edens. BLAKE LIVELY ACCUSED OF USING JOURNALIST 'AS A PAWN' IN JUSTIN BALDONI SEXUAL HARASSMENT LAWSUIT Luo used Blackburn to seek a new settlement with a much higher payout — more than $1 billion at first, later reduced to $50 million, according to the filing. Now, her criminal defense team claims that Blackburn's conduct during the settlement negotiations included threats to "destroy" Edens. In the motion to dismiss, Luo's defense argued that Blackburn made the most aggressive statements but has not been charged. In a fiery email to Fox News Digital, Blackburn disputed many of the defense team's claims. "Sophia Luo's counsel is attempting to distract from the evidence by using me as a scapegoat for conduct that occurred before I was involved," he wrote. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X He claimed the most damaging evidence predates his involvement, including "fabricated AI videos, fake medical records, fake nonprofit claims, fake business websites, threats involving a person's children and family, and escalating monetary demands of $1 billion, $750 million, $500 million, $250 million, and $175 million." Blackburn also said he warned Luo against her conduct. "Her counsel may also want to ask their client about the many warnings I gave her, and the fact that I never filed the civil lawsuit against Mr. Edens — despite her relentless demands that I do so," he wrote. He ended with a challenge. BLAKE LIVELY DEMANDS JUSTIN BALDONI'S PHONE RECORDS TO EXPOSE METHODS ALLEGEDLY USED TO 'DESTROY' HER "If her attorneys believe my conduct is relevant to their defense, they should subpoena me," he added. "I will gladly appear, testify under oath, and answer every question truthfully." During the second negotiations, Luo allegedly threatened the following: "If Victim-1 does not take 'responsibility,' Luo was determined to 'destroy' Victim-1," prosecutors wrote. "LUO had multiple cameras in the apartment where the Sexual Encounter occurred and LUO had at least two videos and pictures of the Sexual Encounter, which she would provide to others absent a resolution." SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Further, she's accused of threatening to report him to federal investigators for allegedly bribing government officials. Federal prosecutors, however, are alleging a complex plot to not only shake down Edens, but also to hide evidence from the FBI. SEND US A TIP HERE "On April 5, 2025, before the execution of the search warrants in May [2025], the defendant Googled the name of one of the Assistant United States Attorneys handling this case, suggesting that she was aware that federal law enforcement had been investigating her as early as that date," prosecutors wrote in a bail filing. When agents arrived at her Manhattan apartment with a search warrant, she allegedly ignored their calls, texts and knocks on the door until a building maintenance worker let them inside. The search turned up multiple cellphones, one hidden in dirty laundry and another with sanitary pads, and digital drives, and she allegedly had edited photos showing Edens' face on the body of another man during sexual activities. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST The two first met in 2022 after Luo reached out to Edens on LinkedIn, according to court documents. They went on a couple of dates and then had sex at her apartment. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB After that, prosecutors allege she professed her love for him in a text message. "I never told you I love you, and tonight I want to tell you that, I have been restraining my feeling for you," reads one excerpt, quoted in court documents. "As I do love you from the bottom of my heart!" Edens did not respond. Several months later, she reached out again, and he ignored her. Then she allegedly showed up at his new girlfriend's job using a fake name and claiming he had forced her to get an abortion and "was a horrible and terrible person" she likened to Jeffrey Epstein, according to court documents. The judge has not yet ruled on Luo's motion to dismiss the case. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04bc39a200899a00eaef48 The Billionaire Whose Ad Barrage Is Upending the Georgia Governor’s Race te 2026-05-13T18:00:25.218Z The Billionaire Whose Ad Barrage Is Upending the Georgia Governor’s Race Rick Jackson was largely unknown to voters just a few months ago. Heading into Tuesday’s Republican primary, he’s keeping some of the state’s best-known politicians on their toes. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ba1da200899a00eaeed3 Las Vegas man kills ex-wife and her husband in grocery store amid child 'custody issues': police te 2026-05-13T17:51:25.641Z Las Vegas man kills ex-wife and her husband in grocery store amid child 'custody issues': police A Las Vegas man has been charged with double murder after he allegedly shot and killed his ex-wife and her new husband at their shared workplace on Tuesday. Police say Alejandro Estrada, 43, entered the Smith's grocery store where the couple worked and immediately opened fire. He was eventually tackled by patrons in the store who held him down until police arrived. The victims, Amanda Rosas and Victor Frias Rosas, were pronounced dead at the scene. Amanda married Rosas last year, but she and Estrada were still in the midst of a tense custody battle over their 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter. Estrada owed her over $2,800 in child support payments, according to the New York Post. FAMILY 'QUICKLY BELIEVED' SURGEON EX WAS INVOLVED IN OHIO DENTIST COUPLE'S MURDER AS CO-WORKER DETAILS MISHAPS Police say Estrada had multiple weapons at the time of the attack. He is now facing 12 charges, including two counts of murder. "He was completely calm. No expression. No nothing," shopper Paula Milton told the Las Vegas Review-Journal of Estrada. "You could tell it was him because everyone else was running and screaming, and he was like no big deal." The incident comes just days after police arrested a Las Vegas high school student accused of murdering a homeless woman. BABYSITTER STABS 3-YEAR-OLD GIRL TO DEATH IN LAS VEGAS: POLICE The Review-Journal identified the suspect as Dennis Geiggar, a high school student with a reported history of behavioral issues and anger-related incidents. He was arrested May 5, but the body of the victim, 61-year-old Marceline Biasini, was found April 21. The victim was found lying on the sidewalk outside a business and "suffering from apparent injuries" just after 8 a.m. on April 21, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) told Fox News Digital. Nearby surveillance video captured a brief, suspicious encounter in the middle of the night, showing a suspect approaching the victim’s area and leaving about a minute later, the Review-Journal reported, citing police records. "The precise location of the crime scene was obstructed from surveillance cameras, but video surveillance with audio … captured the suspect approaching Marceline’s location and, seconds later, a scream is heard followed by approximately 61 loud thuds," the Review-Journal report said. Geiggar had recently been expelled from a nearby high school for allegedly trying to start a fire on campus. Police said he had "numerous incidents where his anger had resulted in his punching walls and trash cans" and had been participating in anger management classes, according to the outlet. Fox News' Bonny Chu contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ba09a200899a00eaeeca Radio host says Caitlin Clark is WNBA's version of Jeremy Lin: 'The exact same thing' te 2026-05-13T17:51:05.783Z Radio host says Caitlin Clark is WNBA's version of Jeremy Lin: 'The exact same thing' A talking head is off the Caitlin Clark train. The WNBA's 2024 first overall pick and Rookie of the Year made her return to the hardwood Saturday after being limited to just 13 games last season, with a groin injury ending her second campaign. She dropped 20 points in what was a struggle from 3-point land, going 2-for-9 from deep, including missing a potential tying 3 in the game's final seconds. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Clark took the sports world by storm during her time in Iowa and has undoubtedly been the primary reason for the growth of women's basketball — but soon, it will all end, says former Philadelphia sports radio host Tyrone Johnson. "The Caitlin Clark thing is over because she’s not the best player in the WNBA," Johnson said on SportsGrid's "The Craig Carton Show." "She’s not the best guard in the WNBA. She’s not even the best guard from her college class because that’s Paige Bueckers, who plays for [the] Dallas [Wings], who beat them in the season opener. This could be a situation where we look back on Caitlin Clark, and we’re not gonna look back on her like she’s Michael Jordan. She’s Jeremy Lin. This is just Linsanity." Johnson also criticized Clark for joining forces with Morgan Wallen at his concert in Indianapolis. "Morgan Wallen says the N-word liberally. Says it more than I do, and I’m Black," Johnson said. CAITLIN CLARK DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS AFTER SURPRISE MORGAN WALLEN CONCERT WALKOUT FOLLOWING FEVER LOSS Johnson also called out Clark's "b----ing and moaning to the refs nonstop." "But when we look back on this, we’ll go, this girl had the world by the balls. She had everybody loving her. People who hate women’s sports were tuning in just for her. And when we look at Jeremy Lin and look at her, we’re going to find out that at the end of the day, it was the exact same thing." Lin took the world by storm in 2012 when he suddenly became a prolific scorer for the New York Knicks after riding their bench. In a 17-game stretch, he averaged 20.7 points and 8.5 assists, including a memorable 38-point effort against the Los Angeles Lakers and a game-winning 3-pointer against the Toronto Raptors, but that type of success was short-lived. He was, however, able to manage a fine career coming off NBA benches until 2019. When Awful Announcing referred to Johnson's monologue as a "hot take," Johnson said it was "the bestest" take. Clark set numerous records in her rookie season after becoming the NCAA's all-time leading scorer, averaging 19.2 points and 8.4 assists (for what it's worth, Lin's career-high was 18.0 points). Battling through injuries last season, Clark put up only 16.5 points but handed out 8.8 assists per contest and was named to her second All-Star team. Lin was never an All-Star but did finish seventh in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting in 2015-16. 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/6a04b9f6a200899a00eaeec1 Florida Attorney General subpoenas NFL as part of new probe into Rooney Rule and other DEI programs te 2026-05-13T17:50:46.218Z Florida Attorney General subpoenas NFL as part of new probe into Rooney Rule and other DEI programs Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who in March put the NFL on notice that the league's Rooney Rule may violate the state's Civil Rights Act, on Wednesday issued a subpoena as part of a formal investigation to determine if the league has been discriminating in its hiring practices and other matters of employment. The subpoena sent to the NFL offices in New York -- a copy of which was obtained by OutKick and Fox News -- orders the league to appear at the Department of Legal Affairs, Office of the Attorney General, Office of Civil Rights, in Tallahassee on June 12 at precisely 9 a.m. The subpoena compels the NFL to produce extensive records dating back to 2020 (and earlier for some items) covering the Rooney Rule, the Offensive Assistant Mandate, Resolution JC-2A, the Accelerator Program and the Mackie Development Program. It seeks internal policies, communications with government agencies, legal challenges (including those tied to the Brian Flores lawsuit), compliance tracking, enforcement actions and detailed hiring datahiring data -- including candidate race and sex. Notably, the subpoena zeroes in on how the NFL defines "minority," verifies demographic status, and uses race or gender in hiring decisions or incentives. It also demands evidence of the league’s intent and justification for these programs. NFL ROONEY RULE AND OTHER DEI INITIATIVES MAY SOON BE IN RETREAT The Florida attorney general also wants the NFL's communications with the EEOC, United States Department of Justice, or other federal or state agency concerning the Rooney Rule, Resolution JC-2A, the Offensive Assistant Mandate, the Accelerator Program, or the Mackie Development Program. This sweeping investigative demand makes it obvious that the AG is investigating practically every Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) program related to coaching, front office and other executive advancement initiatives that might provide an advantage for one class of people while ignoring or not serving another class. The NFL had no immediate comment. ROGER GOODELL AND ART ROONEY SAY ROONEY RULE NOT GOING ANYWHERE But this should not come as a big surprise. Uthmeier originally delivered a letter dated March 25 containing "a word of caution" to the league, contending that the Rooney Rule "brazenly violates Florida law" and outlining to the league how its rule violates the Florida Civil Rights Act. Uthmeier wrote, "the Rooney Rule and its offshoots require precisely what Florida law forbids. They require teams to limit, segregate, and classify applicants for certain employment and training opportunities because of race and sex. And they do so in a way that tends to deprive applicants of opportunities for employment." In that initial letter of contact, the AG gave the NFL until May 1 to reply. The NFL did indeed respond within the allotted time but the response from NFL General Counsel Ted Ullyot did not satisfy Florida's chief law enforcement officer. Uthmeier on Wednesday continued to press the issue in a letter obtained by OutKick and Fox News. In his correspondence, the AG contends the NFL actually changed its website page for the Rooney Rule. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "My office appreciates the NFL’s stated commitment to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination. We also appreciate how quickly the NFL changed its website in response to our letter, as well as the NFL’s assertion that it no longer requires the consideration of race or sex in the hiring of at least one offensive assistant," Uthmeier wrote. "Unfortunately, neither your letter nor the changes to your website assuage our concerns over the NFL’s violations of Florida law. In fact, they raise new ones." Uthmeier continued to take aim at the Rooney Rule: "You also claim the Rule "does not license clubs to consider race or sex in making hiring decisions. But according to your own statements, its very point is to do just that. "Through hiring best practices, the Rooney Rule aims to increase the number of minorities hired in head coach, general manager, and executive positions. "Or to quote the NFL’s own Executive Vice President, "the Rooney Rule and other policy adjustments are necessary" "[u]ntil [the NFL] see[s] organizations doing the right thing for the right reasons in hiring individuals." "In the end, year after year, the NFL has bemoaned the hiring of 'white' coaches rather than 'coaches of color.' This obsession with hiring based on race is wrong. It also violates Florida law." Wednesday's step by Florida is ultimately intended to have the NFL relieve the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins and Tampa Bay Buccaneers from having to apply what the attorney general deems are illegal hiring practices for the clubs' most visible employees, namely coaches and personnel department executives. FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b9dea200899a00eaee7e Geothermal startup Fervo Energy pops 33% in IPO debut fueled by AI data center demand te 2026-05-13T17:50:22.598Z Geothermal startup Fervo Energy pops 33% in IPO debut fueled by AI data center demand Fervo Energy's IPO was upsized several times after potential investors asked why the enhanced geothermal startup wasn't raising more money. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b806a200899a00eaee54 Kris Mayes sends cease-and-desist letter to RV park over power concerns te 2026-05-13T17:42:30.780Z Kris Mayes sends cease-and-desist letter to RV park over power concerns The state attorney general instructed the RV park to restore power to any residents who reportedly lost electricity. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b7f3a200899a00eaee4b 2027 PBR World Finals coming to Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale te 2026-05-13T17:42:11.157Z 2027 PBR World Finals coming to Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale The 2027 Professional Bull Riders Championship will take place next May in Glendale. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b7c8a200899a00eaee39 Arizona has no budget, no negotiations and no time. Hobbs should come back to the table. te 2026-05-13T17:41:28.065Z Arizona has no budget, no negotiations and no time. Hobbs should come back to the table. Mimi Green The Arizona Legislature just passed a budget that ensures that Medicaid enrollees actually qualify for Medicaid. It requires food stamp recipients to meet program rules. It cuts taxes for working Arizonans — no tax on tips, no tax on overtime — by bringing the state in line with federal law. It funds schools, public safety and child welfare. Right now, 78% of Arizona voters support these reforms — but Gov. Katie Hobbs vetoed it. The governor should come to the negotiating table and sign these popular reforms into law. This is the fourth time Hobbs has vetoed the budget since taking office in 2023. The Legislature is now adjourned until June 1. The new fiscal year begins June 30. Arizona has no budget and no scheduled negotiations. This is a surprisingly radical move by a governor running for re-election with a 42% job approval rating. Welfare fraud and tax cuts are critical issues facing Arizona, and budgets are the easiest way to make program reforms. This is an opportunity that Arizona should not let go to waste. Arizona’s Medicaid program — called AHCCCS — covers nearly one in three Arizonans. That is an enormous program, and its integrity — and solvency — depends on knowing who is actually in it. The Legislature’s newly passed budget would require quarterly eligibility checks and cross-referencing enrollment data to remove people who no longer qualify. When Arizona began running those same checks on food stamps last summer, enrollment dropped 47%. It wouldn’t be shocking if a similar result happened in Medicaid, saving taxpayers money and ensuring that Medicaid is available for those who need it. Arizona’s food stamp error rate sits at 8.8%, with nearly one in 11 benefit dollars going to someone ineligible or in the wrong amount. New federal standards require every state to get below 6%. Arizona fails to meet that standard, and is potentially facing a $300 million annual penalty as a result if the state fails to fix it. Republicans passed a standalone fix to reduce erroneous payments in February. But Governor Hobbs vetoed that, too. The budget is another opportunity to stop the waste and save the state hundreds of millions of dollars that could be spent on priorities like education or roads or bridges. The newly vetoed budget also conforms Arizona’s tax code to the federal changes Congress passed last year — eliminating taxes on tips, eliminating taxes on overtime, expanding deductions for families with children and for seniors. This is a pro-family, pro-worker way to encourage hard work and make life more affordable for working Arizonans. Republicans also included a budget provision opting Arizona into the new federal tax credit scholarship program, which would allow Arizona students to access scholarships from Scholarship Granting Organizations. Congress authorized this benefit. But Hobbs vetoed it as a standalone bill. The vetoed budget would have brought millions of dollars into the state to meet students’ education needs. There is no cost or downside to opting into the program. Refusing to opt in doesn’t block Arizonans from receiving the tax credit, but it does mean that money will flow to students in other states while Arizona students watch from the sidelines. The budget spends $800 million less than Hobbs proposed and delivers $1.45 billion in tax relief. Hobbs calls this “reckless and unbalanced.” Sadly, this is part of a pattern of behavior by Governor Hobbs, who has vetoed more bills than any governor in Arizona history — 143 in 2023, a record she broke again in 2025. Welfare reform bills have been arriving on her desk regularly only to be vetoed, while the state’s welfare programs continue to bleed taxpayer dollars to waste, fraud and abuse. Arizona voters are losing their patience. Hobbs’s disapproval has climbed steadily, reaching 43% by the end of 2025. Meanwhile, some of the reforms in this budget poll at 73% to 78% popularity. It doesn’t take a political genius to know that a governor heading into a re-election year with a 42% job approval rating and a pattern of vetoing popular policy cannot afford to keep saying no. The governor’s veto might even strengthen Republicans’ hand in negotiations. Contrary to Governor Hobbs’s extreme statements, the Legislature passed a serious, substantive budget that includes responsible reforms to protect taxpayers and ensure government services get to those who need them. It is time for Governor Hobbs to come to the negotiating table and show that, facing re-election, she can finally say ‘yes’ for working families. MiMi Greene is a state government affairs director at the Foundation for Government Accountability. The post Arizona has no budget, no negotiations and no time. Hobbs should come back to the table. first appeared on Arizona Capitol Times. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b7b1a200899a00eaee13 WNBA's officiating overhaul is already drawing complaints from players and coaches one week into season te 2026-05-13T17:41:05.679Z WNBA's officiating overhaul is already drawing complaints from players and coaches one week into season The WNBA spent all offseason promising to fix its officiating problem.  Now, less than a week into the 2026 season, players and coaches across the league are already wondering if the league may have overcorrected. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE After years of complaints about inconsistent whistles, excessive physicality and a lack of accountability from officials, commissioner Cathy Engelbert acknowledged during All-Star Weekend last July that officiating had become a growing concern around the league. "As we go forward on the officiating, we hear the concerns. We take that employee input," Engelbert said at the time. "Every play is reviewed. We spend hours and hours and hours. Obviously, we use that then to follow up with officials’ training." She added, "It’s something we need to continue to work on. As our game has evolved, so does our officiating. So we’re on it." Turns out, the league really was working on it. The WNBA formed an offseason officiating task force that included players and coaches in an effort to clean up some of the league’s growing issues around physicality and consistency. And the changes have been noticeable immediately. Maybe too noticeable. Through the first 11 games of the 2026 season, teams are averaging 22.3 fouls and 23.1 free throws per game — a sharp increase from last season’s averages of 17.5 fouls and 18.2 free throws. There have already been five games this season in which a team attempted at least 25 free throws. There were only 25 such games during the entirety of the 2025 season. So while the league wanted officials to crack down on excessive physicality, players and coaches are already complaining that games are turning into whistle fests. Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve — who famously blasted officiating during last year’s playoffs and was later hit with the largest fine in league history — said the current product is not what members of the task force discussed. "What I’m confused about, being on the task force, we talked about unnecessary physicality. We didn’t say we want to call marginal fouls. We never brought that up," Reeve said after Minnesota’s opener. "It takes a little bit of time for sure to calibrate, both them and us. … Obviously, we’ll continue to work with the league on getting right because we’re not the only team sitting here wondering why everything is a foul." Just days earlier, though, Reeve sounded optimistic about the changes. "How our game has looked the last two years is not how we want it going forward," she said. "We’re working really hard because we don’t want the level of physicality that we’ve seen in our game, and so I’m confident that the game is gonna therefore be more fluid — freedom of movement." Instead, early returns suggest the games are becoming less fluid. New York Liberty star Breanna Stewart called it "insane" that Sunday’s game against the Washington Mystics lasted two hours and 41 minutes. "It disrupts everyone’s flow," Stewart said. "This game was 2 hours and 41 minutes long. That’s insane… I know it’s going to take time of, like, figuring out what’s the standard of what’s going to be called, but there’s calls that are being called that are unnecessary on both sides, and then there’s no flow." AZZI FUDD QUESTIONS WNBA REFS BEFORE EVEN PLAYING A REGULAR-SEASON GAME AS A DALLAS WINGS ROOKIE Dallas Wings rookie Azzi Fudd was confused by the whistle during preseason play, too. "I thought you could be physical in the W and anytime you touch someone, it’s a foul," Fudd said. "So I’m not really sure whether to be physical, whether to — I don’t know. I’m still figuring that out." And Wings guard Arike Ogunbowale joked that players may need to spend the season defending with their hands straight up in the air. "We can see they’re calling a little different," Ogunbowale said. "I guess we just have to adapt, because that’s going to happen… It’s been a long time since I had three fouls in the first half and almost fouling out. I guess show our hands and see what we can do." To be fair, this is also exactly what some coaches wanted. Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White — another vocal critic of officiating last season — said the league essentially needed to "overcorrect" after years of letting too much contact go uncalled. "We have asked, in all of our offseason, have asked officials to call everything," White said. "The challenge, and the question sometimes: Is it consistent? So that’d be the next growth phase and growth area. But this is what we need to clean up some of the stuff that we saw last year. So there is going to be frustration early, but it’s necessary." White echoed those comments again after Indiana’s opening-week loss to Dallas. "This is what we want," she said. "We need to overcorrect, so to speak, so that we have freedom of movement, so it’s a free-flowing offense." The irony here is that nearly everyone agreed officiating needed to improve after the disaster that unfolded during the 2025 playoffs. Last postseason became completely overshadowed by technical fouls, free throw disparities, suspensions and public meltdowns from coaches and players. At one point, Reeve called the selection of a playoff officiating crew "f---ing malpractice." Las Vegas Aces coach Becky Hammon said the physicality was "out of control" and warned it would "lead to fights." Meanwhile, stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, Kelsey Plum and Natasha Cloud all publicly sounded off about officiating concerns throughout the season. Sophie Cunningham was fined three separate times in just a couple of months for daring to question officials. So yes, the WNBA absolutely needed to address the issue. But one week into the season, the league now appears stuck trying to find the sweet spot between "letting them play" and calling a foul every time someone breathes too aggressively in the paint. And judging by the early reactions around the league, that balancing act is going to remain a major storyline all season long. Again. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b79ea200899a00eaee0a Conservatives torch ‘climate refugee’ couple after Texas escape ends in ‘literal crap show’ te 2026-05-13T17:40:46.156Z Conservatives torch ‘climate refugee’ couple after Texas escape ends in ‘literal crap show’ A Maine couple who described themselves as "climate refugees" after relocating from Texas discovered human feces on the front porch of their new home in Bangor, an incident that quickly drew mockery from conservative commentators. In an article published in the Bangor Daily News, the couple, Shawn and Sara Good, sought to frame the incident of discovering feces and signs of a man sleeping on their patio furniture as a fair tradeoff to escape the "catastrophic" weather that plagued them in Texas. The article centered on the couple moving to Bangor because of their concerns about climate change. The Goods said they fled Austin after facing four catastrophic events in the past five years. "When looking at global news, I’m so lucky that the big event I experienced recently was someone sleeping on my porch," Sara told the Bangor Daily News. Local and national conservative voices criticized the couple and the Bangor Daily News for its framing of the incident in a city facing a serious homelessness issue, with encampments in the downtown area. The Bangor City Council passed an ordinance on Monday banning the storage of personal belongings along sidewalks in an effort to push back against encampments. ONCE-CHARMING MOUNTAIN ESCAPE NOW BATTLING HOMELESSNESS HOMEOWNERS SAY TURNED POSTCARD CITY INTO NO-GO ZONE Maine Republican state Rep. Reagan Paul suggested the article by the Bangor Daily News reads more like satire from the Babylon Bee than a hard-hitting news story. "This is actual ‘news’ from the Bangor Daily News — treating a literal crap show as heartwarming proof that Maine is paradise," Paul wrote on X. "Most of us already know it — but for the few holdouts still treating the Bangor Daily News as serious journalism: when your paper has to spin literal human feces on a doorstep into a heartwarming relocation success story, it’s time to admit reality and maybe stop taking them seriously as journalism." Investigative reporter Steve Robinson weighed in, suggesting the couple faced a better fate than another Maine couple who were shot and killed in front of their two children just six months after moving from Texas in 2023. DAVID MARCUS: WHY SOME TEXANS SAY ICE RAID ON COLONY RIDGE IS A GOOD START "By Maine standards human s--- on the door is good considering the last couple from Texas who moved here were murdered by a recidivist aspiring rap artist in front of their young children," Robinson posted on X. "Liberals call this restorative justice." In recent years, Texans have faced Winter Storm Uri, which caused power outages throughout the state, deadly floods that claimed the lives of 130 people last year, Hurricane Beryl, and extreme heat. Conservative commentator Dana Loesch, who lives in Texas, said every region of the United States can face catastrophic weather. CONSERVATIVE GROUPS DECLARE 2025 A TIPPING POINT ON ‘CLIMATE HYSTERIA’ AS TRUMP UNLEASHES ENERGY AGENDA "It's Texas," Loesch said on her show. "Texas gets some tornadoes. Texas gets some flooding." "They leave Texas because it's hot here," Loesch continued. "That's a you issue. You should have known that." Climate change is increasingly shaping where Americans choose to live. A Forbes study found 30% of homeowners have moved because of it. Columbia University professor Alexander de Sherbinin suggested the U.S. could see "significant movements" as people seek to relocate to avoid more severe weather. "Northern states could see an influx of people, because their summers will still be fairly pleasant and their winters less severe," de Sherbinin told Columbia Magazine. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b78aa200899a00eaee01 Who is James Erdman III? CIA whistleblower who went from COVID mandate fights to Senate spotlight te 2026-05-13T17:40:26.702Z Who is James Erdman III? CIA whistleblower who went from COVID mandate fights to Senate spotlight James Erdman III, a CIA whistleblower who testified before the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on Wednesday alleging a federal cover-up of COVID-19 origins, has a long history of clashing with the government on the coronavirus issue. Erdman is a former intelligence officer and military veteran who co-founded the grassroots advocacy group Feds For Freedom, an organization that emerged during the COVID-19 vaccine mandate battles involving federal workers and members of the military. While public information online about Erdman's early life are sparse, according to biographical information published by Feds For Freedom, Erdman previously served as a non-commissioned officer with the Army’s 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment before later serving in the National Guard. The organization says he also worked as a senior bioinformatics and biometrics consultant in the private sector, and spent time serving in the Middle East, South and East Asia, and Europe. Erdman joined the CIA in 2013. RAND PAUL BRINGS CIA WHISTLEBLOWER TO SENATE HEARING ALLEGING 'DEEP STATE' COVID-19 CONSPIRACY "He’s a decorated officer with decades of intelligence and national security experience," GOP committee chairman Sen. Rand Paul said during the hearing, adding that Erdman "recently completed a joint duty assignment with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, Director’s Initiatives Group (DIG)." Feds for Freedom became known for backing legal and public advocacy efforts involving federal employees who challenged vaccine requirements imposed during the Biden administration. Court filings and public statements show Erdman participated in some of those efforts on behalf of the group. ANTHONY FAUCI MAY BE DEPOSED AS GOP INTENSIFIES COVID INVESTIGATIONS IN NEW CONGRESS In interviews tied to the group’s media platforms, Erdman discussed questioning government COVID-19 policies and later helping organize opposition to federal vaccine mandates. The group has backed or participated in multiple lawsuits involving agencies including the FBI, Department of Defense, NASA and State Department. Several cases alleged violations of the Religious Freedom Restoration Act and discrimination against employees seeking religious exemptions from COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Erdman told senators on Wednesday that intelligence agencies, particularly the CIA, are failing to provide transparency and accountability, and warned Congress is being misled as a result. "The legislative and executive branches will continue to be misinformed if this type of behavior is not addressed," Erdman said. On Wednesday, Erdman focused on biological research oversight and made the case that the federal government needs a sweeping review of federally funded life sciences work, including stricter definitions of "gain-of-function" research and weapons-related research, and better enforcement of existing policy. "Public health policy would have been very different had the American public been made aware that a virus from a lab in China was going to serve as the foundation for an emergency use authorization M-RNA products," Erdman said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b574a200899a00eaeda9 ‘I turned into a 10-year-old kid’: a reflection of the bottom of the ninth, Game 7 of the 2001 World Series te 2026-05-13T17:31:32.353Z ‘I turned into a 10-year-old kid’: a reflection of the bottom of the ninth, Game 7 of the 2001 World Series This is the next in a series of stories from Cronkite News looking back at the Diamondbacks’ 2001 World Series win. PHOENIX – After Alfonso Soriano’s eight-inning home run broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the eighth inning of Game 7 of the 2001 World Series, Bank One Ballpark fell into a hush. The juggernaut New York Yankees were six outs away from their fourth consecutive championship thanks to the second baseman’s effort, with the best closer in playoff history on the way.  As right-handed pitcher Mariano Rivera emerged from the visiting bullpen, the faint tune of Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” seemed to drift over the 2,400-plus miles between Yankee Stadium in the Bronx to downtown Phoenix, creating a feeling of impending doom for the partisan crowd.  That effect seemingly carried over into the Diamondbacks dugout, as Rivera struck out the side in the bottom of the eighth to maintain the one-run lead. After left-hander Randy Johnson compiled a 1-2-3 top of the ninth, Arizona had three outs left to keep its magical season alive.  While fans sporting the purple and teal had fallen silent, their team had been in this situation before, advancing to the National League Championship Series with a walk-off win in Game 5 of the Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.  “We knew they still had to get three outs,” Diamondbacks shortstop Tony Womack said. “We just needed somebody to get on base and Gracie did that, led off with a single so we just needed to keep playing.  “We had been down that road before. I mean, Mariano was great, but we also faced some other good closers during the year in the playoffs.” First baseman Mark Grace began the bottom of the ninth with a bloop single up the middle of the field, breathing life back into Arizona. When catcher Damian Miller’s bunt attempt came straight at Rivera, he instantly turned around and fired the ball to shortstop Derek Jeter, a sure out with pinch runner David Dellucci only halfway to second base.  But he missed the throw.  As Dellucci slid into second, the throw to Jeter was wide right and the ball bounced into center field. Arizona had runners on first and second with nobody out. A scenario that would leave any team confident, except for the fact that Rivera was on the mound.  Fox’s play-by-play announcer Joe Buck put it best before the inning: “So many teams have tried, and so many teams have failed.” This time felt different. Rivera made a mistake. It was the first postseason error he had ever committed in his seven-year career, making him look almost human for once. He immediately rebounded from the blunder. Pinch hitter Jay Bell’s sacrifice bunt was quickly fielded by Rivera, who quickly pounced on the ball and threw out Delucci at third for the first out of the inning.  Maybe this was what he needed. Like a basketball player in a shooting slump seeing the ball go through the net one time to re-ignite his play, the first out of the inning could be just that for Rivera.  Nonetheless, the bottom of Arizona’s order had gone 2 for 3 against the most intimidating closer in baseball history, putting two baserunners on for the top of the lineup. Leadoff hitter Womack stepped into the box against Rivera for the second time in three games. His first plate appearance against Rivera was a groundout in a 3-2 Game 5 Yankees win that required 12 innings, only seeing one pitch before he was thrown out.  Womack was much more patient in his second at-bat, watching two balls and a strike before fouling off a pitch to even the count, 2-2. Womack may have been just late on the fourth pitch, but he wasn’t on the fifth. He pulled a 92-mile-an-hour fastball down the right field line, scoring pinch runner Midre Cummings from second and advancing Bell to third with a game-tying RBI double.  It was only the third run Rivera had given up in the 2001 postseason, tying his career-high set the season before.  “He threw me, I think it was a two-one pitch and I fouled it straight back and the only thing I said was, ‘Usually with Moe, when he makes a mistake, you usually can’t miss it,’” Womack said. “So I just told myself, ‘Hey, just see the ball up and drive.’  “That’s all I did. I didn’t change the game plan. I can’t remember which game it was in New York, but I saw enough of him to understand, ‘Just stay in the moment.’” The Diamondbacks had completely flipped the script on Rivera with runners on second and third and only one out. All second baseman Craig Counsell had to do was put the ball deep enough into the outfield to score Bell from third. He wouldn’t get the chance though, as the second pitch he saw inside nailed him on the knuckles.  Rivera could have walked Counsell intentionally to put a runner at first for a potential double play, but the batter waiting on deck was foaming at the mouth for a plate appearance. Although Rivera had sent right fielder Luis Gonzalez down on strikes in the eighth, the 34-year-old was in the midst of an all-time season with 57 home runs and 142 RBI. Now, he had the moment of a lifetime.  “This is a scenario that you kind of dream about as a little kid,” Gonzalez said. “You play those scenarios in your mind in the backyard with your buddies.  “I’m a sports fan. I always sit on the couch and wonder what it’s like to throw a touchdown or make a big putt or a big jump shot or whatever it might be in sports. You always see those guys celebrate and you wonder, ‘Man, what does that feel like?’“ The first pitch Gonzalez saw he fouled off for strike one. Right before the second pitch of the at-bat, color commentator Tim McCarver mentioned that Rivera threw inside to left-handed batters, resulting in broken-bat bloop singles. With the bases loaded, New York decided to bring in its infielders in the case of a sacrifice bunt.  It was almost as if McCarver spoke his comment into existence. With an 0-1 count, Gonzalez made just enough contact for the ball to float over Jeter’s head and into the outfield. Bell triumphantly touched home plate as the winning run before third baseman Matt Williams wrapped him in a bear hug, lifting him off his feet.  “To be honest, I just had to make sure that I touched third base,” Bell said. “Once I did that, the helmet went off and, man, it was wild. There’s 30 teams, and you’re the last one standing up. You got the big hit. We weren’t supposed to beat them and we beat them. So now you’re jumping around with your teammates and it’s all justified.” Diamondbacks manager Bob Brenly leaped from the dugout with his arms reaching for the Phoenix night sky as fireworks battled against the deafening roar inside Bank One Ballpark. They had done it. Since the Diamondbacks became an organization in 1998, they had watched the Yankees lift the World Series trophy every year until they became the team to dethrone one of the best dynasties in baseball history. “I turned into a 10-year-old kid. Honest to God,” Brenly said. “I remember my son running by me to go out on the field and celebrate. And then I just started jumping, just bouncing up and down, up and down, up and down.  “When I see the videos, I look like an idiot, but there’s no way to prepare for that. And when it happened, it was just, it was all natural. It all just came out, like winning the Little League Championship, and we’re going to Chuck E. Cheese.” After mobbing Bell at home plate, players began floating toward Gonzalez between first and second base to swarm the hero of the night. The storybook ending to the season was waiting for Gonzalez, and he picked up the pen to finish it. Despite his 0-for-4 statline heading into his fifth at-bat, he was the player the Diamondbacks wanted at the plate. And he delivered. “It was super special and I don’t take things for granted,” Gonzalez said. “Every time somebody mentions it or whatever, I always take the time to listen to their stories, where they were, what they were doing and things like that.  “I’m truly blessed that I was in that situation, but you don’t get there without good teammates and good people around you. Sometimes I get embarrassed because people say, ‘You won the World Series.’ I’m like, ‘No, it’s not me. It’s our whole team.’ We had a good bunch of guys and we rallied together. The city and the state rally behind us and we felt like we were part of the community.” In the stands behind Arizona’s dugout, team owner Jerry Colangelo could only utter two words: “We won.” As the general manager of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns from 1968 to 2004 and owner from 1987 to 2004, Colangelo witnessed his team fall just short of a championship multiple times, but 2001 felt as if it made up for all of the previous shortcomings. No one could take it away – what remains the only major men’s professional sports championship for the Phoenix area. “I always wanted an NBA championship,” Colangelo said. “We had great success with the Phoenix Suns. Our record during my tenure (of) 40 years, we have the fourth best record in basketball, and we knocked on the door. We should have won two or three times. The championship didn’t happen. It wasn’t meant to be.  “And here we are in year four of the baseball experience, and I’m sitting to the right of the dugout while all this is unfolding. And I said, ‘Lord, you really do have a funny sense of humor. We’re going to win. We’re going to win this thing.’” The post ‘I turned into a 10-year-old kid’: a reflection of the bottom of the ninth, Game 7 of the 2001 World Series appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b540a200899a00eaed21 Sunnyside students take learning beyond the classroom te 2026-05-13T17:30:40.324Z Sunnyside students take learning beyond the classroom Field trips to industrial printing presses and learning how to design cities aren't typical classroom lessons, but for students in the Sunnyside Unified School District, they're becoming the norm. CommunityShare was started by a high school science teacher alongside educators, nonprofits and community mentors with a shared goal: connecting community members with local classrooms to create unique learning opportunities. Through a partnership with Pima County, CommunityShare has brought that opportunity to educators across Tucson, with the Sunnyside district among its most active participants. In five years, teachers from 16 of its 21 schools have implemented year-long classroom projects through the program. While any teacher in Pima County can participate, Sunnyside organizes its participating teachers into a cohort that meets monthly, with a showcase of projects each May. Sunnyside's CommunityShare co-facilitator Jackie Nichols said the program is about elevating students' curriculum through "community-engaged learning." "Students, their teachers and community partners are brainstorming and co-creating these inquiries and these investigations together," she said. "It's student voice centered, it's community centered. It is a partnership between the world outside of education and inside education, a duality of learning." Nichols teaches STEM to middle school students and said the partnership gave her the freedom to teach beyond the textbook and show students how STEM shows up in their community. "CommunityShare made it possible for me to find partners that represent the identities of my students so that they could begin to see themselves in those professional roles, those professional capacities," she said. A project poster for Los Amigos Storytellers, a CommunityShare project in which sixth graders at Los Amigos Technology Academy researched and retold Southern Arizona folk tales, creating a book printed at WestPress that each student took home.. Elias Bonilla / Tucson Spotlight. CommunityShare makes pairing mentors with teachers easy through what Nichols calls a "human library." "We have a system where the teacher reaches out to a database of partners and has an initial meeting with them to discover, is this truly going to be a positive collaboration, the kind of collaboration I'm seeking," Nichols said. Nichols partnered with a University of Arizona landscape architect and a water science policy analyst. Through demonstrations and hands-on learning, her students designed and built their own "future city" using models and guidance from their mentors, then competed in the Arizona Future City and SARSEF science competitions. Nichols said it's a perfect opportunity for students to uncover problems in their community and explore them through hands-on learning. Elementary schools are also benefitting from the program. Gallego Primary Fine Arts Magnet School teachers Renee Bonilla and Jennifer Valentine brought CommunityShare into their second- and third-grade classrooms, using local artists to teach students about the Sonoran Desert through poetry and drawing. Valentine said the projects get students motivated and engaged. "They just aren't really interested in what we're normally doing, but they really care about animals and have been talking to us a lot about learning more about the desert," Valentine said. "Kids that usually won't sit still for even five minutes would sit for two hours to work on their art project. Kids who hate writing are writing poems and reading them to each other." Project posters on display at the CommunityShare May showcase include a Zen Garden project from Lauffer Middle School and a STEM project on safety science and sustainable cities led by Jackie Nichols at Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School. Elias Bonilla / Tucson Spotlight. At the end of the year, students visited WestPress, an industrial printing press on Tucson's west side, where they learned about the printing industry and watched their poems and drawings become a physical book each could take home. Pima County Schools Superintendent Dustin Williams joined the field trip, saying CommunityShare allows students to learn about their community and the careers around them. "Having students learning real life industry and watching the students' faces and the sparkle in their eye, it just warms my heart to see this partnership and the students learning a career that's really meaningful," he said. "I was speaking to a boy inside [WestPress] and he was sharing with me his picture and his poem and that he felt like he was an author." CommunityShare also provides an opportunity for Desert View and Sunnyside High School students to gain valuable skills through a mentorship program. Through an interview process, select high school students can join CommunityShare to volunteer and even earn pay. Co-facilitator Priscilla Switzer said having high school students serve as mentors gives them a chance to give back to the community. "The high school mentors say they love working with the younger kids," she said. "They're like, 'wow, I was that kid and now I'm giving back.'" Nichols said the community-focused approach makes learning relevant and interesting. "It's about helping students develop their voice for change and to develop their voice for leadership on topics that they are interested in, topics they are passionate about," she said. "It's giving them an opportunity to discover what those look like in the real world." Elias Bonilla is a journalism and political science major at the University of Arizona and Tucson Spotlight intern. Contact him at ebonilla1500@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/6a04b52ca200899a00eaed0e TUSD board votes to accept students displaced by ASDB campus closure despite advocates’ requests to delay te 2026-05-13T17:30:20.160Z TUSD board votes to accept students displaced by ASDB campus closure despite advocates’ requests to delay A program expanding blind and vision impaired services at two Tucson Unified School District schools and absorbing up to 20 students with disabilities was approved 4-1 Tuesday night by the TUSD Governing Board. The students, currently at the Arizona State Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, are among those who will not make the move from ASDB when it closes its 56-acre west side campus later this month. Most deaf and hard of hearing ASDB students will move to Oro Valley. All other students were told earlier this year they must find a different school.  TUSD will accept some of those students at the cooperative sites of Pueblo High School, which could have about 11 students and Morgan Maxwell K-8, which could have nine students, the district says.  But disability advocates say the number of students could total less than 10 when the school year begins in August. Four American Sign Language interpreters rotated throughout Tuesday’s nearly five-hour meeting, as a packed room included about two dozen ASDB supporters, families and staff. After interpreters were not available at the last meeting, the discussion and vote were moved to Tuesday’s meeting.  The proposed plan lacks specifics, said at least 10 speakers representing students with disabilities. Some asked the board to delay its decision. Board member Jennifer Eckstrom was the lone no vote, citing lingering questions about the plan. “If this board is being asked to approve a significant financial commitment, then the community deserves the same level of clarity, detail, and transparency that is provided for other expenditures,” said Katie Sienko, president of the Arizona Association of the Deaf, in an email to Arizona Luminaria. “This is a moment where getting it right truly matters, because the decisions made here will shape not just services, but the lives, access, and futures of students, and ultimately, how well we set them up for success.” The cluster site model results in splintered student services and a severe reduction in consistent services compared to what current ASDB students receive, disability advocates say.  The planned proposal in the TUSD budget includes $515,222 for additional staffing costs, plus an estimated $300,000 for capital costs related to assistive technology, instructional materials and building renovations. It will be funded by Medicaid, the district says. “I know there’s a lot of unanswered questions. I have questions about financial things on this front. But we’re in a position now where you have 2.5 months to figure out how these 20 students are going to get educational services,” said board President Ravi Shah, as he urged the board to vote.  “We’re not going to reopen ASDB. We are not going to reverse millions of dollars in state funding cuts for ASDB to change things,” he said. “All we have control over right now is a school district. What can we do with these 20 students that might be coming our way?” At least some students are coming no matter what and TUSD did not choose this, Superintendent Gabriel Trujillo said. Trujillo and board member Sadie Shaw have met with some of the families of potential transfer students. The loved ones say their children will receive about 40% of the current services they get at ASDB and most importantly, they want ASDB students to stay together at a new school, Shaw said. Incorporating the ASDB students would give TUSD a small boost in enrollment and funding, as it continues to lose students to other districts, charter and private schools. Still the largest district in Southern Arizona, TUSD has about 35,000 students in 88 schools. ASDB says it supports more than 900 students with its itinerant services: ASL interpreters who typically travel to different sites and work with students. The school has about two weeks left at its campus built in 1912. This school year, it has 115 students in grades K-12, and about 30 of those learners are blind. The ASDB move is prompted by a $3 million deficit, lack of federal and state funds, declining birth rates resulting in lower enrollment, more complicated student needs, and deteriorating buildings and infrastructure, ASDB Superintendent Annette Reichman said. Pima may get $6 million from Project Blue backers Buried deep in the Pima Community College Governing Board’s May 13 agenda is a charitable gift of nearly $6 million to the school from Beale Infrastructure. A five-year agreement is on the table from the group behind the embattled Project Blue data center. The funds will be used to “support PCC’s workforce development programs in information technology, cybersecurity, electrical and skilled trades to address student and industry needs,” the agenda says. Pima is navigating a deficit driven by over $10 million in lost federal grants and the absence of state operating funding since 2009. This year’s budget included $4 million in cuts via consolidation and attrition. The board voted in March to put a $250 million bond for facilities on the November ballot.  Third revision of TUSD budget approved The third and final revision to the nearly $800 million budget was unanimously approved Tuesday night. The average daily membership — the average number of students enrolled and attending a school each day during the first 100 days of the school year, based on daily enrollment and on instructional minutes required by law for each grade level — is down as predicted, by about 1,500 students, said Chief Financial Officer Ricky Hernández during Tuesday’s presentation. And the number of higher-need students, which can include preschool students with severe developmental delays to those with autism and even English language learners, is growing, Hernández said.  Official grades on track after cyberattack Canvas, the online learning management system that TUSD uses, is back up after last week’s cyberattack. Teachers, students and parents use the software, which is crucial during this time of final grades and testing. TUSD schools were some of the 9,000 worldwide that were attacked by hackers last week when Canvas was targeted by ShinyHunters, a hacking group that claimed responsibility. ShinyHunters threatened to leak data involving the schools if they did not pay a ransom by May 6. The group then extended the deadline, indicating some schools had engaged with them to negotiate. “The system is fully operational, and all testing and grading will run without foreseen interruption,” TUSD told parents in an email on Tuesday night. “Canvas’s parent company, Instructure, reported that no credentials or other personal data was compromised due to the nationwide interruption of service related to a cyberattack that occurred last week to their corporation.” In 2023, TUSD’s network suffered a ransomware attack and a large amount of sensitive and confidential employee data including Social Security numbers were found on the dark web. Read the whiteboard 💰Pima JTED was asked by some public school districts to slow down on a $150-$300 million bond ask. JTED says it needs more space to serve thousands of Southern Arizona high school students on its waitlist and will vote on the bond issue at its June 9 Governing Board meeting. The deadline to place a bond on the November ballot is July 6. 🏫 Researchers say the COVID-19 pandemic did not prompt the drop in student test scores across the country, but rather it’s a generational decline. 🗳️ Primary election season is here. The race for Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction heats up May 13 when Democratic candidates Brett Newby and Teresa Leyba Ruiz will debate. On May 14 Republicans Kimberly Yee and incumbent Tom Horne face off. All debates are 56 minutes commercial-free and will include a simulcast Spanish translation and ASL interpretation. Watch them on our site at azluminaria.org. 🎓 Thirteen years ago, they were the first kindergarten students at BASIS and now 54 of them will graduate together at BASIS Tucson North this month. The post TUSD board votes to accept students displaced by ASDB campus closure despite advocates’ requests to delay appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b315a200899a00eaeccc San Francisco Giants asked to retire 'thrusting' celebration a day after taking the league by storm te 2026-05-13T17:21:25.825Z San Francisco Giants asked to retire 'thrusting' celebration a day after taking the league by storm "I wish there was a way to know you're in the good old days before you've actually left them." Those are the sage musings of one Andy Bernard from "The Office," and I have to say, truer words were never spoken. We all remember the San Francisco Giants outfield and their "hip thrusting celebration," right? After their 9-3 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday night, the Giants' outfielders huddled together for a little postgame celly, and gifted us one of the most bizarre displays of exuberance you'll ever see on the baseball field. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS OUTFIELDERS GET TORCHED ONLINE FOR BIZARRE CELEBRATION FOLLOWING WIN OVER DODGERS And the crazy part is that they won again in LA on Tuesday night, meaning, at worst, they'll split a four-game series with their hated rivals from SoCal, and will get some much needed momentum to help turn their early season woes around. But, unfortunately, the good times had to end, and the Giants were asked to retire their on-field menage a trois almost as quickly as they introduced it. Goodnight, sweet prince of a celebration. We hardly knew ye. GIANTS THIRD BASEMAN GIVES TEAMMATE EXPLICIT RESPONSE AFTER ERROR Yes, it looks like the San Francisco Giants' front office (or someone in a position of authority, at least), put the kibosh on their outfielders doing their best Village People impression, and, judging by some of the comments you guys left me yesterday at the bottom of my article, the directive is a welcome one indeed. I could have sworn this particular celebration would have caught on and swept through the Bay Area, but alas, that's not the case. I'm not sure who made the call to end the celebration, but unlike my readers, the fine folks on X are not quite as pleased to see the thrust get eradicated. See? I had a feeling Giants fans would embrace that celebration with open arms. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The new one definitely doesn't have the same "zest" to it, but a bow is a classy gesture that is sure to make all six of the conservative San Francisco residents happy, if they haven't fled for Texas or Tennessee yet. We will see how hard the line is when the Giants start slumping again, because if they go on a five-game skid, I can almost guarantee Tony Vitello will bring back the thrusting in a "break glass in case of emergency" situation. Until then, it looks like we've left the good old days of grown men forming a "thrust circle" at center field. Plan your memorials accordingly. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b301a200899a00eaecc3 Xavier Becerra draws fierce criticism after attempting to control terms of on-camera interview te 2026-05-13T17:21:05.995Z Xavier Becerra draws fierce criticism after attempting to control terms of on-camera interview Former Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra faced criticism over a tense television interview with Annie Rose Ramos that began with the California gubernatorial candidate questioning whether the segment would be a "gotcha piece." "By the way, this is a profile piece, this is not a gotcha piece, right?" Becerra asked Ramos before the interview formally began. The exchange immediately turned awkward when Ramos responded that the questions were intended to help voters learn more about him as a candidate. "The way I describe profile is you talk about all the things that I’ve done, things I want to do, and along with some tough questions," Becerra said. "But not only tough questions." DEM CA GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFUL LECTURES REPORTER, SAYS INTERVIEW SHOULD BE A PROFILE, NOT A 'GOTCHA PIECE' The interview quickly generated backlash from conservative commentators and Republican activists online, many of whom accused Becerra of appearing defensive and combative during the exchange with Ramos. Jennifer Van Laar, managing editor of RedState, praised KTLA for airing the full exchange and argued that Becerra briefly showed anger during the interview. "Wow.... the STATION posted this. And good for them," Van Laar said on X. "There’s a microexpression on his face a few seconds before the end of this clip where you can see his anger briefly, which he quickly replaces with a smile." EX-BIDEN OFFICIAL RUNNING IN BLUE STATE GUBERNATORIAL RACE MUST TACKLE KEY ISSUE AMID SKYROCKETING COSTS Van Laar also criticized the former HHS secretary’s demeanor during the interview. "Trying to come across as jovial, kind Becerra... but that ain’t who he is," she said. Michael Trujillo, a Democratic strategist, criticized Becerra’s opening exchange with Ramos and framed it as dismissive toward a younger female reporter. "I’ve seen this a lot in my community," Trujillo said on X. "A man telling a younger woman how to do her job." Dana Loesch, a conservative radio host and former NRA spokesperson, also weighed in on the exchange and referenced prior reporting involving migrant children. "It’s insane that the NYT story alone first didn’t end his political career," Loesch said on X. "This is all just so, so bad." Kevin Dalton, a conservative political commentator, said, "KTLA just ended Xavier Becerra." HOUSE REPUBLICANS GRILL HHS SECRETARY BECERRA OVER MIGRANT CHILDREN: 'WOULD NOT WANT TO BE YOU' The sharpest exchange came during a discussion of Becerra’s tenure at HHS, when Ramos referenced a New York Times investigation involving migrant children released to sponsors by federal authorities. "That’s not accurate," Becerra said after Ramos cited findings that the department could not account for tens of thousands of children. "What you just read is not accurate." Becerra then accused Ramos of echoing Republican messaging. "You’re essentially, I don’t know if you got those talking points from Donald Trump," Becerra said. Ramos pushed back, noting she was referencing reporting published by The New York Times. "That’s not what the New York Times article said," Becerra responded. "The New York Times said that individuals, the children and their sponsors, did not respond to calls. They didn’t say we couldn’t find kids." CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Ramos later said she was surprised by the tone of the interaction because it differed from her interviews with other gubernatorial candidates. "Honestly, I was caught off guard because it was so dramatically different from any of the other candidates that we had approached and sat down with," Ramos said. "This was one of our final interviews," Ramos said. "As you saw, we’ve interviewed Sheriff Chad Bianco, Tom Steyer, and really, the only question I’ve gotten from anyone consistently is, ‘Is it Annie or Annie Rose?’" Becerra campaign spokesman Jonathan Underland told Fox News Digital that "unlike some candidates in the race, Becerra doesn’t walk away when the questions get difficult." "Over decades in public service, he’s consistently shown up, answered tough questions and respected the role journalists play in holding public officials accountable," Underland said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b2eea200899a00eaecba Senate takes major first step to prevent future shutdowns with painful accountability play te 2026-05-13T17:20:46.206Z Senate takes major first step to prevent future shutdowns with painful accountability play The Senate is one step closer to adding painful consequences for lawmakers who choose to shut down the government.  The upper chamber on Wednesday unanimously advanced a resolution from Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., that, if passed, would prevent lawmakers from getting paid during future shutdowns. It comes after the once-rare occurrence became a political cudgel wielded by Democrats time and again in the last year.  Despite having spurred the two longest shutdowns in history, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Senate Democrats joined Republicans to move the measure along for a final vote.  SCHUMER BACKS GOP'S PLAN TO BRING THE PAIN DURING FUTURE SHUTDOWNS: 'I'M GOING TO VOTE FOR IT' But its success through a first hurdle has not quite sated concerns that Democrats will again try to force another shutdown before the midterm elections in the fall. Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told Fox News Digital that its success "helps," but suggested that the move from Democrats was more political than not.  "I think it's, they realize, I mean, that's a really bad posture to be in if you're opposing something like that at a time when you got a lot of government employees who aren't getting paid, and, you know, people up here are voting against depriving themselves of pay when everybody else is not getting paid," Thune said.  SENATE REPUBLICANS BALK AT $1B WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM REQUEST: ‘YOU MADE THAT NUMBER UP’ "So I just think that's a very difficult political vote for Democrats," he continued. "I think they've recognized it, and I’m guessing they had a fairly robust conversation at their lunch yesterday." Kennedy’s resolution, which he described as a resolution of "shared sacrifice," can’t take effect until after the upcoming election cycle, adding more concern that Democrats may be tempted to repeat the cycle.   "If I were king for a day — I'm not, I don't aspire to be — but if I were, I'd make this resolution effective immediately," Kennedy said. "Because I'm … very concerned that my Senate colleagues on the Democratic side are going to try to shut down the government yet again right before the elections to try to create chaos to affect the midterm elections." Kennedy's resolution would direct the Secretary of the Senate to withhold lawmakers' pay until a shutdown is resolved. A rank-and-file senator earns $174,000 per year, while a leader of either party can earn over $193,000 per year. SENATE WEIGHS NEW, PAINFUL LEVERAGE TACTIC AS FEARS OF ANOTHER GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN GROW And it would only pertain to the Senate — a point he made clear on the Senate floor just before the vote.  Kennedy’s push isn’t the only one that’s brewed in the Senate following the 43-day shutdown over enhanced Obamacare premium tax credits and the latest 76-day Department of Homeland Security shutdown.  That’s because shutdowns have become a common tool over the last year and a half that Democrats have turned to as a negotiating counterpoint. In Trump’s second term alone, Congress has been on the precipice of a closure four times. Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., has been pushing his Shutdown Fairness Act, which would require that working federal workers are paid during a shutdown.  Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., has the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act, which would automatically fund the government for two-week stretches until Congress lands on a compromise funding deal. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b2d6a200899a00eaec75 X launches a History tab for bookmarks, likes, videos, and articles te 2026-05-13T17:20:22.339Z X launches a History tab for bookmarks, likes, videos, and articles X’s new History tab combines bookmarks, likes, watched videos, and read articles into a single place, expanding the app’s role as a save-it-for-later tool. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04b07ca200899a00eaebbb Pima County's Mission Library is back after two years te 2026-05-13T17:10:20.366Z Pima County's Mission Library is back after two years A renovated and expanded Pima County library branch on Tucson's south side has reopened with a larger children's area, a dedicated teen space and a new seed library. The Richard Elías-Mission Library reopened May 4 with a 5,000-square-foot expansion that modernizes the space while preserving the character of the original building. The Mission Library branch originally opened in 1978 and closed in March 2024 for the renovation. Its name was changed to honor Richard Elías, a longtime Pima County supervisor who died unexpectedly in 2020 and was a lifelong advocate for literacy, affordable housing and the library system. "It's exciting to see the architectural differences from old to new," said Branch Manager Hassael Cazesuz. "It's more contemporary and more grand, too." The renovation was designed by Tucson firm Line and Space to reflect the surrounding Sonoran Desert landscape, with exposed masonry and a redesigned entryway intended to serve as a community gateway at Ajo Way and Mission Road. "We've really enjoyed watching people's jaws drop when they walk in the main entrance," Cazesuz said. "The arch that used to be on the building's exterior is now inside. It's the main focal point of the entrance." The arch that once marked the building's exterior now serves as the main focal point of the renovated library's entrance. Courtesy of Pima County Public Library. Library staff were involved from the early stages of the renovation, participating in conversations with architects and administrators and attending public information sessions before shifting focus to planning the reopening. The expanded branch includes a large multipurpose room that community members can reserve to host classes or hold events. "We've had people already asking about it and submitting applications," Cazesuz said. The renovated library also boasts an expanded children's area with sound minimization and an enclosed outdoor play space, a dedicated teen and tween space with a maker/gamerspace and outdoor patio, an on-site seed library, a larger adult book and magazine collection and additional meeting space with an adaptable outdoor space. "I love the patio area and the connection with the patio and the meeting room that leads between the teen and children's areas. If someone wants to feel a little connected to nature, they can bring their books or study materials outside," Cazesuz said. The expanded children's area includes a dedicated room for story time and a door that can be closed if kids are singing or dancing and getting a little too excited. "The design was very thoughtful with the glass walls really separating the different collections. We wanted children and teens to feel like it can be their own space," Cazesuz said. "You know when you're in the teen area, it's kind of encapsulated in the glass. Same thing with the children's area. We hope that kids, teens and tweens come in and enjoy the space." The renovated library's dedicated teen and tween space features glass walls designed to give young patrons a sense of their own space. Courtesy of Pima County Public Library. The renovated branch includes three large study rooms with whiteboards and TVs that can fit up to six people. The library also expanded technology access, with computers available throughout the building, including dedicated terminals in the teen and children's areas, plus two copy machines. Seating throughout the building is equipped with outlets for charging. Cazesuz says the branch's staff is especially excited about the seed library near the front desk, and have been introducing the program to patrons as they sign up for library cards. The staff is also excited to begin planning the grand opening celebration and other events, with Cazesuz saying it's been a long time coming. "Everything before was just getting ready to open," he said. "Now, we start working on the programming." No date has been set for a grand opening, but Cazesuz said staff and patrons alike have been eager for the celebration. In the meantime, plenty of other events are already in the works. "Story times will be coming as early as next month, and in the makerspace, we're talking about having some STEM-related programming," Cazesuz said. "Most (branches,) if not all, partner with Literacy Connects to offer adult classes, including citizenship classes and English classes. Our adult services (librarians) are already working with the UA Master Gardeners on some programming, which will probably start in the fall." An outdoor patio connects the teen and children's areas, giving patrons a space to read or study outside. Courtesy of Pima County Public LIbrary. But pulling it all together takes time, Cazesuz said, from lining up supplies and scheduling to figuring out what the community needs most. The clock is already ticking. "We're getting ready for the summer. That's usually when we get a lot of our families in," Cazesuz said. "We're trying to get families ready with programming, summer learning and summer reading and getting all of that ready to go. We're also doing an adult summer reading this year." For many in the surrounding neighborhood, the two-year closure meant traveling to other branches or not going at all. "A lot of people have been going to other branches, but a lot of people also haven't been using their cards, so we've seen a lot of cards expire," Cazesuz said. "We did so many new library cards the first few days, re-signing up or signing up families. We've had lots of people asking how old their kids have to be to get their own cards. We tell them they can be any age, as long as they're with a parent or guardian." Kids under 18 can get a library card on their own, though the library recommends they bring a parent or guardian, who will need to come in eventually to unlock full checkout privileges. The sentiment from returning patrons has been hard to miss. "People have said, 'We're just so happy you're open,'" Cazesuz said. "Two years is significant. We're happy to reopen and welcome the community back in." Caitlin Schmidt is Editor and Publisher of Tucson Spotlight. Contact her at caitlin@tucsonspotlight.org. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please consider supporting our work with a tax-deductible donation. Donate to Tucson Spotlight Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ae6aa200899a00eaeb78 Dems under fire for ‘malign Chinese influence’ as shocking spy mayor donations uncovered: ‘How many more?’ te 2026-05-13T17:01:30.603Z Dems under fire for ‘malign Chinese influence’ as shocking spy mayor donations uncovered: ‘How many more?’ Outrage is snowballing after it was uncovered that a California mayor who just stepped down after admitting to acting as a Chinese agent appears to have donated to Democrats, including a sitting congresswoman. As President Donald Trump visits China for a diplomatic mission with world leaders, Eileen Wang, mayor of Arcadia, California, agreed to plead guilty to acting as an agent for the Chinese government. The admission sparked concerns about foreign infiltration in local government. Now, allegations that Wang donated to Democrats at the federal level are raising broader national security concerns. According to a Federal Election Commission (FEC) filing for Rep. Judy Chu, D-Calif., an Eileen Wang of Arcadia, California, donated $1,000 and $175 to her campaign in October and November 2022, according to a Fox News Digital review. Chu sits on the House Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Budget. Further, FEC filings show several small $5, $10 and $25 donations earmarked for the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) via ActBlue in 2024. In response, Bernadette Breslin, a spokesperson for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), ripped into the Democrats, calling the donations evidence of "malign Chinese influence operating within their own ranks." ATTORNEY RAISES BROADER CONCERNS AFTER MAYOR ADMITS TO ACTING AS CHINESE AGENT IN SHOCKING CASE Breslin told Fox News Digital that "Senate Republicans are holding Democrats accountable for the malign Chinese influence operating within their own ranks and the CCP-linked money flowing into their campaigns." She added that "as President Trump brings American peace through strength to China this week, Republicans are working in lockstep to root out foreign interference in our elections and protect America’s national security." Wang, who has since resigned as mayor of Arcadia, agreed to plead guilty to the felony offense of acting as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China, the Justice Department announced this week. She now faces up to 10 years in federal prison along with a potential $250,000 fine, though any sentence would be determined by a federal judge. Federal prosecutors say Wang admitted she acted "at the direction and control" of Chinese government officials from at least 2020 through 2022, coordinating with individuals in the U.S. to spread pro-Beijing messaging, all without notifying the U.S. Attorney General as required by law. The conduct described by prosecutors occurred before Wang took office on the Arcadia City Council in December 2022. CHINESE SPY INFILTRATION: MAYOR’S BUST ADDS TO GROWING TIMELINE OF FOREIGN INFLUENCE CREEPING INTO US With Wang’s foreign ties exposed, the politicians she associated with are now under scrutiny. Beyond the $1,000 and $175 donations, a 2024 press release by Chu shows that the congresswoman honored Wang as one of the "Congressional Women of the Year." In the press release published by Chu’s office, Wang was praised as a "dedicated Arcadia resident, educator, and community leader," who "brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as City Councilmember." The statement said that over the course of 15 years, Wang was "actively involved in various City and service groups," including the Arcadia High School Chinese Parents Booster Club. Chu’s office said that Wang "gained valuable insights into the challenges faced by Arcadia residents" and "is poised to make a lasting impact on the City Council and continue her tireless efforts to improve the lives of Arcadia residents." Fox News Digital reached out to Chu for comment. DEMOCRAT LAWMAKER CALLS CLARENCE THOMAS AN 'UNCLE TOM' AND 'LYNCHMAN' AFTER SUPREME COURT REDISTRICTING RULING Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., who also serves as NRSC vice chair, reacted to the revelations by slamming other Democrats with Chinese government associations. Banks wrote on X, "Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) had a Chinese spy in her office. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-CA) dated a Chinese spy. Mayor Eileen Wang (D-CA) is a Chinese spy. How many more?" Popular conservative account Libs of TikTok pointed to Wang’s DSCC donations, posting on X, "Democrat Senators are being funded by Chinese spies If it was the other way around, it would be front page news for weeks." Libs of TikTok also reacted to Wang’s donations to Chu, writing, "Judy is a member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, one of the most powerful committees in Congress. She’s also a member of the Taiwan Caucus. She’s being funded by Chinese spies. What could possibly go wrong." Another popular conservative X personality who goes by the handle "Greg" also commented, "So this is the great ‘resistance?’ Our brave DNC, the defenders of democracy, are actually just tools for the Chinese Communist Party. A confessed CCP agent funnels money to Democratic senators and they’re all quiet. Makes you wonder what/who else they’re willing to sell out." Fox News Digital reached out to the DSCC and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee for comment. Fox News Digital's Stepheny Price contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ae56a200899a00eaeb6f If this hasn't been said before, it should've been — you can't hide in the bushes at a bachelorette pool party te 2026-05-13T17:01:10.988Z If this hasn't been said before, it should've been — you can't hide in the bushes at a bachelorette pool party It should go without saying that showing up to a bachelorette party uninvited isn't a polite move. This is time allocated for friends to come together for a proper send-off for the bride-to-be. There's often a guest list and a budget and if you're not on the list you can’t just show up, especially if you don’t even know anyone. That's not going to be well-received under most circumstances. It should also go without saying that hiding in the bushes with your pants down as those who were invited to party in the pool at an Airbnb they've rented for the occasion isn't polite either. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! It's rude and, more importantly, it's criminal. An uninvited creep who was spotted in the bushes near a West Palm Beach, Florida Airbnb on Sunday afternoon is now facing charges of voyeurism and exposure of sexual organs, 12 News reports. Noel Roblero Mazariegos, 51, was arrested by officers from the West Palm Beach Police Department and taken to the Palm Beach County Jail after reports of a prowler and peeping Tom. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE He allegedly was hiding behind bushes watching women at a pool during a bachelorette party with his pants down. One of the women told police that when she approached him and asked him to leave, he responded by exposing himself again. This guy clearly doesn’t understand any of the rules we live by in order to have a relatively civil society. He shows up uninvited, hides in the bushes and won't stop exposing himself. As if it was even a question, the women who had their bachelorette pool party ruined by the man in the bushes reportedly told investigators they wanted to press charges. Police found Mazariegos, who fit the description of the lunatic hiding in the bushes, nearby, according to the probable cause affidavit. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ae43a200899a00eaeb5d Name-brand deals under $50 hiding in Nordstrom's sale section te 2026-05-13T17:00:51.087Z Name-brand deals under $50 hiding in Nordstrom's sale section Nordstrom's sale section is a hidden gem for discounted clothing, shoes and beauty from brands like Calvin Klein, MAC and more. Right now, score up to 66% off select finds, including a Carhartt button-down, a Clinique lip gloss set and a Lucky Brand T-shirt, plus plenty of other deals under $50. Badgley Mischka Madalyn vegan leather pouch belt bag: $29.99 (66% off) Erin McDermott Jewelry hammered heart toggle necklace: $38 (65% off) BP. Bouclé off the shoulder sweater: $22.27 (55% off) Open Edit rub waist cardigan: $31.27 (55% off) Jack Archer Anytime 5-pocket pant: $44.50 (50% off) City Blues Dover straight leg jeans: $35.70 (40% off) Honeydew All American pajamas: $43.50 (25% off) Save on everyday basics, workwear essentials and summer staples. Original price: $89.50 This crisp cotton shirtdress transitions easily from work to evening with its tailored silhouette and breathable fabric. The collar adds a structured touch, while a waist-defining tie completes the look. Original price: $49.50 Channel classic rock style with this Lucky Brand Rolling Stones tee. The crewneck, short-sleeve design is made from 100% cotton for everyday comfort and easy care, and it's available in sizes XS through XL. Original price: $50 This beach cover-up pairs with any swimsuit, offering a lightweight layer for the beach or pool. Adjustable sleeves, a high-low hem and side slits add versatility, while breathable cotton keeps it comfortable. Take advantage of the $30 discount while it lasts. READ MORE: This week's best deals: Up to 75% off early Memorial Day finds from Dyson, HexClad and more Score up to 60% off button-downs, boxer briefs and T-shirts.  Original price: $115 This Carhartt button-down shirt combines comfort and durability with wide-wale cotton corduroy and a relaxed fit. The slightly faded finish gives it a worn-in look from the start. Original price: $71.50 This five-pack of Calvin Klein microfiber boxer briefs delivers soft, stretchy comfort with a signature logo waistband — a solid addition to your weekly rotation. Original price: $34.99 Get ready for Memorial Day or Fourth of July celebrations with this patriotic T-shirt, now priced at $20. The black tee features a distressed American flag graphic in shades of gray and white across the chest. READ MORE: Everyday essentials on sale: Pajamas, breathable underwear, walking sneakers from $8 Update your summer shoe collection with these under-$50 sneakers and sandals. Original price: $80 Built for wet conditions, these Columbia water-resistant fishing sneakers pair a grippy outsole with lightweight cushioning for comfort and traction. A secure lace-up fit keeps you stable on the boat or trail, while drainage ports and stain-resistant materials help manage splashes and messes. Original price: $70 This updated take on classic Keds sneakers keeps the timeless look while adding modern comfort. A cushioned footbed and arch support help keep you comfortable throughout the day, while the sleek leather design pairs easily with any outfit. Original price: $40 Step out in warm-weather style with these Dr. Scholl’s slide sandals, featuring crisscross straps and a relaxed, summery look. Cushioned insoles add comfort and support for all-day wear. READ MORE: Top Skechers sneaker deals on Amazon — starting at just $39 Refresh your skincare or makeup for less with deals on Lancôme, MAC and more. Original price: $45 Stay fresh with this Jack Black grooming set that includes a cleanser, body lotion and full-size deodorant. Together, they offer a simple, no-nonsense routine designed for convenience. Original price: $38 Set your makeup and control shine throughout the day with this lightweight pressed powder. The sheer formula delivers a soft, matte finish without adding noticeable color or texture, making it ideal for quick touch-ups. For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals Original price: $36 Hydrate your lips while adding a glossy finish with this Clinique trio featuring three full-size shades in pink, coral and nude. The formula delivers smooth, even color with a moisturizing feel for daily wear. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ae2aa200899a00eaeb17 Instagram’s new ‘Instants’ feature combines elements from Snapchat and BeReal te 2026-05-13T17:00:26.955Z Instagram’s new ‘Instants’ feature combines elements from Snapchat and BeReal The feature lets users share disappearing photos with their Close Friends or mutual followers that can be viewed only once and remain available for 24 hours. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04ac0ea200899a00eaeadf Phoenix launches portal to report ICE and federal agent abuses amid growing distrust te 2026-05-13T16:51:26.179Z Phoenix launches portal to report ICE and federal agent abuses amid growing distrust U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations officers execute criminal search warrants and arrest more than 100 employees on federal immigration violations at a trailer manufacturing business in Sumner in 2018. Photo by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement The City of Phoenix on Tuesday launched an online portal to report civil rights violations committed by federal agents.  The website is the city’s latest response to growing concern over President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement actions. Earlier this year, the Phoenix City Council adopted the Community Transparency Initiative, a policy that bars federal agents from using city property to stage immigration raids.  Part of that policy included establishing a website to inform residents about their rights and give them an opportunity to report federal actions that may have been unlawful.   GET THE MORNING HEADLINES. SUBSCRIBE The Federal Enforcement Reporting Portal is available in multiple languages, including Spanish, and it allows members of the public to submit photographic and video evidence. The portal’s landing page notes that federal agents have “broad authority to enforce federal laws,” but adds that even that doesn’t empower them to undertake unlawful actions like using excessive force, conducting unlawful searches or arrests, interfering with voting or making wrongful detentions.  A majority of Americans, as much as 60%, disagree with the way federal officials are conducting immigration enforcement and believe they have gone too far, according to a January survey conducted shortly after the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Minnesota. The city’s website isn’t the only one of its kind in Arizona, as elected officials seek to establish some degree of oversight over federal agents in a time when public trust in the federal government’s approach to immigration enforcement is plummeting. Following weeks of public protests over Pretti and Good’s deaths and ICE activity in the Valley, Gov. Katie Hobbs unveiled a Know Your Rights website. And the state attorney general’s website also hosts a reporting form for people to submit complaints about federal misconduct.  It’s unclear what local officials can do to hold federal agents accountable, but that hasn’t stopped local leaders from turning to the public to document violations in the event a legal defense must be mounted in the future. That’s increasingly a concern in the face of the federal government’s unwillingness to cooperate with state-level investigations. Shortly after an ICE agent fatally shot Good in Minnesota, the Federal Bureau of Investigations shut Minnesota officials out of the investigation and refused to share evidence.  Vice President J.D. Vance claimed the agent had absolute immunity, a legal theory that stems from the Supremacy Clause in the U.S. Constitution, which posits that federal officers are shielded from state prosecutions. Minnesota later took the federal government to court over its unwillingness to share information into the killings of Pretti and Good and the shooting of Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan immigrant, in what has been widely regarded as a potential test of that legal theory.  Litigation in the case is still ongoing and legal experts expect that, if the state’s right to prosecute federal agents is ever affirmed, it will be a yearslong wait for a resolution.  YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04abf8a200899a00eaeabe Former PGA Championship winner likens Bryson DeChambeau to a politician in spot-on assessment te 2026-05-13T16:51:04.847Z Former PGA Championship winner likens Bryson DeChambeau to a politician in spot-on assessment Whether you're a fan of him or not, it's a universal truth that Bryson DeChambeau is a unique and polarizing figure. You couple that with the fact that he's one of the best golfers on the planet and a two-time major champion, and you have the making of what many would call an asset in the world of golf. As LIV Golf's future beyond 2026 is a giant question mark, with the Saudi Public Investment (PIF) pulling its funding at the conclusion of the current season, it has led to the discussion of not only should the PGA Tour welcome DeChambeau back, but does it actually need him? LIV GOLF CEO TEASES ANNOUNCEMENTS IN 'NEXT 10 DAYS,' TALKS BRYSON DECHAMBEAU'S FUTURE WITH LIV Ahead of this week's PGA Championship, where DeChambeau is among the favorites at Aronimink Golf Club, 2002 PGA Championship winner Rich Beem was asked the simple yet not-so-straightforward question about the Tour's potential need for a DeChambeau return. The answer from the Sky Sports Golf analyst was an interesting one and did not disappoint. "No, they don’t. Again, he’s not bigger than the game," Beem explained on the Sky Sports Golf Podcast. "I mean, as entertaining as he is on the golf course with what he can do with clubs, I think what comes out of his mouth can be just as entertaining," Beem later continued. "It’s like—you’re a self-proclaimed scientist, but man, you’re not a politician. Well, maybe you are, because politicians seem to do the same thing all the time. "Here’s why I say the PGA Tour doesn’t need him: nobody’s bigger than the game. Listen, if Jack Nicklaus or Arnold Palmer had walked away in their prime, the game would have gone on without them." Beem likening DeChambeau to a politician isn't all that bad a comparison. STEPHEN A SMITH BLAMES PGA TOUR FOR LIV GOLF SAGA, MORONICALLY SAYS DEFECTORS SHOULDN’T FACE ANY PUNISHMENT As Beem pointed out during the podcast, DeChambeau has a tendency to share generic statements like "grow the game" as often as he can while also contradicting himself on occasion. Earlier this month, DeChambeau said that "egos would need to get dropped" by both the PGA Tour and LIV if professional golf wants a chance of coming back together as one. The irony is that most would say that nobody in the game today has a bigger ego than Bryson DeChambeau. DeChambeau has mentioned on multiple occasions now that he would be perfectly content in taking a step back from professional golf and focusing on growing his wildly successful YouTube page and just turning up for major championships. Beem believes that DeChambeau is perhaps his most comfortable in that YouTube setting. "I think what he’s doing with YouTube might actually be right up his alley," Beem explained. "That seems to be where he’s most comfortable, because he gets to control the narrative. He controls what’s put out there, what he says, and how he says it — because they can edit it, shape it, do all of that. That’s very different from being in front of a live audience." Thanks to his victory at the 2024 U.S. Open, DeChambeau is exempt into future U.S. Opens through 2034 and is exempt into golf's other three major championships through 2029. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04abe2a200899a00eaea8c Top Kennedy Spokesman Resigns in Protest Over New Vaping Policy te 2026-05-13T16:50:42.409Z Top Kennedy Spokesman Resigns in Protest Over New Vaping Policy In a letter to President Trump, the spokesman, Rich Danker, said moves to allow the sale of flavored e-cigarettes would enhance their appeal to children. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04abcea200899a00eaea83 For Trump, the Iran War Looms Over China Summit te 2026-05-13T16:50:22.689Z For Trump, the Iran War Looms Over China Summit The balance of power between the United States and China had shifted in Beijing’s favor even before the war in Iran began in February. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04aa46a200899a00eaea4c International dreams: NASCAR, IndyCar face uphill battle to go global te 2026-05-13T16:43:50.528Z International dreams: NASCAR, IndyCar face uphill battle to go global PHOENIX – American sports leagues are going global.  The NFL has nine games scheduled in seven countries in the upcoming season. MLB, the NHL and the NBA have a long history of staging international events. For the American top racing series, however, the international stage has remained more elusive. NASCAR recently held a race in Mexico City, and IndyCar visits the Toronto area annually, but there is little more than that in recent history. There are practical reasons for that decision.  IndyCar officials, primarily Penske Entertainment President and CEO Mark Miles, have cited economic and logistical factors, as well as a priority on strengthening the domestic North American market. While each series is in season, there is racing almost every week. NASCAR, which runs from early February through early November, only has one off-week. IndyCar, which runs from early March through early September, has a little more flexibility.  The travel for both series would be significant in terms of time. NASCAR is based in Charlotte, and IndyCar is based in Indianapolis. That doesn’t stop other sports leagues with teams scattered across the U.S., but the transportation of cars adds a complication.  When NASCAR went to Mexico, the teams traveled from Michigan, where the previous weekend’s race was staged, to Mexico in one giant convoy. It was the same procedure when they returned to Pocono, Pennsylvania, the following week. The 137-truck convoy was armed with police escorts for the trip, with no major hiccups reported. In addition, the addition of international races would likely mean a loss of American races. Ten tracks have two dates on the NASCAR schedule, so it would likely be one of those tracks losing a race, with one of those potentially being Phoenix Raceway. The only track that has multiple dates for IndyCar is Milwaukee. Despite those challenges, international growth is on racing series executives’ minds. With IndyCar broadcasts moving from NBC to FOX in 2025, the season was shortened to accommodate the NFL season, which is FOX’s biggest sporting property. That shorter schedule may provide an opportunity. “I’ve been thinking about it for a long time,” Miles told racer.com. “You have to get a green flag to go see what you can do, but the concept we’re giving some time to is an international series, and it’s not about ‘go get one.’  “We don’t want to look like we just went to chase some bucks. But could you put three or four together, and connect them, because (a major company) is the title sponsor of the International Series, and there’s a bunch of money, not a little money, and it’s connected – there’s a points competition (for the offseason series) or a money competition between them, and that it would be international?” NASCAR may also be eyeing more international events. The NASCAR Brasil Series, NASCAR México Series, NASCAR Canada Series and NASCAR Whelen Euro Series all appear to be thriving and growing. “We kind of look at our international focus from three silos,” NASCAR Vice President and Chief International Officer Chad Seigler told NASCAR.com. “We have the individual series and our philosophy has always been, we know we can’t take the Cup Series and have it travel around like Formula One does, so if we can go into a market and create local stars, local heroes, local team owners, local track infrastructure, that’s good for us.” Many drivers support the idea of their series going global. After the NASCAR race in Mexico City, New Zealander and Trackhouse Racing driver Shane van Gisbergen expressed a desire to bring the series to his home nation. “I’m biased, but the reception here shows what it could be like,” he said. Both series have some international history. NASCAR has gone to Canada with the Cup series twice, but those races were in the 1950s. NASCAR’s second-tier series, the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series series, visited Mexico City five times in the 21st century and Montreal six times. Its third-tier series, the Craftsman Truck Series, visited Canadian Tire Motorsports Park in Bowmanville, Ontario, five times in the 2010s.  In the late 1990s, NASCAR held a pair of exhibitions at Twin Ring Motegi and Suzuka in Japan. NASCAR also travelled to Australia for an exhibition race in 1988.  For IndyCar, in addition to its Toronto trip, it visited Edmonton earlier this century. CART (an open-wheel series that raced before and when IndyCar started) made trips to Edmonton, Montréal, Mont-Tremblant, Vancouver and St. Pie.     CART went south of the border as well, traveling to Mexico City and Parque Fundidora in Monterrey in the early 2000s.   South America is no stranger to the American open-wheel series. IndyCar raced on the streets of São Paulo this century. Historically, CART visited Autodromo Nelson Piquet in Rio de Janeiro. The USAC Champ Car Series (the predecessor to CART) went to Autodromo Ingeniero Juan R. Bascolo in Rafaela, Argentina, for a pair of races in 1971. The various American open-wheel series have visited Japan numerous times, with trips to Twin Ring Motegi over the years. Australia hosted CART for 17 races in the 1990s and 2000s at Surfer’s Paradise.  CART even ventured to Europe in the 2000s. It went to the Belgian Circuit Zolder once in 2007. The series went to EuroSpeedway Lausitz in Germany twice. It raced at the Dutch racetrack, TT Circuit Assen, once in 2007. One of the main challenges for American racing series are the tracks. Ovals are a huge brand of both series, and there are not many ovals internationally. Additionally, they do not have the capacity needed for a top-tier series. But there are options. As noted, NASCAR has international series in Mexico, Canada, Brazil and Europe already, and a combined race weekend with one of the international series is logical. Canada makes the most sense, as Montreal was rumored to return in 2026. Bowmanville is also race-ready.  Mexico also makes sense. NASCAR visited the Autodromo Hermanos Rodríguez in 2025, and one of IndyCar’s most popular drivers, if not the most popular, Pato O’Ward, hails from Mexico. Argentina and Brazil both could be in consideration, especially for IndyCar, as it has a history in Brazil. IndyCar was in talks to head to Argentina as of late, but those stalled out. One of the IndyCar team owners, Ricardo Juncos, brought his IndyCar to the country to do some test runs in 2022. Both series have a Japanese engine manufacturer that owns an iconic Japanese racetrack. IndyCar’s Honda owns Suzuka Circuit and NASCAR’s Toyota owns Fuji Speedway. Both series could also return to Motegi, on the road course, with the oval needing some repairs. An Australian trip is logical, especially for NASCAR, with drivers like van Gisbergen and Marcos Ambrose moving over from the Australian V8 Supercars series.  A European trip is a bit more far-fetched with Formula 1 and Moto GP as the primary focus of the area. IndyCar seems more likely to go with a better history and more drivers from the continent. France and Germany make the most sense, as F1 does not visit those countries, and IndyCar could be the top racing series in those countries. For the main series, the domestic status quo may remain in place for a while, but both series are thinking more broadly. “I tell people about our international team and try to educate the fanbase that NASCAR is bigger than only the Cup Series,” Seigler said. “When I’m out giving presentations, I ask, ‘What are the four biggest cities NASCAR races in’ and they may say a city like Chicago or Dallas. “I remind them we race in Mexico City, São Paulo, London and Toronto. We race in cities in some form or fashion that have 20-30 million people and that’s a big story for us.” The post International dreams: NASCAR, IndyCar face uphill battle to go global appeared first on Cronkite News. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04aa31a200899a00eaea36 Arizona man who fled during his 'kidnapping hoax' trial arrested in Prescott te 2026-05-13T16:43:29.678Z Arizona man who fled during his 'kidnapping hoax' trial arrested in Prescott Mark Ellis, who disappeared during his trial in Yavapai County for an extortion scheme, was arrested by Prescott Police on Tuesday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04aa03a200899a00eaea07 Detransitioner Chloe Cole cancels UW speech after alleged Antifa threats te 2026-05-13T16:42:43.086Z Detransitioner Chloe Cole cancels UW speech after alleged Antifa threats Detransitioner Chloe Cole announced Tuesday she is canceling a scheduled University of Washington speech after citing alleged threats from Antifa. "Antifa has assembled a local militia, in their own words, to shut down this event," Cole said in a Tuesday video announcement.  "Their actions, their explicit threats on my life, have raised this event to national attention, a level of attention our security team and our PD are frankly unprepared for," she added.  RILEY GAINES SAYS 'LITERAL HUMAN FECES' THROWN IN PROTEST OF TURNING POINT USA AT UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON  Cole, a detransitioner who went through the process of transitioning from female to male between the ages of 12 and 16, was set to speak Wednesday at the University of Washington in Kane 210 as part of TPUSA’s "Pick Up the Mic" initiative. At the age of 15, Cole underwent hormones and a double mastectomy. In a post on Instagram, UW Divest News, a pro-Palestinian group, urged students to protest the Turning Point USA chapter event with Cole, calling her a "transphobic right-wing grifter." The post instructed protesters to "bring flags, drums, or anything to make some noise! Email UW admin to cancel the event and ban Turning Point USA from campus! WE WILL NOT TOLERATE HATE GROUPS ON CAMPUS! WE LOVE OUR TRANS SIBLINGS! 🏳️‍⚧️ FREE PALESTINE! 🇵🇸" CHARLIE KIRK WARNED ‘ASSASSINATION CULTURE IS SPREADING ON THE LEFT’ IN EERIE ONLINE POST MONTHS BEFORE MURDER In her video announcement, Cole said she was taking the alleged threats more seriously since the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on Sept. 10 while he was speaking at an event at Utah Valley University for TPUSA’s American Comeback Tour. "Before Charlie Kirk's assassination, I think I would have been less careful," Cole said. "But the times have changed and speaking on a university campus in 2026 can come with deadly consequences. We are postponing this event because of this reality." Cole continued, "But there is a difference between being brave and being stupid. This is not a win for Antifa because truth will always win. Christ will always prevail. God created each and every single one of us in his image, and there are only two sexes. That is the exact message I was going to take to University of Washington tomorrow. I will be back. Not just at UW, but to many campuses across the country. Because once conversations stop, that is when the violence begins." TOP NEW YORK HOSPITAL TO END TRANSGENDER PROGRAM FOR MINORS In a Wednesday post, UW Divest News celebrated Cole’s cancellation, writing, "Turning Point USA bends to student power by cancelling their event with a transphobic agitator tomorrow. Join us tomorrow at 6 p.m. outside of Kane Hall to celebrate this win and make sure they know not to return." In a statement to Fox News Digital, Andrew Kolvet, TPUSA spokesperson, said, "We’re incredibly proud of our student leaders, the local chapter, and Chloe, all of whom did everything in their power to push forward with the event, and when it became clear they could not do so safely, committed immediately to rescheduling." Kolvet added, "There’s been a lot of debate in the media about whether political violence is in fact a 'both sides' issue, and yet TPUSA continues to face violence and threats of violence from the radical left when we attempt to peacefully assemble and debate ideas. Words are not violence. The truth is not violence. Violence is violence, and right now the vast majority of it in this country is coming from a militant cadre of Antifa, Transtifa, and Pro-Palestine aligned groups who have completely abandoned the American ideals of open debate and dialogue and have turned instead to violent extremism." In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for the University of Washington said that "the national TPUSA organization made the decision to cancel the event that was scheduled for today. You would have to ask them why they made that decision." The spokesperson added that, "UW develops security plans for permitted events on a case-by-case basis, including the TPUSA event featuring Nick Freitas just last week that was held without incident or interruption, and was planning accordingly for the event that had been scheduled for today." Fox News Digital reached out to UW Divest News for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a9efa200899a00eae9fe Senate Democrats finally crack GOP unity on Trump's Iran war as Murkowski flips te 2026-05-13T16:42:23.630Z Senate Democrats finally crack GOP unity on Trump's Iran war as Murkowski flips Republicans’ support for President Donald Trump's war on Iran fractured on Wednesday.  Senate Democrats have tried to splinter off Republicans from their near-unified backing of Operation Epic Fury for months with a campaign of attrition, putting war powers resolution after war powers resolution on the floor ever since fighting began.  And after two months of trying, they finally got some in the GOP to flip on Trump with Sen. Jeff Merkley's, D-Ore., latest attempt. Still, it wasn’t enough to terminate ongoing operations in the Middle East.  GOP HOLDS WITH TRUMP ON IRAN WAR, BUT CRACKS EMERGE AS DEADLINE NEARS  Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, and Rand Paul, R-Ky., who has consistently voted to handcuff Trump’s war powers, all joined Democrats to end Operation Epic Fury. It comes after Congress blew past the 60-day deadline to weigh in on fighting in the region, and hours after Trump touched down in China.  Top Trump administration officials, including Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, argued that the 60-day deadline was moot because fighting was paused under a ceasefire.  However, Trump, after rejecting the latest proposal from Iran, said on Tuesday that the fragile truce is on "life support." CONGRESS IGNORES KEY DEADLINE AS REPUBLICANS READY 'RESTRAINT' ON TRUMP'S WAR IN IRAN "I would call it the weakest, right now, after reading that piece of garbage they sent us — I didn't even finish reading it," Trump told reporters.  "I would say the ceasefire is on massive life support, where the doctor walks in and says, 'Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1% chance of living,'" he said. Whether Trump’s trip overseas and the deadline now in the rear-view mirror would have an impact on Wednesday remained an open question heading into the vote. SENATE GOP MOVES TO BLOCK DEMS' WAR POWERS PUSH, PRESERVE TRUMP'S AUTHORITY IN RARE MOVE Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., noted that Trump’s trip to China would likely have national security implications, and said that it "would be best if everybody hung together and supported the president."  "People have their own minds about some of these issues, and this is not a new vote, it's one we've had many times before, but you know, we'll see what votes are," Thune said.  Congress has the option of voting on an Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF) that would either authorize or halt any further fighting in Iran. Some Republicans argue that the move would give Trump a strong legal tool in making the case for the war. Murkowski warned earlier this month that unless there were signs that a peace deal was nearing completion or further communication from the administration on their objectives, she would bring an AUMF to the floor.  During a hearing with Hegseth on Tuesday to pick through the president’s staggering, $1.5 trillion budget request for the Pentagon, Murkowski asked Hegseth if he believed it would "be helpful to the president if it was made clear that, in fact, the Congress did allow, did provide an AUMF" should fighting restart.  "I think the president — our view is that he has all the authorities he needs under Article II to execute," Hegseth said. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who started the war powers effort, contended that if an AUMF were put on the floor, and it passed, it would make an "illegal and unwise war, just an unwise war, not an illegal one." "But I see almost no circumstance in which Republicans would want to have a vote on that in committee or on the floor," Kaine told Fox News Digital. "They are actively trying to avoid accountability for the war." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a9dca200899a00eae9f5 Facial recognition jails innocent grandmother, attorney says te 2026-05-13T16:42:04.001Z Facial recognition jails innocent grandmother, attorney says Angela Lipps says she had never been to North Dakota. She says she had never even been on an airplane. That didn't stop the U.S. marshals from showing up at her home in Tennessee and arresting her. Lipps, a 50-year-old grandmother of five from Elizabethton, Tennessee, was taken into custody in July 2025 in connection with a bank fraud case more than 1,000 miles away in Fargo, North Dakota. She was not released until around Christmas Eve, meaning she spent more than five months in custody before the case was dismissed. Investigators had used facial recognition software to compare surveillance images from the bank fraud case with photos of Lipps from her driver's license and social media. The result, according to her defense attorney, was a case that never should have gone this far.   Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report HOW SURVEILLANCE TECH LED POLICE TO ACCUSE THE WRONG PERSON The case began with bank fraud reports in Fargo and nearby West Fargo. Police were looking for a suspect who allegedly used a false military ID to take money from accounts. Detectives reviewed surveillance footage and used facial recognition technology to search for a possible match. Then-Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski has described the tool as "an AI function through the North Dakota State Intelligence Center." Jay Greenwood, the Fargo defense attorney appointed to represent Lipps, joined our "CyberGuy Report" podcast at CyberGuyPodcast.com to explain how a facial recognition lead helped set the case in motion. His warning was simple: police can use facial recognition as a tool, but they still need to verify what the technology claims. Greenwood said the images used in the case were not exactly crystal clear. "They had security footage of some terribly placed security cameras from above," Greenwood said. "And they had a couple of still images, poor still images from these cameras that they sent to a company to do facial recognition." That search pointed investigators to Lipps. Greenwood said detectives then looked at her social media pages and moved forward with the case. "They did not do any other investigation prior to her arrest in bringing her to North Dakota," Greenwood said. Police then sought an arrest warrant. Lipps was arrested in Carter County, Tennessee, and held as a fugitive from justice. Lipps says U.S. marshals arrested her at gunpoint while she was babysitting young children. She was taken to a local jail in Elizabethton, Tennessee, while she waited to be extradited to North Dakota. Greenwood said Lipps told authorities from the beginning that she had never been to North Dakota. "She told them I'd never been to North Dakota. I've never been on an airplane," Greenwood said. "She really doesn't leave the 100 to 200 mile radius of Elizabethton ever." Still, Lipps remained in jail for months. Fargo Police Chief Travis Stefonowicz told CyberGuy that the department's review found Lipps was arrested in Tennessee on July 14, 2025, and held on a probation violation. "Tennessee authorities notified the Cass County Sheriff's Office on October 20, 2025, that Ms. Lipps had a waiver of extradition to North Dakota and was available for transport to the Cass County Jail," Stefonowicz said. Stefonowicz said Fargo Police could not determine from available information why Lipps remained in Tennessee custody for as long as she did before being transported to North Dakota. "We have been unable to determine based on available information if the length of time Ms. Lipps was in jail in Tennessee before being transported to North Dakota was due to serving time for a probation violation or if it was because she fought extradition," Stefonowicz said. Greenwood said she fought extradition and waited in Tennessee before she was taken to North Dakota around Halloween. "Gave her her first ever plane ticket, ever plane ride," Greenwood said. "And she spent it in custody, flying to North Dakota." A woman who says she had never flown before got her first plane ride in custody, headed to fight charges in a state she says she had never visited. Stefonowicz was appointed interim chief on March 30 after former Chief Dave Zibolski retired on March 27. Fargo Police said Zibolski's retirement was family-related and unrelated to this case. Stefonowicz was officially selected as Fargo's next police chief during the Fargo City Commission meeting on May 11. In a statement to CyberGuy, Stefonowicz said the arrest warrant reflected that prosecutors and a judge had found probable cause. "The Fargo Police Department takes the civil rights and due process of all individuals involved in our investigations very seriously. Regarding the case of Ms. Lipps, the issuance of an arrest warrant indicated that the Cass County State's Attorney and a judge determined probable cause existed for the charges," Stefonowicz said. He said the charges were dismissed without prejudice, meaning they could be refiled if additional investigation supports doing so. "This remains an ongoing investigation, and we are still working to verify and corroborate information to determine, definitively, who was and was not involved in this home equity loan bank fraud scheme," Stefonowicz said. Fargo Police also clarified that the department does not own facial recognition technology or contract directly with vendors that provide it. "However, there are state and national law enforcement intelligence centers that incorporate facial recognition technology and are used by agencies across the country, including in our state," Stefonowicz said. "On occasion, FPD investigators may submit inquiries to those intelligence centers, in order to help generate leads through facial recognition for potential suspects or persons of interest in local investigations." That response adds an important caveat. Lipps' defense says she was wrongly accused and later cleared by basic records. Fargo Police says the case remains open and investigators are still trying to determine who was involved. Fargo Police also clarified that the department does not own facial recognition technology or contract directly with vendors that provide it. "However, there are state and national law enforcement intelligence centers that incorporate facial recognition technology and are used by agencies across the country, including in our state," Stefonowicz said. "On occasion, FPD investigators may submit inquiries to those intelligence centers, in order to help generate leads through facial recognition for potential suspects or persons of interest in local investigations." That distinction matters. Fargo Police says it does not run facial recognition in-house, but investigators may still use outside intelligence centers to generate leads. That puts the focus back on what guardrails exist before those leads support an arrest.  AMAZON ADDS CONTROVERSIAL AI FACIAL RECOGNITION TO RING Once Greenwood got involved, he started looking for proof of where Lipps had been during the alleged bank fraud. The answer came from everyday records. Her family sent bank records showing activity near her home in Tennessee during the same period Fargo authorities claimed she was in North Dakota. The records showed her depositing Social Security checks and making local purchases. "She was in Elizabethton and the surrounding communities depositing her Social Security checks," Greenwood said. "Buying Ubers, cigarettes, gas, all that stuff." Greenwood said he forwarded the records to the state's attorney. After a police interview, the case was dismissed. Lipps was released on Christmas Eve. Fargo Police gave CyberGuy a more detailed timeline. Stefonowicz said Lipps made her first court appearance in North Dakota on Oct. 31, 2025, but the detective assigned to the case did not learn she was in custody in North Dakota until Dec. 5. "Because she had legal representation, attorney consent was required before our detectives could interview her," Stefonowicz said. "An interview was first granted by Ms. Lipps's defense attorney on December 19, 2025." After that interview, Stefonowicz said Fargo Police determined that further investigation was needed. "On December 23, 2025, the FPD detective, the Cass County State's Attorney and the presiding judge mutually agreed to dismiss the charges without prejudice to allow for additional investigation," Stefonowicz said. "Ms. Lipps was subsequently released from the Cass County Jail on December 24, 2025." By then, she says the damage was already done. She says she lost her home, her car, her reputation and her dog while she was locked up. Fargo Police said it conducted a comprehensive internal review after the case. Stefonowicz said former Chief Dave Zibolski addressed the investigation at a March 24 news conference. "With respect to this case, we have conducted a comprehensive internal review," Stefonowicz said. "During a news conference on March 24, former Chief of Police Dave Zibolski addressed areas where our initial investigation could have been more complete and emphasized that further work is required to fully understand who was and was not involved in this scheme." Fargo Police has since adopted a formal facial recognition technology policy. Stefonowicz said the department did not previously have a standalone policy because Fargo Police does not conduct facial recognition analysis, provide that service to other agencies or maintain in-house facial recognition technology. "We have since adopted a formal policy for facial recognition technology (FRT) use for our agency," Stefonowicz said. He said the case prompted Fargo Police leadership to revisit that approach. "This case has prompted FPD leadership to re-evaluate that approach related to having a specific FRT policy," Stefonowicz said. "FPD Policy 610, which formally establishes parameters and expectations for the use of FRT, was published as of Wednesday, March 25." That policy change matters because it shows the case prompted Fargo Police to formalize how investigators may use facial recognition leads, even when the department does not run the technology itself. Facial recognition can help generate leads. However, critics warn that it can also produce false matches, especially when image quality is poor or the system compares faces against massive databases. Some systems pull from public photos online, including social media images and other public-facing photos. That means many people may appear in search databases without realizing it. Greenwood said police need to treat the technology as one investigative tool, not a shortcut around basic detective work. "I've told numerous people, like, it's a tool," Greenwood said. "It should be one of the tools that law enforcement can use." Then he explained what needs to happen next. "They've got to learn to use the other tools to verify what they're being told by this machine," Greenwood said. That is the key issue. A facial recognition hit should push investigators to ask more questions. It should never end the conversation. Angela Lipps is not the first person to say facial recognition helped put them in handcuffs. Other cases have involved people wrongfully arrested after software produced a mistaken match. Civil liberties groups have also warned that facial recognition systems can perform worse on some groups, including darker-skinned men and women.  That raises a serious question for every police department using this technology. What safeguards exist before a person gets arrested? A bad match on a screen can turn into a search warrant and jail time. For Lipps, that risk became painfully real. 9 ONLINE PRIVACY RISKS YOU PROBABLY DON’T KNOW ABOUT  Most people will never face anything like this. Still, the Lipps case shows how your digital footprint can follow you in ways you may never expect. If law enforcement contacts you about something you did not do, do not try to talk your way out of it. Stay calm and ask for an attorney. Even innocent people can say something that gets misunderstood. Bank transactions, receipts, phone location records, work schedules and medical appointments can help establish where you were on a certain date. You do not need to track every moment of your life. However, basic digital records can help if a serious mistake ever happens. Check what photos you post publicly. Also, look at tagged photos from friends and family. Your face can appear online even when you did not post the picture yourself. Data broker sites collect and sell personal details. A data removal service can help remove your information from these databases. You can also do it manually, but it takes time, and the information can reappear. 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. Your city or state may already use facial recognition tools. Ask what rules police must follow before they use an AI match in a criminal case. At a minimum, departments should require independent evidence before an arrest. AI can help investigators move faster, but speed creates risk when people skip basic steps. Police still need records, timelines and common sense. Facial recognition can make mistakes. It can misread poor images. It can point to the wrong person. And when that happens, the consequences do not stay on a screen. They show up at someone's front door. This case should make every police department pause. Facial recognition may help find leads, but it should never be enough to upend someone's life. Angela Lipps says she lost months behind bars for a crime she did not commit in a state she had never visited. Her attorney says basic records later helped prove she was in Tennessee. That should have happened before spending months in jail. Greenwood summed up the case this way: "Ridiculous case never should have happened." Technology can help police solve crimes. But when a computer match replaces real detective work, innocent people can pay the price. For the full conversation with Angela Lipps' defense attorney and more on how this case unfolded, listen to the "CyberGuy Report" podcast at CyberGuyPodcast.com. If a facial recognition match can help send a grandmother to jail, what guardrails should every police department be forced to follow before someone loses their freedom? 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/6a04a9c8a200899a00eae9ec Gavin Newsom accused of 'infantilizing' parents with diaper program in scathing Washington Post editorial te 2026-05-13T16:41:44.206Z Gavin Newsom accused of 'infantilizing' parents with diaper program in scathing Washington Post editorial California Gov. Gavin Newsom faced criticism from The Washington Post editorial board Tuesday, which accused him of "infantilizing" parents with a new taxpayer-funded diaper program for newborns, the latest example, it said, of a growing "nanny state" under his leadership. "Newsom, preparing a 2028 presidential bid, seems determined to build a cradle-to-grave social welfare state," the board wrote, critiquing the move as part of a broader effort to deliver "free" services throughout much of childhood. The program, a partnership with the Los Angeles-based nonprofit Baby2Baby, will dole out 400 free diapers to new parents upon discharge from the hospital and is aimed at lowering the cost burden amid inflation. NEWSOM'S 'GOLDEN STATE START' PROMISES 400 FREE DIAPERS PER BABY AS CALIFORNIA GRAPPLES WITH BUDGET WOES The Washington Post editorial board cited the premise of "free" school meals, "free" preschool and the expansion of "free" after-school programs as evidence of the trend. "Yet none of this is actually free for California taxpayers," the board chided, arguing that the state's latest budget is $349 billion — which is over $140 billion more than the $208.9 billion Newsom first signed in 2019. WILLIAM BENNETT: CALIFORNIA'S WELFARE STATE IS A FRAUD MACHINE. IT COULD MAKE ALL AMERICANS INTO VICTIMS In a statement touting the program, Newsom noted how much it costs to raise a family. "California is taking on the cost of raising a family head-on — delivering free school meals, making preschool free for every four-year-old, expanding after-school programs, and now making sure parents leave the hospital with the basics their newborn needs," Newsom said. "Every baby born in California deserves a healthy start in life – and that means making sure parents have the basics they need from day one," the governor said. CALIFORNIA GIRLS' TRACK AND FIELD STARS SPEAK OUT AS GAVIN NEWSOM'S TITLE IX CRISIS GROWS Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's press office for comment regarding the article from The Washington Post's editorial board, but did not immediately hear back. The Washington Post's criticism cut deeper into other crises afflicting the Golden State, calling out chronic homelessness and "abysmal schools" while insisting that neither has improved "meaningfully" despite "throwing huge sums [of money] at them." "If there really is a diaper crisis in California, there’s no guarantee that a government program would solve it. Well-meaning philanthropists would, no doubt, be more effective," the board added, pointing to other regulatory measures, like a ban on plastic bags and mandates for zero-emissions cars by 2035, that have allegedly increased costs for most Californians. After listing grievances with rising living costs — and the culprits allegedly driving them — the board noted that "The best way for Sacramento to help new parents is to get out of their way." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a9b1a200899a00eae9bb Senate Again Rejects Bid to End Iran War, but G.O.P. Opposition Grows te 2026-05-13T16:41:21.773Z Senate Again Rejects Bid to End Iran War, but G.O.P. Opposition Grows Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska became the latest Republican to switch her vote to halt the conflict and require President Trump to win congressional approval to continue it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a99ca200899a00eae9a0 Who trusts Sam Altman? te 2026-05-13T16:41:00.798Z Who trusts Sam Altman? "I believe I am an honest and trustworthy business person," Altman testified in federal court. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a989a200899a00eae997 Rivian spinoff Mind Robotics raises another $400M te 2026-05-13T16:40:41.230Z Rivian spinoff Mind Robotics raises another $400M Mind Robotics, which was first revealed in late 2025, has now raised more than $1 billion to date. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a974a200899a00eae98c Tucson Summer Reading Club for grown-ups returns for year 2 te 2026-05-13T16:40:20.847Z Tucson Summer Reading Club for grown-ups returns for year 2 Adults who grew up earning personal pan pizzas for reading books will be glad to know the tradition is back for another summer in Tucson. Tucson Spotlight and Tucson Tome Gnome are returning for a second year of their adult summer reading club, this time with Pima County Public Library joining as a partner. Starting June 1, readers can pick up a reading tracker and book bingo card at their local library branch. Prizes scale with how many books readers finish: a limited-edition sticker at five books, a sticker and bookmark at 10, and at 20 books, readers can earn a sticker, bookmark, magnet or button, a book or a pizza coupon redeemable at Coalition Space. Completing a bingo row earns a raffle entry. Three events are planned: a book swap and kickoff at Coalition Space on June 7, a mid-summer book swap and market at Di Luna Candles on July 11, and an end-of-summer party at Coalition Space on Aug. 16, where prizes will be distributed. "We started this because adults deserve a summer reading program too," said Caitlin Schmidt, editor and publisher of Tucson Spotlight. "Having the library come on board this year means we can reach so many more readers across the county." Reading lists are available at library.pima.gov/SummerBooklists. End-of-summer prizes will be distributed at the end-of-summer party and individual branch parties on Aug. 16. Tucson Spotlight is a community-based newsroom that provides paid opportunities for students and rising journalists in Southern Arizona. Please support our work with a paid subscription. Upgrade my subscription Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a778a200899a00eae94c Years-long construction project at I-10 interchange about to begin te 2026-05-13T16:31:52.266Z Years-long construction project at I-10 interchange about to begin The interchange improvements at I-10 and the Loop 101 are scheduled to begin this weekend and will involve some freeway closures. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a74ea200899a00eae939 River Cities United Way fundraiser aims to curb Havasu food insecurity te 2026-05-13T16:31:10.207Z River Cities United Way fundraiser aims to curb Havasu food insecurity River Cities United Way is inviting residents to London Bridge Beach on Friday, May 15, for Slider Safari, a community fundraiser with a goal of raising $20,000. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a73aa200899a00eae930 Meadview man shot after reportedly shooting at Mohave County Sheriff's deputies te 2026-05-13T16:30:50.401Z Meadview man shot after reportedly shooting at Mohave County Sheriff's deputies MEADVIEW — A man is being treated in a Las Vegas hospital after being shot after reportedly shooting at a Mohave County Sheriff's deputy. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a71ea200899a00eae8c5 Origin Lab raises $8M to help video game companies sell data to world-model builders te 2026-05-13T16:30:22.811Z Origin Lab raises $8M to help video game companies sell data to world-model builders Origin Lab will serve as a marketplace where AI labs can buy high-quality licensed data, and video-game companies can sell it. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a2ada200899a00eae7cf Mets get unlikely assist from umpire collision as Tigers baserunner is thrown out at home plate in key moment te 2026-05-13T16:11:25.661Z Mets get unlikely assist from umpire collision as Tigers baserunner is thrown out at home plate in key moment The New York Mets' offseason priority for this year was run prevention, and with a little help from an umpire, that's exactly what they got. Just about everything has gone badly for the Mets this season, as they boast one of the league's worst records at 16-25 despite their league-high $334.8 million payroll. But finally, something broke their way. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM The Mets led the Detroit Tigers, 3-2, in the top of the fifth inning when Detroit's Riley Greene singled into right field, and Colt Keith headed to third. Keith was safe, beating the throw that got away from third base, so Keith took a gamble and started sprinting toward home. EX-MLB PITCHER ACCUSED OF 'CONTROLLING BEHAVIOR' IN UGLY DIVORCE BATTLE AMID NUMEROUS 911 CALLS TO HOME However, when Keith started heading toward the plate, he crossed paths with third-base umpire Rob Drake. The two collided, and Drake fell right to the infield grass. That held Keith up for just a couple of seconds, and it was enough for Keith to be thrown out by pitcher Freddy Peralta at home, ending the inning and killing a rally the Tigers could have needed. The game wound up getting away from the Tigers later, as the Mets scored three runs in both the sixth and eighth innings, and the Mets' bullpen was able to hold Detroit scoreless for the rest of the game for a 10-2 New York win. The Mets are the owners of the league's longest losing streak of the season at 12 games, but they have now won six of their last 10 as they desperately try to turn things around. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a297a200899a00eae79e Trump and Xi: Beneath the Pomp and Niceties, a Geopolitical Rivalry te 2026-05-13T16:11:03.072Z Trump and Xi: Beneath the Pomp and Niceties, a Geopolitical Rivalry The relationship between the two leaders is marked just as much by mistrust and confrontation as it is by niceties. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a282a200899a00eae782 Anthropic courts a new kind of customer: small business owners te 2026-05-13T16:10:42.105Z Anthropic courts a new kind of customer: small business owners Anthropic is looking to broaden its customer base from larger enterprise customers to smaller and mid-sized businesses. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a26ca200899a00eae777 EcoFlight acerca a estudiantes a la minería en Arizona te 2026-05-13T16:10:20.263Z EcoFlight acerca a estudiantes a la minería en Arizona Leer en inglés En abril, un grupo de estudiantes universitarios y de posgrado obtuvo una perspectiva aérea de la región minera de cobre del sur de Arizona, al unirse a expertos locales a bordo de un recorrido aéreo por algunos de los terrenos mineros más controvertidos del estado. Los vuelos sobrevolaron las minas a cielo abierto del Complejo Minero de Green Valley, cerca de Sahuarita, así como la propuesta de expansión Copper World en las montañas de Santa Rita; paisajes que se sitúan en la intersección entre la economía minera del estado y las crecientes preocupaciones ambientales y de las comunidades tribales. Esta experiencia formó parte del programa anual "Flight Across America" de EcoFlight, el cual lleva a los estudiantes al terreno para estudiar el liderazgo indígena, la conservación y las complejidades ambientales que enfrenta el oeste estadounidense. EcoFlight es una organización sin fines de lucro dedicada a la aviación para la conservación, que utiliza aeronaves pequeñas para educar y abogar por la protección de las tierras silvestres y los hábitats de la vida silvestre en toda la región occidental. El programa "Flight Across America," que celebra ahora su vigésimo aniversario, fue concebido por el fundador y piloto jefe de EcoFlight, Bruce Gordon, junto con su colega piloto y cantante de música folk John Denver; quienes lo diseñaron originalmente con el fin de atraer la atención nacional hacia los temas de conservación mediante recorridos aéreos que culminaron en Washington, D.C., coincidiendo con el Día de la Tierra. El objetivo, según afirman los organizadores, es que los estudiantes regresen a casa no solo bien informados, sino también listos para actuar. EcoFlight trabaja con alrededor de 100 estudiantes al año, incluidos aquellos que participan en el programa "Flight Across America.” “El vuelo a través de Estados Unidos es... un viaje más intenso, dado que volamos durante varios días,”  comentó a El Foco Amanda Grimsted, de EcoFlight. “Tenemos muchos estudiantes de Colorado y muchos de Arizona en este grupo. Ahí es donde centramos nuestra labor de difusión este año; sin embargo, siempre nos gusta conformar un grupo diverso de personas que puedan vivir la experiencia y compartirla a su regreso. Intentamos llegar a distintas escuelas para, de este modo, no limitarnos a atender siempre a los mismos participantes.” El piloto Gary Kraft prepara un Cessna 210 para el despegue, previo al recorrido aéreo del Complejo Minero Green Valley y la propuesta de expansión Copper World en las montañas Santa Rita. Topacio "Topaz" Servellon / El Foco de Tucson. Además de trabajar con estudiantes, EcoFlight también colabora con grupos tribales y juveniles; el año pasado, se asoció con la organización Intertribal Environmental Professionals para involucrar a un mayor número de estudiantes nativos americanos. “El año pasado trabajamos con la Nación Blackfeet y también con la tribu india de Round Valley,” comentó Grimsted. “También trabajamos con los estudiantes y jóvenes que recorrieron el río Klamath una vez que este recuperó su flujo natural. Se retiraron las presas y ellos emprendieron un viaje de 300 millas, lo cual resulta sencillamente increíble. Tuvieron la oportunidad de recorrer el río en kayak y, posteriormente, los llevamos a sobrevolar junto con sus familiares para mostrarles la inmensidad del trayecto que acababan de completar.” Arizona es el principal estado productor de cobre de los Estados Unidos; sin embargo, esta industria ha traído consigo inquietudes de índole ambiental y cultural, según Mike Quigley, director estatal en Arizona de la organización The Wilderness Society. Antes de que se realizarán los vuelos, Quigley ofreció a los estudiantes una visión general de los desafíos de conservación que enfrenta la región. The Wilderness Society, fundada en 1935, centra su labor principalmente en tierras públicas de jurisdicción federal, incluyendo terrenos administrados por la Oficina de Administración de Tierras y el Servicio Forestal de los EE. UU.; no obstante, Quigley señaló que la organización también está colaborando con la ciudad y el condado de Tucson para establecer un nuevo refugio nacional de vida silvestre a lo largo del río Santa Cruz. En Arizona, afirmó, la mayor amenaza no proviene del petróleo ni del gas, sino del cobre. “Aquí, en el sur de Arizona, la minería es la actividad predominante,” explicó Quigley. “El aspecto más relevante es la extracción de minerales de roca dura, y muy especialmente, la del cobre.” Una de las prioridades actuales de la organización consiste en oponerse a una propuesta de expansión de la mina de cobre Silver Bell hacia el adyacente Monumento Nacional Ironwood Forest, zona en la que la empresa pretende depositar sus relaves mineros. Se trata de una contienda ya conocida, pues esta misma batalla se libró durante el primer mandato de la administración Trump. “Luchamos contra eso la última vez. Estamos luchando contra eso de nuevo ahora,”  dijo Quigley. “Probablemente sea una de las cosas a las que más esfuerzo estamos dedicando actualmente en Arizona.” Una vista aérea de la mina a cielo abierto en el Complejo Minero Green Valley, cerca de Sahuarita, una de las mayores operaciones cupríferas del sur de Arizona. Topacio “Topaz” Servellon / El Foco de Tucson. Quigley también guió a los estudiantes a través de los dos principales sistemas fluviales de la región. El río San Pedro, señaló, es el último río de flujo libre en el sur de Arizona y una ruta migratoria norte-sur crucial para las aves migratorias. El río Santa Cruz, por el contrario, se secó en algún momento entre las décadas de 1950 y 1970 debido al bombeo de aguas subterráneas y a las desviaciones de su cauce; sin embargo, actualmente está siendo restaurado mediante el uso de aguas residuales tratadas. “El río está volviendo a la vida, en cierto modo por sí solo, simplemente porque nosotros estamos vertiendo agua en su cauce,” comentó. También abordó el tema de la región de las Sky Islands, calificándola como un punto crítico de biodiversidad a nivel mundial, donde convergen especies tanto tropicales como templadas. “Es como si se desplazaran desde Canadá hasta México en términos biogeográficos, pero lo hacen verticalmente en lugar de latitudinalmente,”  explicó Quigley, señalando que, en el último año, se ha documentado la presencia de jaguares en las cadenas montañosas que los estudiantes sobrevolaron. Los estudiantes tuvieron la oportunidad de escuchar a varios miembros de la Nación Tohono O'odham, cuyo territorio que abarca 2,8 millones de acres comparte una frontera de 62 millas con México. Carla Johnson, vicepresidenta de la Nación Tohono O'odham, explicó a los estudiantes que su pueblo se ha opuesto sistemáticamente a las intromisiones federales, desde la construcción del muro fronterizo hasta la instalación de líneas de transmisión eléctrica; no obstante, describió la frustración que conlleva una labor de defensa y reivindicación que, con frecuencia, es ignorada. “Uno realiza todo ese trabajo, ejerce todo ese cabildeo, establece todos esos contactos... y, de repente, ve cómo esas iniciativas aparecen actualizadas en los sitios web del gobierno federal,” lamentó Johnson. “Resulta desgarrador saber que, a pesar de todo, terminarán haciendo exactamente lo que se les antoje.” También se unió al grupo Roger Featherstone, presidente de la Coalición para la Reforma Minera de Arizona, quien desde 2006 ha dedicado sus esfuerzos a detener lo que él califica como propuestas mineras inapropiadas en diversos puntos del estado. “No estamos en contra de la minería," dijo Featherstone. “Pero sí estamos en contra de la estupidez. Y la mayoría de las propuestas que estamos viendo son, sencillamente, estúpidas.”  Featherstone se unió a los estudiantes Kenzo Kimura y John Felix a bordo de un Cessna 210 para realizar un recorrido aéreo por el Complejo Minero de Green Valley y la propuesta de expansión Copper World, aportando su experiencia sobre el terreno respecto a la huella de la industria minera en el sur de Arizona. La actividad minera en Green Valley comenzó después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial. A medida que los yacimientos minerales se agotan, las minas modernas pueden operar con tan solo un 1 % de minerales, lo que resulta en un 99 % de residuos, señaló Featherstone. Roger Featherstone (a la derecha), presidente de la Coalición para la Reforma Minera de Arizona, viaja a bordo mientras el piloto Gary Kraft pilota el Cessna 210 sobre la región minera de cobre del sur de Arizona. Topaz Servellon / El Foco de Tucson. Estos residuos, conocidos como relaves, se muelen hasta alcanzar la consistencia del talco, se mezclan con agua y se almacenan en enormes pilas. Por cada 100 libras de mineral, por lo general solo se produce una libra de material acabado, señaló Featherstone. Los residentes de las cercanías de Green Valley han tenido que hacer frente a problemas como la contaminación del agua y el polvo tóxico proveniente de las pilas de relaves; este polvo puede ser tan corrosivo que, en ocasiones, las empresas mineras pagan a los residentes para que les realicen una limpieza y detallado profesional a sus automóviles. También se ha documentado la presencia de una pluma de sulfuros en las aguas subterráneas. "Como coalición, no nos hemos centrado demasiado en estos problemas," comentó Featherstone. "Nuestro mayor desafío es, básicamente, establecer prioridades y decidir en qué queremos trabajar dados nuestros limitados recursos." Señaló las presas de relaves, las cuales a menudo se construyen con el propio material de desecho  y advirtió que estas estructuras solo se mantienen estables cuando están secas. "La regla general es que, en algún momento, una presa de relaves terminará colapsando; no es una cuestión de qué ocurrirá, sino de cuándo,” afirmó Featherstone. "Si llegaran a colapsar, ello provocaría graves problemas. Algunas de las presas más grandes como la de la mina Pinto Valley alcanzan una altura de más de 1,000 pies. Si esa presa fallará, los relaves tóxicos terminarían en el lago Roosevelt, arrastrados por la corriente del arroyo Pinto Creek. En el caso del proyecto Resolution Copper, la presa de relaves tendría una altura de 490 pies; si esta fallara, los relaves tóxicos descenderían por el río Gila hasta llegar al mar de Cortés.” Freeport-McMoRan, la empresa que opera el Complejo Minero de Green Valley, no respondió a la solicitud de comentarios enviada por El Foco de Tucson. Mientras sobrevolaba el proyecto Copper World, Featherstone comentó que Hudbay la actual empresa operadora ya ha comenzado las labores de desmonte y nivelación del terreno con fines de exploración, lo cual ha alterado el paisaje en el flanco occidental de la cordillera. En un comunicado dirigido al Foco, Hudbay afirmó que Copper World es un proyecto en un emplazamiento preexistente (conocido como brownfield) que cuenta con todos los permisos necesarios y que ha sido diseñado conforme a los "más altos estándares de ingeniería y protección ambiental.” Asimismo, señaló que ha colaborado con observadores de las tribus locales para inspeccionar y salvaguardar los artefactos culturales antes de realizar cualquier intervención en el terreno. La compañía indicó que lleva a cabo sus operaciones bajo un sistema de monitoreo continuo de la calidad del aire y del agua, supervisado por el Departamento de Calidad Ambiental de Arizona, y que ha establecido una colaboración con un grupo de trabajo intergubernamental para gestionar el polvo generado por la vía pública que conduce a las instalaciones.  Hudbay también señaló que su primer permiso estatal fue un Plan de Recuperación de Terrenos Minados, aprobado por el Inspector Estatal de Minas de Arizona, el cual designa el uso del suelo posterior a la minería para actividades ganaderas y como hábitat para la vida silvestre, y exige a la empresa constituir una garantía financiera que cubra el costo total de la recuperación. La compañía indicó, asimismo, que lleva a cabo un proyecto voluntario de mitigación hídrica diseñado para reponer el 105 % del agua que extrae del acuífero. Una vista aérea más cercana de un estanque de relaves en el Complejo Minero Green Valley. Roger Featherstone, de la Coalición para la Reforma Minera de Arizona, advirtió que, en el caso de las presas de relaves, la cuestión no es si fallarán, sino cuándo. Topaz Servellon / El Foco de Tucson. Featherstone se mostró menos convencido. "El condado de Pima tuvo la oportunidad real de comprar la propiedad con fines de consulta, pero no lo hizo", afirmó. "Por débiles que sean las leyes federales, Arizona posee las regulaciones mineras estatales más laxas de todo Estados Unidos. Básicamente, el estado accede a todo lo que la mina desea.” La zona es ecológicamente única, hogar de especies en peligro de extinción, entre las que se incluyen el jaguar, una orquídea inusual y diversos insectos raros, señaló Featherstone. Estos sitios incluidos Oak Flat y Hermosa revisten una gran importancia para las tribus nativas americanas, ya que albergan yacimientos arqueológicos y antiguos campos de juego de pelota. Sumándose a estas inquietudes, Featherstone señala la cuestión del agua. Las minas, en esencia, "exportan agua," sostiene; esto se debe a que el cobre a menudo se vende en el extranjero en forma de concentrado, en lugar de ser procesado hasta su acabado final dentro del país, y a que las compañías mineras podrían, con el tiempo, solicitar subsidios al gobierno estadounidense para construir nuevas fundiciones de cobre. "La industria minera en Arizona está prácticamente exenta de las restricciones sobre las aguas subterráneas,” comentó Featherstone. "Estas empresas pueden extraer del subsuelo tanta agua como deseen, sin importar el impacto que ello tenga en la zona. Desde un punto de vista legal, realmente no es mucho lo que las comunidades pueden hacer.”  Kimura, estudiante de posgrado en la Universidad de Harvard, donde cursa estudios sobre salud global y humanitarismo, afirmó que la experiencia le resultó reveladora. "Mi campo de estudio se centra en la salud pública y la medicina, así que esto es, sin duda, algo muy diferente," comentó Kimura. "Por lo general, me encuentro a bordo de una balsa o de un bote; no surcando los cielos." Pachynne Ignacio, organizadora comunitaria de la agrupación Indivisible Tohono y recién graduada del Northwest Indian College con un título en ciencias ambientales nativas, figuraba entre los estudiantes que realizaron el vuelo con EcoFlight. Relató cómo creció a la sombra de las Sky Islands y cómo fue testigo de la manera en que el desarrollo de proyectos mineros y centros de datos ha ido invadiendo tierras sagradas. Mencionó, asimismo, que su madre había volado con EcoFlight la semana anterior. "Me contó que el inmenso contraste entre la exuberante vegetación de los parajes vírgenes y la visión de esas minas le resultó devastador, hasta el punto de hacerla llorar," relató Ignacio. "Y mi madre no suele llorar." Caitlin Schmidt es editora y publicadora de Tucson Spotlight y El Foco de Tucson. Comuníquese con ella en caitlin@tucsonspotlight.org. Esta nota fue traducida por los pasantes de la preparatoria San Miguel y editada por Diana Ramos, exalumna de la Universidad de Arizona, Directora de Iniciativas Bilingües y reportera del Foco de Tucson. Contáctala en diana@tucsonspotlight.org. 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/6a04a032a200899a00eae74f Arizona Guard nominee pressed on Mark Kelly munitions comments te 2026-05-13T16:00:50.406Z Arizona Guard nominee pressed on Mark Kelly munitions comments PHOENIX -- A high profile fight in Washington over comments by Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly about dwindling stockpiles of munitions spilled over Monday into efforts by Republicans to derail the nomination by Gov. Katie Hobbs of who she wants to… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04a018a200899a00eae6f5 House Backers Reach Threshold to Force Vote on $1.3 Billion in Ukraine Aid te 2026-05-13T16:00:24.641Z House Backers Reach Threshold to Force Vote on $1.3 Billion in Ukraine Aid Representative Kevin Kiley, independent of California, became the 218th signature on a petition to force action on an aid bill to Ukraine. The vote could come as soon as the end of May. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049dfca200899a00eae677 Dem ripped for ‘disgusting’ absence on bill to punish violent criminals after girl strangled in grisly killing te 2026-05-13T15:51:24.364Z Dem ripped for ‘disgusting’ absence on bill to punish violent criminals after girl strangled in grisly killing FIRST ON FOX: Democratic U.S. Senate candidate James Talarico is being ripped by critics accusing him of making a "disgusting" decision to be absent during a vote on a Texas bill to automatically deny bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent felonies after a local preteen was strangled to death. As a member of the Texas House of Representatives in 2025, Talarico was absent during the final voting on a bill dubbed by state lawmakers "Jocelyn’s Law," in honor of slain Houston preteen Jocelyn Nungaray. The measure, which would have added a Texas constitutional amendment to deny bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent felonies, ended up failing due to lack of bipartisan support.  Before being absent for the final vote, Talarico voted against killing two amendments to the bill that would have exempted immigrants present in the country on humanitarian parole, an order of supervision, a pending green card application, trafficking or Violence Against Women Act victim protections, visa extension applications, deferred action or Temporary Protected Status.  He is now taking flak over his absence as he runs for U.S. Senate in one of the states most impacted by illegal immigrant crime. Nungaray, 12, was sexually assaulted and killed, allegedly by two Venezuelan illegal immigrants, in a Houston neighborhood in June 2024. Zach Kraft, a spokesperson for the Republican National Committee, slammed Talarico for what he said amounts to helping to kill the bill, saying, "It is disgusting that James Talarico is letting his anti-American agenda show by siding with a violent illegal over a Texas family." DA TO SEEK DEATH PENALTY AGAINST ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS ACCUSED IN NUNGARAY MURDER CASE Kraft told Fox News Digital that Talarico’s alleged opposition to the bill has "once again … proven his priority is criminals, not the safety of Texans." JT Ennis, a spokesperson for Talarico’s campaign, pushed back on this, telling Fox News Digital that "James is a law and order Democrat who supports prosecuting violent felons, and has a proven track record voting for tighter bail laws for violent offenders and voting repeatedly to increase funding for Texas police." Ennis added that "while [incumbent Sen.] John Cornyn, [challenger Texas Attorney General] Ken Paxton, and the billionaires who prop them up lie about James’ record, he will continue standing up against both political parties to fix this broken, corrupt political system." Texas bore much of the brunt of the border crisis during the Biden administration. Prosecutors say Nungaray was abducted, sexually assaulted and strangled. Her body was later found in a creek drainage area. Two men, Johan Jose Martinez-Rangel and Franklin Jose Peña Ramos, both Venezuelan nationals illegally present in the U.S., have been charged with capital murder in the case. JAMES TALARICO IS NEWEST TEXAS DEMOCRAT MEDIA DARLING, BUT DREAMS OF STATE 'GOING BLUE' HAVE LONG BEEN DASHED Before Nungaray’s killing, the men were encountered by U.S. Border Patrol near El Paso, Texas, in early 2024. However, they were released on their own recognizance under the Biden administration into the U.S. The murder happened just months after their illegal entry. According to data gathered by the House Homeland Security Committee toward the end of the Biden administration, there were more than 10.8 million border encounters and roughly two million known gotaways under former President Joe Biden. Against this backdrop, Talarico has been criticized as soft on crime and pro-defund the police, the latter of which he has denied as a "flat-out lie." During his time in the Texas House, he has also voted against the Damon Allen Act, a bill that restricted bail for certain offenders named in honor of Texas state trooper Damon Allen, who was killed by a career criminal out on bail. In 2021, he also voted against a proposed constitutional amendment that would deny bail for anyone accused of violent sexual offenses or trafficking. GOV ABBOTT EXTENDS OFF-RAMP FOR NY BILLIONAIRES FLEEING MAMDANI'S POLICIES On the immigration issue, Talarico has taken heat for saying in 2019 that "undocumented Americans" are "also my constituents." In a graphic put out by United We Dream, an activist group that supports abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Talarico encouraged people not to open their doors to federal immigration agents. He instructed people not to sign any documentation without an attorney and to "fight back." Fox News Digital's Leo Briceno and Alexandra Koch contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049de8a200899a00eae66e All-time talent, zero titles: The most underachieving franchises in North American sports te 2026-05-13T15:51:04.576Z All-time talent, zero titles: The most underachieving franchises in North American sports When you think of the greatest sports franchises in North American sports history, I'm sure several different teams come to mind. The New York Yankees and their 27 World Series titles have been the blueprint for every modern MLB franchise to follow. If you're a football guy, organizations like the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots are some of the most historically dominant and consistently great in NFL history. Unfortunately, those aren't the teams I wanted to talk about today. SHOULD YOU WATERBOARD YOURSELF IF YOUR TEAM FALLS DOWN 3-1 IN THE PLAYOFFS? That's right, folks, we are looking at some of the biggest losers in North American sports, but with a twist. It would be easy to just say franchises like the Cleveland Browns or the Sacramento Kings suck and call it a day, but where is the fun in that? I wanted to identify the biggest underachiever in each of the four major North American sports leagues (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA). ANGELS SEEM COMPLETELY UNAWARE THEY ARE THE WORST TEAM IN MLB: 'OUR BEST BASEBALL IS AHEAD OF US' To me, an underachiever in this sense would be franchises who have seen a ton of talent through multiple eras come through their doors while never winning anything of significance. Let's dive right in and piss off some fanbases, shall we? The NBA has plenty of franchises that have won next to nothing during their existence, but few have underachieved quite as spectacularly as the Phoenix Suns. SUNS' KEVIN DURANT ISSUES 8-WORD POST AFTER SHOCKING NBA DRAFT LOTTERY RESULTS For all you youngsters out there, you're probably well aware that this team wasn't able to get over the championship hump with future Hall of Famers like Kevin Durant, Chris Paul, and Devin Booker, as well as All-Stars like Bradley Beal among their ranks, but even in the '80s, '90s and 2000s, the Suns were massive underachievers. Everyone is aware of Hall of Famers like Steve Nash and Charles Barkley donning Suns jerseys for multiple seasons, but there were also several other HoFers littering the roster throughout the last several decades including Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, Dennis Johnson and Paul Westphal, just to name a few. Guys like Amar'e Stoudemire, Dan Majerle, Danny Ainge and even Shaq spent some time in the Valley of the Sun. With names like those, you would think Phoenix would have been able to capture at least one Larry O'Brien trophy in the last four decades, but fate had different plans in mind. NBA LOTTERY CHAOS: WASHINGTON WIZARDS STRIKE GOLD, PACERS PAY FOR TANKING GAMBLE NIGHTMARE They got close a couple of times, namely 1993 and 2021, but both times they were thwarted by the Bulls and Bucks, respectively. I'm not sure if their arena is built on a American Indian burial ground, but I can't think of any other explanation for their bad luck. Buffalo came close to having both of their pro sports franchises make this list, but there is another, more notorious underachiever in the NFL, so the fine folks of Erie County will have to settle for just the Sabres being included. FROM 4 STRAIGHT SUPER BOWL LOSSES TO JOSH ALLEN'S PATRICK MAHOMES PROBLEM, BILLS MIGHT BE CURSED This particular race to fill the NHL's spot on the list was a tight one between the Sabres and the Vancouver Canucks, but I gave the edge to the Sabres because I can't think of any franchise in both recent and historical times to have this many players come through their ranks without ever hoisting a Stanley Cup. The Sabres have practically been a feeder team lately for modern Cup winners, jettisoning top draft picks Jack Eichel and Sam Reinhardt to Vegas and Florida, respectively. Eichel led the NHL in points during the playoffs when Vegas won its Cup in 2023 and is fresh off a 94-point season in 2025, while Reinhardt scored the game-winning goal in the Panthers' 2024 game seven thriller over Edmonton to secure the franchise's first Stanley Cup, then followed that up with a four-goal performance in their Cup clincher last season. BRUINS' NIKITA ZADOROV REVEALS HE PLAYED MOST OF THE FIRST ROUND WITH A WILD INJURY And that's just in the past three years! Think about some of the absurd talent that has walked through the doors of the KeyBank Center, including Pat LaFontaine, Gilbert Perreault and Chris Drury, just to name a few. They also could make the case for having one of the best all-time goalie rosters, with both Ryan Miller and Dominik Hasek calling Buffalo home at one time or another. Time will tell if the Sabres can break their drought, but the fact that they not only haven't won a Cup, but have directly contributed to other teams hanging banners is the extra twist of the knife needed to make this dubious list. You could make the argument that the entire state of Minnesota belongs on this list, as no fanbase has experienced heartache quite like those in the Land of Ten Thousand Lakes, but the Vikings are definitely the leaders in the clubhouse when it comes to underachieving. Where do I even begin? Any team that has not one, but two Hall of Fame wide receivers on the same roster at the same time (Randy Moss and Cris Carter), and fails to win a Super Bowl is already a candidate for this list, but it doesn't stop there. COWBOYS LEGEND DIGS DEEP INTO THE TEAM'S MISSING 'FIBER' THAT'S RESULTED IN SUPER BOWL DROUGHT That infamous 1998 team alone had Moss and Carter along with guard Randall McDaniel and defensive tackle John Randle as their four Hall of Fame representatives, and you could make the argument Randall Cunningham is a fringe Hall of Fame candidate (Geez, there were a lot of Randalls on this team). Other Hall of Famers to don the purple and gold include Fran Tarkenton, Alan Page, Steve Hutchinson and Jared Allen, and guys like Adrian Peterson and Harrison Smith will surely be in the Hall when they are eligible. The Vikings have one of the most talented all-time rosters in the NFL, and certainly match up favorably with other franchises that have multiple Super Bowls to their names, so it's a complete mystery why Minnesota was never able to get it done other than the Twin Cities being cursed to an eternity of bridesmaid status. When I got the idea to do this list, I did so with the Seattle Mariners in mind. Before I could even do a second of research, I knew the Mariners would be the MLB representative, and it's not even close. Four of the greatest players of all-time at their respective positions once called the Pacific Northwest home, those being Ken Griffey Jr. (center field), Ichiro (left field), Alex Rodriguez (shortstop) and Randy Johnson (pitcher). CAL RALEIGH GOES HITLESS IN 36 STRAIGHT AT-BATS AS NEAR-MVP CATCHER'S STUNNING COLLAPSE CONTINUES What's even crazier is that Griffey, A-Rod and Johnson all played together on the same team for a few seasons in the mid-to-late '90s, and they even had a fourth Hall of Famer, Edgar Martinez, on the roster to boot. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! The fact that the Mariners never won a World Series in the 90s is a crime, though you could chalk it up to the Yankees becoming the dominant super power in baseball during that time. Still, the Mariners had other Hall of Fame caliber talents in the 2000s and 2010s like the aforementioned Ichiro, Felix Hernandez, Adrian Beltre and Robinson Cano, and still couldn't even sniff an AL pennant, let alone a World Series. Several, far less talented organizations were able to hang World Series banners in that time frame, including my beloved Florida Marlins, which just feels like the baseball gods laughing in the face of Mariners fans. When discussing underachievers, the Seattle Mariners have to be one of the poster children, and it's safe to say they have more than "earned" their spot on this list. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049dd4a200899a00eae665 Seth Lugo's dominant career numbers against the White Sox make Royals a strong bet to avoid sweep te 2026-05-13T15:50:44.994Z Seth Lugo's dominant career numbers against the White Sox make Royals a strong bet to avoid sweep Last year was my worst year of baseball plays for OutKick. It wasn't terrible by any stretch, but I never really found a footing, and I never went on a hot streak. I feel like I'm in the middle of a hot stretch or maybe at the start of one as I've hit five non-player prop plays in a row, and seven of my last eight plays. Baseball is typically my most profitable sport, so I hope we get our bankroll loaded this year. The Kansas City Royals have been a bit of a disappointment this season. They are just 19-23 for the year and have lost twice as many road games as they've won, a 6-13 mark. Overall, the team seems to be struggling to score. They are 22nd in the league in runs scored, averaging 4.1 runs per game. It isn't terrible by any stretch. Their batting average isn't terrible; they are ranked 15th in the league, which is right in the middle. Their pitching hasn't been great, but one guy who has been fairly reliable is Seth Lugo. If you've read my posts in the past, you know I've made a ton of money on Lugo starts. He is 1-2 for the season with a 3.21 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. He has made eight starts this season, and two of them were poor. One was against the Los Angeles Angels, where he allowed seven earned runs over 6.1 innings. In his last outing, he allowed four runs on seven hits over four innings. This will be the second time he has faced the Chicago White Sox this season. In the first outing, he went 6.1 innings and allowed two runs, one earned. He hasn't allowed more than two earned runs in a game against the White Sox in 41.1 innings of his career. The Chicago White Sox are an early-season surprise. I live in Chicago, and I don't think most of the fans or residents here thought they would be this good. Good, I suppose, is a relative term in this situation. They are under .500 entering today's game at 20-21, but they do have a winning record at home at 10-9. Their offseason signing, Munetaka Murakami, has been a very good power hitter with 15 homers already this year. The team is only hitting .231 for the year, though, so there should be reason to be pessimistic about the team's future. WHITE SOX AGREE TO DEAL WITH JAPANESE RECORD-BREAKING SLUGGER: REPORT Wednesday's starter for the White Sox is Noah Schultz. His numbers aren't great at 2-2 with a 4.68 ERA and a 1.36 WHIP. However, not all of his starts have been bad. He has only made two home starts, going 10.1 innings and allowing five earned runs. I do have some concerns about his mechanics as he has already walked 16 guys in 25 innings. He is also a fly-ball pitcher, which is not ideal in Chicago, where wind can be a major factor. He has never faced the Royals. I bet on the Royals last time Lugo took the mound against them. They lost the game 2-0. I'm running it back here as I'm not impressed with Schultz. Plus, this would give the White Sox a sweep and as bad as the Royals have been, I can't see them allowing themselves to get swept. Give me the Royals at a very reasonable price of -120. Additionally, I'm taking the Lugo prop that keeps on giving - under 2.5 earned runs allowed. It is -118, and he has been so good against the White Sox in the past. I'll back Lugo once again and hope we can get a 2-0 win for the Royals tonight. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049dc1a200899a00eae65c Angel Reese embraces villain role in Dallas, flexing and taunting fans in Atlanta Dream's win over Wings te 2026-05-13T15:50:25.081Z Angel Reese embraces villain role in Dallas, flexing and taunting fans in Atlanta Dream's win over Wings Angel Reese has never had a problem embracing the villain role. And during Tuesday night’s road matchup against the Dallas Wings, the Atlanta Dream forward leaned all the way into it. CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE After grabbing an offensive rebound and finishing through traffic early in Atlanta’s 77-72 win, Reese immediately flexed, hit the "too small" gesture and then encouraged the booing Dallas crowd to get even louder. "ATL Barbie" looked like she was having way too much fun out there. Reese continued trolling the Wings throughout the night with more "too small" celebrations after scoring off offensive rebounds, while the Dallas crowd showered her with boos. To be fair, Reese had warned everyone this version of her was probably coming. After her Dream debut on Saturday — where she still posted a double-double but admitted she wasn’t thrilled with parts of her offensive performance — Reese said she expected to bounce back quickly. ANGEL REESE BECOMES FASTEST PLAYER IN WNBA HISTORY TO REACH 50 CAREER DOUBLE-DOUBLES IN DREAM DEBUT "I mean, it was obviously rough, rough for me personally, but just being able to fight on both ends of the floor is something that I always know," Reese said before Tuesday’s game. "If the shot is not falling, I can get it back on defense, but I know I’ll have a better night tonight." It certainly looked like she stepped things up. Reese finished with 12 points, 16 rebounds and went 4-for-4 from the free-throw line as Atlanta improved to 2-0 on the season. Allisha Gray led the Dream's offense with 26 points, while Jordin Canada and Rhyne Howard added 19 and 14, respectively. After the game, Reese shared the final score graphic on her Instagram story and flexed about the Dream’s record. "2-0," she wrote, "ROAD KILLS." And while Reese may not be winning over opposing fanbases anytime soon, she’s apparently fitting in just fine with her new teammates. "She’s just such a positive person," Gray said after Tuesday's win. "No matter what state we are in the game, she always brings us together and lets us know we got it. And she’s such a hard worker, and she’s such a good person as well. "Once you get to know her and really connect with her, she’s an amazing person, really lovely person, a joy to be around. I have the time of my life hanging out with Angel." Next up, the Dream will host the defending-champion Las Vegas Aces Sunday afternoon at State Farm Arena. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049b91a200899a00eae5d9 Kyle Larson relives attempts at 'The Double' as he contemplates trying it again in the future te 2026-05-13T15:41:05.881Z Kyle Larson relives attempts at 'The Double' as he contemplates trying it again in the future After his attempt at running "The Double" was unsuccessful due to rain in 2024, Kyle Larson ran it back the next year. Larson was aiming to become just the second person to complete both the Indy 500 in Indianapolis and Coke 600 in Charlotte on the same day, joining Ton Stewart in 2001, having already become one of five drivers to even attempt it. However, Larson crashed on the 92nd lap of the Indy 500, thus ending the dream (rain delayed the start of the Indy500 by 45 minutes, so he probably would not have been able to get to Charlotte in time, anyway). CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Due to the crash in Indianapolis, Larson was able to hop on a flight to Charlotte, but he crashed in that race, too. It was the first time since 1997 that a driver failed to finish both races. It's just a long day. It's just a really long day. It starts very early in Indy, your first meetings are at 8:30, 9:00 in the morning or something. When you think about from then to when this Coke 600 is done at the end of the night, it's 11:15 p.m. at the earliest probably. It's just a really long day of work," Larson said to Fox News Digital. "So to me, it takes more mental stamina than anything, but it's still really cool to compete in two of the biggest races in the world, the pageantry that goes along with it and all of that." Larson's journey in trying the double will be featured in an Amazon Prime Video documentary, "Kyle Larson vs. The Double," to be released next week. "It's a cool experience, number one, but I think also, just to give the fans an inside perspective of what it takes to prepare for the Indy 500, learning something new, but also what it takes to try and be ready to compete in 1,100 miles of racing in one day with the Indy 500 and Coke 600," Larson said of the documentary. "Also to show people my journey of my upbringing and my love for racing and all that, but also to showcase how difficult it was, the stress, the emotions, everything that went along with trying to attempt to complete it and not being able to. I think it captured all the stuff that you need for a good film, the drama and emotion and everything else." Admittedly, Larson did not want to go through all those emotions while watching it back, but he's glad he did. "It was honestly really cool for me to live back and see where my head was at in all of it. You forgot how stressed I was. So it was just good to relive that..." he said. BUBBA WALLACE HAS TENSE PIT ROAD CONFRONTATION, NASCAR FANS RIP FEMALE DRIVER & SAM BUSCH GOES COWGIRL! "It was cool just to see my family videos from when I was really young to my kids, because they have filmed me for like three years before," Larson continued. "So even to see my kids as smaller versions of themselves right now, seeing how their personalities are different even today than they were back then is great. There were some memories that were not the most fun to live through in the moment, but I had no problem going through it again because it was cool." "It was a lot of fun and very interesting and a part of putting a deal and a business deal together that was great experience for me and for Hendrick (Motorsports) and for Kyle and to be able to document all that," added Jeff Gordon, who is featured in the documentary as the co-owner of Larson's team. "It's only been done less than a handful of times. This goes to show you why because it is a very difficult thing. You got to have a lot of things really all align. It's very easy for them not to, as a lot of people will witness through this documentary. But at the same time, I'm so glad we were a part of it and a part of Kyle's journey and that we documented it." So, is the double in the cards for the future? Unlikely. "Just 30 minutes of rain can just derail it, so that was just tough to live through. You never say never on trying to do the Indy 500 again someday but as long as I'm a full-time NASCAR driver I just won't be able to (attempt the double)," he said. "And if I never get to run the Indy 500 again, I'm perfectly fine with that as well." But Larson got paid back after going through hell on back-to-back Memorial Day Weekends. "I got repaid with a Brickyard and championship," the reighing NASCAR Cup Series winner 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/6a049b7ea200899a00eae5d0 Noah Syndergaard fires back at podcaster ex Alex Cooper over ‘cheap shot’ after messy split te 2026-05-13T15:40:46.419Z Noah Syndergaard fires back at podcaster ex Alex Cooper over ‘cheap shot’ after messy split Former MLB pitcher Noah Syndergaard has had very little to say these days about his ex-girlfriend, podcaster Alex Cooper, but, on Tuesday, he let a few things slip. On OutKick's "Tomi Lahren Is Fearless" podcast podcast, the former Mets pitcher was asked by Lahren about comments Cooper made in 2023 on her popular "Call Her Daddy" show where she mentioned Noah "Can't get a f--king contract." Cooper definitely wasn't coming to his aid by making the comment. It was a clear slight. The 33-year-old Syndergaard, who says he hasn't spoken to Cooper in eight years, called it a "cheap shot." "So, I guess I continue to live rent free in her head. I don’t really know," he added. "Cheap shot, but she’s entitled to her own opinion and freedom of speech so I can’t really control what comes out of her mouth. It doesn’t really bother me. It’s kind of comical, but whatever." "Call Her Daddy" fans weren't happy in 2023 when Cooper, without naming names, addressed what it's like to date a professional baseball player. Many fans believed she was talking about Syndergaard. "I used to sit in silence on the couch with him as he was like 'that was f--king awful' and you’re just like their f---king therapist as they cry and you’re like 'I have a life too, we had dinner plans,'" she was quoted as saying on her show at the time. Syndergaard says his life these days is much simpler with Cooper out of it for good. "I’m in a relationship right now. My lifestyle choices have drastically changed. I had my fun in New York when I played there. But now my priorities have shifted. You’re not going to see me out of the club on the weekends. I'm more of a homebody. With his MLB days in the rearview mirror, Thor is settling down compared to his wild nights making out with Cooper while courtside at a Brooklyn Nets game. "I I value my my not hungover Saturday and Sunday mornings of going to the farmer's market now or golfing." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049b66a200899a00eae58b Ransomware hackers claim breach at Foxconn, a major electronics manufacturer for Apple, Google, and Nvidia te 2026-05-13T15:40:22.491Z Ransomware hackers claim breach at Foxconn, a major electronics manufacturer for Apple, Google, and Nvidia A ransomware group has claimed responsibility for hacking the electronics manufacturing giant Foxconn, and is attempting to extort the company. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0496f6a200899a00eae4ce Anti-abortion groups wanted Marty Makary fired. Now he’s out as Trump’s FDA commissioner. te 2026-05-13T15:21:26.364Z Anti-abortion groups wanted Marty Makary fired. Now he’s out as Trump’s FDA commissioner. The main entrance of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Building 1, which houses the commissioner’s office, in Silver Spring, Maryland. (Photo by Michael J. Ermath/FDA) WASHINGTON — U.S. Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary on Tuesday became the latest member of President Donald Trump’s administration to leave their post this year.  “I want to thank Dr. Marty Makary for having done a great job at the FDA. So much was accomplished under his leadership,” Trump wrote on social media. “He was a hard worker, who was respected by all, and will go on to have an outstanding career in Medicine. Kyle Diamantas, a very talented person, will be put in the Acting position.” Diamantas was working as the deputy commissioner for food, leading the program that focuses on nutrition and food safety. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. wrote in a social media post that Makary “pushed forward critical reforms and helped advance our mission to Make America Healthy Again.” “I also want to thank Kyle Diamantas for stepping in as Acting Commissioner — his leadership has already delivered remarkable wins on the MAHA food agenda, and I have full confidence in his continued work,” Kennedy added. “We have an outstanding team at FDA, and the work continues without pause. The search for a new Commissioner is already underway, and we will move forward with urgency.” Makary’s resignation marks the fourth time a senior member of the Trump administration has either left or been forced out during the last few months.  Kristi Noem was ousted as Homeland Security secretary in early March, moving to a different job as a special envoy. Pam Bondi resigned as attorney general in early April to move back to the private sector. And Lori Chavez-DeRemer stepped down as Labor secretary in late April, following scandals. The Senate voted to confirm Makary to lead the FDA in March 2025, with Democratic Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois as well as Maggie Hassan and Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire supporting him.  Medication abortion Makary’s decision to leave the FDA comes several months after anti-abortion organizations and some Republicans in Congress called for Trump to fire him over his record on access to medication abortion.  Marjorie Dannenfelser, president of Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America, and Lila Rose, founder of Live Action, both released statements in December pressing for the FDA to restrict access to mifepristone.  “The FDA needs a new commissioner who will immediately reinstate in-person dispensing as it existed under President Trump’s first term and immediately conduct a comprehensive study,” Dannenfelser wrote in a statement at the time. “Commissioner Makary is severely undermining President Trump and Vice President Vance’s pro-life credentials and their position that states should have the right to enact and enforce pro-life protections. Makary must go.” Missouri U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley sent a letter to Makary the following day urging him to wrap up a review of the current prescribing guidelines for mifepristone.  Their frustration followed a Bloomberg Law news article that said Makary didn’t want to release the results of the study until after November’s midterm elections, which will determine which political party controls Congress for the next two years. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0496e0a200899a00eae4ad USMNT captain Tyler Adams ready to be in 'patriotic mood' playing on home soil for 2026 FIFA World Cup te 2026-05-13T15:21:04.384Z USMNT captain Tyler Adams ready to be in 'patriotic mood' playing on home soil for 2026 FIFA World Cup All footballers around the globe dream of playing in the World Cup — it’s the ultimate chance at glory for generations to come.  However, playing a World Cup in your home country is something entirely different, and the United States men’s national team will get to experience that one month from now when they kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.  Tyler Adams, the USMNT’s captain, got to experience his first World Cup in 2022 when he traveled to Qatar with his teammates and coaches. They had some success, but ultimately fell to the Netherlands in the Round of 16.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM It may not have been the result the U.S. wanted in Qatar, but now on home soil, Adams knows the entire squad is ready to show out for everyone supporting them across the country. There’s more than enough patriotic pride to go around for this group. US SOCCER GREAT THINKS AMERICAN TEAM CAN SHOCK THE WORLD AT UPCOMING WORLD CUP  "I think when we’re pulling up to a game and you see the Stars and Stripes and the red, white and blue — just gets you in that patriotic mood," Adams told Fox News Digital in a recent interview, while also highlighting his work with Scotts ahead of the World Cup. "That’s the honor of representing the country.  "Everyone really comes together, whether they watch soccer or they’ve never watched it before, there’s one thing about hosting an event in America. They always do it right. I can’t wait for our fans to turn up." The U.S. will begin its World Cup journey in Los Angeles against Paraguay on June 12 to begin their Group D play. For some veterans like Adams, the pressure of the World Cup is something he’s gotten used to now. But as a team leader, he knows that those who are green to such matches will need some advice.  "You don’t want to get too ahead of yourself," he said. "I feel that since we were a little bit young and naive going into that first tournament, it was like, ‘Ah, what’s coming next? How do we get to the next stage?’ You can’t worry about that because it’s not in your control at the moment. It’s game by game, moment by moment, pass by pass where you can have an impact. I think, for us, it’s focusing on the details of every single game, but taking it one game at a time." Of course, every player wants to soak in the moment of playing in a World Cup, whether it’s their first or last time on the pitch for the tournament. Adams admitted it’s hard to do so because of the attention to detail and heated competition, telling his teammates "it’s over in a blink of an eye." KATY PERRY TO HEADLINE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP OPENING CEREMONY AS FANS DEBATE WHETHER SHE'S THE RIGHT PICK But there’s no doubting how special this one will be for those representing the Stars and Stripes. They will play in Los Angeles and Seattle during their group stage matches, but they also want to make it through to the elimination stage, which will take place at other cities throughout the U.S.  "I think it’s nice because we’ve played in both of those environments before, and both of those cities have unbelievable fan bases just in sports in general," Adams said about looking forward to seeing the U.S. faithful in L.A. and Seattle. "So, I think the support is going to be there. I hope it’s a US-heavy crowd, as it should be for a home World Cup. Just excited to play in front of friends and family." Speaking of growing the game, Scotts, North America’s leading lawn care products brand, partnered with Adams with it’s "Keep It Real" initiative, which is aimed at expanding access to youth sports and green space, funding over $432,000 while partnering with "Every Kid Sports to aid over 2,000 kids across 48 states.  As part of the effort, Scotts and Adams, who are spotlighting the value of natural grass in terms of safer play, helped restore natural grass fields where the next generation can grow the game. One of those was even his hometown field. "When they came to me with this idea and this initiative, it was quite simple. I think one of the biggest things I need to do as a professional athlete now is give back to my community. That being said, I am giving back to my community with the partnership where we did a field day last summer and we’re restoring the field I played on as a kid. It was pretty cool to go back home and see that a brand I’m working with supports the ideas I have and give back to that community. Really, really grateful for that and the partnership. We’re starting to do really good things." Watch 3 Days of the FIFA World Cup for Free after 5/18 or before. Start your free trial or try it free. 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/6a0496c9a200899a00eae47c N.Y.U. Students Object to Graduation Speaker Jonathan Haidt, Who Calls Their Generation ‘Coddled’ te 2026-05-13T15:20:41.792Z N.Y.U. Students Object to Graduation Speaker Jonathan Haidt, Who Calls Their Generation ‘Coddled’ Jonathan Haidt, a professor, says that colleges shield students from challenging ideas. But student leaders said he does not represent their values. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0496b6a200899a00eae473 Who Is Traveling With Trump to China? te 2026-05-13T15:20:22.285Z Who Is Traveling With Trump to China? President Trump arrived in Beijing, ahead of his meeting with President Xi Jinping of China. Among those accompanying Mr. Trump were top administration officials and business leaders. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049489a200899a00eae41a Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh double murder conviction overturned te 2026-05-13T15:11:05.853Z Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Alex Murdaugh double murder conviction overturned BREAKING NEWS: Alex Murdaugh will get new trial after double murder conviction unanimously overturned in killings of wife and son. SIGN UP TO GET TRUE CRIME NEWSLETTER Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049476a200899a00eae411 'Squatters' host Flash Shelton slams broken system that hands intruders the keys to your home te 2026-05-13T15:10:46.286Z 'Squatters' host Flash Shelton slams broken system that hands intruders the keys to your home He thought it would be a simple call to law enforcement. Instead, when intruders took over his late father’s home in 2019, "Squatters" host Flash Shelton says he was told there was nothing deputies could do. The moment flipped everything he thought he knew about property rights, the reality TV star told Fox News Digital. Shelton, who had moved his mother into his own home while the family was grieving, had an instinct to protect his family. Shelton explained what would shock most Americans isn’t just that squatters can occupy homes, it’s how the law treats them once they’re inside. FAMILY MAKES TERRIFYING DISCOVERY IN BASEMENT FOLLOWING GROWING SUSPICIONS "All of the rights, not just some of the rights, but all of the rights fall to the squatter," he said. Shelton added that many homeowners would be surprised to hear "that a squatter just has to create reasonable doubt to be given full rights as a tenant. That there isn't a system in place that says that you have to have a lease or you have to be able to show rent payments to be a tenant. That if you have possession you have rights." In his experience, homeowners don't stand a chance. "Squatters figure out different ways to take properties and they know what to say," Shelton noted. "The whole system is wrong." Shelton claimed some squatters even secure leases with false promises of paying rent. Once that lease is in place, he explained, they are treated as full tenants. "Every single other contract would be null and void if you enter it, and you sign it under fraudulent means," he explained. "Originally, the system was designed because they were looking at homeowners as being rich, and they were looking at tenants as being poor," Shelton said. "So they created a system to level those terms. But what they forgot is the fact that homeowners are not all rich and just because you own a mortgage, doesn't mean that you have money. It is unfavorably unbalanced right now and it is failing homeowners." SQUATTER TURNS COUPLE'S DREAM HOME PURCHASE INTO NIGHTMARE And when it comes to lawmakers who defend the system? "I think they need to understand and try to relate to somebody that doesn't have the money to go through these situations and understand that some of these people are losing homes over this because they can't afford to fight." Shelton carved out a niche in the digital space as an anti-squatter activist turned content creator, gaining widespread attention for his viral "Squatter Hunter" videos. His popularity led to the creation of the A&E show "Squatters." He used social media to shed a light on this homeowner issue by uploading viral TikTok confrontations with alleged squatters, YouTube long-form breakdowns of property disputes and collaborations with homeowners documenting eviction standoffs. WATCH: ‘SQUATTERS’ HOST FLASH SHELTON USES HANDYMAN RUSE TO CONFRONT ALLEGED SQUATTER IN HOME His latest venture, "Squatters," focuses on him and his team as they help homeowners across the country. While some critics have labeled Shelton's tactics aggressive, he insisted he operates within the law. When he first worked to get his parents' home back, Shelton figured out a way to the mirror the same legal framework he says squatters exploit. "I had to take it into my own hands and figure it out, and I learned everything about squatters," Shelton said. "I figured out that if they could take the house, I could take the house, and I was gonna go take my house back." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER Shelton recalled accusing him of being a vigilante as he takes matters into his own hands. "I do a lot to make sure that I am working within the guidelines of law," he emphasized to Fox News Digital. "Not only to protect myself, but also to protect the homeowners." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS He added, "I am taking the laws and, in a way I'm doing similar to what like – squatters are taking a law that allows them to do something, and they are taking a home." "I am doing things in a legal way to take the home back, and I'm not going in with firearms in any way," Shelton explained. "I am not putting myself or my team in harm. We are doing a lot of research to make sure that everyone is going to be safe ... not everyone is going to agree with what I do. But how I defend what I do is preparation research and I do everything that I can to make sure that it's safe and legal." With the premiere of "Squatters" on May 12, Shelton said his goal is to raise awareness and help families across America who can't afford to fight. "The thing that I'm most excited about the show is that it gives me an opportunity to bring even more awareness and most importantly, help more families across America," he said. "Because I was bringing awareness prior to the show, but I think this just helps me take it to another level and a whole new audience. And it enables me to help more families." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049462a200899a00eae408 Twin Cities’ wage hikes roasted after report exposes job-crushing fallout in Tim Walz’s backyard te 2026-05-13T15:10:26.412Z Twin Cities’ wage hikes roasted after report exposes job-crushing fallout in Tim Walz’s backyard A new Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis study is handing conservatives fresh ammunition in the minimum wage fight, with critics mocking the findings as obvious after researchers linked $15 wage hikes to job losses and reduced hours in Minneapolis and St. Paul.  "Who could have possibly seen this coming," wrote RealClearInvestigations senior writer Mark Hemingway quipped on X in response to the study.  The working paper found that the phased minimum wage increases in Minneapolis and St. Paul were associated with a decline in employment, along with reduced hours for some workers that could complicate ongoing national pushes for higher wage mandates.  POLITICIANS PUSH JOB-KILLING MINIMUM WAGE HIKES WHILE IGNORING THE DEVASTATING ECONOMIC REALITY The debate comes as progressive leaders continue to advocate for increasing the federal minimum wage to address rising living costs. First passed in 2017, the Minneapolis Municipal Minimum Wage Ordinance was established to increase the minimum wage in phases to eventually meet $15 per hour by July 2024. Minneapolis’ minimum wage rose to $16.37 for all employers on Jan. 1, while neighboring St. Paul’s rate rose to $16.37 for large businesses as part of phased wage increase.  Researchers said the employment declines persisted even after accounting for the COVID-19 pandemic and violent riots in the wake of the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, two major shocks that also affected Twin Cities businesses during the study period. "We find that the increase in the minimum wage substantially decreased employment in restaurants, retail, and health, even after accounting for potential confounding effects from the pandemic and civil unrest," the report said. The Minneapolis Fed analysis found the wage hikes increased hourly pay but reduced available jobs and hours, with researchers estimating that Minneapolis lost 5,425 jobs and St. Paul lost 3,797 jobs between 2017 and 2021 because of the minimum wage increases.  The restaurant sector was hit especially hard, according to the report. Full-service restaurant jobs fell nearly 36% in Minneapolis and nearly 20% in St. Paul between 2018 and 2023, according to the Fed data cited by the Minnesota Star Tribune. "We demonstrate that establishments with larger exposure of their labor costs to the minimum wage experienced larger increases in their wage and larger declines in their jobs, hours, and wage bill," economists stated. RESTAURANTS WARN TIPPED WAGE CHANGES COULD RAISE PRICES, CUT JOBS, RESHAPE DINING EXPERIENCE Social media critics seized on the findings, arguing the report confirmed long-standing warnings that aggressive wage mandates can reduce jobs and hours. "They swore the $15 minimum wage would be magical for everyone: higher pay, thriving businesses, cheaper happy hours. Instead, thousands of jobs are gone, restaurants gutted, and now we're all paying more for the same thing as before except for worse service," wrote an X user. " But sure, keep telling me economics is just a suggestion." AOC-BACKED $25 MINIMUM WAGE PLAN SOUNDS GREAT — BUT AT WHAT COST? "You know what can fix this? Another wealth (aka middle class) tax," joked another. "Boosting minimum wage significantly above the market rate may temporarily benefit incumbents, but it reduces overall hours available, accelerates automation, and harms new-entrants," said another user. "This happens time and again. This happened in Seattle. And the latest evidence comes from Minnesota." "'Workers are making more, but businesses are cutting back, research shows.' Oh, really, you don't say?," posted a local radio host on X. "'Why didn’t anyone warn us?!!' Oh wait, we did," wrote Minnesota self-proclaimed "grassroots conservative activist"  Michael Holmstrom on X. The federal wage has remained at $7.25 since 2009 despite calls from left-leaning lawmakers to raise the minimum a step even further to $30 per hour. Back in 2018, Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz backed a $15 minimum wage statewide in Minnesota, declaring he would sign such a bill into law as governor. Local leaders sounded the alarm for the increase with backing from coalition of labor activists, progressive city council members, and community groups. "My advocacy for a housing wage is directly tied to my support for a $15 minimum wage. $15 is an important place to start, but in many places across Minnesota, that still isn’t enough for families to make ends meet," he wrote on Facebook at the time. The findings come as progressive Democrats continue pushing to raise the wage floor well beyond the long-standing $7.25 federal minimum wage. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., has argued that a $15 minimum wage is no longer enough for workers, while other left-leaning lawmakers and city leaders have backed proposals ranging from $20 to $25 or more.  Fox News Digital reached out to the office of Gov. Walz and the Cities of St. Paul and Minneapolis for comment. Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049232a200899a00eae36a Katherine Legge aims to become first woman to complete the most daunting task in motorsports te 2026-05-13T15:01:06.531Z Katherine Legge aims to become first woman to complete the most daunting task in motorsports Katherine Legge will attempt to race her way into the history books later this month by becoming the first woman to complete the infamous NASCAR-IndyCar "Double." For those who don't know, that's when a driver competes in both the Indy 500 and Coca-Cola 600 on the same day. Both events are held on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend. Only five drivers have attempted "The Double," which includes running 1,100 miles in one day. Tony Stewart is the only one to complete all 1,100 miles, finishing sixth at Indy in 2001, and third at Charlotte. John Andretti, Robbie Gordon, Kurt Busch and, most recently, Kyle Larson are the other four drivers to attempt it. Larson missed the start of the Coca-Cola 600 in 2024 because the Indy 500 was delayed due to rain. He crashed out of both events last season. NASCAR STAR RYAN BLANEY TALKS INTEREST IN COMPLETING ONE OF TOUGHEST CHALLENGES IN RACING Legge, 45, is no stranger to either series. She made her NASCAR Cup Series debut last season, with a season-best finish of 17th at the Brickyard 400. Legge made her eighth career Cup start last weekend at Watkins Glen, finishing 35th. She's finished 30th or worse in six of her eight races. This will be her fifth Indy 500, with a career-best finish of 22nd in the 2012 race. "It’s meticulously organized down to the minute," Legge told USA Today. "I just have to turn left a bunch of times that day. Hopefully there's no weather issues. We'll be all over the place." DANICA PATRICK REVEALS DRIVERS SHE'D WANT TO RACE AGAINST IN DREAM SCENARIO Legge's attempt at "The Double" comes 50 years after Janet Guthrie became the first woman to run practice laps at Indy. She failed to qualify for that year's event, but quickly turned her attention to the World 600, traveling to Charlotte and finishing 15th in the race. The following year, she became the first woman to race in both the Daytona 500 and Indy 500. Danica Patrick, of course, is the most recent — and most successful — woman to compete in both forms of racing. Patrick famously finished third in the 2009 Indy 500, and also started on the pole for the 2013 Daytona 500. Patrick retired after the 2018 Daytona 500 and was the last woman to compete in the Cup Series until Legge made her debut last season. She never attempted "The Double." "It seems like there's nobody waiting in the wings ready to take on that mantra," Legge continued. "How many years out are we from having the next me? There's a couple of girls in the Truck Series that I don't think have what it takes to get there. We need to develop the next generation so that I can hand over the baton, so to say. "But unfortunately, there seems to be this big gap these days. And it's on the IndyCar side, the open-wheel side and on the NASCAR side." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04921ca200899a00eae331 Trump Arrives in Beijing to Begin High-Stakes Summit With Xi te 2026-05-13T15:00:44.194Z Trump Arrives in Beijing to Begin High-Stakes Summit With Xi President Trump was greeted by China’s vice president, Han Zheng, and other officials, as well as a military honor guard. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049207a200899a00eae30c Amazon launches an AI shopping assistant for the search bar, powered by Alexa+  te 2026-05-13T15:00:23.160Z Amazon launches an AI shopping assistant for the search bar, powered by Alexa+  Alexa for Shopping is a new personalized AI shopping assistant in the Amazon search bar that replaces its Rufus assistant. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04902fa200899a00eae2d0 Adopt a pet te 2026-05-13T14:52:31.952Z Adopt a pet These animals are available for adoption through the Bullhead City Animal Resource Center (BARC). It is located at 2270 Trane Road in Bullhead City. BARC's hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a049000a200899a00eae28e TANVI RATNA: Europe says Trump made America unreliable. The truth is tougher te 2026-05-13T14:51:44.865Z TANVI RATNA: Europe says Trump made America unreliable. The truth is tougher The most important line in the transatlantic debate is not coming from Brussels, Ottawa, Paris or Berlin. It is coming from the Pentagon. The 2026 National Defense Strategy says the quiet part out loud: America is changing the bargain with its allies. The United States will still remain engaged abroad, but it will no longer treat every theater as America’s first responsibility. The new hierarchy is clear: defend the homeland, deter China in the Indo-Pacific, increase allied burden-sharing, and rebuild the defense industrial base. That is the real story behind Europe’s sudden defense awakening. PENTAGON WARNS FUTURE WARS MAY HIT US SOIL AS 'DIRECT MILITARY THREATS' GROW European leaders would rather describe this as a response to an unpredictable President Donald Trump. Recent reporting from Europe captured the mood after Trump announced plans to withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, reporting that European lawmakers feared Washington was moving toward a more "unpredictable and transactional" approach to alliances amid tensions over the Iran war. That story is not entirely false. It is just too flattering to Europe. Trump has been signaling this shift since his first term, and with renewed force since returning to office in 2025. Now the administration has turned it into doctrine. The Pentagon’s 2026 National Defense Strategy makes clear that the old transatlantic bargain is being rewritten. Its four priorities are defending the American homeland, deterring China in the Indo-Pacific, increasing allied burden-sharing, and rebuilding the U.S. defense industrial base. Its treatment of Europe is even more direct: Russia is described as a serious but manageable threat, and European allies are expected to assume primary responsibility for their conventional defense with "critical but more limited" U.S. support. TRUMP ADMIN LABELS ISRAEL 'MODEL US ALLY' AHEAD OF MAJOR MILITARY AID TALKS The Pentagon strategy says it will strengthen incentives for allies to take "primary responsibility for their own defense" in Europe, the Middle East and Korea, with "critical but limited support" from U.S. forces. It also says Washington will prioritize cooperation with "model allies," meaning those spending what they need to and doing visibly more against threats in their own regions. This is not unpredictability. It is prioritization, written into strategy. Perhaps "unpredictable" is simply the word Europe uses when Washington becomes predictable in a way it dislikes. And Iran has made that prioritization visible faster than Europe expected. The Iran war is not only a Middle East crisis. As I have stated from the start of the Iran war, it is in fact acting as a catalyst for the reordering Washington is forcing across the globe, and Europe is where that reordering is now most visible. Pressure applied through Iran moves outward through energy markets, shipping lanes, NATO cohesion, European defense planning, and the old question Europe has long avoided: what can Europe actually do when America is busy elsewhere? STOP CALLING THIS BRINKMANSHIP. TRUMP'S HORMUZ MOVE IS THE REAL PRESSURE The Strait of Hormuz crisis was the first live demonstration. Europe was not the main battlefield, but it was directly exposed. Hormuz affects oil, LNG, shipping insurance, inflation, industrial costs, and political stability. It also forced Washington to ask how much U.S. capacity it could commit to the Middle East while still preserving forces and attention for the homeland and the Indo-Pacific. So when Trump called on other nations to help police the strait, it was not simply Trump being Trump. It was the National Defense Strategy in practice: allies directly affected by a crisis should not expect the United States to provide the first and last answer. MORE KEY US ALLIES BLOCK MILITARY FLIGHTS AS IRAN WAR RIFT WIDENS WITH TRUMP Europe’s answer showed the gap. After Iran responded to U.S.-Israeli attacks with drones, missiles and mines that effectively closed the channel for tankers carrying about a fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas, EU foreign ministers discussed whether to expand the bloc’s Aspides naval mission toward Hormuz. Kaja Kallas said there was a "clear wish" to strengthen Aspides because it did not have enough naval assets, but "no appetite" to change the mandate. It was the European dilemma in miniature. EUROPE STEPS UP TO FUND ITS OWN DEFENSE, PROVIDE SECURITY FOR UKRAINE AFTER TRUMP THREATS Europe is exposed enough to need security, but not yet organized or willing enough to supply it at scale. It wants more autonomy, but autonomy requires ships, mandates, stockpiles, command structures and political willingness to accept risk. Europe is too exposed to remain strategically underbuilt. While it may have spoken for years about an anchor of the global order, institutions alone cannot create a global order. The military and industrial backing for it, is what needs to be a shared burden. Soemthign that Trump has been pushing through as a message relentlessly. After Iran, it appears that Europe is finally getting the memo. Kallas’ own language shows the shift. In 2025, European leaders still spoke of strategic autonomy as an aspiration. Europe had to become more geopolitical, more sovereign, more capable. By January 2026, after Washington had made its defense priorities unmistakable, Kallas’ wording had hardened. Europe, she said, was no longer Washington’s primary center of gravity. After Iran, she admitted that the shift was "structural, not temporary." NATO, she added, needed to become "more European" to stay strong. SEN MCCORMICK: SECRETARY RUBIO SETS THE COURSE FOR NATO’S FUTURE. WILL EUROPE LISTEN? The only serious path is a heavier European pillar inside NATO. That does not mean fantasy independence from the United States. It means Europe must assume far more conventional military responsibility in its own theater, while the U.S. preserves the strategic backing and irreplaceable capabilities that allies cannot easily replicate. NATO Secretary Rutte has been blunt about the limit. If anyone thinks Europe can defend itself without the United States, he told European lawmakers, they should "keep on dreaming." Europe and America still need each other. That is a serious statement. It is also an admission. In February, Pentagon policy chief Elbridge Colby told NATO defense ministers that "NATO 3.0" requires allies to "step up and assume primary responsibility for the conventional defence of Europe." He added that Europe should field the preponderance of the forces needed to deter, and if necessary defeat, conventional aggression in Europe. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte called the meeting pivotal, pointing to a "real shift in mindset" and a stronger European defense within NATO. TRUMP’S NATO WARNING PUSHES EUROPE TO FACE THE COST OF DEFENDING ITSELF That is the practical direction of travel. Not Europe leaving America or America abandoning NATO, but Europe carrying more weight because Washington has made clear it will not carry the old load on the old terms. European officials are beginning to translate that into capability language. EU defense commissioner Andrius Kubilius told European lawmakers that Europe depends on America for strategic enablers such as space intelligence data and air-to-air refueling. Europe, he said, must be ready to replace American enablers with European ones, making that a strategic priority. He also stressed that European responsibility means strengthening Europe’s posture inside NATO. MORNING GLORY: CANADA IS A SMALL POWER BITING THE HAND THAT PROTECTS IT This matters because it moves the debate from speeches to machinery. For decades, Europe enjoyed a bargain that was politically convenient and strategically indulgent. European governments could talk about autonomy, criticize American power, regulate American technology, underinvest in defense, and still rely on U.S. nuclear deterrence, intelligence, logistics, airlift, missile defense, command systems and high-end capabilities when the moment became serious. Canada has had its own version of the same comfort: geography, NORAD, access to U.S. procurement, and the strategic depth of living next door to the world’s dominant power. Prime Minister Mark Carney has tried to frame the allied adjustment in moral terms, warning against a more transactional and brutal world and presenting Canada and Europe as defenders of a rules-based order. That language is useful politically. But it avoids the harder question: who pays for that order, who arms it, and who takes the first risk when America has other priorities? The new U.S. strategy is not about ending alliances but ending the subsidy model underneath them. Europe has gotten the memo. While most American attention has been focused on Iran as a theater, a multi-theater reordering of Europe is getting fortified with real policy and projects now across military, industrial and other spheres, as I will discuss in upcoming pieces. European officials may try describing the result as a response to American unreliability. But the reorganization was not something Europe simply discovered on its own. It was pushed, structured, and accelerated by Washington’s new strategy. The Pentagon put it in writing. Iran made it impossible to ignore. The reset is now moving from theater to reality. This article is a Fox News Digital exclusive from the author’s Substack series on different theaters President Trump is realigning with the Iran War. CLICK FOR MORE FROM TANVI RATNA Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048feda200899a00eae285 Alex Murdaugh's double murder conviction unanimously overturned by South Carolina Supreme Court te 2026-05-13T14:51:25.144Z Alex Murdaugh's double murder conviction unanimously overturned by South Carolina Supreme Court The South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday overturned the murder conviction of Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted in March 2023 of double homicide of his wife and son. The court ordered a new trial, saying that Mary Rebecca "Becky" Hill, who served as the court clerk in Colleton County, exercised "improper external influences" during Murdaugh's first trial. The state supreme court voted unanimously on the decision. "Although we are aware of the time, money, and effort expended for this lengthy trial, we have no choice but to reverse the denial of Murdaugh’s motion for a new trial due to Hill’s improper external influences on the jury and remand for a new trial," their ruling said. A post-trial court found that Hill "made improper comments to the jurors on the day Murdaugh testified, e.g., 'this is an important day' or 'this is an epic day' and that they should watch Murdaugh's body language, on the day of he testified in his own defense. Hill pleaded guilty to four charges — obstruction of justice and perjury for showing a reporter photographs that were sealed court exhibits and then lying about it, plus two counts of misconduct in office for taking bonuses and promoting a book she wrote on the trial through her public office — in December. Murdaugh was sentenced in 2023 to two consecutive life sentences for murdering his wife and son. He is also serving an additional 40 years in prison for his financial crimes and remains in custody at a maximum-security prison in South Carolina. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048fd6a200899a00eae256 With a Friend in Trump, the Tobacco Industry Secures a Lucrative Win te 2026-05-13T14:51:02.914Z With a Friend in Trump, the Tobacco Industry Secures a Lucrative Win In a dispute over vapes, the president sided with tobacco companies that filled his groups’ coffers over his own F.D.A. commissioner, who resigned in protest. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048fc1a200899a00eae23b r/WallStreetBets really hates the SEC’s proposal to weaken quarterly reporting te 2026-05-13T14:50:41.995Z r/WallStreetBets really hates the SEC’s proposal to weaken quarterly reporting The retail trading subreddit submitted the sharpest criticism yet in response to the financial regulator's idea of letting companies report twice per year. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048faea200899a00eae232 Anduril raises $5B, doubles valuation to $61B te 2026-05-13T14:50:22.170Z Anduril raises $5B, doubles valuation to $61B After achieving $2.2 billion in revenue in 2025, the defense tech startup has raised another massive round, led by Thrive and a16z, it says. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048d94a200899a00eae1cd SEAL Team 6 member explains blunt reality of combat and expectations in the black ops world te 2026-05-13T14:41:24.426Z SEAL Team 6 member explains blunt reality of combat and expectations in the black ops world The standards for combat at SEAL Team 6 are simply insane. SEAL Team 6, known internally as DEVGRU, is the Navy's Tier One counterterrorism, direct action and hostage rescue unit. It's the Navy's counterpart to the Army's Delta Force. SEAL Team 6 is tasked with some of the nation's most sensitive missions where failure isn't an option. The unit famously killed Usama bin Laden in 2011 in a daring raid deep into Pakistan. It's a grueling pipeline to join the Tier One unit, and the standards once an operator gets there are unrelenting. FOREIGN BLACK OPS MEMBER REVEALS THE SECRET AMERICAN UNIT HE LOVED WORKING WITH IN COMBAT Former SEAL Team 6 operator DJ Shipley revealed in a new interview that there are no do-overs and second chances in combat. The team has one shot at it, and they are always ready to roll. "I'm just trying to be the best I can because at the end of the day when your number gets called, you're going to have to perform on demand right now. There's no warm up. There's no mulligan. There's no, 'Hey, run back to the helo. Okay, we'll shake it out. Okay, we'll hit it again.' There is no hit it again. There's just one. Like, how serious you taking it? I'm playing this like it's the last game I'll ever play in my life. And I'm not a unicorn. It's a product of the culture. Everybody was better than me as far as I see it," Shipley explained in a YouTube video released by "Mulligan Brothers Interviews." Just how good are SEAL Team 6 operators in extreme combat situations? Shipley says they know decisions that are coming without a single word needing to be spoken. 'BLACK HAWK DOWN' SNIPER SHINES LIGHT ON BRUTAL REALITY OF VIOLENT COMBAT "I have to be able to predict your future, where you're going to go, what your thought process is without you ever saying a word. I have to do it just off body language. In the middle of the night, grenades are going off, people are getting shot, people are screaming, dogs are barking, the whole thing. You got to be able to scrub all that out and I have to be able to look at you from 30 feet down the hallway and know exactly what you're about to do," he further explained. You can watch his comments in the video below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. It shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone that Tier One units demand operators excel in all facets of their jobs. The security of the nation depends on them. Whether it's the bin Laden hit or the operation to take down Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela -- which was done by Delta Force -- Tier One operators are in a league of their own when it comes to direct action and hostage rescue. As one former Delta Force operator once told me, the target has no chance when a Tier One unit shows up. It's over. It's done. A large part of that is due to the fact the training is at an unrivaled level. What do you think about SEAL Team 6 and other Tier One units? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048d80a200899a00eae1c4 Dabo Swinney is right: Coaches opinions don’t matter in College Football Playoff expansion fight te 2026-05-13T14:41:04.972Z Dabo Swinney is right: Coaches opinions don’t matter in College Football Playoff expansion fight As the ongoing debate around expanding the College Football Playoff intensifies, with the ACC and Big 12 prepared to publicly endorse a 24-team format, the pressure is mounting on the SEC to change its thinking. But, as the conversation deepens and opinions flow, the opinions of the head coaches who can garner headlines across college football are just that in this era of college football: opinions. In the upcoming days, you will start to see a more vocal outcry from conferences like the Big 12 and ACC for an expanded playoff. In reality, this is all part of the plan, as the ACC wraps up its spring meetings in Florida this week. ONE DAY AFTER LANE KIFFIN MESS, STEVE SARKISIAN TORCHES OLE MISS FOR "BASKETWEAVING" CLASSES IN OXFORD It's the continued pressure that many within conferences outside of the SEC are hoping sways the opinion of those who have Greg Sankey representing them on the biggest stage. The problem for others is that the SEC commissioner, along with some of those he represents, are sticking with a proposed 16-team format at the moment, and they split the majority power with the Big Ten over future expansion. COACHES PUSH FOR 24-TEAM CFP, AS COLLEGE FOOTBALL HEADS TOWARDS PARTICIPATION TROPHY TERRITORY "We’re trying to inform that with research. We’ve done that, from our perspective, with 16," Sankey told reporters this week about the discussion around expansion beyond 16 teams. "We want to understand, through some analytic support, games that matter in an expanded environment, and games that might not matter." LANE KIFFIN SAVAGELY DESTROYED ON SOCIAL MEDIA AFTER INSANE OLE MISS SEGREGATION COMMENTS But, that won't stop some coaches in conferences like the ACC or Big 12 from voicing their opinions, which comes with the territory of being a school representative, and in some cases the highest-paid employee in each state. And though it might sound great to have someone like Dabo Swinney come out in favor of an expansion that sees the field increase from 12 to 24 teams, his athletic director is not overly concerned with his opinion. DABO SWINNEY GETS CANDID ABOUT PAST EXPECTATIONS, TRANSFER PORTAL HESITANCY No, that's not a shot at the Clemson head coach, those are essentially his words from this week at ACC spring meetings. "It doesn’t really matter what I think," Swinney told reporters, while also noting that he has no control of what happens moving forward. Bingo! Athletic directors are not looking for their coaches to be in agreement with the school's philosophy on whether more teams should be added to the postseason. NICK SABAN BLAMES STATE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL FOR STRING OF HEAD COACH FIRINGS Why? Because their opinion truly doesn’t matter in the long run for each institution. If you haven’t realized it by now, there has been an uptick in schools firing coaches over the past two years. In this era, with so much money being spent on rosters and infrastructure across college campuses, their job is to get them in position to be considered for a playoff spot. Leave the business side to the athletic directors and presidents of each that are praying the football program is successful enough to continue generating enough money to keep them in the fight. FORMER LSU COACH BRIAN KELLY USES AI TO PREPARE FOR JOB INTERVIEWS, PROVING HE'S JUST LIKE THE REST OF US Do you think former LSU athletic director Scott Woodward was garnering advice from Brian Kelly about whether additional teams should be added to the field? Both of them are now out of a job, collecting substantial buyouts in the process. I don't imagine Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter was basing his own opinion on playoff expansion off the advice of Lane Kiffin. The same can be said for plenty of schools across the country, like Indiana, Ohio State or Notre Dame, just to name a few. Now, I would say that when the SEC decided to increase its conference schedule to nine games per season that plenty of school administrators were asking their coaches for input on how this would impact their chances of making the playoff. INSIDE THE FIGHT: NIL ARMS RACE FUELING NEW PUSH FOR COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF EXPANSION But, that's about as far as it goes. This is also another reason you've recently seen coaches from the SEC publicly discussing the expanded format, given that plenty of them were under the assumption that an additional conference game would equate to some type of playoff expansion, even if that meant 16 teams. But, this era of college athletics has already led to coaches being on a shorter leash, given the amount of money being poured into sports that actually turn a profit. Meaning, while the athletic directors are certainly going to hear the head coach out, their opinion is only going to carry so much weight in the long term. FLORIDA STATE-GEORGIA SERIES CANCELLATION IS OMINOUS SIGN FOR FUTURE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL So, Dabo Swinney was right. His opinion, though warranted and appreciated as a successful coach in the sport, is not going to be the reason why the College Football Playoff expands in the future. That decision, which is being discussed at an increased level right now inside hotel ballrooms across the country, will come down to those who are hired to make the decisions that are best for each school and conference. Pressure on the SEC to give into a change to 24 teams is only going to increase from here, as other conferences across college football come out in favor of adding 12 teams to the fray. And while the noise is certainly getting louder, this will come down to two conferences that control the future. The battle rages on between the Big Ten and SEC, as others start increasing the volume of their opinions. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048d6aa200899a00eae196 Murdaugh Murder Conviction Overturned by South Carolina’s Top Court te 2026-05-13T14:40:42.443Z Murdaugh Murder Conviction Overturned by South Carolina’s Top Court The decision, in which judges cited jury interference by a court clerk, upends one of America’s highest-profile homicide cases. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048d55a200899a00eae17a US lawmakers demand answers from Instructure after Canvas data breaches te 2026-05-13T14:40:21.521Z US lawmakers demand answers from Instructure after Canvas data breaches U.S. House lawmakers want to know how hackers broke into education tech giant Instructure twice, and stole reams of data from students who use the company's flagship student data software Canvas. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048b2fa200899a00eae13b Sedona Red Rock High School senior shoots photos in state SkillsUSA competition te 2026-05-13T14:31:11.065Z Sedona Red Rock High School senior shoots photos in state SkillsUSA competition Eight years ago, when Sedona Red Rock High School student Kiernan Hale was 10 years old, he got his first camera. “My mom used to be a photographer, and when she had children, she had to sell all her photography gear,” he said. “It really sucked for her, but she told me all the stories […] The post Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048b02a200899a00eae105 DAVID MARCUS: Why the government must protect our neighborhoods from violent protests te 2026-05-13T14:30:26.672Z DAVID MARCUS: Why the government must protect our neighborhoods from violent protests The scenes in Brooklyn this week of anti-Israel agitators flooding into a Jewish residential neighborhood to decry the Jewish state need to be a wake-up call to all of us, and we must plainly say, "Don’t make trouble where our families live." The images of terrified Orthodox Jews on their porches watching as their treelined streets were taken over by radical progressives, several of whom were arrested for acts of violence, requires a firm response from the government which must protect our residential areas from mayhem. While the constitution protects protest, even in residential areas, such as outside the home of a Supreme Court justice, there are measures the government can take to prevent violence and intimidation in such areas. Here is how Ilya Shapiro, director of Constitutional Studies at the Manhattan Institute put it: NYC MAYOR ERIC ADAMS ISN'T GAGGING SPEECH – HIS MASK BAN PROTECTS NEW YORKERS "The Constitution protects the right to protest, but as with speech protections more broadly, there can be time, place, and manner restrictions," he told me. "Someone can properly be charged for disturbing the peace for using a megaphone at 2am to express his views about political leaders. More pointedly, a state or municipality can define ‘disturbing the peace’ in a way that protects residential areas as it does for schools, houses of worship, and other sensitive areas." So, for example, local, state and federal governments can and should provide far stiffer penalties for protest-related crimes committed in a residential area, where the clear goal is not speech, but intimidation. Agitation in residential areas has a long and fraught history in our culture, from medieval anti-Jewish pogroms to the ransacking of Catholic neighborhoods in Elizabethan London, to the KKK of the Jim Crow south, and the Crown Heights riots of the 1990s. It rarely ends well. DAVID MARCUS: ANTI-ICE AGITATORS ADOPT PALESTINIAN TACTICS, INCLUDING MARTYRDOM I’m not sure that there is even one historical example of protest in residential enclaves bringing about positive, peaceful change, but examples of chaos and violence abound, written in blood. Both Renee Good and Alex Pretti would be alive today had they been protesting in a traditional manner in a public square instead of physically impeding federal agents in residential neighborhoods. Since the dawn of civilization, towns and cities have been built with large public spaces that grant egress and exits, that allow a safe place for throngs of thousands to celebrate or protest. But that is not what residential areas are for. THE GREAT BETRAYAL: HOW RADICAL PROGRESSIVES ARE DYNAMITING THE BLACK-JEWISH ALLIANCE What purpose could there be in marching past the homes of innocent Jews to protest the Jewish homeland, other than pure intimidation? These are the same deranged leftists who think there should be no buffer zones for their protests outside of synagogues. But why? Why do they need to be in arms' reach of their Jewish targets, if not to intimidate or assault them? This is why federal legislation to enhance penalties for protest-related crimes in residential areas is essential, and we know that such measures work because, ever since Don Lemon and his band of idiots invaded a Minnesota church and were arrested, no other churches have been overrun. MIKE DAVIS: DON LEMON AND HIS CHURCH-STORMING MOB MUST FACE KU KLUX KLAN, FACE ACT CHARGES Likewise, as soon as the Trump administration made clear in 2020 that destroying federal statues would get you 10 years in jail, the statues magically stopped falling. In a sane world, protest organizers themselves, or their leaders like New York City Mayor Zohran ‘Madman’ Mamdani, would insist that demonstrations never occur in residential areas, that people’s homes be respected. But don’t hold your breath. For whatever maniacal reason, these leftists think it is not only their right, but their responsibility to inflict chaos and fear on Jews until everyone comes around to their pro-Hamas politics of terror, a cabal of cowards frightening children. As idiotic and reprehensible as the behavior is, we cannot stop progressive loonies from setting up camp outside the house of a conservative judge or a member of the Trump administration. Sometimes, in fact with some regularity, freedom of speech becomes freedom to be a moron. But we can make clear that, if in so doing, you break the law, it’s not just a ticket and a summons but real jail time for terrorizing people on the streets where they and their children live. Brooklyn is known as the city of homes and churches and we are very lucky that so far, the targeting of those homes and places of worship by lefty protesters has not left anyone dead. But before that luck runs out, Congress should act, and protect our residences and our families from political violence. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DAVID MARCUS Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0486a0a200899a00eadfec Why Americans should be worried about President Trump’s China summit te 2026-05-13T14:11:44.875Z Why Americans should be worried about President Trump’s China summit Americans should be worried about President Trump’s upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Recent musings out of the White House sound like President Trump may be willing to allow Chinese manufacturers to produce in the U.S. This is a serious threat to both our economic and national security, and something many of us in the Congress – in a rare bipartisan effort – will fight with all our might. These days, when you can get both sides of the aisle to agree on anything, it’s usually a sign that something should be done. That is true for the new bipartisan legislation I am leading alongside Congressman John Moolenaar to ban Chinese car companies from doing business here to disrupt our manufacturing economy, put American auto workers out of a job, and put our national security at risk. For decades, the United States embraced globalization under the assumption that deeper economic integration would be mutually beneficial and create American jobs. Free trade was the cry of billionaires, economists, and corporate leaders. The reality is far from what was predicted. America has witnessed entire industries be destroyed and hollowed out. Steel mills closed, semiconductor production moved overseas, suppliers built in Asia, Mexico and around the world and manufacturing communities from Michigan to Pennsylvania lost jobs that once supported middle-class families. PROTECTING AMERICANS’ DATA FROM CHINA IS CENTRAL TO AN AMERICA FIRST AGENDA China does not play under the same free-market rules that America does. Their global dominance rose because no one competing with them is playing on a level playing field and the global marketplace is at a significant disadvantage. Chinese companies receive massive subsidies from their government (the Chinese Communist Party), preferential financing, intellectual property advantages, manipulated currency, and strategic direction from Beijing. Allowing those same firms to produce inside the United States will give a geopolitical adversary leverage over America’s economy from within. Nowhere is this concern more urgent than in the auto industry. Modern vehicles are no longer simply cars and trucks — they are rolling computers. Autonomous and connected vehicles continuously collect enormous amounts of information, including location data, driving patterns, camera footage, mapping information, and personal information tied to drivers and passengers. Vehicles are equipped with advanced sensors and software that track where Americans live, work, worship, seek medical care, and send their children to school. While these metrics are essential for improving safety and innovation, we must also protect this information from our adversaries. I led more than 70 Democrats in the House in warning the administration that Chinese-connected vehicles engage in extensive data collection and transmission, including GPS locations, driving behaviors, and in-car conversations. I warned that this data, if routed to servers controlled by Chinese entities, will ultimately be accessed by the Chinese government under its national security laws. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION That possibility alarmed not only my Democratic colleagues who signed my letter to the president, but the over 50 Republican colleagues in the House who signed a similar letter. We are all warning that any effort to lower barriers for Chinese automobiles or otherwise facilitate their entry into the U.S. market would pose a direct threat to American manufacturing, workers, and national security. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are also urging President Trump to maintain existing bans and close loopholes that could allow Chinese vehicles assembled in Mexico or Canada to enter the United States through USMCA trade provisions. Industry leaders themselves are sounding the alarm. Ford CEO Jim Farley recently warned that allowing Chinese automakers into the U.S. market would be "devastating" for domestic manufacturing and raised concerns about the enormous amount of data collected through cameras and connected vehicle technologies. This is ultimately about resilience and sovereignty. A nation that cannot produce its own critical goods — or protect the data generated by its citizens — cannot fully control its own future. The United States should welcome fair competition and international investment from partners who share democratic values and market principles. But when it comes to strategic industries central to national security, economic stability, and personal privacy, America must ensure the next generation of manufacturing and mobility is built by companies committed to America’s interests — not controlled by an authoritarian rival. The president must keep his word to the American people and not allow China to manufacture in the U.S. This is not about hostility toward the Chinese people or opposition to trade. It is about protecting American workers, safeguarding supply chains, defending privacy, and preserving America’s long-term economic independence. Sometimes the strongest dealmaking strategy is knowing when to walk away — because a bad deal with China that undercuts American workers, manufacturers, farmers, and communities would cost the United States far more than it would gain. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04868da200899a00eadfe3 Spencer Pratt’s mayoral run backed by Paris Hilton, Kristin Cavallari as celebrity divide deepens te 2026-05-13T14:11:25.137Z Spencer Pratt’s mayoral run backed by Paris Hilton, Kristin Cavallari as celebrity divide deepens Spencer Pratt's run for Mayor of Los Angeles has divided Hollywood with celebrities like Paris Hilton, Kristin Cavallari, Billy Bush and more choosing sides as the reality star’s campaign continues to gain traction. "The Hills" alum, 42, who has been an outspoken critic of incumbent Mayor Karen Bass over her response to the devastating LA fires after losing his own home in the disaster, announced his surprise bid for City Hall in January. Throughout his campaign, Pratt has emphasized issues such as homelessness, public safety, wildfire response and government spending throughout his campaign, positioning himself as a political outsider challenging the status quo in Los Angeles and drawing support from voters dissatisfied with current leadership. Though Pratt is a registered Republican, he is running as an independent in the nonpartisan race and has attempted to distance himself from party politics. He has often described himself as a "community advocate" focused on local issues rather than national ideology. SPENCER PRATT ACCUSES LA TIMES JOURNALIST OF 'PHONE-STALKING' HIS FAMILY AS MAYORAL CAMPAIGN GAINS STEAM In recent weeks, Pratt's run has picked up steam following his widely praised performance in a mayoral debate with Bass and LA council member Nithya Raman as well as a series of viral campaign ads. Ahead of the June 2 primary, recent polls have consistently placed Bass in the lead, followed by Pratt and Raman though a large segment of voters are undecided. Since no candidate is currently polling near the 50% required to win outright, the race will likely proceed to a November runoff between the top two finishers. In the months since Pratt launched his campaign, his run for mayor has become a Hollywood flashpoint, as celebrities rally behind the former reality star while others openly push back. SPENCER PRATT GETS SUPPORT FROM WWE LEGEND IN BID FOR LOS ANGELES MAYOR: 'LA NEEDS CHANGE' Here's a look at the high-profile names lining up both in support of — and in opposition to — Pratt's unconventional campaign. Pratt earned the endorsement of Joe Rogan when he appeared on the April 15 episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," though the podcaster acknowledged that he was ineligible to vote in Los Angeles. ANDY COHEN BLASTS JOE ROGAN AS A 'F---ING IDIOT' AFTER HE BACKS PRATT FOR LA MAYOR "Listen, man. I'm voting for you. I can't vote for you, but I'm rooting for you," Rogan said, noting he is a Texas resident and no longer a Californian. "I mean, if I lived in Los Angeles, no question whatsoever, I would vote for you." James Woods, who is an outspoken conservative, publicly backed Pratt after mayoral debate while criticizing Bass and Raman's records. SPENCER PRATT: LOS ANGELES ANGRY WITH KAREN BASS’ MISMANAGEMENT "Spencer Pratt is surprisingly effective, direct, polite, and prepared in tonight’s debate," the "Casino" star wrote in a X post. "The other two have history as their enemy because everything they’ve done has been a catastrophe. He can absolutely win this thing." Paris Hilton expressed her support in the comments section of an Instagram post that Pratt shared on April 24. CALIFORNIA WILDFIRES: HEIDI MONTAG SKYROCKETS TO NO. 1 ON ITUNES AFTER LOSING PACIFIC PALISADES HOME Pratt uploaded a video showing himself giving a tour of the Airstream trailer where he now lives, parked amid the rubble of his Pacific Palisades property after it was destroyed in the LA fires. "Spencer for Mayor," Hilton wrote, adding a raised hands emoji. Billy Bush appeared on "Jesse Watters Primetime," where he talked about Spencer Pratt's mayoral run. Bush, who is the host of "Hot Mics," said of Pratt: "Look, he’s for real. He won that debate flat out on NBC 4. It was last week he shocked a lot of people. His command of the facts was fantastic. His command of the room was fantastic. He showed a real ability to connect. He is relatable. He’s likable." Adding: "He’s telling the truth. His only commitment is to tell the truth is for transparency. You talk about the NGOs. You talk about… everyone knows Los Angeles is literally pouring money into drains…And a billion dollars in debt every year is unbelievable." The star continued: "He’s just saying I’m going to walk in, and I’m going to be transparent. I’m going to show you how the city works. I’m going to audit the city of Los Angeles. Isn’t it time? I think every local government should… let’s see an audit. I want to see the books. I want to know where everything is going. How do you blow it in one of the most beautiful cities in the entire world? It’s a dump in Los Angeles waters. It’s a dump. You drive around Los Angeles. You can’t believe it. It really is… its disgusting… the homeless factor and the drug factor." Bush noted that people "want to call him MAGA, they want to call him all these things. No, you know who he represents? Angry Angelenos. People who have had enough of mismanagement in our government. Of the fact our city burns down…." "This is a guy whose house burned down, and he said 'I'm going to step up and do something about it.' How many people b——h on Instagram [and] that’s their activism?" Bush asked. "This guy said nah. I'm going to go in there and open the books, and we’re going to be transparent with the people of Los Angeles. He’s resonating. He’s for real. Believe it," he finished. Kristin Cavallari has been one of Pratt's most vocal celebrity supporters, sharing her enthusiasm over her "The Hills" co-star's mayoral run and framing him as an outsider willing to challenge the political establishment. KRISTIN CAVALLARI SLAMS KARDASHIAN FAMILY AS MANIPULATIVE "I think Spencer running for mayor is f------ genius," she said on the April 21 episode of her "Let’s Be Honest" podcast. "Because I think everyone in politics — I don’t care what side you’re on — everyone is corrupt." "To get to that level, you have to play their game," she continued. It’s all an agenda, and I think their goal is to keep all of us divided. They want us fighting, and that’s why I don’t buy into any of it." LA MAYORAL CANDIDATE SPENCER PRATT VOWS ‘ZERO ENCAMPMENTS’ OF HOMELESS, NO FENTANYL ON STREETS Cavallari also addressed rumors that she was "MAHA," saying that while she supported making America healthy, she didn't identify with any particular side. "That's why I love Spencer running for mayor because he is a real person who is going to call out the corruption," she said. "He is going to actually get s--- done. He is fired up because he lost his house, and he obviously has seen all the corruption in L.A." Cavallari clarified that while she owns a condo in LA, she is full-time resident of Tennessee and therefore "can't speak to the specifics." "I do know, every time I see him talking about what’s going on and all the corruption that he’s pointed out, he’s f------ spot on," the "Laguna Beach" alum continued. "I love that he is doing this, and most people in California that you talk to actually love it too. People are really excited. People are really fired up." "I think gettin everyone who is not a politician in office in some capacity is the right move because the politicians don't give a s--- about you or me or anybody, they only care about themselves," she added. Cavallari went on to say that she wished "everyone could just wake up" instead of fighting each other over different issues. "We need to come together as a f------ society and be like, ‘F--- the politicians across the board.’ Can we please just be united? Can we please stop fighting about dumb s---?" she asked. "We're ending on that note. That was not my intention, but that’s how passionate I am about this. So vote for Spencer Pratt. Go f----- Spencer. This is what we need right now." Audrina Patridge is another one of Pratt's reality TV co-stars who are cheering him on in the race. "I’m actually excited," Partridge told Us Weekly during an interview published May 1. "He impressed me. I listened to some of his interviews, and at first when I heard, I was like, ‘Wait, is he really doing it? Is it a joke? Is it real?’ But he is, and he is very intelligent, and I think that he would make a lot of change to L.A. and he would follow through with what he said." "So I’m rooting for him," she said. While Patridge can't vote for Pratt since she lives in Orange County, the "Dancing with the Stars" alum shared her hopes that he could help restore LA to the version of the city that she remembered experiencing in the past. "He’s very smart. He knew how to work reality TV. I know politics is very different — but I mean, he seems very intelligent and is well-educated on what he needs to do," Patridge said. "Bring back L.A., what it was 15 years ago when it was fun to go out. It’s so different now." Brody Jenner, who co-starred with Pratt in "The Princes of Malibu" and "The Hills," was one of his longtime friend's earliest supporters. Shortly after Pratt announced his mayoral run, Jenner addressed the former reality star's critics in an Instagram Story post. "Let me clear something up. Spencer Pratt graduated from USC with a bachelor's degree in political science. He's genuinely one of the smartest people I've ever met. He didn't 'end up' in reality TV, he chose it because he loved it and understood the opportunity," Jenner wrote. "And for everyone out there saying he 'doesn't have a job,' that just shows how little they understand the industry," he continued. "Being on a television show, yes, even a so-called 'reality' show, is real work. The shooting schedules are long, intense, and often more demanding than many of the traditional jobs people love to look down on." "Spencer isn't afraid to think differently or speak up, and that's exactly what this city needs. He has my vote, because at the very least, he has the backbone to stand up to career politicians who've done little to actually move Los Angeles forward," Jenner concluded. Katharine McPhee was listed among the celebrity donors backing Pratt’s campaign, though she has not publicly commented on the race. JEANIE BUSS MAKES MAX DONATION TO SPENCER PRATT LA MAYORAL CAMPAIGN Other high-profile names who have contributed to the campaign include "The Hills" alum Doug Reinhardt, "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" and "The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives" producer Jeff Jenkins and professional poker player Rick Salomon, according to People magazine. Adam Carolla has thrown his full support behind Pratt, repeatedly praising the former reality star and slamming his opponents. On April 21, Pratt joined Carolla on his "The Adam Carolla Show" podcast for an episode titled "Spencer Pratt Gets Adam Carolla’s Endorsement for LA Mayor!" During the episode, Pratt and Carolla discussed homelessness, crime and what they described as failed leadership in Los Angeles, while Pratt outlined his plans to "bring back common sense" to City Hall. "We have a bunch of Marxist, socialist f----- r----ds who are tearing this city down," Carolla said. Carolla later shared an photo of himself with Pratt on Instagram writing, This man is going to save LA. @spencerprat. has my full endorsement for mayor!" Joanna Krupa, a longtime animal rights activist, joined Pratt at a dog adoption event at the neighborhood dog bakery The Barkery Encino during which she shared her support for his campaign. "The Real Housewives of Miami" star later shared an Instagram video from the event and explained why she was backing Pratt. "I moved to Hollywood , California in 1999 to chase a dream…and I’ve never seen Los Angeles like this," she began her lengthy caption. "It's broken. I showed up to support Spencer Pratt for Mayor because this isn’t about politics anymore. It’s about real change." "This isn’t about Democrat or Republican," Krupa continued. "This is the moment we all come together and fight for what’s right to save this beautiful city. He’s not a politician. He’s a real person who lost his home in the Palisades fire and instead of giving up, he’s fighting for this city." "And in all my years in LA… he’s the first person I’ve seen run for office who actually cares about animals and wants to be their voice," the model added. "As an animal activist for over 20 years this matters. Because the animals need him. The rescue community needs him. These innocent lives have no voice.And for once… someone is willing to stand up for them. Most politicians don’t. That’s the truth. We need accountability. We need transparency. We need to stop the corruption and finally know where our tax money is going.Los Angeles deserves better." "And for the first time in a long time… this feels like hope. Spencer is our hope and if we don’t fight for change now, we may not have the city we love left to fight for," Krupa concluded. "The Bachelor" star Nick Viall confirmed his support for Pratt early on in the race. On Jan. 7, Pratt officially announced that he was running for Mayor of LA in an Instagram post. "Yes, it’s official. Papers are filed and campaign is open: mayorpratt.com," Pratt wrote alongside a photo of himself signing campaign paperwork. "You have my vote," Viall wrote in the comments. Ryan Gary Raddon, who is better known as the DJ Kaskade, supported Pratt's run in the comments section of the announcement post. "let's go!" Raddon wrote. Amber Rose shared her hopes for Pratt's future achievements as mayor in a comment on one of the former reality star's Instagram posts. "Homelessness is not a business. Mental illness is not a business. Addiction is not a business. The grift ends when I’m mayor, and we will enforce the law," Pratt wrote on March 22 alongside a clip from his appearance on KTLA's "Inside CA Politics." Heather McDonald faced backlash from other celebrities when she shared her support for Pratt following his debate against Bass and Raman. "Watching @spencerpratt in the mayoral debate! Let’s Go Spencer! @spencerpratt spencerpratt #la #decision2026 #juicyscoop #savela," the actress and comedian wrote on X. "Heather, d--n." Yvette Nicole Brown commented, adding a broken heart emoji. "Girl, seriously. WTF?!? So embarrassed for you.," "Queer Eye" star Bobby Berk chimed in. Holly Robinson Peete also expressed her disappointment under McDonald's post, leaving a face-palming emoji. Pratt's sister Stephanie Pratt has been one of his most outspoken critics during his mayoral run, publicly urging Angelenos not to vote for her brother. In February, Pratt, who also starred on "The Hills," voiced her concerns about her brother's campaign and shared her doubts about his intentions. In a series of posts shared on X, Stephanie noted that Spencer was a vital asset to the community more than one year after the devastating LA wildfires. However, she assured her followers that Pratt was simply trying to stay relevant and drum up interest in his memoir "The Guy You Loved to Hate," which was released in January. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER "Spencer has done great work for the palisades," Stephanie wrote. "But LA does not need another unqualified and inexperienced mayor. A vote for him is a vote for stupidity." She continued, "He's just trying to stay famous and sell his memoir don't be fooled." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS In addition to her comment on McDonald's post, Yvette Nicole Brown also expressed her dismay over Pratt's run on Threads. On April 24, the "Community" star reposted a People magazine article about how Pratt's campaign donations had surpassed those of Bass. "This nation is unserious and has learned nothing," she wrote. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048675a200899a00eadfa2 WhatsApp adds an incognito mode in Meta AI chats te 2026-05-13T14:11:01.707Z WhatsApp adds an incognito mode in Meta AI chats Meta said these incognito conversations are not saved, and messages will disappear by default once you close the chat. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a048661a200899a00eadf99 Introducing the 6 stages at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 — built for today’s tougher startup market te 2026-05-13T14:10:41.882Z Introducing the 6 stages at TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 — built for today’s tougher startup market From October 13-15, TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 will feature 200+ sessions across six stages, led by 250+ tech leaders shaping the industry today. Register now to save up to $410, plus 50% off a second pass. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04864da200899a00eadf90 Anthropic now has more business customers than OpenAI, according to Ramp data te 2026-05-13T14:10:21.931Z Anthropic now has more business customers than OpenAI, according to Ramp data For the first time, Anthropic has more verified business customers than OpenAI, according to this month’s AI Index from the fintech firm Ramp. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0483fca200899a00eadf3f Rand Paul brings CIA whistleblower to Senate hearing alleging 'deep state' COVID-19 conspiracy te 2026-05-13T14:00:28.031Z Rand Paul brings CIA whistleblower to Senate hearing alleging 'deep state' COVID-19 conspiracy A whistleblower is set to testify before the Senate on the alleged cover-up of the origins of COVID-19. The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee will hear testimony from an unnamed longtime CIA employee on Wednesday on allegations that there was a cover-up of the origins of the virus with roots that run deep in the federal government and intelligence community. It's part of Sen. Rand Paul's, R-Ky., crusade against former National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) director Dr. Anthony Fauci and his role in examining the origins of COVID-19, his response to the virus and ensuing actions taken by the federal government during the pandemic. EX-FAUCI TOP ADVISOR INDICTED OVER ALLEGED COVID COVER-UP, HIDDEN EMAILS The hearing on Wednesday comes on the heels of the deadline for the Department of Justice (DOJ) to charge Fauci for allegedly lying to Congress about gain-of-function research — controversial research that could boost a virus's transmissibility and virulence by altering its genetic code — in relation to COVID-19. The statute of limitations to take action against Fauci for that particular issue expired on Monday. "The DOJ may never act, but the American people know the truth: Fauci misled and defrauded this country," Paul said on X. "I won't stop uncovering the truth around the great COVID cover-up. That's why I will have a whistleblower testify before my committee this Wednesday." RAND PAUL VOWS TO KEEP PRESSURE ON FAUCI AS STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS ON CRIMINAL REFERRAL EXPIRES MONDAY Fauci has vehemently denied accusations that he lied about the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) role in funding research at the Wuhan Institute of Virology in China, and argued that the research did not meet the level of gain-of-function research. But a longtime advisor of Fauci's, David Morens, who served as a top advisor at NIAID, was indicted by the DOJ last month and accused of using his personal email account to hide communications related to a controversial coronavirus research grant that involved collaboration with the Wuhan Institute. BIDEN TEAM REPORTEDLY CONSIDERING PREEMPTIVE PARDONS FOR FAUCI, SCHIFF, OTHER TRUMP 'TARGETS' Wednesday's hearing will zero in on the experience of a longtime CIA employee, who Paul told the New York Post would delve into an alleged and ongoing "deep state" conspiracy to cover up the origins of the virus. Paul told the outlet that the whistleblower was assigned to the Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI), where he worked on a group that studied how the pandemic started in Wuhan. "For years, Americans were told to stop asking questions about COVID’s origins," Paul said on X. "Today, a whistleblower with firsthand knowledge will testify that intelligence officials may have buried evidence, altered conclusions and concealed the truth from the public." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a047f49a200899a00eade11 Vance-led task force cuts off $1.4B from home health, hospice providers suspected of fraud te 2026-05-13T13:40:25.570Z Vance-led task force cuts off $1.4B from home health, hospice providers suspected of fraud EXCLUSIVE: Vice President JD Vance's anti-fraud task force has withheld $1.4 billion in federal funding from home health and hospice providers nationwide, following a wave of suspensions enacted by an anti-fraud task force targeting operations in California, Minnesota and several other states. Approximately 90% of the suspended providers have not reached out to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency tasked with combating fraud, waste and abuse, since payments have been suspended. Trump administration officials told Fox News Digital that they believe lack of communication between alleged fraudulent providers and CMS indicates that the providers were not legitimate enterprises. The suspended group includes long-term providers who have been pocketing federal funds for years while failing to communicate with CMS, a senior Trump administration source told Fox News Digital. "The Vice President’s task force continues to stop the flow of taxpayer funds before they fall into the hands of fraudsters and deliver savings to the American people," a spokesperson for Vice President JD Vance told Fox News Digital. "This is great momentum in the fight for the President’s War on Fraud." LOS ANGELES COUNTY FACES SCRUTINY AFTER ALLEGED WIDESPREAD HOSPICE FRAUD EXPOSED President Donald Trump has made the eradication of systemic fraud a cornerstone of his administration’s domestic policy. On Monday, CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz blasted California officials over the state's hospice crisis, charging that the fraud is "stealing your lives" and pointing to a sophisticated web of international graft. "We’ve got Russian government involvement, we believe, in Los Angeles. We’ve got the Chinese government involved in a big fraud ring in New York," Oz told guest host Kayleigh McEnany on "Jesse Watters Primetime." "And, of course, the Cuban connection... pointed out to me by former Miami Mayor Francis Suarez. We’ve got twice as many durable medical equipment suppliers—selling wheelchairs and canes—as there are McDonald’s in South Florida. The owners often flee back to Cuba with the money the moment we move in on them." Last month, Fox News Digital uncovered the suspension of 447 hospices and 23 home health agencies suspected of fraud in Los Angeles alone, with the total theft estimated at more than $600 million. Days later, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) referred 562,000 suspected fraudulent loans — totaling over $22.2 billion — to the U.S. Department of the Treasury for collection. These loans largely originated from the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and the COVID Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program. WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT MINNESOTA’S ‘FEEDING OUR FUTURE’ FRAUD AT THE CENTER OF TRUMP’S LATEST CRACKDOWN The SBA noted these files were flagged for suspected fraud during the Biden administration but were never sent to the Treasury Department for recovery. "The task force has made clear that the Biden Administration’s policy of giving direct cash payments to fraudsters is over," a senior White House official told Fox News Digital. In April, the head of a California hospice advocacy group warned congressional lawmakers that industry fraud is flourishing across the state. Sheila Clark, president and CEO of the California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (CHAPCA), questioned how these "ghost" providers managed to evade regulators for so long. "You'd be amazed at how many hospices... you can walk up to the door in California and there is nobody there. You can see five months' worth of mail stacked up," Clark told the House Ways and Means Committee during an April 22 hearing. "And yet, they passed a survey. How did that happen?" "How do you put a hospice in a burrito stand? How do you put a hospice in a retail store?" she quipped. "That all had to be vetted through licensure, certification and accreditation." California Attorney General Rob Bonta recently announced the arrest of five individuals linked to an alleged multi-million-dollar hospice scheme that reportedly raked in $267 million through fraudulent billing to Medi-Cal, the state’s Medicaid program. The Trump administration has intensified its focus on the abuse of taxpayer funds following last year's arrests connected to the "Feeding Our Future" scheme in Minnesota—a massive "sham meal" operation that allegedly defrauded the government of hundreds of millions of dollars. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a047ceea200899a00eadd21 Poppy debuts a proactive AI assistant to help organize your digital life te 2026-05-13T13:30:22.978Z Poppy debuts a proactive AI assistant to help organize your digital life Poppy is an AI-powered app that connects your calendar, email, messages, and other services to surface reminders, suggestions, and tasks based on what’s happening in your life. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a047a99a200899a00eadcba Senate Republicans balk at $1B White House ballroom request: ‘You made that number up’ te 2026-05-13T13:20:25.954Z Senate Republicans balk at $1B White House ballroom request: ‘You made that number up’ Senate Republicans are having a hard time stomaching an eye-popping funding request that, in part, would fund security enhancements for President Donald Trump's ballroom. Republicans in the upper chamber still aren’t completely on board with a $1 billion request from the Trump administration and Secret Service tucked into their immigration operations funding package, and many are wondering how exactly that figure was created.  "It was one thing when private dollars were building it," Sen. John Curtis, R-Utah, said. "If you're asking me for a billion dollars, I have some really hard questions. If I were a businessman and an employee came and said, ‘I have a project, and it's a billion dollars,’ I'd say, ‘You made that number up,’ right? Like, where did the number come from?" ONCE TOUTED AS PRIVATELY FUNDED, REPUBLICANS SNEAK IN TAXPAYER CASH FOR TRUMP'S BALLROOM PROJECT Curtis’ skepticism came as Republicans were headed for a closed-door briefing on the request from Secret Service Director Sean Curran, who provided a high-level breakdown of the funding in a one-pager obtained by Fox News Digital. Curran’s explanation wasn’t enough for several Republicans, who left the meeting still wanting more detailed information on exactly how the funding, which is part of the broader reconciliation package meant for immigration enforcement, would be used. "They need to go back and get us more details about exactly how they arrived at the figure," Sen. Todd Young, R-Neb., said afterward.  Curran presented lawmakers with a high-level breakdown of how the money would be spent, which included $220 million for "White House complex hardening." TRUMP ADMIN DEFENDS WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM AS NATIONAL SECURITY MATTER That category, like the legislation released by the Senate Judiciary Committee last week, dictated that the funding would fund "above and below ground" security enhancements for Trump’s ballroom, which the administration argued would "afford needed protection for the president, his family, and visitors, along with the below-ground, highest-level security functions." Those enhancements would include bulletproof glass, drone detection technology, chemical filtration and detection systems and "a host of other national security functions."  An additional $180 million would go toward a White House screening center for visitors. The remaining $600 million would go toward Secret Service training, enhancing protection for Trump and other officials, and other security measures including countering drones and other aerial incursions. "What was clear today is this whole statement, ‘It's a billion dollars for a ballroom.’
Anyone who prints that is printing something they know is a lie. That's not true," Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., told Fox News Digital. "It's not a billion dollars for the ballroom." 
 The entirety of the funding won’t be going exclusively to enhancing security for Trump’s colossal ballroom, so Republicans want more answers on how each dollar will be used.  AFTER THIRD ASSASSINATION ATTEMPT, DEBATE GROWS OVER WHETHER TRUMP ATTACK WARRANTS ANOTHER INVESTIGATION And they acknowledge that the price tag is a hard sell to make in the midst of growing economic issues across the country. "The way I look at it, I look at it like a business guy," Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., told Fox News Digital. "So it's an investment, and it's gonna, you know, you have to explain to the American public, if you're gonna spend their money, how do you get a return?" Scott, like several other Republicans, is in favor of boosting security for Trump, who faced a third assassination attempt last month, and future presidents. And there is an opportunity to cut the request down, which some Republicans suggested could be an option as they sprint to finish work on the broader $72 billion package. "We want to make sure we're being responsible with taxpayer dollars and see what is the best vehicle for that, and then making sure that we're judicious with that money," Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., told Fox News Digital.  Meanwhile, the funding request is a small piece in a broader package meant to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for the next three and a half years through the budget reconciliation process.  Whether the ballroom security and Secret Service funding actually stays in the package is an open question, given that the entire package will be reviewed under the Senate’s strict Byrd Rule guidelines that dictate what can and can’t make it into the reconciliation process. And Democrats are planning to push hard against the security funding, arguing that the money would be better spent elsewhere on affordability issues.  "The bottom line is this ballroom is a disgrace," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said. "The Republicans know it. Let's see if they have the guts to do what they know is right, both substantively and politically, and tell Trump we don't need a God—, we don't need a damn ballroom." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04786aa200899a00eadbf1 Cherie DeVaux reflects on making Kentucky Derby history as first female trainer to win the race te 2026-05-13T13:11:06.339Z Cherie DeVaux reflects on making Kentucky Derby history as first female trainer to win the race Cherie DeVaux made history when Golden Tempo won the Kentucky Derby at the beginning of May, becoming the first female trainer to win the first leg of the Triple Crown. DeVaux, 44, said that while she never made her gender part of her identity as a horse trainer, it was the one thing she wanted to do as a female. "It was the one thing as a female I wanted to do just cause I thought it would be – it’s a neat benchmark. There are 151 runnings with all men, and then it’s me," DeVaux told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "I have never made a stand that my gender was part of my identity as a trainer. I am a horse trainer. We all work really hard, male, female. So it wasn't on the heels of being a female." For DeVaux, she was happy that the conversation about a female winning the Kentucky Derby could finally move on. "I actually was getting a bit – I don’t want to say tired in a bad way, but that question kept coming up, and it's like it's time for the conversation to move on from it is how I felt. I quipped in the post-Derby interview, ‘Thank God I don’t have to answer that question anymore,’" DeVaux said. The Saratoga Springs, New York, native, said that it’s an honor to be someone that people look up to. "It's an honor. And I hold great respect with the fact that I am somebody now that people, women, men, people look up to. That’s something that I don’t lose sight of, and I’m just out doing my thing, and if that can inspire somebody else, it’s a bonus on top," DeVaux said. "I’ve always felt like we need to be doing – we train horses, but we can reach the community, or others, just by doing what we’re doing and conducting yourself, holding yourself accountable and to a higher standard." GOLDEN TEMPO TO SKIP PREAKNESS STAKES, ENDING TRIPLE CROWN BID AS TRAINER CITES LONG-TERM HEALTH DeVaux, about a week and a half removed from the Kentucky Derby win, said that things are finally starting to settle down. "It's been overwhelming in a really amazing way," DeVaux said. "Been busy, doing a lot more extracurriculars other than running our stable, which I keep joking that when a league wins a championship, they go to Disney World, and we continue to have a lot of horses to train. So, things are starting to quiet down a little bit and getting back to the enjoyment of working with our horses and training the rest of the stable." Going into the race, Golden Tempo was 23-1 to win the Kentucky Derby. DeVaux said she felt good about Golden Tempo but was tempering her expectations. "I felt that Golden Tempo was going to run a really good race. We targeted the race. We had a plan with him. He checked all the boxes. He got to the race in great order, but realistically, it's the derby. And it's our first trip to the derby, and there's a lot of horses in it. It’s not a very good chance you're going to win, right?" DeVaux said. "So, just realistic expectations that I put on the whole situation was let's have fun. Hopefully, Golden Tempo runs a really good race. He comes with a run and we're going to be happy with that." JORDON HUDSON, BILL BELICHICK TAKE IN CHURCHILL DOWNS DURING KENTUCKY DERBY WEEKEND Golden Tempo’s running style is described as a deep closer, which means that he comes up to the pack from way out of it. DeVaux said they have tried to use blinkers to get him more engaged in the beginning of the race, but it’s just not his style. Golden Tempo stayed true to form during the Kentucky Derby, as he surged from the back and into the lead late. DeVaux was making sure he didn’t dig himself too deep of a hole with a slow start. "Most of the race, I was just keeping an eye on him, seeing how the race is unfolding in front of him. And there was a fast pace and a lot of those horses have not shown the propensity to want to go a mile and a quarter. Golden Tempo came closing at a mile and 3/16 in the Louisiana Derby. So, we were very confident in his ability to handle that distance," DeVaux said. "When I picked him up, I had a feeling that he was going to make a really good run and have a good showing of himself, but had given himself so much to do. So, as he's picking them off, and he's coming, and he's coming and then when he got to Renegade is when it was like, 'Oh my goodness, this might be happening' to he got his head in front, and you know, the rest is history as they say." "I blacked out the last part of it when he won because I just couldn't believe that he won the race. Like it was just disbelief of I can't believe that really just happened." THE SURPRISING COST OF RENTING A HORSE STALL AT CHURCHILL DOWNS DURING THE KENTUCKY DERBY Amid the chaos after winning, DeVaux said she hasn’t sat down and truly reflected on it all but has spent some time thinking about her journey into history. "In brief moments, I find myself thinking about things that have happened in my life where I questioned my path, and it's not just the path to me being a trainer. I was talking about something that happened in my late 20s with a relationship that went really badly, and I was telling my assistant actually about it. I thought if I could survive that, I can survive anything," DeVaux said. "I've had these moments along the way that I could have been discouraged, I could have left, and instead I just had the fortitude to push forward." The fortitude to push forward has indirectly led to her Instagram messages being flooded with congratulations. "There have been a lot and still muddling through the inbox," DeVaux said. "I didn’t realize how many messages you can really get on Instagram.  Flavor Flav is the one that was jarring to me a little bit when he saw I was in New York, like 'hey we have an event' which my little '90s child in me was thinking that was pretty cool." For DeVaux, she never thought she would be here. "I've been overwhelmed really with like the reaction videos of just Golden Tempo running, my reaction being a woman and you know that's just something I never would have thought would have touched anybody," DeVaux said. "I'm just doing my thing, cheering my horse on." 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/6a047856a200899a00eadbda JASON CHAFFETZ: America needs a drone defense plan before disaster strikes te 2026-05-13T13:10:46.914Z JASON CHAFFETZ: America needs a drone defense plan before disaster strikes In the USA there are roughly 220,000 commercial aircraft.  By 2027 the FAA estimates there will be more than 2.7 million drones. As firefighting aircraft raced to drop retardant on a raging wildfire in Utah’s Provo Canyon last summer, some flights were grounded by a new threat. Private drones, presumably trying to capture dramatic footage of the fire, forced critical support to stand down while flames advanced. This incident was no anomaly. There were hundreds of drone sightings over wildfires in 2025. Such civilian disruptions are only the beginning. Drone warfare and prevalence has come to American soil. Cheap, loosely regulated drones have the capability to disrupt military bases, surveil the homes of cabinet secretaries and your backyard, threaten aircraft, and even attack the President of the United States. These threats are not hypothetical. It is real, it is now, and it urgently must be addressed. BRETT VELICOVICH: ‘MYSTERY’ DRONES ARE NO MYSTERY, THEY ARE A DANGEROUS THREAT TO NATIONAL SECURITY As recently as March 2026, multiple waves of drones were detected over Barksdale Air Force Base – home of the B-52 bomber and other nuclear assets.  These drones had jamming resistance technology and long-range control links. Similar probes have hit other sensitive sites. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the FAA deserve credit for taking a critical step forward this past week. They introduced a proposed new rule to protect critical infrastructure sites, including energy facilities, water treatment plants, and more.   Despite this promising development, Congress seems to demonstrate little urgency to address the problem. Democrats have kept the Department of Homeland Security defunded for months at a time – a strategy they seem committed to repeat. We need a unified national response that includes clearer rules, stronger funding and civil-military integration. We don’t have the luxury of moving at the speed of government where drones are concerned. SCHUMER SEEKS LEGISLATION GIVING LOCAL OFFICIALS AUTHORITY TO ‘SWIFTLY’ RESPOND TO DRONE SIGHTINGS Who is responsible for coordinating this defense? The Feds? The states? Who writes the rules?  If a drone is a threat, who are you supposed to call? 911? The Highway Patrol? The FAA? Is there an agency in charge? A 1-800 number? Is it the county sheriff? The rules need to be clear, coordinated, and understood. For some of us, we’d like to use a shotgun, but that is most likely not safe nor legal. We need clear airspace rules. Who is in charge of the air space at what height? But we also need strong enforcement. Good guys will play by the rules. But what is the enforcement mechanism for the bad guys? Who is guarding against foreign actors heavily invested in this inexpensive technology? What is our strategy? Are we investing in the right technology? What are we going to do if critical infrastructure such as a nuclear power plant or a dam was hit by a drone swarm? CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Our airspace is going to be more heavily trafficked than ever before with legitimate drone shipments, air taxis, and emergency responders using drones to immediately respond to vehicle accidents, wildfires, and dangerous situations. There does not seem to be sufficient coordination between civil and military authorities on this issue to keep up with the pace. There are more registered drones in this country that there are aircraft. How do you defend when there are more drones than planes? This Fourth of July, all across the country, there will be air shows featuring hundreds if not thousands of drones in formation lighting up our skies. But I worry not everyone will use this technology simply for fun.   Let’s not wait until there’s an event with casualties before we address this critical security threat. This issue needs definition and leadership – not just from the administration, but from Congress. The imperative is way past due.   CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM JASON CHAFFETZ Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a047843a200899a00eadbbd Shakira cranks up the heat with a World Cup song that has people dancing, buy Elvis' rhinestone jock & BBQ te 2026-05-13T13:10:27.165Z Shakira cranks up the heat with a World Cup song that has people dancing, buy Elvis' rhinestone jock & BBQ Wednesday Screencaps is off and running with MY Reds getting back to being blown out by teams they need to beat and Shakira, a name that agitates Mrs. Screencaps, announcing she's about to release the official World Cup song that you'll be hearing all summer. I can mention all sorts of Instagram models at home. I can mention that we had Terann Hilow on Screencaps Recap when I appear on Dan Dakich's show. I can mention the Sports Illustrated swimsuit covers are out. Any mention of Shakira and Mrs. Screencaps is on edge. "She's kinda annoying with the fake voice thing," Mrs. Screencaps says. "Isn't she a criminal," she added, while wondering if it wasn't tax evasion that got Shakira, 49, into trouble. That is true. It got me wondering if you guys are in a similar situation here. Is there a celebrity name that you mention that instantly triggers your wife or girlfriend? Ladies, is there a male celebrity that you mention that your husband gets bent out of shape over? Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com KESHA WENT SKINNY DIPPING FOR MOTHER NATURE, KRISTIN CAVALLARI MODELS FOR HER BRAND & CONES OF SHAME As for this new song, "Dai Dai," Mrs. Screencaps can't figure out what the "eco" part of the song is all about. Needless to say, this song probably won't be played much this summer in the Honda Odyssey as she's running the boys to baseball games. 📩 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 Millennial Chris B. in Bowling Green mentioned in the boys' text group that he was sitting in a meeting Tuesday when a member of the company's IT team was giving a presentation. During the speech, the IT guy said, "screencaps" instead of "screenshot" and Millennial Chris B's radar alert system went off. He immediately shared the news. That's just not a word that you hear very often, especially out of the mouth of an IT guy. There's a very select group of Americans who have "Screencaps" on their brain. I am 95% convinced the IT guy is a reader. MORNING GLORY: OCTOBER IS THE BEST MONTH FOR BASEBALL Some of you want to know if I'm still predicting Wendy's death even though this Nelson guy is trying to take the company private. Look, I see what I see across this country with my own eyes. I see Chick-fil-A with a bunch of Christian kids from the local churches slinging chicken nuggets at a record pace. I see fewer Americans seeking out a burger. I see fewer Americans caring about Wendy's chili. I see Culver's popping up all over the Midwest, which cuts into the traditional Wendy's market. Then, I can drive through a Wendy's this afternoon and I can pretty much guarantee that I will encounter the worst of the worst fast-food workers. McDonald's is still on top of the leaderboard around here for the ex-con workers, but there's something about the employees Wendy's, especially here in NW Ohio, hires. It seriously feels like a crack rock is going to fall into my fries at any moment. Look, I wish Nelson nothing but the best of luck. Wendy's is an Ohio institution. Ohioans care about what Dave Thomas built. The Wendy's headquarters is on an elite piece of property in Dublin, OH that would leave a big scar if it were to leave or completely go out of business. I am simply just asking for those executives in Dublin to come through the drive-thrus around here and tell me, hand on a Bible, if they feel comfortable with the weirdos they have representing the brand. They cannot tell me with a straight face that they are comfortable. It's sad. – Chris Hill in Greensboro, NC writes: You called it, this one located on one of the busiest streets in Greensboro, NC, service started going downhill about a year ago and so did their business.  Not surprisingly the Chick-fil-A a mile away with great customer service is packed at all times.   – Jim Q. fired off: Your prediction is taking a turn. Wendy's may go private. – Thomas B. in Arizon says: I saw your post about Costco being entertaining for middle-aged people.  I must no longer be middle-aged because I have a different view of the experience.  I’m probably more at the "get off my lawn" stage of life.  This article that I ran across recently pretty much sums up the typical Costco experience.    Kinsey: Here's what Thomas and so many others are experiencing: Costco ramped up its membership list while refusing to build new stores to take pressure off overrun stores where you cannot move. The Clearwater, Florida Costco is a no-go zone on weekends. The parking lot is a mess. The gas station area is a mess. I get it. My mom lives like five miles from that location. It's madness. HOTEL IN SPRING BREAK MYSTERY TROUBLED GUESTS BEFORE COLLEGE STUDENT VANISHED AND MORE TOP HEADLINES My boss, who lives in New Jersey, once asked me why I'd go to Costco when I could just have it delivered. His Costco is overrun. Even here in NW Ohio, the Toledo Costco is pure torture. It's breaking at the seams with customers. The problem, as I've investigated over the last couple of years, is that Costco was incredibly good at signing up degenerates. I'm talking the pajamas at the airport crowd. I'm talking the shorts and flip flops in February degens who could stand to eat a salad crowd. Add it all up and it's making things miserable for those who used to consider it entertainment to go look at the newest TVs even though we don't need another TV. – James B. emails: Outkick Screencaps is mandatory reading for every man that still embraces his masculinity.  Thanks for the stickers. One is on the Cub Cadet and one went on Ol' Green, my hard working '71 C20. Also, I prefer to smoke my ribs as singles. More surface area for dry rub, smoke, and sauce. Keep up the awesome work Kinsey: Speaking of TNML, look at what 2023 national champ Timmy2Cuts saw when he got home from work on Tuesday. – John P. shares his thoughts: I've never reached out to someone like this, but a single voice in a crowd of 300 million would seem fruitless, but maybe you will hear me, and this might make a difference. Maybe POTUS will hear your voice and make this small change back to being great. I am a 60 yo father of a 5 year old, and my wife (who is 20 years younger hence from another generation), and I feel that the 'old school' God, Flag and Country essay that we all knew and loved growing up was an essential part of at the very least we can say was a good start to the conversation on why our Republic is the greatest system built and is worth defending, and keeping to it's natural origins, and not this 'fundamental transformation' into a life of debt and slavery that anti Americans are trying to implement. I am convinced this was part of the communistic take over of the public education system that deleted it all those years ago. We think this small step back to the basics will enhance the life we all know can exist. GREG GUTFELD: LIBERAL MEDIA, COMEDIANS TOLD THE BIGGEST LIE IN THE HISTORY OF PRESIDENTIAL POLITICS   – Will in Mississippi wonders: This ad has been popping up in my Twitter feed. No way that I’d order parts for my vehicle from the Chinese knockoff kings. I’d trust an old school American company like J. C. Whitney that’s been around for over 100 years. Granted, their products are probably Chinese too now but I’d feel better ordering from them. I had a girlfriend in college in the mid 80’s that kept her VW Beetle running with parts from J. C. Whitney.  – Phil in Florida says it is: I gotta disagree with you and Rick about walk up music. It’s cool, and probably a shot in the arm for the player. Rick said "it has nothing to do with being a grumpy old man resistant to change" but reading the rest of his input, I think that is exactly what it is, and an admission of guilt on his part. I grew up during the glory days of The WWF and WCW, watching Hulkster walk to the ring with Real American playing, awesome! I got to see the 90s Chicago Bulls many times, and the team took the court famously to Sirius, and the other team just had to sit there and take it. Entrance music is great. I want an entrance song for every single time I walk into work. I’ve said for years that if I ever get married, I’m not just gonna wait at the altar for my bride to do the slow walk down the aisle to whatever song she wants. I’m walking out first to "Raining Blood" by Slayer and pacing back and like a caged tiger until she’s standing next to me. Maybe the mindset should be what event or daily routine would be dramatically improved if you had your own walk up song? Maybe opening the garage on Thursday night and slowly seeing the mower while "Eye of the Tiger" starts playing? Anyone? Anyways, everyone have a great day, be nice to a stranger, do something you didn’t have to do, and just be a good person. ######################### That is it this morning. I'm loving all the reports coming in from around the country. We have Mike T. investigating beer stores in Canada. We have readers dialed in on Wendy's. We have the walk-up music thing going on. Readers have their heads on swivels right now and it's beautiful to see as summer nears. The pool cover came off last night. To my surprise, everything turned on like normal. I did have a sand filter issue, but I think we've corrected that. The new pump and motor are working beautifully. This pool, based on the records we have, is entering its 44th season. We didn't pick this house for the pool. We picked the house and inherited a pool. It can be a pain in the ass, but it keeps me busy. It's all about perspective. Let's go out there and have ourselves a day. Go attack. Go win that sales meeting. Have a great one. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0475eca200899a00eada40 Michigan man gets at least 30 years for killing groomsman on wedding night te 2026-05-13T13:00:28.493Z Michigan man gets at least 30 years for killing groomsman on wedding night A Michigan man will spend decades behind bars after authorities said he fatally ran over his best friend just hours after celebrating his wedding, according to court proceedings. James Shirah, 24, was sentenced Monday in Genesee County Circuit Court to 30 to 45 years in prison after pleading no contest to second-degree murder in the death of Terry Taylor Jr. The incident unfolded Aug. 30, 2024, in Flint, roughly an hour northwest of Detroit, after Shirah and his bride, Savanah Collier, had gotten married earlier that day. Authorities said the celebration later moved to a home on East Hamilton Street, where an argument broke out. Prosecutors said Shirah struck Taylor with his vehicle after the dispute, alleging the act was deliberate. He had briefly left the scene before returning and hitting the victim, according to testimony presented in court. MICHIGAN MAN FOUND GUILTY OF KILLING WIFE WHOSE BODY WAS DISCOVERED IN FERTILIZER TANK Testimony reported by mlive.com indicated the force of the impact threw Taylor into the air. "When I got to him all I could see was blood," Taylor’s cousin said in court, recalling the aftermath. She said first responders were performing CPR when she arrived. Shirah’s defense attorney argued the crash was not intentional and stemmed from an alcohol-fueled confrontation. "The only thing I can do for the rest of my life is express my apology and remorse.… I will forever be sorry," Shirah said during the sentencing hearing. Judge Khary Hanible acknowledged the gravity of the case while delivering the sentence. LAS VEGAS MEN WHO PLEADED GUILTY TO MOWING DOWN RETIRED POLICE CHIEF LEARN SENTENCE "Mr. Shirah, I believe that you are not a criminal," the judge said. "You are, however, a killer." Taylor, 29, is survived by four children and his fiancée. FATHER-TO-BE WAKES FROM COMA, TELLS POLICE GIRLFRIEND CRASHED CAR ON PURPOSE BEFORE HE DIES Court records indicate Shirah had no prior criminal history. In addition to the murder conviction, he received concurrent sentences tied to the crash for charges including those related to operating a vehicle without a license and leaving the scene. He will be eligible for parole after serving at least 30 years. Collier, Shirah’s wife, has pleaded no contest to accessory after the fact and is scheduled to be sentenced later this month. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046f0aa200899a00ead650 Rory McIlroy cuts PGA Championship practice round short after ripping toenail off amid nasty blister issues te 2026-05-13T12:31:06.762Z Rory McIlroy cuts PGA Championship practice round short after ripping toenail off amid nasty blister issues Rory McIlroy's PGA Championship week has gotten off to a painful start. The six-time major champion managed to make it through just three holes during his Tuesday practice round at Aronimink Golf Club due to a painful blister that has recently developed on his right foot. McIlroy was seen limping a bit during Sunday's final round of the Truist Championship. SCHEFFLER FEELS OVERDUE, SPIETH EYES THE SLAM AND CAM YOUNG'S MAJOR MOMENT TOP PGA CHAMPIONSHIP STORYLINES "Yeah, I've got a blister on my pinky ​toe on my right foot, but it's underneath my nail," McIlroy said on Sunday before revealing the blister began developing on Friday. "I can't really get to it, so ​it's a little sore. But I'll be all ​right." While he didn't believe he could get to the blister on Sunday, things changed at some point before he arrived at Aronimink on Tuesday, as he managed to give himself an at-home surgery. "I ended up ripping the toenail off last night, just because it was bothering me so much," McIlroy told the Irish Independent on Tuesday. "I just got in the bath and got the toenail to soften up and then burst the blister that was underneath. It feels better today." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! McIlroy also explained that he actually had to go up a shoe size to accommodate the blister on his right foot. He was seen during his Tuesday practice round messing with his shoe and sock on his right foot before ultimately calling it quits. While a blister on the pinky toe may not seem like too big a deal, it can certainly be a painful and annoying distraction for a player trying to win a major championship tasked with walking over a half-dozen miles throughout the week. McIlroy is the No. 2 favorite to hoist the Wanamaker Trophy this week behind World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler, who is the defending PGA champion. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046ef7a200899a00ead647 Mike Johnson predicts GOP could gain up to eight seats in midterms, defying historical trends te 2026-05-13T12:30:47.245Z Mike Johnson predicts GOP could gain up to eight seats in midterms, defying historical trends House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., is forecasting a Republican surge that could buck midterm tradition, saying the GOP could pick up "between seven and eight seats" — and potentially reach double digits — as redistricting fights unfold across several states. "I'm convinced we're going to defy history and keep the majority here so we can keep all this going," Johnson said during a "Fox & Friends" exclusive on Tuesday. Host Brian Kilmeade pushed back, pointing out that history overwhelmingly favors the opposition party in midterm elections. REDISTRICTING HELPS REPUBLICANS, DEMOCRATS FLIP HOUSE SEATS "It's only happened a couple of times in the last 90 years — the sitting president picked up seats for his party," Johnson said. "But this is a midterm unlike any other... We have a great record to run on. We've got better candidates in the field. We're applying common sense." Johnson said the size of potential Republican gains will depend on how many states ultimately "get involved" in the redistricting process. ALABAMA REPUBLICANS PLOW FORWARD ON REDISTRICTING Several Republican-led states, including Alabama and Tennessee, have already pushed for changes, while others like Mississippi, Missouri, Maine and South Carolina could follow suit, Johnson said. On Tuesday, however, a handful of South Carolina Republicans blocked a redistricting effort that would have eliminated the state's only Democratic-dominated U.S. House seat ahead of the midterm elections. Johnson pointed to President Donald Trump’s aggressive campaigning as a key factor working in Republicans’ favor. "He's out on the campaign trail as well because the stakes are so high," he said. "We can't lose the majority in the House because it would come crashing down around him, and you're going to have a lot of factors in play that have not been a factor in previous midterms. We're going to win." Fox News' Paul Steinhauser and Charles Creitz contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046ee3a200899a00ead63e House Republican misses another week of votes as health absence strains thin majority te 2026-05-13T12:30:27.856Z House Republican misses another week of votes as health absence strains thin majority Rep. Tom Kean Jr., a GOP lawmaker who has been absent from Washington for more than two months, will miss votes again this week, his office confirmed to Fox News Digital.  "Congressman Kean is still attending to a personal health matter, and we appreciate the outpouring of support," Dan Scharfenberger, Kean’s chief of staff, said in a statement Monday. "He will be returning to a regular full schedule soon." Kean, 57, has not specified when he plans to return to work or the nature of his health issue. His office has insisted for weeks that he would resume his congressional responsibilities "soon."  The New Jersey Republican has not voted since March 5, according to GovTrack, a website that monitors congressional activities. During that time, he missed all 70 roll-call votes in the lower chamber, including legislation to end the government shutdown and extend a critical warrantless surveillance tool. JOHNSON WARNS HOUSE REPUBLICANS TO ‘STAY HEALTHY’ AS GOP MAJORITY SHRINKS TO THE EDGE Kean’s absence has an outsize impact on House Republicans’ razor-thin majority as House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., can afford to spare just a handful of votes on party-line bills. Democrats have also struggled to maintain full attendance in recent weeks. Johnson said in April that he spoke with Kean on the phone and expects him to make a full recovery. "Tom is one of the most dedicated and hardest-working members of Congress, and I am grateful for all he does and will continue to do to serve New Jerseyans and our country," Johnson said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. DEMOCRAT TINA SHAH CALLS TRANSGENDER HEALTHCARE FOR CHILDREN A 'NO BRAINER' IN COMPETITIVE NJ HOUSE RACE Kean’s prolonged absence from Washington comes as he faces a potentially difficult re-election battle in one of the country’s most contested districts. House Democrats' campaign arm is expected to aggressively target the swing seat and four Democratic candidates are vying to take him on in a crowded June primary.  The New Jersey Republican has no GOP challengers and is running for a third House term with President Donald Trump's endorsement. The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the contest as a "toss-up" after downgrading the race in favor of Democrats last year. Kean’s office has continued to post on social media while he recovers from the undisclosed medical issue. "The Congressman’s team continues to serve the people of New Jersey uninterrupted," Scharfenberger said in a statement. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046cb2a200899a00ead485 Chinese spy infiltration: Mayor’s bust adds to growing timeline of foreign influence creeping into US te 2026-05-13T12:21:06.634Z Chinese spy infiltration: Mayor’s bust adds to growing timeline of foreign influence creeping into US A California mayor accused of acting as a Chinese agent is putting a new spotlight on concerns about foreign influence inside the United States. The case adds to a growing list of incidents, from Congress to campuses to local government, that have raised alarms about China-linked activity across American institutions. Here’s a timeline of the cases drawing scrutiny across the U.S.: CALIFORNIA MAYOR ACCUSED OF SECRETLY WORKING FOR CHINA, SPREADING PROPAGANDA WHILE IN OFFICE: FEDS Federal prosecutors say former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang worked "at the direction and control" of Chinese officials, pushing pro-Beijing messaging through a website disguised as a local news outlet. In one exchange, a Chinese official sent Wang pre-written content denying human rights abuses in Xinjiang. Minutes later, she posted it and sent back the link. The official replied, "So fast, thank you everyone." Wang responded, "Thank you leader." Wang, who later rose to mayor after being elected to the City Council in 2022, has agreed to plead guilty and faces up to 10 years in prison, officials said. CHINA SKIRTS US EFFORTS TO STIFF-ARM CCP INTERFERENCE BY BOLSTERING STATE, LOCAL RELATIONS "Individuals in our country who covertly do the bidding of foreign governments undermine our democracy," First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said. Federal officials say the case should serve as a warning about foreign influence reaching even the most local levels of government. SWALWELL CAMPAIGN SETS OFF ALARM BELLS AFTER ACCEPTING $25K DONATION FROM CCP-TIED LAWYER: 'OUTRAGEOUS' The Arcadia case comes as former Rep. Eric Swalwell stepped down from Congress amid separate sexual misconduct allegations now under review by the House Ethics Committee. At the same time, renewed attention is turning to his past ties to suspected Chinese operative Christine Fang, also known as Fang Fang, with critics calling for the release of any FBI files tied to the case. Fang, who was first reported on in 2020, allegedly sought to build relationships with up-and-coming California politicians, including Swalwell, and helped fundraise for political campaigns before leaving the United States in 2015 amid a federal investigation. SWALWELL THREATENS FBI WITH LEGAL ACTION AS PATEL REPORTEDLY WEIGHS 'FANG FANG' FILES RELEASE Swalwell has said he cut off contact after being alerted by the FBI and has not been charged with wrongdoing. A prior House Ethics Committee review concluded there was no evidence of misconduct tied to the matter. Still, the renewed scrutiny, combined with new allegations against Swalwell, has intensified calls for transparency. "It’s time for Congress to vote to release Eric Swalwell’s FBI file," Article III Project President Mike Davis said. "His counterintelligence risks must be staggering." CALIFORNIA POLITICAL OPERATIVE ALLEGEDLY ACTED AS ILLEGAL AGENT OF CHINA: DOJ Concerns about Chinese influence inside U.S. political offices date back years, including a case involving the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein. In 2014, the FBI alerted Feinstein that a longtime staffer in her California office, who also served as a liaison to the Chinese American community, had drawn attention from Chinese intelligence and may have been targeted for recruitment. 4 WAYS AMERICAN STATES AND CITIES CAN MEET THE CCP THREAT TO OUR WAY OF LIFE The staffer reportedly attended Chinese consulate events and had contact with individuals connected to China’s Ministry of State Security. Feinstein later said the individual was not a spy but someone a foreign intelligence service "thought it could recruit." The staffer was subsequently removed. GOT A TIP? The case raised broader concerns about how foreign actors may seek access through trusted roles inside U.S. political offices. FOREIGN-BACKED INFLUENCE IN SCHOOLS TO BE EXPOSED UNDER GOP ‘TRACE ACT’ GIVING PARENTS ACCESS TO CURRICULUM Beyond government, lawmakers have increasingly warned that foreign influence efforts may be reaching into American education systems. GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL Reports have highlighted a "staggering" amount of foreign funding flowing into U.S. universities, particularly from China, raising concerns about transparency, research security and potential influence over academic programs. Some officials have pointed to China-linked initiatives and partnerships operating in schools, including programs critics say could expose students to foreign government messaging. CLICK HERE FOR MORE US NEWS "American schools are for education, not espionage," Rep. Aaron Bean said while introducing legislation aimed at exposing foreign funding in classrooms. The proposed TRACE Act would require schools to disclose foreign funding, contracts and curriculum materials tied to foreign entities, with supporters arguing parents have a right to know. LAWMAKERS PRESS FOR PROBE OF CHINESE DIASPORA GROUPS ALLEGED ELECTION INTERFERENCE Federal authorities have also investigated reports of alleged Chinese "police stations" operating inside the United States, including in New York City. The outposts were accused of monitoring, harassing or pressuring Chinese nationals living abroad, in some cases allegedly attempting to coerce individuals to return to China. U.S. officials have warned that such operations, if confirmed, would represent a direct extension of foreign law enforcement activity on American soil and a serious breach of U.S. sovereignty. The cases have drawn bipartisan concern and prompted calls for stronger enforcement against covert foreign operations inside the country. Taken together, the cases span years and multiple layers of American life — from Capitol Hill to college campuses to local government. While not all resulted in criminal charges, federal officials have repeatedly warned that foreign adversaries, including China, are actively working to expand their influence inside the United States. Fox News Digital's Charlie Creitz and Ashley Oliver contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046c9fa200899a00ead45e Archaeologists unearth ancient Roman burials beneath bustling district of coastal tourist destination te 2026-05-13T12:20:47.076Z Archaeologists unearth ancient Roman burials beneath bustling district of coastal tourist destination Archaeologists have uncovered ancient Roman graves beneath a thriving Adriatic city, offering a glimpse into life long before it became a tourist destination. The graves were found in the Relja district of Zadar, a coastal city in Croatia. Zadar is known for its coastline and historic charm — which includes plenty of Roman ruins. A post shared by the University of Zadar's Department of Archaeology indicated the necropolis dates from the first century B.C. and the fifth century A.D. WARRIORS FOUND STACKED IN ANCIENT WELL REVEAL VIOLENT TALE OF BATTLEFIELD DEFEAT: ARCHAEOLOGISTS The busy Relja neighborhood stands atop "part of the large ancient necropolis of Roman Zadar," the department said. "In Roman times, cemeteries were located outside city walls, most often along main roads, so along one such route the Romans buried their dead here for nearly 500 years," the post noted. Across the wider Relja area, including a major shopping center and various landmarks, archaeologists have uncovered 3,000 graves, according to the department. ANCIENT ROMAN THEATER DISCOVERED BENEATH TOWN HALL THANKS TO MASSIVE EARTHQUAKES "Today, the area where the site is located is one of the most vibrant and fast-developing parts of Zadar," the post said. "However, back in Roman times, when the necropolis was first established, it lay [in] the suburban area." Around 15 ancient burials were found at the site, said Igor Borzić, a professor at the University of Zadar. The burials "clearly illustrate the typical evolution of funerary practices over the centuries," Borzić told Fox News Digital on May 3. "In the first and second centuries A.D., cremation was dominant," he said, with grave goods including "items such as glass balsamaria, small glass vessels, ceramic bowls, oil lamps, coins and other offerings." 'HERMETICALLY SEALED' ROMAN SARCOPHAGUS FROZEN IN TIME FOR 1,700 YEARS FINALLY OPENED BY ARCHAEOLOGISTS By the second century, inhumation, or body burials, "became increasingly common." "Over time," he said, "these burials tend to include fewer grave goods, reflecting a gradual shift in attitudes toward the afterlife, as well as broader changes in religious beliefs — from pagan traditions of classical antiquity to the eventual dominance of Christianity." "Overall, the finds from these 15 or so graves show that the population of Roman Iader closely followed the cultural and religious trends seen across the wider Roman Empire. This further supports the idea of a highly interconnected, culturally cohesive and trend-sensitive society within such a vast imperial system." While the discovery may seem unusual beneath a modern city, Borzić said such finds are not unexpected in Zadar. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER "It is difficult to say that anything truly unexpected has emerged, although every single find tells its own story and deserves to be approached as such," said Borzić. "Modern archaeology increasingly relies on a wide range of laboratory analyses," he added, noting they can reveal insights into "origin, diet, health and causes of death." "It is precisely in this area that we believe new and potentially surprising information may still come to light," he said. Key finds include a burial that may predate Roman Zadar, likely from the prehistoric Liburnian period, as well as "carbonized remains" from the second or third century A.D. Borzić said the remains were likely food or grains and will be sent for analysis. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The archaeologist added that artifacts from the site will be "carefully processed and studied" before being temporarily displayed in the Department of Archaeology's collection. The site has yielded 20th-century artifacts from the Italian occupation of Zadar as well, said Borzić — which "serves as yet another reminder of the city’s enduring importance throughout its history." "That importance largely stems from its strategic position along major maritime routes on the eastern Adriatic, as well as from its exceptionally fertile agricultural hinterland," he said. "Together, these factors ensured that Zadar remained a significant center across many different historical periods." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046c87a200899a00ead3ef Adaption aims big with AutoScientist, an AI tool that helps models train themselves te 2026-05-13T12:20:23.185Z Adaption aims big with AutoScientist, an AI tool that helps models train themselves Adaption's new AutoScientist tool is designed to let models adapt to specific capabilities quickly through an automated approach to conventional fine-tuning. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046a34a200899a00ead16a Former Texas A&M star running back abruptly retires after one weekend of NFL rookie minicamp te 2026-05-13T12:10:28.172Z Former Texas A&M star running back abruptly retires after one weekend of NFL rookie minicamp Former Texas A&M running back Le'Veon Moss took one look at the rebuilding Miami Dolphins and decided the NFL wasn't for him. OK. That's probably not how it happened. But, as a Dolphins fan, I'd get it. Lord knows I'd do the same thing. Moss, 23, abruptly retired Tuesday, just four days after signing with the team as an undrafted free agent. The former Aggies player signed last week ahead of Miami's rookie minicamp, and was placed on the reserve/retired list Tuesday afternoon. The All-SEC running back played in 32 career games for A&M, finishing with 1,767 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns. His College Station career was cut short due to a pair of nasty injuries, including a torn ACL and MCL in 2024, and an ankle injury last season against Florida. Obviously, the injuries will be blamed for Moss quitting after just four days in the league. That's fair, and probably true. Those are tough injuries to come back from as a running back. CHIEFS EXEC ON HOW NIL DEALS ARE SHRINKING NFL DRAFT TALENT POOL, KEEPING COLLEGE PLAYERS IN SCHOOL LONGER But, folks will rightfully point to the NIL as a reason, too. In the pre-NIL days, college players needed the NFL to survive. This was all they had. This was their job. Not anymore. I don't know what Le'Veon Moss made at Texas A&M, but I'm quite sure it was more than he would've made a few years ago. Maybe he built a nest egg for himself and his family, and decided he didn't need the NFL? It's plausible. 49ERS VOID GUARANTEED MONEY IN BRANDON AIYUK'S CONTRACT FOR 2026 SEASON AFTER BIZARRE SITUATION: REPORTS The Miami Herald's Barry Jackson also reported that Moss will have to return "most or all" of the $258,000 guaranteed in his contract. Don't know what "most" means, but I'd love to hear that conversation. Anyway, it's a shame. Moss was a good player, and, frankly, landed in the perfect spot. The Dolphins are in full rebuild mode for 2026, which means if you're on the team, you have a shot at making the team. He was expected to compete for the No. 2 spot behind De'Vone Achane, another Texas A&M star. Unfortunately, life had other plans. Or, you know, he spent a few days in an NFL practice and decided it wasn't for him. Either-or. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0467f4a200899a00ead0e7 Trump’s new conditions on DEI, immigration could cut off states’ wildfire funding te 2026-05-13T12:00:52.237Z Trump’s new conditions on DEI, immigration could cut off states’ wildfire funding Millions of dollars in wildfire grant funding and fire reduction projects threatened as policies in federal contracts clash with state law. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0467daa200899a00ead096 Trump’s Shrinking Ambitions on China te 2026-05-13T12:00:26.465Z Trump’s Shrinking Ambitions on China The president came into office planning harsher trade moves on China than on the rest of the world. Here’s why he’s had to scale them back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046596a200899a00ead018 Super Bowl champ Charle Young dead at 75 te 2026-05-13T11:50:46.484Z Super Bowl champ Charle Young dead at 75 Former NFL star Charle Young, who won a Super Bowl title with the San Francisco 49ers, has died, the team said on Tuesday. He was 75. The team mourned the loss of Young in a post on X. "The 49ers mourn the passing of former TE Charle Young," the team wrote. "Our organization sends its deepest condolences to the Young family and friends." ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Young was a standout tight end at USC before he went pro. The school released a statement on his death, highlighting his collegiate and pro football career. "Fight On Forever, Charles Young," the school added in a post on X. The Philadelphia Eagles selected Young with the No. 6 overall pick of the 1973 NFL Draft. He earned a Pro Bowl selection in three of his four seasons with Philadelphia before he joined the Los Angeles Rams in 1977. He spent three seasons in Los Angeles. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Young joined the 49ers in 1980 and was a part of the 1981 Super Bowl-winning season. He had one catch for 14 yards as San Francisco topped the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl XVI. He scored a touchdown in a divisional round game against the New York Giants in the playoffs leading up to the title win. He later played three years for the Seattle Seahawks. He had 418 catches for 5,106 yards and 27 touchdowns in 187 NFL games. He was also an All-Pro and the 1973 UPI Rookie of the Year. In college, Young helped USC to a national championship in 1972 and was an All-American selection. He had 62 catches for 998 yards and 10 touchdowns with the Trojans. Young was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2004. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a046582a200899a00ead00f James Talarico enlists Barack Obama to help win over black voters after contentious Texas primary te 2026-05-13T11:50:26.583Z James Talarico enlists Barack Obama to help win over black voters after contentious Texas primary Former President Barack Obama appeared in Texas to help shore up support among Black voters for Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico on Tuesday. Talarico has struggled to shore up support among the Black community after a heated primary against Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas. Crockett won Black voters by a huge majority, but nevertheless lost the primary thanks to Talarico's support among white and Latino Democrats. Winning in Texas remains a long shot for Democrats, but Obama appeared at a campaign event for Talarico on Tuesday, ordering tacos from the candidate's favorite local restaurant in Austin, Taco Joint. Also present was Gina Hinojosa, a state-level politician challenging Gov. Greg Abbott. "Do you know our outstanding next governor and senator?" Obama asked one table of patrons, according to the New York Times. RISING STAR TALARICO TOPPLES PROGRESSIVE FIREBRAND CROCKETT IN HIGH-STAKES TEXAS SENATE DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY Talarico's struggle with Black voters came to a head in the March primary against Crockett, when he was accused of calling Rep. Collin Allred, R-Texas, "mediocre." "James Talarico told me that he signed up to run against a mediocre Black man, not a formidable and intelligent black woman," Morgan Thompson, a political commentator and one-time supporter of Talarico's said in a video at the time. Allred then amplified the incident with a video on X, saying he had steam "coming out my ears." CROCKETT DISPUTES OPPONENT'S DENIAL OF 'MEDIOCRE BLACK MAN' COMMENT, CALLS OUT 'WELL-INTENTIONED WHITE FOLK' "I understand that James Talarico had the temerity and the audacity to say to a Black woman that he had signed up to run against a mediocre Black man, meaning me, not a formidable, intelligent, Black woman, meaning Jasmine Crockett," Allred said, adding that Talarico shouldn't compliment Black women while "tearing down Black men." "We've seen that play before. We're sick and tired of it," he said. Talarico told the Times that Thompson's recollection of his comment was a "mischaracterization." "In my praise of Congresswoman Crockett, I described Congressman Allred’s method of campaigning as mediocre," he told the outlet in a statement. "I would never attack him on the basis of race." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04632aa200899a00eacf72 Singham-backed, pro-China group drops huge sum on Manhattan HQ as feds probe shadowy network te 2026-05-13T11:40:26.624Z Singham-backed, pro-China group drops huge sum on Manhattan HQ as feds probe shadowy network NEW YORK — The People's Forum Inc., a pro-China nonprofit that has been funded by Shanghai-based Marxist mogul Neville Roy Singham, bought a rundown building in Manhattan for $5.15 million and is now urging supporters to raise another $5 million to renovate the building — and to turn it into a "permanent home" for its far-left organizing efforts in the U.S. The fundraising drive comes as lawmakers and federal officials investigate Singham’s network over what they have described as a foreign-aligned influence operation promoting Chinese Communist Party narratives in the U.S. Scrutiny of China’s influence has intensified in recent days, including the resignation of a California mayor who agreed to plead guilty to acting as an illegal agent of the People’s Republic of China. The People’s Forum, a central organization within the Singham network, says it serves as a hub for more than 200 organizations and has helped coordinate left-wing protests across the U.S. since its founding in 2017. The group told supporters on X Friday that it is urgently seeking to raise $2 million from individual donors by a December 2026 deadline, its first major fundraising target since it launched a broader $5 million campaign in September. The group hasn't publicly disclosed the address of the new building, but property records obtained by Fox News Digital show it purchased a three-story building at 137 W. 14th Street in Manhattan’s Chelsea neighborhood for $5.15 million in December 2024. Sources familiar with the transaction told Fox News Digital that the W. 14th Street building is the new nonprofit's new headquarters. The details of the transaction and the records documenting the sale are being reported here for the first time. The records don't detail how the purchase was financed. FAR-LEFT NONPROFITS IN THE HOT SEAT AS LAWMAKER EXPOSES THEM FOR 'SOWING CHAOS' IN US The fundraising and expansion drive comes as Congress is investigating what lawmakers have described as a "foreign-aligned influence network" tied to Singham. House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., said the nonprofit's funding structures raise "significant concerns" about "foreign influence or control." According to a Fox News Digital investigation, Singham has funneled $285 million into the broad network of nonprofits since 2017, and Justice, State and Treasury Department officials are investigating financial activity tied to the network, including $22.5 million in funding directed to the People’s Forum. Since 2017, the Singham network has led volatile protests across the country, with organizations including the Party for Socialism and Liberation, the ANSWER Coalition, CodePink and BreakThrough News working with the People’s Forum to organize demonstrations and coordinate messaging, Fox News Digital has reported. The People’s Forum, which brags about publishing "over 25 revolutionary texts" and organizing "over 6,000 events," said on its website that it initially relied on support from a "generous donor" to establish its operations in 2017, but that new cash injections are desperately needed. "Our initial donation is running out," the organization wrote in a September appeal, adding that it now faces a "critical new stage." The organization said the new building "right now is just a shell" and would require millions in renovations to become operational. The narrow, mixed-use property appeared vacant when Fox News Digital visited the location on Tuesday. PHOTOS: Swipe to see more exterior images The storefront, previously occupied by a curtains and shades business, was painted black, with its signage removed and the front windows covered by a dark tarp. The entrance doors appeared to be covered with brown paper and a metal fire escape runs along the exterior, tan-colored facade. Property records describe the building as a roughly 2,580-square-foot lot with a footprint of approximately 25 feet wide by 96 feet deep. "We need your help to make this urgent project come to reality," the group wrote on Friday amid a renewed fundraising drive, sharing images of the building’s interior in disrepair, including exposed wires and other structural damage. The purchase and fundraising push reflect the group’s effort to expand its organizing infrastructure, raising questions about the scale and reach of its operations. PHOTOS: Swipe to see more interior images CHINA'S AMERICAN MAO: INSIDE SINGHAM’S BLUEPRINT TO ‘WAGE WAR' FOR A 'NEW WORLD ORDER' The group previously said the decision to purchase the new building was driven in part by the need to replace its current leased space and create what it described as a permanent base that "cannot be threatened by landlords or political attacks." The building previously sold for about $4.3 million in 2022, meaning the People’s Forum paid $850,000 more just over two years later. City records also show the building has active violations, including issues tied to elevators and the boiler system, with about $20,000 in civil penalties currently outstanding, suggesting the building requires substantial repairs. "The condition of disrepair in this building will take millions of dollars to renovate," the group said in the Friday post. It has so far raised around $570,000 for the renovations, according to its website. PHOTOS: Swipe to see more interior images FAR-LEFT NONPROFITS IN THE HOT SEAT AS LAWMAKER EXPOSES THEM FOR 'SOWING CHAOS' IN US The People’s Forum operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, allowing it to receive tax-deductible donations under U.S. law. While the property is owned by the People’s Forum, city filings show David Chung, the group’s organizing director, signed a property ownership certification tied to the building in October 2025. Chung, who was born in South Korea and grew up in New York City, has also been identified in prior Fox News Digital reporting as directing protest activity in New York City. In one protest, he referred to supporters as "comrades." He has also appeared at protests where he referred to the "brutality of this imperialist system" in the U.S. and led chants of "Free Palestine," according to a video posted by the organization. In a caption accompanying the video, the group described the conflict in Gaza as a "genocide." The group said it has "trained over 40,000 people" through political education programs, positioning the space as a central node for activist organizing. In a video released as part of the fundraising push, Manolo De Los Santos, the group's executive director, said the 200 organizations that make up the People's Forum are "united in the struggle" for racial, gender, climate, and economic justice, with the new building aimed at playing a vital role in the group's future operations. De Los Santos, who was born in the Dominican Republic and grew up in The Bronx, described the People's Forum as a "hub for learning and for organizing" and where "we strategize… and build solidarity to fight back." "Your contribution isn't just a donation, it's an investment in our collective future of freedom," he said. "It's a direct act of resistance. It's how we protect spaces that allow us to organize and to win." The People’s Forum, De Los Santos and Chung didn't respond to requests for comment. WATCH: Organizing director of People's Forum, funded by pro-China tycoon Neville Roy Singham, directs May Day streets protests in NYC Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a045c99a200899a00eacd79 WNBA's Fire pick up first win with dramatic buzzer-beater over Liberty te 2026-05-13T11:12:25.047Z WNBA's Fire pick up first win with dramatic buzzer-beater over Liberty The Portland Fire picked up their first win in the franchise’s history in dramatic fashion on Tuesday night. The Fire and New York Liberty were tied 96-96 with under six seconds to play. Portland had what would be the final possession. Fire guard Bridget Carleton chucked up a 3-pointer but was off the mark. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Portland’s Sarah Ashlee Barker, somehow, collected the rebound and put a shot up before the buzzer sounded. Barker’s shot went in and Portland won the game, 98-96. It was the first win for the expansion franchise. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Portland re-entered the fray with a new history during the 2026 season. The first iteration of the Fire came into the league in 2000. The team lasted through the 2002 season but never made the playoffs and folded before the 2003 season began. Carleton led the team with 26 points and made five 3-pointers. Barker played 22 minutes off the bench for Portland and had five points – the most crucial in the final moments. Carla Leite added 21 and Kamiah Smalls had 13 off the bench. The Liberty shot 53% from the floor and each of their starters were in double figures in scoring. Pauline Astier had 24 points, leading the team. Breanna Stewart had 16 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Portland moved to 1-1 on the year. New York fell to 2-1. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a045c85a200899a00eacd70 Platner called PTSD excuse 'bull----' in 2020 post, now cites his own struggle to explain online controversies te 2026-05-13T11:12:05.505Z Platner called PTSD excuse 'bull----' in 2020 post, now cites his own struggle to explain online controversies Democrat Graham Platner has leaned into his struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to explain a bevy of incendiary social media posts prior to his Senate run in which he justified political violence and insulted law enforcement. But the progressive darling suggested PTSD and the trauma from multiple combat deployments are not an excuse for offensive behavior in a since-deleted post obtained by Fox News Digital.  Platner, 41, made the comment on the Reddit forum r/SocialistRA in 2020, five years before emerging as a potent challenger to Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, in November’s midterm elections.  Using a handle that did not identify him, Platner criticized a report in the Portland Press Herald about two former police officers who admitted to killing porcupines with their batons while on duty. One officer, a Marine veteran who was deployed to Afghanistan, attributed his actions to PTSD from his overseas deployment. DELETED POSTS URGING VIOLENCE HAUNT DEMOCRATIC SENATE HOPEFUL IN MAINE RACE "Don’t buy into that bull----. I did 4 tours in the infantry to Iraq and Afghanistan, saw all kinds of awful things, have a PTSD diagnosis and STILL manage not to beat defenseless animals to death for fun," Platner, a Marine and Army veteran and oyster farmer, wrote in a social media post. "That’s just cops giving excuses for their garbage behavior," he added. Platner’s activity on the subreddit r/SocialistRA and other Reddit forums was first reported by CNN. All of the Reddit posts were deleted months prior to the left-wing populist launching his Senate run. Throughout the campaign, Platner has sought to tie his past offensive remarks to PTSD he developed after multiple overseas deployments, which he has called the darkest chapter of his life.  He has argued the statements are not representative of who he is today, but reflect someone who was "having a very difficult time settling into a society that he felt betrayed by and left behind by after having a fight in Iraq and Afghanistan." "This was a time in my life where I was struggling deeply," Platner said in a video posted to social media in late 2025. "I got out of the Army in 2012, I had PTSD, I had depression, I had all of the things that come with serving in a war, two wars that I eventually began to not believe in at all." "It left me feeling very unmoored. It left me feeling very disillusioned, very alienated and very isolated," he added. "And I think, like a lot of people, I went on the internet to post stupid things and get in fights and find some form of community in some way, some outlet for my feelings." GRAHAM PLATNER BLAMES NAZI TATTOO ON MILITARY ‘CULTURE,’ DRAWS BACKLASH FROM GOP VETERANS In 2013, while discussing a video promoting female underwear designed to prevent rape, Platner wrote in a since-deleted message, first obtained by The Washington Post, "Rape is a real thing. If you’re so worried about it to buy Kevlar underwear you’d think you might not get blacked out f----- up around people you aren’t comfortable with." And in 2018, he appeared to justify political violence to achieve "economic justice," in a since-deleted post reported by Politico. But many of Platner’s most controversial remarks came as recently as five years ago, when he suggested that PTSD was not a shield for "garbage behavior." In 2020, Platner wrote that white people living in rural America are "actually" racist and stupid and that all law enforcement officers are "bastards," in since-deleted Reddit posts reported by CNN. The following year, Platner said he "got older and became a Communist" in a since-deleted post. The Maine Democrat has also faced scrutiny over a chest tattoo of a Nazi-linked symbol that he had for most of his adult life after getting it in 2007 while out drinking with fellow Marines stationed in Croatia. 'THE VIEW' LADIES SLAM MAINE SENATE CANDIDATE OVER NAZI SYMBOL TATTOO, SAYING IT'S 'NOT JUST A WHOOPSIE' Platner has expressed remorse for some of the online posts and covered up the tattoo, saying he did not know what the symbol of the skull-and-crossbones meant. Some reports that Platner denied indicate that he knew about the tattoo’s association with Nazi Germany. Fox News Digital reached out to Platner’s campaign for comment. The blockbuster Senate contest in the blue-leaning state is pivotal to Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's, D-N.Y., longshot bid to retake control of the upper chamber. Platner told Fox News Digital in an interview Monday that he would not support Schumer remaining Democratic leader — part of a growing chorus of progressives who want new leadership in the upper chamber. The presumptive Democratic nominee has also argued that backlash from his past social media posts will fail to halt his campaign’s momentum. Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, 78, attempted to spotlight Platner’s comments about rape in campaign advertising, but the negative spot did not appear to damage his standing among Democratic primary voters. Mills, who was backed by Schumer, dropped out of the race in late April after significantly trailing Platner in public polling. "The Democratic establishment tried to use all those attacks against me and failed miserably," Platner said as he referred to the Mills campaign's negative spots before she exited the race. "Now the Republican establishment is going to try to use the exact same attacks, and that will also fail miserably." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a045c71a200899a00eacd67 New Hampshire woman says Planet Fitness canceled her membership after she reported man in locker room te 2026-05-13T11:11:45.620Z New Hampshire woman says Planet Fitness canceled her membership after she reported man in locker room A New Hampshire woman says Planet Fitness canceled her membership after she complained about seeing a man in the women’s locker room last month. Judy Walcott, a longtime member of a Planet Fitness location in Concord, New Hampshire, told Fox News Digital she felt unsafe after encountering someone she believed was male in the women’s locker room near the shower area on April 11. "I was shaking. Like I was actually trembling because it freaked me out that bad," she told Fox News Digital. Walcott said she reported the incident to a young employee at the front desk, who told her there was nothing staff could do because it was company policy. She claims the employee did not check the locker room while she was present. She said she raised the issue again, four days later, with another staff member because she had safety concerns, but she said the employee called her "transphobic" instead of looking into her claims. AFTER BEING FORCED TO COMPETE WITH A MALE ATHLETE, THIS MINNESOTA SOFTBALL PLAYER IS FIGHTING BACK: EXCLUSIVE "She showed concern until I started telling her that there was a creepy guy in the ladies' shower on Saturday, nobody checked him out... then before I could say anything else, she interrupted me, telling me she ‘thought’ she knew who I meant and what a wonderful woman that is," Walcott told Fox News Digital. She said the conversation went downhill from there, alleging the staff member did not address her concerns and instead "repeatedly" called her "transphobic" before she decided to walk away. A couple of hours later, Walcott said, the gym's manager called her to tell her that her membership had been canceled for a "policy violation." "So I asked her what policy did I violate? I didn't violate a policy, I asked about one. She didn't answer me," Walcott said. Walcott said she later checked her account online and saw that she had been charged for another month. She also said she found a "Member cancellation or freeze form" in her account that requested cancellation, dated April 15. TRANSGENDER WOMAN ACCUSES HOOTERS OF SEX-BASED DISCRIMINATION FOR REFUSING TO HIRE HER A copy of that document, which Fox News Digital cannot authenticate, shows an April 15 cancellation request with a request effective date of May 16. In the comment field, the form says, "Nondiscrimination Trans." Walcott alleged the cancellation form was submitted without her authorization and said she believes her signature was forged. TRANSGENDER SEX OFFENDER CLAIMS BAN FROM WOMEN'S BATHROOMS VIOLATES 'CIVIL RIGHTS' Walcott said that after seeing she had been charged for an additional month in the days following this incident, she returned to the gym on April 17 to use the remainder of her membership. She said the manager again told her the membership had been canceled, and the two argued over whether she was owed a refund. Walcott claims the manager told her she was "not getting a refund" before calling the police. When officers with the Concord Police Department arrived, Walcott was given a warning not to trespass on the property. FEMALE SWIMMER SAYS A GRIEVANCE HAS BEEN FILED AGAINST HER FOR CALLING TRANS COMPETITOR 'A MAN' "So she takes a form, signs my name, charges me money, extends my membership, and then calls the cops on me. Like, what the hell? I feel like I live in an upside-down land," Walcott said. A copy of the document, labeled "order to stay off property" and reviewed by Fox News Digital, appears to show an officer’s signature, the gym location and an April 17 date. Concord Police Department confirmed to Fox News Digital that Walcott "was formally trespassed from Planet Fitness, 89 Fort Eddy Rd" on April 17. Walcott said that a few days before the incident she had emailed Planet Fitness headquarters asking about its transgender policy but said she received no response.  She has since reached out to the New Hampshire Attorney General's office to report the incident and intends to file a consumer complaint. Walcott says she's speaking out because she believes the Planet Fitness policy is unfair to women. "What does it take? Are we being sacrificed in the name of inclusion?" she asked. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE Planet Fitness says on its website that members who identify as transgender "may use Planet Fitness locker room facilities, bathrooms, showers, and all other facilities/programs separated by sex based on their self-reported gender identity; these facilities include bathrooms, showers, and all other facilities separated by sex. Wherever possible, Planet Fitness clubs should maintain private changing areas in each locker room for the comfort of all members and team members." The company also says it aims to provide an "inclusive gym environment" where members feel they belong. Planet Fitness corporate headquarters did not respond to multiple phone calls and emails from Fox News Digital requesting comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a045c5ea200899a00eacd5e The everyday places Americans could be exposed to hantavirus — without knowing it te 2026-05-13T11:11:26.050Z The everyday places Americans could be exposed to hantavirus — without knowing it Amid the current hantavirus outbreak that started on the MV Hondius cruise ship as it sailed across the Atlantic, health experts are now examining whether Americans may be encountering the virus in everyday places without realizing it. The rare Andes strain, which was linked to the MV Hondius outbreak, is the only known hantavirus that has the capability to spread from person to person, usually through prolonged close contact with an infected person. Most cases of hantavirus in the U.S. occur in the desert southwest and on the west coast, according to Dr. Linda Yancey, an infectious disease specialist at Memorial Hermann in the Houston area. ANDES VIRUS LINKED TO CRUISE SHIP DEATHS RAISES CONCERN OVER HUMAN-TO-HUMAN SPREAD "In Texas, cases are mostly seen on the west side of the state," she told Fox News Digital. "The strain of hantavirus native to east Texas and west Louisiana, the Bayou strain, is not as infectious in humans as the western strain, the Sin Nombre strain." Hantavirus is mainly spread through contact with infected rodents – primarily deer mice – and their urine, droppings or saliva, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  People can become infected after breathing in contaminated particles that are stirred into the air or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching their nose or mouth. More rarely, rodent bites can spread the virus. HANTAVIRUS OUTBREAK TIMELINE HIGHLIGHTS KEY MOMENTS IN DEADLY CRUISE CRISIS Exposure is most likely when cleaning enclosed or poorly ventilated areas where rodents may nest unnoticed for weeks or months, health officials say. Risky locations can include garages, sheds, cabins, attics, barns and crawl spaces. Storage units, stables, kitchen cabinets, and spaces behind appliances if rodents are present. CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES Rodents can also nest in unused cars, RVs, campers and boats, which can be sources of exposure when reopened. The National Park Service says that most human cases of hantavirus occur in the spring and are linked to buildings that become heavily infested with rodents over the winter. "Most people are exposed when cleaning out sheds and garages where rodents have been living," Yancey confirmed. "You can be exposed by just the dust and droppings left behind by rodents – you don't even need to even see the rodent to be exposed." The risk of inhalation is also higher when opening buildings that have gone unused for longer periods of time, sweeping dusty floors, or moving and unpacking boxes, experts cautioned. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER Rodent exposure is not limited to buildings. Health officials say people can also encounter hantavirus risk while handling firewood, working in rodent-prone outdoor areas, or disturbing rodent nests and burrows.  To prevent infection, if cleaning a structure that might have harbored rodents, Yancey recommends wearing a mask and using a diluted bleach solution to wet down any dust or loose debris. "This will help kill the exposed virus and reduce the amount of infectious dust," Yancey said. The CDC advises against vacuuming or sweeping rodent urine, droppings or nesting materials, as this can aerosolize the virus and increase the risk of inhalation. Instead, health officials recommend wearing gloves, soaking rodent droppings with disinfectant, wiping them up with paper towels, properly disposing of waste and thoroughly cleaning surfaces, followed by careful handwashing. Some signs of rodent activity can include droppings, shredded nesting materials, gnaw marks, strong musky odors and scratching sounds in the walls or ceilings, according to public health guidance. TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ Dr. Marc Siegel, Fox News senior medical analyst, emphasized that hantavirus is not something that most Americans encounter in daily life, and is more prominent in certain parts of Europe and Asia. "It is very rare in the U.S. and is seen out west, but rarely," he told Fox News Digital. "We need to avoid overpersonalizing the risk of a very rare virus." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a045c4aa200899a00eacd55 Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash? te 2026-05-13T11:11:06.595Z Apple’s $250M Siri settlement: Are you owed cash? If you bought a newer iPhone because Apple made Siri sound like it was about to become your personal artificial intelligence sidekick, you may want to pay attention. Apple has agreed to pay $250 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over claims that it misled customers about new Apple Intelligence and Siri features. The case centers on the iPhone 16 launch and certain iPhone 15 models that were marketed as ready for Apple's next wave of AI. The settlement still needs court approval, and Apple denies wrongdoing. The lawsuit argues that Apple promoted a smarter, more personal Siri before those features were actually available. For some buyers, that was a big deal. A new iPhone can cost hundreds of dollars, and many people upgrade only when they think they are getting something meaningfully new.  Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETS Apple introduced Apple Intelligence in June 2024 and promoted it as a major step forward for iPhone, iPad and Mac. A key part of that pitch was a more personalized Siri that could understand context, work across apps and help with everyday tasks in a more useful way. The lawsuit claims Apple's marketing made consumers believe those advanced Siri features would arrive with the iPhone 16 or soon after. Instead, buyers received phones that had some Apple Intelligence tools, but not the full Siri overhaul that many expected. That gap is the heart of the case. Plaintiffs say customers bought or upgraded devices based on AI features that were not ready. Apple says it has rolled out many Apple Intelligence features and settled the case, so it can stay focused on its products.  The proposed settlement creates a $250 million fund. Eligible customers who file approved claims are expected to receive at least $25 per eligible device. That amount could rise to as much as $95 per device, depending on how many people file claims and other settlement factors. That means this will not be a huge payday for most people. Still, if you bought one of the covered phones, it may be worth watching for a claim notice. A few minutes of paperwork could put some money back in your pocket. The proposed settlement covers U.S. buyers who purchased any iPhone 16 model, iPhone 15 Pro or iPhone 15 Pro Max between June 10, 2024, and March 29, 2025. Covered iPhone 16 models include the iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 16e. The settlement also includes the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max, but not every iPhone 15 model. The key details are the device model, the purchase date and whether the phone was bought in the United States. HOW YOU CAN GET A SLICE OF APPLE'S $250M IPHONE SETTLEMENT You do not need to do anything immediately. The settlement still needs a judge's approval. Once the claims process opens, eligible customers are expected to receive a notice by email or mail with instructions on how to file through a settlement website. That notice matters because scammers love moments like this. A real settlement notice should not ask for your Apple ID password, bank login or payment to claim your money. If you receive a message about this settlement, do not click blindly. Go slowly, check the sender and look for the official settlement administrator details once they are available. This case hits a bigger nerve. Tech companies are racing to sell AI as the next must-have feature. That creates a problem for shoppers. You are often asked to buy now based on what a company says will arrive later. That can be frustrating when the feature is the reason you upgraded. A smarter Siri sounds useful. A phone that can understand your personal context, search across apps and help with daily tasks could save time. But if those tools are delayed, limited or missing, the value of the upgrade changes. This settlement also sends a message about AI marketing. Companies can talk about future features, but consumers need clear timing and plain explanations. "Coming soon" can mean very different things when you are spending $800, $1,000 or more. We reached out to Apple for comment, but did not hear back before our deadline. FIRST 15 THINGS TO DO OR TRY FIRST WHEN YOU GET A NEW IPHONE If you bought a covered iPhone during the settlement period, keep an eye on your email and regular mail. You may qualify for a payment if the court approves the deal. You should also keep your receipt or proof of purchase if you have it. Your Apple purchase history, carrier account or retailer receipt may help if the claim process asks for details. More broadly, this is a reminder to treat AI features like any other big tech promise. Before you upgrade, ask one simple question: Can the feature do what is being advertised today, or is the company asking me to wait? That question can save you from buying a device for a future feature that may arrive much later than expected. Take my quiz: How safe is your online security? Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: CyberGuy.com. Apple has built its brand on making technology feel polished, personal and easy to use. That is why this Siri settlement hits a nerve. People were buying phones they use every day for texts, photos, directions, reminders and everything in between. Many expected AI to make those everyday tasks easier, which is why the delay felt frustrating. The proposed payout may be modest, but the bigger issue is trust. When a company sells AI as a reason to upgrade, customers deserve to know what actually works now and what is still coming later. Would you still buy a new phone for promised AI features, or would you wait until they actually show up? 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/6a045c37a200899a00eacd46 The great betrayal: How radical progressives are dynamiting the Black-Jewish alliance te 2026-05-13T11:10:47.058Z The great betrayal: How radical progressives are dynamiting the Black-Jewish alliance For nearly a century, the alliance between the Black and Jewish communities was the bedrock of America’s moral center — a "covenant" forged in the fires of the Civil Rights Movement and cemented with shared blood on the roads of the Jim Crow South. But today, that historic bond is being systematically dynamited by a new wave of radical progressives who prefer toxic tropes and "us-versus-them" identity politics over actual history. The first detonator was pulled by "Squad" member Rep. Summer Lee, D-Pa., shortly after the October 7, 2023, terror attacks in Israel. Rather than offering a standard policy critique of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), Lee, according to Politico, used a private Facebook post to deploy one of the most inflammatory weapons in the progressive arsenal, accusing the non-partisan advocacy group of practicing "textbook anti-blackness." She did not stop there. According to Politico, Lee further labeled the organization — and by extension, its mission of strengthening the U.S.-Israel bond — an "existential threat to the Black community and its right to self-determination." THE GLOBAL INTIFADA IS HERE. HAMAS-ALIGNED NETWORKS BROUGHT TERROR TO US SOIL AND WE NEED TO STOP IT In August, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., in remarks to the People’s Conference for Palestine gave her support to its new campaign to kick AIPAC out of U.S. politics. The campaign’s website says, "AIPAC threatens free speech, devastates workers' economic interests, advocates for endless wars and sabotages international diplomacy — all at the cost, and against the will, of the American people." Let’s call this what it is: a political hit job disguised as social justice. When the "Squad" and their allies target AIPAC, they aren't just debating foreign policy; they are reviving the oldest, ugliest "dark money" smears in the antisemitic book. They paint Jewish political participation as a "foreign intrusion" or a "nefarious force" designed to subvert Black and American interests. This narrative doesn’t just ignore the facts; it spits on a century of shared struggle. The intellectual heart of this alliance wasn't found in some smoke-filled D.C. boardroom. It was found on the campuses of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the 1930s. When America’s elite, "White" ivy-league institutions slammed their doors shut on Jewish scholars fleeing Nazi Germany, HBCUs opened theirs. These Jewish professors didn't arrive as "colonizers" or "outsiders"; they stood side-by-side with Black students to dismantle the ugliness of racial segregation. Indeed, Dana's parents witnessed this firsthand at Howard University in the 1960s. They didn't see a zero-sum contest for influence. They saw Jewish and Black leaders as brothers-in-arms in a shared pursuit of the American promise. To hear modern politicians frame Jewish advocacy as inherently antagonistic to Black communities is an insult to every freedom rider who sat on those buses. SIGN UP FOR ANTISEMITISM EXPOSED NEWSLETTER But the rot is spreading beyond the fringes. Even mainstream political heavyweights like Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., and California Gov. Gavin Newsom have reportedly begun "distancing" themselves from AIPAC-bundled funds. When leaders of that stature show fear and start running for the hills, it signals that the fringe’s "dark money" smear campaign’s stench has reached the top. It suggests that support for Israel — once a pillar of bipartisan American consensus — is being rebranded by the radical left as a "problematic" liability, almost illegitimate. By framing AIPAC and Jewish political engagement as an "existential threat," Rep. Lee and her colleagues aren't "standing up" for the marginalized. They are actively hindering the very coalition-building that moved this country from the back of the bus to the Civil Rights Act. They are trading a hundred years of hard-won progress for a "sensational" 24-hour news cycle and a few more "likes" from the anti-Israel extreme and delusional fringe. This is a dangerous game. When we allow political leaders to suggest that one group’s advocacy is a threat to another group’s existence, we don't just lose a lobby — we lose our moral center. We invite suspicion to replace solidarity. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Only a few weeks ago, Israel commemorated Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Remembrance Day, for the millions of Jews who were murdered by the Nazi regime’s evil. Those undermining Israel’s very legitimacy (not political criticism) and the Jewish community’s right to fight for what they believe in, assisted by media pundits and propagandists bent on telling lies and darkening people’s hearts, are facilitating another war of elimination.  Daniel Goldhagen’s "Hitler’s Willing Executioners — Ordinary Germans and the Holocaust" shows that the Holocaust wasn’t just the work of a few monsters, but of ‘ordinary’ people conditioned by a culture of hate. Today, that same conditioning is being mass-produced in digital echo chambers, turning political discourse into a new ‘industry of lies’ that dehumanizes before it annihilates. It is antisemitism cloaked in politics and diplomacy, which nevertheless results in the massacre of Jews in Hebron, Gaza, Pittsburgh and Australia.  It is the production line of the next generation of those same willing executioners.  Over the past year and a half, the Trump Administration has done much to address antisemitism, especially in higher education, where, since Oct. 2023, Jewish students have been targeted and even physically assaulted. Leo Terrell, the Chair of the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) Task Force to Combat Antisemitism, has made it clear — through actions, not just words — that there will be consequences for allowing a poisonous environment of antisemitism on college campuses and expanded the Task Force’s focus to include elementary and high schools. But it’s not only up to the government to fight this disease. More needs and must be done by us, the "ordinary people." Not just by passive remembrance, but by taking action. It is time to stop the smears. It is time to reject the "woke" wedge being driven between Blacks and Jews, and between America and its Jewish community. It is time for the silent majority to cry out and make a stand — politically and publicly. If we allow these suspicion-laden tropes to win, the only victors will be the extremists who want to see America divided.  Let’s remember the history that actually built this country, and do this not for Israel, not for the Jewish community, but for America and us all. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a045c23a200899a00eacd37 President Trump must put American hostages first in high-stakes Beijing summit te 2026-05-13T11:10:27.386Z President Trump must put American hostages first in high-stakes Beijing summit When President Trump traveled to China in 2017, he handed Xi Jinping a list of names he wanted freed. My parents were on it. That moment mattered. As China’s internment campaign in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region was beginning, my parents were vulnerable because I had spoken out in the United States about the Chinese Communist Party’s abuses. Their names, placed directly before Xi by the President of the United States, sent a signal that they were not invisible. But a name on a list matters only if a president keeps pressing. My mother remained trapped by Beijing for nearly two decades — leverage against my human rights advocacy, a hostage to the assumption that I would eventually go quiet. Cabinet secretaries raised her case. Diplomats pressed it repeatedly. None of it moved Beijing. She came home on Thanksgiving Eve 2024 only after President Biden raised her case directly with Xi. DAUGHTER OF DETAINED CHINESE PASTOR SAYS SHE HAS 'HOPE' AFTER LEARNING TRUMP MAY RAISE CASE WITH XI JINPING My father did not make it. He died in April 2022 at eighty-three, after years of enforced isolation. Because Beijing had sanctioned me personally for my advocacy, I could not attend his funeral. He never met his American grandchildren. That is the cost of inaction — not in a single dramatic moment, but over years quietly taken away. Now President Trump is preparing to meet Xi again, in Beijing on May 14 and 15. He should carry another list. This is not a side issue to trade, tariffs, critical minerals, or sanctions. American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and the relatives of Americans are being detained, imprisoned, or trapped under exit bans by the CCP to coerce silence, extract concessions, and censor people inside the United States. This is hostage-taking. It is an unacceptable instrument of state coercion directed at the United States — and it is a direct challenge to American sovereignty. When a foreign government coerces Americans on American soil, it has moved well beyond a human rights issue. It is a test of American will. Cases like these are not resolved through normal diplomatic channels. In China’s political system, they reach only one level: Xi Jinping. Prosecutors, security agencies, ministries, and provincial officials all wait for permission from above. Lawyers working on detention cases involving foreign leverage have told me directly: permission to free a hostage can only come from Xi. Ambassadors can raise names. Cabinet officials can press counterparts. Diplomats can knock on doors. Only a president can open them. RUBIO BLASTS CHINA OVER 'UNJUST AND TRAGIC' 20-YEAR SENTENCE FOR HONG KONG DEMOCRACY ACTIVIST JIMMY LAI President Trump has made the return of unjustly detained Americans a defining foreign-policy priority. His message to Xi should be unambiguous: American families are not bargaining chips, and the United States will not accept hostage-taking or exit bans as a normal feature of bilateral relations. He should demand releases, humanitarian transfers, the lifting of exit bans, and regular access for U.S. officials and families. He should also direct his administration to maintain a standing, confidential list of Americans, lawful permanent residents, and U.S.-linked relatives detained or trapped in China — to be raised in every future engagement with Chinese officials. That task should be assigned to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Rubio understands the realities in China better than most. As a senator, he helped build the legal architecture that now gives this administration its leverage: the Uyghur Human Rights Policy Act, which President Trump signed in 2020; the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, signed by President Biden in 2021. Across administrations, leaders of both parties built this framework — Speaker Nancy Pelosi helped move key protections through the House; Secretary Mike Pompeo determined that China is committing genocide against the Uyghur people, a finding Secretary Antony Blinken affirmed. Beijing recognized what that meant before Washington fully did. In retaliation, it sanctioned Rubio — and sanctioned me. A foreign government does not sanction its ineffective critics. It sanctioned him because he was effective. Many who admired Rubio’s Senate record have been genuinely unsettled by his first months as secretary of state — the silences where they expected statements, the accommodation where they expected pressure. I understand why. I have had my own moments of it. But I am not prepared to conclude that the man who built this framework has abandoned it. He is right there — with more institutional power than he has ever had, and an adversary he has studied for a long time. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Rubio’s opposition to the Chinese Communist Party is rooted in something deeper than policy calculation — just as mine is. His family fled Cuba. My mother gave birth to me in a reeducation camp in Kashgar. We came to this fight by different paths but reached the same conclusion: authoritarian governments use families as instruments of coercion. The answer is not accommodation. It is pressure. The list President Trump carries to Beijing should include Gulshan Abbas, imprisoned in retaliation for her sister’s advocacy in the United States; the artist Gao Shen, a U.S. resident detained without transparent legal process; Pastor Ezra Jin, held on opaque charges; and the relatives of Uyghur-American journalists at Radio Free Asia — Kurban Mamut, Abdukadir and Ahamatjan Juma, and Hasanjan Niyaz — detained as leverage against American reporters working for a U.S.-funded media organization. For these families, freedom often begins with a name spoken in the right room. And under Xi Jinping, there is only one room that matters. My mother’s journey to America began when President Trump carried a list to China in 2017. She waited years for her name to reach the right room. My father died before freedom came. Tonight, other families are still waiting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0459cda200899a00eacacb World’s two largest powers prepare to negotiate as Trump heads to Beijing and more top headlines te 2026-05-13T11:00:29.329Z World’s two largest powers prepare to negotiate as Trump heads to Beijing and more top headlines 1. Trump heads to Beijing for high-stakes Xi talks 2. Minnesota fraud issues go from bad to worse 3. Manufacturer fleeing Dem-run state after nearly 50 years OATH UNDER FIRE — Sheriff in Nancy Guthrie investigation learns fate from board amid perjury allegations. Continue reading … ERASED FROM VIEW — Mural honoring murdered refugee Iryna Zarutska taken down after outrage. Continue reading … ROUGH REACTION — Melania Trump's family-first Mother's Day note slammed as 'out of touch' by critics. Continue reading … JET SWEAT SET — Marco Rubio spotted in Nike tracksuit aboard Air Force One during trip to China, igniting memes online. Continue reading … STREAM SCHEME — Streaming giant expands to five football matchups while ruling out league-wide deals. Continue reading … -- GOING DARK — Inside the ‘digital lockdown’ for US officials as Trump arrives in China. Continue reading … COWBOY CAPITAL — Dallas mayor blasts NYC for ‘punishing success' as he makes pitch to fleeing billionaires. Continue reading … RED STATE RUMBLE — Republican Ricketts wins GOP Primary in Nebraska, advances to key Senate showdown. Continue reading … BREAKING POINT — John Fetterman calls out Democrats' 'rising antisemitism problem' as synagogue unrest rocks NYC. Continue reading … Click here for more cartoons…   TOO LITTLE TOO LATE — Ex-Biden DHS head concedes administration could have acted sooner on illegal immigration. Continue reading … STANDING FIRM — New York Times defends controversial anti-Israel piece, 'no truth' to retraction claims. Continue reading … BAD LOOK — Critics roast California Dem after he lectured LA reporter about 'tough questions.' Continue reading … CURTAIN PULLED BACK — Ex-BLM activist exposes left wing 'indoctrination,' reveals why he walked away. Continue reading … ALEXANDER GREY — Trump heads to China with the upper hand — and Xi knows it. Continue reading …  REP. JODEY ARRINGTON — Texas paid for Biden’s border crisis. Republicans must make sure it never happens again. Continue reading … -- ONE LAST ROUND — Ronda Rousey reveals what inspired her to end nine-year MMA hiatus for one final fight. Continue reading … MEAT UP — Biochemist says carnivore dieters are reversing disease without any drug therapy. Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on party pours and Hollywood hurdles. Take the quiz here … SHE'S BACK — Hilary Duff lands SI Swimsuit cover as her massive comeback year rolls on. Continue reading … ISN'T SHE CUTE — Celebrity attraction shows off to visitors. See video ... PRESIDENT TRUMP — Rubio and Vance are dream team ticket for 2028. See video … SEC. MARKWAYNE MULLIN — US adversaries using the political theater Dems created as a point of weakness. See video … Tune in as rising inflation and gas prices put new pressure on Washington to deliver relief for American families. Check it out ... What's it looking like in your neighborhood? Continue reading…   Facebook Instagram YouTube Twitter LinkedIn      Fox News First Fox News Opinion Fox News Lifestyle Fox News Entertainment (FOX411) Fox Business Fox Weather Fox Sports Tubi Fox News Go Thank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Thursday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0452d8a200899a00eac1e3 Netflix co-CEO clarifies streaming giant’s live sports strategy amid NFL lineup expansion, federal scrutiny te 2026-05-13T10:30:48.274Z Netflix co-CEO clarifies streaming giant’s live sports strategy amid NFL lineup expansion, federal scrutiny Streaming giant Netflix’s push into live sports has ranged from the WWE and Formula 1 to select MLB and NFL games. While the initiative has drawn some criticism, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the strategy is not aimed at securing full-season rights packages for any sports league." "We’re not bidding on whole season of sports, including the NFL," Sarandos told Fox Business Network's "Mornings with Maria" on Tuesday. So far, Sarandos' comments have held true with Netflix prioritizing marquee events, including Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and the New York Yankees' opening-day shutout of the San Fransisco Giants. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Sarandos holding a firm line on the company's stance comes amid ongoing federal scrutiny into NFL, and more broadly, the trend of sports rights growing more fragmented. Some have argued the trend makes its most costly and ultimately difficult for fans to view games. NFL FACES JUSTICE DEPARTMENT PROBE AFTER FANS EXPRESS FRUSTRATION WITH STREAMING PIVOT: REPORT However, federal scrutiny into sports fragmentation has brought the topic of live sports on streaming services to the forefront. "Remember, most folks are paying for television through pay-television packages that are much more expensive than Netflix," Sarandos said, suggesting that despite being technically free, broadcast networks are most often bundled within paid services. As of May, Netflix’s introductory ad-supported tier starts at $8.99 per month. The standard plan begins at $19.99 per month, while the premium tier starts at $26.99 per month. Prices can increase if subscribers add additional members. The basic plan has been discontinued. "As viewers move a little bit from linear more and more into streaming and on-demand, if the games aren’t there, it seems kind of ridiculous. You don’t run in the opposite direction of the American consumer," Sarandos continued. This fall, Netflix will once again have an exclusive window for a Christmas Day NFL doubleheader while expanding its overall footprint to five games during the 2026 season. The league’s first-ever game in Australia in Week 1 will stream exclusively on Netflix, while a Thanksgiving Eve matchup will also be included in the California-based company’s expanded NFL rights package. "This is something that is great for the consumer because it gives an inexpensive, very affordable way to watch sports, and television, and movies, and kids programming, and podcasts, and play games. All those things for $8.99 is an amazing proposition for consumers," Sarandos said, addressing regulatory scrutiny of sports streaming rights and whether exemptions should apply when non-linear platforms acquire a share of a league’s inventory. "It’s great for the leagues that they have an active competitive base of folks bidding for those games, so that’s valuable. I think it’s an important part to the American success story of the economy, is that you can lean into it and be competitive, and you have to deliver." Amid concerns that only a select number of tech companies could wind up controlling premium entertainment, Sarandos pushed back, arguing, Sarandos countered, arguing, "I’d say people probably said the same thing when pay-television, which most people are probably watching this show on right now, came in and took the place of TV over the antenna. This is kind of a natural evolution of technology and consumer demand." A Fox News poll in March indicated that 72% of sports fans think major sporting events should stay free on broadcast TV, amid reports that the NFL is considering allowing teams to sell the rights to preseason games to streaming services. NFL fans who want access to every game need to purchase YouTube TV for "NFL Sunday Ticket," in addition to the costly subscriptions for all the streaming services the NFL broadcasts on. Those streaming services are Amazon Prime, Peacock and Netflix. The combination of those respective services is over $1,500 a year, and that doesn’t include the fees that come with basic cable packages or high-speed Wi-Fi that is needed to accommodate the platforms. Front Office Sports reported the annual NFL Honors ceremony, which takes place in the days leading up to the Super Bowl in the host city, is expected to move to Netflix beginning in February. The 2027 Super Bowl is scheduled to kick off on Feb. 14 from SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. 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/6a0452c4a200899a00eac1da Ronda Rousey reveals what inspired her to end nine-year MMA hiatus for one final fight te 2026-05-13T10:30:28.665Z Ronda Rousey reveals what inspired her to end nine-year MMA hiatus for one final fight This Saturday will mark the end of Ronda Rousey's nine-plus-year hiatus from mixed martial arts, and if all goes as planned, it will mark her farewell. The 39-year-old is perhaps the greatest female MMA star of all time, and she's giving fans one more show as she will face fellow legendary fighter Gina Carano at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, with the help of Jake Paul's Most Valuable Promotions. "Yeah, I’m excited. It’s finally, like, super real," Rousey told Fox News Digital. "At first, we were training in secret for, like, a year. It was really more like a year and a half at this point, but at least over a year. And now it’s kind of really bittersweet that it’s coming to an end. I’ve been having such a great time. This camp has been one of the most incredible experiences of my life." CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Rousey, the first woman signed by the UFC who became a Hall of Famer in 2018, retired in 2016 after six successful UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship defenses before entering WWE full-time. Rousey’s MMA record got off to a 12-0 start before she lost her final two bouts to Holly Holm and Amanda Nunes, respectively, and nine of Rousey’s 12 victories came within the first 70 seconds. All but one victory was in the first round. It's no secret that Rousey is out of her prime, but this camp "hasn't felt like a grind at all." "We made joy a priority — actually enjoying the process instead of just hoping enjoyment would come along the way," Rousey said. "Before, everything was so result-oriented. Now, it’s about the process. And once we made that shift, 'Let’s make this as fun as possible,' I started getting better results than ever. I feel better than I ever have, physically and mentally." "I used to be very much in that old-school mentality of, you have to suffer and make yourself miserable in order to be the best you can be. And now it’s like, no, I realize it doesn’t have to be that. I can enjoy this as much as possible, and it makes me the best that I can be. Because I already know that I’m a bada--. I already know that I can dig deep. I’ve already paid all those dues, I’ve done all of those things. So I think just making it fun... good vibes only, it’s all about me, there’s none of this other stuff going on around me, no superfluous noise." So, why come back in the first place? RONDA ROUSEY RETURNING TO FIGHTING AFTER NEARLY 10-YEAR HIATUS: 'THIS IS FOR ALL MMA FANS' "Gina, that’s the reason," she said. "I was sitting nine months pregnant, about to pop, in an office chair. I saw her at a low point, losing her bodily identity and being really unhealthy. And after seeing Mike Tyson come back at nearly (age) 60 and be the most-viewed combat sports event of all time, I knew there was a huge demand out there and that these showcase fights were the future of combat sports. "When I saw where Gina was at, and I looked down at my big belly, where I was at, I was like, ‘You know what? A fight between us would be huge not just for the world, but for each other.’ And I think this is what combat sports needs. This is what we need. And just like she inspired me to do MMA in the first place, she’s the one who inspired me to come back." Rousey said she "promised my husband and swore up and down to my sister" that this is her final fight. Knowing it's a farewell after nearly a decade out, all of the emotions are in play. "That fluttering in the chest, that nervousness, I know that’s what happens when I’m about to do great things. I don’t become afraid of my own anxiety or my own fear, in a way. I wouldn’t even label it like that. I’m not afraid of how my body reacts to those things, because I know that’s what it does before I do something great. I perform above myself when I’m under a huge amount of pressure. So when I feel those symptoms of that pressure, I don’t shy away from it and get scared of it. "It’s more like the launch sequence before the rocket blasts off." As much fun Rousey has had, there is still a goal - winning. Admittedly, "if there’s anyone on this earth who I would be okay with taking my happiness and running around with it, it’s Gina," Rousey said. "Because she’s the only person in women’s MMA that doesn’t owe me a damn thing—and that I owe immensely," she added. "And if this is the only way that I can give back to her—to give her the comeback story of a lifetime—I owe everything, all the prosperity in my life, to her. If that’s the way that it has to go, then that’s the way that it has to go." But it won't be easy. "She’s going to have to pry victory from my cold, dead fingers. Because I want to show her the monster that she created. And I want her to be proud of me," Rousey said. "I want me beating the s--- out of her to actually be the greatest compliment I could ever pay her." 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/6a04507fa200899a00eac120 California girls' track and field stars speak out as Gavin Newsom's Title IX crisis grows te 2026-05-13T10:20:47.873Z California girls' track and field stars speak out as Gavin Newsom's Title IX crisis grows Reese Hogan would have a very different set of medals if the rules were different in California. It's her third straight year competing against a trans athlete in the California girls' track and field state tournament. She would have taken first place in the high jump all to herself in the sectional preliminaries last Saturday, if only biological females were allowed to compete. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Now she'll compete against a trans athlete in the sectional finals this weekend, representing her Christian high school, Crean Lutheran. It will mark one year since she went viral on social media for stepping up from the second-place spot on a medal podium up to first place, after a trans athlete who took first place stepped off. "This is my third year competing against a transgender athlete, and last year I was stripped away of a CIF Title, and I basically worked my whole career to get to that point," Hogan said on "Fox News at Night" on Tuesday. "It's just really dissapointing to go into a competition knowing you already lost." CALIFORNIA TRACK ATHLETE BRIEFLY POSES ON 1ST-PLACE PODIUM AFTER LOSING TO TRANS ATHLETE, RECEIVES PRAISE Her Crean Lutheran teammate, Olivia Viola, has been right there with Hogan throughout the three years of competition against trans athletes. "I haven't heard nearly enough adults come out and say anything. A lot of them like to say that they agree with you, that they're proud of you for speaking up now, but they won't do it themselves," Viola said. "Just because it doesn't affect every adult out there doesn't mean it's not worth standing up for." California has legally allowed biological males to compete in girls' sports since a state law was enacted in 2013. The state's education agencies are engaged in a federal Title IX lawsuit with President Donald Trump's administration for commitment to upholding that state law. A source at Governor Gavin Newsom's office previously provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to news that a "Save Girls Sports" rally, which the two girls attended, would be held at last Saturday's meet. "The Governor has said discussions on this issue should be guided by fairness, dignity, and respect. He rejects the right wing’s cynical attempt to weaponize this debate as an excuse to vilify individual kids. The Governor’s position is simple: stand with all kids and stand up to bullies," the statement read. "California is one of 22 states that have laws requiring students be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school sports consistent with their gender identity. California passed this law in 2013 (AB 1266) and it was signed into law by Governor Jerry Brown." At the rally, Hogan spoke and fired back at Newsom's office for the statement. "The recent statements coming from Governor Gavin Newsom's office have made it clear that there is no intention of creating a safe, fair, and equitable environment for female high school athletes. Him and his office have gone as far as calling young girls bullies for speaking up for what we believe in," Hogan said. "The governor himself has admitted that males competing in women's sports is unfair, yet nothing is being done to protect girls who train every day to compete on a level playing field." CALIFORNIA ATHLETE SAYS SHE CHANGES CLOTHES IN HER CAR TO AVOID SHARING A LOCKER ROOM WITH TRANS ATHLETE Viola also rejected the "bully" assertion in Tuesday's interview. "I think his statement is manipulative, and it's just completely untrue," Viola said. "He's saying stand up for all kids, yet he's essentially trying to silence us... these girls are not bullies. They make a point, we all make an point to say we are not against any individual athlete, we are against California's policies," Viola said. "We believe athletes deserve dignity and respect, and that's why we believe women deserve the dignity of having their own category." Both Viola and Hogan will compete at the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Southern Section Final on Saturday in Moorpark, California. And just like last year, there will be a podium ceremony after the competitions. 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/6a04506ca200899a00eac103 Sage Steele questions Lane Kiffin's timing after he links Ole Miss recruiting to segregation concerns te 2026-05-13T10:20:28.047Z Sage Steele questions Lane Kiffin's timing after he links Ole Miss recruiting to segregation concerns Lane Kiffin is no stranger to stirring controversy.  The former Ole Miss head coach drew attention again this week after floating a theory about diversity efforts that he claimed at times hindered his ability to recruit players during his tenure at Oxford. In excerpts taken from a wide-ranging interview with Vanity Fair, Kiffin noted that some recruits would tell him, "‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi.’ "That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus’ diversity feels so great: ‘It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’" CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM Kiffin said he does not expect to face similar challenges in his new home, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, saying, "That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus’ diversity feels so great: ‘It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’" Kiffin did not directly point to inherent challenges to diversity at Ole Miss, nor did he frame the school as uniquely racist in the article. He did, however, suggest he believes its history still shapes national perception. OLE MISS PLAYERS PUSH BACK ON LANE KIFFIN’S CLAIM THAT TEAM ASKED AD TO LET HIM FINISH SEASON WITH REBELS Former ESPN host Sage Steele was a guest on the "Will Cain Country" podcast, hosted by Fox News Channel’s "The Will Cain Show" host Will Cain, on Tuesday and weighed in on the LSU coach’s comments. Cain admitted he had never traveled to Oxford, while Steele spoke about her ties to the campus. "I have not seen the Confederate flags there, it that doesn't mean that it's not there. But I have not seen it. My daughter is a sophomore at Ole Miss." Steele questioned the timing of Kiffin’s remarks, suggesting he raised concerns only after leaving Ole Miss. "I just think it's really fascinating that now he says that," she said. But, you were fine in Oxford all those years. You were fine in Oxford leading into last football season, saying 'It is just so much more than football.' .... it's how the community has embraced him and his family. And he's come such a long way personally. ...And then all of a sudden, they hold your feet to the fire, and no, you can't coach the college football playoff after deciding to leave." Confederate flags were once a common sight at Mississippi football games until the university effectively phased them out in 1997 by banning flagpoles. Until 2003, the school’s mascot, Colonel Reb, reflected its Civil War-era past. The program still uses the "Rebels" nickname and the "Ole Miss" moniker, both tied to the state’s slavery-era history. Kiffin later clarified his comments saying, "I just hope [my comment] comes across respectful to Ole Miss. ... There are some things that I'm saying that are factual, they're not shots." he told On3. "I really apologize if anybody at Ole Miss or in Mississippi was offended by that," Kiffin said. "In a four-hour interview, I was asked a lot of questions on a lot of things, and Ole Miss has been wonderful to me and to my family. I was asked questions about the differences in recruiting, and I said a narrative that we battled there from some out-of-state Black parents and grandparents was not wanting their kid to move to Mississippi. That's a narrative that coaches have been fighting forever. It wasn't calculated by bringing it up." 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/6a044e79a200899a00eabdd0 Trump faces split among retired US commanders over whether to resume Iran strikes te 2026-05-13T10:12:09.624Z Trump faces split among retired US commanders over whether to resume Iran strikes President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is on "massive life support," as retired U.S. commanders and national security experts are increasingly split whether Washington should resume military operations against Tehran or avoid what critics warn could become another prolonged Middle East conflict. "I would say the ceasefire is on massive life support," Trump told reporters Monday. "Where the doctor walks in and says, ‘Sir, your loved one has approximately a 1% chance of living.’" Trump also dismissed Iran’s latest response to a proposed agreement as "a piece of garbage," amid reports the White House is reviewing military options should negotiations collapse. Retired Lt. Gen. H.R. McMaster, former national security adviser under Trump, said he believes Iran’s leadership is unlikely to make the concessions Trump considers necessary for a deal. WHITE HOUSE WARNS IRAN AGAINST BALKING AT DEAL: TRUMP READY TO 'UNLEASH HELL' "I think the Iranian leadership and IRGC are unwilling to make the kind of concessions that President Trump thinks are at the minimum," McMaster told Fox News Digital, referring to Iran's hardline Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.  "President Trump always wants a deal," he added. "But he's not going to sign up for a bad deal." The emerging debate now centers on a core question facing Washington: whether additional military pressure could force Iran to abandon its nuclear and missile ambitions, or whether renewed strikes would deepen a regional conflict without producing decisive results. Retired Vice Adm. Mark Fox, former deputy commander of U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), said he believes the current ceasefire and diplomatic track are unlikely to force Iran to back down. "I really cannot envision anything other than a full return to combat operations," Fox told Fox News Digital. "The only thing that they will respond to, I think ultimately, is force." Fox argued the U.S. military remains capable of reopening and securing commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing Iranian threats against vessels transiting the waterway. HORMUZ CHOKE POINT PERSISTS AS IRAN HALTS OIL TRAFFIC DESPITE TRUMP CEASEFIRE "This is a militarily obtainable objective," he said, outlining a strategy involving guided missile destroyers, attack helicopters, drones and expanded aerial surveillance to create a protected maritime corridor through the Strait. Fox acknowledged the U.S. Navy is smaller than it was during the 1980s tanker wars, but argued American forces still possess the capability to secure the chokepoint if Washington commits enough naval assets and persistent monitoring operations. "It’s not easy," Fox said. "But the geography is fixed." He described a possible strategy that would rely on destroyers, drones and attack aircraft to create what he called an "unblinking eye" over the strait, allowing U.S. forces to identify and neutralize Iranian speedboats, drones and anti-shipping threats before they can strike commercial vessels. Fox also warned against allowing Iran to preserve leverage over Hormuz while continuing to advance its missile and nuclear programs. "If not now, when?" he said. "If they had a nuclear weapon, they would use it." EXPERTS WARN IRAN’S NUCLEAR DOUBLE-TALK DESIGNED TO BUY TIME, UNDERMINE US PRESSURE Fox, who also signed onto a recent policy paper by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America, echoed the report’s argument that Iran is using negotiations to buy time while preserving its military capabilities. The paper was authored by several retired senior U.S. military officials and national security experts, including retired Gen. Chuck Wald, former deputy commander of U.S. European Command and retired Vice Adm. Robert Harward, former deputy commander of CENTCOM, argued the current ceasefire and diplomatic track "cannot reliably compel Iran" to meet U.S. demands and warned Tehran was seeking to "drag out talks, erode U.S. resolve, and use the time to strengthen itself." The report called for expanded military operations targeting Iran’s maritime capabilities, missile infrastructure and internal coercive apparatus while avoiding broad attacks on civilian infrastructure that could trigger wider regional escalation. But not everyone agrees that renewed military action would produce a better outcome. Retired Lt. Col. Daniel Davis, a senior fellow at Defense Priorities and longtime critic of expanded U.S. military interventions, warned that calls to "finish the job" ignore the realities exposed during the recent fighting. "To ‘finish the job,’ as they say, is irrational," Davis told Fox News Digital. "It’s illogical, and it violates any kind of military principle." KEITH KELLOGG URGES US TO 'FINISH THE JOB' AGAINST IRAN BY SEIZING ISLANDS, STRANGLING ECONOMY Davis argued that despite thousands of strikes and weeks of fighting, Iran retained significant missile and maritime capabilities. "We couldn't knock them out with 14,000 targets hit," he said. "Why does anybody think that going back another time is going to have a different result?" He described Iran’s geography, dispersed missile infrastructure and asymmetric naval tactics as creating what he called "a militarily unsolvable problem." "The only thing left is a diplomatic outcome," Davis said. The disagreement reflects a broader divide emerging in Washington as officials weigh what comes next if negotiations fail. Supporters of renewed military action argue Iran is weaker than it has been in decades and that stopping now risks allowing Tehran to regroup, rebuild its missile arsenal and preserve leverage over one of the world’s most important energy choke points. Critics counter that even extensive U.S. and Israeli strikes failed to fundamentally break the regime’s control or eliminate its military capabilities, raising the risk that further escalation could drag the United States into another drawn-out regional conflict with uncertain results. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044e65a200899a00eabdb8 Democratic Boston councilor rips 'soft-on-crime' policies after suspected gunman's violent past revealed te 2026-05-13T10:11:49.762Z Democratic Boston councilor rips 'soft-on-crime' policies after suspected gunman's violent past revealed A Democratic Boston city councilor slammed what he views as "soft-on-crime" policies that allowed the man who allegedly opened fire in nearby Cambridge on Monday to walk free after previously serving a short amount of time for violent offenses. Tyler Brown, 46, is in custody after allegedly firing 50 to 60 rounds into traffic on Memorial Drive in Cambridge early in the afternoon on Monday. Terrifying video of the incident, which left four people shot, including Brown, quickly went viral. Brown is currently in custody in the hospital, recovering from gunshot wounds in his extremities. "There is absolutely no way this person should have been released on probation and/or parole," Boston Councilman Ed Flynn told Fox News Digital. "When you have a lengthy criminal record and you constantly continue to be convicted and engaged in criminal activities, there should be a long prison sentence for someone, that continues to disregard rules of society." WATCH: Video shows alleged Cambridge gunman treated at scene after shooting LENIENT JUDGES IGNORE RED FLAGS, CAVE TO SOFT-ON-CRIME PRESSURES AS THEY RELEASE REPEAT OFFENDERS: ATTORNEY And Brown does have a violent criminal history. In 2014, he was convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon — in that case a knife — and witness intimidation. In 2020, while on probation for the previous crimes, he engaged in a shootout with four Boston police officers, firing 13 rounds from a .40 Glock semiautomatic handgun at the officers when they responded to a report about a man with a gun. REPEAT OFFENDER WITH LONG RAP SHEET ALLEGEDLY GUNS DOWN MAN WHILE FREE ON PROBATION, BONDS DESPITE VIOLATIONS In 2021, he pleaded guilty to eight charges stemming from that incident. Those charges included: Flynn, who was first elected to the city council in 2017 and once worked for the Clinton administration, said he knows one of the four Boston police officers involved in that incident, and that they went to school together. VIOLENT REPEAT OFFENDER ACCUSED IN CHARLOTTE KNIFE ATTACK WAS FREE DESPITE DECADE-LONG RAP SHEET An officer wrote a victim-impact statement at the time, saying that, "I am a firm believer that when Mr. Tyler Brown gets out, he will hurt, or worse, kill someone," according to NBC Boston. "We have to think of the victims and the survivors of violent crime before we sentence someone to prison, probation [or] parole," said Flynn. "And when a victim testifies about the violence used and the likelihood that this person will re-offend and engage in criminal activity, we have to hear that testimony, respect that testimony and implement a sentence that respects the victim and the survivor of crime." "I don't think we did that in this case. In fact, I know we didn't do that in this case, but this is not an isolated case," he continued. BLUE STATE JUDGE RELEASES MURDER SUSPECT WITHOUT MAKING HIM PAY A CENT IN BAIL, DESPITE GANG ALLEGATIONS Brown was sentenced to five to six years in prison and three years of probation, stemming from the 2020 crime, a controversial move at the time that was criticized by then-Suffolk County District Attorney Rachel Rollins. Rollins blasted the sentence handed down by then-Suffolk Superior Court Judge Janet Sanders for not abiding by her recommendation of 10 to 12 years with five years of probation. "When an individual commits serious, violent offenses that threaten the lives of our community members – which include members of law enforcement – I will advocate for the​ir removal and detention​. My office recommended a significant sentence for Mr. Brown given the nature of his offenses and the ​trauma and harm he inflicted," Rollins said in a statement at the time. CAREER CRIMINAL ACCUSED OF KILLING ELDERLY WOMAN IN VIOLENT HOME INVASION AFTER SKIPPING COURT DAYS EARLIER She said she was "disappointed in the sentence that was imposed," and personally apologized to the officers who were attacked and to their families. Flynn told Fox News Digital that police officers are frustrated with relaxed crime policies that let offenders walk free. "Police feel frustrated that the criminal justice system does not respect them and survivors of crime. Police want accountability, and they want the criminal justice system to work, and for the criminal system to work, we have to hold people accountable for their actions," said Flynn. "It might be politically incorrect to do that. But we have to provide a safe and healthy environment for residents of the city, for our police, for our neighborhood, and for our neighbors." FURIOUS FATHER SLAMS 'SOFT ON CRIME' POLICIES AFTER DAUGHTER ALLEGEDLY KILLED BY REPEAT OFFENDER IN SC He said ignoring violent crime is not a solution and that Bostonians want criminals to be punished. "Boston is changing, and I think the residents are fed up, and they want us to be more aggressive in holding people accountable," he said. "They want the criminal justice system to work for survivors of crime, for victims of crime and for society at large. Right now, there is a perception that it works for criminals." He also noted that he represents one of the most progressive districts in the city, but specifically called out that wing of the Democratic Party. A FORMER BLM ACTIVIST GOES ALL IN ON MASS INCARCERATION "The progressive base of the Democratic party is soft on crime and doesn't want to hold people accountable for their actions, and I think that's a mistake for the Democratic Party to ignore ongoing criminal activity in neighborhoods, because it creates destabilization of residents of neighborhoods and it contributes to a declining quality of life of residents in an unhealthy neighborhood," he said. "Residents deserve better than that," he concluded. A criminal complaint against Brown says he spoke to his parole officer on the phone on Monday morning and said he had relapsed on crack cocaine, and that he was ready to end his own life. His parole officer alerted the police at around 12:10 p.m., shortly before the shooting, and drove to Brown's residence. JOHN KERRY’S RITZY BLUE CITY NEIGHBORHOOD ROCKED AS DRUG ADDICTS ‘OVERRUN’ COBBLESTONE STREETS Brown was not home, but called his parole officer on a different phone via FaceTime. He was waving a semiautomatic rifle, according to the complaint, and said, "these people are going to f---ing pay," and, "I'm not going back to prison." At around 1:30 p.m., Brown is accused of opening fire on Memorial Drive, shooting "erratically" and hitting two people in a vehicle, critically injuring both. A state trooper arrived on scene and engaged Brown in a firefight. A witness to the event, a U.S. Marine and firearms instructor, also opened fire on Brown. Brown had been released from a mental health facility on May 8. He faces two counts of armed assault with intent to murder using a firearm and two counts of attempted assault and battery by discharge of a firearm, along with a litany of related gun charges. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044e52a200899a00eabd72 Ex-Biden DHS head concedes administration could have acted sooner on illegal immigration te 2026-05-13T10:11:30.219Z Ex-Biden DHS head concedes administration could have acted sooner on illegal immigration Former Department of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas appeared to admit that the Biden administration could have and should have enacted more border security measures sooner. In an interview at the Politico Security Summit on Tuesday, Mayorkas was asked about border policies under former President Joe Biden, which became a significant issue ahead of the 2024 presidential election. Mayorkas remarked that, despite some "areas of disagreement," he was largely satisfied with his work under Biden. "I was very pleased that in June of 2024, we took executive action that, I thought, made reforms that were sensible and that proved successful," Mayorkas said. FORMER BIDEN ADVISER ADMITS FAILURE TO ADDRESS BORDER CRISIS REALITY LED TO TRUMP'S RE-ELECTION When asked whether he believed Biden acting sooner on border reform could have prevented President Donald Trump from being elected, Mayorkas was less direct but acknowledged that he would be "better rested" if Biden did. "I am not in a position to speculate, but I will tell you that I would be far more better rested and less punched," Mayorkas remarked. Fox News Digital reached out to Biden's office for comment. NBC NEWS HOST ASKS DHS SEC. MAYORKAS POINT BLANK: 'WHY DO YOU DESERVE TO KEEP YOUR JOB?' Mayorkas faced the ire of Republicans throughout his tenure after repeatedly claiming that the border was "secure" despite record numbers of illegal border crossings under the Biden administration. More than 7 million people reportedly crossed the border into the U.S. under Biden. Despite this backlash, Mayorkas touted the "tougher" border stance Biden took in June 2024 as a successful and "humanitarian" response. "Our tougher border stance in June of ‘24 was coupled with an increased focus on providing lawful pathways for people to arrive at the United States outside the hands of smugglers — more secure and more humanitarian. Those two combined — our numbers dropped 70, 75 percent," Mayorkas told Politico. BIDEN'S OWN ADVISERS WARNED HIS BORDER POLICIES COULD CREATE 'CHAOS': REPORT In 2024, Mayorkas blamed Congress for Biden failing to act on the border until five months before the presidential election, claiming they would have acted sooner if they knew "irresponsible politics" would prevent congressional action. "Looking back now in hindsight, in 2020, if we had known that irresponsible politics would have killed what was clearly a meritorious effort and a meritorious result, perhaps we would have taken executive action more rapidly," Mayorkas said. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044e3da200899a00eabc9f Dallas mayor blasts NYC for ‘punishing success' as he pitches ‘Y’all Street’ to fleeing billionaires te 2026-05-13T10:11:09.838Z Dallas mayor blasts NYC for ‘punishing success' as he pitches ‘Y’all Street’ to fleeing billionaires EXCLUSIVE: Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson blasted New York City’s leadership for "punishing success" and joined Gov. Greg Abbott in pitching Texas as a place where Wall Street firms can hang their hats. His pitch for "Y’all Street" over Wall Street comes as a steady stream of financial firms have in recent years expanded operations in Texas. They were drawn there because of the lower taxes and fewer regulations, a trend Johnson says is accelerating even more under New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The trend toward moving big business out of big blue cities has the potential to redraw the map of American finance, determining which jurisdictions capture high-paying jobs, investment, tax revenue and influence. The Republican mayor of Dallas told Fox News Digital that the latest clash between City Hall and Wall Street heavyweights only reinforces his concerns. CHICAGO KNOWS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KEN GRIFFIN TURNS ON A CITY — NOW MAMDANI MAY FIND OUT "The recent back-and-forth between Mayor Mamdani and Ken Griffin exemplifies exactly what I have been saying publicly for some time: New York City, under its current leadership, does not believe in rewarding success," Johnson said. "New York City believes in punishing success," he told Fox News Digital, adding that Dallas, by contrast, embraces successful companies and the leaders who built them. The clash between Mamdani and Griffin has quickly become a flashpoint in the broader debate over New York's economic direction, with the Citadel founder warning that tax hikes, anti-business rhetoric and crime risk are pushing firms out. The feud intensified after Mamdani posted a viral video outside Griffin’s condo promoting his plan to tax second homes in NYC worth more than $5 million. NYC GROCERS SOUND ALARM ON MAMDANI’S SUPERMARKET PLAN: "WE’LL LOSE CUSTOMERS The dispute highlights a growing rift between New York City's progressive agenda and the financial sector that has long powered the entire state's economy — a divide only sharpened by Mamdani’s push for higher taxes on corporations and top earners. Experts warn that this, along with expanded DEI initiatives, rent freezes and tighter regulations, risk driving businesses away from the center of the world's financial markets. Texas has already emerged as a major destination for firms in recent years, with companies like Goldman Sachs expanding their footprint in Dallas and JPMorgan Chase growing its workforce across the state. Meanwhile, the Texas Stock Exchange is preparing to launch in Dallas to rival legacy markets. At the same time the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq are expanding into the state — underscoring the Lone Star State's rise as a financial powerhouse. The state’s broader economic strength has also been a draw for outsiders. Texas reported a record $24 billion budget surplus in 2025, reinforcing its reputation as a fiscally stable, business-friendly environment. Johnson argued Dallas is not just benefiting from the trend, it’s helping lead it. "Dallas’s pro-businesses approach is fueling this shift," Johnson said, adding that "Y'all Street" is emerging as a major center for financial services. "Instead of demonizing those who have achieved the American dream, we embrace our local business leaders as partners in building a better city, a city of genuine opportunity for everyone." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044e2aa200899a00eabc7a Doug Burgum says Trump enters China summit in 'strongest position' of any US leader ever te 2026-05-13T10:10:50.103Z Doug Burgum says Trump enters China summit in 'strongest position' of any US leader ever Interior Secretary Doug Burgum argued President Donald Trump is entering this week’s high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in the "strongest position" of any American leader. Burgum joined "Fox & Friends" Tuesday to preview Trump’s trip to Beijing, explaining how China’s reliance on foreign resources puts them in a weakened state during negotiations. "President Trump’s in the strongest position of any U.S. leader ever going into a discussion with China," Burgum said. "The U.S. economy is strong. China's economy is faltering. It's just a great spot." He said China is vulnerable due to its energy dependency. Burgum pointed to Trump’s "geopolitical game" of restricting China’s access to cheap Venezuelan and Iranian oil as a key factor in bolstering U.S. leverage. TRUMP TO CONFRONT XI AT HIGH-STAKES SUMMIT OVER CHINA BACKING FOR IRAN, RUSSIA "China is the most energy-dependent country in the world, just the opposite of the U.S., which is the most energy-dominant country in the world," Burgum said. "Their strategic stockpile is dwindling and their economy is faltering. They're super dependent on imported energy," he added. XI'S ANTI-CORRUPTION CRACKDOWN SENTENCES FORMER CHINESE DEFENSE MINISTERS TO DEATH Burgum also said China imports large amounts of food to feed its population, while the United States has a surplus. "China also imports calories every day. They don't raise enough food to feed everybody in that country," he said. LIZ PEEK: TRUMP MUST STAY STRONG, US RELIANCE ON CHINESE MINERALS AND DRUGS PUTS AMERICANS AT RISK "We've got energy security and food security in America. China has neither of those things. He's in a great position in these negotiations," Burgum added. During the trip, the Trump administration is expected to pressure China over its support for Iran and Russia. U.S. officials are also expected to address China’s restrictions on materials needed for advanced semiconductors. Other major business tycoons are expected to accompany Trump to China, including SpaceX founder Elon Musk and Apple CEO Tim Cook. In a post on Truth Social, the president said he is "very much looking forward" to his trip, calling China an "amazing country" with a leader that is "respected by all." Trump visited China during his first term in November 2017. The two world leaders were originally set to meet at the end of March, but the outbreak of fighting in Iran pushed it back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044e16a200899a00eabc58 Meat-only diet followers claim disease reversal as expert says Americans are 'the sickest' te 2026-05-13T10:10:30.519Z Meat-only diet followers claim disease reversal as expert says Americans are 'the sickest' Carnivores from far and wide descended recently on Gatlinburg, Tennessee, to partake in Meatstock, a convention for followers of meat-based diets. The weekend gathering featured presentations from experts, panel discussions and vendors centered on carnivore and keto diets — as well as biohacking.  In the wake of the convention, Texas biochemist and author Nathan Bryan, who presented at Meatstock, told Fox News Digital, "Americans are the sickest people on the planet."  RFK JR. BACKS BEEF, DECLARING 'WAR ON PROTEIN IS OVER' AS HE THANKS AMERICA'S CATTLE RANCHERS "Nine out of 10 Americans are metabolically unfit, two out of three Americans have an unsafe elevation of blood pressure and nearly half of the people in America are diabetic or pre-diabetic," he added. "That can be attributed to the foods we eat." Bryan said he was extremely compelled by stories from Meatstock attendees, who talked about how much weight they lost and autoimmune diseases they cured by switching to a meat-based diet. "What I found at Meatstock was people who eat mainly just a meat-based diet, high protein and really good fats with limited or no carbs or plants," Bryan said.  CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES "These people seem to be the healthiest, and then they're able to reverse disease without drug therapy." These outcomes were self-reported by attendees and are not broadly established in clinical research. Meat-centric eating has its fair share of critics. Tara Schmidt, a registered dietitian and instructor of nutrition at Mayo Clinic, cautioned that carnivore-type diets put people at risk of missing out on essential nutrients like fiber, calcium and Vitamin D. They also lack balance and are too restrictive to be sustainable long-term for many people, Schmidt said. The science presented at the Meatstock convention was intriguing, Bryan said.   "I come from academia as a former professor of medicine," Bryan said. "So I put a lot of emphasis on the science and clinical data behind [these diets], and it was impressive." TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) unveiled a new food pyramid and Dietary Guidelines for Americans earlier this year. The updated guidance reflects a broader shift in federal nutrition messaging, while also prompting debate among health experts. The new guidelines encourage people to eat "a variety of protein foods from animal sources," including red meat, and are a radical departure from previous recommendations that emphasized carbohydrates. The new guidelines have attracted much scrutiny. In an article on the release of the new guidelines, for instance, UC Berkeley Public Health reported, "When the federal government issued its recommendations for a healthy diet last week, many nutritionists and health care providers were appalled." It is widely believed that misinformation about nutrition dates back to Ancel Keys, a physiologist whose "Seven Countries Study" is responsible for many accepted modern ideas about cholesterol and heart disease, Bryan said.  CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER However, many nutrition researchers continue to cite Keys' work as foundational, even as aspects of it have been debated over time. Special-interest groups, such as vegan societies, have used Keys' research to "demonize" meat and perpetrate widespread misconceptions about nutrition, Bryan said. During an address to the National Cattlemen's Beef Association in February, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. declared that the "war on protein is over." Bryan himself is not a strict carnivore, but each one of his meals includes some form of protein — mainly red meat.  He also fasts for 18 hours every day. "I have a ranch in Texas and I grow my own beef, so I know the food that I'm getting is free of antibiotics and growth hormones and all that," Bryan said. "I usually eat meat with some kind of low-glycemic-index starch, whether it's a baked potato, a sweet potato or maybe rice," he said.  "I have my own garden, so I eat green beans and corn. I usually eat a salad, usually before a meal. For me, it's a balanced diet in moderation — but at every meal, I eat meat." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044bbca200899a00eabaad Trump must force Xi to answer for China's cruel war on Jimmy Lai te 2026-05-13T10:00:28.408Z Trump must force Xi to answer for China's cruel war on Jimmy Lai President Trump is heading to China this week, and one person watching closely is Claire Lai, the daughter of Jimmy Lai. Her father is a Hong Kong businessman, media mogul and faithful Catholic who has been imprisoned and sentenced to 20 years by the Communist regime for being an outspoken critic of the Chinese government. More than 100 U.S. lawmakers have sent President Trump a letter urging him to address Lai’s case with Chinese President Xi Jinping when he meets with China’s leader. Claire, on the other hand, has a few words for Xi herself. "If my father dies behind bars, he will die a martyr. And that is not something that China wants." That her father may die in prison is a possibility Claire has come to terms with. Her father, the 78-year-old billionaire businessman Jimmy Lai, a faithful Catholic and political prisoner, was sentenced by a Beijing-backed Hong Kong court in February, consigned to spend what will be the rest of his natural life behind bars. WORLD PRESS FREEDOM DAY: RELEASE MY FATHER JIMMY LAI, WHO PUBLISHED WHAT CHINA'S LEADERS DID NOT WANT TO HEAR He was found guilty in December of sedition and conspiracy to commit collusion with foreign forces. His sentence is the longest handed down under China's new national security law. It’s a statute many experts believe was created for the sole purpose of silencing Lai, one of the communist country's most ardent critics. Claire was not able to attend the sentencing. "I was heartbroken," she says. "It was the first time that he had been sentenced where I wasn't in Hong Kong with him. ... It was a hard pill to swallow." But she was strengthened by the letter she received from him, in which "he expressed that he was in our Lord's good hands and regardless of the outcome, that doesn't change." The court's ruling ignited an outpouring of negative reactions from across the globe from those deeply concerned with religious freedom and freedom of speech. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called the sentencing "an unjust and tragic conclusion to this case." RUBIO BLASTS CHINA OVER 'UNJUST AND TRAGIC' 20-YEAR SENTENCE FOR HONG KONG DEMOCRACY ACTIVIST JIMMY LAI The United Kingdom's government also condemned the sentence of its British citizen, calling it "a death sentence" for the frail Lai, who suffers from diabetes and a host of other medical conditions as he's kept in solitary confinement. Canada's foreign affairs minister called the sentencing a "politically motivated prosecution" and demanded Lai's release on humanitarian grounds. But it is Lai's faith in Jesus Christ, in a God whose power is made perfect in weakness, that keeps his frail body going, says Claire, 29, an attorney and now her father's outspoken advocate, pleading for his release. One of those she is pleading with is President Donald Trump. MORNING GLORY: WILL XI FREE LAI? This week, Trump will head to China and meet with Xi. Claire, who was invited by House Speaker Mike Johnson to the State of the Union address in February, is hoping the president will raise her father's plight with Xi. Says Claire, "We're so extremely grateful to President Trump and his administration. ... We do hope that a solution will be a bit closer to a diplomatic solution." In a subtle yet decisive warning, Claire Lai, speaking on my "Lighthouse Faith" podcast, said, "It is absolutely in China's interest to release my father. I mean, they are at risk of having a martyr behind bars." What she means is that, by keeping her father in prison until he dies, China may accomplish the exact opposite of what it intends. Instead of silencing critics, Beijing may embolden them through Lai's example of faith in the midst of dire persecution. BISHOP ROBERT BARRON: THE WAR ON CHRISTIANS IS REAL AND THE WORLD CAN NO LONGER STAY SILENT Christianity has grown exponentially for centuries, founded on the blood of the martyrs. For 2,000 years, those who follow Jesus, the suffering servant who died unjustly at the hands of Roman rulers, have learned to obey God rather than earthly leaders. Their eyes are fixed on eternity and a God who is Lord over history. Leaders throughout the centuries who thought, like China, that they could stop Christianity's spread by killing its followers have learned the hard way that, as Jesus told the apostle Peter, "The gates of hell shall not prevail against my church." Jimmy Lai's story is one of amazing success. He escaped China on a fishing boat and arrived in Hong Kong, still under British rule, at the age of 12. He worked his way up to becoming a media mogul and billionaire businessman. When Claire was born, he converted to Catholicism and never wavered in his faith. JIMMY LAI IS RISKING EVERYTHING FOR DEMOCRACY. WE CAN'T IGNORE WHAT CHINA IS DOING Says Claire, "At the time of him converting, it was a time when, during the handover, many people in Hong Kong had hearts filled with fear and doubt. I think he learned then that the only thing that could conquer it was God's love." For more than 150 years, Hong Kong was a British colony. It became a prosperous, cosmopolitan and democratic dynamo, with 7.5 million people living in a little less than 700 square miles. But in 1997, the handover gave Hong Kong back to China. At the time, its leaders vowed that things in the former colony wouldn't change. But they lied. Things did change. Hong Kong became a special administrative region of China. Freedom of speech, religious expression and democracy were all whittled away. But Jimmy Lai kept speaking out against the communist regime, using his media empire, his Apple Daily newspaper and other outlets to do so. Then, in 2020, the government countered with the national security law, a vague, undefined law used to crack down on anyone deemed to be a dissident and to arrest, charge and convict people like Jimmy Lai and others with similar views. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Just a few months ago, in March, it was reported that the owner and three employees of one of Hong Kong's last independent bookshops were arrested. Books were seized, including all copies of Jimmy Lai's biography. The bookstore closed. They were arrested, reportedly, for "knowingly selling seditious publications." Ultimately, Jimmy Lai's fate is in the hands of God, despite the political maneuvers of secular regimes and power brokers. That is why Jimmy Lai prays. He prays for the prison guards, for people who are sick, for those who are imprisoned, for those who are not in prison and for those who are praying for him. And despite his weakened condition, he fasts. Says Claire, "He fasts every Friday, and fasting is not easy on a man like him. He shivers when he does, and the guards put the food in front of him and ... he just sits. So, he just sits with his hunger, and he looks at the crucifix that he draws, and he tells himself that his shivering and his suffering is nothing compared to what our Savior suffered for us sinners." China, take note. What power do you really have over a man like that? CLICK HERE FOR MORE FROM LAUREN GREEN Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04478aa200899a00eab9ad Our View: Arizona lawmakers should not collect automatic per diem during a monthlong break te 2026-05-13T09:42:34.410Z Our View: Arizona lawmakers should not collect automatic per diem during a monthlong break The Arizona Mirror reported this week that Arizona lawmakers are about to collect nearly $200,000 in taxpayer-funded per diem payments during a monthlong break from the Capitol. Some lawmakers will still work behind the scenes on the state budget. Some… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044776a200899a00eab9a4 Ask the doctors: Finding treatment for shy bladder syndrome te 2026-05-13T09:42:14.658Z Ask the doctors: Finding treatment for shy bladder syndrome Dear Doctors: My son is struggling with paruresis, and it has taken over his life. He cannot work, avoids family gatherings and feels like he can't plan for relationships or marriage. When he saw a doctor, he was given a… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044762a200899a00eab99b Today's Poll: Should Arizona lawmakers receive automatic per diem payments during extended breaks from the Capitol? te 2026-05-13T09:41:54.658Z Today's Poll: Should Arizona lawmakers receive automatic per diem payments during extended breaks from the Capitol? Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044736a200899a00eab977 Smoketrees about to burst into bloom te 2026-05-13T09:41:10.144Z Smoketrees about to burst into bloom Smoketree is an odd name for a tree, but in just a few weeks, it will be impossible to miss in Lake Havasu City. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044722a200899a00eab96e 🚧 Havasu Tip List | No stop sign at Hungry Horse te 2026-05-13T09:40:50.352Z 🚧 Havasu Tip List | No stop sign at Hungry Horse Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04470ea200899a00eab95c Lake Havasu City candidate Q&A | How should Havasu plan for growth while protecting water and infrastructure? te 2026-05-13T09:40:30.430Z Lake Havasu City candidate Q&A | How should Havasu plan for growth while protecting water and infrastructure? As the 2026 primary election approaches, with early voting set to begin June 24, Today’s News-Herald is asking Lake Havasu City Council candidates one question each week. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04407fa200899a00eab7a0 Arizona lottery results for Wednesday, May 13, 2026 te 2026-05-13T09:12:31.910Z Arizona lottery results for Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Powerball - May 9 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044050a200899a00eab75f Texas paid for Biden’s border crisis. Republicans must make sure it never happens again te 2026-05-13T09:11:44.887Z Texas paid for Biden’s border crisis. Republicans must make sure it never happens again Under President Trump’s leadership, illegal border crossings have plummeted to historic lows and the rule of law has been restored to communities across the country. This is much-needed relief from the open-border chaos and lawlessness we endured under the Biden administration, but Congress would be foolish to think this problem is solved for good. We’ve seen the consequences of a federal government that abdicates its first and most important responsibility – providing for the common defense – and, if the past is prologue, we know exactly what we can expect from future Democrat administrations that want to take us back. For four years under Biden, millions of illegal aliens flooded our borders, drug and human trafficking surged, and our communities were overwhelmed. And when Texas stepped up to protect its citizens, the federal government didn’t just fail to help – it actively obstructed. When Texas deployed buoy barriers, the administration sued. When the state installed razor wire, federal agents cut it. When Texas passed laws to enforce immigration policy and restore order, the Department of Justice challenged those efforts in court. The Biden White House used every tool at its disposal to keep the border open and leave states defenseless. TRUMP'S BORDER MIRACLE: FROM BIDEN'S CHAOTIC IMMIGRATION CRISIS TO 'ALL QUIET' IN RECORD TIME That raised a fundamental question – one that, despite the current successes of President Trump, promises to return under future administrations: Can a state defend its border, protect its citizens, and enforce the law when the federal government fails to do so? Fortunately, the Constitution answers that question. Article IV, Section 4 guarantees the federal government "shall protect each [state] against Invasion." But the Founders also understood that this duty might not always be fulfilled, which is why Article I, Section 10 preserves the authority of states to act in self-defense when they are "actually invaded" or "in such imminent Danger as will not admit of delay." The right of a state to defend its people is not a novel theory – it is one the Framers explicitly provided for in the Constitution. That is why I introduced H.Res.50, a resolution endorsed by every Texas Republican in Congress and supported by a broad coalition of policy leaders, legal scholars, and law enforcement officials across the country. It affirms the constitutional authority of states to defend themselves and clarifies Congress’s understanding of when that authority applies. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION This resolution does not expand state power or diminish federal authority. It reinforces the constitutional balance and provides the clarity that has been missing when it matters most. Biden-era legal battles between Texas and the federal government exposed how ambiguity can be used to block states from acting, even in the face of clear and imminent danger. Should these issues arise again under a future administration – and they will – the Supreme Court will look to Congress for guidance on what constitutes an "invasion" or "imminent danger." H.Res.50 provides such guidance by establishing congressional intent and ensuring we do not leave states defenseless when their federal government abandons them. This is not a theoretical exercise. It is about what happens the next time Washington fails. We cannot assume that future Democrat administrations will maintain the same commitment to border enforcement that we enjoy today under President Trump. We have a responsibility to act now. The American people gave Republicans unified control of Washington, and Congress has the opportunity to ensure that states like Texas are never again forced to be passive victims of a failed federal government. We must meet this moment with the urgency it demands. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04403da200899a00eab756 America’s child care crisis needs more parental freedom — not more Washington control te 2026-05-13T09:11:25.349Z America’s child care crisis needs more parental freedom — not more Washington control For millions of American families, child care has become one of the defining affordability challenges of modern life. In communities across the country, the cost of care now rivals a mortgage payment or in-state college tuition. Parents are delaying having children or cobbling together unreliable arrangements simply because they cannot find affordable care that fits their family’s needs. Yet for years, Washington has responded to this challenge with the same failed formula: more mandates, more bureaucracy, and more federal micromanagement — paired with calls for ever-larger taxpayer subsidies to offset the cost of these failed policies. The results speak for themselves. Costs continue to rise. Child care slots continue to disappear. Waitlists grow longer. And small providers are being buried under layers of bureaucracy from both federal and state governments. 'FOOD BABE' VANI HARI: DON'T BOO THE MAHA MOVEMENT. OUR HEALTH AND SAFETY ARE BIGGER THAN BUREAUCRATS' EGOS American families deserve a different approach. At the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), we believe child care policy should empower families, not dictate choices to them. Parents should be free to choose the care arrangement that works best for their children and not be limited to government-preferred options. That support should include the full suite of options including child care centers, home-based providers, faith-based programs, care from relatives, or having one parent stay home with young children. Flexibility matters because America is a large country. What works for families in rural Idaho may not work for families in Philadelphia. That is why ACF is advancing reforms that give states greater flexibility to improve affordability, expand access, and make existing federal child care dollars work better for more families. We are restoring flexibility to states and reducing federal pressure to prioritize rigid contract models over vouchers that allow parents to choose the provider that best meets their needs. We are also giving states greater latitude to design cost-sharing systems and workforce policies that reflect local economic realities instead of forcing one-size-fits-all federal formulas onto every community in America. And we are reaffirming that faith-based providers, neighborhood programs, family-run child care businesses, grandparents, relatives, neighbors, and stay-at-home parents all can play a vital role in caring for America’s children. For too long, many of these caregivers have faced unnecessary barriers to participating in federally supported programs. They deserve equal treatment and should not be sidelined by ideological or regulatory preferences coming out of either Washington or state capitols. But while our reforms restore state flexibility, the choices states make will matter enormously. Too many states have saddled providers with rising compliance costs, mounting paperwork, and endless regulatory uncertainty. The result is predictable: fewer providers participate, fewer child care slots become available, and families face fewer choices and higher prices. None of this means abandoning standards or accountability. Health and safety protections and fraud prevention matter. But there is a profound difference between maintaining reasonable safeguards and imposing rigid federal mandates that ignore local realities, reduce supply, and drive up costs. The current regulatory environment is unsustainable. In one example often cited by providers, regulations were interpreted so rigidly that a child care worker allegedly could not peel a banana for a child because of food preparation rules. Anecdotes like this illustrate why providers consistently cite cumulative regulatory burdens as a major factor in deciding whether to remain open. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION At the same time, too many states have adopted lax oversight practices that make fraud easier to commit and harder to detect. Every dollar lost to fraud is a dollar taken away from families who need child care assistance. State policies and practices are critical to ensuring federal child care subsidies are used prudently and effectively. Families are exhausted by years of rising costs, shrinking options, and federal micromanagement. Our approach is more practical and more durable. The federal government should establish broad guardrails that protect taxpayer dollars and protect against fraud while trusting parents to make the decisions that best fit their families’ needs. If states implement these reforms effectively, existing federal child care resources will serve hundreds of thousands more families. And when paired with broader pro-family policies — including an expanded child tax credit and stronger incentives for employer-supported child care — we can begin to reverse the affordability crisis confronting working parents. That is what a pro-family agenda looks like. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044029a200899a00eab74d Trump heads to Beijing for high-stakes Xi talks as Taiwan tensions, trade disputes test US strength te 2026-05-13T09:11:05.843Z Trump heads to Beijing for high-stakes Xi talks as Taiwan tensions, trade disputes test US strength President Donald Trump is set to arrive in Beijing Wednesday for high-stakes talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, as the world’s two largest powers prepare to negotiate about Taiwan, trade and a fragile U.S.-China relationship increasingly shaped by military tension and economic rivalry. The meeting comes at a volatile moment for Washington, as a ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran faces mounting strain following recent military exchanges in and around the Strait of Hormuz. Trump is expected to press Xi on China’s economic and strategic support for both Iran and Russia, including oil revenue, dual-use components and potential weapons transfers, according to senior administration officials. Top U.S. business leaders also are traveling with Trump to Beijing, including executives from Apple, Boeing, Tesla, BlackRock and Goldman Sachs, highlighting the administration’s focus on securing economic deals alongside strategic talks. TRUMP TO CONFRONT XI AT HIGH-STAKES SUMMIT OVER CHINA BACKING FOR IRAN, RUSSIA The White House also previewed discussions on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and China’s rapidly expanding nuclear program — areas where officials acknowledged deep mistrust and limited progress despite ongoing communication channels. On the economic front, the administration is focusing on more targeted trade arrangements, including a proposed U.S.–China "Board of Trade" that would help manage commerce in non-sensitive goods. Officials said the framework could initially cover trade in the "double-digit billions," with an emphasis on sectors like agriculture and aerospace. It’s the second meeting between Trump and Xi in the second Trump administration, following their last face-to-face at the Busan Summit in South Korea in October 2025. This is Trump’s first state visit to China since 2017. TRUMP ADMIN ANNOUNCES $11B TAIWAN ARMS SALES DEAL The summit also comes after more than a year of tariff escalation and uneasy truces between Washington and Beijing, with both sides still trying to stabilize a trade relationship strained by export controls, rare earth disputes and retaliatory duties. Trump entered office promising a far more aggressive trade posture toward China, imposing sweeping tariffs and export restrictions that triggered retaliatory measures from Beijing and rattled global markets. While both governments later agreed to a temporary trade truce reached during talks in Busan, South Korea, in 2025, many of the underlying disputes remain unresolved. Administration officials said discussions in Beijing are expected to include a possible extension of arrangements tied to rare earth exports, along with additional Chinese purchases of U.S. agricultural products and aircraft. The administration also has maintained a firm posture on Taiwan ahead of the summit.  Officials noted the U.S. has approved more arms sales to the island in Trump’s first year than during the entirety of the previous administration, reinforcing that Washington is not easing its defense commitments despite ongoing talks with Beijing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a044013a200899a00eab71d Corpus Christi Faces Water Crisis as Drought and Industrial Growth Strain Supply te 2026-05-13T09:10:43.314Z Corpus Christi Faces Water Crisis as Drought and Industrial Growth Strain Supply Rising demand, municipal dysfunction and drought have pushed Corpus Christi to the edge of a water emergency, offering a cautionary tale for the rest of the country. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043fffa200899a00eab714 Where Did All the AK-47s Go? te 2026-05-13T09:10:23.478Z Where Did All the AK-47s Go? A family of guns that was once ubiquitous in the U.S. firearms marketplace has started to vanish for a variety of reasons. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043daaa200899a00eab6a6 Trump heads to China with the upper hand — and Xi knows it te 2026-05-13T09:00:26.882Z Trump heads to China with the upper hand — and Xi knows it For decades, China has held a simple advantage in negotiations with the United States by making itself economically indispensable. Beijing did so by leveraging its position in global supply chains critical to U.S. economic security. Washington weakened its negotiating position by pursuing energy policies that left America exposed to China’s strategy. President Trump’s economic and trade actions have changed that calculation. As Trump prepares to sit across from Xi Jinping in Beijing, the U.S. is positioned to win. The foundation of this strength starts at home with growth. Trump’s deregulatory agenda and tax reforms unleashed investment in American industry after years of stagnation. His administration recognizes that a productive and growing American economy is not just good for workers; it also serves as vital geopolitical leverage that allows the U.S. to withstand the CCP’s pressure. While China’s growth has been weakening, the U.S. economy has been remarkably resilient. This is thanks, in part, to Trump’s push to unleash domestic energy production, which not only creates good-paying jobs but also ensures the U.S. economy has the resilience required to weather turmoil abroad. Not too long ago, the U.S. was dependent on the rest of the world for oil and natural gas. Now, Trump’s policies have enabled the U.S. to become an energy powerhouse and net energy exporter. While disruptions to global markets still hurt American consumers, the impact pales in comparison to the pressure on Beijing, which has relied on energy imports from countries such as Iran and Venezuela to power its manufacturing dominance. As these sources are cut off, Xi Jinping finds himself in a weaker position. TRUMP’S TARIFF WAR WITH BEIJING IS PART OF A MULTI-PRONG STRATEGY TO SECURE AMERICA FROM A MUCH BROADER THREAT Trump’s understanding of manufacturing as a key source of national power underscores this agenda. A centerpiece of President Trump’s China playbook has been replacing the North American Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA, with the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, or USMCA. Unlike NAFTA, USMCA better protected workers and was designed to secure our supply chains after they had become dangerously dependent on China. Sixteen of 21 key manufacturing sectors have grown exports under USMCA. For key industries such as petroleum, chemicals and wood, U.S. exports not only grew under USMCA but also grew much faster to Canada and Mexico than to the rest of the world. A key example is U.S. vehicle suppliers. By requiring that 75% of a vehicle’s value originate in North America, the agreement enabled manufacturers to restructure supply chains away from Chinese factories and back onto this continent. U.S. vehicle parts production now stands at $349 billion annually, more than $37 billion above 2019 levels. The automotive supplier industry has added 61,000 jobs and now employs over 930,000 workers across all 50 states. Nearly one-third of all U.S. exports flow to Canada and Mexico within this integrated framework. CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION This supply chain resilience removes Beijing’s leverage at the negotiating table. China’s strategy has always been centered on embedding Chinese production so deeply into global supply chains that any confrontation becomes too costly for the U.S. The USMCA directly undermines that strategy. When American manufacturers can source components from trusted North American partners operating under shared rules, China’s chokehold weakens. As Trump prepares to travel to China, he will meet with Xi with unprecedented economic leverage, underpinned by a domestic U.S. economy reinvigorated by deregulation; a North American manufacturing base producing at record levels; and a trade architecture that has materially reduced dependence on Chinese industrial capacity. China now produces roughly 30% of the world’s manufactured goods while consuming only about 18%. That surplus must go somewhere, and it typically gets dumped into global markets, with state subsidies underwriting the losses. For years, that strategy worked because there was no coherent Western alternative. President Trump’s North American industrial policy is the first serious answer to that challenge. Beijing understands its chokehold on the global economy is eroding. The America First agenda was never simply about closing America off from the world. It was about ensuring that when America engages the world, including a rival as formidable as China, it does so from a position of strength. That leaves Beijing on the defensive. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043b96a200899a00eab629 Court Rejects GOP State Rep’s Bid To Stop Anonymous X User Over Residency Claims te 2026-05-13T08:51:34.254Z Court Rejects GOP State Rep’s Bid To Stop Anonymous X User Over Residency Claims By Staff Reporter | A court rejected Republican State Rep. Rachel Keshel’s (R-LD17) attempt to stop an anonymous X user behind a months-long online campaign challenging her Legislative District 17 residency.  Keshel and her husband, Seth Keshel, claimed in a complaint that the anonymous online researcher operating under the name “William Coffin” (@CoffinItUp), is a Scottsdale horse trainer named Geoff Coffin. Coffin has denied being behind the account. On Monday, the Pima County Superior Court dismissed last month’s injunction against harassment targeting the anonymous user. The court determined that the Keshels failed to prove that Coffin and Coffin were one and the same.  The anonymous “Coffin” profile dates back to 2020; the profile picture features William Sloane Coffin Sr., a New York businessman whom the anonymous user identified as an ancestor in an Arizona Agenda interview last month. The Keshels alleged the connection between the two Coffins by comparing photos and an online map posted by the influencer to the location of Geoff’s home.  The anonymous user behind the X account told the Tucson Agenda that he lives in the Phoenix metro area.  The pseudonymous X account gained a following online through his commentary and analysis of public records on right-wing figures. Much of the anonymous account’s posts in its early years of existence focused on criticizing President Donald Trump.  One of the account’s earliest posts to gain some traction contained a tip claiming top right-wing influencer Dominick McGee — known as “Dom Lucre” online — was under investigation by the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance for operating an unlicensed credit repair business called Credit Cadabra.  🔥BREAKING EXCLUSIVE: Yesterday I told you that a whistleblower had come forward with information regarding photographic evidence of Dominick "Lucre" McGee's presence inside the Capitol Building on January 6th, 2021. Merry Christmas! Well, that is not the only case currently… pic.twitter.com/jO4lrD66pi — William Coffin (@CoffinItUp) December 30, 2023 Over the last year, the account gained traction for his posts on perennial Texas candidate Valentina Gomez.  In recent months, the account has focused on Rep. Keshel’s residency—specifically, alleging that Keshel does not reside within LD17 but instead in the Vail residence in LD19 where her husband owns property.  The individual behind William Coffin also briefly maintained a Substack called “Corruption Duck.”  In the interview last month with the Arizona Agenda, the X user said that prior to focusing his research on Republicans and influential right-wingers, he focused on mortgage fraud. “[I] started looking at mortgage fraud, and found that I could basically throw a dart in my neighborhood and hit (someone committing) mortgage fraud,” said the user. “It’s basically people buying houses with principal residence mortgages and renting them out the next day as investment properties.” The Corruption Duck Substack, active from January to December 2023, was created initially with an intent for the author, “Will,” to focus on corruption and fraud in the nonprofit realm.  For the first few months of its existence, however, the Substack focused on investigating and reporting mortgage fraud in the Valley to authorities.  In mid-May 2023, the Substack pivoted to publishing exposes about Republicans and right-wingers, first posting about Dom Lucre and then another Arizona native and holistic medicine influencer Razi Berry (@BerryRazi on X). AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Court Rejects GOP State Rep’s Bid To Stop Anonymous X User Over Residency Claims first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043b81a200899a00eab620 Amish Shah Blasts National Democratic Campaign Arm Over ‘Interference’ In Arizona CD1 Primary te 2026-05-13T08:51:13.774Z Amish Shah Blasts National Democratic Campaign Arm Over ‘Interference’ In Arizona CD1 Primary By Matthew Holloway | Democratic infighting is escalating in Arizona’s First Congressional District race after former state lawmaker Amish Shah publicly criticized the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) over its involvement in the primary contest. During a televised interview this week, Shah accused national Democratic leaders of interfering in the race despite prior assurances that the primary would remain open and competitive. “We had been told multiple times there was not going to be any interference,” Shah told 12News’ Brahm Resnick on Sunday, criticizing what he described as “hubris” from national party officials. The dispute follows the DCCC’s recent endorsement of Democrat Marlene Galán-Woods in Arizona’s First Congressional District, a seat currently held by Republican Congressman David Schweikert. The district is expected to be one of the nation’s top battlegrounds in the 2026 midterm elections. Galán-Woods has already faced early controversy tied to her campaign’s use of Findraiser, an artificial intelligence-based fundraising company tied to embattled former California Congressman Eric Swalwell. The California Democrat resigned from Congress earlier this year and suspended his gubernatorial campaign following multiple allegations of sexual misconduct and sexual assault, which he has denied. The endorsement was viewed by some Arizona Democrats as the national party “playing favorites” in a contested primary race. Shah previously won the Democratic nomination in the district in 2024 before losing to Schweikert in the general election. Shah also criticized Galán-Woods directly during the interview, arguing that she had previously worked “to defeat Obama in two different elections,” a reference to her past political activity before becoming a Democratic candidate. The DCCC endorsement has reportedly intensified tensions among Democratic activists and consultants in Arizona. Following the endorsement, Democratic consultant Stacey Pearson of Lumen Strategies compared the move to the “Sports Illustrated cover curse,” suggesting the backing could politically damage Galán-Woods rather than strengthen her candidacy. Shah additionally acknowledged broader dissatisfaction among Democratic voters with national party leadership. “Democratic voters right now, when they’re talking to me, aren’t exactly happy with the Democratic establishment,” Shah said during the interview. The endorsement of Galán-Woods is part of the DCCC’s broader national effort to shape competitive House races through its “Red to Blue” program, which provides select candidates with fundraising and organizational support. The committee identified Galán-Woods as one of its preferred candidates in its effort to reclaim control of the U.S. House of Representatives. The controversy in Arizona mirrors broader tensions within Democratic politics nationwide, as progressive groups and some party activists increasingly criticize the DCCC’s involvement in contested primaries. According to Axios, some progressive-aligned Democrats and Congressional Progressive Caucus PAC leaders have argued that primary voters, rather than national party organizations, should determine Democratic nominees in competitive races. Supporters of Galán-Woods have argued that she enters the race with significant institutional support, including backing from the Arizona AFL-CIO and national Democratic organizations. Polling circulated by CHC BOLD PAC showed Galán-Woods leading in a hypothetical matchup with Republican candidate Gina Swoboda. Swoboda, however, reportedly abandoned her congressional race and filed a statement of interest for the Secretary of State’s race in February. The polling from CHC BOLD PAC did not address former Arizona Rep. Joseph Chaplik or Trump-endorsed candidate Jay Feely, who led District 1 primary polling from NextGen Polling in April with 24 percent and 15 percent, respectively. Chaplik Holds Early Lead in AZ-CD1 GOP Primary BALLOT TEST  Chaplik 24% Feely 15% Trobough 6% Undecided 54% Joseph Chaplik holds the highest net approval rating at +20% while Jay Feely follows at a +8% net approval rating and John Trobough has a net approval rating of +3% The… pic.twitter.com/cgJu8fxNZA — NextGen Polling (@NextGenPolling) April 21, 2026 Shah’s campaign, meanwhile, has pointed to a February local independent poll from HighGround Public Affairs Consultants showing him leading in the race with 32.6 percent support, while Galán-Woods trailed by more than twenty-one points. In a statement released following Shah’s comments, National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) spokesman Ben Petersen criticized Democratic leadership for intervening in the Arizona race. “D.C. Democrat elites’ ham-fisted interference blew up spectacularly,” Petersen said. “When Democrats are this busy destroying each other, they’re proving they’re far too liberal and too chaotic to represent Arizonans.” Matthew Holloway is a senior reporter for AZ Free News. Follow him on X for his latest stories, or email tips to Matthew@azfreenews.com. The post Amish Shah Blasts National Democratic Campaign Arm Over ‘Interference’ In Arizona CD1 Primary first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043b6da200899a00eab617 Horne Questions Transparency In Peoria Unified’s Handling Of Teacher Abuse Allegations te 2026-05-13T08:50:53.071Z Horne Questions Transparency In Peoria Unified’s Handling Of Teacher Abuse Allegations By Staff Reporter | Arizona Superintendent of Schools Tom Horne expressed concern publicly that Peoria Unified School District (PUSD) leadership is failing in its response to student sexual abuse. The head of Arizona schools said he was concerned with a lack of transparency within PUSD.  Horne also indicated worry over the recent leadership changes at PUSD amid investigations that follow sexual abuse charges against two Centennial High School teachers, Haley Beck and Angela Burlaka.  Three of the five governing board members voted to remove Heather Rooks from the presidency in a special meeting last week for asking the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office (MCAO) to join an internal investigation of alleged mandatory reporting failures concerning Beck.  The board had voted against bringing the MCAO on in an earlier meeting. Rooks and board member Janelle Bowles voted against replacing Rooks with board member Jeff Tobey.  Arizona law mandates school personnel report to law enforcement, the Department of Child Safety, and the State Board of Education when they have reason to believe that a minor has experienced intentional abuse, neglect, or physical injury.  Unlike the PUSD governing board, the state’s schools chief issued open support for Rooks. “Horne agrees with Rooks that full reporting is legally required,” stated an Arizona Department of Education press release. “Also, reports are to be made immediately, and reporting to a supervisor or administrator is not sufficient. Failure to comply is a Class I misdemeanor for child abuse or neglect and a Class 6 felony for not reporting a reportable offense.” Following her ouster from the presidency, Rooks offered details on the alleged mandated reporting failures in an interview with “The Conservative Circus.” Rooks shared an allegation that Centennial High School’s principal sat on reports which accused Beck of grooming and other inappropriate behaviors with a male student.  Rooks voiced feelings of shame for the board’s behavior in a statement issued after last week’s special meeting. Rooks said she had a responsibility to secure an investigation into alleged mandated reporting failures.  🚨Heather Rooks Statement🚨 pic.twitter.com/JmqiziRRpi — Heather Rooks The Peoria Mom (@ThePeoriaMom) May 7, 2026 Horne stressed in a press release that Arizona has “zero tolerance” for failing on mandated reporting.  “I am deeply concerned about the events occurring on the Peoria district board. It is absolutely crucial that every school be transparent with the public about what happens in schools,” said Horne. “There should be zero tolerance for people who don’t live up to their duty to report misconduct. In recent months, the State Board of Education, where I am a voting member, has disciplined educators for that kind of failure.”  Beyond the problems at PUSD, Horne said he’s observed a rising trend of school employees maltreating children. “There seems to be a terrible trend of school employees being accused of egregious breaches of conduct, including sexual activities with children. This is completely unacceptable and schools must do everything possible to ensure the safety of children,” said Horne. “The exploitation of a child by anyone, but especially an educator or other school employee, is an unfathomable breach of trust and cannot be tolerated.” Horne included a reminder in his press release that the State Board of Education retains jurisdiction over disciplinary matters concerning educators and school personnel, while hiring decisions remain under the purview of local districts or charters.  Anyone with information about grooming or sexual abuse of students within PUSD are encouraged to contact Peoria Police Department investigators at their tip line: 623-773-8132. AZ Free News is your #1 source for Arizona news and politics. You can send us news tips using this link. The post Horne Questions Transparency In Peoria Unified’s Handling Of Teacher Abuse Allegations first appeared on AZ FREE NEWS. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0439c8a200899a00eab594 Best Bets: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 te 2026-05-13T08:43:52.142Z Best Bets: Wednesday, May 13, 2026 Coming Up Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0439b4a200899a00eab58b Gas prices May 13 te 2026-05-13T08:43:32.236Z Gas prices May 13 National average: $4.52 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0439a0a200899a00eab582 Davis Dam releases for May 13 te 2026-05-13T08:43:12.205Z Davis Dam releases for May 13 Thursday Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04398ca200899a00eab579 Blackjack 101: In this popular card game, you *don’t* want to be over 21 te 2026-05-13T08:42:52.302Z Blackjack 101: In this popular card game, you *don’t* want to be over 21 Blackjack is one of the world’s most popular card games and the most widely played “banking game,” in which players compete against the dealer and not each other. It comes in multiple forms, but most follow the same basic rules. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043978a200899a00eab570 Blackjack table te 2026-05-13T08:42:32.705Z Blackjack table Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043964a200899a00eab567 The Mother Road: Celebrate 100 years of getting kicks on Route 66 te 2026-05-13T08:42:12.736Z The Mother Road: Celebrate 100 years of getting kicks on Route 66 The 100-year anniversary of America's most legendary road is being celebrated across the country this year. The 2,448–mile Route 66 officially opened from Chicago, Ill., to Santa Monica, Calif., on Nov. 11, 1926, but communities and individuals have already begun… Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043951a200899a00eab55e Seligman Angel Delgadillo Route 66 barbershop te 2026-05-13T08:41:53.133Z Seligman Angel Delgadillo Route 66 barbershop A cutout of Angel Delgadillo stands in his barbershop and museum in Seligman, Ariz. Delgadillo is credited with starting the movement to designate Route 66 as historic. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a04393da200899a00eab555 Kingman Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner classic cars te 2026-05-13T08:41:33.136Z Kingman Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner classic cars Classic cars are parked outside Mr. D'z Route 66 Diner in Kingman, Ariz., during the 2026 Route 66 Fun Run. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043929a200899a00eab54c Oatman burro donkey and visitor te 2026-05-13T08:41:13.199Z Oatman burro donkey and visitor A visitor pets a wild burro on Route 66 in Oatman, Ariz. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043914a200899a00eab543 Route 66 shield on desert road te 2026-05-13T08:40:52.980Z Route 66 shield on desert road Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0436cda200899a00eab4a9 Learn how to make tortillas te 2026-05-13T08:31:09.695Z Learn how to make tortillas There’s nothing quite like a fresh, handmade tortilla, and residents can  learn how to make them from the pros at a Tuesday, May 26, event that takes place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. at Ajo Al’s. Watch the 40-year-old eatery’s chefs demonstrate the traditional art of working with masa and creating the perfect tortilla. Then, enjoy a full dinner featuring these fresh tortillas and take home the techniques to impress friends and family. The event will take place simultaneously at all four Ajo Al’s locations. In North Central, visit them at 5101 N. 16th St. Find tickets and additional information online at https://ajoals.com/special-events. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a0436a1a200899a00eab47d Trump denounces ‘crazy’ Iran plan, US analysts contradict White House, as he faces tough meeting with China te 2026-05-13T08:30:25.665Z Trump denounces ‘crazy’ Iran plan, US analysts contradict White House, as he faces tough meeting with China President Donald Trump likes to say that he holds all the cards in the Iran war. But at the moment that’s not true. Iran has one card that has frozen the situation. The murderous mullahs are in no rush to make a deal, and may not even want one. Trump said he didn’t even finish reading Tehran’s latest counter-proposal, calling it "garbage." And he uttered his instantly famous line about the ceasefire being on "life support." As the war enters its third month, Trump’s upbeat talk has never been matched by Iran or its parliament speaker, Mohammad Ghalibaf. Its economy is seriously ailing. But their view is that as long as they get to keep their enriched uranium, some of which is buried, they’ll be fine. WHY IRAN TALKS ARE IN LIMBO AS TRUMP SCRAMBLES FOR A WAY OUT OF THE WAR HE STARTED Trump keeps declaring victory, but since the main rationale for the invasion was to keep the Iranians from developing a nuclear weapon, anything less will be seen as a major failure. Maybe this is just the president’s negotiating style, taking everything down to the wire. But the result is dueling blockades – Iran at the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. at Iranian ports – that again has Trump issuing dire threats. What really rankles Trump is that Iran is charging "friendly" ships – those not tied to the war – 100 percent to pass through a waterway that carries one-fifth of the world’s oil traffic. Others are blocked from the strait, where Iran has laid explosive mines.  TRUMP PUSHES SHAKY DEAL WITH IRAN AS HORMUZ IS SHUT AGAIN, BUT OPPONENTS GIVE HIM NO CREDIT FOR PROGRESS So the two sides are eyeball to eyeball over who, if anyone, will back down. As the Wall Street Journal puts it: "The U.S. and Iran are locked in a diplomatic stalemate over issues that have bedeviled the two sides for years, as the conflict settles into a gray zone that is neither war nor peace.  "The ceasefire is entering its second month and, despite sporadic violence, has now lasted almost as long as the fighting which preceded it. There is little to indicate that either the U.S. or Iran is ready to compromise, but neither wants to start fighting again." Trump told White House reporters that Iran believed he would get tired or bored of the conflict, or feel pressure to end it because of soaring energy prices.  "But there’s no pressure," Trump said. "We’re going to have a complete victory." Iran, meanwhile, continues to portray itself as the winner of the conflict, its regime intact, its missile and nuclear programs still a threat. Ghalibaf warned the Americans against escalation in a Monday posting: "Our armed forces are ready to deliver a well-deserved response to any aggression."  But instead of fighting, both sides have doubled down on dueling blockades that are hard to undo without one side blinking. The Trump administration has tightened a U.S. embargo of Iranian ports and vessels, while Iran has maintained its grip on the Strait of Hormuz.  The New York Times reported last night that U.S. intelligence officials, at odds with the administration’s public stance, say privately that Iran has restored operational access to 30 of its 33 missile sites along the Strait of Hormuz, "which could threaten American warships and oil tankers transiting the narrow waterway."  TRUMP’S LAST-MINUTE DELAY: WHY HE WAS NEVER GOING TO OBLITERATE IRAN IN THE FIRST PLACE Trump did orchestrate a three-day ceasefire – and prisoner exchange – between Russia and Ukraine, which was mainly about Vladimir Putin not being embarrassed during his scaled-down parade marking  the Soviet victory over Nazism. As for Trump’s meeting this week with Xi Jinping, already postponed once because of the Iran war, the atmosphere has definitely chilled. After a couple of trade wars, "China increasingly casts itself not as a fading civilization trying to catch up to the West but as a superpower poised to surpass it." A report from a Beijing think tank says the U.S. is "sliding toward polarization, institutional dysfunction and even "‘Latin American-style instability." Such views are now increasingly being aired publicly rather than merely whispered. The superpower’s propaganda machine, which plays up such tragedies as the Minnesota shootings, is acutely aware that the Iran war’s unpopularity is hurting Trump’s unpopularity as the midterms approach. That’s one reason that Xi plans to pressure his counterpart about arms sales to Taiwan. What’s more, China is building a new AI model that, while it still relies on chips from the American giant NVIDIA, shows that Xi is determined to blaze his own technological path. SUBSCRIBE TO HOWIE'S MEDIA BUZZMETER PODCAST, A RIFF ON THE DAY'S HOTTEST STORIES When asked yesterday whether China, which opposes the Iran war, could use its leverage, Trump said "no, I don’t think we need any help with Iran."   Meanwhile, as Pete Hegseth refused to provide details, a top Pentagon official testified yesterday that the cost of the Iran war has risen to about $29 billion. Trump prefers not to use the term war, but that sure sounds like far more than an incursion or conflict. The fog of war even extends to the federal budget. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a043449a200899a00eab3f8 Inside the ‘digital lockdown’ for US officials as Trump arrives in China te 2026-05-13T08:20:25.682Z Inside the ‘digital lockdown’ for US officials as Trump arrives in China As President Donald Trump and hundreds of aides, security personnel and officials prepare to travel to China, many will leave behind one of the most basic tools of modern government: their everyday cellphones. Instead, officials entering China often travel with stripped-down "clean" devices, temporary laptops and tightly controlled communications systems designed to minimize the risk of surveillance, hacking or data collection in what U.S. officials consider one of the world’s most aggressive cyber environments. The precautions can transform even routine tasks into logistical headaches. Messages that would normally travel instantly through encrypted apps or synced devices are instead routed through controlled channels, temporary accounts or relayed in person.  CHINA-LINKED HACKING GROUP TARGETS PHONES BELONGING TO TRUMP FAMILY, BIDEN AIDES: REPORT Contacts disappear. Cloud access is limited. Some officials operate for days without their normal digital footprint. Current and former officials say the measures reflect a longstanding assumption inside the U.S. government: anything brought into China — phones, laptops, tablets or even hotel Wi-Fi connections — should be treated as potentially compromised. "China is a mass surveillance state," said Bill Gage, a former Secret Service special agent and now director of executive protection for Safehaven Security Group. "Briefings for U.S. officials begin well before the president arrives, and they make clear that everything is monitored." "We always tell people to assume everything you say and do — both in person and digitally — could be monitored," said Theresa Payton, former White House chief information officer and CEO of cybersecurity firm Fortalice Solutions. "And to conduct themselves accordingly." Ahead of Trump’s high-stakes meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the digital precautions underscore the broader mistrust shaping the relationship between Washington and Beijing, where cybersecurity, espionage and surveillance concerns now permeate nearly every aspect of official engagement. TRUMP TO CONFRONT XI AT HIGH-STAKES SUMMIT OVER CHINA BACKING FOR IRAN, RUSSIA The precautions will extend beyond government officials. The delegation traveling with Trump also is expected to include executives from major American firms, including Apple, Boeing, Qualcomm and BlackRock — companies operating at the center of the U.S.–China economic and technological relationship. In Washington, officials are often told to leave their phones behind when entering places like the Chinese Embassy. Those same concerns are amplified when traveling to China itself, where U.S. officials operate under the assumption that devices, networks and even hotel rooms could be monitored. Even charging a phone can become a security concern. Federal cybersecurity guidance has long warned travelers to avoid plugging devices into unknown USB ports or untrusted charging systems because compromised hardware can potentially be used to extract data or install malicious software — a tactic commonly referred to as "juice jacking." As a result, officials traveling to high-risk countries often carry preapproved charging equipment, external battery packs and government-issued accessories rather than relying on local infrastructure. "There are no safe electronic communications in China," Gage said, noting officials are advised to limit digital activity to only what is necessary for the mission. The Chinese government has rejected claims that it engages in improper surveillance. "In China, personal privacy is protected by law," Chinese Embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu told Fox News Digital. "The Chinese government places a high priority on protecting data privacy and security in accordance with the law. It has never required—and will never require—enterprises or individuals to collect or store data in violation of the law." Payton said officials may also be issued temporary devices configured with known "golden images," allowing security teams to detect whether a device has been altered or accessed during the trip. "You may see executives issued loaner phones with a known ‘golden image,’ meaning security teams can compare the device before and after use to see if it’s been tampered with," she said. "There may be controlled ‘safe zones’ set up where officials can communicate back to the U.S., but everything is tightly managed," Payton added. When sensitive conversations need to happen, the logistics become even more complex. U.S. officials traveling overseas frequently rely on temporary sensitive compartmented information facilities, or SCIFs — secure spaces designed to prevent electronic surveillance and eavesdropping. Those facilities can be established inside hotels or other controlled locations during major diplomatic trips. "The White House Military Office and communications teams create controlled spaces where they can monitor both physical and digital access to ensure sensitive conversations remain secure," Payton said. The precautions can create a surprisingly analog environment for a modern presidential delegation. Paper documents become more common, digital access is restricted and aides accustomed to constant communication often operate through tightly controlled channels. The White House could not immediately be reached for comment.  U.S. officials have spent years warning about Chinese cyber espionage campaigns targeting American government agencies, critical infrastructure, defense contractors and telecommunications networks.  Intelligence officials have accused Beijing-linked hackers of infiltrating everything from federal systems to power grids and water utilities, while repeatedly attempting to collect information on senior American officials and policymakers. "China will conduct extensive research on every member of the U.S. delegation — from senior officials down to junior personnel," Gage said, describing the level of intelligence targeting officials are warned about before traveling. Payton said the high-profile nature of a presidential visit only increases the risk. "This is a well-publicized event, so you have to assume everything from nation states to opportunistic actors may be trying to listen in," she said. The issue exploded into public view in 2023, when a suspected Chinese surveillance balloon crossed the continental United States before being shot down by the U.S. military after traversing sensitive military sites. U.S. officials later said the balloon was part of a broader surveillance effort linked to Beijing. More recently, federal officials have warned about sophisticated China-linked cyber groups such as Volt Typhoon and Salt Typhoon, which U.S. authorities say targeted critical infrastructure and telecommunications systems in ways that could support espionage or disruption during a future conflict. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a040ec5a200899a00ea9f86 Pima Supes ask Arizona AG to review perjury allegations against Sheriff Nanos te 2026-05-13T05:40:21.042Z Pima Supes ask Arizona AG to review perjury allegations against Sheriff Nanos Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a040c8ca200899a00ea9f63 Pima County board sends Sheriff Nanos perjury allegations to Arizona attorney general te 2026-05-13T05:30:52.530Z Pima County board sends Sheriff Nanos perjury allegations to Arizona attorney general The Pima County Board chose not to remove Sheriff Chris Nanos but referred allegations of possible perjury to the Arizona Attorney General, amid leadership concerns. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03f9afa200899a00ea9a57 Trump’s Shrinking Ambitions on China te 2026-05-13T04:10:23.717Z Trump’s Shrinking Ambitions on China The president came into office planning harsher trade moves on China than on the rest of the world. Here’s why he’s had to scale them back. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03f4fda200899a00ea97e9 Pima County supervisors vote not to remove Nanos, punt perjury allegations to state Attorney General’s Office te 2026-05-13T03:50:21.293Z Pima County supervisors vote not to remove Nanos, punt perjury allegations to state Attorney General’s Office The Pima County Board of Supervisors voted not to remove Sheriff Chris Nanos from office and to “refer allegations of potential perjury” to the Arizona State Attorney General’s office. However, Supervisor Steve Christy, the board’s lone Republican, initially opened the discussion with a motion to remove Democrat Nanos from office and begin the replacement process immediately. The motion failed without support from the other four supervisors, including Matt Heinz who previously supported Nanos’ removal. Supervisors discussed Nanos’ recent report to the board in executive session during Tuesday’s study session meeting earlier in the day. In explaining the response, Supervisor Rex Scott referenced legal advice.  Scott submitted his own motion asking the board to not act on Nanos’ position.  “On the advice of legal counsel, I move that we take no action to declare the office of sheriff vacant, nor to move for the removal of the sheriff based on Arizona Revised Statute 11-253,” he said. Scott added that the county administrator would direct allegations of potential perjury to the attorney general, with the board taking no “position on whether or not perjury was committed.” The motion passed with four in favor and Christy abstaining.  Following the vote, Scott said that “based on the advice of legal counsel, I do not believe and obviously the majority of the board agrees that we have the right to remove the sheriff, declare the office vacant, he met his obligations under the statute.”  Scott added that the root of the investigation, distrust in Nanos’ leadership will still need to be addressed. “What is most important is that the sheriff take immediate action to repair the extraordinary climate of distrust and lack of faith in this leadership,” Scott said.  Nanos was not present at the meeting Tuesday. Residents spoke out against Nanos during the call to the public. Corey Stevens, a county resident and frequent speaker, called for the board to remove Nanos.   “You guys have a duty — not an obligation — a duty to the citizens of Pima County to make this right. You need to ask yourselves. How many people have been affected by this man?,” Stevens told the board. “I hope today brings some resolution in the Sheriff Nanos investigation.” Others like former Democrat legislator Bruce Wheeler stressed the potential harmful civic consequences of supervisors voting to remove an elected official — “who may have, or not, acted dishonorably.” Bruce Wheeler addresses the Pima County Board of Supervisors during the call to the public on May 12, 2026. “It is troubling to think that three elected officials can unelect, remove from office someone else who was elected and voted into office by thousands of voters,” he told the board. Wheeler said his view was not partisan, adding that in a past election he endorsed Nanos’ Republican opponent.  “We can recall, we can vote them out of office, or we can impeach. In the sheriff’s case, the former two options are available to us,” he said.  Tuesday’s public agenda cited “unfinished business” with “Sheriff Nanos Pursuant to  Pursuant to A.R.S. §11-253.” The Democrat-majority board’s April 7 request included questions on four topics: his prior representation of his employment history with the El Paso Police Department, his disciplinary actions against Lt. Heather Lappin and Sgt. Aaron Cross, his department’s cooperation with federal immigration officials and repeated instances of his department exceeding its budget. Nanos submitted a 22-page response April 21 through his attorney shortly before the deadline. Supervisors delayed discussion until May 12, saying they needed time to review the report. Since then, Vice Chair Supervisor Matt Heinz had argued that the sheriff failed to satisfy the board’s request because the report was not submitted under oath and did not fully answer questions about his employment history. Heinz has said those deficiencies could have consequences for Nanos. “There are significant deficiencies in his response that I believe are so problematic that they put him at risk for removal,” Heinz told Arizona Luminaria in April. Nanos, through his attorney, has maintained that he complied with the board’s request and has remained available to answer follow-up questions. His legal team has argued the board did not explicitly require a sworn report in its motion, despite citing A.R.S. 11-253. That disagreement had exposed broader uncertainty about how the statute works. Steve Primack, executive director of the Arizona Legislative Council, told Arizona Luminaria the law does not clearly specify how boards must invoke the requirement for sworn testimony. “I suspect a court is going to have to decide whether just citing to the statute is sufficient or whether the board has to specifically use the words of the statute and request the report is under oath,” Primack said. The board’s April 7 public meeting agenda explicitly cited the requirement: “Requesting Report from Sheriff Nanos per A.R.S. §11-253(A) Discussion/Direction/Action regarding draft language and questions about which the Board will seek a report under oath from Sheriff Chris Nanos,” the public record states. Providing the report under oath is key because, under the law, if an officer refuses to make the report, the board may remove them from office. Nanos’ report came after intensified political pressure surrounding the sheriff. Nanos is already facing a potential recall effort, lawsuits and criticism from the deputies’ union, which issued a unanimous vote of no confidence earlier this year. The controversy traces back in part to records uncovered about Nanos’ early career with the El Paso Police Department in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Supervisors have questioned discrepancies between his public resume and disciplinary records showing he resigned in lieu of termination. The post Pima County supervisors vote not to remove Nanos, punt perjury allegations to state Attorney General’s Office appeared first on AZ Luminaria. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03ee33a200899a00ea963a Nvidia C.E.O. Jensen Huang Hitches Ride With Trump to China After Last-Minute Invite te 2026-05-13T03:21:23.286Z Nvidia C.E.O. Jensen Huang Hitches Ride With Trump to China After Last-Minute Invite Jensen Huang boarded Air Force One in Alaska, joining a delegation of more than a dozen business leaders accompanying President Trump on his trip to Beijing. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03ee1ca200899a00ea9613 AZ statewide debates in 2026 elections begin this week te 2026-05-13T03:21:00.879Z AZ statewide debates in 2026 elections begin this week Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03ee09a200899a00ea9608 Pima softball gets No. 8 seed at NJCAA Division II World Series te 2026-05-13T03:20:41.186Z Pima softball gets No. 8 seed at NJCAA Division II World Series Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03edf5a200899a00ea95ff 6 Democrats jostle for 3 legislative seats in Tucson's deep-blue LD20 te 2026-05-13T03:20:21.797Z 6 Democrats jostle for 3 legislative seats in Tucson's deep-blue LD20 Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03eba2a200899a00ea95a3 Move to oust Nancy Guthrie sheriff fails as Pima County supervisors refer perjury allegations to AG te 2026-05-13T03:10:26.833Z Move to oust Nancy Guthrie sheriff fails as Pima County supervisors refer perjury allegations to AG A move to oust Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos failed during a Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday night, though the board voted to refer perjury allegations to the state attorney general's office as Nanos' past record and handling of the Nancy Guthrie case have been heavily scrutinized. Republican Steve Christy moved to have the board declare the sheriff's office vacant and begin the process to replace him immediately. No one seconded the motion, though, and the bid to oust him failed. Democrat Rex Scott then made a motion to refer allegations of perjury against Nanos to the state AG's office, which the board approved by a vote of 4-0, with Christy abstaining. "My chief concern with what’s been going on within the sheriff’s department is that our elected sheriff has taken no discernible efforts to repair relationships and trust within our largest department," Scott said after that vote. "The most telling example of that was the unanimous vote of the Pima County Deputy's Organization declaring no confidence in his leadership." The board's actions capped a high-stakes showdown over allegations that the man leading the Guthrie kidnapping investigation lied under oath about his past police record. PIMA COUNTY SUPERVISORS MOVE TO OUST SHERIFF LEADING NANCY GUTHRIE KIDNAPPING PROBE OVER PERJURY CLAIMS The developments followed weeks of mounting pressure from within the county’s own leadership, with two supervisors, Christy and Democrat Matt Heinz, pushing to remove the elected sheriff or take formal action against him. "This is accountability for a guy who has evaded accountability for decades," Heinz told Fox News Digital last week, calling Nanos a "public safety threat." At the center of the controversy are claims Nanos misled officials about his disciplinary history as a Texas police officer in the 1970s and 1980s. The allegations stem from a deposition in a lawsuit, where Nanos said under oath that he had never been suspended as a law enforcement officer. Records from El Paso, first obtained by the Arizona Republic and later posted publicly by the county, show he was suspended multiple times and resigned in lieu of termination. Christy said the sheriff had already missed a deadline to answer questions under oath from the board — escalating the situation. SHERIFF LEADING NANCY GUTHRIE PROBE ADMITS QUITTING PAST POLICE JOB TO DODGE DISCIPLINE "He’s already failed that request… so we’re into the next phase," Christy said, signaling a potential move to vacate the office. LEAD NANCY GUTHRIE COP HAD NO HOMICIDE EXPERIENCE, SHERIFF BENCHED TOP DETECTIVES: SOURCES Because the sheriff is an elected official, removing him is legally complicated, though supervisors have pointed to a rarely used Arizona law dating back to the 1800s as a possible path forward. WHO IS CHRIS NANOS? PIMA COUNTY SHERIFF WITH 50 YEARS IN LAW ENFORCEMENT HEADS NANCY GUTHRIE INVESTIGATION Even without removal, Heinz said the board could still take other actions, including passing a resolution expressing a lack of confidence or referring the allegations for criminal investigation by the state attorney general. FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X He also noted that a conviction on perjury charges would ultimately force the sheriff from office. SEND US A TIP HERE Adding to the tension, both sides have retained outside legal counsel rather than relying on the county attorney’s office, a move Christy said is costing taxpayers additional money. SHERIFF UNDER FIRE AMID NANCY GUTHRIE CASE ALLEGEDLY BROUGHT LOADED FIREARM TO AIRPORT CHECKPOINT In a written response to the board, Nanos pushed back on the claims, arguing the controversy stems from a misunderstanding, not perjury. His attorney says the sheriff’s testimony referred only to his Arizona career, noting he was never suspended during his decades with the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, though he faced discipline earlier in Texas. The memo also confirms Nanos resigned from the El Paso Police Department in 1982 rather than accept a proposed suspension following a dispute with a supervisor. LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST Heinz has disputed that characterization, arguing the record shows Nanos resigned in lieu of termination, not discipline. The sheriff declined to answer questions in person under oath, instead submitting a notarized statement to the board after the deadline, which Heinz said may still be accepted but does not resolve the underlying concerns. LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? FIND MORE ON THE TRUE CRIME HUB The investigation into Guthrie’s Feb. 1 disappearance has now stretched past 100 days with few public breakthroughs. The case, involving the 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, has drawn national attention and sparked tension between Nanos and the FBI, including a public clash with Director Kash Patel over whether federal agents were initially sidelined. Heinz has also called on the sheriff to hand over the investigation to federal authorities. "It’s ridiculous," he said. "Almost every other jurisdiction would have done so by now." More than $1.2 million in reward money is now being offered for information that leads to answers, as her family continues to plead for help. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03e6f1a200899a00ea90fd Marco Rubio spotted in Nike tracksuit aboard Air Force One during trip to China, igniting memes online te 2026-05-13T02:50:25.242Z Marco Rubio spotted in Nike tracksuit aboard Air Force One during trip to China, igniting memes online Secretary of State Marco Rubio ditched his usual suit for a Nike tracksuit aboard Air Force One, sparking widespread online reactions as images of the unexpected look spread across social media. Photos posted to X by White House communications director Steven Cheung showed Rubio wearing a gray Nike Tech fleece outfit — a notably casual departure from the formal attire typically worn by top U.S. officials during official travel. The moment comes as Rubio travels with President Donald Trump on a high-stakes trip to China, where officials are expected to focus on trade and national security issues, creating a contrast between high-level diplomacy and a social media-driven fashion moment. The outfit quickly drew comparisons to the internet’s so-called "Venezuela Nike Tech" meme, which gained traction earlier this year after images of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro wearing a similar tracksuit circulated online. DAN GAINOR: FROM SECRETARY OF STATE TO SECRETARY OF MEMES, RUBIO WINS OVER MAGA Social media users flooded X with jokes and commentary after the images surfaced. "Is Marco going to be the DJ for the flight?" one X user wrote alongside an edited image showing Rubio standing behind a DJ booth. Another viral meme labeled Rubio "Nicolás Maduro as Marco Rubio," continuing the comparisons between the secretary of state’s outfit and the now-viral Maduro images. MARCO RUBIO SPOTTED BEHIND DJ BOOTH AT FAMILY WEDDING AS SOCIAL MEDIA REACTS TO VIRAL CLIP Another user wrote, "Okay — did I miss one of Marco Rubio’s new jobs? Sportswear model?" Others dubbed the outfit "the Maduro fit," while some questioned the casual attire aboard Air Force One. Rubio has also become an unlikely recurring viral figure online in recent weeks. Earlier this month, videos shared by White House officials showed the secretary of state DJing at a family wedding, wearing headphones behind a mixing booth as guests danced around him. Nike Tech fleece tracksuits have surged in popularity online in recent months, fueled in part by the Maduro images that helped turn the minimalist athletic style into an unlikely political meme. While senior officials are typically seen in formal wear during Air Force One travel, Rubio’s off-duty look offered a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse — and quickly became another social media talking point. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03e499a200899a00ea9071 Christopher Nolan confirms bizarre 'The Odyssey' casting choices including rapper Travis Scott te 2026-05-13T02:40:25.658Z Christopher Nolan confirms bizarre 'The Odyssey' casting choices including rapper Travis Scott Christopher Nolan is one of the entertainment industry's most celebrated filmmakers. He's responsible for some of the biggest financial and critical successes since the turn of the century. "The Dark Knight." "Inception." "Dunkirk." "Interstellar." And his most recent release, "Oppenheimer," which won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Nolan, like few other modern directors, has achieved an "auteur" status, essentially a signature style and control over the creative process and output that's distinctive compared to his peers. When news broke that Nolan's next project would be "The Odyssey," it seemed like an unexpected, fascinating fit. The 55-year-old director has tackled different subjects with unique, high-quality film-making. "Batman Begins" was credited with redefining the comic book, superhero movie by grounding it in realism with a much darker tone than more cartoonish predecessors. "Dunkirk" featured an exceptional recreation of an aerial battle in World War II, and "Interstellar" was so groundbreaking in its scientific accuracy that it led to an academic research paper on its portrayal of a black hole. "Tenet" was a fascinating and original exploration of time that was fanatical in its commitment to the rules of the film, outlandish though they might have been. Even "Oppenheimer," though it took plenty of historical license, was praised for the depiction of the first test of a nuclear bomb as part of The Manhattan Project. MOVIE STAR REJECTS CHANGING CHARACTERS TO SATISFY DIVERSITY GOALS, INSTEAD WANTS NEW ORIGINAL CHARACTERS All of this attention to detail and grounded realism despite remarkable scale, made "The Odyssey" such an interesting choice. An epic story, one of history's oldest, interweaving mythology and the very human story of Odysseus trying to return home to his family. But with mythological elements seemingly a new direction for Nolan to take. The film is set to release this summer on July 17th, and speculation over its cast started as soon as some of the list hit the internet. Along with Matt Damon was Zendaya, Tom Holland, Anne Hathaway, Lupita Nyong'o, Charlize Theron, Elliot Page and many others. Initially, it wasn't clear which characters those actors and actresses would portray. But a new interview with the director and cast published on Tuesday by Time, confirmed some of the most rumored details. And in doing so, brought him in for some heavy criticism or outright confusion. It starts with Matt Damon, playing Odysseus, saying that Nolan is "...very faithful to Homer because that’s not somebody you rewrite. But thematically, what he looked at was really interesting." Nolan's attention to detail and commitment to authenticity went as far as building a "genuinely seaworthy" ship for Odysseus and his crew that could sail around the Mediterranean. Which is what makes his casting choices so...well, odd. The Time article explains that the character of "Helen," famously known in the story as "the most beautiful woman in the world," and described by Homer as having white skin and other historic authors as golden, or having light hair, is played by Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong'o. Then, Nolan reportedly told composer Ludwig Göransson "not to use an orchestra in the score." Göransson added, "It's not like the orchestra existed back then," per the Time story. Nolan also put rapper Travis Scott in the film, saying, "I cast him because I wanted to nod towards the idea that this story has been handed down as oral poetry, which is analogous to rap." So his dedication to accuracy was so extreme that he had his crew build an actual seaworthy ship for Odysseus, refused to use an orchestra to score the film, and his lead actor praised how "faithful" he was to Homer's text. And yet he cast a Kenyan-Mexican actress to play a Greek woman, and used a modern rapper to nod to oral poetry from 2,700 years ago? Nolan's earned the benefit of the doubt, and his films are always fascinating, even if there are legitimate, sometimes plentiful criticisms of the writing or plot points. "The Odyssey" will undoubtedly contain his trademark scale and technical quality. But it's odd that he chose to abandon that realism to subvert specific characters. Nyong'o is a very talented and attractive actress who's deserving of being in a Christopher Nolan movie...and also totally miscast as Helen of Troy. You could make a similar case with Matt Damon, who has a Nordic ethnic background that's looks little like someone born around the Mediterranean. It's made even more bizarre by how Nolan brags about how much "research" went into the movie. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! "Nolan speaks with pride about the level of research that went into the production from all departments," the story says. Then explains soon after, "The oldest depictions of Homeric characters tend to be depicted in the manner of people living in Homer’s time. So there’s a pretty strong case there for portraying things that way because that’s the way the first audience received the story." Except for the cast? Did the audience who first "received the story" get it by way of Travis Scott? Again, none of this means Nyong'o shouldn't be in the movie. Or Scott for that matter, though given his limited acting experience, it's possible he immediately pulls the audience out of the movie. But it's an odd disconnect to focus on historic realism, research, and attention to detail, and then thoroughly discard descriptions of characters in order to meet a modern expectation. It's unlike Nolan. Or at least, what Nolan seemed to represent, until now. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03dd8ea200899a00ea8eaf As Becerra Rises in Polls, He Draws Fire for Trying to Direct Interview te 2026-05-13T02:10:22.186Z As Becerra Rises in Polls, He Draws Fire for Trying to Direct Interview “This is not a ‘gotcha’ piece, right?” the leading Democratic candidate for California governor asked a television reporter before an interview. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03db4ea200899a00ea8e49 High school student with history of anger issues charged with murder of homeless woman in Las Vegas te 2026-05-13T02:00:46.884Z High school student with history of anger issues charged with murder of homeless woman in Las Vegas Authorities on May 5 arrested a 17-year-old male accused of murdering a 61-year-old woman who was found dead on April 21. Local outlet Las Vegas Review-Journal identified the suspect as Dennis Geiggar, a high school student with a reported history of behavioral issues and anger-related incidents.  He is accused of killing 61-year-old Marceline Biasini, who the Review-Journal reported regularly slept in the area where she was found dead. The victim was found lying on the sidewalk outside a business and "suffering from apparent injuries" just after 8 a.m. on April 21, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) told Fox News Digital. NYC TEEN ARRESTED, CHARGED FOR SETTING HOMELESS SUBWAY RIDER ON FIRE, POLICE SAY Nearby surveillance video captured a brief, suspicious encounter in the middle of the night, showing a suspect approaching the victim’s area and leaving about a minute later, the Review-Journal reported, citing police records. While the footage did not capture the killing itself, it reportedly recorded what appeared to be a loud scream followed by approximately 61 loud impact sounds. "The precise location of the crime scene was obstructed from surveillance cameras, but video surveillance with audio … captured the suspect approaching Marceline’s location and, seconds later, a scream is heard followed by approximately 61 loud thuds," the Review-Journal report said. Detectives determined the woman had been "battered at some point during the night," according to a statement provided to Fox News Digital. The Clark County coroner’s office ruled Biasini’s death a homicide, citing blunt head trauma, according to the Review-Journal. HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR CHARGED WITH "RANDOM" MURDER AFTER 68-YEAR-OLD WOMAN FOUND DEAD IN MASSACHUSETTS HOME Geiggar reportedly has a history of anger issues and troubled behavior. He was expelled from Valley High School in January after allegedly attempting to start a fire on campus, the Review-Journal said, adding that he has since been attending school online. Police also said Geiggar had "numerous incidents where his anger had resulted in his punching walls and trash cans" and had been participating in anger management classes, according to the outlet. According to police reports, surveillance video from a nearby 7-Eleven showed a suspect wearing a red hooded sweatshirt and Vans shoes, clothing Geiggar was reportedly seen wearing while attending Valley High School. In addition, detectives reportedly found bloody footwear impressions at the crime scene. Tests on Geiggar’s Vans shoes came back presumptively positive for blood, though DNA comparison has not yet been completed, the outlet said.  Police added that Geiggar’s physical description matched that of the suspect. Documents state Geiggar has denied the accusations, though he acknowledged visiting a 7-Eleven nearby around 1–2 a.m. with his older brother, the Review-Journal reported. Video from that store reportedly did not show him inside at that time.  Geiggar has denied the accusations, according to documents cited by the Review-Journal. It was not immediately clear whether he had retained an attorney who could comment on his behalf. He has not been convicted in connection with Biasini’s death, and the case remains pending. Geiggar has been taken into custody on one felony count of open murder, a charge alleging homicide without specifying the degree of the offense. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03db3ba200899a00ea8e40 Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello faces backlash after singing at NYC ICE protest rally te 2026-05-13T02:00:27.397Z Rage Against the Machine's Tom Morello faces backlash after singing at NYC ICE protest rally Musician Tom Morello faced a backlash from conservatives after he played to the crowd Tuesday at the Hands off NYC protest at the Federal Plaza in Manhattan. The guitarist, who is known for Rage Against the Machine and Audioslave, sang Woodie Guthrie’s "This Land is Your Land," along with the lines that said: "In the squares of the city, in the shadow of the steeple, near the relief office, I see my people. Some are crumbling and all are wondering if this land’s still made for you and me." A cheering crowd who held signs that said "Hands off NYC" and "ICE is illegal" sang along with the 61-year-old. "My mother and I lived at 142nd and Riverside a long time ago," Morello told the crowd, according to Rolling Stone. "Brothers and sisters, if I’ve learned one thing in all my years since then, it’s that if it looks like fascism, sounds like fascism, dresses like fascism, talks like fascism, kills like fascism, and lies like fascism — brothers and sisters, it’s f---ing fascism." BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN OFFERS 'PRAYER' FOR TRUMP AFTER WHCA DINNER SHOOTING DESPITE MONTHS OF CRITICISM He also referred to the Trump administration as an "authoritarian clown show" and called for a "mass movement of peaceful anti-fascist crime fighters." A video of Morello singing that was posted to X received a multitude of negative comments. BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN TRASHED BY HOME STATE PAPER OVER EXPENSIVE ANTI-TRUMP CONCERTS "Performs being the apt word here, lol. Like a commie circus clown," one person wrote while another said: "Lowlife Tom Morello wants Americans to be murdered by illegal aliens and trillions wasted on them. F this guy." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER A third person said: "So now he's raging for the machine he pretended to rage against... does he know?" and another said: "Making money on the downfall of America." "It's honestly pathetic. Tom Morello is a washed-up loser trying to stay relevant," a fifth wrote." I bet all the terrorist Gen Zers in the crowd have no idea who he is or what he actually stands for. Very sad to see what has happened to our culture." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS He received a swell of support, though, on Instagram. "Thanks Tom Morello and New York! Appreciate your support for immigrants," one commenter wrote. "One of my favorite Woody Guthrie sings. Great lyrics. Keep up the good work. In the end, we will derail Trump & friends’ authoritarian train and get the country on a better track towards justice for all, citizens and immigrants alike." "thanks tom! Great message!" another said, and a third wrote: "The song stands for we the people you d--n right it’s our soul. Thank you for sharing." "Keep singing, keep protesting!" another urged, while a fifth person said: "This is so beautiful." Morello also played a show with fellow President Donald Trump critic Bruce Springsteen on Monday night at Madison Square Garden. Fox News Digital has reached out to Morello for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03d69ea200899a00ea8d2b Nebraska's Pillen wins Republican renomination in bid for second term as governor te 2026-05-13T01:40:46.676Z Nebraska's Pillen wins Republican renomination in bid for second term as governor Republican Gov. Jim Pillen of Nebraska is a big step closer to winning re-election as governor of the red-leaning Great Plains state. Pillen easily topped five challengers in Nebraska's GOP gubernatorial primary to win his party's 2026 nomination, the Associated Press reports. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The governor, a practicing veterinarian and chair of Pillen Family Farms who also played defensive back for the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team five decades ago, was first elected in 2022. The backing of the outgoing Republican Gov. Pete Ricketts helped Pillen top a crowded field of GOP rivals in the primary before going on to easily win the general election. SIX MONTHS TILL MIDTERMS: THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE'S MAJORITY One week after being sworn in as governor, Pillen appointed Ricketts to fill the U.S. Senate seat left vacant when Republican Sen. Ben Sasse stepped down to become University of Florida president. Pillen will be considered the clear favorite in the general election in a state President Donald Trump carried by 20 points as he won back the White House in 2024. The governor will face off against former state Sen. Lynne Walz, who won the Democratic nomination, the Associated Press reports.  Walz crushed perennial candidate Larry Marvin in the Democratic primary. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03d68aa200899a00ea8d22 Ex-MLB pitcher Noah Syndergaard blasts Zohran Mamdani as Mets dysfunction reflects New York chaos te 2026-05-13T01:40:26.880Z Ex-MLB pitcher Noah Syndergaard blasts Zohran Mamdani as Mets dysfunction reflects New York chaos The Apple is rotting from the inside out, and former Mets ace Noah Syndergaard knows who to blame. Appearing on OutKick's "Tomi Lahren Is Fearless,"Tomi Lahren Is Fearless, the ex-MLB pitcher unloaded on the state of his old squad and the political climate in New York City. With the Mets languishing at the bottom of the NL East, Syndergaard suggested the problems go far beyond the bullpen. ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW! Speaking with Tomi, a Mets fan, Syndergaard addressed the departures of fan favorites Brandon Nimmo and Pete Alonso. For him, the shift in the locker room reflects something bigger happening in the city itself. "It's kind of also ironic," Syndergaard told Lahren. "Those two guys are some of the biggest conservatives I've played for as well as with, with Jacob deGrom. The craziness that's going on in New York." WATCH: Even so, Syndergaard admitted the draw of playing in New York never really goes away. PETE ALONSO RIPS ON TRAFFIC, CRUSHES HOMER AGAINST YANKEES IN RETURN TO NYC "But I mean, if I still played for the Mets or the Yankees, I'd be like, oh, this is freaking awesome," he continued. "Like I could block the crazy part out and still focus on, I get to play a kid's game in one of the greatest cities in the world." "Albeit, ran by a lunatic or, I don't know. He's 34 years old ... like I'm 33 and I can't imagine being a mayor." The "lunatic" in question: Zohran Mamdani, the Democratic Socialist mayor. MODERATE DEMS IN ALBANY SHIFT FURTHER LEFT AS MAMDANI PUSHES SOCIALIST AGENDA, ASSEMBLYMAN WARNS Syndergaard, who bled orange and blue for eight years, expressed disbelief that a 34-year-old with Mamdani's resume is running the world’s most iconic city. "Well, he's like 34 years old and never really held an actual job beforehand," Syndergaard said. For the Mets, the curse appears to be more than just bad luck on the field. The Amazin' have struggled to justify a massive payroll with little to show for it. Lahren pushed the criticism even further, taking aim at Mamdani’s political history and describing his "bent towards communism and globalizing the Intifada" as the primary rot at City Hall. When asked what advice he would give the struggling franchise, Syndergaard went off. "Stop hanging out with socialist mayors, I guess, probably. ... "I hate saying it, but at the end of the day, the Mets are going to Met," he said. "I think I'm allowed to kind of say that because I bled orange and blue for eight years. Made it to the World Series with them. "Just kind of disappointed to see A) who they're inviting into their clubhouse and B) the lack of success they're having. It doesn't make a whole lot of sense. We have a huge payroll, and it's not creating great dividends for them." As Mamdani pushes his agenda from City Hall, the Mets are finding out that when a city attracts radicalism, its teams may suffer with it. Until the Mets stop courting Democratic Socialists, they'll probably keep luring the bad luck like a magnet. In the meantime, Thor will watch and keep taking swings when no one else steps up to the plate. Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03d23ba200899a00ea8c0d Republican Ricketts wins GOP Primary in Nebraska, advances to key Senate showdown te 2026-05-13T01:22:03.482Z Republican Ricketts wins GOP Primary in Nebraska, advances to key Senate showdown Republican Sen. Pete Ricketts is a step closer to serving a full six-year term in the Senate, after winning renomination in red-leaning Nebraska's primary. Ricketts, who was appointed in 2023 to replace Ben Sasse, and who won a 2024 special election to fill out the final two years of Sasse's term, topped four GOP primary challengers on Tuesday, the Associated Press reports. Ricketts now heads to this autumn's midterm elections, where he will face off in what's expected to be a competitive Senate race against independent candidate Dan Osborn, the industrial mechanic and military veteran who gave Republican Sen. Deb Fischer a scare in her 2024 re-election. Tuesday's primary was held with less than six months to go until the midterm elections, when Republicans aim to hold their razor-thin House and slim Senate majorities, and Democrats hope to ride a blue wave to escape the political wilderness. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Even though the Nebraska Democratic Party supports Osborn in the general election, community college instructor Cindy Burbank and pastor Bill Forbes faced off for the Democrats' nomination in the primary. Both candidates were last-minute filers, and some Nebraska Democrats alleged that Forbes jumped into the race so that a Democrat would be on the fall ballot and siphon votes away from Osborn to help Ricketts. SIX MONTHS TILL MIDTERMS: THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE'S MAJORITY Forbes denied the claims. Burbank says she jumped into the race to keep Forbes off the ballot in November. Ricketts is the eldest son of TD Ameritrade founder Joe Ricketts, and along with other family members, is part owner of Major League Baseball's Chicago Cubs. DEMOCRATS EYE NARROW PATH TO CAPTURE SENATE MAJORITY, BUT ONE WRONG MOVE COULD SINK THEM Ricketts won election in 2014 and re-election in 2018 as Nebraska governor. One week after finishing his second term, he was appointed to the U.S. Senate by his successor as governor, Republican Jim Pillen. Top nonpartisan political handicappers rank the Senate general election showdown in Nebraska as likely Republican. The GOP currently controls the Senate with a 53-47 majority. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03d227a200899a00ea8c04 New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announces another NJ Transit World Cup ticket cut days after first reduction te 2026-05-13T01:21:43.888Z New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announces another NJ Transit World Cup ticket cut days after first reduction Just days after NJ Transit reduced 2026 FIFA World Cup train ticket prices after backlash, New Jersey Gov. Mikie Sherrill announced yet another cut.  Last week, the round-trip tickets from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey were cut from the initial cost of $150 to $105.  Now, Sherrill announced the tickets have gone down to $98 round-trip ahead of them going on sale Tuesday night. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM "Good news: Ahead of NJ TRANSIT World Cup train tickets going on sale tonight, @NJTRANSIT is lowering ticket prices to $98 without New Jersey taxpayer money," Sherrill wrote on X.  "Thank you to our partners — DoorDash, Audible, FanDuel, DraftKings, PSE&G, South Jersey Industries, and American Water — for helping make this possible.  "We’re excited to host a world-class event this summer and showcase New Jersey on a global stage." NJ TRANSIT REDUCES WORLD CUP TRAIN TICKET PRICES AFTER BACKLASH, CITING MORE MONETARY SUPPORT: REPORT NJ Transit and the FIFA New York New Jersey Host Committee caught flak after the originally announced $150 price of the round-trip tickets. Their argument was it would eventually cost taxpayers if they didn’t have that abnormal price set for the influx of those getting to MetLife Stadium from New York City. Then, NJ Transit announced last week it received monetary support from "sponsors and other sources" in able to get prices lowered. Now we know those sponsors after Sherrill’s statement on social media.  Sherrill and FIFA got into a spat after the $150 price came out as well. The governor said FIFA should help pay for train tickets, while the governing body criticized Sherrill’s "unprecedented" plan and added that the expensive train tickets would have a "chilling effect" on the fan experience.  "Governor Sherrill has been clear that FIFA should contribute to transport its fans to World Cup games. Since it hasn’t, she directed NJ Transit to seek private and non-taxpayer dollars to significantly reduce the fare," a spokesperson for Sherrill told The Athletic. "The Governor appreciates all the companies that have already stepped up to lower the costs for ticket holders.  She will continue to ensure the World Cup is an experience that benefits fans and all New Jerseyans." NJ Transit CEO Kris Kolluri defended the original price, saying the ultimate cost to the public transportation company shouldn’t burden New Jersey commuters.  "It is an exciting moment for New Jersey to showcase New Jersey's diversity as well as its economic standing in the country and in the world. Equally important, (Sherrill) has said that New Jersey commuters cannot and will not subsidize the movement of fans going to the game, because that would not be fair," Kolluri said, reiterating that the tournament will cost NJ Transit $48 million. "In order to move 40,000 people and to pay for the cost of $6 million (per game), we have to charge $150." The regular train fare from New York Penn Station to MetLife Stadium round-trip is $12.90.  Meanwhile, parking has been prohibited at MetLife Stadium, and ride-sharing will be limited, ultimately leading to a natural increase in NJ Transit commutes for World Cup matches. The first game at MetLife Stadium is June 13 with a group stage match between Brazil and Morocco. Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report. Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03d214a200899a00ea8bfb House GOP launches new task force, probes alleged $250B Medicaid fraud in Ohio te 2026-05-13T01:21:24.177Z House GOP launches new task force, probes alleged $250B Medicaid fraud in Ohio FIRST ON FOX: House Republicans are rolling out a new oversight task force, starting with an investigation into alleged social services fraud in Ohio.  House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., tapped Rep. Brandon Gill, R-Texas, a member of the oversight panel, to lead the Task Force on Defending Constitutional Rights and Exposing Institutional Abuses, Fox News Digital has learned. The duo sent a letter to Ohio Department of Medicaid Director Scott Partika on Tuesday to request documents related to a bombshell report in the Daily Wire, probing widespread fraud in the state’s Medicaid waiver program for home health and community-based services. The outlet reported on 288 home health companies in Columbus, Ohio, that shared the same addresses, dozens of which were housed in office buildings that appeared to be vacant or in poor condition. The entities billed the federal government more than $250 million in Medicaid spending between 2018 and 2024, though the outlet’s reporting cast doubt on whether the companies billed Medicaid correctly or provided the services. WHISTLEBLOWER WARNS MASSIVE FRAUD IS HAPPENING IN OHIO SOMALI COMMUNITY, MINNESOTA: ‘JUST TIP OF THE SPEAR’ "Americans deserve truth, transparency and justice," Gill said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. "They are sick of being defrauded by government institutions and programs that should have been putting them first, not robbing their tax dollars." "Under his leadership, we will continue to expose radical ideologies being pushed on Americans and fight to safeguard our freedom that we’ve enjoyed as a nation for 250 years," Comer said in a statement, adding that Gill, a freshman lawmaker, had become a pivotal player on the Oversight Committee. Gill’s task force will have a broad purview, including investigating institutions that uphold diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) policies, individuals who misuse immigration and social welfare programs, and efforts by foreign actors and dark money groups to censor Americans’ speech. The panel's creation comes as House Oversight Republicans are currently investigating social services fraud in Minnesota and California. RAMASWAMY VOWS AGGRESSIVE MEDICAID CRACKDOWN AFTER REPORT ALLEGES MILLIONS BILLED FROM VACANT OHIO OFFICES "The current Medicaid system either does not have sufficient internal controls to prevent and detect fraud or is not conducting proper oversight of these HCBS [Home and Community-Based Services] providers," Comer and Gill wrote in the letter. "As a result, Americans across the country are paying for this fraud while vulnerable patients are being exploited." Comer has authorized the task force for six months, and Gill is expected to hold hearings at a later date.  Ohio Republican gubernatorial nominee Vivek Ramaswamy has pledged to scrutinize the state’s Medicaid spending if elected governor in November. "We're going to have to take a deep, hard look at the way the $40-plus billion in state Medicaid dollars are being spent," Ramaswamy told "Saturday in America" host Kayleigh McEnany. "I think the right answer is any instance of waste, fraud, abuse ... deserve[s] to be prosecuted, and we intend to investigate them aggressively, as well as to prosecute aggressively, to send a deterrent signal that our government is not a piggy bank. The taxpayer is not a piggy bank to be bilked."  The Ohio Department of Medicaid told the Daily Wire it has sufficient safeguards in place to combat fraud and had been investigating home health companies that may be abusing the system prior to the outlet's reporting. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03d200a200899a00ea8bf2 Cruise passenger shows life inside Nebraska quarantine after hantavirus exposure scare te 2026-05-13T01:21:04.603Z Cruise passenger shows life inside Nebraska quarantine after hantavirus exposure scare One of the passengers aboard the MV Hondius cruise ship posted video showing his quarantine room at the National Quarantine Unit at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha as officials monitor a hantavirus outbreak tied to the voyage. Jake Rosmarin, a passenger currently under quarantine, has been documenting his experience on social media, posting videos from both the ship and the medical facility. Fox News Digital has not independently verified the video. Health officials have said the passengers are being monitored out of caution after potential exposure to Andes virus, a type of hantavirus, and have emphasized that the risk to the public remains low. In one recent clip, Rosmarin showed his room, which included a wall-mounted hand sanitizer, a thermometer and other health provisions. The room also featured a stationary bike. CRUISE SHIP PASSENGER DESCRIBES UNCERTAINTY AFTER 3 DEATHS AMID HANTAVIRUS PROBE "I can have stuff sent here for the duration of my stay, so I'm definitely going to be getting some things for me to feel more at home and more comfortable," Rosmarin said. He added that he plans to continue sharing updates in the coming days and said he is currently feeling "well." Rosmarin also said he has not tested positive for hantavirus. The footage shows conditions inside the quarantine unit as health officials monitor passengers for potential exposure following the outbreak. CDC SPELLS OUT NEXT STEPS AFTER AMERICANS EXPOSED TO HANTAVIRUS ON CRUISE SHIP Health officials have said passengers may be allowed to leave the Nebraska facility before a 42-day monitoring period ends if they meet certain conditions, including remaining symptom-free and being able to safely isolate at home. Officials will also evaluate whether individuals can maintain contact with local health departments and quickly access testing or medical care if symptoms develop. Of the 18 individuals transported to the U.S. after the outbreak, 16 are in Nebraska and two are in Atlanta. Most are in quarantine, while one individual was placed in a biocontainment unit after an earlier test result. Officials have emphasized that the risk to the general public remains low, noting that the Andes variant of hantavirus does not spread easily and typically requires prolonged, close contact with a symptomatic individual. Fox News Digital's Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03d1eaa200899a00ea8bbf Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to Face Democrat Lynne Walz te 2026-05-13T01:20:42.007Z Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen to Face Democrat Lynne Walz Democrats face an uphill fight as they seek to unseat Gov. Jim Pillen, who is running for another term in the solidly Republican state. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03d1d6a200899a00ea8bb6 Cindy Burbank Wins Senate Primary in Nebraska, but Plans to Drop Out to Help Dan Osborn te 2026-05-13T01:20:22.541Z Cindy Burbank Wins Senate Primary in Nebraska, but Plans to Drop Out to Help Dan Osborn Cindy Burbank has said she intends to exit the general-election race, clearing the field for Dan Osborn, an independent candidate, to face Senator Pete Ricketts, a Republican. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cfbda200899a00ea8b43 DHS Sec Mullin points finger at Newsom over alleged Chinese infiltration of California after CCP mayor charged te 2026-05-13T01:11:25.020Z DHS Sec Mullin points finger at Newsom over alleged Chinese infiltration of California after CCP mayor charged Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin blamed California Gov. Gavin Newsom's policies for leading to the alleged infiltration of Chinese actors into California on "The Story" Tuesday. His comments come after the Justice Department accused a California mayor of acting at the direction of the Chinese Communist Party. "[Newsom] does the bidding for the extreme left, and he's more interested in taking care of the criminals on the streets than taking care of the constituents on his actual streets," Mullin told Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum. "You expect this kind of stuff to happen. It's shameful. It should never happen, but unfortunately, in this case, it looks like it did." CALIFORNIA POLITICAL OPERATIVE ALLEGEDLY ACTED AS ILLEGAL AGENT OF CHINA: DOJ Former Arcadia Mayor Eileen Wang was federally charged with acting as an illegal agent for the People’s Republic of China, according to the DOJ, and has since resigned from her post. Mullin said California’s sanctuary jurisdiction as well as Democrats’ "political theater" entices foreign adversaries to infiltrate the United States. CHINA'S MALIGN INFLUENCE TOUCHES EVERY ASPECT OF US LIFE. WE ALL NEED TO HELP STOP THEM "They feel like there is an open-door invitation in these sanctuary cities, and it's not just China. This is North Korea, this is Russia," the DHS secretary said. "This is our adversaries all over the place that’s using the political theater that the Democrats have drawled as a point of weakness to be able to infiltrate our communities." PRESIDENT TRUMP’S VISA POLICY THWARTS CHINA’S SPY NETWORK ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES – AND IN CONGRESS Fox News Digital has reached out to Newsom and his office for comment. Federal prosecutors alleged Wang pushed pro-China messaging from 2020 to 2022, before taking office. Wang agreed to plead guilty to the felony offense and has admitted to have acted "at the direction and control" of the Chinese government. She faces up to 10 years in federal prison with a potential $250,000 fine. This case, which Mullin said undermines national security, comes as President Donald Trump is set to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at a high-stakes summit in China this week. Mullin said Chinese leadership cannot outmaneuver Trump while expressing hope the meeting could bring about positive change for Taiwan and the U.S.-China nuclear arms agreement. "Hopefully we can prevent China from going into Taiwan in 2027, like they have repeatedly said they were going to do. Hopefully we can keep this nuclear arms build-up from getting out of control," he added. "China hasn't always been a great partner, but with President Trump, maybe we can get back on solid ground, and the only person that could do it would be President Trump if it's possible." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cfa9a200899a00ea8b3a New York Times defends controversial anti-Israel piece, 'no truth' to retraction claims te 2026-05-13T01:11:05.344Z New York Times defends controversial anti-Israel piece, 'no truth' to retraction claims Note: This story contains graphic allegations of sexual violence. The New York Times stood by one of its opinion writers on Tuesday after they wrote a controversial piece claiming that Palestinians were regularly being sexually abused by everyone from Israeli prison guards to dogs. The paper's latest statement came in response to journalist David Shuster claiming that he heard reports of the NY Times planning on retracting opinion columnist Nicholas Kristof's piece after it received backlash from readers as well as the Israel Foreign Ministry. "Hearing from longtime friends @nytimes there are already discussions, including up the masthead, about retracting @NickKristof column. Issues with source credibility and lack of evidence. No indications the Kristof sourcing mistakes were deliberate. Still problematic," Shuster wrote on X Monday night. NEW YORK TIMES FACED INTENSE SCRUTINY IN 2023 OVER ISRAEL-HAMAS COVERAGE The NY Times eventually responded to this claim, saying there was "no truth" to the rumor and defending Kristof as "one of the world’s best on-the-ground reporters." "There is no truth to this at all. Nicholas Kristof is a two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who has reported on sexual violence for decades, and is widely regarded as one of the world’s best on-the-ground reporters documenting and bearing witness to sexual abuse experienced by women and men in war and conflict zones," NY Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander said.  He continued, "He traveled to the region to report firsthand on the stories of Palestinians who suffered abuse, and his article collects accounts in the victims’ own words, backed by independent studies." NEW YORK TIMES 'BY FAR' HAD THE WORSE ISRAEL-HAMAS COVERAGE IN US MEDIA, JERUSALEM POST EDITOR SAYS Kristof's piece headlined, "The Silence That Meets the Rape of Palestinians," featured men and women alleging "brutal sexual abuse at the hands of Israel’s prison guards, soldiers, settlers and interrogators."  In the article, he alleged that Palestinians "had their genitals yanked or were beaten on the testicles," "some men had to have their testicles amputated by doctors," and metal batons were used to rape men. Kristof also said a Gaza journalist claimed he was "mounted" by a dog.  Several commentators have called Kristof's report into question, remarking that many of the "14 men and women" he interviewed have ties to Hamas or anti-Israel activism. CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE The Israeli Foreign Ministry condemned the piece, calling it "one of the worst blood libels ever to appear in the modern press" and warned that "the truth will prevail." "In an unfathomable inversion of reality, and through an endless stream of baseless lies, propagandist Nicholas Kristof turns the victim into the accused. Israel - whose citizens were the victims of the most horrific sexual crimes committed by Hamas on October 7, and whose hostages were later subjected to further sexual abuse - is portrayed as the guilty party," the Israel Foreign Ministry wrote on X Monday. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cf95a200899a00ea8b31 Big city Democrat mayor arrested at ICE protest faces voters in re-election bid te 2026-05-13T01:10:45.453Z Big city Democrat mayor arrested at ICE protest faces voters in re-election bid A big-city Democratic mayor who grabbed national attention last year as he was arrested during an anti-ICE protest outside a federal immigration detention center cruised to re-election on Tuesday. Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, New Jersey, topped 50% of the vote in Tuesday's election as he faced off against seven challengers, the Associated Press reports. Since Baraka clinched a majority of the vote as he ran for a fourth term steering New Jersey's largest city, he'll avoid a runoff in November. OR A big-city Democratic mayor who grabbed national attention last year as he was arrested during an anti-ICE protest outside a federal immigration detention center will face a runoff election in November. Mayor Ras Baraka of Newark, New Jersey, finished ahead of seven challengers in Tuesday's election as he faced off against seven challengers, the Associated Press reports. But Baraka failed to crack 50% of the vote as he ran for a fourth term steering New Jersey's largest city, which means he'll face off in a runoff election in November against the second-place finisher, ______ DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB While Baraka is a Democrat, mayoral elections in Newark are technically nonpartisan. Baraka, who is considered one of the most progressive mayors in the nation, last year opposed the reopening of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention facility in Newark, which was part of President Donald Trump's second-term crackdown on illegal immigration. On May 9, 2025, Baraka was arrested by ICE agents outside the facility after he unsuccessfully attempted to join a congressional delegation's tour of the facility. The mayor's arrest made national headlines. The charges against Baraka were dropped, and he later ran for governor, coming in second to then-Rep. Mikie Sherrill in the Democratic gubernatorial primary. Sherrill ended up winning election as New Jersey governor. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cf7ea200899a00ea8afe Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense Plan Could Cost $1.2 Trillion te 2026-05-13T01:10:22.989Z Trump’s ‘Golden Dome’ Missile Defense Plan Could Cost $1.2 Trillion A report from the Congressional Budget Office said that space-based interceptors, which do not currently exist, would probably consume 60 percent of the total cost. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cd40a200899a00ea8aa3 Arizona voters rank water supply above immigration and inflation, new poll finds te 2026-05-13T01:00:48.531Z Arizona voters rank water supply above immigration and inflation, new poll finds The sun rises over Lake Powell in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area on July 10, 2025, in Page, Arizona. Lake Powell, a critical Colorado River reservoir, is only at a third of its capacity as drought conditions in the Southwest worsen. (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) As the state faces the possibility of big cuts to its share of Colorado River water, a new poll shows that protecting the water supply is a top issue for likely Arizona voters across the political spectrum.  A poll commissioned by Audubon Southwest found that, when voters were asked to rank their top three priorities for the Arizona legislature, water supply and protecting the Colorado River was the No. 1 answer at 50%. Behind it were inflation and cost of living at 47% and Illegal immigration and border security at almost 30%.  The poll was conducted April 23-25 by the private conservative polling company Cygnal, and includes 600 people with a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points. The company, which has been recognized for its accuracy, initially polled 1,100 respondents and whittled down the number to match the demographics of the Arizona electorate. “This issue has stuck out above the rest in a way that we haven’t seen in a long time,” Chris Lane, pollster for Cygnal, told reporters during a Tuesday press call. Arizona gets about 35% of its water from the Colorado River, but it shares the water supply with six other states, Native American tribes and Mexico.  “Failure to stabilize the Colorado River system risks our state’s water security and continued economic prosperity,” Warren Tenney, executive director of the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association, said in a statement. “This poll highlights the importance of Arizona investing in conservation measures, strengthening the reliability of our existing water supplies, and pursuing new water supplies to ensure our communities and state thrive for generations.” The Lower Basin states — Arizona, Nevada and California — and the Upper Basin states — Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming — have been negotiating an updated water usage agreement for more than two years, but have repeatedly blown past deadlines to come to a consensus.  The existing usage agreement expires in October, and Arizona would face outsized cuts if any of the proposed plans from the federal government are implemented. With the Southwest already dealing with a decades-long drought due to climate change, the situation is even worse this year because of record-low snow pack in the Rocky Mountains, runoff from which provides the majority of Colorado’s water supply.  The Lower Basin states have proposed a bridge agreement to give the states more time to work out a permanent plan. Through the bridge agreement, the Lower Basin states would agree to reduce their Colorado River use by at least 3.2 million acre feet through 2028. Those states already deal with mandatory annual reductions from the federal government, including 760,000 acre-feet for Arizona. The bridge plan would add another 700,000 acre feet of conservation across the Lower Basin states.  An acre-foot of water represents enough to flood an acre of land to a depth of one foot, or about 325,851 gallons. The states are awaiting federal approval for the plan.  In her proposed state budget plan, Democratic Gov. Katie Hobbs included $30 million for a new Colorado River Protection Fund, but a proposal from Republicans who control the Arizona legislature lacked that funding. It’s a tough budget year, with Republicans proposing 5% cuts to most state agencies to pay for tax cuts. Hobbs and legislative Republicans have until the June 30 deadline to create a state budget that they can all get behind.  Unlike many other issues, where top issues for Republicans and Democrats don’t align, concern for Arizona’s water supply is bipartisan.  “This is not a partisan issue,” Lane said. “There is no divide here. There is universal agreement amongst Arizona general election voters that this is a huge priority.”  When asked how concerned they were about Arizona’s long term water supply, 91.6% said they were concerned, with only 6.2% saying they were not concerned.  Hobbs’s proposal would help to keep water in Lake Mead, an important reservoir upriver, would pay users to voluntarily cut back on their water use and invest in projects to improve the health of rivers and forests.  Poll respondents overwhelmingly supported the idea of such a fund, at 75%, with 18% neutral or undecided and only 7% in opposition.  Nearly 90% said it was somewhat important, very important or extremely important for state legislators to make water security and addressing Colorado River water scarcity a priority in the current legislative session. Only 21% of respondents said water scarcity was important but not the top issue for state lawmakers.  After Hobbs vetoed their proposed budget, legislative Republicans opted to break for the remainder of May, with plans to return June 1, giving them 30 days to hammer out a budget deal.  “The Colorado River is a lifeline for Arizona agriculture,” Stephanie Knight-Dubien, executive director of the Agribusiness & Water Council of Arizona, said in a statement. “Arizona farmers and ranchers are working hard to demonstrate that we can continue to produce a substantial portion of the nation’s overall food supply with water-saving technologies. But Arizona farmers and ranchers need additional resources to ensure that our rural communities continue to thrive in the face of drought and diminished Colorado River water supplies.” YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE. SUPPORT Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cd2ba200899a00ea8a82 Warner calls Virginia court ruling ‘outrageous’ as Kaine urges Democrats to ‘go win’ te 2026-05-13T01:00:27.042Z Warner calls Virginia court ruling ‘outrageous’ as Kaine urges Democrats to ‘go win’ Virginia Sens. Mark Warner and Tim Kaine weighed in after the state Supreme Court blocked a newly drawn congressional map Friday, with Warner calling the ruling "outrageous" and Kaine urging candidates to "go win."   "I was really disappointed by the court," Warner said. VIRGINIA SUPREME COURT RULES ON NEW CONGRESSIONAL MAP The court ruled the redistricting effort failed to meet Virginia’s constitutional amendment requirements, halting a plan Democrats had hoped would help flip several GOP-held seats as both parties battle for control of the House. The amendment, passed in 2020, established stricter guidelines for congressional map-drawing and approval. It also included limits on how political influence can shape district boundaries — a key issue cited by the court. "I’m not going to second-guess the fact that the majority of Virginians voted for this," Warner said. Democratic lawmakers had aimed to target four GOP-held seats under the proposal, which voters approved in May before it was overturned by the court. The plan would have reshaped the state’s House map in Democrats’ favor ahead of the midterm elections. THIS CRUCIAL STATE IS THE LATEST BATTLEGROUND IN REDISTRICTING WAR BETWEEN TRUMP AND DEMOCRATS Those targeted districts were seen as crucial in Democrats’ efforts to gain ground in Virginia, which remains competitive in federal races even as it leans Democratic statewide. "Here’s what I think," Kaine said. "We need to do now what we did last November and just go win a whole lot of seats on the maps we didn’t draw." Kaine’s response shows the face Democrats are putting on in Virginia amid the redistricting fallout as both parties struggle for control of the House in the upcoming November midterms.  He did not directly address the question, instead pointing to his party’s candidate strength and its ability to compete in key races heading into the election. "Everything about the candidates who are in the races and the dynamic that they're feeling tells me we can do that, so that's what I'm focused on now," he said. Republicans have criticized the redistricting effort as an attempt to tilt the map in Democrats’ favor, while Democrats have pointed to similar efforts in GOP-led states as part of a broader national fight over congressional lines. TRUMP URGES VIRGINIA VOTERS TO REJECT 'BLATANT PARTISAN POWER GRAB' BY DEMOCRATS Kaine accused Republicans of redrawing maps "through backroom deals" in a separate statement while scolding the Virginia Supreme Court for raising concerns about the referendum after "three million Virginians cast their ballots." "It sure as heck seems like there are one set of rules for Democrats and another set of rules for Republicans," Warner said. With the proposed map blocked, both parties are expected to focus on key competitive Virginia districts that could decide control of the House. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cafda200899a00ea8a10 Robert Samuel Dawson te 2026-05-13T00:51:09.090Z Robert Samuel Dawson Much-loved husband, father, grandfather, son and brother, Robert Samuel Dawson, 60, passed away peacefully at home on May 7, 2026. Robert was born on Sept. 8, 1965, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to John Terence Dawson and Elsie Stewart.       He grew up in West Valley City, Utah. He attended BYU where he met his wife Victoria Paxton and received his BS in health science. Robert and Victoria were married August 30, 1991, and went on to have eight children. He became certified as a physician’s assistant in 2007.       Robert was known for his sense of humor, love of his family, but most importantly his love for the Savior.       In late 2015 Robert suffered a stroke, which deprived him of mobility on the left side of his body. He continued working as a PA until 2020.         Robert is survived by his wife of 35 years, Victoria Dawson; children, Robert Jr. (Suzanne), Analisa Willis (Chris), Johnathan (Kaiya), Andrew (Isabella), Jessica Johnson (Jet), Esther, Christine and Alexander; five grandchildren; brothers, Sterling and Michael; and sisters, Ceridwen and Margaret.       He was preceded in death by his parents, John Terence and Elsie; brothers, John, Nathan and Richard; and his sister, Elizabeth. The post Robert Samuel Dawson first appeared on Painted Desert Tribune. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cae5a200899a00ea89e6 Trump expected to name ICE veteran with private detention ties as agency’s acting director te 2026-05-13T00:50:45.846Z Trump expected to name ICE veteran with private detention ties as agency’s acting director A longtime immigration enforcement official with deep ties to the detention industry is expected, according to Fox News’ sources, to take the helm of ICE, a move expected to draw renewed scrutiny from Democrats over his past work with a private prison giant as Republicans push to expand the agency’s funding and deportation efforts. David Venturella is expected to be named acting ICE director as current Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons officially leaves his post next week, multiple sources familiar with the matter told Fox News. Venturella, who has been working in the Trump administration as an ICE senior advisor, has reportedly held a senior role in the ICE division that manages detention-center contracts, though ICE has said he has no role in reviewing, approving or recommending contracts. He was recruited with help from Tom Homan after President Donald Trump was elected. ACTING ICE DIRECTOR TODD LYONS SUBMITS RESIGNATION LETTER TO DHS SECRETARY MARKWAYNE MULLIN Before his current stint in government, Venturella worked for more than a decade at a private prison firm called The GEO Group, which has contracts with ICE to operate immigration detention facilities. The company has faced numerous allegations and lawsuits claiming abuse, neglect and substandard care at Geo detention facilities. Venturella, a career immigration enforcement official, made millions after moving to GEO-operated, where he worked as an executive from 2012 to 2023 and as a paid consultant through Jan. 31, 2025. DEM-BACKED ‘DIGNITY’ BILL COULD STRIP ICE OF DETENTION POWERS, ERASE IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT, CRITICS WARN He started his career in 1986 at the former INS (Immigration and Naturalization Service) and as acting director and assistant director of ICE’s Office of Detention and Removal Operations. Sources said he is well liked within ICE and one source described him as "definitely on board with the mission and the mass deportation agenda," though he does not support certain policies, including roving immigration patrols, that were being used during former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s tenure. As Republicans attempt to push through a roughly $70 billion reconciliation package to fund ICE and CBP, Democrats are expected to make noise about Venturella’s prior stint with GEO, which has a history of complaints. There will also likely be questions about Venturella's past financial ties to GEO and potential conflicts, given reports that he has held a senior role in the ICE division that manages detention-center contracts that could go to his former employer. ICE has said Venturella has divested from GEO, has no financial ties to the company and has no role in reviewing, approving or recommending contracts. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03cacea200899a00ea89b4 In San Francisco, the Tents of Homeless People Are Disappearing te 2026-05-13T00:50:22.937Z In San Francisco, the Tents of Homeless People Are Disappearing Mayor Daniel Lurie and city leaders have enforced bans on camping and moved people off sidewalks to reduce visible homelessness. Critics say too many homeless people are housed in jail. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c87ea200899a00ea8924 Jones Fire destroys RV community in Wickenburg, leaving dozens displaced te 2026-05-13T00:40:30.847Z Jones Fire destroys RV community in Wickenburg, leaving dozens displaced Families forced to evacuate returned to find their RVs reduced to ashes. While no lives were lost, many residents say they lost everything. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c678a200899a00ea888c 2nd Arizonan onboard cruise ship with hantavirus outbreak undergoing assessment, evaluation in Nebraska te 2026-05-13T00:31:52.788Z 2nd Arizonan onboard cruise ship with hantavirus outbreak undergoing assessment, evaluation in Nebraska The Arizona Department of Health Services was notified by the Centers for Disease Control that an Arizonan is undergoing assessment and evaluation in Nebraska. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c65ea200899a00ea8854 Seattle Democrat rejects wealth 'exodus’ concerns as businesses flee for lower-tax states te 2026-05-13T00:31:26.733Z Seattle Democrat rejects wealth 'exodus’ concerns as businesses flee for lower-tax states The Seattle state lawmaker behind Washington’s newly minted "millionaire's tax" is dismissing concerns that a high-income tax hike will trigger an exodus of wealthy residents and businesses from the Pacific Northwest.   "The reality is the millionaire tax is not likely to result in businesses leaving," State Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) told a local FOX affiliate following the bill’s signing. Pedersen, the Senate Majority Leader representing Washington's 43rd Legislative District, maintains there is no evidence that the tax—recently signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson—will drive the state's top earners to lower-tax jurisdictions like Florida or Texas. "The drivers that we heard about from [businesses] are concerned about the sales tax on services [and] concern about the estate tax. Both of those things the legislature took action on in the last session," Pedersen said. "I do not have any indication that the millionaire's tax is going to cause some significant exodus." STARBUCKS CUTS JOBS IN SEATTLE AS FORMER CEO HOWARD SCHULTZ BLASTS ‘SOCIALIST’ MAYOR The legislation marks a seismic shift for a state that has historically prided itself on having no personal income tax. Pushed through by the Democratic majority during the 2026 session, the bill imposes a 9.9% tax on annual income exceeding $1 million for individuals or households. While the tax was signed in March 2026, it is not scheduled to take effect until January 1, 2028, with the first payments due in 2029. The delay is intended to allow the state's Department of Revenue to build a collection infrastructure—and to allow time for the inevitable wave of constitutional challenges to clear the courts. Despite Pedersen's optimism, the regional business landscape is already showing signs of strain. Coffee giant Starbucks recently announced it will shift 2,000 corporate jobs—primarily in IT and supply chain management—to a new regional headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. While Starbucks maintains it is not abandoning its Seattle roots, the move to a state with no personal income tax has amplified fears of "tax flight." GOV ABBOTT EXTENDS OFF-RAMP FOR NY BILLIONAIRES FLEEING MAMDANI'S POLICIES Furthermore, multiple local business owners told FOX 13 Seattle they were forced to shutter operations due to the state's expanded retail sales tax on services. In response to this pressure, the legislature recently moved to scale back those expansions and is expected to roll back certain retail taxes within three years. Central to the debate is a century-old legal precedent. Since the 1930s, the Washington State Supreme Court has classified income as "property," which, under the state constitution, must be taxed at a uniform rate (no more than 1%). To bypass this, Democrats have characterized the millionaire’s tax as an "excise tax"—the same legal maneuver used to uphold the state’s capital gains tax in 2023. Pedersen has been vocal about his desire to overturn the old case law entirely.  "I’d like to force the Washington State Supreme Court to reconsider its case law that considers income to be property. Do you have any other suggestions about how to bolster the argument that this would be an excise tax and not a property tax?" Pedersen reportedly wrote:   SIX DIFFERENT WAYS THAT PROVE THE WEALTHY PAY A LOT MORE THAN THEIR ‘FAIR SHARE’ The tax debate comes as Seattle’s local leadership faces national scrutiny. Mayor Katie Wilson, a self-described socialist who took office following the 2025 election, has been criticized for her dismissive attitude toward taxpayer frustration. The Washington Post editorial board recently joined the fray, lambasting Wilson for being "arrogant" and "dismissive" regarding the potential departure of high-net-worth residents. The board argued that Wilson’s rhetoric ignores the reality of a shrinking tax base and growing "taxpayer fatigue" over soaring local rates. In 2025, the legislature also increased the state's estate tax to 35% for the wealthiest residents—the highest rate in the United States—though lawmakers were forced to slightly moderate those figures earlier this year following intense backlash from the business community. Sen. Pedersen’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital's latest request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c64aa200899a00ea8847 Fetterman warns Democrats must confront ‘rising antisemitism problem’ after clashes outside NYC synagogues te 2026-05-13T00:31:06.709Z Fetterman warns Democrats must confront ‘rising antisemitism problem’ after clashes outside NYC synagogues Amid mobs clashing with police outside synagogues in New York City, and after a Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice announced he would be abandoning the Democratic Party over its "acquiescence to Jew-hatred," Sen. John Fetterman, D-Penn., called out his party for its "antisemitism problem." A Supreme Court justice in Pennsylvania, David Wecht, who began serving on the court in 2016 and was retained in a 2025 election, put out a statement Monday obtained by Fox News Digital indicating he would no longer affiliate himself with the Democratic Party as a result of "activists, leaders and even many elected officials in the Democratic Party" acquiescing to a rise in antisemitism on the left.  Fetterman subsequently posted on social media that, while he may not have plans to change parties himself, something he affirmed in an op-ed earlier in May, he understood Wecht's choice and added that "the Democratic Party must confront its own rising antisemitism problem." FETTERMAN SAYS 'MORAL CLARITY' DRIVES HIS WIDENING BREAK WITH THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY In the past week, two mobs have clashed with police outside synagogues in New York City.  The latest incident took place Monday night when agitators — three of whom police said were arrested — swarmed an area near the Young Israel Senior Services of Midwood, which had been hosting an event advertising real estate in Israel, according to local media reports.  Hezbollah flags, chants of "Zionism will fall" and a banner bearing the red inverted triangle Hamas uses to designate Israeli targets were seen and heard at the Monday clash, according to the Combat Antisemitism Movement and videos shared on social media. "Mob of Pro-Hezbollah / Hamas s(---)heads raging against law enforcement and terrorizing the NYC Jewish community near a synagogue and day care," Fetterman wrote in a Wednesday post on X following a clash earlier in May outside a separate NYC synagogue holding another Israeli real estate event. "Where’s my party’s condemnation?" "There’s a synagogue here. This is clearly a Jewish neighborhood, and they deserve the right to worship in peace," a counterprotester at the anti-Israel clash in recent days in Brooklyn told Spectrum News New York. In Wecht's statement about his plans to leave the Democratic Party, he said that while antisemitism has festered on the fringes of the right for a long time, "that same hatred has grown on the left," and blamed leaders in the party for failing to stamp it out. Wecht did not necessarily provide any specific names, or instances, but he hinted at pro-Palestinian protests, mentioned "attacks at synagogues" and appeared to reference one of the party's burgeoning Democratic Party candidates in Maine, U.S. Senate candidate Graham Platner, who has been forced to explain a tattoo he has that resembles Nazi insignia. JOHN FETTERMAN BREAKS WITH PARTY OVER 'ORGY OF SOCIALISM' MAY DAY PROTESTS "From 1998 to 2001, years that preceded my judicial career, I served as Vice-Chair of the Pennsylvania Democratic Party. In the quarter century that has passed since then, the Democratic Party has changed. Nazi tattoos, jihadist chants, intimidation and attacks at synagogues, and other hateful anti-Jewish invective and actions are minimized, ignored, and even coddled. Acquiescence to Jew-hatred is now disturbingly common among activists, leaders and even many elected officials in the Democratic Party," he asserted in part of his statement obtained by Fox News Digital. After Wecht announced his plans to abandon the Democratic Party, Fetterman posted on social media that he "fully understand(s) David's personal choice." "I know David and his legendary father, Cyril," Fetterman said in a post on X that included a screenshot of a headline about Wecht's decision to leave the Democratic Party. "As I’ve affirmed, I’m not changing my party—but I fully understand David’s personal choice. The Democratic Party must confront its own rising antisemitism problem." Earlier in May, Fetterman penned and op-ed in The Washington Post saying "it has become increasingly lonely" for him in the Democratic Party.  Fetterman slammed the party's disdain for "once-common views," which he argued was the result of "catering to the fringe and agitated parts of our base." "There's been a fracturing between me and my party... primarily it's been Israel," Fetterman said on "Life, Liberty & Levin" in April, noting that he was one of the few Democrats to support Operation Epic Fury, the joint U.S.–Israeli military campaign against Iran. However, while Fetterman has publicly discussed his widening break with the Democratic Party, in his op-ed, Fetterman reassured skeptics that he did not have any plans to switch parties.  He wrote that while "being an independent voice" may put him at odds with much of the contemporary Democratic Party, he remains committed to it and wrote explicitly that he has "no plans to leave" the party. "Plus, I’d be a terrible Republican who still votes overwhelmingly with Democrats," Fetterman concluded in the May 7 editorial. Fox News Digital reached out to the Democratic National Committee (DNC) for comment on Fetterman's remarks. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c637a200899a00ea883e South Carolina Republicans defy Trump, tank redistricting, for now te 2026-05-13T00:30:47.139Z South Carolina Republicans defy Trump, tank redistricting, for now A handful of Republican state senators in South Carolina on Tuesday derailed an effort in the GOP-dominated legislature to redraw their state's congressional district map which aims to erase the only Democrat-dominated U.S. House seat ahead of the midterm elections. Five Republican state senators broke with their party and teamed up with Democrats to defeat a proposal that would have allowed the chamber to vote on redistricting after the South Carolina legislative session comes to a close later this week. The move came hours after President Donald Trump warned on social media that he'd be "watching closely" as lawmakers met to move forward with changing their state's map. The setback means it will be much harder for South Carolina to join Tennessee, Alabama and Louisiana, which are altering their maps to eliminate Democrat-controlled congressional districts in time for the midterms, when the GOP will be defending its razor-thin House majority. The southern states are the latest battleground in the nationwide redistricting showdown. At stake is which party will control the House during the final two years of Trump's second term in the White House. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB The efforts by Republicans in the southern states come in the wake of a decision by the conservative majority on the Supreme Court to slash a key protection in the landmark 1965 Voting Rights Act. The justices ruled that race should not dictate the redrawing of legislative district maps. South Carolina Republicans were trying to advance a new map that could put longtime Rep. Jim Clyburn, the only Democrat in the state's seven-person House delegation, out of a job. Clyburn this past week remained optimistic he can still win re-election. "I don’t know why people think I could not get re-elected if they redistrict South Carolina," Clyburn said in a CNN interview. "I have a district that’s about 45 percent African-American. I have no idea what the number will be after the legislature finishes, but whatever that number is, I will be running on my record and America’s promise." ALABAMA REPUBLICANS PLOW FORWARD ON REDISTRICTING Trump, in a social media post Monday night, urged "South Carolina Republicans: BE BOLD AND COURAGEOUS." "Move the U.S. House Primaries to August, leave the rest on the same schedule. Everything will be fine. GET IT DONE!" he emphasized. Trump's message came a week after five Indiana Republican state senators who in December helped sink congressional redistricting in the solidly red Midwestern state were ousted by Trump-backed challengers in GOP primaries. Shane Massey, the South Carolina Senate's Republican majority leader, argued in a speech following Trump's lead in redistricting would be against the interests of the Palmetto State. "South Carolina has always punched above their weight," Massey said. "Doing this will diminish that influence." But he also acknowledged that he will likely face political payback from Trump and the president's allies. "There are likely consequences for me, personally, taking the position that I am right now," Massey said. "I’m comfortable with that. I may not like it, but I’m comfortable with it...My conscience is clear on this one." Other South Carolina Republicans had raised concerns that carving up the district represented by Clyburn could backfire on their party in the midterms. Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, a top Trump ally, could still call the legislature back into special session to try and push through redistricting, but his office has so far said that scenario is unlikely. WHAT'S ON THE LINE AS THESE STATES HOLD PRIMARIES TODAY The GOP-dominated Tennessee legislature on Thursday quickly adopted a new map that would eliminate the only Democrat-controlled congressional district in the state, and would likely give Republicans control of all nine districts. GOP Gov. Bill Lee quickly signed the new maps into law. Democratic Rep. Steve Cohen, who represents the majority Black district that's being carved up, vowed legal action. "Trump knows he HAS TO rig the game to keep his majority in November. And the TN GOP was willing to go along with it. It’s shameful," Cohen wrote on social media. "Next stop is the courts." Trump praised Tennessee Republicans in his social media post and urged GOP lawmakers in South Carolina to act "just like the Republicans of the Great State of Tennessee were last week." It's back to the future in Alabama, after the Supreme Court, in a 6-3 ideological ruling, cleared the way for the state to put in place a map Republicans drew up in 2023 that had been blocked by lower courts. The map would eliminate one of the state's two blue-leaning congressional seats. GOP Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday called for a special primary election in August in the four U.S. House districts altered by the new map. Last week, the Supreme Court said that its decision declaring Louisiana's map unconstitutional should go into effect immediately. That cleared the way for the GOP-controlled state legislature to begin the process of reshaping the map, and hearings got underway on Friday. Republican Gov. Jeff Landry, a top Trump ally, took swift action in the immediate aftermath of the high court's ruling, when he delayed the May 16 U.S. House primary elections in Louisiana. Louisiana Republicans are aiming to erase one or both of the two Black-majority House seats, which are represented by Democrats. BLOCKBUSTER SUPREME COURT VOTING RIGHTS RULING IGNITES REDISTRICTING WAR ACROSS SOUTHERN STATES In Florida, Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis last week signed a bill by the GOP-dominated state legislature that overhauls the red-leaning state's congressional districts, adding four more right-leaning seats by eliminating districts currently controlled by Democrats. Republicans currently control Florida's U.S. House delegation by a 20-8 margin. Democrats are fighting back. On Monday, Democrats filed an emergency appeal with the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to halt a Virginia state Supreme Court ruling invalidating a ballot measure that would have given their party an additional four left-leaning U.S. House seats. Last week's ruling in Virginia means the map used in the 2024 elections will stay in place for the 2026 ballot box showdowns. Democrats currently control the state's U.S. House delegation by a 6-5 margin. The now overturned map could have resulted in a 10-1 advantage for Democrats in the blue-leaning but competitive state. How we got here The battle over the maps ignited last spring when Trump, aiming to prevent what happened during his first term in the White House when Democrats reclaimed the House majority in the 2018 midterms, first floated the idea of rare, but not unheard of, mid-decade congressional redistricting. The mission was simple: redraw congressional district maps in red states to pad the GOP's fragile House majority to keep control of the chamber in the midterms, when the party in power traditionally faces political headwinds and loses seats. When asked by reporters last summer about his plan to add Republican-leaning House seats across the country, the president said, "Texas will be the biggest one. And that’ll be five." Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas called a special session of the GOP-dominated state legislature to pass the new map. But Democratic state lawmakers, who broke quorum for two weeks as they fled Texas in a bid to delay the passage of the redistricting bill, energized Democrats across the country. Among those leading the fight against Trump's redistricting was Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom of California. California voters in November overwhelmingly passed Proposition 50, a ballot initiative that temporarily sidetracked the left-leaning state's nonpartisan redistricting commission and returned the power to draw the congressional maps to the Democratic-dominated legislature. That led to five more Democratic-leaning congressional districts in California, which aimed to counter the move by Texas to redraw their maps. But the fight quickly spread beyond Texas and California. Republican-controlled Missouri and Ohio and swing state North Carolina, where the GOP dominates the legislature, drew new maps as part of the president's push. But in blows to Republicans, a Utah district judge late last year rejected a congressional district map drawn by the state's GOP-dominated legislature and instead approved an alternate that will create a Democratic-leaning district ahead of the midterms. And as mentioned, Republicans in Indiana's Senate in December defied Trump, shooting down a redistricting bill that had passed the state House. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c61fa200899a00ea87f8 Medicare’s new payment model is built for AI, and most of the tech world has no idea te 2026-05-13T00:30:23.357Z Medicare’s new payment model is built for AI, and most of the tech world has no idea There is no governmental mechanism to pay for an AI agent that monitors a patient between visits, calls to check in, coordinates a housing referral, or makes sure someone picks up their medication. ACCESS creates that mechanism for the first time. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c3f2a200899a00ea8783 Patel, Van Hollen trade barbs over 'slinging margaritas' in heated Senate clash te 2026-05-13T00:21:06.794Z Patel, Van Hollen trade barbs over 'slinging margaritas' in heated Senate clash FBI Director Kash Patel and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., clashed in a heated Senate hearing Tuesday, trading personal accusations over allegations of misconduct and a past overseas trip. The exchange escalated from questions about Patel’s leadership into a direct confrontation, with Van Hollen citing allegations reported in The Atlantic and Patel responding by accusing the senator of misconduct during a 2025 visit to El Salvador — a claim Van Hollen denied. During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Van Hollen pointed to allegations of "erratic" behavior, "excessive drinking" and "unexplained absences" outlined in the report. Patel has denied the claims. "When your private actions make it impossible for you to perform your public duties, we have a big problem. You cannot perform those public duties if you’re incapacitated," Van Hollen said. FBI DIRECTOR KASH PATEL FILES $250 MILLION LAWSUIT AGAINST THE ATLANTIC OVER 'DEFAMATORY HIT PIECE' "And Director Patel, these reports about your conduct, including reports of your being so drunk and hungover that your staff had to force entry into your home are extremely alarming. If true, they demonstrate a gross dereliction of your duty and a betrayal of public trust," Van Hollen said. Patel called the report "unequivocally, categorically false" before turning the focus to Van Hollen. "The only person who was slinging margaritas in El Salvador on the taxpayer dollar with a convicted gang banging rapist was you," Patel said. Public records do not establish that Abrego Garcia is a convicted gang member or convicted rapist. MARYLAND SHERIFF INFURIATED BY SENATOR'S TRIP TO VISIT MS-13 SUSPECT, SILENCE ON LOCAL MURDER VICTIMS "The fact that you mentioned that indicates you don’t know what you are talking about," Van Hollen replied. Patel later posted, "Fact check @ChrisVanHollen," referencing images from the trip. The exchange stems from Van Hollen’s 2025 visit to El Salvador, where he met with deported migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who had been sent to the country’s high-security "Terrorism Confinement Center" (CECOT) over alleged MS-13 ties. His attorneys have denied any gang affiliation.  Images from that meeting — showing the two seated at a table with drinks — resurfaced and drew criticism, including from El Salvador President Nayib Bukele. Van Hollen has previously dismissed the images as a "staged hoax" by the Salvadoran government and said no alcohol was consumed. "Kilmar Abrego Garcia, miraculously risen from the ‘death camps’ & ‘torture,’ now sipping margaritas with Sen. Van Hollen in the tropical paradise of El Salvador!" Bukele wrote at the time. Patel has filed a $250 million defamation lawsuit against The Atlantic over the report. The Atlantic has said it stands by its reporting. Fox News Digital's Greg Wehner contributed to this report. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c3daa200899a00ea8731 'More than art:' Nogales film fest brings screenings back to border te 2026-05-13T00:20:42.070Z 'More than art:' Nogales film fest brings screenings back to border Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c3c6a200899a00ea8728 Sen. Kelly pushes permanent citizenship for DACA recipients as renewal delays spike te 2026-05-13T00:20:22.198Z Sen. Kelly pushes permanent citizenship for DACA recipients as renewal delays spike Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c1c2a200899a00ea86d6 Islamabad denies sheltering Iran jets, Trump praises Pakistan's mediation as 'absolutely great' te 2026-05-13T00:11:46.615Z Islamabad denies sheltering Iran jets, Trump praises Pakistan's mediation as 'absolutely great' Pakistan rejected reports Tuesday that it allowed Iranian aircraft to use its airfields amid tensions with the United States—claims suggesting the move could have shielded the planes from potential airstrikes—even as Islamabad positioned itself as a high-profile mediator between the two sides. According to the report May 11, Tehran was also said to have possibly sent a civilian aircraft to Afghanistan during the conflict.  Pakistan said Tuesday the CBS report was "misleading and sensationalized. Such speculative narratives appear aimed at undermining ongoing efforts for regional stability and peace," the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement. "Following the ceasefire and during the initial round of the Islamabad Talks, a number of aircraft from Iran and the United States arrived in Pakistan to facilitate the movement of diplomatic personnel, security teams, and administrative staff associated with the talks process," the ministry said before clarifying that "some aircraft and support personnel remained temporarily in Pakistan in anticipation of subsequent rounds of engagement." JD VANCE RETURNS TO WASHINGTON AFTER 16 HOURS OF IRAN PEACE TALKS COLLAPSE IN PAKISTAN The alleged Iranian asset movements had also suggested there was an effort by Iran to conceal some of its remaining aerial assets as Pakistan worked behind the scenes to broker a ceasefire between Iran and the United States. President Donald Trump also confirmed Tuesday he was satisfied with the mediation work carried out by Pakistan, telling reporters ahead of his trip to China that they were "great." "I think the Pakistanis have been great. The field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been absolutely great," Trump clarified. In April, Pakistan had emerged as a key mediator in efforts to de-escalate tensions between Washington and Tehran amid the Strait of Hormuz crisis and the regional conflict. Islamabad hosted senior delegations for talks on April 11–12 after helping secure a temporary two-week ceasefire. IRAN COVERTLY REPOSITIONS STRIKE DRONES AMID RUSSIA DRILLS IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ, EXPERT SAYS Pakistan’s position was unique, given its geographic proximity to Iran and its longstanding strategic partnership with the United States.  Mediation efforts were led by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. Officials told CBS that, days after Trump announced a ceasefire with Iran in early April, Tehran sent multiple aircraft to Pakistan Air Force Base Nur Khan. Nur Khan Airbase, located near Rawalpindi, is said to be a key installation of the Pakistan Air Force and serves as a major logistical and operational hub.  Among the aircraft reportedly moved there was an Iranian Air Force RC-130, a reconnaissance and intelligence-gathering variant of the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, the outlet said. TRUMP ANNOUNCES 'PROJECT FREEDOM,' IRAN THREATENS ATTACKS, PAKISTAN ANNOUNCES US RELEASE OF SEIZED CARGO SHIP Despite initial progress between the U.S. and Iran, talks in Islamabad on April 11 ultimately collapsed.  However, Pakistani leadership said it felt optimistic. "We are very optimistic that the current momentum will lead to a lasting agreement," Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said. Trump also praised Pakistan’s mediating role again, stating on May 7, "Pakistan has been fantastic. And its leaders have been fantastic—the marshal and the prime minister." As part of the next response, Trump also launched "Project Freedom" to guide vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and to help free up shipping. Trump's initiative to help thousands of stranded crew lasted 48 hours, with the president later acknowledging that it was halted "at the request of Pakistan and other countries," including Saudi Arabia, to avoid jeopardizing ongoing negotiations with Iran. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C. said Monday that if Pakistan did shelter Iranian aircraft during mediation then it would force a complete reassessment of Pakistan’s role. "If this reporting is accurate, it would require a complete reevaluation of the role Pakistan is playing as mediator between Iran, the United States and other parties. Given some of the prior statements by Pakistani defense officials towards Israel, I would not be shocked if this were true," Graham said in a post shared on X. Fox News Digital has reached out to the Government of Pakistan, The White House and U.S. Central Command for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c1afa200899a00ea86cd Seattle Democrat rejects wealth 'exodus’ concerns as businesses blee for lower-tax states te 2026-05-13T00:11:27.159Z Seattle Democrat rejects wealth 'exodus’ concerns as businesses blee for lower-tax states The Seattle state lawmaker behind Washington’s newly minted "millionaire's tax" is dismissing concerns that a high-income tax hike will trigger an exodus of wealthy residents and businesses from the Pacific Northwest.   "The reality is the millionaire tax is not likely to result in businesses leaving," State Sen. Jamie Pedersen (D-Seattle) told a local FOX affiliate following the bill’s signing. Pedersen, the Senate Majority Leader representing Washington's 43rd Legislative District, maintains there is no evidence that the tax—recently signed into law by Gov. Bob Ferguson—will drive the state's top earners to lower-tax jurisdictions like Florida or Texas. "The drivers that we heard about from [businesses] are concerned about the sales tax on services [and] concern about the estate tax. Both of those things the legislature took action on in the last session," Pedersen said. "I do not have any indication that the millionaire's tax is going to cause some significant exodus." STARBUCKS CUTS JOBS IN SEATTLE AS FORMER CEO HOWARD SCHULTZ BLASTS ‘SOCIALIST’ MAYOR The legislation marks a seismic shift for a state that has historically prided itself on having no personal income tax. Pushed through by the Democratic majority during the 2026 session, the bill imposes a 9.9% tax on annual income exceeding $1 million for individuals or households. While the tax was signed in March 2026, it is not scheduled to take effect until January 1, 2028, with the first payments due in 2029. The delay is intended to allow the state's Department of Revenue to build a collection infrastructure—and to allow time for the inevitable wave of constitutional challenges to clear the courts. Despite Pedersen's optimism, the regional business landscape is already showing signs of strain. Coffee giant Starbucks recently announced it will shift 2,000 corporate jobs—primarily in IT and supply chain management—to a new regional headquarters in Nashville, Tennessee. While Starbucks maintains it is not abandoning its Seattle roots, the move to a state with no personal income tax has amplified fears of "tax flight." GOV ABBOTT EXTENDS OFF-RAMP FOR NY BILLIONAIRES FLEEING MAMDANI'S POLICIES Furthermore, multiple local business owners told FOX 13 Seattle they were forced to shutter operations due to the state's expanded retail sales tax on services. In response to this pressure, the legislature recently moved to scale back those expansions and is expected to roll back certain retail taxes within three years. Central to the debate is a century-old legal precedent. Since the 1930s, the Washington State Supreme Court has classified income as "property," which, under the state constitution, must be taxed at a uniform rate (no more than 1%). To bypass this, Democrats have characterized the millionaire’s tax as an "excise tax"—the same legal maneuver used to uphold the state’s capital gains tax in 2023. Pedersen has been vocal about his desire to overturn the old case law entirely.  "I’d like to force the Washington State Supreme Court to reconsider its case law that considers income to be property. Do you have any other suggestions about how to bolster the argument that this would be an excise tax and not a property tax?" Pedersen reportedly wrote:   SIX DIFFERENT WAYS THAT PROVE THE WEALTHY PAY A LOT MORE THAN THEIR ‘FAIR SHARE’ The tax debate comes as Seattle’s local leadership faces national scrutiny. Mayor Katie Wilson, a self-described socialist who took office following the 2025 election, has been criticized for her dismissive attitude toward taxpayer frustration. The Washington Post editorial board recently joined the fray, lambasting Wilson for being "arrogant" and "dismissive" regarding the potential departure of high-net-worth residents. The board argued that Wilson’s rhetoric ignores the reality of a shrinking tax base and growing "taxpayer fatigue" over soaring local rates. In 2025, the legislature also increased the state's estate tax to 35% for the wealthiest residents—the highest rate in the United States—though lawmakers were forced to slightly moderate those figures earlier this year following intense backlash from the business community. Sen. Pedersen’s office did not respond to Fox News Digital's latest request for comment. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c19ba200899a00ea86c4 Shelley Moore Capito wins West Virginia GOP Senate primary with Trump's endorsement backing her bid te 2026-05-13T00:11:07.521Z Shelley Moore Capito wins West Virginia GOP Senate primary with Trump's endorsement backing her bid Republican Sen. Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia is a big step closer to re-election, thanks in part to support from President Donald Trump. Capito defeated five Republican challengers in Tuesday's GOP Senate primary in West Virginia, the Associated Press reports, to secure her party's nomination in the solidly red Mountain State. The two-term lawmaker who served a decade and a half in the House before first winning election to the Senate in 2014 and making history as the state's first female senator hails from a political family. Her late father was Arch Moore Jr., a former three-term governor and six-term congressman. DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB Among those trying to defeat her in Tuesday's primary was state Sen. Tom Willis, who argued that it was "time for a change" and took aim at "career politicians." But Capito, as she ran for re-nomination, spotlighted her support from Trump. "I’m honored to have President Trump’s complete and total endorsement as we fight to protect West Virginia jobs, make life more affordable, secure our border, and defend our shared values in the Mountain State," she wrote last month. SIX MONTHS TILL MIDTERMS: THE TEN RACES THAT WILL DETERMINE THE SENATE'S MAJORITY And on Tuesday, she took to social media to highlight, "Proud to lead President Trump’s ticket in West Virginia today." West Virginia, once a state where Democrats dominated, is nowadays dark red. Trump carried the state by over 40 points in his 2024 White House victory. DEMOCRATS EYE NARROW PATH TO CAPTURE SENATE MAJORITY, BUT ONE WRONG MOVE COULD SINK THEM Capito will now be considered the overwhelming favorite in the November midterm elections, as top nonpartisan political handicappers rate the race as solidly Republican. The GOP currently controls the Senate with a 53-47 majority. Five Democrats were seeking their party's Senate nomination. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c187a200899a00ea86bb MLB owners and players begin CBA negotiations in New York as salary cap fight looms over 2026 season te 2026-05-13T00:10:47.632Z MLB owners and players begin CBA negotiations in New York as salary cap fight looms over 2026 season The 2026-2027 Major League Baseball offseason won’t be dominated by free agency, or big trades. It’ll be dominated by the most exciting aspect of any sport: labor negotiations.  The Collective Bargaining Agreement between the league and the Major League Baseball Players Association expires this December, and extensive disagreements between the two sides are expected to lead to contentious debate.  Well, per several new reports, those negotiations are officially underway as owners and the players look to avoid a work stoppage that could derail baseball’s hard fought momentum. SMALL MARKET MLB TEAMS ARE OUTPERFORMING BIG PAYROLLS, UNDERMINING OWNERS' PUSH TO CANCEL 2027 SEASON Both Jeff Passan and Evan Drellich reported on Tuesday that representatives from the league office and MLBPA met in New York City to start the process. And there’s plenty to unpack from the leadup to these discussions already. Per Drellich’s report, this first meeting was not intended to discuss "formal proposals." Instead, it was "about setting the stage with opening presentations." "Both the league and the players were expected to outline their respective visions for how the game is operating today," he wrote. "Moving forward, the real heavy lifting begins, with subsequent meetings set to feature formal proposals on the economics and core issues at hand." While details on the proposals are scarce, it’s no secret where both sides sit. And the first quarter of the 2026 season has put some very big holes in the league’s arguments already. Ownership wants to incorporate a salary cap and salary floor, based on arguments and assumptions that big market, high spending teams like the New York Mets or Los Angeles Dodgers are making competitive balance impossible for smaller market organizations.  The players, meanwhile, have repeatedly said that a salary cap is a non-starter for negotiations. Their contention is that it limits their earning potential with few benefits, particularly competitive ones.  And there’s plenty of evidence they’re right. METS AND PHILLIES HAVE NEARLY $700M IN COMBINED PAYROLL AND ARE ALREADY IN TROUBLE OF MISSING PLAYOFFS It’s still early, but with roughly 25% of the season completed, the New York Mets, with their $370 million and more than $100 million in luxury tax penalties, are one of the worst teams in baseball. They’re 15-25, in dead last in the National League East, and are a whopping 12.5 games out of first place. An expensive lineup that features the highest-paid player in baseball, Juan Soto, along with other high-priced players like Bo Bichette, Francisco Lindor, Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., has scored just 139 runs in 40 games. That’s tied for the lowest run scoring total in MLB this year.  The other team tied at 139 runs scored? The big-market, high-payroll San Francisco Giants. San Francisco has a $200 million payroll thanks to expensive players like Willy Adames at $26 million per year, Matt Chapman at $25 million, Jung Hoo Lee at nearly $19 million, and Rafael Devers, who’s making nearly $30 million annually. The Giants are 17-24 and 7.5 games out of first place.  The Philadelphia Phillies, with a nearly $300 million payroll, are 19-22, have been outscored on the season by over 30 runs, and are nine games back in their division.  Even the Dodgers, who have been accused of "ruining baseball" and making the sport not worth watching, are currently in second place behind the Padres. Their big free-agent acquisition, Kyle Tucker, is hitting just .250 with four home runs and a .392 slugging percentage thus far. He’s making $60 million this year.  Meanwhile, the lowly Tampa Bay Rays, whose entire team payroll is just $87 million, are 27-13 and in first. They have one player making more than $9 million this year, pitcher Nick Martinez.  In the American League West, a division filled with teams in Houston, the Los Angeles metro area, Dallas, and Seattle, it’s the (Sacramento) Athletics in first place as of May 12. The Cleveland Guardians sit first in the AL Central. HERE'S WHAT THE SAN DIEGO PADRES RECORD $3.9 BILLION SALE MEANS FOR MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL In fact, here are the markets in first in all six divisions:  How can the owners make a serious argument that it’s impossible to compete with big market teams with the standings the way they are? Well, it won’t be a serious argument because competitive balance is the least of their concerns. Increasing their franchise values and limiting costs are.  The theory across baseball ownership is that spending less money on contracts makes organizations more valuable. Interestingly, the San Diego Padres, with several big commitments on their books, despite their small market, just sold for $3.9 billion. So that argument falls apart on any level of scrutiny as well. In reality, a salary cap benefits ownership by limiting a free market. Players have little reason to agree to it; therefore, a lockout seems inevitable. If anyone analyzing from the outside can see the standings and make this connection, you can bet the players have too.  It’s a long way from May to December. Hopefully these negotiations, presentations and proposals are successful. Based on prior results, that seems unlikely. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03c173a200899a00ea86b2 Carrie Underwood fires back at Nikki Glaser feud rumors after 'noticeable' tension on 'American Idol' te 2026-05-13T00:10:27.766Z Carrie Underwood fires back at Nikki Glaser feud rumors after 'noticeable' tension on 'American Idol' Carrie Underwood might have "saved a little trouble for the next girl" by putting rumors to rest about a reported feud with a fellow blonde star. Nikki Glaser — a self-declared Swiftie — served as a guest judge during the recent Taylor Swift-themed episode of "American Idol," and fans were convinced they caught tension between Underwood and the comedian. Underwood, who joined the singing competition series as a judge in 2025, stood firm against any negativity assumed between the pair during an appearance on "The Highway with Cody Alan." COUNTRY MUSIC FEUD TAKES UNEXPECTED TURN AS SINGERS QUASH THE 'BEEF' The "Jesus, Take the Wheel" singer shared a snap with Glaser on Instagram following the episode, and wrote, "Had a fun night with the beautiful hilarious Nikki Glaser joining us as a guest judge tonight on 'American Idol.'" Fans were quick to question the sincerity of Underwood's post after calling out the country star for seemingly sending shade toward the comedian during the episode. "Carrie didn’t look like she enjoyed Nikki sitting next to her," one fan wrote. "Rarely looked at her during the show." CARRIE UNDERWOOD SURPRISES 'AMERICAN IDOL' CONTESTANT WITH TIFFANY JEWELRY AND HANDWRITTEN NOTE Another fan asked, "Why are you so fake? … during Keyla’s performance just when @nikkiglaser was about to comment on judging for Keyla you did a side eye to @lionelrichie and rolled your eyes … like it was so noticeable … be kind Carrie do better and you too Lionel." Alan couldn't help but roll his eyes over social media discourse involving the "Before He Cheats" singer. "They want to cause a cat fight over the smallest things," Alan said before Underwood jumped in with her own theory. "I'm very used to that," Underwood assured the radio host. "Cause I feel like if you have two ladies in the same room together, somebody's going to try to make something of it." "She was wonderful and I think she did such a great job, cause it's not an easy thing to come sit behind that desk and try to think of, you know, constructive things to say. I feel like she did everything wonderfully." Underwood assured listeners, "No, there's no beef. I have no beef." CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER The radio show host also pried into Underwood's past experience as the Season 4 winner of "American Idol," and wondered if she still had the same worries walking on stage now that she did then. "It's evolved over time," Underwood said. "My time on 'Idol,' you know, we kind of had message boards and things like that. It was kind of the beginning of just meanness online." LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS The mother-of-two explained that contestants now have to "deal with so much more" than she had to experience. "We just kind of are in a world right now where we forget that we're watching human beings do things," she said. "It's so easy to talk about that, but now it's so easy for them to see that. "It's no longer like water cooler chats that I never would have known about what people were talking about in school or whatever, and now you can just say it online." She added, "That's the thing that everybody has to navigate. I'm like, 'I promise you some day you won't care,' but right now I know they do care." Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/post/6a03bf1aa200899a00ea85de Two Charged With Trafficking 260 Pounds of Meth to New Jersey te 2026-05-13T00:00:26.496Z Two Charged With Trafficking 260 Pounds of Meth to New Jersey They face at least 10 years in prison, and the authorities accused one of the men of being associated with the Sinaloa Cartel. Andhra Pradesh, Telangana https://meenews.co/home