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Mon, 18 May 2026 20:47:13 +0000

The police said that the threat had been “neutralized,” but did not confirm the report that the attack had been fatal.

Skid Row election scheme allegedly fueled by pocket-change payoffs busted by Trump DOJ

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:41:25 +0000

The Department of Justice charged a California woman with paying people — including homeless individuals on Los Angeles’ Skid Row — to register to vote while she worked as a paid ballot-petition signature collector, according to federal prosecutors.

"False registrations undermine Americans’ faith in elections – even more so when payoffs are involved," assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a press release Monday.

"This Justice Department is committed to ensuring that all U.S. elections are fair and free from illegal meddling – so that all Americans can accept the results with confidence," Dhillon added.

MARYLAND BALLOT BLUNDER TRIGGERS GOP PUSH FOR FEDERAL REVIEW OF BLUE STATE'S VOTER ROLLS

Marina del Rey resident "Anika" Brenda Lee Armstrong, 64, solicited signatures for official ballot initiatives, including in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles, often paying people between $2 and $3, according to DOJ.

She was charged with one felony count of paying another person to register to vote and agreed to plead guilty, according to the DOJ. Armstrong made her initial court appearance Monday.

CALIFORNIA WOMAN FACING FELONY CHARGES FOR REGISTERING HER DOG TO VOTE, CASTING 2 BALLOTS

Armstrong worked as a "petition circulator" for approximately 20 years, and would receive payment for each registered voter’s signature, according to her plea agreement.

The amount she was paid varied depending on the specific ballot initiative. Fox News Digital reached out to the DOJ to clarify which initiatives and groups Armstrong was soliciting for and how much she was paid.

Many members of Skid Row’s homeless population were not registered to vote, so prosecutors said Armstrong brought voter registration forms with her and began offering payment to people to complete them.

Prosecutors said Armstrong sometimes provided homeless individuals with her former Los Angeles address to list on voter registration forms, which registered them to vote in both California and federal elections.

CALIFORNIA REPUBLICANS LAUNCH VOTER ID BALLOT PUSH, NEED 875K SIGNATURES BY DEADLINE

California automatically sends vote-by-mail ballots to every registered voter, with prosecutors saying ballots in some individuals’ names could potentially have been sent to Armstrong’s former residence, where those individuals did not live or collect mail.

Armstrong was charged with a felony count of paring another person to register to vote in which she could face a maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.

Investigative reporter James O'Keefe took a victory lap over the indictment, citing O'Keefe Media Group first captured footage of the alleged scheme on Skid Row.

Homeless people are eligible to register to vote so long as they have a location where mail can be received and "be properly assigned to a voting precinct," according to the California Secretary of State.

Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of the California governor and state attorney general for additional comment on the matter on Monday.

Citing Ebola Outbreak, U.S. Restricts Entry From Congo, Uganda and South Sudan

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:39:15 +0000

The order is in effect for 30 days and does not apply to American citizens or U.S. service members.

ICE Agent Charged in Shooting of a Venezuelan Immigrant in Minnesota

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:37:48 +0000

The agent is the second federal officer to face felony charges in Minnesota stemming from Operation Metro Surge, the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown.

New York Times Sues Pentagon for a Second Time

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:32:50 +0000

The Times is challenging a new requirement that reporters covering the military complex have an official escort, part of a broader legal challenge to the Pentagon’s press restrictions.

Trump says he paused attack on Iran as negotiations continue

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:32:32 +0000

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute secures $5M grant to prevent childhood disease

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:32:25 +0000

The Murdoch Children’s Research Institute (MCRI) in Australia will receive a $5 million federal grant to launch a pioneering research team for children’s health.

The grant was announced at MCRI’s 40th anniversary gala in Melbourne on Saturday night.

"For 40 years, MCRI has been a global leader in children’s health research," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told guests at the gala, which was attended by 300 of Australia’s most esteemed medical experts, political leaders, philanthropists and sports luminaries.

INTERNATIONAL EFFORT SEEKS NEW TREATMENTS FOR PEDIATRIC HEART DISEASE

"My government is proud to partner with MCRI, so our world-leading researchers have the best opportunities to support healthier childhoods for Australians now and into the future."

The $5 million will directly support medical research aimed at preventing numerous childhood conditions, including obesity, heart disease, mental health issues and disabilities.

Also announced at the gala, a lead donation from Sarah and Lachlan Murdoch will launch the Horizon Fund — a permanent endowment for MCRI aimed at funding long-term children’s health research and future medical breakthroughs.

THE TEEN ANXIETY EPIDEMIC IN THE US AND AUSTRALIA — AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT IT

The goal is for the fund to raise between $50 million and $100 million in its first year and to reach $200 million within five years.

The fund is designed to back researchers’ immediate priorities while safeguarding long-term capital for future medical breakthroughs in children’s health.

In 2020, the Murdochs donated $5 million to establish a perpetual fellowship supporting leading researchers in fields including stem cell technology and genomic precision medicine.

Co-founded in 1986 by philanthropist and child health advocate Dame Elisabeth Murdoch and pediatrician and genetics pioneer Professor David Danks, MCRI comprises 1,800 scientists, researchers and clinicians.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"Dame Elisabeth’s leadership, along with her values, shaped both the direction and the ethos of the Institute we were to become – for all children to live a healthy and fulfilled life," said Sarah Murdoch, who is Dame Elisabeth Murdoch’s granddaughter-in-law and MCRI’s global ambassador and board co-chair.

"With the generosity of a remarkable group of founding donors alongside the Murdoch family – Sir Jack Brockhoff, the Miller family, and The Scobie and Claire Mackinnon Trust – the foundations were laid for an Institute designed to bring our brightest minds, to serve all children, not only in that moment, but for generations to come," Ms. Murdoch added.

"I see what is possible when foresight, science, commitment, collaboration and heartfelt generosity come together," she emphasized.

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"Because behind every breakthrough is a child — a family desperate for answers. A future changed because of the commitment by so many."

MCRI Director Kathryn North expressed appreciation at the gala to the prime minister for the $5 million grant.

"From the beginning, MCRI has been guided by a simple but powerful purpose: to give all children the opportunity to live a healthy and fulfilled life," North said.

"It reflects a belief that good health is the foundation for a full life, and that opportunity should never be limited by circumstance."

Professor North mentioned the Institute’s focus on developing therapies for previously incurable diseases.

"We are harnessing the power of human stem cell technologies to grow heart patches, functional mini kidneys, blood and immune cells … to better understand disease, and to develop regenerative therapies using a patient’s own stem cells to replace organ transplants and the risk of rejection," she said.

The Institute’s next challenge, North said, is to address chronic conditions like asthma, obesity, allergies and mental health conditions that can persist for decades.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

"These are big problems that will require significant and ongoing support," she said. "Through our work globally, we are helping communities raise their expectations to both deliver and receive the sort of healthcare we take for granted."

"Our ambition now is to translate these partnerships into population-scale solutions that improve the lives of millions of children worldwide," North added. "This is not simply the next chapter for MCRI – it is the work of building the future of children’s health."

Sandy Fire in Simi Valley Forces Immediate Evacuations

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:31:00 +0000

Officials ordered more than 23,000 to evacuate after a brush fire broke out in Simi Valley, Calif.

Brendan Sorsby admits to gambling on his own team, sues NCAA in Lubbock court for injunction

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:29:48 +0000

Brendan Sorsby has filed a lawsuit against the NCAA in hopes of a local judge granting an injunction that would allow him to play this season for Texas Tech, after admitting to gambling on games that involved a school he was enrolled at.

The complaint, filed on Monday, stems from an ongoing investigation into Sorsby for past gambling wagers he placed, which include his time playing for the Indiana Hoosiers.

"Mr. Sorsby is currently ineligible to play for Texas Tech due to prior violations of the NCAA's sports gambling rules. Rather than support a student-athlete's recovery from a gambling addiction, the NCAA has weaponized his condition to shore up a facade of competitive integrity," the complaint reads.

Brendan Sorsby at crossroads: NCAA gambling probe could end Texas Tech QB's college career

According to lawyers representing Sorsby, they asked the NCAA for a "reasonable discipline," but not a full loss of eligibility at Texas Tech for the upcoming season. The NCAA did not want to negotiate with Sorsby, according to his lawyer, but rather stonewalled the process.

Sources tell OutKick that Texas Tech was made aware of the NCAA investigating its quarterback last month. Also, he placed nearly 10,000 bets over the years, most of them being small wagers on sports like the UFC, Romanian soccer, tennis, baseball and even the Nathan's Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.

But placing bets on college football would end up being the crux of where we are today. where we are today.

In his defense for an injunction, the attorney representing Sorsby pointed to the "facts," as they perceive them.

"The facts are straightforward, Mr. Sorsby is a college quarterback who developed a gambling addiction. He bet on sports using only public information. He never bet against his own team or players on his team, never used or shared inside information, and never manipulated a game. The NCAA's own robust, real-time integrity-monitoring systems confirm this."

Hail Mary in Lubbock: Brendan Sorsby’s last shot at beating NCAA gambling allegations

However, Sorsby admits in his filing that he did place bets on his own team while at Indiana.

"Mr. Sorsby placed small bets -- typically between $5 and $50 -- in support of Indiana. In other words, he placed bets on Indiana to win or score more than a certain number of points or for the quarterback to throw for more than a certain number of touchdowns or yards. He rationalized these bets as a way to feel more connected to the team, rooting for his friends and feeling like he had a real "stake" in games despite being otherwise uninvolved."

So, one of the defenses for the quarterback is that he was betting out of the goodness of his heart, and for the Hoosiers while he was on the scout team.

Attorneys noted that when he was named the backup quarterback in 2022, he did not wager on any games involving Indiana football.

We will see if a judge decides that this defense is strong enough to show sympathy for the ongoing gambling addiction, in his push for eligibility.

The NCAA has a strict policy on gambling, especially when it involves a player's own team. Even though Sorsby was redshirting that season, and played in one game, this is obviously still against the rules.

"The NCAA has manufactured an impossible bind: it delays its reinstatement decision while the NFL deadline closes in, forcing Mr. Sorsby to choose between surrendering college eligibility he wants to retain, while risking the loss of a full year of competitive football entirely. This is not equity. Mr. Sorsby has diligently pursued every alternative avenue for relief, but he is not obligated to continue doing so in light of the irreparable harm he now faces. Only this Court can hold the NCAA to its own rules -- and provide Mr. Sorsby and Texas Tech the timely relief they are owed."

In a statement to OutKick, the NCAA says they have not received any notice from the Sorsby camp around reinstatement.

"The NCAA has not received a reinstatement request for this case. The NCAA generally doesn't comment on pending reinstatement requests, but the Association's sports betting rules are clear, as are the reinstatement conditions," the organization noted. "When it comes to betting on one's own team, these rules must be enforced in every case for the simple reason that the integrity of the game is at risk.

"Every sports league has these protections in place, and the NCAA will continue to apply them equally because every student-athlete competing deserves to know they're playing a fair game."

In reality, this move to sue the NCAA is Sorsby hoping to expedite this process and determine if he will be eligible in any way to play this upcoming season.

In his defense, Sorsby is claiming that his mental health condition is being used against him in this situation with the NCAA.

"The NCAA has refused to process his reinstatement request in a timely fashion as required by its own procedures, which typically call for review within 48 hours. The NCAA’s reasons have been pretextual. First, it demanded years of bank records, credit card statements, Venmo transactions, phone logs, text messages, and social media records and insisted on a live interview that would force Mr. Sorsby to interrupt residential treatment," the complaint reads.

In their overwhelming argument, Sorsby is claiming the NCAA will suffer no harm in allowing the quarterback to play this season, and their tactics in stalling a decision will lead to further harm. The complaint states that Sorsby only has until June 22 to make a decision regarding the NFL Supplemental Draft, and the NCAA is dragging its feet in this process.

"The NCAA will suffer no cognizable harm from letting Mr. Sorsby play football while this case proceeds. But if this Court does not act, no future judgment can give Mr. Sorsby what the NCAA will have taken from him."

Now, we will find out if a Lubbock judge decides that this is enough to grant an injunction, though this would set a wild precedent if Sorsby is allowed to play for Texas Tech in 2026.

What is Trump’s $1.776 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund?

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:29:12 +0000

The Trump administration is creating a $1.8 billion fund to compensate people it says were wronged by the federal government, a group that could be largely made up of the president’s allies.

Guard Killed in Shooting at San Diego Islamic Center, Mosque Leader Says

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:21:18 +0000

The police said that the threat had been “neutralized,” but did not confirm the report that the attack had been fatal.

Sandy Fire in Simi Valley Forces Immediate Evacuations

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:17:47 +0000

Officials ordered more than 23,000 to evacuate after a brush fire broke out in Simi Valley, Calif.

American Hantavirus Patient Ordered to Stay in Quarantine Despite Plans to Leave

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:17:47 +0000

An American from the hantavirus-infected cruise ship had wanted to depart an Omaha quarantine facility.

Stephen A Smith fires back at Jaylen Brown after Celtics star called him the 'face of clickbait media'

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:17:33 +0000

Stephen A. Smith is firing back at Jaylen Brown after the Boston Celtics star called the popular ESPN personality the "face of clickbait media" during a Twitch live stream over the weekend.

Brown referred to Smith as a "clown" as well, but the veteran sports pundit took time on Monday’s edition of "First Take" to address those comments in a long rant of his own.

"I’m not going to disrespect Jaylen Brown," Smith said. "…He’s pointing the finger in the wrong direction. Point it at yourself, bro."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Smith had criticized Brown for saying this past season with the Boston Celtics, which ended in the first-round of the playoffs with a loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, was his favorite with the franchise. Brown responded on Sunday night by telling the ESPN personality to "be quirt."

"Did he just say I needed to be quiet? Be quiet for who?" Brown said Sunday night. "Man, f--- Stephen A. Stephen A, Stephen B, Stephen C. My offer still stands. You want me to be quiet and stop streaming, well, I want you to be quiet and get off these networks because you’re not using your platform to do real journalism. You’re using your platform to use clickbait."

CELTICS STAR JAYLEN BROWN TEARS INTO ESPN'S STEPHEN A SMITH AS FEUD ESCALATES: 'FACE OF CLICKBAIT MEDIA'

"Tell this mother----er to retire because he’s the face of clickbait media at the point and maybe with his retirement we can spark a movement to get the rest of these mother----ers out of here — or to also have some type of … forget journalistic integrity, actual integrity in order to hold themselves accountable to the bulls--- takes they put out."

Smith doubled down on his previous comment, though, in Monday’s monologue.

"The Boston Celtics, the most storied franchise in basketball annals, 18 [championships]. You helped deliver one of them just two years ago. Two years later, y’all surrender a 3-1 lead for the first time in its history, in franchise history, with you driving the bus. And 24 hours after you didn’t go to the basket in the final two minutes, after y’all launched three-point shots on six separate occasions and missed every one of them. [In] 24 hours after that was over, you went on camera as a representative for the Boston Celtics and called it your favorite season. A season where Jayson Tatum was on the bench for 60 games, a season that ended with you losing a 3-1 lead, a season that ended with you getting bounced in the First Round. You went on and said that was your favorite season."

"Since you represent the franchise, I was simply providing a heads up that it wasn’t wise from somebody who is considered relatively wise to say that 24 hours after being sent home, after surrendering a 3-1 lead in the postseason for the first time in franchise history. That’s what I said."

Smith ended his rant with a warning for Brown.

"In the end, Jaylen Brown, be careful what you wish for," he said. "You really want me to start reporting on that level? You understand? Locker room, how the organization might feel about you, how the city might feel about you, how Jayson Tatum may or may not feel about you. Sneaker deals, endorsement deals, the list goes on and on.

"The season is over, bro. You’re on Twitch trying to do what I do, and me needing to step away. It makes no sense. I’m not being disrespectful. I’m simply making the point it is not wise after 24 hours of having your season over in the First Round for you to be coming out talking about how that’s your favorite season. It ain’t the smartest thing in the world to do."

Smith also prefaced his statement by saying how he’s been on Brown’s side throughout the season, as well as in the past. He brought up his philanthropy within his community and explained how much he respected Brown.

As Smith mentioned, the Celtics were shockingly bounced from the NBA Playoffs after losing three straight games to finish their first-round series with the Sixers. During the regular season, with Tatum rehabbing his way back from injury, Brown was the focal point of the Celtics, averaging 28.7 points, 6.9 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game.

Boston ended up earning the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference after going 56-26, but they couldn’t finish against Philadelphia, ultimately setting unfortunate franchise history in the process.

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What is Trump’s $1.776 Billion ‘Anti-Weaponization’ Fund?

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:17:11 +0000

The Trump administration is creating a $1.8 billion fund to compensate people it says were wronged by the federal government, a group that could be largely made up of the president’s allies.

Threat 'neutralized' after active shooter reported at Islamic Center of San Diego

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:11:05 +0000

What to Know About the Ebola Outbreak, as U.S. Restricts Travelers

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:11:04 +0000

The United States restricted entry of people who have been to three African countries, after the World Health Organization declared a global health emergency. The outbreak has killed more than 100.

This Ebola outbreak raises questions about when it all began -- and the U.S. response

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:10:41 +0000

The sheer number of cases and deaths are a sign that the outbreak might have been smoldering before the virus was identified.

(Image credit: Badru Katumba/AFP)

This Ebola outbreak raises questions about when it all began — and the U.S. response

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:10:41 +0000

The sheer number of cases and deaths are a sign that the outbreak might have been smoldering before the virus was identified.

(Image credit: Badru Katumba/AFP)

Enter the wedding reception as you wish, but doing the worm can cause a G-string exposing wardrobe malfunction

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:08:58 +0000

By all means, enter the reception as a member of the wedding party as you wish. I'm not here to ruin anyone's good time. I am going to point out a couple of things to keep in mind.

This goes for any entrance at any time during any part of the wedding. If you want to put something together, just keep in mind that unless it goes south most people aren't going to care.

That goes for attempting a backward worm. What's the best outcome of that? You roll around on the floor for a few seconds and everyone moves on to the next thing.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE

What you risk is ruining your bridesmaid dress, or suit for the fellas, and exposing your nude G-string because someone thought making it a backward worm attempt was a good idea.

Here's that scenario playing out.

The worst part of such a wardrobe malfunction, if you can call it that, is that it was absolutely unnecessary. There's no reason to go with the worm, let alone a backward one. That's asking for trouble.

I will, however, give Georgie Ball some credit. There was a point where she knew the dress was finished, but she had already committed to the worm and stuck with it. A weaker bridesmaid may have bailed on the move.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

The 28-year-old powered through. Sure she might have ended up stealing some of the bride's thunder in the process, but everyone learned a valuable lesson that day.

You can and will go viral in your G-string if you chest-bump your brother and split your dress doing a backward worm during your wedding reception entrance. It's not worth it to me, but don't let that stop you from making the attempt. Again, I'm not trying to ruin anyone's good time. If you want to go cheeks out at a wedding, go for it.

"We were having a few drinks pre-ceremony and thought, 'Let's do a cartwheel and go into a worm,'" Ball told News.com.au. "I told my brother I couldn't do the cartwheel because it would break the dress, but I'd do the worm instead."

She added, "I felt it go as soon as I hinged forward a couple of centimeters, but I thought, 'Well, I'm in it now — the show goes on."

Ball finished the night with multiple safety pins trying to hold the dress together, a shawl tied around her waist, and as the star of a viral video.

Ebola Was Identified in Congo Weeks Before W.H.O. Declared an Emergency

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:05:11 +0000

Early surveillance and testing failed to identify the rare species of Ebola responsible for the current outbreak. An American doctor is among the confirmed cases.

I earned 7 promotions in 28 years at the same company. These 3 questions helped me rise.

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:04:29 +0000

WATCH: Eye-popping illegal immigration stat prompts senator's demand to 'redouble' deportations

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:03:47 +0000

Testimony from a policy analyst at a libertarian think tank was unexpectedly highlighted by immigration hawks after he delivered an opening statement at a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing featuring controversial Fairfax County prosecutor Stephen Descano.

The hearing, chaired by Rep. Thomas McClintock, R-Calif., examined several examples of allegedly lax prosecutions by Descano involving illegal immigrants with prior rap sheets — including a Sierra Leone national accused of murdering a young woman at a bus stop on U.S. 1.

In his opening remarks, Cato Institute immigration expert David Bier testified that the "way to fix Fairfax" is not to continue the "mass deportation" agenda of President Donald Trump.

"The first step would be to give up on the mass deportation fantasy," Bier said.

SOROS-BACKED PROSECUTOR SET FOR CAPITOL HILL GRILLING AS SANCTUARY POLICIES FACE RECKONING

"About 1-in-5 Fairfax residents is someone who could be deported or who lives with them — It would destroy neighborhoods, rip Americans away from their spouses, parents, friends, families, customers, employees, employers, nurses, nannies, and teachers."

While Bier later added that he believes noncitizens who harm Americans should be deported, his earlier statement drew the attention of several immigration hawks, including Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah.

Lee borrowed Bier’s logic to prove immigration hardliners’ point that mass deportation is the right solution:

"On the contrary: 20% of a wealthy DC suburb being illegal immigrants means we should redouble our efforts to deport them all," Lee said.

Bier responded to Lee's comments in a lengthy statement to Fox News Digital, arguing the Utah Republican failed to explain why mass deportation would benefit Americans in Fairfax County.

"What was the senator’s explanation for [his] statement? The senator never says why it would benefit the country to harm Fairfax County and the Americans who live there, so there’s nothing to rebut," Bier said.

FOX NEWS POLL: VOTERS VIEW LEGAL IMMIGRATION AS HELPFUL, FAVOR DEPORTING THOSE WHO ARE HERE ILLEGALLY

"The senator is wrong to characterize the 20% as all illegal immigrants since half of them are just people who live with illegal immigrants, which is precisely my point."

"Mass deportation would harm those Americans and many others by ripping them away from their spouses, parents, children, friends, family, employees, employers, customers, nurses, nannies, and teachers," the immigration expert added.

Bier said mass deportation becomes more expensive and impractical as the population of illegal immigrants grows, meaning continuing on the current course will harm Americans.

"I would ask the senator: how many Americans would have to be hurt by mass deportation before he would reconsider his views?"

Reached for additional comment, Lee spokesman Billy Gribbin told Fox News Digital that the Utahn "believes in enforcing US law and deporting illegal immigrants — not making excuses for criminals who hurt Americans."

Fox News Digital also asked DHS about the apparent statistical admission, and an agency spokesperson blamed Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s "reckless sanctuary policies" for making Fairfax and the rest of the Old Dominion a "hotbed for illegal alien criminals."

"The stories of the victims and facts speak for themselves. The sanctuary politicians of Fairfax County have blood on their hands," the spokesperson said.

DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin added separately that half the murders recorded recently in Fairfax were allegedly perpetrated by "illegals who shouldn’t have been in our country to begin with."

"We have politicians who want to protect the criminals, President Trump is still protecting all of our neighborhoods," Mullin said.

Bier’s 1-in-5 statistic was also cited in a CATO document footnoted to the K Street firm Migration Policy Institute. MPI’s data showed an estimated 102,000-person "unauthorized" population in Fairfax — which has a census count of about 1.2 million as of 2020.

The top "countries-of-birth" on MPI’s list in that regard were El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, Bolivia and Peru, while only 4% combined was recorded from Canada, Europe and Oceania.

Senate Republican threatens to derail ICE, Border Patrol package over Trump's billion-dollar request

Mon, 18 May 2026 20:01:18 +0000

An internal dispute could derail Republicans’ goal of funding immigration operations for the remainder of President Donald Trump's presidency.

Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., told his colleagues that he would not support the GOP’s $72 billion reconciliation package if it included $1 billion in funding for Trump’s ballroom.

His defection, along with a handful of other Republicans critical of the funding, could sink the bill.

SENATE REPUBLICANS BALK AT $1B WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM REQUEST: ‘YOU MADE THAT NUMBER UP’

And given the GOP’s narrow margin in the upper chamber, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., can’t afford Republicans to break from the party line.

Tillis’ opposition, which was first reported by Axios and confirmed by a source familiar to Fox News Digital, alone isn’t enough to torpedo the package meant to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol for the next three and a half years.

But others, including Sens. John Curtis, R-Utah, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Rick Scott, R-Fla., aren’t thrilled with the funding.

Republicans were briefed by Secret Service Director Sean Curran last week on the funding, which included $220 million for "White House complex hardening."

REPUBLICANS SLIP $1 BILLION IN TAXPAYER MONEY FOR TRUMP BALLROOM SECURITY IN ICE, BORDER PATROL PACKAGE

That 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," according to an itemized readout obtained by Fox News Digital.

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.

But a saving grace for Republicans could be the Senate referee’s ruling that funding for the ballroom should get yanked from the package.

In order for budget reconciliation to pause the 60-vote threshold and pass under a simple majority of votes, the package has to comply with the Senate’s strict Byrd Rule. Senate Democrats pushed for the Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough to strip out the funding, and they were successful.

SEVERAL PROVISIONS FAIL TO PASS MUSTER WITH SENATE RULES IN 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL'

McDonough ruled over the weekend that, given the complexity and scale of the ballroom project, it would involve the coordination of "many government agencies which span the jurisdiction of many Senate committees. As drafted, the provision inappropriately funds activities outside the jurisdiction of the Judiciary Committee."

Thune said that Republicans had learned a lot from the parliamentarian’s rulings last year when they were crafting the "big, beautiful bill," and that the process is a "give-and-take."

But still, it’s full steam ahead for the GOP to try and advance the package by the end of the week.

"I think that if we can get it done, we should get it done," Thune said. "I'm always somebody who believes, especially around here, you want to strike while the iron’s hot, and I think if we, if we're ready to go, the committees have acted, and we're in a good place with parliamentarian, and we've got, you know, decent attendance here, then I think we want to try and wrap this up."

Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., the top Democrat on the Senate Budget Committee, lauded the ruling, but noted that Republicans would likely try to find a way to work the funding back in.

"We cannot let Republicans waste our national treasure on a mission of chaos and corruption while turning a blind eye to the needs of the American people," Merkley said.

Report: Chinese propaganda, Singham network, foreign dark money linked to campaigns against data centers

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:56:02 +0000

On Sunday, CodePink, a far-left, pro-China, pro-communism nonprofit activist group, published a video on Instagram attacking a proposed data center project in Utah backed by investor Kevin O’Leary.

According to a new report, obtained by Fox News Digital, that wasn't a coincidence.

The report, "Foreign Influence in the Campaign against American AI," by the Bitcoin Policy Institute, alleges that there are "three vectors of foreign influence converging on the push to block U.S. AI data center construction."

They include a nonprofit network funded by tech tycoon Neville Roy Singham, a U.S. expatriate living in Shanghai promoting Chinese propaganda; Chinese Communist Party state media; and dark money funding tied to foreign billionaires including Swiss billionaire Hansjörg Wyss and British billionaire Alan Parker.

POWER COUPLE OF CHAOS: HOW A TYCOON AND ACTIVIST BUILT A ‘REVOLUTIONARY BASE’ AT THE HOUSE OF SINGHAM

The report alleges nonprofits funded by Singham — including CodePink — have spent years fueling opposition to U.S. AI infrastructure and data center expansion in coordination with Chinese propaganda narratives and foreign-funded activist networks. As reported, in February 2017, Singham married Jodie Evans, the co-founder of CodePink in a lavish wedding in Jamaica, and, according to a Fox News Digital investigation, Singham pumped $285 million into six nonprofits over the next several years, using a series of shell companies and a donor-advised fund established at a philanthropy arm of Goldman Sachs. A spokesman for Goldman Sachs told Fox News Digital that the company "terminated" Singham's donor-advised fund in early 2024.

Still, the network of organizations that Singham has funded have continued to act as proxies for the propaganda of the Chinese Communist Party.

On March 25, amid campaigns by Singham organizations against U.S. technology firms, Sen. Bernie Sanders and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez introduced the "AI Data Center Moratorium Act." Weeks later, on April 29, Sanders hosted a Capitol Hill event titled "The Existential Threat of AI."

According to the report, two of the four panelists at that event were affiliated with the Chinese government: Zeng Yi, founding dean of the Beijing Institute of AI Safety and Governance, and Xue Lan, a counselor of China’s State Council and chair of China’s National AI Governance Committee.

Singham, Evans, Wyss, Parker Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez didn't respond to requests for comment. The organizations named in the report didn't respond to requests for comment.

BERNIE SANDERS' PLANS TO SCHMOOZE WITH TOP BEIJING AI EXPERTS IGNITES BACKLASH: 'HOLY SH--'

The report states that, using a U.S. Senate platform, Xue argued that the U.S.-China AI race was "an inaccurate narrative" and promoted "safe zones" of cooperation on AI governance, messaging the report says paralleled years of Chinese state media narratives surrounding AI policy and American technological development.

Sam Lyman, head of research at the Bitcoin Policy Institute and a former senior speechwriter for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, said, "Ensuring that AI is safe and empowers American workers must be a top priority for US policymakers. But the discussion about AI safety should not be influenced by geopolitical rivals, especially China, whose leaders have publicly stated their intentions to accelerate AI development to ‘gain the initiative in global science and technology competition.’"

"Depending on advances in this field, there may come a time when the United States and China must engage in bilateral negotiations to ensure the safe development of AI," Lyman said. "But until then, an honest conversation about AI safety requires filtering any foreign influence. This report provides the transparency citizens and lawmakers need to see who is funding and influencing the campaigns shaping the AI policy debate."

STEVE FORBES: THE AI COLD WAR HAS BEGUN AND AMERICA CANNOT AFFORD TO LOSE

The convergence of interest groups opposing data centers isn't a coincidence, the report alleges.

"These events did not take place in isolation," says the report. "They were the culmination of a multi-year influence campaign against American AI conducted across three vectors of foreign influence."

The report specifically alleges that Beijing’s state-run media outlets — including CGTN, China Daily and Global Times — have pushed anti-data-center narratives inside the United States while China simultaneously subsidizes domestic AI infrastructure development.

"The asymmetry is what gives the operation away," the report argues. "While Beijing’s state media warns American audiences that data centers are environmentally and economically dangerous, the Chinese state subsidizes up to half of the energy costs of its own AI data center operators."

The report further alleges that the Singham network "has spent nearly five years producing parallel domestic content opposing U.S. AI infrastructure, AI labs, and AI export controls."

It points to multiple examples involving organizations linked to the network.

GORDON CHANG: A LOT OF OUR ANTI-AMERICAN PROTESTS ARE MADE IN CHINA

In January 2026, CodePink published an article titled "The War Intervention: AI, Data Centers, and the Environment," directly targeting U.S. AI data centers, including Meta’s Hyperion project in Louisiana and Meta Cheyenne in Wyoming, while framing the fight as opposition to "the new Cold War on China."

The report also cites Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, a Singham-funded think tank, for repeatedly opposing U.S. semiconductor export controls and criticizing efforts to limit China’s AI development.

On March 27, Tricontinental published an article, "Breaking the Stranglehold: How China Is Shattering US Technological Hegemony," arguing against U.S. AI chip restrictions and portraying American export controls as an attempt to suppress China’s rise.

That same day, Peoples Dispatch — which is also part of the Singham ecosystem — published "Kill Chain: Silicon Valley, AI, and the war on Iran," attacking AI companies including Anthropic and Palantir Technologies. The report describes the same-day publication pattern across affiliated outlets as evidence of coordinated messaging operations.

By May 1, CodePink published an article, "The Dark Side of the Data Center Boom," adding to the cacophony of coordinated protests against U.S. data centers.

The House Ways and Means Committee, House Oversight Committee and the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party are investigating whether some of the nonprofits should register under the Foreign Agents Registration Act, or FARA. The House Ways and Means Committee has issued letters to Singham-funded organizations, seeking internal documents related to their funding, operations and connections to Singham and the Chinese Communist Party.

FIRST ON FOX: POWERFUL HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS CHAIR THROWS HAMMER DOWN ON 'FOREIGN-ALIGNED INFLUENCE NETWORK'

On foreign funding, the report alleges that charitable organizations tied to Wyss and Parker have routed billions of dollars into U.S.-based advocacy infrastructure now aligned against AI infrastructure projects and data centers.

It specifically highlights a Dec. 8, 2025, letter organized by Food & Water Watch, a nonprofit, calling for a national moratorium on new AI data centers. According to the report, about 230 organizations signed the letter, including groups receiving funding from networks linked to Wyss and Parker.

The report notes that the Sanders-Ocasio-Cortez moratorium legislation was introduced 107 days after the coalition letter was circulated.

"That kind of efficiency typically distinguishes coordinated advocacy infrastructure from spontaneous grassroots opposition," the AI Policy Institute states.

The report argues that "ensuring that AI is safe and empowers American workers must be a top priority for U.S. policymakers," but says the debate over AI safety and data centers "should not be influenced by a geopolitical rival."

In its conclusion, the report frames the debate in stark geopolitical terms, arguing that "the choice facing policymakers is not between AI or no AI but between American AI or Chinese AI."

By early afternoon on Monday, the CodePink video opposing the Utah data center project had acquired 356 likes, many of them from the pro-China, pro-communist activist ecosystem.

Mamdani’s First City-Owned Grocery Store Is Planned for the South Bronx

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:53:38 +0000

Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that the store would open in the Hunts Point neighborhood next year. Some merchants are pushing back.

Active shooter reported at San Diego Islamic center as SWAT, emergency crews respond

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:53:19 +0000

San Diego Police responded Monday afternoon to reports of an active shooter at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

The San Diego Police Department said officers were on scene at the mosque in the 7000 block of Eckstrom Avenue and urged the public to avoid the area as the situation unfolded.

A large police and SWAT presence gathered outside the Islamic Center, according to FOX 5 San Diego, while San Diego Fire-Rescue crews also responded to the scene.

NINE DEAD, 13 WOUNDED IN SECOND TURKISH MASS SHOOTING IN TWO DAYS

Children from nearby schools were seen being evacuated as officers established a perimeter around the area, the outlet reported.

Mayor Todd Gloria said on X that he was aware of the situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

"I am aware of the active shooter situation at the Islamic Center of San Diego in Clairemont and am continuing to receive updates from law enforcement," he wrote on X. "Emergency personnel are on scene and actively working to protect the community and secure the area."

In another post, Gloria wrote, "Please avoid the area and follow instructions from public safety officials. We will share updates as more information becomes available."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

WNBA graphic omitting Caitlin Clark shows identity politics still come first | Bobby Burack

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:50:23 +0000

Before the start of the WNBA season, OutKick argued that the league was in position to establish itself as a viable mainstream attraction. But to do that, the league needed to embrace Caitlin Clark as the transcendent, once-in-a-generation superstar she is.

It turns out the WNBA still isn't ready to do that.

On Sunday, the league posted a social media graphic promoting its doubleheader on NBC/Peacock. The graphic featured A’ja Wilson of the Aces, Angel Reese of the Dream, Zia Cooke of the Storm, and, representing the Fever, Raven Johnson.

That's right. Raven Johnson, who is averaging 1.0 points per game this season.

Johnson is also Black. While we normally wouldn't mention her skin color, it likely played a role in the decision to feature her over Clark. We can't think of another reason the league would do so.

If the WNBA's goal was to spotlight newer or lesser-known players, we could at least understand the logic. But that clearly wasn't the case, considering the graphic also included established stars like Wilson and Reese.

Had the league also promoted Isobel Borlase, who averages 1.0 points per game, over Reese, we might have given it the benefit of the doubt.

This omission of Clark is hardly a new development. Throughout Clark's first two seasons in the league, the WNBA repeatedly excluded her from promos, commercials and graphics.

Imagine the NBA promoting a Bulls game in the 1990s without Michael Jordan. Imagine the league previewing a new season today without LeBron James. If you can find a single ad for the upcoming Texas Longhorns season that doesn't feature Arch Manning, let us know.

Every sport's league promotes its biggest stars. It would be foolish not to. Well, every league except the WNBA.

There remains deep sensitivity around Caitlin Clark's popularity because people in and around the sport insist it exists only because she is a straight White woman from Iowa. ESPN pundits continue to insist that's the reason, despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. As a result, people around the league — apparently, including its social media team — seem determined to prove they are either not racist (if White) or not a sellout (if Black).

DOUBLE STANDARD: IT'S ONLY A CONTROVERSY WHEN CAITLIN CLARK WALKS OUT WITH MORGAN WALLEN

Racial tensions surrounding Clark are especially high right now, after a group of racially idolatrous media members fumed outrage over her walking out with Morgan Wallen at his concert last weekend.

For context, there was no backlash when Patrick Mahomes, Myles Garrett and Marshawn Lynch appeared with Wallen. But when the White girl did it, suddenly it became a controversy.

An ESPN guest writer named Jayson Buford accused Clark on Substack of appealing to a "scary" form of "whiteness," whatever that means, by walking out with Wallen.

"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."

Like the social media team, Buford signaled his virtue. No one can accuse him of being a sellout.

Meanwhile, the WNBA once again looks bush league, petty and toxic. Burying your biggest star because she is white — and because some people within the league resent that reality — is not just unappealing. It's racist. It sends the message that the WNBA is more concerned with identity politics than appealing to fans.

By now, the playbook is painfully predictable. The WNBA undermines Clark. Her fans notice. And then, her detractors accuse those fans of racism for noticing. Rinse and repeat.

Finally, Clark finished Sunday's game with 21 points, 10 assists and 7 rebounds, leading the Fever to an 89-78 win over the Storm. Raven Johnson, who made the graphic over Clark, didn't score a single point.

And that's why the WNBA remains a small-time sports league subject to mockery, despite employing arguably the most popular basketball player in the world.

Gun Found in Mangione’s Backpack Can be Used as Evidence, Judge Says

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:49:43 +0000

The ruling was a partial victory for prosecutors in the murder trial of Luigi Mangione. A state judge ruled that some other material and statements could not be used.

Maher shames Clintons, Kamala, Dems, saying they won't go on his show or anywhere they aren't 'pre-adored'

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:49:36 +0000

Talk show host Bill Maher criticized former Vice President Kamala Harris and the Clintons on Monday’s episode of his podcast.

When asked on his "Club Random" podcast by rapper will.i.am about who he has not yet had a chance to interview but would love to chat with, Maher responded, "Ironically, mostly Democrats, [but] like, because they're such p---ies, they won't come on the show. Like the Clintons, I mean, you know, Kamala, I voted for you."

"Democrats are p---ies about, like, going anywhere that they're not already pre-adored," he continued. "Not all of them, but I mean, somebody Kamala Harris, I mean, like I always say to my woke friends, we voted for the same person. You're just why she lost."

BILL MAHER SLAMS DEMOCRATS LIKE KAMALA HARRIS AND THE CLINTONS FOR BEING 'AFRAID' TO COME ON HIS SHOW

"Why are Democrats like that?" will.i.am asked, arguing that Democrats seem more passive than Republicans.

After making comparisons about how the world is divided into opposite forces, Maher said that the specific problem ailing Democrats is, "They just came to champion a lot of really silly anti-common sense ideas."

Maher argued that was not the case for the Democrats during the Bush and Obama years, arguing that Obama was "the ultimate pragmatist."

FETTERMAN RIPS DEMS FOR HATING ANYTHING TRUMP DOES, SAYS PARTY CAN’T RESIST WORST IMPULSES

As will.i.am expressed confusion about how the Democratic Party could have fallen so far since then, Maher replied, "What you have to mainly understand about political parties is that they're controlled by their fringes."

"The people on the fringes," Maher said of both sides of politics. "They have the megaphone, especially on the left. Well, both … It's younger people. Younger people on both sides are much more radical, and they're better at social media. They're better at media. They're better at getting attention."

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Harris and the Clintons did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Guard Killed in Shooting at San Diego Islamic Center, Mosque Leader Says

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:49:22 +0000

The police said the situation at the county’s largest mosque remained “active,” but did not confirm the report that at least one person had been killed.

SEC, Big Ten are dominating college football thanks to massive advantages over other conferences

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:48:54 +0000

Along with name, image, and likeness impacting how college football teams are built and which programs have success, conference realignment has fundamentally changed the sport as well.

The "old" version of the Pac-12 no longer exists. Somehow, the Washington Huskies, Oregon Ducks, USC Trojans and UCLA Bruins are Big Ten teams. The Atlantic Coast Conference now contains teams that play miles from the Pacific Ocean in Stanford and Cal. While the SEC at least is more geographically consistent, it's still odd to think of Texas, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma as "SEC" teams instead of the traditional Big 12.

Why did this realignment happen? There's an obvious answer: money.

Simply, the Pac-12 collapsed because its top programs fell behind monetarily. USC, a historic program in the country's second largest media market, was bringing in less revenue from television contracts than a team like Purdue. Because Purdue was in the Big Ten and USC was in the Pac-12.

WHICH TEAMS HAVE THE TOUGHEST STRENGTH OF SCHEDULE HEADING INTO COLLEGE FOOTBALL SEASON?

Texas and Oklahoma joined the SEC for a larger slice of television revenue pie. More money equals better facilities, better coaches, better recruiting. And now with schools allowed to directly pay football players, a stronger likelihood of better rosters.

Making more money never hurts, but it's clear from looking at the latest revenue estimates between conferences why conference realignment happened. And why it might not be over.

Jeff Fuller on X compiled data from the Equity in Athletics Data Analysis on average team total revenue per conference, and immediately, it's obvious why the top two conferences are the top two conferences.

The SEC far and away brings in the most average revenue per team with $215.5 million. Their deal with ESPN is massive, and thanks to large, passionate fanbases, attendance across the conference is consistently strong. Then there's the Big Ten, which easily clears the ACC, but is tens of millions behind the SEC. That's the power of their television deal and consistency between fanbases.

Looking at the dynamics in both conferences right now, it aligns almost perfectly. The SEC in the post-Nick Saban era is strong top to bottom. Georgia, Alabama, Texas, OU, LSU, Ole Miss, Tennessee, Vanderbilt, Florida...there's quality and unmatched depth. The Big Ten at the top can match up with anyone, but the bottom of the conference isn't quite as strong.

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This data also makes clear why the ACC and Big 12 have, generally, fallen behind their counterparts: they simply don't make as much money. Miami has turned into an NIL powerhouse and gotten itself back near the top of the sport. But consistently, ACC teams are bringing in less revenue and having less success. Same with Big 12 teams in the post Texas-OU era. Texas Tech, thanks to Cody Campbell, has used NIL to its advantage, but other programs are clearly struggling to keep up.

Does higher revenue automatically mean the SEC and Big Ten will win every championship from here on out? No, not necessarily. Miami was a few plays away from beating Indiana, after all. But it's a significant advantage to bring in more money. And if there are opportunities for even more conference realignment, it wouldn't be surprising if ambitious programs jump ship for greener pastures.

Would Miami leave for the SEC on the assumption that bringing in tens of millions more in revenue each year could make them a force to be reckoned with? What about Notre Dame, would they move into the Big Ten if their unique television arrangement changes?

It seems impossible, and yet just a few years ago, Oregon being in the Big Ten did too.

Sandy Fire in Simi Valley Forces Immediate Evacuations

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:48:12 +0000

Officials ordered more than 23,000 to evacuate after a brush fire broke out in Simi Valley, Calif.

2026 Western Conference Finals odds, best bets, series spread: San Antonio Spurs vs Oklahoma City Thunder

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:46:26 +0000

If you aren't jacked up for the 2026 Western Conference Finals, the NBA just ain't for you. It features the two best teams in the Association, with the reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder hosting the San Antonio Spurs for Game 1 Monday.

Led by back-to-back MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City swept through the first two rounds of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, ending the Phoenix Suns' and Los Angeles Lakers' seasons. Thunder All-Star wing Jalen Williams returns from a six-game injury hiatus for this series.

2025-26 NBA TITLE ODDS: THUNDER, SPURS FAVORED AHEAD OF WCF CLASH

The Spurs have lost only three times so far this postseason, but they didn't have Victor Wembanyama in two of those losses. It took San Antonio five games to eliminate the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round and six to get past the Minnesota Timberwolves in the conference semifinals.

Let's discuss whether Wemby is ready to bring the Spurs to the NBA Finals in their first season as a title contender, or if Shai and OKC's championship core and continuity are too much to overcome. By "discuss," of course, I mean make some bets.

As you can see in my blurb for OutKick's newsletter above, San Antonio owned OKC in the regular season and NBA Cup. You can't pooh-pooh those results either because the Thunder had Shai, Williams and big Chet Holmgren for three of their four losses to the Spurs this season.

Also, San Antonio has been essentially unbeatable with Wembanyama on the floor. According to The Ringer's Zach Lowe on "The Bill Simmons Podcast," the Spurs are 37-3 when Wemby plays at least 15 minutes since February 1.

San Antonio's size is the main reason it has betting value in this series. Spurs wings Stephon Castle and Julian Champagnie can defend Gilgeous-Alexander on the perimeter and it's harder for him to operate in the mid-range with Wembanyama protecting the paint.

Think about it: Shai drives into the paint, uses his off-arm to get a makeable look. But San Antonio's wings are long and athletic enough to contest those shots and he is driving into Wemby's turf.

Furthermore, the Spurs negate two of Oklahoma City's strengths: Getting to the foul line and forcing turnovers. San Antonio led the NBA in defensive FT/FGA rate during the regular season and ranked fifth in offensive turnover rate.

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We are getting a great price on the Spurs in this series because they don't have playoff experience. Yet, that doesn't matter since San Antonio put the right pieces around the best basketball player ever and matches up perfectly with OKC.

For the record, the way I'm betting the Western Conference Finals is to risk three-fourths of my bet on the Spurs +1.5 series games (-110) and the other quarter-unit on San Antonio to win the series (+210).

_____________________________

Follow me on X @Geoffery-Clark, and check out my OutKick Bets Podcast for more betting content and random rants.

Hannah Jeter makes rare public appearance and still fires heat, Shania Twain's new look stuns & HOA Karen!

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:40:01 +0000

Penultimate week of May. We're one week from Memorial Day, which means we're staring down the barrel of one of those coveted three-day weekends. A lot of folks are gearing up for a vacation for the first time since the holidays.

Hey. That's me! I'm grinding the next few days, and then taking off for the West Coast (of Florida, of course) next week. Will I start mailing it in sometime around Thursday afternoon? Maybe. Probably. But we've got a few days before we have to cross that bridge.

For now, we grind. Let's roll.

Welcome to a Monday Nightcaps — the one where Hannah Jeter makes a rare cameo and doesn't disappoint.

What else? I've got the best #content from a loaded weekend, Rory and PCA had similar Sunday afternoons, and this Aaron Rai may be my new favorite golfer of all time. What a workhorse. What a machine. Man of the people!

OK, grab you two gloves just like Aaron, and settle in for a Monday 'Cap!

Does anyone here wear two gloves while they golf? That's my question to everyone as we get this week going. I don't, but buddy, I've always wanted to.

JASON DAY ASKED TO TONE DOWN MASTERS ATTIRE AFTER UNCONVENTIONAL CLOTHING CHOICE LAST YEAR

It's probably because of my baseball background. I was never one of those lunatics who went with the no-batting glove look. I respect folks who do it, but I'm not built for that. I needed my batting gloves like I needed air to breathe, and I've always thought I'd be a better golfer if I just sacked up and put on the extra glove.

But I don't do it, mainly because I assume I'd be mocked. Who the hell am I to be the weirdo wearing two gloves, only to skull one into the next tee box? But this Aaron Rai fella may have changed everything for me. He's a PGA champion now. If he's not above wearing two gloves, why should I be? Same with the iron covers. Same with the tees.

He goes out there and just does what he wants, and it works. You look good, you feel good. You feel good, you play good.

PAIGE SPIRANAC OPENS UP ABOUT GOLF ATTIRE DESPITE TAKING HEAT FROM FASHION POLICE

Two gloves. Iron covers. Goofy tees. A driver that literally costs $100 on eBay RIGHT NOW. He doesn't care. Perhaps we should all just say 'screw it,' and start doing what WE want on the course. I think that's the message Aaron Rai's win at Aronimink should be.

And that's my Ted Talk for the day!

Now, let's get this class (and week) going by welcoming BACK Hannah Jeter, who makes a rare cameo every few years just to remind us the fastball is still very much alive:

For those keeping count at home (and that's none of you), Hannah posts once a year on Instagram, and it's always from this event. That's it.

For a former Sports Illustrated model, we get shockingly little news out of Hannah Jeter, which I respect.

Sometimes, less is more. Every once in a while, though, you have to chime back in and let the internet know you're still in control. That's what we get every 365 days out of Hannah.

See you next May, Hannah! Have a great summer/fall/winter/spring.

PS: Nomar>>>Jeter. There, I said it. And I mean it.

OK, let's get to the best #content from a big weekend.

Another solid weekend! Good work by all. We've got a few weeks until golf's third major of the year at Shinnecock Hills.

Until then, a couple thoughts ...

OK, let's rapid-fire this big Monday class into a big Monday night. First up? Let's check in with Rory and PCA, who both had fun Sundays at work!

Don't know if I'm on an island here or not, but ... I have no problem with either clip. And I'm talking about the fans AND the players.

Fans can yell and scream and heckle all they want. But, so can the players, in my mind. Eye for an eye stuff. PCA just crashed into a well and didn't make the catch. Rory just duffed one into the bunker. If I did either of those two things and someone was immediately yelling at me, I'd most definitely give it right back.

I'm good with both. But, admittedly, I've also been to 50 Red Sox games at Fenway in my lifetime, and that place is an absolute war zone. Perhaps I'm just numb to it all at this point.

OK, that's it for today. Good start to the week. It was a golf-heavy class, so we'll let Paige take us home.

See you Wednesday.

OutKick Nightcaps is a daily column set to run Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. (roughly, we’re not robots).

Any two-glovers in here? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com.

Trump says he paused attack on Iran as negotiations continue

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:38:05 +0000

What to Know About Elon Musk’s Trial Against OpenAI

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:35:29 +0000

A jury in Oakland, Calif., reached a decision after a three-week-long trial seen as pivotal for the future of OpenAI and the artificial intelligence race.

A new Swatch model is introduced, and a case study in overexcited 'drop culture' plays out

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:33:13 +0000

San Diego police say they are responding to an active shooter at a local mosque

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:29:50 +0000

Gun Found in Mangione’s Backpack Can be Used as Evidence, Judge Says

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:29:10 +0000

The ruling was a partial victory for prosecutors in the murder trial of Luigi Mangione. A state judge ruled that some other material and statements could not be used.

Fast-growing brush fire in Southern California threatens homes

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:25:12 +0000

Cold case killer who chewed cops’ undercover DNA bait faces survivor, families in courtroom showdown

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:22:56 +0000

A Washington man was sentenced to 50 years to life in prison after admitting to a pair of decades-old cold-case killings which investigators linked him to using a piece of gum.

Mitchell Gaff, 74, was sentenced last week after he previously pleaded guilty to the murders of 21-year-old Susan Vesey and 42-year-old Judith "Judy" Weaver in Everett, according to FOX 13.

Investigators linked Gaff to the 1984 murder of Weaver after detectives with the Everett Police Department visited his home while claiming to be researchers working within the gum industry and inviting him to try a free sample, USA Today reported.

Gaff reportedly obliged, providing the undercover detectives with a sample that was subsequently sent through the federal database CODIS, where investigators ultimately linked him to Weaver's murder.

DAUGHTERS’ RELENTLESS SEARCH SHATTERS ‘OVERDOSE’ CLAIM, LEADS TO ARREST IN MOM’S 1992 MURDER

He was arrested in May 2024 and was later charged with Vesey’s killing while behind bars, with investigators revealing she had been murdered inside her apartment the day after her 21st birthday on July 12, 1980, officials said.

Speaking in court on Wednesday, Gaff offered an apology to the families of both victims seated in the courtroom, while pointing to drugs and alcohol as contributing factors to his history of violence.

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"I am sorry, not because I was caught, but the consequences," Gaff said, according to NBC News. "No one did anything to deserve me coming into their lives."

HORROR VIDEO CAPTURES REPEAT OFFENDER ALLEGEDLY ATTACKING 75-YEAR-OLD WOMAN, GOUGING HER EYE WITH SPIKED STICK

The court also heard from Jacqueline O’Brien, a former law enforcement officer who survived a violent attack by Gaff inside her Everett home’s garage in 1979.

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"I knew he was going to kill me," O’Brien said, FOX 13 reported.

O’Brien managed to escape the attack and was pivotal in helping authorities identify Gaff, who was arrested several times in the years after and spent time behind bars for the rapes of two teenage sisters in 1984.

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"My nightmare occurred 47 years ago, but it seems like yesterday," O’Brien added.

Vesey’s son, Joshua Vesey, told the court he was just 3 months old and inside the apartment when his mother was killed by Gaff, FOX 13 reported.

LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST

"What the defendant took from me and my sister was not just a life, it was a mother’s unconditional love," Joshua Vesey told the court, according to the outlet. "At any point he could have stopped the confusion, the suspicion and the pain that spread through my family."

DECADES-OLD COLD CASE BREAKTHROUGH LEADS TO ARREST IN EXECUTION-STYLE KILLINGS OF MARRIED COUPLE BEFORE CHILD

Leon Gregory, Weaver’s brother, also emphasized how the case haunted his family for years as they grappled with the possibility of never receiving closure.

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"Your Honor, as we all know, it’s been a long 42 years," Gregory said, according to FOX 13. "My parents, brother, two other sisters, passed on years ago, never knowing who killed Judy."

Before determining Gaff’s fate, the judge pointed to his history of violence and attempts to cover up the crimes throughout the years as a determining factor in denying the defense’s request that he receive the minimum sentence.

"The defendant’s history consists of sexually motivated, extremely violent crimes against women," the judge said, FOX 13 reported. "The appropriate sentence has a minimum is the number of years that the families had to wait."

The Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

Ebola Was Identified in Congo Weeks Before W.H.O. Declared an Emergency

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:19:53 +0000

Early surveillance and testing failed to identify Bundibugyo, a rare species of Ebola responsible for the current outbreak.

More than 1,000 shoppers bought this pajama set on Amazon last month — now it's 53% off

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:19:13 +0000

Warmer weather calls for lighter sleepwear, and this short-sleeve women's pajama set helps keep hot sleepers cool and comfortable through the rest of spring and all throughout summer. Right now, shoppers can save nearly $20 on the two-piece set, which comes in more than a dozen colors. More than 1,000 Amazon shoppers bought the set last month alone.

Original price: $35.99

The 53% discount drops this versatile pajama set to less than $20, making now the best time to stock up. While the deal hasn't quite reached an all-time low, price tracking shows it's just $2 away.

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Original price: $35.99

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Shakira unloads on Spanish government after court tosses tax fraud case, awards her $64 million

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:16:36 +0000

A Spanish court cleared Shakira in her yearslong tax fraud case after authorities failed to prove the singer was a resident of Spain.

The court ordered the Spanish government to return more than $64 million in wrongly imposed fines. The ruling relates to a dispute over the 2011 tax year in which Spanish authorities failed to prove that the singer was a resident of Spain, the Madrid-based court said in its decision. To be considered a taxable resident of Spain, Shakira would have had to spend more than 183 days in the country. Spanish authorities were only able to prove that Shakira lived in Spain that year for a total of 163 days, the court said.

The Treasury was ordered to reimburse the "Whenever, Wherever" singer the tax paid plus interest.

"After more than eight years of enduring brutal public targeting, orchestrated campaigns to destroy my reputation, and sleepless nights that ultimately impacted my health and my family’s well-being, the National High Court has finally set the record straight," Shakira said in a statement, according to Variety. "There was never any fraud, and the Administration itself could never prove otherwise, simply because it wasn’t true.

SHAKIRA ACCUSES SPANISH AUTHORITIES OF ‘BURNING’ HER ‘AT THE STAKE’ AFTER SETTLING $15M TAX EVASION BATTLE

"Yet, for nearly a decade, I was treated as guilty. Every step of the process was leaked, distorted, and amplified, using my name and public image to send a threatening message to the rest of the taxpayers.

"Today, that narrative crumbles, and it does so with the full force of a court ruling. My greatest wish is that this ruling sets a precedent for the Treasury and serves the thousands of ordinary citizens who are abused and crushed every day by a system that presumes their guilt and forces them to prove their innocence at the cost of economic and emotional ruin. This victory is dedicated to them."

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The Spanish tax agency claimed Shakira had based her economic activities in the country while dating soccer star Gerard Piqué.

But the High Court ruled that the relationship could not be legally equated to a marital one, nor was it proven that "the main center or base" of Shakira's activities or economic interests in 2011 were directly or indirectly located in Spain.

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The decision follows years of tax troubles in Spain for the Colombian superstar. Shakira previously settled a separate tax fraud case with the government back in 2023. On the first day of trial, Shakira acknowledged she had failed to pay about $15.8 million in taxes between 2012 and 2014.

She was hit with an $8 million fine in addition to the previously unpaid taxes and interest.

The government then accused Shakira of failing to pay around $7.2 million in taxes on her 2018 income. The Spanish government claimed she had used an offshore company to evade paying the money, but the charges were dropped in May 2024.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Trump’s Taiwan ‘negotiating chip’ remark sparks alarm over how far he'd shift US-China policy

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:15:30 +0000

President Donald Trump suggested Friday that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan could factor into broader negotiations with China, drawing a swift response from Taiwan’s president and reigniting debate in Washington about the future of longstanding U.S. policy toward the island.

Asked by Fox News whether he would move forward with a delayed $14 billion weapons package for Taiwan, Trump replied: "I’m holding that in abeyance, and it depends on China. It’s a very good negotiating chip for us, frankly. It’s a lot of weapons."

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te pushed back hours later, calling U.S. arms sales "the most vital deterrent" to regional conflict and insisting Taiwan "shall never be sacrificed or traded away."

Trump’s comments came as the administration continues to hold up a $14 billion Taiwan weapons package first approved in principle in late 2025, fueling growing debate in Washington over whether Trump is steering U.S. policy back toward a more traditional form of "strategic ambiguity" — or recasting support for Taiwan through a more openly transactional lens tied to broader negotiations with Beijing.

CHINA PROMISES 'COUNTERMEASURES' TO US ARMS SALE TO TAIWAN

The White House could not immediately be reached for comment.

Ahead of Trump’s recent summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping, bipartisan lawmakers warned in a letter that "American support for Taiwan is not up for negotiation."

The Taiwan issue already had emerged as one of the most sensitive flashpoints surrounding Trump’s mid-May summit with Xi in Beijing.

Following the meeting, China’s foreign ministry said Xi warned Trump that Taiwan remained the "most important issue" in U.S.–China relations and cautioned that mishandling it could lead to "clashes and even conflicts" between the two powers.

The White House later downplayed the exchange, with a senior administration official telling Fox News Digital both sides had simply reiterated their longstanding positions on Taiwan.

For decades, U.S. policy toward Taiwan has rested on a posture of "strategic ambiguity" — supporting Taiwan’s self-defense while avoiding an explicit commitment to militarily defend the island in the event of a Chinese attack.

Trump’s comments prompted competing reactions among foreign policy analysts, with some China hawks warning that treating Taiwan arms sales as negotiable could weaken deterrence and unsettle U.S. allies in the Indo-Pacific, while others argued the remarks reflected a return to a more traditional interpretation of strategic ambiguity after years of increasingly explicit U.S. signaling toward Taiwan.

TAIWAN RAMPS UP COAST GUARD AND MILITARY READINESS IN FACE OF BEIJING'S 'GRAY ZONE' WARFARE

"Trading Taiwan’s security for rhetoric from Beijing would be a strategic blunder of historic proportions," said retired Rear Adm. Mark Montgomery, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank. "If the president does not proceed with the arms sale to Taiwan, he will jeopardize U.S.–Taiwan relations and weaken U.S. credibility globally."

Bonnie Glaser, managing director of the Indo-Pacific Program at the German Marshall Fund think tank, argued Trump’s comments blurred an important distinction at the center of longstanding U.S. Taiwan policy.

"Strategic ambiguity has nothing to do with providing arms to Taiwan," Glaser told Fox News Digital. "The Taiwan Relations Act requires that the United States sell defensive arms to Taiwan. No president has ever said that U.S. arms sales to Taiwan are a useful bargaining chip."

But some foreign policy analysts argued Trump’s comments reflected a deliberate effort to re-center U.S. policy around American priorities.

TRUMP LEAVES CHINA WITH BREAKTHROUGHS — AND UNFINISHED BUSINESS ON XI’S BIGGEST FIGHTS

"Trump has shaken up the Taiwan debate in Washington to a large extent," Lyle Goldstein, director of Asia engagement at Defense Priorities, told Fox News Digital.

Goldstein argued Trump’s comments reflected a return to a more restrained interpretation of "strategic ambiguity" after years of increasingly explicit U.S. signaling toward Taiwan under the Biden administration.

"Overall, his approach has been to return U.S. policy to ‘strategic ambiguity,’ especially in contrast to the Biden administration, which was lurching dangerously toward ‘strategic clarity,’ that threatened to spark a near-term U.S.–China war," Goldstein said.

During his presidency, former President Joe Biden repeatedly suggested the United States would defend Taiwan militarily in the event of a Chinese attack — comments critics said pushed Washington closer toward "strategic clarity," even as White House officials maintained there had been no formal policy change.

Critics argued Biden’s remarks heightened tensions with Beijing, while supporters said the comments strengthened deterrence against potential Chinese aggression.

Goldstein argued Trump’s willingness to openly discuss Taiwan arms sales in the context of broader U.S.–China negotiations reflects a more restrained approach aimed at preserving stability between Washington and Beijing.

"Indeed, with these fresh comments Trump recognizes that both sides are responsible for maintaining peace across the Taiwan Strait," Goldstein said. "He even went so far as to sternly admonish the leadership in Taipei for unnecessary risk-taking."

Trump has long taken a more transactional approach toward Taiwan than many traditional U.S. foreign policy hawks, previously arguing the island should pay the United States for its defense and accusing Taiwan of "stealing" America’s semiconductor industry.

He has also repeatedly framed Taiwan through the lens of semiconductor competition and supply-chain dependence, arguing the United States should reclaim a larger share of advanced chip manufacturing.

"Trump’s new reflections on Taiwan illustrate an informed approach that recognizes the basic and fundamental truth that Taiwan is not a vital U.S. national security interest and that the U.S.-China relationship far outweighs the U.S.-Taiwan relationship in importance," Goldstein added.

The central question now facing lawmakers and U.S. allies is whether Trump’s rhetoric will ultimately affect the timing or conditions surrounding the pending Taiwan weapons package — a test many analysts see as critical to understanding how the administration intends to approach Taiwan going forward.

Trump says he's called off Iran strike planned for Tuesday at request of Gulf allies

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:14:19 +0000

Reporter’s Notebook: Democrats say they can still flip the House despite GOP redistricting gains in the South

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:09:53 +0000

Redistricting and race.

Democrats are beside themselves, watching what Republicans are doing on redistricting — especially in the South.

"What we're seeing is an attack on legitimate opportunities for Black candidates to have representation here in Congress," said Rep. Shomari Figures, D-Ala., who is on track to lose his district in Mobile.

Democrats say they know what Republicans are up to.

"They've also been trying to eliminate teaching America's history, right? Whitewashing America's history," said former Vice President Kamala Harris.

BLOCKBUSTER SUPREME COURT VOTING RIGHTS RULING IGNITES REDISTRICTING WAR ACROSS SOUTHERN STATES

States like Texas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama – and now Georgia and South Carolina are redrawing district maps for House Members. That’s after Missouri revamped its maps. Many of these new districts are squeezing out members of the Congressional Black Caucus.

In essence, Democrats see this as a "Southern Strategy" by the GOP, stamping out Black lawmakers.

"It’s about race," said Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., the top Democrat on the Homeland Security Committee.

"I feel like I’ve been assaulted," said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, D-Mo.

"We've seen this before," said Rep. Greg Meeks, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee.

"We're looking at losing possibly 19 members of the Congressional Black Caucus because of this frankly racist redistricting efforts targeted towards disenfranchising Black voters across the country," said Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.

Republicans say turnabout is fair play. They note that you can’t find a Republican anywhere in the six states which comprise New England.

"It’s out of whack. It's out of balance. And I think Republicans are finally waking up given the legal landscape changes and going, ‘Well, maybe we need to reconsider the way that we do things in our state,’" said Rep. Russell Fry, R-S.C.

South Carolina initially balked at drawing new maps. But the Palmetto State reversed course after President Trump demanded the state "get it done." He instructed South Carolina Republicans to be "bold and courageous."

Don’t forget that GOP Indiana state senators faced the President’s ire after the Hoosier State rejected his entreaties for redistricting there. The Trump White House waged an internecine campaign. President Trump’s allies toppled five Republican state senators who crossed him.

So South Carolina snapped to attention.

"The people of South Carolina are very supportive of President Donald Trump," said Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC). "They understand perfectly that we're in a conflict. A nationwide conflict."

New maps in South Carolina could mean no Democrats in the state delegation. That could eliminate the district of former House Majority Whip and Rep. Jim Clyburn, D-S.C. Clyburn first came to Capitol Hill in 1993. He’s widely regarded for salvaging the 2020 campaign of former President Biden, helping him ride to victory in the South Carolina primary.

Still, Democrats believe they can seize the House, even as Republicans try to squeeze the map through redistricting.

"There are 45 districts in play that we've identified as opportunities to flip in this upcoming midterm election," said House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y.

Democrats believe they’ll run up the scoreboard in California. Pluck off a couple of Republicans in Arizona and Colorado. Maybe one in Utah. Take a few in Texas after redistricting there. Make a play for a seat in Montana. Win a seat or two in Pennsylvania. Claim two seats in Virginia – despite the Virginia Supreme Court ruling there. Pick up a couple of seats in New Jersey and New York.

Remember that Democrats just need a net gain of three seats to secure the House majority.

However, that "blue wall" might not hold in all of New England this time around.

Rep. Jared Golden, D-Maine, is retiring. He’s one of the most moderate Democrats in Congress. Vice President JD Vance just traveled to Bangor, Maine, recently to talk about fraud – and boost the campaign prospects of former Republican Maine Gov. Paul LePage.

LePage is running to succeed Golden. Republicans are bullish about their chances in northern Maine.

REPUBLICAN 'WAKE-UP CALL': SPECIAL ELECTION SHOCKER HIGHLIGHTS GOP TURNOUT AND MIDTERM RISKS

LePage will be 78 if he wins – the oldest freshman in congressional history. However, this is ironic. Maine's Democrat Gov. Janet Mills was running for Senate – but bowed out. Some Democrats believed she was too old. Mills would have been 79 as a freshman senator had she stayed in the race and prevailed.

But back to what faces the Democrats.

Democrats are trying to find their footing after the double whammy of the Supreme Court Voting Rights Act decision and the Virginia Supreme Court rejecting the statewide redistricting referendum. House Democrats huddled to discuss their battle plan.

"I'm more energized now than ever to make sure that we're in the field, that we're doing the work and whatever it has to take to win," said Meeks.

"We’re going to win," said Rep. Suzan DelBene, D-Wash., who chairs the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). That’s the House Democrats’ political arm.

"Democrats are prepared to use whatever levers we can to influence the outcome of the election," said Thompson.

Some of this sounded a little like political pablum with no real direction.

Yours truly pressed Thompson.

"Respectfully, this all sounds kind of vague. You guys have a five-alarm fire now after those two court decisions, and I'm not hearing any specifics," I countered Thompson.

"Well, you just stay tuned," countered Thompson.

"How does that convince the voters, though?" your trusty reporter queried.

"Look," said Thompson. "We are two weeks away from a crazy Supreme Court decision. You can't expect anyone to come with a strategy right now."

Two weeks after the decision which could hamstring Democrats’ chances to win the House? Never mind that the Supreme Court agreed to hear the case last year and oral arguments were in the fall. Democrats understood the gravity of this case and how it could chew into any plan to flip the House in the midterms.

Democrats are banking on Republicans overplaying their redistricting hands. But how Democrats energize their base wasn’t immediately clear after their conclave on the subject.

"The American public gets to make this decision. That's a great thing about American democracy. And we're working," said Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., the top Democrat on the House Administration Committee.

REDISTRICTING BATTLES BREWING ACROSS THE COUNTRY AS PARTIES COMPETE FOR POWER AHEAD OF 2026 MIDTERMS

But "working" doesn’t necessarily garner votes. It would be "news" if the Democrats weren’t working on the issue.

"That doesn’t sound like much of a concrete plan, though, Mr. Morelle?" yours truly interjected.

"I am not going to share my concrete plan with you," replied Morelle.

A group of northern Democrats – ranging from Ocasio-Cortez to Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., headed to Montgomery, Ala., over the weekend to make the case against the GOP’s redistricting ploys.

"We shall overcome," intoned Booker.

Rep. Jonathan Jackson, D-Ill., son of the late Rev. Jesse Jackson, is now imploring Black student-athletes who attend school in the South to enter the transfer portal and play instead in the North.

Yet another way to pit the Big Ten against the SEC.

Rallying in the South may rile up Black voters. But it won’t help Democrats take back the House if all they’re doing is driving up voter participation in districts Democrats can’t win – thanks to the redrawing of the boundaries.

However, if Democrats do succeed in getting people to the polls – yet the playing field is tilted against them – we could be in for an econometric anomaly this fall.

It was a presidential election year in 2012. Democrats failed to win control of the House after losing it in a 2010 midterm shellacking. With President Obama on the ballot, Democrats secured nearly 1.6 million more votes than Republicans in House races nationwide in 2012. Yet Democrats failed to win the House.

Republicans won control of the House from the Democrats in 1994 for the first time in four decades. But with President Clinton handily riding to a second term in 1996, Democrats still struggled to win back the House. Democrats outpaced Republicans in the popular vote for the House that year by nearly 300,000 votes nationally.

Democrats have redrawn lines in their favor in California. But Republicans appear to have superseded that with their lines in the South. It’s a distinct possibility that Democrats could command more popular votes for House seats nationwide – and not get back the House. This statistical phenomenon is even more glaring that the party with the most popular votes fails to control the House in a midterm – not a presidential election year when a sitting executive is returned to the White House in the cases of Presidents Clinton and Obama.

That’s why some Democrats believe they should have been even more aggressive with redistricting.

Maryland is a case study. The Democratically-controlled state took a pass.

"I believe that we had an opportunity to do that. I supported it, and I still believe that would have been the right course for us to take," said Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md. "These are extraordinary times And I think we should take extraordinary measures to protect the opportunity to have those votes counted."

Maryland would have made the entire state blue, drawing out of his seat Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., chair of the House Freedom Caucus.

Democrats see the GOP tactics as an existential political threat. President Trump commanded about one-fifth of Black male voters in 2024. And that’s why Democrats are framing this fight around civil rights.

It’s a race about redistricting. But Democrats also see this as a race – about race.

American Hantavirus Patient Ordered to Stay in Quarantine Despite Plans to Leave

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:07:25 +0000

An American passenger from the hantavirus-infected cruise ship had wanted to depart an Omaha quarantine facility.

I quit my corporate job to become an influencer. It's the riskiest thing I've ever done — here are 5 things I learned.

Mon, 18 May 2026 19:03:55 +0000