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'Deranged message' on National Mall sparks police probe as Trump security fears mount

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 14:23:32 -0400

Law enforcement officials responded to Washington, D.C.'s National Mall on Thursday after a giant "8647" message appeared to be etched into the grass, prompting an investigation as federal authorities remain on heightened alert over political threats and violence.

"The deranged vandalism on our National Mall will not be tolerated," an Interior Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Any threat against the President is taken very seriously by the Department, and our U.S. Park Police will investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable."

The marking was etched into the grass between the Washington Monument and the World War II memorial. The administration has previously interpreted the number "86" as a political threat, pointing to its common use in the restaurant industry to mean removing or refusing service, while 47 appears to refer to Trump as the 47th president.

The administration has previously treated "86 47" messages as threatening, arguing that "86" can mean to get rid of or remove, per restaurant industry slang, while "47" refers to Trump as the 47th president.

EX-FBI CHIEF COMEY’S POST TO ‘86’ TRUMP CONDEMNED BY WHITE HOUSE AS ATTEMPT TO PUT ‘HIT’ ON PRESIDENT

U.S. Park Police responded to the incident around noon, FOX 5 reported. Grass samples were also collected for testing and examination in the area by investigators.

"Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible," White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital. "They should also immediately seek psychiatric help to treat their severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has warped their brains and made them sick in the head."

The incident took place days before Trump’s birthday on Sunday, which coincides with the UFC Freedom Fight taking place on the South Law, which is expected to attract 4,000 spectators to the White House.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship was set up near the Lincoln Memorial for a weigh-in event on Friday.

America’s 250th birthday brings major events to the nation’s capital as D.C. braces for massive crowds, tight security, road closures and heightened law enforcement presence.

FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNT

Trump has repeatedly been targeted by violence, including just in April at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.

There were two assassination attempts on Trump’s life in 2024, beginning in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear after a gunman climbed onto a roof during a rally on July 13, 2024.

The incident comes amid heightened administration scrutiny of "86 47" messages after the Department of Justice charged former FBI Director James Comey over a similar message.

Comey was charged with two federal counts over an Instagram post last year showing seashells arranged to read "86 47," and faces a maximum 10 years in prison if convicted. Comey has denied wrongdoing, saying he did not intend the post as a call for violence and removed it once critics interpreted it as a threat.

Former Premier League star, accused of rape, to miss World Cup game after being denied entry into Canada

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:45:24 -0400

One of the stars of Ghana's World Cup team will be absent for its tournament opener in Canada after being denied entry into the country.

Thomas Partey, formerly of Arsenal, who now plays for Villarreal in La Liga, is currently facing seven counts of rape, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.

"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," FIFA said in a statement, via The Athletic.

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"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."

Five of the charges were brought last July by the London Metropolitan Police, and two more came earlier this year.

Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz explained why he picked Partey for his World Cup squad while he awaits trial.

Queiroz cited a presumption of innocence for Partey, criticized the quick judgments of modern social media and spoke philosophically in comments late Monday ahead of a warm-up game in Wales.

USA SOCCER LEGENDS LANDON DONOVAN, TIM HOWARD SHARE HOW FAR THEY THINK THIS YEAR'S TEAM CAN GO IN WORLD CUP

"Let events run its normal course, let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we will find the truth," said Queiroz, a veteran coach going to his fifth straight World Cup after leading his native Portugal and Iran at previous editions.

Ghana is set to open its tournament on Wednesday against Panama in Toronto. Ghana will then play England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and then on June 27 at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.

Partey is accused of raping four women from 2020 to 2022.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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'The View' co-host warns against Vance interview becoming 'free-for-all' to sell books

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:33:20 -0400

"The View" co-host Ana Navarro warned on Thursday that she didn't want the show's upcoming interview with Vice President JD Vance to become a "free-for-all" just to sell books, which she argued happens with Republican guests.

The show's producer, Brian Teta, asked Navarro to discuss the Vance interview during the "Behind the Table" podcast. Teta said people were surprised he was coming on the show.

"It shouldn't be surprising, he's got a book, right? And I think that everybody, including Republicans, know that at 'The View,' we are really good at selling books," she said. "I think it's a very relevant time. I want to ask him questions about Epstein. I want to ask him questions where he — where there's several issues where there's sunlight between him and Donald Trump, right?"

The co-host added, "The war, going into military action, all of these new wars. He seems to me to be a lot more tuned into the MAGA manosphere than Trump is, actually, and really works those relationships far more than practically anybody else in the White House."

She continued, "I hope we get to have a constructive conversation about the issues that Americans care about and are on Americans' minds and that it doesn't turn into some free-for-all for the sake of creating a moment for him so that he can go out and sell books, which is what often happens with Republicans."

JD VANCE RELEASING BOOK ABOUT FAITH JOURNEY, CONVERSION TO CATHOLICISM

Vance, who is set to join the show on June 16, will be the third sitting vice president and the first sitting Republican vice president to appear on "The View." All six co-hosts, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro, are expected to be in-studio for the rare interview with an elected Republican.

"The View" had a total of 341 guests in 2025, but only two of them were conservative, while 128 were liberal, according to a study conducted by the Media Research Center's NewsBusters.

In 2026, the show had multiple Republican guest hosts appear while Griffin, the Republican co-host, was on maternity leave. Alina Habba also appeared on the liberal talk show in late April. However, Habba was not promoting a book.

REPUBLICANS VIRTUALLY SHUT OUT OF DEM-DOMINATED TALK SHOWS AS FCC AIMS TO REFORM NETWORK BIAS

Vance will discuss his new book, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith," along with news of the day and his goals for the Trump administration during his appearance on Tuesday.

Teta noted that Vance and the co-hosts of "The View" disagree on a lot of issues, but said they want to hear what he has to say.

He added, "Hopefully, it's passionate debate that's respectful, and it's the vice president. It's a big deal. So, we're excited to do it."

Vance's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.

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Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.

Unearthed DOJ emails expose turmoil over Biden-era memo urging crackdown on parents

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:28:31 -0400

A controversial memo issued by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2021 aimed at addressing the alleged threat posed to school boards by dissatisfied parents caused an internal revolt at the Justice Department, according to documents obtained by Fox News.

As parents across the nation took to school board meetings to vent their dissatisfaction with COVID-era learning restrictions as well as how race and gender were being taught in classrooms, the National Association for School Boards appealed to the Justice Department for assistance, claiming that some actions taken by angry parents could be classified as "domestic terrorism."

The Justice Department in October 2021 issued a memo to coordinate a response to what the department described as an "increase in harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against school board members, teachers and workers in our nation’s public schools" by parents.

Newly released emails, however, indicate that high-ranking officials at the DOJ were skeptical of this move, predicting that it could transform into a political headache for the Biden administration.

MAJOR PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD SIMULATES PARENT ‘TERRORIST’ ATTACK AFTER FATAL ACCIDENT KILLS STUDENT

"I don't think it's possible to state how strongly I object to this. It will completely and totally nuke our election threats efforts, and will damage the reputation of the Public Integrity Section into the bargain," one deputy assistant attorney general wrote on an internal email chain. "It's like they've affirmatively trying to make this thing not work and look political."

"If they do this, they might as well rename the damn thing the Anti-MAGA Task Force," they continued.

"Exactly!" the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section chief responded. "Stupid, stupid, stupid."

Some at the DOJ also questioned whether or not the agency had the authority to address purported threats to school board members in the way that was being proposed.

ANDREW MCCARTHY: BIDEN-HARRIS JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TANGLES WITH RED STATES ON ELECTION DAY

"We will not do this," one principal deputy assistant attorney general wrote. "There is no conceivable connection to [public integrity] (indeed, I'm not seeing a federal interest of any kind.). And if they're going to make the AG's memo to the field about this and election threats, I'm going to strongly recommend that they not send it."

The Public Integrity section chief chimed in that the memo could turn the Justice Department and the FBI into the "threat police" and that it contained "no limiting principle at all."

After sparking a firestorm of criticism from GOP lawmakers, state officials, pundits and parents’ groups, the NSAB formally apologized for its letter to the Biden administration calling for legal scrutiny to apply to disgruntled parents.

CNN HOST RECALLS HOW COVID CAUSED THE 'RADICALIZATION' OF PARENTS

"On behalf of NSBA, we regret and apologize for the letter," the organization wrote in a memo to its members. "There was no justification for some of the language included in the letter. We should have had a better process in place to allow for consultation on a communication of this significance. We apologize also for the strain and stress this situation has caused you and your organizations."

Though Garland was pressed to retract his memo or apologize, he instead opted to defend his decision.

"The obligation of the Justice Department is to protect the American people against violence and threats of violence and that particularly includes public officials," he said of the memo.

The DOJ and Garland did not respond to requests for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Friday.

Fox News' David Spunt and Jake Gibson contributed to this report.

Texas overtakes California as 'America’s center of gravity,' claims Treasury Sec Bessent

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:12:42 -0400

FIRST ON FOX — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the stark difference he sees emerging between Texas and California as well as the "tale of two states" cropping up between red and blue jurisdictions.

"In California, I saw firsthand what years of failed governance looks like: a tax system that is hostile to ambition. A regulatory state that smothers enterprise. An economic climate indifferent to consequence," he said during a meeting at the Petroleum Club of Houston on Friday in remarks shared exclusively with Fox News Digital.

California has seen a number of high-profile defections in recent years, with many businesses and wealthy individuals citing the state’s regulations and taxation regime as the reasons for their exit.

CORPORATE AMERICA IS ON THE MOVE, AND THESE RED STATES ARE CASHING IN

Chevron, Tesla, Charles Schwab and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to name a few, have all abandoned their California headquarters and shifted operations to Texas. IRS migration data also shows that the Golden State is hemorrhaging high-earning taxpayers, imperiling its finances.

"Here in Texas, meanwhile, the contrast is so striking that it begins to feel like a tale of two states," Bessent said.

And it's true that the Lone Star State's business-friendly policies and lower taxes have attracted more American families and businesses to move from other states to Texas.

THE RED-STATE WINNERS IN THE CLIMB TO BECOME AMERICA’S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE

During the meeting on Friday, Bessent also highlighted the importance of energy policy as a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s economic policies.

"The AI race may be accelerated by the elegance of our code, but it will be won by the abundance of our energy," he said. "More than strengthening an economy, energy abundance also secures a nation. Economic security is national security."

RED STATES ARE THE ONES GOING GREEN AND WINNING THE CLEAN ENERGY RACE

He said that Texas is spearheading that growth.

Texas has rapidly expanded its energy production to meet booming demand, partially spurred by the construction of new data centers, recently surpassing California as the state with the most utility-scale solar capacity and hitting record-breaking levels for both crude oil production and low-carbon electricity generation.

"Texas has become America’s center of gravity because it is fostering the conditions for families and businesses to flourish," Bessent went on.

Data indicates that Texas has seen considerable success in attracting businesses and taxpayers to the state.

Of the 725 companies that relocated headquarters between 2018 and 2025, per a CBRE report, 230 of them moved to Houston, Dallas and Austin alone. IRS migration data also shows that the Lone Star state saw a net increase of 56,000 tax filers between 2022 and 2023.

FIFA implements mandatory water breaks in each half for first time at 2026 World Cup

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 13:12:06 -0400

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce one of the most noticeable in-game rule changes in modern tournament history: Mandatory hydration breaks in every match.

For the first time, players will be required to pause twice per game, once in each half, for a three-minute water break, regardless of weather conditions or stadium location across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Under the new format, referees will stop play at roughly the 22-minute mark of each half. Players will remain on the pitch, where they can hydrate while coaches are able to talk strategy with their team, essentially making this a timeout like us Americans are used to in our major sports. There aren’t team-issued timeouts like in the NFL, NBA, and NHL by the way. Just a quick reminder for you Americans that only get excited about soccer when the World Cup rolls around, like myself.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

An important note is that the stoppage time will be added back at the end of each half, ensuring the total playing time remains unchanged. FIFA has framed the change as part of its broader emphasis on player welfare, particularly given the expectation of high temperatures in several host cities during the summer tournament.

I just hope European fans take much-needed water breaks in the stands too. A group of English soccer fans posted a video talking about how hot it was for the England vs. New Zealand friendly at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, home of the Buccaneers. It’s quite funny.

As for the response to FIFA’s decision, it has certainly sparked debate among fans and analysts, not only because of its impact on match rhythm, but also because it effectively standardizes interruptions that previously occurred only under extreme conditions.

Critics like U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino claimed the breaks "cut the rhythm of the game," which has long been defined by continuous, uninterrupted halves. While Belgium coach Rudi Garcia was more positive, saying the breaks are useful because they allow coaches to "discuss strategy mid-game."

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

This decision is why FOX Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas made the joke, "At the end of the first quarter it’s Mexico-1 South Africa-0." Soccer now feels a lot more like quarters due to the water breaks, again which Americans are used to in our major professional sports.

You might be thinking, "Wait a minute. I specifically remember water breaks in the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil." You’d be right, but the rules in 2026 are much different.

WORLD CUP PLAYERS WHO COVER THEIR MOUTHS DURING CONFRONTATIONS COULD GET RED CARDS

During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, FIFA implemented "cooling breaks" for the first time in tournament history. Those stoppages were not mandatory, though, like they are in every match in 2026. They were instead triggered by extreme heat conditions, typically when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeded safety thresholds. In those cases, breaks occurred around the 30th and 75th minutes and were primarily focused on player safety in the intense humidity and heat.

The key difference in 2026 is consistency. Rather than being an occasional response to weather conditions, water breaks will now be built into every match as a permanent structural feature. FIFA officials argue this removes ambiguity for referees and ensures equal conditions across all matches, while also addressing modern concerns about player workload and heat stress.

Though FIFA does not explicitly say "this is an advertising break" in the laws of the game change, it’s fair to assume this is a way to generate more advertising dollars. It’s extremely valuable advertising real estate for broadcasting partners, similar to the Super Bowl. As you watch games, you’ll see split-screen advertising during these hydration breaks.

It’s safe to say FIFA wouldn’t agree with Coach Boone from Remember the Titans when he said, "Water is for cowards. Water makes you weak."

The United States kicks off its first World Cup match on Friday night against Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET.

Expiring spy law sparks warnings of 'fatal' consequences ahead of World Cup

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:56:30 -0400

One of the government’s most powerful surveillance tools will go dark this weekend, and lawmakers aren’t sure what that means for the nation’s intelligence-gathering authorities.

Democrats rejected attempts in the House and Senate to extend Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) in an act of defiance against President Donald Trump, who tapped Housing chief Bill Pulte to temporarily oversee the nation’s intelligence services.

But there are differing trains of thought on the ramifications of failing to renew the program. Some lawmakers argued that an extension was not necessary given that FISA courts had authorized continued intelligence gathering until March 2027.

SPY PROGRAM CREDITED WITH STOPPING TAYLOR SWIFT TERROR PLOT BARRELS TOWARD EXPIRATION

Others say that it opens up the possibility for telecommunications and major tech companies like Google to decline handing over information without explicit direction from Congress.

"We don't know the answer to that," Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, said. "But it is, obviously, a high-risk proposition."

Boiled down, the Section 702 program allows the U.S. government to collect intelligence on foreigners abroad who are using U.S. communication systems, and it serves as a major part of Trump’s daily intelligence briefing.

But it also sweeps up communications from Americans who are talking to foreign suspects — a key issue that threatened reauthorization among privacy hawks in both parties well before Pulte’s appointment.

CONSERVATIVE FISA REVOLT POSES FRESH TEST FOR SPEAKER JOHNSON

"That is a gray area, and it's one of the things that we're going to have to work through," House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., told Fox News when asked whether providers would still continue to share information with the government if the program was not authorized.

"What is clear is that we are going to have to address the issue of extending surveillance authority legislatively. And the problem is that the Trump administration has decided to toss this hand grenade into the middle of sensitive negotiations," he added, referring to Pulte.

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., contended that there were already thousands of FISA certifications approved, it’s just that new certifications wouldn’t be allowed until the program was reauthorized.

"It's not like that will be the end of our ability to surveil foreign terrorists," Kennedy said.

The standoff is not expected to end soon. Trump’s decision to nominate former Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Jay Clayton to serve as the permanent director of national intelligence also failed to soften Democrats’ opposition.

Many lawmakers remain unwilling to back a renewal of the program while Pulte continues serving in the acting role.

THE TOP 3 FACTORS HEIGHTENING THE RISK OF TERROR ATTACKS ON THE HOMELAND

"Nobody disputes that FISA has been used to stop terrorist attacks on our homeland here," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, R-La., told Fox News Thursday. "And why would anybody vote to end that tool is beside me."

Meanwhile, the House is scheduled to begin a week-long recess next week, meaning that even if there is a resolution in the Senate in the coming week, the program will likely remain dark until they return.

The program's expiration marks the first extended lapse since it was enacted in 2008. The Trump administration has argued that the surveillance authority is a critical national security tool, crediting it with helping foil a mass-casualty terror plot targeting a 2024 Taylor Swift concert in Austria and combat North Korean hackers, among other successes.

The uncharted territory comes amid a heightened threat environment as the war with Iran continues and large-scale events, such as the World Cup and America 250 celebrations, are beginning to ramp up.

Senate Intelligence Committee Chair Tom Cotton, R-Ark., argued on the Senate floor in his bid to extend the program that there was a bipartisan bill waiting to be passed, but in the meantime, lawmakers should pause the partisan animosity and support an extension.

"If we don't extend it for at least a few weeks while we continue to try to work on our differences, the consequences could be severe," Cotton said. "The consequences, to be frank, could be fatal."

Still, Democrats counter that had Trump not appointed Pulte, or at least waited until the reauthorization was completed, Congress would not be in the current logjam.

"I cannot stress enough to you that none of this, none of this needed to happen," Warner said.

Teen accused of killing elderly couple has brothers who allegedly shot deputy cops say 'will never walk again'

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:55:16 -0400

The two brothers of a Mississippi teen accused of killing an elderly couple allegedly attempted to gun down a sheriff's deputy, who police said will "never walk again," in a separate incident just days later.

Cordarius Hobbs, 17, allegedly broke into the home of 74-year-old Billy Blair and his 71-year-old wife Virginia Carol Blair on June 3 in Mendenhall, Mississippi, and killed them, WLBT reported.

Just days later, on June 8, Cordarius Hobbs' brothers, Cortavious and Cortavion Hobbs, allegedly tried to kill a Covington County, Mississippi, deputy. Covington County Chief Deputy Sheriff Ricky Lott told Fox News Digital the two men fled from deputies after a traffic stop that led to both Cortavious and Cortavion allegedly firing their weapons.

All three people are brothers, Mississippi Department of Public Safety Media and Public Relations Specialist Bailey Martin told Fox News Digital.

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Lott said Cortavious and Cortavion were initially pulled over by Deputy Yates Rodney for a seat belt violation, saying the suspects were initially "cordial, friendly and light-hearted," adding the two men were coming back from a fishing trip.

The deputy sheriff also said that Cortavious and Cortavion had marijuana in the car, stating that Yates could see a blunt inside. When he questioned Cortavious and Cortavion about the drugs, Lott said the situation began getting tense.

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A 2-to-3-mile-long high-speed chase ended when the driver got stuck in the mud, Lott said, adding that Rodney was shot in his shoulder. The deputy sheriff said the doctor told Rodney that he "will never walk again," saying the bullet nicked his lungs and spine.

MISSISSIPPI SHERIFF'S DEPUTY SHOT, KILLED WHILE RESPONDING TO DOMESTIC CALL: 'DIED A HERO'

Lott said Rodney has only been with the agency for around six months and recently got married. A GoFundMe set up for the injured deputy states that he "faces a long and challenging road to recovery."

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The deputy sheriff said Cortavious and Cortavion both have juvenile criminal records but couldn't give any more details.

Cortavious and Cortavion were charged with attempted capital murder and hindering prosecution, and Cortavion is also charged with felony fleeing.

The shooting happened just days after the suspects' brother, Cordarius, allegedly killed Billy and Virginia Blair. Deputies with the Simpson County Sheriff's Office were called to the couple's home at around 12:24 p.m. on June 3 after family members couldn't reach the couple. Once at the house, according to officials, the deputies were met with gunfire.

Cordarius is charged with two counts of capital murder, one count of burglary, four counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, four counts of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and two counts of aggravated assault over 65 years old.

Google wants to release millions of mosquitoes

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:30:38 -0400

I know what you are thinking. Why on earth would Google want to release millions of mosquitoes? That was my first reaction too.

Usually, when we hear "Google" and "bugs" in the same sentence, we think about software. This time, the bugs are real.

Google's Debug project is asking federal regulators for permission to release sterile male mosquitoes in New Jersey, California and Florida. The goal is to reduce mosquito populations that can spread disease.

Now the big question is whether this is a smart new way to fight mosquito-borne disease, or a tech-backed experiment that needs much more public scrutiny.

GOOGLE’S DARK SIDE: 5 SEARCH TERMS TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS

Google's Debug project says it is using science, automation and engineering to fight disease-carrying mosquitoes. The idea comes from a method called the sterile insect technique.

Here is the basic version. Scientists raise male mosquitoes that cannot produce viable offspring. Then they release those males into the wild. When the sterile males mate with wild females, the eggs do not hatch. Over time, the local mosquito population can shrink.

That part is important. Male mosquitoes do not bite. Female mosquitoes are the ones that bite and can spread disease. So Google isn’t trying to release more biting mosquitoes into neighborhoods. It is trying to release males that can help stop future generations from hatching.

Google's Debug project sees mosquito control as a public-health and technology challenge. The team says it wants to use engineering, automation and AI tools to reduce disease-carrying mosquito populations.

The idea is to stop "bad bugs" with "good bugs." That may sound strange, but the science behind it has been studied for decades.

Sterile insect releases have been used against other pests, including fruit flies, screwworms and codling moths. Mosquitoes are harder. They are fragile, difficult to raise at a massive scale and challenging to sort by sex. That is where Debug says Google's technology can help.

Debug says the process starts by raising sterile male mosquitoes. One approach uses Wolbachia, a naturally occurring bacterium found in many insects.

The bacteria can make males incompatible with wild females that do not carry the same Wolbachia strain. When they mate, the eggs fail to develop.

After that, Debug has to separate males from females. This step matters a lot. If the project releases too many females by mistake, the whole idea becomes much harder to trust.

That is where Google's tech background comes in. Debug says its team is using sensors, algorithms, automation and monitoring tools to raise, sort, release and track mosquitoes at scale. In other words, this is mosquito control with a Silicon Valley twist.

STOP GOOGLE FROM FOLLOWING YOUR EVERY MOVE

Mosquito-borne diseases are a serious global health problem. Some mosquitoes can spread dengue, Zika, yellow fever, chikungunya, West Nile virus and other illnesses.

Traditional mosquito control often depends on pesticides. Those can help, but they can also raise environmental concerns. Mosquitoes can also become harder to control over time.

That is why sterile male releases interest some researchers. The approach targets a specific mosquito population. It also avoids spraying more chemicals into the environment.

If it works, the local mosquito population drops because fewer eggs hatch. That could mean fewer disease risks in areas where these mosquitoes are a problem.

Even with the science behind it, the public concern is easy to understand. Nobody likes the phrase "release millions of mosquitoes." It sounds like the start of a bad summer, not a public-health project.

Some residents also worry about control. Once living insects are released, people want to know what happens next. They want to know who monitors the program, who pays for follow-up work and what happens if the results are not what scientists expected. Those are fair questions.

There is also a trust issue. A project like this can feel very different when a private tech giant is involved. People may support disease prevention and still feel uneasy about a corporation playing such a large role in local ecosystems.

The success of this idea depends on precision. Male mosquitoes do not bite. Female mosquitoes do. So the sorting process has to be extremely accurate.

Debug says it is working on technology to separate males from females quickly. That may include sensors, algorithms and engineering systems that spot biological differences between them.

However, this is the part many people will focus on. If the public is told only males will be released, they will want proof. They will also want clear oversight from regulators. When you are dealing with living insects, "close enough" isn’t the most reassuring phrase.

NEW GOOGLE TOOL MAKES REMOVING PERSONAL INFORMATION EASIER

The EPA is reviewing Google's request for an experimental use permit. The filing involves Wolbachia pipientis contained in live adult male mosquitoes.

The purpose is to test whether Debug's male mosquitoes can mate with wild females and suppress the population.

The EPA will decide whether to approve or deny the request. If it approves the permit, it can also set conditions for how the project must operate.

Even if you do not live in one of the proposed release areas, this is worth watching. If Google's project works, more communities may look at sterile mosquito releases as another tool against disease. That could be good news in areas dealing with mosquito-borne illnesses.

At the same time, it raises a larger question. How much public-health work should depend on private companies with their own funding, technology and long-term goals? For many people, the science may sound promising. The setup may still feel uncomfortable. Both reactions can be true.

Google releasing mosquitoes may sound strange, but the goal is real public health. Debug wants to use sterile male mosquitoes to cut down populations that can spread disease. There is a reason scientists are interested. Male mosquitoes do not bite, and sterile insect releases have been studied for decades. Still, communities deserve more than a promise that everything will go as planned. They need clear answers about monitoring, safeguards, costs and what happens if the project fails. Fighting mosquito-borne disease is important. But once living insects are released into the wild, trust and oversight have to come first.

Would you trust Google to help control mosquitoes in your community? Let us know by writing to us at CyberGuy.com.

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Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper arrested again after allegedly violating protection order from DV case

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:28:01 -0400

For the second time in a week, the same NFL player was placed in handcuffs.

Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper was arrested Thursday night after he allegedly violated a protection order that was filed for him following his domestic violence arrest last week.

Cooper and his girlfriend were both arrested on domestic violence charges last Friday, with both being held on suspicion of two counts of domestic violence and one count of criminal mischief, according to Douglas County jail records.

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But the order was issued after two additional charges, including felony strangulation, the New York Post said, citing court records.

"We are disappointed to learn of Jonathon Cooper’s arrest on Thursday and continue to review this matter," the Broncos said in a statement.

The pair, who have been seeing each other on and off for years, were hanging out at Cooper’s residence when she confronted him over his alleged infidelity. The woman grabbed Cooper’s phone and threw it against a wall, and then eventually regained control of the device to go through it, the arrest affidavit said, according to TMZ.

Cooper and the woman then struggled for the phone, which Cooper eventually retrieved after the physical struggle. He then demanded that the woman leave his home, and he allegedly told her he would break her cell phone, the probable cause affidavit said, per TMZ.

FORMER PENN STATE FOOTBALL PLAYER FACES LIFE-ALTERING INJURIES AFTER HIT-AND-RUN CRASH THAT KILLED HIS FIANCÉE

After the woman did not leave, he bit down and broke the screen on the iPhone, according to the affidavit.

Cooper pleaded not guilty to the charges on Monday.

Cooper, 28, has been with the Broncos since they drafted him out of Ohio State in the seventh round of the NFL Draft, and he has spent all five seasons of his career with Denver.

In 17 games last season, Cooper recorded 50 tackles and eight sacks and was a key member of the Broncos’ stout defense. In his career, Cooper has played 81 games, recording 266 tackles and 31.5 sacks.

The Broncos signed him to a four-year, $60 million contract extension in November 2024.

Fox News' Ryan Canfield contributed to this report.

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Shooting in Midland, Texas, leaves 1 dead, multiple others injured

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 12:03:32 -0400

At least one person is dead and multiple others were injured in a shooting in Midland, Texas, Friday.

After barricading himself inside a building in downtown Midland, the suspect is now dead, the city wrote on social media.

Midland Mayor Lori Blong said there were 11 victims in total, and that police established a perimeter and were asking residents to avoid the area. It was not clear exactly where the gunfire took place.

Blong said during a press conference that there were no confirmed details about the shooter, and that police used robot and drone footage to confirm he was dead.

TEEN ACCUSED OF KILLING ELDERLY COUPLE HAS BROTHERS WHO ALLEGEDLY SHOT DEPUTY COPS SAY 'WILL NEVER WALK AGAIN'

The FBI is aware of the shooting and has Special Agents and Victim Services personnel from its Midland satellite office on scene, a bureau source told Fox News Digital.

The situation began in southeast Midland and progressed across south Midland, Blong said, before police were first dispatched at 8:03 a.m. local time.

PHILADELPHIA POLICE RELEASE NEW SUSPECT IMAGES IN FATAL SHOOTING OF PENN STATE STUDENT

WATCH: POLICE DEPLOY ROBOT IN MIDLAND:

Midland Memorial Hospital said it had received nine victims from the shooting, with four sent to the operating room and five considered stable. Three victims have been discharged, one is out of surgery and three are still in surgery, the hospital said in an update.

The hospital's main campus went on lockdown for nearly two hours due to the shooting.

Andrea Mendias said she heard what sounded like a small explosion at the closed veterinary clinic next to the body shop where she works and saw a number of heavily armed police officers rush into the parking lot. Some appeared to go inside the building.

Mendias said she earlier heard what sounded like at least 40 gunshots.

Video from Mendias showed officers pouring out of the back of an armored police vehicle and police deploying robots into the area.

"Cecilia and I are deeply saddened by the senseless act of violence in Midland," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott wrote on social media. "We are praying for the victims, their families, and the entire community."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Austin Metcalf family facing threats, financial strain as Karmelo Anthony fundraising draws scrutiny

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:53:25 -0400

As convicted killer Karmelo Anthony's family faces questions over hundreds of thousands of dollars raised through online fundraisers, the father of slain Texas teenager Austin Metcalf says his family is still dealing with death threats, harassment and the emotional fallout of the murder more than a year later.

Metcalf's father, Jeff, told Fox News Digital that he and other members of his family continue to receive threatening messages following Anthony's conviction and sentencing.

"I get text messages and voicemails that are just vile, disgusting things," Metcalf said on Thursday. "I woke up this morning. There's three of them already."

Metcalf said the threats have also targeted those closest to him.

SLAIN TEXAS TEEN AUSTIN METCALF’S HOME SWATTED HOURS AFTER TENSE PRESS CONFERENCE SHOWDOWN

"Someone threatened Hunter's life when we were in the courthouse," he said, referring to Austin's twin brother.

The Frisco Police Department confirmed to Fox News that it is "tracking several online threats made against the Metcalf family."

"At this time, we are receiving numerous reports from concerned citizens and are actively gathering information while investigating each of these threats," police said. "No arrests have been made at this point; however, these investigations take time, and arrests are possible as the cases develop.

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"For now, we have increased patrols in the area of the Metcalf residence to ensure their safety and the safety of our community while we continue to investigate. We encourage anyone who observes a direct threat to report it through our app, Tip411, or by calling our non-emergency number at 972-292-6010."

The strain has taken a significant toll on the Metcalf family.

"It has drained me emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially," Metcalf said.

He said the hostility has extended beyond his immediate family.

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He recalled an incident after court proceedings in which some of Austin's friends were confronted while walking to their vehicle.

TEXAS PRESS CONFERENCE IN AUSTIN METCALF KILLING DEVOLVES INTO CHAOS OVER TRACK MEET STABBING

"They were surrounded by a mob of people screaming, 'F--- off,' and, 'You're going to wind up like Austin,' 'We're going to kill you,'" Metcalf said.

"These are high school-age children, 17-, 18-year-old kids," he said of his son's friends. "They were in tears."

MOURNING MOTHER, TWIN BROTHER OF SLAIN TEXAS TEEN SPEAK OUT: 'LOST MY BEST FRIEND IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE'

Metcalf said the focus of the public debate has often overlooked the young people who witnessed Austin's killing and continue to live with the trauma.

"No one wants to really talk about, what about the kids who were there who saw it?" he said. "Who have to deal with this the rest of their lives."

SHANANN WATTS' FATHER SAYS FAMILY FACED YEARS OF 'EVIL' ONLINE HATE AFTER CHRIS WATTS MURDERS

Jeff Metcalf says surveillance footage of his son Austin's fatal stabbing tells a far different story than some of the claims that have circulated online since the deadly confrontation at a Texas track meet.

The grieving father, who viewed the footage prior to it being shown during Anthony's murder trial, told Fox News Digital he believes the video should be released publicly because it would put to rest lingering questions about what happened beneath a Memorial High School team tent on April 2, 2025.

WATCH: Austin Metcalf’s father wants stabbing video released

"Yes, I've seen the video. I've seen the video a long time ago," Metcalf told Fox News Digital.

"The video clearly shows the conversation lasted less than 10 seconds. That's it," he said. "There was no four-on-one."

Metcalf said he would welcome the public release of the footage.

"To be honest, I'd love for it to be put out," he said. "So I could go, 'Look, if you weren't in the courtroom, or if you don't know, here's the video.'"

According to Metcalf, the footage directly contradicts claims that Anthony was jumped, surrounded or attacked by multiple students before the stabbing.

"He wasn't jumped. There was no four-on-one. He wasn't surrounded," Metcalf said. "Look at the video. There's a shove and there's a stab, and it's over and he runs away. That's it."

Metcalf's comments come as online debate over the case continues to intensify, fueling harassment and threats directed at his family. The backlash has unfolded alongside growing scrutiny of fundraising efforts tied to Anthony and his family.

A recently launched fundraising campaign was removed and refunded by the platform after raising hundreds of dollars. Questions have also persisted about previous fundraising efforts that generated more than $600,000 for Anthony's family following the fatal stabbing.

Metcalf, who spent much of the past 14 months under a gag order, said he watched as others publicly discussed the case while he remained largely unable to respond.

CONVICTED KILLER KARMELO ANTHONY'S FAMILY USED FUNDRAISER MONEY FOR MOVING AND LIVING EXPENSES

"People just continually making up lies and false narratives to fit their stories," he said. "All the race-baiting...they're monetizing it. It's for clicks. They're making money, and that's their objective."

Frustrated by what he sees as people profiting from discussions surrounding his son's death, Metcalf added: "You're gonna make money off my dead son?"

Without directly attacking Anthony's family, Metcalf suggested the public could draw its own conclusions.

KARMELO ANTHONY FAMILY’S PLANS FOR $500K DONATIONS AFTER TRACK MEET STABBING REVEALED BY FUNDRAISING EXEC

"I don't have to speak on it," he said. "Their actions will speak loud enough."

"Everyone can see how they acted," he added.

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Despite the hardship, Metcalf said he remains especially proud of Austin's twin brother Hunter, who testified during the trial.

Recalling a conversation after Hunter left the witness stand, Metcalf said he realized his son had grown into a man.

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"When you walked up to that jury stand, you were a boy," Metcalf said he told Hunter. "What I saw when you walked away was a man."

GRIEVING TEXAS FATHER SPEAKS OUT AFTER SON WAS STABBED TO DEATH AT HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET

"You stood up, you listened, you communicated. You were calm, cool, collected, and your thoughts were clear."

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"I told him last night it's the proudest I've ever been of you in my life," Metcalf said while choking back tears.

The grief remains especially difficult as Metcalf watches Austin's brother navigate life without him.

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Fighting back tears, the father reflected on raising the boys together.

"I just can't believe I'm without one," he said.

More than a year after Austin's death, Metcalf said the pain remains greater than anything he has experienced before.

"Until this, I thought cancer was the hardest thing that ever happened," he said. "Cancer's like a speed bump. It's nothing."

Fox News' Brooke Taylor, Tessa Hoyos and Kelsie Cairns contributed to this report.

The verdict is in: Europeans are obsessed with rural America during 2026 World Cup stay

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:31:13 -0400

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is officially underway, as fans from all over the globe have descended upon North America to watch the beautiful game.

With that, plenty of folks who have never even seen America up close are getting a firsthand account of just how awesome this country can be when you really stop and take in all it has to offer.

The Internet became intimately familiar with a German fan by the name of Freddy documenting his trip through the American South, but everyone's favorite dude from Deutschland isn't the only foreign soccer fan in awe of the United States.

While pickup trucks, country music and trips to Hooters may be commonplace for many of you reading this, for a British fan who made the pilgrimage to the good ol' U-S-of-A, it was a mind-blowing experience that few Europeans could even comprehend.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

Look at the excitement! And who could blame him?

He probably went from eating fish and chips with a side of mashed peas to scarfing down a basket of wings surrounded by beautiful women.

You might not be aware of this, but refills aren't free in a lot of European countries.

The horror! But it gets even worse. They don't even put ice in your drinks over there.

Check out this Italian getting his world rocked by receiving infinite refills for his ice-cold soda.

Take it easy, killer! We don't use real sugar over here, so who knows what a dozen of those will do to your body.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

But nothing compares to the pure joy that a man from Scotland experienced when he made his way to the mecca of gas stations: Buc-ee's.

If you've never been to one, you're missing out, but I will let our Scottish tourist here explain, in detail, what is so magical about this ode to capitalism.

"A gas station mixed with Disney World wrapped in a gift shop," is such an apt description of Buc-ee's, I don't think I could have done a better job myself.

Speaking of Scotland, how about these Scots who rented a house in Boston for the World Cup and decided to share the song of their people with the rest of the neighborhood at 6 in the morning?

And I'm not talking about a Bluetooth speaker, either.

Their weapon of choice? Bagpipes.

ROB GRONKOWSKI IS 'TEAM USA ALL THE WAY' DESPITE BEING A SOCCER NOVICE AHEAD OF 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

If I had to get woken up by music, I'd probably take bagpipes over Taylor Swift or Bad Bunny, so good on these Scots for switching it up.

And it's not just Europeans, either.

Check out this Japanese sports reporter who came over from the Land of the Rising Sun to sample some of the local fare.

I bet they don't have Nashville hot chicken or GooGoo Clusters back home.

Simply incredible.

This is what the World Cup is truly all about, showing visitors everything awesome that our country has to offer.

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It started with Freddy and has made its way through countless visitors from far off lands showing off everything that makes America special.

As I've said before, you don't need to be from Europe or Japan to appreciate what we have here in the United States.

It's become almost "en vogue" to dismiss America as a dump or devoid of culture, but there is so much beauty in every direction.

Hopefully, by the end of this year's World Cup, everyone's eyes will be open to the fact that this country is a great one, and it shouldn't take a bunch of visitors to tell us that.

WATCH: Tim Kaine rejects claims Karmelo Anthony verdict was racist

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:23:51 -0400

Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said he has a "hard time understanding" claims that the guilty verdict in Karmelo Anthony's murder trial was unfair or racially motivated, distancing himself from some Democrats and activists who have criticized the outcome of the case.

"I have a hard time understanding why they would say that," Kaine said when asked about claims from some Democrats that Anthony's guilty verdict was unfair or racially charged.

The Virginia Democrat’s comments come after protests and online criticism emerged following Tuesday’s verdict. Anthony was sentenced to 35 years in prison after being found guilty of intentionally stabbing and murdering Austin Metcalf.

Kaine's comments stand in contrast with remarks from Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, who has publicly described Anthony as a "scared Black boy" and argued he was not shown enough "mercy" following the verdict.

AUSTIN METCALF'S DAD EXPRESSES EMPATHY FOR KARMELO ANTHONY AS KILLER'S PARENTS SAY 'THEY DID A NUMBER ON US'

Fox News Digital asked Kaine his thoughts on Democrats, like Crockett, claiming the trial was unfair because of the belief that the verdict was racially motivated or that Anthony was not given a fair trial because of his race.

"I know what they’re saying, but I have a hard time understanding," Kaine reiterated.

KARMELO ANTHONY TRIAL BEGINS WITH NO BLACK JURORS IN RACIALLY-CHARGED CASE OVER TRACK MEET STABBING

Crockett took to her podcast, "Clock it with Crockett," 19 hours after Anthony was found guilty in court. During the episode, she criticized the racial makeup of the jury and claimed the knife that Anthony used to stab Metcalf to his death was "not a deadly weapon."

"I would argue the size of it alone, you wouldn’t even think it’s a deadly weapon," Crockett said about the murder weapon that was discovered and confirmed to be the knife used to pierce Metcalf’s heart, leading to his death on the scene.

She claimed the jurors were all "White folk," and sources close to the trial told Fox News Digital that there were three jurors who were racial minorities. They said that of the 18 total jurors, including alternates, six were minorities.

Crockett also said on her podcast that if she were in Anthony’s position, referencing the altercation that led to Metcalf’s death, she would have done the same thing in self-defense.

KARMELO ANTHONY STAYS SILENT AS ANALYSTS WARN DEFENSE FACES UPHILL BATTLE IN TRACK MEET STABBING TRIAL

She also claimed the victim’s family had never experienced living in the "fear and agony" that Black people live with every day.

While Crockett is the only member of Congress to publicly make such claims since the guilty verdict was given, many activists agree with Crockett’s take, claiming Anthony’s actions were made in self-defense, often noting the 38-pound size difference between Anthony and Metcalf.

Protests broke out outside the courthouse on Tuesday, and criticism of the verdict and claims that Anthony did not receive a fair trial continue to circulate online.

Fox News Digital’s Peter D’Abrosca contributed to this report.

Grizzly bear mauls hiker, drags him dozens of feet on Glacier National Park trail

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:19:09 -0400

A hiker who survived a terrifying grizzly bear attack in Glacier National Park is recovering after multiple surgeries — and is now facing mounting medical expenses.

The attack occurred on May 28 on the Grinnell Glacier Trail, one of the park's most popular hiking routes, according to a fundraising page created after the incident.

The hiker, Daniel Crago, said he and a friend were nearing the end of the trail when he continued ahead to a snow-covered section to take in the views and snap a few photos.

HIDDEN DANGER AT POPULAR US NATIONAL PARK FORCES TRAIL CLOSURES AS BEAR SIGHTINGS CLIMB

About 10 minutes later, as he began making his way back along the trail, he noticed a smaller grizzly bear nearby.

As he scanned the area, he spotted a larger grizzly on the mountainside about 15 feet away, the fundraising page noted.

Crago said he attempted to alert the animal to his presence — but believes the close encounter may have startled the bear.

"As soon as it saw me, it charged down and attacked me," he wrote on the GoFundMe page.

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The bear bit his arm and dragged him between 20 and 30 feet before running away.

The attack left Crago with a severe arm injury that required emergency medical treatment.

Several nearby hikers quickly stepped in to help.

A pediatric emergency room physician who happened to be on the trail stabilized Crago's arm and helped stop the bleeding.

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Then, another hiker continuously made noise to discourage the bears from returning, according to the fundraiser page.

Another visitor used a satellite communication device to contact emergency responders and request a medical evacuation.

The injured hiker was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital, where he underwent emergency treatment and surgery.

He said he's undergone three surgeries so far and expects to need at least one additional procedure as part of his recovery. As a result, Crago said he is facing significant medical bills associated with his treatment and ongoing care.

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The fundraiser was created to help offset costs while he focuses on healing.

"I am deeply grateful for everyone who has supported me," he wrote.

Crago also said that any money raised beyond his medical expenses will be donated to the U.S. National Park Service.

Glacier National Park is home to about 300 grizzly bears, according to the National Park Service. The park also has roughly 600 black bears, for a total bear population of about 900 to 1,000 bears (the figures are approximate).

Police in California spot body of 5-year-old swept out to sea

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 11:11:36 -0400

The body of a missing child who was swept into the ocean in California on Tuesday was found on Thursday, according to the City of Laguna Beach.

"During an early-morning aerial survey of the coastline on June 11, 2026, the Laguna Beach Police Department identified a possible match to the adolescent female who was swept into the ocean near Treasure Island Beach on June 9, 2026," a press release noted.

"The sighting occurred 250 to 300 yards offshore of Christmas Cove, which is located approximately one-quarter mile north of the area where the victim was initially swept into the ocean," the release explained. "Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel responded to the location and recovered the decedent with assistance from the Orange County Sheriff's Department Harbor Patrol."

VACATION HOT SPOT CRACKS DOWN ON BEACH SETUPS WITH $500 FINES FOR SUN SHADES, CANOPIES

A GoFundMe campaign with a message attributed to the child's family states, in part, "It is with unimaginable heartbreak that we share the passing of our beloved Amada Mia Brown. Amada was only five years old, but she filled every room she entered with joy, laughter, and light. She was a happy, cheerful, and loving little girl whose smile could brighten anyone's day. She was deeply loved by her mother, family, friends, and everyone fortunate enough to know her."

"Our family's lives changed forever following a tragic accident on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Laguna Beach. After an extensive search, Amada was found and has now been reunited with her loved ones. While we are grateful to have answers, our hearts are shattered by this devastating loss," another portion of the message declared.

A Wednesday press release noted that "Based on preliminary information, a mother and her two children were swept into the ocean by powerful water [c]onditions while near the shoreline. Bystanders immediately entered the water and successfully rescued the mother and one child."

UNDERWATER TRAGEDY IN MALDIVES LEAVES FAMILIES SEARCHING FOR ANSWERS AFTER CAVE DEATHS

The child's mother "was doing anything any mother would do, take her children out to have a good time," the little girl's father, Aaron Brown, said in a KABC news report. "Unfortunately, the waves were a little bit too much."

The discovery of the body occurred after search efforts had wound down.

The U.S. Coast Guard noted in a Thursday press release that it had suspended its search on Wednesday evening.

FLORIDA DEPUTY DRAGS 'UNRESPONSIVE' BEACHGOER FROM OCEAN IN DRAMATIC RESCUE

"Our deepest condolences go out to the child’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time," Capt. Stacey Crecy, commander of Coast Guard Sector Los Angeles-Long Beach, said. "Suspending a search is an extremely difficult decision. We launched assets and responded as quickly as possible, continuously searching throughout the night and until sunset on June 10, 2026. We worked hand-in-hand with first responders in Laguna Beach to carry out a coordinated and thorough search of the area."

A Wednesday City of Laguna Beach release noted that "As of sunset on June 10, 2026, Laguna Beach Marine Safety personnel and assisting agencies have concluded the dedicated search and recovery operation for the adolescent female who went missing in the ocean from Treasure Island Beach on the evening of June 9, 2026."

MLB great Jim Edmonds says he wouldn't have tolerated National Anthem protests: 'We stand up and salute'

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:55:28 -0400

Former Major League Baseball star Jim Edmonds isn't one to take patriotism lightly. And as he told Tomi Lahren in a new interview, he wouldn't tolerate any disrespect toward the United States had it occurred in one of his clubhouses.

Edmonds played in the big leagues for 17 seasons, developing a reputation as one of the best defensive center fielders baseball's ever seen. He won an astonishing eight Gold Gloves, made four All-Star teams and hit nearly 400 home runs during his career.

But as he told Lahren, it wasn't just his production on the field that mattered to him, it was showing respect for the U.S. National Anthem and the American flag.

Lahren and Edmonds discussed whether baseball has become more "political," and how players and society treated the summer of 2020 and George Floyd protests.

EX-MLB STAR JONATHAN LUCROY RECALLS REFUSING TO KNEEL FOR ANTHEM: 'I GAVE THEM THE FINGER'

Edmonds addressed it by saying things have changed a bit, by flipping the conversation around to his personal beliefs.

"Well, I think that people have figured out that it's great to do that in recognition of those people, but you're also supposed to be recognizing, let's say from my beliefs, the National Anthem.

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"There’s a reason we play the National Anthem every day. There's a reason why we stand up and salute. It's no different than when you see President Trump and the Army walking by. They're saluting each other. That’s what we do, that’s what we’re taught. I don’t really have any leeway for that."

Edmonds brought up that when he was captain of a baseball team, if someone behaved like Colin Kaepernick in his clubhouse, there'd have been a conversation.

"When I was supposed to be like the captain, if someone was doing that on our team, which we never had anything like that, I would present myself and say, 'Hey, what's going on? You need to continue the education on why we're standing. I understand what you're trying to do, but what are we really doing?'"

Thankfully, baseball isn't nearly as extreme as some other sports when it comes to politicized gestures. But it's still refreshing to hear a professional athlete say that there's a reason we're allowed to play and enjoy sporting events as recreation and leisure. That taking it for granted is bad, actually, and shouldn't be celebrated. If only some other prominent athletes felt the same way.

Rangers vs Red Sox preview: Why Sonny Gray gives Boston a rare edge in a lost season at home

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:50:45 -0400

I've taken a lot of tough beats this year on the diamond. I'm not complaining or anything, it has been a decent season overall, but the frustrating ones have been when I take the first five innings under and it loses and the full game cashes. I was on the right side of one of those finally as I took the under for the first five of the Giants vs. Nationals, and they scored two runs through five innings, but 22 runs combined in the game. Let's try and stay on the good side of luck as the Rangers take on the Red Sox.

The Texas Rangers are currently sitting at .500 and still within just one game of the division. I've said it before, and I'll probably say it all season — no one seems to want to win or run away with the American League West division. Most of us assumed it was a foregone conclusion that the Seattle Mariners were going to stroll into the postseason without much resistance. That still might happen but the four teams at the top are all within 5 games of each other, and the Angels are only 8.5 back.

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This would be a good time for Texas to take advantage of winnable games. They are fairly average on the road, but do have a sub-.500 record. Going today for them is Jack Leiter, who has a 3-5 record, 4.69 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP. None of those numbers, obviously, are very impressive. I don't think they are terrible, either, but you probably look at a better opportunity to beat him than teammates like Jacob deGrom or Nathan Eovadli. He has been slightly worse on the road this season than at home, and his current form isn't great, allowing four or more earned runs in three of four starts. Red Sox hitters are batting just .200 against him in 20 at-bats.

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The Red Sox are a disaster this season, but rumor has it they still believe they can turn the team around this year. They are just 27-39, and have been ugly at home with a 10-21 record. It is hard to pinpoint exactly what is wrong with Boston. The stats tell one part of the story, but are the players all struggling because the team dismissed Alex Cora, or is it something else? Maybe it is just a down year? The fact remains that it doesn't matter — they just haven't been good.

If they do decide to offload players instead of add to their team, expect today's starter, Sonny Gray, to be at the top of the list. Gray has value, has been traded multiple times and continues to be an option that would help would-be playoff teams. He's been great for the Red Sox, going 7-1 with a 3.20 ERA and a 1.24 WHIP. He also has been very good at home this season, posting a 2.52 ERA. He has turned in three quality starts in his last six outings, and has allowed no more than three earned runs in any of those starts. Rangers hitters are batting just .195 against him in 82 at-bats.

This should be a game that is winnable for the Red Sox. You have the better pitcher on the mound, and get to play at what should be a home-field advantage. It doesn't seem like the Red Sox are impacted as much when he starts as they are when someone else does. They have 10 wins at home, and four of them have come in Gray's starts.

I like Leiter, but you're having him go against a tougher opponent. I think Boston wins this game, but I'd be surprised if this was a high-scoring affair. Personally, I'll take Boston at -136 for the game, but I'd consider taking the under 8.5 if you're into it. I'll stick with just the one play for myself.

Abbott spotlights no-show Talarico, launching Texas-sized crime crackdown

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:39:28 -0400

As Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico works to brand himself as a "law and order Democrat," Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is rolling out a sweeping public safety agenda that could force the left's rising star to defend parts of his legislative record on crime, bail reform and policing.

Abbott, who is pushing to remove so-called "rogue" prosecutors, create a statewide prosecutor and deny bail to illegal immigrants accused of violent crimes, told Fox News Digital the proposals are necessary.

"Texas Democrats have consistently sided with criminals over the citizens they were elected to protect," Abbott told Fox News Digital, adding, "Keeping dangerous offenders behind bars is one of the most important responsibilities of government."

While Abbott's proposals still need approval from lawmakers, they are already shaping a broader debate over crime and public safety in Texas ahead of the midterm elections.

TRAVIS COUNTY DA FACES RENEWED ‘SOFT ON CRIME’ CRITICISM AFTER CAREER CRIMINAL CHARGED WITH MURDER

Talarico has highlighted endorsements from law enforcement figures, including former Dallas FBI Special Agent in Charge Matthew DeSarno, to bolster his public safety record, but Abbott's allies argue his voting record and absences from key public safety votes tell a different story.

Talarico was absent for a vote on a bill named after slain Houston preteen Jocelyn Nungaray that would have automatically denied bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent crimes. Talarico's campaign defended the missed vote, telling Fox News Digital Talarico had an excused absence. The bill ultimately failed to pass, but Abbott is seeking to revive the measure.

Among the public safety measures Talarico voted against were House Bill 1900, which prevented Texas cities from defunding their police departments; House Bill 20, which tightened bail restrictions for violent offenders; and Senate Bill 4, which established mandatory prison sentences for human smuggling and stash house operations. Abbott later signed all three measures into law.

"James Talarico’s disastrous record on public safety is indistinguishable from the Texas Democrats who have repeatedly opposed common-sense measures to support law enforcement and keep violent criminals off the streets," Eduardo Leal, press secretary for Abbott's campaign, told Fox News Digital. "He’s led his Democrat colleagues to vote against legislation that prevented cities from defunding the police and twice failed to show up for votes to deny bail to illegal immigrants charged with violent crimes."

Talarico's campaign has pushed back on Abbott's characterization, pointing to Talarico previously voting in favor of Abbott's sweeping bail reform measure passed last year and voting for billions of dollars in funding for Texas law enforcement.

"This baseless attack is a flat-out lie. James opposes defunding the police, has voted to deny bail for violent criminals, supports prosecuting violent felons, and has a proven track record of sending billions of dollars to support law enforcement," Talarico's campaign spokesperson JT Ellis said in a statement.

But as crime continues to dominate headlines nationwide, Texas has not been immune, with Abbott blaming what he describes as soft-on-crime district attorneys for failing to hold offenders accountable. Abbott's campaign team pointed to the release of two murder suspects in Austin on reduced bonds after Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza's office missed the 90-day deadline for securing indictments last year. Meanwhile, Garza's office has secured the indictments of 21 police officers over allegations of misconduct in the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests.

TEXAS AG KEN PAXTON SUED OVER NEW RULE TO REIN IN 'ROGUE' DAS BY ALLOWING HIM ACCESS TO THEIR CASE RECORDS

And in court Monday, a judge dismissed two motions targeting the Travis County District Attorney, first assistant and several prosecutors, meaning they are no longer facing allegations of criminal wrongdoing.

Abbott's office says concerns about district attorneys such as Garza are driving its push to create a Texas statewide prosecutor, a new office that would operate separately from the attorney general's office and focus on prosecuting the state's most serious crimes.

The proposal to create a Texas statewide prosecutor would require approval from the Texas Legislature, which would need to establish and fund the new office through statute. Unlike some of Abbott's other public safety initiatives, the measure would not require a constitutional amendment.

An official from Abbott's campaign team told Fox News Digital that creating this new office is necessary because current state statutes provide that the attorney general's office has no general prosecutorial authority.

Criminal prosecutions are generally handled by locally elected district and county attorneys, and the Attorney General may intervene only when authorized by statute, requested by local prosecutors, or otherwise permitted by law.

Under the proposal, if a district attorney does not pursue an indictment within 90 days, the statewide prosecutor would be authorized to intervene and take over the prosecution.

GOV ABBOTT UNVEILS NEW CAMPAIGN EXPOSING HORRIFIC DANGERS OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION

Police departments would be required to send reports involving certain serious crimes to both local district attorneys and the statewide prosecutor, enabling the office to track cases from the beginning.

Garza dubbed Abbott's sweeping criminal justice reform proposal to be a "distraction from the governor’s litany of failures."

"Under his leadership, Texans are paying more for groceries, public schools are losing funding, and too many Texans lack access to healthcare and mental healthcare," Garza said.

Abbott's other two legislative requests — ending bail for illegal immigrants and making it possible to impeach district attorneys — would require a statewide vote by Texans.

Last month, Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety to expand the Texas Repeat Offender Task Force from the Houston area into the Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin regions, saying the effort will help target violent repeat offenders and improve public safety. Since launching in October, the task force has arrested 728 repeat offenders, including 455 high-threat suspects; seized large quantities of drugs and weapons; encountered 155 known gang members; and recovered 25 stolen vehicles.

"The choice in this election is clear," Abbott said. "Republicans will protect communities and prosecute criminals, while Democrats stand with the very people who threaten public safety."

USA vs Paraguay World Cup betting preview: Why the over 2.5 goals is the play for this matchup

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:36:09 -0400

Alright, I'm going on a bold adventure here and I want you to take the ride with me. I tell this story fairly often, but I feel like it is worth mentioning here again. A few years back, I didn't bet on hockey. Outkick asked if I could, and I said I would figure it out. I was successful with it and I've been doing it ever since. Now, for the first time ever, I'm drinking the World Cup Kool-Aid and putting a play out here between the USA and Paraguay.

The USA is not a soccer nation. It is really odd considering that soccer is the largest sport in the world, but like the metric system, we decided it just isn't for us. That isn't to say we haven't had successes in the past, but they are few and far between. Our soccer team isn't even like basketball teams in other nations. Those teams are closer to the USA Basketball program than we are to the best soccer teams.

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Still, there has been some renewed hope for the squad this year. I won't pretend to tell you that I know a ton about these players, but they've at least put up some respectable numbers against tougher competition. Over their past four matchups, dating back to March, the team is just 1-3 with at least two goals allowed in each game. They've been shut out once, scored three, two and one goal.

Paraguay is a soccer country. If you asked me to point it out on a map, I probably couldn't, but I can tell you it has improved its soccer team over the past few years. Paraguay missed each of the past three World Cups by not qualifying, but that changed here as the team has made it for the first time since 2010. A lot of the credit is given to manager Gustavo Alfaro, who has a knack for developing young teams.

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On their squad they have a strong mix of younger players and veteran leadership. It will be interesting to see how the team comes together against some of these tougher competitors. Looking back at their past three games, all since March of this year, they have gone 2-1, beating Nicaragua and Greece. Their loss was to Morocco. I'm not sure that I would say these teams are better than those that the US faced, but they aren't slouches either.

In this matchup, I expect the strategy to be cautious, and attack only when there are golden opportunities. Teams in the World Cup know how important these games are and know that they can get points from draws. You need as many as possible if you want hope of getting out of the group stages.

I think the game should see at least three goals. My call here is a 2-1 final for the U.S., which pays at a decent price if you want to do the exact number. The over for the game also pays at +135 if you want to take that. Even just playing the U.S. -- on the three-way moneyline -- pays at +105. Give me just the over 2.5 goals here though.

Former Penn State football player faces life-altering injuries after hit-and-run crash that killed his fiancée

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:33:57 -0400

A former Penn State football player suffered potentially life-altering injuries in a serious crash that killed his fiancée earlier this month.

Kyle Vasey, 30, was hospitalized after his 35-year-old fiancée, Corrine More, lost her life in the hit-and-run crash.

A 28-year-old man was driving near East Wildcat Reserve Parkway and Willowbridge Way in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, at around 10:30 a.m. June 1 when he crashed into Vasey, More and a 72-year-old woman, who were all walking on the sidewalk. She also was hospitalized with serious injuries.

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The driver, Adam Bauserman, had a revoked license due to a DUI arrest last year. Douglas County Sheriff Darren Weekly told CBS Colorado that Bauserman has had several revocations and suspensions of his license over the last 10 years.

"He should never have been on the roadway, and as a result of that, somebody is now deceased," the sheriff said.

Bauserman was arrested after a witness followed his truck. According to CBS Colorado, witnesses saw Bauserman turn around after the crash, drive slowly past the scene and drive away. That caused another witness to follow him down the road, leading to his arrest.

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Officials said Bauserman was "unusually quiet" and asked if he had killed Vasey. Witnesses believe Bauserman's actions behind the wheel were not accidental.

A doctor cited in the affidavit, according to CBS Colorado, said Vasey is at risk of permanent disfigurement or death.

Bauserman is currently facing seven felony charges, and bail was set at $100,000.

Vasey was the team's long snapper in 2017 and 2018, when the Nittany Lions won the Fiesta Bowl and lost the Citrus Bowl, respectively. He briefly was in training camp with the Atlanta Falcons in 2019.

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Koe Wetzel's 'The Night Champion' arrives with 11 songs as country star's rise shows no signs of slowing

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:21:15 -0400

Koe Wetzel's new album "The Night Champion" has officially arrived.

Wetzel has turned into one of the biggest stars in the country music world, and it's been a lot of fun watching his rise in the industry.

His music is great for a bonfire or an emotional roller coaster. He covers the entire spectrum. That's why there's been serious hype for his new album.

Well, it doesn't disappoint!

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR CELEBRATES BIRTHDAY WITH SPICY SWIMSUIT PHOTO

Wetzel released "The Night Champion" for his millions of fans on Friday morning, and I have no doubt country music fanatics are already digging in.

The album features 11 tracks. The previously released singles are "Hurts Like You," "Time Goes On," "Dollar and a Bottle" and "Surrounded."

All 11 songs are definitely worth a listen, but one that caught my attention is "The Man."

COUNTRY MUSIC STAR GOES VIRAL WITH HEARTWARMING MOMENT INVOLVING YOUNG FAN, REACTIONS POUR IN

Give it a listen below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

One fan wrote on YouTube, "This already went platinum in my house."

Another added in the comments, "This album definitely going platinum in my house 😭 listening on repeat."

A third wrote, "ABSOLUTE FIRE."

Wetzel's rise in the country music world isn't slowing down, and "The Night Champion" is guaranteed to take things to a new level. Have you already listened to it? Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.

Fox News AI Newsletter: Top 12 takeaways from Apple's new AI features

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:13:29 -0400

IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:

- 12 biggest Apple WWDC 2026 takeaways you need to know

- California city votes to permanently ban data centers in first-of-its-kind measure

- Meta launches $115M skilled trades academy with guaranteed jobs for graduates in 4 states

SIRI UPGRADE: Apple used WWDC 2026, its annual developers conference, to lay out what is coming next for your iPhone, Mac, iPad, Apple Watch and Vision Pro. This year's keynote also carried extra weight because it marked Tim Cook's final WWDC as Apple CEO before John Ternus takes over in September. Still, the biggest story for users was software. Apple put Siri AI and Apple Intelligence at the center of the keynote, while also announcing iOS 27 support for older iPhones, new child safety tools, faster performance and smarter features across everyday apps.

POWER GRID LOCK: Voters in a Southern California city overwhelmingly approved a ballot measure that permanently prohibits data centers within city limits, underscoring growing local resistance to the infrastructure powering the artificial intelligence boom. Monterey Park voters approved Measure NDC by a margin of 10,321 votes to 1,362 votes, or 88.34%, according to official election results from Los Angeles County.

WORKFORCE WIN: Tech giant Meta on Monday announced that it's launching a new academy for workers to receive training in a skilled trade at no cost with a job guaranteed for all graduates.

RED THREAT: Sen. Tom Cotton urged the Justice Department to investigate a covert campaign linked to China designed to "kneecap" America's rapidly expanding artificial intelligence infrastructure in a letter obtained exclusively by Fox News Digital.

LABOR RECKONING: U.S. employers ramped up layoffs in May as the artificial intelligence (AI) rollout was the leading factor cited by companies cutting their workforces, new data shows.

WHO IS THIS? Your phone rings. It's your son's voice. Panicked. He says he's been in a car accident. He hurt someone. He's about to be arrested. He needs $15,000 wired before the end of the day, and please, don't tell anyone yet. You'd wire the money. Of course you would. Except it isn't your son. It's a scammer who spent about 10 minutes online, pulled three seconds of audio from a Facebook video your son posted last Christmas, and fed it into an AI voice cloning tool that costs less than a Netflix subscription.

PRIVATE NO MORE? OpenAI said Monday it has taken a formal step toward a potential stock market debut, signaling that the artificial intelligence company is preparing for the possibility of becoming a publicly traded firm.

INTELLIGENCE QUESTIONS: Apple has spent years telling us that privacy starts on the device. For many users, that message feels reassuring. Your messages, photos, emails and app data sit in your hand, protected by Face ID, passcodes and Apple's security layers. Now, new research gives Apple's on-device AI a reality check.

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Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.

Jessie James Decker on why her marriage to Eric Decker hasn't lost its spark after four kids

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 10:00:48 -0400

Jessie James Decker is sharing the one piece of advice she actually listened to when it comes to making a marriage work.

During an interview with Fox News Digital at a pre-CMA Fest party she hosted at her store, Kittenish, in Nashville, Tennessee, the 38-year-old country singer shared the piece of marriage advice she took into consideration.

"The best piece of advice that I've learned that actually works in real life is to keep flirting," she said. "You have to keep things playful. You've gotta keep that young love spirit, and we just naturally do. You gotta be silly."

She and her husband, former football player Eric Decker, first met through a mutual friend in 2011 and were engaged a year later in April 2012.

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They got married the following year, in June 2013, and have since welcomed four children together: Vivianne, 12, Eric "Bubby," 10, Forrest, 8, and Denver, 2.

Although they have been married for 13 years, Jessie shared that she is surprised to say she is "still madly in love with him," adding she hears people say marriage is hard and that "you gotta work hard" to make the marriage work, but that she hasn't "experienced that."

WATCH: Jessie James Decker's key to a successful marriage is to never stop flirting

"I still look at him with the same goo goo gaga eyes as I did from the beginning," she said. "He's my best friend, and we're still more in love than ever, and I'm so grateful for that. Yeah, early on they tell you, 'oh, that'll fade,' and it hasn't faded."

In a separate interview with Fox News Digital in February, Jessie shared that "you're setting yourself up for success" in a relationship when you seek someone out who you can relate to "on the most important things to you."

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Rather than chasing perfection or performance, Decker said their shared values have allowed them to adapt without losing connection.

"We see the world the same way. We love the same, we wanted to raise our kids the same," she said. "When life happens, you’re able to just get through anything together."

The two recently appeared alongside one another on the hit reality show, "Special Forces: World's Toughest Test." They made it to day six of the challenge before Eric was medically withdrawn due to a hip and back injury sustained during a challenge.

WATCH: Jessie James Decker is surprised by how much she still loves her husband after more than a decade of marriage

Following his departure, Jessie chose to voluntarily withdraw from the competition rather than continue on her own. While their time on the show was cut short, Jessie told Fox News Digital in September 2025 that doing it together helped strengthen their relationship.

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"I think that experience, when it was all said and done, we had one of the best dates and nights of our entire marriage," Jessie explained. "We had a layover in London, and we went to dinner, and we, like, got to lay in a bed and I just feel like we laid there looking at each other, and it was just such a beautiful night."

She continued, "We went through something really hard together, and it really does bring you closer together. We were just so grateful to be laying in that bed together."

Expert warns of 'general escalation' of fighting if Houthis resume Red Sea campaign

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 09:47:39 -0400

The U.S. has hit back against threats to now block another Middle East waterway by Iranian terror proxy, the Houthis.

Earlier this week, the group declared a complete ban on Israeli-owned ships using the Red Sea, declaring them to be "legitimate targets."

The Red Sea and the waterway through its narrow Bab-el Mandeb Strait has become the main route for oil to ship out of the Middle East to Asia since the Strait of Hormuz has effectively stopped functioning as the main route of navigation for shipping.

IRAN'S AFRICA ACTIVITIES POSE 'SIGNIFICANT THREATS TO US NATIONAL SECURITY'

Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree posted on Monday, "We declare a complete and total ban on Israeli maritime navigation in the Red Sea, and we consider all enemy movements to be legitimate targets."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a State Department spokesperson struck back: "The escalatory actions of Iran and their Houthi proxies are unacceptable. These dangerous actions only serve to further enflame tensions and further disrupt global supply chains. We will continue to work with our partners to ensure freedom of navigation in the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz."

Edmund Fitton-Brown, a senior fellow at The Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital, "The Houthis have indeed risen to the challenge, at least verbally. In common with much ‘Axis of Resistance’ rhetoric at present, the intention appears to be to leverage U.S. political nervousness and market volatility, and to drive a wedge between the Americans and the Israelis."

Fitton-Brown, a former U.K. ambassador to Yemen, added, "Provided the allies keep talking to each other, the Israelis respond proportionately, as they have done, and the Iranians continue to provoke President Trump with actions like the downing of the helicopter, these tactics are unlikely to achieve significant success."

"It will be interesting if the Houthis do go all in, and resume their campaign against Red Sea shipping with full intensity," Fitton-Brown said, adding, "This will draw international anger and likely result in Israeli and U.S. strikes on Sana'a and Hodeida. There is potential for a general escalation if this happens, albeit one in which the allies have a clear military advantage."

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Such actions come as reports emerge that Ethiopia, the Red Sea region’s most populous country, is stepping up as a major U.S. ally against Islamic terrorism.

While landlocked, Ethiopia has a population of some 130 million, making it the largest nation in the Horn of Africa. Located near parts of the Red Sea corridor, the country is roughly 60% Christian, according to a recent report by the Association of Religion Data Archives.

And despite it being landlocked, Ethiopian researcher Blen M. Diriba told Fox News Digital that the country acts as a strategic roadblock or "a keystone state" on the Islamist expansionist "highway" that has formed all the way from Iran to Sudan.

Diriba, executive director of the Horn Review — an Addis Ababa-based research and publication think tank — told Fox News Digital that "Ethiopia, long a frontline U.S. security partner, now sits at the center of an expanding pressure zone where maritime disruption, insurgent violence, terrorist threats, and proxy competition converge."

Diriba added. "Iran’s Bab el-Mandeb threat transforms the Horn of Africa into a militarized frontline, placing Ethiopia at the center of a choke point crisis. With Iranian influence radiating through conflict ecosystems in Sudan, Eritrea and Somalia, the region is beginning to resemble a continuous arc of instability stretching from the Arabian Peninsula into East Africa."

"Ethiopia sits at the center of one of the world's most combustible security corridors," Diriba continued. "And in strategic terms, its relevance to the United States is amplified, not diminished, by that reality: From the Red Sea disruptions driven by the Houthis to the persistent insurgency threat of al-Shabab in Somalia, Ethiopia functions as a massive inland security buffer whose stability directly shapes whether these threats expand or are contained."

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But in addition to being pro-U.S., Ethiopia also has relations with Iran.

Fitton-Brown believes to some extent Ethiopia can be accused of playing both sides, as he said Tehran "has helped Ethiopia with its internal conflicts, giving drone support and military aid to the Ethiopian government during the recent Tigray War."

He added, "There is a new memorandum of understanding built upon that basis, with Iran gaining influence in Ethiopia, while Ethiopia receives military, police and intelligence support to counter its domestic ethnic insurgencies."

However, Diriba said, "Ethiopia’s engagement with Iran is neither affinity nor alignment, it’s strategic awareness: keeping channels open to engage where necessary, cooperate selectively, and strategically manage its relations with a complex regional actor, while firmly anchoring its core partnerships with its emerging and long-standing partners — the United States being on the top of that list."

"Ethiopia has pursued a flexible multi-alignment strategy, Diriba said, "prioritizing its entrenched security partnership with Washington while keeping open channels with Tehran to preserve diplomatic room to maneuver in an increasingly fragmented Horn of Africa–Red Sea order."

Fitton-Brown said relations between the U.S. and Ethiopia "are good, especially in the field of counterterrorism. Both countries use Somaliland to their advantage without having gone so far as to recognize it as an independent state."

Fox News Digital reached out to both the Department of War and the Ethiopian government for comment, but received no response by the time of publication.