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Patriotism is great, but making money is better: 'Fade the public' in Team USA vs Australia in World Cup 2026

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:20:48 -0400

The 2026 FIFA World Cup heats up this Friday, June 19, as the United States faces Australia in a crucial Group D clash. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. ET at Lumen Stadium in Seattle, Washington, where a raucous home crowd awaits.

Both nations enter this matchup riding high after multi-goal victories in their World Cup openers. Yet, BetMGM has the Americans as -165 favorites, the Socceroos as +400 underdogs and the draw +320 with a total of 2.5 goals.

U.S EARNS HISTORIC WIN IN WORLD CUP OPENER AFTER BEATDOWN OF PARAGUAY AS THE LEGEND OF FOLARIN BALOGUN IS BORN

Can Team USA maintain its momentum, or will the Aussies pull off another massive shocker? Here are my main factors for the United States vs. Australia, followed by a best bet.

American attacking midfielder Christian Pulisic left after the first half of the USA’s 4-1 win over Paraguay in their 2026 World Cup opener because of a calf injury.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

According to SICscore.com, Pulisic has a history of calf issues, and he didn’t practice with the team this week. Calf problems can lead to more serious injuries, such as a torn Achilles tendon.

Meanwhile, this is the first World Cup with a 48-team field, and the knockout round now has 32 teams instead of 16.

Between more teams making the knockout round this year and Pulisic’s injury history, there is a 70/30 chance Team USA manager Mauricio Pochettino rests Pulisic on Friday.

HOW DO TEAMS ADVANCE IN THE 2026 WORLD CUP? TIEBREAKER RULES AND ROUND OF 32 FORMAT EXPLAINED

That matters.

In fact, my buddies, who bet on soccer much more often than I do, are saying there has been "load managing" in group play this year because there are more knockout-stage spots available.

Three of America’s goals against Paraguay came in the first half while Pulisic was on the pitch. I’m expecting the USA’s offense to be less explosive against Australia if Pulisic doesn’t play.

Furthermore, the United States only had 1.42 expected goals against Paraguay, and America scored off an own goal.

Also, the Aussies shut out Türkiye 2-0 in their World Cup opener. However, they only had 1.18 expected goals and possessed the ball just 28% of the game.

Since Australia was a +425 underdog against Türkiye, the Socceroos essentially stole three points in group play.

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They also had the worst betting odds to win Group D, so with that in mind, the Socceroos will be happy to earn one point by tying the United States on Friday.

Ultimately, this is an old-school "fading the recent result" handicapping angle, with Team USA looking amazing in its first game.

Per BetMGM’s John Ewing, 80% of the money is on the Over 2.5 goals at that sportsbook as of Wednesday evening.

Nonetheless, the Under is pricier at the market-making operations, such as Circa Sports in Las Vegas and the offshore oddsmaker Pinnacle Sportsbook.

Look, I want America to win as much as the next guy.

But, more importantly, I’m trying to make money.

And UNDER 2.5 goals (-115) at BetMGM is the sharper look in this game.

_____________________________

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

Fitness trainer told friend she was 'scared for her life' weeks before body with matching clothing found

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:47 -0400

Weeks before a body matching her description was found, a missing South Carolina fitness trainer told her best friend she was "scared for her life."

A person fitting the description of Elena Katherine Moore, 39, was found dead on Wednesday afternoon in Lexington, South Carolina, after she went missing on June 11. She was last seen after leaving a Planet Fitness gym in Lexington.

While the body hasn't yet been identified, the Lexington Police Department said the body "fits the clothing description of our missing person."

Sondra Campbell, who was close friends with Moore, told Fox News Digital that something felt "very different" the last time she saw her on May 31.

MISSING SOUTH CAROLINA TEEN MACKENZIE DALTON FOUND SAFE AFTER MONTHLONG SEARCH LEADS TO ARREST

"She was scared for her life. She actually said those words to me," Campbell said. "Elena is one of my best friends. I've known her over probably 10 years now. We're really close like tell each other everything. She's been that person for me for a long time."

When Campbell asked what was wrong, Moore said she wanted to discuss it in private.

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"I can't talk to you right now. There's too many people around. She's like, but we've got to talk one-on-one," Campbell recalled Moore saying.

TEEN GIRL VANISHES FROM SOUTH CAROLINA HOME, POLICE FEAR SHE'S IN SERIOUS DANGER AFTER MONTHLONG SEARCH

Campbell said she missed a call from Moore on June 4, and tried to call and text her back with no response. She also said it's unlike Moore to be walking alone at night.

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"Elena was such a good person and I think we're just all just trying to wrap our head around this, but my friend would not be alone walking at night time. She just wouldn't be, it's not her," Campbell said.

Since police found a body, the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division has been tasked with determining the cause of death.

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According to LPD Chief Terrence Green, authorities found the body Wednesday after getting a tip that led investigators to a new search location.

"At approximately 2:48 p.m. we found an unidentified body that fits the clothing description of our missing person. We are still waiting on the coroner to identify her," Green said.

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The body found was wearing a "similar green outfit" that matched what Moore was wearing as she was seen on security video before she went missing, Green added.

MICA MILLER CASE: FBI CONDUCTS SEARCH OF SOUTH CAROLINA PASTOR HUSBAND'S HOME

Formal identification will be released by the coroner, he said.

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Moore was last seen walking through the Publix parking lot at 100 Old Cherokee Road in Lexington on the night of June 11.

Before she went missing, her social media was inactive for around a month, which Lauren Beasley, a friend of Moore's, said isn't normal.

"She is very active on social media so her going radio silent for the last month is out of character," she said.

Fox News Digital's Bonny Chu contributed to this report.

JD Vance reveals Trump's 'unbelievable ability' that behaves like a 'spiritual dimension'

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:40 -0400

Vice President JD Vance provided an intimate glimpse into President Donald Trump’s character, revealing a trait Americans may not know he has during an appearance on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity."

"He has the best instincts about human beings of anybody I've ever met," Vance said in a new episode of Hannity's podcast. "There's an almost like, spiritual dimension of where he understands whether somebody's telling him the truth or not."

Vance said he is consistently stunned by the president’s ability to read people and discern their genuine intentions.

"He understands whether somebody is trying to pull one over on him or not… it's fascinating to me," he said.

JONATHAN TURLEY: WHY TRUMP WENT OFF SCRIPT ON VENEZUELA AND WHY IT WON'T MATTER

The vice president said the many powerful figures who meet with Trump, including corporate CEOs and world leaders, are no match for the president’s instincts.

"He's the President of the United States, right? You have people who are constantly coming into the White House and asking for things," Vance explained.

"And he has this unbelievable ability to sniff out whether this person wants this thing because it's good for America or he wants it because it’s good for him."

Vance also opened up about a period of his life when he believed he knew everything and how experience ultimately changed his perspective.

"I became arrogant about what I knew," he explained. "My grandmother, who, again, was the smartest person I've ever met, devout Christian, but not an educated woman by any means, I sort of thought of her as a simpleton, as a bumpkin."

COLLEGE MIDDLE EASTERN STUDIES DEPARTMENTS ARE BROKEN — SHUT THEM DOWN TO END CAMPUS RADICALISM

"I called myself an atheist at the time, and I sort of had this arrogance about me that I knew everything and people like my grandmother didn't know things."

The vice president criticized elite organizations, including colleges and universities, for encouraging people to sport a "hyper-rational" attitude and set aside instincts and experience.

He claimed those same elites, like military and economic experts who operate on rationale, damaged the country.

"I think that so many of the things that people said about Donald Trump… it was experts who assume they knew everything about economics. It was military experts who assume they know everything about foreign policy," Vance said.

"If you look back on it, it was a bunch of people who screwed up the country but didn't learn a single lesson from it."

Hannity’s full, wide-ranging interview with Vance on "Hang Out with Sean Hannity" – covering his upbringing in Appalachia, the 2028 presidential election and more – is available on YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Obama center opens after years-long saga as locals warn ‘monstrosity’ could price them out

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:27 -0400

The Obama Presidential Center is opening to the public on Friday morning following an expensive and controversy-laden construction history.

Former President Barack Obama’s presidential center was initially estimated to cost $350 million; however, after a slate of setbacks and delays, the price of the project has more than doubled to a staggering $850 million. As construction was ongoing in Chicago, the center faced an array of controversies, including opposition from locals, anger over the use of tax dollars to support surrounding infrastructure, critiques of the building’s design, alleged failure to pay contractors and even a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination.

Unlike a traditional presidential library, the Obama Presidential Center is designed as a broader civic campus, with a museum, public plaza, forum, Chicago Public Library branch, recreation space, gardens and community programming.

"It’s a monstrosity. It’s over budget, it’s taking way too long to finish and it’s going to drive up prices and bring headaches and problems for everyone who lives here," one Chicago resident who grew up in the area near the campus' location told the Daily Mail. "It feels like a washing away of the neighborhood and culture that used to be here."

CHICAGO RESIDENTS CALL OBAMA PRESIDENTIAL CENTER A 'MONSTROSITY,' FEAR THEY'LL BE DISPLACED: REPORT

One of the most prominent lines of criticism levied against the new presidential center was that its construction materially harmed those it was seeking to serve.

Beyond its museum exhibits and planned displays of presidential records and artifacts, the Obama Presidential Center features prominent exhibits on slavery, racism, the civil rights movement and African American history. Additionally, the Obama Foundation wanted the center to be a boon for the local community, billing it as an "economic engine for South Side residents."

To accomplish this, the center prioritized locals for contracting and staffing while also promising to provide workforce development services to surrounding communities.

These moves, however, were not enough to assuage the concerns of some residents that the racial justice-infused center would ultimately displace many predominantly Black American locals by increasing the value of nearby lots, thereby raising rents and driving up property taxes.

OBAMA’S LEGACY PROJECT OFFERS LITTLE HOPE FOR CHICAGO’S SOUTH SIDE RESIDENTS

"What we got was a lease saying you have to pay $2,450 a month to stay in your home," a lifelong resident of a neighborhood near the center told the Chicago Sun-Times, recounting how his rent had gone up after construction began. "My home that they had let fall into disrepair, my home that they had decided wasn’t worth caring for. So we had to move … our beautiful Black beach neighborhood was no longer ours to enjoy."

Numerous residents have shared similar stories with the press, prompting Chicago to set aside $6 million to develop affordable housing in the area and providing residents with property tax relief.

Further complicating the Obama Presidential Center’s mission of racial justice was a lawsuit filed by a local subcontractor against one of the firms managing its construction in early 2025.

OBAMA LIBRARY, BEGUN WITH LOFTY DEI GOALS, NOW PLAGUED BY $40M RACIALLY CHARGED SUIT, BALLOONING COSTS

One African American-owned concrete and rebar company working on the project alleged that the company overseeing structural engineering and design on the Obama Presidential Center unfairly singled out black-owned firms for errors.

The lawsuit alleged that those in charge of the presidential library’s construction "directly undermined the Obama Foundation's DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) goals and commitments and mission to bring transformative change to the construction industry and local community," a claim that was strongly denied by management.

Management argued that many of the subcontractors were "questionably qualified" and that they regularly underperformed or displayed inexperience, factors that contributed to the presidential library’s ballooning costs. The Obama Foundation emphasized hiring black-owned businesses when seeking out subcontractors for its center.

PROTESTERS RAGED, CRITICS MOCKED — NOW OBAMA SAYS HIS LIBRARY’S ACTUALLY OPENING

In yet another snag, many subcontractors who worked on the center are claiming that they have yet to be paid for their work on the Obama Presidential Center.

A Fox News Digital investigation previously identified multiple firms that say they haven’t received payments, with outstanding invoices ranging from hundreds of thousands of dollars to tens of millions.

"I haven't had eight hours or six hours sleep in over a year," one African American subcontractor told Fox News Digital. "I'm cooked emotionally. I feel like an aluminum can that's been thrown in front of a steamroller. We're crushed. And I have to fight for my company and for my people."

When pressed by Fox News Digital, the Obama Foundation passed the blame onto Lakeside Alliance, its primary contractor, stating that it was responsible for handling payments to subcontractors. Lakeside Alliance, meanwhile, said projects of this size are complex matters and that it is working to resolve all loose ends.

"That's a bad signal to put out the fact that seven to eight to maybe 10 of our contractors in our community are going to be eliminated from doing business because of the debt that they incurred on this particular project," Omar Shareef, the president of the African American Contractors Association, previously told Fox News Digital. "If they would have known it was a Trojan horse or a Pandora’s box, I don't know if they would have raced as much as they did to be a part of it."

Fox News Digital could not independently verify claims that firms had been forced to shutter due to their work on the Obama Presidential Center.

OBAMA CENTER TAKES HEAT AS CRITICS CRY FOUL OVER ID RULES FOR FREE ENTRY — WHILE DEMS BLAST VOTER ID LAWS

While most of the Obama Presidential Center’s rocky history was privately funded, taxpayers were on the hook for the infrastructure surrounding it.

Illinois has so far spent over $120 million on infrastructure improvements in South Chicago to accommodate the presidential center, with the total public cost estimated to reach around $200 million.

Even with roughly $1 billion spent on its construction and design, the appearance of the Obama Presidential Center has proven controversial, drawing comparisons to everything from a maximum security prison to a garbage can.

OBAMA DRAGGED FOR 'HEADACHE'-INDUCING PRESIDENTIAL CENTER UPDATE THAT HAS VISITORS SQUINTING

"The building has an ominous presence, its mostly windowless heft recalling a menacing sci-fi headquarters," The Guardian’s architecture critic wrote of the structure.

One person dubbed it the "Obamalisk."

Some, however, have pushed back on these critiques.

"Today’s punchline may become tomorrow’s civic treasure," Justin Kaufmann, writing for Axios Chicago, said. He pointed to the center’s blending of modern architecture with the design language of classic civic buildings.

The Obama Presidential Center did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Thursday.

Trump's $300B Iran investment fund may be 'close to impossible' due to IRGC sanctions law, expert warns

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:24 -0400

A proposed $300 billion investment fund for Iran included in the U.S.–Iran memorandum of understanding may face major legal obstacles under existing U.S. sanctions law, raising questions about whether the plan is workable even if both sides move toward a final agreement.

The memorandum, digitally signed Wednesday by President Donald Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, is aimed at ending the war and restoring traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. As part of the 14-point plan, the U.S. agreed to lift sanctions on Iran, allow Tehran to increase its oil revenue and regain access to parts of the international banking system, among other measures.

But one of the most ambitious parts of the framework — a proposed $300 billion private investment fund for Iran’s reconstruction and development — may collide with a longstanding U.S. determination that Iran’s construction sector is controlled directly or indirectly by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The issue is not just technical. It goes to whether one of the central economic promises of the Trump-Iran framework can realistically be executed under current U.S. law. If the $300 billion fund depends on investment in sectors Washington has already identified as IRGC-controlled, experts say the administration may be forced to rely on temporary waivers or new licenses — a legal structure that could make long-term investors wary and complicate any final deal.

TOP SENATE REPUBLICAN RIPS INTO TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL, SAYS $300 BILLION MAKES OBAMA DEAL LOOK LIKE 'A PITTANCE'

The State Department formally determined in 2020, and again in May 2025, that Iran’s construction sector was controlled directly or indirectly by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Under the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act, known as IFCA, that finding creates sanctions risks for people or companies doing business in the sector.

Miad Maleki, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a former Treasury Office of Foreign Assets Control executive, told Fox News Digital that the legal and sanctions-related problems surrounding the fund are more complicated than simply asking whether Congress would have to approve it.

"I think Congress is unavoidable for a durable version of that investment," Maleki said. "If we have a final deal and now as part of this commitment, the U.S. government and allies are going to have to go in and help Iran to set up this fund or get access to such a fund."

Maleki said the president has meaningful unilateral authority to begin easing restrictions. Trump could revoke relevant executive orders, direct the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control to issue general licenses and waive some congressional sanctions laws.

But he said that does not mean the fund would be durable enough to attract serious investors.

"Technically, the fund could be switched on through some kind of an executive action plan alone, but it would be on paper and it would have to be renewed every 180 days," Maleki said, referring to waivers for mandatory sanctions tied to Iran’s construction sector.

JD VANCE REVEALS DETAILS OF US-IRAN DEAL, ADDRESSES WHETHER TAXPAYER MONEY WILL GO TO TEHRAN

"If you’re anyone who is in an investment-type business, it’s hard to find someone who would be investing in construction-type projects that take time," he added. "These projects are not like 180-day projects."

The concern, Maleki said, is especially acute in Iran, where investors would face sanctions uncertainty, political risk and an unreliable partner.

"It’s hard to find someone who would be investing ... based on something that could not just be renewed if Iran, especially in the context of Iran, where you don’t really have a reliable partner, where things can blow up any minute," he said.

TRUMP'S IRAN DEAL 'GIVING A LOT MORE TO GET A LOT LESS' THAN OBAMA'S, SENATOR SAYS

That structure raises a broader question about whether negotiators were truly expecting the memorandum to mature into a final, durable agreement.

"The more I’ve been digging into this memorandum of understanding, sanctions paragraphs of this memorandum, the more I have come to this kind of doubt that the negotiators really were counting on a final deal to be reached," Maleki said.

"If you do get to a final agreement and you’re looking into actually meeting the commitments that you made, this $300 billion investment fund, it’s not something you can really set up," he added. "I think it would be almost close to impossible to get something that would materialize."

READ IT: THE FULL TEXT OF THE US-IRAN MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING:

Maleki said one possible explanation is that the U.S. side may view its role as limited to providing sanctions relief, while leaving Iran and potential investors to sort out whether the fund can actually be built.

"We’re going to give them the waivers that they need. If they can’t find investors to invest in this, that’s their problem," he said, describing one possible view of the negotiators’ approach.

The Treasury Department and the Iranian mission to the U.N. did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The issue could become a congressional flashpoint. Because IFCA waivers are limited to 180 days and require justification to Congress, any long-term investment framework for Iran could force the administration to repeatedly defend why sanctions tied to an IRGC-controlled sector should be suspended.

The legal obstacles also come as critics warn the pact gives Iran major economic benefits while leaving some of the most difficult nuclear and security questions for future negotiations. Maleki said the U.S. had already built significant leverage over Iran through sanctions, military pressure and the blockade, but may now be trading that leverage for the reopening of Hormuz.

"We reached a point that we had leverage that no U.S. president has ever had with Iran," Maleki said. "Yet we gave that away for this, for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz."

He argued that Iran is likely to use the process to delay rather than rush toward a final agreement.

"Iran is going to go back to its playbook of dragging, buying time with the sanctions relief-type incentives that I’m seeing in this package," Maleki said. "I do not think that the Iranian regime is going to rush to get to a deal."

John Hannah, a senior fellow at the Jewish Institute for National Security of America and a former national security adviser to Vice President Dick Cheney, warned that any economic windfall from the agreement could help the IRGC rebuild.

"It’s almost certain that the IRGC will use any economic windfall granted by this MOU to reconstitute as much of their conventional military as possible as fast as possible — especially the vast missile and drone arsenal that the IRGC believes proved critical to the strategic successes they achieved during the war," Hannah told Fox News Digital.

Fox News Digital's News Quiz: June 19, 2026

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:13 -0400

Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz, featuring San Francisco Giants pitcher Landen Roupp wearing a Bible Verse on his cap, and a Florida couple making an announcement after an alleged baby mix-up.

Looking for another challenge?

Dirty sodas sparking health concerns and a Texas mom's Facebook arrest claim were featured in last week's News Quiz.

Test your knowledge of revolutionary recipes, celebrity challenges and more in this week's American Culture Quiz.

If you're looking to play even more, you can find all of our quizzes by clicking here.

Check back next week for the latest News Quiz from Fox News Digital. Thanks for playing!

Red Lobster's 37-year-old CEO betting on nostalgia, AI to fuel chain's comeback after bankruptcy

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:07 -0400

Red Lobster closed dozens of locations nationwide in May 2024 before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Now, the seafood chain's 37-year-old chief executive officer says he's planning "the greatest comeback in the history of the restaurant industry."

Damola Adamolekun, former CEO of P.F. Chang's, became Red Lobster's new CEO in September 2024. Before that, he worked with Fortress Investment Group as it prepared to acquire the Florida-based restaurant chain.

Prior to filing for bankruptcy, Red Lobster reportedly went through five CEOs in five years.

RED LOBSTER'S SUMMER SEAFOOD BOILS GO VIRAL AS CUSTOMERS DEBATE WHETHER WORTH THE HYPE

While at Fortress, Adamolekun visited a variety of Red Lobster restaurants in secret to assess them.

"It's very easy for staff to disengage and check out," he told Vanity Fair in an interview this month. "But they hadn't. I saw people that'd been there 10, 20, 30, 40 years. There was a lot of love for the brand. What they needed was a north star."

He reportedly told 30,000 employees at a town hall that the company was "going to execute the greatest comeback in the history of the restaurant industry," setting the tone for an aggressive turnaround effort.

Many analysts and media reports have cited the company's decision to make its endless shrimp promotion a permanent offering as one factor behind its financial troubles. Endless shrimp did return to select Red Lobster locations earlier this year, but Adamolekun made it clear in a statement to Fox 13 in Florida that it would be for a limited time only.

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Prior to its bankruptcy filing, Red Lobster was also dealing with "the fallout from a 2014 move that sold off ownership of the chain's real estate and saddled the company with lease payments," FOX Business reported.

In May, a Red Lobster restaurant touted as the chain's oldest continuously operating location shut down in Florida after 56 years.

"As part of the normal course of business, Red Lobster continuously evaluates restaurant performance and lease terms and may, from time to time, choose to close or relocate select restaurants," Red Lobster told Fox News Digital at the time.

In addition to streamlining operations and closing underperforming restaurants, Adamolekun and Red Lobster are engaging with customers and indulging their nostalgia. As a high-profile figure, the CEO also often appears on podcasts, in magazines, on television and social media.

Under Adamolekun's leadership, P.F. Chang's began generating revenues of approximately $1 billion a year, according to Goldman Sachs.

"The biggest lesson I learned was the importance of adaptability," he told the investment firm.

Consumers' emotional connection to the brand has become a central part of Red Lobster's turnaround strategy, Adamolekun said.

"I underestimated the impact of these emotional connections, which became a guiding principle in our decision-making, from menu changes to ambiance redesigns."

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Red Lobster has reintroduced popcorn shrimp and hush puppies, seafood boils, $19.99 shrimp deals and $20 lobster rolls, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

The young CEO has also promoted happy hour and appetizer deals. "One thing that won't be changing," he said in an advertisement, "these Cheddar Bay biscuits. We got that right the first time. Welcome back."

On the "Black Money Tree" podcast, Adamolekun said he wants Red Lobster to become "the most AI-forward restaurant company that exists."

He added, "One of the advantages of being young is that I understand the technology pretty well," noting that he uses AI regularly in his own work.

Red Lobster has long been popular among Black consumers. By 2015, about one in six diners were Black, a higher share than any other major casual chain, according to Vanity Fair. The chain also became a springboard for Black managers and culinary talent, many coming through historically Black colleges and universities.

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Red Lobster is projecting positive net income by the end of the fiscal year under Adamolekun's leadership, according to the Vanity Fair profile.

"We're growing mid-single digits to low-double digits on certain weeks, which is good," he told the publication.

"More people are ordering delivery than they [did] in the past. We're growing, [but] we still have work to do to reclaim where we were."

Fox News Digital reached out to Red Lobster for comment; it declined to offer any additional insights at this time.

How to watch USA vs Australia: Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 06:00:04 -0400

The United States men’s national team made a statement to open its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, routing Paraguay 4-1 last week behind two goals from Folarin Balogun.

The U.S. struck less than seven minutes in, taking a 1-0 lead when Paraguay’s Damian Bobadilla redirected the ball into his own net. Fans inside the packed stadium in Inglewood, California, roared as the USMNT seized an early advantage.

The result gave the United States its largest World Cup victory margin since 1930, when the Americans won twice by 3–0 scores in the tournament’s inaugural edition.

After opening the tournament in Southern California, the USMNT will stay on the West Coast, shifting north to Seattle for their next group-stage match against Australia at 3 p.m. ET.

WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA ON FOX ONE

Australia opened its World Cup campaign last week with a 2-0 win over Türkiye.

Under head coach Mauricio Pochettino, the USMNT entered the tournament as the No. 17 team in the FIFA World Rankings. FIFA determines its world rankings using the Elo rating system, which rewards teams for wins and penalizes them for losses while also factoring in the strength of the competition.

Team USA's star midfielder Christian Pulisic's availability remains a question after he was substituted out of last week’s win over Paraguay with a left calf issue. Pulisic said the move was precautionary after he took a kick to the calf, adding that he was "really hoping that it’s nothing."

Pochettino said he will consult the medical staff before deciding whether Pulisic can play in a pivotal Group D matchup. The result of the match could go a long way toward determining which team sits atop the group next week.

"Tonight – the day before the game – we have a meeting with our medical area and we will assess the whole group, the players and tomorrow we will communicate on the things that we cannot agree [on] tonight," Pochettino told reporters on Thursday. "He's involv[ed], he's much better from Friday. We'll see."

WATCH USA VS AUSTRALIA

This year's World Cup features an expanded field of 48 teams.

Here's how to watch the game, including start time, TV information and streaming options.

When: Friday, June 19, 2026, at 3 p.m. ET

Where: Lumen Field, Seattle, Washington

TV: FOX

Stream: Watch three days free on FOX One, Watch free on Tubi, FOX Sports.

ICE urges New York not to release Salvadoran national accused of raping 16-year-old girl on Long Island

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:15:01 -0400

Federal immigration officials are urging New York authorities not to release a 59-year-old Salvadoran national accused of raping a 16-year-old girl on Long Island, warning that he should be turned over to ICE if released from local custody.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said on Thursday that it lodged an immigration detainer against Aureliano Antonio Melendez Reyes, who is charged in Suffolk County with rape, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

According to prosecutors and DHS, the alleged assault occurred on June 6 as the girl was walking home in Huntington.

Authorities said Reyes repeatedly approached the girl and asked for her phone number. After she refused, he allegedly forced her into an alley and sexually assaulted her.

NY PROSECUTOR SIDESTEPS SANCTUARY LAW AND COORDINATES ICE ARREST OF GUATEMALAN CHILD RAPE SUSPECT

The girl was eventually able to break free and call 911 while running from Reyes, who was allegedly chasing her, according to DHS.

Responding officers took Reyes into custody.

"The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement.

ILLEGAL MIGRANT BABYSITTER ACCUSED IN 5-YEAR-OLD ATTACK NOW FACES MAJOR CHARGES

"A 16-year-old girl should be able to walk safely without being targeted, pursued, and brutally assaulted. My office will continue to vigorously prosecute defendants who pose serious threats to our community’s safety, especially our children."

According to DHS, Reyes entered the United States illegally at an unknown date and location and was issued a final order of removal by an immigration judge in 1998.

"This sexual predator NEVER should have been in our country and able to prey on this innocent girl," DHS acting assistant secretary Lauren Bis said in a statement.

DHS DEMANDS LETITIA JAMES TAKE ACTION OVER NEW YORK'S REFUSAL TO HONOR ICE DETAINERS

"DHS is calling on Governor Kathy Hochul and her fellow sanctuary politicians in New York to commit to not releasing this criminal illegal alien from jail and to turn him over to ICE," Bis continued.

"New York sanctuary politicians must not release criminals from jail into New York communities," she added.

DHS said New York jurisdictions have released nearly 7,000 criminal illegal immigrants since Jan. 20, 2025.

Many of those individuals were accused of violent crimes, including homicide, assault, burglary and drug offenses, according to the agency.

DHS also said more than 7,000 individuals currently in New York custody are the subject of active federal immigration detainers.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Hochul's office and the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office for comment.

I've been to 45 countries and all 50 states. Here are 5 things that make America great

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:00:50 -0400

On Saturday, July 4, the United States of America celebrates our Semiquincentennial. We have been an independent republic for 250 years. That is a long time but not for certain countries. Egypt, India and Greece have existed for thousands of years longer than America.

But 250 years is still a long time. And one where we have had the same form of government our entire existence. Something that cannot be said for many other countries across the world. And our Constitution has significantly influenced the development of constitutions of various other countries.

I’ve had the opportunity to visit every state in America. And I have traveled to six continents and visited 45 countries around the world. This has given me a broad perspective on the uniqueness of America. And what it is that makes us truly special.

NEW DIRECTOR'S CUT OF 2024 ‘REAGAN’ BIOPIC WILL RETURN TO THEATERS FOR AMERICA’S 250TH ANNIVERSARY

America is a very religious nation. The interest in faith is greater than in many other Western nations. Church attendance is especially high. Christianity has enormous influence over virtually every aspect of American life. You can hardly watch an awards show or interview of an athlete without hearing about God.

There are around 370,000 churches in America. That is a church for every 940 Americans. America has some of the largest churches in the world and the greatest number of large churches anywhere on earth. South Korea has the largest church, while Brazil and Nigeria have many large churches, but there is nowhere like America. We have a church whose building is a former NBA arena!

Followers of Jesus have made a huge positive impact on America. From education to healthcare, from caring for the poor to saving souls, Christians have served this country. And the blessing of God has been upon us for the good works done here and around the world.

AMERICA 250: FINAL DECISION

America is a huge country. Our land mass is the fourth-largest in the world. The two largest, Russia and Canada, have large amounts of uninhabited land, 70% or higher, but America has less than 50%. The variety of American landscape is plentiful. We have it all. Hundreds of miles of beaches, many mountain ranges, lakes and rivers in almost every state.

Visit any national park, and you’ll be blown away by the beauty. Even our state parks are beautiful. It is an embarrassment of riches. When I talk to people from other countries, they always remark on how vast America is. Many countries have beauty; we just have so much more because of our size.

WHY AMERICA’S NEXT 250 YEARS CAN BE GREATER THAN ITS FIRST 250

America has the third-largest population in the world. It is not just our numbers but our diversity that matters. You can meet immigrants from virtually any country. We are truly a melting pot of races and ethnicities. The strengths of many cultures make America great.

America is the land of endless opportunity. If you have a dream, you can pursue it. There is simply no other place on earth to be, to do or to become like America. There are a multitude of educational and trade options. You can easily and affordably pursue almost any job or vocation.

ENES KANTER FREEDOM: I CAME HERE FOR MY BASKETBALL DREAM. I STAY FOR FREEDOM AND THE AMERICAN DREAM

If you want to own your own business, it’s almost impossible in many countries, but in America it is positively possible. We have the Small Business Administration to help, a variety of banks and credit unions to lend money and far fewer regulations and taxes. It won’t be easy, but if you want it bad enough, there is nothing that can stop you. As the 36 million small business owners in America can attest.

America is the beacon of freedom for the world. We have inspired so many to love freedom, to pursue freedom, to fight for freedom. We fought our War of Independence for freedom, we fought our Civil War over freedom, we fought world wars to preserve freedom.

Americans are freedom-loving people. We defend the rights of people that we disagree with. Even when people say and write things we vehemently object to, we support their right to do it.

I was in London recently and people were telling me how bad it is with their hyper surveillance and restrictions on free speech. I told them that could never happen in America, we simply value freedom too much to allow it.

Sports are incredible unifiers. People can have many differences but if they support the same team, it brings them together. Sports bring great joy and fun to so many people. And the origins of three popular sports can be traced back to America.

Baseball was invented in New York, basketball in my wife’s hometown of Springfield, Mass., and football down the road from where I grew up in Connecticut. Walter Camp became the father of football at Yale University.

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All are worldwide sports with great appeal, but the greatest by far is football. A uniquely American game combining toughness, strength, speed and strategy. It is easily the most popular sport in America.

I’ve met thousands of Americans from every state. I’ve seen the beauty and uniqueness of many countries. There is simply no place on earth like America.

The United States of America is not perfect; it’s made up of millions of imperfect people. But it is exceptional.

Happy 250th anniversary America! Here’s to many more years of blessings, growth, progress and impact.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM PASTOR RICK MCDANIEL

Ukraine is advancing. Now is the perfect time for Trump to strengthen NATO

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:00:45 -0400

The Iran war has understandably been the focus of international attention. But Russia’s war against Ukraine continues to rage, and there are signs of a positive shift in the Trump administration’s approach to Ukraine. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump had a positive meeting at the G7 summit in France, and afterward Trump said, "Russia needs to make a deal."

Trump also said sanctions on Russian oil can go back on now that the Strait of Hormuz may soon see more ships traverse safely. Right before he left for France, Trump welcomed Ukrainian Oleksandr Usyk, the reigning heavyweight champion of the world, into the Oval Office ahead of the UFC fight on his birthday.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Congress Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a "strategic disaster." Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said the U.S. will "find a way" to help Ukraine defend itself, and Ambassador Dan Negrea representing the United States told the United Nations that, "Russia's invasion of Ukraine has been a strategic disaster" and "Moscow cannot achieve its goals on the battlefield."

The cause of this recent shift is likely twofold. First, Zelenskyy visited Gulf states during Operation Epic Fury to offer to help defend against Iranian Shahed drones, the same ones that Russia fires on Ukraine. The boldness and timing of the visit were a compelling advertisement for what Ukraine can offer the United States and its allies in modern warfare against the China-Russia-North Korea-Iran alignment.

'PURE HELL' IN MOSCOW AS UKRAINIAN DRONES STRIKE MAJOR REFINERY SUPPLYING CAPITAL'S FUEL MARKET

And second, Ukraine is making battlefield gains, holding off Russian advances, and even incrementally taking back territory. Ukraine has the momentum and is an asset to its allies in the democratic world. Trump loves a team player and a winner – Ukraine is both.

But Ukrainian gains carry risks. When Ukraine makes progress on the battlefield, Russia often threatens NATO to pressure members to slow or stop support for Kyiv. Russia did this when Ukraine had the momentum in June 2024 and in November 2024 when Ukraine began to successfully strike military targets deep inside Russia.

It is essential right now for the Trump administration to show a commitment to NATO to deter further Russian aggression and compel Moscow to finally abide by a ceasefire. U.S. credible commitments can signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin that he cannot coerce the U.S. and its NATO allies to relax support to Ukraine and that the risks of threatening NATO are far too great.

FINLAND’S FOREIGN MINISTER SAYS UKRAINE ‘IS NOW HOLDING THE CARDS’ AS RUSSIA SIGNALS TALKS

And deterring Putin will ensure Europeans can safely continue to provide the bulk of Ukrainian weapons by purchasing them from American companies. A strong U.S. commitment to NATO may be the most likely way to achieve a ceasefire along the current lines of contact. It would be a great diplomatic achievement for Trump.

But if the Trump administration weakens NATO by withdrawing U.S. forces, stopping key weapons deliveries to Europeans who are willing to buy them, and canceling deployment of a U.S. weapon system out of fear of "provoking" Russia, it courts disaster.

This is why it is alarming that, according to media reports, a staffer in the Department of War recently told NATO allies that the United States will be significantly reducing the number of strategic bombers, fighter jets, drones, submarines and warships dedicated to NATO.

DON’T LOOK NOW, BUT PRESIDENT TRUMP MAY HAVE SAVED UKRAINE. JUST ASK THE RUSSIANS

This is a departure from Trump’s commitment after the 2025 NATO Summit when he said of the alliance, "It’s not a rip-off, and we’re here to help them" touting the indispensable role the United States still has in the alliance.

This report follows similar news of the Pentagon’s decision to remove 5,000 American troops from Germany and to cancel its deployment of long-range strike weapons to the country. It also follows the cancellation of a rotational brigade in Romania, and the cancellation (and subsequent reversal upon Trump’s intervention) of a deployment of additional U.S. troops to Poland.

The Biden administration’s reactions to Russian threats were to delay and restrict U.S. and NATO support to Ukraine. Concerns about provoking Russia had the perverse effect of rewarding Russia’s dangerous threats, including Russian nuclear saber-rattling. The result was a long war of attrition.

HEGSETH WARNS RUSSIA AS SIGNS POINT TO MOSCOW SHARING INTEL WITH IRAN

Trump has shown on occasion better instincts, including when he sent a nuclear submarine toward Russia after admonishing Russian mouthpiece Dmitry Medvedev for threatening the United States with nuclear weapons. But he has also called for U.S. troop withdrawals as punishment when allies criticize or oppose other U.S. efforts like the war against Iran.

But withdrawing U.S. forces undermines U.S. interests and therefore isn’t a good punishment. It's also opposed by Congress. After announcing withdrawals from Germany, Republican chairmen of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees, Mike Rogers and Roger Wicker, issued a joint statement, noting that "Germany has stepped up in response to President Trump’s call for greater burden sharing, significantly increasing defense spending and providing seamless access, basing, and overflight for U.S. forces in support of Operation Epic Fury."

Shifting the burden of Europe’s defense so that it is better distributed among American allies is a prudent move, especially as the United States must, for the first time, deter two major nuclear adversaries — China and Russia. But the risk of China seizing a moment of opportunity and acting aggressively against vital U.S. interests in the Pacific is more likely if deterrence fails in Europe and Putin foolishly attacks a smaller European nation in NATO’s front.

UKRAINE’S BATTLEFIELD IS TRANSFORMING THE FUTURE OF NATO

Deterring war in Asia then, is directly linked to strengthening Ukraine and deterring further Russian aggression against NATO. And while Europeans are now providing the bulk of support to Ukraine due to Trump’s urging, and Ukraine is asking for relatively little from the United States beyond interceptors for the Patriot system, that ally support can only continue if those Europeans are also secure. Backing away from Europeans now risks undermining NATO rather than rebalancing it.

While Europeans are stepping up, the Pentagon would be wise to maintain its troop levels in Europe, but shift numbers to NATO’s front: Poland, Romania and the Baltic nations. At the same time, while the United States is assessing its inventory of Tomahawk missiles, it should ensure Germany ranks high on the list for receiving these weapons.

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Russia will insist the sale is provocative while simultaneously deploying hypersonic and nuclear-capable Oreshnik missiles, with a range that spans all of Europe. Countering Russia’s threats with Tomahawk deployments, is stabilizing. And if the United States wants allies to purchase arms from American companies, it has to be a reliable and willing seller.

Trump should also reverse the Pentagon’s effort to cancel the U.S. deployment of a long-range strike brigade. Trump withdrew the United States from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty in 2019 in response to Russian treaty violations.

This timely decision enables the United States to deploy this category of weapons. The State Department has been pursuing strategic stability talks with Russia since the expiration of the New START treaty. The Pentagon’s decision to cancel the planned deployment of long-range strike weapons undermines those efforts without securing Russian concessions.

The 2026 NATO Summit is approaching. Trump should embrace the alliance while encouraging allies to continue investing in defense, especially now that Ukraine has the momentum. The president rightly lauds the value of peace through strength. That means rejecting calls from inside his own administration to retreat or embracing the excessive risk aversion that characterized his predecessor and led to more war.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM REBECCA HEINRICHS

ALEX BERENSON: Gentle parenting can't replace the strength of a good dad

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:00:33 -0400

It’s time to speak up for fatherhood.

For decades, the media, cultural, and academic elite have mocked and derided fathers as part of a broader assault on traditional masculinity.

Feminist academics repeat the tired stereotype that men don’t do a fair share of housework or child-rearing, even as surveys show that millennial and Generation X dads are much more involved in raising their kids than their baby boomer fathers were. Television shows, ads, and children’s books endlessly portray fathers as irresponsible and stupid, while mothers are wise, all-knowing, and competent.

FATHERS PLAY CRUCIAL ROLE FOR DAUGHTERS’ MENTAL HEALTH, SONS’ SCHOOL BEHAVIOR, STUDY FINDS

And the heavily promoted "gentle parenting" trend encourages endless negotiating with children – and discourages fathers from even basic discipline, like sending misbehaving kids to their rooms. Masculine virtues like stoicism, self-discipline, and respect for authority are nowhere to be found in this vision of parenthood. In gentle parenting, the only good dad… is a mom.

With three kids of my own (7, 10, and 13), I find the negative noise around fatherhood more than a sideshow. Undercutting dads hurts not just them and their families, but all of society. As the United States faces a worsening baby bust, it discourages some men from having children.

Even if they do, our cultural denial that fathers matter keeps them from teaching boys (and girls) the virtues of a serious and stoic masculinity. And so boys seeking powerful role models may be drawn to influencers like Andrew Tate, who offer a toxic and misogynistic caricature of masculinity.

Boys must learn to become men. And fathers must teach them.

Yet our cultural elites seemingly don’t even trust fathers to talk about fatherhood. The New York Times has run several opinion pieces about fatherhood and masculinity lately. They have one thing in common. Fathers have not written them. (Try to imagine the liberal response if the Times had run multiple pieces by white people about being black in America.)

So, for this Father’s Day, I decided to write THE FATHERHOOD MANIFESTO. This is a slim book – really a booklet – that combines a ringing defense of fatherhood with 50 practical tips to help dads be the best fathers they can be.

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Tips like #17:

Don’t scare your kids about existential, future of humanity issues. And don’t let the media scare your kids about them either. Not about Covid or whatever the pandemic du jour is.

Not about climate change. And ideally not about school shootings, though those unfortunately are hard to avoid talking about, especially with schools regularly running shelter-in-place drills.

The correct response if your children ask about any existential threat is: sure, X might be a problem, but human beings are imaginative and inventive. We have figured out ways to solve serious crises in the past, and we will again.

I can’t emphasize enough: Whatever your private feelings might be about any particular problem, this attitude is the only proper response for any preteen child. Your kids will have plenty of time to worry about the future. Your job is to keep those fears from them for as long as possible. If you are openly anxious, you are sentencing them to a lifetime of anxiety.

Not all of these tips will work for every father, or every family.

Nor do I pretend that they are necessarily revolutionary. Some of them are fairly obvious. That’s intentional. The revolution isn’t what I’m saying – it’s that I’m saying anything at all, that I am standing up to a culture that has devalued fathers so completely that we hardly even notice what it’s done anymore.

We need to speak up for fathers and parental authority not just on Father’s Day – but the other 364 days a year too. Or our sons – and daughters – will pay the price.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ALEX BERENSON

Elite colleges are losing America’s trust. Community colleges can win it back

Fri, 19 Jun 2026 05:00:16 -0400

For decades, so-called top academic schools dominated the cultural conversation about higher education. But inflation and a tough economy have devastated many families’ savings, making affording four-year schools difficult, on top of the AI monster that seems to be eating white-collar jobs alive.

This perfect storm has crushed trust in "elite" schools. But what’s bad news for Harvard and Yale is a fantastic opportunity for community colleges and certification programs across the country to position themselves as the best solution to young Americans’ financial and career concerns.

Elite schools still command prestige, of course. They boast extensive professional networks and deep pockets that can drastically lower six-figure annual prices, and many government and private loans promise college access in exchange for higher incomes as one’s career progresses.

QUARTER OF US COLLEGES COULD CLOSE IN THE COMING YEARS, UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT WARNS OF MAJOR TRANSFORMATION

Here’s what education leaders and communicators told me that higher education institutions of all types can do to make their value crystal-clear to students and parents.

Comms needs a strong foundation for success

The first thing all higher ed institutions need to do is prove concrete value to prospective students and their parents. The easiest way to do this is to build relationships with high schools that influence student decisions.

Indianapolis Public Schools Spokesman Marc Ransford told me that he’s had the "privilege of telling a story of real transformation" built on a $410 million "strategic redesign" of the entire school district.

"Rebuilding Stronger created infrastructure improvements from elementary school to graduation," said Ransford. "And it worked. Nearly two-thirds of our recent graduates pursue college or a trade program, and students earn 9,000 dual-credit hours annually that create real savings for them."

Ransford also pointed to partnerships that make sure intent matches outcomes: "Any student with a 3.0 GPA" is automatically enrolled at IU Indianapolis, plus "internships and apprenticeships at Eli Lilly and IU Health," that "create seamless pathways from our classrooms into careers." Erin Parkhurst is former Vice President of Strategic Communications at Benedictine Schools of Richmond. She said the two single-sex Catholic high schools under its umbrella communicate to all stakeholders — parents, students, faculty and higher education institutions — that student needs come first.

"A systematic, individualized approach to college counseling makes the difference for students and families," she said. "Starting in 9th grade, students explore their academic and career interests to find the right fit. This means that every student and their family makes decisions with a clear understanding of financial commitments and career opportunities."

Higher education institutions have to demonstrate concrete value customized to each student’s needs and goals, said Parkhurst. "With a 100% acceptance rate among the students applying to college, graduates can be selective" — which means colleges and universities are fighting to stand out to students.

Remember that the comms strategy is downstream from the raw material. Without data proving that Indianapolis’ students are seeing more opportunity, Ransford couldn’t prove anything to stakeholders across the city and Indiana. Likewise, institutions that build partnerships with high schools like those Parkhurst previously worked at will have a far easier path to reach stakeholders.

The AI threat triple-threat to four-year schools

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Most students can’t attend the big school and coast into a job on "connections." We make it on solid skills, which is why blue-collar jobs are having a rebound. AI can take white-collar jobs built on debt-filled education; it won’t take roofing, electrician, and plumber jobs anytime soon.

But there are other AI threats, like the program Antonio Delgado, Vice President of Innovation and Technology Partnerships, oversees at Miami Dade College. The school has over 100,000 students, many of whom are there to learn AI skills that can keep them in the modern workforce.

"Most companies can’t afford AI engineers who have Master’s/Ph.D.s.," said Delgado. "They need someone with a middle level of AI skills. We developed this applied AI program before ChatGPT came on the market, so we had the right program at the right time. We are filling the gap by acting as an affordable, accessible workforce asset that is set up in a way that many four-year and other higher-level education programs are not."

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TVP Communications Vice President Kristine Maloney said the AI threat to white-collar jobs is overstated. However, this leads to the third AI challenge: changing public perception. "Many families and students are particularly concerned about AI replacing entry-level jobs for new graduates. The reality is a lot more nuanced and in many cases, it’s not true at all." Maloney urged four-year schools to "do a better job correcting the record on the ROI they provide to their alumni. And the time to fight for their reputation and enrollment is now. The longer headlines about AI killing entry-level jobs go unanswered, the more ingrained this thinking becomes."

Communicating customization

Think Big Managing Director Aaron Walker is a crisis expert who has helped a lot of higher education institutions recover from self-inflicted damage. He says the entire industry ignored the growing affordability issue.

I’M A UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT. TRUMP IS RIGHT TO MAKE COLLEGES DELIVER FOR STUDENTS

"Students and families are waking up to a painful reality: Tuition costs have skyrocketed while job placement guarantees remain nonexistent. Unlike most industries, higher education has largely escaped accountability for its core promise. That’s changing, and institutions that don’t get ahead of this will find themselves in a trust crisis they’re not equipped to manage."

That’s why my alma mater is dialing into a single distinct message: "specific, applicable skills and experience" to be "career-ready upon graduation," said Plymouth State University Director of Development and Alumni Relations Rodney Ekstrom. No boiling the ocean here, because PSU isn’t just competing against New Hampshire schools. It’s also competing against students not going to school at all.

Can you reach an audience that finds you — and only you — as the solution to a financially successful launch into a validating career that will last? That’s the communications challenge facing four-year schools, and the opportunity facing institutions that have historically been demeaned.

If not, both have a rough road ahead.

Caitlin Clark drops 26 points in new Nike signature shoes, but Fever dream ends with 17 costly turnovers

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:35:08 -0400

The biggest rivalry in the WNBA delivered. Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream squad rolled into Indy and handed Caitlin Clark a brutal 108-101 reality check.

If you took the over, go buy yourself a drink.

Let's start with the ATL Barbie.

Reese looked cooked after picking up four quick fouls in the first half, spending way too much time riding the pine.

SOUTH CAROLINA COACH DAWN STALEY WEIGHS IN ON CAITLIN CLARK-ANGEL REESE RIVALRY: ‘IT’S GREAT FOR THE WNBA'

But ultimately, Reese finished with an impressive 21 points and 11 rebounds. With 23 seconds left, she bullied her way to a clutch and-one layup to seal the deal.

Meanwhile, Clark looked flashy rocking her brand-new signature Nike kicks, dropping 26 points and seven assists.

The problem? Indiana treated the basketball like a live grenade down the stretch.

The Fever coughed up 17 turnovers.

Atlanta's starting five was also a total buzzsaw. Every single starter scored 16 points or more points.

Jordin Canada, Naz Hillmon, Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard joined Reese in the scoring parade, combining for a ridiculous 89 points.

Good luck stopping that.

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

However, Indiana did not go quietly into the night. Kelsey Mitchell poured in 26 points and hit her 700th career three-pointer, sparking a wild fourth-quarter run to tie it late. Aliyah Boston tallied 23 points as well.

But a brutal late-game Indy turnover led to an easy fast-break bucket that sucked the life right out of the arena.

The Dream move to an impressive 10-4, while the Fever drop to 9-6.

Clark can sell out arenas and look good in her own signature shoes, but if Indy cannot protect the rock, they won't go far this year.

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Caitlin Clark shows off Nike Caitlin 1s during tunnel walk as debut signature shoe launch date nears

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 23:05:14 -0400

Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark turned the pregame tunnel into a reveal moment Thursday, arriving at Gainbridge Fieldhouse all smiles while carrying her first signature shoe in her right hand. Her hoodie also featured the phrase "Shoot more threes."

The Fever shared a photo and video from Clark’s tunnel walk on the team’s verified social media accounts ahead of tipoff against the Atlanta Dream. The post on X quickly drew tens of thousands of views Thursday.

Nike gave women's basketball fans their first look at the Caitlin 1 sneakers Wednesday, ahead of their scheduled October release.

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The first colorway will be available in an all-blue silhouette that also features Clark's new signature logo. The Nike Caitlin 1s are scheduled to launch Oct. 1 through the Nike SNKRS app and select retailers.

The shoes will be priced at $140 in North America, while international customers should expect to pay the equivalent of $135.

With the official Caitlin 1 reveal, Clark joins four other active WNBA players with signature shoes from major brands. Angel Reese with Reebok, Breanna Stewart with Puma, Sabrina Ionescu with Nike and A’ja Wilson with Nike are the other active WNBA stars with signature sneakers.

Clark and Indiana entered Thursday's contest riding a five-game winning streak, but the Dream ended it with a 108-101 win in Indianapolis. Clark posted a team-high 26 points and seven assists, while Reese led Atlanta with 21 points and 10 rebounds to secure a double-double.

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US military kills three 'narco-terrorists' in latest lethal strike on vessel in the Eastern Pacific

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:35:18 -0400

The U.S. military carried out a lethal strike Thursday on a vessel it said was involved in drug trafficking in the Eastern Pacific, killing three men the command described as "narco-terrorists," according to U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM).

"On June 18, at the direction of #SOUTHCOM commander Gen. Francis L. Donovan, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations," SOUTHCOM said in a statement.

"Intelligence confirmed the vessel was transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and was engaged in narco-trafficking operations," the statement continued.

The military said three men it described as "narco-terrorists" were killed in the strike. SOUTHCOM did not say whether anyone survived.

US MILITARY ANNOUNCES ANOTHER DEADLY STRIKE AGAINST 'NARCO-TERRORISTS'

No U.S. military personnel were harmed, the command said.

SOUTHCOM also released a brief video showing a vessel speeding through the water before erupting in flames. Additional footage appeared to show debris floating in the aftermath of the strike.

SOUTHCOM did not identify the location of the operation beyond saying it occurred along known narcotics-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific.

VIDEO CAPTURES US STRIKE ON SUSPECTED NARCO VESSEL IN EASTERN PACIFIC, COAST GUARD SEARCHES FOR 3 SURVIVORS

The strike was the latest in a months-long campaign launched by the Trump administration aimed at dismantling cartel-linked trafficking networks.

According to The Associated Press, the latest operation brings the number of people killed in U.S. military strikes targeting vessels since September to at least 211.

The action comes after SOUTHCOM said Tuesday that it carried out a strike in the Eastern Pacific that killed one person it described as a "narco-terrorist." Two other individuals survived that attack, the military said.

THREE SUSPECTED NARCO-TERRORISTS KILLED IN US MILITARY STRIKE ON DRUG-TRAFFICKING VESSEL IN EASTERN PACIFIC

Last week, President Donald Trump announced that SOUTHCOM had "delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike" that killed Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as Niño Guerrero, the alleged leader of Tren de Aragua.

The U.S. Department of State had previously offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the 42-year-old Venezuelan's arrest or conviction.

While the military has released videos and statements describing the targeted vessels as linked to designated terrorist organizations, it has generally not publicly released evidence identifying those killed or demonstrating that the vessels were carrying narcotics.

WAR ON CARTELS? WHITE HOUSE SAYS IT HAS AN IRON-CLAD CASE TO STRIKE NARCO-TERRORIST GROUPS

The campaign has drawn scrutiny from lawmakers, legal experts and human rights groups who have questioned the legal basis for using lethal military force against suspected traffickers outside a traditional battlefield.

The Eastern Pacific remains a key corridor for narcotics trafficking, with criminal organizations frequently using small vessels to move drugs toward North America.

SOUTHCOM has played a central role in the Trump administration's expanded campaign against cartel-linked trafficking networks and transnational criminal organizations.

Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Christian Pulisic is 'evolving' as USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino weighs options ahead of Australia match

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:35:17 -0400

As the U.S. men's national soccer team looks to build on its emphatic 4-1 victory over Paraguay when it faces Australia on Friday, the biggest question surrounding the Americans is whether "Captain America" will be on the pitch at Lumen Field in Seattle.

Christian Pulisic’s injury status has loomed large over this team despite their strong start on home soil for the tournament. Pulisic, who had an assist in the win over Paraguay, suffered a calf injury that led to him being subbed out after the first half last week.

USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino was asked once again about Christian Pulisic's status ahead of Friday's match, but he offered little insight into the condition of the star's left calf.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

"He’s evolving," Pochettino responded, per the New York Post. "He’s much better from Friday. We’ll see.

"I think at the moment, we think if he’s not available for tomorrow, he’ll be available for the next game."

Pochettino added that Pulisic was "doing a massive effort trying to be ready," understanding that the U.S. star wants to be out on the pitch with the rest of his teammates. He will meet with the training staff on Thursday night to discuss Pulisic’s status.

"I think for every player that loves his country, it’s an amazing opportunity to enjoy and help the team win games," he said. "When this type of thing happens, always it’s painful, but I think Christian is strong, with a great mentality, and doing a fantastic effort to try to be ready."

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

During the team’s practice on Thursday, Pulisic did much of what he’s been seen doing this week – performing a modified training session and not participating with the rest of the team during the media portion.

Pochettino wouldn't say who would replace Pulisic if he's unable to play against Australia on Friday, although Malik Tillman shifted to the left wing after Pulisic exited against Paraguay, while Sebastian Berhalter moved into the midfield role in the second half.

"I will tell tomorrow if that is the situation," Pochettino said. "At the moment, we are evaluating all the possibilities just in case. And then we will decide when we have the confirmation in one or another direction tonight."

There’s no doubt Pulisic playing would give the Americans their best chance of defeating Australia, but fellow star Weston McKennie gave a glimpse at the team’s thought process.

"Either way, just trying to give good spirits and hopefully he can be there tomorrow," McKennie said. "I know he really wants to be, and he’s doing everything that he can, and the staff is doing everything that they can as well. But that’s also another question that’s better to ask him rather than me. I’m in my own la-la land."

With Australia defeating Türkiye in its first World Cup match, this bout between these two teams will determine who takes sole possession of first place in Group D.

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WWE NXT champ Tony D'Angelo believes challenger may be 'second-guessing himself' ahead of Great American Bash

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 22:14:01 -0400

Tony D’Angelo has held the WWE NXT Championship for a few months and his upcoming title defense at The Great American Bash may prove to be his biggest test yet.

Naraku burst onto the NXT scene in May and immediately declared his intention to win the championship. He earned the right to be the No. 1 contender when he defeated fellow NXT newcomer Mason Rook. On June 28, D’Angelo and Naraku will square off with the title on the line.

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D’Angelo suggested to Fox News Digital in a recent interview that he’s keeping his antenna up after his latest interaction with Naraku. The challenger presented the official match contract to him unsigned. D’Angelo signed his name on the dotted line but was told he would have to wait a bit longer before Naraku signed his name.

"I mean, kinda. But I also took it as he might be second-guessing himself," he said. "He might be a little afraid of Tony D. He doesn’t know himself if he wants to step in the ring with me, yet. Yeah, that’s a possibility."

D’Angelo said he expected Naraku to go after him immediately given his reputation.

Naraku came to NXT from New Japan Pro-Wrestling where he wrestled under the name Evil and was the IWGP heavyweight champion, IWGP intercontinental champion and a four-time Never openweight champion. Naraku’s reputation precedes him.

"I’ll just say I’m not surprised. He came in from Japan. I don’t think he would make that long trek just to hang out. Of course, he’s gonna come for the big dog," D’Angelo told Fox News Digital. "I get it. To be expected, but the thing that threw me off, I’ll be honest, is the whole, oh he was trying to protect me and my title. I didn’t quite understand it but after going home and thinking about it, I was like, OK, this is just mind games. That he’s messing with me, trying to portray the honorable guy as (opposed) to, ‘If I’m gonna beat you, I want to beat you at your best,’ thing.

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"I’m not quite sold on that yet, especially this past Tuesday where he brought me to his place of business and went to sign a contract and he hadn’t even signed it himself, which … sketch. We’ll see. He said next week, in due time. So, I got my head on a swivel, to say the least."

D’Angelo said he’s expecting some kind of shenanigans going into the match given that Naraku was a part of the House of Torture. D’Angelo, who was the don of NXT at one point, has now proven he can do it alone. He put the challenge to Naraku to prove it as well.

"Absolutely," he said when asked about any funny business potentially coming his way. "I wouldn’t be surprised if something like that happens. Like I said, this isn’t new to me. I have a past life. I used to be the boss of a family and maybe, I was a part of some shenanigans like that a time or two. I’d be a fool not to expect that. I’m fully aware of his little minions that he had in his past life. I’m expecting the unexpected."

D’Angelo and Naraku’s title match is one of a few matches on the card.

Lola Vice will put her NXT Women’s Championship on the line against Kendal Grey, Myles Borne will defend the NXT North American Championship against Tavion Heights, Wren Sinclair will face a challenger for the WWE Women’s Speed Championship and Saquon Shugars takes on Dion Lennox.

The Great American Bash will be the first NXT premium live event exclusively on the CW Network at 8 p.m. ET.

"I think it’s great. Like you said, it’s the first ever PLE on the CW Network," D’Angelo said. "We’ll be reaching a larger audience. I think that kind of stuff is very important for WWE but also NXT – us being the ‘third brand’ in my opinion, ‘developmental’ in others. I think it’s good to get the up and coming talent in front of as many faces as we possibly can."

Judge orders ICE to free Wisconsin mosque leader over 'substantial' free speech claim after criticizing Israel

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:57:20 -0400

A federal judge on Thursday ordered immigration officials to free the Palestinian president of Wisconsin's largest mosque from custody, ruling that the man raised a "substantial" free speech claim that he was targeted for speaking out in support of Palestinian rights.

Sarsour, a legal permanent resident in the U.S., was taken into custody by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents on March 30, with federal officials arguing he is a foreign policy threat.

But attorneys for Sarsour contend that he was detained for speaking out against Israel.

U.S. District Judge James Patrick Hanlon, a nominee of President Donald Trump, wrote that attorneys for ICE and the Department of Homeland Security did not offer enough evidence to disprove Sarsour's allegations of retaliation for free speech and that the government also failed to explain why Sarsour was deemed a threat after more than three decades of legal residency in the country.

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"The mere invocation of foreign relations concerns does not automatically trump First Amendment rights," Hanlon wrote.

The judge ordered officials to release Sarsour from the Indiana county jail where he was being held, allowing him to return to his home in Milwaukee while his immigration case continues. He was released just a few hours after Hanlon's ruling.

"I am so relieved to be with my family. For 80 days, I haven't been able to step outside and breathe fresh air," Sarsour said in a statement. "This experience is a reminder to all of us that we must fight together for our right to be a voice for the silenced. I will never stop speaking for Palestine and humanity, wherever I am."

Sarsour has Type 2 diabetes and lost more than 30 pounds while he was in custody. His attorneys said his blood sugar levels were only checked once a month in the jail, putting him at risk of organ failure or even death.

His legal team said in a statement that they were ecstatic about his release and that he never should have been detained. They said the ruling is "a sober reminder that, if the government can target Mr. Sarsour, everyone's free speech rights are at risk."

DHS described Sarsour as "a terrorist who was convicted of throwing Molotov cocktails" and any allegations of discrimination by ICE agents are false.

Sarsour has no criminal record in the U.S., but the agency appeared to be referring to his conviction by the Israeli Ramallah Military Court in 1989 for throwing a Molotov cocktail and stones at Israeli army forces. He was later convicted by the same court in 1995 of attempting to hold weapons and ammunition. Sarsour has denied committing those crimes.

The Israeli military courts have faced criticism over the years surrounding allegations of limited due process and high conviction rates of Palestinians, although Israel has pushed back on those accusations.

Hanlon wrote that the federal government has been aware of the charges against Sarsour for 25 years and considered them at least four times when evaluating his eligibility for naturalization. Despite this, the judge wrote that the government did not detain Sarsour until this year.

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Attorneys for DHS and ICE Sarsour does not have the same First Amendment rights as U.S. citizens, but Hanlon rejected that argument, writing that people who enter the U.S. lawfully are invested with the same rights guaranteed by the Constitution to everyone residing in the country.

The judge additionally said that Sarsour's deep ties to the community and his health concerns were also considered in ruling in favor of his release. Sarsour has a spouse, six children and nine grandchildren who are all U.S. citizens.

"We’re getting our dad back!" Salah’s son, Kareem Sarsour, said in a statement. "This experience has been a nightmare to wake up to every day, with his health at risk in a cruel basement cell simply for speaking up for Palestine. But we know who my dad is, he’s a voice for the voiceless and the heart of our family and our community. I can’t wait to hug him, and I hope everyone like him will be released."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Jelly Roll's wife Bunnie Xo breaks silence on divorce, gets emotional about final fight

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:41:48 -0400

Bunnie XO is setting the record straight about her divorce from Jelly Roll.

In a recent episode of her podcast, "Dumb Blonde," the 46-year-old podcaster spoke out about her divorce from the country music superstar, letting fans in on the intimate details which led to the shocking decision, dispelling rumors there was any infidelity.

"On Mother's Day we had a little bit of an argument which I don't think the details are necessary, and in that argument, I was so fed up and so tired that I just looked at him and I said, 'Well, then file the f---ing divorce papers,'" she said.

Following the argument, she recalled packing a bag and leaving the home, noting, "I didn't talk to my husband for, I don't know, weeks after that."

JELLY ROLL'S WIFE SLAMS TROLLS WHO CRITICIZED HER FOR TRASHING COUNTRY MUSIC SCENE

"During that, he was so mad, and we were so emotional that he ended up doing exactly what I told him to do and filing the divorce papers," she said. "Was I blindsided and was this divorce mutual? No, I was not. It was not mutual. Even though I told him to file the divorce papers, I was speaking out of anger and just frustration. But was it necessary for us to have a wakeup call and to actually start having these real conversations? Absolutely."

After finding out that Jelly Roll had filed for divorce, Bunnie XO said she began taking hormone replacement therapy and going to therapy, saying she recalled thinking, "I've got to f---ing pull myself out of this hole."

She revealed that she still considers Jelly Roll her best friend and, no matter "how f---ed up our relationship was" or how bad their communication skills were, she had hope, saying, "I felt like we deserved a chance to go to therapy and figure s--- out. He didn't feel that way and I respect it."

Elsewhere in the podcast, Bunnie revealed she and Jelly Roll are still trying to have a baby, despite the divorce, through IVF for the past two years, explaining they had three transfers and lost four embryos, which put a strain on their relationship.

"We're still having a baby together," Bunnie Xo said on her podcast.

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"We stopped communicating together in the past year and a half. And I think that it's safe for me to say that I always loved my husband a little bit more than he loved me. I was like always protecting him and always making sure he was okay and like always chasing him and I literally was the glue that held us together."

"I was always the chaser," she added. "In a twin flame relationship, there's a runner and a chaser. He's the runner. I'm the chaser. So in this past year and a half, because I felt like he wasn't pouring into me, and I wasn't pouring into him, and we just weren't communicating. We just weren't on the same page. I stopped chasing him."

News of the couple's divorce broke earlier this week. According to court records viewed by Fox News Digital, the country star filed the paperwork on May 18 in Williamson County, Tennessee, listing the date of separation as May 9.

Following the news breaking, rumors of infidelity on both sides began circulating on social media. Bunnie dispelled those rumors, saying, "Nobody cheated on the other person. It's literally just we served our purpose for each other." Many believed she had left the country singer for Chad Kroeger, a founding member of the band Nickelback, because she happened to post a few videos on social media with the band's songs.

"I post a Nickelback song because Nickelback is like one of my favorite bands…I post this Nickelback song, not thinking anything of it. Not a shot at J in any sort of way, not even realizing that it's a breakup song. It's trending on TikTok," she said, also acknowledging the other videos she posted involving the band. "So there's three f---ing videos…which it does look like overkill, and I get where people are trying to put puzzle pieces together, but you're putting a puzzle together with missing pieces, and it's not even like that. I am not with Daddy Chaddy. There's no f---ing way in hell that that would even be a thing. And no, I did not cheat on my husband and leave him for Chad. Like none of that."

As for her love life nowadays, Bunnie said she is currently single, joking, "Your girl is not going to ever be in another relationship," and that she is "about to be a player."

While she isn't seeing anyone, she shared that Jelly Roll is currently out there dating, something she is very supportive of.

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"He is ready, rearing and ready to go," she said. "He's all hopped up on testosterone, let me tell you. And he's ready to go. So, he's even started dating, which is great. I love that. His DMs are open. Go to freaking his Instagram. JellyRoll615 if you don't know, and go send that mother f---er a DM. Like, you guys don't be scared. Everybody go hit him up. Shoot your mother f---ing shot."

Jelly Roll also broke his silence on the divorce.

The singer posted a video to his Instagram page that featured an excerpt from his Thursday, June 18 concert in Saratoga Springs, New York. In the video, Jelly Roll addressed their divorce and rumors swirling around their split.

"The internet is a liar too," he said on stage, adding that he is only speaking out about his divorce once and never again.

"Me and my wife are best friends. We will always be best friends. We just got off the phone earlier today. Nobody cheated on nobody," he said, suggesting people should listen to her podcast that she published, noting that "every word of it is the truth."

Jelly Roll said Bunnie Xo, "will be my best friend forever."

"Bunnie, I love you baby. Thank you for those 10 years, they were incredible. Thank you for the next 10 years of friendship and 20 beyond that," he added, before continuing on with the concert.

Bunnie, whose real name is Alisa DeFord, and Jelly Roll tied the knot in August 2016 during a whirlwind Las Vegas ceremony, after meeting the year prior. She became a stepmom to the country singer’s daughter, Bailee, and son, Noah.

Keith Mitchell has one of the wildest rounds in US Open history as Wyndham Clark jumps out to early lead

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:31:28 -0400

The first round of the 126th U.S. Open kicked off on Thursday at Shinnecock Hills Golf Club on Long Island, with several big storylines making pre-tournament headlines.

A win for world No. 1 Scottie Scheffler would secure the career Grand Slam, literally on his 30th birthday. Rory McIlroy, after securing the Grand Slam himself in 2025, already has another Masters win under his belt in 2026. A second major win this year would give him seven for his career and put him alongside even more impressive historic company. Only Bobby Jones, Arnold Palmer, Sam Snead, Gene Sarazen and Harry Vardon have ever won exactly seven majors. And would put him behind just Tom Watson, Gary Player, Ben Hogan, Walter Hagen, Tiger Woods and Jack Nicklaus all time.

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The field has one of the best amateur groups in recent history, with NCAA Men's Division I Champion Preston Stout, 17-year-old Miles Russell, and Auburn star Jackson Koivun.

Shinnecock is also widely viewed as one of the toughest tests in golf, and the forecast for extremely high winds led the USGA to put out a statement on their intention to "syringe" the greens with water to ensure the course doesn't get away from them.

And yet, with all those narratives and top players to track, the golfer with the wildest day was undoubtedly ... Keith Mitchell?

Mitchell started his day on the 10th hole, and promptly made double bogey after pulling his drive into the rough. He then made bogey on the 11th hole. And the 13th. And 14th. And then the 16th too, for good measure. All told through his first nine holes, the back nine at Shinnecock, he was six over par with a 41. Sounds like a recipe for a missed cut, right?

Except after making the turn to the front nine, Mitchell transformed into peak Tiger Woods. He birdied the first hole, then birdied the third. And the fourth. On the par-five fifth, Mitchell made one of just two eagles on the day. Then he finished out the front nine with yet another birdie on the 479-yard par four. Six shots over par on the back nine, then six under par on the front nine.

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That's a 41-29 card for an even-par 70. One of the wildest rounds in U.S. Open history.

Incredibly, of all the many thousands of rounds played in the U.S. Open, it was just the seventh time in tournament history someone carded a 29 over nine holes. According to The Athletic's Justin Ray, it was the first time ever that a player had a round in the 40s and 20s in a U.S. Open.

And you can see the toll it took on Mitchell by the way his hair looked after removing his trademark visor.

As for the other big names, Scheffler had an atypical roller coaster of a round. Four bogeys and a double bogey, to go with four birdies for a two over 72. McIlroy bogeyed 18 to finish at one under, squarely in the hunt, considering the tough conditions limited scoring.

"I think with the conditions today, anything under par or anything around even par is a good score," he said after the round. "It was a day to really just keep yourself in the tournament and not shoot yourself out of it."

But former U.S. Open champion Wyndham Clark, who missed the cut at the PGA Championship, only to win a week later, has shockingly jumped out to a four-shot lead by going six under through 16 holes. A remarkable accomplishment, considering the difficulty of the course.

If there's one thing we know from major championship golf, though, it's that things can change quickly. And as Keith Mitchell's Thursday showed, expect the unexpected.

Canada's Ismaël Koné suffers horrific injury as Qatar's Assim Madibo gets red card for poor tackle

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 21:05:08 -0400

Canada’s 6-0 thrashing of Qatar in its second FIFA World Cup match would’ve been perfect on Thursday afternoon if not for an injury to Ismaël Koné that can only be described as horrifying.

Koné was carted off the field after a brutal tackle by Qatar’s Assim Madibo in the second half, which led to immediate displeasure from the Canadian players and coaches on the sideline. The tackle came from behind, and it was clear that Koné suffered something very serious.

As players huddled around Koné, replay showed the poor tackle by Madibo, with the Canadian's left leg bent at an angle not for the faint of heart.

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Koné was in straight shock when the injury occurred, holding his leg at first and then placing his hands on his head.

After VAR review, referees upgraded Madibo’s foul to a red card, which marked the second for Qatar in the match after Homan Ahmed received one in the 33rd minute.

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Madibo, though, did have his hands on his head, clearly distressed after seeing what occurred to Koné as players, coaches and medical staff surrounded the 24-year-old on the pitch.

A round of applause from the home country’s fans at BC Place in Vancouver poured down from the stands, as Koné was stretchered off the field. Based on the appearance of the injury, it’s more than likely his World Cup appearance for Canada has ended prematurely.

Nathan Saliba came in for Koné in the 57th minute, and he scored just seven minutes later. As a celebration, he raised Koné’s jersey to the loud roar of the fans, as the score moved to 4-0. Mohammed Manai knocked an own goal in during the 75th minute to add insult to injury for Qatar, but Canada’s takeover started with the man-advantage in the first half.

Jonathan David had a hat trick in this match, scoring in the 29th minute and stoppage time before the first half closed. Then, he scored in stoppage time again, this time in the 92nd minute to cap a fun afternoon aside from Koné’s injury.

Cyle Larin got the party started for Canada with a goal in the 16th minute as well.

After tying its first match against Bosnia and Herzegovina, this 6-0 domination was the country’s first-ever World Cup victory, which also earned them the top slot in Group B.

Switzerland’s 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday also gave them four points, with both teams determining who will win the group on June 24.

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Top GOP lawmaker rallies around conservative school board member facing calls to resign

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:13:11 -0400

House GOP Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain, R-Mich., rebuked a school board in Richmond, Michigan, after some of its members tried to remove a conservative colleague for missing meetings while on military deployment to the Middle East.

Ray Stier, who received an American flag and a copy of the Congressional Record from McClain on Thursday as a commendation for his work, had been on deployment, attending board meetings remotely, but eventually lost virtual access.

That’s when the board called for his removal, citing a "disservice" caused by his absence.

"One of the board members’ family was taking to social media and putting out misinformation about myself and my wife and things that were not factually accurate and then ultimately calling for my resignation and prompting others to reach out to the district to call for my recall," Stier recounted.

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The moment is just the most recent clash between Republicans and school boards over policies that, in their view, are gatekeeping schools against diversity of thought and accountability.

"I think education is extremely important and vital," McClain told Fox News Digital.

"And educators and administrators need to teach children how to think, not what to think. It's about time that administrators begin to get held accountable for their actions. Good actions and bad actions."

McClain’s meeting with Stier comes on the heels of a congressional hearing last week, when she grilled a superintendent from Virginia over student privacy policy, probing if those policies were being unevenly applied to favor transgender students.

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"The victims got a 10-day suspension and the biological female that did the filming got a one-day suspension," McClain said, referring to an incident at Stone Bridge High School in Loudoun County where students had been reprimanded for filming in a locker room.

"How does that make sense?"

In Stier’s case, McClain questioned whether the board had targeted Stier on account of just his deployment overseas. Stierhad clashed with the board after learning that some of the district’s bathroom policies would have allowed fourth-grade students to use the same bathroom as transgender eighth-grade boys.

"Prior to him filling the seat, the seat was open for two months," McClain observed. "So that logical argument doesn’t exactly make sense to me; it doesn’t really hold a lot of water."

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For his own part, Stier believes his case will refocus attention on the importance of the school board and its membership.

"My goal is to continue being an advocate for the community. One of the good things that I think came out of this was that it got so much attention that some of the community members who were unaware of the dynamics that were not being brought to light," Stier said.

Minneapolis City Council hears arguments in favor of legalizing adult bathhouses for LGBTQ community

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 20:00:13 -0400

The Minneapolis City Council received widespread support for repealing the longstanding ban on venues, such as bathhouses, ahead of an upcoming vote on Wednesday.

The council held its second public hearing regarding ordinances that would repeal the ban on venues where consenting adults can engage in sexual activity and provide new regulations regarding their business.

At the hearing, council members heard from over 30 residents on repealing the ban, with several LGBTQ activists speaking in favor of ending the ban, which they claim targeted people in same-sex relationships and individuals with HIV and AIDS.

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"Our task is not to eliminate places where people have sex but bring people out of the shadows where we can give them the tools that we have in place. Research has shown that pushing sexual activity into less visible spaces does not eliminate the risk. It makes outreach and education more difficult," Aliveness Project researcher Jay Orne said at the hearing.

Another LGBTQ activist, Patrick Scully, spoke about living during the time of the original ban in 1988.

"I have lived most of my life criminalized and excluded by the system. Discrimination against me was legal until I was almost 40 years old in Minnesota. Sex was a crime in Minnesota until I was in my 50s. Marriage was not an option until I was in my 60s," Scully said. "So don’t expect me to live my life like you live your life if you’re a heterosexual. You forced me to find other ways to live my life."

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Other speakers promoted the benefits repealing the ban could have on the tourism industry. Activists with the Safer Sex Spaces Coalition also argued that repealing the ban could help promote healthy practices and give LGBTQ communities a safe space for sex.

Though Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey did not consider the ban to be a top priority for his administration, he indicated to MPR News that he would sign a repeal if it were passed by the city council.

Fox News Digital reached out to the mayor's office for comment.

While LGBTQ+ advocates are pushing for the 1988 ordinance to be reversed, the first openly gay member of the Minneapolis City Council, Brian Coyle, helped pass the law, the Minnesota Star Tribune reported. The outlet noted that Coyle said at the time that many members of the LGBTQ+ community supported the ban. Coyle was diagnosed with HIV in 1986 but did not publicly acknowledge it until 1991, the same year that he died of AIDS-related complications at age 47, the Tribune reported.

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Council Member Jason Chavez, the only out LGBTQ+ member of the council, pushed back on the idea that overturning the ban would be disrespecting Coyle's legacy.

"I have deep respect for Brian Coyle, and I know when he did this vote it was because of an epidemic that was impacting my community. But, at the same time, there were folks who supported the efforts to ban this because of homophobia. Because they did not believe in the existence of LGBTQ+ people, and that can not be removed from history," Chavez said.

The city council will hold a vote on the ordinance next week.

Man fired by firm after viral video shows him scolding dad for taking young daughters into women's restroom

Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:52:51 -0400

An irate customer who went viral for scolding a father inside a gas station's women's restroom while he was helping his two young daughters has been fired by a Mississippi real estate firm.

In a social media post, the Starkville, Mississippi-based Overstreet Properties said it was aware of videos circulating online showing a man who worked as an independent contractor for the firm.

"The conduct depicted in the video does not reflect the values of Overstreet Properties or the standards we expect of those who represent our organization," the post stated. "Our focus remains on providing quality service to our clients, partners, and community."

The company added that it is no longer associated with the unidentified man, which was first reported by TMZ.

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The video was captured by Tyler Brodsky, an Oklahoma dad traveling with his two daughters. Brodsky had stopped at a QuikTrip gas station in Alabama and took his daughters into the women's restroom. Moments later, the video shows a man yelling and demanding that Brodsky leave the facility.

"I knocked and announced that I'm coming in with two girls, which, at this time, the bathroom was empty," Brodsky recounted on "Fox & Friends First."

"This guy comes in, starts yelling, demanding that we need to leave, I should have taken them to the men's restroom, which I disagreed with," he added. "I've personally been in men's restrooms. I just didn't feel like it was a good place to take two little girls."

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The man was seen standing in the doorway of the bathroom, scolding Brodsky as he helped his girls wash their hands. The bystander was also seen speaking into his own phone, explaining that his wife and "very ill" mother-in-law had reported a man being inside the women's restroom.

One of Brodsky's young daughters was seen crying as the ordeal continued. A QuikTrip manager eventually closed the door on the shouting bystander and apologized to Brodsky and the girls.

"It's a scary thing for little girls, so I tried to just do the best I could in the moment and keep them calm. But they're doing well now," Brodsky told "Fox & Friends First" co-host Todd Piro.

In a separate TikTok video, Brodsky noted that three police officers eventually arrived at the scene and assured him he had done nothing wrong.