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Coast Guard helicopter crashes during Alaska training mission, injuring four crew members

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:33:49 -0400

A Coast Guard helicopter crashed during a routine training flight in southeast Alaska on Monday, injuring four crew members on board, according to officials.

The MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crashed outside Sitka, Alaska, in a sparsely populated area near Harbor Mountain, the Coast Guard announced in a press release.

Watch standers at the Arctic District command center received the report of the crash shortly after 10 a.m.

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Rescue crews from Sitka Fire and Rescue responded to the scene at around 11 a.m. and transported all four injured crew members to Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center for treatment.

No deaths were reported in connection with the crash.

"We are incredibly relieved our crew members survived with only minor injuries," Rear Adm. Bob Little, commander of the Coast Guard’s Arctic District, said in a statement.

It is unclear what caused the crash. The incident remains under investigation.

The Coast Guard crash comes after multiple other aircraft collisions this month.

A business jet crashed on a highway in Laredo, Texas, on Tuesday night, killing one person.

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A B-52 crashed on June 15 during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California, killing all eight people aboard.

The day before, 12 people were killed when a plane on a skydiving outing in Missouri crashed.

Giannis Antetokounmpo era to end in Milwaukee as Bucks will send two-time MVP to Miami Heat for young core

Tue, 23 Jun 2026 00:18:15 -0400

The Milwaukee Bucks are trading two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and forward Bobby Portis to the Miami Heat, closing the book on a historic run that delivered Milwaukee its first NBA title in 50 years.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Miami will acquire Antetokounmpo and Portis in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel'el Ware, Jaime Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis, along with three future first-round picks, the No. 13 pick in Tuesday's draft, a future pick swap and a second-round pick.

The Boston Celtics and Heat gained steam as the leading suitors in the Giannis sweepstakes on the eve of the NBA Draft.

The trade comes after years of uncertainty surrounding Milwaukee's direction following the departure of championship-winning head coach Mike Budenholzer in 2023 and caps a steady decline that culminated in the Bucks missing the 2026 playoffs.

BUCKS APPEAR WILLING TO HEAR OFFERS FOR GIANNIS ANTETOKOUNMPO: REPORT

Antetokounmpo, 31, delivered the franchise's first championship in 50 years in 2021 and cemented his place among the greatest players in team history. He was named one of the NBA's top 75 players ever and is a two time MVP and was MVP of the Finals.

But after several disappointing post-title seasons and an injury-plagued 2025-26 campaign, the Bucks chose to pivot toward the future. The team sidelined Giannis against his wishes toward the end of the season.

Rather than remain tied to an expensive roster with limited flexibility, Milwaukee capitalized on Antetokounmpo's value.

Miami emerged from a crowded field of suitors to land one of the league's biggest stars, signaling Riley's continued willingness to sacrifice future assets in pursuit of another title. And Heat president Pat Riley finally landed the franchise cornerstone he has pursued for years.

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Caitlin Clark scores 24 to lead Indiana as DeWanna Bonner clashes with Fever stars in wild fourth quarter

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 23:00:54 -0400

The Indiana Fever beat the Phoenix Mercury 86-77 on Monday night, but what stood out most was the bad blood between the two squads. Lost amid the chaos was another dominant performance from Caitlin Clark, who finished with 24 points and nine assists to help Indiana secure the win.

With seven minutes left in the fourth quarter, Clark and Mercury forward DeWanna Bonner got locked up on a physical possession.

Bad blood instantly boiled over.

WATCH:

Clark stood her ground, the two exchanged words, and officials hit Clark with her fifth technical foul of the season.

Clark and Bonner famously got into it during a physical postseason clash in 2024, including shoves and swipes.

MERCURY STAR RIPS FEVER FANS FOR BOOING DEWANNA BONNER, WHO BAILED ON TEAM AFTER 9 GAMES

Add Bonner's brief and messy stint as Clark's teammate in Indiana before forcing her way out of town, and the volatility wasn't exactly surprising.

"Enforcer" Fever guard Sophie Cunningham didn't sit and watch her superstar get pushed around.

Before the Clark-Bonner scene, Cunningham stepped into the confrontation and pointed directly at Bonner, who continued barking at officials as teammates tried to pull her away.

Cameras later caught Cunningham laughing as Bonner's meltdown escalated, and both players were hit with technical fouls.

Mercury star and Bonner's girlfriend Alyssa Thomas rushed in to defend Bonner. Indiana forward Myisha Hines-Allen jumped into the scrum.

The refs started handing out technical fouls like free samples, slapping Thomas and Hines-Allen with a double technical.

Seconds later, Hines-Allen decided she was done talking and shoved Bonner. Because she had already been assessed a technical foul moments earlier, the shove counted as her second of the night, earning an automatic ejection.

CAITLIN CLARK GETS POKED IN EYE, SHOVED TO GROUND IN SKIRMISH WITH SUN PLAYERS

All the whistles, reviews and ejections turned the final period into an absolute marathon. The fourth quarter alone stretched to 44 minutes.

When asked about the chippy ending, Clark kept her focus on the officiating and the game's stop-and-start pace.

"Obviously I appreciate the refs just calling the fouls," Clark said.

She also joked that the game might be on record for the longest fourth quarter in WNBA history.

Despite the chaos threatening to derail Indiana's momentum, Clark made sure the Fever stayed focused on the only thing that mattered.

"Just stay focused on the goals," Clark added. "That's to win the game."

WNBA rivalries and personalities ... Monday night's showdown delivered plenty of both.

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Terrifying scene unfolds as metal cabana frame crashes into packed casino pool area

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:04:38 -0400

A powerful wind gust sent a metal cabana frame crashing into a crowded pool area at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on Saturday evening, injuring five people.

The incident unfolded at the DAER Club, a rooftop entertainment venue at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, according to reports.

Strong winds struck an outdoor section of the venue, causing the structure to partially collapse.

DISNEY WORLD GUESTS SHAKEN AS RARE EARTHQUAKE NEAR CUBA JOLTS FLORIDA

Five people were transported to Memorial Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, reports noted.

Videos shared online showed guests and employees rushing to help those trapped beneath the fallen structure, with several people lifting sections of the metal frame before first responders arrived.

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The cabana frame was lifted by strong winds before crashing into an area occupied by guests near the resort's pool deck.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for comment.

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One bystander who recorded the aftermath said he had been standing near the area moments before the incident occurred.

In a social media post, the witness said he walked away shortly before the structure came down, and later described feeling shocked by how narrowly he avoided being caught underneath it.

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"I am still in shock. I keep thinking that I was supposed to be standing there, but for some reason I moved away at the last moment," the user wrote.

Fox News Digital previously reported on another weather-related accident in which a New Jersey lifeguard was impaled by a beach umbrella that became airborne during windy conditions.

The incident occurred at Asbury Park's 3rd Avenue Beach in June 2025. First responders found the woman conscious and alert after an umbrella stake pierced her shoulder.

Fire officials later said the lifeguard remained awake throughout the ordeal and was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.

The incident prompted renewed warnings about securing outdoor equipment during windy conditions, particularly at beaches and other open-air recreation areas.

Stepheny Price of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

Austin Metcalf's father accuses media pundits of trying to monetize his son's death 'for clicks'

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 22:00:48 -0400

Jeff Metcalf, the father of slain 17-year-old Austin Metcalf, accused some pundits of attempting to "monetize" his son’s death and revealed whether convicted killer Karmelo Anthony’s family has ever apologized.

"They're looking for their 15 minutes of fame, or their clickbait or their clicks. They're just looking to monetize the death of my son," Metcalf told "The Will Cain Show" on Monday.

His comments come as newly released evidence paints a clearer picture of the moments leading up to and following the fatal 2025 stabbing incident.

In police body camera footage from the day of the stabbing, when an officer refers to Anthony as the "alleged suspect" while placing him in handcuffs, Anthony replies, "I’m not alleged. I did it."

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Metcalf responded to comments made by "The View" co-host Sunny Hostin earlier Monday, when she said she could not understand why Anthony’s case was not determined to be self-defense.

"I really wish they wouldn't speak about it at all because one, if that woman said that, she has no idea about the facts of the case, but she wants to spew her public opinion on a platform that reaches millions of people every day," he said.

"She is completely wrong," he added, offering to join "The View" to discuss his son’s murder.

KARMELO ANTHONY’S SELF-DEFENSE CLAIM COULD DEFINE MURDER TRIAL IN HIGH SCHOOL TRACK MEET STABBING: ANALYST

The murder trial of Austin Metcalf evolved into a national discussion of race, with many media personalities backing the defense’s assertion that Anthony acted in self-defense when he stabbed 17-year-old Metcalf at a track meet in April 2025.

Anthony was convicted of first-degree murder earlier this month and sentenced to 35 years in prison.

Jeff Metcalf criticized those who politicized his son’s murder or framed it through a racial lens, saying he never wanted that to happen.

"The two things I said on one of the first interviews I ever did was, ‘Please don't make this about race, please don't politicize it,’" he said. "But they chose to do both."

The elder Metcalf expressed disappointment that the case became so focused on race, telling host Will Cain that skin color is an irrelevant factor in his son’s murder.

"We don't see color. So, all I see is character in people. I don't care what color you are," the father said. "I want to judge you on how you treat people."

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

Metcalf slightly empathized with his son’s killer while discussing how Anthony’s parents left him alone in the courtroom during a sensitive time during the trial.

"As soon as the verdict was read, he was guilty, his family and some other advocates left the courtroom and turned in their badges," he told Fox News.

"They weren't there for the sentencing, and they were not there for victim impact statements. They left that poor child up there by himself."

Metcalf also revealed whether Anthony’s family has ever reached out to apologize.

"Have you ever spoken to the Anthony's?" Cain asked.

"No," Metcalf responded.

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

"No apology, no remorse?" Cain replied.

"Nothing," Metcalf said.

The father also reflected on his son Austin’s memory, remembering him as a "God-fearing" leader more than one year after his death.

"He had compassion. He showed love," he explained. "He always helped. Always was helping his teammates, always helping the younger kids from middle school who were transitioning to high school football. He would go and talk to them and tell them what to expect. He would coach them in the weight room."

"I mean, this is a trauma that you carry the rest of your life."

Former Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer heads back to Mexico as MLB continues to shut him out

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:18:57 -0400

Trevor Bauer is heading back to Mexico ... another reminder that no matter how well he pitches, Major League Baseball remains unwilling to welcome him back.

After dominating the Atlantic League with the Long Island Ducks, where he broke franchise strikeout records and threw a seven-inning no-hitter, the 35-year-old right-hander is heading back to Mexico: officially re-signed with the Diablos Rojos.

Bauer is returning to the club where he went 10-0 during a dominant 2024 run, not because he lacks options on the mound, but because he has run out of willing suitors in the majors.

In seven starts for the Flock, Bauer posted a stellar 5-1 record with a 2.36 ERA, racking up 66 strikeouts against just seven walks in 42 innings.

TREVOR BAUER THROWS NO-HITTER FOR LONG ISLAND DUCKS IN JUST SECOND US START SINCE 2021

The 2020 National League Cy Young Award winner isn't playing south of the border due to a decline in talent.

Bauer remains in professional exile following a league suspension that permanently altered the trajectory of his career.

Commissioner Rob Manfred originally issued Bauer an unprecedented 324-game suspension, which an independent arbitrator later reduced to 192 games.

As a result, Bauer forfeited roughly $37.5 million of his $102 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Dodgers eventually released him anyway, choosing to pay out the remainder of the deal rather than keep him on the roster.

The firestorm began with allegations made by Lindsey Hill. While media outlets heavily covered the initial accusations, the public narrative shifted dramatically when explosive evidence came to light.

Bauer was never charged with a crime, and text messages later surfaced showing Hill explicitly discussing plans to target a wealthy athlete for financial gain.

EX-MLB PLAYER SAYS HIS LIFE AFTER BASEBALL WAS 'RUINED' BY SEXUAL HARASSMENT ALLEGATIONS: 'CAN'T GET A JOB'

Their legal dispute ended in a zero-dollar settlement, with neither side paying the other.

Despite the legal resolution, Bauer's path back to Major League Baseball remains blocked.

Major-league teams continue to hand crucial innings to struggling starters while insisting to fan bases they are doing everything possible to win.

The disconnect has become impossible to ignore.

Bauer has spent the last several years pitching his way back into the conversation. He has won in Japan, dominated in Mexico, rebuilt his public image through his digital platforms and just finished a strong showcase on Long Island.

So Bauer heads back to Mexico City, continuing a journey that has taken him everywhere except the bigs.

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Prominent businessman learns fate in boat crash case that killed teen, maimed another

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 21:10:24 -0400

Miami real estate developer George Pino was found not guilty in connection with a boat crash off Boca Chita Key in Biscayne Bay in September 2022 that killed one teenager and left another with permanent disabilities.

The verdict was handed down on Monday acquitting Pino, 55, who was charged with second-degree manslaughter and vessel homicide for the crash that killed 17-year-old Lucy Fernandez and left another teen, Katy Puig, now 21, with life-changing injuries, according to NBC 6.

The verdict comes after an emotional eight days of testimony in South Florida.

During closing arguments, prosecutors argued that Pino was reckless when he crashed his boat into a channel marker during Labor Day weekend in 2022, while the defense maintained that the collision was an accident.

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"We are grateful to the jurors for their careful consideration of the evidence and for reaching a just verdict," lead defense attorney Howard Srebnick said in a statement after the verdict, according to the outlet. "From the beginning, we have maintained that the events of September 4, 2022, were a tragic accident, not a crime. The testimony presented at trial—including unrebutted accounts from eyewitnesses who saw no signs of impairment—confirmed that Mr. Pino was not under the influence, was not operating the vessel recklessly, and that he did everything he could to protect his passengers after the accident."

Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez-Rundle, who prosecuted the case, said she was disappointed with the verdict but accepts the jury's decision.

"While everyone in our community and beyond recognizes the tragedy surrounding the Labor Day 2022 boating death of Lucy Fernandez and the permanent disabling of Katy Puig, my prosecutors and I have believed that the totality of George Pino's actions on the waters of Biscayne Bay were reckless and constituted a crime as defined by Florida's criminal statutes," she said in a statement.

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"Sadly, I know that this verdict brings no comfort to the Fernandez and Puig families who forever must live with the tragedy of what happened. In a case like this, there are no winners or losers," she added. "Mr. Pino must live with what he did, while the Fernandez and Puig families will grapple with the consequences of his actions."

On Sept. 4, 2022, Pino and his wife hosted a birthday celebration for their daughter on their boat.

Investigators said Pino was operating the family's 29-foot boat as it returned to the dock when it hit a channel marker near Boca Chita Key. Pino told investigators that another boat had passed by and created a large wake. He said he turned to check on the teenagers after the wake, which caused him to collide with the marker.

The impact of the crash caused everyone on board to fall overboard and into the water. The crash also resulted in a large hole in the side of the vessel.

Eleven of the 14 passengers were injured, including six who were transported to a hospital. Fernandez later died from her injuries and Puig suffered a traumatic brain injury that left her with a lifetime of disabilities.

After questionable remarks from star Milly Alcock, new tracking shows 'Supergirl' on track for $200M loss

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:59:12 -0400

If there's one thing that modern Hollywood specializes in, it's unforced errors.

There are dozens of examples of major studio properties that had what appeared to be an easy path to profitability. "The Marvels" was the continuation of the all-powerful Marvel Cinematic Universe, a follow-up to a wildly successful franchise. New release "The Mandalorian and Grogu" was part of the expanded Star Wars universe. The most recent "Superman" from James Gunn was a reboot of one of the most popular comic book characters in history, with creative talent behind it that had already delivered mega-hits like "The Guardians of the Galaxy."

Instead, those movies were financial disappointments, to one degree or another. All thanks to predictable mistakes from the entertainment industry. "The Marvels" came after Marvel Studios shot its brand in the foot by focusing too much on unpopular characters to check desired boxes. It flopped, dramatically. "The Mandalorian and Grogu" is set to lose Disney around $100 million because they degraded the Star Wars brand so successfully over the years. "Snow White" was another monumental flop after actress Rachel Zegler spent the entire press campaign undermining it. "Superman," while hardly a flop, disappointed at the box office after Gunn made bizarre comments about the film's supposed political message. Even though the film had no specific political focus.

STAR WARS FRANCHISE IN SERIOUS TROUBLE AS 'THE MANDALORIAN AND GROGU' DISAPPOINTS IN OPENING BOX OFFICE

But apparently bizarre comments and financial failures are what the James Gunn era at DC Studios is all about. Because the latest pre-release tracking data on this weekend's "Supergirl" release has gone from disastrously bad to monumental failure. And the film's star, Milly Alcock, is sure to shoulder some of the blame.

Alcock, as a reminder, implied in a March interview that she'd been receiving criticism for being a woman starring as a...female superhero. Which makes little sense.

"It definitely made me aware that simply existing as a woman in that space is something that people comment on," she told Vanity Fair. "We have become very comfortable having this weird ownership of women’s bodies. I can’t really stop them. I can only be myself."

When reaction to those remarks was generally negative, Alcock got defensive and doubled down.

"I didn’t even say ‘men’ — I said ‘people!’" she said in a profile for Variety. "And they got so angry. I was like, ‘You’re proving my point. You’re proving my point!’"

Apparently unaware that those remarks then proved she had, in fact, been referring to unknown male fans who supposedly criticized her for playing "Supergirl." But that wasn't the only odd statement she made during that portion of the press tour.

Alcock said much of the criticism came from those who said they were a "dad" or "Christian." Which apparently disqualifies them from having an opinion about a movie or casting decision. Or means that any comments are supposedly hypocritical.

"And it’s from a lot of people whose profiles have no photo, who are burner accounts," Alcock said. "Or someone’s name and then ‘Dad of four, Christian,’ which is hilarious to me."

As if that wasn't enough, just a few days ago, Alcock addressed the sexuality of the "Supergirl" character in a response to a question from Queerly Radio. When the host asked whether that was something Alcock had "explored" her character's supposed "queerness" in preparing for the role, she answered, "It wasn't, but in honor of 'Pride month,' as I'm getting all these questions...I don't know. I think that what makes this film beautiful is that it's not centered around a man, it's not centered around love at all. I don't really know. I don't know. I don't know. She probably goes both ways."

It's like watching the "Snow White" debacle unfold again, years later.

Relatedly, as the film's release on June 26 rapidly approaches, there's new box office tracking data out. In May, Box Office Theory estimates said that "Supergirl" could reach as high as $65 million in its opening weekend. Even that would have been a disappointment, given the film's estimated $250 million cost between production and marketing. With the 50/50 revenue breakdown between studios and movie theaters, a $250 million movie generally needs to reach $500 million globally to break even. And in fact, original marketing estimates may have been low, considering a new report says the film received a $100 million "promo partner" campaign, the largest ever for DC.

As a point of comparison, "Superman" opened to $125 million domestically and topped out at $618 million worldwide. Half that first weekend gross would make it nearly impossible to reach $500 million, and even $400 million would be unlikely, at best.

Well, things have only gotten worse since. Much, much worse.

In their latest update, Box Office Theory has now put the range of weekend grosses for "Supergirl" at between $39-51 million. That's a decrease of $8-14 million from the previous estimates. And it spells disaster for Hollywood and DC Studios.

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Taking the midway point of those numbers, an opening weekend of $45 million would be a monumental failure. Big-budget films typically bring in around 40-45% of their total gross in the first weekend. Particularly in the busy summer season where high-profile releases hit theaters each week. That implies a total domestic gross in the $100-108 million range. Even if it doubles that total in international markets, a $300 million total would mean around $200 million in losses for Warner Bros. and DC Studios.

"Supergirl" was likely never going to be a huge hit for DC. It's a character with little general fan interest, and Gunn failed to build buzz and momentum for his new version of an "expanded universe" in the DC Studios world with "Superman."

But they could have maximized fan interest and their return on investment with better story ideas, marketing and public relations. The film's trailer looked unoriginal and uninteresting. Alcock has little-to-no name recognition, and instead of building up a positive profile of herself and the movie, has come across as unlikable and divisive in the press tour.

This isn't rocket science. Don't alienate potential customers by unnecessarily making them the enemy. Don't make yourself the center of the story, when it should be the movie and its qualities. That can't guarantee financial success, but it won't hurt box office either. Instead, Alcock has done the opposite. She's made everything about her, her views and ideology. That's her choice, but she's then going to shoulder some of the blame when it fails. And boy oh boy, does this movie look like it's going to fail.

Golf Channel analyst calls Long Island fans 'a stain on the game' after US Open incidents

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:43:53 -0400

One analyst has a bone to pick with a specific region of golf fans following the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills this past week.

Golf Channel’s Eamon Lynch believes a golf major shouldn’t ever come across Long Island, New York again after seeing what unfolded at one of the country’s storied courses in Shinnecock Hills during the U.S. Open.

"Long Island golf fans re a stain on the game of golf," Lynch said during a segment on Monday following Wyndham Clark’s second U.S. Open victory for his career.

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Lynch continued to unload on Long Islanders who attended the event, saying they "do not deserve" to see another major at any of its storied courses, including Bethpage Black, which hosted this past year’s Ryder Cup.

Clark was at the center of Lynch’s argument, as authorities had to kick patrons at Shinnecock Hills on Sunday out after heckling the U.S. Open’s leader. Fans were heard screaming, "Don’t choke Wyndham," as well as, "Get in the bunker" during his final round.

"This isn’t a New York problem," Lynch added. "It doesn’t happen at Winged Foot, doesn’t happen at Baltusrol on the other side of the Hudson River. It happens on Long Island every single time."

NEW YORK GOLF FANS DESERVE TO BE CALLED OUT, SAM BURNS HAS A GOOD CRY, WYNDHAM CLARK'S BEST SHOT AT SHINNECOCK

As of now, the PGA of America has the PGA Championship set up for Bethpage Black in 2033.

At that very course, Rory McIlroy and other members of Team Europe were the subject of taunts and heckling that got in the way of the Ryder Cup this past summer. McIlroy was even seen stepping back from the ball to quip back at one of the hecklers, while others, including his friend Shane Lowry, were also quick to respond.

Then, during Team Europe’s victory run on American soil, McIlroy’s wife, Erica Stoll, had a beer thrown at her while walking on the course.

"I don’t think we should ever accept that in golf," McIlroy said at the time. "I think golf should be held to a higher standard than what was seen out there this week."

While nothing of the sort was seen during the four rounds at the U.S. Open this past week, Lynch still believes Long Island golf fans have been too "repetitive" and "predictable" to allow high-stakes tournaments to be played there in the future.

"It’s the drunk crypto bros who buy a ticket with Daddy’s credit card," Lynch said, even adding that some of the fans have been privileged in their lives to the point they’ve been "without ever being stopped for something they’ve said."

Is there a solution? Lynch thinks Augusta National Golf Club has it right for The Masters.

"Maybe golf in its entirety needs to take the August National model," he said. "No phones, no tolerance, no second chance."

Shinnecock Hills saw Clark become somewhat of a villain among the crowd despite leading the pack throughout the tournament. He’s had a history of throwing clubs, and he notoriously was banned from Oakmont during the 2025 U.S. Open after damaging two lockers inside the clubhouse out of frustration. He’s no longer allowed on the property.

But despite Clark’s wrongdoings on and off the course, the decorum of being a golf patron, especially at a major championship, is paramount.

Lynch feels those on Long Island are not following suit.

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Trump says Colombia's 'El Tigre' will be a 'great president' as socialist opponent launches legal challenge

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:42:07 -0400

President Donald Trump congratulated conservative attorney and businessman Abelardo de la Espriella on becoming president of Colombia Monday at the White House. Yet while he holds a slim lead and is the favorite to win over left-wing Senator Ivan Cepeda, authorities have yet to officially certify the result.

With 99.9% of votes counted, de la Espriella led with 49.7% to Cepeda's 48.7%. De la Espriella, known to his supporters as "El Tigre," dominated in the country's mountainous interior and the vote-rich state of Antioquia, while Cepeda won in the capital Bogotá and performed well in coastal regions, following trends of recent presidential elections.

Cepeda has challenged the results, citing irregularities at thousands of polling stations. Nonetheless, overturning the election would be unprecedented in Colombian history.

If de la Espriella does hold out, it will mirror a continent-wide rightward shift seen in recent electoral results in Chile, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru, where conservative Keiko Fujimori appears poised to win the presidency.

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Donald Trump congratulated de la Espriella during a signing at the White House on Monday. Trump told reporters that, "He called me last night, and he thanked me for the endorsement. He won. He won the election." In response to a question on relations between the U.S. and Colombia, Trump asserted that things would be "Much better. It'll be better. He's going to be a great president."

The election featured two candidates representing polar opposites of the Colombian political spectrum. De la Espriella, known as ‘El Tigre’ by his supporters, has enjoyed the enthusiastic backing of Donald Trump, promised a return to the law-and-order approach of former President Alvaro Uribe, and pledged an aggressive military campaign against guerrilla groups and criminal organizations, while Cepeda vowed to continue the negotiation-based strategy of Petro, a longtime political ally.

Ivan Cepeda is a longtime figure on the Colombian left, and served as senator for 12 years, following a four-year stint in the Chamber of Representatives. His father, Manuel Cepeda, was a prominent figure in the Colombian Communist Party, and was assassinated in 1994 during a particularly bloody era in Colombia's internal conflict.

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The first round of the election, held on May 31, saw de la Espriella win 43.7% of the vote, to Cepeda's 40.9%, with right-wing Senator Paloma Valencia placing a distant third, at 6.9%.

On Sunday evening, Secretary of State Marco Rubio congratulated de la Espriella on the result, saying, "The Trump Administration looks forward to working closely with your incoming administration to advance regional security cooperation, end illegal immigration to the United States."

COLOMBIAN PRESIDENT PETRO THREATENS MILITARY RESPONSE AFTER TRUMP WARNS COLOMBIA MAY BE NEXT TARGET

While the issues driving American and Colombian politics remain considerably distinct, de la Espriella's insurgent outsider campaign emulated Trump's in many ways, particularly in the sense that neither held elected nor appointed office prior to winning the presidency, launching successful campaigns almost entirely outside the existing party structure.

The defining safety and security issue set de la Espriella on a winning course, as he honed something of a strongman image to forcefully critique the Petro administration's policy of peace through negotiation with armed groups in opposition to the Colombian government.

It is widely believed that Petro's negotiation-based approach and restraint with respect to military action has allowed such groups as the ELN (National Liberation Army), and various dissident elements of the FARC to regroup, boost recruitment and regain control of key territory and drug trafficking routes.

De la Espriella promised a return to an aggressive military campaign to reclaim territory from terrorist groups and cartels, and pledged to build "mega-prisons", citing the policies of El Salvador's Nayib Bukele as a model for eradicating criminal groups.

A de la Espriella administration will also likely mark a return to free-market economics, decreased governmental intervention in the economy, and a renewed push to lower taxes.

A strengthened U.S.-Colombia relationship is also a certainty, following an era of considerable tensions between Petro and Trump, which led to a series of acrimonious social media exchanges. Historically, Colombia was the U.S.' strongest ally in the region, but the relationship has weakened considerably under the tenure of Petro.

Political analysts will also be closely watching the dynamic between Colombia and Venezuela. De la Espriella is likely to follow the Trump administration's lead in Bogotá's approach to the new Delcy Rodriguez administration, demanding a timeline for free and fair elections, and calling on the Venezuelan government to aggressively pursue the ELN Marxist guerrilla group in border regions where it has long sought refuge, and had an allegedly close relationship with former dictator Nicolás Maduro.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

US official says JD Vance made 'great progress' in Iran talks, calls snub reports 'foreign propaganda'

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:12:03 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: A U.S. official involved with the U.S.-Iran peace negotiations said that Vice President JD Vance made "great progress" in the talks, adding that "foreign propaganda" spread a falsehood that the prime minister of Qatar snubbed Vance.

The U.S. official told Fox News Digital that Iranian state media originated reports of Vance being snubbed by the Qatari prime minister and Iranian leadership threatening to walk away from the negotiating table.

"The vice president and the U.S. delegation departed Switzerland today after making great progress and engaging in historic talks that lasted well into the late hours over the weekend," a U.S. official present at the talks told Fox News Digital. "The negotiations set the framework for continued talks so that the unmatched efforts of the president can lead to a deal that’s best for the American people."

"Those parroting foreign propaganda serve no one except the bad faith actors that want to derail negotiations," the official added.

IRAN'S UNPRECEDENTED 'WHOLE-REGIME' DELEGATION AT US DEAL TALKS SIGNALS ONE GOAL: EXPERT

As Vance and White House officials deliberated a peace agreement at the Bürgenstock resort on Lake Lucerne in Switzerland, a CBS poll on Sunday showed that an overwhelming 78% of Americans say that the conflict between the U.S. and Iran should come to an end.

Reports from Iranian state media created confusion about the progress of the peace talks in Switzerland, with critics alleging the Qataris snubbed Vance after Qatar's prime minister and chief negotiator, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, walked past Vance and warmly greeted Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif instead.

"The U.S. delegation had just spent hours with the Qataris and there was no need to re-greet someone having just spent hours with," a U.S. official said. "The decision to give statements together before the meeting was done impromptu, which is why it wasn't a staged greeting."

TRUMP AGAIN SAYS DEAL IS CLOSE, THEN CONFIRMS A LAST-MINUTE AGREEMENT WITH IRAN, BUT DETAILS STILL SECRET

In an interview today with Qatar’s official media outlet, Al Jazeera, Al Thani denied snubbing Vance, saying he had just spent hours with Vance and hadn’t yet greeted Sharif. He blamed the media for misrepresenting the encounter. "And they just made the issue too big," he said.

Prospects of a peace agreement have already shown signs of life in the U.S., even without a final deal. The New York Times reported oil prices dipping on Monday amid expectations Vance would secure peace during the talks in Switzerland.

Critics of Vance have been vocal in the media about the vice president’s handling of the talks, echoing a sentiment among protesters that have been supporting the Islamic Republic of Iran since the onset of hostilities earlier this year. Some critics allege that Vance is surrendering to the Iranians and that the Iranians are getting more out of the peace deal than the U.S.

FAR-LEFT NETWORK ACTIVATES TO FLY IRAN'S FLAG OVER AMERICA IN VICTORY AND WAGE A 'SMOKELESS WAR' ON THE US

A Fox News Digital investigation found that a network of pro-communist groups funded by Neville Roy Singham, an American-born tech tycoon living in China, supporting the Chinese Communist Party and allies, like the Islamic Republic of Iran, has been behind most of the protests that have taken place.

In April, nonprofits in Singham’s network mobilized to protest President Donald Trump’s "criminal war," painting blood on their hands to symbolize what they called the "genocidal threats" the administration was making against Iran.

The Party for Socialism and Liberation, a self-declared pro-China communist group, communicated to its followers through its propaganda platform, "Liberation News," to "keep up the pressure" in combatting the war.

VANCE SAYS US-IRAN TALKS END WITHOUT DEAL AFTER 21 HOURS OF NEGOTIATIONS

In 2017, Singham married a co-founder of CodePink, Jodie Evans, and started pouring a documented $278 million into a network of groups that fuel anti-American protests in the United States, support the People's Republic of China and now back the Islamic Republic of Iran, a strategic partner of China and a major source of its oil imports.

Despite the coordinated propaganda defending Iran, the administration has maintained its intention to rid Iran of nuclear capabilities. For more than three months, U.S.-Israeli forces have been fighting Iranian forces, a conflict which Americans have expressed concerns about.

Vance’s trip to Switzerland marks his second attempt to bring the conflict to an end. In April, he traveled to Islamabad, Pakistan, alongside Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Special Peace Envoy Jared Kushner to negotiate peace. The talks failed and Vance returned home, but he has remained a key figure in finalizing a ceasefire.

His involvement with the negotiations has also led to a surge in bettors placing wagers on the vice president winning the presidency in 2028.

In March, Kalshi showed Vance being beaten out for president in 2028 by both Secretary of State Marco Rubio and California Governor Gavin Newsom. Since Vance has been facilitating the peace deal this month, he surged to the top spot for the next presidential election cycle.

Former Iowa news anchor clarifies sudden departure, insists he was not 'quitting on-air'

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 20:00:19 -0400

Former Iowa news anchor Dustin Nolan released a statement clarifying his now viral farewell from KWQC TV6 on Friday.

"Facts matter," Nolan began his statement on Monday. "Journalism matters. Being truthful matters. That was my message on Friday, and now it's being twisted to fit whatever ideology people want. I was not going to speak on the virality of my farewell message and hoped the interest would fade. But now, seeing multiple publications twist my words into unintended meanings, I feel I must set the record straight."

Nolan was referring to his announcement during a KWQC TV6 broadcast where he revealed he was stepping down from his job and the news industry.

FROM LEGACY NEWS TO LIBERAL PUNDITRY: THE JOURNALISTS WHO DROPPED THE PRETENSE AFTER LEAVING CORPORATE MEDIA

"I’ll try to get through this," Nolan said. "Well, before we go this morning, I have an announcement. Today is my last day here at KWQC TV6. I have chosen to step away from the news industry. Before I say goodbye, I just want to say, I hope every one of you that’s allowed me to be a part of your mornings know just how important that I have taken this job."

Since his comments gained nationwide attention, Nolan pushed back against what he described as a twist of his story to fit a narrative agenda.

"First I was not quitting on-air. I decided with my wife months ago, and the station had the job posted months ago. Second, I was not blasting the news station or the news industry. I was simply explaining my approach to journalism and reminding everyone why we do what we do. Finally, I was not fired or forced out. Again, this was a hard decision for me, but one that will allow me to follow a dream I've always had," Nolan wrote.

PBS AFFILIATE BOARD CHAIRMAN UNDER FIRE AFTER SAYING HE HOPES TRUMP SUFFERS STROKE

Nolan added that he was not at liberty to discuss his future plans at the time.

He also attacked publications who published the story "without asking for context" and framed his decision as a stance against journalism.

"To the publications that posted this story without asking for context and those who grasped at straws to create a storyline that simply isn't there, you're part of the problem. Especially the ones who used our son's name in the story without our permission. Shame on you. To those who may be disappointed to hear that this wasn't an anchor taking a stand against the industry, I hope you know that local journalists are working hard every day to be the difference in the industry. Our world needs strong journalists now more than ever," Nolan said.

ILLINOIS TV ANCHOR RESIGNS AFTER SUSPENSION OVER 'NON-PARTISAN' CHARLIE KIRK TRIBUTE

He closed by thanking the people in the Quad Cities who reached out to him since his departure.

In an additional comment to Fox News Digital, Nolan stood by his statement, claiming it "speaks for itself."

"I really just wanted to thank our viewers for welcoming us into their homes each morning and tell them how I've approached my job. I really did not expect people to take what I said and twist it into a narrative I never intended," Nolan said.

Fox News Digital reached out to KWQC TV6 for comment.

Nolan has worked for KWQC TV6, an NBC-affiliate organization, since 2022. He and his wife previously took home a Mid-America Emmy in 2025 for Best Morning/Daytime newscast in the medium and small market category.

MLB commissioner tells Sen. Hawley Giants players won’t be disciplined over Bible verses on Pride Night hats

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:39:49 -0400

Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred told Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., that San Francisco Giants players who wrote Bible verse references on their Pride Night hats will not face fines or discipline over the incident, while defending the league’s uniform policy at the center of the controversy.

In a June 19 letter posted to X by Hawley on Monday, Manfred said MLB’s office issued "a routine oral warning" after Giants players added biblical references to caps with the team’s Pride logo. But he said the warning came before the league learned the Giants had not clearly told players they could wear regular caps instead.

"The players were neither fined nor disciplined, nor will they ever be," Manfred wrote.

However, at least one Giants player did opt out of the Pride Night cap. Reliever Sam Hentges wore the team’s standard cap instead of the Pride Night version during the game.

SENATOR JOSH HAWLEY DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM MLB ON 'PATTERN OF DISCRIMINATION' OVER WARNINGS TO GIANTS PLAYERS

Hawley characterized the response as an admission from MLB that the league had been "wrong to threaten the Giants players over Bible verses." The Missouri Republican sent Manfred a June 16 letter asking why MLB warned players for "publicly expressing their Christian faith" on their caps during San Francisco’s Pride Night.

The exchange came after Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said the Justice Department had referred the matter to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, arguing that MLB’s handling of the warnings raised religious discrimination concerns.

The controversy began after Giants pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker wrote Bible verse references on rainbow-logo caps during the team’s June 12 Pride Night game. Roupp wrote "Gen 9:12-16," referring to a passage from Genesis that describes the rainbow as a sign of God’s covenant after the flood.

MLB initially said the writing violated league rules against players altering uniforms or equipment. In his letter to Hawley, Manfred said that rule was collectively bargained with the MLB Players Association and prohibits players from writing, attaching, affixing, embroidering or otherwise displaying messages on apparel or playing equipment.

"The policy is enforced without regard to the substance of the messaging," Manfred wrote.

Manfred said the purpose of the rule is to prevent players from becoming messengers for political or social issues while in uniform, because many messages can offend some portion of the fan base, even if that is not the player’s intent.

But Manfred also acknowledged that MLB has tried to avoid putting players in the position of being required to take part in commemorative events that may conflict with their religious beliefs or values.

"We understand that some players or other on-field personnel have not been comfortable wearing the pride emblem on their uniform based on their religious beliefs," Manfred wrote.

SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS HOST GAY COUPLES RENEWING VOWS WITH DRAG QUEEN IN VIRTUE-SIGNALING PRIDE NIGHT CEREMONY

The issue is not the first MLB controversy involving Pride-themed uniforms, as Rays players declined to wear Pride logos in 2022 and former Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw wrote the same Genesis reference on a Pride-themed cap last season.

The commissioner said MLB adopted a policy in 2023 barring clubs from using special uniforms, hats or equipment for team celebration days except under narrow circumstances, such as patches honoring deceased members of the baseball community or commemorating baseball milestones.

However, Manfred said the Dodgers and Giants were allowed to keep using Pride emblems on uniforms and hats under a grandfathered exception because Los Angeles and San Francisco are home to large LGBTQ communities and both clubs wanted to show support for those fans.

MLB agreed to that exception on the condition that no player or uniformed staff member would be required to wear the gear and that each club would make sure players were comfortable with the apparel, according to Manfred.

Manfred said the Giants’ communication with players this year was "inadequate and not clear" and added that some players did not understand they had the option to wear their normal uniform and added messages to the Pride caps "as a result."

"In closing, MLB believes in the right of our players and fans to express their religious beliefs, and at the same time supports the communities in this country that are fans of our Clubs, including the LGBTQ community," Manfred wrote.

Manfred said MLB will maintain its ban on uniform alterations to avoid "censoring some messages but not others," while continuing to work with players and clubs on policies that respect the values and beliefs of players and fans.

Los Angeles schools superintendent Alberto Carvalho resigns amid FBI probe

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:35:35 -0400

The embattled superintendent of the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) resigned from his role after an FBI raid on his home and office earlier this year.

Alberto Carvalho, who led the nation’s second-largest school district, stepped down Sunday, saying his departure is intended to remove distraction from student learning.

"Placing students first has always guided my work," Carvalho said in a statement. "Because I believe our schools must remain focused on students and learning without distraction, I am resigning as Superintendent of LAUSD effective today, June 21, 2026."

His resignation comes as questions continue to swirl around an ongoing investigation believed to be tied to a failed multimillion-dollar AI school contract and potential conflict-of-interest concerns.

FBI RAIDS HOME AND OFFICES OF MAJOR LOS ANGELES SCHOOL DISTRICT SUPERINTENDENT

Carvalho's announcement brings an end to his four-year tenure at the district, where he was appointed in 2022 and unanimously reappointed in fall 2025.

In his resignation letter, Carvalho highlighted what he described as several "historic" achievements during his tenure, including record-breaking graduation rates, improved academic performance compared to pre-pandemic levels, and gains in what he called "equitable" progress for disadvantaged students.

"As the School Board stated, when it unanimously reappointed me late last year, our District’s executive leadership team valued achievement and equity and placed our most vulnerable students at the heart of our agenda," he said.

"I leave grateful — to our students and families, whose protection we prioritized, for trusting us, to our exceptional and hard-working teachers, leaders, and staff at every level for their tireless dedication, to our valued partners, and to the community for the privilege of serving. The successes we have achieved belong to you. I will miss all of you and will continue to pray for the success, health, and wellbeing of every student and family in our District."

LAUSD’s Board issued a statement in response to Carvalho’s resignation, saying it remains dedicated to maintaining public trust.

"The Board remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring stability, continuity, and continued progress through strong leadership," the district said. "Our focus remains unchanged: providing every student with a high-quality education, supporting our dedicated workforce, and maintaining the trust of the communities we serve."

Acting superintendent Andrés E. Chait will continue to lead the district until a permanent decision is made, LAUSD added.

FBI RAID INVOLVING LA SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT POSSIBLY TIED TO FAILED $6M AI DEAL, POTENTIAL CONFLICT

Last February, video captured multiple investigators executing what appeared to be a search warrant at Carvalho’s home, carrying items in and out of the residence.

Fox 11 reported that staff members at LAUSD headquarters were also evacuated as agents arrived to conduct a similar search. In addition, a home linked to a longtime associate of Carvalho was also searched, according to the local outlet, citing FBI Miami.

While authorities have not commented on the nature of the probe, the investigation is believed to be tied to AllHere, a now-defunct startup that was contracted to develop a student-facing chatbot.

In 2023, Carvalho awarded the company a $6 million contract for the project, including $3 million upfront.

The initiative ultimately collapsed in 2024 after the company’s founder, Joanna Smith-Griffith, was accused of embezzling funds amid data privacy concerns and whistleblower allegations.

The AllHere deal was reportedly facilitated with the help of Debra Kerr, an edtech salesperson who maintained a long-standing personal friendship and professional association with Carvalho dating back to the 2000s, according to public records cited by the Los Angeles Times. Kerr’s Miami home was among those targeted during the broader LAUSD-related searches, according to reports.

Golf officially has a new star after the US Open and it's Wyndham Clark's girlfriend Emily Tanner

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:10:38 -0400

Wyndham Clark won the U.S. Open on Sunday and, like her many years on Instagram have taught her, his girlfriend Emily Tanner was in the right place at the right time. She ran up to him on the 18th green at Shinnecock and celebrated the win with him.

It was Clark’s second U.S. Open win in the last four years. His first after she served as his "good luck charm" at the Masters Par Three Contest earlier this year.

After sealing the win over the weekend, he didn’t have to look for her. The moment wasn’t too big for Tanner, who has been on the Screencaps radar for a while now. That radar is a great place to be if you’re on Instagram, like she is, doing your thing too.

It was mentioned in Screencaps on Saturday that she deserved to be given some credit for recharging the 32-year-old’s batteries and assisting him back into the win column. It was also predicted by Joe that she was on the verge of becoming golf’s next star.

WYNDHAM CLARK'S GIRLFRIEND EMILY TANNER IS TURNING INTO A STAR AT THE US OPEN, ALYSSA MILANO BEGS AGAIN & MEAT

That prediction has come true. A simple Google search of Emily Tanner’s name will prove that. She helped him get back in the win column before this past weekend when she became an official PGA Tour golf girlfriend by making her TV debut after his CJ Cup Byron Nelson win.

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

On Monday, she took the celebration of the big U.S. Open win and her new attention to Instagram. She wrote, "The most deserving. You did it!! Love you so much @wyndhamclark ❤️🥹"

Keep it simple and make the shot. She did that. The lights aren't too bright.

What a weekend on and off the course. What a few months, for that matter. Tanner’s gone from good luck charm at Augusta National to U.S. Open champ with another win sprinkled in the mix for fun.

Wyndham Clark might be back, and his girlfriend is a star. Good luck slowing these two down this summer.

Elon Musk threatens to sue Ro Khanna over claims USAID cuts sentenced children to death

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 19:06:38 -0400

SpaceX and Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced Monday that it may be "time to sue" Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., after the California representative's latest comments against the new trillionaire.

The announcement came after Khanna called on the Democratic Party to hold Musk accountable if they regained control over the House of Representatives or the Senate on the "I've Had It" podcast Saturday.

"I do believe once we take power, there needs to be accountability," Khanna said. "There needs to be accountability for Elon Musk. You know, they’re celebrating that he created 4,400 millionaires, but they don’t talk about the 4.5 million children around the world who he possibly sentenced to death by dismantling USAID."

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKER LOOKS FORWARD TO ELON MUSK 'TURNING HIS FIRE AGAINST MAGA REPUBLICANS' IN 2026 MIDTERMS

Khanna continued, "He needs to answer for that. He needs to be subpoenaed. He needs to face investigation. He needs to answer for what he did with DOGE [Department of Government Efficiency]. It's not just 'let's move on.'"

Musk responded to the story in an X post on Monday, where he wrote, "Time to sue this liar."

Musk also wrote and reposted several comments attacking Khanna and his premise that cuts to USAID led to the deaths of millions of children.

SILICON VALLEY INVESTOR SAYS ELON MUSK SHOULD BE PROSECUTED FOR 'UNDERMINING GOVT. THAT'S PAYING HIM'

"Absolutely. This is a total lie. All DOGE did was require contact with the aid recipients to confirm that funds were being used legitimately. Anything less than this is insane! Multiple people from USAID have been charged by the Justice Department with stealing money. Moreover, they pled GUILTY!!" Musk wrote, linking to a 2025 Justice Department press release on a former USAID official's guilty plea.

In another post, he wrote, "The standard applied by DOGE was very simple and easy: Provide contact information for the recipients of aid, so that we can confirm it is not fraudulent. The reality is that money was being sent to corrupt politicians under the guise of aid! Liars and stock insider traders like Ro the Robber should be in prison!!"

He also repeatedly referred to Khanna as a "robber," accusing him of questionable stock trading practices.

In a comment to Fox News Digital, a Khanna representative pointed to a video the congressman posted pushing back on Musk's posts.

JARRETT SAYS TRUMP ADMIN WILL PREVAIL AGAINST 'NONSENSE' LEGAL CHALLENGES TO ELON MUSK, DOGE TEAM'S AUTHORITY

"Today, Elon Musk threatened to sue me, and he called on the Justice Department to put me in prison," Khanna said. "That's right. The world's richest person has spent all day tweeting, going after me. Why? Because I cited an academic study that his DOGE cuts may lead to the deaths of millions of children overseas."

He continued, "You know, Elon, I thought you were a free speech guy. Why not debate me on these issues instead of threatening lawfare? You're not going to be able to intimidate me. I'm the guy who stood up to the Epstein class and worked with [Rep. Thomas] Massie to get the Epstein files released. I'm the guy who stood up against AIPAC and called out a genocide. And I'm the guy who stood up to billionaires in my district who ran someone against me and still called for a wealth tax. So I'm not going to be intimidated or silenced."

Fox News Digital reached out to Tesla and SpaceX for comment.

How Alan Greenspan built and unleashed the massive, modern Federal Reserve

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:59:25 -0400

When Dr. Alan Greenspan, who passed away at 100, took the Fed chairmanship in July 1987, the Fed already held massive power under Paul Volcker. That was memorialized in the "Secrets of the Temple" released in 1987.

Greenspan would add many layers to the Fed’s power during his five four-year terms, even though he was intellectually opposed to big government. He tightened the grip of the Chairman, participated actively in the Swiss-based Bank for International Settlements, and approved the international banking standards in the Basel accords. He almost doubled the Washington DC staff to over 3000.

Importantly, Greenspan changed the Fed’s approach to monetary policy. He moved the Fed from Volcker’s monetarism and control of the M2 money supply — a system that some blame for the depth of the 1982 recession — to data dependence and Fed funds targeting.

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Greenspan was renowned as a data geek. He used such measures as rail car loadings and tons of production to form his judgment on the appropriate Fed funds rate. At times he referred to commodity price indices, a nod to his economic origins as a sound money advocate. Years later, the rate-setting system would evolve into formal inflation-targeting in 2014, but in the 1990s and first years of the 21st century, financial markets came to accept the notion that Alan Greenspan’s judgment and mastery of data would suffice.

In 1996, Greenspan cautioned Wall Street with the phrase "irrational exuberance". It came in the middle of a decade-long boom that included the peace dividend and Newt Gingrich’s push for lower tax rates. Investors listened intently but remained exuberant all the way into the devastating 2000 dot-com crash. Greenspan’s thinking on asset bubbles evolved away from anticipating them to the point in 1999 that he told Congress: "Human nature has exhibited a tendency to excess through the generations with the inevitable economic hangover… It is the job of economic policymakers to mitigate the fallout when it occurs, and, hopefully, ease the transition to the next expansion."

Under Greenspan’s guidance, the Fed became a fast, dependable provider of emergency liquidity, dubbed the "Greenspan put". His first emergency came soon after his 1987 Senate confirmation when the Dow fell a single-day record 23% on October 19, 1987, Black Monday. The Fed acted immediately to expand bank reserves, which at that time were a limiting factor in the banking system’s ability to make loans and support broker-dealers. With the added liquidity, the Fed funds rate fell on October 20 and for several days after. By the 1998 and 2000 market crashes, multiple interest rate cuts were used proactively to support financial markets during distress. The era was captured in the 2000 book Maestro: Greenspan’s Fed and the American Boom.

The Fed has added more layers of power and responsibility since Greenspan’s Fed retirement in 2006. He had advocated for the Fed paying interest to banks for bank reserves. That became law much sooner than expected during the 2008 financial crash. The Fed’s powers now extend to bond buying, the standing repo facility (which loans to primary dealers and approved banks at the discount rate), and the commitment to maintaining ample bank reserves that grow with the economy. The Fed’s regulatory power has also expanded massively — from the pre-Greenspan leverage ratio through the risk-based capital Basel framework to the sweeping liquidity requirements and regulatory mandates in the current system.

The Fed is much more deeply enmeshed in fiscal policy than in the Greenspan era — through its duration mismatch (borrowing short-term, lending long-term), its multi-hundred billion dollar bond market losses, and its control of repo markets which use Treasuries as collateral.

Greenspan added greatly to the Fed’s power and reputation, but he didn't resolve the economic foundation. It falls to the current Fed and its able Chairman Kevin Warsh to continue this evolution. One of the most important questions, one that Greenspan explored a great deal in his two decades as Chairman: can price stability be better achieved through data-based judgments on the neutral interest rate, inflation data, or forward looking price rule indicators?

David Malpass is a former Treasury undersecretary.

Chicago priest tells Trump to 'shut up' and restore gun violence prevention funding after deadly weekend

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:45:12 -0400

A Chicago priest told President Donald Trump to "shut up" following his social media post about a violent Juneteenth weekend that saw at least six people killed and more than 30 others wounded across the city.

Father Michael Pfleger scolded Trump as Chicago community leaders on Monday called for a city agency to tackle gun violence prevention following the weekend's bloodshed.

From 6 p.m. Friday through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Chicago had 24 shootings resulting in 39 victims, six of them fatal, according to the Chicago Police Department.

On Sunday, Trump remarked on Chicago's crime woes in a Truth Social post, suggesting that federal forces be sent into the city.

6 DEAD, 39 SHOT IN CHICAGO BLOODBATH AS TRUMP TOUTS DC-STYLE CLEANUP WHERE NATIONAL GUARD STEPPED IN

"Lots of Killing going on in Chicago. 22 people shot, at least 4 Dead," Trump wrote. "Why isn’t Governor Pritzker calling me for help. I could make Chicago a safe City in ONE MONTH, in ONE YEAR, it would be one of the safest!!! D.C. went from one of the worst, to one of the safest cities in the U.S. President DJT."

On Monday, Pfleger, a prominent South Side priest at St. Sabina Catholic Church, criticized Trump for highlighting the violence.

"I hear this morning on the news that Donald Trump said he wants to send people," he said. "He'll solve the gun violence in a month. First of all, the man lies every day."

PRITZKER RAILS AGAINST 'UN-AMERICAN' POSSIBLE NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT BY TRUMP

"The reflecting pool was good for 50 years," Pfleger added. "And Iran was going to be solved in a month. Shut up, Donald. Just send money and restore the money you took away from gun violence prevention for the city of Chicago and across this country. Give the money back now."

In response to the violence, community groups, faith leaders, and city officials gathered Monday morning at City Hall to support creating a Department of Gun Violence Prevention. The proposed department would focus entirely on reducing gun violence and helping coordinate violence prevention programs across the city, FOX 32 reported.

OUR LEADERS ABANDONED CHICAGO. TRUMP IS RIGHT: IT'S TIME TO CALL IN THE GUARD

State and city leaders have opposed federal intervention, saying they prefer investments in community-level crime prevention programs.

"President Trump’s bold actions in cities like D.C. and Memphis have dramatically reduced violent crime – local Democrat leaders in Chicago should see the President’s incredible results and be begging him to do the same in Chicago," White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital. "Chicago residents and visitors would benefit tremendously from the President’s successful efforts to drive down crime and make American cities safe again."

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday said he wished that Trump would "follow Chicago's lead and invest in Black America," saying the administration has made cuts to agencies and programs that make communities safer, including slashing funding for education, housing, and health care.

"It's unfortunate that this president has worked overtime to literally defund the efforts that create safer communities," Johnson said.

"If you look at Donald Trump's Black agenda, he promises to do all the things that I'm doing, but he's failed to do it," the mayor added, referring to the hiring of more young people, expanded mental health support services, and investing in more affordable homes.

'Sopranos' actress Sarah Shahi says James Gandolfini gave her one of the best on-screen kisses of career

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:42:16 -0400

Sarah Shahi is spilling the details on her spicy sex scene with "Sopranos" star James Gandolfini.

On the "Bossticks" podcast, Shahi said that her kiss with Gandolfini was "one of the best" kisses she's ever had.

"We had this scene where he was so hot and … I remember thinking to myself, 'How am I going to get turned on by this 47-year-old large, balding man?' There’s nothing … how is this going to work for me? Oh boy, did it work for me!" the actress began.

Shahi, who appeared briefly on "The Sopranos," went on to detail the scene where the actors took mushrooms before she sat on his lap and kissed him.

JENNIFER GREY SMOKED 'A LOT OF WEED' BEFORE SEX SCENE WITH PATRICK SWAYZE IN 'RED DAWN'

"I don’t know if you remember the scene. And he’s a very method actor. So, he wanted props. I think they actually had dehydrated mushrooms, and he wanted them to put pepper on them or a lot of spice or just something, so when you put it in your mouth, there’s some kind of a reaction," Shahi said.

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She continued, "There’s a scene where I’m sitting on his lap, and we’re taking these mushrooms, and then we have to kiss and when they called ‘cut,’ we were still kissing … we were still kissing."

Shahi said they had to film the scene three or four times and every time production yelled "cut!," the pair were "still f–---g making out."

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Shahi starred as Sonya Aragon in the hit HBO drama, a stripper and young college student who was the mistress of Christopher Moltisanti (Michael Imperioli). Shahi appeared on season 6 in 2007.

Gandolfini died unexpectedly on June 19, 2013, while vacationing in Rome, Italy. He was 51 years old. An autopsy later confirmed that he died of a heart attack.

Trump-backed housing overhaul targeting Wall Street investors clears Senate

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:39:15 -0400

The Senate advanced a massive, Trump-backed housing package that proponents say will prevent the U.S. from becoming a "nation of renters."

The upper chamber sent the 21st Century Road to Housing Act to the House on Monday after months of delay. After the heads of the House Financial Services Committee and Senate Banking Committee reached a deal last week, the package is on a glide path to President Donald Trump’s desk.

It’s the first major push by Congress to address housing regulations in decades, and one Trump has been calling on lawmakers to complete as the midterm elections near.

TRUMP-BACKED AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVERHAUL CLEARS SENATE, WHILE HOUSE GOP RAISES RED FLAGS

Loaded with nearly 60 different provisions, the package broadly tackles rolling back some permitting regulations, launches several pilot grant programs to build, repair and push affordable housing construction, and blocks investors from buying up housing stock — a key provision pushed by Trump.

Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., one of the architects of the package, said the legislation was "not the federal government big footing local government," but instead the federal government laying out tweaks to current programs and policies that "over time will make housing more affordable."

"This is a housing package that will help increase supply and bring down costs," Warren said. "One way is by beating back private equity, so they won't invade your neighborhood, buy up all the houses, and turn America into a nation of renters."

Warren said that among several things, the package increases access to manufactured housing by changing the federal definition to open up for more units to be constructed, pre-approved plan books for local governments to quickly approve new construction, and the waiving of some environmental review regulations for the construction of new homes.

BIPARTISAN HOUSING PUSH ADVANCES, BUT TRUMP-BACKED INVESTOR BAN FACES RESISTANCE

"It's not just one piece that's gonna solve a problem," Warren said. "It's a whole lot of smaller pieces that push in the same direction that's important."

The package also tries to turbocharge housing stock by tying federal grants and incentives sought by local governments to housing construction. And there are tweaks to mortgages, with a push for small-dollar mortgages at $100,000 and updates to lending standards for manufactured homes.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, whose provision to establish pre-approved housing designs to speed up home construction made it into the package, said the legislation "sends a signal to state and local communities, to say, ‘Hey, guys, you really have to drive down the cost of housing, and you do that by not torturing homebuilders.’"

TRUMP CAN SOLVE THE HOUSING CRISIS, BUT HE NEEDS TO GET TOUGH WITH STATES

While there are several moving parts to the 21st Century Road to Housing Act, it does not tackle every facet of housing costs.

For instance, it does not allocate fresh federal funding for the issue, as Senate Banking Committee Chair Tim Scott, R-S.C., has lauded the package as being deficit neutral. Nor does it directly address rising costs of homeownership, given that much of the thrust is focused on building new homes and lowering the barrier of entry for Americans to get into a home.

And for some, it does not go far enough to address permitting issues.

Sen. Alan Armstrong, R-Okla., argued that the "legislation as drafted fails to meaningfully address" the issues of housing costs.

"Instead, this legislation makes a half-hearted attempt to waive minor environmental laws while failing to address the need for permitting reform at large," Armstrong said.

"Our permitting process deserves its own committed effort, and attaching weak slivers of those reforms to unrelated legislation undermines the work currently being done to pass comprehensive, meaningful permitting reform," he said.

How 'Take Me Home, Country Roads' became the World Cup anthem of Team USA amid hot start

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:20:39 -0400

As the U.S. men’s national soccer team heard the final whistle blow at Lumen Field this past Friday, they also heard thousands in the sold-out crowd cheering and singing following a 2-0 victory over Australia that punched their ticket to the knockout stages of the World Cup.

But there was one specific song that rained down from the stands and onto the pitch: "Take Me Home, Country Roads," famously sang by John Denver.

There’s an origin story behind why that song specifically was chosen for the moment where Team USA wins a World Cup match. FIFA actually asked teams to submit potential playlists for warmups, goals and wins.

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Well, U.S. Soccer said it consulted with the players, as well as those inside the organization, about what songs should ring out from the speakers during matches. The curated list was looking for songs that were both representative of American artists and would be good sing-along tracks for fans in the stands.

Among the list were classics like Bon Jovi’s "Livin’ on a Prayer," Neil Diamond’s "Sweet Caroline," and Take Me Home, Country Roads.

"Sweet Caroline," though, is used by England in this tournament, as is the classic Oasis track, "Wonderwall."

USA WORLD CUP TEAM CLINCHES SPOT IN KNOCKOUT STAGE AFTER ANOTHER HISTORIC PERFORMANCE VS AUSTRALIA

So, "Livin’ on a Prayer" remained on the playlist, but former U.S. Soccer employee and now FIFA executive, Amy Hopfinger, made the call for "Take Me Home, Country Roads" to specifically be used.

As it played over the speakers, the crowd drowned out Denver with its collective bellowing to the players. They clapped and saluted the rendition of the classic folk tune in Seattle as well as Los Angeles, where the USMNT won its first World Cup match — a 4-1 dominating victory over Paraguay.

The USMNT is hoping to hear the song again on Thursday in their final group stage match against Türkiye, though the match has no significance for either team. For Team USA, their win over Australia cemented their spot in the knockout stage as well as giving them the Group D win for the group stages.

As a result, the USMNT will be heading to the Bay Area either way following their next match, preparing for a Round of 32 matchup against a third-place team from either Groups B, E, F, I or J.

Tremendous momentum has been built for the USMNT, and going into a final group stage match without the worry of being bounced from the tournament is certainly no greater feeling for a squad using their home-country advantage.

They will hope to hear more fans singing their now-viral team song as they continue to advance in the tournament.

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DOJ investigating NYC coffee shop over hostile social post about pro-Israel politician

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:02:06 -0400

The Department of Justice (DOJ) says it has opened an investigation into a New York City coffee shop after it blasted Rep. Dan Goldman, D-N.Y., in a social media post, saying it should not have served him, and he should never come back due to his support of Israel.

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon said the DOJ has opened an investigation into the Poetica Coffee Shop in Brooklyn.

Dhillon says the department is aware of the "denial of service taunts" directed at Goldman and says federal law prohibits public accommodations, including coffee shops, from discriminating against patrons based on race, religion, or national origin. Dhillon says the alleged denial of service could violate federal anti-discrimination law and says enforcement action is possible.

In a now-deleted Facebook post, Poetica Coffee said it issued a refund to Goldman after learning that he had stopped by the location with his young daughter. The shop added that it would have simply turned Goldman away if staff had recognized him at the time.

SMOOTHIE KING FIRES EMPLOYEES WHO REFUSED TO SERVE CUSTOMERS OVER TRUMP SWEATSHIRT

"Hey Congressman Dan Goldman, we see that you stopped by our shop today for a coffee. Do you see how it doesn’t taste like genocide juice? Or are you still having a hard time telling the difference?" the post stated, referring to Goldman’s support for Israel and accusations that the Jewish state has committed genocide against Palestinians during the war in Gaza.

"See, here at Poetica, we don’t serve racists, fascists, homophobes, genocide enablers, or anyone in between," the post continued. "Too bad we didn’t recognize you right away, or we would have turned you away. We issued you a refund—we don’t need your money (it’s probably coming from AIPAC anyways). Enjoy your loss on Tuesday. Don’t ever come to Poetica."

In a statement on social media, Goldman said he was disappointed by the shop's remarks.

"I’m sorry to see this post," he said. "The barista could not have been nicer to my 7-year-old daughter and me—allowing her to use the bathroom even though we had not purchased anything. I made sure to buy a coffee in return for her kindness. I hope you at least make sure she gets the tip that she deserved."

In response, the shop said it was the barista's idea to refund Goldman's purchase. The poster added that they will be voting against Goldman, who faces a Democratic primary challenge from former city Comptroller Brad Lander.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Goldman and the coffee shop, as well as the offices of New York State Attorney General Letitia James and Mayor Zohran Mamdani, and the city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

"No comment. We stand against genocide," a staffer told the New York Post.

The shop's social media post was quickly criticized online.

Mark Treyger, the CEO of the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York, said the incident warrants a review under city and state human rights laws.

MAMDANI IN THE HOT SEAT AFTER FIRST VETO DERAILS BIPARTISAN EFFORT TO COMBAT ANTISEMITISM: 'DISAPPOINTED'

"Turning a cup of coffee into a Jewish identity litmus test is an affront to the law, our values, and every New Yorker who rejects discrimination," he wrote on X. "If an identifiable Jewish customer walks into a coffee shop wearing a kippah or Magen David, are they expected to first disclose their views on Middle East policy before being served?"

The incident appears to contradict the opening statement on Poetica Coffee's website by its owner, Parviz Mukhamadkulov, an Uzbek immigrant who opened his first location in 2020.

"In practice, it looks like a café where the door doesn't close on anyone, where tea gets poured before anyone asks who you are," the website states. "The guest is sacred because the act of welcoming is how a community keeps itself intact."

The shop also claims on its site that "whoever walks through the door is treated with unconditional dignity."

"Not as a customer. Not as a transaction. As someone who arrived and deserves to be welcomed," the site reads.

Country singer Bailey Zimmerman faces felony criminal charge after allegedly trashing New Mexico hotel room

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:00:55 -0400

Bailey Zimmerman has found himself in hot water as New Mexico authorities look to charge the country singer with felony criminal damage, Fox News Digital can confirm.

A felony warrant for criminal damage was filed on June 18 in Bernalillo County.

Prosecutors are looking to slap Zimmerman with a felony charge for criminal damage to property and a misdemeanor charge of falsely obtaining services, TMZ reported.

Court docs, obtained by the outlet, revealed the charges stemmed from an incident that allegedly occurred on May 27. Zimmerman had been scheduled to perform at the amphitheater at Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque but canceled his concert at the last minute.

MORGAN WALLEN PLEADS GUILTY IN NASHVILLE CHAIR-THROWING INCIDENT

According to TMZ, Zimmerman allegedly showed up to sound check visibly intoxicated and proceeded to throw microphones, instruments and other items on the ground before storming off-stage multiple times.

Zimmerman then returned to the resort after allegedly spitting towards a security guard, stumbling with a bloody knee and had to be supported by someone he was with. Ultimately, the resort kicked him out and the country music star had to cancel his concert at the last minute. At the time, he claimed he had "not been feeling well."

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""Y’all know there’s nothing I love more than getting out on the road and playing these shows for you," he wrote on Instagram. "So it’s so hard for me to have to say this, but I have to reschedule tonight’s (5/27) and Saturday’s (5/30) shows.

"I have not been feeling well and have tried to power through, but I’m not able to give you all the show you deserve. I hate letting y’all down and was really looking forward to these shows, but I gotta take care of myself so I can get back out there stronger," he continued.

Zimmerman allegedly fought security before eventually leaving the resort.

But according to court documents, housekeeping discovered the artist's room in disarray the following day – with the hotel estimating the damage at roughly $16,000.

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The alleged damage included a television, phone, coffee table and two chairs. Resort staff also reported a hole in one wall, damage to several others, stains on the carpet and two missing chairs.

The hotel further claimed Bailey racked up more than $400 in alcohol charges during his stay but never paid the bill.

Court records state that both resort employees and police attempted to contact the singer and members of his team to address the incident, but received no response – ultimately prompting authorities to seek an arrest warrant.

Fox News Digital reached out to Zimmerman's representative for comment.

Vance takes lead selling Trump’s Iran gamble as Rubio, Hegseth and Ratcliffe cede spotlight on fragile deal

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:00:52 -0400

Vice President JD Vance arrived in Switzerland this week as the Trump administration’s most visible defender of a fragile Iran memorandum of understanding, even as officials moved to tamp down reports of internal concern over whether Tehran can be trusted to follow through on nuclear concessions.

"If it doesn’t happen, I’m blaming JD Vance. If it does happen, I’m taking full credit," joked President Donald Trump this month of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran.

The MOU, signed last week, has not resolved the core dispute over Iran’s nuclear program, but instead opened a 60-day negotiating window aimed at turning broad commitments into enforceable terms — leaving Vance to defend a framework that supporters call a diplomatic opening for sustained stability in the region and skeptics fear could give Tehran room to stall.

While Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and CIA Director John Ratcliffe have been central to previous high-profile foreign policy missions, Vance spent last week as one of the administration’s chief public advocates for the Iran deal, repeatedly fielding questions about the negotiations during a media blitz for his new book.

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

A senior U.S. official told Fox News Digital earlier this month that there was a "split" inside the administration on support of the Iran MOU but wouldn't say which officials did not support the decision. The talks have been fragile for weeks, with the MOU serving less as a breakthrough than a temporary framework while U.S. officials continue to wrestle with whether Iran can be trusted to follow through on nuclear commitments.

CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly emerged as a key intelligence leader who expressed doubt about the intelligence behind the Iran deal to Trump and other senior officials, Axios reported. Rubio and Hegseth also reportedly held reservations, while Vance and other officials advocated for the MOU, according to the outlet.

The CIA did not comment when asked by Fox News Digital if Ratcliffe was skeptical about the deal.

A second senior U.S. official told Fox News Digital that Trump officials were all aligned in supporting the deal and viewed it as the appropriate path forward.

While a White House official added that Vance emerged as a lead negotiator because Trump tasked him with the role from the outset, arguing his position as vice president gives him the stature to bring key players from countries such as Qatar and Pakistan to the negotiating table.

When asked about the reports of an alleged "split," the White House fired back that the MOU meets all the previous requirements expressed by the administration and the president would only sign a "good deal."

"President Trump listens to all opinions on any given issue — but everyone understands he is the final decisionmaker," a White House official told Fox News Digital.

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While Ratcliffe has historically kept a more reserved role as CIA chief, Rubio and Hegseth have embraced the spotlight repeatedly during high-level missions, hosting press briefings and posting on social media – even sharing memes surrounding major policy wins.

Rubio has publicly backed the MOU, but his support has been noticeably more restrained than his advocacy for past foreign policy efforts. The secretary has reposted clips of the deal signing and Vance's media appearance discussing Iran, but has not directly made a statement. His latest post on X was congratulating Colombian President-Elect Abelardo De La Espriella on his victory.

Rubio was also part of the president’s delegation in France at the G7, seen standing behind him during Trump’s sideline presser on the deal. Rubio did not make any comments during the press conference.

Hegseth also has remained active on social media during the NATO summit, posting updates on alliance-related meetings and highlighting various War Department initiatives, while notably refraining from commenting directly on the Iran agreement.

His last public remarks directly addressing U.S.-Iran relations came more than a month ago on May 5 during a Pentagon briefing alongside Caine. Hegseth discussed Project Freedom, which was a strike against Iran's nuclear infrastructure – separate and distinct from Operation Epic Fury.

Since then, Hegseth's public appearances have focused largely on NATO and defense diplomacy, including bilateral meetings with foreign counterparts and engagements with leaders from Italy, Singapore, South Korea and Ecuador.

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

The framework has come under fire from conservatives and liberals alike who have drawn comparisons to former President Barack Obama’s JCPOA, a politically toxic benchmark for many Republicans that the president and Vance have rejected in public remarks.

During an appearance on Fox News' "The Five" last week, Vance argued the JCPOA comparison stems from a misconception because the proverbial carrot-and-stick positions from the Obama-era deal have been reversed.

The Pentagon doubled down on their backing of the Iranian deal when asked by Fox News Digital if there were any doubts.

"Of course, Secretary Hegseth supports the Peace Deal with Iran and all of President Trump’s objectives," Chief Pentagon Spokesperson Sean Parnell told Fox News Digital when asked if there was any friction about the Iran agreement.

State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott offered Fox News Digital administration a similar statement backing the Iran deal.

"Secretary Rubio and the entire administration is 100% in lockstep behind President Trump. The President has taken unprecedented action to prevent the Iranian regime from obtaining a nuclear weapon, making the U.S. and the entire world safer," Pigott said.

Rubio is heading to Geneva Monday after Vance has already been engaged in discussions with Iranians alongside Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff since Sunday.

HEGSETH ONCE WARNED AGAINST ENDLESS WARS. NOW HE’S LEADING TRUMP’S STRIKE-FIRST DOCTRINE

Rubio, Hegseth and Ratcliffe have previously been at the center of some of the Trump administration’s most significant foreign policy engagements and achievements, from high-stakes talks with Vladimir Putin in Alaska to G7 summits and NATO conferences.

Vance’s absence from Trump’s January Mar-a-Lago announcement following the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro drew notice at the time, particularly as Rubio, Hegseth, Ratcliffe, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine and senior adviser Stephen Miller appeared alongside the president for the administration’s victory-lap moment.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Office of the Vice President for comment.

Vance stayed late into the night Sunday evening to push the deal to the finish line in an attempt to get nuclear inspections to start as soon as possible.

"It's funny, we were trying to call some of the inspectors last night around two in the morning. As you can expect, not many people are answering their phone at two in the morning," said Vance Monday.

"I expect that will happen at the minimum this week, but we think even some of those conversations with the inspectors and with the IAEA could happen as soon as today," Vance added.

Fox News Digital's Charles Crietz contributed to this report.

DOJ backs nuns caring for dying cancer patients in fight against New York trans ideology mandate

Mon, 22 Jun 2026 18:00:46 -0400

The Justice Department is backing a group of Catholic nuns who say New York's transgender policies could force them to choose between their religious beliefs and continuing to care for indigent cancer patients in their final days.

"States should take notice that they cannot require Americans to abandon their religious beliefs in the name of woke gender ideology," Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a Thursday statement.

"For more than a century, the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne have provided free palliative care to indigent cancer patients in their last days," Dhillon added. "New York’s law would force these religious women to choose between their faith and their license if they wish to continue serving the dying."

ADVENT PEACE DEMANDS ACTION: DEFEND THOSE WHO RISK THEIR LIVES TO WORSHIP FREELY

The Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, who operate a home for dying cancer patients in Westchester County, argue New York's law could subject them to fines, loss of their operating license and other penalties if they refuse to comply with requirements related to gender identity, pronouns, room assignments and access to sex-specific facilities.

If the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne do not comply with the New York transgender mandate, they face fines up to $2,000 per violation — rising to $5,000 — court-ordered forced compliance, loss of licensing and up to one year in prison and fines up to $10,000.

The New York transgender mandate, the "Lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender, and people living with HIV long-term care facility residents' bill of rights," signed into law on Nov. 30, 2023, bans long-term care facilities and staff "from discriminating against any resident on the basis of a resident’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or HIV status," according to a press release from Hochul's office.

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The sisters say that the New York transgender law would require them to assign rooms by gender identity, not biological sex; allow access to opposite-sex bathrooms; allow expression, relationships and identity practices; use preferred pronouns; require staff training in gender ideology; and post a public notice stating compliance with the law.

In their lawsuit, filed on April 6, the sisters highlighted that during the four-year reporting period from Feb. 1, 2022, through Jan. 31, 2026, the New York State Department of Health had received "zero complaints" from their residents, compared with "more than 55,000 complaints against other nursing homes," and an average of 23 citations per facility during the same period.

Martin Nussbaum, general counsel for Catholic Benefits Association, who is representing the Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne, told Fox News Digital that the sisters' risk of lost licensing applies both to the entity, Rosary Hill Home, and to its staff members who are professionally licensed.

ADVENT PEACE DEMANDS ACTION: DEFEND THOSE WHO RISK THEIR LIVES TO WORSHIP FREELY

"Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s formal certification of Dominican Sisters of Hawthorne v. Hochul as a case of ‘general public importance’ sends a welcome signal that a state’s policy preference for gender ideology does not trump the protection for religious freedom embedded in our country’s DNA," Nussbaum said.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a spokesperson for New York Gov. Kathy Hochul said "This is just another sad attempt by the Trump administration to weaponize the justice system to attack political opponents in an election year. New York’s decision to move to a single fiscal intermediary has already saved taxpayers more than a billion dollars while deterring fraud, waste and abuse. As many courts have already held, the transition to a single fiscal intermediary was lawful and appropriate. We are confident the facts are on our side."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Department of Justice for comment.