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Ukrainian national who completed Air Force officer training convicted in ghost gun 3D printing operation

Sat, 13 Jun 2026 00:00:56 -0400

A Ukrainian national who completed U.S. Air Force officer training was recently convicted of five counts after authorities intercepted illegal gun parts from China and uncovered a "ghost gun" 3D printing operation inside his home.

A federal jury found Yaroslav Vishnevski, 33, of Harrisburg, Illinois, guilty of receipt or possession of an unregistered short-barreled rifle; manufacturing a National Firearms Act (NFA) weapon without paying special occupancy tax; receipt or possession of an unregistered short-barreled shotgun; receipt or possession of an unregistered silencer; and possession of an Atlas Arms 12-gauge short-barreled shotgun with an obliterated serial number, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Illinois.

The investigation was triggered on April 22, 2024, when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers intercepted a package shipped from China that contained two suspected firearm silencers, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Fox News Digital.

SECOND AMENDMENT FIGHTS GROW ACROSS SEVERAL STATES OVER 3D-PRINTED GUN LAWS

The parcel was addressed to Vishnevski's home in southern Illinois.

On May 2, 2024, an undercover agent with the Illinois State Police (ISP) dropped the package off on Vishnevski's front porch and watched as Vishnevski retrieved the package and brought it inside, according to court filings.

Shortly after he left the house without the package, marked ISP units pulled him over in a traffic stop while a SWAT team executed a search warrant inside the home.

MARYLAND MAN ON THE RUN AFTER POLICE ALLEGEDLY FIND MASSIVE STASH OF ILLEGAL GHOST GUNS IN HOME

Inside the house and a camper parked outside, federal and state law enforcement allegedly discovered a highly active, illegal weapons workshop.

Court documents note authorities seized three 3D printers and a "Ghost Gunner" desktop CNC machine — a tool commonly used to mill untraceable "80%" firearm receivers.

Investigators reported finding a massive haul of illegal and untraceable weapons, including numerous 3D-printed silencers and firearm frames; privately made, untraceable short-barreled rifles lacking serial numbers; an Atlas Arms 12-gauge short-barreled shotgun with an obliterated serial number; and a Glock 19X modified with an aftermarket stock and vertical foregrip.

Federal law requires short-barreled rifles, short-barreled shotguns and silencers to be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record, and manufacturers must pay a special occupancy tax.

Vishnevski had no such registrations, according to court filings.

Following his convictions, U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft told Fox News Digital there is a clear line between criminal enterprises and legal gun ownership.

CIVIL LIBERTY ADVOCATES SUE BLUE STATE OVER 'SHOW YOUR PAPERS' GUN LAW

"The real world contains nuance, and two things can be true at the same time: We staunchly defend the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding Americans, while simultaneously recognizing that machine guns, short-barreled rifles, silencers illegally imported from China, and untraceable ghost guns present obvious dangers," Weinhoeft said. "The Department of Justice strikes this balance each day aggressively enforcing the criminal laws passed by Congress, while vigorously defending the constitutional rights of responsible gun owners in court."

Vishnevski, who is reportedly a U.S. citizen, told Capitol News Illinois he thought the government was surveilling him prior to his arrest because he was born in Ukraine and lived there until the age of 6, before immigrating to the U.S. a year later.

He told the outlet he completed Air Force officer training and enrolled at the St. Louis University School of Medicine under orders to serve as an Air Force physician after graduation, but left the program early and transferred to the Individual Ready Reserve.

Following his arrest, Vishnevski told the outlet an agent with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had questioned him about his views on Ukraine and any associations with its citizens.

The U.S. Air Force and DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.

Christian Pulisic subbed out at halftime of USMNT World Cup opener after feeling tightness in calf

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 23:55:51 -0400

After a first half for the ages, USMNT fans got a scare when star Christian Pulisic did not return for the second half of the United States' World Cup opener against Paraguay.

The Hershey, Pennsylvania, native, who plays club soccer for AC Milan, assisted on the United States’ second goal, scored by Folarin Balogun, and was one of the team’s most noticeable players throughout the first half.

However, when the team emerged from the tunnel, it was revealed that Pulisic had been subbed out in favor of Sebastian Berhalter, son of former USMNT player and coach Gregg Berhalter.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

The thing was, the team did not give any reason for why the change was made.

It was reported during the FOX Sports broadcast that Pulisic had indicated to family in the stands that he was OK.

After the United States capped off its 4-1 victory, USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino shed light on why the star was substituted. Per The Athletic's Tom Bogert, Pochettino said Pulisic took a kick to the calf that caused some tightness, and the decision to remove him was purely precautionary.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Some of the concern from fans stemmed from Pulisic's recent injury history. He sat out last summer's Gold Cup to rest after playing 50 club matches with AC Milan.

The following season, he dealt with several injuries. Most recently, according to ESPN, he missed a match last month because of a lower-back issue.

Pulisic is a key piece of the USMNT, and his absence was noticeable in the second half.

While Pochettino said the substitution was purely precautionary, American fans will likely remain uneasy until Pulisic is back on the field and fully healthy.

New York anchor Bill Ritter announces Alzheimer's diagnosis during his final Eyewitness News broadcast

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 23:51:28 -0400

Veteran New York news anchor Bill Ritter revealed Friday that he has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer's disease, bringing an end to his more than two-decade run behind the WABC-TV anchor desk.

Ritter, 76, who has anchored the station's 6 p.m. newscast in New York City since 2001, revealed during Friday's Eyewitness News broadcast that it would be his final night anchoring the program.

"After a series of tests, my doctors have told me I have Alzheimer's," Ritter said during the broadcast.

"It's early-stage Alzheimer's, and they say the treatments I'm getting are keeping it at bay, for now," he continued. "But there is no guarantee, because there's no cure yet for Alzheimer's."

'DUCK DYNASTY' STAR PHIL ROBERTSON DIAGNOSED WITH ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE

"So, unless someone finds an amazing cure, and soon, tonight will be the last newscast I anchor," he added.

According to ABC7, Ritter joined WABC-TV in 1998 after an extensive journalism career that included work at the Los Angeles Times, local television stations in California and positions with ABC News.

He began anchoring the station's 11 p.m. Eyewitness News broadcast in 1999 and was added to the flagship 6 p.m. newscast in 2001. He also anchored the station's 5 p.m. broadcast for several years.

WOMAN WITH ADVANCED ALZHEIMER'S REGAINED SPEECH AND MEMORIES AFTER TAKING MAGIC MUSHROOMS

ABC7 reported that Ritter will remain with the station in a new role focused in part on reporting about Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions, as well as their impact on patients and families.

"For decades, Bill Ritter has covered and led New Yorkers through the stories that matter most," WABC-TV General Manager Marilu Galvez said in a statement.

"A defining presence at ABC7, he has done so with exceptional insight, integrity and, most of all, heart, earning the love and respect of viewers and colleagues alike," she continued.

"While he is stepping away from daily anchoring, he will continue to be an integral part of our ABC7 family, including sharing personal updates and providing resources to help others impacted by Alzheimer's better understand the disease and the resources available to them."

"Bill is strong, brilliant, and resourceful, and we look forward to his continued reporting on Eyewitness News," Galvez added.

Ritter also noted during the broadcast that his father died from Alzheimer's disease in 1998 after battling the illness for years.

US earns historic win in World Cup opener after beatdown of Paraguay as the legend of Folarin Balogun is born

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 23:25:29 -0400

History was made as the U.S. dropped a 4-bomb on Paraguay.

For the first time in history, the U.S. scored at least four goals in a World Cup game.

On top of that, Folarin Balogun, 24, became the first American player since 1930 to score multiple goals in a World Cup match. The 4-1 victory over Paraguay also marked the first time the United States won a World Cup game by three goals since 1930, when it also beat Paraguay. Team USA secured the historic win in its 2026 FIFA World Cup opener in Southern California on Friday night.

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Balogun's big night marked a historic moment in one of the more fascinating American soccer stories in USMNT history.

The U.S. raced to a 3-0 lead, scoring its first goal within the opening seven minutes, and came within one goal of matching the largest World Cup victory in program history. Even with the three-goal advantage, the Americans continued to press for a fourth goal. But after U.S. captain Christian Pulisic went down with an injury, Paraguay found the back of the net in the 73rd minute.

But then, in the final seconds, 23-year-old Gio Reyna scored the historic fourth goal to ensure the U.S. earned three points in the World Cup standings.

The American scoring barrage started when Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal in the sixth minute, giving the Americans an early lead in the highly anticipated group-stage matchup.

American fans packed in SoFi Stadium roared as the USMNT seized an early advantage.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Then in the 30th minute, the New York native Balogun scored his first-ever World Cup goal, pushing the lead to two.

Balogun's strike gave the U.S. a two-goal cushion in the 30th minute, the third-fastest the Americans have reached that mark in a World Cup match. The only time Team USA managed to put the ball in the net sooner was in 2002 against Portugal (29th minute) and in a 1930 meeting with Paraguay (15th minute).

Balogun's special night continued just before halftime, when he scored again, sending the crowd into a frenzy. Balogun raced onto a pinpoint pass from teammate Malik Tillman before curling a shot into the top-left corner for a standout goal.

Born in Brooklyn to Nigerian parents, but raised in London, Balogun came through the prestigious Arsenal academy. He was discovered at age eight playing in a local "Sunday League" in London and joined the youth academy for Arsenal, one of England's biggest professional clubs.

He had the choice to play for the U.S. or England, and when deciding which national team to commit to, he took a vacation to the U.S. in 2023. He felt so much overwhelming support from American fans on social media that it heavily influenced his decision to pledge his international allegiance to the United States.

Now, he is America's newest star in a strong start to a World Cup that will be played on home soil for the first time in three decades.

Brewers' Jacob Misiorowski breaks brains and radar guns with hardest pitch ever by a starting pitcher

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 22:20:05 -0400

There's about to be a lot of focus on soccer for the next month, what with the World Cup getting underway, but MLB is scoring itself some heat by bringing some serious heat.

How does the fastest pitch ever thrown by a starter sound?

Well, we got it, and it came courtesy of Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski and that cannon he calls his right arm.

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The Brewers hosted the Philadelphia Phillies on Friday, and at the top of the first inning, Misiorowski came up against Phillies leadoff hitter Kyle Schwarber.

The 2-2 pitch seemed to just catch the lower outside corner of the strike zone, with Schwarber getting a piece of it on a check swing, which was snagged and held onto by catcher William Contreras.

While Schwarber went ahead and started arguing about the call, everyone else's attention was preoccupied by the pitch's speed.

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No, your eyes do not deceive you.

The scorebug did, in fact, read 105 mph.

However, the pitch was officially 104.5 mph, which was the fastest pitch ever thrown by a starting pitcher.

As hard as it was, though, there's a good chance Schwarber didn't notice it being much faster than any other pitch that at-bat. That's because all five pitches he faced were north of 103 mph, with the third pitch of the at-bat, a called strike, also hitting the 104 mark.

As impressive as it is, it's still quite a way off from the hardest pitch ever thrown in MLB history.

That record still belongs to Red Sox pitcher Aroldis Chapman.

Back in 2010, he was in his rookie campaign with the Cincinnati Reds when he threw a blistering 105.8 mph fastball.

Chapman also holds the No. 2 spot on the list, throwing a 105.7 mph fastball in 2016 while pitching for the Chicago Cubs.

USMNT World Cup starts strong, Christian Pulisic sets up Team USA for a stunning first goal against Paraguay

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:27:34 -0400

The USMNT and Paraguay kicked off at 9 p.m. ET from Los Angeles Stadium. The USMNT, coached by Mauricio Pochettino, enters Friday at the No. 17 spot in the FIFA World Rankings.

The United States' World Cup bid got off to a dream start when Paraguay's Damián Bobadilla scored an own goal in the sixth minute, giving the Americans an early lead in the highly anticipated group stage matchup.

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Fans inside the packed stadium in Inglewood, California, roared as the USMNT seized an early advantage.

Folarin Balogun doubled the United States' lead in the 30th minute. The New York native celebrated enthusiastically with his teammates after scoring his first World Cup goal, a milestone moment in his international career.

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Balogun struck again just before halftime, extending the United States' lead and sending the crowd in Inglewood into a frenzy.

Balogun raced onto a pinpoint pass from teammate Malik Tillman before curling a shot into the top-left corner for a standout goal.

Team USA headed into halftime with a commanding 3-0 lead.

Midfielder Mauricio pulled one back for Paraguay in the 73rd minute, trimming the United States' lead to 3-1. The Americans will return to action June 19 against Australia in Seattle.

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Trump says US military eliminated 'infamous' Tren de Aragua leader in lethal strike

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:25:26 -0400

President Donald Trump on Friday night announced the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) "delivered a swift and lethal kinetic strike" to successfully execute Hector Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, also known as Niño Guerrero, the "infamous" leader of Tren de Aragua (TdA).

The U.S. Department of State previously offered up to a $5 million reward for the 43-year-old Venezuelan's arrest or conviction.

"Before I returned to office, Joe Biden opened our Southern Border to millions of Illegal Criminals, and allowed this foreign army to rape, maim, and murder American Citizens with total impunity," Trump wrote in a statement on Truth Social. "During my Campaign, I pledged to expel these monsters from our Country, and bring Justice to the families of those they slaughtered, including the precious 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray, 22-year-old Laken Reilly, and countless other beautiful souls."

DOJ INDICTS ALLEGED HIGH-RANKING TREN DE ARAGUA MEMBER ON TERRORISM CHARGES FOR THE FIRST TIME

VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT USES TREN DE ARAGUA AS PROXIES TO UNDERMINE US PUBLIC SAFETY, FBI ASSESSMENT FINDS

The president said with Friday's action, the U.S. military "has brought retribution for them, their families, and their loved ones."

"Early in my Administration, I delivered on my promise to designate Tren de Aragua as a Foreign Terrorist Organization, deport thousands of evil criminals, and wage war against the Cartels, who have long been waging war against our Citizens, while weak leaders left America helpless and defensive," Trump wrote.

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"This action was coordinated closely with our friends in Venezuela, with whom we are working very well," he continued. "As a result, Tren de Aragua terrorists no longer have safe haven in Venezuela or anywhere else and, under my leadership, we will find these vicious murderers and drugs lords anytime, anyplace, and send them to the depths of hell where they belong."

TdA, originally a prison gang in the Aragua state of Venezuela, has grown into a transnational criminal organization led by Flores, according to the State Department. The group has since been designated by the U.S. as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

Authorities said Guerrero spent many years incarcerated at the Tocorón Prison in Aragua State of Venezuela and expanded the group's influence by extorting prison inmates and bribing prison guards.

The gang later assumed overall control of the Tocorón prison, gold mines in Bolivar State, drug corridors on the Caribbean coast and of some of the clandestine border crossings between Venezuela and Colombia.

Federal judge rules she lacks authority to reinstate fired Yosemite ranger who flew trans pride flag

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 21:17:19 -0400

A federal judge ruled on Friday that she has no authority to reinstate a park ranger who was fired from Yosemite last summer after flying a trans pride flag on their day off.

Shannon "SJ" Joslin, who identifies as nonbinary, sued the Department of the Interior, which includes the National Park Service, earlier this year after being fired for hanging the flag across the park’s El Capitan rock formation in California last year.

The former ranger in their lawsuit asked the Biden-appointed judge to reinstate Joslin and to keep the government from launching a criminal investigation.

WYOMING LIBRARY DIRECTOR RECEIVES $700K SETTLEMENT FOLLOWING LGBTQ BOOKS DISPUTE FIRING

Joslin had argued in the lawsuit that the government had "enforced its rules selectively based on the message that the pride flag sends," and that Joslin’s firing was "vindictive, retaliatory, [and] intended to communicate disapproval of a particular point of view."

U.S. District Judge Jennifer Thurston wrote in her ruling obtained by Fox News Digital: "The government claims for its part that Joslin was fired for reasons that had ‘nothing to do’ with "speech," adding, "But the government has another more fundamental and more persuasive point: under the laws that Congress has passed, and under the legal precedent that a federal trial court must follow, this Court does not have authority to decide whether Joslin was fired for unconstitutional or illegal reasons, nor to block a hypothetical criminal case against them."

Thurston wrote that the government motion to dismiss was granted and Joslin’s motion for a preliminary injunction was denied.

OREGON EDUCATORS WIN 650K SETTLEMENT AFTER SCHOOL DISTRICT FIRED THEM OVER GENDER POLICY COMMENTS

Joslin wrote an Instagram post after the firing that they were fired from the park "for practicing my First Amendment right" after hanging the 55-foot by 35-foot flag across Yosemite’s iconic rock destination in May 2025.

"I was fired by the temporary Deputy Superintendent for ‘failing to demonstrate acceptable conduct’ in my capacity as a Wildlife Biologist for the park. No part of hanging the flag was done on work time. NOTHING about it had anything to do with my work," Joslin wrote.

Joslin flew the flag for about two hours before taking it down and added that after decades of the practice, "no one" had ever been punished for hanging a flag across El Capitan prior to last week.

OHIO TEACHER SUES HIGH SCHOOL FOR DEMANDING HE REMOVE LGBT POSTER INSIDE CLASSROOM

"I want my rights and I want my career back," Joslin said.

The Interior Department told Fox News Digital on Friday after the ruling: "We take the protection of the park's resources and the experience of our visitors very seriously and will not tolerate violations of laws and regulations that impact those resources and experiences.

Yosemite National Park was designated by Congress to highlight the beautiful natural and cultural features of the area. No matter the cause, demonstrating without a permit outside of designated First-Amendment areas detracts from the visitor experience and the protection of the park. To safeguard the protection of visitors, visitor experiences, and park resources, many demonstrations require a permit."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Civil Service Law Center, which represents Joslin, for comment.

Justin Baldoni attorney rips Blake Lively after judge awards limited attorney fees

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 20:13:03 -0400

Justin Baldoni's lawyer issued a scathing statement after a judge ruled that Blake Lively was entitled to recover attorney and litigation fees.

Judge Lewis J. Liman said in a written decision that Lively can recover legal fees and costs related to her defense against a countersuit Baldoni brought against her after she sued him in December 2024. The judge rejected her claims to triple any damages and pursue punitive damages.

On Friday, Bryan Freedman shared a statement with Fox News Digital, stating that Lively "failed" in her attempt to sue Baldoni for sexual harassment.

"We fought and won against a coordinated effort built on allegations of sexual harassment, retaliation, and a smear campaign that never happened. Ms. Lively demanded over 300 million in fees and damages, had 10 of her 13 claims dismissed, she then chose to settle and received nothing," Freedman began.

"Notwithstanding that all of her sexual harassment and defamation claims were thrown out by the court, Ms. Lively then pivoted to exploit a California law that was established to protect real victims in what proved to be a fruitless mission to obtain damages. Once again, she failed," he continued.

BLAKE LIVELY BREAKS SILENCE AFTER JUDGE DISMISSES SEXUAL HARASSMENT CLAIMS IN BALDONI LAWSUIT

Freedman stated that Baldoni's legal team was successful in exposing the truth and "justice prevailed."

"Ms. Lively was only awarded limited attorney fees for a single claim as part of a case that lasted only a matter of months, nothing more. Throughout this process, innocent people had their reputations unfairly tarnished. There was no sexual harassment," he continued. "There was no retaliation. There was no smear campaign. The court recognized it, the record reflects it, and we have maintained it from the very beginning."

"We would not hesitate to stand up for the truth again," Freedman concluded.

BLAKE LIVELY, JUSTIN BALDONI TIMELINE: TAYLOR SWIFT TANGLED INTO LEAKED MESSAGES, EMBARRASSING LAWSUITS

Lively's legal team shared a statement with People. "Bryan Freedman and his clients resorted to a DARVO [Deny, Attack, Reverse Victim and Offender] statement that is a pack of lies," the statement began.

"Just a few weeks ago, they said Blake Lively's claims 'deserved to be heard.' Now it seems Justin Baldoni thinks women who bring claims of sexual harassment and retaliation in good faith, without malice, should be sued into oblivion," it continued.

Lively's legal team concluded: "Thankfully, there's a law against that, and the Court applied it today. People who do nothing wrong don't have to pay millions of dollars, which is where this is headed now."

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The legal dispute between "It Ends With Us" co-stars began in late 2024 after Lively filed a complaint and later a lawsuit alleging that Baldoni sexually harassed her during the production of the film and that he and his associates participated in a campaign to damage her reputation after she raised concerns. Baldoni denied the allegations and maintained that Lively's claims were false.

In January 2025, Baldoni responded by filing a $400 million lawsuit against Lively, her husband Ryan Reynolds, and others, alleging defamation, extortion, and related claims. He also pursued legal action against The New York Times over its reporting on the controversy.

However, in June 2025, a federal judge dismissed Baldoni's countersuit, ruling that many of the statements at issue were legally protected and that the claims did not meet the legal standards required to proceed.

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The litigation continued through 2025 and into 2026, with both sides claiming victories at various stages. Several of Lively's original claims were narrowed or dismissed before trial, while some retaliation-related issues remained part of the case.

In May 2026, the parties reached a settlement that ended most of the remaining litigation without publicly disclosing the terms.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

US fans were out in full force ahead of the USMNT's first match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 20:00:28 -0400

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) gets its World Cup quest underway Friday night against Paraguay, and as you can tell by their arrival at the stadium, there's a lot of excitement.

The Americans are set to play their first World Cup game on home soil since 1994, and after years of buildup, it's finally time to see the team on the pitch.

Of course, first came the arrival at Los Angeles Stadium (known outside the World Cup as SoFi Stadium).

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

Fans started arriving early in the afternoon local time, ready to catch the Red, White and Blue in a World Cup match on home soil.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Meanwhile, the USMNT posted a video that would have any red-blooded American ready to run through a wall.

The team had a two-leg journey to get to the stadium. First, they took buses from their training facility at Great Park Sports Complex in Irvine, California, into Los Angeles to the hotel they'll crash in after the match.

Then it was back on the buses to head to Los Angeles Stadium.

The Americans are coming into the match favored at +107, according to FOX Sports, but are coming off a 2-1 loss in their last match, a friendly against Germany last week at Chicago's Soldier Field.

Meanwhile, Paraguay is coming off a 4-0 thumping of Nicaragua in their final tune-up before the World Cup.

The team and coach Mauricio Pochettino also got some well wishes before their first match of the tournament, first from New York Rangers and U.S. Men's Hockey Team head coach Mike Sullivan ahead of the match.

Let's see some of that awe-inspiring Olympic gold medal mojo migrate its way from the rink to the pitch!

Speaking of which, the USWNT sent their best before kickoff.

USA and Paraguay are slated to kick off at 9 p.m. ET on Fox.

MLB announces drive-in theater screenings of 'The Sandlot' with live games and fireworks for July 4th

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 19:15:03 -0400

There's no wrong way to celebrate Independence Day as long as you're celebrating the United States of America... but let's be real: some ways are cooler than others.

It looks like MLB may have just dropped one of its coolest collaborations yet, especially if you're a sports fan, a fan of the baseball classic "The Sandlot," or both.

And I'd like to think that most people fall into the "both" camp.

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MLB announced that a handful of drive-in theaters — yes, some of them still exist — will be playing the 1993 classic "The Sandlot."

The film will be shown at drive-ins in Vineland, New Jersey; McHenry, Illinois; Blue Ridge, Georgia; and Paramount, California.

That's awesome. A drive-in movie theater is such a great slice of Americana.

But, there's more.

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In addition to some "Ballpark Bites" and food trucks, this is actually a double feature, as each theater's hometown Big League team's game that night will be shown at the drive-in.

And, if you still weren't convinced that this is peak Independence Day for America's big 2-5-0, how about some fireworks to top it all off?

Yeah, I thought so.

This. Is. Brilliant.

We need more of this. More sports should do drive-in double features of a classic flick and then a game.

If there's not a place I can go next hockey season to see "Slap Shot," "The Might Ducks," or "D2: The Mighty Ducks," and then see an NHL game, I will be very disappointed. Not in anyone in particular, just society at large.

I thought we were better than that.

At least on Independence Day this year, we most certainly are that good, and if you're lucky enough to live near one of those theaters, I think it might be your patriotic duty to load the kids into the wood-paneled station wagon and go see this.

Tim Allen reveals the one thing that has saved his nearly 20-year marriage to Jane Hajduk

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:50:53 -0400

Tim Allen knows exactly why his marriage to Jane Hajduk has lasted nearly 20 years.

During an interview with Us Weekly, Allen opened up about the struggles he endured in his near two-decade-long marriage.

"I think a sense of humor saves us so many times," he said.

"We both struggle with golf, and [we were talking about how their daughter] Elizabeth will be a senior next year, and we’re going, 'What’s that going to be like?' and then Jane sat in the golf cart and said something really funny," Allen continued.

ED BURNS CREDITS 'TWO-WEEK RULE' WITH WIFE CHRISTY TURLINGTON FOR KEEPING THEIR 22-YEAR MARRIAGE STRONG

The "Toy Story" star explained that he had "forgotten" how much he adores her sense of humor.

"We’re very different people. She’s a very good athlete and got me involved in training, and she’s a staunch Catholic, and I joined her with that," Allen said.

"I’m not a Catholic, I don’t belong, so I don’t have to obey the rules, but I think she admires that I made that move. We both pull a bit on either side. We’re pretty good buddies," he added.

Allen began dating Hajduk around 2001. After dating for five years, they married on October 7, 2006, in a small private ceremony in Grand Lake, Colorado.

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The couple welcomed their daughter, Elizabeth Allen-Dick, in March 2009. The "Santa Claus" star has another daughter, Katherine, from his first marriage.

In 2024, Hadjuck told People that the couple have taken up new activities together to keep their spark alive.

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"Our new activity is stretching," she told the outlet at the time. "We go to a little stretch lab, and then we go have breakfast."

Hajduk told People that the couple's longtime friendships helps maintain their romantic relationship. "We talk," she said, with Allen adding, "That’s right, we talk. We do. And we're good buddies."

Ohio police chief arrested in Florida after grand jury hands down 70-count child sex indictment

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:34:06 -0400

An Ohio police chief is facing the possibility of spending the rest of his life behind bars after being slapped with a 70-count indictment for alleged sex crimes involving a child.

Bethel Police Chief Chad Essert, 44, was taken into custody without incident Tuesday night in Seminole, Florida, by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

A Clermont County grand jury indicted the Blanchester, Ohio, resident on 56 counts of sexual battery and 14 counts of unlawful sexual conduct with a minor — all third-degree felonies.

TEXAS SHERIFF ARRESTED BY HIS OWN DEPUTIES, NOW FACES NEW CHARGE FOR LYING TO GRAND JURY

If convicted of all charges, Essert faces a maximum penalty of 280 years in prison.

The allegations stem from offenses that authorities claim occurred between 2005 and 2010, while Essert was an instructor at the "Young Marines" and a teacher at Scarlet Oaks Career Campus in Sharonville, Ohio.

Officials said the alleged victim was a student of Essert’s and that the crimes took place across multiple locations in Clermont and Hamilton counties.

FORMER SUBSTITUTE TEACHER AND BOYFRIEND FACE 38 CHILD SEX CHARGES AS BOND NEARS 9 MILLION

"It takes tremendous courage for a victim to come forward, especially when the accused wears a badge and holds a position of authority," Clermont County Sheriff Chris Stratton said following the indictment. "Today’s indictment demonstrates that no one is above the law. Every victim deserves to be heard, and every allegation will be thoroughly investigated and pursued in accordance with the law."

Prosecutor Mark Tekulve echoed the sheriff's sentiments, emphasizing that victims are "protected and served regardless of the name or title of the perpetrator."

Officials clarified the charges are unrelated to a separate investigation involving Essert that was previously reported by local media.

TEXAS SUBSTITUTE TEACHER CHARGED WITH CHILD SEX OFFENSES, 'NO LONGER EMPLOYED' BY SCHOOL DISTRICT

FOX 19 reported Essert resigned from a position in Elmwood Place, Ohio, in 2010 to avoid being fired over allegations of sexual harassment and intimidating a witness.

Essert’s employment status is unclear, as of Friday afternoon.

He is being held in the Pinellas County Jail awaiting extradition to Clermont County to face the charges.

The Sheriff’s Office urged anyone else who believes they may have been a victim of similar conduct by Essert to immediately contact law enforcement as the investigation remains ongoing.

The Village of Bethel did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

The Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office declined to comment.

California Dems accused of putting sanctuary law over migrant child welfare checks: 'Real children'

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:33:37 -0400

California Democrats are facing accusations that the state’s sanctuary policies are leaving vulnerable migrant children unchecked after California Attorney General Rob Bonta's office warned that local police welfare visits on unaccompanied minors using information from federal authorities could violate state law.

The warning from Bonta has become a flashpoint in a broader lawsuit brought by the City of El Cajon against California's sanctuary state policies. City officials, like Mayor Bill Wells and City Councilman Steve Goble, argue that the state is putting law enforcement in an impossible position, such as forcing them to make a determination on whether to check on potentially vulnerable children flagged by federal immigration authorities and risk violating state law, or leave the vulnerable unaccompanied minors unchecked.

Goble told Fox News Digital he was informed during a February 2025 meeting with San Diego-area Homeland Security officials that federal authorities had a list of unaccompanied migrant children, including 52 with addresses in El Cajon. He said federal officials asked whether local police could help "ensure these kids are safe" through welfare checks, prompting Goble to seek guidance from Bonta’s office before dispatching officers.

I'M A MAYOR TRYING TO FOLLOW LAW BUT CALIFORNIA IS MAKING IT IMPOSSIBLE FOR COPS

"It’s kind of hard to imagine why they’re choosing this hill to die on," Wells told Fox News Digital. "What they basically want to say is, 'Because our narrative is so important, and protecting illegal aliens is so important, that, yeah, if a few kids get sex trafficked along the way — you know, you're just making this up. You're just using this as a way.' I mean, these are real people. These are real children. I think it's an incredibly insensitive argument."

Goble had asked Bonta’s office in a March 2025 letter whether local police could conduct the checks using contact information provided by federal authorities, writing that the city wanted to ensure all children were safe "regardless of citizenship or resident status."

In the letter, Goble cited the inspector general's concerns that unaccompanied minors are at heightened risk of trafficking, exploitation and forced labor, and wrote that "time is of the essence" in determining whether the children were safe.

Meanwhile, Bonta’s office responded in a June 2025 letter, warning that local law enforcement pursuing wellness checks "alongside or based on information provided by federal immigration authorities" could implicate conduct prohibited by SB 54, known as the California Values Act.

Bonta's letter said these violations could include if officers confirmed location information provided by ICE, or reported the results of the check back to federal immigration authorities.

But Goble told Fox News Digital that the city was not asking police to act as immigration agents, but primarily wanted to confirm whether the children are safe.

CALIFORNIA TOWN WITH LARGE MIGRANT POPULATION MIGHT REVOKE SANCTUARY STATUS

"All I care about is, is the kid safe?" Goble told Fox News Digital. "I don’t care the immigration status or citizen status of anybody else in the room."

The welfare-check dispute is one piece of a broader legal challenge El Cajon filed against Bonta on April 28, 2026, seeking relief from California’s sanctuary policies impacting how local law enforcement do their jobs, including SB 54, the TRUST Act and the TRUTH Act. In a May 20 motion for a preliminary injunction, the city asked the court to temporarily block Bonta from enforcing those laws against El Cajon while the case proceeds, arguing the policies are preempted by federal immigration law and put local police in the position of choosing between state restrictions and federal obligations.

The May 20 injunction motion specifically cites the Goble-Bonta exchange as an example of how the city says California’s sanctuary laws prevent El Cajon officers from engaging in "basic public safety work." The filing argues that the state’s legal framework forces officers to spend time navigating "legal hairsplitting" instead of responding quickly to public-safety concerns, including checks on children in the community.

"Every time an El Cajon police officer steps out onto the street, they’re going to be breaking one of two laws," Wells said to Fox News Digital. "They’re either going to be breaking federal law or they’re going to be breaking state law. And you cannot put police officers in that situation."

BLUE STATE COUNTY FACES BACKLASH AFTER FAILED VOTE TO SCRAP 'SUPER SANCTUARY' POLICY: 'FRINGE DEMOCRATS'

El Cajon’s lawsuit is not limited to the welfare checks. The April 28 complaint broadly asks a San Diego County court to declare California’s sanctuary restrictions invalid and to stop Bonta from enforcing them against El Cajon police.

Bonta's office's June 2025 response said it "share[s]" El Cajon’s concern for children who may be at risk of harm, but suggested county social service agencies may have a role when there is no evidence of criminal activity requiring law enforcement.

Wells and Goble pushed back on that argument; however, arguing Bonta's suggestion ignored San Diego County’s December 2024 vote restricting county resources from being used to assist federal immigration enforcement.

"That means we’re not going to let our social service workers go do welfare checks on unaccompanied minors for the Department of Homeland Security," Goble told Fox News Digital. "It’s another rock and a hard place."

EX-BIDEN OFFICIAL'S CAMPAIGN FACES HEAT AS MISSING CHILDREN SCANDAL RESURFACES: 'VOTERS DESERVE BETTER'

Wells added that it was difficult to accept Bonta’s suggestion that county agencies could serve as a neutral fallback for welfare checks tied to information from federal authorities. "This is the same county we would be deferring to, to check on these kids," Wells added. "They’re not neutral. They’ve been very, very clear."

Immigrant-rights advocates nationally have warned that ICE "welfare checks" on unaccompanied migrant children can function as immigration enforcement under the banner of child safety. The Young Center for Immigrant Children’s Rights has called the Trump administration’s ICE "wellness checks" harmful enforcement "in disguise," while other advocates have warned that DHS visits can discourage sponsors from coming forward or expose families to deportation fears.

But Wells and Goble rejected that framing, arguing local police could check on children without reporting immigration violations discovered during the visit.

"That doesn’t make us federal immigration officers," Wells said. "It just means that our officers could do their job like they’ve always done in the past before this unconstitutional law of SB 54 was passed."

"All a welfare check on anybody in our city, regardless of immigration status, is: Are they okay?" Goble added. "If they are, thank you very much. Have a good day. See you later."

Wells noted the lawsuit is not about deputizing local police as immigration agents, but about ensuring officers can do basic public-safety work without running afoul of state law.

Fox News Digital reached out to Bonta's office, as well as the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but did not hear back in time for publication.

Canadian soccer fans boo U.S. flag as Canada stumbles against Bosnia and Herzegovina

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 18:18:43 -0400

The United States continues to live rent-free in Canadians' heads. That was evident once again moments before Canada's first World Cup match, when the competing countries were being recognized during the Parade of Nations at Toronto Stadium.

When the time came for the United States to be recognized pregame, Canada fans, as they've done in many sporting events over the last several years, booed. Great sportsmanship, eh?

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

As I said, this is nothing new from our neighbors to the north. During the 4 Nations Face-Off and at numerous NHL games last season, Canadian fans booed the U.S. national anthem.

Since then, Canada has lost three Olympic gold medal games to the United States — in men's hockey, women's hockey and para ice hockey. And if not for a fortunate deflection off a Bosnia and Herzegovina defender in the 78th minute, Canada would have found itself on the wrong side of the biggest upset of the World Cup so far.

Canada’s equalizer would be all they could muster against Bosnia and Herzegovina as the match ended 1-1, making it a disappointing start to their World Cup campaign, especially on home turf.

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

Canada, friendly advice, though y’all don’t deserve it at this point: I’d stop the booing. It hasn’t worked out well for you.

Trump's name to be removed from Kennedy Center as appeals court denies board's request for administrative stay

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:39:44 -0400

The Kennedy Center board on Friday asked a federal appeals court to temporarily block a judge’s order requiring references to President Donald Trump’s name to be removed from the institution’s signage and official materials, as signage bearing Trump’s name remained visible on the building’s facade late Friday afternoon.

Hours later, the appeals court denied the board's request for an immediate administrative stay.

In an emergency motion filed with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the board requested both a stay pending appeal and an immediate administrative stay, arguing that physical changes to the building should not occur before appellate judges review the dispute.

The filing asks the court to issue an administrative stay by 7 p.m. Friday.

A three-judge panel of the D.C. Circuit later denied the board's request for an immediate administrative stay, declining to temporarily block enforcement of the district court's order while the appeal proceeds.

The appeals court ordered Beatty to respond to the broader stay-pending-appeal motion by June 22, with a reply due June 29.

OBAMA-APPOINTED JUDGE WITH TIES TO ANTI-TRUMP CONSPIRACY THEORY HIT WITH MISCONDUCT COMPLAINT

Fox News Digital observed Friday afternoon that Trump's name remained mounted on the Kennedy Center facade as of 5:30 p.m. ET, with scaffolding erected around portions of the signage.

Earlier Friday, U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper denied the board's request to pause enforcement of his ruling while the appeal proceeds, finding that the defendants had not demonstrated either a likelihood of success on appeal or irreparable harm.

The Kennedy Center board argued in its emergency filing that removing and potentially reinstalling signage would force it to incur costs that could not be recovered if it ultimately prevails on appeal.

The board also argued that removing Trump's name could impair fundraising efforts and create public confusion if the Center's name changes again following a successful appeal. The motion further contends that the case raises significant questions regarding the board's authority and whether Rep. Joyce Beatty, D-Ohio, had standing to bring the lawsuit.

The latest filing stems from Cooper's May 29 ruling that Congress, not the Kennedy Center board, has authority over the institution's name. The judge ordered the removal of Trump's name from physical signage, digital materials and official branding and directed the Center to comply within 14 days.

BOARD VOTES KENNEDY CENTER TO BE RENAMED 'TRUMP-KENNEDY CENTER,' LEAVITT SAYS

In a lengthy opinion, Cooper wrote that the Kennedy Center's governing statute "makes crystal clear" that the institution is to be named for President John F. Kennedy and cannot be formally renamed through unilateral board action.

The judge concluded that Congress gave the Kennedy Center its name and that only Congress can change it.

The ruling came in a lawsuit brought by Beatty, who serves as an ex officio member of the Kennedy Center board.

Following the May 29 decision, Kennedy Center Vice President of Public Relations Roma Daravi said the board intended to appeal.

EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP-LED KENNEDY CENTER NEARLY DOUBLES FUNDRAISING FROM BIDEN ERA, SMASHING RECORD WITH $23M HAUL

"We will review the decision carefully though the reality remains — the Center requires an urgent and significant restoration — a truth that even the plaintiff acknowledges," Daravi told Fox News Digital at the time.

"With $257 million secured by President Trump and approved by Congress, the resources are in place, and we remain committed to pursuing every lawful avenue to ensure the Trump Kennedy Center is restored as a national cultural landmark for all Americans to enjoy."

Beatty praised the ruling, saying in a statement that the Kennedy Center "belongs to the American people, not to Donald Trump."

Trump's name was added to the venue in December after a unanimous vote of the board. Signage bearing the president's name was installed above the existing Kennedy Center lettering shortly afterward.

The board sought emergency relief from the appeals court Friday to temporarily block Cooper's order. By late Friday, the D.C. Circuit denied that request.

The court has not yet ruled on the board's broader request for a stay pending appeal and instead set a briefing schedule extending into late June.

The White House and a representative for the Kennedy Center did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this reporting.

Hunter Biden jumps to defense of Democrat Graham Platner over Nazi tattoo questions, sexting scandal

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:39:19 -0400

Hunter Biden came to the defense of Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner during a Friday podcast interview, brushing off the Nazi tattoo and sexting controversies surrounding the candidate.

"I'm 99.9% certain that Graham Platner is no Nazi, and I don't think that he's racist in any way," Biden said on the "This is Gavin Newsom" podcast.

Speaking with California Gov. Gavin Newsom, Biden defended Platner over criticism surrounding his chest tattoo and sexually explicit messages, suggesting few politicians would withstand similar scrutiny if their phones were made public.

"I have not heard anything in any way that would say to me that he is [an] abusive, misogynistic or antisemitic or racist person," he added.

SEE IT: MAINE VOTERS SOUND OFF ON PLATNER'S DIVISIVE CAMPAIGN AS CRUCIAL PRIMARY NEARS: 'HE'S A DISGRACE'

Platner won Maine's Democratic Senate primary on Tuesday and will face Republican Sen. Susan Collins in November. He has faced criticism over allegations involving sexting with multiple women during his marriage and a tattoo that resembles a Nazi symbol.

But Hunter Biden — who also discussed his own experience with public scrutiny over his past crack addiction — defended Platner, arguing there would be few politicians left if they opened their phones to the public.

"I always say to people like, ‘Show me your phone. Give me access to your iCloud. Let's go through it and pull everything that we can that is inappropriate, that is off color,’" Biden said.

MAINE DEM SENATE HOPEFUL BACKED BY BERNIE SANDERS APOLOGIZES FOR NAZI-STYLE TATTOO, VOWS TO STAY IN RACE

"And if that's the standard by which we are going to judge people, particularly people in elected office, then I don't think we're [going to] have many people in an elected office."

Platner has said he got the tattoo during a night of drinking while on leave in Croatia over a decade ago. The skull-and-crossbones design resembles the "Totenkopf" symbol associated with Hitler's SS paramilitary forces.

In an October 2025 post on X, Platner reiterated that he was unaware of the tattoo's meaning, writing, "Years ago I got a skull and crossbones tattoo with my buddies in the Marine Corps. I was appalled to learn it closely resembled a Nazi symbol."

SENATE CANDIDATE GRAHAM PLATNER SENT EXPLICIT TEXTS TO MULTIPLE WOMEN WHILE MARRIED, WIFE SAYS: REPORT

"I altered it yesterday, into something that isn't deeply offensive to my core beliefs. I am very sorry to all of you who had to hate over the past 48 hours," he added.

Biden also defended Platner amid reports he exchanged sexually explicit messages with multiple women during his marriage. He downplayed the controversy, noting the messages from Platner were "consensual."

"I think that his relationship with his wife is his relationship his wife. The entirety of that controversy is, you know, it's all about leaked consensual stuff. I mean, stupid," he said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Platner's campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

PURPLE HEART RECIPIENT MOCKED BY PLATNER SAYS PTSD DOES NOT EXCUSE 'ABHORRENT BEHAVIOR'

Platner's campaign has confirmed the existence of the text exchanges to Politico. He also previously told Fox News Digital in a statement: "Amy and I went through something hard — because of me. We did the work, and I’m grateful for her every hour of every day."

"I’ve learned throughout this campaign is that people don’t care about gossip or headlines, they care that you’re fighting for their hospitals, their paycheck, their kids... Our opponents want politics to be empty of content and empty of actual change — and beating that is exactly what our movement is about," he added.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Fox News Digital’s Amanda Macias contributed to this report.

Graduation cigar saga involving HS lacrosse team boils over as school officials, family attorney trade barbs

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:12:59 -0400

A Massachusetts high school boys lacrosse team forfeited its state semifinal game earlier this week after photos surfaced online of six members of the team allegedly smoking cigars after their graduation, breaking a rule in the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic’s Association tobacco policy.

One of the students involved spoke to Fox News Digital on Wednesday, claiming the cigars were fake. The student said the cigars were made of tea leaves because they were aware of the rule and didn’t want to jeopardize the team going into their "Final Four" game.

But in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital on Friday, Ipswich High School superintendent Brian Blake and Principal Jonathan Mitchell refuted those claims, adding that they wanted to ensure that an "accurate account" of what transpired was being presented to the public.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

On Monday morning, June 8, a day after the high school’s graduation, the school became aware of two photographs on the Internet of six lacrosse players who appeared to be smoking cigars. The statement claimed only one of two photos had been presented to the media.

"The second photograph – which apparently was not provided to the media - showed the cigars smoked down significantly; a cloud of smoke surrounding one of the students; and a torch-type lighter visible in the hand of another of the students," the statement read.

"Shortly after reviewing the photographs, the District learned that the photographs were posted on the Facebook page of one of the players’ parents. Based on the mandatory MIAA Chemical Health policy, which is also incorporated in the Ipswich Student-Athlete Handbook, school administrators commenced an investigation, including interviewing the involved students and/or their parents and giving them the opportunity to explain their version of events."

READ THE SCHOOL'S FULL STATEMENT HERE:

The student involved told Fox News Digital in an earlier conversation that his father, John Gianakakis, called the cigar shop in Ipswich and asked for fake cigars so the kids could follow the tradition of smoking cigars after graduation.

During the school’s investigation, administrators were told the cigars were "fake," containing chamomile and English breakfast tea rather than tobacco. Administrators were shown a receipt from a local grocery store, where the cigars were purchased.

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

The school's statement said the receipt supporting the claim of the fake cigars had the time and date smudged out.

"When District administrators met on the morning of June 9 to review the evidence they had obtained, it was determined that the cigars were in fact not 'fake,' as they had been told. As noted, one photograph showed smoke and a lighter, as well as the fact that the cigars were significantly shorter than they were in the first photograph. In addition, the photographs had been removed from the Facebook page, and the receipt allegedly supporting the claim that they were filled with tea had the date and time smudged out," the statement read.

Upon seeing the smudged receipt, the administration concluded that a violation of the Chemical Health policy had been committed and proceeded to inform the families of the six players that they were suspended. The school's statement also added that days later, following the "uproar" in the media over the story, Mitchell went to the supermarket to see whether the receipt could be reproduced in an effort to confirm the actual purchase date.

On that trip to the supermarket, Mitchell allegedly discovered that the receipt for the fake cigars was purchased 20 minutes after the families were informed of the potential violation on Monday.

The school's statement also pointed the finger at the students when it came to the forfeiture.

"Rumors of a team ‘walkout’ began to spread and three players stated that they refused to play, in solidarity with their suspended teammates. This left only 11 players available to play in the Semifinal game in a sport which requires ten players to be on the field at any given time (subject to being a "man down" for penalties)," the statement read.

The principal, athletic director and coach then discussed the situation, and allegedly allowed the players to vote. The players overwhelmingly forfeited the game, which the district honored, according to the school's statement.

The student involved told Fox News Digital that the team was on the bus when they first learned of the suspensions and that, when they first boarded the bus, they thought they would be allowed to play. The student involved said "everybody was in shock" and that "we really didn’t know what to do."

The student involved said the final decision came from Blake, the superintendent.

An attorney representing John Gianakakis, one of the parents of the students involved, provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to questions about officials’ allegations that the cigars were not "fake" and that the students were responsible for the forfeiture. The statement claimed that Blake allegedly had a bias against the athletes of the school.

The statement added that Blake acted as "judge, jury, and executioner," moving with "lightning speed." The statement accused Blake of acting out of retaliation for an incident that occurred earlier in the lacrosse season.

READ THE FAMILY ATTORNEY'S STATEMENT HERE:

HOW TO WATCH USA VS PARAGUAY: LIVE STREAM THE 2026 FIFA WORLD CUP

"Earlier this year, Blake was scrutinized when there was a serious injury at a lacrosse game with both personnel and equipment deficiencies becoming part of the public criticism," the attorney's statement read.

"What makes that part of the story interesting is that the lack of safety equipment and an AED at the game is far more important than whether kids posed for a photo. But that got swept under the rug and they took their sweet time dealing with that. Lacrosse parents pushed for accountability, and there is a perception in town that Blake acted here out of animus and retaliation against the team. And that perception seems quite fair."

The statement called Blake a "bitter" and "angry" man who is lashing out kids, and said the analysis they did in their statement "sounds like a CSI episode."

The school said they fully understand the "disappointment, frustration, and emotions" that came with their decision, calling it heartbreaking but adding that they remained committed to applying their policies consistently.

The attorney's statement also accused Mitchell's own son being seen celebrating his graduation with a cigar.

The attorney said that they look forward to the day Blake is no longer "permitted any authority or power over young people" and said that Mitchell "and his hypocrisy and bias has no place in a reasonable community either."

Mitchell, when asked by Fox News Digital for a comment to the attorney's statement, responded with, "I missed the part where he admits that he made up the whole story."

In an additional statement to Fox News Digital, the Gianakakis attorney said a number of the claims in their statement seemed "unsupported by the facts" and asked for further proof.

Fox News Digital reached out to Blake's office for comment in response to the attorney's statement. His office responded with its original statement.

The Ipswich boys lacrosse team was undefeated prior to its forfeiture.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Victor Wembanyama confident in Spurs comeback despite Game 4 collapse: 'Everybody knows we're going to do it'

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:10:15 -0400

The San Antonio Spurs were just a few minutes away from having all the momentum in the NBA Finals, but it slipped away.

After trailing by as many as 29 points in the second half and even 20 in the fourth quarter in Game 4 on Wednesday, the New York Knicks completed the largest comeback in NBA Finals history to take a 3-1 series lead, rather than being tied at two heading back to Texas.

The Spurs' backs were against the wall when they dropped the first two games of the series at home, but they salvaged a win in Game 3 by coming back from their own seven-point deficit. But now, all the momentum they had in Game 4 is gone.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Instead of being asked about taking the lead in the series, Victor Wembanyama was asked on Friday if he has "a sense of whether the group actually thinks" they could win three games in a row to win the NBA title.

Well, it's quite the sense.

"Yeah, absolutely. Everybody thinks — everybody knows — we're going to do it," Wembanyama answered.

KNICKS MIRACULOUSLY OVERCOME 29-POINT DEFICIT TO TAKE COMMANDING 3-1 LEAD IN NBA FINALS OVER SPURS

The 2016 Cleveland Cavaliers are the only team to complete a comeback after trailing three games to one in the NBA Finals, doing so against the 73-9 Golden State Warriors and winning two of those games in California.

Surely, the Spurs were in disbelief at Madison Square Garden on Wednesday, but Wembanyama says the time for reflection is over, and they're over it.

"I wouldn't say it was so hard to, like, shake off, right? Harder than any other game before, by far, for sure. I mean, now we're over it. It's the playoffs. There's no time to regret things for too long," he said.

Game 5 tips off in San Antonio on Saturday at 8:30 p.m. ET. With a win, the Spurs would force a Game 6 back in New York on Tuesday night, hours after Wembanyama's home country of France will face Senegal at nearby MetLife Stadium in the World Cup.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The best early Prime Day home deals: Save up to 70% on Levoit, Shark and more

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 17:10:12 -0400

Prime Day doesn't kick off until June 23, but early home deals are already live. Right now, score discounts on everything from kitchen gadgets to mattresses, including a smart toaster at 60% off, a Dyson V8 cordless vacuum discounted by $190 and a Sleepmax Hybrid mattress at its lowest price in 90 days. Prime members can shop these deals now and get ahead of the Prime Day rush.

Chefman indoor pizza oven: $199.90 (60% off)
Blink Mini indoor security camera: $44.99 (55% off)
Shark Matrix Clean robot vacuum: $289.99 (52% off)
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Levoit cordless vacuum: $159.99 (20% off)

Save on kitchen favorites from brands like Instant and Chefman.

Wüsthof Gourmet 4-piece chef's knife set: $99 (46% off)
Chefman 4-in-1 air fryer: $69.99 (42% off)
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Original price: $199.99

This smart toaster features five presets and six browning levels for a more personalized experience. The single-slot mode redirects heat for better crispness while helping you save energy. Now marked down by $120, this is one of the best deals on this list.

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Brew coffee from K-Cup pods or grounds with this versatile Ninja coffee maker. Its built-in iced setting creates stronger coffee that holds its flavor over ice, and customers say it delivers hotter, better-tasting coffee than other machines.

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The Instant Pot Vortex Slim 6-quart air fryer also roasts, bakes, dehydrates and broils in a compact design that saves counter space. Its touchscreen display simplifies cooking, while its EvenCrisp technology gives you crispy, golden results with less oil than traditional deep frying.

Tackle pet hair and everyday messes for less with Dyson, Bissell and eufy vacuums.

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Original price: $99.99

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Save on cooling mattresses and plush bedding designed for better sleep in the summer months.

14-Inch hybrid queen mattress: $299.99 (40% off)
Sherpa fleece blanket: $22.72 (27% off)
Beckham Hotel Collection pillows, set of 2: $59.99 (25% off)

Original price: $50.99

Enjoy this set of plush, hotel-style pillows at an affordable price. The down-alternative fill provides soft cushioning, while the breathable cover keeps hot sleepers comfortable throughout the night.

Original price: $499.99

This hybrid mattress combines memory foam and traditional springs for a balance of comfort and support. The mattress-in-a-box design keeps the setup simple — just unbox, place it on your bed frame and let it expand. It's also currently at its lowest price in 90 days.

Original price: $59.98

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Declutter your home with garage organizers and storage bins.

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Get organized in minutes with this four-tier storage bin organizer. The stackable bins each hold up to 28 quarts of clothing, toys, office supplies and other household items, while the foldable design makes the unit easy to store when it's not in use.

Original price: $49.99

Keep your garage organized with this wall-mounted storage system, which supports up to 250 pounds and provides dedicated space for rakes, shovels, brooms and other tools. Each hook can hold multiple items, and the organizer arrives fully assembled for quicker installation. It's also currently at its lowest price in 90 days.

Original price: $52.99

Organize sneakers, shirts and other everyday essentials with this five-pack of closet storage bins. Built-in slide rails allow each bin to pull out like a drawer for easier access, making the set a practical solution for maximizing closet space and reducing clutter.

Keep an eye on your home with deals on cameras, smart locks and doorbells.

Smart LED light bulbs: $22.98 (33% off)
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Blink's wired floodlight camera combines a security camera with a floodlight in a single unit, with motion alerts and two-way audio accessible through the companion app. It's currently discounted by 70%, making it one of the best deals we've spotted so far.

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Original price: $32.99

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'The View' dismisses more young men turning to religion as part of 'manosphere'

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:59:33 -0400

"The View" co-hosts dismissed a recent Gallup poll on Friday showing that many young men are becoming more religious and socially conservative.

"Now, apparently, some feel that Americans are getting more socially conservative, according to a new Gallup survey," co-host Whoopi Goldberg said as she began the segment. "Results found that fewer people condone pregnancy outside of marriage and the use of birth control and even gambling."

"An article in 'The Independent' points to factors like the administration’s focus on Christianity and limiting access to contraception along with a sharp rise in young men finding religion," she continued.

"I don’t like these polls because I think they are made to say what you want them to say," Goldberg said.

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"I have to tell you that one of the things that I thought was really interesting is the sharp rise in young men finding religion," she added.

"Yeah, what's that about?" co-host Sunny Hostin asked.

"Define ‘religion,’" co-host Sara Haines said.

Goldberg replied by suggesting, "I think what they’re talking about is because we’ve heard so many young men, we’ve talked about so many young men, they want their wives to cleave to them and to do what they’re told."

"It’s the manosphere," Haines replied.

"It’s the manosphere that wants their way," Whoopi agreed. "They want you to do what they want you to do. Now that ship has sailed."

"Yes it has," Hostin agreed.

The "manosphere" is a nebulous term generally referring to a decentralized network of internet communities and influencers focused on male issues, masculinity and gender dynamics. It is often known for advocating self-improvement, social conservatism and skepticism of feminism.

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"I don’t think there’s a lot of women who are going to tell you it’s okay for you to make that choice for them. They’ll say, ‘I’ll make that choice for me, but you cannot make it,’" Goldberg said.

"And in terms of children, who can afford it? People can’t afford these kinds of things. When they say the numbers are down — they’re down for a reason," she continued. "You don’t always want — you don’t know when you’re going to get pregnant, if you’re lucky enough to get pregnant, but you want to think about, where is this child going to be in ten years? Am I going to be able to take care of it in ten years, and can I afford it?"

"And sometimes you can’t afford it, and you do it anyway, and you make it work. That’s what our parents did. That’s what a lot of parents do," Goldberg added. "But to judge somebody for their choice, whatever choice that happens to be, if you’re not paying their rent, and you’re not blood-related, and you’re not their mother, shut up. Shut up!"

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In recent years, a wide variety of sources have observed young men are increasingly shifting to the right as certain parts of Generation Z become more religious.

This mirrors how many public figures who once identified with the left, have started questioning left-wing cultural changes and expressed an interest in faith.

Millie Bobby Brown stuns in polka dots and denim as she launches Americana clothing collection

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:57:46 -0400

Millie Bobby Brown is celebrating the launch of her latest collection on social media.

In a recent Instagram post, the 22-year-old actress announced the launch of Americana, the latest collection from her clothing line, Florence by Mills Fashion.

The "Enola Holmes" star posed for a selfie in a tight blue shirt with white polka dots, a deep V-neckline, and capped sleeves. She paired the look with a denim skirt and a red bandanna in her hair.

She posed for the photos next to a vintage red convertible parked at a gas station, captioning the post, "pov: i said i’d be there in 5. Americana now live."

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Fans couldn't help but show their excitement for the new collection in the comments section, with one writing, "Mills, IM OBSESSED WITH THIS OUTFIT SERIOUSLY," and another adding, "Okay but this whole Americana era is EVERYTHING ❤️⭐🤠."

"❤️💙It’s perfect for summer❤️💙," a third fan wrote.

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The brand also shared photos on Instagram to promote the new collection, writing: "welcome to: americana ⭐🐴 👢⛽️ sunny days, scenic routes, and long country nights under a sky full of stars… this is confidence with the windows down. *available in us only"

The actress recently caused a firestorm online when the first trailer for the upcoming third installment of Netflix's "Enola Holmes" franchise dropped on social media.

Many fans of the film series took issue with Brown's clearly manicured nails, as she is meant to portray a young detective living in the 19th century.

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"Forget the mystery, let’s talk about the time-traveling nail tech who set her up with that almond shape in the 19th century," one fan wrote on X.

"Are the acrylic stiletto nails historically accurate?" another wrote, while a third chimed in adding, "pulling up to 1885 with a fresh gel set."

Brown began playing the character when she was 16 years old, after breaking into the entertainment industry when she was cast as Eleven in the hit Netflix series, "Stranger Things," when she was 12 years old.

She went on to play the character for five seasons over nine years, from 2016 to 2025.

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"I think I’m ready. It’s been such a huge factor in part of my life, but it’s like graduating high school, it’s like senior year," she told Vanity Fair in August 2023 before filming the final season began. "You’re ready to go and blossom and flourish and you’re grateful for the time you’ve had, but it’s time to create your own message and live your own life."

The actress recently came to her husband's defense on Kylie Kelce's podcast, "Not Gonna Lie," after internet trolls called him out for not helping her carry her bags or push their daughter's stroller in paparazzi photos.

She explained that "nobody knows my husband," adding that while he is "the most polite, sweet, will-do-anything-for-me" kind of man, "he also knows I'm capable."

"When did women become incapable of holding their own bags, car seats and stuff? This stems from me holding all of my suitcases and bags and my kid and people are like, 'Your husband doesn't hold a single thing.' Because I'm three miles ahead. I have been planning this all night."

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She later added: "We’re all about empowering girls and, ‘You got it’ and ‘You don’t need a man.’ But then when I’m like, ‘OK, I can carry my own things,’ people are like, ‘Where’s your husband?’"

Clinton judge indefinitely blocks Trump's $1.776B anti-weaponization fund

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:55:26 -0400

A federal judge on Friday indefinitely blocked the Trump administration's $1.776 billion Anti-Weaponization Fund, even as another federal judge earlier this week declined to intervene after the Justice Department said the fund was no longer moving forward.

The court disputes have heightened pressure on the administration to formally dismantle the fund. While Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche told Congress the fund would not move forward, the settlement agreement and departmental directives that created the fund have not been formally rescinded. Critics argue this leaves open the possibility that the fund could still proceed in the future.

U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, a Clinton-appointed judge, extended a court order Friday preventing implementation of the fund, concluding that public assurances from administration officials were insufficient to eliminate concerns that it could later be revived.

Brinkema noted how Trump, "says he's disappointed that something is not going forward," suggesting this was evidence that the fund may "rear its head" at some point in the future.

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Over the weekend Trump shared on "Meet the Press" that he'd like to continue with the fund.

"If it was up to me, I'd pay them the kind of money that they deserve. People have been destroyed. Lives have been destroyed," Trump said.

Brinkema gave the Justice Department a week to put in writing that the Anti-Weaponization Fund is being terminated and will not be reinstated.

The ruling comes days after U.S. District Judge Richard Leon rejected a separate request from Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington (CREW) seeking emergency intervention, saying he was willing to rely on Justice Department representations that the fund had effectively been abandoned.

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But Leon, a George W. Bush-appointed judge, simultaneously warned administration officials not to treat his decision as permission to revive the program.

"I give the Justice Department this warning: Don't play possum with me," Leon said from the bench.

Blanche announced during a hearing earlier this month that the Anti-Weaponization Fund, which was born out of President Donald Trump's lawsuit settlement with the IRS, would not be proceeding. The fund was intended to compensate alleged victims of government "lawfare," but its creation sparked immediate backlash from Democrats, who characterized it as a "slush fund" that could ultimately benefit Trump's political allies and individuals charged in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot.

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Justice Department attorney Andrew Block argued before Leon that Blanche's congressional testimony effectively mooted CREW's challenge because the government had publicly committed not to move forward.

Leon repeatedly questioned why Blanche has not formally rescinded a May 18 order that established procedures for the fund in the first place, a question Block could not answer.

CREW attorney Nikhel Sus argued the settlement agreement that established the fund remains legally operative and contains upcoming deadlines requiring action.

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According to Sus, a five-member board overseeing the fund must be established by June 17, while funding transfers are scheduled by July 17.

"On paper, the fund is still a legally operating entity," Sus argued.

However, Leon ultimately accepted the government's assurances for now that the fund is moot, but he noted that he can sanction attorneys who make false representations to the court.

He also indicated he will continue considering CREW's request for a preliminary injunction and suggested he could intervene if evidence emerges that the administration is attempting to revive the fund.

California Democratic Party under fire for 'you're not allowed to watch' World Cup post

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:53:09 -0400

The California Democratic Party made a post on social media that said, "You’re not allowed to watch the World Cup if you’ve ever voted against immigration," on Thursday.

The post has come under immense scrutiny, as Americans across the political spectrum prepare to cheer together for Team USA in its World Cup opener against Paraguay.

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"Every one of those other Countries has its own immigration policy, where you can't just cross the border. The hypocrisy is crazy," one X user wrote.

Another user wrote, "Why? I don’t even understand the logic to this post."

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Other harsh and sarcastic responses to the post went viral across X.

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The California Republican Party issued a statement in response to the controversial post.

"The World Cup is a beautiful event that brings people together from around the world and should have nothing to do with politics," said California Republican Party Communications Manager Francisco Bedoya. "Rather than trolling on social media, they should put their phones down, touch some grass, and enjoy this historic World Cup. But, if Democrats want to make it political and continue to divide Americans, then we’re here to call out their hypocrisy."

The United States is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup, the first time the U.S. has hosted the event since 1994, alongside Canada and Mexico.

The U.S. is shouldering the bulk of the tournament, hosting 78 of the 104 matches across 11 major cities. All high-stakes games — including the quarterfinals, semifinals and the final — will take place in the U.S.

Friday's FIFA World Cup opener features the U.S. taking on Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET (6 p.m. local) at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The match is crucial for setting the tone in Group D, which also includes Australia and Turkey.

Seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry wants the World Cup to be a great unifier for the world

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:47:35 -0400

Seven-time NBA champion Robert Horry wants the World Cup to become the great unifier for the world.

Horry, 55, said he wants the world’s biggest soccer event to bring us together.

"I just want to see all the different countries come together and have fun and enjoy what's going on. You know, think about it. You coming from out of the country. We know what's been going on inside this country. Just enjoy the moment and just let sports bring us together and have a great time," Horry told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

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The World Cup is being hosted jointly by Mexico, the United States and Canada across 16 cities. The United States will host the bulk of the matches, as 78 of the 104 games will be played in America, including the final.

Mexico and Canada are each hosting 13 matches. Mexico began the 2026 World Cup with a 2-0 victory over South Africa on Thursday.

Canada’s first game was against Bosnia and Herzegovina on Friday at 3 p.m. ET in Toronto.

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The U.S. team’s first game is against Paraguay on Friday at 9 p.m. ET, with the game being played in Inglewood, California. U.S. captain Tim Ream told Fox News Digital in a recent interview that the team's mindset is to win the whole thing.

There are 48 countries competing in the tournament, with Argentina looking to defend their 2022 victory, when they beat France in a thrilling final.

Horry played in the NBA for 16 seasons. He began his career with the Houston Rockets, spending four and a half seasons with them and being a key part of their championship-winning teams in the 1993-94 and 1994-95 seasons. The Alabama native was then traded to the Phoenix Suns, where he spent half a season before signing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Horry was a key contributor during the Lakers' three-peat from 1999-2001 and earned his third, fourth and fifth career NBA titles. After spending seven seasons with the Lakers, Horry joined the Spurs, where he won two more championships in 2004-05 and 2006-07.

In 16 seasons, Horry averaged 7 points, 4.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game.

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