Cast down imaginations &amp; every high thing that exalts itself against God

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jelly-rolls-wild-moment-inspired-christian-singer-set-boundaries

Brandon Lake's collaboration with Jelly Roll on his new album, "King of Hearts," inspired him to set more boundaries in his own life.

"He had told me how he threw his phone in the river after his Bridgestone show in Nashville. I was like, ‘Tell me more about that,'" Lake told Fox News Digital. "He's like, 'I'm calling you from a flip phone right now.' And literally, because of that, I got a new phone. It's not a flip phone, but I needed to get a new number. I needed it to kind of focus in on my circle of people."

Jelly Roll went viral last December when he threw his phone into a river, admitting that he felt overwhelmed at the time about all the calls and texts he was getting.

Lake told Fox News Digital that too many people had access to his old number as he got more successful.

BRANDON LAKE CELEBRATES GROWTH OF CHRISTIAN MUSIC AFTER LATEST GRAMMY NODS

"And while I would love to be friends with everyone… the bigger things have gotten, the smaller I've had to go," he explained. "And really make sure I have the right people around," adding that he's started setting boundaries.

He released his new album "King of Hearts" this month.

"I've been looking forward to this day for a long time," he said of the album release. "Funny enough, I got this tattoo a while back on my finger, King of Hearts, and just as like a reminder. More than focusing on the products and the things that I'm making, that I exist to minister to people, to minister God, but also like, ministry's about people, I'm here to reach people, love on people, serve people, and I wanna be a king of hearts, and shepherd people well, no matter what I'm doing."

While Lake loves singing about his faith, there’s one thing he says he wouldn’t sing about when asked.

WATCH: Brandon Lake was inspired by Jelly Roll throwing his phone in a river to set his own boundaries

"I wouldn't sing about drugs or, you know… I'm sure there's plenty of things. I just can't really think. I do know what I want to sing about and that's my faith, that's what my family does. I wanna sing about things that have changed my life and I know that can change other people's lives."

BRANDON LAKE PERFORMS ‘HARD FOUGHT HALLELUJAH’ LIVE ON ‘FOX & FRIENDS’

Lake said Jelly Roll first heard his new song "Hard Fought Hallelujah" on TikTok before he decided to collaborate with him on it.

He said when he first wrote the song he wasn’t sure if "the world would hear it."

"But when you live with it for a while, and you show a few friends, the way they respond to it kinda usually tells you a lot, and we knew it was special," he continued. "And putting it out, I'll tell you, I would never would have imagined that Jelly Roll would have said yes. And the coolest part of the story is that he heard that song on TikTok. Before I even asked him to jump on it and fell in love with the song, was waiting for it to come out."

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By the time he reached out to ask Jelly Roll if he’d want to record it with him "because I just felt like the lyrics would really resonate with his story, he was like, ‘Oh, I know what song this is. I'm definitely, I would love to be a part of it.’ And then it's just produced an amazing friendship, and he's like a brother to me now."

He and Jelly Roll have bonded over being husbands and fathers, and he said the country star has given him lots of encouragement in his career.

Lake said he began to have his first mental health struggles a few years ago after he finished his first tour.

He said his family thought they were doing the right thing, heading straight for a family vacation to Disney World, but he hadn’t had time to decompress after the tour, and he suffered his first panic attack.

"Well, a lot of people, Disney World's like heaven. To me, it was hell on earth at that moment in my life," he said. "I didn't have enough time to just like process, right? Everything, all my dreams were coming true. I just wrote with all my heroes. Just came home from my first tour and I just crashed. And one thing I had to learn was just very physically, I had adrenaline fatigue. And when you are in adrenaline fatigue, your emotional management system is under attack. Even your immune system is under attack. You can get sick, all of that."

WATCH: Brandon Lake explains inspiration behind his new ‘King of Hearts’ album

He said he began to have scary thoughts and every insecurity was amplified.

JELLY ROLL’S FARM LIFE BRINGS PEACE AND HEALING FROM DARK TIMES

"I isolated myself instead of running to community and running to my wife and saying, ‘Hey, I'm having some wild thoughts,’" he explained. "And I went into a full-blown panic attack, and it was just like the voice of the enemy was so overwhelming. Every lie and insecurity was so overwhelming."

He added, "I had a friend send me a voice memo of him praying over me because I was too prideful to pick up the phone. I thought, I'm gonna fix this myself. And when he prayed over me and I listened to it, I broke. I broke. In a great way."

Lake finally told his wife about what he’d been struggling with, "and then I kind of began my journey, met with, started going to counseling and just realizing the toll, that the pace of life I was in, like what it was having on me, negatively. And that, I needed to find tools to stay in a healthy place."

Since then, Lake said he’s hired a health and performance coach who helps him "spiritually, emotionally, physically." He’s changed his diet, and he wears an aura ring to monitor his sleep and HRV.

"Spiritually speaking, though, I was trying to fill this void and chase another excitement," he explained. "And when I came home and I didn't have another thing to be excited about, I would try to fill it with even good things, like time with my wife and other things."

He said it got to the point where he was so "needy" that his wife told him "’Babe, I cannot fill. I can't be for you what you need.’ And so my counselor said one of the most elementary but helpful things. And he said, ‘Brandon, you need to relearn how to go to God first and most.’ First and most, and I wasn't taking these things to God, and my identity was wrapped up in the things I was doing over who he's called me to be."

He said living on a farm has also been therapeutic.

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"Even moving out to the country has been very healing, and I needed to do something opposite of tour and the big platform," the Christian worship singer explained. "I need to get my hands dirty. I bought a tractor. I cut the grass. I moved some dirt, and it's been very healing."

He added, "We’ve got cows. We have many donkeys. Tomorrow — we had a storm come through — so tomorrow, I will go from New York City to back home in the sticks outside of Charleston, South Carolina, and we had a storm come through, and a bunch of trees fell. So, I will be chainsawing some trees and making firewood and doing just very normal, yeah, just some dirty work."

Lake said that will "do more for my heart and my head than a lot of things out there. And it's just crazy how simple. I mean, there's doctors prescribing people with depression time in the woods instead of pills, like time in nature. And I think God made it that way for a reason, made us that way, for reasons where it's, man, just being by the creek will revive you."

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jelly-rolls-wild-moment-inspired-christian-singer-set-boundaries

"No one has just encouraged me more than him and just being like, ‘Dude, you've got what it's, what it takes.' And I've stepped on some really scary stages in the past few months, and he's just believed in me every step of the way. And it's just been, it's been incredible."

"King of Hearts" is out now.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/instincts-restraint-senate-divided-who-gets-declare-war

Lawmakers are debating what role Congress should play as the White House weighs its options in Iran.

Does the legislative body have sole power to declare war, or should that power be ceded to the president?

The back and forth comes as President Donald Trump mulls whether to join Israel in its campaign against Iran or continue pushing for a diplomatic end and return to the negotiating table to hammer out a nuclear deal with the Islamic Republic.

THUNE WARNS IRAN SHOULD RETURN TO NEGOTIATING TABLE 'IF THEY'RE SMART'

Helping to ignite the arguments on Capitol Hill are a pair of resolutions in the Senate and House that would require debate and a vote before any force is used against Iran. The measures are designed to put a check on Trump’s power and reaffirm Congress’ constitutional authority.

Senators on both sides of the aisle are divided on whether they believe they have sole authority to authorize a strike against Iran or if Trump can do so on his own volition. A predominant argument is that the entire point of supporting Israel is to prevent the Islamic Republic from creating or acquiring a nuclear weapon.

'ANOTHER ENDLESS CONFLICT': DEMOCRAT ECHOES TRUMP'S ANTI-WAR STANCE AS MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS ESCALATE

Israel has been successful in taking out a few pieces of infrastructure that were key to that mission but has yet to do real damage to the highly-fortified Fordow Fuel Enrichment Plant and would likely need help from the U.S. to crack through the layers of rock shielding the site.

"The Constitution says the prerogative to declare war, the power to declare war, is solely from the Congress," Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky, told Fox News Digital. "It can't originate from the White House. There is no constitutional authority for the president to bomb anyone without asking permission first."

The Constitution divides war powers between Congress and the White House, giving lawmakers the sole power to declare war, while the president acts as the commander in chief directing the military.

Then came the War Powers Act of 1973, which sought to further define those roles and ensure that the president has to give Congress notice within 48 hours of the deployment of troops who can only be deployed for 60 days. Notably, Congress has not formally declared war since World War II.

MASSIE TO FIELD 'BIPARTISAN WAR POWERS RESOLUTION' TO BAR US FROM ISRAEL-IRAN WAR, AOC SIGNALS SUPPORT

"There's really no argument for why he couldn't obey the Constitution," Paul said. "Now, my hope is that he won't do it, his instincts for restraint would prevail."

Fox News reached out to the White House for comment.

Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., disagreed with Paul and said he believed Trump had the ability to authorize a strike but acknowledged it was "mixed" and "clouded" when factoring in the War Powers Act.

"It's clear that both Congress and the president have a role to play," he said. "But if you're suggesting, should the president come to Congress first making that decision, it’s conditioned upon what year you want Congress to make a decision. Sometimes it takes us months, even years, to get nothing done."

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., told reporters he believed Trump was "perfectly in his right to do what he's done so far" and reiterated that the ultimate goal was to prevent Iran from having a nuclear weapon.

Senate Republicans have found an unlikely ally among Democrats in Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., who has vehemently advocated for Israel while his party has wavered.

Fetterman told Fox News Digital he did not believe a strike on Iran was "starting a war," echoing Thune’s sentiment that "we have a very specific mission to destroy the nuclear facilities. That's not a war. That is a necessary military … exercise to destroy a nuclear facility."

And Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis., told Fox News Digital "it’s never been ruled" whether the War Powers Act was constitutional, but he noted that the act still gave the president the authority to act as commander in chief.

"I think it's pretty much an irrelevant point if President Trump decides to aid Israel with some military action with those bunker-busting bombs," Johnson said. "It's well within the timeframe of him coming under some kind of congressional action."

Still, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., who introduced his war powers resolution Monday, believed the measure was gaining momentum among his colleagues.

Kaine told Fox News Digital that, as events have developed, it made the "urgency" of his resolution more apparent. He also expected it would get a vote in the Senate sometime next week. He argued that some Republicans would "very much want to be in the middle of hostilities with Iran."

"But the interesting thing is, they've never introduced a war authorization because their constituents would say, ‘Are you nuts?’" he said. "And, so, they would like the president to do it, but they wouldn't want to do it themselves."

When asked if that was a move to shift blame elsewhere, Kaine said, "They think it will, but it won’t."

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/instincts-restraint-senate-divided-who-gets-declare-war

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/i-led-national-guard-regular-army-units-using-military-intimidate-americans-100-wrong

For over 35 years, I served our nation in both the regular Army and National Guard. I served as both a part-time citizen soldier and full-time Title 10 officer after being mobilized in September 2001. In my career, I’ve had the distinct honor to lead both active duty and National Guard organizations, as well as soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines.

I have also stood in Red Square in Moscow, Tiananmen Square in China and the edge of the DMZ in North Korea. I have seen how some countries focus significant portions of their military inside their own nations to implement domestic policies and maintain control.

Two weeks ago – in a series of actions that brought us a little closer to that reality – the president sent the National Guard to America’s second-largest city over the objections of the state’s governor. Almost immediately after, he ordered active-duty Marines to go to the city. And on June 14, we saw service members ride tanks and march in Washington, D.C., to celebrate the 250th Birthday of the U.S. Army.

HEGSETH SPARS WITH SENATE DEMOCRATS OVER MARINE DEPLOYMENT TO LA ANTI-ICE RIOTS: 'NOT ABOUT LETHALITY'

These actions – as seen through my previous role as the No. 2 person in the National Guard Bureau – worry me greatly. I am concerned that the administration is transitioning the military’s role from national defense to law enforcement. From protection to intimidation. This transition is a dramatic misuse of power and could lead to disastrous legal, operational and ethical outcomes.

First, by sending the military to police our own citizens, we lose a needed separation between the military and our civilian population.

The military is designed and trained to defend against external threats, not police its own citizens. The Posse Comitatus Act specifically limits the military’s role in domestic law enforcement and, for good reason – to keep military operations separate from civilian policing. This separation is fundamental to who we are as freedom-loving Americans.

'STATE OF REBELLION': EXPERT WEIGHS IN ON NEWSOM CHALLENGE TO TRUMP DEPLOYING NATIONAL GUARD

The U.S. military is the best trained in the world for its warfighting mission, but it is neither trained nor equipped for immigration enforcement, immigration detention or civilian arrests. This latest move only increases legal and ethical jeopardy for troops and further endangers the rights of the people of Los Angeles – all while risking the absolute worst.

Second, the administration’s deployment of the military against protests undermines the readiness of our entire armed forces, pulling resources away from critical defense priorities.

National Guard units are composed of community members who signed up to serve their respective neighbors. They respond to hurricanes, flooding, forest fires and more. By sending or threatening to send National Guard units across the country simply for constitutionally enshrined protests, we risk moving these units away from what they are designed to act on.

POSSE COMITATUS ACT AT CENTER OF TRUMP-NEWSOM NATIONAL GUARD DISPUTE IN LA

The Trump administration didn’t just send the National Guard. They sent active-duty Marines as well. Utilizing military assets to put down protests and assist immigration enforcement officers detracts from the military's core mission: national defense. There are real threats abroad, and with our military involved in 160 countries across the globe, we must ensure that we’re prioritizing the time and money of the armed forces efficiently.

The Pentagon already publicly stated that this deployment will cost $134 million, and that’s just the beginning. In fact, the unintended effects of this oversight are already clear: service members are sleeping on the floor at night.

LA MAYOR HITS BACK AT TRUMP MARINE DEPLOYMENTS SAYING 'WE DON'T WANT THEM HERE'

Yes, these actions taken by the president in the last few weeks are logistically and legally dubious. But there’s a bigger problem at hand. They were taken primarily to intimidate and suppress speech, as well as undermine a governor. By using the military in this way, the president is misusing his power, both tamping down on free speech and usurping states’ rights.

It doesn’t matter if it’s a blue state or a red state, an American president should not send in the military to suppress political opposition at home. By acting like this, the government risks breaking the trust between our military members and our communities.

Let’s be crystal clear: those who commit violence must be held accountable. But at the same time, the right to peaceful demonstration and free speech must be protected. Nothing better demonstrates this point than the image of a U.S. senator being handcuffed and manhandled for voicing his opposition to the president’s actions.

No matter what your views, we’re proud to live in a country where people have constitutional rights – such as the rights to free speech and due process under law. Matter of fact: it’s why many of us sign up to serve.

My own family is proud to have served to defend these exact rights. My grandfather served in the Navy in World War II, my father in the Army in Vietnam, and my son in the Air Force in Afghanistan, flying search and rescue missions. The president is taking actions that we and millions of other veterans have stood against, and it’s abundantly clear that his attempts to use the military to intimidate Americans is wrong, and it must end.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/i-led-national-guard-regular-army-units-using-military-intimidate-americans-100-wrong

https://www.foxnews.com/health/your-dna-could-stopping-you-from-losing-weight-new-study-suggests

Your genetic makeup could be the reason you’re not losing weight.

New research from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Ben Gurion University in Israel found that one-third of people who followed a healthy diet did not lose any weight — although they did still experience health benefits.

Participants exhibited "significant improvements" in cardio-metabolic markers, including improved cholesterol, lower levels of the hunger hormone leptin and less visceral fat, which is found "deep inside" the abdominal cavity, according to a press release.

OBESITY MOST PREVALENT IN THESE 3 SOUTHERN CITIES

The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analyzed changes in weight and health for 761 individuals in Israel who had abdominal obesity.

During three trials, participants were assigned to specific healthy diets — like low-fat, low-carb, Mediterranean and green-Mediterranean — for 18 to 24 months.

Across all clinical trials, 36% of participants achieved "clinically significant" weight loss, while 36% achieved moderate weight loss. Another 28% lost no weight or even gained weight.

Those who were resistant to weight loss, mostly older individuals and women, showed the same health improvements as participants who lost weight.

SCIENTISTS MAY HAVE DISCOVERED WHY THE POUNDS COME BACK AFTER LOSING WEIGHT

"We have been conditioned to equate weight loss with health, and weight-loss-resistant individuals are often labeled as failures," lead study author Anat Yaskolka Meir, postdoctoral research fellow in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard Chan School, wrote in a statement.

"Our findings reframe how we define clinical success. People who do not lose weight can improve their metabolism and reduce their long-term risk for disease. That’s a message of hope, not failure."

The study, which was funded by the German Research Foundation, did have some limitations.

The majority of participants were men, researchers noted, adding that similar studies should focus on women in the future.

Dr. Philip Rabito, an endocrinologist and weight-loss specialist in New York City, told Fox News Digital in an interview that the study findings support what he’s experienced at his own practice.

"There are likely genetic factors that affect an individual’s ability to lose weight," said the doctor, who was not involved in the study. "Simply stated, despite similar efforts, caloric restriction and lifestyle interventions, some patients lose more weight than others."

LOW-CALORIE DIETS LINKED TO SURPRISING MENTAL HEALTH EFFECT, NEW RESEARCH SHOWS

Some individuals will not respond "as robustly" to interventions as others, although this can be overcome with correct guidance, according to Rabito.

"With proper counseling, dedication and adherence to a lifestyle program, all patients should be able to appreciate weight loss," he said.

"Even if there is minimal or no weight loss, the study shows that there are still improvements in health parameters just from participating in a weight-loss program."

For those who fail to lose weight with traditional weight-loss programs, prescription medications may be an option, he added.

Manoel Galvao Neto, M.D., director of bariatric research at Orlando Health Weight Loss and Bariatric Surgery Institute, agreed that DNA can influence weight loss.

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"It is a true combination of genetic factors, and it affects the metabolism, appetite, fat storage and response to diet and exercise," he said in a separate interview with Fox News Digital.

Based on emerging research, Neto noted that obesity treatment can be more easily personalized, allowing those with genetic setbacks to reach their fitness goals.

"If you have the marker for ‘hungry brain,' and you take the GLP-1, you maximize your weight loss by up to 20%," the doctor said.

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"Obesity is a disease that is chronic, it is progressive, and so far, we don't have a cure, but we are getting more and more information to help control it in a personalized way."

Neto encouraged individuals looking to lose weight to "understand yourself" and seek professional help for the best possible outcome.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/your-dna-could-stopping-you-from-losing-weight-new-study-suggests

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/morning-glory-president-trump-biggest-decision-his-life

The most important decision of President Donald Trump’s life is before him.

It is the decision of whether or not to order the United States military to assist Israel in destroying what remains of Iran’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. The U.S. has the capabilities to do so. Does President Trump have the will to order it be done?

If he does, he will almost certainly bring this war to an end and open the road to a vast expansion of the Abraham Accords.

TRUMP WEIGHS STRIKING IRANIAN NUCLEAR FACILITIES: 'I MAY DO IT, I MAY NOT DO IT'

It is unrealistic to believe that the hard-liners around Ayatollah Khamenei will want to formally capitulate to the U.S. It is even more difficult to envision the "Supreme Leader" of Iran, Ali Khamenei —who has been a reckless fanatical ideologue for 36 years as dictator over the Persian people—ever countenancing the return of Iran to being a "nation instead of a cause" to borrow from the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace scholar Karim Sadjapour.

But if President Trump orders our military to destroy the most hardened targets in Iran’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs, he will be ending a war that has been underway since first Ayatollah Khomeini and now Ayatollah Khamenei began waging against the U.S. in 1979, a war that has befuddled and defeated the best hopes and most complicated plans of every president since Jimmy Carter, who was shocked by the medieval fanaticism of the "true believers" behind the coup of the 1978-1979 revolution which toppled the Shah and then eliminated all other aspirants for government in Iran.

Trump would stand alone as the president who understood how to defeat this evil regime. He will be seen by history as the president who had the strength and vision to finally end the malign aspirations of the Islamic Republic of Iran’s rulers.

As Trump did to ISIS he can do to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps’ most ambitious terror project: acquiring nukes and the ballistic missiles on which they can ride far and wide around the globe. Whether or not most of the world’s leaders outside its alliance of tyrants say so, they will congratulate Trump privately as will history publicly.

It is important to note that when then-plain-old businessman and real estate developer Donald Trump came down the escalator 10 years ago on June 16, 2015, to announce his candidacy, he included in his remarks the warning that "Iran is going to take over the Middle East…Think of it. Iran is taking over Iraq, and they’re taking it over big league."

Trump added —ten years ago!— his pledge about Iran and nuclear weapons: "I will stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons. And we won’t be using a man like Secretary Kerry that has absolutely no concept of negotiation, who’s making a horrible and laughable deal, who’s just being tapped along as they make weapons right now…"

Donald Trump laid out his entire program in that speech and the most important parts of it deal with Iran and China.

China is a superpower which must be dealt with carefully, the worst instincts of its regime deterred, its exploitation of the world stopped.

But Iran is the immediate menace because if it gets a nuclear weapon, the fanatics who run that regime will use their first weapon against Israel and their second against us.

The regime atop the Persian people, oppressing them terribly, is different from every other adversary of the United States and the West because it is a theocracy, and one with horrific visions of the "end times" which does not reject, but which could actually encourage nuclear war. This extreme branch of Shia Islam is a uniquely evil threat to the world.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM HUGH HEWITT

And President Trump is in a position to end the nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs and destroy the practical steps those ambitions require for the foreseeable future while setting a precedent —a "Trump Doctrine"— for the ages: Do not threaten or kill, wound or kidnap Americans and America, for we will stop you from doing it again.

The appeasement caucus within the United States is loud. It’s "sunk costs," especially for those with fingerprints on President Obama’s disastrous "JCPOA" agreement or President Biden’s disastrous decision to end President Trump’s "maximum pressure" campaign from his first term, are lined up urging opposition to Trump’s decisive action. They know their legacies are already in ruins, but they do not want President Trump’s to grow beyond the Accords, Operation Warp Speed and many other accomplishments. They fear being exposed as foolish and wrong more than they fear America being endangered.

Most of all, they do not want Trump remembered alongside the presidents who brought hot or cold wars to an end.

President Trump can join the first rank of presidents with this decision. Pray he makes the right one.

Hugh Hewitt is a Fox News contributor, and host of "The Hugh Hewitt Show," heard weekday mornings 6am to 9am ET on the Salem Radio Network, and simulcast on Salem News Channel. Hugh wakes up America on over 400 affiliates nationwide, and on all the streaming platforms where SNC can be seen. He is a frequent guest on the Fox News Channel’s news roundtable hosted by Bret Baier weekdays at 6pm ET. A son of Ohio and a graduate of Harvard College and the University of Michigan Law School, Hewitt has been a Professor of Law at Chapman University’s Fowler School of Law since 1996 where he teaches Constitutional Law. Hewitt launched his eponymous radio show from Los Angeles in 1990. Hewitt has frequently appeared on every major national news television network, hosted television shows for PBS and MSNBC, written for every major American paper, has authored a dozen books and moderated a score of Republican candidate debates, most recently the November 2023 Republican presidential debate in Miami and four Republican presidential debates in the 2015-16 cycle. Hewitt focuses his radio show and his column on the Constitution, national security, American politics and the Cleveland Browns and Guardians. Hewitt has interviewed tens of thousands of guests from Democrats Hillary Clinton and John Kerry to Republican Presidents George W. Bush and Donald Trump over his 40 years in broadcast, and this column previews the lead story that will drive his radio/ TV show today.

https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/morning-glory-president-trump-biggest-decision-his-life

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/kate-middleton-rewrites-royal-playbook-puts-herself-first-unprecedented-move-experts

Kate Middleton canceled her Royal Ascot appearance at the last minute — and several royal experts claimed we can expect more sudden changes from the princess.

On Wednesday, Fox News Digital learned that the mother of three was originally set to appear at the annual horse racing event with her husband, Prince William. While the Princess of Wales was said to be disappointed not to be there, she is still trying to find the right balance as she returns to public-facing engagements following her cancer treatment.

"She has been forthright regarding her still experiencing ‘good days and bad days,’ as she once said," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "She is hoping the public will be patient since she is ‘not out of the woods quite yet.’ She has acknowledged having to be sensible, listening to what her body is telling her as she eases back to public life."

KATE MIDDLETON UNEXPECTEDLY PULLS OUT OF ROYAL ASCOT APPEARANCE

"We should expect her to maintain a lighter schedule of engagements than previously for the foreseeable future," said Fordwich. "Her decisions, as always, will be responsible and dignified."

Royal experts told Fox News Digital that as a future queen consort, Kate is breaking the mold, prioritizing her health while being a supportive player in the House of Windsor. Following her cancer diagnosis in March 2024, Kate has reduced her appearances to focus on recovery. And while the princess is now cancer-free, healing continues to be a priority for Kate, and she has adopted a case-by-case approach to fulfilling royal duties.

On Wednesday, William made a solo appearance on the second day of the horse racing event at Ascot Racecourse in Ascot, England. He was accompanied by his father, King Charles III, and stepmother, Queen Camilla.

Kate’s mother, Carole Middleton, was also present. At one point, she shared a warm exchange with the king, 76, as they watched the action take place.

It’s a good sign, said Fordwich.

"Princess Catherine is making steady progress in her recovery," said Fordwich. "This announcement is confirmation that she’ll remain cautious, flexible and measured with her health taking precedence. We should expect similar last-minute adjustments since navigating such challenging health issues isn’t easy."

"I believe she might well attend Wimbledon, which she so loves," Fordwich added.

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Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that the U.K. is experiencing blistering temperatures. It could have contributed to Kate’s decision.

"At the moment we are experiencing a heatwave making London warmer than the Caribbean," he said. "I presume Kate may be feeling the effects of this and, still taking aggressive drugs, may have been told by her doctors to be very careful."

"We are hearing apparently all is well and that Kate is making steady progress but still finds an energy lapse on some occasions," Turner noted.

Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams agreed.

"The Princess of Wales had been expected to join the royal procession at Royal Ascot, which commemorates 200 years this year since it was first held in 1825," he explained. "According to a source, she was disappointed not to be able to attend. She would have joined Prince William, who presented the trophy to the winner of the Prince of Wales stakes."

"Catherine is in remission from cancer and is striving to find the right balance of engagements as she recovers, obviously much influenced by medical advice," he shared. "She has recently appeared at [several key events]. It may also be that the heat affected her decision."

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People magazine reported that Royal Ascot is a social event, not a ceremonial commitment, on the royal family’s calendar. They noted that the royal family’s attendance is an "informal tradition."

"Royal Ascot is a splendidly organized royal event which is the highlight of the royal calendar," said Fitzwilliams. "It was the first event listed in the diary of Queen Elizabeth, who was renowned for being an equestrian enthusiast every year."

"It is hoped that the Princess of Wales will attend next year, her last appearance being in 2023 due to her cancer treatment," he added.

Despite Kate's absence, British broadcaster and photographer Helena Chard, who was at Ascot, assured Fox News Digital royal watchers shouldn't be worried.

"[Kate] and her medical team would have decided that today’s event would be too much for her, hence the last-minute cancellation," said Chard. "It is also super hot here, and I imagine she could be left feeling very unwell. I really don’t believe we should be worried."

"Princess Catherine is doing well and, as previously confirmed, has been given the all-clear from her medical team, cancer-wise," said Chard. "Like many of us, she has medical challenges (not necessarily cancer-related) which, on occasion, impact her everyday and working life."

Queen Elizabeth II’s former spokeswoman, Alisa Anderson, recently told People magazine that this year, Kate will be prioritizing her health as she returns to royal duties.

"She’s being sensible, listening to what her body is telling her and easing back into public life," Anderson told the outlet.

Kensington Palace, which handles the offices of the Prince and Princess of Wales, has emphasized that Kate will tackle royal duties. The outlet pointed out that her withdrawal from the Royal Ascot is an example of her case-by-case approach that we’ll likely see more of, as necessary.

"She has not been able to have the privacy that a person who faces this kind of illness is normally afforded," a source close to the royal household told the outlet.

In March 2024, Kate announced in a video she had cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy. The revelation came after weeks of speculation about her health and whereabouts. In January of that year, she was hospitalized for unspecified abdominal surgery.

The news was another jolt to the royal family. In February of that year, Buckingham Palace announced Charles was being treated for an unspecified type of cancer. The illness was discovered while he was undergoing a procedure for a benign enlarged prostate.

In September 2024, Kate announced she had finished her preventative chemotherapy, although she said her path to full recovery would be long and that she would take it day by day.

"As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment," she wrote. "The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life, as you know it, can change in an instant, and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown."

"The cancer journey is complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone, especially those closest to you. With humility, it also brings you face to face with your own vulnerabilities in a way you have never considered before, and with that, a new perspective on everything. This time has, above all, reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved. Doing what I can to stay cancer-free is now my focus."

KING CHARLES WON’T HAND THRONE TO PRINCE WILLIAM AS MONARCHY SHAKE-UP COULD SPARK 'CRISIS': EXPERTS

"Although I have finished chemotherapy, my path to healing and full recovery is long, and I must continue to take each day as it comes," said the princess. "I am, however, looking forward to being back at work and undertaking a few more public engagements in the coming months when I can. Despite all that has gone before, I enter this new phase of recovery with a renewed sense of hope and appreciation of life."

"William and I are so grateful for the support we have received and have drawn great strength from all those who are helping us at this time," she shared. "Everyone’s kindness, empathy and compassion has been truly humbling. To all those who are continuing their own cancer journey – I remain with you, side by side, hand in hand. Out of darkness, can come light, so let that light shine bright."

In January of this year, Kate announced that her cancer was in remission, and she would remain "focused on recovery."

WATCH: KATE MIDDLETON ANNOUNCES SHE HAS COMPLETED CHEMOTHERAPY TREATMENT

"As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal," she said at the time.

Since then, Kate has slowly returned to royal duties.

Over the weekend, she and William joined their children, Prince George, 11, Princess Charlotte, 10, and Prince Louis, 7, for Trooping the Colour, King Charles’s birthday parade. On Monday, Kate also appeared at the annual Order of the Garter service at Windsor Castle.

Turner previously told Fox News Digital that both the Prince and Princess of Wales have faced mounting pressure as future king and queen in support of Charles, who is still seeking treatment.

"King Charles is looking his age now and his illness has taken its toll," said Turner. "A new era of [a] young monarchy is set to take over the mantle in the future."

"The pressure of being the Princess of Wales, looking after a young family, being by William’s side, still recovering from cancer treatments, as well as the mental trauma she faced still weighs heavily on Kate. But she seems to be smiling throughout, delighting crowds when seen in public, and giving a new confidence to the future monarchy."

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/kate-middleton-rewrites-royal-playbook-puts-herself-first-unprecedented-move-experts

https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-police-plead-help-amid-officer-shortage-union-boss-warns-unprecedented-riot-onslaught

As the protests against Los Angeles’ immigration raids spread, state law enforcement leaders are sounding the alarm on the dangers facing officers on the front lines of the riots.

"I’ve been around a very long time, and I have seen similar to what we're facing now," Jake Johnson, president of the California Association of Highway Patrolmen (CAHP), told Fox News Digital. "But I've never seen the amount of onslaught."

Thousands of protesters descended on Los Angeles in the last two weeks after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers began conducting raids throughout the sanctuary city. The violence included rioters hurling projectiles at law enforcement officers and lighting numerous self-driving electric vehicles on fire.

LA-AREA MAYORS PLEAD WITH TRUMP ADMIN TO STOP ICE IMMIGRATION ARRESTS

In response to the protests, over 640 highway patrol officers have been sent to Los Angeles. Additionally, nearly 400 additional CHP Special Response Team officers have been deployed to aid law enforcement.

"There's hundreds of state troopers [and] highway patrolmen that are deployed in both the Bay Area and particularly in Los Angeles," Johnson said. "[They] are working very long hours, anywhere from 16 to 20 hours a day, trying to keep the peace down there. It's been a very dangerous situation."

Los Angeles police have made more than 500 arrests related to protest activity, with the most serious charges ranging from assault against police officers to possession of a Molotov cocktail and gun, according to the police department. Nine police officers have been injured in the protests, with the majority being minor injuries.

The LAPD and CHP did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

TRUMP TAKES ACTION AGAINST 'ORCHESTRATED ATTACK' ON LAW ENFORCEMENT BY DEPLOYING MARINES TO LA: ASSEMBLYMAN

Several CHP cars were damaged along the 101 Freeway as officers tried to clear protesters from the road, marking yet another assault on law enforcement operations in the midst of the riots.

"I witnessed one of our officers get hit in the head with a rock," Johnson said. "Had he not had his helmet and mask on, [there is] no doubt in my mind he would have been killed. It smacked him right in the face and he was actually pulled to safety by an [officer] I know very well."

While on the ground, CHP officers are faced with the task of identifying in real-time who is following the law and who is looking to break it, a situation that Johnson called "very difficult."

"The persons that are down there participating in their First Amendment rights are quickly overtaken by these bad actors that are definitely in the crowd," Johnson told Fox News Digital. "There's a significant amount of them in the crowd, and it really takes over the peaceful protests that there are hundreds of people participating in. It really turns these into bad situations where now we have to decide who's a peaceful protester and who is a bad actor."

DOZENS OF ANTI-ICE RIOTERS ARRESTED IN LA AS TRUMP SENDS IN NATIONAL GUARD TO QUELL VIOLENCE

Johnson believes the answer to ensuring the safety of both law enforcement and demonstrators who may be acting peacefully is by civilians reporting sightings of violent protesters to police.

"It’s time to start turning these people in," Johnson said. "It’s time to start recording them, getting information for the crimes that you see committed and turning them in to the police."

The call for cooperation between peaceful protesters and law enforcement comes as an appeals court blocked a federal judge’s decision forcing President Donald Trump to return control over National Guard troops to California last Thursday.

RIOTERS SMASH WINDOWS AT LAPD HEADQUARTERS AS ANTI-ICE AGITATORS CLASH WITH AUTHORITIES

Trump has deployed more than 4,000 Guard soldiers to Los Angeles, along with roughly 700 Marines, Maj. Gen. Scott Sherman said.

The appeals court declined to rule on the status of the Marines, since they had not taken to the streets yet.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump thanked the appeals court for its ruling, writing: "If I didn’t send the Military into Los Angeles, that city would be burning to the ground right now."

Trump and Gov. Gavin Newsom continue to clash in a legal battle over control of the National Guard and the troops' role in the riots.

CHUCK DEVORE: TRUMP MOVES FAST TO SAVE LA FROM A 1992 REPEAT

The Guard has been sent to protect federal property and accompany officials on immigration raids. While the troops do have the ability to temporarily detain people who attack officers, any arrests must be made by law enforcement.

"As far as the interaction with [the National Guard], I haven't seen any interaction with them," Johnson said. "For the three or four nights I was out there, I didn't see any National Guard. I saw what [was] on the news. They're guarding federal facilities, but they haven't been integrated with any of us."

Johnson leads a union that represents approximately 7,000 patrolmen deployed throughout the state. However, he points to staffing shortages caused by attractive retirement packages, leaving a gaping hole in the department’s headcount.

"We’re almost down one thousand bodies for highway patrolmen in California," Johnson said, adding, "We have a really hard time filling in the positions."

As the anti-ICE protests stretch into their second week, law enforcement throughout Los Angeles is bracing for the unknown.

"When you're out there and it's a very dangerous situation, you don't think about the politics or your personal politics," Johnson said. "Cops are very good at that. I've been around these guys for decades and they're my brothers and sisters. And I know they're very, very good people. And although they might have their personal views, it doesn't spill over into these situations."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/california-police-plead-help-amid-officer-shortage-union-boss-warns-unprecedented-riot-onslaught

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/tourism-surge-creates-challenge-visitors-transform-mt-fuji-trash-mountain

Japan broke a record for tourism in 2024, with people from all over the world visiting the island nation. But the country has even bigger tourist goals for the years ahead.

Hokuto Asano, first secretary at the Embassy of Japan in Washington, D.C., told Fox News Digital in an interview that with the influx of tourists, the country is working to meet demand. (See the video at the top of this article.)

"Overtourism is a new challenge for the Japanese community," said Asano. "So we need to pursue how to create a win-win relationship [between] Japanese local people and foreign tourists."

News outlets have reported on a "two-tier" pricing system at restaurants, theme parks and other attractions, with tourists charged more for services and experiences than Japanese citizens are charged.

"The price of the restaurant, sushi restaurant in Japan, even hotel — the price is also increasing," Asano said. "So Japanese people sometimes say [that] Japanese people cannot enjoy the domestic tourism."

He added, "But there should be a difference in the taste or preference between Japan and Japanese people and international tourists. There should be a difference in the price and also product or service toward the international tourists."

Between Jan. 1 and Nov. 30, nearly 33.4 million travelers visited Japan, according to the country’s government site projections. Nearly three million Americans visited the country in 2024.

MUSEUM STAFF LEAVES ‘MONA LISA’ FANS HIGH AND DRY AS LOUVRE SHUTS DOWN WITHOUT WARNING

Asano said the number of visitors last year ended up reaching 36 million and that Japan has a plan to nearly double the number of visitors in the next five years.

"In 2030, we want [to reach] the goal of 60 million people," said Asano.

The sacred Mount Fuji is climbed by 200,000 to 300,000 people every summer, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.

Lately, however, Mt. Fuji has been pegged "trash mountain" due to serious overcrowding and garbage atop the world-famous landmark.

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Asano said tourists have reported that there are not many trashcans in Japan — but he pointed to the limited number as a safety measure to "counter terrorism."

"We need to share our manner[s] [with those who] visit tourist destinations," said Asano.

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"So we would like [them to] understand [about] bringing back his or her own trash," he said.

Asano suggested that tourists need to be more respectful when visiting Japan.

"We need to share our values with international tourists," he said.

When it comes to tourists in Japan, it's not just about "the trip," he said.

"It's a good means to share culture and values. We would like international tourists to know more [about] Japan in terms of culture or sacred places or specific places," he said.

Asano added, "Maybe we can share how to enjoy those sacred places or share our tradition."

https://www.foxnews.com/travel/tourism-surge-creates-challenge-visitors-transform-mt-fuji-trash-mountain

https://www.foxnews.com/media/va-secretary-calls-out-california-officials-after-la-anti-ice-riots-shutter-clinic-serving-veterans

Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins called out California officials for ignoring the impact the Los Angeles anti-ICE riots have had on displaced veterans after an ambulatory clinic was forced to suddenly shutter its doors earlier this month.

"They're not peaceful. We see what they're doing. They're throwing stuff at us. They're taking it out on the police," he said of the protesters on "Fox & Friends," Wednesday.

"What Gavin Newsom and… the mayor, don't want to talk about is the impact on the people who are just trying to live their lives… we have a large homeless population of veterans [in Los Angeles]… which we're working on fixing… but we've got a lot who just need that basic care."

EXCLUSIVE: VA DEPT SAYS LA RIOTS FORCED COMMUNITY CENTER CLOSURES IMPACTING MORE THAN 600 VETERANS

Collins said the local benefits office is also closed, meaning veterans are struggling to receive the help they need in multiple ways.

He also said workers have been displaced as a result of the chaos.

"Nobody talks about that… the governor out there and the mayor – why don't they actually talk about the real issue, and that's that we can't get services to the people that need it?"

The now-closed Los Angeles VA clinic provided cancer care, suicide prevention, pain management, amputation care and traumatic brain injury services.

MAXINE WATERS TAUNTS ARMED AGENTS AFTER FEDS SLAM DOOR ON HER DURING LA RIOTS: 'YOU BETTER SHOOT STRAIGHT'

Collins said the VA has transferred as many patients as possible to telehealth services to continue their care, but says there's little substitute for traditional treatment.

"I'm tired of this idea that we're trying to help our veterans, help Americans, but yet we're letting the folks in L.A. run wild and graffiti our buildings and do the things that stop us from actually taking care of our veterans," he said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the offices of Gov. Gavin Newsom and Mayor Karen Bass for a prior report on this issue.

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

https://www.foxnews.com/media/va-secretary-calls-out-california-officials-after-la-anti-ice-riots-shutter-clinic-serving-veterans

https://www.foxnews.com/us/border-patrol-agents-shut-down-massive-drug-smuggling-tunnel-between-tijuana-san-diego

U.S. Border Patrol agents recently discovered and disabled a nearly 3,000-foot-long narcotics smuggling tunnel sitting beneath the US-Mexico border.

Agents found the tunnel — which linked Tijuana and San Diego — in early April while it was actively under construction.

The underground passageway ran under part of the Otay Mesa Port of Entry and had a projected exit point near or inside a commercial warehouse space in San Diego, according to an announcement from U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Upon entering the "highly sophisticated" tunnel, authorities were met with barricades seemingly placed to prevent law enforcement from finding its entrance, the announcement noted.

SAN DIEGO AUTHORITIES ARREST 3 NONCITIZENS ALLEGEDLY INVOLVED IN TRANSPORTING MORE THAN $5M WORTH OF METH

The tunnel — which reached depths of around 50 feet underground at its deepest point — measured 2,918 feet long, 42 inches tall and 28 inches wide. It was equipped with lighting, electrical wiring, ventilation systems and a track system for transporting large amounts of contraband.

DOT SEC SEAN DUFFY FINALIZES $150M GRANT TO BUILD NEW PORT OF ENTRY ON SOUTHERN BORDER

Border Patrol agents — working alongside Homeland Security Investigations and Government of Mexico authorities — found the entrance point to the tunnel on Monday inside a house in the Nueva Tijuana neighborhood in Tijuana. The entrance had recently been covered up with freshly laid tile, according to the announcement.

TRUMP ADMIN'S DOT ANNOUNCES DEAL FOR HIGH-TECH BORDER CHECKPOINT IN CRUCIAL CALIFORNIA SECTOR

Thousands of gallons of concrete will soon be poured into the tunnel to prevent it from being used by Foreign Terrorist Organizations, U.S. Customs and Border Protection noted.

"As we continue to strengthen the nation’s air and maritime border security, it’s not surprising that foreign terrorist organizations would resort to underground routes," Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, acting chief patrol agent of the San Diego Sector, said in a statement. "Disruption of narcotics smuggling tunnels is critical to protecting American lives."

More than 95 tunnels have been decommissioned in the San Diego area since 1993.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/border-patrol-agents-shut-down-massive-drug-smuggling-tunnel-between-tijuana-san-diego

https://www.foxnews.com/us/vindicated-karen-read-thanks-greatest-legal-team-jurors-deliver-not-guilty-verdict-boyfriends-death

Karen Read, finally vindicated after two murder trials in the 2022 death of her former boyfriend, Boston cop John O'Keefe, thanked a vocal crowd of supporters Wednesday, minutes after jurors found her not guilty of all homicide-related charges.

She will serve a year on probation for drunken driving.

Read's father, William Read, credited her legal team for the result — which spared her the maximum punishment of life imprisonment as well as multi-year stints behind bars on a series of lesser charges.

"I want to acknowledge the greatest team of attorneys," he told her cheering supporters from the courthouse steps. "Our first one that we found was David Yannetti. We added Alan Jackson and Liza Little. Bob Alessi you know about, all right. It was a fantastic team, but we needed them all to defeat this."

KAREN READ MURDER CASE VERDICT REACHED AFTER DEADLOCKED FIRST TRIAL

He also thanked Read’s vocal supporters and internet "content providers."

But it was her legal team that put in the legwork. They were already high-powered lawyers from a trio of America's largest cities: Boston, New York and Los Angeles. Now they've risen to new heights, experts say.

"All those lawyers can write their tickets in terms of what type of high-profile cases they want to handle moving forward, but I'm sure they want to take a break after this one," said Maryland attorney Randolph Rice, who represents the family of Rachel Morin, a mother of five whose murder on a hiking trail at the hands of a fugitive illegal immigrant prompted congressional hearings.

FINAL DEFENSE WITNESS IN KAREN READ TRIAL PUMPS BRAKES ON LEXUS COLLISION THEORY

"Trials like these take it out of you, both physically and emotionally," he told Fox News Digital. "I've seen some lawyers that like to step back and do smaller cases for a while, and others like the high and want to get right back and do another one."

But he said viewers can expect to see them making the rounds on TV and in additional documentaries.

Read famously sat down for numerous interviews after her first trial — an unorthodox move that prosecutors attempted to use against her by playing soundbites for the jury. She also spoke out repeatedly during the trial, but her lawyers remained tight-lipped due to the court's gag order.

WATCH ‘KAREN READ TRIAL LIVE’ ON FOX NATION, HOSTED BY PAUL MAURO

"I think this catapults them into a stratosphere of representing celebrities and big cases, which furthers their fame, as long as they keep winning," Rice said.

The Los Angeles-based Jackson has already put that theory into action. He delivered the opening and closing for the defense. He previously prosecuted music producer Phil Spector for the murder of actress Lana Clarkson and defended actor Kevin Spacey from Nantucket groping charges.

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Little works for the firm where Jackson is a partner: Werkman Jackson and Quinn.

Robert Alessi is a partner at the international law firm DLA Piper. Read added him to the team ahead of her second trial, in which he translated complex data through questioning of experts who discussed the details of their fields and findings.

And David Yannetti — Read's Boston lawyer and the local lynchpin — may have the most to gain.

Even Hank Brennan, the special prosecutor who also came into the case with a high profile as the former lawyer for mobster Whitey Bulger, will likewise see a boost in his business, according to Jack Lu, a retired Massachusetts judge and Boston College law professor.

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"They will all be flooded with new clients," Lu told Fox News Digital. "Brennan will be catapulted to stardom because anyone can see his talent. I would say Yannetti and Brennan’s practices go national."

As for Read, prominent lawyer turned legal analyst Linda Kenney Baden expects her to file a slew of new lawsuits against the investigators who charged her.

"Especially a civil rights lawsuit against [Michael] Proctor," she said, referring to the former homicide detective who lost his job over texts he sent about Read's case.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/vindicated-karen-read-thanks-greatest-legal-team-jurors-deliver-not-guilty-verdict-boyfriends-death

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/travis-kelce-admits-returning-chiefs-nfl-2025-season-wasnt-very-tough-decision

Travis Kelce entered this offseason surrounded by uncertainty. The 35-year-old faced questions about whether the Kansas City Chiefs loss to the Philadelphia Eagles would be the final time he laced up his NFL cleats.

Kelce ultimately decided to continue playing the game he loves.

"I'm coming back for sure. Gonna try to get into the best shape I've been this offseason and get back to the mountaintop," Kelce wrote in a text message to Pat McAfee that the ESPN host read during his show. "Got a real bad taste in my mouth with how I played in that last game and with how I got the guys ready for battle. I can't go out like that!!!!"

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

This week, Kelce indicated that while he perhaps did briefly contemplate stepping away, he never actually strongly considered retiring.

"I love football. I don't think I really thought about it that much," Kelce told the assembled media on Wednesday at the Chiefs minicamp. "... I love coming in to work every single day. It wasn't a very tough one for me. I know I'm getting older, but at the same time, I still feel like I've got a lot I can prove in this league. With that being said, it really wasn't that hard of a decision for me."

TAYLOR SWIFT, TRAVIS KELCE TAKE IN PANTHERS-OILERS STANLEY CUP FINAL

Kelce finished the Super Bowl loss with four receptions for 39 yards. The tight end expressed regret over his forgettable showing in the game, telling reporters he "felt like I failed my guys." But added, he "really didn't feel like it was my last game."

The Chiefs have played in the last three Super Bowls, winning two. Kelce reaffirmed his desire to hoist the coveted Vince Lombardi trophy once again at the end of the upcoming season.

Anything less than another championship would be a failure in Kelce's eyes. "That's the only way I determine if it's a successful (season) or not," he said. "It's just how I'm wired now."

Kelce fell short of the 1,000-yard receiving mark last season. He ended the regular season with 823 yards.

Kelce said he will worry about his playing future after the 2025 season. In the meantime, he is staying focused on trying to help the Chiefs be the last team standing next February.

"I got one year on this contract, I know that, and we'll try and figure out something for next year," Kelce said. "The Chiefs organization knows how much I love them. I can't see myself ever playing anywhere else. We'll deal with that down the road when the time is right, but right now I'm focused on winning a championship this year."

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/travis-kelce-admits-returning-chiefs-nfl-2025-season-wasnt-very-tough-decision

https://www.foxnews.com/us/american-cyclists-global-adventure-derailed-when-bombs-started-falling-iran

A Minnesota man with a dream of cycling across all seven continents was forced to come up with alternative plans after Israel launched a barrage of air strikes on Iran’s military leaders and nuclear facilities, close to where he was riding.

The Associated Press said 32-year-old Ian Andersen of Minnetonka, Minnesota did not plan to get stuck in a real war zone, so he rode to neighboring Azerbaijan on Monday.

"The bombs started falling," Andersen told the wire service on Wednesday, while speaking on Zoom from a hotel in Baku. "It was extremely scary."

Andersen was touring through Iran as part of a yearslong mission to ride his bike across all seven continents. While in Iran, Andersen had a local guide, and he had shared videos of his adventure with tens of thousands of followers on social media, since the beginning of June.

TUGBOATS, CRUISE SHIPS AND FLIGHTS: ISRAEL BEGINS EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF CITIZENS AMID IRAN WAR

"The day the bombs started falling" was Friday, and Andersen and his guide were heading south along the Caspian Sea coast, from Chalus toward the capital of Tehran.

Andersen had reportedly hoped to apply for a visa to Afghanistan in Tehran, with ambitions of crossing into Central Asia and onto Russia.

"It was really just, like, the worst timing possible," he told the AP.

Once the bombs started falling, Andersen and his guide sheltered in place and spoke Spanish to avoid people suspecting he was from the U.S.

CAITLYN JENNER, STUCK IN ISRAEL AFTER IRAN STRIKE, POSTS PICTURES OF CHAOS AND SHELTER

He also said he saw long lines of vehicles fleeing Tehran, and at the same time, his own family, friends and social media followers had concerns for his safety.

The U.S. State Department notified Andersen in an email that he should leave for Azerbaijan or Turkey.

A friend of Andersen’s in Los Angeles applied for a visa to Azerbaijan on his behalf, which was ultimately granted by the U.S. Embassy in Baku.

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS CRITICIZE ISRAEL'S DEFENSIVE STRIKES AGAINST IRAN'S NUCLEAR SITES

Biking, Andersen said, was his dream and escape, and in the past, he had struggled with addiction and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

And while his dream of cycling the seven continents may have hit a speed bump, he has no regrets from going on the journey.

The bombs in Iran were not his only brush with death. In fact, he said he was in northern Kenya in 2023 when a tribesman threatened to chuck a spear at him while biking through a rural area.

"There’s always going to be risk, and you have to accept it," he said.

Now that he is out of Iran, Andersen said he is planning to ferry across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan, then head east into Uzbekistan. But from there, Andersen said he does not know where to go.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/american-cyclists-global-adventure-derailed-when-bombs-started-falling-iran

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/auburns-bruce-pearl-backs-trump-amid-israel-iran-conflict-the-world-going-safer-place

Auburn Tigers men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl spoke in support of President Donald Trump Wednesday as his administration continued to weigh possible U.S. involvement in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

The accomplished coach, who has been outspoken in his support of Israel since Hamas' October 2023 terror attacks, addressed the issue during an appearance on OutKick’s "Don’t @ me with Dan Dakich."

He explained that he believes the U.S. has some level of interest considering its history with Iran.

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"We can go back and talk about 1982 in Lebanon and all those U.S. Marines that were murdered. We can talk about Oct. 7, where 45 Americans were killed. And they abducted, you know, six or seven more and executed them before Israel rescued them.

"This has been going on since 1979, and it is about to become a safer place, a non-nuclear Iran. And without having the money to be able to do what they have been doing, the world is going to be a safer place," he added.

"If the Middle East gets safer and stronger, look at what dynamic country Israel is. Look at all the unicorns that are there. Look at all the high tech and development. Look at all the wealth. If you began to spread that to some of these other Middle Eastern countries, who are they going to partner with? The United States, Russia, China? It’s going to be the U.S. because Donald Trump has led the way to create peace and prosperity for everybody in the region."

AUBURN'S BRUCE PEARL EXPLAINS WHY HE SPEAKS OUT IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL

The president was noncommittal on the possibility of military intervention when speaking to reporters outside the White House Wednesday, saying that military strikes targeting Iran's nuclear sites have not been ruled out entirely.

"Yes, I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do. I can tell you this, that Iran's got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate," Trump said. "And I said, 'Why didn't you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction? Why didn't you go?' I said to people, 'Why didn't you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine. You would have had a country.' It's very sad to watch this."

Trump has pushed Iran to sign a nuclear agreement, but talks between the two scheduled for Sunday were called off after Iran withdrew days earlier. While the Trump administration weighs its options, Iran has said the U.S. entering the conflict would mean an "all-out war."

Fox News Digital’s Diana Stancy and Connor McGahan contributed to this report.

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/auburns-bruce-pearl-backs-trump-amid-israel-iran-conflict-the-world-going-safer-place

https://www.foxnews.com/us/american-cyclists-global-adventure-derailed-when-bombs-started-falling-iran

The Associated Press said 32-year-old Ian Anderson of Minnetonka, Minnesota did not plan to get stuck in a real war zone, so he rode to neighboring Azerbaijan on Monday.

"The bombs started falling," Andersen told the wire service on Wednesday, while speaking on Zoom from a hotel in Baku. "It was extremely scary."

TUGBOATS, CRUISE SHIPS AND FLIGHTS: ISRAEL BEGINS EMERGENCY EVACUATION OF CITIZENS AMID IRAN WAR

"The day the bombs started falling" was Friday, and Andersen and his guide were heading south along the Caspian Sea coast, from Chalus toward the capital of Tehran.

Andersen had reportedly hoped to apply for a visa to Afghanistan in Tehran, with ambitions of crossing into Central Asia and onto Russia.

"It was really just, like, the worst timing possible," he told the AP.

Once the bombs started falling, Andersen and his guide sheltered in place and spoke Spanish to avoid people suspecting he was from the U.S.

CAITLYN JENNER, STUCK IN ISRAEL AFTER IRAN STRIKE, POSTS PICTURES OF CHAOS AND SHELTER

He also said he saw long lines of vehicles fleeing Tehran, and at the same time, his own family, friends and social media followers had concerns for his safety.

The U.S. State Department notified Andersen in an email that he should leave for Azerbaijan or Turkey.

A friend of Andersen’s in Los Angeles applied for a visa to Azerbaijan on his behalf, which was ultimately granted by the U.S. Embassy in Baku.

DEMOCRATIC LAWMAKERS CRITICIZE ISRAEL'S DEFENSIVE STRIKES AGAINST IRAN'S NUCLEAR SITES

Biking, Andersen said, was his dream and escape, and in the past, he had struggled with addiction and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.

And while his dream of cycling the seven continents may have hit a speed bump, he has no regrets from going on the journey.

The bombs in Iran were not his only brush with death. In fact, he said he was in northern Kenya in 2023 when a tribesman threatened to chuck a spear at him while biking through a rural area.

"There’s always going to be risk, and you have to accept it," he said.

Now that he is out of Iran, Andersen said he is planning to ferry across the Caspian Sea to Kazakhstan, then head east into Uzbekistan. But from there, Andersen said he does not know where to go.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/american-cyclists-global-adventure-derailed-when-bombs-started-falling-iran

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/john-kruk-reveals-he-threatened-kill-mlb-umpire-near-end-career

Philadelphia Phillies legend John Kruk played a solid 10 years in MLB, earning three All-Star bids over that span.

But he didn’t have the best send-off with one of MLB’s longtime umpires.

Kruk revealed on Monday night during the Phillies TV broadcast that he once threatened to kill umpire Brian O’Nora during his second-to-last game in MLB.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"I just got a text message from Judson Burch," Kurk said to his partner, Tom McCarthy. "Big Phillies fan. Big umpire savant. He said Brian O’Nora has been around so long, he threw you out of a game."

Kruk, then, dipped into his memory bank and pulled out a wild story about himself on the Chicago White Sox with O’Nora.

MLB LEGEND CHIPPER JONES UNLEASHES ON 'WORST UMPIRE' AFTER CONTROVERSIAL CALLS IN CUBS-TIGERS GAME

"The game before I retired, I think I threatened to kill him," Kruk said, via Awful Announcing.

O’Nora was only in his third year of umpiring when that incident with Kruk happened in 1995.

Kruk’s words to O’Nora came from a strike out call while facing Doug Jones in the top of the ninth inning.

At the time, Kruk was slumping at the plate, so his frustrations boiled over, and he took it out on O’Nora.

The first baseman and left fielder began his career with the San Diego Padres, playing parts of four seasons with them before being dealt to the Phillies during the 1989 campaign.

Kruk spent six seasons in Philadelphia, slashing .309/.400/.461 with 62 homers, 145 doubles and 390 RBI over 744 games.

Kruk spent his final year in MLB with the Chicago White Sox, playing just 45 games and hitting .308/.399/.390 with a .789 OPS and 23 RBI.

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/john-kruk-reveals-he-threatened-kill-mlb-umpire-near-end-career

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/sparks-face-backlash-after-social-media-users-accuse-wnba-team-posting-thirst-traps

The Los Angeles Sparks came under fire on social media this week for a post that some users claimed sexualized one of the team’s players.

The Sparks' X page shared a post Tuesday afternoon teasing the team’s game against the Seattle Storm later that evening.

The post shared a graphic of rookie guard Sarah Ashlee Barker wearing what appeared to be a crop top.

"Back in front of the home crowd," the post said, adding game details.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Fans seemed unimpressed with the decision to post Barker dressed in that way.

"Where's the jersey's man," one user wrote.

"These gameday posts frying me. No unis or nothing, just thirst traps," another added.

Another user wrote, in part, "What kind of chance does women's sports have if this is OFFICIAL team communication??? Are they playing in lingerie? Then put them in the fkn jerseys on gameday."

CAMERON BRINK CALLS OUT FAN FOR ACCUSING WNBA PLAYER OF PRIORITIZING 'WALKING DOWN RED CARPETS' OVER REHAB

The Sparks have previously shared game day posts of players wearing their uniforms.

Just last week, Sparks forward Cameron Brink faced similar criticism from a fan online, accusing the former first-round pick of putting more time into "walking down red carpets and schmoozing" than rehabbing her ACL injury.

"She should’ve been back on the court now, and something tells me that if she put as much work into rehab as she puts into walking down red carpets and schmoozing, she’d be back by now," the fan wrote in a comment that Brink posted on her Instagram stories last week.

"I’m working INCREDIBLY hard every day. I would give anything to be out on the court right now. Basketball is my passion and everything to me… to say this you aren’t a real fan.

"Thank you to those who understand ACLs can take a year & giving me grace. I cannot wait until I get to play again."

Brink, 23, has been sidelined since she tore the ACL in her left knee during a June 2024 game against the Connecticut Sun. She was averaging 8.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.5 blocks a game before the injury.

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/sparks-face-backlash-after-social-media-users-accuse-wnba-team-posting-thirst-traps

https://www.foxnews.com/media/new-york-times-claims-elon-musk-continuing-lash-out-them-report-alleged-drug-use

The New York Times accused Tesla CEO Elon Musk of "lashing out" against them on Tuesday.

In May, the New York Times published a report citing "private messages" sent to them and "interviews with more than a dozen people who have known or worked with him" that alleged Musk’s drug use was "more intense" than publicly known as he campaigned with then-candidate Donald Trump in 2024.

"Mr. Musk’s drug consumption went well beyond occasional use," the NYT reported. "He told people he was taking so much ketamine, a powerful anesthetic, that it was affecting his bladder, a known effect of chronic use. He took Ecstasy and psychedelic mushrooms. And he traveled with a daily medication box that held about 20 pills, including ones with the markings of the stimulant Adderall, according to a photo of the box and people who have seen it."

NY TIMES COLUMNIST COMPARES ELON MUSK TO HISTORY’S WORST MURDERERS OVER USAID CUTS

Musk repeatedly denounced the article and called out the Times by posting the results of a recent drug test on his X account Tuesday.

The paper's communications team responded to the results, saying that Musk was "continuing to lash out" against them and stood by the story.

"Elon Musk is continuing to lash out because he doesn't like our reporting. Nothing that he's said or presented since our article about his drug use during the presidential campaign was published contradicts what we uncovered. We stand by our journalism," the NY Times Communications account wrote.

The NYT gave the same response after Musk challenged the New York Times and Wall Street Journal to release the results of their own drug tests.

"Great idea. I hereby challenge the NYT and WSJ to take drug tests and publish the results! They won’t, because those hypocrites are guilty as sin," Musk wrote.

The back-and-forth between the New York Times and Musk has been ongoing since the article was published on May 30.

One day after the story was published, Musk wrote on X that the NYT was "lying their a-- off" and insisted that he had not taken ketamine in years.

The NY Times Communications account pushed back on Musk at the time, similarly accusing Musk of "lashing out" but with "no evidence."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

"Kirsten Grind and Megan Twohey's thoroughly sourced report provides an important and fair look into Musk's drug use and family conflicts. They interviewed a dozen people who have known or worked with him, and saw private text messages, legal documents and photographic evidence," the NY Times Communications account wrote. "Elon Musk is just lashing out because he doesn't like our article. We provided Musk with multiple opportunities to reply or rebut this reporting before publication and he declined, opting instead to try to distract with a social post and no evidence."

https://www.foxnews.com/media/new-york-times-claims-elon-musk-continuing-lash-out-them-report-alleged-drug-use

https://www.foxnews.com/us/navy-recruitment-skyrockets-under-trumps-leadership-official-says

The U.S. Navy has achieved its fiscal year 2025 recruiting goal three months ahead of schedule, positioning the maritime service branch to send more than 40,000 future Sailors to basic training by the end of the summer.

"More qualified and motivated Americans than ever are stepping forward and answering the call to serve their country," Secretary of the Navy John Phelan said in a statement. "The world is more complex and contested than it has been in decades, and our ability to respond starts with our greatest asset, our people."

ARMY SURPASSES FISCAL 2025 RECRUITING GOAL 4 MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

The Navy — which reached its recruiting goal on Wednesday after contracting 40,600 future sailors — has been focused on connecting with "qualified" and "motivated" candidates across the U.S. The sea service's increase in recruits can be attributed to President Donald Trump's leadership as well as the dedication of the U.S. Navy's recruiters, according to Phelan.

"Since November, Navy recruiting has skyrocketed," he said.

TRUMP’S REVAMPED COAST GUARD SURGES WITH ‘SKYROCKETING’ RECRUITING TO SECURE MARITIME BORDERS: DHS MEMO

To raise its recruitment numbers, the Navy Recruiting Command established a Recruiting Operations Center to monitor data in real time. The maritime service branch also streamlined medical waiver reviews and improved the productivity of recruiters by identifying and removing barriers, among other efforts, according to the Navy.

While the military branch has already surpassed its recruitment goal, the Navy continues to process applicants.

"Reaching our annual goal this early is a testament to the dedication and innovation of our recruiting force," Rear Adm. Jim Waters, commander of Navy Recruiting Command, said in a statement. "It shows that when we remove barriers, accelerate processes, and meet people where they are, the right individuals answer the call."

NAVY TORPEDOES BIDEN-ERA CLIMATE AGENDA TO FOCUS ON LETHALITY

In 2024, the Navy surpassed its recruiting goal of 40,600 by 378 recruits, marking its largest recruiting class in more than two decades, according to the U.S. Navy.

The Navy’s recruiting success this year follows a similar announcement earlier this month from the U.S. Army, in which the branch announced it had surpassed its fiscal year 2025 recruiting goals four months ahead of schedule. The Army signed contracts with more than 61,000 future soldiers, a more than 10% increase from the 55,000 recruits targeted in fiscal year 2024.

Last month, the U.S. Coast Guard also reported a surge in recruitment numbers. In FY 2025, the Coast Guard has recruited more than 4,700 new members, which is 1,200 more than it had at the same time last year.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/navy-recruitment-skyrockets-under-trumps-leadership-official-says

The U.S. Navy did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/police-cite-browns-rookie-shedeur-sanders-driving-over-speed-limit-ohio-records-show

A police officer cited Cleveland Browns rookie Shedeur Sanders for speeding early Tuesday morning, according to police records obtained by ESPN.

Records say the 23-year-old quarterback's vehicle reached speeds of 101 mph.

A Strongsville (Ohio) Police Department officer made the traffic stop after midnight Tuesday.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Dodge TRX truck Sanders was driving was in a 60 mph zone when it was stopped. According to FOX 8, Sanders was traveling northbound Interstate 71 near Cleveland at the time.

FORMER FALCONS STAR TIM GREEN 'PROUD' OF SHEDEUR SANDERS' POSITIVITY AFTER HIS NFL DRAFT FREE FALL

Police did not immediately release additional incident details.

Sanders now has two options. The Browns rookie can pay a fine for what is classified a fourth-degree misdemeanor, or he can contest the ticket during a scheduled court appearance in early July.

The 2025 NFL Draft brought its fair share of surprises. But Sanders' free fall down draft boards was the most surprising development.

The former Colorado standout entered April's draft with many projecting him as a first-round selection. It took until the fifth round for the young signal-caller to hear his name called.

Shortly after the Browns selected him, Sanders took to social media to share a short but emotional message, "Thank you GOD."

Sanders, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, is one of several quarterbacks competing for the Browns' starting role.

While Joe Flacco brings the most experience in the group, Kenny Pickett has also started games in the NFL. Dillon Gabriel and Sanders were both part of the Browns' 2025 draft class. Deshuan Watson vowed to return "better than ever" after reinjuring his Achilles tendon in January, but it remains to be seen whether he will take snaps in 2025.

The crowded quarterback room relegated Sanders to taking snaps with the second team for the start of Browns mandatory minicamp.

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/police-cite-browns-rookie-shedeur-sanders-driving-over-speed-limit-ohio-records-show

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/jd-vance-account-suspended-quickly-restored-liberal-x-competitor

Vice President JD Vance was briefly suspended Wednesday evening by liberal X competitor Bluesky within the first hour of the country’s No. 2 leader joining the platform. The account has since been reinstated.

"We welcome the Vice President to the conversation on Bluesky," the company told Fox News Digital in an email response, noting, "There have been many past attempts to impersonate Vice President JD Vance on Bluesky as he is a public figure, and the jd-vance-1.bsky.social account was flagged as part of that pattern by our automated systems, and temporarily suspended."

"The account was quickly reinstated within 20 minutes of the suspension, and we've also added a verified badge to help users confirm the authenticity of the profile," the statement added.

Bluesky, a social media platform with a similar layout to X, has become a haven for many liberals fleeing X after Elon Musk bought the platform and began making changes. Despite its reputation as a liberal stronghold, Vance set up a profile on Bluesky Wednesday, making his first post at 4:50 p.m.

In the vice president’s first post he said: "Hello Bluesky, I've been told this app has become the place to go for common sense political discussion and analysis. So I'm thrilled to be here to engage with all of you."

MARK CUBAN SAYS LIBERAL ALTERNATIVE TO X HAS BECOME 'HATEFUL' DUE TO LEFTIST GROUPTHINK

Within the post, he embedded a screenshot of Supreme Court Associate Justice Clarence Thomas’ concurring opinion issued today in United States v. Skrmetti, which upheld a Tennessee law banning sex change surgeries on minors.

Thomas’ concurrence listed off several problems he found with those challenging Tennessee’s law, which included "there is no medical consensus on how best to treat gender dysphoria in children" and "leading voices in this area have relied on questionable evidence, and have allowed ideology to influence their medical guidance."

In his second and third posts, Vance said: "To that end, I found Justice Thomas's concurrence on medical care for transgender youth quite illuminating. He argues that many of our so-called ‘experts’ have used bad arguments and substandard science to push experimental therapies on our youth," and "I might add that many of those scientists are receiving substantial resources from big pharma to push these medicines on kids. What do you think?"

In response, Bluesky quickly suspended Vance’s account. However, it was shortly reinstated after a brief period.

CONSERVATIVE SATIRE OUTLET CENSORED BY ELON MUSK-RIVAL BLUESKY: 'CHILLING REMINDER'

This prompted a firestorm of mockery from conservatives on X, who said the suspension evidenced the need for a free speech platform.

"Bluesky banned VP JD Vance 20 minutes after he joined the platform … The libs at Bluesky are so triggered," commented popular conservative account Libs of TikTok.

"OMG they banned him already," chimed in political commentator Eric Daugherty.

SUCCEEDING TRUMP: 6 REPUBLICAN POTENTIAL PRESIDENTIAL HOPEFULS TO KEEP YOUR EYES ON IN 2028

The suspension even garnered condemnation from Vance critics. Liberal reporter Billy Binion commented, "I can’t stand JD Vance. But suspending the sitting vice president is exactly why Bluesky is unserious & doomed to fail."

"If you claim to care about real debate, you can’t wall yourself off from everyone outside the progressive bubble—esp[icially] someone who might be president one day," wrote Binion.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/jd-vance-account-suspended-quickly-restored-liberal-x-competitor

https://www.foxnews.com/media/house-speaker-johnson-tours-ice-facility-says-chicago-mayor-on-wrong-side-law

House Speaker Mike Johnson called out Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for opposing federal immigration enforcement, saying he was "on the wrong side of the law."

"I tell you what, they have a very difficult job in this deep blue territory with a mayor on the wrong side of the law," the Speaker said Wednesday on Fox News’ "America's Newsroom" with Bill Hemmer and guest co-host Gillian Turner.

"They are doing everything they can, a patriotic duty," Speaker Johnson said, referring to his visit to a Chicago Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility. "They are understaffed, overwhelmed with the workload trying to go after the dangerous criminal illegal aliens in the country, harming American citizens. The mayor of Chicago thinks it’s an ill-conceived mission, that’s madness."

CHICAGO MAYOR CALLS ICE RAIDS ‘TERRORISM,’ SAYS TRUMP’S AMERICA APPEARS AS 'IF THE CONFEDERACY WON'

Both Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson have spoken out against Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.

"We do know ICE is coming once again in force to cities across the country, so we expect to see them in Chicago," Pritzker said Thursday. "I don’t know exactly how big the force will be, but I do know he has used other law enforcement along with ICE to carry out his ill-conceived mission to go after people who frankly are paying taxes, and they’re law-abiding, and they’ve been here for many, many years."

Mayor Johnson said Monday that Trump should not deploy federal troops to enforce federal immigration priorities.

"We will continue to resist," he said. "Whether it’s in the courts, in the streets, or through public policy, we’re going to stand up for working people."

CHICAGO MAYOR FIRES BACK AT BORDER CZAR’S ‘REPREHENSIBLE’ THREATS TO PROSECUTE HIM OVER ICE RAIDS

The City of Chicago has allowed in over 51,000 illegal immigrants from the southern border since August 31, 2022.

Speaker Johnson addressed Trump’s "big, beautiful bill" — a measure to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and provide new funding for the border and defense — which passed the House on May 22 and is now in the Senate.

"We're working on the one big beautiful bill to allow them the resources that are desperately needed," he said.

"I mean, they are doing the job. The border is secured. We are locked down. We're not allowing illegals into the country anymore. But the enforcement and removal of the dangerous people who got here is an essential task for our ICE agents and officers to take care of. They need more personnel, they need more facilities. We're here to see it," the Speaker added.

He also said that the legislation will give annual $10,000 bonuses over the next four years to ICE and Border Patrol agents "for the people on the front lines," echoing a statement from the White House.

https://www.foxnews.com/media/house-speaker-johnson-tours-ice-facility-says-chicago-mayor-on-wrong-side-law

https://www.foxnews.com/us/federal-judge-orders-gps-monitoring-ex-coast-guard-officer-who-allegedly-threatened-assassinate-trump

A federal judge ordered former U.S. Coast Guard lieutenant Peter Stinson to home detention with GPS monitoring during a hearing on accusations that he made numerous threats against President Donald Trump on social media over the past five years.

The 63-year-old Virginia resident served as an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1988 to 2021, during which time he became a sharpshooter and served as a FEMA instructor.

Judge Ivan Davis on Wednesday said he did not believe, under the conditions he laid out, that Stinson’s release to home detention posed a threat to the community.

Stinson, who wore a green prison jumpsuit to the hearing, was seen speaking with his attorneys during the proceeding.

FBI DIRECTOR PATEL SAYS MAN WHO THREATENED TRUMP USED SAME MESSAGE AS COMEY'S 'DESTRUCTIVE' INSTAGRAM POST

Prosecutors from the U.S. Department of Justice alleged that Stinson made multiple threats against Trump on various social media platforms, including X, Reddit and Bluesky.

Stinson’s public defender, however, pointed out that Stinson said things like, "Someone should take the shot…he said I can’t shoot but I can drive. I’d take the shot, but I’m a lousy shot, so it would be a waste."

Prosecutors countered the argument by saying Stinson lied about his skills, noting that he received expert marksman ribbons while in the service.

GEORGIA MAN INDICTED FOR MAKING ALLEGED THREATS AGAINST SENATORS CRUZ, FISCHER IN DISTURBING VOICEMAILS

Stinson’s public defender also argued that the statute in question is specific in relation to threatening language, and that political hyperbole is protected speech under the First Amendment.

Judge Davis appeared to agree with the public defender as prosecutors were having a tough time meeting the burden of establishing probable cause. He ultimately gave prosecutors until next Wednesday to file additional written briefs on the matter.

In an affidavit filed on Friday, a task force officer from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) revealed details about the myriads of online threats that Stinson allegedly made.

In one instance, Stinson reportedly wrote that Trump needed to be "[L]uigied," on May 9. The post was a reference to Luigi Mangione, who is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson last year.

FORMER COAST GUARD OFFICER ARRESTED AFTER ALLEGEDLY THREATENING TO ASSASSINATE TRUMP: FBI

Stinson allegedly made graphic threats against Trump involving guns, poisoning and even knives on multiple social media platforms.

Stinson also allegedly referenced "not having the necessary skills," to successfully complete an assassination, but also eerily suggested that he was not being entirely truthful.

The document also alleges that Stinson made several references to 8647, which government officials say "is likely in reference to an Instagram post made by former FBI Director James Comey."

According to the affidavit, Stinson "self-identified as a member of ANTIFA."

On Feb. 2, Stinson allegedly posted on his X account, "Sure. This is war. Sides will be drawn. Antifa always wins in the end. Violence is inherently necessary."

The most recent post referenced in the document was published on BlueSky on June 11, when Stinson allegedly wrote, "When he dies, the party is going to be yuge."

Fox News Digital’s Andrea Margolis contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/federal-judge-orders-gps-monitoring-ex-coast-guard-officer-who-allegedly-threatened-assassinate-trump

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/trump-confronts-juventus-soccer-team-about-men-playing-womens-sports-white-house

President Donald Trump host the popular Italian soccer club Juventus FC at the White House on Wednesday, as the team is in the U.S. for the Club World Cup.

During the visit, as the players stood behind Trump's desk in the Oval Office, Trump broached the subject of transgender athletes in women's sports during a lengthy rant about former President Joe Biden.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"He was never for open border, and you'd think, he was never for transgender for everybody, or men playing in women's sports," Trump said.

The president then turned around to face the Juventus players and posed a question.

"Could a woman make your team, fellas?" he asked.

The players all exchanged glances, but none gave an answer.

The president then turned to face the team's general manager Damien Comolli and pose the same question.

"We have a very good women’s team," Comolli said.

But Trump pressed Comolli, repeating the question, "But they should be playing with women?"

Comolli did not offer an answer that time.

"See, they're very diplomatic," Trump mocked.

HOW TRANSGENDERISM IN SPORTS SHIFTED THE 2024 ELECTION AND IGNITED A NATIONAL COUNTERCULTURE

Trump has made combating trans athletes in women's and girls sports a key pillar of his second administration's agenda.

Trump signed the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order on Feb. 5 after campaigning heavily on the issue in 2024. The order prompted the NCAA to change its gender eligibility policy to only permit biological females to compete in the women's category.

However, Trump's executive order has been met with staunch resistance by Democratic state leaders across the country.

Trump's administration is already engaged in a lawsuit against Maine, and has been sued by Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison over the issue as well. Federal Title IX investigations have also been opened into California and Massachusetts' high school sports leagues.

A New York Times/Ipsos survey found the vast majority of Americans, including a majority of Democrats, don't think transgender athletes should be permitted to compete in women's sports.

Of the 2,128 people who participated, 79% said biological males who identify as women should not be allowed to participate in women's sports. Of the 1,025 people who identified as Democrats or leaning Democrat, 67% said transgender athletes should not be allowed to compete with women. Among 1,022 Republicans, that number was 94%.

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

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/trump-confronts-juventus-soccer-team-about-men-playing-womens-sports-white-house

https://www.foxnews.com/media/seth-meyers-explains-why-his-late-night-show-has-weaned-ourselves-off-politicians

Liberal NBC "Late Night" host Seth Meyers offered a theory on Wednesday about why the era of politicians being interviewed on talk shows is coming to an end.

The digital landscape has rapidly changed in the era of social media, and both politicians and media personalities have taken notice. Some have referred to the 2024 election as the "podcast election," arguing that podcaster Joe Rogan and others like him turned the tide for President Donald Trump by having him on their shows.

Meyers famously roasted Trump for his political ambitions at a White House correspondents' dinner in 2011, a few short years before he went on to win the presidency. Now in the second Trump term, 14 years later, Meyers spoke to Variety magazine about how the media landscape has changed.

After the interviewer noted the trend of politicians appearing on comedians' podcasts, Meyers agreed they have turned out to be a far better platform for them than television interviews ever were.

SETH MEYERS SKIPS ASKING GEORGE CLOONEY ABOUT BIDEN'S MENTAL DECLINE, NOT RECOGNIZING HIM AT FUNDRAISER

"We’ve kind of weaned ourselves off politicians as guests to begin with, because we have more fun talking about politics than talking to politicians," Meyers said of his show which hosted then-President Joe Biden in February 2024 and then-Vice President Kamala Harris in October 2022.

"I actually think there’s more value in a politician going on a podcast and not feeling the rush to just hit talking points, which sometimes they might have on a show like mine," he added. "I think it’s good for the politicians and good for the voters for them to go someplace where there’s more time and less of a race to hit whatever their PR team has come up with."

While Meyers argued that podcasts don’t necessarily infringe on the type of comedy he does, he noted that they do have one key advantage.

"If there’s anything that podcasts have affected, it’s that you realize that when you’re talking to somebody for eight minutes, it’s very unlikely you’re going to get deeper than a podcast host does with them over the course of an hour and a half," he said. He contrasted this with television interviews, where "You want to move quickly and be funny, because it has to be a different thing than a long-form podcast interview."

BIDEN SHRUGS OFF AGE CONCERNS DURING FRIENDLY SETH MEYERS CHAT: 'IT'S ABOUT HOW OLD YOUR IDEAS ARE'

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

The interviewer noted a prediction from veteran talk show host Jimmy Kimmel that there might not be late-night hosts in 10 years, and Meyers said it may indeed turn out to be true.

"Unless some major sea change happens, I don’t think there’s going to be a whole new wave of network hosts, in the way there always has been," Meyers said. "Nobody understands this business and this format better than Jimmy Kimmel, so when he talks about it, I tend to share his opinion."

He added further that podcasts continue to be as big as ever, because people are simply going to adapt to the best technological format that carries their message.

https://www.foxnews.com/media/seth-meyers-explains-why-his-late-night-show-has-weaned-ourselves-off-politicians

"Interesting voices are always going to use the technologies they have at hand to find an audience. So, if you’re a great lover of the institution of late-night talk shows, there’s probably some sadness in your future," he said. "But if you love funny people telling funny jokes and talking to people in interesting ways, that’s always going to be available."

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/heidi-klum-flaunts-physique-bikini-top-during-billboard-unveiling

Heidi Klum is embracing her right to bare all.

The 52-year-old supermodel attended the unveiling of her new billboard in partnership with Italian beachwear company Calzedonia in Cologne, Germany.

At the unveiling ceremony, the model turned heads as she posed for photos in a blue Calzedonia bikini top, which showed off her toned abs. She paired the look with a pair of jeans, a jean jacket she wore off the shoulders and a pair of sunglasses.

Klum shared a video on her Instagram account of a German news station covering the event, jokingly writing in the caption, "Have you seen me yet? I'd like to have a bigger picture."

HEIDI KLUM'S DAUGHTER FIRES BACK AT CRITICS OF RACY LINGERIE ADS WITH HER MOM

In one of the photos, Klum is spray-painting part of the billboard while up on a crane. In others, she's standing in front of the billboard and happily pointing up to it.

Her partnership with the Italian company was announced in early June, the day after her 52nd birthday. The "America's Got Talent" judge made the announcement on Instagram, posting a video featuring her in various Calzedonia swimsuits.

"For your perfect summer with @Calzedonia ❤," she captioned the post.

She is not one to shy away from posing in barely-there clothing. She shared a video of herself lying topless on the beach while on vacation with her husband, Tom Kaulitz. The two were celebrating their fifth wedding anniversary.

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When speaking with Fox News Digital in August 2024 about her decision to go topless during her vacation, Klum said, "Fo me, this is no big deal."

"Even though I am American, I'm also very much European," Klum explained. "I grew up … with a lot of nudity … on the beach. … For me, this is no big deal.

"It's not like I'm doing something that's like, ‘Oh this is so out of line,'" she added. "And I always go to a beach when there's not a lot of people there, so I feel like I'm not hurting anyone's feelings when they're watching me. Usually there's no one in sight."

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While promoting her partnership with the clothing brand in Germany, Klum will also be filming the finale of "Germany's Next Top Model," which she has been hosting since the show's debut in 2006.

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/heidi-klum-flaunts-physique-bikini-top-during-billboard-unveiling

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/911-call-from-scott-wolfs-home-sheds-light-family-drama-before-estranged-wifes-detainment

A 911 call was made by a distressed unknown caller from Scott and Kelley Wolf's home in Park City, Utah on Friday, June 13.

Fox News Digital obtained dispatch audio from the "Party of Five" star's home, as an unknown caller, whose name was redacted, reported to police that there was a family fight.

"Second time today I've called the police on my brother-in-law. I'm going through a very bitter divorce battle with my now hopefully ex-husband, who's currently filming a movie in Los Angeles and his brother is here… meant to be helping with our children… and I do not feel safe with him in the house," the unknown caller is heard saying in the 911 audio released by the Summit County Sheriff's Office.

'PARTY OF FIVE' STAR SCOTT WOLF'S ESTRANGED WIFE TAKEN TO HOSPITAL BY POLICE, ACCUSES ACTOR OF ABUSE IN VIDEO

The caller told Utah police that she was being abused and claimed individuals blocked the doorway to prevent her from entering the home.

When the police asked if any of the individuals had access to any alcohol or drugs, the caller replied, "I don't think so. I mean what time is it? 3 o'clock? I've been sick trying to go to sleep."

"My brother-in-law has been removed for trespassing a few days ago," the unknown caller said in the 911 call. Police have not confirmed who they were referring to on the call.

Reps for Scott did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

On the same day as the 911 call, which was just days after the former couple announced their divorce, Kelley was detained by police in Utah County and taken to the hospital.

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The incident, which the Utah County Sheriff's Department confirmed to Fox News Digital, was captured in a video that was shared on Kelley's Instagram page Friday. In the clip, which featured a black screen with audio only until the final few seconds, Kelley was heard speaking to police officers who were detaining her. She also accused Scott of "abusing" her.

"You had every opportunity to be reasonable," an officer told her at the beginning of the video.

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"Don’t. Don’t. Oh, my God, this is not happening," Kelley could be heard saying.

"Fine. I’ll go. I’ll go on my own, please. I’ll go on my own. Wow," she told the officers. "This is shameful, gentlemen, look at this. Look at this woman. This is shameful. Be ashamed. Be ashamed of yourselves, gentlemen."

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One officer was heard telling Kelley that she was "not going to jail" and that they were "going to get you some help."

"I know what I’m doing. I’ve done this," the "Real World: New Orleans" alum responded. "This is my job. Shame on all of you,"

"You made some comments to your dad, some comments to people that are concerning," an officer told her. "We want to make sure you are OK."

"I think this is shameful, and Scott Wolf has been abusing me, and now you’re abusing me more," she claimed in the video.

"We haven’t talked to Scott Wolf," an officer said.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a representative for the Utah County Sheriff's Department said, "Deputies responded to the Sundance Resort for a report of a female that needed some help. Upon speaking with the female, our Deputies learned that she had made concerning comments to a family member, and she also made similar comments to our Deputies. For that reason, our Deputies transported the female to a local hospital."

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/911-call-from-scott-wolfs-home-sheds-light-family-drama-before-estranged-wifes-detainment

On June 10, Kelley, who is a life coach and author, announced that she and Scott were splitting after 21 years of marriage.

The "Everwood" alum and Kelley met on a blind date in 2002 and married in May 2004. The former couple share sons Jackson, 16, and Miller, 12, and daughter Lucy, 11.

Fox News Digital's Ashley Hume contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jj-spaun-jokes-he-owes-viktor-hovland-nice-bottle-wine-help-us-open-winning-putt

J.J. Spaun is not afraid to admit that he got a little bit of help on his walk-off U.S. Open-winning putt.

Paired up with Viktor Hovland in the final round, Spaun and Hovland landed their approach shots on the par-five 18th within inches of one another.

At that point, Hovland was pretty much out of the race, but Spaun needed two putts to win his first major.

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Hovland was away and narrowly missed his putt. Spaun had practically an identical line, and he drained it from 64 feet out.

Sure, Spaun's likelihood of winning the tournament on that green was relatively high, and maybe he didn't need Hovland's help at all. But Spaun admitted his plans to give some payback to Hovland.

"I’ve gotta give him a nice bottle of wine or something, whatever he wants," Spaun told "The Dan Patrick Show."

"That was a nice teach, and I think that is just one of the things that has to go your way to win not only a championship but a major championship, and I’m just happy to have capitalized on that little advantage."

Spaun shot 66-72-69-72 to finish his week as the only player under par at Oakmont.

XANDER SCHAUFFELE DEFENDS 'FAIR' US OPEN CONDITIONS AT OAKMONT: 'EVERYONE HAD TO PLAY THE SAME COURSE'

Oakmont was as advertised this week, with some of the game’s best like Rory McIlroy, Shane Lowry and more, struggling to find answers for its tough greens, thick roughs, and the pouring rain that came down on Sunday certainly didn’t help matters for those vying for the championship.

Golf’s toughest test this year, though, was tamed by Spaun on Thursday when he left as the field’s leader after 18 holes, shooting a 4-under 66. He returned on Friday and didn’t see the same results, going 2-over, but he certainly wasn’t out of it.

After posting a 1-under on Saturday, Spaun knew he was in position to make a run at his first-ever major, but Sunday’s start wasn’t at all what he had in mind.

Spaun had five bogeys in his first six holes, as he started to tumble down the leaderboard. In the past, Spaun has said he would be discouraged with this type of performance, but as he was righting his Sunday ship, a weather delay put a halt on play.

When he returned to the course, a different Spaun emerged. The back nine was truly his, shooting par on the first two holes before birdying Hole 12 and then Hole 14 to get his round to 3-over on the day.

At this point, multiple players were in the hunt, separated by a shot, if not tied on the leaderboard. Spaun gave one back with a bogey on 15, but he was money on Hole 17 and 18 with back-to-back birdies to seal the win.

While his putt on 18 was nothing short of incredible, Spaun’s drive on 17 landed perfectly short of the green, and it rolled up for a chance at eagle. While he missed that putt, he would bury his next one just over three feet with a chance to win on 18.

Spaun also completed his Father's Day with his daughters Emerson and Violet, as well as wife Melody, with a celebration at the 18th green.

Fox News' Scott Thompson contributed to this report.

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/jj-spaun-jokes-he-owes-viktor-hovland-nice-bottle-wine-help-us-open-winning-putt

https://www.foxnews.com/world/how-bunker-buster-bombs-work-how-could-destroy-irans-fordow-nuclear-site

As Israel’s battle to take out Iran’s nuclear capabilities continues, Iran’s most heavily-protected nuclear facility at Fordow, two hours from Tehran, remains intact.

Many military analysts believe that a two-ton precision bunker buster developed by and in sole possession of the U.S. is the only means of eliminating the Fordow site, which some claim may be capable of producing a nuclear warhead in as little as two to three days.

Jonathan Ruhe, Director of Foreign Policy for JINSA, spoke with Fox News Digital about bunker-busters, and how Israel or the U.S. might use them to eliminate the Fordow nuclear threat.

IN IRAN’S ‘FOREVER WAR’ AGAINST THE US, REGIME HAS TARGETED, KILLED AMERICANS WORLDWIDE

Ruhe said bunker busters are munitions designed to use the force of gravity to "penetrate through any mixture of earth, rock, and concrete before the bomb itself then explodes" underground. The explosion may either take out the target fully, or "collapse the structure" around the target "without necessarily obliterating it," he explained.

Bunker busters come in multiple weight classes. Israel possesses 2,000- and 5,000-pound varieties. Only the U.S. possesses the 30,000-pound GBU-57 A/B Massive Ordinance Penetrator (MOP).

Developed under President George W. Bush, Ruhe says the MOP was "designed specifically" for targets like Fordow, where nuclear sites or command and control bunkers are hidden far underground.

Ruhe said that the number of munitions required to target Fordow depends on the depth of the facility. The Foundation for Defense of Democracies states that Fordow’s facility is between 60 and 90 meters (196 to 295 feet) below ground. The Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Rafael Grossi told The Financial Times last week that the facility reaches 800 meters underground.

Ruhe said Grossi, who has been to the Fordow facility, may have been "trying to message, ‘hey, military action is not the solution here.’"

TRUMP SAYS HE MAY OR MAY NOT STRIKE IRAN: ‘I’VE HAD IT’

The MOP is said to have a penetration depth of 200 feet. Ruhe said that given Fordow’s distance underground and the difficulty of penetrating the rocky mountainside the site is dug into, the U.S. would likely use a technique called burrowing, in which a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber would "drop several MOPs in succession, one after the other."

Fordow poses a unique target. Ruhe said that pilots have to take into account the facility’s multiple, narrow exit tunnels, and achieve the right angle of impact to penetrate the ground.

Though Israeli air dominance over Iran has eliminated the need for stealth air assets, Ruhe believes the stealth B-2 would be the only tool adequate for delivering the MOPs. Ruhe said timing constraints make the use of B-52 bombers "not relevant."

Additionally, Ruhe explained that talk of loaning B-2 bombers to the Israeli Air Force is "a dangerous distraction." Not only is there "0.0% chance" that the U.S. would give out this strategic capability, but Ruhe says training Israeli pilots to fly the B-2 would take several months.

Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Fox News Digital that "destroying [Fordow] from the air is a job only the U.S. can do."

IRAN WARNS US JOINING CONFLICT WOULD MEAN ‘ALL-OUT WAR,’ REFUSES DEMANDS TO GIVE UP DISPUTED NUCLEAR PROGRAM

Given that Israel is "very tactically inventive" and "very good at maximizing the capabilities they do have," Ruhe says that Israel could achieve its goals at Fordow without the MOP.

Not only did Ruhe offer the unlikely but not impossible scenario where Israel might "storm the site in a commando raid," but he said that Israel could use F-15s, escorted by F-35s, to deliver multiple 5,000-pound bunker busters over Fordow, utilizing the same burrowing tactic the U.S. would likely employ.

Such a strike, he admitted, would "achieve a more limited definition of success" than the MOP could.

The U.S. and Israel are likely to have different goals in targeting Fordow, Ruhe said. "Americans tend to think of obliterating targets," Ruhe said, whereas Israel would "probably be fine with saying they knocked back the operations there by a year or so."

Ruhe estimates that the bunker busters may not completely destroy the facility, but that it may be considered a success if it were to knock out the power source to Iranian centrifuges, or making "the air too polluted" for centrifuges to operate.

Israel has "successfully knocked out the other parts of Iran’s fuel cycle" in Natanz and Isfahan, Ruhe said. "If you want to prevent a nuclear Iran, Fordow is a big part of that," Ruhe said. "But it’s only just a part of what still needs to be done and thought about."

Fox News' Caitlin McFall contributed to this article.

https://www.foxnews.com/world/how-bunker-buster-bombs-work-how-could-destroy-irans-fordow-nuclear-site

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/reo-speedwagons-singer-crashes-car-after-falling-asleep-wheel

REO Speedwagon singer Terry Luttrell was in a car crash on Sunday morning following a reunion concert in Champaign, Illinois, state police confirmed to Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

The 78-year-old told The News-Gazette in Champaign that he fell asleep at the wheel and suffered a cracked sternum from his car's airbag when he crashed on Interstate 57.

"I was able to get up and get out of the car," Luttrell told the newspaper by phone from his hospital room, adding that he expected he would be hospitalized for a few more days doing rehabilitation. "The airbag went off and cracked my sternum a little bit. I have a little back pain and neck pain. It’s nothing that can’t be overcome."

REO SPEEDWAGON TO QUIT TOURING OVER ‘COMPLEX SITUATION’

Luttrell told the newspaper that he had stayed at the concert's after party until 2 a.m. signing autographs, and hadn't slept much when he headed out for St. Louis on business.

"It was just sign-sign-sign," he said. "I had people with Starcastle albums and REO albums. People were really friendly. You’ve got to [do it]."

DEF LEPPARD DRUMMER RICK ALLEN ADMITS HE'S 'STRUGGLING' TWO YEARS AFTER RANDOM ATTACK THAT LEFT HIM INJURED

The singer and Champaign native said that while he felt a "little bit sleepy" after only a few hours of shuteye, he didn't think it would be a problem.

"It just happened," he said. "I nodded off. I rolled the car over, and I woke up, and I was in a cocoon (the airbags). Unfortunately, it totaled the car."

He added that some of his nurses were even at the concert.

And despite his injuries, Luttrell said he's happy he performed at the farewell concert, which he said was "was a good show all the way around."

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"You never know what it’s going to be like," he added. "Everybody (in the band) was excited. It was just a fun evening. It was exactly what we thought it was going to be. It was a one-off concert that will never happen again."

Late last year, the band said they planned to stop touring as of January because of "irreconcilable differences."

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Luttrell joined the band soon after it formed in Champaign at the University of Illinois in 1967 and left in 1972 after serving as frontman for their first album. He was replaced by Kevin Cronin. He returned to front the band for one time on Saturday night.

"I just heard about Terry Lutrell’s car accident ... I wish him the best on a speedy recovery," Cronin told Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

"To say that you were there was a pretty big thing," Luttrell added.

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/reo-speedwagons-singer-crashes-car-after-falling-asleep-wheel

Fox News Digital has reached out to REO Speedwagon for comment.

Fox News Digital's Stephanie Giang contributed to this report

https://www.foxnews.com/us/how-keffiyeh-keynote-triggered-boos-jews-my-ucla-graduation

The purpose of seeking a humanities education is to learn the great texts and ideas that have stirred the soul of civilization since antiquity. It is a discipline that teaches reverence for nuance, a chastened appreciation of history, and intellectual humility. But you wouldn’t know that from the keynote speech at UCLA’s recent Humanities commencement ceremonies.

Caribbean Fragoza took to the podium donning a keffiyeh, declaring "From the river to the sea" (a slogan widely recognized as a call for the eradication of Israel and the Jews within it) and delivering a lesson in solipsism and sophistry. This hateful message emboldened the audience to boo when graduates in Jewish Studies and Hebrew were called to the stage.

ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS TORCH DIPLOMAS OUTSIDE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ON GRADUATION DAY

Fragoza’s speech was laced not with intellectual nuance, but with the rhetorical certitudes of the picket line. She introduced the issue of Palestine, without irony, by recalling an episode in which she explained a watermelon-themed art project to her five-year-old with the words "Free Palestine." She submitted the child’s understanding of the issue as proof of its moral simplicity. But what she actually revealed was that the epistemology of a kindergartner animates her schema.

The graduating class, supposedly trained in reasoned disagreement, great ideas, and the study of virtue ethics, responded with eruptive applause. The same crowd that spent their college years hosting illegal encampments centered around the idea that "anti-Zionism" isn’t antisemitism, booed Jewish and Hebrew studies when the departments were called after hearing the words "Free Palestine."

Fragoza signposted her hateful message well before taking the podium. The keffiyeh she wore is not some neutral garment, or some multicultural kumbaya accessory. Following the massacre of Oct. 7, 2023, it has become a political symbol—one inseparable from Arab nationalism -- that grew in popularity after the 1936–39 Arab Revolt. Yet, when Fragoza arrived draped in a keffiyeh, no dean or faculty member stopped to ask whether graduation was the time for political costume.

The speech itself was rife with hatred and hyperbole. Jews know too well that the chant "From the river to the sea" is not a poetic abstraction but a blunt instrument of maximalist ambition, calling for the elimination of the world’s only Jewish state.

When Fragoza sought to subtly liken Donald Trump to a fascist, no administrator wondered whether such commentary, directed at a graduating class that likely includes many Trump supporters, was divisive or inflammatory.

And when she declared that "brown" students, regardless of immigration status, could expect to be rounded up and deported at the state’s discretion, no professor flagged it as the straw-man fallacy it so clearly was. Instead, political hyperbole became the university’s parting message to its students.

The animating metaphor of Fragoza’s speech was fire. She invoked the Rodney King riots not as a tragedy, not even as a cautionary tale, but as a righteous blaze. She affectionately recalled the looting of "free TVs" as though they were trophies of justice.

It's becoming commonplace: Families that travel great distances to honor their loved ones are often subjected to such political theater. Gone are the days of Mary Schmich’s "Wear Sunscreen" speech, when graduation speeches were meant to celebrate or inspire. The UCLA students received a sendoff soaked in paranoia and propaganda. For Jewish students, including some who did not know whether their loved ones in Israel had survived Iran’s recent missile barrage targeting civilians, it was all too raw.

That such rhetoric passed without objection is not merely a failure of decorum. It is an indictment of the academy itself. Nor was this an isolated incident. At UCLA’s many graduation ceremonies this weekend, it was the norm.

When student leaders read the School of Public Health's oath, students in the crowd chanted "except in Palestine" in call-and-response, without reprimand. According to an official club in the School of Public Health’s social media, a bulletin was passed out to graduating students declaring "ACAB," the acronym for "All Cops Are Bastards," "All I.C.E. melts eventually," and "THE STRUGGLE FOR PALESTINAN LIBERATION IS ANTIRACISM WORK."

https://www.foxnews.com/us/how-keffiyeh-keynote-triggered-boos-jews-my-ucla-graduation

At UCLA's Labor Studies ceremony, a speaker declared the illegal encampments that roiled campus last year to be a highlight of his academic career and accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. At the World Arts and Cultures graduation, the student speaker wore a keffiyeh, similarly accused Israel of genocide, and claimed to have failed out of her original major, earning applause, not concern.

In each of these instances, the speeches were either approved by UCLA administrators or abetted by those who refused to step in when speakers went off-script.

The descent of UCLA’s commencements into ideological theater is not just an embarrassment. It is a wake-up call. If the academy is to be redeemed, it will require students, faculty, alumni, and citizens to insist once again that education be an act of elevation, not indoctrination. The integrity of the humanities, and the humanity they claim to serve, depends on it.

https://www.foxnews.com/media/supreme-court-ruling-trans-treatments-minors-decried-media-huge-setback-transgender-rights

The legacy media was united in its disapproval of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling upholding Tennessee's ban on transgender medical treatment for minors.

In a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down a challenge to a Tennessee law restricting access to puberty blockers and hormone treatment to children who identify as the opposite sex.

Several news organizations framed the ruling negatively and implied it was a "setback for transgender rights" for all ages, despite the decision affecting only minors. The result was also described as a "major blow," a "devastating loss," and a "stunning setback."

SCOTUS RULES ON STATE BAN ON GENDER TRANSITION ‘TREATMENTS’ FOR MINORS IN LANDMARK CASE

"BREAKING: The Supreme Court upholds a Tennessee ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors in a huge setback for transgender rights," the Associated Press reported on X Wednesday.

"BREAKING: Supreme Court upholds a Tennessee law restricting gender transition care for minors, delivering a major blow to transgender rights," NBC News similarly posted.

"The US Supreme Court backed a Republican-backed ban in Tennessee on gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, in a setback for transgender rights that could bolster efforts by states to defend other measures targeting transgender people," Reuters wrote.

"The Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, a stunning setback to transgender rights," The Boston Globe also posted.

While the Tennessee law was passed in 2023 and Supreme Court oral arguments were heard in December, some news outlets tied the ruling negatively to President Donald Trump's policies.

Newsweek warned in its headline that the ruling was a "major setback for transgender rights," telling readers the decision "effectively protects from legal challenges many efforts by President Donald Trump's Republican administration and state governments to roll back protections for transgender people."

The Washington Post described the 6-3 ruling as a "divided Supreme Court" and called the broader trans debate "a polarizing national issue the Trump administration has seized on in initiatives targeting transgender rights." NPR said the decision "plunged the Supreme Court into yet another culture war feud."

SCHUMER RIPS SUPREME COURT DECISION UPHOLDING STATE BAN ON TRANSGENDER TREATMENT FOR MINORS: ‘AWFUL’

The New York Times attempted to equate the ruling on trans-identifying minors to the Supreme Court's 2020 decision giving gay and transgender adults civil rights protections from employers under Title VII.

"The decision, which came amid the Trump administration’s fierce assaults on transgender rights, was a bitter setback for their proponents, who only five years ago celebrated a decision by the court to protect transgender people from workplace discrimination," the Times wrote.

CNN went even further, decrying the ruling coming at a "critical time" for the transgender community.

"The 6-3 decision by a conservative majority is a major blow to the transgender community and its advocates at a critical time," CNN wrote. "Since 2020, Republican-led states around the country have passed a wave of laws regulating the lives of trans Americans, with a particular focus on minors."

"And President Donald Trump, who ran for reelection in part on ending the ‘transgender lunacy,’ has taken several steps intended to roll back gains made by that community," CNN continued.

The Guardian called the ruling "a devastating loss for trans rights supporters in a case that could set a precedent for dozens of other lawsuits involving the rights of transgender children."

CLICK HERE FOR THE LATEST MEDIA AND CULTURE NEWS

CNN political director David Chalian said Republicans will use the ongoing transgender debate ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, but stressed there will be a "real human impact" on American families.

"We're going to learn what the human impact is of this court decision among families across the country, but in the politics of it, I think the two things to watch are how Republicans will sort of hit the gas on this issue, what they believe is a winning culture war issue for them, and watch how Democrats, especially those considering a 2028 presidential campaign, respond to this court ruling. Have they learned to message around this issue in a way that's more politically palatable than what Kamala Harris was able to do back in 24," Chalian said on the channel.

An MSNBC panel sounded the alarm about the "slippery slope" that could put transgender kids at risk as a result of the ruling.

"Any transgender minor is now at risk because states are copycats. They see now that Tennessee has been successful, and so they're going to implement laws that copy the language here," MSNBC legal analyst Barbara McQuade said. "So I think if you are a family today with a transgender child, your child is likely at risk if you live in a state that is hostile to transgender Americans."

https://www.foxnews.com/media/supreme-court-ruling-trans-treatments-minors-decried-media-huge-setback-transgender-rights

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/fox-news-sports-huddle-newsletter-caitlin-clark-shove-heard-around-world

TENSIONS FLARE – Much of the chatter following the Indiana Fever's win over the Conneticut Sun on Tuesday centered around a pair of scuffles, one of which resulted in Caitlin Clark getting poked in the eye. The chippy sequence led to technical fouls and the ejections of multiple players. Continue reading …

GOT YOUR BACK – Caitlin Clark's teammate, Sophie Cunningham, received praise on social media after she came to the defense of last year's WNBA rookie with a hard foul on Sun guard Jacy Sheldon. Continue reading …

'A BAD LOOK' – Tennis legend Chris Evert needled WNBA players for what she suggested was a lack of sportsmanship following the skirmish that involved Fever guard Caitlin Clark. Continue reading …

NOT HAPPY – Fever coach Stephanie White took aim at referees and said she did not receive any explanation for the technical foul on Caitlin Clark. White also suggested officials failed to get the game under control in its early stages. Continue reading …

DUST SETTLES – The WNBA will not issue any suspensions after a couple of scuffles broke out during the Fever's 88-71 win over the Sun, Fox News Digital confirmed. Continue reading …

NEW HOME – The Boston Red Sox traded franchise star Rafael Devers to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for multiple players and prospects. Continue reading …

SPEAKING OUT – Former U.S. Olympic fencing team head coach Andrey Geva has filed a lawsuit against USA Fencing Chair Damien Lehfeldt, alleging Lehfeldt made "false and misleading" statements last month during a congressional hearing on transgender athletes. Continue reading …

FROM FOX SPORTS – The Florida Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 to repeat as Stanley Cup Champions. But, the Panthers' victory meant a sports bettor couldn't cash in a whopping $270,000. Continue reading …

FROM OUTKICK – Miami Dolphins guard James Daniels, who continues to recover from an Achilles injury, shared his thoughts on the ongoing immigration enforcement operations. Continue reading …

WATCH NOW – Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton is set to undergo an MRI to learn more about his calf injury. FOX Sports' Nick Wright, Chris Broussard, and Kevin Wildes discuss the impact of this injury, and if he should play through it. Watch here …

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/fox-news-sports-huddle-newsletter-caitlin-clark-shove-heard-around-world

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/reo-speedwagons-singer-crashes-car-after-falling-asleep-wheel

REO Speedwagon singer Terry Luttrell was in a car crash on Sunday morning following a reunion concert in Champaign, Illinois, state police confirmed to Fox News Digital on Wednesday.

The 78-year-old told The News-Gazette in Champaign that he fell asleep at the wheel and suffered a cracked sternum from his car's airbag when he crashed on Interstate 57.

REO SPEEDWAGON TO QUIT TOURING OVER ‘COMPLEX SITUATION’

Luttrell told the newspaper that he had stayed at the concert's after party until 2 a.m. signing autographs, and hadn't slept much when he headed out for St. Louis on business.

"It was just sign-sign-sign," he said. "I had people with Starcastle albums and REO albums. People were really friendly. You’ve got to [do it]."

DEF LEPPARD DRUMMER RICK ALLEN ADMITS HE'S 'STRUGGLING' TWO YEARS AFTER RANDOM ATTACK THAT LEFT HIM INJURED

The singer and Champaign native said that while he felt a "little bit sleepy" after only a few hours of shuteye, he didn't think it would be a problem.

"It just happened," he said. "I nodded off. I rolled the car over, and I woke up, and I was in a cocoon (the airbags). Unfortunately, it totaled the car."

He added that some of his nurses were even at the concert.

And despite his injuries, Luttrell said he's happy he performed at the farewell concert, which he said was "was a good show all the way around."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

Late last year, the band said they planned to stop touring as of January because of "irreconcilable differences."

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Luttrell joined the band soon after it formed in Champaign at the University of Illinois in 1967 and left in 1972. He was replaced by Kevin Cronin. He returned to front the band for one time on Saturday night.

"To say that you were there was a pretty big thing," Luttrell added.

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/reo-speedwagons-singer-crashes-car-after-falling-asleep-wheel

Fox News Digital has reached out to REO Speedwagon for comment.

Fox News Digital's Stephanie Giang contributed to this report

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vance-defends-gabbard-critical-part-trump-team-after-president-dismissed-iran-nuke-threat-comments

Vice President JD Vance insists Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard is still an essential team member in Trump's "coalition" after President Donald Trump said he "didn't care" what she'd previously told lawmakers about Iran's nuclear threat.

"DNI Gabbard is a veteran, a patriot, a loyal supporter of President Trump and a critical part of the coalition he built in 2024," Vance said in a statement Wednesday to Fox News Digital.

"She is an essential member of our team, and we’re grateful for her tireless work to keep America safe from foreign threats."

TRUMP BLOWS OFF GABBARD DOWNPLAYING IRAN NUKE THREAT, BUT WH STILL SAYS PRESIDENT AND INTEL CHIEF ARE IN SYNC

Vance and Gabbard have both historically been outspoken leaders of the non-interventionist camp making up the Trump administration. Both historically have backed a foreign policy doctrine that supports minimal interference with other nations' affairs.

By comparison, other, more hawkish members of Trump's Cabinet, like Secretary of State Marco Rubio, have historically backed military intervention in foreign conflicts.

Vance has publicly supported Trump as the administration contemplates next steps to address Iran, though. Vance said Tuesday that while those worried about foreign intervention are right to be concerned, Trump has "earned some trust on this issue."

"And having seen this up close and personal, I can assure you that he is only interested in using the American military to accomplish the American people's goals," Vance said in a Truth Social post Tuesday. "Whatever he does, that is his focus."

Vance’s statement of support for Gabbard comes after Trump appeared to discount Gabbard’s March Senate Intelligence Committee statements, when she said she believed Iran was not actively building a nuclear weapon.

Gabbard told lawmakers in March the intelligence community assessed that Iran was "not building a nuclear weapon, and Supreme Leader Khamenei has not authorized the nuclear weapons program that he suspended in 2003," she said.

ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT: LIVE UPDATES

She did add that "Iran's enriched uranium stockpile is at its highest levels and is unprecedented for a state without nuclear weapons."

"Iran will likely continue efforts to counter Israel and press for U.S. military withdrawal from the region by aiding, arming and helping to reconstitute its loose consortium of like-minded terrorist actors, which it refers to as its axis of resistance," she said during the March hearing.

Additionally, Gabbard released a video June 10 in which she stated the world was "on the brink of nuclear annihilation." Politico reported that Trump told associates at the White House that Gabbard was out of line and believed the video was an attempt to prevent him from endorsing Israel attacking Iran.

Alexa Henning, Gabbard's deputy chief of staff, said in a post on X Tuesday that Politico's story was "total clickbait."

HOW CLOSE WAS IRAN TO A NUCLEAR WEAPON BEFORE ISRAEL’S STRIKE ON TEHRAN?

Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One Monday he believed Iran was "very close" to obtaining a nuclear weapon. When asked specifically about Gabbard’s March testimony, Trump stood firm in his assessment of Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

"I don't care what she said," Trump said. "I think they were very close to having one."

Still, an official with the Office of the Director of National Intelligence said in a statement to Fox News Digital Wednesday that Gabbard and the president are aligned on Iran.

"Just because Iran is not building a nuclear weapon right now doesn't mean they aren't ‘very close’ as President Trump said on Air Force One," the official said. "POTUS and DNI Gabbard’s statements are congruent."

Gabbard wasn't invited to Camp David in Maryland to convene with other military officials and Cabinet members in June. However, she was in the White House's Situation Room Tuesday as Trump kept an eye on updates in the Middle East.

A White House official told Fox News Digital Tuesday that Trump and Gabbard’s views and statements on the matter are consistent with one another, noting that Gabbard said in March that she believed Iran had the capability to build a nuclear weapon.

VANCE DEFENDS TRUMP'S IRAN POSITION AMID ‘CRAZY STUFF ON SOCIAL MEDIA’

Trump told reporters Wednesday at the White House he hadn’t decided yet whether he would engage the U.S. in strikes targeting Iran but said that the coming days or the "next week is going to be very big."

"Yes, I may do it. I may not do it. I mean, nobody knows what I'm going to do. I can tell you this, that Iran's got a lot of trouble, and they want to negotiate," Trump told reporters Wednesday. "And I said, 'Why didn't you negotiate with me before all this death and destruction? Why didn't you go?' I said to people, 'Why didn't you negotiate with me two weeks ago? You could have done fine. You would have had a country.' It's very sad to watch this."

Fox News’ Emma Colton contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/vance-defends-gabbard-critical-part-trump-team-after-president-dismissed-iran-nuke-threat-comments

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fox-news-poll-economic-pessimism-abates-slightly

Voters are feeling a bit better about the economy, yet overall sentiment remains negative.

Since the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, positive ratings of the economy have inched up from 21% in March to 28% in April to 31% in the latest Fox News survey, which is about where things stood at the end of the Biden administration in January. During the previous four years, that number was higher than the current rating only once, when it hit 32% in June 2024. For reference, at the end of the first Trump administration, 33% gave economic conditions positive marks (December 2020), but that had been as high as 55% in January 2020 (just before the pandemic).

Currently, 62% say their family is getting ahead (14%) or holding steady financially (48%), up 5 points since January. The 36% who say they are falling behind is the lowest in four years.

FOX NEWS POLL: THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF PRESIDENT TRUMP'S SECOND TERM

Still, economic sentiment is mostly gloomy: 84% are extremely or very concerned about inflation, 68% score conditions as only fair or poor, and 55% feel pessimistic about the economy.

Democrats, Independents, women, and voters without a college degree are among those most likely to say the economy is in bad shape, while Republicans, men, and college graduates are among those most likely to rate it better.

FOX NEWS POLL: DEMOCRATS' FAVORABILITY HITS NEW LOW, STILL FAVORED OVER GOP IN 2026 MIDTERMS

"During the Biden years, Republicans and independents were overwhelmingly negative about the economy, while Democrats were slightly less so," says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who helps run the Fox News survey with Democrat Chris Anderson. "Now with Trump as president, Democrats think the sky is falling, while Republicans see rays of sunlight."

By a 21-point margin, voters oppose the federal budget legislation passed by the House of Representatives that the president calls the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (38% favor vs. 59% oppose). About half think the bill would hurt their family (49%), while one quarter think it would help (23%), and another quarter don’t think it would make a difference (26%).

Sixty percent feel they have a good understanding of what is in the OBBB, and while those voters are more likely to favor the legislation than those who are unfamiliar with it, more still think it will hurt rather than help their family (45% vs. 34%).

Views of the legislation are highly partisan, with Republicans favoring it (73%), and Democrats (89%) and Independents (73%) opposed. Fewer than half of Republicans think it will help their family (46%).

Overall, 57% think tariffs hurt the economy, the highest ever recorded in Fox News surveys -- and double the number who think tariffs help.

While a majority (53%) approve of Trump’s handling of border security (46% disapprove), the president otherwise receives negative marks on the issues: immigration (46% approve, 53% disapprove), and foreign policy (42-57%). His worst ratings are on the economy (40-58%) and inflation (34-64%), where he’s underwater by a whopping 30 points.

The president’s overall job approval stands at 46%, while 54% disapprove. That’s up a couple ticks from 44-55% in April. His highest approval, 49%, came in March 2025 and April 2020. Men under age 45 (55% approve) and White men without a college degree (54% approve) are among those giving the president his best marks. Seven in 10 Republicans consider themselves part of the MAGA movement, and fully 98% of them approve.

About 90% of Democrats disapprove of the job Trump is doing generally and on specific issues, with the exception of border security, where fewer disapprove (80%). Most Republicans are with Trump, but approval drops to 68% on inflation and 75% on the economy, generally. Disapproval among Independents ranges from roughly half on border security to three-quarters on inflation.

When voters are asked how they feel about Trump as a person, his ratings are underwater by 10 points: 45% have a favorable opinion and 55% an unfavorable view. For comparison, that’s about on par with JD Vance (44- 53%), Joe Biden (43-56%), and Marco Rubio (42-46%), and ahead of Elon Musk (41-58%), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (40-45%), Gavin Newsom (39-45%), and Pete Hegseth (32-45%), while his ratings trail those of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (48-50%) and Kamala Harris (49-51%). Harris’s higher favorability comes from more Democrats (87%) and Independents (38%) viewing her positively compared to favorable views of Trump among Republicans (85%) and Independents (34%).

None of those tested – not the president, not the vice president and not the former president nor the former vice president -- garnered positive marks from at least 50% of voters, although Harris comes closest.

As mentioned above, most are concerned about inflation (84%), including 78% of Republicans.

By a single point, the future of the U.S. narrowly tops inflation as voters’ top concern, with 85% saying they’re worried about the direction of the country. That includes 8 in 10 Republicans, and 9 in 10 Democrats and Independents.

Eight in 10 voters are concerned about government spending and Iran getting a nuclear weapon, while around 7 in 10 are worried about antisemitism, illegal immigration, and the use of the U.S. military domestically, and roughly 6 in 10 about protests in U.S. cities.

More Democrats (87%) and Independents (71%) express concern about the deployment of federal troops in cities in response to anti-ICE protests than Republicans (42%). On the other hand, more Republicans (84%) are worried about illegal immigration than Independents (68%) and Democrats (49%).

There are zero issues that all three groups, Democrats, Republicans, and Independents, agree on as priorities. The top three concerns for Democrats are the future of the U.S., inflation, and U.S. troops being deployed, while for Republicans, it’s illegal immigration, Iran getting nukes, and government spending. Among Independents, it’s the future of the country, inflation, and government spending.

CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE

Conducted June 13-16, 2025, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,003 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (149) and cellphones (566) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (288). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis, and voter file data.

Fox News’ Victoria Balara contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fox-news-poll-economic-pessimism-abates-slightly

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fox-news-poll-voters-think-iran-poses-real-threat-u-s-security-split-israels-strikes

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, voters are torn on Israel’s decision to attack Iran’s nuclear facilities, yet they agree Iran is a national security threat and that what happens abroad matters to life in the U.S.

Seventy-three percent of registered voters think Iran poses a real threat to the U.S., a 13-point increase from six years ago (the last time this question was asked).

"The increased sense that Iran constitutes a threat is real, but it also reflects the unique timing and circumstances surrounding this poll," says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who helps run the Fox News Poll along with Democrat Chris Anderson. "The poll was in the field as images of Iranian missiles falling on Tel Aviv dominated television and the internet -- the immediacy and clarity of the conflict undoubtedly contributes to how voters gauge what is at risk."

Majorities of Democrats (69%), Republicans (82%), and Independents (62%) agree Iran poses a real risk and those numbers are up since 2019 (by 12, 17, and 4 points respectively).

The latest Fox survey, released Wednesday as President Donald Trump urged for Iran’s "unconditional surrender," also finds voters split on Israel’s decision to launch military strikes against Iran’s nuclear programs – nearly half (49%) approve of the strikes while slightly fewer (46%) disapprove.

Republicans (73% approve) are more than twice as likely as Democrats (32%) and Independents (32%) to approve of the strikes.

FOX NEWS POLL: THE FIRST 100 DAYS OF PRESIDENT TRUMP'S SECOND TERM

Voters have contradictory concerns. On the one hand, voters are pessimistic about how the air strikes will affect security. Most think the attacks against Iran will make the world a more dangerous place (59%) rather than safer (36%). About three-quarters of Democrats (74%) and Independents (77%) agree the strikes will increase peril, as do nearly 4 in 10 Republicans (36%).

On the other hand, voters are worried about Iran developing a nuclear weapon. Almost 8 in 10 say they are also extremely or very concerned about Iran’s nuclear program (78%) up from 66% in April and matching the high in September 2010. The increase comes from demographics across the board.

FOX NEWS POLL: DEMOCRATS' FAVORABILITY HITS NEW LOW, STILL FAVORED OVER GOP IN 2026 MIDTERMS

While concern is palpable, voters see other issues as more pressing. When presented with a list of eight issues, Iran’s nuclear program falls in the middle. The future of the U.S. (85% extremely or very concerned), inflation (84%), and government spending (80%) rank higher while antisemitism (69%), illegal immigration (67%), the use of U.S. military troops domestically (66%), and protests in U.S. cities (63%) rank lower than concerns about Iran.

While roughly 8 in 10 Democrats, Republicans, and Independents are concerned about Iran getting a nuke, it only ranks in the top three concerns for Republicans.

Overall, 8 in 10 think what happens in the Middle East matters a great deal or some to life in the U.S. (81%) while more than half support financial aid to the Israelis for their military (53%), a 3-point increase since March, but down from a high of 60% in November 2023, shortly after the October 7 Hamas attacks.

Since November 2023, Democrats (-14 points) and Independents (-11) are less likely to support sending money to the Israelis while Republicans (+4 points) solidified their support.

"Even though most think the stakes are high, there is a reticence to get involved in the Middle East," says Shaw. "The public isn’t blind to history and history teaches us that those who get directly involved in these conflicts do so at their peril."

Trump left the G7 summit early on Monday along with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, citing the ongoing and intensifying situation in the Middle East as the reason.

Trump’s approval rating on foreign policy has held relatively steady since April: 42% approve vs. 57% disapprove for a net negative rating of -15, it was -14 last month. He fares better on border security (53% approve, 46% disapprove) and immigration (46%, 53%) while he does worse on the economy (40%, 58%) and inflation (34%, 64%).

Overall, 46% approve of his job performance as president, while 54% disapprove.

Trump’s personal favorable rating held steady at 45%, compared to those in his administration.

Trump’s personal favorable rating held steady at 45%. Compared to those in his administration, Trump’s about even with Vice President JD Vance (44% favorable) and performs better than Rubio (42%), Elon Musk (41%), and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth (32%). Robert F. Kennedy Jr. does the best with a 48% favorable rating.

For comparison, the favorable ratings among Democratic Party leaders were in the same ballpark: Kamala Harris (49% favorable), Joe Biden (43%), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (40%), and Gavin Newsom (39%). Everyone tested was viewed more negatively than positively, although by only 2 points for both Harris and RFK Jr.

The continuing war between Russia and Ukraine takes a backseat to the conflict in the Middle East, with 72% saying the war matters a great deal to life in the U.S. compared to 81% who say the same about what is happening in the Middle East.

Those saying the Russia-Ukraine war matters are down from 81% in October 2023 (when the question was last asked) and a high of 85% in March 2022 (at the start of the war).

Even so, 56% of voters support sending money to Ukraine to help fight Russia. That number has held steady at between 54 and 63% for the last three years.

Big picture, majorities favor sending financial aid to the Ukrainians (56%) and the Israelis (53%) to fight their respective wars, with partisanship driving support in the different theaters.

Seventy percent of Democrats support funding Ukraine compared to just 46% of Republicans, while 71% of Republicans favor sending aid to Israel compared to just 43% of Democrats.

CLICK HERE FOR CROSSTABS AND TOPLINE

Conducted June 13-16, 2025, under the direction of Beacon Research (D) and Shaw & Company Research (R), this Fox News survey includes interviews with a sample of 1,003 registered voters randomly selected from a national voter file. Respondents spoke with live interviewers on landlines (149) and cellphones (566) or completed the survey online after receiving a text (288). Results based on the full sample have a margin of sampling error of ±3 percentage points. Sampling error for results among subgroups is higher. In addition to sampling error, question wording and order can influence results. Weights are generally applied to age, race, education, and area variables to ensure the demographics of respondents are representative of the registered voter population. Sources for developing weight targets include the American Community Survey, Fox News Voter Analysis and voter file data.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/fox-news-poll-voters-think-iran-poses-real-threat-u-s-security-split-israels-strikes

https://www.foxnews.com/us/army-soldiers-from-minnesota-michigan-perish-separate-middle-east-incidents

Two U.S. Army soldiers deployed in the Middle East in support of the campaign against ISIS died this week in separate incidents that were not combat-related.

The Department of Defense (DoD) on Wednesday confirmed the deaths of two soldiers supporting Operation Inherent Resolve.

US SOLDIER KILLED IN VEHICLE CRASH WHILE TRAINING ABROAD, ARMY CONFIRMS

Sgt. 1st Class Emmett Wilfred Goodridge Jr., 40, of Roseville, Minnesota, died Sunday in Camp Buehring, Kuwait, as a result of an incident that was not combat-related, according to the DoD.

Goodridge was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 22nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division in Fort Drum, New York.

JEWISH WAR HERO BURIED IN ITALY GETS RIGHT HEADSTONE CHANGED 80 YEARS LATER

The incident is under investigation, officials said.

Three days later, Staff Sgt. Saul Fabian Gonzalez, 26, of Pullman, Michigan, died in Erbil, Iraq, in a separate incident that was not combat-related, according to the DoD.

Gonzalez was an Apache Helicopter Mechanic assigned to the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade (CAB), 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault).

"The 101st CAB mourns the loss of Staff Sergeant Gonzalez," Col. Tyler Partridge, Cmdr. of the 101st Combat Aviation Brigade wrote in a statement. "His journey with the 101st, from Private to Non-Commissioned Officer was one of commitment, grit, and honor. His service will forever be etched in our memories, and his legacy will ride on with the spirit of the Cavalry in the hearts of all who served alongside him."

Gonzalez joined the Army in February 2018 and was assigned to Fort Campbell, Kentucky in October 2018.

His awards and decorations include the Army Commendation Medal- with "C" device, Army Achievement Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with a bronze clasp and one loop, the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Aviation Badge, and the Army Air Assault Badge.

TWO MARINES — BOTH IN THEIR 20S — IDENTIFIED AS SERVICE MEMBERS KILLED IN FATAL ACCIDENT

The second incident also remains under investigation, officials said.

No further details about the incidents were immediately released.

The deaths come days after President Donald Trump honored the U.S. Army for its 250th anniversary on Saturday.

The DoD did not immediately respond to further inquiries from Fox News Digital.

The Army did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for service photos.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/army-soldiers-from-minnesota-michigan-perish-separate-middle-east-incidents

https://www.foxnews.com/us/murdered-democratic-lawmakers-home-broken-into-just-days-after-fatal-shooting

The home of Minnesota Democratic Rep. Melissa Hortman, who was fatally shot in a targeted attack at their home in Brooklyn Park over the weekend, was broken into on Tuesday night, though a preliminary investigation found nothing appeared to be missing.

FOX 9 in Minneapolis reported that the Brooklyn Park Police Department launched an investigation into the overnight break-in after being alerted about the incident at about 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning.

A preliminary investigation found the person allegedly entered the back of the home after removing a piece of plywood covering a window, then breaking the window.

Although the house showed evidence it had been searched, the station reported, family members told police it did not appear anything was missing.

MINNESOTA LAWMAKER HAPPENED TO BE ON VACATION WHEN MASKED SUSPECT KNOCKED ON DOOR

Crime scene investigators processed the home earlier this week after Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman, were killed inside the home.

On Sunday morning, the home was boarded up and released back to the family.

Hortman’s relatives removed valuables from the home on Tuesday, the station reported.

SUSPECTED MINNESOTA LAWMAKER ASSASSIN VANCE BOELTER CAPTURED

Crime scene investigators have since reprocessed the home after Tuesday night’s break-in, searching for evidence of burglary.

While authorities say a camera was located on the front of the home, it is unclear if anyone was captured on video.

The investigation into the matter is ongoing.

MINNESOTA OFFICIALS FIND CAR, HAT BELONGING TO ASSASSIN SUSPECT VANCE BOELTER ON HIGHWAY IN 'FLUID' SEARCH

Hortman and her husband were shot and killed on Saturday morning. State Sen. John Hoffman, also a Democrat, and his wife, Yvette, were also shot in their nearby Champlin home.

Vance Boelter, 57, is charged with two counts of stalking, two counts of murder and two counts of firearm-related crimes in federal court. He is also facing second-degree murder charges on the state level.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/murdered-democratic-lawmakers-home-broken-into-just-days-after-fatal-shooting

U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson said Monday that Boelter's primary motive was "to go out and murder people" as authorities announced the suspect's capture on Monday after a two-day manhunt.

Fox News Digital’s Deirdre Heavey contributed to this report.

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ilhan-omar-claims-no-one-has-attacked-americans-irans-deadly-history-tells-different-story

As lawmakers debate what role, if any, the United States should play in the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, progressive "Squad" member Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., made the curious claim that no one has "attacked" the United States.

"No one is attacking or has attacked Americans. It’s time to stop dragging Americans into war and letting Israel once again get America involved in their chosen war. Stand up for the Americans who believed you wanted peace and don’t commit another generation of Americans into a costly war," Omar said in response to President Donald Trump.

Trump called for Iran's "UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER!" on Truth Social on Tuesday, and said the United States won't strike Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei "at least not for now," but signaled America's "patience is wearing thin."

A Fox News Digital report published Wednesday morning refutes Omar's claim that Americans have not been attacked, including extensive examples of Iran’s direct and proxy strikes on U.S. forces, support for terror groups and assassination efforts.

IN IRAN'S ‘FOREVER WAR’ AGAINST THE US, REGIME HAS TARGETED AND KILLED AMERICANS WORLDWIDE

Omar's office did not respond to Fox News Digital's inquiry about the validity of her claim.

TRUMP PROMISES TO RESPOND WITH 'FULL STRENGTH AND MIGHT' OF US MILITARY IF IRAN ATTACKS AMERICA

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News’ Bret Baier on Monday that Trump remains an Islamic Republic target. "They want to kill him. He’s enemy No. 1."

The Department of Justice announced charges against an Iranian citizen and two New Yorkers in November for their role in a murder-for-hire plot targeting multiple American citizens, including Trump.

Iran bears responsibility for the deaths of 603 U.S. service members in Iraq between 2003 and 2011, according to a 2019 Pentagon report cited by the Military Times. That figure accounted for 17% of U.S. deaths in the country during the period.

In 2022, surviving family members and victims won a case against the Islamic Republic of Iran, using the Foreign Sovereign Immunities Act to hold the regime accountable for its support of terror actors who killed or injured 30 U.S. personnel in Afghanistan.

ISRAEL-IRAN CONFLICT: LIVE UPDATES

Bill Roggio, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and editor of the Long War Journal who testified in support of the victims, told Fox News Digital that "Iran's support for the Taliban and al Qaeda and the impact it had on the deaths and injuries to American soldiers and civilians is incalculable."

"Iran provided money, weapons, training, intelligence, and safe haven to Taliban subgroups across Afghanistan, including in the heart of the country in Kabul," Roggio said.

By Roggio’s estimation, "Iran's support for the Taliban was only rivaled by that of Pakistan. I would argue that Iran's extensive support facilitated nearly every Taliban attack on U.S. personnel."

In 2020, in attempted retribution for the murder of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani, Iran targeted two U.S. bases housing U.S. troops in Iraq with surface-to-surface missiles.

In 2022, the U.S. District Court in Washington, D.C., found that Iran likewise owed damages to the families and victims of 40 U.S. service members who were injured or killed in Iraq due to Iran’s support of terrorism in the country.

In 2023, Sayyed Issa Tabatabai, Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s representative in Lebanon, admitted during an interview with the state-controlled Islamic Republic News Agency (IRNA) that the Islamic Republic was involved in two 1983 bombings that killed Americans in Lebanon.

The bombing of the U.S. Embassy in Beirut resulted in the deaths of 63 victims, including 17 Americans. When two suicide truck bombs exploded at the barracks of multinational forces in Lebanon, 220 Marines, 18 U.S. Navy sailors and three U.S. Army soldiers were killed, and 58 French troops were murdered.

Between October 2023 and August 2024, Iranian-backed Islamic Resistance in Iraq militias launched 180 attacks against U.S. forces in Syria, Iraq and Jordan. Throughout their "decades of experience," Roggio said, Iraqi militias "are estimated to have killed more than 600 U.S. service members."

In January 2024, three Americans were killed, and 25 others were wounded in a drone attack on an outpost in Jordan near the border with Syria. Two Iranians, one of whom had dual U.S. citizenship, were charged in connection with the attack.

At the time of the attack, House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, said Iranian proxies had "launched over 150 attacks on U.S. troops" following Hamas’ Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

Roggio reported that on June 14, Iranian-backed militias "launched three drones" at Ain al Assad, a U.S. base in western Iraq. The drones were shot down before reaching their target.

He said that the drone attack appeared to be an "unsanctioned strike by an unnamed Iranian militia. Unlike past attacks, no group has claimed credit, and there have been no follow-on strikes." He believes Iran "wants to keep the U.S. out of the fight, as the U.S. military has the capability to hit the underground nuclear facility at Fordow."

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ilhan-omar-claims-no-one-has-attacked-americans-irans-deadly-history-tells-different-story

https://www.foxnews.com/us/boulder-terror-suspect-used-israeli-flags-hunt-victims-fbi-testimony-reveals

Federal authorities at a preliminary hearing Wednesday afternoon testified the accused Boulder, Colorado Molotov bomber, illegal Egyptian national Mohamed Sabry Soliman, used Israeli flags to target victims and had the Muslim liberation year "1187" written on clothing items in his car.

Soliman, 45, is charged with multiple counts of attempted first-degree murder, first-degree assault, possession of incendiary devices, and more than a dozen counts of attempted use of an incendiary device in connection to the June 1 terror attack that injured 12 people.

He is also facing federal charges for allegedly committing a hate crime involving actual or perceived race, religion or national origin.

BOULDER TERROR ATTACK SUSPECT SHOWED SIGNS OF GROWING ‘LONE-WOLF’ RADICALIZATION, SAYS FORMER FBI SUPERVISOR

During the hearing in a Denver federal courtroom, government attorney Melissa Hindman argued there is evidence to support the hate crime charge, specifically for targeting national origin.

"He explained that Zionism and Zionists were the people occupying Palestine and, more specifically, Israel and Jerusalem," Hindman said. "He defines his enemy and his target as Zionists."

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) special agent Timothy Chan, who interviewed Soliman, took the stand and testified Soliman’s targets on June 1 were those he considered Zionists, and "he intended to kill Zionists."

Investigators allegedly found 1187 on clothing and other items in Soliman’s car, which Chan said was the year Israel was liberated by the Muslims.

When asked why Soliman targeted the group Run for Their Lives, Chan told the court Soliman made an internet search specifically for "Zionists events" in Boulder and "that’s how he found them."

Following the attack, Soliman allegedly told investigators he used Israeli flags to identify those he considered Zionists.

WIFE OF BOULDER FIREBOMBING SUSPECT BEGS AMERICANS FOR HELP WHILE JUDGE DELAYS DEPORTATION

Soliman’s attorney, David Kraut, pointed out his client made statements to Chan differentiating between Zionists and Jews, also noting the 1187 number could refer to other significant dates.

Magistrate Judge Kathryn Starnella said the case raises a legal question of how the term Zionism can be defined, questioning if it is a political movement or type of national origin.

Hindman acknowledged the issue was "complicated."

"The defendant isn’t using the term Israel," Hindman argued. "In all of his words, what he is showing is he is targeting Israelis and anyone who supports the existence of Israel on that land."

Kraut argued Soliman’s definition of Zionism "hinges on political views."

"National origin of the victims in this case did not matter," Kraut said, before telling the judge the hate crime statute didn't apply.

Hindman argued there was written evidence that Soliman believed Zionists are the occupiers of Jerusalem, and the occupier of Jerusalem is the nation of Israel.

TIMELINE EXPOSES BOULDER SUSPECT'S MOVEMENTS BEFORE ALLEGEDLY CARRYING OUT FIREBOMB ATTACK ON PRO-ISRAEL GROUP

During testimony, Soliman, who was wearing a brown crew-neck t-shirt and an interpreter’s headset, slightly rocked in his seat and looked around the courtroom. While there were no cameras in the courtroom, a Fox News reporter noted he had a cast on his right hand.

After a brief recess, Judge Starnella said while there is debate around the second element of the statute—which is whether Soliman was motivated by national origin and how that is defined—she found probable cause for the case to move forward.

Starnella told Soliman’s attorneys she "understands that there is evidence that cuts against the national origin theory," but said it is up to a jury to decide.

The court will reconvene June 27 for an arraignment and detention hearing. Soliman has not yet been indicted.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/boulder-terror-suspect-used-israeli-flags-hunt-victims-fbi-testimony-reveals

https://www.foxnews.com/us/fugitive-ex-deputy-vanishes-before-trial-deadly-sports-car-crash

An arrest warrant has been issued for an ex-deputy in Polk County, Florida, who failed to appear for his April trial after being charged with two counts of manslaughter in 2022.

In the early morning hours of April 12, 2022, Joshua Roelofs allegedly killed Kris Koroly, 44, and Ricky Gongora, 44, in a high-speed DUI crash on the Courtney Campbell Causeway in the Tampa, Florida, area.

A third person was left permanently disabled after the wreck.

FLORIDA EX-SHERIFF ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY RUNNING ILLEGAL GAMBLING HOUSE THAT GENERATED MILLIONS

According to the Tampa Bay Times, he was scheduled to appear in court in April of this year to either plead guilty to DUI manslaughter charges or ask the state for a trial. Initially, he was released from jail on a $19,000 bond.

However, he was a no-show for that court date and has not been seen since.

The Times reported Roelofs was a Polk County Sheriff's deputy for about five years until he was fired in 2015 for allegedly filing inaccurate time records so he could receive extra pay.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CONVICTED IN 100 MPH DUI CRASH THAT KILLED WASHINGTON STATE TROOPER

Just before the 2022 crash, dashcam video from inside the Nissan GT-R sports car Roelofs was driving reportedly caught him driving erratically and swerving in and out of lanes before crashing into an SUV carrying Koroly, Gongora and two other people.

One of the surviving passengers sustained a severe brain injury in the crash and was in a coma for four months. He reportedly "struggles to walk, has seizures, needs constant assistance and has a reduced mental capacity," the Tampa Bay Times reported.

Roelofs has ties to Ohio and Michigan.

Fox News Digital reached out to his attorneys, Deborah Barra and Glen Lansky, who withdrew as his counsel when he failed to appear in court.

The U.S. Marshals Service did not return a comment request.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/fugitive-ex-deputy-vanishes-before-trial-deadly-sports-car-crash

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/red-state-ag-investigating-more-than-30-potential-noncitizens-who-voted-2024-election

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton has launched an investigation into 33 potential noncitizens allegedly illegally voting in the 2024 general election.

Paxton, a Republican who is running a Senate primary challenge against Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, announced the investigation on Tuesday.

In a press statement, Paxton’s office said it was made aware of the potential illegal votes by Texas Secretary of State Jane Nelson. The statement said Nelson was only able to access the information because of an executive order signed by President Donald Trump this March.

Trump’s executive order, titled "Preserving and Protecting the Integrity of American Elections," directed the Departments of State and Homeland Security to give all states "access to appropriate systems for verifying the citizenship or immigration status of individuals registering to vote or who are already registered."

RED STATE TOPS ANNUAL HERITAGE FOUNDATION SCORECARD FOR STRONGEST ELECTION INTEGRITY: 'HARD TO CHEAT'

The order also directed DHS Secretary Kristi Noem to provide U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi with "complete information on all foreign nationals who have indicated on any immigration form that they have registered or voted in a Federal, State, or local election, and shall also take all appropriate action to submit to relevant State or local election officials such information."

Part of this order involved the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s SAVE database being opened up to the states at no cost, through which Nelson was able to access the information about the alleged illegal voting, according to Paxton’s statement.

Trump said in the order that "free, fair, and honest elections unmarred by fraud, errors, or suspicion are fundamental to maintaining our constitutional Republic" and "the right of American citizens to have their votes properly counted and tabulated, without illegal dilution, is vital to determining the rightful winner of an election."

DOJ SUES NORTH CAROLINA OVER VOTER ROLLS

In August 2024, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that the state had removed 1.1 million people from its voter rolls, including individuals who had moved out-of-state, were deceased or who were non-citizens.

A statement by the governor’s office said that over 6,500 of the individuals removed from the state’s voter rolls were potential noncitizens. The statement said that approximately 1,930 of the removed noncitizens had a voter history.

Later reporting by the Texas Tribune alleged that the governor’s office had inflated the numbers of noncitizen voters. The governor’s office, however, has said that the removal process "has been, and will continue to be, ongoing."

TEXAS GOVERNOR MAKES IT 'CRYSTAL CLEAR' ONLY U.S. CITIZENS CAN VOTE IN STATE ELECTIONS

In his Tuesday statement announcing the investigation into the 33 potential noncitizens voting, Paxton said that "these potential instances of unlawful voting will be thoroughly investigated, and I will continue to stand with President Trump in fighting to ensure that our state’s elections are safe and secure."

"In order to be able to trust the integrity of our elections, the results must be determined by our own citizens—not foreign nationals breaking the law to illegally vote," said Paxton, adding that "noncitizens must not be allowed to influence American elections, and I will use the full weight of my office to investigate all voter fraud."

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/red-state-ag-investigating-more-than-30-potential-noncitizens-who-voted-2024-election

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/bridgerton-star-thought-she-going-killed-during-terrifying-robbery-left-her-traumatized

It's been months since "Bridgerton" actress Genevieve Chenneour fought off a thief who attempted to rob her. Now, the British star is opening up about the terrifying ordeal that left her permanently traumatized.

In a new interview with The Times, the 27-year-old — who was in a London cafe when her phone was stolen off the table behind her in February — detailed the moment she instinctively decided to fight her assailant and the lasting impact the incident has had on her since then.

As seen in footage obtained by Fox News Digital, 18-year-old Zacariah Boulares grabbed Chenneour's phone while the actress — who was accompanied by her then-boyfriend Carlo Kureishi — was sitting on a stool waiting for her drink order. After quickly realizing what had happened, Chenneour confronted the thief.

KIM KARDASHIAN PARIS ROBBERY RINGLEADER AND 7 OTHERS FOUND GUILTY

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"It was complete instinct," she told The Times. "I wouldn’t advocate for anyone doing something that would put them at risk.

"The footage everyone has seen was actually the tamest part," she added. "I got on his back while [Kureishi] was on the floor holding him down. Then he threatened to stab me, and I thought I was going to be killed. I was terrified."

Chenneour said she was struck on the head and briefly lost consciousness during the ordeal.

WATCH: ‘BRIDGERTON’ ACTRESS FIGHTS OFF THIEF WHO TRIED TO STEAL HER PHONE IN LONDON CAFE

"My doctor later confirmed I had a concussion. I had dizzy spells for weeks afterwards and I was terrified of going out alone," she admitted. "I still am."

Boulares had 12 prior convictions, including for threatening to behead the Welsh singer Aled Jones with a 20-inch machete in July 2023, according to The Times. He had served just 14 months of a 24-month sentence for that crime.

Boulares pleaded guilty last month when he appeared in Westminster magistrates court.

"He needs to go to prison, and he needs psychological care," Chenneour told The Times. "If criminals are not rehabilitated properly they’ll likely commit more — maybe worse — crimes."

In the months following the incident, Chenneour — who is no longer in a relationship with Kureishi — said she hit "rock bottom."

"After the phone incident and the break-up, I just hit rock bottom. Maybe this all has to happen so I can start afresh. It’s been a major shock for me — and terrifying — but now I can prioritize my career, myself and my friends."

Appearing on "This Morning" on June 12, Chenneour recalled the ordeal as becoming a matter of "life and death" at the time.

"It kind of went round the corner, and it turned into a full-on scrap with two people [Boulares and his accomplice]," she said. "And I was threatened with being stabbed, so it became a real matter, in my mind, of life and death.

"So, I did things like, I remember kicking him back with my leg to create space in case he had a weapon on him… It was just a life-changing, crazy moment," she added.

The star admitted that the scuffle left her afraid to leave her home.

"I didn't want to go outside," she said.

"I mean, as a woman, we already, I think, have our wits about us around strangers and random men. So, to have this happen to me while dealing with that base level that a lot of women have, just made me quite agoraphobic. Leaving the house was really hard."

https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/bridgerton-star-thought-she-going-killed-during-terrifying-robbery-left-her-traumatized

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-wife-kelly-stafford-admits-weed-gummies-make-me-better-parent

Kelly Stafford shared her ultimate parenting hack.

Kelly, who shares four daughters with husband and Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford, revealed in the latest episode of her podcast she "sometimes" enjoys taking THC gummies.

"Gummies are great," she said on "The Morning After" podcast. "Sometimes I feel like gummies make me a better parent. They calm me down. It’s like the glass of wine."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Kelly, who has four children under 8, said she does feel "a little guilty" admitting it.

"I feel a little guilty saying it, and it’s not like I do it every night, but sometimes I’m like, ‘S--- it has been a long day. I don’t want to rip my hair out or their hair out, so I am going to just top it off with a little gummy.’"

Kelly added that she does have the support of her husband.

"This is what Matthew always tells me. He's like, ‘As long as they’re in bed, fed and happy and feel loved, who cares how they get there?’ Just like, just get them there."

MATTHEW STAFFORD’S WIFE REVEALS SHE ‘WENT F---ING MAD’ AMID RAMS’ CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

A recent study by researchers at UC San Francisco determined that eating edible cannabis, such as gummies, has the same cardiovascular risk as smoking marijuana for long-term users. The risk stems from reduced blood vessel function, according to the study, published in JAMA Cardiology May 28.

The Stafford family faced uncertainty this offseason amid trade speculation and stalled contract negotiations between the veteran NFL quarterback and the Rams. In March, the sides agreed to a restructured deal.

"This is where we both wanted to be, and I’m just glad he gets to play for the team and the coach that he wants to end his career with," Kelly said on her podcast in March. The NFL Network reported last month that, under the new restructured contract, Stafford is due to earn up to $84 million over the next two years.

Under his previous contract, that number was $58 million.

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/nfl-wife-kelly-stafford-admits-weed-gummies-make-me-better-parent

https://www.foxnews.com/health/invasive-pests-could-stage-dramatic-comeback-summer-experts-warn

There may be a surge in spotted lanternflies this year after the population previously experienced a significant decline, experts warn.

These predictions are based on an increase in egg mass counts at a vineyard in Berks County, Pennsylvania, as Ben Hottel, an Orkin entomologist based in Atlanta, told Fox News Digital.

"While it is unclear whether that increase will mean a true surge in populations, experts are asking people to be vigilant as activity rises this season," he said.

AMERICA'S SECOND-LARGEST CICADA SWARM IS ABOUT TO EMERGE ACROSS THE EAST COAST

"People may start to see more lanternfly activity in the weeks to come as the weather continues to warm," Hottel added.

An article by the New York Post called them "sex-crazed," and claimed that lanternflies are "back in full force."

While lanternflies pose a serious risk to plants and crops, they are not a danger to humans or animals, experts say. The insect does not sting, bite or transmit disease.

The National Park Service warns, however, that these invasive insects could pose a threat to agricultural production.

INVASIVE INSECT POSES HEALTH THREAT IN 19 STATES, EXPERT WARNS

"Once established in an area, [the spotted lanternfly] has the potential to dramatically affect forest ecosystems, agricultural production and cultural resources," its website states.

Although the lanternfly prefers feeding on the exotic tree of heaven — which is also invasive, meaning it spreads quickly and harms local ecosystems, according to Hottel — it is an "indiscriminate pest" that feeds on over 70 different plant species.

They also excrete a substance that causes harmful mold growth on plants, the expert noted.

Pest services like Orkin recommend that homeowners remove young tree of heaven seedlings to prevent the spotted lanternfly from invading their property.

Northeastern states contain the most established populations, although lanternflies are beginning to spread into other U.S. regions like the Midwest and Southeast.

"Spotted lanternflies tend to surge in populations when they invade new areas, and the population tends to decrease after a few years," Hottel told Fox News Digital.

Because the insect lays its eggs on hard surfaces like vehicles, firewood, bricks, stones and other items often moved outdoors, humans can easily, and unknowingly, transport the pest.

"This means lanternflies can spread more widely to new territories and cause more damage," Hottel warned.

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"While this might not sound significant, a large-scale die-off of native North American flora and fauna would have an impact on our local ecosystems in a big way."

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

People who think they have seen a spotted lanternfly should call a local pest control office to assist with identification and to address concerns about infestation.

https://www.foxnews.com/health/invasive-pests-could-stage-dramatic-comeback-summer-experts-warn

https://www.foxnews.com/sports/fever-sun-skirmishes-result-no-suspensions

The brouhahas that took place during the Indiana Fever’s win over the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday will result in no suspensions, Fox News Digital confirmed.

Fever guard Sophie Cunningham received a fine for her role in the skirmish with Sun player Jacy Sheldon that resulted in the two players being ejected from the game. Cunningham was hit with a standard fine, which any player would receive for a flagrant-1 or 2 foul. She received a Flagrant-2 foul last night for the hit on Sheldon.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The WNBA upgraded Sun guard Marina Mabrey’s technical foul to a Flagrant-2 foul after she knocked Caitlin Clark to the ground after Sheldon poked the sharpshooter in the eye.

The amount of the fines was undisclosed.

ESPN and The Associated Press first reported the penalties.

Fever coach Stephanie White reportedly will not be fined for her comments about WNBA officiating. She lamented the lack of control the referees had on the game as the competitiveness began to ramp up.

"This is what happens," she said, via Indy Star. "You’ve got competitive women who are the best in the world at what they do and when you allow them to play physical, and you allow these things to happen, they’re gonna compete, and they’re gonna have their teammates’ backs. It’s exactly what you would expect out of fierce competition.

TENNIS GREAT CHRIS EVERT CALLS OUT WNBA PLAYERS AFTER LATEST CAITLIN CLARK SKIRMISH

"I started talking to officials in the first quarter, and we knew this was gonna happen. You knew this was gonna happen. They gotta get control of it. They gotta be better. They gotta be better."

White said each coach brings officiating issues up during league meetings and understands the job is getting tougher, but officials need to find a way to remedy their calls with the ever-changing league.

"The game has changed so much. Players are faster, they’re better, they’re bigger, they’re stronger, they’re as good as they’ve ever been, as athletic as they’ve ever been. The game is fast, now. Things are happening quickly," White said. "Everyone is getting better, except the officials. So we gotta find a way to remedy it.

"We’ve heard every coach talk about it. I don’t know what the answer is."

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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/fever-sun-skirmishes-result-no-suspensions

https://www.foxnews.com/us/how-keffiyeh-keynote-triggered-boos-jews-my-ucla-graduation

ANTI-ISRAEL PROTESTERS TORCH DIPLOMAS OUTSIDE COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY ON GRADUATION DAY

And when she declared that "brown" student, regardless of immigration status, could expect to be rounded up and deported at the state’s discretion, no professor flagged it as the straw-man fallacy it so clearly was. Instead, political hyperbole became the university’s parting message to its students.

https://www.foxnews.com/us/how-keffiyeh-keynote-triggered-boos-jews-my-ucla-graduation

In each of these instances, the speeches were either approved by UCLA administrators or abetted by those who refused to step in when speakers went off-script.