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North Carolina governor signs 'Iryna's Law' after Ukrainian refugee's brutal train murder

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 22:33:54 -0400

North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein on Friday signed "Iryna's Law," which increases checks on criminals getting out on bail and prohibits cashless bail for some violent crimes and most repeat offenders following the stabbing death of a Ukrainian refugee on a Charlotte light-rail train in August.

Stein, a Democrat, has said he doesn’t like every part of the bill that was passed by the Republican-controlled state Legislature, which also looks to restart executions in North Carolina, but he signed it because it "alerts the judiciary to take a special look at people who may pose unusual risks of violence before determining their bail. That’s a good thing."

Iryna Zarutska, 23, was killed on Aug. 22, and Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., who had been arrested more than a dozen times, including an armed robbery charge for which he served five years in prison before the fatal train stabbing, has been charged with first-degree murder.

He was most recently released in January on a misdemeanor charge.

RANDOM BLUE CITY STABBING DEATH FUELS NEW BAIL BILL AS ‘ACTIVISTS’ RIPPED FOR LACK OF CRIME CRACKDOWN: EXPERT

"Finally, we are getting dangerous criminals off our streets so we can make sure no one else suffers the heartbreak that Iryna Zarutska’s family endured," Charlotte-area Republican state Rep. Tricia Cotham, who was involved with the legislation, said in a news release.

Republicans, including President Donald Trump, have blamed Zarutska’s death on Democrats, accusing them of being soft on crime.

"The blood of this innocent woman can literally be seen dripping from the killer’s knife, and now her blood is on the hands of the Democrats who refuse to put bad people in jail, including Former Disgraced Governor and ‘Wannabe Senator’ Roy Cooper," Trump wrote on Truth Social after the attack.

The violent stabbing sparked outrage, especially after security video showing the attack was released.

"We can and must do more to keep people safe," Stein said in a video posted to social media on Friday. "When I review public safety legislation that comes to my desk, I use one simple test: Does it make people safer?"

He said that "Iryna's Law" alerts the judiciary to take a special look at who could warrant an "unusual" risk for violence before determining their bail.

NORTH CAROLINA DEM SAYS ‘NO CORRELATION’ BETWEEN CHARLOTTE TRAIN ATTACK AND ACCUSED KILLER’S REPEATED RELEASES

"That’s a good thing and why I have signed it into law."

But, he said he had criticisms of the law, including that it focuses more on a defendant’s ability to post bail rather than the threat they pose, and "more alarming," he added that a last-minute amendment to the bill that "aims to bring about execution by firing squad in North Carolina. It’s barbaric."

The last execution in North Carolina was in 2006.

He stressed that he wouldn’t allow firing squads while he’s governor. The bill doesn't specifically mention firing squads.

He said he was also troubled by the bill’s "lack of ambition or vision. It simply does not do enough to keep you safe."

The governor said he wanted the legislature to pass his comprehensive bill that would add more police officers on the streets, violence prevention measures like keeping kids out of gangs, and would attempt to make sure that people who are violent or mentally ill don’t have access to guns via background checks.

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"Iryna’s Law" prohibits cashless bail for some violent crimes and for most repeat offenders; it limits the discretion magistrates and judges have in making pretrial release decisions; allows for the state chief justice to suspend magistrates and requires more defendants to undergo mental health evaluations.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

California using back door to get federal funds for illegal immigrant healthcare, GOP says; Dems say nonsense

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 21:47:42 -0400

Democrats want to remove a provision of Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) before reopening the government, but Republicans argue the line item they want removed is allowing California to use a "loophole" to draw down funds from the federal government to help pay for the state's ballooning cost of healthcare for illegal immigrants.

The White House released a memo on Wednesday during the first day of the government shutdown fight indicating Democrats want to repeal Trump reforms in his "big, beautiful bill" that aimed to close this alleged backdoor tactic. However, California Gov. Gavin Newsom's office and left-leaning health policy experts insist claims that California is using this tactic are not true.

"When Democrats say, as they keep saying, that there is no federal money or any taxpayer money going for illegal immigrant healthcare because it's illegal and barred by federal law, it's simply not true," said Steve Hilton, a former Fox News host now running to replace Newsom as governor of California.

Hilton claimed that California has been using a complex Medicaid provision known as a "provider tax" to obtain matching federal dollars, which then gets pooled into the money used by the state to pay for its healthcare offered to undocumented immigrants.

WHITE HOUSE MEMO SAYS DEMOCRATS' PLAN COULD SPEND $200B ON HEALTHCARE FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

"If [federal dollars] are funding non-emergency healthcare for ineligible immigrants, the sole cause is provider taxes," Michael Cannon, a health policy expert at the CATO Institute told Fox News Digital.

Cannon, however, suggested Republicans shot themselves in the foot by choosing only to limit the scope of eligibility around provider tax funds in the OBBBA, saying no more could go to states providing illegal immigrants healthcare, and they should have just quashed them altogether.

"What they did was that Republicans preserved the ability of states to use provider taxes to fund healthcare for undocumented immigrants using Medicaid," he argued.

However, Newsom's office insisted to the Los Angeles Times that the claim California is utilizing a provider tax "loophole" to fund illegal immigrant healthcare is simply not true. It is effectively impossible to make a determination one way or the other because states do not keep records on how provider tax funds from the federal government are spent.

"This is false — CA does not do this," Gardon said in a one-line email to the LA Times. Newsom's office did not reply to Fox News Digital's request for comment in time for publication.

FED AUDIT, EMERGENCY MEDICAID UNDERCUT DEMS ON ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT HEALTH COVERAGE

Other healthcare policy experts agree as well that this is not happening.

"The so-called California loophole references a provision in the law that ends a waiver of the uniformity requirements for provider taxes. This provision has nothing to do with using federal funds to pay for care for undocumented immigrants," Jennifer Tolbert, a healthcare expert at the nonprofit healthcare research organization KFF.

"But the White House makes the claim that California uses the money they get from the provider tax to pay for care for undocumented immigrants."

Chris Pope, a health policy expert from the Manhattan Institute, argues California is also using emergency care claims to draw down even more funds to help pay for its ballooning cost of being the first state in the nation to offer comprehensive healthcare coverage for anyone regardless of their immigration status.

Federal law does not permit federal funds to be used for non-emergency medical care for illegal immigrants, but it does not prohibit them from being used for emergency care for these folks.

"The enormous and open-ended discretion Medicaid gives states to claim federal funding makes it hard for the feds to ensure that the program’s expenditures are reserved for its intended purposes," Pope wrote in an Op-Ed for the New York Post Friday. "Until that changes, the Democratic claim that federal money isn’t being used on illegal immigrants is simply not true."

Federal agents nab 1,000+ illegal aliens in major Illinois sweep: ‘Making the state safe again’

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 21:26:27 -0400

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced Friday that federal agents arrested more than 1,000 illegal aliens in Illinois as part of Operation Midway Blitz, a sweeping crackdown on those who sought refuge under the state’s sanctuary policies.

The operation — led by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Border Patrol — launched Sept. 8 in honor of Katie Abraham, who was killed in Illinois by a drunk driver later identified as illegal alien Julio Cucul-Bol. The initiative was designed to take "the worst of the worst" off the streets of Chicago and other parts of the state, according to a press release from DHS.

"During Operation Midway Blitz, our brave DHS law enforcement has made more than 1,000 arrests across Illinois, including of pedophiles, child abusers, kidnappers, gang members and armed robbers," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement.

"Operation Midway Blitz is making Illinois safe again."

ICE OFFICERS IN ILLINOIS TARGETED BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS WHO USED 'VEHICLES AS WEAPONS,' OFFICIALS SAY

Federal authorities highlighted several of the criminals arrested during the operation, including:

Rafael Alberto Tolentino Martinez, an illegal alien from Mexico, who has been convicted of aggravated domestic battery against a 3-year-old child, according to DHS.

Pedro Avendano Andres, an illegal alien from Mexico, who has previously been arrested for domestic battery, aggravated battery and "causing a circumstance that would endanger a child," as noted in the release.

Aziz Kamal, a "deportable" lawful permanent resident, who has previously been charged with second-degree rape, indecent liberties and assault and has an arrest for a sex offender registration violation, according to DHS.

OPERATION MIDWAY BLITZ COMMANDER REBUTS PRITZKER’S ‘CRAZY RHETORIC,' WARNS IT COULD LEAD TO VIOLENCE

Marco Geronimo Ocampo, an illegal alien from Mexico, who has previously been arrested for armed robbery, sexual assault, kidnapping, property damage, domestic battery and possession of drug paraphernalia and has a conviction for criminal sexual abuse by force, according to the news release.

Mohamed Fagel, an illegal alien from Mauritania, who has previously been arrested for battery against a public official, robbery, resisting law enforcement and disorderly conduct, according to DHS.

Erick Rios, an illegal alien and confirmed gang member of MS-13, who has multiple prior arrests, including violating a bail bond, criminal damage to property, mob action, consumption of liquor by a minor, a DUI and a final order of removal, DHS said.

Leonardo Jose Paredes Varela, an illegal alien with several prior arrests including domestic battery, assault, shoplifting and theft, according to the news release.

HUNDREDS OF FEDERAL AGENTS IN CHICAGO CARRY OUT OPERATION TARGETING SUSPECTED TREN DE ARAGUA GANG MEMBERS

Jesus Rafael Gonzalez-Teran, an illegal alien, who was arrested on charges of battery, assault and possession of controlled substances, according to DHS.

Ludwing Jeanpier Parra-Perez, an illegal alien and confirmed member of the violent Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, according to DHS.

Isaac Josue Rodriguez Arguelles, an illegal alien with previous charges for assault with a weapon, as noted in the release.

Earlier Friday, federal agents arrested more than a dozen protesters outside an ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem also said she and her staff were denied entry to a government building in Broadview when they stopped to use the restroom.

Los Angeles City Hall evacuated after car travels into steps, sidewalk in front of building; driver in custody

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 21:15:46 -0400

City Hall in downtown Los Angeles was evacuated Friday afternoon after a man allegedly drove onto a sidewalk and crashed into steps in front of the building, and barricaded himself inside his vehicle.

"I’ve been briefed on the ongoing incident outside of City Hall, which is currently being evacuated out of an abundance of caution," Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said on social media around 5 p.m.

"I want to thank all first responders who are at the scene. My office will continue to monitor the situation."

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Los Angeles Police Department for comment.

WHO IS ANIBAL HERNANDEZ SANTANA, ACCUSED IN ABC STATION SHOOTING AND NOTE SAYING TRUMP OFFICIALS ARE 'NEXT'

The man appeared to have an oxygen tank and the signs "Don’t Want To Hurt No Body," and "I NEED UR HELP D TRUMP U.S. VET" inside the car and was refusing to get out, police said, according to KTLA-TV.

SECRET SERVICE THWARTS POTENTIAL THREAT NEAR TRUMP'S WHITE HOUSE GROUNDS WITH RAPID RESPONSE

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There were also no reports of weapons or bombs inside the car, FOX 11 reported, citing police.

The man eventually exited the car and was taken into custody by police, live helicopter video of the incident showed.

The bomb squad will clear the vehicle as a precaution, KTLA reported.

Longevity secrets and cancer-fighting vitamins, plus a new virus strain

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 21:00:27 -0400

NEW USES – Weight-loss doctor shares how GLP-1s could rewire the body against disease. Continue reading…

20/20 VISION – Eye drops may replace reading glasses for those struggling with age-related vision loss. Continue reading…

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Texans' C.J. Stroud floats theory about personal athleticism: 'I'm not as quick anymore'

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:59:58 -0400

Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud has played fewer than three full seasons in the NFL.

Stroud celebrated his 24th birthday on Friday, and he already seems to be experiencing the ill effects of playing in the league. On Thursday, Stroud was asked about methods he has incorporated into his daily regimen that help him stay in optimal physical condition.

Stroud then spoke about his diet and staying consistent with exercise. But he raised some eyebrows when he compared his current athletic ability to his days as a high school football star.

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The 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year informed reporters he feels like he is "getting old."

2025 NFL WEEK 5 BUZZ: LAMAR JACKSON INACTIVE FOR WEEK 5; RB INJURY UPDATES

While Stroud noted he has made strides in his diet and stretching, he also believes he has lost a step.

"Where I think the explosiveness comes from is being better on my diet, being better with stretching. I feel like I’m getting old. I’m not as quick as I used to be," Stroud said as he smiled. "I was watching my high school stuff a couple days ago. I was like 180 (pounds), and I was rolling, but not no more. But, yeah, I try to just be better with that stuff so I can run fast."

Stroud, the second overall selection in the 2022 NFL Draft, is listed at 220 pounds, a gain of 40 pounds from his high school weight.

While Stroud's drop in athleticism is debatable, the young signal-caller’s production has dipped since his standout rookie season.

Through four games this season, Stroud has thrown four touchdowns and three interceptions. He finished 2024 with 3,727 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

Stroud’s rookie season ended with 4,108 passing yards, 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. The Texans advanced to the playoffs in each of Stroud’s first two seasons.

Houston enters Week 5 with a 1-3 record. The Texans visit the Baltimore Ravens Sunday.

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WNBA commissioner denies alleged statement saying Caitlin Clark should be 'grateful' to league for success

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:57:26 -0400

WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert addressed a conversation revealed by player Napheesa Collier, who alleged Engelbert said "[Caitlin Clark] should be grateful she makes $16 million off the court because without the platform that the WNBA gives her, she wouldn't make anything."

Engelbert said at a press conference Friday she did not make those comments.

"Obviously, I did not make those comments. Caitlin has been a transformational player in this league. She's been a great representative of the game. She’s brought in tens of millions of new fans to the game," Engelbert said.

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Collier also alleged that Engelbert said, "Players should be on their knees, thanking their lucky stars for the media rights deal that I got them."

Engelbert addressed those alleged comments as well, claiming there have been a lot of "inaccuracies" reported in the media, but she did not explicitly deny making those comments as she did with the alleged Clark comments.

"There's a lot of innacuracy out there through social media and all this reporting," Engelbert said. "A lot of reporting, a lot of innacuracy about what I say, what I didn't say."

LYNX'S NAPHEESA COLLIER RAILS AGAINST WNBA LEADERSHIP, CALLS FOR OFFICIATING CHANGES

Engelbert later said, "I'm disheartened. I'm a human too. I have a family. I have two kids who are devastated by these comments. So, all I say is that it's obviously been a tough week, and I just think there's a lot of innacuracy out there."

Still, Engelbert acknowledged that if players don't feel "appreciated" then she has to do better.

"I was disheartened to hear that some players feel the league and that I personally do not care about them or listen to them," Engelbert said before Game 1 of the WNBA Finals Friday night.

"If the players in the ‘W’ don’t feel appreciated and value from the league, we have to do better, and I have to do better."

The WNBA and its players' union, the WNBPA, are in negotiations for a new collective bargaining agreement.

The players’ association and the WNBA agreed to an eight-year agreement in 2020, but last year the WNBPA voted to opt out of the agreement early.

The current agreement is due to expire Oct. 31.

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Trump says American flag burners will be ‘immediately arrested’ under executive order

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:56:17 -0400

President Donald Trump said Friday that anyone who burns the American flag "will be immediately arrested" and face a one-year prison term, citing his Aug. 25 executive order on flag desecration.

"To ICE, Border Patrol, Law Enforcement, and all U.S. Military: As per my August 25, 2025 Executive Order, please be advised that, from this point forward, anybody burning the American Flag will be subject to one year in prison," Trump posted on Truth Social Friday evening.

"You will be immediately arrested. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"

VETERAN BURNS AMERICAN FLAG IN FRONT OF WHITE HOUSE ON DAY OF CONTROVERSIAL TRUMP EXECUTIVE ORDER

The executive order itself stopped short of creating new penalties, directing the Justice Department to prioritize cases under existing laws "to the maximum extent permitted by the Constitution."

Supreme Court rulings in Texas v. Johnson (1989) and United States v. Eichman (1990) held that flag burning is protected speech. Trump’s statement goes further, setting up potential legal battles if arrests are pursued.

JONATHAN TURLEY: TRUMP'S BOLD FLAG-BURNING CRACKDOWN SETS UP BIG FIGHT DOWN THE ROAD

Trump has long pushed to punish flag desecration, and the latest post sharpens his law-and-order message as the government shutdown continues.

"President Trump will not allow the American Flag, a special symbol of our country’s greatness, to be used as a tool to incite violence and riots that jeopardize the safety of everyday Americans," White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson told Fox News Digital. "President Trump will always protect the First Amendment, while simultaneously implementing commonsense, tough-on-crime policies to prevent violence and chaos."

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The Department of Justice did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Transportation secretary goes viral with meme video slamming Democrats as shutdown hits Day 3: ‘FAFO’

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:35:46 -0400

With Washington, D.C., gridlocked over the government shutdown, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy took his case to social media Friday, sharing a viral meme video that uses the "f--- around and find out (FAFO)" graph to take aim at Democrats holding out for healthcare provisions in the spending deal.

The video, which Duffy shared on X, splices together quotes from Democrats related to the shutdown and a viral video of a man explaining the FAFO graph on a classroom white board.

"All right, today we're going to talk about how we can find out, how much we can find out and what it takes to get there," the man says in the video. "So, first, we have to decide how much do we want to find out."

DEMOCRATS BLAME GOP FOR OBAMACARE WOES TIED TO PANDEMIC-ERA SUBSIDIES

The video then cuts to Democrats explaining that they want "healthcare for everybody," before snapping back to the FAFO graph, where the man explains "that there is going to tell me how much I have to f--- around to find out what I need to find out."

Footage continues showing quotes from Democratic politicians as the man with the graph reiterates, "The more you f--- around, the more you're going to find out."

"Dear Democrats, FAFO," Duffy wrote in a post accompanying the video.

GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN ENTERS 3RD DAY AS SENATE STALEMATE OVER OBAMACARE SUBSIDIES DRAGS ON

The government shutdown entered its third day Friday as Senate Democrats insisted on a bipartisan continuing resolution that includes extending Obamacare tax credits, while Republicans argued the government must reopen before negotiations continue.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., accused Democrats of holding the government "hostage," while Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., warned that failing to act immediately would lead to a spike in healthcare premiums.

DEMOCRATS REFUSE TO BUDGE OVER OBAMACARE FIGHT AS SHUTDOWN DRAGS ON

Meanwhile, the administration is pressuring Democrats by withholding billions in infrastructure and green funding from blue states.

Although bipartisan talks remain ongoing, potential compromises like temporary tax credit extensions have yet to lead to a deal.

Fox News Digital's Alex Miller contributed to this report.

Justice Department probes Portland Police Bureau after Trump administration bias claims

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:09:06 -0400

The Justice Department is launching an investigation into the Portland Police Bureau's "questionable" practices amid accusations by the Trump administration that the force has acted with bias during weekslong anti-ICE protests.

Harmeet Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for civil rights, announced the probe Friday, citing orders from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.

"We will not leave the people of Portland at the whims of criminals and woke cops. Govern yourselves accordingly!" she wrote on X.

PORTLAND POLICE ARREST CONSERVATIVE JOURNALIST ON ANOTHER NIGHT OF CHAOTIC ANTI-ICE CLASHES

In a letter dated Friday to Portland City Attorney Robert Taylor and Police Chief Bob Day, Dhillon cited concerns about the police response to several incidents, including the arrest of a conservative journalist and police actions allegedly limiting the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) use of its Portland facility.

Dhillon's office requested unredacted incident reports related to the use of force, arrests and other actions and communications regarding directions given to police officers responding to protests at ICE facilities within the past 30 days.

Dhillon requested that her office be provided the materials no later than Oct. 10.

The city received the inquiry while its lawyers were in court attempting to stop the deployment of National Guard troops to help protect federal property.

ICE DIRECTOR SAYS PORTLAND FACILITY FACES VIOLENCE WITH 'LITTLE HELP FROM LOCAL POLICE'

"We are still reviewing this inquiry and do not have a comment at this time on specific requests lodged by the federal government," the city said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital. "What we can say is this: Mayor Wilson has full faith in the Portland Police Bureau’s commitment to protecting public safety, upholding the rights of all individuals to lawfully assemble and impartially enforcing the law."

Portland has seen nightly protests over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement actions. Some have turned chaotic, with protesters clashing with authorities.

The Trump administration announced a review Friday of federal funding to the city.

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The review comes after conservative journalist Nick Sortor was taken into custody late Thursday night while documenting the protests in Portland, something Leavitt described as an "extremely troubling incident." She said the Department of Justice spoke with Sortor Friday morning and "will be launching a full investigation into his arrest."

"This incident is part of a troubling trend in Portland, where left-wing mobs believe they get to decide who can visit and live in their city. It is not their city; it is the American people’s city, and President Trump is going to restore that," Leavitt said.

"I just spoke with the president about this, and he has directed his team here at the White House to begin reviewing aid that can potentially be cut to Portland. We will not fund states that allow anarchy."

New York Jets deny retaliation allegations by former employee

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:01:41 -0400

The New York Jets have responded to allegations made by former employee Elaine Chen.

Chen filed a lawsuit claiming she was fired in response to her role in an investigation of allegations of sexual misconduct against team president Hymie Elhai. Chen alleges the Jets retaliated against her and her husband after complaints were made against Elhai.

The Jets have provided a statement to Fox News Digital calling the allegations "categorically false," adding the organization is filing legal claims against Chen and her husband.

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"The recent allegations against the organization and Mr. Elhai are categorically false. We are filing legal claims, including defamation and libel against Ms. Chen; her husband, Larry Fitzpatrick; and other parties involved," the statement said.

"The allegations made against Mr. Elhai were taken seriously and investigated thoroughly in accordance with organization policy and involved third party investigative measures.

"That investigation revealed the truth, with a disturbing twist: The allegations of harassment were not only baseless, but the email at the center of the allegations was part of a deliberate and unlawful conspiracy of then-current and former Jets employees, including Ms. Chen and her husband, Mr. Fitzpatrick."

Chen's lawsuit did not identify her husband by name. Fitzpatrick was the team's Vice President of Ticket Sales & Services.

DARREN WALLER PUTS ON VINTAGE PERFORMANCE TO HELP DOLPHINS GRAB FIRST WIN OF 2025 SEASON

The organization's statement also included a series of points addressing Chen's allegations.

"The investigation’s facts and findings are irrefutable:

In her lawsuit, Chen alleges the Jets were "targeting anyone who supported the allegations against Elhai and/or the belief that Mr. Elhai’s sexual conduct warranted an actual investigation and/or disciplinary action."

The lawsuit also claims her husband was fired after he "confirmed" the allegations in the investigation.

The Jets claim they typically don't comment on active litigation, but opted to due to the circumstances of this case.

"While we would typically decline to comment until we file our legal response, in this case, we are compelled to do so immediately given Ms. Chen’s decision to continue the unlawful conspiracy through litigation and make the circumstances of her termination by the Jets a matter of public record. Ms. Chen’s legal claims of marital status discrimination and retaliation are meritless, legally and factually," the statement alleges.

"She was fired by the Jets for legitimate and lawful business reasons, specifically, for her egregious misconduct, including the deletion of communications and lies, all in furtherance of an unlawful conspiracy to harm and defame both the organization and Mr. Elhai with the malicious intention of getting him fired and destroying his reputation and career.

"We do not intend to comment further while legal proceedings are underway."

An attorney for Chen could not be reached for comment.

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Stephen A. Smith blasts Rep. Crockett for spending career ankle-biting at Trump, not serving her voters

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 20:00:01 -0400

Radio host Stephen A. Smith called out Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, on his show, arguing she focused too much on anti-Trump political theater instead of serving her voters.

Smith argued that due to decades of policy and a secure hold on Black voters, "you have a Democratic Party that knew they were getting our vote, would engage in demagoguery, scare the living hell out of us about what existed on the right and, as a result, they'd get our vote. And all they had to do to get it was to give us lip service about negative stuff about the other side."

Smith went on to suggest that Black voters, to their detriment, have allowed themselves to be placated by performative politics rather than concrete solutions.

"As I religiously stated throughout the years, when White folks catch a cold, Black folks catch pneumonia. It's always worse for us. Pick any historical data you want to point to. It is always worse for us," Smith said.

JASMINE CROCKETT DISPARAGES MAGA VOTERS, TRUMP AS 'MOST UNPATRIOTIC PEOPLE'

"And I believe the biggest reason in this day and age ain’t even about racism to the degree it once was," he argued. "What it's really about is us not strategizing, playing checkers instead of chess, letting our emotions instead of facts lead the way and letting that guide us to express ourselves in ways that serve to alienate the very people who can help us."

Smith argued that while he respects intelligent women, it is actual solutions and compromise with opposition that yields solutions, not political theater.

"But how Jasmine Crockett chooses to express herself, I'm like, ‘Is that gonna help your district in Texas?’ Aren't you there to find a way to get stuff done, as opposed to just being an impediment to what Trump wants? How much work goes into that?" Smith said.

STEPHEN A. SMITH CALLS OUT DEMS LIKE AOC AND JASMINE CROCKETT AS BAD LOOK FOR FACE OF THE PARTY

He then mocked Crockett’s perceived approach.

"’I'm just going to go off about Trump, cuss him out every chance I get, say the most derogatory, incendiary things imaginable and that's my day's work,'" Smith said.

"That ain't work!

"Work," Smith argued, "is saying, ‘That's the man in power. I know what his agenda is. I'm not exactly in a position to stop him since the Republicans have the Senate and the House, but maybe if I'm willing to work with this man, I might get something out of it for my constituency.’

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"Because, like Joe Manchin said, he's there to represent, or was there for 15 years to represent the people of West Virginia. She's supposed to be there to represent the people of Texas. I don't know. Maybe that just sounds ignorant because it's so simple, but it ain't that damn complicated," Smith concluded. "We make it complicated."

Fox News Digital reached out to Crockett for comment but did not receive an immediate response.

Morgan Wallen was target of Paramore's Hayley Williams' 'racist country singer' lyric

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:58:24 -0400

Paramore singer Hayley Williams confirmed that her "racist country singer" lyric on her new album is about Morgan Wallen.

On The New York Times podcast, Williams discussed her album, "Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party," which has a lyric that calls out a specific country music star.

The lyric is, "I'll be the biggest star at this racist country singer’s bar."

When asked about who the lyric was about on the podcast, Williams admitted it "could be a couple" of musicians, but she had Wallen in mind when writing the song.

MORGAN WALLEN BREAKS MONTHS-LONG SILENCE AFTER USING RACIAL SLUR: ‘I'VE REALLY WORKED ON MYSELF’

"I'm always talking about Morgan Wallen. I don't give a s---. Find me at Whole Foods b----. I don't care. I just don't care," the Paramore frontwoman said.

She noted on the podcast that she's "never not ready to scream at the top of my lungs about racial issues."

"I don't know why that became the thing that gets me most angry. I think because it’s so intersectional that it overlaps with everything from climate change to LGBTQIA issues," Williams said.

Wallen has not publicly addressed Williams's remarks. Fox News Digital reached out to the country star for comment.

In February 2021, Wallen was caught on camera using the N-word while speaking with friends in a driveway in Tennessee.

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A few months later, Wallen admitted during an interview with Michael Strahan on "Good Morning America" that he had been "partying all weekend" with some "longtime friends" before the slur was used.

"No, I don't think it just happened. I was around some of my friends and we just, we say dumb stuff together. In our minds, it's playful. It sounds ignorant, but that's really where it came from, and it's wrong.

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"We were all clearly drunk, and I was asking his girlfriend to take care of him because he was drunk, and he was leaving. I didn't mean it in any derogatory manner at all," he said at the time.

Strahan pressed Wallen why he would feel it was an "appropriate" word to ever use, to which the country crooner admitted he was "just ignorant about it."

In April 2021, Wallen took to X and issued a handwritten apology to fans. He revealed he would be taking a break from performing that summer.

"I have felt a lot of love lately from so many people I haven't gotten to know yet," Wallen began, thanking his fans who stood beside him. "I know my corner hasn't been the most popular one to stand in recently, but many of you did anyway."

Wallen maintained that he had "made some mistakes" in 2020 and called it a "tough year," likely pointing to his public intoxication arrest in May and disorderly conduct charges in September 2020.

Ravens mourn loss of former defensive lineman, Super Bowl champion Arthur Jones

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:56:48 -0400

Arthur Jones, a key defensive lineman during the Baltimore Ravens' run to the Super Bowl title in 2013, has died, his former team announced Friday. He was 39.

"We are terribly saddened to learn of Arthur Jones' sudden passing," Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said in a statement.

Jones was credited with a sack and a fumble recovery in the game against the San Francisco 49ers that secured the Ravens' second Vince Lombardi Trophy.

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The game is remembered for a lengthy delay caused by a power outage inside New Orleans' Superdome. Jones’ sack happened just moments before the outage. His fumble recovery in the second quarter helped set up a Ravens touchdown.

"Arthur's presence was a gift to everyone he encountered," the statement continued. "His big, bright smile, infectious energy and eternal positivity created a presence that continuously uplifted others. He was kind, courteous and enthusiastic — always displaying a love for family, teammates and friends."

CHAD 'OCHOCINCO' JOHNSON HEARTBROKEN AFTER MISSING CHANCE TO WISH FORMER TEAMMATE RUDI JOHNSON FINAL FAREWELL

Jones was the brother of UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones.

The Ravens selected Jones in the fifth round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He started 20 games for Baltimore over four seasons, finishing his stint with 8½ sacks.

Jones joined the Indianapolis Colts in 2014 and retired in 2017 following a one-year stint with Washington.

He finished his NFL career with 10 sacks.

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Arizona girl’s death ruled homicide after she was allegedly kept in cage at grandmother’s home: report

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:39:02 -0400

The death of a 13-year-old girl with epilepsy has reportedly been ruled a homicide after authorities said she had been kept in a "makeshift cage" inside her grandmother's Arizona home.

Melony Granados, who suffered from a rare form of epilepsy and cognitive impairments that left her functioning at the level of a 3-year-old, had been in the care of her grandmother, Virginia Lujan.

Lujan, 55, was charged in February with child abuse and related offenses in the teen’s death, prosecutors said.

The Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office recently confirmed Granados' death was ruled a homicide, ABC15 reported.

MYSTERY OF BABIES ABANDONED AT PARK IN 1989 SOLVED AFTER MOTHER ID'D AS WOMAN FOUND MURDERED IN DESERT

The Tempe Police Department had been awaiting the medical examiner’s report before considering additional charges. However, Lujan died last month of natural causes while in custody at the Maricopa County Jail, ABC15 reported, citing a spokesperson for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

911 CALLS, POLICE REPORT DETAILS DARK TIMELINE TO ARIZONA GIRL'S TRAGIC DEATH

On Jan. 20, Lujan called 911 to report Granados was unresponsive inside their Tempe townhouse. Officers found the girl on the living room floor with extensive bruising. Lujan told investigators her granddaughter had fallen down the stairs, according to ABC15.

Granados died at a hospital the following day.

Investigators said their home was "filthy," with trash, insects and unsanitary conditions. They discovered a bunk bed that had been converted into a makeshift cage, with baby gates and rails zip-tied to the frame and human waste inside the enclosure, prosecutors said.

9-YEAR-OLD CANADIAN GIRL WHOSE FATHER WAS CHARGED WITH HER MURDER WAS DROWNED, AUTHORITIES SAY

"While investigating, officers discovered a bunk bed that had been adapted into a makeshift enclosure where the victim was kept for extended periods of time, along with grossly unsanitary conditions throughout the home," the Maricopa County Attorney's Office said at the time.

Granados, who had epilepsy and severe cognitive impairments, was one of five children belonging to Lujan’s daughter, Jami Hodges. Hodges had previously transferred custody of four of her children to Lujan.

In February, Lujan was indicted on charges, including child abuse, evidence tampering and contributing to the dependency of a child, according to the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

The Maricopa County Sheriff's Office, Maricopa County Attorney's Office and Tempe Police Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. A spokesperson for the Maricopa County Medical Examiner’s Office declined to comment.

Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

Virginia governor’s race ad stirs ‘Willie Horton’ echoes as early voting hits record pace

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:09:08 -0400

FIRST ON FOX: A new seven-figure ad in Virginia’s governor’s race is drawing comparisons to the infamous Willie Horton spot of 1988 amid record early voting in the Old Dominion State.

The ad, produced by the American Principles Project, attacks Democrat Abigail Spanberger over transgender policies and warns of the dangers of biological men in women's spaces. It comes as early voting tops 146,000 ballots in the first week, more than twice the pace of 2021, according to data from the Virginia Public Access Project.

The spot points to Richard Cox, a Tier III sex offender in Arlington County who has been charged multiple times with exposing himself in girls’ locker rooms. The ad says Spanberger’s record and her opposition to Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s guidelines for transgender students would let it happen again. It accuses her of putting radical ideology ahead of safety for young girls.

"The case of sexual deviant Richard Cox preying upon young girls in Virginia is enraging to any decent person – but not to Abigail Spanberger," Terry Schilling, President of the American Principles Project, told Fox News Digital. "She refuses to condemn Richard Cox at all."

SPANBERGER DEFENDS ABORTION AD CRITICIZING SEARS AFTER BERNIE WARNS AGAINST HIGHLIGHTING ISSUE

"She’s avoided answering any and all questions about it, and the answer is obvious because this situation is only possible because of Spanberger’s radical transgender policy agenda. Cox has been a repeat offender for over 30 years. He was allowed to enter women’s private spaces where little girls are vulnerable, and no one stopped him," Schilling added.

"If Abigail Spanberger is elected governor of Virginia, she will repeal all protections for women in Virginia and put even more young girls in danger. The reason we are spending $1 million on this ad is because every Virginia voter should know that Abigail Spanberger will endanger their daughters."

APP has run similar ads in other battleground states, positioning itself as a defender of families and warning against policies it claims "confuse[s] young children about changing their gender." By airing the ad now, APP hopes to frame Spanberger as out of step with Virginia voters before Election Day.

ELON MUSK WADES INTO VIRGINIA TRANSGENDER BATHROOM CLASH, SAYS DEM GOV CANDIDATE WRONGLY ‘BLAMING’ TRUMP

The strategy echoes the famous Willie Horton ad of 1988 that linked Democrat Michael Dukakis to the convicted murderer who committed rape and assault while on weekend furlough from a Massachusetts prison. George H.W. Bush defeated Dukakis by seven points nationally, and the ad became a defining example of how the GOP can use crime to win races.

Spanberger has voted for the Equality Act in Congress and opposed Youngkin’s guidelines, but local school boards control locker room access. Her campaign has tried to keep the focus on the economy and her own record in Washington.

"Convicted sex offender Richard Cox is a predator who should be in jail — and that’s exactly where he is," a spokeperson for Spanberger's campaign told Fox News Digital. "Abigail is a parent of three daughters in Virginia public schools and a former federal law enforcement officer who went after child predators. Nothing is more important to her than the safety of Virginia’s kids.

"As Governor, Abigail will work with state and local law enforcement officers to keep Virginia kids safe and make sure sex offenders are prevented from preying on children and prosecuted for their crimes."

Cox remains in custody at the Arlington County jail on multiple pending charges, according to the Arlington County Sheriff’s Office inmate database.

"Abigail Spanberger’s policies enabled Richard Cox to prey on women and girls. No amount of political damage control can erase that record," Schilling told Fox News Digital in response to the Spanberger campaign. "Spanberger is too dangerous to lead Virginia. As governor, Spanberger will repeal Gov. Youngkin’s recent executive order barring males from female private spaces."

Republicans argue that safety and cultural issues are resonating more deeply with parents across the state, particularly after Youngkin's win in 2021, which many linked to parental rights in education.

Polling shows Spanberger with a lead, but the numbers suggest a competitive race. A Washington Post Schar School poll taken in late September showed her at 55% to Republican nominee Winsome Earle-Sears at 43. With Republicans casting about half of the first week’s early ballots, the race is one of the most-watched in the nation.

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More ads are expected as the campaign heats up and voters in Virginia send in record numbers of early ballots. The final weeks of the race will show whether the tough-on-crime playbook still rings true nearly four decades after Willie Horton. Early voting ends Nov. 1.

The Earle-Sears campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Video captures Charlie Kirk assassination suspect Tyler Robinson during police manhunt in Utah

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:03:48 -0400

PROVO, Utah — Newly released surveillance video obtained by Fox News Digital shows Charlie Kirk’s alleged assassin at a Utah gas station one day after the conservative influencer was gunned down while speaking at a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University.

Local authorities were initially called to a Maverik gas station in Cedar City, roughly 215 miles from where Kirk was shot, after Utah state officials alerted police that alleged shooter Tyler Robinson, 22, may have dumped evidence in a nearby trash can.

Officers subsequently responded to the tip, where they uncovered surveillance video of Robinson but confirmed that he did not throw anything in the gas station’s trash during his stop.

TIMELINE OF CHARLIE KIRK'S ALLEGED ASSASSIN FROM CAMPUS SHOOTING TO SHERIFF'S OFFICE SURRENDER

The video shows Robinson’s Dodge Challenger arriving at a Maverik gas station at around 7:15 a.m. on Sept. 11, in Cedar City, less than 24 hours into authorities’ manhunt for the alleged assassin.

Robinson can be seen exiting his vehicle and paying for gas using a credit card before standing next to the car as he pumped fuel.

"Once the tank was full, he removed the nozzle, closed the gas cap, got back into his vehicle and left the gas station," the Cedar City Police Department said in an incident report. "At no time did Tyler approach or use any trash cans to dispose of items."

CHARLIE KIRK'S ACCUSED ASSASSIN ENCOUNTERED BY POLICE DURING RETURN TO CRIME SCENE: LAW ENFORCEMENT SOURCES

The video is one of the first glimpses into Robinson’s alleged getaway route from Orem to St. George as authorities raced to track down Kirk’s accused killer.

Robinson was arrested later that day in St. George after he allegedly confessed or "implied" guilt to his parents, romantic partner and friends, according to court documents.

NEW VIDEO APPEARS TO SHOW ALLEGED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN NEAR CAMPUS HOURS BEFORE SHOOTING

Robinson faces seven charges, including aggravated homicide, which carries the potential death penalty; felony discharge of a firearm; obstruction; and witness tampering. He has not yet entered a plea.

On Monday, Robinson’s attorney asked a judge for more time to review evidence before deciding if his legal team will request a preliminary hearing. Prosecutors have previously said they plan to seek the death penalty in Robinson’s case.

TCU denies anti-Christian discrimination claim leveled by Chloe Cole after dust-up over Turning Point event

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:00:58 -0400

Chloe Cole, a detransitioner who talks about transgender issues, accused Texas Christian University of viewpoint discrimination, claiming the institution made the process difficult for Turning Point USA to host an event she was scheduled to attend.

However, TCU flatly denies the notion that it engages in anti-Christian discrimination.

"They gave us a lot of hoops to jump through," Cole said. "TCU has, according to students and staff who I've spoken to, had a history of discriminating against their Christian and conservative students."

The event was planned for Oct. 7 with Cole being a featured speaker.

Cole claimed TCU tried to ignore Turning Point USA since the group has been working to establish a chapter on campus.

TURNING POINT UTAH STOP MARKED BY RESILIENCE AND HEIGHTENED SECURITY

"We gave them several weeks' notice on doing this event. And they led us on for a while until they were expecting about, I think, 600 or more students or people in attendance at this event, and they provided us with only a room that would give us about 200 people, which isn't even half the attendance that we're expecting," she said.

The TCU spokesperson told Fox News Digital that "faith-based student organizations face no additional obstacles to hosting an event at TCU."

"We regularly welcome Christian and faith-based events, for example, the recent memorial for students and the community honoring the life of Charlie Kirk, hosted by TCU’s TPUSA chapter on Sept. 18," the TCU spokesperson said.

"For the date of Oct. 7, no venue was available for an event open to the public for up to a thousand people, which has since been publicized 2,000. Alternatives and other options were explored and offered to accommodate the request for this date, and we remain open to finding a suitable venue on an available date," the spokesperson added.

The event will not happen due to logistical issues, the university told Fox News Digital. Once reports and rumors broke out about the event being moved to a different venue, the university faced backlash from conservatives and Texas officials. Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Republican Rep. Chip Roy have said they will investigate the matter.

RILEY GAINES SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THREATS TO CONSERVATIVES ON COLLEGE CAMPUSES

TCU disputed these claims, stating the event was never canceled because it was not booked in the first place.

"On September 18, TCU successfully hosted a TPUSA event to honor the life of Charlie Kirk, who had previously spoken on TCU’s campus to students and the community. Separate from this event, an outside party, not affiliated with TCU, invited an external speaker to appear on our campus on Oct. 7," a TCU spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

"The student chapter of TPUSA then requested that TCU host the Oct. 7 event for 700 to 1,000 people. The requested space was already booked with another student event. We explored options and notified the group on Sept. 25 that a secure space was not available given the short notice, but we offered to find another date or space for the event."

Cole explained further that when she asked TCU to address it, the university told her "there would be no more discussion about the matter."

Virginia school board member compares Turning Point USA to KKK over transgender event

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 19:00:07 -0400

A Virginia school board member is under fire for comparing Turning Point USA to the KKK, a local outlet reported.

The TPUSA chapter at Western Albemarle High School scheduled an event, Two Genders, One Truth, on Wednesday. The event’s presentation was conducted by Family Foundation of Virginia President Victoria Cobb, who criticized transgender ideology.

According to The National Desk, reposted by KATV-ABC7, "The high school had originally canceled the event but later changed its mind, leading to Allison Spillman, an at-large representative of Albemarle County Public Schools, to make the wild comparison on Facebook."

"As a school board member and proud parent of a trans student I am beyond livid," Spillman wrote on Facebook.

TCU DISPUTES CLAIMS IT CANCELED TURNING POINT EVENT WITH DE-TRANSITIONER

"In my opinion this is not a matter of free speech, it’s hate speech and has no place in our schools. If the KKK wanted a speaker during lunch would we allow that as well?"

Spillman accused the school district of violating its own policy by allowing the TPUSA chapter to host the event.

"If this makes you angry too then I encourage you to email our school board and the school admin and let them know," she continued.

"Shame on ACPS."

The post caught the attention of conservatives. High School Republican Federation of Virginia Chairman Kellen Habibelahy expressed concern about Spillman putting TPUSA members in danger.

"Albemarle County school board member Allison Spillman is comparing the Turning Point USA club there to the KKK and claiming they push hate speech," he wrote. "Talking like this could put the members in danger."

A spokesperson for Albemarle County School District told Fox News Digital that "with respect to At-Large Board Member Allison Spillman’s social media comments, I am sharing part of the response our School Board Chair, Dr. Kate Acuff, has given when addressing community concerns."

LIBERAL GEORGIA PROFESSOR SPONSORS TPUSA CHAPTER DESPITE CONFLICTING VIEWS: ‘A RISK WORTH TAKING’

"Regarding the comments Ms. Spillman made, note that School Board members are each elected officials and any sanctions are felt at the ballot box," Acuff said.

"Although this year I serve as Chair, no Chair has the authority to control the speech of other School Board members or sanction them. Provided each School Board member makes it clear when making public comments that they do not speak for the entire School Board, each is responsible for their own comments. Only the School Board Chair and Vice Chair can speak on behalf of the entire School Board."

Spillman later posted a statement on Facebook following the backlash to her comments about TPUSA.

"As a member of the Albemarle County School Board and a parent of a transgender student, I want to be clear about a recent post I made regarding an upcoming Turning Point USA event at Western Albemarle High School," Spillman said.

FLORIDA VOWS LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ANY EFFORTS TO BLOCK TPUSA CHAPTERS ON CAMPUS

"My concern is and always has been about protecting students and ensuring our schools remain safe, inclusive environments. The remarks I made were aimed at the content of the invited speaker's message, which I believe denies the identities of transgender students and contributes to a hostile environment for them," she added.

Spillman explained further that her intent was not to equate students involved in any club or organization to the Ku Klux Klan.

"In raising the example of the Ku Klux Klan, my intent was not to equate students involved in any club with that organization. Rather, I was drawing a parallel about the principle of setting boundaries for outside speakers who promote harmful or exclusionary ideas. We would not invite openly racist or antisemitic speakers into our schools; similarly, we must question whether it is appropriate to host a speaker whose message invalidates the existence of transgender students," she said.

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"I aimed to raise the very salient question: what, if any, procedures are in place to vet any third parties proposed to be invited into our schools to interact directly with students? And if they result in such a speaker being invited to address our students in our schools, shouldn’t they be reexamined?"

Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah.

Michigan church shooting bodycam video shows police confront gunman

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:12:31 -0400

Police in Michigan released body camera video from officers who responded to the shooting at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, eventually killing the gunman.

Thomas Jacob Sanford is accused of killing four people and injuring eight at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc, Michigan, during Sunday service. Authorities say he rammed his truck into the building and opened fire, setting fire to the church while services were going on.

The Grand Blanc Township Police Department provided Fox News Digital with body camera video from officers who responded to the shooting. The video shows several officers running toward the church while several shots can be heard.

"Get on the ground," one law enforcement officer yells at Sanford.

FBI BELIEVES MICHIGAN CHURCH ATTACKER 'HATED PEOPLE OF MORMON FAITH,' KAROLINE LEAVITT SAYS

"Shoot him," another officer can be heard saying. "Drop the gun now."

Several shots can be heard before Sanford is seen lifeless in the Church parking lot.

According to Fox 2, the first 911 call came in at 10:25 a.m. from a caller describing being shot in the stomach, and the first law enforcement officer arrived at 10:27 a.m.

MICHIGAN CHURCH SHOOTER'S ROMANCE HISTORY EMERGES AS SUSPECT'S FATHER APOLOGIZES TO VICTIMS' FAMILIES

Grand Blanc Police Chief William Renye said during a news conference that the video shows "what law enforcement is trained to do."

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said in an update Monday that Sanford hated Mormons.

"Based on my conversations with the FBI director, all they know right now is this was an individual who hated people of the Mormon faith, and they are trying to understand more about this, how premeditated it was, how much planning went into it, whether he left a note. All of those questions have yet to be answered but certainly will be answered by the FBI," Leavitt told "Fox & Friends"

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"Local police officers were on the ground of this scene within minutes and neutralized this shooter, no doubt saving lives, and they should be commended. Our police officers are heroes, and this president will always respect them and support them," Leavitt continued.

The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of "targeted" violence.

Fox News Digital's Pilar Arias and Hanna Panreck contributed to this report.

Kristi Noem torches NFL as 'weak,' vows ICE will show up at Super Bowl amid Bad Bunny scandal

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:07:26 -0400

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said immigration authorities will enforce the law at Super Bowl 60 at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara, California, before criticizing the NFL, which she said was "so weak."

Noem was speaking with Benny Johnson on "The Benny Show" when she was asked about Bad Bunny, the Puerto Rican reggaeton artist slated to perform in the halftime show and the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Bad Bunny, a three-time Grammy winner whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, said last month he would not perform in the United States during his upcoming tour due to concerns about potential ICE raids at the shows.

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"I have the responsibility to make sure everybody who goes to the Super Bowl has the opportunity to enjoy it and to leave safely. That's what America’s about," Noem told Johnson. "We'll be all over that place."

Noem said those attending big game should be law-abiding Americans "who love this country."

Johnson asked Noem about the decision to have Bad Bunny perform, given his views on ICE.

"They suck, and we'll win," Noem said of the NFL. "God will bless us, and we'll stand and be proud of ourselves at the end of the day. And they won't be able to sleep at night because they don't know what they believe.

"They're so weak. We'll fix it."

NOEM WARNS OF ‘UNPRECEDENTED’ THREAT LEVEL FOR ICE AGENTS, BLAMES 'LIES' FROM DEMOCRATS

Earlier in the week, Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski warned ICE agents would be present at the game.

"There is nowhere you can provide safe haven to people who are in this country illegally," Lewandowski said on "The Benny Show." "Not the Super Bowl and nowhere else. We will find you and apprehend you and put you in a detention facility and deport you. Know that this is a very real situation under this administration, which is contrary to how it used to be."

Bad Bunny has frequently criticized ICE raids and ICE agents.

"But there was the issue of — like, f---ing ICE could be outside [my concert]. And it’s something that we were talking about and very concerned about," he told i-D last month.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the NFL for comment.

Netflix executive's pro-transgender social media posts surface during kid's content controversy

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 18:00:26 -0400

A Netflix executive’s past social media posts about transgender people, including children, have come to light, and some conservatives have grown furious at the streaming giant pushing "woke Democrat gender ideology" on kids.

A growing campaign to cancel Netflix erupted on social media this week after billionaire Elon Musk, conservative account Libs of TikTok and other online influencers unearthed a series of pro-transgender content for children.

Musk responded, "This is not OK," to a viral clip of a show called "Dead End Paranormal Park" that showed a character coming out as trans. Another Netflix kids show, "Strawberry Shortcake: Berry in the Big City," promoted transgender drag queens, and Netflix’s "The Baby-Sitters Club" featured a child character shaming doctors for referring to a trans, child patient by biological pronouns.

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Netflix’s "Transformers: Earthspark" has also come under fire for pushing the term "nonbinary" despite being geared to children as young as 7, while "Monster High: The Movie" features teenage characters explaining their preferred pronouns.

"Absolutely disgusting!! Netflix is pushing woke Democrat gender ideology and ‘non-binary’ propaganda onto kids," Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., posted in response to a viral clip.

Netflix did not immediately respond to a request for comment about the backlash.

One Netflix executive who presumably isn’t too bothered is Vice President of Inclusion Strategy Wade Davis, who was described by the company during a podcast about "anti-Blackness" in 2020 as an "educator on gender, race and orientation equality."

Prior to joining Netflix in 2023, Davis briefly played in the NFL and served as the NFL's inaugural LGBT inclusion consultant. He also served as a surrogate for President Barack Obama, according to his Netflix company bio.

Davis has been outspoken about trans issues on social media, posting in July a scolding message about a transphobic Uber driver.

"Identifying within the trans spectrum challenges the heteronormative binary & anytime you challenge the standards of a nation - you are in danger (hence the rage, hatred and violence trans folks experience) — so when your existence challenges the status quo are not a imitation," Davis posted in 2020.

In 2019, Davis posted that being trans is about "identity not sex," adding "trans folks understand that they are being treated differently from how they identity btw the ages of 3 & 5 & adults force gender on kids from birth."

MEGHAN MARKLE IN TALKS WITH NETFLIX AFTER ‘REPUTATION NOSEDIVE’ LEAVES HER FUTURE ‘DUBIOUS’: EXPERTS

Davis has also criticized gay people who have "failed" the trans community.

"The gay community (including me to some extent) has failed the trans community... Failed. And left them behind," Davis posted in 2017.

Back in 2016, on the heels of President Donald Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton, Davis took to social media.

"Woke up thinking about women, black, brown, Trans, disabled folks who were told very loudly that their lives don't matter. #TrumpProtest," Davis wrote.

That same year, he advocated for biological men using women’s restrooms.

"Trans ppl need protections & the ability to use the restrooms of their gender identity," Davis posted.

In 2015, Davis posted, "we wish queerness on queer antagonists so they can feel what it’s like to be on the receiving end of their hatred."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

In 2013, Davis boasted about an "amazing" event at the Hetrick-Martin Institute: New Jersey, which bills itself as a group dedicated to "serving LGBTQ+ youth and their allies between the ages of 13-21."

"Congrats to all the talented young girls. #trans," Davis posted.

Netflix did not immediately respond to a series of questions about Davis, including a list of programs he has worked on and whether he has a role in planning content.

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Fox News Digital’s Alexander Hall and Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.

DHS rips ‘dishonest, desperate’ Gen Z candidate who raged against Kristi Noem’s 'crimes’ at anti-ICE protest

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:40:30 -0400

Kat Abughazaleh, the progressive candidate for Illinois' 9th Congressional District, accused Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem of perpetrating "crimes against humanity" during a protest outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility Friday, prompting DHS to strike back at the Gen Z activist.

A viral video of an ICE agent shoving Abughazaleh to the ground outside the Broadview ICE facility on Sept. 19 has become a flash point in the divisive debate over President Donald Trump's deportation rollout as Republicans celebrate the crackdown on illegal immigration while Democrats reject ICE's "unlawful and racist orders."

"Dishonest, desperate and demonizing law enforcement to try to get 5 minutes on MSNBC and some fundraising cash," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News Digital in a statement after Abughazaleh criticized Noem during a press conference Friday.

"Kristi Noem is here right now to ensure that her crimes against humanity continue unimpeded," Abughazaleh told her fellow protesters outside Broadview. "We are here to make sure that does not happen. So, let us in, give us justice and tear this gate down."

ICE CHIEF FIRES BACK AT CHICAGO-AREA MAYOR, CITES ‘VIOLENT RIOTERS’ AFTER WEEKS OF BROADVIEW UNREST

Abughazaleh introduced herself on Friday as "one of hundreds of people who have been brutalized by ICE while protesting the inhumane conditions" at Broadview, which she described as a "war zone" where the government is "waging war on peaceful protesters."

SPECIAL AGENT SLAMS ‘DANGEROUS’ TREND OF DEMOCRATS USING ICE AS CAMPAIGN PROPS

McLaughlin accused Abughazaleh of putting "law enforcement at risk" in her pursuit to "obstruct justice" before she was shoved to the ground two weeks ago.

"You cannot say you are against political violence while celebrating American civilians getting beat up by masked federal agents," former DNC Vice Chair David Hogg said in response to the video of an agent shoving Abughazaleh to the ground.

The congressional candidate, who went viral earlier this year for questioning why it's controversial that illegal immigrants should have access to taxpayer-funded healthcare, demanded "transparency" Friday from DHS pertaining to "what is happening behind those boarded-up windows."

"Over the last month, we have watched as ICE operates with impunity in Chicago," Abughazaleh said. "They destroy homes, kill our neighbors and disappear hundreds in the name of unlawful and racist orders, and all roads of their crimes lead here to Broadview."

Abughazaleh said the ICE facility, which Noem visited Friday amid another anti-ICE protest outside its gates, is a processing facility and should not hold people for more than 12 hours at a time.

"We have heard reports of people being held for days or weeks at a time without beds or hot meals or access to hygienic facilities," she said. "We've heard of grandmothers and pregnant women sleeping on concrete floors of dozens of men in a single cell. I watched as detainees were marched into a van in the very same clothes they were detained in, and we have no idea how long they were there."

Abughazaleh on Friday demanded elected officials be granted access to inspect the facility.

Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, long considered to harbor 2028 presidential ambitions, in a statement on Friday accused Noem of "snatching up families, scaring law-abiding residents, violating due process rights, and even detaining U.S. citizens."

Pritzker said Noem "should no longer be able to step foot inside the State of Illinois without any form of public accountability."

McLaughlin quickly fired back on Friday, telling Pritzker to "grow up and start protecting the people of your own state."

"Federal law enforcement has to be here because JB Pritzker refuses to do his job and has allowed violent illegal alien criminals to terrorize Illinois communities for years," the DHS assistant secretary said.

Illinois State Police armed with riot gear were present for crowd control Friday as dozens of protesters gathered outside the Broadview ICE facility.

Fox News cameras were rolling as more than a dozen protesters were arrested by federal agents.

Fox News' Patrick McGovern contributed to this report.

DHS Secretary Noem 'blocked' from bathroom at Illinois government building as Pritzker feud heats up

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:32:27 -0400

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said Friday she and her staff were denied entry to a government building in a Chicago suburb, where they attempted to stop for a "bathroom break" as federal agents clashed with protesters outside a nearby immigration facility.

In a post on X, Noem said her team was denied access to the Village of Broadview Municipal Building, located about 12 miles west of downtown Chicago, and blasted Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration for its treatment of federal agents.

"My team and I were just blocked from accessing the Village of Broadview Municipal Building in Illinois," Noem said. "We were stopping for a quick bathroom break. This is a public building. The Village of Broadview receives at least $1 million in federal funding every year. This is how JB Pritzker and his cronies treat our law enforcement. Absolutely shameful."

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A video of the encounter shows Noem approaching the building with her staff as one person asks through the door, "Can we use your restroom?"

Someone inside can be heard responding, "No you cannot!" before Noem calmly replies, "OK, all right, thank you," and walks away.

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Village officials said Noem showed up unannounced Friday morning seeking a meeting with Mayor Katrina Thompson, who was out of the building at the time.

"Since DHS Secretary Kristi Noem appeared this morning, unannounced, at Broadview’s Village Hall asking for a meeting while Mayor Katrina Thompson was out of the building, the mayor returned her visit," Village of Broadview spokesperson David Ormsby said in a statement.

"Mayor Thompson went to the ICE center, accompanied by the Broadview Police Chief Thomas, and officers, to ask for the illegal fence to be dismantled. The mayor was told by agents at the gate the secretary was unavailable to meet."

However, DHS officials insisted the stop was not about a meeting at all.

"She didn’t ask for a meeting. She asked to use the restroom. This is insane," DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin told Fox News.

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The bathroom dispute came as tensions flared outside the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) processing facility in Broadview, where more than a dozen people were arrested by federal agents during demonstrations. Fox News observed agents firing pepper balls, tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds blocking federal operations.

Earlier Friday, Gov. Pritzker accused Noem of overseeing federal enforcement tactics that he said had violated rights and traumatized families in Illinois. He also said she should "no longer be able to step foot inside the State of Illinois without any form of public accountability."

"Last time when the secretary was here, she snuck in during the early morning to film social media videos and fled before sunrise," Pritzker's office said. "It's been nearly 45 days since Secretary Noem has held an official press conference, so it’s time she faces the public and takes questions from the press to be held accountable for the Trump administration’s gross misconduct.

"Illinois is not a photo opportunity or war zone, it’s a sovereign state where our people deserve rights, respect and answers."

McLaughlin snapped back on behalf of DHS, accusing Pritzker of failing to protect Illinois residents from violent offenders.

"Grow up and start protecting the people of your own state," McLaughlin said in a statement. "Federal law enforcement has to be here because JB Pritzker refuses to do his job and has allowed violent illegal alien criminals to terrorize Illinois communities for years."

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

Angel Reese speaks out against fans critical of her looks: 'I'm really not sorry'

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 17:27:55 -0400

WNBA star Angel Reese addressed fans who have suggested that, because of her looks, she doesn't "take basketball seriously."

Reese, who has garnered a reputation for an emphasis on flashy makeup and outfits since beginning her WNBA career in 2024, addressed the topic during the return episode of her podcast "Unapolagetically Angel" on Thursday.

"Let's make some things clear. Just because I'm fine does not mean that I don't take basketball serious. Like, that whole gig, that whole gag, like let's give it up. Like, I'm sorry. … Like, you got to talk to my mom. Like, I'm I'm sorry. Like, I'm I'm sorry. Like being fine is just I have to, like, it's my thing." Reese said.

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"So, I am very sorry. Actually, I'm really not sorry, but I'm sorry to those that feel some type of way that they can't be fine and play basketball."

Reese went on to say she won't be posting basketball content "24/7" in the coming season.

"That little whole, like, ‘Get in the gym or get in the kitchen or you know,’ it's corny," she said.

Reese and fellow WNBA player DiJonai Carrington previously addressed comments about their appearances during an episode of her podcast in March.

"It's hard, especially as two black women are unapologetic, we're going to pop our s--- and say what we have to say. And I stand on what we said. I feel like it's really hard," Reese said. "I hate when people say that, ‘Oh she’s too worried about her makeup and her hair and her lashes and her nails and her outfits.’"

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Carrington said she isn't as bothered when people say she pays too much attention to her appearance, but she did say she "hates" when people question why she has blonde hair.

"I hate when people talk about that, like, 'Why do you have blonde hair?’" Carrington said. "I got black eyebrows. I got black arm hair, black leg hair … and I don't care. I'm still a natural blonde."

Reese then claimed that while players like her and Carrington are criticized for putting too much effort into looking feminine, some WNBA players are also criticized for looking too masculine.

"They complain and say that WNBA players are too manly, not feminine enough. We don't dress cute enough. They don't want to watch a bunch of little boys running around the court. Now, we're too much," Reese said.

"'I'm not watching that WNBA. Masculine, long shorts, they're wearing braids. They all like each other. They all date each other.' That's not true."

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