WATCH: US envoy defends walkout during France's 'condescending' remarks, vows boycott

The United States dramatically walked out as France addressed the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council Monday, escalating an extraordinary clash between the longtime allies after Paris claimed America was no longer a "beacon of human rights."

The U.S. delegation left the chamber as French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont delivered remarks during a Security Council meeting on Ukraine, days after France’s U.N. mission in Geneva accused Washington of standing alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali and Russia following a vote on the U.N.’s human rights chief.

Deputy U.S. Ambassador Dan Negrea accused France of "disingenuous grandstanding" and warned that American diplomats would continue walking out during French statements until Paris renounces what he called its "condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TOUTS MORE THAN $1B IN UN BUDGET CUTS AS REFORM PUSH GAINS MOMENTUM

"Today, I remind them that it is the United States that remains the beacon of liberty for the world," Negrea told the council. "As such, we will not be affording them the benefit of listening to their politicized drivel until they renounce their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric and behave in a manner commensurate with their seat on this council."

The clash matters because the United States and France are among the world’s oldest allies, dating back to French support for the American Revolution, and today remain NATO partners and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Their cooperation is central to Western policy on Ukraine, European security and sanctions enforcement.

A French diplomat told Fox News Digital that the dispute should not be interpreted as a broader rupture between the longtime allies. "Differences in how we assess a vote do not call into question the quality of our relations or our ability to work together," the diplomat said.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon backed Washington’s response and sharply criticized France.

"I think the behavior of France is shameful," Danon told Fox News Digital Tuesday. "The U.S. is demonstrating moral clarity, standing for the real values of the U.N."

Danon accused France and other European countries of supporting voices within the United Nations that undermine rather than advance human rights. "It’s about time to reform the U.N., and I want to thank the U.S. for showing leadership on that issue," he said.

The confrontation marked a significant escalation from the unusually personal social media exchange that erupted after the General Assembly approved a second four-year term for U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Türk, an Austrian diplomat who has served as U.N. high commissioner for human rights since 2022, has drawn criticism from the United States and outside watchdogs over what they describe as uneven scrutiny of democracies and authoritarian governments. A 2024 analysis by UN Watch found that, among public country criticisms initiated by Türk or his office, he criticized the United States more often than China, North Korea, Cuba, Saudi Arabia and Qatar combined, while issuing no such criticism of several repressive governments during the period reviewed.

Türk’s supporters, including France and the European Union, argue that his willingness to criticize powerful democracies reflects the independence and universality required of the U.N.’s top human rights official.

France’s Geneva mission had declared that the United States was no longer a human rights leader and claimed "the world no longer listens to it" after Washington joined nine other countries in voting against Türk’s extension.

IRAN SECURES UN ROLE WITH BACKING FROM UK, FRANCE, CANADA, AUSTRALIA AS US STANDS ALONE

U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz responded by accusing France of backing an official who lectures democracies while "cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors."

Negrea went further Monday, invoking the history of the U.S.-French alliance and saying Washington had stood beside France whenever its freedom was threatened.

The United States had tolerated France’s "grandstanding" out of "a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect," he said, but would no longer remain silent in the face of what he described as feigned French "moral outrage."

Bonnafont did not directly address the walkout when he spoke again at the end of the meeting. Instead, he invoked the countries’ historic ties, noting that France helped the United States secure its independence and participated in celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. "This is the spirit of the relationship between France and the United States," he said, before reaffirming France’s commitment to the U.N.’s work on peace, development and human rights.

AMERICANS ARE NOT GIVING UP ON NATO, BUT THEY EXPECT EUROPE TO DO ITS SHARE

"The United Nations was created with the goal of working towards international peace and security, human rights and development," Bonnafont said, adding that France would continue working to protect the institution’s independence and its ability to serve human rights and peace.

The dispute began after the General Assembly voted 144-10, with 13 abstentions, to extend Türk’s tenure through October 2030.

The United States had unsuccessfully sought an additional week for consultations, arguing that the vote was being rushed even though Türk’s current term does not expire until Oct. 11.

Washington also objected to Türk’s record. U.S. officials have accused him of disproportionately criticizing democracies, including the United States and Israel, while failing to confront authoritarian governments with the same urgency.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/Qh68njg

Former college soccer player found dead off San Diego beach in one of nation's wealthiest beach communities

A former college soccer player has been identified as the 26-year-old woman found dead in the waters off San Diego's La Jolla Shores Beach as investigators work to determine what happened.

Emergency personnel responded around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday after reports of an unresponsive person floating in shallow water, the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office said. Bryn Waite was pronounced dead at the scene.

The body was found near the Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Pier, FOX 5 San Diego reported.

SLED JOINS PROBE AS BODY MATCHING MISSING SOUTH CAROLINA PERSONAL TRAINER'S DESCRIPTION FOUND

Officers and lifeguards with San Diego Fire-Rescue responded after a bystander spotted the woman in the water, the station added. Fire officials said the San Diego Police Department would lead the investigation.

The Medical Examiner identified the woman as Waite and said her cause and manner of death remain pending investigation by the San Diego Police Department. The office listed her place of injury as "Ocean – Undetermined" and said the date and time of injury are unknown.

Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, Waite played defender at Central Washington University during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. She appeared in 15 games, making eight starts, and tallied two assists over 723 career minutes. Waite earned Great Northwest Athletic Conference All-Academic Team honors in 2019.

FORMER COLLEGE SOCCER PLAYER KILLED IN BOAT CRASH AFTER GROUP ALLEGEDLY TOOK VESSEL WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION

Friends told The California Post that Waite had been living in San Diego and had recently gotten engaged.

"I only met Bryn a couple of times, but each time she was incredibly sweet, genuinely kind and had such a beautiful spirit," one friend told the outlet.

FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X

"She had a warmth about her that made people feel comfortable and cared for," the friend said. "It's clear that the light she carried touched so many lives. She will be deeply missed."

SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST TRUE CRIME NEWS

Another friend, who said she knew Waite through church and had seen her recently, described her as "kind and sweet."

LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE

"She listened and loved," the friend told the Post. "She is leaving behind friends and family that will miss her dearly."

CAUSE OF DEATH REVEALED FOR BIG SUR HIKER WHOSE BODY WAS FOUND NAKED ON REMOTE CALIFORNIA TRAIL

The friend added that Waite "loved animals and the beach."

GOT A TIP?

Waite's public Instagram account included photos from Joshua Tree National Park and other travels. Her final post, shared three days before she was found, featured a nighttime photo with the caption, "It only gets better."

LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST

Investigators have not said how Waite ended up in the water or whether foul play is suspected. The circumstances surrounding her death remain under investigation.

GET BREAKING NEWS BY EMAIL

The Medical Examiner's Office has not released an estimated time of death, and authorities have not said whether Waite had been reported missing before her body was discovered.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the San Diego Police Department, San Diego Fire-Rescue, the San Diego County Medical Examiner's Office and Central Washington University and will update this story as more information becomes available.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/0j1i7Um

Everyday Revolutionary War heroes take center stage in Trump's 'Spirit of '76' exhibit

EXCLUSIVE: Beneath a towering 23-foot bronze figure holding the Declaration of Independence aloft, designer Matthew Taylor stopped beside an equestrian statue that many Americans have likely never seen, or even heard of.

"Most Americans have never heard of Caesar Rodney," Taylor told Fox News Digital during an exclusive tour of the new Spirit of '76 exhibition at Freedom Plaza. "But we owe this man an enormous debt of gratitude."

The temporary installation, unveiled as part of America's 250th anniversary celebration, transforms Freedom Plaza into an open-air gallery honoring Revolutionary War figures whose names rarely appear in history textbooks.

Commissioned by President Donald Trump, the exhibition features 22 statues and sculptural installations, including a restored equestrian monument of Rodney, a towering "Spirit of Liberty" centerpiece, bronze figures representing Revolutionary soldiers, and an immersive memorial honoring Americans who died aboard British prison ships during the Revolution.

EXPERTS FINALLY SOLVE MYSTERY OF TEENAGE REVOLUTIONARY WAR SOLDIER 246 YEARS AFTER HIS DEATH

According to the National Park Service, the exhibit was created to honor the "heroes and martyrs of the Revolution" during America's semiquincentennial and is intended to celebrate the enduring "Spirit of '76' that continues to live on in every American heart." 

The centerpiece installations include the Caesar Rodney equestrian statue, the "12 Soldiers of the Revolution," the Prison Ship Martyrs memorial and the 23-foot Spirit of Liberty statue.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG AT BATTLE OF BUNKER HILL SITE UNCOVERS REVOLUTIONARY WAR ARTIFACTS

Rather than beginning with George Washington or Thomas Jefferson, however, Taylor chose to introduce visitors to Rodney.

The Delaware statesman, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, is remembered for his legendary overnight ride from Dover to Philadelphia in July 1776. Suffering from severe illness, Rodney rode roughly 80 miles through a storm to cast the vote that broke Delaware's deadlock in favor of independence.

"Of all the signers of the Declaration of Independence, Caesar Rodney is one of the most exciting," Taylor said. "When Delaware's delegation was deadlocked, he rode through the night to cast the vote that helped secure American independence."

THE REVOLUTIONARY LANDMARKS WHERE WASHINGTON, ADAMS AND JEFFERSON CHANGED AMERICA

For decades, the bronze statue stood in Wilmington's Rodney Square before being removed in 2020. It now occupies one of the most prominent locations in the nation's capital, just blocks from both the White House and the Capitol.

From Rodney's ride, Taylor naturally guides visitors into the next chapter of the American story.

Arranged around the plaza are bronze sculptures representing 12 Revolutionary War soldiers. Rather than depicting famous generals, the statues celebrate ordinary Americans whose individual stories reflect the sacrifices of the Revolutionary generation.

"These are ordinary citizens who did extraordinary things," Taylor said. "Every one of these statues tells the story of someone who answered the call during the Revolution."

Among them is Samuel Whittemore, who fought British troops at age 78. According to Taylor, Whittemore was bayoneted multiple times, shot in the head and left for dead before surviving and living into his 90s.

Another figure, Simon Knowles, enlisted at just 15 years old and served alongside George Washington throughout much of the Revolutionary War before returning home to live as a farmer.

Taylor said those stories represent the exhibition's central message.

"Unlike monuments to George Washington or Thomas Jefferson, these statues honor ordinary Americans who did extraordinary things," he said.

Nearby, another installation tells one of the Revolution's lesser-known tragedies.

Designed as visitors physically walk through its narrow bronze panels, the Prison Ship Martyrs memorial recreates the outline of a British prison ship. According to the National Park Service, nearly 12,000 Americans died aboard prison ships during the Revolutionary War; even more than were killed in combat during the conflict.

Taylor said the memorial is meant to immerse visitors in that experience.

"As you walk inside, you hear the water from the fountain," he explained during the tour. "It helps place you inside the story."

The fountain itself has also become part of the experience. Taylor noted it was recently restored to operation after years of sitting idle, providing the soundscape surrounding the memorial while complementing the plaza's redesign.

Towering above the entire exhibition stands the Spirit of Liberty, a new bronze figure inspired by iconic American monuments while looking toward the country's next 250 years.

Standing 23 feet tall, the statue holds an exact bronze replica of the Declaration of Independence in one hand while raising a sword skyward with the other. Around its base are reliefs depicting three defining moments of the Revolution: the signing of the Declaration of Independence, George Washington crossing the Delaware River and the British surrender at Yorktown.

"The Spirit of Liberty represents the sacrifices that gave birth to this nation," Taylor said.

During Fox News Digital's visit, visitors gathered around the plaza to photograph the statues against the Washington skyline. Low-angle views of the bronze figures framed them against bright summer skies, while Rodney's horse appeared frozen mid-stride as though continuing the historic ride that helped shape the nation's founding.

For Taylor, whose career has largely been spent both behind the camera and behind the scenes designing historical works, the exhibition is about more than commemorating famous names.

Instead, he hopes visitors leave thinking about people they had never encountered before arriving at Freedom Plaza.

"When visitors leave here," Taylor said, "I hope they realize they can do extraordinary things themselves. America was built by ordinary citizens who answered extraordinary moments."

The Spirit of '76 exhibition is free to the public and is scheduled to remain on display throughout the nation's 250th anniversary celebration.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/DFgWvuh

WNBA All-Star Game betting preview: Team Coop's guards could give them the edge over Team Spoon

You probably didn't know it, but the WNBA has been off for a few days now because of the All-Star Game that takes place tonight. I know that you missed it, but now we have some women's basketball back, so don't be too upset! Jokes aside, I've enjoyed this season despite the same narratives being pushed.

Betting on the sport has proved very profitable and rewarding to this point as well. This is an exhibition, but I do think we have an edge here.

MARINA MABREY TIES WNBA SINGLE-GAME SCORING RECORD WITH 53 POINTS IN TEMPO'S HISTORIC WIN

The teams are basically divided by fan voting, player, and coaches. I don't think it is really important to get into how the players got here, but you should know who is on what team. For Team Coop, they have Paige Bueckers as their main attraction. If you're not familiar with Bueckers' game, you should be. She is elite in many ways. A great scorer, a solid playmaker, and even good on defense.

What I like most about this team is that they have a lot of talented guards. If they want to get out and run, they shouldn't have any trouble.

Kahleah Copper is one of the most elite finishers in the game. Marina Mabrey is a lethal outside shooter. Sonia Citron is one of the better young players and a talented scorer. Kelsey Mitchell is one of my favorite players in the league and a versatile scorer. That doesn't mention Breanna Stewart, who is still one of the best players in the league, and Angel Reese, who will play with energy and effort no matter if this is an exhibition or if it actually meant something. Their team is very good.

You're certainly familiar with their Captain, Caitlin Clark. Clark was going to be an All-Star based on popularity, but her performance on the court shows she deserves to be here. Expect that she doesn't do quite a bit in this game, though. She is likely going to pass and facilitate much more than look to score.

I could see her shooting from deep, but I don't think that she is going to just jack up shots like they do in the men's version of this game.

CAITLIN CLARK MAKES WNBA HISTORY WITH RECORD-BREAKING GAME AFTER WEEKS OF CONTROVERSY

The rest of the team is rounded out mostly by forwards/centers — Aliyah Boston is really good and familiar with Clark, being that they are on the same team. A'ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA, but I don't think she is going to try all that hard in this game.

Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, and Kiki Iriafen will round out that group. They should be able to get a bucket just about whenever they want, but they are better closer to the basket than farther away. Oliva Miles is one person who stands out to me as someone who might pour in buckets for Team Spoon.

The scores from the past few years are interesting. Last year, the total went to 282. The year prior, it was just 226. In 2023, they were at 270, and in 2022 they scored just 246. Tonight's total is 277.5. I think that is too high. The women can score, don't get me wrong, but I think the chances of them just pouring in points is more likely for Team Coop than for Team Spoon. The game is also in the United Center, which is notorious for being tougher to shoot in for many players.

Not only will I back the under, but I'll also take Team Cooper. If either team is likely to run the floor and play in a game with little defense, I think the guards will be more energetic and ready to go. They are getting +3.5 points, and I think some of that is because Clark is on the team, and some maybe because of Wilson. I'll still take the points with Cooper.

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/fVhKHtF

WNBA Star Sophie Cunningham's player exclusive Adidas shoe sells out in less than an hour online

Sophie Cunningham has quickly become arguably the second-most popular player in the WNBA, only behind Caitlin Clark, of course. She is a viral star on TikTok, one of the most efficient three-point shooters in the league, Clark’s defender when she’s bullied, a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model, and recently, an unapologetic defender of keeping women’s sports female. She’s the whole package, and many companies are taking advantage of her stardom, including Adidas.

On July 10, Adidas announced a player-exclusive Sophie Cunningham shoe that would be available for purchase in 10 days. The Crazy Energy "Sophie Cunningham" PE, a pink gradient colorway, released Friday morning for a retail price of $120.

JENNIFER SEY REVEALS ALLEGED COMMUNICATION WITH SOPHIE CUNNINGHAM AMID RECRUITMENT PITCH FOR XX-XY ATHLETICS

Friday morning, in collaboration with Adidas, Cunningham posted a video of her in an unmarked van full of her new sneakers with the caption: "today's the day. who's ready for the drop?", which has attracted over half a million views across Instagram and X in its first three hours of posting.

Within minutes of the social media promotion, most men's and women’s sizes were sold out. In less than an hour, they were all gone.

This is further proof that Cunningham’s marketability is skyrocketing. She’s on billboards, in commercials, a prominent voice in the culture war, and now, she has a best-selling shoe.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS

In a league where only all-stars like Caitlin Clark, Sabrina Ionescu, Angel Reese, and A’ja Wilson get shoe deals, Cunningham is breaking the mold and changing the game.

CAITLIN CLARK PASSES LEBRON JAMES IN JERSEY SALES, FURTHER EXPOSING WNBA'S MARKETING PROBLEM

As for Clark, the Nike Caitlin 1 is scheduled to release on October 1, 2026, marking Caitlin Clark's first signature basketball shoe with Nike, after making the public wait almost three full seasons before a release. Nike officially announced the shoe and its accompanying signature apparel collection on June 17, 2026.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/VW7jbrv

Charlie Woods' shot at the U.S. Junior Amateur ruined by clueless golf fan's phone: 'Really, dude?'

At least he didn't confiscate the phone like Rory.

Charlie Woods, the son of Tiger Woods, attempted to win the 2026 U.S. Junior Amateur ended on Wednesday during a 14-for-2 playoff at Saucon Valley Country Club. But a camera click on a fan's phone threw off Woods' concentration, causing him to chunk a shot out of the thick rough.

According to Golf Channel, the incident took place on the first hole of the playoff which was to determine the final two match-play participants. "Really, dude?" Charlie, 17, responded after hitting his third shot on the Par 5 from the deep stuff.

JORDAN SPIETH SAYS GAMBLING IS FUELING ROWDY GOLF CROWDS AND WANTS THE SPORT TO ADDRESS IT SOON

Charlie was left with a 35-foot chip for birdie, but he finished with a bogey and his dream of winning the Junior Amateur was over after carding a +5 over two days.

If there's good news from this situation, it's that the Charlie Woods' detractors didn't get another f-bomb to use against him like they got on Tuesday when Tiger took a page out of his playbook by dropping a massive f-bomb on the par-3 11th hole.

"Oh, f–k you," Charlie responded to his tee shot. It's unclear what the problem was with the shot. He made par on the hole.

SERGIO GARCIA DESTROYS HIS DRIVER IN FRUSTRATION AT THE MASTERS, RECEIVES CODE OF CONDUCT WARNING

As for the phone going off, the golf community seems to be split on how this played out. "Golfers are so lame. Guys can hit 95mph cut fast balls with 50,000 people screaming. A little noise doesn't impact your ability to swing a stupid golf club at a ball that isn't moving," one Twitter analyst observed.

There seems to be a deep belief that Tiger needs to drill Charlie on how to battle through such nonsense. "Tiger's Dad would have berated Tiger if he let a camera click affect him...He used to do everything possible to piss Tiger off during a round to get him to focus," another fan noted.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

SIGN UP TO GET THE LATEST SPORTS NEWS

It's not like Tiger hasn't tried to rattle his son for moments like he faced Wednesday. Remember, Earl Woods famously used to throw golf balls and coins at his son to throw off his concentration. Charlie has faced similar warfare.

TIGER WOODS BREAKS MONTHS-LONG SILENCE WITH PATRIOTIC MEMORIAL DAY MESSAGE, SALUTE TO LATE FATHER

However, after the way this Junior Amateur ended, Tiger needs to start snapping his iPhone camera in his son's backswing. It's back to the drawing board for the Woods' family.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/783zDnL

NYC Legionnaires' disease outbreak kills fourth victim, 76 cases reported

An outbreak of Legionnaires' disease in New York City killed a fourth person as 76 cases have now been reported in the city, city health authorities announced Monday.

The outbreak, which city authorities have linked to a series of cooling towers in Upper East Side buildings, has hospitalized 60 people, 53 of whom were discharged while seven remained in the hospital, according to authorities.

The fourth death announced Monday follows a first death from the disease on Friday. City officials announced two additional deaths over the weekend.

Legionnaires disease comes from live Legionella bacteria infecting a person's lungs. While, according to New York City health authorities, most people exposed to the bacteria don't get sick, infection can cause a severe form of pneumonia that can be fatal.

DEADLY LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE OUTBREAK SPARKS CONCERN IN MAJOR US CITY: KNOW THE SYMPTOMS

"Symptoms typically develop two to fourteen days after exposure and include fever, chills, muscle aches, shortness of breath, and cough. Legionnaires’ disease can be effectively treated with antibiotics when diagnosed early," New York City's Health Department wrote in a statement.

City officials discovered the recent outbreak on July 2, and quickly tied it to a series of cooling towers in 31 different buildings in the city. 

NYC HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN CENTRAL PARK VISITORS AFTER LEGIONNAIRES’ OUTBREAK GROWS ON UPPER EAST SIDE

After testing 180 different cooling towers, the city found live or dead Legionella bacteria in 31 buildings. The city, in a statement, stressed that the discovery of dead bacteria in some buildings did not necessarily mean people in that building were ever exposed to the disease. 

The city ordered the following buildings, which includes the building that houses the vaunted Guggenheim Museum at 1071 Fifth Ave., to initiate a deep clean and disinfectant of their cooling towers "out of an abundance of caution.

City officials cautioned residents that mask wearing will likely not help stave off infection as Legionella bacteria is not transmissible person-to-person. Community cluster outbreaks like the Upper East Side one usually stem from common sources of exposure, such as "cooling towers, hot tubs, and spray fountains," the city said.

Public testing of the bacterium are ongoing, the city also announced. 

The city last experienced a major Legionnaires' outbreak in August 2025, when over 100 people in Harlem got sick and seven died. 

Fox News Digital contacted the NYC Health Department for additional comment.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/nHIE8ly