Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich marks 14 months wrongfully detained by Russia

Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich marked 14 months wrongfully detained in Moscow’s notorious Lefortovo Prison on Wednesday.

The beloved 32-year-old American reporter has been detained in Russia since March 29, 2023, on espionage allegations that the U.S. government and his employer have called absurd. President Biden has called repeatedly for Gershkovich's release to no avail, and the journalist recently lost another appeal to end his pretrial detention and will remain behind bars until at least June. 

"It’s hard to fathom that today marks 14 months since Evan was seized by authorities in Russia simply for doing his job as a journalist. So many months of not seeing his family and friends and not honing his tremendous talent as a journalist. He cannot be released soon enough," Wall Street Journal chief digital editor Grainne McCarthy sent in a memo to staffers. 

Gershkovich, the American-born son of Soviet immigrants, was detained during a reporting trip in Yekaterinburg, the fourth-largest city in Russia. He was accredited by Russia's Foreign Ministry to report in the country at the time.

EVAN GERSHKOVICH MARKS ONE YEAR IMPRISONED IN RUSSIA AS FRIENDS CAN ONLY WAIT FOR 'NIGHTMARE' TO END

Gershkovich, who has been designated as wrongfully detained by the State Department, was named the 2024 Daniel Pearl Awardee for Courage and Integrity in Journalism by the L.A. Press Club last week. 

"We are extremely pleased to see the Daniel Pearl Award being awarded to Evan Gershkovich who, like Danny before him, has come to symbolize Press Freedom and the importance of truthful reporting," said Judea Pearl, the father of American journalist Daniel Pearl, who was killed by terrorists in 2002.

"We hope this award brings hope and encouragement to Evan as he is awaiting justice," Pearl added. "And sends a strong message to the Russian Government that, despite attempts to disrupt world orders, the free world still holds the safety of journalists as a sanctuary of civilized society."

Wall Street Journal editor Paul Beckett, who will receive the award on Evan’s behalf at the SoCal Journalism Awards Gala next month, has dedicated himself to raising awareness for Gershkovich’s horrific situation. 

FOX NATION'S ‘PRISONER OF PUTIN’ EXAMINES EVAN GERSHKOVICH’S LIFE, RESILIENCE WHILE DETAINED IN RUSSIA

"There is nowhere Daniel Pearl’s legacy looms larger than The Wall Street Journal, and we’re incredibly grateful to the Los Angeles Press Club for recognizing Evan and for highlighting what’s at stake at a time when many are emboldened to silence journalists simply for doing their job," Beckett said. 

WALL STREET JOURNAL HOPES ONE-YEAR MARK IS ‘LAST MILESTONE’ THAT EVAN GERSHKOVICH SPENDS IN RUSSIAN PRISON

The Wall Street Journal has arranged numerous events to keep its cherished reporter in public consciousness, with barbecues, runs, social media storms, Read-A-Thons, and various other efforts. The Wall Street Journal’s corporate office even added an "Evan burger" to its cafeteria menu featuring the reporter’s favorite toppings. 

Experts and people familiar with the case have told Fox News Digital that the best hope of freedom for Gershkovich — and fellow American held in Russia Paul Whelan — is likely a high-profile prisoner swap.

Anyone interested in learning more about Gershkovich can visit WSJ.com/evan and FreeGershkovich.com.

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Fox News Digital’s Greg Norman and David Rutz contributed to this report. 

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Darius Rucker breaks silence, explains 'crazy thing' about drug arrest

Darius Rucker broke his silence on his February arrest, saying, "It is what it is."

Tennessee authorities took Rucker, 58, into custody Feb. 1 after the "Wagon Wheel" singer turned himself in. He was charged with two counts of simple possession/casual exchange of a controlled substance and one count of a violation of the state's vehicle registration law, Fox News Digital previously confirmed.

"I went down, and we handled it," Rucker said during an appearance Tuesday on the "Today" show. "My lawyers are taking care of it. It is what it is."

Fox News Digital reached out to a representative for Rucker.

DARIUS RUCKER CAUGHT WITH MARIJUANA AND PSYCHEDLIC PILLS WHEN HE WAS PULLED OVER IN TENNESSEE: POLICE

"It was funny because I was going to a friend’s house, they were moving and asked me to take some stuff," Rucker told the outlet. "And I did and got pulled, got stopped. And the crazy thing was, they let me go."

"And it was a year later that I get a phone call that said there was a warrant for my arrest," he continued. "So I went down. Fifty-seven years, I’ve never seen the inside of a jail cell."

Rucker was originally pulled over by the Franklin Police Department in February 2023 for expired tags, Officer Ryan Schuman told Fox News Digital at the time of the country music star's arrest.

During the stop, police noticed a strong odor of marijuana and found a jar of un-stamped pills. Rucker handed over a small marijuana blunt before officers searched him. Rucker said he didn't know what the pills were as they were given to him by his girlfriend, according to authorities.

Rucker was released during the 2023 traffic stop, pending identification of the unmarked pills. The pills were later identified as psilocin, otherwise known as magic mushrooms, by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation. A warrant was issued for his arrest in December and Rucker turned himself in nearly a year after the initial traffic stop.

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Rucker claimed the drugs found on him during the traffic stop belonged to his friends.

"They were moving and couldn’t fly with it," he explained to the "Today" show. "They said, ‘Can you take this?’ and I said, 'Yeah.'"

Rucker's lawyer, Mark Puryear, said the musician was "fully cooperating" with authorities, in a statement shared with Fox News Digital at the time of the arrest.

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Rucker's career success began when he was a member of Hootie & the Blowfish. The group reunited for a tour celebrating the 30th anniversary of the album "Cracked Rear View," which began in May. According to Rucker, "Cracked Rear View" is one of the "top 10-selling studio records of all time."

After releasing four more albums with Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker embarked on his solo journey as the group took a hiatus in 2008.

Since his transition into the country music world, Rucker has released many hit songs, including "Wagon Wheel," "Come Back Song," "Alright" and "Don't Think I Don't Think About It."

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Netanyahu responds to strike that killed Hamas terror leaders, civilians: 'Investigating the incident'

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his nation’s military on Monday flatly refuted claims that the country’s air force aimed to harm civilians in its strike that eliminated two senior Hamas terrorist leaders on Sunday, the same day Hamas launched its most recent barrage of missiles into densely populated areas of Israel.

There are mixed reports about the number of civilians killed in the Rafah strike. The Hamas-run health ministry claimed at least 45 people died, and other outlets have quoted up to 50 deaths.

According to Reuters in a speech to the Israeli parliament on Monday, Netanyahu said, "In Rafah, we already evacuated about one million non-combatants residents and despite our upmost effort not to harm non-combatants, something unfortunately went tragically wrong. We are investigating the incident and will reach conclusions because this is our policy."

EGYPTIANS, IDF EXCHANGE GUNFIRE AT RAFAH BORDER CROSSING: REPORTS

A statement released by a spokesman for the Biden administration's National Security Council on Monday said, "The devastating images following an IDF strike in Rafah last night that killed dozens of innocent Palestinians are heartbreaking."

The statement continued, "Israel has a right to go after Hamas, and we understand this strike killed two senior Hamas terrorists who are responsible for attacks against Israeli civilians. But as we’ve been clear, Israel must take every precaution possible to protect civilians. We are actively engaging the IDF and partners on the ground to assess what happened, and understand that the IDF is conducting an investigation."

Hamas does not differentiate between civilians and terrorists. Fox News Digital reported in March that an Ivy League statistician argued that Hamas’ death toll numbers are not trustworthy.

"Before the strike, a number of steps were taken to reduce the risk of harming uninvolved civilians during the strike, including conducting aerial surveillance, the deployment of precise munitions by the IAF, and additional intelligence information. Based on these measures, it was assessed that there would be no expected harm to uninvolved civilians," said the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) statement, which added, "In addition, the strike did not occur in the Humanitarian Area in Al-Mawasi, to which the IDF has encouraged civilians to evacuate."

ISRAELI AIRSTRIKE ON RAFAH KILLS 2 TOP HAMAS COMMANDERS, DOZENS OF CIVILIANS 

The IDF's statement continued, "The incident is under the investigation of the General Staff's Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism, which is an independent body responsible for examining exceptional incidents in combat. The General Staff's Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism is investigating the circumstances of the deaths of civilians in the area of the strike. The IDF regrets any harm to uninvolved civilians during combat."

The military advocate general, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, directed the General Staff’s Fact-Finding and Assessment Mechanism to investigate the strike carried out in Rafah, noted the IDF statement.

Hamas said in a statement that the terrorist organization sought to hit Israel’s Mediterranean metropolis: "We fired a large salvo at Tel Aviv in response to the Zionist massacres of civilians."

The EU and U.S.-designated terrorist movement Hamas has for over a decade launched rockets at civilians in Israel, triggering a series of mini-wars with the Jewish state.

PRESIDENT OF UN'S TOP COURT HAS LONG HISTORY OF ANTI-ISRAEL BIAS: ‘CONFLICT OF INTEREST’

According to the IDF, "Yesterday, IAF aircraft conducted an intelligence-based strike in the area of Rafah against significant terror targets, including senior terrorists in Hamas’ Judea and Samaria Wing who directed terror attacks in Judea and Samaria and carried out murderous attacks against Israeli civilians."

The IDF added, "The strike was carried out based on prior intelligence information regarding the presence of the senior Hamas terrorists at the site of the strike."

The two Hamas leaders killed  were Yassin Rabia, the commander of Hamas’ leadership in Judea and Samaria (the biblical name for the West Bank), and Khaled Nagar, a senior official in Hamas who oversaw the Judea and Samaria wing.

The IDF statement, with a possible view toward alleged Hamas propaganda, also said, "Claims that the strike was conducted using seven munitions weighing a ton are false. The strike was conducted using two munitions with a reduced warhead aimed specifically for a strike of these types of targets."

Tor Wennesland, the U.N. special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, condemned the strike in a statement issued Monday. "I condemn last night’s Israeli airstrikes which hit tents for displaced people in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and have tragically led to the reported loss of more than 35 Palestinian lives, including women and children, and dozens of injuries."

He continued, "While the IDF said it struck a Hamas installation and killed two senior Hamas militants in the strikes, I am deeply troubled by the deaths of so many women and children in an area where people have sought shelter."

IDF spokesman Peter Lerner took to X to debunk a Hamas source who appeared in media reports to inflate the number of casualties and claimed the strike unfolded in the humanitarian area. 

Lerner wrote, "Muhammad Abu Hani, quoted is a Hamas official. He appears to be the source of the widely reported claim that the IAF targeted the humanitarian zone. Is he also the source of the reports from the same ‘civil defense’ of 50 people killed in the strike? A number published by many of the world media. Fact: The strike never took place in the designated humanitarian zone."

Reuters contributed to this report.

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Biden visits daughter-in-law's home ahead of her expected testimony in Hunter Biden trial

President Biden paid a visit to his daughter-in-law's home Sunday night, days before the ninth anniversary of the death of his son Beau Biden, who was her husband.

The president's brief visit to Hallie Biden's home also comes before she is expected to testify as a witness in Hunter Biden's gun crime trial next month. The first son is charged with making false statements on a federal form when purchasing a firearm in 2018.

A source with knowledge of the Oct. 23, 2018, police report told Fox News that it indicated that Hallie, who was in a relationship with Hunter at the time, threw a gun owned by Hunter Biden in a dumpster behind a market near a school.

She is likely to be required to testify in the upcoming trial.

HUNTER BIDEN PRETRIAL HEARING ON GUN CHARGES SET FOR FRIDAY IN DELAWARE

A reporter for NBC News faced heavy criticism for pointing out her connection to the trial on social media. Biden allies argued there was nothing inappropriate about the visit.

The court in Hunter Biden's case met for its final hearing before jury selection begins on June 3. Fox News has previously reported that prosecutors planned to use portions of his book and laptop, including photos, to convince a jury that the first son is guilty of making false statements on a federal form when he purchased a revolver in 2018, while actively using narcotics. Biden has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Judge Maryellen Noreika said Special Counsel David Weiss must show Hunter Biden was addicted to drugs, but not necessarily using drugs the day he purchased the gun.

In court documents, Hunter Biden's defense attorneys asked the court to block certain salacious details of his life from being shown to the jury to avoid "significant risk of unfair prejudice."

IRS WHISTLEBLOWER SHAPLEY SAID HE 'COULD NO LONGER PURSUE' HUNTER BIDEN SUGAR BROTHER KEVIN MORRIS DUE TO CIA

In what is called a "motion in limine," Hunter Biden asked the court "to exclude reference to the child support proceedings in Arkansas and reference to his discharge from the Navy." This is in reference to the child he fathered out-of-wedlock with ex-stripper Lunden Roberts, whose daughter is President Biden's grandchild.

Acknowledging that some of the evidence prosecutors wish to bring forward may be relevant to the case, including purported drug purchases, ATM withdrawals and the purchase of the revolver, Hunter Biden's lawyers said other details like references to money allegedly spent on "adult entertainment, online chat rooms, or escort services are not relevant to the charges."

Fox News' Brooke Singman contributed to this report

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NBA Hall of Famer Bill Walton dead at 71 after battle with cancer

Bill Walton, the Hall of Fame center and two-time NBA champion, is dead at 71 years old after a battle with cancer, the NBA announced Monday. 

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver issued a statement regarding Walton’s death on Monday. 

"Bill Walton was truly one of a kind," Silver said. "As a Hall of Fame player, he redefined the center position. His unique all-around skills made him a dominant force at UCLA and led to an NBA regular-season and Finals MVP, two NBA championships and a spot on the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Bill then translated his infectious enthusiasm and love for the game to broadcasting, where he delivered insightful and colorful commentary which entertained generations of basketball fans. But what I will remember most about him was his zest for life. He was a regular presence at league events – always upbeat, smiling ear to ear and looking to share his wisdom and warmth. I treasured our close friendship, envied his boundless energy and admired the time he took with every person he encountered.

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"As a cherished member of the NBA family for 50 years, Bill will be deeply missed by all those who came to know and love him," Silver continued. "My heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Lori; his sons, Adam, Nate, Luke and Chris; and his many friends and colleagues."

As Silver mentions in his statement, Walton redefined the way centers played the game of basketball, as he dominated at UCLA under legendary head coach John Wooden. Walton, who could pass as well as score, which wasn’t common for a center at the time, won three straight national player of the year awards from 1972-74 before becoming the first overall pick in the 1974 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. 

Walton’s impact on an NBA court was quick, as the Trail Blazers would go on to win the 1978 NBA Championship, where Walton was named Finals MVP and the league MVP for that season.

LEBRON JAMES' AGENT SEEMS TO REVEAL NBA STAR'S OFFSEASON PLANS

Walton would have to wait almost another decade before he would capture his second NBA championship, this time playing for the Boston Celtics in what would be his final season in the league. 

Walton dealt with foot injuries throughout his time in the Association, as he missed four separate seasons because of it, including back-to-back from 1980-82. He also missed the 1978-79 season after winning MVP. 

Following his time in Portland, Walton moved on to the then-San Diego Clippers, where he spent four seasons including his final one when they moved to Los Angeles. He joined the Celtics for the 1985-86 season, helping them to the NBA title that year, where he was named the league’s Sixth Man of the Year as well.  

Walton finished his career averaging 13.3 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game over 468 contests. He was named to the 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams for the NBA as well. 

Following his Hall of Fame career, "Big Red" got into broadcasting and his charismatic personality that was seen on and off the court filled the homes of many during games where he was wearing the headset. 

Walton’s color commentary was exceptional, as he would always keep viewers – and his play-by-play partners – on their toes with wild stories from his playing days, while providing excellent analysis and insight on the game at the same time. 

He initially joined CBS in 1990, and then he was calling games for NBC and the Clippers up until 2002 when he joined ESPN. 

Walton spent 2002 to 2009 broadcasting games for ESPN before eventually leaving, citing back problems that dated to an injury he suffered in college. He underwent back surgery and would return courtside to call Sacramento Kings games part-time for two seasons. 

ESPN welcomed back Walton in July 2012, when they announced alongside the Pac-12 Network that he would be a full-time analyst for their college basketball coverage. 

Walton was also a huge Grateful Dead fan, and he had his own satellite radio show called "One More Saturday Night" on Sirius Radio’s Jam On and XM Radio’s Grateful Dead channels.

Walton was also a father who passed the game down to his children, including Luke Walton, who won back-to-back NBA Finals with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010 during his playing days. Luke currently serves as an assistant coach for the Cleveland Cavaliers after previously head coaching the Lakers (2016-19) and Kings (2019-22).

Chris Walton (San Diego State), Nate Walton (Princeton) and Adam Walton (LSU, Pomona College, College of Notre Dame) all played college basketball as well. 

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Rafael Nadal gets emotional after losing first round in possible last French Open: 'Not 100% sure'

Rafael Nadal has owned the clay court at Roland Garros throughout his career, but in what could be his final appearance in the French Open, he lost in the first round in straight sets. 

Alexander Zverev, the No. 4-ranked men’s tennis player in the world, took down the Spanish legend that is Nadal, 6-3, 7-6, 6-3, to move on to the second round. 

Nadal, 37, was unsure if he would be competing in the tournament last month as he’s continuously battled injuries while trying to extend his illustrious career, which includes 22 Grand Slam titles. He’s won the French Open 14 times, owning an outstanding career record of 112-4 after the loss to Zverev. 

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Zverev is just the third tennis player ever to beat Nadal at Roland Garros, as Novak Djokovic did it twice – both in the final in 2015 and 2021 – and Robin Söderling in 2009 in the fourth round. 

The emotions for Nadal were understandably high after the match, as the crowd roared despite his quick exit. 

RAFAEL NADAL, 37, DISMISSES NOTION THIS IS HIS LAST FRENCH OPEN: ‘DON’T ASSUME THAT'

"It’s difficult for me to talk," he said after saluting the crowd in French. "I don’t know if it’s going to be the last time that I’m going to be here in front of all of you. Honestly, I’m not 100% sure. But if it’s the last time, I enjoyed it. 

"The crowd has been amazing during the whole week of preparation and today. Yeah, the feelings I have today are difficult to describe in words. But, for me, it’s so special to feel the love from people in the place I love the most."

While Zverev dominated the match as a whole, there were vintage "Rafa" moments throughout, including an incredible forehand on the run after a Zverev overhand that should’ve resulted in a point. Instead, Nadal shot it back down the line and the crowd roared with the lefty having a chance to come back as the third set was tied 3-3 at the time. 

Zverev was a gentleman after the match as well, giving Nadal his flowers as he explained the emotions for him going into the match. 

"To be honest, I don’t know what to say," the 27-year-old Zverev began. "First of all, thank you, Rafa, from all of the tennis world. It’s such a great honor. I’ve watched Rafa play all my childhood, and I was lucky enough to play Rafa when I became professional. I was lucky enough to play him two times on this beautiful court. 

"Today is not my moment – it’s Rafa’s moment."

Nadal has battled "body limitations," as he called it, due to knee, feet, ankle, abdomen and wrist problems. They caused him to miss 11 major tournaments throughout his career. He also missed most of 2023 and the beginning of 2024 with a hip injury. 

But Nadal made it a point to want to say goodbye to tennis on the court, and if this is his final French Open, he fulfilled that goal on Monday.  

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‘Mary Poppins,’ 'It’s a Small World’ songwriter Richard M. Sherman dead at 95

Richard M. Sherman, one half of the prolific songwriting duo with his brother Robert Sherman, has died at 95.

The Walt Disney Company announced the news on their website on Saturday.

"Disney Legend Richard M. Sherman, half of the Academy Award-winning songwriting team of the Sherman Brothers (with his late brother, Disney Legend Robert B. Sherman), passed away Saturday, May 25, at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, due to age-related illness. He was 95 years old," their statement read.

It continued: "Generations of moviegoers and theme park guests have been introduced to the world of Disney through the Sherman brothers’ magnificent and timeless songs. Even today, the duo’s work remains the quintessential lyrical voice of Walt Disney."

GLYNIS JOHNS, WHO PLAYED MRS BANKS IN 'MARY POPPINS,' DIES AT 100

Sherman, with his brother Robert, earned two Oscars and a Grammy for their work on "Mary Poppins," best score and best original song, for "Chim Chim Cher-ee." Disney’s statement also notes that the film’s song "Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious" was a pop hit in 1965, and "Feed the Birds" was one of Walt Disney’s personal favorites.

He and his brother also wrote music for the theme park, including "There’s a Great Big Beautiful Tomorrow," "The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room" and "It’s a Small World."

Born on June 12, 1928, in New York City, Sherman and his brother followed in their songwriter father Al Sherman’s footsteps. The family moved to Beverly Hills in 1937, and he attended Bard College, majoring in music. 

Drafted into the U.S. Army, he served as the conductor for the Army band and glee club from 1953 to 1955.

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According to Disney’s website, Gene Autry was the first to record a Sherman brothers song in 1951, with "Gold Can Buy You Anything But Love," and they got their big break through Mouseketeer Annette Funicello, who recorded their song "Tall Paul."

At Disney, they wrote over 150 songs, including the soundtracks for such films as "The Sword and the Stone," "The Parent Trap," "Bedknobs and Broomsticks," "The Jungle Book," "The Aristocats" and "The Tigger Movie."

In the 1970s, the duo moved away from Disney and wrote music for other family films, including "Chitty Chitty Bang Bang," "Charlotte’s Web" and "The Slipper and the Rose."

"Something good happens when we sit down together and work," Richard Sherman told The Associated Press in a 2005 joint interview with his brother. "We’ve been doing it all our lives. Practically since college we’ve been working together."

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Robert died in London in 2012.

The Sherman brothers’ other honors include 23 gold and platinum albums, induction into the Songwriters’ Hall of Fame in 2005, and the National Medal of Arts, awarded by President George W. Bush in 2008 for music that "has helped bring joy to millions."

They also hold the distinction of being the only Americans to win first prize at the Moscow Film Festival for their musical "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" in 1973.

Disney confirmed a private funeral service will be held on Friday, May 31, followed by a "celebration of life" to be held at a later date.

"Richard is survived by his wife of 66 years, Elizabeth; son Gregory and grandsons William and Matthew; daughter Victoria Wolf, son-in-law Doug Wolf, and grandchildren Mandy and Anthony. He is also survived by his daughter from a previous marriage, Lynda Rothstein, as well as her two children and three grandchildren," the company noted.  

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Rafael Nadal, 37, dismisses notion this is his last French Open: 'Don't assume that'

Rafael Nadal has missed each of the last four grand slams but is making his return to the French Open, where he plays his best.

The 37-year-old has dominated the clay his entire career, and 14 of his 22 grand slam wins have come at Roland Garros, including his most recent just two years ago.

Injuries hampered his 2023 season, and he was out for almost a full year, dropping out of the top 10 in the world rankings for the first time in nearly 20 years before finally returning to the Brisbane Invitational in December.

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Another injury, though, forced him to miss the Australian Open, and age may finally be catching up to Nadal.

It wasn't that long ago he was dominating. His 2022 French Open victory was his second consecutive grand slam, as he had won the Australian Open for the second time earlier that year.

Nadal will turn 38 June 3, the day before the Open's quarterfinals begin, and he's hinted this year could be his last. But on Saturday, he kept the door open.

Players, fans and the media have been assuming it will be his farewell appearance at the French Open.

Asked whether that's accurate, Nadal channeled Felix Unger.

"Don’t assume that. It’s a big, big chance that it’s going to be my last Roland Garros," Nadal said. "But if I have to tell you it’s 100% my last Roland Garros? Sorry, but I will not. Because I cannot predict what’s going on."

COCO GAUFF, UPSET WITH ‘CURRENT STATE’ OF FLORIDA GOVERNMENT, SAYS IT’S A ‘CRAZY TIME’ TO BE A BLACK RESIDENT

In the first round, the Spaniard drew Alexander Zverev, the No. 4 player in the world who went toe-to-toe with Nadal in the 2022 French Open semifinal before a gruesome ankle injury forced Zverev to miss the rest of the season.

While Nadal has often intimated retirement is beckoning, he said Saturday he doesn't "want to close, 100%, the door," because he is enjoying playing tennis, he likes traveling with his wife and young son and, he added, "I was not able to explore yet the proper way how I will be able to play, being in, again, more or less healthy conditions, playing without limitation."

He asked Saturday for a halt to questions about his future while he figures things out.

"Give me some time," Nadal said. "Maybe in one month and a half, I'll say, ‘OK, it’s enough. I can’t keep going.’ But today, in some way, I cannot guarantee that that’s going to be the last one." 

Nadal and Zverev will take the court on Monday at 6 a.m. ET.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Trump VP short list has new top contender: report

Former President Donald Trump is whittling down his list of potential running mates, and one lawmaker is moving up, according to a report from The New York Times.

Sources close to Trump claim Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas is quickly becoming a top contender for the role, according to a Friday report from the outlet.

The three sources — who remained unnamed in the report — said Trump values Cotton's reliability and clear communication of policy.

ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR WOULD 'PROBABLY ALREADY BEEN OVER' IF TRUMP WERE PRESIDENT, SEN. TOM COTTON SAYS

Trump has kept his vice-presidential machinations close to his chest since the beginning of the 2024 campaign, offering a variety of names at different points in time. Cotton has been similarly unwilling to confirm or deny any rumors about his prospects in a hypothetical second Trump administration.

"I suspect only Donald Trump knows who is really on his short list," the senator told Fox News on Monday. 

SEN. TOM COTTON TAKES AIM AT STUDENT LOAN FORGIVENESS FOR ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS

He continued, "When we do talk, we talk about what it’s going to take to win this election in November — to elect President Trump to another term in the White House and elect a Republican Congress, so we can begin to repair the damage that Joe Biden’s presidency has inflicted on this country."

Many former foes and rivals of Trump now stand as key vice-presidential hopefuls, including Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida, and former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum. Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio is another name that has been circulated.

The campaign recently stated that former primary opponent Nikki Haley, a onetime South Carolina governor and former UN ambassador, is not under consideration.

Trump's final selection will likely not be confirmed until the Republican National Convention in July.

Fox News Digital's Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

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Demi Moore lashes out at audience while honoring Cher

Demi Moore appeared to be quite impatient with members of the star-studded audience at amfAR's Cinema Against AIDS Cannes Gala in Cap d’Antibes, France.

On Thursday, Moore was onstage and introducing Cher when she called out a member from the back of the audience at Hotel du Cap, Eden.

In a video uploaded to X, Moore began her speech, "I’m going to see if this is the moment we’ve all been waiting for."

After a mediocre response from the audience, Moore said, "I’m just making sure that you’re really, really with me," before taking a pause. "Because this incredible woman that I’m about to introduce — she’s a Grammy winner, an Oscar winner, an Emmy winner."

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Moore paused for another moment before directing her next statement to a member of the audience. 

"Are you an Emmy winner over there in the back of the room? I f–king don’t think so," Moore said to an unidentified audience member.

It's unclear exactly what was said by the guest to spark this reaction from Moore, but some audience members were enthused by her remark. Some guests laughed and cheered for Moore before she continued her speech honoring Cher.

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"She’s a style icon and my personal hair inspiration. And she was honored by amfAR for their award of inspiration in 2015," Moore continued. "The bottom line is she is just one of the most talented, successful, and best-loved performers of all time."

Moore concluded, "So please, please give a warm welcome to the incredible, one and only, Cher."

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

Moore, whose film "The Substance" caused a stir at Cannes, hosted this year’s gala, a role launched by Elizabeth Taylor in 1993.

The Cannes Film Festival concludes on May 25, but stars flocked to the resort town in the French Riviera starting May 14 to witness film screenings being debuted.

Heidi Klum, Andie MacDowell, Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York, Michelle Yeoh, Kelly Rowland and Diane Kruger were some of the stars in attendance at amfAR's 30th annual Gala rasing money for AIDS research. 

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Rowland addressed her Cannes controversy from earlier in the week when she appeared to have an altercation with security on the red carpet.

"The woman knows what happened. I know what happened. And, I have a boundary, and I stand by those boundaries, and that is it. And there were other women that attended that carpet who did not quite look like me, and they didn’t get scolded, or pushed off or told to get off," Rowland told The Associated Press. "And, I stood my ground, and she felt like she had to stand hers, but I stood my ground, and that was it."

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American missionary couple killed in Haiti, agency says

Two American Christian missionaries were killed by gang violence in Haiti on Thursday, said Missouri State Rep. Ben Baker, whose daughter, Natalie, died in the attack.

Davy and Natalie Lloyd, full-time missionaries to Haiti, were shot and killed at 9 p.m. Thursday, according to Missions In Haiti, Inc. Baker posted about the attack on Facebook.

"My heart is broken in a thousand pieces. I’ve never felt this kind of pain," Baker wrote. "They went to Heaven together. Please pray for my family we desperately need strength. And please pray for the Lloyd family as well. I have no other words for now."

Missions In Haiti is a nonprofit Christian ministry founded by David and Alicia Lloyd that has operated in the Caribbean nation since 2000, according to the group's website. The couple's son, Davy, and his wife, Natalie Lloyd (Baker), joined the mission after they were married in June 2022, according to Natalie's Instagram account. 

HAITI'S TRANSITIONAL COUNCIL ADOPTS UNPRECEDENTED LEADERSHIP ROTATION AS COUNTRY FACES DEADLY GANG VIOLENCE

According to the nonprofit, Davy, Natalie and several children were at a youth group gathering at church on Thursday when "they were ambushed by a gang of 3 trucks full of guys." 

"Davy was taken to the house tied up and beat. The gang then took our trucks and loaded everything up they wanted and left," Missions In Haiti said in a social media post. 

The group recounted that "another gang" went to the scene "to see what was going on and if they could help, so they say." 

"No one understood what they were doing, not sure what took place but one was shot and killed and now this gang went into full attack mode," Missions In Haiti said. 

HAITI COUNCIL APPOINTS NEW PRIME MINISTER AS COUNTRY CONTINUES TO FACE DEADLY GANG VIOLENCE

Davy, Natalie and another individual named Jude were in the house, communicating what was happening to Missions In Haiti via Starlink satellite internet. As they hid, the gangs began shooting at the house, according to Missions In Haiti.

Missions in Haiti lost contact with the missionaries. Hours later, they posted that Davy, Natalie and Jude were killed in the attack.

Missions in Haiti and Sen. Baker did not immediately respond to requests for additional information.

Former President Donald Trump weighed in on the tragedy, posting "God bless Davy and Natalie" on Truth Social.

"Such a tragedy. Haiti is totally out of control. Find the killers NOW!!!" Trump wrote. 

13 KILLED AS HEAVY RAINS UNLEASH LANDSLIDE IN HAITI

Haiti, an island nation plagued by poverty, natural disasters and corruption, has plunged into further turmoil since Feb. 29, when gangs launched coordinated attacks, burned police stations, opened fire on the main international airport and stormed Haiti’s two biggest prisons, releasing more than 4,000 inmates. The country’s largest seaport also remains paralyzed as food, medication and other critical items dwindle.

At least 1.4 million Haitians are on the verge of famine, according to the U.N.’s World Food Program.

Gang leader Jimmy "Barbeque" Chérizier and his "G9 Families and Allies" claimed responsibility for the mass jailbreak and accompanying bloodbath, which left at least nine dead and forced the U.S. to issue urgent warnings to leave Haiti "as soon as possible." More than 2,500 people have been killed or injured in Haiti from January to March, the Associated Press reported. 

"Barbeque" came to power after rival gang leaders Joly "Yonyon" Germine and Eliande Tunis were arrested in Florida and convicted for the October 2021-armed abduction and ransom of 16 U.S. citizens and one Canadian, including five children as young as eight months, during a missionary trip to an orphanage.

US NATIONAL SECURITY FACES MAJOR RISKS AS GANGS BATTLE FOR CONTROL OVER HAITI

President Biden's administration has agreed to contribute $300 million to a multinational force that will include 1,000 police officers from Kenya who have been sent to Haiti to reestablish law and order.

"Haiti is in an area of the Caribbean that is a very volatile," Biden said at a news conference with Kenyan President William Ruto on Thursday. "There’s a lot going on in this hemisphere. So we’re in a situation where we want to do all we can without us looking like America once again is stepping over and deciding this is what must be done."

Haiti's main international airport in Port-au-Prince reopened for the first time since March on Monday, though the seaport remains closed. Gangs control 80% of the capital, according to the AP.

The U.S. government has evacuated hundreds of citizens by helicopter who fled the violence, along with nonprofit groups operating in the besieged capital.

The U.S. in recent weeks has also flown military planes over Haiti and landed them at the Toussaint-Louverture airport to help prepare for the arrival of foreign troops. 

"I can tell you for sure that deployment will happen in the next few days, few weeks," Kenya's foreign affairs principal secretary, Korir Sing'oei, said on Sunday. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Former NFL player Antonio Brown backs Donald Trump, cites pardons for hip-hop figures

Former NFL player Antonio Brown is known for saying virtually anything that is on his mind.

The outspoken Super Bowl champion recently sat down for a wide-ranging interview with OutKick. The conversation eventually shifted to politics, with author Nick Adams asking Brown about the origins of his perceptive affinity for former President Trump.

"I've never met him. I've got admiration for his business moves and I study his dad Fred Trump. But, I think Donald Trump is a good businessman and come[s] from a good family and has been a good president," Brown told Adams.

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Adams later asked Brown if he was backing Trump in the upcoming presidential election.

"Are you endorsing Trump?" Brown declared.

ANTONIO BROWN TAKES SWIPE AT AARON RODGERS AFTER QB IS ACCUSED OF SHARING CONSPIRACY THEORIES

Brown cited the pardons and commutations Trump granted in his final days in the Oval Office in 2021.

"I think he does some great things for my brothers in the music industry in regards to Lil Wayne, Kodak [Black]."

In the days leading up to the 2020 presidential election, five-time Grammy Award winner Lil Wayne met with Trump at a Florida golf club. The encounter culminated with a photo of the rapper standing next to the politician – which was shared on Wayne's social media account. 

Just a few weeks after the meeting, Wayne was charged with felony gun possession. He proceeded to enter a guilty plea. At the time, the music star faced up to a decade in prison.

But, Wayne's sentencing never happened, as the hip-hop artist was among the 143 pardons and commutation announced by the former president on his final day in office. On Jan. 21, 2021, Wayne thanked Trump for granting his pardon.

Desiree Perez, the CEO of Jay-Z's entertainment company Roc Nation and Death Row Records co-founder Michael "Harry O" Harris, were also on the list of individuals who received pardons or commutations. The string of decisions by Trump seemed to cap a lengthy, yet complicated relationship between the former president and the hip-hop industry.

Brown also called on Trump to help "free Young Thug." The rapper is currently standing trial before an Atlanta jury. The hip-hop star, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was arrested in Atlanta in May 2022 and is charged with conspiracy to violate Georgia's Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act for an offense dating to January 2013, and suspicion of participating in criminal street gang activity. 

"Trump… if you're watching this you need to free Young Thug if you could help out," Brown said.

Only a sitting U.S. president can grant a pardon or commutation of federal charges. The pardons or commutations do not apply to state charges or any other charges.

Brown appeared in seven games with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. A shirtless Brown famously jogged to the stadium tunnel in the third quarter of a game against the New York Jets.

Seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady, who spent two seasons with Brown in Tampa Bay, later acknowledged the wide receiver would no longer be a member of the team.

"I mean that's obviously a difficult situation and I think we all want him to – I think everybody should find, hopefully do what they can to help him in ways that he really needs it," Brady said in the postgame press conference. "We all love him, we care about him deeply, we want to see him be at his best, and unfortunately it won't be with our team."

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7 important health stories you might have missed this week: Catch up here

Every day of the week, Fox News Digital publishes a range of health pieces to keep you up-to-date on the most important wellness news.

We cover cutting-edge medical research, breakthrough medications, mental health challenges, personal medical dramas and more.

In case you missed them, here are a few of our biggest health stories from this week.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

You can see a full list of recent health pieces at http://www.foxnews/health. 

If you're feeling hungrier than usual lately, your sleep routine could be the culprit. A nutritional biologist offers tips for regulating sleep and curbing unhealthy cravings. Click here to get the story.

The CDC and WebMD teamed up this week to deliver an hour-long update on Thursday about the current bird flu outbreak. Fox News Digital breaks down the most important points. Click here to get the story.

For Skin Cancer Awareness Month, two melanoma patients are speaking up about their symptoms, treatment and prevention tips to help others avoid the potentially deadly disease. Click here to get the story.

Patients with private health insurance could be charged up to 300% more than those with Medicare, a new report reveals. Doctors explain the reasons for the sticker shock. Click here to get the story.

A Dallas pastor who fought his own depression battle shares how he overcame the disease – and why it's so important for those in church leadership to seek help when they need it. Click here to get the story.

A Chicago nurse struggled with COVID-19-related PTSD and depression for years until electrical brain tapping therapy finally gave her a new lease on life. Click here to get the story.

A 22-year-old man in Nebraska required a double lung transplant due to vaping. Jackson Allard shares his story as a cautionary tale. "I had a 1% chance to live," he said. Click here to get the story.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

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Knicks seek Willis Reed-type moment from 2 key players as they head to do-or-die Game 7 vs Pacers

The New York Knicks will have a second shot at putting their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Indiana Pacers away on Sunday afternoon at Madison Square Garden.

Playing back on their home court will certainly give the Knicks an energy boost in what has become a grueling series that has left them with brutal injuries to key players. It’s going to take a Willis Reed-like effort for Josh Hart and OG Anunoby to play in Game 7 but they may just do it.

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Anunoby was benched with hamstring strain he suffered in Game 2. Hart was dealt with an abdominal strain that kept him on the sidelines for most of Game 6. In a do-or-die scenario, ESPN reported hours before tipoff on Sunday that both players were expected to make themselves available for the game. The game will begin at 3:30 p.m. ET.

Jalen Brunson said after Friday’s loss to the Pacers he expected Hart to give it a go.

"It’s Game 7."

Anunoby was highly successful guarding Pascal Siakam in the first two games. Siakam had 25 points, seven rebounds and five assists in a heroic effort in their 116-103 Game 6 win.

MAVERICKS' SECOND-HALF COMEBACK STUNS THUNDER; DALLAS ADVANCES TO CONFERENCE FINALS

With time running out for both teams, they will need to step up in the basketball Mecca to put on a Broadway-esque show worthy of a Tony Award rather than just the Larry O’Brien Trophy.

New York has been hampered by injuries throughout the season and into the series. Julius Randle was lost for the year before the playoffs began and then the team lost Mitchell Robinson.

Brunson hurt his foot in Game 2 but managed to continue to play.

As Reed famously played in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, all eyes will be on Hart and Anunoby to try and do the same.

The winner will meet the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference Finals.

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RFK Jr. insists he meets CNN's criteria to join Trump, Biden on presidential debate stage: 'I qualify'

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s fight to join the presidential debate stage is far from over, he told Fox News' Maria Bartiromo on Sunday, as he insists his team is "in discussion" with CNN to make sure he appears alongside President Biden and former President Donald Trump.

"CNN published a list of criteria for candidates getting in, and we have shown CNN that we meet all of those criteria and that President Trump and President Biden cannot meet those criteria," he said this week on "Sunday Morning Futures."

"One of the two key criteria, is that every candidate has be on ballots in enough states to get 270 electoral votes by June 20, and we will qualify for that. President Trump and President Biden cannot qualify for that because they don't have any electoral votes at this time. They are presumptive nominees for their party. They themselves are not on the ballot, and I will be the only one on the ballot," he continued.

RFK JR. SAYS HE'LL DEBATE BIDEN, TRUMP MOMENTS AFTER PRESIDENT LAUGHS HIM OFF

Kennedy also highlighted the second criterion that candidates must reach 15% in four separate national polls that CNN will take into account. 

His team has presented the outlet with five national polls, he said, specifically mentioning a Harvard-Harris poll, a Monmouth poll, the Quinnipiac poll, and a recent CNN poll that showed he meets the 15% threshold.

"So I qualify for the debates," he said, noting that his team is currently in discussion with the network.

BILL MAHER TELLS RFK JR.: I HOPE YOU'RE IN THE DEBATES,' BUT QUESTIONS PATH TO THE WHITE HOUSE

"We'll be on the ballot… we have enough signatures today for 201 electoral votes. By the end of the month, we'll be at 340," he added later.

The Democrat-turned-Independent also outlined his stances on key issues set to determine the outcome of this November's highly anticipated race, including the economy, abortion and border security.

‘AFRAID I WOULD WIN': RFK JR. ACCUSES OPPONENTS OF ‘COLLUDING’ TO EXCLUDE HIM FROM DEBATES

On immigration, he insisted he would shut down the border overnight and would be willing to deport "a lot" of those living in the U.S. illegally, but specified that he did not want to tear apart families.

He blamed unchecked government spending for 40-year-high inflation, arguing that neither Trump nor Biden has adequately addressed the issue. He also clarified his stance on abortion, stating that he supports a woman's right to an abortion until the baby reaches viability and the government "has an interest in protecting that child."

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Stefanik defends speech at Israel's Knesset torching Biden, Democrats: 'Equivocation after equivocation'

House Republican Conference Chair Rep. Elise Stefanik, R-N.Y., on Sunday defended a recent speech she delivered to the Israeli Knesset in Jerusalem, torching President Biden’s "betrayal of the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance." 

Stefanik, who is meeting with Israeli leaders at the same time Biden’s national security adviser Jake Sullivan is also visiting Jerusalem, appeared on "Fox News Sunday" after speaking at the parliament building. Fox News host Shannon Bream asked the third-highest ranking House Republican if the concept broadly adopted in the 1940s of leaving partisan politics at the water’s edge and minority leaders refraining from criticizing a sitting American president while abroad was now "out the door." 

But the congresswoman, reportedly on former President Trump's 2024 VP shortlist, shot back that she had been "invited to talk about my work when it comes to combating antisemitism and my strong record when it comes to U.S./Israel support." 

"The world needs to know, and Israel needs to know, that the House Republican majority stands strongly with Israel," Stefanik said. "That this equivocation, this weak, failed leadership that we are seeing from Joe Biden, that’s not where the American people are, that’s not where the United States Congress is. And it’s not reflective of the legislation that we passed that Joe Biden signed into law. So, it is important for the world to hear. The world is looking for moral leadership, Shannon. And it’s important that House Republicans step up to fill that void, which we have under Speaker Johnson’s leadership." 

IN ISRAEL VISIT, STEFANIK TO TOUT TRUMP'S RECORD ON JEWISH STATE, REJECT BIDEN POLICIES: 'NO EXCUSE'
 

Stefanik said the main focus of her speech "was that the American people stand strongly with Israel, as do House Republicans," referencing how on Thursday the House passed legislation that rebuked Biden for pausing a shipment of bombs to Israel, seeking to force the weapons transfer. 

Debate over the bill showed Washington's deeply fractured outlook on the Israel-Hamas war. The White House and Democratic leadership scrambled to rally support from a House caucus that ranges from moderates frustrated that the president would allow any daylight between the U.S. and Israel to progressives outraged that he is still sending any weapons at all. The bill passed comfortably 224-187 as 16 Democrats joined with most Republicans to vote in favor. Three Republicans voted against it.

"You’ve had equivocation after equivocation from Democrats, led by Joe Biden, or whether it’s Chuck Schumer calling for a new leader replacing Prime Minister Netanyahu, that is not the place – that is not the type of leadership we need to be seeing from the highest levels of the United States of America," Stefanik said. "And that’s one of the focuses that I had today in my speech at the Knesset, that House Republicans stand strongly with Israel at their time of existential need."

NETANYAHU RIVAL THREATENS TO QUIT WAR CABINET OVER GAZA STRATEGY

"Oct. 7 was the bloodiest day for the Jewish people since the Holocaust," she added. "We want to make sure Israel has all the resources, no equivocation that it comes to eradicating Hamas." 

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Amid concern that tens of thousands of people have been injured and killed in Gaza, Bream noted that Amnesty International sounded the alarm that U.S. weapons are being used in violation of international and U.S. laws. Stefanik, in response, said Hamas uses civilians as shields, while "Israel has great respect when it comes to human rights" and "that’s why the United States stands fully with Israel, and that’s why they need to be a voice of truth, as those antisemitic propaganda are being shared around the world and being shared by perpetrators who support this terrorism." 

The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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No body cam footage of Scottie Scheffler's incident with officer, mayor says

ESPN reporter Jeff Darlington may have the only footage of Scottie Scheffler’s arrest at the PGA Championship as Louisville, Ky., Mayor Craig Greenberg said there was no police bodycam footage of it.

Scheffler was booked into the Louisville Department of Corrections and was charged with second-degree assault of a police officer (a felony), criminal mischief, reckless driving and disregarding signals from an officer directing traffic. He allegedly drove past a police officer who was directing traffic and failed to stop when directed.

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According to an arrest report, Louisville Detective Bryan Gillis suffered injuries in the incident, but Greenberg said there was no police footage of the incident.

"The officer did not have body cam footage turned on during the incident," Greenberg said Saturday, via the Louisville Courier-Journal. "We will release footage that we have ... to my knowledge, we have not yet discovered any video of the initial contact between Officer Gillis and Mr. Scheffler."

Greenberg did say there was a "fixed camera" across the street from where the incident took place. He was unsure if Gillis was wearing a body camera. He didn’t say whether Scheffler’s charged would be reduced.

SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER DAZZLES IN SECOND ROUND OF PGA CHAMPIONSHIP HOURS AFTER ARREST

Darlington was in the vicinity of the incident and captured Louisville police placing Scheffler in the back of a police car.

Scheffler called the incident a "big misunderstanding."

"This morning, I was proceeding as directed by police officers. It was a very chaotic situation, understandably so considering the tragic accident that had occurred earlier, and there was a big misunderstanding of what I thought I was being asked to do," he said. "I never intended to disregard any of the instructions. I’m hopeful to put this to the side and focus on golf today.

"Of course, all of us involved in the tournament express our deepest sympathies to the family of the man who passed away in the earlier accident this morning. It truly puts everything in perspective."

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Harrison Butker triggers backlash from left for commencement speech: 'Being treated like a criminal'

OutKick host Charly Arnolt argued Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker has been "treated like a criminal" as he continues to garner criticism for his commencement speech at a private Catholic school earlier this week. 

"He's being treated like a criminal. He didn't do anything that was criminally wrong or criminally inappropriate," the host of "OutKick the Morning" told Todd Piro during "Fox & Friends First" on Friday. 

"Look at his teammate Rashee Rice facing eight charges right now for a car accident he was responsible for. Is anyone calling for him to lose his position on the team? Absolutely not, so this just shows when you have conservative values, and you speak those out loud, here's what happens."

CHIEFS' HARRISON BUTKER GOES AFTER BIDEN OVER ABORTION STANCE AS A CATHOLIC

Butker received both praise and backlash after criticizing Biden and abortion, while also encouraging women to embrace their roles as "homemakers" while speaking to students at Benedictine College. 

"For the ladies present today, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. You should be proud of all that you have achieved to this point in your young lives," the Super Bowl champion said. "I want to speak directly to you briefly, because I think it is you, the women, who have had the most diabolical lies told to you. How many of you are sitting here now, about to cross this stage, and are thinking about all the promotions and titles you are going to get in your career? Some of you may go on to lead successful careers in the world, but I would venture to guess that the majority of you are most excited about your marriage and the children you will bring into this world.

"I can tell you that my beautiful wife, Isabelle, would be the first to say her life truly started when she began living her vocation as a wife and as a mother. I’m on this stage today and able to be the man that I am because I have a wife who leans into her vocation. I’m beyond blessed with the many talents God has given me, but it cannot be overstated that all of my success is made possible because a girl I met in band class back in middle school would convert to the faith, become my wife and embrace one of the most important titles of all: homemaker."

The NFL released a statement on Thursday distancing itself from Butker, saying the kicker spoke from a "personal capacity" during the commencement address.

CLICK HERE TO READ HARRISON BUTKER’S FULL SPEECH

"Harrison Butker gave a speech in his personal capacity," Jonathan Beane, the NFL’s senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, said in a statement sent to People magazine. "His views are not those of the NFL as an organization. The NFL is steadfast in our commitment to inclusion, which only makes our league stronger."

The media has been quick to criticize the NFL star for his controversial remarks, with the co-hosts of "The View" tearing into Butker for his religious beliefs and recommending he go to therapy. 

"I would really encourage him, really encourage him to find the best parts of faith and not diverge into extremist beliefs," Sara Haines, "The View" co-host said on Thursday.

Butker's comments triggered a Change.org petition, signed by more than 180,000 people, demanding he be released by the Chiefs. Gracie Hunt, daughter of Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, told "Fox & Friends" on Friday that she understood Butker's stance. 

"I can only speak from my own experience, which is I've had the most incredible mom, who had the ability to stay home and be with us as kids growing up. And I understand that there are many women out there who can't make that decision. But for me and my life, I know it was really formative and in shaping me and my siblings into who we are," she said.

Arnolt insisted Butker was not trying to instill his beliefs into anyone else, only share them with fellow Catholics as they graduated from college. 

"People want to say that he is pushing his beliefs onto the masses. That's not what happened. He was specifically speaking to a group, Benedictine College. This was where he was invited to speak," Arnolt said. 

OutKick founder Clay Travis and Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo echoed Arnolt's sentiment during "The Ingraham Angle" on Thursday, highlighting the importance of the family values Butker detailed in his speech.

"Harrison Butker would have been better off actually being accused of beating up a woman, which unfortunately has happened a great deal in the NFL because people in sports, media and larger society would have had a lot less of an issue with that," Travis told Laura Ingraham. "He would have been a lot better off getting a DUI. He would have been better off, as you just pointed out, being his teammate, dealing with all sorts of criminal charges than actually being a guy who spoke truth and said what needs to be said, I think frequently to young college graduates, which is men aren't doing their best job of, taking care of a society, and a lot of women aren't either." 

"The most important thing we have to do in this life, in my opinion, and I've got three kids, is try and instill values and growth in the next generation," he continued. 

Arroyo also noted the NFL's double standard in its response to Butker's speech as opposed to his teammates' various arrests. 

"He said we are both called men and women to be moms and dads," Arroyo said. "That's our greatest calling, our greatest vocation, and if you want to remake society for the better, do that, but in a league where 41 members of Butler's team, the Chiefs, have been arrested multiple times, I hardly think Harrison Butker's little speech at Benedictine College is the moral crisis in the NFL."

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos, Chantz Martin and Paulina Dedaj contributed to this report. 

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Michael Cohen condemned by CNN panel for secretly recording Trump: 'Highly uncool,' 'wildly unethical'

CNN anchor Brianna Keilar, along with a network panel, condemned Trump trial witness Michael Cohen for admitting during his testimony that he secretly recorded phone calls with then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and other clients.

Cohen, who entered another round of cross-examination during New York's case against the former president, told defense attorney Todd Blanche that he had recorded multiple phone calls with Trump and others and did not disclose he was doing so. Several panelists criticized the admission.

"Let’s just be very clear, that is highly uncool," Keiler said Thursday after reading Cohen’s admission aloud, in a clip flagged by Mediaite.

MICHAEL COHEN ONCE SWORE TRUMP WASN'T INVOLVED IN STORMY DANIELS PAYMENT, HIS EX-ATTORNEY TESTIFIES

Several members of the panel, which included CNN legal analysts Elliot Williams and Elie Honig, engaged in a brief exchange over the legality of recording someone without consent.

"Some states — illegal," Williams said. Keilar added, "And ethically questionable even if it’s not illegal."

Williams said that what Cohen admitted to is not illegal in New York, where he worked as Trump’s fixer at the time, but added that it wasn’t something Cohen should have done.

"New York is one of about 30 states that’s a one-party consent state, so as long as one party consents to recording a phone conversation, you can do it. Doesn’t mean you ought to, doesn’t mean people won’t judge it if you do, but it’s allowed," he said.

Keilar said, "People probably won’t appreciate it … just as a general understanding, you should know this."

FLASHBACK: TRUMP-MANHATTAN DA CASE: BOB COSTELLO TESTIFIES TO GRAND JURY, SAYS MICHAEL COHEN IS A 'SERIAL LIAR'

Honig then added his perspective.

"Recording your client as a lawyer, I mean, I’ve asked, on-air, several defense lawyers who have been practicing for decades, ‘Have you ever done this?’" he said. "If you ask them that they look at you like, ‘Why on earth? That would be wildly unethical and bizarre to do that.'"

Williams added, "Just creating all kinds of extra materials that could, you know, be subpoenaed or whatever. Just don’t do it. It just seems like a silly thing to do."

Keilar called Cohen's move "hugely problematic."

"Donald Trump didn’t know he was being recorded," she said. "That’s what is very clear from this. So it would be one thing to say to your client, ‘Hey, is it cool? Do you want me to hang onto this for something?’ But it wasn’t done with consent and that is hugely problematic."

CNN anchor Anderson Cooper also blasted Cohen’s testimony on Thursday. During an episode of "CNN Special Report," the pundit spoke to Honig about a moment in the former fixer’s cross-examination where he was apparently caught in a lie about a phone call to Trump in 2016.

"If I was a juror in this case watching that I would think, this guy’s making this up as he’s going along, or he’s making this particular story up," Cooper said.

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US says NATO military trainers will eventually be sent to Ukraine: report

Gen. Charles Brown, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, says it is only a matter of time before NATO military trainers are sent to Ukraine, according to a report in the New York Times.

It comes as Ukraine battles to hold the line against Russian offensives in Ukraine's northeast such as the city of Kharkiv as well as in the east and south – and just weeks after the U.S. agreed to send an extra $60 billion in aid to the war-torn country.

Ukrainian officials have asked their U.S. and NATO counterparts to help train 150,000 new recruits closer to the front line for faster deployment, the New York Times reports. 

PRO-UKRAINE RUSSIAN PARAMILITARIES JOIN FIGHT ON FRONT LINES

Brown told reporters on Thursday that a decision to deploy trainers was inching closer.

"We’ll get there eventually, over time," he told reporters, according to the New York Times.

Manpower has long been an issue for Kyiv's military as it fights a much larger and better-equipped foe. The problem has grown more acute in recent months, prompting authorities to introduce stricter measures for draft evaders, while the draft mobilization age has been lowered from 27 to 25, with the upper limit being 60.

The new law offers parole to convicts who sign a contract to join the army, a move that some officials have said could generate a maximum of 20,000 soldiers for the Ukrainian war effort. Those convicted of the most serious crimes, such as the premeditated murder of two or more people, rape and crimes against national security, would still not be allowed to enlist.

But the new recruits need to be trained and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is calling on the West for help.

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However, the move to deploy trainers could draw the U.S. and Europe more directly into Russia’s war with Ukraine. U.S. leaders have said they will not put U.S. troops on the ground in Ukraine and have urged NATO allies not to do so either.

Brown said that such a move now would put NATO trainers at risk and would most likely mean deciding whether to use precious air defenses to protect the trainers — instead of critical Ukrainian infrastructure near the battlefield, the New York Times reports. 

An attack on trainers could force the U.S. to honor its NATO obligations under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, thereby dragging it into war.

Former President Eisenhower sent U.S. advisors to train forces in South Vietnam in 1956 as he was worried about the spread of communism. The U.S. got incrementally sucked into military operations in Vietnam with former President Kennedy deploying 12,000 U.S. military advisors stationed in Vietnam by 1962.

It is unclear which NATO countries are considering sending military trainers and how many would need to be deployed and for how long.  

Fox News Digital reached out to the office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff for further comment but did not immediately receive a response.

In February, French President Emmanuel Macron said he had not ruled out the possibility of European Union member states sending troops into Ukraine to stave off Russia’s invasion.  

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The latest Russian offensive began last week in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region, marking the most significant border incursion since the full-scale invasion began in 2022 and forcing thousands to flee their homes. 

In recent weeks, Moscow’s forces have also sought to build on gains in the eastern region of Donetsk. Taken together, the developments mean the war has entered a critical stage for Ukraine’s depleted army.

Meanwhile, overnight, Ukraine launched its largest-ever kamikaze drone attack on Russia while Russian President Vladimir Putin visited China, killing two people and causing an oil refinery fire in the Black Sea, according to officials. 

Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report. 

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Former President Trump, Melania at Barron’s graduation in Florida during break in New York criminal trial

Photos have captured Donald Trump and his wife Melania appearing together Friday at their son Barron’s high school graduation in Florida during a break in the former president’s New York criminal trial. 

Barron is one of 116 seniors at the Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach that received their diplomas Friday, according to The Palm Beach Post. 

Images show Trump and Melania in attendance to watch Barron walk across the stage. 

The 18-year-old has been attending Oxbridge Academy since Trump left the White House in 2021, The Palm Beach Post reports. 

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Trump had been pushing for weeks to attend his son’s high school graduation. The judge presiding over his criminal trial in Manhattan, Judge Juan Merchan, had left the decision on whether to allow Trump to attend in limbo. 

Merchan ultimately granted Trump’s request to attend Barron’s graduation, but he denied Trump’s request to attend arguments at the Supreme Court on April 25 regarding the matter of presidential immunity. 

"Barron’s a great student and he’s very proud of the fact he did so well and was looking forward for years to having his graduation with his mother and father there," Trump said before Merchan granted his request to miss a day in court for the "scam trial." 

Oxbridge Academy describes itself as a "premier, independent, co-educational college-preparatory school located on a beautiful 54-acre campus in West Palm Beach, Florida." 

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"Founded in 2011 by philanthropist William I. Koch, Oxbridge Academy empowers students in grades 6-12 providing an outstanding education through a distinctive curriculum, an enriching environment, and an expert faculty helping them navigate their educational journeys with agility, confidence, and purpose," it says on its website. 

"Annual graduating classes receive 100% acceptance to four-year colleges and universities, with 50% attending a top 100 U.S. university or a top 50 liberal arts college," it adds. 

During proceedings at the hush money trial in New York City on Thursday, Michael Cohen, Trump’s former attorney, answered numerous questions related to his time working for Trump, including whether he had hoped to secure a role at the White House in the Trump administration, how Trump reacted to the initial story of his and Stormy Daniels' alleged sexual encounter, and whether he believed he played a role in Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg's indictment of Trump. 

Cohen said he "took some credit" for the 34-count indictment waged against Trump, who he once admitted to referring to as "dumb*ss Donald." 

Cohen's testimony is expected to resume Monday when the court reconvenes at 9:30 a.m. ET. 

Fox News’ Brooke Singman and Kyle Morris contributed to this report. 

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New research estimates when first warm-blooded dinosaurs roamed the Earth

Scientists once thought of dinosaurs as sluggish, cold-blooded creatures. Then research suggested that some could control their body temperature, but when and how that shift came about remained a mystery.

Now, a new study estimates that the first warm-blooded dinosaurs may have roamed the Earth about 180 million years ago, about halfway through the creatures’ time on the planet.

Warm-blooded creatures — including birds, who are descended from dinosaurs, and humans — keep their body temperature constant whether the world around them runs cold or hot. Cold-blooded animals, including reptiles like snakes and lizards, depend on outside sources to control their temperature: For example, basking in the sun to warm up.

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Knowing when dinosaurs evolved their stable internal thermometer could help scientists answer other questions about how they lived, including how active and social they were.

To estimate the origin of the first warm-blooded dinosaurs, researchers analyzed over 1,000 fossils, climate models and dinosaurs’ family trees. They found that two major groups of dinosaurs — which include Tyrannosaurus rex, velociraptors and relatives of triceratops — migrated to chillier areas during the Early Jurassic period, indicating they may have developed the ability to stay warm. A third crop of dinosaurs, which includes brontosaurs, stuck to warmer areas.

"If something is capable of living in the Arctic, or very cold regions, it must have some way of heating up," said Alfio Allesandro Chiarenza, a study author and a postdoctoral fellow at University College London.

The research was published Wednesday in the journal Current Biology.

Jasmina Wiemann, a postdoctoral fellow at the Field Museum in Chicago, said a dinosaur’s location is not the only way to determine whether it is warm-blooded. Research by Wiemann, who was not involved with the latest study, suggests that warm-blooded dinosaurs may have evolved closer to the beginning of their time on Earth, around 250 million years ago.

She said compiling clues from multiple aspects of dinosaurs’ lives — including their body temperatures and diets — may help scientists paint a clearer picture of when they evolved to be warm-blooded.

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Sickle cell patient offers hope to Ugandan community where disease is prevalent

Barbara Nabulo was one of three girls in her family. But when a sister died, her mother wailed at the funeral that she was left with just one and a half daughters.

The half was the ailing Nabulo, who at age 12 grasped her mother’s meaning.

"I hated myself so much," Nabulo said recently, recalling the words that preceded a period of sickness that left her hospitalized and feeding through a tube.

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The scene underscores the lifelong challenges for some people with sickle cell disease in rural Uganda, where it remains poorly understood. Even Nabulo, despite her knowledge of how the disease weakens the body, spoke repeatedly of "the germ I was born with."

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited disorders in which red blood cells — normally round — become hard, sticky and crescent shaped. The misshapen cells clog the flow of blood, which can lead to infections, excruciating pain, organ damage and other complications.

The disease, which can stunt physical growth, is more common in malaria-prone regions, notably Africa and India, because carrying the sickle cell trait helps protect against severe malaria. Global estimates of how many people have the disease vary, but some researchers put the number between 6 million and 8 million, with more than 5 million living in sub-Saharan Africa.

The only cure for the pain sickle cell disease can cause is a bone marrow transplant or gene therapies like the one commercially approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December. A 12-year-old boy last week became the first person to begin the therapy.

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Those options are beyond the reach of most patients in this East African nation where sickle cell disease is not a public health priority despite the burden it places on communities. There isn’t a national database of sickle cell patients. Funding for treatment often comes from donor organizations.

In a hilly part of eastern Uganda that’s a sickle cell hot spot, the main referral hospital looks after hundreds of patients arriving from nearby villages to collect medication. Many receive doses of hydroxyurea, a drug that can reduce periods of severe pain and other complications, and researchers there are studying its effectiveness in Ugandan children.

Nabulo, now 37, is one of the hospital's patients. But she approaches others like her as a caregiver, too.

After dropping out in primary school, she has emerged in recent years as a counselor to fellow patients, speaking to them about her survival. Encouraged by hospital authorities, she makes weekly visits to the ward that has many children watched over by exhausted-looking parents.

Nabulo tells them she was diagnosed with sickle cell disease at two weeks old, but now she is the mother of three children, including twins.

Such a message gives hope to those who feel discouraged or worry that sickle cell disease is a death sentence, said Dr. Julian Abeso, head of pediatrics at Mbale Regional Referral Hospital.

Some men have been known to divorce their wives — or neglect them in search of new partners — when they learn that their children have sickle cell disease. Frequent community deaths from disease complications reinforce perceptions of it as a scourge.

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Nabulo and health workers urge openness and the testing of children for sickle cell as early as possible.

Abeso and Nabulo grew close after Nabulo lost her first baby hours after childbirth in 2015. She cried in the doctor's office as she spoke of her wish "to have a relative I can call mine, a descendant who can help me," Abeso recalled.

"At that time, people here were so negative about patients with sickle cell disease having children because the complications would be so many," the doctor said.

Nabulo’s second attempt to have a child was difficult, with some time in intensive care. But her baby is now a 7-year-old boy who sometimes accompanies her to the hospital. The twin girls came last year.

Speaking outside the one-room home she shares with her husband and children, Nabulo said many people appreciate her work despite the countless indignities she faces, including unwanted stares from people in the streets who point to the woman with "a big head," one manifestation in her of the disease. Her brothers often behave as if they are ashamed of her, she said.

Once, she heard of a girl in her neighborhood whose grandmother was making frequent trips to the clinic over an undiagnosed illness in the child. The grandmother was hesitant to have the girl tested for sickle cell when Nabulo first asked her. But tests later revealed the disease, and now the girl receives treatment.

"I go to Nabulo for help because I can’t manage the illness affecting my grandchild," Kelemesiya Musuya said. "She can feel pain, and she starts crying, saying, ‘It is here and it is rising and it is paining here and here.'"

Musuya sometimes seeks reassurance. "She would be asking me, ‘Even you, when you are sick, does it hurt in the legs, in the chest, in the head?’ I tell her that, yes, it’s painful like that," Nabulo said.

Nabulo said she was glad that the girl, who is 11, still goes to school.

The lack of formal education is hurtful for Nabulo, who struggles to write her name, and a source of shame for her parents, who repeatedly apologize for letting her drop out while her siblings studied. One brother is now a medical worker who operates a clinic in a town not far away from Nabulo's home

"I am very happy to see her," said her mother, Agatha Nambuya.

She recalled Nabulo’s swelling head and limbs as a baby, and how "these children used to die so soon."

But now she knows of others with sickle cell disease who grew to become doctors or whatever they wanted to be. She expressed pride in Nabulo’s work as a counselor and said her grandchildren make her feel happy.

"At that time," she said, recalling Nabulo as a child, "we didn’t know."

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