Guardians pitchers' paid leave extended indefinitely as MLB continues gambling probe

Cleveland Guardians pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz had their paid leave extended indefinitely on Sunday as MLB continues its gambling investigation.

Clase and Ortiz were initially supposed to be sidelined until Aug. 31. But MLB and the players’ union said they agreed to extend their leave "until further notice." The Guardians are not commenting on the matter until the probe is finished.

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Ortiz was placed on leave on July 3 – right before he was set to start against the Chicago Cubs. MLB was reportedly investigating whether Ortiz was influencing prop bets in games he pitched.

Clase, a three-time All-Star, was placed on leave on July 28 when MLB announced it widened its investigation. Clase was one name mentioned as a possible trade candidate before the deadline but the investigation ended the trade rumprs.

MLB'S BIGGEST DEADLINE TRADES, RE-RANKED: TIGERS, PADRES HAPPY?

Ortiz, was acquired by the Guardians from the Pittsburgh Pirates before the 2025 season began, had a 4.36 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 16 starts. Clase had a 3.23 ERA and 24 saves in 48 appearances this season.

The Guardians held their own through the turmoil. The team made a valiant effort in an attempt to reach the Detroit Tigers at the top of the National League Central division. However, they were 9.5 games out of first before their game against the Seattle Mariners began.

Cleveland is three games behind the Boston Red Sox for the final American League wild-card spot.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Kohberger's lawyers didn't want him called 'psychopath,' but he searched the term regularly

Bryan Kohberger's lawyers didn't want prosecutors to describe him as a "psychopath" or in other specific terms if his case went to trial – but the criminology Ph.D. student turned mass murderer regularly searched for the phrase, according to digital forensics experts who dug into his phone and computer.

"On his PC (personal computer), psychopath was a normal word that he typed into a browser," said Heather Barnhart, senior director of forensic research at Cellebrite. "But he could have said it was for his major or research."

In addition to frequent searches for the phrase and related terms like "psychopaths paranoid," he also looked up wiretapping, and spent Christmas night reading in depth about serial killers.

BRYAN KOHBERGER FLEXED LIKE 'AMERICAN PSYCHO' AND SPENT CHRISTMAS NIGHT READING ABOUT SERIAL KILLERS

"He became paranoid," Barnhart said.

Before Kohberger pleaded guilty, his lawyers had asked the court to block prosecutors from referring to the word "murder," his "bushy eyebrows" or from using the terms "psychopath" and "sociopath" in front of jurors.

"To label Mr. Kohberger as a ‘murderer,’ the alleged weapon consistent with an empty sheath as a ‘murder weapon,’ or to assert that any of the four decedents was 'murdered' by Mr. Kohberger denies his right to a fair trial and the right to be presumed innocent," his attorney, Anne Taylor, argued in court filings unsealed in March.

BRYAN KOHBERGER CALLED HIS MOM WHILE RETURNING TO IDAHO MURDER SCENE THE NEXT DAY, EXPERT REVEALS

Further, according to Taylor, using words like "psychopath" and "sociopath" to refer to the quadruple murderer would have amounted to "name calling" and "unfairly prejudicial" if the case had gone to trial.

He pleaded guilty to four counts of first-degree murder last month after his lawyers failed to convince the judge to toss key evidence or to take the potential death penalty off the table.

BRYAN KOHBERGER PLEADED GUILTY TO IDAHO STUDENT MURDERS, BUT THESE KEY QUESTIONS REMAIN UNANSWERED

The analysis of Kohberger's computer found that he successfully wiped some key information – including details that could have explained a motive, according to Barnhart's husband, Jared Barnhart, who also works at Cellebrite.

He used software to fully delete files and also cleared his Google Chrome browser history from Oct. 12 through Nov. 16. The murders took place around 4 a.m. on Nov. 13.

"I think that's the most important point to me, is he cleaned up what was probably the story all the victims' families need to hear, right?" Barnhart told Fox News Digital. "The why, the how. Why my kid? All of that is gone. And we tried like crazy to find something, you know, to tell these families, and it just isn't there."

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Democratic state representative calls prayers after mass shootings 'theological malpractice'

A Tennessee Democratic state representative on Saturday condemned the customary expression of "thoughts and prayers" after a mass shooting, calling it "theological malpractice," and likened America’s relationship with gun manufacturers to idolatry.

"I want to bring theology into this because you have all these people who want to give thoughts and prayers after a shooting, but I was a minister and that is a form of theological malpractice," Tennessee State Rep. Justin Jones told MSNBC’s Ali Velshi.

The two were discussing the recent mass shooting at the church at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minnesota that killed an 8-year-old boy and 10-year-old girl on Wednesday, Aug. 27. The children were killed by transgender woman Robin Westman, 23, according to local police and the Department of Homeland Security. Westman's gun featured antisemitic messages, including "6 million wasn’t enough" and "extra thicc Jew gas." His mother worked at the church until 2021.

PSAKI RESPONDS TO BACKLASH OVER HER DISMISSING THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS, SAYS THEY'RE 'NOT ENOUGH'

Rep. Jones further criticized the nation’s posture toward gun makers as a form of idolatry. "When you pray for something that you have the power to change... What we’re seeing is a form of idolatry, where we’re willing to worship the lives of our children to appease the prophets of the gun industry," he said.

Rep. Jones was elected to the Tennessee State House in 2023 and was part of the "Tennessee Three" who staged a protest on the House floor for gun reform following the mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee. The shooting, also perpetrated by a trans woman, Audrey Hale, killed three children and three adults. Jones, along with Democratic state representatives Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson, led chants inside the chamber and disrupted House proceedings. Jones and Pearson were expelled from the House because of their disruption. Jones later won back his House seat. 

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In the aftermath of the tragedy, Democrats made comments that appeared to attack the concept of prayer. 

"Prayer is not freaking enough. Prayers does not end school shootings. prayers do not make parents feel safe sending their kids to school. Prayer does not bring these kids back. Enough with the thoughts and prayers," former Biden White House press secretary Jen Psaki wrote on X.

Conservatives and others were quick to attack Psaki for her tone-deaf remarks, with Democrat-turned-Trump Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard accusing her of having "hatred for God."

"So why is it that people like Jen Psaki and others have such a spontaneous visceral negative reaction to those who are praying to God for refuge, strength, and for the wellbeing of the victims of this heinous attack? Because they do not believe in God or His love. Their response is rooted in their hatred of God," Gabbard added. "They want to be God, so they view Him as their competitor. They are agents of darkness and hatred, and the light of God’s love is a threat to their dark ambitions," Gabbard posted on X on Aug. 29. 

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Foreign travelers soon to pay 'visa integrity fee' to visit the U.S. costing $250

The Trump administration continues to take a harder stance on foreign visitors with a "visa integrity fee" to be implemented on Oct. 1. 

The fee would charge non-immigrant travelers visiting the U.S. $250 due at the time visas are issued and was enacted as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Countries such as Mexico, China, and Brazil will take on the most heat, with the cost for non-visa waiver countries now nearing $442, per the U.S. Travel Association.

POPULAR DESTINATION MAY EXPAND 'GOLDEN' VISA PERKS, OPENING MORE DOORS FOR WEALTHY

The largest numbers of international visitors in May were from Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom, India and Brazil, according to the International Inbound Travel Association.

Gabe Rizzi, global travel management company Altour president, told Reuters that "any friction we add to the traveler experience is going to cut travel volumes by some amount."

"As the summer ends this will become a more pressing issue, and we'll have to factor the fees into travel budgets and documentation," Rizzi added.

Overseas visitors to the U.S. dropped 3.1% in July from the same time last year, according to Reuters. 

The new fee comes as the U.S. prepares to host America250 events, the Olympics and the FIFA World Cup matches.

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"International visitor spending to the U.S. is projected to fall to just under $169BN this year, down from $181BN in 2024," notes a World Travel & Tourism Council report.

Tourism Economics director of industry studies Aran Ryan told Reuters that overseas travel to the U.S. this year would grow over 10% year over year, but the latest projections now show a 3% decline.

The U.S. isn’t alone—countries worldwide are adding entry fees and tightening screening to capitalize on tourism while cracking down on abuse.

The British government recently rolled out an "Electronic Travel Authorization" (ETA) that digitizes tourists' requests to visit the country while paying a fee of about $13. 

The ETAs are linked to a traveler’s passport in an effort to smooth security checks and "prevent abuse" of the immigration system.

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On Wednesday, the Trump administration proposed a rule to limit the length of time international students can remain in the U.S. for their studies to four years and the duration of visas for cultural exchange visitors and members of the media.

The rule would limit how long certain visa holders are allowed to stay in the U.S., according to a press release from the Department of Homeland Security.

It seeks to curb "visa abuse" and increase the agency's ability to "properly vet and oversee these individuals."

Fox News Digital’s Landon Mion and Reuters contributed to this report.

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Tim Walz admits VP bid might have hurt him with voters in home state

Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., admitted that his 2024 bid for vice president might have hurt him with voters in his home state as he weighs seeking another term as governor.

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported Friday that Walz acknowledged in an interview his bid alongside former Vice President Kamala Harris might have hurt him with voters in Minnesota.

"People get tired of it," Walz said. "I get tired of myself at times."

The Minnesota governor said he has not yet decided whether he will seek re-election.

NEW BOOK SHEDS LIGHT ON HARRIS DECISION TO PICK WALZ AS HER RUNNING MATE OVER SHAPIRO: 'WENT WITH HER GUT'

The former Democratic vice-presidential nominee said he understands voters' desire for "something new."

Walz said returning to Minnesota after running on the national stage could be seen as appearing "too big for your britches."

The Journal spoke to a couple at the Minnesota State Fair who had mixed feelings about Walz running for governor again.

"He should not run for a third term," Cindy Jurgensen, a Democrat, told the WSJ. "It’s time for a change."

TIM WALZ LETS LOOSE IN RANT-FILLED TALK WITH LIBERAL THINK TANK

Her husband, Curt Rahman, also a Democrat, said, "I don’t see anybody that would do a better job."

Cindy said she wanted Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., to run for governor. 

Walz addressed Democrats at the party’s summer strategy meetings in Minneapolis this week, where he criticized media coverage of internal divisions.

"It boggles my d--- mind that in the midst of a military takeover of our cities and the attempt to go into others, their flaunting of the rule of law, the cruelness and the unconstitutional nature of the way they're attacking our neighbors, that the press finds the need to talk about, ‘Oh, there's a division in the Democratic Party,’" he railed, adding, "There's a division in my d--- house and we're still married, and things are good. That's life!"

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He doubled down on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) during the speech, saying, "We’re not shying away from diversity as a strength, equity as a goal and inclusion as the air we breathe. That’s what we should be doing."

Fox News' Peter Pinedo contributed to this report.

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'Yogurt Shop Murders': Austin’s unsolved cold case continues to raise questions decades later

More than 30 years after the brutal murder of four teenage girls in an Austin yogurt shop, a crime that stunned the city and remains unsolved, a new HBO Max docuseries is shining fresh light on the cold case.

On Dec. 6, 1991, firefighters responding to a blaze at the I Can’t Believe It’s Yogurt store made a horrifying discovery: the bodies of Eliza Thomas, 17; sisters Jennifer, 17, and Sarah Harbison, 15; and Sarah’s best friend Amy Ayers, 13. 

All had been shot in the head. Authorities believe the girls were bound, some sexually assaulted, and that the fire was intentionally set to destroy evidence.

SUSPECTED SERIAL KILLER MAY HAVE ABDUCTED NEWS ANCHOR WHO VANISHED 30 YEARS AGO: DOC

The crime shocked Austin, a city that "lost its innocence" that night, a Texas lawmaker said. 

"I remember at the time how shocking it was because I think Austin, at that time, was still a relatively small town in Texas that kind of lost its innocence on that day," Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas previously told Fox News. 

McCaul, former Texas deputy attorney general and former federal prosecutor, passed legislation giving the families of cold case victims the opportunity to petition the federal government to reexamine cases older than three years. 

The legislation, known as The Homicide Victim Families' Rights Act, requires the federal government to inform family members of cold case victims of their right to do so, the congressman explained.

"This brutal murder of four teenage girls, and the way it was done … that may happen in other cities, but not Austin. It was very shocking, and part of it is because the families never got a resolution to the case."

The initial investigation led police to 17-year-old Maurice Pierce, who was found carrying a handgun similar in caliber to the murder weapon. Pierce’s arrest prompted questioning of three other teens, Michael Scott, Robert Springsteen, and Forrest Wellborn.

FRIENDS WHO DISCOVERED IDAHO MURDER VICTIMS REVEAL EERIE OMEN BEFORE THE MASSACRE

Over the next eight years, three of the young men confessed at different times to involvement in the murders. Scott and Springsteen were convicted in 2001 and 2002. However, their convictions were later overturned due to questionable interrogation methods and a lack of physical evidence, and no DNA matches.

By 2009, both men were released, and all charges were dropped. Pierce and Wellborn were never convicted. No one has ever been held accountable for the murders.

Investigators say more than 1,200 people were considered potential suspects over the years, and false confessions were common. In 1992, a biker gang leader in Mexico was briefly suspected but later cleared after revealing his confession had been extracted through torture.

INDIANA CORONER SAYS POLICE 'DROPPED THE BALL' IN FOX HOLLOW FARM SERIAL KILLER CASE

The focus eventually returned to the four original suspects, but without physical evidence to tie them to the crime scene, the case unraveled in court.

A 2020 DNA test reportedly linked crime scene evidence to an unknown male, according to the Austin American-Statesman. The FBI is said to have a sample from the same individual, but legal hurdles have so far kept Austin police from accessing it.

Detective Dan Jackson, who took over the case in 2022, told USA Today earlier this year that the fire and firefighting efforts destroyed key evidence, but he remains optimistic.

"If I didn’t believe this case could be solved, I wouldn’t be doing this," Jackson said. "The technology we have today is far beyond what we had just a few years ago … I truly believe we’ll find who did this."

A spokesperson for the Austin Police Department told Fox News Digital that they are unable to comment on the details as the case remains an active and ongoing investigation, adding that there is no additional information available for release.

HBO Max’s four-part docuseries The Yogurt Shop Murders, which debuted Aug. 3, revisits the case and shines a spotlight on alleged investigative mistakes. The series features interviews with detectives, victims’ family members, and never-before-seen footage from an abandoned documentary, according to Variety.

For many in Austin, and the families of Eliza, Jennifer, Sarah and Amy, the hope is that the renewed attention, combined with advanced forensic tools, will finally bring justice.

"The yogurt shop murders left an undeniable mark on the Austin community. More than 30 years later, we still mourn the loss of those four teenage girls and long for answers about their deaths," Congressman McCaul told Fox News Digital. 

"I’m grateful a light is being shone on the yogurt shop murders again and hope those responsible will ultimately be brought to justice."

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DOJ calls for tips on employers favoring foreign workers in hiring practices

The Department of Justice is asking people to report illegal visa practices that could come at the expense of American workers.

Citizens are being urged to flag "discriminatory" advertisements for jobs, especially ones that state that the employer prefers people on a seasonal or H-1B visa.

"Are you an American citizen who has been harmed by inappropriate preferences for foreign workers, eg H1-B or other? Follow the link. It’s also a place to report human trafficking of immigrant workers, and Title VII employment discrimination," Harmeet Dhillon, assistant attorney general for civil rights at the DOJ, posted to X on Friday.

OVER 55 MILLION VISA HOLDERS SUBJECTED TO CONTINUOUS VETTING AMID TRUMP ADMIN CRACKDOWN

The DOJ is also allowing people to send in tips for possible human trafficking violations related to temporary visa programs.

H-1B visas were the subject of debate earlier this year, as many opponents argued they hinder American talent in key sectors like technology, whereas others believe it bolsters the economy.

"The main function of the H-1B visa program and other guest worker initiatives is not to hire ‘the best and the brightest,’ but rather to replace good-paying American jobs with low-wage indentured servants from abroad," Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-VT, posted to X in January. "The cheaper the labor they hire, the more money the billionaires make."

RUBIO’S STATE DEPARTMENT YANKS MORE THAN 6K STUDENT VISAS DUE TO ASSAULT, BURGLARY, SUPPORT FOR TERRORISM

H-1B visas for fiscal year 2026 have already hit the legal petition limit with 65,000 that are standard, and an additional 20,000 for those with advanced degrees, according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. The visas are primarily meant for skilled workers, including "architecture, engineering, mathematics, physical sciences, social sciences, medicine and health, education, business specialties, accounting, law, theology, and the arts," according to the agency’s website.

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Florida Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis said the program has "become a total scam" in an interview with Fox News Channel’s Laura Ingraham on Tuesday.

"These companies game the system. You have some of these companies that are laying off large numbers of Americans while they're also getting new H-1 Bs and renewing existing H-1 Bs," DeSantis said.

KEY IMMIGRATION PROPOSAL VOWS TO END 'BACKDOOR HIRING PRACTICES' IN AMERICAN UNIVERSITIES

"A lot of times people used to say, 'Well, you know, we're getting the cream of the crop from all around the world.' The reality is that's not actually what H1Bs are. Most of them are from one country, India. There's a cottage industry about how all those people make money off this system," he continued.

Major visa reform is already underway in the U.S., as the Trump administration is reviewing all 55 million visas to make sure people who are in the country are following the law.

"The department’s continuous vetting includes all of the more than 55 million foreigners who currently hold valid U.S. visas," a State Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital last week.

A visa could potentially be nixed by the department if there have been "overstays, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity or providing support to a terrorist organization."

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Cardi B's testimony sparks online frenzy as rapper denies assaulting security guard in 2018

Cardi B's testimony in her civil trial has captivated the internet as clips of the fiery exchanges went viral.

The A-list rapper appeared in court to fight accusations that she physically assaulted a security guard in 2018. Emani Ellis was following her around an obstetrician’s office, seemingly recording the musician, Cardi testified. The office had been closed to the public for Cardi's privacy as she had not announced the news that she was expecting her first child.

Cardi B's testimony about Ellis' weight, the rapper's wigs and more have gone viral as many have found her responses humorous.

CARDI B WON'T FACE CHARGES AFTER MIC THROWING INCIDENT

When asked about Ellis' height compared to Cardi's, she explained "we was face-to-face, so she's practically like my height. Or just a smudge taller. But she was practically like my height. But she is like…"

"Say it," the lawyer pushed.

"Security-heavy," Cardi explained. 

"What does security-heavy mean? Just tell us. There's no harm. What does that mean?" the lawyer questioned.

"She just looks a little, like she could protect the building type …," Cardi answered. "She just looked more developed than me."

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Many reacted to her comments online, with one user writing, "Cardi B in court today was like an SNL skit."

"cardi b is easily the best celebrity on the witness stand since gwyneth paltrow," another wrote.

"The lawyer is mad because Cardi's funny personality has the whole courtroom laughing," another added. "he know he's not getting a bag from this lol"

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The 32-year-old rapper testified Wednesday that she never touched the security guard, who accused her of cutting her face with a fingernail and spitting on her during an altercation outside the obstetrician’s office when Cardi was four months pregnant.

When being questioned by her own attorney, Cardi explained why she kept her pregnancy secret at the time — just seven months after releasing her first major hit, "Bodak Yellow," during what she called her "freshman year" of stardom.

"I was getting used to things," Cardi said. "I was just so worried about what everybody was saying and thinking. I thought I was letting a lot of people down."

Cardi claimed at the time she hadn't even shared the news with her own parents.

During her testimony, Cardi was asked if she was "disabled" at the time of the alleged physical altercation.

"When you’re pregnant, I’m very disabled," she quipped. "You want me to tell you things I can’t do?" Cardi added as people in the courtroom laughed.

Cardi B's changing hair also caught the attention of the plaintiff's lawyer. The rapper switched between a blonde and a black wig as she appeared in the civil courtroom.

"Which one is your real hair?" the lawyer asked. "Or are they both real?"

The question seemingly amused Cardi. "They’re wigs," she answered while laughing.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Shania Twain strips down in bold look to celebrate 60th birthday

Shania Twain celebrated turning 60 with an iconic throwback shared on Instagram Thursday.

The "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" singer wore a sparkling blue pantsuit with a silver-trimmed blazer in the dressing room snap, captured from before she hit it big in the country music industry.

Twain shared her 1980s glam shot in a carousel which also featured a more recent image of the singer posing in a white button-down shirt with only a pair of black briefs underneath.

SHANIA TWAIN'S READY FOR ‘EVOLUTION OF COUNTRY MUSIC,’ SHARES KEY TO ‘GOOD HEALTH’ AT 59

Lyrics from her legendary song were written in bold behind the singer as she threw her arm in the air for the photo session.

SHANIA TWAIN LAUGHS OFF ON-STAGE BLUNDER

"Happy birthday to me! How can I be 60? So glad to have kept some photos from this time in the 80s when I had no idea what was ahead of me and Shania f**king Twain didn’t exist yet," she captioned the series.

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"I can’t begin to explain how grateful I am for the life that i have. For my family, friends, fans and the inspiration I get from all of you."

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Twain added, "I’ve tried to stay true to myself along the way and that’s my intention moving forward into the next chapter."

The "Queen of Country Pop" is one of the best-selling music artists with more than 100 million records sold. She also holds the title as the best-selling female country music artist ever. 

The "That Don't Impress Me Much" singer released her latest studio album, "Queen of Me," in 2023. She previously told Fox News Digital that she's honored to witness the transformation from within her industry.

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"I'm also privileged to be a part of where the new country is going. I don't want to say new country, but the evolution of country music and where it's headed," she said. 

She added, "I love music, I'm a fan of music. I think the love of it keeps me going." 

When it came to any tips or tricks for maintaining health and wellness, Twain admitted the secret was simple.

"I enjoy good health and I think happiness has everything to do with it," the musician said.

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Karen Read tells prosecutors 'you lost big time' in first public interview since acquittal

Karen Read has spoken publicly for the first time since being acquitted in the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O’Keefe. vowing to fight back against those she says framed her — with civil lawsuits looming and a message of defiance to Massachusetts prosecutors.

In a defiant message, she vowed to pursue civil lawsuits against those she alleges framed her while strongly criticizing Massachusetts prosecutors.

"You lost. You lost big time. And you know what you did," Read said during an interview on "The Howie Carr Show." 

Read appeared alongside her attorney, Alan Jackson, who confirmed they are preparing a sweeping civil case. Potential targets include the Massachusetts State Police, the Norfolk County District Attorney’s Office, and individuals tied to the investigation.

FATHER OF VINDICATED KAREN READ WARNS CONCERNED AMERICANS 'THE NEXT KAREN READ COULD BE YOU' IN NEW INTERVIEW

"I’m back for a reason…we’re considering all options. Nothing is off the table," Jackson said, noting the team is weighing both state and federal actions.

Read opened up about her life following the verdict, describing it as far from what she anticipated.

She noted she has endured profound personal losses, including the career she built at Fidelity.

"That job was not just a job, that was my career, and I still miss it." Read said.

KAREN READ ASKS MASSACHUSETTS COURT TO THROW OUT WRONGFUL DEATH LAWSUIT AFTER MURDER ACQUITTAL

Read added she also lost her home, which she had to sell during the course of her two trials, and her Lexus SUV, which remains in the possession of prosecutors as evidence. 

Even her independence, she said, was stripped away.

"I haven’t driven in four years…I was in a prison of the making of the Massachusetts State Police and DA’s office."

Despite these setbacks, she said she is focusing on what truly matters.

Reed is now living with her parents, whom she called "the strongest people I know," and said she cherishes every day with them after fearing she wouldn’t survive to see them post-acquittal.

"I feel lucky. I’ve lost a lot, but I still have what’s most important. My parents are in their late 70s, and I’m grateful they’re still here," she said.

CLEARED OF MURDER CHARGES, KAREN READ COULD EYE LEGAL PAYBACK AGAINST INVESTIGATORS WHO COST HER

Jackson argued Reed endured "double jeopardy" after being tried twice on the same allegations:

"She was jailed twice. Twice too many times…and both times jurors determined there was no collision," Jackson said.

He also blasted Boston officer Kelly Dever, a prosecution witness, accusing her of either lying or having "false memories."

"How could she reasonably be a police officer going forward?" he asked. 

As for O’Keefe’s death, Jackson said bluntly, "John O’Keefe’s killer or killers have yet to be brought to justice. I fear that is never going to happen."

Both Read and Jackson reserved some of their strongest criticism for Norfolk County District Attorney Michael Morrissey.

"For Christ’s sake…the community doesn’t want you. They just don’t," Jackson said. 

When asked about reports that actress Elizabeth Banks would portray her in an upcoming Amazon limited series, Read admitted she was surprised.

"It’s not authorized by me in any way. I’ve never spoken to her. This is my story to tell," Read said. 

"It’s Karen Reed’s story to tell, not Hollywood’s to invent," Jackson echoed. 

Looking ahead, Read said her plans remain uncertain, but she is determined to tell her story in her own words.

"I don’t always know what’s next," she said. "But I do want to write a book. There’s so much more people need to hear."

VINDICATED KAREN READ THANKS 'GREATEST' LEGAL TEAM AS JURORS DELIVER NOT GUILTY VERDICT IN BOYFRIEND'S DEATH

For now, she is focusing on reclaiming her life, with the prospect of a high-stakes civil case looming.

"Nothing is off the table," Jackson repeated. "No one is off the table."

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Read faced multiple charges, including murder, in connection with the January 29, 2022, death of her boyfriend at the time, John O'Keefe, a Boston police officer. Prosecutors claimed she mowed him with her Lexus SUV and left him to die in a blizzard. However, her defense maintained she never hit him, argued that the police investigation was flawed, and suggested another party was responsible. After a mistrial, jurors the second time around found her not guilty of all homicide-related charges and found her guilty of driving under the influence of liquor.

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Initially, police charged her with drunken driving manslaughter and fleeing the scene. Prosecutors later secured an indictment for the more serious charge of second-degree murder. Ultimately, jurors cleared her of all of those allegations but determined that she had consumed alcohol before driving.

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Read received a year of probation for the drunken driving conviction. She is still facing a wrongful death lawsuit from O'Keefe's family, which her civil defense team asked the court to dismiss earlier this month.

The case led residents of Canton, Massachusetts, to push for an independent review of their police department. The audit found no proof of a conspiracy against Read but highlighted several procedural errors, including not photographing the victim’s body before it was moved, failing to secure the scene, and conducting witness interviews outside official premises.

The Massachusetts State Police also launched an internal investigation into lead homicide detective Michael Proctor, who was fired for sharing confidential information with non-law enforcement individuals and drinking on the job. He is appealing his dismissal.

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Kamala Harris fundraising events have been a flop to help raise money for DNC: Report

Former Vice President Kamala Harris' fundraising events for the Democratic National Committee (DNC) have fallen short, according to Axios, as the DNC has continued to pay off the former presidential nominee's campaign expenses. 

Harris allowed the DNC to use her email list to help raise funds, according to Axios. She has also reportedly held a few small fundraising events.

"But the total money raised from the events has been disappointing," Axios reported, citing people familiar with the matter.

After Harris lost to President Donald Trump in 2024, top Democrats expressed concern about potential campaign debt.

HARRIS TAPS DEM EMAILS LISTS TO MARKET NEW BOOK, SPARKING PARTY NEUTRALITY CONCERNS

"How do you raise a historic amount of money and not win a single swing state?" one Harris aide told Axios in November, following the election loss. "The honest answer is: I don't know. It seems we lost the national narrative, and that's what we need to diagnose."

Axios reported that some Democrats are frustrated the campaign spent $1.5 billion during her 107-day election effort. 

"The vice president has collaborated closely with the DNC to manage campaign expenses and expand our base of grassroots donors. She remains fully committed to strengthening the party and helping return Democrats to power," former Harris campaign chair Jen O'Malley Dillon told Axios. 

Harris’ office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

REPUBLICAN FUNDRAISING OUTPACES DEMOCRATS BY NEARLY DOUBLE, JUNE NUMBERS SHOW

The DNC has spent more than $15 million paying off Harris' 2024 election campaign debt in the first few months of 2025, Axios reported. Some Democratic donors are also hesitant to give to the DNC as they look ahead to the midterms.

Over the past six months, the DNC has given $548,050 to a charter flight company, $2.1 million to a media production company and $237,201 to a law firm on behalf of Harris' campaign, according to Axios.

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The Democratic National Convention on August 15, 2024, in Chicago, Illinois. 

Harris' allies are reportedly placing blame on DNC chair Ken Martin, arguing he is not fully focused on fundraising. 

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Save up to 64% on Dyson, DeWalt, Anker, Adidas and more during eBay's 30th anniversary sale

Celebrate eBay's 30th anniversary with incredible deals on everything from electronics to kitchen gear. You can save up to 64% on both new and certified refurbished products from top-tier brands like DeWalt, Vitamix, Anker and Dyson.

From Aug. 27 to Sept. 5, shoppers get an extra 20% off their purchases using the code HAPPY30TH at checkout. The coupon has a maximum discount of $500, and it can be used twice. Don't miss this opportunity to buy directly from official brand storefronts like JBL, Redtiger and Adidas, ensuring you get authentic products at an unbeatable price.

Original price: $349.99

Grab a certified refurbished DeWalt 18 gauge cordless brad nailer on eBay that has been restored to like-new condition. It delivers the same high performance as a new model at a lower price. This nailer is praised for its durable brushless motor and cord-free operation. The refurbished model comes with a two-year warranty for peace of mind.

Original price: $79.99

This certified refurbished Anker 347 portable charger from the brand's storefront on eBay features a massive 40,000mAh battery and 30W USB-C fast charging. It can power multiple devices at once. This refurbished model is restored to like-new condition by an authorized technician and includes a warranty.

TRANSFORM YOUR TECH SETUP WITH THE BEST EARLY LABOR DAY TECH DEALS ON APPLE, SAMSUNG, HP AND MORE

Original price: $699.99

This certified refurbished Dyson V11 Torque Drive+ is cordless but powerful and has been restored to a like-new condition. It offers the same powerful suction and intelligent LCD screen as the original but at a lower price. This model is known for its deep-cleaning performance and hygienic bin emptying and includes a two-year warranty.

Original price: $399.99

Invest in your health without overspending with a certified refurbished Vitamix Venturist Pro blender from eBay. This smart, professional-grade blender features wireless connectivity and a digital timer for perfectly consistent results every time. The appliance comes with a five-year warranty.

Original price: $129.49

Upgrade your peace of mind with the Redtiger dash cam. This camera records in 4K resolution from both the front and rear of your vehicle. It has WiFi and GPS built-in, which means you can instantly access and share footage from your phone.

Original price: $129.99

Gain the competitive edge with the Redtiger golf rangefinder. This versatile tool offers 7x magnification and a 1200-yard range, making it perfect for both golfers and hunters. It comes with advanced features like flag pole locking and a slope switch to provide fast, precise measurements every time.

Original price: $79.95

The JBL Endurance Race waterproof sport earbuds have an IP67 waterproof design and an impressive 30 hours of battery life. The secure twistlock technology ensures they stay put, while JBL Pure Bass Sound delivers the audio you need to stay motivated.

QVC'S SUMMER DEALS DELIVER SAVINGS ON BOSE, APPLE, DESIGNER JEWELRY AND MORE

Original price: $599.99

The powerful JBL PartyBox speaker delivers JBL Pro Sound and booming bass, synchronized with a dazzling LED light show. It is built with an easy-to-use telescoping handle and wheels to make it easy to transport. A replaceable battery provides up to 18 hours of playtime and the ability to add a microphone or guitar.

Original price: $65 (60% off)

The Adidas Daily 3.0 shoes are modern and skate-inspired. These durable canvas shoes feature the classic 3-Stripes, and are comfortable enough to wear daily. 

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Original price: $80

The Adidas Women's Barreda Decode shoes feature a chunky, cushioned midsole for a fashionable look. They are a great choice for everyday wear.

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Socialist candidate Mamdani meets with NY Dems as they withhold endorsements

New York City Democratic mayoral nominee Zohran Mamdani met with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Rep. Yvette Clarke, D-N.Y., on Tuesday, as New York Democrats continue to withhold their endorsements ahead of the November election. 

"Zohran joined Congresswoman Clarke and Congressman Jeffries today to meet with Black clergy leaders from across central Brooklyn," Mamdani campaign spokesperson Dora Pekec told Fox News. 

Jeffries and Clarke are among the Democratic leaders, including Gov. Kathy Hochul and Senate Minority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer, who have yet to endorse Mamdani following his primary win in June. 

"They engaged in a wide-ranging discussion on a number of issues, including the urgent affordability crisis and the exodus of Black New Yorkers from the five boroughs—and Zohran shared his agenda to make sure every New Yorker can afford to continue to call this city home and live a life of dignity," Mamdani's campaign said. 

JEFFRIES DECLINES TO ENDORSE MAMDANI, SAYS THEY WILL MEET AFTER UGANDA TRIP

Tuesday's meeting was held at a church in Beford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, which is in the heart of Jeffries' congressional district. Clarke, who also represents parts of Brooklyn, is chair of the Black Congressional Caucus. 

JEFFRIES GIVES ANSWER FOR NOT YET ENDORSING MAMDANI FOR NYC MAYOR

"I think there was a very meaningful exchange," Clarke told NY1 after the meeting. "Assemblyman Mamdani has a platform that he’s been running on, and they wanted to know how that’s applicable to the communities they reside in."

Clarke said the pastors "wanted an intimate setting where they could really speak to their lived experiences, the lived experiences of their congregants."

She told the same outlet last month that she wanted to ask Mamdani about his past refusal to condemn the term "globalize the intifada," a term he has since said he would discourage others from using. 

"I think that it's best that I have this conversation so that my credibility among my constituents is, you know, intact," she told NY1, referencing the large Jewish community in her Brooklyn district. 

Jeffries met with Mamdani earlier this summer, but the House minority leader has stopped short of endorsing the self-described democratic socialist candidate. 

Jeffries confirmed to CNN's "State of the Union" on Sunday his plan to meet with Mamdani this week, while reiterating that his first meeting with Mamdani in July was "very candid and constructive and community-centered."

"I don't think we've withheld an endorsement," Jeffries said. "We are engaging in a conversation about the future of New York City, about the issues that need to be addressed."

While both Democrats stopped short of endorsing Mamdani after their meeting on Tuesday, other New York Democrats, including Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Nydia Velázquez, Jerry Nadler and Adriano Espaillat have thrown their political weight behind the 33-year-old candidate. 

Mamdani also traveled to Washington, D.C., earlier this summer, where the mayoral hopeful and Ocasio-Cortez hosted a breakfast with national Democrats. Mamdani met with several progressive leaders, including Sen. Bernie Sanders, an early endorser of his campaign. 

Still, New York Democratic Reps. Tom Suozzi, Dan Goldman, Gregory Meeks, Ritchie Torres, George Latimer and Grace Meng have yet to endorse Mamdani. 

Fox News Digital reached out to Jeffries and Clarke for comment but did not immediately receive a response. 

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SCOOP: House Republicans ready slew of DC crime bills as Trump promises end to city violence

FIRST ON FOX: The House Oversight Committee is planning to advance several bills next month to back up President Donald Trump's crackdown on crime in Washington, D.C., Fox News Digital has learned.

A source familiar with the committee's work told Fox News Digital that the panel will mark up bills to "combat juvenile crime in D.C., address the D.C. education system, and end restrictive policing policies enacted by the D.C. Council that prevent law enforcement from keeping residents and visitors safe."

It's a significant step toward congressional Republicans lining up with Trump's effort to combat crime in the national capital.

The House Oversight Committee is one of two congressional panels that has jurisdiction over the national capital and its operations, so most House-wide legislation dealing with D.C. crime and other similar matters is likely to originate there.

COMER DISMISSES BIDEN DOCTOR'S BID FOR PAUSE IN COVER-UP PROBE: 'THROWING OUT EVERY EXCUSE'

The committee is also holding a hearing next month on D.C. crime, scheduled for Sept. 18, with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser, D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, and D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb slated to appear.

House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., did not elaborate on the legislation in a statement to Fox News Digital but vowed that his panel is working to help further Trump's goals.

"President Trump and House Republicans are committed to making our nation’s capital safe for every resident and visitor. Thanks to President Trump’s swift action, crime in the District of Columbia has dropped dramatically," Comer said.

148 DEMOCRATS BACK NONCITIZEN VOTING IN DC AS GOP RAISES ALARM ABOUT FOREIGN AGENTS

"The House Oversight Committee stands ready to advance reforms that give D.C. law enforcement the tools they need to protect the public and address the growing juvenile crime crisis. Every person in our nation’s capital deserves to feel safe, and with President Trump, we will make D.C. safe again."

Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Fla., a member of the committee, previously introduced a bill taking on the issue of juvenile crime by lowering the city's definition of "youth" from 24 years old to 18, meaning that anyone aged 18 or over would be tried as adults.

It's not clear if that specific bill is among those being marked up by the committee next month, however.

The House Oversight Committee's latest plans come after the president announced he was federalizing D.C.'s police force for a period of 30 days as part of an effort to combat crime and beautify the city.

He's also deployed the National Guard from both D.C. and around the country to patrol the nation's capital, in addition to other federal forces.

Trump said overnight Wednesday that House and Senate GOP leaders "are working with me, and other Republicans, on a Comprehensive Crime Bill."

Meanwhile, a leadership aide told Fox News Digital on Tuesday that House Republicans are working with the White House on a package of bills "to fix the many problems with D.C. governance and crime."

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Top liberal podcast declares that the Democratic Party is experiencing one of its 'worst' points in history

The co-hosts of the liberal political podcast "Pod Save America" described how the Democratic Party is currently enduring one of the worst crises in its history during the Friday episode of their show.

Co-hosts Jon Favreau and Dan Pfeiffer broke down new polling numbers revealing that the party has lost millions of voters since the 2020 election. Pfeiffer declared that the situation is one of the worst that the party has ever dealt with in terms of dwindling support.

"I mean, it is at its worst point than at almost any point in our history," he said. "And I would probably even include after the 1984 election, when we lost 49 states."

'MOFO...IN THE WHITE HOUSE': JASMINE CROCKETT ATTACKS TRUMP, PRAISES MASSIE IN ANTI-IRAN STRIKE RANT

Favreau introduced the topic by discussing the latest Democratic Party voter registration numbers published by The New York Times on Wednesday. They revealed that the party has lost millions of voters between 2020 and 2024 while the GOP has gained millions of voters. 

"Shane Goldmacher published an extremely thorough analysis on Wednesday that details how in all 30 states that track voter registration by party affiliation, Democrats lost about 2.1 million voters between 2020 and 2024, while Republicans gained 2.4 million."

He continued, noting how the Democratic Party hasn’t stopped the bleeding since the 2024 election either. 

"There are now 160,000 fewer Dems, and 200,000 more Republicans than there were on Election Day 2024," he said.

FAR-LEFT FIREBRAND SAYS SHE 'NEVER HAD A CONCERN' ABOUT BIDEN'S MENTAL STATE AS HOUSE PROBE HEATS UP

He passed the mic to Pfeiffer, who added that the reality could be worse for the Democratic Party than the numbers show because, while deep blue California was included in the data, deep red Texas was not – the suggestion being that the GOP could have gained even more voters.

"So, it could be worse, is what I say," Pfeiffer remarked. 

"2020 through 2024 – bad f------- years for the Democratic Party," Favreau said.

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Pfeiffer still had more bad news for Favreau, pointing out that each of the U.S.’s "core battleground states are getting more Republican."

"In 2020, on Election Day, Democrats had a 400,000 person registration advantage in North Carolina. Today that number is down to 17,000," he said, noting that in the same timeframe, that advantage shrank from 500,000 to 50,000 in the state of Pennsylvania.

Pfeiffer summed it all up, declaring, "This is a party in crisis."

Elsewhere, he added, "Our approval numbers haven’t gone up. The trust in the party is down. Democratic voters overwhelmingly want to change their leadership. I mean, it is – I do not think the people at the helm of the party have been willing to contend with the depth of the crisis the party is in."

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Forensic team reveals Kohberger's panicked phone activity before Idaho murders arrest

Bryan Kohberger saw a news article about a white Hyundai Elantra having been identified as a suspect vehicle in the Idaho student murders and immediately panicked, according to the forensic team that analyzed his phone.

"I think the vehicle was a huge stress point for him, because he had registered it to park there," said Jared Barnhart, who along with his wife Heather works at the digital forensics firm Cellebrite. "He had a PDF download of like a list of Hyundai Elantras for the university, you know, and you can see this long list of cars."

Kohberger was attending Washington State University, just 10 miles from the crime scene adjacent to the University of Idaho, and had been pulled over driving near both campuses in the weeks before the murders.

IDAHO MURDER DOCUMENTS REVEAL VICTIM'S STALKING FEARS AND KOHBERGER'S 'INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR' AT SCHOOL

The car was still on his mind in the hours before his arrest, according to the Barnharts.

"If you weren't the bad guy, you wouldn't care, but he was scrambling, and he thought the police were on him," Jared Barnhart told Fox News Digital. "And they were. They were at that point."

According to phone data reviewed by the Barnharts, Kohberger did the following during the late-night hours of Dec. 29, 2022:

BRYAN KOHBERGER CALLED HIS MOM WHILE RETURNING TO IDAHO MURDER SCENE THE NEXT DAY, EXPERT REVEALS

BRYAN KOHBERGER PLEADED GUILTY TO IDAHO STUDENT MURDERS, BUT THESE KEY QUESTIONS REMAIN UNANSWERED

"Literally the pressure of, 'Oh, look, they're really talking about my car,' caused...within 15 minutes of behavior, him trying to clean it and get rid of it," Jared Barnhart told Fox News Digital. "Just not normal."

At around 1:30 a.m. on Dec. 30, police swarmed his parents' house and arrested him.

Police found a Ka-Bar sheath at the crime scene that had Kohberger's DNA on it, which led them to his parents' house in the Poconos with help from the FBI and state-of-the-art techniques called investigative genetic genealogy.

But detectives have maintained that even if they didn't have the sheath, they would have found Kohberger by hunting down leads connected to the suspect vehicle, which appeared on surveillance cameras coming and going from the crime scene. 

Last month, after his lawyers failed to convince a judge to throw out key evidence and have the potential death penalty taken off of the table, Kohberger pleaded guilty to the murders of Madison Mogen, 21, Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20.

All but Kernodle are believed to have been asleep at the start of the 4 a.m. home invasion attack.

He received four consecutive sentences of life without parole, plus another 10 years. 

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2 men claiming to be police shot, killed by homeowner, authorities say

A Texas homeowner fatally shot two masked men late Friday after they posed as officers serving a warrant and opened fire on the house, police say.

The Houston Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the southeast part of the city around midnight, Officer C. Jones told Fox News Digital. 

The suspects were wearing bulletproof vests marked with "police," but no patrol cars or flashing lights were present, raising the homeowner’s suspicions, authorities said. The two men were also wearing masks covering their faces and badges around their necks, Fox 26 Houston reported, citing the police.

2 DEPUTIES INJURED IN MISSOURI SHOOTING, HIGHWAY PATROL INVESTIGATING

"They became suspicious because they have a Ring camera and the suspects were stating they had a warrant, but it's just two people, and they're masked up and no police cars, no lights or anything like that," Lt. Khan told Fox 26. 

ACTIVE SHOOTER KILLED IN ATTEMPT TO AMBUSH BORDER PATROL AGENTS IN TEXAS

Police said the men fired into the home before the residents returned gunshots, killing both, the local station reported. Arriving officers attempted CPR, but the men were pronounced dead at the scene, the outlet added.  

The homeowners were unharmed, according to Fox 26. Police have not released the identities of the two men, and the investigation remains ongoing.

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Ex-UFC star's son engulfed in controversy over 'horrible' pro wrestling incident

The son of former UFC champion Quinton "Rampage" Jackson was heavily criticized following an incident at a pro wrestling show over the weekend.

Raja Jackson went into the ring to beat down pro wrestler Syko Stu during KnokX Pro’s KnokXperience event in California on Saturday night. The incident, streamed live on Kick, appeared to show Jackson slam Stu onto the mat and punch him more than 20 times before he was ripped off of him by fellow wrestlers.

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It appeared Stu was left unconscious in the middle of the ring. The moment stoked controversy on social media.

"Rampage" Jackson released a statement on X.

"I want to clear up the misinformation about my son Raja. I’ve been confirmed that the wrestler ( Stewart Smith aka Syko Stu) is awake and stable. Raja was unexpectedly hit in the side of the head by him moments before Smith’s match, Raja was told that he could get his ‘payback’ in the ring,i thought it was apart of the show," he wrote. "It was bad judgement, and a work that went wrong.

"Raja is a MMA fighter not a pro wrestler and had no business involved in an event like this. I don’t condone my son’s actions AT ALL! He suffered a concussion from sparring only days ago and had no business doing anything remotely close to physical contact. As a father, im deeply concerned with his health AND the well being of Mr. Smith. That being said I’m very upset that any of this happened, but my main concern now is that Mr. Smith will make a speedy recovery. I apologize on his behalf and to KICK for the situation."

WWE LEGEND'S DAUGHTER DISHES ON LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES SHE SUFFERED ON ROLLER COASTER RIDE

KnokX Pro condemned the incident in a post on Facebook.

"First and foremost our thoughts and prayers are with our brother Mr. Stuart Smith (Syko Stu) as he remains a priority and we are monitoring his well being," the organization said. "What was supposed to be a planned and agreed upon wrestling spot, turned into a selfish, irresponsible act of violence against Mr. Smith. This egregious act is reprehensible and never should have occurred. 

"In the 17 years of operation of KnokX Pro Wrestling Academy, there has never been anything as heinous take place such as this and we apologize to our patrons and fans."

WWE star Rusev was among those who reacted on social media.

Syko Stu is a U.S. Army veteran and used pro wrestling to get back into civilian life. He's also been open about suffering from PTSD.

Raja Jackson has yet to speak on the incident. His father was a pro wrestler briefly for Total Nonstop Action (TNA).

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Conservative activist slams Cracker Barrel; company left reeling after logo redesign

Conservative activist Robby Starbuck is the latest influencer to weigh in on the Cracker Barrel logo controversy. He described the company’s logo makeover as going from "old American nostalgia" to something "cold, dead, lifeless and modern." In his 15-minute video, Starbuck does a brutal takedown of the company’s history, explaining how, over the years, it has embraced "wokeness."

Starbuck told his followers that while the Cracker Barrel brand is often associated with American tradition, the company is "infested with left-wing activists who are more interested in safe spaces, pronouns and virtue signaling than they are in their customers."

In his video, Starbuck highlights Cracker Barrel’s support for LGBTQ+ organizations and events, such as Nashville Pride, River City Pride and the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

CRACKER BARREL CEO SERVES UP LEFTOVER CORPORATE BRANDING TO UNHAPPY CUSTOMERS

He also noted that the company displayed rocking chairs with rainbow colors and LGBTQ+ insignia. The company even went so far as to place one in its Tennessee corporate office. Rocking chairs are practically synonymous with Cracker Barrel, with the restaurant’s long porches lined with them at locations nationwide.

"The fact that it's located there is important to this story because what's happened here is a microcosm of the parasitic operating procedure of left-wing activists," Starbuck said. "They don't just wanna force their soulless, godless, hedonistic vision of the future onto blue hellscapes that their party controls. 

"No, it's much more important to them that they shove it down into your towns, into your kids' schools and into your way of life. So, sticking a pro-trans rocking chair into their headquarters in a predominantly conservative town is exactly the type of thing they revel in doing."

Starbuck then pointed to the company’s involvement with HRC and participation in the Out and Equal Workplace Summit. For the Out and Equal conference, Cracker Barrel made rocking chairs in every color of the rainbow, representing the LGBTQ+ flag. Out and Equal even gave Cracker Barrel an award for having 2018’s top LGBTQ+ Employee Resource Group (ERG).

CRACKER BARREL DISMISSES CRITICS AS 'VOCAL MINORITY' WHILE RIVAL RESTAURANT ADDS TO BACKLASH

The restaurant chain previously participated in HRC’s Corporate Equality Index, which measures "corporate policies, practices, and benefits pertinent to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer employees," according to the organization’s website. A company’s score on the index is determined by how inclusive HRC judged it to be toward LGBTQ+ employees.

Cracker Barrel told Fox News Digital on Friday that it "has not participated in the Human Rights Campaign Index or had any affiliation with HRC in several years."

Two Cracker Barrel employees are called out by name in Starbuck’s video, Steve Smotherman and Rachel CampBell. 

Smotherman was the head of management training and development at Cracker Barrel for 15 years, Starbuck asserted, showing a screenshot that appeared to be from LinkedIn. Smotherman, who eventually left Cracker Barrel for Out and Equal, serves on HRC's Business Advisory Council in Washington, D.C. 

DEMOCRATIC PARTY, GAVIN NEWSOM JOIN ONLINE ROASTING OF NEW CRACKER BARREL LOGO

Starbuck describes Smotherman as "the archetype activist employee that fueled the rise of DEI in corporate America." He also slammed CampBell, a manager of training and development at Cracker Barrel, for publicly expressing excitement over the company’s rainbow pride rocking chairs.

"And it’s important to note all of this because these types of employees play a critical role in turning companies away from the values of their customers and moving the companies toward wokeness," Starbuck said.

CRACKER BARREL EXECUTIVE INSISTS RESTAURANT REMODELS ARE 'WHAT THE GUESTS ASKED FOR'

Gilbert Dávila, a member of Cracker Barrel’s board of directors, was also referenced in Starbuck’s video. Dávila, who joined Cracker Barrel’s board in 2020, has worked at several major companies, including Disney, Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble. He’s also the co-CEO of DMI Consulting, which looks to "infuse cultural relevance and creativity into every solution."  Starbuck asserted that Dávila, and others like him are responsible for the "woke advertising push" seen over the last few years.

In the end, Starbuck emphasizes that the controversy around Cracker Barrel’s logo change is about more than the removal of a man in his chair leaning on a barrel.

"It's very, very important to understand that the Cracker Barrel story is not about a logo. It's not at all about a logo, it is about a country, it is our heritage, and it is a culture. It's about a power structure built to tell us that we are somehow backwards, embarrassing or bigoted," Starbuck said.

"A conservative can't give their money to Cracker Barrel. A Christian cannot give their money to Cracker Barrel, and so we won't," he added.

As Starbuck sees it, the Cracker Barrel debacle is a win-win for conservatives, saying that the company will either have to double down and lose customers or revert back to its 1977 logo to retain its customer base.

Fox News Digital’s Brian Flood and Nikolas Lanum contributed to this report.

Cracker Barrel did not respond Fox News Digital's request for comment in time for publication. 

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Patriots coach Mike Vrabel seeks out 'rats' after leaked injury report: 'We’ll figure that out'

It’s hunting season for the New England Patriots, and head coach Mike Vrabel is on the lookout for "rats." 

Speaking to the media Thursday, Vrabel was asked about reports that second-year receiver Ja'Lynn Polk would miss the entire season with a shoulder injury that requires surgery. 

Vrabel initially declined to add anything to the rumors before taking a swipe at reporters and their "sources."

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"No, other than I’d like to find out where some of these come from," Vrabel said. "You know, some of these rats around here. So, we’ll figure that out." 

Polk, a second-round pick in 2024, was injured during the Patriots' preseason opener when he was tackled on a short run by Washington Commanders defensive back Noah Igbinoghene, ESPN reported. 

PATRIOTS COACH MIKE VRABEL CLASHES WITH MEDIA OVER STEFON DIGGS' UNCERTAIN SEASON OPENER STATUS

Polk left the game bracing his right arm and has been sidelined since. 

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Wednesday that after seeing multiple specialists, it was determined that Polk would have to undergo surgery and was expected to miss the entire 2025 season. 

Sources told ESPN the length of Polk’s absence would be determined after surgery. 

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Aging brains could 'become' younger when key protein is decreased

Scientists at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) may have discovered a cause of aging in the brain.

The culprit is a protein called ferritin light chain 1 (FTL1), described as an iron-associated protein identified as a "pro-aging neuronal factor that impairs cognition."

The study, published in the journal Nature Aging, compared how genes and proteins in the hippocampus – the region of the brain responsible for learning and memory – changed over time in old and young mice.

WHAT PEOPLE WHO LIVE TO 100 YEARS OLD HAVE IN COMMON, ACCORDING TO SCIENCE

Aged mice had a higher amount of FTL1, as well as fewer brain cell connections in the hippocampus and diminished cognitive abilities, according to a UCSF press release.

When FTL1 was artificially increased in young mice, their brains began to mimic the brains and behaviors of old mice.

When the protein was decreased in the old mice, they "regained their youth," had more nerve cell connections and performed better on memory tests.

FTL1 also slowed down metabolism in the hippocampus cells of old mice.

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The researchers discovered, however, that treating these cells with a metabolism stimulation compound prevented these effects.

Saul Villeda, PhD, associate director of the UCSF Bakar Aging Research Institute and senior author of the paper, said he considers these findings a "reversal of impairment."

"It’s much more than merely delaying or preventing symptoms," he said in a press release statement.

"We’re seeing more opportunities to alleviate the worst consequences of old age. It’s a hopeful time to be working on the biology of aging."

Dr. Paul Saphier, a neurosurgeon and founder of Coaxial Neurosurgical Specialists in New Jersey, called these findings "really interesting" in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"There is no doubt that as proteins accumulate in various parts of the brain, certain neurodegenerative disorders occur," he said. "Alzheimer’s disease is directly linked to a build-up of amyloid proteins within the brain."

"If there is a mechanism by which we can slow and/or reverse the build-up of this FTL1 protein in the hippocampus, which is the main memory center of the brain, it stands to reason that we may improve/enhance cognition."

Previous research has shown that modulating sugar and protein can reduce the rate of aging, Saphier pointed out.

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"I support this research and am certain there is ultimately going to be a breakthrough in this area," he added.

The study was supported in part by the National Science Foundation, the Bakar Aging Research Institute and the National Institute on Aging.

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'Leftist' taxpayer-funded academy sparks backlash after moving against Trump's rollback of key regulation

FIRST ON FOX: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — a largely taxpayer-funded body that has taken in hundreds of millions in federal dollars — is facing pushback for fast-tracking a climate review that critics say is an attempt to undermine the Trump administration's energy agenda.

Earlier this month, Politico reported that NASEM is using "internal funding" to pay for a review that will be released in September in order to "inform" the Environmental Protection Agency's move to rescind the Obama-era greenhouse gas endangerment finding, a cornerstone of climate regulation that conservatives say has strangled American energy production.

That effort is being led by molecular biologist Shirley M. Tilghman who, in addition to being a member of NASEM, serves as an External Science Advisor to the Science Philanthropy Alliance, a group tied to the progressive consulting behemoth Arabella Advisors through the New Venture Fund, a nonprofit that pushes a variety of progressive causes. 

Critics tell Fox News Digital they have concerns about the timing of this move and the possible political motives attached to the fast-tracked review. 

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"NASEM's decision to do a fast-track study on greenhouse gas emissions and endangerment in response to the EPA rule undermines the legitimacy of the National Academies," Daren Bakst, Director of the Competitive Enterprise Institute's Center for Energy and Environment, told Fox News Digital. 

"The process shows the numerous problems with what they are doing. On August 7, NASEM announced they were doing a report to be finished in September. That is an incredible rush job that by itself undermines the legitimacy of what they are doing. Likely, the report has already been written in whole or in part, given the timing. This rush gives the impression they have their conclusions and are just working backwards. "

Conservatives have long argued that groups tied to Arabella Advisors operate as a "dark money" network, influencing policy debates and shaping research priorities behind the scenes. This dynamic reflects a growing entanglement between research institutions and ideologically driven funding streams. 

The concern is heightened by the fact that NASEM derives roughly 85% of its budget from federal funds.

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"To me, it seems like a move to protect NASEM's position as the gatekeeper of official science," Travis Fisher, director of energy and environmental policy studies at the Cato Institute, told Fox News Digital. "I think it's appropriate to ask whether government-funded researchers and organizations might have a conflict of interest in setting the terms of the climate debate. For example, it's clear that more alarm means more research funding."

Regarding the Arabella connection, Fisher said that "any overlap" between the NASEM effort and political advocacy groups "deserves scrutiny."

"I'd like to know who pushed for NASEM's involvement in the first place and whether ideological groups applied any pressure to get NASEM to join the political fray," Fisher said. "In any case, I'm surprised to see NASEM inject itself into inherently political fights over EPA policy."

James Taylor, President of the Heartland Institute, told Fox News Digital that NASEM is a "leftist" and "statist" institution that is "funded by and dependent on big government."

Fox News Digital previously reported that NASEM, sometimes referred to as NAS, has raked in hundreds of millions of dollars of taxpayer funds in recent years while doling out hefty salaries to its top brass and bankrolling a variety of left-wing initiatives. 

"It has long since stopped being a scientific organization and is now merely a political one," Taylor said. 

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"For example, in a recent so-called climate science assessment, only 22% of the authors had PhDs, which was equaled by the 22% of authors who worked for environmental activist groups. Counting Democrat politicians who were also co-authors, the NAS assessment had more environmental activists writing the report than actual scientists. NAS is a joke and has no credibility at all."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, a NASEM spokesperson said, "This fast-track study is being funded by private donations, and is intended to inform public comments requested by EPA."

"The New Venture Fund is a 501(c)(3) organization that uses a fiscal sponsorship model to support a wide range of nonpartisan projects," a New Venture Fund spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "We fully support efforts to increase funding for foundational science and proudly served as Science Philanthropy Alliance’s fiscal sponsor until it spun off in 2023."

"Arabella Advisors is an independent organization and one of our many vendors. They do not 'manage' New Venture Fund or have any say in our funding or fiscal sponsorship decisions."

The revelation comes as the Trump administration seeks to rescind the Obama-era greenhouse gas endangerment finding, a cornerstone of climate regulation that critics say has strangled American energy production.

The 45-day public comment period for the proposal is set to end in mid-September. 

The 2009 Endangerment Finding, issued by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), declared that greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide "threaten both the public health and the public welfare of current and future generations."

This finding established the EPA’s legal obligation under the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

In March, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin pledged to roll back the assessment, claiming it has fueled an avalanche of regulations that have cost the U.S. economy over $1 trillion. He doubled down again in July during a speech in Indiana, delivered against a backdrop of trucks, while slamming the Biden-Harris Administration’s electric vehicle mandate.

"With this proposal, the Trump EPA is proposing to end sixteen years of uncertainty for automakers and American consumers," Zeldin said, adding that regulatory relief will give U.S. consumers affordable choices when car shopping.

An Arabella spokesperson told Fox News Digital that Arabella "does not fund any organizations."

"We are a professional services firm that provides administrative and operational support such as compliance, HR, and accounting to nonprofit clients. We are not a donor and we are not a funder."

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