Dem Sen John Fetterman backs use of military force to combat drug trafficking into US

Democratic Sen. John Fetterman of Pennsylvania apparently expressed support for using military force to combat drug trafficking into the United States.

"Fully support confronting the scourge of cartel drug trafficking to our nation," Fetterman noted in a post on X.

His post featured a screenshot of a Fox News Digital article headlined, "Rubio promises more strikes on Venezuelan cartels: ‘We're not going to sit back anymore'".

TRUMP'S STRIKE ON CARTEL VESSEL OFF VENEZUELA SENDS WARNING TO MADURO: NO SANCTUARY

Earlier this week, President Donald Trump noted that the American military had executed a strike against "Narcoterrorists" who had been ferrying narcotics to the U.S.

"Earlier this morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a kinetic strike against positively identified Tren de Aragua Narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility," the president noted in a Tuesday Truth Social post. 

"The strike occurred while the terrorists were at sea in International waters transporting illegal narcotics, heading to the United States. The strike resulted in 11 terrorists killed in action," he declared.

US BOLSTERS MILITARY PRESENCE IN CARIBBEAN NEAR VENEZUELA AMID TRUMP'S EFFORTS TO HALT DRUG TRAFFICKING

The president's post featured footage of the strike against a boat.

"Please let this serve as notice to anybody even thinking about bringing drugs into the United States of America. BEWARE!" Trump warned in the post.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested that more strikes will occur in the future.

"And it'll happen again. Maybe it's happening right now, I don't know," Rubio said on Wednesday, noting that the president will "wage war" against "narcoterrorist organizations."

RUBIO PROMISES MORE STRIKES ON VENEZUELAN CARTELS: ‘WE’RE NOT GOING TO SIT BACK ANYMORE'

Fox News Digital reached out to Fetterman's office on Thursday to request additional comment from Fetterman or a spokesperson regarding the senator's apparent expression of support for the Trump administration's use of lethal military force to combat drug trafficking into the U.S. but did not receive a response by the time of publication.

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Tom Brady says Arch Manning's struggles vs Ohio State could be 'blessing' in disguise

Like many others across the country, Tom Brady was tuned in to Saturday afternoon's matchup between Texas and Ohio State, ranked No. 1 and No. 3, respectively, at the time.

The contest marked the official start of the Arch Manning era, but it did not get off to an ideal start.

Entering the fourth quarter, the grandson of Archie and nephew of Peyton and Eli had just 38 passing yards. He finished with 167 in the Longhorns' 14-7 loss to the Buckeyes. It was Manning's first start on the road as a Longhorn.

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Social media was quick to crack some jokes about Manning, which Brady said was a "curse."

But in speaking to Pro Football Focus, Brady said that the loss and social media wrath could be a "blessing" in disguise.

"There needs to be resilience built up in the quarterback as well. So even though he didn’t have his best game today, and they lost, if he uses this to his advantage, Arch, he’s going to be tougher for it, and he’s going to have a better next game because of it," the seven-time Super Bowl champion said. "And I always felt like you’ve got to deal with a lot of adversity, from a quarterback standpoint, to toughen you up to be the true leader for the organization…

TULANE COACH SAYS NORTHWESTERN SHOWED 'DISRESPECT' TO NEW ORLEANS AFTER UNIFORM TRIBUTE DENIAL

"Arch has years beyond this to still play in college if he wants, but it's going to be up to him to see how he really wants to dig within himself and how deep he wants to dig in order to be successful. But there's nothing to show me that he won't be that. He's been that way in high school and even last year. He's got a lot of good people around him that know exactly what to do."

Manning was 17-for-30 and missed a key third-down throw on the team's penultimate play from scrimmage that would have moved the chains. He was stuffed on fourth and goal from the 1-yard line, threw a costly interception and almost threw a second.

Ohio State is now the top-ranked team in the country, while Texas dropped to No. 7.

Texas will host San Jose State, UTEP and Sam Houston State over the next three weeks. 

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COVID-19 infection risk cut 'significantly' with simple nasal spray, research finds

A new study has discovered another way to potentially prevent COVID-19.

Researchers at Saarland University in Germany headed a clinical trial that found a nasal spray could reduce the risk of coronavirus infection by two-thirds.

The phase 2 study, published in JAMA Internal Medicine, ran from March 2023 to July 2024 at Saarland University Hospital.

NEW COVID VARIANT MAY CAUSE 'RAZOR BLADE THROAT' — HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

The 450 healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to receive either the azelastine nasal spray or a placebo, three times per day for 56 days.

The researchers conducted SARS-COV-2 rapid antigen testing twice a week to diagnose infection. People who had symptoms but received negative antigen test results underwent multiple PCR tests for respiratory viruses.

Among the 227 individuals who received the azelastine nasal spray, rates of confirmed COVID infection were "significantly lower" at 2.2%, compared with 6.7% for the placebo group.

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The researchers also noted an increase in the period before infection for the people taking azelastine. In these patients, the medication was linked to a lower rate of PCR-confirmed symptomatic infections and fewer confirmed rhinovirus infections (the primary cause of the common cold).

"In this single-center trial, azelastine nasal spray was associated with reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infections," the researchers wrote.

Azelastine has been available as an over-the-counter treatment for hay fever, according to a press release from Saarland University, and has previously been suggested to have an anti-viral effect against COVID and other respiratory viruses.

Lead trial researcher Professor Robert Bals, director of the Department of Internal Medicine at Saarland University Medical Center, commented in a statement that the trial has demonstrated azelastine’s impact in a "real-world setting."

"Azelastine nasal spray could provide an additional, easily accessible prophylactic to complement existing protective measures, especially for vulnerable groups, during periods of high infection rates or before traveling," he went on.

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"Our results highlight the need for larger, multicenter trials to continue exploring the use of azelastine nasal sprays as an on-demand preventive treatment, and to examine its potential effectiveness against other respiratory pathogens."

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

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Cause of death for DePaul soccer player, son of ex-NFL receiver Milton Stegall revealed

The cause of death of Chase Stegall, a member of the DePaul University men’s soccer team and the son of former NFL player Milton Stegall, has been released months after his unexpected passing. 

The university announced Stegall’s death in early June. The student-run newspaper, The DePaulia, reported at the time that Stegall had been found dead "in his residence hall on the university’s Lincoln Park campus." He was 20. 

No cause of death was revealed at the time. 

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But the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office listed Stegall’s cause of death as "sudden unexpected death in epilepsy," Fox News Digital confirmed Thursday. His death was classified as natural.

Stegall, a sophomore at DePaul University, was described by school officials as a "cherished member" of the community and a "dedicated teammate and kind-hearted friend." 

COLLEGE SOCCER PLAYER CHASE STEGALL, SON OF FORMER NFL WIDEOUT MILTON STEGALL, DIES ‘UNEXPECTEDLY’ AT 20

"Our thoughts and prayers are with Chase's family, friends, teammates and all who loved him. In the coming days, we will support Chase's family and teammates through this devastating time. His loss will be deeply felt across our entire athletics and university family and his memory will forever be a part of DePaul University," Vice President and Director of Athletics DeWayne Peevy and head coach Mark Plotkin said in a joint statement at the time.

Stegall, 20, appeared in 16 games last year, scoring his only goal of the season against Drake. He registered nearly 400 minutes on the soccer field this year after not seeing any game action as a freshman.

He was the son of former Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Milton "Milt" Stegall, who played three seasons in the NFL before going on to have a standout career in the Canadian Football League for 14 years. 

Weeks after the news of his son’s death, Milt Stegall shared a heartbreaking post on Father’s Day.

"Father’s Day has changed for me, but my love and gratitude never will. Today feels different, but my blessings are still countless," he wrote in a post on Instagram. "One of my sons is playing soccer up in heaven, and the other here on earth. But by the grace of God, I’m still the luckiest dad in the world." 

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Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa makes it official: She's not seeking re-election next year

Republican Sen. Joni Ernst of Iowa formally announced on Monday that she will not run for re-election in next year's midterms.

"Having been raised in a family who has given me so much love and support, now as our family ages and grows, it’s my time for me to get back to them. After a tremendous amount of prayer and reflection, I will not be seeking re-election in 2026," the 55-year-old Ernst, who was first elected to the Senate in 2014, said in a video posted to social media.

Ernst, a retired Army Reserve and Iowa National Guard officer who served in the Iraq War, has been wrestling for months over whether to run for re-election in 2026.

TRUMP NOT ON BALLOT BUT FRONT-AND-CENTER IN 2025 ELECTIONS

"This was no easy decision," the senator said in her video announcement.

The senator's decision to retire rather than seek a third six-year term creates an open seat in Iowa. 

GOP Rep. Ashley Hinson, a former TV news anchor who is in her third term representing Iowa's 2nd Congressional District, which covers the northeastern portion of the state, is planning on running to succeed Ernst, multiple sources confirmed last week to Fox News.

FOUR KEY SENATE SEATS THE GOP AIMS TO FLIP IN NEXT YEAR'S MIDTERM ELECTIONS

Iowa was once a top battleground state that former President Barack Obama carried in his 2008 and 2012 White House victories. But the state has shifted to the right in recent election cycles, with President Donald Trump carrying the state by eight points in 2020 and by 13 points last November.

Republicans currently hold both of the state's U.S. Senate seats – Ernst and longtime Sen. Chuck Grassley – and all four of Iowa's congressional districts, as well as all statewide offices except for state auditor, which is held by Democrat Rob Sand, who's running for governor next year.

But Democrats in Iowa are energized after flipping two GOP-held state Senate seats in special elections so far this year.

Four Democrats are already running for Senate in Iowa. The field includes state Rep. Josh Turek, a Paralympian wheelchair basketball player, state Sen. Zach Wahls, Knoxville Chamber of Commerce executive director Nathan Sage and Des Moines School Board Chair Jackie Norris.

"An open seat in Iowa is just the latest example of Democrats expanding the senatorial map," Lauren French, spokesperson for the Democrat-aligned Senate Majority PAC, said in a statement.

But Sen. Tim Scott of South Carolina, the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), said in a statement, "The NRSC is confident Iowans will elect a Republican to continue fighting for them and championing President Trump’s agenda in 2026."

SENATE DEMOCRATS RECRUITING TOP CANDIDATES IN PUSH TO WIN BACK MAJORITY

Ernst first grabbed national attention 11 years ago with her "make 'em squeal" ads as she won the high-profile Senate election in the race to succeed retiring longtime Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin.

The senator, thanks to her military background, has often taken the lead on defense issues. She is the first female combat veteran to serve in the Senate, and made combating sexual assault in the military a priority, having been a survivor of sexual assault herself.

Since Trump's White House victory in 2016, Ernst has tried to strike a balance between her support for the president as she hued to a more traditional Republican agenda. 

But earlier this year, Ernst sparked a controversy after she said, "We are all going to die," when responding a voter at a town hall meeting who raised concerns over Medicaid cuts in the GOP's sweeping domestic policy bill.

Ernst, in her video, highlighted that "11 years ago, Iowans elected me as the first female combat veteran to the U.S. Senate and they did so with a mission in mind – to make Washington squeal. And I’m proud to say we have delivered. We’ve cut waste, fraud, and abuse across the federal government"

And looking ahead, she pledged "I’m not slowing down anytime soon. There is still so much to accomplish before the end of my term."

Republicans are aiming to not only defend, but expand, the current 53-47 Senate majority in next year's elections.

Senate Republicans enjoyed a favorable map in the 2024 cycle as they flipped four seats from blue to red to win back the majority.

KEY HOUSE GOP MODERATE DON BACON OF NEBRASKA WON'T SEEK RE-ELECTION

But the party in power—clearly the Republicans right now—traditionally faces political headwinds in the midterm elections. Nevertheless, a current read of the 2026 map indicates the GOP may be able to go on offense in some key states.

In battleground Georgia, which Trump narrowly carried in last year's White House race, Republicans view first-term Sen. Jon Ossoff as the most vulnerable Democrat incumbent up for re-election next year.

They're also targeting battleground Michigan, where Democratic Sen. Gary Peters is retiring at the end of next year, and swing state New Hampshire, where longtime Democratic Sen. Jeanne Shaheen decided against seeking a fourth six-year term in the Senate.

Also on the NRSC's target list is blue-leaning Minnesota, where Democratic Sen. Tina Smith isn't running for re-election.

But the GOP is defending an open seat in battleground North Carolina, where Republican Sen. Thom Tills decided against seeking re-election. And Republicans will likely be forced to spend resources to defend Sen. Jon Husted of Ohio - who was appointed to succeed former senator and now-Vice President JD Vance - as he faces off next year against former Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown.

Meanwhile, Democrats are also targeting moderate Sen. Susan Collins - who has yet to announce her expected 2026 re-election - in blue-leaning Maine. 

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All of the deals on transfer deadline day in one place

Check out the significant signings and departures in the Premier League, Scottish Premiership, EFL and Women's Super League.

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Florida State football player in critical but stable condition after being shot while visiting family

Florida State linebacker Ethan Pritchard is in critical but stable condition after being shot on Sunday night, the university announced in a statement Monday.

Pritchard, a 6-foot-2, 224-pound freshman, was visiting family in Havana, Florida, when he was shot.

"The Pritchard family is thankful for the support from so many people, as well as the care from first responders and medical professionals, and asks that their privacy be respected at this time. Further updates will be provided as they are available," Florida State said in a statement.

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Pritchard remains in intensive care at a Tallahassee-area hospital, the university added. He did not play in the Seminoles’ 31-17 upset victory over No. 8 Alabama on Saturday.

The Gadsen County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's inquiry. 

Pritchard played high school football at Seminole High School in Sanford, Florida, and was a four-star recruit. He was rated No. 437 in the 247Sports Composite and No. 507 nationally in the On3 Industry Ranking.

JOHNNY MANZIEL: 'AIN'T NOBODY SCARED' OF ALABAMA AFTER SHOCKING FLORIDA STATE UPSET LOSS

ESPN ranked Pritchard as the No. 39 linebacker nationally and the No. 64 player out of Florida.

As a senior, he helped lead Seminole High School to a 10-2 record and its second consecutive regional final in 2024, recording 39 tackles and seven tackles for loss in nine games.

As a junior, Pritchard had 75 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and a fumble recovery as Seminole High School went 10-3. He began his high school career as a safety before transitioning to linebacker as a sophomore.

Pritchard committed to Florida State in October 2023, choosing the Seminoles over Miami, Florida, and UCF, among others.

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