Robert De Niro gets emotional as Amy Poehler praises him for speaking 'truth to power' as regular Trump critic

Actress Amy Poehler made actor Robert De Niro emotional Tuesday when she thanked him for being so vocal as a regular critic of President Donald Trump and his administration.

Poehler thanked De Niro during an interview on her podcast, "Good Hang," telling the actor, "I just personally want to thank you for doing what you do and speaking out in the way that you do about where we are in the world. 

"There's a lot of people that are asked to speak truth to power, and they're usually members of the margins. They are people that are young, don't really have as much currency or a footing as other people. It's often people of color. It's often women.

"To see a person like yourself, the age that you are and the status that you are, it reminds me of — the best way I can describe it is when it's like if someone's giving a terrible speech at a wedding, and they're ruining the wedding, and the wedding is America and there's another adult who says like, 'We don't talk like that. That's not how you're supposed to treat people. This is insane,'" she added, telling De Niro it made everyone feel "safe."'

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De Niro grew teary as he thanked her for her words.

The actress told De Niro he was standing up for a lot of people who don't have the same kind of power he does.

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"It's true. It is," she said. "There's not a lot of men who, in your position, who do that, and White men of a certain age, like who, frankly, you know, have a ton of power and don't use that responsibility in a way that they could. So, thank you," Poehler said.

De Niro told Poehler it was "so upsetting" to see what was happening in the U.S., adding, "It's so crazy."

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"I mean, in a way, that's better that it's so blatant because this will happen again, and this guy will influence people, and they'll come up, and they'll say, 'Well, I can do it this way or that way.' And we have to always be on guard with what's happening now," De Niro said.

The actor told Poehler people had to fight, even if they feel hopeless.

Christian Toto, editor of Hollywood in Toto, told Fox News Digital in a statement, "Amy Poehler is one of our most talented comic actresses. Her work on 'Parks and Recreation' alone proves it. And she's just as clueless about the culture as most celebrities, alas.

"What Robert De Niro has done over the last decade is nothing less than beclown himself over all things Trump. His ill-informed, one-note attacks on the president are embarrassing. He's done nothing to raise the level of discourse, and using every bully pulpit to rage against a political leader has made many look askance at his otherwise sterling film career," he continued. 

"He's neither brave nor inspired. He's simply regurgitating what all his peers think and say. And many say what he says, but often in a slightly more coherent tone. He should know better. And Poehler should understand how badly the Oscar winner's ravings land with the public."

De Niro grew emotional over the state of the country during a February 2026 interview with Nicolle Wallace on her podcast, "The Best People." Wallace told him he played a big role as one of Trump's most outspoken celebrity critics.

After accusing Trump officials of not respecting many of America’s law enforcement institutions, she asked the 83-year-old actor what he worries about for New York under the ongoing Trump administration. He voiced concern that there would be a campaign of retribution against the people of New York, such as sending in ICE agents.

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"People have to resist, resist, resist, resist, resist. That's the only way. There's no magic. There's no nothing. People are not going to go away, even if Trump dies for some reason by having an illness or something," he warned. "Parts of that movement are still there, and that's the scary part. It has to be neutralized by the people."

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Wallace followed by recalling an Academy Award speech De Niro gave in 1981, when he thanked the people he worked with, saying he has continually lifted people up around him. When she asked him why he emphasized lifting people up around him so much, he went right back to politics.

"You have to," he said, starting to cry. "You have to lift people up. You have to bring them together. Period. You can't divide people. You can't win that way. It's a no-win situation."

De Niro claimed in June that he can't love an America led by Trump.

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How hurricane charity scams target you before storms hit

A hurricane-season scammer can start the day with coffee and a spreadsheet. That spreadsheet may hold names, ages, addresses, phone numbers and family details. A scammer might buy that information, pull it from people-search sites or piece it together from public sources.

That means hurricane charity scams can start before a storm even hits. By the time a hurricane dominates the news, a fraudster may already know who could respond to a donation pitch.

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year's theme is "Americans Stand Ready." While FEMA urges you to make an emergency plan and build a kit, scammers are looking for ways to turn a disaster into a payday.

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Charity scammers do not have to wait for a disaster to start looking for targets. Data brokers and marketers have spent years collecting information about where people live, what they buy and how they respond to solicitations.

One Justice Department case shows how dangerous that kind of targeting can become. Epsilon Data Management used transactional data and a database covering 100 million U.S. households to identify "responsive buyers." Prosecutors said two executives, Robert Reger and David Lytle, spent about a decade knowingly selling targeted lists to fraudsters.

One client used those lists to defraud more than 218,000 people out of over $23.7 million. More than 12,000 victims got hit more than 20 times. A judge sentenced Reger to 10 years in prison and Lytle to four years. Epsilon also paid $150 million in penalties and victim compensation, with $122 million returned to more than 200,000 victims.

The Epsilon prosecution focused on mass-mailing fraud rather than hurricane charity scams. Still, it shows how personal data and behavioral signals can help fraudsters choose targets before a pitch lands.

Separate FBI data shows the cost of charity fraud. The FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center recorded 662 charity complaints and $7,907,609 in reported losses in 2025.

A scammer does not need a history of bad donations to target you. Fraudsters can reach people through purchased lists, public records, robocalls and other marketing channels.

James Trankle ran three fake charities, including the "Disabled and Paralyzed Veterans Fund," the "National Breast Cancer Awareness Fund" and the "Children's Leukemia of America Fund." He mailed solicitations to thousands of people and collected more than 1,600 personal checks. Then he used donor banking information to create counterfeit checks. Many victims were older adults. A judge sentenced him to five years in prison.

Travis Peterson ran a six-year scheme using millions of robocalls and other outreach to solicit donations for sham veterans' charities. Prosecutors said he often targeted senior citizens. A judge sentenced him to 41 months in prison and ordered him to pay $541,032.10 in restitution.

These cases show why an unexpected charity pitch deserves a closer look, especially when the caller already knows personal details about you.

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Natural disasters create urgency and confusion while bringing out people's desire to help. Scammers know that. After Hurricane Helene, FEMA warned that thieves may try to use stolen names, addresses and Social Security numbers to apply for assistance in other people's names. FEMA also warned residents to be alert for impostors posing as inspectors or disaster workers.

The FTC has warned that scammers quickly exploit weather emergencies with fake charities and copycat organizations. Some imitate real charity names or create websites that appear tied to a disaster.

Meanwhile, the Atlantic hurricane season runs through November 30, and NOAA identifies September 10 as the climatological peak. That puts National Preparedness Month right in the middle of the busiest part of the season. If you want to see how much personal information may be exposed online, a free scan can help you find some of the data that appears on broker and people-search sites. Get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web: Cyberguy.com/FreeScan

You can still be generous. The key is slowing down long enough to verify who wants your money and taking a few steps to protect yourself before you donate.

Look it up on Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance at Give.org, CharityWatch or the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search. Avoid links in unexpected texts or emails. Instead, go directly to the charity's official website.

The FTC warns that scammers may insist on cash, gift cards, wire transfers, payment apps or cryptocurrency. If you donate, a credit card or check gives you more protection and a clearer paper trail.

A demand to donate immediately should make you stop and verify the organization before sending money. Legitimate charities will give you time to research them and decide whether you want to give.

Scammers may use names that sound like established charities or web addresses that differ by only a few characters. Before donating, check the spelling of the charity's name and make sure you are on its official website.

5) Do not trust donation links in texts, emails or social media posts

A donation request can look convincing even when it comes from a compromised account or impersonates a real charity. Do not assume a fundraiser is legitimate because a friend shared it. Go directly to the charity's official website instead of clicking the donation link and use strong antivirus software to help protect you from malicious links, phishing sites and malware that may be hiding behind fraudulent donation requests.

Review your credit card or bank statement after making a donation. Confirm that you were charged only the amount you approved and check that you were not signed up for recurring donations you did not intend to make. Keep the receipt or confirmation for your records.

If something feels wrong, report it. File a report with the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the FBI at ic3.gov. You can also call the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360.

Verifying every charity request helps, but your personal information may already be available through data brokers and people-search sites. Removing that data can make it harder for scammers to build a detailed profile around you and use personal details to make a pitch seem believable.

One option is to use a personal data removal service that can contact data brokers and people-search sites on your behalf. These services can help reduce how much of your information is publicly available and may continue monitoring for data that reappears over time. You can also make removal requests yourself, although that process can take more time and repeated follow-up.

Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

Hurricane charity scams work because disasters create urgency while personal data makes scam pitches more believable. The Epsilon case shows how fraudsters can use targeted consumer lists, while the Trankle and Peterson cases show how fake charities can exploit people who want to help. FEMA and the FTC continue to warn that scammers take advantage of disasters and stolen personal information. Before you donate, verify the organization independently, slow down when someone pressures you and use a payment method that gives you better protection. Reducing the amount of personal information available through data brokers can also make it harder for scammers to build a detailed profile around you. You cannot stop hurricane season, but you can make yourself a harder target.

Have you ever received a disaster-relief donation request that made you suspicious? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

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Fraud expert exposes how hidden networks drove Minnesota fraud, other major scams: 'Criminal enterprise'

Criminals can turn stolen identities bought on the dark web into seemingly legitimate businesses — then use those companies to bill taxpayers for healthcare and other services that were never provided, according to a fraud expert who detailed the scheme to Fox News Digital.

The companies can hide in plain sight: Criminals create LLCs using information that may receive little scrutiny, pair them with stolen identities and submit fraudulent claims for everything from wheelchairs and diabetes treatments to childcare and autism services, according to Haywood Talcove, CEO of LexisNexis Risk Solutions Government.

But Talcove said the financial losses are only the beginning, warning the schemes can fuel "criminal enterprises."

"They are using our money against us, whether it's in social media campaigns, whether it is for human trafficking, drugs, disrupting our economy," Talcove told Fox News Digital.

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"When you think about fraud, don't think about, 'It's great that we stopped a fraud ring that stole $5 million.' Think about that as a criminal enterprise that goes beyond just stealing out of a benefit program."

Despite fraud schemes surfacing nationwide, Talcove said Minnesota was "particularly egregious" because the state had little incentive to stop the fraud.

"Minnesota was particularly egregious once they started looking because it was really easy to find," he said.

Talcove said one factor allowing the schemes to flourish in Minnesota and across the country is weak verification during the LLC registration process and reliance on "self-reported information."

"In the case of Minnesota, you went and got your LLC, you opened up a childcare facility, and then the next thing you knew you were billing CMS [Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services] for childcare or autism care, and nobody checked."

The Trump administration launched an anti-fraud crackdown this year after Minnesota's Feeding Our Future scandal, creating a task force led by Vice President JD Vance. The scheme allegedly stole $250 million from a federally funded child nutrition program during the pandemic, and many of those charged have since been convicted or sentenced to prison.

Without third-party audits, Talcove said many criminals slip through the cracks, racking up millions before they're caught.

"One of the fundamental problems with these programs that are literally spending trillions of taxpayer dollars, they have nobody doing investigations or such a small, tiny amount of people that it's not even possible to investigate," he said.

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But Talcove said when these schemes are investigated, they expose much more than fraud.

"They're not just involved in stealing Medicare, Medicaid, or food stamps, or unemployment insurance," he said. "They have other interests."

Talcove alleged some criminals use stolen funds to finance sex trafficking by bringing women from other countries and "renting them out" across the U.S., all while profiting from their "ill-gotten gains."

"What they have to look for is beyond the fraud that they found to see if they're involved in drugs, human trafficking, threats to our democracy, weapons," he said.

Calling the fraud a "national security issue," Talcove said some investigations have uncovered criminal groups involved in benefit fraud, including foreign cybercrime organizations such as APT41, a Chinese-linked hacking group.

"When you start looking at the criminal groups that are involved, APT41 and some of their peers and associates, as well as some of the other groups from North Korea and other countries, it is, right now, a national security issue," he said.

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However, not all the money is sent to "overseas criminal organizations," according to Talcove.

"Now, some of it, granted, is being used for luxury goods, homes, cars, vacations, but a lot of it is just going right back to the transnational location that it came from," he said.

Talcove warned that unless investigators dig deeper, fraudsters will continue to exploit the system.

"They tend to get away with it because the investigation stops once you find the fraud," he said.

Turning to the government's role, Talcove said Democrats and Republicans must work together to tackle the nation's growing debt, starting with stronger efforts to combat fraud.

"My hope is the fiscal situation that we're currently in, driven by what's going on with the bond market, is going to force elected leaders at the state and federal level to start paying attention," he said.

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'No rubbing, no blisters': These comfy suede clogs are down to $60 on Amazon

Slip-on clogs are a fall essential, and this suede pair is now 33% off at $60. The cork footbed contours to your feet, while the textured outsole provides added traction. Wear them with socks or barefoot for errands, vacations, football Sundays and more.

Original price: $89.99

Now 33% off, these Cushionaire clogs offer the look and comfort of a classic cork-footbed shoe for just $60. The genuine suede upper adds warmth, while the cork footbed contours to your feet. A durable, textured outsole provides traction for trips indoors and out.

The clogs come in four versatile neutral colors — brown, black, taupe and olive — all discounted to $60. Each pair also features an adjustable strap for a more customized fit. The women's version is 25% off right now, bringing the price down to $45.

Reviewers frequently point to the clogs' high-quality construction and comfortable slip-on design.

"These clogs completely exceeded my expectations," one reviewer wrote. "The genuine suede feels soft and high quality, the footbed is incredibly comfortable, and they're perfect for wearing around the house or running errands. They were comfortable from the first day and continue to feel great after hours of wear."

"My 17-year-old picked these out because he wanted something different than Crocs for his everyday slip-on shoes, and they've been a great choice," another reviewer wrote. "He wears them to and from work, football practice, and just around town, so they've gotten plenty of use."

"I'm amazed at the comfort and quality of these shoes. No rubbing, no blisters," a third reviewer wrote.

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The cork footbed feels firm rather than soft or plush, so these clogs may not suit shoppers who prefer a cushioned, responsive sole. The footbed doesn't have the springy feel of a foam-based shoe. The structured design may appeal to shoppers who like a supportive, stable feel, but those seeking maximum softness and bounce may want to consider a different pair.

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Buckle sandals: $28.49 (43% off)
Foam slides: $25.64 (36% off)
Suede clog mules with horsebit: $49.98 (29% off)
Casual tennis shoes: $49.98 (29% off)

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

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Major blue state hospital pulls plug on controversial child transgender treatments after DOJ intervention

One of the largest hospitals in New York City will stop providing sex reassignment procedures to minors after entering an agreement with the Trump administration.

Mount Sinai has provided sex reassignment services, which included hormonal therapy and surgeries, to thousands of transgender patients. In 2025, Mount Sinai's Institute for Advanced Medicine reported that its providers saw 4,931 transgender and gender-diverse patients, but the exact number of minors receiving sex reassignment procedures has not been publicly disclosed, according to the hospital's report.

"The Department of Justice is committed to holding accountable medical providers that violate federal law and endanger children through so-called gender-affirming care," said Attorney General Todd Blanche. "This agreement puts an end to these practices at Mount Sinai and provides meaningful relief for individuals who have already suffered harm."

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The agreement includes a monetary penalty and requires Mount Sinai to dedicate $2 million to free medical care for people suffering harmful consequences from transgender treatments they received as children. The agreement comes as part of an ongoing Justice Department investigation into hospitals providing such procedures to minors.

"A growing number of hospitals, like Mount Sinai, have recognized the medical scandal of sex-rejecting procedures," Assistant Attorney General Brett Shumate of the Civil Division said in a statement. "While we are grateful when we secure resolutions to end this discredited practice and protect children, we must not and will not rest in our pursuit of justice for the victims it has left behind."

Curbing sex reassignment procedures for minors has been a top priority under the Trump administration.

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Just a week after being sworn into office, President Donald Trump issued an executive order titled "Protecting Children from Chemical and Surgical Mutilation," seeking to defund federal funding for gender reassignment procedures and directing the Justice Department to enforce the nation's female genital mutilation laws and investigate drug-safety violations and potential parental rights violations.

The Justice Department's investigation examines potential violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, the False Claims Act and other federal health care laws, including alleged fraudulent billing practices such as the use of false diagnosis codes to obtain payment from federal health care programs and private insurers, according to the department.

The executive order also directed federal agencies to rescind or amend policies that rely on guidance from the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH).

WPATH, a professional association that develops standards of care for transgender and gender-diverse patients, is being sued by the Federal Trade Commission and several states, which allege the group made false and unsubstantiated claims about the safety, effectiveness and medical necessity of pediatric medical-transition services. The case is pending.

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WPATH's medical guidelines served as the bedrock for Mount Sinai's medical guidelines for transgender procedures, and Dr. Joshua Safer, executive director of the Mount Sinai Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery, has co-authored WPATH guidelines.

The Justice Department did not release the details of the agreement with Mount Sinai but acknowledged that the hospital "remained cooperative, proactive, and solution-driven" at all times of the investigation.

"The settlement is complex, but at its core reflects Mount Sinai’s commitment to safeguarding our patients’ confidential information and protecting our clinicians," Mount Sinai said in a statement to the New York Times.

Mount Sinai's settlement is just the latest the Justice Department has reached with major hospitals providing transgender procedures. Texas Children's Hospital, the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and Connecticut Children's Hospital have agreed to halt youth transgender procedures in the past couple of months.

Fox News Digital reached out to Mount Sinai for comment.

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King Charles III clarifies Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not resume royal duties after UK move

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle may be back on British soil, but their return home won’t come with a royal reset.

Buckingham Palace has drawn a firm line around the Sussexes’ homecoming, reaffirming that the couple will not resume official duties and that their status remains unchanged from when they stepped back as working royals in 2020.

"It is well known that in January 2020 the Duke and Duchess stepped down from undertaking representative duties on behalf of The Sovereign, and are no longer working Members of The Royal Family," a letter sent on behalf of King Charles III read, Fox News can confirm. "This position, distinct from the State and Royal duties undertaken by the working Royal Family, and with the personal latitude it brings the couple in respect of financial independence and protection of their privacy as they would wish, will continue to be fully respected."

The letter further underscored that a change in address does not mean a change in royal status.

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"It follows that there is no change to the current status of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex," the letter added. "Their styles as His and Her Royal Highness remain in abeyance and are not used. The charitable work of the Duke and Duchess is a personal matter for them both and undertaken in their private capacity. In short, their position is akin to private citizens with commercial and charitable interests."

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The letter was sent by the Lord Chamberlain, the most senior official in the royal household, to senior officials in the government and military, as well as lord lieutenants, the king’s personal representatives around the country.

Fox News Digital reached out to a representative for Prince Harry and Markle for comment.

Markle and Prince Harry moved back to the U.K. in late August.

The couple’s children, Prince Archie, 7, and Princess Lilibet, 5, have already enrolled at British schools and will start classes sometime in September. The family plans to live at a private, nonroyal residence outside of London, but haven’t said exactly where that will be.

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The couple won't return to any semblance of the life they held before, according to one royal expert.

"While Harry and Meghan are returning, they are not regaining official royal roles," British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital. "Nor was there any agreement to a 'half-in, half-out' construct. They have been thwarted by trying to do what they agreed to with Queen Elizabeth II."

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If a return to royal duties was off the table, Harry's motivation for coming home could be far more personal.

Former butler to King Charles III, Grant Harrold, wondered if Harry's desire to spend more time with his father had shifted the prince's priorities after feeling homesick for some time.

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But a return to Britain would put Harry and Meghan firmly back under the royal microscope, he warned, with both the public and the palace watching their every move.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Trump admin’s mail-in ballot fight lands back at Supreme Court

The Trump administration filed a new appeal with the Supreme Court on Sunday seeking to enforce restrictions on mail ballots, as the ballots begin entering states across the country ahead of the midterm elections.

The filing asks the high court to stay a preliminary injunction issued Friday by U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani that prevents the U.S. Postal Service from enforcing several requirements for ballot mail in the November elections.

"Ballots have already begun to be mailed in North Carolina, and more States will begin the mailing process as the injunction remains in place — including Alabama on September 9 and at least five States the week of September 13," Solicitor General John Sauer wrote.

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"Once those ballot envelopes enter the mailstream, there is no retrieving them," he added.

Sauer argued that allowing the injunction to remain in place risks "sowing confusion and chaos" as more states begin mailing ballots because preparations to comply with the Postal Service rule remain voluntary rather than mandatory.

The administration maintains the rule is "a lawful and modest exercise of rulemaking authority delegated by Congress to the Postal Service" and "regulates the U.S. Mail, not federal elections."

The rule requires federal election ballots sent through the mail to use envelopes that include the official Election Mail logo, meet automation requirements and carry unique barcodes, according to the filing. State election officials would also have to submit envelope designs for review and provide the Postal Service with information about intended ballot recipients.

The administration says the requirements are intended to improve the handling and delivery of ballot mail and protect the mail system from being used to facilitate voter fraud.

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The rule would not give the Postal Service authority to determine who is eligible to vote by mail or whether ballots should be counted, responsibilities that would remain with state and local election officials.

Democratic-led states and voting rights groups challenging the restrictions contend the changes are unconstitutional, while election officials have argued there is not enough time to revise their systems to comply before November.

The administration disputes those arguments, saying Congress gave the Postal Service broad authority to regulate the handling and delivery of mail and that the rule does not dictate ballot content, determine voter eligibility, establish election deadlines or govern how ballots are counted.

The filing marks the third time the administration has asked the Supreme Court to intervene in the dispute. The high court previously allowed the administration’s plan to move forward but has not ruled on whether the restrictions themselves are legal.

The battle could have major ramifications for the November elections, when control of Congress is at stake. Nearly one-third of U.S. voters cast ballots by mail.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Democratic lawmakers erupt after anti-Israel journalist calls Hakeem Jeffries an ‘AIPAC monkey’ in viral rant

Anti-Israel journalist Rula Jebreal apologized "unconditionally" after calling House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., an "AIPAC monkey" during an interview earlier this week, a remark the Congressional Black Caucus and several Democratic lawmakers condemned as blatantly racist.

The comment came as Jebreal appeared on Wajahat Ali’s "The Left Hook" podcast on Wednesday, where she accused Jeffries — who is Black — of carrying out the agenda of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) and blasted his support for Israel.

"His name is Hakeem. ‘Hakeem’ is an Arabic name which means ‘healer.’ He’s not a healer, he’s a divider," Jebreal said.

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"He is a bought and paid by AIPAC monkey," she added. "With all due respect — and I don’t mean it in a racist way." Jebreal continued, "He is just basically an errand boy, and we’re done and tired." 

Immediately following Jebreal’s comments, host Ali sought to clarify the meaning behind her remarks.

"I know you corrected yourself, Rula, but I just want to address it," Ali said. "Using monkey to anyone Black, it has terrible racial connotations. But I think you caught yourself and said you didn’t mean it with any racial animosity."

"I didn’t," Jebreal replied. "There’s these three monkeys — one, I cannot hear, I cannot see, I cannot speak – it reminds me of these three monkeys."

However, the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) rejected Jebreal’s explanation of her controversial comments, with other Democratic leaders following suit.

"To be clear, there isn’t a non-racist way to call Leader Jeffries — a Black man — a ‘monkey’ or ‘errand boy,’" the group said in a statement posted to X.

SOME DEMOCRATS PRIVATELY DISGUSTED BY HASAN PIKER BUT ARE AFRAID TO PUBLICLY CRITICIZE HIM, HOUSE DEM CLAIMS

The CBC then pointed to Ali, the podcast’s host and a staunch critic of Israel, adding, "This is what happens when we hold ourselves to such low standards for what’s allowable in our discourse — people get comfortable being openly bigoted."

"We have to stop platforming and trafficking in anti-Black racism, whether it’s on the political right or the left," the group concluded.

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Her comments also drew criticism from several Democratic lawmakers, who took to X to condemn the inflammatory statement.

"Blatantly racist and offensive rhetoric — it should be condemned by everyone, across the political spectrum. Period," Rep. Joe Neguse, D-Colo, posted online.

DEMOCRATS CONDEMNING HASAN PIKER AS BACKLASH SPREADS THROUGH PARTY

Rep. Ritchie Torres, D-N.Y., echoed the same sentiment, posting, "Calling a Black man a ‘monkey’ is racist. Full stop."

"If Wajahat Ali and Rula Jebreal were on the far right, no one on the far left would have any trouble condemning them for dehumanizing a Black man in racist terms," he continued. "The silence is deafening."

DEMOCRAT RIPS HASAN PIKER AS 'HACK WHO THRIVES ON HATE' OVER HIS WARNING TO AMERICAN JEWS ABOUT ISRAEL

After the clip circulated online, Jebreal posted an apology to X.

"I am disgusted and horrified that Hakeem Jeffries is taking money from AIPAC amidst Israel's genocide in Palestine," Jebreal wrote. "That said, a term that I used to describe him was inappropriate and offensive and should never have been used. I apologize unconditionally."

However, Jebreal's attempts at damage control drew a skeptical read from CEO of Axia Public Relations CEO Jason Mudd.

"She reasserts the accusation first and tucks the apology at the end. That's not confessing, that's a closing argument with ‘sorry’ bolted on," Mudd told Fox News Digital.

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"The podcast clarification and the written apology target two different audiences: one tried to survive the moment live, the other tried to survive the headline," he continued. 

Jebreal and Jeffries did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

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Non-citizen police officers approved after Dem says ICE 'invasion' 'sends a message'

After a week of ICE raids, the Democrat-dominated City Council of Danbury, Connecticut, voted nearly unanimously to approve non-citizen legal residents serving as police officers.

Under the new guidance, approved in an 18-2 vote, non-citizen legal residents and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients living in Danbury are allowed to serve as police officers in Danbury.

One city council member, Democrat Joe Britton, remarked that the vote "sends a message to our immigrant community at large that you are welcome in Danbury."

ICE operations in the area resulted in more than 60 arrests, according to local reports. The arrests prompted public outrage in the community, including from city officials such as Britton, who called the raids "frightening."

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The only two council members to vote against the measure were Republicans, while the council’s 17 Democrats and one Republican voted in favor.

Before the vote, Britton said that "what we have here is an opportunity." He noted that "though this definitely wasn’t planned to be on the agenda on the end of a federal invasion of immigration officials in Danbury … I do think it's timely."

"There is no reason to vote against this, and if you do vote against this, I truly question your moral compass," he added.

Britton emphasized that this change "is legal, it's allowed" and said it has been recommended.

Britton told Fox News Digital that "Danbury is an immigrant city, and I believe someone who is lawfully here, committed to our community, and willing to raise their hand and take an oath to protect and serve should have the opportunity to do so."

He added that "this change does not lower Danbury’s standards for becoming a police officer. It simply allows otherwise qualified lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients to apply and compete for these positions."

He noted that "every applicant must still satisfy the same training, background, character, and certification requirements required of any other officer," saying, "This was about expanding the pool of qualified applicants while maintaining the same high standards our residents expect from their police department."

Similarly, Taylor O'Brien, a spokesperson for the Danbury city government, told Fox News Digital that council "amended its ordinance in accordance with Connecticut's Police Officer Standards and Training Council, allowing legal permanent residents and DACA recipients to apply to become officers in the Danbury Police Department."

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O'Brien said that "this standard is followed by over 30 municipalities in Connecticut and several states across the country" and that it "opens Danbury's applicant pool to otherwise qualified candidates, including legal Danbury residents, who are currently applying to be police officers in other communities."

In 2020, the Connecticut Police Officer Standards and Training Council "partially waived" the citizenship requirement, extending eligibility for law enforcement candidates in Connecticut to lawful permanent residents and DACA recipients, according to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection.

O'Brien added that Danbury Mayor Roberto Alves, a Democrat, "ensures Danbury maintains a rigorous hiring process for our Police Officers," adding that "this amendment should encourage qualified residents from the Danbury community to apply to serve the City they call home."

According to the Danbury News Times, Alves himself immigrated to the U.S. as an "undocumented child" and gained citizenship in 2017.

The outlet quoted Alves saying he is "glad the City Council approved" the measure. Alves emphasized that "the standards are not being lowered" and that "every applicant still has to meet the same rigorous background, training, fitness and professional standards required of any Danbury police officer."

"What we are doing is giving qualified people an opportunity to compete for the job," said Alves. "For a diverse city like Danbury, it strengthens our recruitment pool and gives us another opportunity to hire talented people who understand and care about the community they want to serve."

Fox News Digital reached out to Britton for additional comment.

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Last year, ICE arrested two illegal immigrants who were serving as police officers. On July 25, 2025, Jamaican national Jon Luke Evans, who was serving as a reserve officer with the Old Orchard Beach, Maine, Police Department, was arrested on charges related to unlawfully attempting to purchase a gun. Then, on Oct. 15, Radule Bojovic, of Montenegro, who was serving as a police officer with the Hanover Park, Illinois, Police Department, was arrested during Operation Midway Blitz.

Fox News Digital's Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.

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Former North Texas police officer given three life sentences for child pornography, solicitation of minor

A former police officer in North Texas was ordered to serve three consecutive life sentences in prison after investigators found him in possession of over 300 videos and images of children being sexually abused, according to a statement from Johnson and Somerville Counties' district attorney.

Former Itasca Police Department Officer Daniel Joseph Bates was convicted Wednesday of possession of child pornography and online solicitation of a minor after a civilian set him up in an entrapment scheme, according to a statement District Attorney Timothy Good shared with Fox News Digital.

Texas Rangers arrested Bates after an adult decoy posing as a 15-year-old girl alerted police that Bates was communicating with someone he believed to be a minor, according to the statement.

The civilian alerted police to Bates' communications with him, prompting Rangers to obtain a search warrant for his digital devices, and they allegedly found over 300 images of minor children being sexually abused, according to the statement.

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"The images and videos that had to be processed and presented to the jury are indescribable in the level of depravity they depict and the degree of deviance of the defendant who voluntarily possessed and viewed those types of images," Good said in the statement."

"Daniel Bates disgraced his badge and violated his oath and became the monster that he was sworn to protect the community from. Our community is safer with Bates serving three consecutive life sentences."

Bates testified that the child pornography in his possession was part of a secret investigation he was conducting into human traffickers, but prosecutors disputed that.

Bates was only a reserve police officer and, at the time of his arrest, was working highway construction security, according to authorities.

"Bates was unable to substantiate his claims that he was conducting an official police investigation," the statement read.

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Bates reportedly told the person he was communicating with that, because he was a police officer, he carries a gun at all times. This prompted Arlind Queriman, a civilian who creates video content in which he exposes people who try to solicit minors for sex, to contact authorities, according to FOX 4 Dallas.

"Some people say we're vigilantes. Vigilantes beat up these people. I hand everything over to law enforcement," Queriman told FOX 4.

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Bates also attempted to use his status as a reserve police officer to get out of the charges.

"He actually tried to play the badge thing," Good told FOX 4.

"The badge was supposed to be a shield for children — not a shield for a predator. He made his choices. The jury made its verdict. And the judge made sure his next choice will be made from a prison cell for the rest of his life," Assistant District Attorney Christy May said via the statement shared with Fox News Digital.

The three life sentences for child pornography possession are accompanied by a 40-year sentence for solicitation of a minor, according to the statement.

Fox News Digital contacted Itasca Police Department for further comment.

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Youth football coaches fighting & acting like fools in Pennsylvania isn't the least bit shocking

After a summer in which a travel baseball pitcher was allegedly ordered by his father to throw at the opposing team's dugout in what was a very troubling incident, we shouldn't be shocked in the least about what happened at a Pennsylvania youth football game.

During Saturday's game in western Pennsylvania, youth coach Dequay Canton of the Carlynton Little Cougars was seen enraged and fighting coaches from Keystone Oaks. In a statement, Canton claimed he was being portrayed by the national media to be the aggressor, but he says racism is what fueled his actions.

LAWSUIT ALLEGES SOCCER COACH BENCHED TEEN WHO WAS INJURED BY TEAMMATE FOR ALLEGED RACIAL SLUR

Without providing evidence, Canton claimed "our black and brown kids continued to be called an 'N,' and every quarter our kids were called the 'N' word, and we addressed it with the referees, but there was no response."

Tell us what you're seeing from the world of youth sports. Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com

He continued, "It's a shame that in 2026, 8-9-year-old kids are calling young black and brown kids the 'N.' It's even more shameful that their parents, coaches and referees let them do it without correcting them. They would rather fight me for addressing it than correct their kids. That should be the story. Period."

The Carlynton youth football team followed up Canton's statement by announcing that the man who recorded the incident, Ryan Crux, has been banned from team football events. Crux's son plays for the Carlynton team. Crux admitted to Pittsburgh media Tuesday night that there was bad blood brewing between him and the coaching staff. It turns out, this video probably helped facilitate a ban.

"My son has been getting screamed at things like 'go get that f–kin ball!' since he was 6 years old. I don't speak to my son like that and I don't want anyone else speaking to him like that," Crux wrote on Facebook this week. "Now hes 9 years old talking like hes 15 and I blame it all on youth football coaches. I don't want to hear him speak like that but hes been hearing it from these wack ass coaches for 3 years straight so what f–kin difference does it make now?"

YOUTH SOFTBALL COACH & UMPIRE GET INTO UGLY CONFRONTATION AS EMOTIONS BOIL OVER AT ARKANSAS TOURNAMENT

By now, none of this should be shocking. It's business as usual in a world where mom and dad are blowing $260 a weekend to attend travel basketball tournaments. It's a world where 11U pitchers are allegedly told to throw a fastball at his opponent's dugout –– and then the boy obeyed the alleged orders.

It's a world where a Mississippi sheriff lost his job this summer for fighting an umpire after a 14U travel baseball game. It's also a world where a parent is willing to come out on the field to trip a kid who's running towards the end zone.

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It's also a world where, just this week in Ohio, 11 members of a top Cleveland high school football team were charged with theft after ripping off $4,500 in merchandise from a Columbus Dick's while in town for a football game. Two of those charged with the thefts are adults, including one who had committed to a scholarship from D-1 Kent State.

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Who's to blame? All of us. Americans have actively destroyed community youth sports for so long that there's no putting the genie back in the bottle at this point. We've created life-or-death 8-9U football leagues with parents who are ready to battle the second they leave their SUVs.

We've put people like Dequay Canton in charge of our kids and let him run wild.

Do Americans have the spine to do better? Apparently not. These incidents keep happening and show no sign of slowing down.

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Two Democrats rescue Mike Johnson's anti-socialism resolution in stunning move

Two Democrats helped Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., score a commanding victory Tuesday after overcoming a House GOP rebellion to advance a resolution to condemn socialism.

House conservatives had threatened to tank a procedural vote, called a "rule vote," meant to unlock debate on several bills GOP leaders wanted lawmakers to vote on this week.

That rebellion would have been successful if not for two moderate left-wing lawmakers coming to the GOP's rescue. It's almost unheard of for the minority party to help their political rivals pass a rule. 

It appears to have blindsided House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., who later told reporters he was not notified beforehand.

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Five Republicans voted against the rule, which was poised to fail until Reps. Jared Golden, D-Maine, and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Wash., provided two critical votes to get the GOP over the finish line in a narrow 209 to 208 vote.

The five House Republicans who voted against it were Reps. Pete Sessions, R-Texas; Chip Roy, R-Texas; Ralph Norman, R-S.C., Clay Higgins, R-La.; and Andy Harris, R-Md.

The rebels' issue was not with the measure itself, nor the bills it would have allowed the House to pass. Their votes were a protest against how their leaders handled a plan to avert a government shutdown just before the midterm elections, a short-term funding bill called a continuing resolution (CR). That measure passed just before the rule vote began.

"NO ON CR. NO ON RULE THAT DOES NOT ALLOW US TO AMEND AND FIX THE CR: The House of Representatives will be voting for a government funding continuing resolution TODAY that FAILS to deliver on common-sense policies for the American people," Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, wrote on X.

Harris, chair of the House Freedom Caucus, also told reporters he would vote against the rule in protest of the CR.

A handful of GOP lawmakers took issue with how the Senate modified an original House-passed CR, including adding an unrelated measure to delay a congressionally approved hemp product ban by 30 days and a provision curbing the Trump administration’s control over federal grants.

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"The Senate did violence to our bill," Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, told Fox News Digital. "Hemp and the grants are the two big ones … and, frankly, I just don’t think CRs ought to be on suspension. … When you put it on suspension, you’re not asking for my vote, OK. You’re going to get Democrats."

Roy also criticized the bill for not cutting off funding to sanctuary jurisdictions or abortion providers like Planned Parenthood.

Self wound up voting for the rule, but not the CR. 

DEMOCRATS BLINK AS SCHUMER HELPS GOP CLEAR KEY SHUTDOWN HURDLE

Voting on a bill under "suspension" means it gets fast-tracked past multiple procedural hurdles in exchange for raising the threshold for passage from a simple majority to two-thirds. That means the rule vote's survival does not affect whether the CR passes or fails.

A CR is a short-term extension of current federal funding levels. It's normally used to give lawmakers extra time to cobble together a new budget for the next fiscal year, which begins Oct. 1.

The CR up for a vote Tuesday would kick the government shutdown fight to a Dec. 11 deadline.

A rule vote traditionally falls along party lines and, until recently, it was unheard of for lawmakers to defy their leaders by joining the other side to defeat it. But it's become increasingly common in recent years for lawmakers, specifically on the right, to weaponize it as a form of protest.

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Kelly Osbourne says she 'wasn't well' while facing harsh scrutiny, body-shaming after dad Ozzy's death

Kelly Osbourne is opening up about the toll public scrutiny has taken on her following the death of her father, Ozzy Osbourne.

In a new interview with Hello!, the 41-year-old addressed the comments surrounding her appearance, admitting she was not in a place to handle the criticism while grieving the loss of the Black Sabbath frontman.

"I didn't navigate it — I wasn't well," Osbourne said when asked how she dealt with the scrutiny.

KELLY OSBOURNE WOWS IN LEOPARD-PRINT SWIMSUIT AS SHE STEPS 'AWAY FROM THE MADNESS'

"How can you navigate something so cruel when you're so sick?" she added.

The TV personality said she is now working toward healing, both mentally and physically.

JACK OSBOURNE FIRES BACK AT BODY SHAMERS CALLING HIM 'GROSSLY UNDERWEIGHT'

"You've got to fix the head before you can fix the body," Osbourne said. "It's a slow process."

"It's going to take me a minute. I'm not going to be fixed in a day. I'm not going to be fixed on one therapy session. This is a lifetime of work I've got to do and continue to do for the rest of my life."

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Osbourne, who said she has "all the help" she needs, explained that therapy has helped her better understand herself.

"I'm getting to know myself in a whole new way, but it's a lot more healthy, I can tell you that," she said.

Earlier this year, the 41-year-old — who accepted a lifetime achievement award with her mom, Sharon Osbourne, on her father's behalf at the BRIT Awards on Feb. 28 — took to social media to address those who criticized her appearance.

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"This is a special kind of cruelty in harming someone who is clearly going through something, kicking me while I'm down, doubting my pain, spreading my struggles as gossip, and turning your back when I need support and love most," she wrote on her Instagram Stories.

"None of it proves strength; it only reveals a profound absence of compassion and character," she continued. "I'm currently going through the hardest time of my life. I should not even have to defend myself. But I won't sit here and allow myself to be dehumanized in such a way!"

A week earlier, Osbourne had a similar response to harsh comments about her body.

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"Literally can't believe how disgusting some human beings truly are," she shared alongside a screenshot of an Instagram comment in which one user wrote, "Looks like a dead body… she's tooooo thin and fragile.… Looks like she's going to see her dad soon."

During an appearance on "Piers Morgan Uncensored" in December 2025, Sharon came to her daughter's defense after online trolls attacked Kelly's appearance. The legendary Black Sabbath frontman died at home in England on July 22, 2025. He was 76.

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While speaking about online commenters who had mocked Kelly's weight loss, Morgan shared a video that Kelly had posted on social media in response.

"To the people who keep thinking that they're being funny and mean by writing comments like, 'Are you ill?' or 'Get off Ozempic' or 'You don't look right.' My dad just died and I'm doing the best that I can, and the only thing that I have to live for is my family," she said in the video. "I choose to share my content with you and share the happy side of my life not the miserable side of my life. So to all those people, f--- off."

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California bill recognizing 2 Islamic holidays nears Newsom’s desk

California could soon formally recognize two of Islam’s most important holy days under legislation that would give state workers greater flexibility to take them off and allow public schools to close in observance of the holidays.

The measure, which overwhelmingly passed the state Assembly and is awaiting Senate action, would recognize Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha in state law and could soon head to Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk.

Assembly Bill 2017, introduced by Democratic San Francisco Assemblymember Matt Haney, passed the Assembly 64-1 in late May. It must clear the Senate before the legislative session ends Monday to reach Newsom.

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The bill would let state employees use existing paid holiday credits to take time off for Eid. Public schools and community colleges could also close for the holidays.

"California is home to one of the largest and most vibrant Muslim communities in the country, and their traditions deserve recognition and respect," Haney said in a news release about the bill in March. "No student should have to choose between celebrating one of the holiest days of their faith and showing up to school, and no worker should feel they have to sacrifice their religious observance."

Haney also said the bill is also about treating Muslim Californians equally.

"AB 2017 is about making sure Muslim Californians are seen, valued, and treated with the same dignity as every other community in our state," he said.

Eid al-Fitr, or the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month when Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Eid al-Adha, or the "Festival of Sacrifice," commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God.

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Supporters say the bill would make it easier for Muslim workers and students to take part in Eid prayers and spend the holidays with their families.

"For decades, Muslim families across the state have had to navigate an unfair balancing act between their faith and their academic or professional obligations," Oussama Mokeddem, legislative and government affairs director for the Council on American-Islamic Relations’ (CAIR) California chapter, said in a statement in July. "AB 2017 is a meaningful step toward ensuring Muslim students can celebrate Eid with the same dignity, respect, and accommodation afforded to other faith communities."

Hala Hijazi, founder of the Muslim Impact Council, recalled missing Eid with her family earlier in her career while working for the city of San Francisco.

"It was really painful to not be with my family," Hijazi told the Sacramento Bee. She said her family would go to lunch after Eid al-Fitr services and give gifts to the children.

The California Family Council, a conservative Christian advocacy group, opposes the bill’s school provisions, while saying it supports allowing students to take time off for religious holidays.

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The group objects to language allowing schools to hold exercises "acknowledging and celebrating the meaning and importance" of Eid. It also criticized a provision allowing the State Board of Education to develop a model curriculum guide for those exercises.

"No California statute authorizes public schools to hold exercises celebrating the meaning of Christmas, Easter, or Good Friday," the group said in a May statement, arguing Christian and Jewish holidays have not received comparable treatment. "The asymmetry is written into the law."

If signed into law, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha would join other holidays California has recognized, including Lunar New Year and Diwali.

California would not be the first state to recognize the Eid holidays. Washington was the first, according to the Sacramento Bee. Hijazi told the newspaper that California’s proposal would go further by allowing state workers to use paid holiday credits, while Washington allows unpaid time off.

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Celebrating Dolly Parton’s legacy: Test your knowledge of the beloved country icon

This week's quiz is dedicated to Dolly Parton, celebrating her music, movies, love story and remarkable legacy she leaves behind.

How well do you know the country legend?

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To try your hand at more quizzes from Fox News Digital, click here.

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Oregon coach Dan Lanning lays out multiple reasons why NFL players returning to college football is 'unfair'

Several NFL players have been granted the opportunity to return to college football ahead of this season. Most would agree that the development is just the latest item added to the laundry list of reasons that prove that this era of college football is broken.

A total of 16 players from the class of 2022 were granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA on August 20 that grants them a fifth year of eligibility. Former Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright and former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn, who are both on NFL training camp rosters, are among the players headlining the group.

Despite the likes of Wright and Pyburn suiting up for NFL teams in recent days during preseason action, and the college football season getting underway on August 29, the signed order in Louisiana grants players the ability to enter the transfer portal. Wright took advantage of his situation and reportedly entered the transfer portal. He also took the field for the Cleveland Browns on Saturday.

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The assumption is that players battling for a spot on an NFL roster, even a team's practice squad roster, could return to college football with the motivation of earning a substantial payday.

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning, whose team could be in a position to benefit from the latest ruling, not only disapproves of the new development, but also listed the many reasons as to why.

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"I think there’s a lot of negatives that are involved around this," Lanning told the media following Oregon's practice on Saturday. "One, once you go to the NFL, to me, you’re in the NFL. You don’t get the opportunity to come back. Two, most of us have built our rosters and you have a limited roster limit now. So if you invited somebody back to your team, that means you’re kicking somebody else off your team to match your roster limits. I don’t think that’s fair to the players that worked all summer, all spring and put themselves in position to be ready to work for a team to have somebody come back."

Lanning isn't saying anything that most college football fans and media members aren't already thinking, but the head coach of one of the premier programs in the nation saying these things carries more weight than most.

The lawsuit that unfolded in Louisiana, which granted these new permissions for 16 players, took place after the NCAA announced a five-year, age-based eligibility model. Athletes will have five years to play five seasons, beginning with their 19th birthday or the day they enroll at a school, whichever takes place first.

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MLW's Doc Gallows 'proud' of winning tag team championship with teammate Karl Anderson

Doc Gallows and Karl Anderson, the tag team duo collectively known as the Good Brothers, were finally able to dispatch The Skyscrapers and win the Major League Wrestling (MLW) Tag Team Championship on "Fusion."

Gallows and Anderson defeated Donovan Dijak and Bishop Dyer (The Skyscrapers), ending their reign as champions after 317 days.

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The Good Brothers have now held the tag team championship in almost every promotion they have appeared in, including WWE and New Japan Pro-Wrestling. Gallows told OutKick in a recent interview that it was "another badge" on their vest.

"It's a proud feeling," he said. "This makes 10 times as world tag team champions and there are very few sets of titles that have eluded Karl Anderson and myself and those MLW titles were on that list. And after almost a year of battling back and forth with The Skyscrapers, what a great tag team – dynamic, big, rough athletic dudes – getting that victory at the signal at Chattanooga on MLW ‘Fusion’ was great and it's the 10th time. Ten times’ the charm."

Gallows has been in the pro wrestling industry for quite some time – as has Anderson. He made his WWE main roster debut in 2006 and has made a decorated career for himself.

The 42-year-old said he and Anderson have felt as good as they have ever felt.

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"… ‘Machine Gun’ and I, you know, we say it all the time, we feel better than we've ever felt," he said. "We feel more motivated than we've ever been. This past year has been great. Being able to go out and travel the world and go to Mexico, go to Japan, go to Australia, go to New Zealand, travel around the United States, Canada, and it was easy for us to kind of look at MLW as a home. I'm a fan of the show. I'm a fan of what they're doing on MLW ‘Fusion.’ So, the motivation is strong with us still."

The MLW tag team division now gets to step up to the challenge. Gallows said whoever does want to become the first ones to challenge them for the titles, they’re in for some vintage trouble.

"It’s the same old recipe, man. It's a Magic Killer one, two, three. It's just too sweet," he told OutKick. "The recipe proven time and time again. Every time they want us fall and every time you hear the clattering and you hear the chatter that the boys might be ready to hang it up, we pop right back up and we do something huge.

"I mean, we came off of a massive Japan tour. We won tag team titles in Australia, feuded with The Skyscrapers relentlessly. Spilled a lot of blood with those guys and ended up coming out victorious. So, you know, it's a badge of honor. It's a pride thing and it's like I said, very exciting time to be a fan and to be one of the wrestlers in the business as well."

What’s next in the immediate future? Gallows said "Talkin’ Shop Live" will return on Sept. 11 at The Windjammer in Charleston, South Carolina. The podcast is hosted by Gallows and Anderson and it will be held before MLW’s next round of tapings.

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American tennis star Amanda Anisimova leaves fans convinced she drank beer mid-match with mystery beverage

American tennis star Amanda Anisimova was enjoying a beverage during her Round of 32 match in the Cincinnati Open on Monday night. A world-class athlete replenishing themselves during competition is, of course, normal behavior, but at first glance it appeared that Anisimova was consuming a drink that has the opposite effect of rehydration.

After dropping the first game of the final set in her match against Alex Eala, the Tennis Channel broadcast showed viewers at home a clip of Anisimova taking a few sips of a mystery beverage from a plastic cup she took out from underneath a towel on her bench during the second set.

The fact that the mysterious beverage was being drunk out of a plastic cup, one that Anisimova was trying her best to hide, made fans understandably assume that she was sipping on a cold beer.

It wasn't just fans who shared the thought, either, as broadcasters Brett Haber and Lindsay Davenport questioned what exactly the beverage was.

"Could be apple cider, Brett," Davenport said.

"I mean, I would never suggest that a player was drinking a beer in the middle of a match, but that’s certainly what it looked like," Haber remarked.

Coupled with the fact that it was unclear what the beverage was and that players are prohibited from consuming alcohol during a match, Haber was sure to cover his tracks.

"It could be non-alcoholic. It could be cider. It could be anything. We don’t know," Haber said.

Anisimova, 24, ultimately cruised in the third and final set, winning 6-2 to advance to the Round of 16. With fans convinced that she was drinking a beer during the match that she went on to win, it only added to the fun on social media.

"I don’t know if I have ever seen anything more nails than Amanda Anisimova just drilling a beer mid game and then winning the match," a fan wrote on X. "Beers have never been more back."

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Some fans guessed that it was Red Bull, or a similar-looking energy drink, that was in Anisimova's plastic cup, and those fans were correct, according to Haber.

"We can confirm via one of our courtside camera operators that Anisimova asked for and was delivered a Red Bull. That is the mystery bevvie," he explained on the broadcast.

Sipping on a Red Bull mid-match is far less intriguing than sipping on a cold beer, but the moment still made for some fun on social media and across the tennis world.

Anisimova will take on Linda Noskova on Wednesday.

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NYC drivers shell out $9 congestion toll. City admits it failed to improve air quality

A lofty New York City toll slapped on drivers in an effort to reduce congestion and improve air quality produced nearly no change in pollution after its first year, according to the city’s own analysis.

The New York City Health Department's report, released Friday, examined four traffic-related pollutants inside Manhattan's Congestion Relief Zone since the $9 toll was implemented last year. Researchers found that the city’s overall pollution levels remained largely unchanged, with no statistically significant improvement attributable to the toll.

Still, officials in the Big Apple touted the study as the city's most comprehensive look at congestion pricing's effect on air quality to date.

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They pointed to reduced traffic, public transit improvements, less traffic noise and other benefits as positive outcomes from the toll being implemented in January 2025. All similar things that New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul hailed in a June 2023 speech when she backed congestion pricing.

Despite an 11% drop in traffic since implementation, the Health Department said vehicles account for only about 10% of the city’s pollution, meaning fewer cars alone is not expected to significantly improve overall air quality. Unlike many parts of the country, where cars and trucks are a major source of air pollution, New York City's emissions come largely from other sources.

The city's dense concentration of buildings, which burn fuel for heat and hot water, along with emissions from restaurants and power plants that supply the most populated U.S. city with electricity, are reasons for its poor air quality.

Findings in the recent report could backfire and provide fresh ammunition to critics who have blasted congestion pricing as an expensive burden on commuters, small businesses and working families in America's largest city.

The New York City Health Department and Hochul’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

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New York City’s congestion pricing toll applies to passenger vehicles entering the Congestion Relief Zone in Manhattan at or below 60th Street. The lofty $9 toll applies to E-ZPass users once a day during peak hours, which are weekdays from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., and weekends from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

All other off-peak hours require a $2.25 toll.

Those who do not have E-ZPass could face toll-by-mail rates that are about 50% more than the typical charge.

President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy have been among the program's most prominent opponents, with Duffy previously calling the toll a "slap in the face to working class Americans and small business owners."

The Trump administration also attempted to withdraw federal approval for the Biden-era program, but a federal judge ruled in March that the effort was unlawful.

Following that ruling, Gov. Hochul called congestion pricing a "once-in-a-lifetime success story," saying its first year brought "reduced gridlock, faster trips, safer streets, and cleaner air" while generating funding for mass transit upgrades.

"Congestion pricing is legal, it works, and it is here to stay," Hochul said in a March 3 statement.

For now, the toll remains, traffic is down, but the city’s first-year data show no statistically significant improvement in air quality.

Some online critics pounced on the findings, dragging up a 2023 speech where Hochul promised: "With congestion pricing New Yorkers have a lot to lose. How about 15 to 20% fewer vehicles in the central business district every single day? Less noise, less honking, less gridlock."

"How about less air pollution, lower carbon emissions, lower speeds, fewer crashes?" she went on. "I don't mind losing that."

"Kathy Hochul’s congestion pricing did not significantly improve air quality in Manhattan like she promised it would. Who could’ve possibly seen this coming?" wrote the popular right-wing X account called Libs of TikTok.

Another account noted: "Hochul looked right into the camera and swore this toll would scrub the air and let kids with asthma breathe easier. When they wrap a new tax in an environmental bow, the only thing that ever improves is the government's balance sheet."

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