Federal judge deals blow to Trump’s executive order on election integrity
A federal judge in Washington, D.C., on Thursday blocked a portion of President Donald Trump’s executive order on election integrity, specifically provisions related to providing documentary proof of citizenship before being allowed to register to vote.
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia handed down the order in response to lawsuits filed by three separate groups of plaintiffs over five different provisions in a March 25 Trump executive order relating to election integrity. While Kollar-Kotelly dismissed requests to block three of the provisions, requests to block two other provisions pertaining to a proof of citizenship requirement for voters were granted.
The first blocked provision sought to compel the Election Assistance Commission to amend standardized national voter registration forms to require documentary proof of citizenship. The second sought to require federal agencies offering voter registration to people on public assistance to “assess” the individual’s citizenship status before doing so.
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“Our Constitution entrusts Congress and the States — not the President — with the authority to regulate federal elections. Consistent with that allocation of power, Congress is currently debating legislation that would effect many of the changes the President purports to order,” Kollar-Kotelly, a Clinton-appointee, wrote in her order. “No statutory delegation of authority to the Executive Branch permits the President to short-circuit Congress’s deliberative process by executive order.”
Kollar-Kotelly said she would not block the other provisions that the groups sought to challenge, which cover mail-in ballots and data collection on citizenship status, calling the challenges “premature” and indicating they would be best challenged at the state level.
Earlier this month, the Republican-led House of Representatives passed a bill requiring proof-of-citizenship to vote in federal elections. The measure still must pass the Senate, however, before the president can sign it into law.
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Meanwhile, 25 states are considering some form of proof-of-citizenship legislation, according to the Voting Rights Lab, which is tracking such legislation. In total, 15 state constitutions have explicit prohibitions against non-citizen voting.
In addition to Trump’s proof-of-citizenship orders getting shot down, two other federal judges from Maryland and New Hampshire also shot down additional orders from the president related to ending diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs in K-12 public schools on Thursday.
The rulings followed lawsuits filed by the National Education Association, the American Civil Liberties Union and the Maryland chapter of the American Federation of Teachers. The groups argued that making federal funding contingent on whether educators squash their DEI programs violates First Amendment rights granted by the Constitution.
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Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment on this article but did not receive a response in time for publication.
Judge rules on death penalty in Idaho murders case after lawyers make autism argument
A judge ruled Thursday that prosecutors could seek the death penalty against Bryan Kohberger if he is found guilty of the 2022 slaying of four University of Idaho students.
Judge Steven Hippler issued his decision after Kohberger’s attorneys asked the court to bar the sentence due to his autism diagnosis.
Prosecutors previously indicated in court filings they intended to seek the death penalty with a conviction.
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Defense attorneys in court documents argued Kohberger’s autism spectrum disorder (ASD) “reduces his culpability, negates the retributive and deterrent purposes of capital punishment, and exposes him to the unacceptable risk that he will be wrongfully convicted and sentenced to death,” according to a report from The Associated Press.
They added it could be considered cruel and unusual punishment, which is outlawed by the Eighth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.
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Hippler said Kohberger’s attorneys failed to show that ASD is equivalent to an intellectual disability for death penalty exemption purposes, and there is no national consensus against subjecting individuals with ASD to capital punishment, the AP reported.
“ASD may be a mitigating factor to be weighed against the aggravating factors in determining if defendant should receive the death penalty, but it is not (a) death-penalty disqualified,” Hippler said.
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The 30-year-old is charged with four counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of Madison Mogen, 21; Kaylee Goncalves, 21; Xana Kernodle, 20; and Ethan Chapin, 20, who were stabbed to death at an off-campus home in Moscow, Idaho, at about 4 a.m. Nov. 13, 2022.
Authorities have noted suspicious behavior, like Kohberger allegedly turning off his phone before driving home and changing his license plates days after the killings.
However, authorities claim to have a key piece of evidence, saying they found Kohberger’s DNA on a Ka-Bar knife sheath found under Mogen’s body.
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The former criminology Ph.D. student is also charged with felony burglary, Fox News Digital previously reported.
A judge entered his not-guilty pleas in May 2023, though the trial is not expected to begin until Aug. 11.
Liberal analyst shocked by Schumer’s ‘almost unfathomable’ favorability drop
CNN chief data analyst Harry Enten warned that a “revolt” is going on in the Democratic Party as voters grow weary of the current leadership.
After the historic defeat of the Democratic Party in the 2024 presidential election, the party is adrift on whether to double-down on past policy positions or to change course. One area where Democrats seem to agree, however, is that they need to overhaul their leadership.
“This, I think, is a revolt, a revolt that is going on within the Democratic Party,” Enten said to CNN anchor John Berman as they spoke about polling on Thursday.
One poll he showed by Gallup indicated that at this time last year, 80% of Democratic voters believed Democrats in Congress would “do the right thing” in regard to the economy. Now the number has plunged to 39%.
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“Holy Toledo! That is the lowest number by far in Gallup polling,” Enten said. “Democrats hate, hate, hate, hate what their congressional leaders in Washington are doing right now on the key issue of the day, the economy, and their confidence has fallen through the floor.”
The conversation then turned to how Democrats in New York feel about their senator, Chuck Schumer.
Enten pointed out polling as late as December 2024 had Schumer at 73% favorability among Democrats in his home state, but the number has since plunged to 52%.
“That is the lowest I could ever find in Siena College on how Democrats in Chuck Schumer‘s home state view him,” Enten said. “And keep in mind, if you‘re thinking about a primary challenge, it would be a few years away. But [Rep.] Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez‘s favorable rating among Democrats is considerably higher, in the 60s, so he is doing quite poorly in his own home state of New York.
“I never thought I‘d see the day in which just 52% of New York Democrats view Chuck Schumer favorably. It‘s almost unfathomable.”
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When asked by Berman specifically why his constituents are upset, Enten suggested they don‘t like the job he‘s doing as Senate minority leader.
He pointed to polling from Marist University showing only 50% of New York Democrats think Schumer should remain as Senate leader.
“Look at this number, 48% say no,” Enten said. “This screams sirens should be going off, ‘Primary challenge! Primary challenge! Primary challenge!’ when you‘re a Democrat in New York and these are your ratings. This is a big wake-up call if you’re Chuck Schumer.”
Schumer is next up for re-election in 2028.
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Football legend takes aim at Bears fans with ‘message’ from president at NFL Draft
No matter how long Clay Matthews is away from the Green Bay Packers, he will always have hatred for the Chicago Bears.
The former linebacker took the stage in Green Bay with several of his former Packers teammates, and Packers superman Lil Wayne.
After Goodell greeted the fans, Matthews, unannounced, took the mic and got the crowd fired up by reading a “message” from President Donald Trump.
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Matthews apologized to the commissioner for going “off script,” but it was an electric moment.
“I just got off the phone with the president, Donald Trump. He asked me to pass a message along to all 32 NFL franchises. Let me tell you what it reads here, alright?” Matthews began.
“It says ,’My fellow Americans, the Bears still suck!”
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The Bears, of course, are the Packers’ top rival – there’s even a song, aptly titled “The Bears Still Suck” that often plays at Packers tailgates.
Matthews, personally, dominated the Bears in his career. In 19 games against Chicago, he recorded 56 solo tackles, 9.5 sacks, and three interceptions. He became the Packers’ all-time sack leader against the Bears, as well. He went 16-3 against Chicago in his career, including a win with the Los Angeles Rams.
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Cam Ward was the first selection of the night, unsurprisingly, but the Jaguars and Browns pulled off a stunner by trading picks.
Republican proposal could help families receive thousands of dollars
Some Republican lawmakers are seeking an increase in the child tax credit while scrapping other controversial tax benefits.
The “Family First Act,” sponsored by Sen. Jim Banks, R-Ind., and Rep. Blake Moore, R-Utah, would raise the credit to $4,200 for children under 6 years old and $3,000 for older children. Families can claim the credit for up to six children and would be “fully refundable.”
Notably, the legislation would add a $2,800 credit for pregnant women starting at 20 weeks. The credit amounts are expected to rise with inflation over time.
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However, the bill would also scrap the “head of household” filing status and end the “additional exemption for dependents” and the State and Local Income Tax Deduction, which is often used by those in high-tax states.
Filers can deduct up to $10,000 from state and local taxes based on the 2017 federal law. Some Republican and Democratic lawmakers in high-tax states support the SALT deduction, whereas other lawmakers oppose it.
“Strong nations are made of strong families. My bill delivers real relief by cutting taxes, removing marriage penalties and making it easier for parents to support their kids and build a better future,” Banks told FOX Business in a statement Thursday.
The credit reduces “by $50 for each $1,000” if somebody’s “modified adjusted gross income” is above $200,000 or $400,000 for joint filers.
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For 2024, the credit is up to $2,000 per qualifying child, according to the IRS.
Congress has been out of session the past two weeks, but conversations on tax policy are at the forefront as the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is scheduled to expire this year if its provisions are not made permanent.
Specifically, it would end the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit that helps some parents pay for daycare, but it is only used by a small percentage of parents, according to American Enterprise Institute Senior Fellow Timothy Carney. The legislation also makes changes to the earned income tax credit.
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“This year, with the expiration of provisions from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, we have a historic opportunity to champion pro-family policies,” Moore said in a statement.
“The Family First Act will streamline antiquated federal tax policies into an enhanced child tax credit for working families and a new tax credit for pregnant mothers. This fiscally responsible approach affirms the dignity of work and promotes marriage, supporting families as they build stronger and more prosperous communities for the next generation,” the Utah Republican continued.
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The legislative proposal comes as the Trump administration floats the possibility of a $5,000 incentive for having a baby.
“Sounds like a good idea to me,” Trump told the New York Post.
FOX Business recently reported on other tax proposals being made for families, including a bipartisan push to make the adoption tax credit refundable again.
National anthem performance before Stanley Cup playoff game sparks outrage with fans
The Los Angeles Kings hosted the Edmonton Oilers Monday for a first-round Stanley Cup playoff game, and a pregame performance became a topic of conversation.
Members of the Korea Town Senior & Community Center performed “The Star-Spangled Banner” prior to the puck drop at Crypto.com Arena. The group used harmonicas instead of singing the American national anthem.
The majority of the crowd in attendance appeared to approve of the rendition as thousands remained standing to applaud the performers.
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But some observers took to social media to voice their displeasure.
“Whoever thought this was a good idea should probably not have a job,” an X user wrote.
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“What in tarnation,” another social media account stated.
Once the game started, it was a hard-fought contest.
The Oilers tied the game late in third period, but the Kings celebrated a 6-5 victory in Game 1. Los Angeles was also victorious in Game 2.
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The third game of the series is scheduled for Friday.
Hugh Grant unloads on his children’s ‘posh private schools’ for their ‘pathetic’ rules
Hugh Grant vented frustration over the “posh private schools” his children attend as he pushes to ban laptops and tablets from classrooms.
On Wednesday, the 64-year-old actor joined American social psychologist and author Jonathan Haidt and King Charles III’s second cousin, Sophie Winkleman, at London’s Knightsbridge School for an event organized by the group Close Screens, Open Minds.
While speaking during the event, Grant, a father of five, accused schools of fueling children’s addiction to technology and limiting outdoor play.
The “Bridget Jones’ Diary” star described himself as “another angry parent fighting the eternal, exhausting and depressive battle with children who only want to be on a screen.”
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Grant also blasted school officials at “ridiculous posh private schools” for their “pathetic” rules he claimed were keeping children indoors.
“They’re the ones saying they’re not going to play outside today because it’s raining, or they can’t go on the climbing frame because it’s windy,” the actor said, according to a story published by the Telegraph Wednesday.
“It’s pathetic,” Grant continued. “It seems to me that there is space here for a hero school, a set of schools, to break the mold.”
The Golden Globe winner shares John Mungo, 12, and daughters Lulu, 9, and Blue, 7, with wife Anna Eberstein. Grant is also father to daughter Tabitha, 13, and son Felix, 11, whom he shares with his former partner Tinglan Hong.
Grant explained that he decided to speak out after becoming fed up with the schools’ overreliance on technology in the classroom.
“The final straw was when the school started saying, with some smugness, ‘We give every child a Chromebook.’ And they do a lot of lessons on their Chromebook, and they do all their homework on their Chromebook, and you just thought that is the last f—ing thing they need and the last thing we need,” he said.
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Haidt is advocating for phone-free schools in addition to a ban on smartphones for children under the age of 14 and barring students under 16 from using social media during classes.
According to the Guardian, in his 2024 book “The Anxious Generation,” Haidt said smartphones have created an “epidemic of mental illness” in children by “rewiring” the younger generations’ brains, which led to “attention fragmentation.”
Grant said other parents haven’t voiced their concerns about the increasing digital consumption in education due to their fears of “rocking the boat.”
However, he called on other parents to join him in his efforts to fight education technology [EdTech] since he believes attempts to turn to the schools or government for support will be futile.
“Do you lobby the schools, and if you do, what’s the weird, sudden, frozen, sepulchral silence from them on this issue?” he said.
“Do you go to government? My experience, campaigning with the [press ethics campaign] Hacked Off over 12 years, is that’s probably a bad idea,” Grant noted. “I’m very cynical about it now.
“I don’t think politicians ever do anything because it’s the right thing to do, even if it’s the right thing to do to protect children,” he added. “They’ll only do what gets them votes. They only care about their career.
“Therefore, I think the third option on this, which is to go after parents, is the right one. Because I think that once you get a critical mass of parents who are outraged by EdTech, as well as all the other issues, the phones, etc., that is when politicians listen because they’re scared of that.
“That’s also when schools start to listen because they’re scared of people leaving their schools and losing business.”
New details emerge about Putin’s gift to Trump: ‘Important to me to show the blood’
Russian leader Vladimir Putin gifted President Donald Trump in March a portrait showing the moment Trump pumped his fist into the air in defiance after surviving an assassination attempt last year.
While outlets previously reported the gift as a mystery portrait, the Russian painter has now revealed the details behind his work, according to a Russian embassy.
Artist Nikas Safronov said he created the painting in hopes that the artwork would strengthen U.S.-Russia ties, the Russian Embassy in Kenya said on Wednesday in a post on X.
The painting depicts Trump pumping his fist into the air while the other hand holds a red cap similar to Trump’s famed MAGA headwear. The American flag and Statue of Liberty are spread across the background, and blood is splattered across the president’s face.
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“It was important to me to show the blood, the scar and his bravery during the attempt on his life,” Safronov told CNN. “He didn’t break down or become afraid, but raised his arm to show he is one with America and will bring back what it deserves.”
The painting is an illustration of a dramatic photo that captured the moment Trump survived an assassination attempt during a presidential campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, on July 13, 2024.
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Safronov has painted numerous global figures, including the late Pope Francis and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. He told the outlet that he was “visited by some people who said they want me to paint Trump as I see him.”
While Safronov said he did not know who the visitors were, adding that some clients “do not go into details,” he suspected it was the Kremlin, the outlet reported.
“When I started the portrait, I realized this could bring our countries closer, and decided not to charge any money because I suspected what this painting was for,” the artist said.
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The painting was given to Trump envoy Steve Witkoff in March when the official was in Moscow seeking a ceasefire in the three-year war between Russia and Ukraine, The Associated Press reported, citing Russian president’s spokesperson Dmitry Peskov.
The AP said Witkoff described the artwork as a “beautiful” portrait by “a leading Russian artist,” and added that Trump was “clearly touched by it.”
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While Trump and Putin have worked to strengthen their relationship, tensions over Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine continue to simmer between the three countries.
Russia recently pounded Kyiv with missiles and drones overnight and killed at least 10 people in the biggest attack on the Ukrainian capital this year. The attack prompted a rare rebuke from Trump, who said “Vladimir, STOP!”
I’m a mother of two — and I’d be dead if ChatGPT hadn’t found what doctors missed
A mother of two credits ChatGPT for saving her life, claiming the artificial intelligence chatbot flagged the condition leading to her cancer when doctors missed it.
Lauren Bannon, who divides her time between North Carolina and the U.S. Virgin Islands, first noticed in Feb. 2024 that she was having trouble bending her fingers in the morning and evening, as reported by Kennedy News and Media.
After four months, the 40-year-old was told by doctors that she had rheumatoid arthritis, despite testing negative for the condition.
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Bannon, who owns a marketing company, then began experiencing excruciating stomach pains and lost 14 pounds in just a month, which doctors blamed on acid reflux.
Desperate to pinpoint the cause of her symptoms, Bannon turned to ChatGPT, the large-language model made by OpenAI.
The chatbot told Bannon that she may have Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to become inflamed and eventually underactive, according to Kennedy News and Media.
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Despite reservations from her doctor, Bannon insisted on being tested for the condition in Sept. 2024 — and was shocked to discover that ChatGPT was correct, despite the absence of any family history.
This prompted doctors to perform an ultrasound of her thyroid, when they discovered two small lumps in her neck that were confirmed as cancer in Oct. 2024.
“I needed to find out what was happening to me. I just felt so desperate. I just wasn’t getting the answers I needed.”
Bannon claimed she would never have found the hidden cancer without the help of ChatGPT, which she credits for helping to save her life.
“I felt let down by doctors,” said Bannon, as Kennedy News and Media reported. “It was almost like they were just trying to give out medication for anything to get you in and out the door.”
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“I needed to find out what was happening to me,” she also said. “I just felt so desperate. I just wasn’t getting the answers I needed.”
Bannon said she had been using ChatGPT for work. When she asked the chatbot about which medical conditions mimic rheumatoid arthritis, it answered, “You may have Hashimoto’s disease, ask your doctor to check your thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO) levels.”
After her cancer diagnosis in Jan. 2025, Bannon underwent an operation to remove her thyroid and two lymph nodes from her neck. She will remain under lifelong monitoring to ensure that the cancer doesn’t return, according to the report.
Since she didn’t present with typical symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease, Bannon believes her condition, and her subsequent cancer diagnosis, would have remained undetected without the help of ChatGPT.
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“I didn’t have the typical symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease — I wasn’t tired or feeling exhausted,” she said, per Kennedy News and Media.
“If I hadn’t looked on ChatGPT, I would’ve just taken the rheumatoid arthritis medication and the cancer would’ve spread from my neck to everywhere else.”
“It saved my life. I would’ve never discovered this without ChatGPT. All my tests were perfect.”
Bannon is encouraging others to use the chatbot to investigate their own health concerns, but to “act with caution.”
“If it gives you something to look into, ask your doctors to test you,” she suggested. “It can’t do any harm. I feel lucky to be alive.”
Dr. Harvey Castro, a board-certified emergency medicine physician and national speaker on artificial intelligence based in Dallas, Texas, said he welcomes the role of AI tools like ChatGPT in raising awareness and prompting faster action, but also urges caution.
“AI is not a replacement for human medical expertise,” Castro, who was not involved in Bannon’s care, told Fox News Digital. “These tools can assist, alert and even comfort — but they can’t diagnose, examine or treat.”
“When used responsibly, AI can enhance healthcare outcomes — but when used in isolation, it can be dangerous,” the doctor went on. “We must prioritize patient safety and keep licensed medical professionals at the center of care.”
Fox News Digital reached out to OpenAI, maker of ChatGPT, for comment.