Border agents reveal ‘shocking’ smuggler tactics as patrol duties increase
TUCSON SECTOR, ARIZONA– Under the bright sun, Border Patrol agents Daniel Hernandez and Teresa Fast glisten with sweat as they stride along the rusted fence separating the United States and Mexico. They revealed the reality of what life is like working at the border.
“A few months ago, before the election and before the previous administration, we were mostly doing processing of detained individuals,” Hernandez told Fox News Digital. “That’s an administrative duty that is part of our job, but it used to be a small sliver of it, [and we were] doing a large portion of that. Now it’s inverse.”
“Now we’re doing small slivers of the processing, and we’re doing the bulk of patrolling duties. Most of our agents are out there patrolling.”
CHINESE ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CROSSINGS THAT SURGED DURING BIDEN ADMIN A ‘NATIONAL SECURITY CONCERN,’ EXPERT WARNS
“We’re historically one of the busiest sectors,” the homeland security agent said. “We’re at [a] 91% reduction [rate] over last year’s amounts, but that’s because we’re out here every single day.”
“If we were to take our foot off the gas and just assume the border’s secure, then we would lose what we had gained. So every single day we have to invest in patrolling,” he added.
According to the White House, as of April 28 of this year, illegal border crossings “are down by 95%” when compared to numbers under the Biden administration.
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Previously restrained by budget cuts that impeded the completion of their duties, the border patrol agents communicated a renewed sense of faith for increasing safety for all involved.
“People are less inclined to climb a fence of this magnitude,” Hernandez relayed while pointing to the southern border wall. “If they do, they have to go up high, then our cameras or our agents can spot them if they go up high. So that’s the advantage of having robust infrastructure on the border that buys us time to get here.”
“Smugglers will try anything. It’s shocking that they will risk somebody’s life by getting them up on a really small, handmade ladder,” he continued. “[It’s one] way somebody might try to defeat the border wall… and people will always try.”
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The empathy portrayed by agents when considering the human element of deportations and illegal crossings is an echoed sentiment among Tucson sector Border Patrol chief, Sean McGoffin.
“The cartels treat people as a commodity rather than as human beings. It’s up to us to reintroduce that element of humanity and make sure we’re saving the lives of those individuals the cartels leave behind. One of the great things we do in the Border Patrol — though it’s rarely talked about — is the rescues we perform each and every day,” the CBP Chief told Fox News Digital.
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Fast added, “The men and the women of the patrol are really what makes it run. That’s what keeps our country safer, the people who are giving up those games with their kids and their [holidays] and working night shifts – that’s what keeps our country safe. That’s really what it is, the men and the women of the border patrol.”
Astronomer CEO placed on leave after unexpected Coldplay Kiss Cam incident
A Coldplay concert Kiss Cam is causing major heat at a rising tech firm.
Astronomer CEO Andy Byron is now under “formal investigation” by his board after allegedly being caught on the jumbotron with the company’s HR chief, Kristin Cabot, at a recent Coldplay show—an eyebrow-raising moment that quickly exploded online.
An Astronomer PR representative shared an official leadership update with Fox News Digital on Friday night.
“Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave. We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days,” the statement said.
The tech firm Astronomer posted a statement on X, formerly known as Twitter, about the controversial matter.
“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” the company shared.
COLDPLAY’S CHRIS MARTIN CALLS OUT COUPLE ON KISS CAM, SPARKING AFFAIR ACCUSATIONS
“The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
The company emphasized that no other employees appeared in the video, and confirmed that Alyssa Stoddard, the Senior Director of People at Astronomer, was not present at the concert.
Fans speculated that the embarrassed woman spotted beside Byron and Cabot was their co-worker Stoddard.
When reached for comment, the company directed Fox News Digital to their statement on social media.
The Coldplay concert Kiss Cam turned into viral chaos after frontman Chris Martin joked that a couple on screen were “either having an affair or just very shy.”
The pair, who online sleuths quickly claimed were Astronomer CEO Byron and his Chief People Officer Cabot, sparked a firestorm of speculation and mockery across social media.
Within hours, an apology statement, allegedly issued by Astronomer CEO Byron, went viral. However, it turned out to be a fake.
“I want to acknowledge the moment that’s been circulating online, and the disappointment it’s caused,” the fake statement read in part.
“What was supposed to be a night of music and joy turned into a deeply personal mistake playing out on a very public stage. I want to sincerely apologize to my wife, my family, and the team at Astronomer. You deserve better from me as a partner, as a father, and as a leader.”
The hoax statement continued, “This is not who I want to be or how I want to represent the company I helped build. I’m taking time to reflect, to take accountability, and to figure out the next steps, personally and professionally, I ask for privacy as I navigate that process.”
“I also want to express how troubling it is that what should have been a private moment became public without my consent. I respect artists and entertainers, but I hope we can all think more deeply about the impact of turning someone else’s life into a spectacle.”
The fake statement concluded with Coldplay’s song lyrics to “Fix You,” “Lights will guide you home, and ignite your bones, and I will try to fix you.”
Astronomer shut down the false apology and said it was “not a real statement,” according to the recent statement by the tech firm.
A fake Coldplay account additionally posted that the band would be making changes to their performances after the viral Kiss Cam moment between the two alleged Astronomer execs.
“Starting with our next show, we’re introducing camera-free audience sections for people and their sidepieces,” the post read.
Reps for Byron, Cabot and Coldplay did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
WATCH: COLDPLAY’S CHRIS MARTIN CATCHES COUPLE ON KISS CAM, JOKINGLY ASKS IF THEY’RE HAVING AN AFFAIR
While the two statements were deemed to be a hoax, the internet can’t get enough of the awkward moment. Fans were quick to react on Coldplay’s official Instagram account about the viral moment.
“Show #207, Boston,” the caption read with photo highlights from the concert, not including the Kiss Cam moment.
“Coldplay released ‘two’ new singles that night,” one fan quipped.
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Another comment read, “Did Karma have to pay for her ticket?”
“You forgot the best photo of the whole tour,” a fan wrote.
Other comments read, “I always wanted to be part of a jumbotron at your concert, but then I realized that not all of the people feel the same way.”
MYSTERY COUPLE MISTAKEN FOR JEFF BEZOS AND LAUREN SÁNCHEZ AT CANNES
During the band’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., on Wednesday, Coldplay’s frontman serenaded the crowd with an improv of “The Jumbotron Song” where he sang about couples featured live on the big screen.
“Whoa, look at these two,” Martin said, as a man and woman were seen cozying up with one another.
Once the attention was on the pair, the woman immediately turned away and dodged the camera. The man also exited the frame.
“Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” Martin joked as the audience laughed.
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Once internet sleuths made the claim it was Byron and Cabot, the affair accusations took off.
Fox News has confirmed Cabot and her husband filed for divorce in 2018 and court documents appear to show their divorce was finalized in 2022. No divorce records have been found for Byron, who appears to still be married.
Byron is the CEO of Astronomer, the cybersecurity startup, and Cabot, according to her LinkedIn, is the company’s chief people officer. It seems they have worked closely together for years.
Last November, Astronomer posted a press release, as the tech company announced Cabot as the newly appointed Chief People Officer.
“Kristin’s exceptional leadership and deep expertise in talent management, employee engagement, and scaling people strategies will be critical as we continue our rapid trajectory,” Byron wrote of his new employee at the time. “She is a proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies and her passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces makes her a perfect fit for Astronomer.”
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The press release also included Cabot’s statement about her new job: “I prefer to think of my role as people strategy versus traditional human resources, as the real magic happens when you align the people strategy with the business strategy.”
Rubio revokes visas for Brazilian judge after court orders against Bolsonaro
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced visa restrictions on a Brazilian judge after the country’s Supreme Court issued search warrants and restraining orders against former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, his unspecified allies on the court and his immediate family members will face visa revocations, according to Rubio, who criticized what he called a “political witch hunt” against the former president.
“President Trump made clear that his administration will hold accountable foreign nationals who are responsible for censorship of protected expression in the United States,” Rubio said in a statement.
“Brazilian Supreme Federal Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes’s political witch hunt against Jair Bolsonaro created a persecution and censorship complex so sweeping that it not only violates basic rights of Brazilians, but also extends beyond Brazil’s shores to target Americans,” he continued.
POLICE SEARCH FORMER BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT JAIR BOLSONARO’S HOME, POLITICAL HEADQUARTERS
As part of the court’s orders, Bolsonaro is prohibited from contacting foreign officials, using social media or approaching embassies over allegations he sought the interference of U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the decision issued by Moraes, who cited a “concrete possibility” of him fleeing the country.
Federal police raided Bolsonaro’s home, and he had an ankle monitor placed on him.
Trump has already attempted to pressure Brazil’s officials to help Bolsonaro by announcing a 50% tariff on goods from the country from August 1 in a letter that began by criticizing Bolsonaro’s trial before Brazil’s Supreme Court on accusations of attempting to overturn the last election.
The U.S. president has pushed Brazil to end the case against Bolsonaro, arguing that the former Brazilian leader was the victim of a “witch hunt.”
Bolsonaro is on trial before Brazil’s Supreme Court on charges of plotting a coup to stop President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva from taking office in January 2023.
Bolsonaro told Reuters that he believed the orders against him were issued in response to Trump’s criticism of his trial.
The former president described Moraes as a “dictator” and called the latest court orders acts of “cowardice.”
“I feel supreme humiliation,” he said about wearing the ankle monitor. “I am 70-years-old, I was president of the republic for four years.”
Bolsonaro denied any plans to leave the country, but said he would meet with Trump if he could obtain access to his passport, which was seized last year. He also said he had contacted the top U.S. diplomat in Brazil to discuss Trump’s tariff threat.
White House spokesperson Anna Kelly said on Friday, citing previous comments from Trump, that “Bolsonaro and his supporters are under attack from a weaponized court system.”
On Thursday, Trump shared a letter he sent to Bolsonaro.
“I have seen the terrible treatment you are receiving at the hands of an unjust system turned against you. This trial should end immediately!” he wrote.
Moraes said in his decision that the restrictions against Bolsonaro were because of allegations that the former president was attempting to have the “head of state of a foreign nation” interfere in Brazilian courts, which the judge called an attack on national sovereignty.
TRUMP CALLS FOR IMMEDIATE END TO ‘UNJUST’ TRIAL OF FORMER BRAZILIAN PRESIDENT JAIR BOLSONARO
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The judge added that Trump’s threats of higher tariffs sought to create a serious economic crisis in Brazil to interfere in the country’s judicial system.
Bolsonaro was also prohibited from contacting key allies, including his son Eduardo Bolsonaro, a Brazilian congressman who has been working in the U.S. to gather support for his father.
The former Brazilian president told Reuters he had been talking to his son almost daily and denied any concerted U.S. lobbying effort on his behalf. He said he expected his son to seek U.S. citizenship to avoid returning to Brazil.
A five-judge panel of Brazilian Supreme Court judges upheld Moraes’ decision.
Royal tradition smashed as King Charles breaks century-old rule at palace court: experts
After more than 100 years, King Charles is changing the rules at Buckingham Palace.
For the first time, players on the royal family’s outdoor tennis court no longer have to follow the strict “almost entirely white” dress code, The Sunday Times reported. According to the outlet, the 76-year-old has relaxed the protocol, making tennis whites now “preferred” but “not essential” for players, including members of the royal family, household staff and their guests.
Fox News Digital reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
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Shannon Felton Spence, a former British public affairs official, told Fox News Digital that the king has been determined to modernize the monarchy, making it fresh and relevant for today’s public.
“King Charles is a very progressive-thinking man,” said Felton Spence. “He has been his entire life, always looking forward and trying to build for the future. He has made it his mission to reshape a monarchy fit for the purpose today and tomorrow, while keeping the cultural relevancy that grounds the institution. These initiatives are good news and should be celebrated.”
British royals expert Hilary Fordwich told Fox News Digital that it’s one of many changes the busy king has been making. She pointed out that Buckingham Palace announced on July 3 that the Royal Train, whose history dates back to Queen Victoria, would end 156 years of service. The palace shared it’s too costly to operate and would require a significant upgrade to accommodate more advanced rail systems.
“The Royal Train is no longer,” said Fordwich. “Other changes have included lowering the temperature of the palace swimming pool to reduce energy consumption and other updates to palace amenities.”
“King Charles has previously broken many royal customs, including changes to ceremonial duties, the public displays of affection, and, in general, many public engagement styles,” she shared. “His direct engagement in political lobbying has not been well received and has been most ill-advised.”
The dress code upgrade is significant for the king, who is known for his formal wear. According to the outlet, Charles is rarely seen in jeans or sneakers. However, he wanted his staff and guests, in particular, to “feel less restricted by protocol.”
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“While the end of the all-white tennis dress code at Buckingham Palace might seem somewhat minor, it’s a significant and rather symbolic step by King Charles to modernize the monarchy, making royal life more approachable and less bound by rigid traditions,” Fordwich explained.
Fordwich noted that the fashion rule was originally put in place when the court was built in 1919 during King George V’s reign. According to the Royal Collection Trust, it’s recognized as “London’s most exclusive tennis court.” The Sunday Times noted that it’s located in “a shady area of the palace’s 40-acre garden.”
“It has always been a hallmark of royal sporting etiquette,” Fordwich shared. “Players, including royals, staff and guests, may not wear colored clothing… It’s so sad to see yet another tradition abandoned.”
It’s noted that for Charles’s ancestors, sweat was considered unsightly, and colorful clothing showed it off more than white ensembles.
Felton Spence noted that we can expect the king to continue bending the rules.
“Protocol are simply unofficial rules adopted through tradition. They started somewhere,” she said.
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Royal commentator Amanda Matta also told Fox News Digital that Charles’s latest move may have been a quiet one, but its message was loud and clear.
“It might seem like a minor change, but in royal circles, even a small dress code modification says a lot,” Matta explained. “By easing up on the all-white rule for tennis at Buckingham Palace, King Charles is continuing his quiet push to modernize the monarchy. This modernization will not be through big pronouncements, but with subtle shifts.”
“The all-white rule dates back to Victorian ideas about formality and appearance, and changing it shows that Charles is willing to let go of traditions that feel outdated,” she shared. “It’s also a practical move. This isn’t Wimbledon, after all, and the court is used by family, guests, and even palace staff, so relaxing the rules makes sense. I’m expecting (and excited for) more of these small tweaks throughout Charles’ reign!”
Royal expert Ian Pelham Turner told Fox News Digital that Charles isn’t the only one looking to dust off the monarchy’s rigid rules. Kate Middleton made her fashion first by wearing Christian Dior on July 8 for the start of the French state visit. According to the outlet, the 43-year-old’s style choice was aimed at showing sartorial diplomacy. Her late mother-in-law, Princess Diana, was known to be a muse for the French fashion brand.
“There have been many arguments recently allegedly about fashion styles,” said Turner. “It is known that as soon as she is seen in a new outfit, it is sold out in minutes. Such is the demand to emulate her.”
Royal photographer Chris Jackson, author of “Charles III: A King and His Queen,” previously told Fox News Digital that Charles’s personal style has always shared important messages about his prized causes.
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“He’s got this beautiful Aston Martin that runs on biofuel, which is surplus wine and cheese whey, which is pretty incredible,” Jackson said. “He’s obviously very passionate about the environment, [and] he’s got this beautiful car, a DB6 Volante Aston Martin, that’s environmentally friendly.”
The king, who has been a longtime advocate of sustainable living, bought the car in 1970. He converted it to run on biofuels, which use ethanol created from cheese-making whey and wine. He loaned his beloved vehicle to his son Prince William, who used it to drive Kate from their nuptials in 2011.
WATCH: KING CHARLES’ ASTON MARTIN, WHICH RUNS ON ‘WINE AND CHEESE,’ PAYS HOMAGE TO JAMES BOND: ROYAL PHOTOGRAPHER
The king’s cousin, Lord Snowdon, once joked, “How does [the former] Prince Charles drive his Aston Martin? Caerphilly.”
Daily Mail reporter Robert Hardman, author of “The Making of a King,” also previously told Fox News Digital that Charles is known for sharing “coded messages” by using his ties.
“His favorite has a little T-Rex motif on it,” said Hardman. “I thought, ‘That’s a bit odd. I keep seeing this tie with a dinosaur on it… Of course, his cipher says, C. Rex, Charles Rex. So, I think he’s having a little joke about being king with his tie. But he’s in a good place. He’s a happy monarch.”
Adam Sandler lays out the one rule he gave his daughters navigating Hollywood
Comedy icon Adam Sandler is swinging back into action in “Happy Gilmore 2.”
After nearly 30 years, he’s brought back some familiar faces — and some new ones — for the movie, including his two daughters.
Sandler has been in the Hollywood spotlight for more than three decades, and he told Fox News Digital he’s shared one crucial piece of advice with his kids, Sunny, 18, and Sadie, 16, as they followed in his acting footsteps.
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“Be nice to everybody,” the comedian said.
His co-star, Julie Bowen, 55, who reprised her role as publicist Virginia Venit in the sequel, echoed that sentiment.
“You raised them right,” she said, praising Sandler for his parenting skills.
“Be nice to everybody. Don’t just be nice to the fancy people,” Bowen said.
Sandler added, “The crew is all you got. They work their a–es off.”
WATCH: ADAM SANDLER’S ONE PIECE OF ADVICE TO HIS DAUGHTERS FOLLOWING IN HIS ACTING FOOTSTEPS
He said he’s urged his children to be kind to everyone, whether they’re famous or behind-the-scenes crew members. But Sandler had different advice about those making an impressive amount of cash.
“Be nice to everybody. … Anyone who is making too much cash, you can give them a snap.”
Sandler joked, “Anyone who is making too much cash, you can give them a snap.”
The “Happy Gilmore” writer and producer quipped he wasn’t aware his two daughters were going to be featured in the sequel.
“I didn’t even know they were in this,” he told Fox News Digital. “No, they showed up on set, and I said, ‘What’s up? What are you doing here?’ They’re like, ‘We’re in this dude.’”
Sandler’s wife Jackie is also featured in the film, along with several other new and familiar faces, including Chris McDonald; Ben Stiller; Haley Joel Osment; Eminem; Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio, better known as rapper Bad Bunny; NFL star Travis Kelce; and others.
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His famous character, Happy Gilmore, first came out swinging in the original movie in 1996. Now, Sandler’s short-fused legend is making a comeback in the comedy sports sequel. This time around, his character is focused on making his kid’s dream come true.
Sandler has had many memorable roles throughout his illustrious career in Hollywood, from movies like “Billy Madison,” The Waterboy,” “The Wedding Singer,” “The Longest Yard,” “Just Go With It,” “Blended,” “50 Frist Dates” and many others.
The 58-year-old told Fox News Digital the key to a successful career in comedy.
“We work hard with a bunch of people who like to create, write stuff down, try to make it fresh as much as we can and think about the audience.”
His co-star Bowen is back by Sandler’s side for the sequel, but she initially didn’t think she would be.
ADAM SANDLER’S FRIENDS AND THE FILMS THEY’VE STARRED IN OPPOSITE THE ACTOR
The “Modern Family” star previously admitted she thought Sandler would replace her with a “younger woman.”
“Why did I say that?” Bowen laughed.
“Why you say that? I would never do that!” Sandler replied.
WATCH: ADAM SANDLER JOKES HE WOULD REPLACE ONE ‘HAPPY GILMORE’ CHARACTER WITH A YOUNGER STAR
“My sons told me … called me up from school and said, ‘Mom, you’re not going to be in Happy Gilmore 2,” Bowen said. “I said, ‘There is no Happy Gilmore 2!’ This is before there was even a movie. … I would know if there was going to be one. I think I would’ve heard something. … It was bad intel.”
Sandler chimed in and jokingly said, “If I’m replacing anyone it would be Shooter,” referencing McDonald’s character.
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“You’re going to replace Shooter with Sydney Sweeney?” Bowen laughed, as Sandler screamed, “Yes!”
“She would be great with the finger guns,” Bowen remarked.
In the original “Happy Gilmore” movie, McDonald portrayed the ultimate villain as he attempted to sabotage Sandler’s golf game.
While McDonald was the reigning king of the PGA, his world was turned upside-down by the wild, unconventional and unapologetically brash Happy Gilmore.
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When Fox News Digital asked McDonald if the rivalry between his character and Sandler’s was just as intense this time around, he replied, “It’s even better.”
WATCH: ‘HAPPY GILMORE 2’ STAR CHRIS MCDONALD DISHES ON CO-STAR TRAVIS KELCE’S ACTING SKILLS AND RELATIONSHIP WITH TAYLOR SWIFT
“I slipped right into Shooter’s shoes,” McDonald said, showing off his signature finger guns during the interview.
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“But, at the same time, I had a really redemptive moment where I realized what we should do together to save this great game of golf.”
“Happy Gilmore 2” premieres on Netflix July 25.
‘Shameless’ fraudsters stole $250M from hungry kids to buy luxury cars and mansions
FIRST ON FOX: A $250 million fraud scheme that exploited a federally funded children’s nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic has been described by FBI Director Kash Patel as “one of the worst” in Minnesota history.
The FBI director told Fox News in a statement that 70 people in Minnesota have been indicted for their role in the sprawling “Feeding our Future” fraud scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, which exploited a federal program designed to reimburse states for the cost of feeding children.
Conspirators falsely claimed to have served millions of meals during the pandemic, but instead used the money for personal gain. Of the individuals indicted, 38 have pleaded guilty, FBI officials told Fox News Digital. More than a dozen of the individuals are awaiting criminal trial, with the next trial beginning in August.
“Stealing over $250 million from hungry kids during a pandemic to fund mansions and luxury cars is as shameless as it gets,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement. “I’m proud of the FBI and our partners for dismantling this web of corruption, holding dozens accountable, and sending a clear message: if you exploit the most vulnerable, we will find you and bring you to justice.”
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Conspirators charged in the scheme are accused of fabricating invoices, submitting fake attendance records, and falsely distributing thousands of meals from hundreds of so-called food distribution “sites” across the state — taking advantage of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s decision to waive, for the duration of the pandemic, many of its standard requirements for participation in the Federal Child Nutrition Program — including relaxing its requirement for non-school based distributors to participate in the program.
Charging documents show that roughly 300 “food sites” in the state served little or no food, with the so-called “food vendors” and organizations fabricated to launder money intended to reimburse the cost of feeding children.
FBI officials told Fox News that the investigation and resulting trials and indictments continue to impact the state, and have already touched off legislative reform in Minnesota.
They added that the investigation into the fraud remains ongoing, and that additional charges are expected, though they did not immediately share more details.
FEDERAL JUDGE EXTENDS ARGUMENTS IN ABREGO GARCIA CASE, SLAMS ICE WITNESS WHO ‘KNEW NOTHING’
The next trial in the state is scheduled to begin on August 11.
“Stealing from the federal government equates to stealing from the American people — there is no simpler truth,” FBI’s special agent in charge, Alvin Winston, told Fox News Digital in a statement.
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“The egregious fraud unveiled in the Feeding our Future case epitomizes a profound betrayal of public trust. These individuals misappropriated hundreds of millions in federal funds intended to nourish vulnerable children during a time of crisis, redirecting those resources into luxury homes, high-end vehicles, and extravagant lifestyles while families faced hardship,” he added.
“We will uncover their schemes, dismantle their networks, and ensure that they are held accountable to the fullest extent of the law,” he said.
Belgian man’s shocking discovery after $35K romance and 472-mile journey to model
A Belgian man who drove nearly 500 miles to meet his future wife was stunned to find out the French model, and her husband, had no idea who he was.
After driving 472 miles to meet Sophie Vouzelaud at her home, the man, who identified himself as Michel, was met by the 38-year-old’s husband, Fabien Boutamine.
“I have to film because there’s a guy who just rang my doorbell, and he says ‘I’m the future husband of Sophie Vouzelaud’,” Boutamine said in a video he filmed during the get together. “Well, I’m the current one. There’s going to be a confrontation.”
HOW SIM SWAPPING LED TO A $1.8M CYBER FRAUD CASE
After some cringeworthy back and forth, Michel admitted to Boutamine something might be “wrong.”
“I think she played a dirty trick on me,” Michel could be heard saying in the distance.
“My wife, no, it’s the fake accounts,” Boutamine replied. “You have to be very careful.”
FAKE VENMO ACCOUNTS ARE STEALING DONATIONS FROM REAL CHARITIES
Michel explained he had sent $35,000 to someone posing online as Vouzelaud, former Miss Limousin and Miss France 2007 first runner-up.
A bewildered and emotional Michel added that the scammer told him she had been pregnant, but later lost her baby.
“No she’s still there, luckily for us,” Boutamine said. “I’m sorry sir … but the problem is that Sophie puts a lot of videos on [social media] networks to say to be careful not to get hurt.”
ELON MUSK SCAM TRICKS VICTIMS ON FACEBOOK WITH TESLA HOAX
Vouzelaud later joined the men to clear up the heartbreaking misunderstanding, saying “this hurts my heart.”
“You must keep all the evidence and take it to the police,” she cautioned Michel.
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It is unclear if a police report was filed following the romance scam, though Boutamine’s video, which he posted to social media, garnered nearly 11,000 likes on Instagram.
“I feel so sorry for this man…,” Boutamine wrote in the caption. “Watch out for fake accounts, I’m sharing this video to show you it’s real and to be vigilant! Take care of yourself.”
Boutamine and Vouzelaud did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s requests for comment.
New report reveals Colbert’s hefty price tag as ‘Late Show’ lost millions for CBS
A new report is putting a spotlight on the finances of “The Late Show” as critics speculate the CBS cancellation was a political move to silence its anti-Trump host Stephen Colbert.
Puck News’ Matt Belloni reported the late-night show “has been losing more than $40 million a year” for CBS and that it had a budget of “more than $100 million per season,” contrasting it with network’s daytime and primetime programming, which he noted were “still profitable.”
“‘Late Show,’ with its topical humor and celebrity interviews pegged to specific projects, has struggled on Paramount+. And of the three network late-night shows, ‘Late Show’ has by far the smallest digital footprint on YouTube and other platforms,” Belloni wrote. “So from a business perspective, the cancellation makes sense.”
CBS CANCELS ‘THE LATE SHOW,’ STEPHEN COLBERT TO END PROGRAM IN MAY 2026
Belloni said the sources he spoke with at CBS and Skydance Media, the company that is set to buy the network’s parent company Paramount Global as part of an $8 billion merger, insist Colbert’s cancellation was “based on economics, not politics,” pointing to the decision to give his show a 10-month extension to May 2026 instead of pulling the plug immediately as evidence.
“Still, two other people with deep ties to CBS and Late Show suspect otherwise,” Belloni said. “After all, when a network decides that a show is too expensive, executives typically go to the key talent and ask them to take pay cuts, fire people, or otherwise slash costs. That didn’t happen here—though with Colbert said to be making between $15 million and $20 million per year, a pay cut wouldn’t have solved the problem on its own.”
The veteran entertainment journalist went on to suggest that political motivations could be in play if Paramount goes on to also cancel “The Daily Show,” which airs on CBS’ sister cable network Comedy Central, but stressed, “for now, I cautiously (and skeptically) believe that this was mostly an economic decision.”
SCHIFF, WARREN DEMAND TO KNOW IF CBS IS ENDING STEPHEN COLBERT’S ‘LATE SHOW’ FOR ‘POLITICAL REASONS’
That said, Belloni asked whether this was “the dam bursting” in late night on broadcast television, suggesting that Jimmy Kimmel at ABC as well as Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers at NBC could be next.
“I’ve sensed that the networks have all been reluctant to be the first to pull the trigger on a cancellation in the historic time slot. CBS has now fired the opening shot, and it’s reasonable to suspect that NBC and ABC will follow,” Belloni wrote. “So no, I wouldn’t sleep well tonight if I were Kimmel or Fallon, though both have larger digital footprints and do a lot more for their respective networks. Fallon and Meyers have also been protected by Lorne Michaels, who produces both their shows, though I wonder if even Lorne might recognize that the 12:30 slot is increasingly not viable, and the sacred cows of television are being slaughtered, one by one.”
President Donald Trump speculated about the future of the other late-night hosts in his Truth Social post celebrating “The Late Show” cancellation.
“I absolutely love that Colbert got fired,” he said. “His talent was even less than his ratings. I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined, including the Moron on NBC who ruined the once great Tonight Show.”
CBS said in its statement Thursday announcing the cancellation that it was “purely a financial decision against a challenging backdrop in late night,” adding, “It is not related in any way to the show’s performance, content or other matters happening at Paramount.”
In a somber message breaking the news to his studio audience, Colbert said, “The folks at CBS have been great partners.”
However, he struck a vastly different tone on Monday while slamming Paramount’s recent settlement with Trump.
“I believe this kind of complicated financial sentiment with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles. It’s ‘big fat bribe,'” Colbert said. “Because it all comes as Paramount’s owners are trying to get the Trump administration to approve the sale of our network to a new owner, Skydance!”
There had been concerns within Paramount that not settling Trump’s lawsuit would halt its Skydance merger, which needs the approval of the FCC.
Skydance Media CEO David Ellison, who would control CBS after the planned merger, is believed to desire a less-partisan operation.
Liberal critics, including several top Democrats, have expressed outrage towards CBS, insisting Colbert’s show was canceled for political reasons.
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Paramount did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital‘s request for comment.
Expert warns that latest health food trend could backfire without cautions
A new trend called “fibermaxxing” has been circulating on social media, billed as a healthy nutrition hack.
The practice entails boosting fiber intake throughout the day by adding foods like leafy greens, seeds, nuts, fruit and other high-fiber options to meals.
Creators on TikTok have claimed that increasing fiber has reduced bloating and helped with digestion, as fiber is known to support a healthy gut microbiome.
SIMPLE WAYS TO INCREASE FIBER IN YOUR DIET AND WHY IT’S SO IMPORTANT
Robin DeCicco, a certified holistic nutritionist in New York, shared with Fox News Digital in an interview that increasing fiber intake can be “quite beneficial.”
“As a health professional, I wholeheartedly like that people are now more aware of the importance of fiber,” she said.
“Everything from gastrointestinal health to cardiovascular health, weight management, prevention of diabetes and certain cancers, to feeling fuller throughout the day and minimizing cravings for sugars and starches, are all major benefits of fiber intake.”
The USDA Dietary Guidelines recommend a daily fiber intake of 28 to 45 grams for men and 22 to 28 grams for women.
BREAKFAST KEY TO MEETING DAILY FIBER NEEDS AMID AMERICAN ‘HEALTH CRISIS’
DeCicco encourages adding color to each meal, as well as using nuts and seeds as “accessories,” which she says is the “easiest way to add fiber throughout the day.”
“Color is synonymous with fiber — berries with breakfast, snacks consisting of carrot and celery sticks with pumpkin and sunflower seeds, or apple slices with natural peanut butter, and meals with side salads,” the nutritionist suggested.
Too much of a good thing?
While adding fiber can be beneficial, DeCicco warned that too much fiber can cause complications for some people.
“Health is individualized,” she said. “If you have certain pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, this is not a trend to follow without making adjustments.”
“If your system is not used to fiber and you start to overload, you can easily become bloated, get cramps and have constipation.”
When too much fiber is consumed, especially in one sitting, it’s “easier on the stomach” to spread it out, since fiber can bulk in the stomach and cause a back-up, according to DeCicco.
“If you have certain pre-existing gastrointestinal conditions, this is not a trend to follow without making adjustments.”
“This is why it’s especially important to incorporate fiber slowly,” she said.
“My mantra is ‘baby steps’ whenever I introduce fiber to any client. A little at a time goes a long way toward long-term health.”
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For example, a typical serving size of ground flaxseed or chia seeds is 2 tablespoons. In that case, DeCicco would instruct starting with 1 or 2 teaspoons and then increasing slowly over the next several weeks.
For people who have a hard time digesting raw vegetables, she suggests lightly sautéing, steaming or roasting veggies to help reduce any GI distress.
“It’s very common for people to have a hard time digesting large salads, and also raw cruciferous veggies like broccoli and cauliflower,” she noted.
“If you are trying to increase fiber by eating more veggies but feel bloated, switch to cooked veggies and see if you notice a difference.”
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If constipation occurs after eating too much fiber, DeCicco recommendeds staying hydrated with water to help move the fiber through the digestive tract and soften the stool.
“If you plan to increase fiber, you must increase water throughout the day,” she instructed, warning that caffeinated beverages can be dehydrating.
“Adding lemon or lime to water can help with absorption, as can electrolytes,” DeCicco added.