A new bill proposed by Democrats in the Virginia state legislature is raising concerns regarding the removal of minimum prison sentences for various violent felony crimes.Within days of Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger being sworn in, members of her party introduced a flurry of amendments looking to end mandatory minimum sentences for various crimes within the state.According to Jason Miyares, the former Republican attorney general, House Bill 863 includes proposals to effectively eliminate minimum sentencing for manslaughter, rape, possession and distribution of child pornography, assaulting a law enforcement officer and other repeat violent felonies.CONSERVATIVES RIP VIRGINIA GOVERNOR'S MODERATE LABEL AFTER RADICAL LAUNDRY LIST OF DAY 1 MOVESAdditionally, Democrats are also looking to remove the mandatory five-day minimum sentence for certain first-time DUI offenders."HB 863 is a common-sense proposal that eliminates the requirement for one-size-fits-all minimum sentences for certain crimes," Delegate Rae Cousins, who sponsored the bill, said, according to ABC 7."This change would give the experienced judges in our communities more discretion to make decisions based on the unique facts of each case. As the General Assembly session continues, I look forward to working with my colleagues to pass this legislation and promote fairer outcomes in our justice system."DHS RIPS DEM-RUN COUNTY AFTER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT MURDERER RELEASED: 'BLOOD ON THEIR HANDS'However, law enforcement experts are pushing back against the bill while expressing concerns about how the possibility of more lenient sentencing could impact victims of violent crimes."From a law enforcement standpoint, I think police generally want offenders to be held accountable, and frustration among law enforcement officers grows when individuals are released quickly and subsequently re-offend and even more so if it involved a violent felony," law enforcement expert Josh Ederheimer told Fox News Digital. I think that also tracks the thinking of many members of the public. I think there is more tolerance for flexibility for minor offenses.Ederheimer, an assistant professor at the University of Virginia's Center for Public Safety and Justice and a retired law enforcement officer, went on to explain that police typically understand unique circumstances that can point to a defendant receiving a lesser sentence, but frustration still exists surrounding more serious crimes."For violent felonies, however, the biggest practical concern is that the defendant will re-offend, and that the public is not alerted or aware that the defendant has returned to the community. Its an accountability concern that falls on the shoulders of judges and prosecutors."JAY JONES TWO BULLETS SCANDAL OVER VIOLENT TEXTS EXPECTED TO DOMINATE VIRGINIA AG DEBATEThe proposed bill would allow courts to hand down sentences based on the individual facts of each case, rather than statutory mandates implemented by the states government. However, it does not impact maximum penalties in such cases.Ederheimer further explained that the bill could have a negative impact on victims and their families regarding accountability for violent offenders."I think that the police and public alike have expectations that convicted criminals will be held accountable, and that full sentences should be served," Ederheimer said. "Mandatory minimums assure victims and the community that a convicted person will serve their sentence.""It is the circumstance when convicted felons are released early that victims may feel a sense of betrayal or that justice was not served. Thats the dilemma."The bill is set to be reviewed by the House and Senate Justice Committees, where it will likely be amended.However, Ederheimer added that mandatory minimum sentences may not actually encourage violent offenders not to commit crimes, further adding to the complex balance of maintaining justice and community safety."From a law enforcement perspective, I dont think mandatory minimums serve as a deterrent," Ederheimer told Fox News Digital. "I think that largely defendants are not focused on repercussions at the time of their offense."

A niche retirement plan favored by freelancers is quickly becoming a hot Wall Street sales pitch, as more and more Americans look for ways to shelter a bigger chunk of their paychecks from taxes.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney on Friday ripped Ole Miss coach Pete Golding's alleged direct tampering with a Clemson player and lamented the current landscape of college football that encourages such malfeasance.

The snowpack this winter is smaller than average in California's Sierra Nevada as well as the Rocky Mountains. The lack of snow reflects record warmth.

On Jan. 19, 2026, the body of B.C. teen Piper James was found on Kgari, an island off the coast of Queensland. It was discovered in the early hours of the morning, surrounded by a pack of dingoes. An autopsy concluded signs of drowning, as well as extensive dingo bites inflicted after death. Pre-mortem dingo bite marks are not likely to have caused immediate death, the coroner told reporters. Read More

A Florida killer was kicked out of her own sentencing hearing when she bizarrely declared that the courtroom was a "satan synagogue" and launched multiple outbursts, forcing the judge to remove her.

Federal proposal details a new MyTSA PreCheck ID combining mobile credentials, biometric enrollment, and continuous federal identity vetting.By yourNEWS Media Newsroom The Transportation Security Administration

Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, returned to the Lone Star State Friday after a photo went viral on social media of him boarding a plane as the state prepares for a potentially historic winter storm.The senator appeared to poke fun at himself on Friday as online chatter swirled over the past few days about whether he would once again be absent as his constituents hunkered down during a major weather event."Ive returned home from my work trip. Its 66 degrees & beautiful. A storm is expected tomorrow night," Cruz wrote in an X post Friday."But I am reliably informed by Twitter that if I simply raise up my hand on Texas soil, the storm will turn around & sunshine, rainbows & unicorns will emerge. Let it be," he continued.TRUMP MOCKS 'ENVIRONMENTAL INSURRECTIONISTS' AS AMERICANS BRACE FOR MASSIVE WINTER STORMS: 'GLOBAL WARMING?'In 2021, Cruz was slammed for travelingto Cancun, Mexico, with his family the same week that Texas dealt witha winter storm that left millions of people without power and ultimately caused 246 deaths, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.Cruz later admitted that the decision was "obviously a mistake."His comments Friday came after a photo was posted on X on Tuesday showing Cruz aboard a plane that was reportedly heading to Laguna Beach, California.FOX WEATHER TO PROVIDE EXTENDED LIVE COVERAGE OF WINTER STORM IMPACTING THE NATIONThe post quickly went viral, gaining more than 9 million views, with users both defending and blasting the senator."Im noticing a pattern," one person responded.A spokesperson for Cruz confirmed to FOX 4 Dallas-Fort Worth that the senator left Tuesday on a pre-planned trip, vowing that the senator would return ahead of the inclement weather.The winter storm is expected to impact 235 million Americans across 40 states this weekend, according to FOX Weather, and many areas will experience life-threatening cold weather, heavy snow and crippling ice.

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Could's Trent Alexander-Arnold time at Real Madrid be short-lived? Transfer Talk has the latest.

President Trump assured Americans that the government is prepared for the 'catastrophic' Winter Storm Fern as thousands of flights have been canceled across the US.

DHS review targets expanded benefit use in green card decisions as officials argue changes would reinforce self-sufficiency and reduce incentives for illegal immigration.By yourNEWS Media Newsroom The

"Real Time" host Bill Maher predicted Friday that Republicans will get the "dogs--t kicked out" of them in the midterms for one reason alone: immigration."This is not what people voted for," Maher argued, showing his panelists pictures of people in the hands of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, including one of a woman appearing to be pepper sprayed in the face against the road.Mahers criticism was echoed by thousands of protesters in Minneapolis Friday, who marched in sub-zero temperatures against the Trump administrations immigration enforcement surge.Some held signs featuring Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three who was fatally shot by an ICE agent after appearing to drive toward him with her vehicle on Jan. 7.CROCKETT WARNS OF NATIONWIDE PROTESTS OVER ICE SHOOTING: 'STATE-SANCTIONED EXECUTION'Maher called the shooting a public execution."That woman, that was an execution in the street," Maher said, comparing the visual of Good's shooting to the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong forces' surprise attacks in South Vietnam in 1968."Im sorry, but it was," he added.Toward the end of the show, the late-night host did not mince words on whether he thought the shooting was justified, as the White House has said.JOE ROGAN CALLS MINNESOTA ICE SHOOTING FOOTAGE 'HORRIFIC,' 'VERY UGLY' TO SHOOT SOMEONE IN THE FACE"To my Republican friends, you know this didnt have to happen," he charged. "You know [Good] wasnt trying to run the guy over."While Maher conceded earlier that former President Barack Obama was a "badass" on deportation rates under his administration, he went on to denounce Republicans apparent invitations for him to cross party lines over immigration policy."Youre not intellectually honest, so stop asking me if I have the slightest interest of joining your side," he said. "I never did, and you have no integrity."DEMOCRATS DILEMMA: PROGRESSIVE PUSH TO 'ABOLISH ICE' SPARKS FRESH DIVIDE IN PARTYHowever, Maher appeared to find some common ground with Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., who addressed his position on the tactics of ICE operations."I support enforcing our immigration laws, now, how you enforce them matters," he discussed."Thats the key," Maher replied. "Its the how."MINNESOTA DEM COMPARES ICE OPERATIONS TO 1930S GERMANY, ADDING 'NOTHING SHOULD BE OFF THE TABLE' TO STOP IT"You have to do it in accordance with due process, equal protection and Terry v. Ohio, reasonable suspicion," Kennedy explained.The senator went on to argue that immigration reform should include legal immigration, rather than merely illegal immigration.He cited America having the highest number of legal immigrants admitted every year compared to other countries, adding, "The whole world wants to come here.""But we could do that better if my Democrat friends would sit down and talk with us. But when we sit down and talk, the first thing they want [is] amnesty, amnesty, amnesty. And that dogs not going to hunt right now," Kennedy concluded.

Whether its in pharmaceuticals, artificial intelligence, or defense, executives attending the World Economic Forum in Davos this week had a stark warning for Europe: Get your house in order or lose out to the US and China.

Blades Brown, 18, narrowly missed a 6-foot birdie putt for 59, leaving him tied for the lead in The American Express with Scottie Scheffler.

OTTAWA The member of Parliament representing Canada's northernmost territory says ever since U.S. President Donald Trump began escalating his desire to control Greenland, constituents have been reaching out, concerned. Read More

Register nowtosave up to $680 on your TechCrunch Disrupt 2026 pass and get a second ticket at 50% off.This offer endsnext week on January 30, or once the first500 ticketsare claimed whichever comes first.

Multiple witnesses testified Parker was unable to speak after the attack due to a gash in her neck. However, one police officer claimed she described her attacker as a Black man, according to the DPI.

Administration submission argues children born to foreign nationals in transient or temporary status were not historically viewed as U.S. citizens under the 14th Amendment.By yourNEWS Media Newsroom The

The Department of the Navy issued an apology letter Friday to former military personnel "unjustly removed" from service because of the COVID vaccine mandate during the Biden administration.Under Secretary of the Navy Hung Cao emphasized that the Department of War is committed to "righting past wrongs" and welcoming back former service members who were dismissed during the pandemic."To the sailors and marines who were wrongfully discharged during COVID, we failed you," Hung said in a video posted on X. "We will never allow this to happen again, not on my watch. We are ready for you to come back, and we want to correct your records."Cao, the Department of the Navys chief operating and chief management officer, overseeing roughly one million Navy, Marine Corps and civilian personnel, acknowledged the impact of the mandate on those it forced out.HEGSETH ORDERS ABOUT FACE ON PENTAGON'S SLIPPING GROOMING STANDARDS"We are righting this wrong and it starts with this formal letter of apology," he said.President Donald Trump signed Executive Order 14184 shortly after returning to office last January, directing federal agencies to identify service members affected by the former vaccine requirement and take steps to reinstate them or restore certain benefits.The order applies to former members of the Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force and Coast Guard who were discharged solely for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine.VA REVERSES BIDEN ADMIN POLICY PROVIDING ABORTION SERVICES AGENCY CALLS CONTRARY TO FEDERAL LAWThe former secretary of defense mandated in 2021 that all service members receive the COVID-19 vaccine, a policy that was rescinded in 2023."The military unjustly discharged those who refused the vaccine, regardless of the years of service given to our Nation, after failing to grant many of them an exemption that they should have received," Trump's executive order states.The Department of War issued guidance to all the secretaries of military departments to contact former service members with information about potential reinstatement and to correct their discharge records.TRUMP DECLARES REAWAKENING OF WARRIOR SPIRIT, UNWAVERING SUPPORT FOR MILITARY: I HAVE YOUR BACKSAccording to the Department of Veterans Affairs, more than 8,000 service members were separated after the Biden administrations Department of Defense issued the vaccination mandate."It is unconscionable that thousands of former Service members who held true to their personal and religious convictions were not just separated, but separated with general (under honorable conditions), rather than honorable, discharge characterizations," Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said in a December memo. "While many have applied for and received relief from our Military Department review boards, I believe the onus is on us to make this right."Hegseth said he directed a proactive review of personnel records to identify individuals involuntarily discharged solely for refusing the COVID-19 vaccine and facilitate appropriate discharge upgrades.Fox News Digital has reached out to the Navy for additional information.

Famed artificial intelligence researcherRichard Socher is in talks to raise hundreds of millions of dollars for a new startupcalled Recursive thatsfocused on building more advanced AI systems, according to people familiar with the matter.

Packers OL Rasheed Walker was charged with two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon and criminal possession of a firearm after trying to check in a bag that contained a firearm at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

Tommy Lee Walker was declared "innocent" by a Dallas court 70 years after he was executed for the rape and murder of Venice Parker.