A suspect accused of setting fire to a Mississippi synagogue once bombed by the Ku Klux Klan admitted he targeted the building because it is a Jewish house of worship and was turned into police after a laughing confession to his father, the FBI said Monday.Stephen Pittman, 19, was charged in federal court with maliciously damaging or destroying a building by fire or explosive in connection with the weekend arson at Beth Israel Congregation in Jackson.According to an FBI affidavit, Pittman admitted to lighting the fire inside the synagogue, referring to it as "the synagogue of Satan." Authorities said Pittmans father contacted the FBI after he observed burns on Pittmans ankles, hands and face, and hearing his son confess to setting the building on fire."Pittman laughed as he told his father what he did and said he finally got them," the FBI said in the document, according to WLBT-TV.WE WARNED THEM JEWISH LEADER SAYS AFTER BONDI BEACH TERROR ATTACK THAT KILLS 15Pittman made his first appearance Monday in U.S. District Court via video from a hospital bed, where both of his hands were visibly bandaged. A public defender was appointed to represent him.Prosecutors said Pittman faces five to 20 years in prison if convicted. When the judge advised him of his rights, Pittman responded, "Jesus Christ is Lord."Pittman told the judge he is a high school graduate who completed three semesters of college. He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 20 for a preliminary and detention hearing.The fire broke out shortly after 3 a.m. Saturday. No congregants or firefighters were injured, but the blaze caused extensive damage to the synagogues library and administrative offices.Security footage released by the congregation shows a masked, hooded individual pouring liquid from a gas can onto the floor and a couch inside the buildings lobby. Investigators said Pittman stopped at a gas station beforehand to buy gasoline and removed his vehicles license plate. He allegedly used an ax to break a window, poured fuel inside the synagogue and ignited it with a torch lighter.The affidavit said Pittman texted his father a photo of the synagogue before the fire, writing, "Theres a furnace in the back." When his father urged him to come home, Pittman allegedly replied that he was "due for a homerun" and said, "I did my research."SUSPECTED NEW JERSEY JIHADI FANTASIZED ABOUT KILLING JEWS WITH SWORDS IN ALLEGED ISIS PLOT: FEDSInvestigators later recovered a burned cellphone believed to belong to Pittman, and seized a hand torch found by a congregant.Five Torah scrolls inside the sanctuary were being evaluated for smoke damage. Two Torahs stored in the synagogues library were destroyed. Another Torah that survived the Holocaust was protected behind glass and was not damaged, the congregation said.The 165-year-old synagogue is the largest one in the state and was previously bombed by the Ku Klux Klan in the 1960s."This news puts a face and name to this tragedy, but does not change our resolve to proudly even defiantly continue Jewish life in Jackson in the face of hatred," Beth Israel Congregation said in a statement.Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement through the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Southern District of Mississippi that she has directed prosecutors to seek "severe penalties.""This disgusting act of anti-Semitic violence has no place in our country, and unlike the prior administration, this Department of Justice will not let anti-Semitism fester and flourish," Bondi said.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

A young protester narrowly avoided being killed but was left permanently blind after a Department of Homeland Security agent fired a nonlethal round at close range during a Santa Ana protest last week, according to family of the victim.

A paraglider survived a nearly 500-foot fall into the ocean off the coast of Florida, authorities say.

FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is demanding Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey honor federal immigration detainers for the more than 1,300 criminal illegal aliens within the state's custody, after hundreds were allegedly let back on the streets.Both Walz and Frey "refuse" to cooperate with federal immigration officials, according to DHS AssistantSecretaryTricia McLaughlin, who accused the pair of releasing nearly 470 criminal illegal aliens back onto Minneapolis' streets."We are calling on Walz and Freyto stop this dangerous policy and commit to honoring the ICE arrest detainers of the more than 1,360 criminal illegal aliens inMinnesotas custody," McLaughlin said."It is common sense. Criminal illegal aliens should not be released back onto our streets to terrorize more innocent Americans."ILHAN OMAR SAYS FEDERAL AGENTS WASTING 'TAXPAYER RESOURCES' DURING CRACKDOWN ON FRAUD, ILLEGAL IMMIGRATIONLast week, Frey told Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials to "get the f---- out" of his city, while Walz similarly told the Trump administration to "leave Minnesota alone," following the fatal shooting of Renee Good in Minneapolis by an ICE official. Mayor Frey has also issued an executive order prohibiting federal agents from using city property to conduct operations, and a city separation ordinance was recently bolstered by local Minneapolis officials to protect illegal immigrants.Meanwhile, in February of last year, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison issued a formal opinion arguing state law prohibited state and local law enforcement from holding someone solely on an ICE civil detainer.The consequences of not adhering to ICE detainers were felt hard in one Northern Virginia county last year after an illegal immigrant with a detainer was released from custody and killed someone a day later. However, Walz's office told Fox News Digital that DHS's accusations "are categorically false," arguing the state's Department of Corrections "honors all federal and local detainers," including those from ICE."We always have," a Walz spokesperson said. "We also notify ICE of theanticipatedrelease date so they can arrange transfer from DOC custody if they so choose."The spokesperson noted that there are times "when a person in DOC custody is subject to multiple detainers or holds," but noted that "if they are released to an agency other than ICE, the ICE detainerremainsactive, and DOC ensures the receiving agency is informed of the ICE hold." They added that ICE is also responsible for arranging any detainee pickups and said that for every transfer the Minnesota Department of Corrections makes, it "verifies transportation and transfer arrangements to ensure the release is safe, secure, and coordinated."In the Minnesota prison system, there are 207 people on an ICE detainer currently, according to Walz's office. Thousands of federal immigration officials have been deployed to the Twin Cities to assist with deportation efforts, with more to come and plans to begin commencing door-to-door operations, according to Vice President J.D. Vance.WILD VIDEO SHOWS FEDERAL AGENTS DETAINING 2 MEN AT MINNESOTA GAS STATION AS AGITATORS GATHERSince Saturday, ICE officials have released several examples of the "worst of the worst" criminal illegal aliens arrested during the surge in deportation operations in Minnesota. Child predators, individuals with murder charges and drug traffickers are among those on the DHS's list.LenyOdemelRamirez-Santos, a criminal illegal alien from Honduras who was charged with sex offenses against a child and driving under the influence; Edwin AmableAshcaNinasuta, a criminal illegal alien fromEcuadorcharged with committing sexual acts with a minor; Lenda Neh MamaEpseGeorge, a criminal illegal alien fromCamerooncharged with cruelty toward a child and domestic violence; German Adriano Llangari Inga, a criminal illegal alien from Ecuador charged with homicide; PuolBoth, a criminal illegal alien from Sudan convicted ofmakingterroristicthreatsand several burglaries; and SomsalaoThonesavanh, a criminal illegal alien from Laos convicted of drug trafficking and selling a synthetic narcotic, are among the "worst of the worst" shared by DHS on Monday.Over the weekend, DHS also shared that nearly a dozen criminal illegal aliens in Minnesota who have been convicted of killing someone have been arrested in Minneapolis as well. Many of the individuals were ordered to be previously deported, but remained inside the country.

Jaime Moore said he is taking a forward-looking approach and is not seeking to assign blame for changes to the Oct. 8 report that downplayed the city's failures in preparing for and responding to the disaster.

A brawl at a youth hockey scrimmage has prompted multiple investigations, including by the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association, which says it's aware of a "staged" fight.

Former President Bill Clinton has been summoned to appear on Capitol Hill Tuesday morning, as Republicans threaten a possible criminal referral if the ex-commander-in-chief skips out.He and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have both been subpoenaed to appear before the House Oversight Committee for separate closed-door depositions for the panels investigation into Jeffrey Epstein.Clinton was scheduled to appear Tuesday morning at 10 a.m., but its not clear whether he will do so. The deposition is expected to move forward regardless.TOP GOP CHAIR ISSUES STARK WARNING TO CLINTONS IF THEY DEFY DEPOSITIONS IN EPSTEIN INVESTIGATIONA spokeswoman for the committee told Fox News Digital on Friday that neither had confirmed their scheduled dates at that point."The Clintons have not confirmed their appearances for their subpoenaed depositions. They are obligated under the law to appear, and we expect them to do so. If the Clintons do not appear at their depositions, the House Oversight Committee will initiate contempt of Congress proceedings," the spokeswoman said.Both Clintons were originally scheduled to appear before the committee in October, but their deposition dates were postponed while the panel was in talks with their attorneys.Their deposition dates were delayed again when House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Ky., was informed the former first couple would be attending a funeral.DOJ SAYS LAWYERS WORKING 'AROUND THE CLOCK' TO PREP EPSTEIN FILES FOR RELEASE AFTER MISSED DEADLINE"They're saying now that he's going to a funeral on that day, so we've been going back and forth with the lawyer," Comer told Fox News Digital in December. "We're going to hold him in contempt if he doesn't show up for his deposition."The House Oversight Committee would need to advance a contempt resolution before it's considered by the entire chamber. If a simple majority votes to hold someone in contempt of Congress, a criminal referral is then traditionally made to the Department of Justice.A criminal contempt of Congress charge is a misdemeanor that carries a punishment of up to one year in jail and a maximum $100,000 fine if convicted.In the absence of mutually agreed-upon new dates, new subpoenas were issued for Bill and Hillary Clinton to appear on Jan. 13 and Jan. 14, respectively.They were two of 10 people who Comer initially subpoenaed in the House's Epstein investigation after a unanimous bipartisan vote directed him to do so last year.Clinton was known to be friendly with the late pedophile before his federal charges but was never implicated in any wrongdoing related to him.Fox News Digital reached out to the Clintons' lawyer and Bill Clinton's spokesperson to ask whether he would appear Tuesday, but did not receive a response.

The death toll over 16 days of mass anti-government protests in Iran reached 646 as of Monday, according to data published by the the U.S.-based HRANA.

Iranians were able to place some international phone calls Tuesday for the first time since authorities imposed a sweeping communications shutdown amid a violent crackdown on anti-government protests.Residents in Tehran said calls to numbers outside the country briefly connected, though text messaging remained disabled and internet access was still restricted to government-approved domestic websites, leaving Iran largely cut off from the outside world.The partial restoration came as security forces maintained a heavy presence across central Tehran, according to residents, with riot police, Revolutionary Guard units and plainclothes officers deployed at key locations as authorities sought to contain unrest.IRAN'S KHAMENEI ISSUES DIRECT WARNING TO UNITED STATES IN RUSSIAN-LANGUAGE POSTSProtests erupted in recent weeks over Irans deepening economic crisis, with demonstrators increasingly calling for regime change. Activist groups say hundreds of people have been killed, though the true toll remains difficult to verify due to the internet blackout and tight state controls on information.Some government offices and financial institutions were damaged during the unrest, residents said, while merchants reported being ordered to reopen businesses despite ongoing security operations. Foot traffic remained sparse in many areas of the capital.The unrest has drawn heightened international attention as tensions grow between Tehran and Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump has said Iran wants to negotiate with his administration following his threat to bomb the country over its response to the protests.Iran "better not start shooting, because well start shooting, too," Trump said on Friday.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera in an interview aired Monday night that he continued to communicate with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.The communications "continued before and after the protests and are still ongoing," Araghchi said, adding that "Washingtons proposed ideas and threats against our country are incompatible."Araghchi also said that Tehran is "fully prepared for war" in the event that the U.S. attacks.White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitttold reporters that diplomacy remains Trumps first option, but that the president "has shown hes unafraid to use military options if and when he deems necessary, and nobody knows that better than Iran.""He certainly doesnt want to see people being killed in the streets of Tehran. And unfortunately, thats something we are seeing right now," she added.IRAN SET TO HANG PROTESTER IN WHAT WOULD MARK FIRST EXECUTION TIED TO ANTI-REGIME DEMONSTRATIONSTens of thousands of pro-government demonstrators also took to the streets on Monday after days of protests challenging the rule of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iranian state television aired chants from the crowd, who shouted "Death to America!" and "Death to Israel!" as well as "Death to the enemies of God!"Irans attorney general has warned that anyone participating in protests will be considered an "enemy of God," a crime punishable by death.Trump announced on Monday that countries engaging in business with Iran will face 25% tariffs that would be "effective immediately" in response to Tehran's crackdown on protests.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Video shows a runaway carriage horse dashing into traffic, crashing into cars in New York City.

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is introducing a bill aimed at restricting any unauthorized military action by President Donald Trump, amid growing debate over his comments about acquiring Greenland "one way or the other."Rep. Bill Keating, D-Mass., is leading the legislation along with Reps. Steny Hoyer, D-Md., Brendan Boyle, D-Pa., and Don Bacon, R-Neb., according to POLITICO."This is about our fundamental shared goals and our fundamental security, not just in Europe, but in the United States itself," Keating said in a statement to the outlet.The group involved in the effort is soliciting broader support for the legislation and say they hope additional Republicans will back the effort to restrict funding for any unauthorized military action against U.S. allies.EUROPEAN ALLIES WORKING ON PLAN IF US ACTS ON ACQUIRING GREENLAND: REPORTIn a letter to colleagues, Keating said "this legislation takes a clear stand against such action and further supports NATO allies and partners," according to POLITICO.While the measure does not specifically name any specific countries, it is clearly in response to Trumps repeated threats against Greenland.Keating said the decision to omit Greenland's name was meant to broaden the legislations focus. He said he met with the Danish Ambassador and the head of Greenland representation."This isnt just about Greenland. This is about our security," Keating said.Keating also said he believes slashing funding is the most impactful way to disincentivize Trump administration officials from taking action."War powers are important, but weve seen with Democratic and Republican presidents that thats not as effective," he said. "Its hard to get around having no funds or not allowing personnel to do it."SENATE DEM JOHN FETTERMAN SUPPORTS PROSPECT OF US GREENLAND PURCHASE, CITING 'MASSIVE STRATEGIC BENEFITS'This comes after the Senate advanced a bipartisan resolution last week that would limit Trumps ability to conduct further attacks against Venezuela after the U.S. military's recent move to strike the country and capture its president, Nicols Maduro. The Upper Chamber could pass the measure later this week, although its future in the House remains uncertain despite some support from Republicans.On Greenland, administration officials are openly weighing options such as military force to take the Danish territory, a move that would violate NATOs Article V, which states that an attack on one member is an attack on all of them and could end the alliance of more than 75 years."We are going to do something on Greenland, whether they like it or not," Trump said on Friday. "Because if we don't do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we're not going to have Russia or China as a neighbor."Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen and four party leaders reaffirmed last week that the self-governing island has no interest in becoming part of the U.S."We dont want to be Americans, we dont want to be Danes, we want to be Greenlanders," the leaders said, adding that Greenlands "future must be decided by the Greenlandic people."Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, as well as the leaders of Italy, Spain and Poland, also signed a letter stating: "Greenland belongs to its people. It is for Denmark and Greenland, and them only, to decide on matters concerning Denmark and Greenland."The chance of expanding U.S. control over Greenland has drawn mixed reactions from Congress. While most Democrats have opposed the idea, some Republicans have voiced support for pursuing closer ties with the territory.Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., who introduced legislation to make it the 51st U.S. state, although he said the best way to acquire Greenland is voluntarily."I think it is in the world's interest for the United States to exert sovereignty over Greenland," Fine told Fox News Digital.

First responders pulled dozens from cars after police say that dense fog caused a deadly pileup crash on Highway 99 in Fresno, California.

Buddhist monks have set off on a trek across the country on foot that has drawn national attention as they travel from Fort Worth, Texas to Washington D.C. as a part of a months-long journey they describe as a spiritual practice.The more than 2,300 mile journey they have named the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Centers Walk for Peace began in late October and is estimated to conclude later this winter in the nations capital.The walk, according to the groups official page, is intended to promote peace, compassion and mindfulness during a time they say the country is marked by division and uncertainty."This is not a protest," the monks say in public statements. "It is a spiritual practice."AT LANCASTER MARKET, I WITNESSED AN AMERICA THAT STILL WORKS NO POLITICS REQUIREDThe monks are affiliated with a Texas-based Buddhist meditation center.They describe the walk as a moving meditation as they continue to pass through cities, small towns and rural communities across the U.S.They have been greeted by supporters who have gathered along the route, walking short stretches with the group and offering food or simply observing quietly as they pass.The Monks are keeping a blog that tracks their journey in real time. On the blog they say those who "visit the venerable monks along our path, we tie a blessing string around your wrista simple thread that carries profound meaning."According to the blog the cord is a reminder and every time the wearer sees it "in a moment of stress, during a difficult conversation, when patience feels impossibleit gently calls you back to the intention you set when you met us: to walk with us in spirit, to nourish peace, mindfulness, loving-kindness, and compassion in your daily life.""It is a connection string between this journey and you, a tangible link that says: you are part of this walk for peace. We are walking together, always," they write.WITHOUT GOD, NEW YORK'S DREAM TURNS HOLLOW. MY WALK ACROSS AMERICA PROVES ITIn addition to the monks, Aloka, a rescue dog the monks refer to as the "Peace Dog," has become an unexpected focal point of the journey.During the journey, photos and videos are being shared online and show Aloka traveling along highways and sidewalks, resting during breaks and greeting supporters.These special moments have helped the monks walk gain traction on social media, where their Facebook following recently surpassed 1 million followers.Millions of supporters are sharing messages of encouragement and reflection in response to the journey."I am so inspired. Thank you the United States so desperately needs this message," one follower wrote.Another supporter said the walk has had a personal impact on their daily life."Praying for you all each night. You have opened a light within me that makes me want to be a kinder, more peaceful person. I think now before speaking and have become more aware of my breathing," the follower wrote. "Your trip has a lot of people thinking and restoring hope back in our country and peaceful thoughts throughout the day. It is simply wonderful, the journey you are on."Others said the message resonates with them during a turbulent period for the country."The message of peace is resonating with so many in America during these scary times," another supporter commented.So far, the Buddhist monks have made it across much of the country, prompting online searches and interest in the walk, the monks mission and their destination in Washington. The videos have circulated widely as the group continues eastward.They continue to emphasize that the walk is non-political and open to people of all backgrounds, describing peace as "not a destination, but a way of living."The monks say their message remains the same: peace begins with individual action one step at a time.

The U.S. was spared by a direct hurricane hit last year, but claim costs for typically smaller, more frequent and localized natural disasters reached their highest to date for 2025.

Iranians could call abroad on mobile phones for the first time since communications were halted during a crackdown on protests in which activists say at least 646 people have been killed

Cuban President Miguel Daz-Canel declared Monday that his administration is not negotiating with Washington, despite President Donald Trumps threats to push Cuba into a deal now that Venezuelan oil will no longer be supplied."There are no conversations with the U.S. government, except for technical contacts in the migration field," Daz-Canel said in a post on X.Daz-Canel continued to denounce the U.S., accusing it of applying hostile pressure on the island, and insisted that negotiations would only take place if they are conducted in accordance with international law."As history demonstrates, relations between the U.S. and Cuba, in order to advance, must be based on International Law rather than on hostility, threats, and economic coercion," he said.TRUMP ADMIN TO CONTROL VENEZUELAN OIL SALES IN RADICAL SHIFT AIMED AT RESTARTING CRUDE FLOW"We have always been willing to engage in a serious and responsible dialogue with the various governments of the United States, including the current one, on the basis of sovereign equality, mutual respect, principles of International Law, reciprocal benefit without interference in internal affairs and with full respect for our independence," Canel added.On Sunday, Trump declared that Cuba would no longer receive oil or money from Venezuela, a move that would sever Havanas longtime energy and financial lifeline.The announcement came after a stunning Jan.3 operation in Venezuela, in which American forces captured President NicolsMaduro and reportedly killed at least 32 Cuban personnel.VENEZUELAN OIL SHIPMENTS SURGE TO US PORTS WITH HEAVY CRUDE AFTER MADURO CAPTURE"THERE WILL BE NO MORE OIL OR MONEY GOING TO CUBA - ZERO! I strongly suggest they make a deal, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," he warned.Cuba has long depended on imported oil to keep its aging power grid running. Before the U.S. attack on Venezuela, Havana was receiving 35,000 barrels a day from Venezuela, roughly 7,500 from Russia and some 5,500 barrels daily from Mexico, The Associated Press reported, citing Jorge Pin of the Energy Institute at the University of Texas at Austin, who tracks the shipments.Even with Venezuelan oil imports, Cuba has suffered widespread blackouts in recent years due to persistent fuel shortages, an aging and crumbling electric grid and damage from hurricanes that have battered the islands infrastructure.Now, with U.S. sanctions tightening on both Russian and Venezuelan oil, blackouts could worsen as Havanas leaders reject Trumps call to strike a deal.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

What did Trump mean when he called for flexibility on the Hyde Amendment?

The founding member of the Grateful Dead died Saturday at age 78.

West Virginia Attorney General John McCuskey spoke out in response to allegations of sexual harassment against a transgender athlete who has sued his state to block its law that keeps biological males out of girls' sports.McCuskey, who is leading his state's legal defense against the trans athlete the U.S. Supreme Court set to review the case Tuesday, addressed the allegations at a press conference Monday."Any time you think of a child being harassed, it gives you pause as a parent. And it isn't really part of our case, but harassment of any child of any kind in this country is inappropriate. And its wrong, and we all need to stand up to ensure that children arent being harassed in any of their venues, particularly athletics," McCuskey said.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMWest Virginia AG responds to harassment allegations against trans athleteThe allegations were leveled against the trans athlete by Bridgeport High School student Adaleia Cross, who is a former track and field teammate of the trans athlete when the two were at Bridgeport Middle School.Cross' mother, Abby, told Fox News Digital what the trans athlete allegedly said to her daughter when they shared the girls' locker room during the 2022-23 school year. Adaleia was in eighth grade, and the trans athlete was in seventh. Abby Cross alleges the trans athlete made extremely graphic and vulgar sexual threats to her daughter and other girls on the team.The trans athlete's legal representatives at the American Civil Liberties Union has denied the allegations."Our client and her mother deny these allegations and the school district investigated the allegations reported to the school by A.C. and found them to be unsubstantiated. We remain committed to defending the rights of all students under Title IX, including the right to a safe and inclusive learning environment free from harassment and discrimination," read an ACLU statement provided to Fox News Digital.The Cross family's attorneys at Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) responded to the ACLU's statement."Our client has sworn under oath and under penalty of perjury in numerous cases about the events that took place between her and the male athlete. As a result of the situation, [Cross] had to step away from the sport she loved entirely and sacrifice a key element of her school experience to protect herself," read an ADF statement provided to Fox News Digital.The trans athlete personally denied the allegations to The New York Times in a story that was published Monday.TOP DEMS SILENT AFTER TRANS ATHLETE THEY BACKED IN SCOTUS CASE IS ACCUSED OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT, INTIMIDATION"I was not raised like that," the athlete said.The outlet obtained a letter from the Harrison County School District, stating an investigation determined Cross's allegations "could not be substantiated."The Cross family said when they reported the alleged harassment to the school, nothing was done to reprimand the trans athlete, to their knowledge."They told me they would do a full investigation into what I told them," Adaleia said. "And then, all of a sudden, it was like nothing else was happening, it was done, and it seemed like they thought nothing of it because they didn't talk to us about it at all, they just left it there and didn't tell us anything else, so it just made it seemed like, yup it's done."Her father, Holden Cross said, "We received no response from the school after filing the report."Fox News Digital made repeated requests to the ACLU and the Harrison County School District, which oversees Bridgeport Middle School and Bridgeport High School, seeking documentation related to the schools investigation and clarification on whether an investigation occurred and, if so, why only the Cross family was not notified of the results. Those requests have not been met.OutKick podcast host and former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines also addressed the allegations at the Monday press conference, recounting Adaleia's testimony, saying that the experience "traumatized" Cross."We have to worry about middle school-aged girls who have to worry about being told these things in an area of undressing," Gaines said. "The alleged things that were said to her, as a parent myself now, and I would imagine my husband would have choice words if someone said things like that to our daughter. Relaying some of the things [Cross] said to me, it traumatized her."Gaines and McCuskey were joined Monday by the attorneys general from Idaho, Indiana, Louisiana, Montana, Virginia, Ohio, legal counsel for the AG of Alabama, and four other women's athlete activists; Olympic silver medal gymnast MyKayla Skinner, former U.S. gymnast and XX-XY Athletics founder Jennifer Sey, former NCAA volleyball player Macy Petty and former California collegiate women's soccer player Sophia Lorey.The group gave remarks in support of the "Save Women's Sports" legal defense one day before the Supreme Court will hear oral arguments in two cases over the issue of trans athletes in girls' sports, including McCuskey's case in West Virginia and a separate case in Idaho.Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador has been battling a lawsuit by a trans athlete who sued to block the state's women's sports law since 2020, called out that trans athlete for attempting to drop the case after the Supreme Court agreed to review it."This athlete never decided to dismiss the case until the petition for cir was granted by the U.S. Supreme Court. So when they knew that they were in the Ninth Circuit that they would win, they were fine with having this case heard. when they knew that they were going to go before the Supreme Court, they decided to try to dismiss this case. I think that's fundamentally unfair. I think that's gamesmanship and I hope that the court, the U.S. Supreme Court sees it that way."Skinner reflected on her women's gymnastics career and becoming a mother for her passion in joining the battle to "save women's sports.""Staying silent on issues that matter doesn't serve the next generation of girls. I've spent my entire life in women's sports. I know how rare and hard one these opportunities are. That's why what's happening right now at the Supreme Court and in the states like Utah matter so much more," Skinner said."Women's sports exist because men and women are biologically different. In gymnastics, women don't compete on the rings. Why? Because men are stronger. And events are designed around physiological reality. That's not controversial. It's common sense."Petty shared her experience of having to play a transgender athlete during her college career, recounting the hard work and sacrifices, including missing prom, that went into earning a chance to play collegiate volleyball."But instead of showing off those skills that I had been training my entire life to build, they watched a boy slam the ball in our faces. Now, there were plenty of opportunities for this boy to play at the boys courts on the other side of the convention center where, mind you, the nets are over 7 in higher than our nets. But instead, it was humiliating. It was degrading to me as a female. And of course, it jeopardized my opportunity to even put that jersey on in the first place."Lorey ripped California leadership, including Attorney General Rob Bonta and Gov. Gavin Newsom for continuing to allow the state to be a hotbed for controversial incidents involving biological males compete in girls' sports."Our own attorney general, Rob Bonta won't lift a finger to protect girls," Lorey said. "When I testified at the California State Capital in defense of girls, an assembly member compared what we were saying to times of Nazi Germany."Sey, like Skinner, also recounted her experience as a pro gymnast en route to becoming a U.S. champion, said she never would have accomplished this if she had to compete against males."Why will little girls even bother to compete at a certain point when they know that it doesn't matter to our institutions that it isn't fair for them? I'm telling you, this is where this goes. They stop trying. They stop competing all together. Why would they bother if they have no chance of making the team, the podium, of winning? Eventually, they won't. They will stop trying," Sey warned.Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita was the lone figure in attendance on Monday calling for empathy for the trans athletes, becoming visibly emotional while recounting an incident in 2022 when his state was sued by the ACLU and a 10-year-old transgender plaintiff for enacting a law to only allow biological females in girls' sports.Rokita argued that the 10-year-old had been "co-opted by the left.""That plaintiff in Indiana was 10 years old and I say my opinion is was co-opted by the left. That 10-year-old needs love and so do all the rest like her. That 10-year-old needs therapy. What that 10-year-old and all the ones like that person doesn't need is to be affirmed in the wrongness that was that case in Indiana," Rokita said."So to my colleagues, good luck tomorrow. May justice prevail."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The 44th president drew a red line in 2013, then imposed no consequences when Syria crossed it.

The surfer is safe and in stable condition after being missing for more than 24 hours.

Crunch.That was the sound of Houston Texans players colliding with Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers early in the fourth quarter of their Wild Card Round matchup, causing him to lose the ball. Texans defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins picked the ball up and ran it to the end zone for what felt like the knockout blow even though there was still a lot of time left to play.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMIt was that type of game for both teams a defensive struggle as Houston put together a 30-6 victory. It was the franchises first road playoff victory.There were big hits and little room for error. Houston had a 7-6 lead at halftime thanks to a touchdown pass from C.J. Stroud to Christian Kirk.Even as the Texans turned the ball over three times between the first half and the third quarter, the Steelers could only muster up three points. Houstons defensive prowess was on display on each snap as Rodgers was left with little to no time to make a decision.When he did have time to throw, wide receivers like DK Metcalf, Jonnu Smith and Calvin Austin III either dropped the ball or were just a hair off. Rodgers also had a few of his passes deflected.BEARS' BEN JOHNSON POURS GASOLINE ON PACKERS RIVALRY: 'I JUST DON'T LIKE THAT TEAM'Steelers fans let the team hear it with plenty of boos. Pittsburgh extended its playoff losing streak to seven games.Texans running back Woody Marks ran for 100 yards for the first time in his career and scored a touchdown to really seal the win. Texans defensive back Calen Bullock returned an interception for a touchdown late in the game.Stroud finished 21-of-32 with 250 passing yards and the touchdown pass. The Texans defense sacked Rodgers four times. Rankins was good for 1.5 sacks.The Steelers almost had no offense throughout the game. The team was held to 175 yards and outscored 23-0 in the fourth quarter.Houston will take on the New England Patriots in the AFC Divisional Round.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Former Navy SEAL Gregory Vandenberg was convicted of transporting fireworks intended to harm law enforcement at a "No Kings" protest in San Diego.

The new city attorney is reluctant to press charges for drug use and downtown vagrancy.

Motorists were forced to turn around as monster waves smashed onto a coastal road in Italys Calabria region.

Rep. Ro Khanna, D-Calif., called for the arrest and prosecution of the ICE agent who fatally shot Renee Good in a residential neighborhood of Minneapolis, Minnesota on Jan. 7.Khanna also urged Congress to back his legislation with Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, to require ICE agents to wear body cameras, display visible identification, stop wearing masks during operations and be subject to independent oversight.In a post shared on X, the former Obama administration official said: "I am calling for the arrest and prosecution of the ICE agent that shot and killed Renee Good.""I am also calling on Congress to support my bill with @JasmineForUS to force ICE agents to wear body cameras, not wear masks, have visible identification, and ensure ICE has independent oversight," Khanna added.MINNESOTA BUREAU OF CRIMINAL APPREHENSION DROPS OUT OF ICE-INVOLVED SHOOTING INVESTIGATIONAn ICE agent shot and killed the 37-year-old Minneapolis woman during a federal enforcement operation in south Minneapolis. Federal officials have said agents were attempting to make arrests when the woman tried to use her vehicle as a weapon against officers, prompting an ICE agent to fire in self-defense.Goods death sparked widespread protests in Minneapolis and across the U.S. as demonstrators called for changes to federal immigration enforcement.Local officials, including Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, criticized the federal account of the incident and rejected the claim that the officer acted in self-defense. Minnesota has since sued the Trump administration, claiming the immigration enforcement surge in the state is "unlawful" and "unprecedented.""What we are seeing right now is not normal immigration enforcement," Frey said. "The scale is wildly disproportionate, and it has nothing to do with keeping people safe."The Trump administration pushed back sharply against the lawsuit, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) accusing Minnesota leaders of undermining public safety and obstructing federal law enforcement.MINNESOTA SUES TRUMP ADMIN OVER SWEEPING IMMIGRATION RAIDS IN TWIN CITIESFederal officials, including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, maintained that the agent fired in self-defense.Noem critisized Democrats on Sunday amid an Illinois lawmaker's push to impeach her following the deadly shooting.

'Home Alone' star, Daniel Stern, is charged with soliciting a prostitute at Camarillo hotel, according to prosecutors.

DOJs criminal subpoena to Fed Chair Jerome Powell is a self-defeating fiasco.

Former special counsel Jack Smith will testifypubliclylater this month before the GOP-led House Judiciary Committee, Chairman Jim Jordan announced late Monday.

Hundreds of billions of dollars flowed through U.S. nonprofit organizations in 2024, tax filing data show, as major fraud cases including in Minnesota put new focus on how taxpayer-backed funds are overseen.The figures come from ProPublicas Nonprofit Explorer and were independently reviewed by Fox News, which confirmed the state-by-state revenue totals.According to the data, Californias 213,720 nonprofits reported a collective $593.4 billion in revenue, the highest total of any state.For nonprofit organizations, revenue refers to total income reported on tax filings not profit or money pocketed by individuals and can include government grants and reimbursements, donations, service fees, investment income and contracts for public services.COMER VOWS MINNESOTA FRAUD PROBE WILL EXPAND TO OTHER STATES AMID MOUNTING SCRUTINYFollowing California was New York, where 132,097 nonprofits reported a collective $445.8 billion in revenue. Pennsylvanias 85,346 nonprofits reported $247.3 billion, while Texas 157,840 nonprofits reported $219.6 billion.Other notable states include Washington, where 44,332 nonprofits reported $139.5 billion in revenue; New Jersey, where 56,332 nonprofits reported $113 billion; and Minnesota, where 41,267 nonprofits reported $124.2 billion placing the state among the top revenue totals nationwide despite its smaller population.The figures circulated widely on social media on Monday after an X user highlighted the totals using the term "NGOs." The "NGO" label is oftentimes applied to international organizations but is sometimes used online to describe domestic nonprofit groups, which are the focus of the ProPublica database.JASON CHAFFETZ: DEMOCRATS TURNED OUR TREASURY INTO A PIGGY BANK FOR FRAUDSTERSAlthough nonprofit revenue does not indicate wrongdoing, the heavy reliance on taxpayer-backed federal and state programs has drawn scrutiny as investigators uncover fraud in multiple publicly funded initiatives.That scrutiny comes as the Department of Justice (DOJ) recently announced it is sending additional federal prosecutors to Minnesota to help crack down on large-scale fraud involving taxpayer-funded programs, following a series of high-profile cases tied to nonprofit organizations and social services spending."The Department of Justice is dispatching a team of prosecutors to Minnesota to reinforce our U.S. Attorneys Office and put the perpetrators of this widespread fraud behind bars," Attorney General Pam Bondi told Fox News on Wednesday, vowing "severe consequences" in Minnesota.COMER SAYS WALZ 'RETALIATED' AGAINST WHISTLEBLOWERS WHO WARNED OF MINNESOTA FRAUD FOR YEARSShe also said her department stands "ready to deploy to any other state where similar fraud schemes are robbing American taxpayers."Bondis remarks come as the DOJ continues a sweeping welfare fraud investigation that began under former Attorney General Merrick Garland.In 2022, Garland announced the first wave of indictments in what he said was a $250 million scheme involving the Minnesota-based nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which authorities accused of exploiting taxpayer-funded child nutrition programs and described at the time as the largest pandemic-related fraud uncovered to date.'TIP OF THE ICEBERG': SENATE REPUBLICANS PRESS GOV WALZ OVER MINNESOTA FRAUD SCANDALUnder Bondi, the DOJ has continued pursuing cases tied to Feeding Our Future, along with related investigations involving alleged juror bribery and health care fraud. Bondi has said the scope of the misconduct is larger than previously understood and warned that additional criminal charges are expected, bolstered by the deployment of more federal prosecutors to Minnesota.To date, the department has charged 98 people in fraud-related cases in Minnesota and secured 64 convictions. The vast majority of defendants have been of Somali descent.Health and Human Services said this month that it froze billions of dollars in federal funding for childcare programs and other social services in five Democrat-led states, including Minnesota, while it investigates their use of taxpayer dollars.MINNESOTA AG BLASTS HOUSE HEARING ON FRAUD SCANDAL IN HIS STATE : 'A LOT OF BULLS--- FROM REPUBLICANS'A viral video posted by YouTube creator Nick Shirley in December amplified the attention on fraud in Minnesota. In the video, Shirley is seen visiting Somali-run daycare centers and finding they were closed. The videos have attracted millions of views on social media.Some of the daycare centers have since disputed the suggestions in Shirley's video and said they have never committed fraud.ProPublicas data reflect reported tax filings and does not allege wrongdoing.Fox News Digitals Ashley Oliver contributed to this report.