Senators are set to take a key vote on Tuesday that could determine the outcome of government funding in the coming months and whether a partial government shutdown is on the horizon. But the vote on appropriations bills normally a collegial process is turning acrimonious, as some Democrats feel burned by how Republicans worked to pass spending cuts.Lawmakers in the upper chamber will vote on their first tranche of appropriations bills for this fiscal year, but whether the typically popular and bipartisan measures pass remains unclear as Senate Democrats seem prepared to derail the process in protest of recent partisan moves by Republicans moves they say have eaten away at the trust that binds the appropriations process.Senate Republicans last week passed President Donald Trumps $9 billion clawback package that slashes funding from foreign aid programs and public broadcasting, including NPR and PBS.CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS FACE BRUISING BATTLE TO AVOID GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWNThat came after Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., warned that advancing the bill could have consequences for the typically bipartisan government funding process in the upper chamber. Meanwhile, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought said that more rescissions would be on the way.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., noted that any consideration of spending bills would require "cooperation" from Democrats, and that the forthcoming vote would give Republicans a glimpse of where their colleagues stood on funding the government ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline.'BAIT AND SWITCH': SCHUMER WARNS OF BITTER FUNDING FIGHT OVER GOP CUTS PLAN"It was deeply disappointing to hear the Democrat leader threaten to shut down the government if Republicans dared to pass legislation to trim just one-tenth of 1% of the federal budget," Thune said.Schumer scoffed at Thune calling for more bipartisanship in appropriations and accused Thune of "talking out of both sides of his mouth.""We will see how the floor process evolves here on the floor given Republicans' recent actions undermining bipartisan appropriations," he said. "Nothing is guaranteed."Among the bills that could be considered are spending bills that fund military construction and the VA, agriculture and the Food and Drug Administration, and the legislative branch. The bills will need at least 60 votes to blow through the first procedural hurdle in the Senate.Senate Democrats are set to meet Tuesday afternoon ahead of the vote to determine whether theyll support the expected bill package.Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, said that he and his colleagues had yet to receive guidance from Democratic leadership, but noted that the threat of Democratic resistance was a problem of the GOPs own making. He said that the GOP had "an obligation to give Democrats answers to howthey can guarantee that our votes mean anything."'ALL THE OPTIONS': GOP EYES CUTTING AUGUST RECESS TO MOVE DOZENS OF TRUMP NOMINEES STALLED BY DEMS"I think Republicans have created a crisis, and they need to figure out how to solve it," the Connecticut Democrat said. "We can't do appropriations bills with this escalating promise from the administration to cancel all Democratic spending as soon as we vote for it."Sen. Mike Rounds, also a member of the spending panel, hoped that lawmakers could make the appropriations process work this year, but acknowledged that Democratic resistance could lead Congress to once again turn to another government funding extension, known as a continuing resolution.He contended that if Democrats were willing to give up on a bipartisan process it would only be to the advantage of the Trump administration."So, part of it is, do we actually want an appropriations process," he said.

A teacher at an Alabama Christian school was arrested Friday after she was accused of having a sexual relationship with a student, an incident the school described as "heart rending for all involved."North River Christian Academy, a private Pre-K-12 school in Tuscaloosa, on Friday posted a statement online about the arrest and allegations against "a former employee."The Tuscaloosa County Sheriffs Office confirmed to Fox News Digital on Wednesday that deputies arrested Sarah Huggins Logan, 35, on Friday and charged her with one count of a school employee engaging in a sex act.The parents of the student alerted authorities on Wednesday that their juvenile daughter was involved in a sexual relationship with a teacher, Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit (VCU) Capt. Jack Kennedy told Fox News Digital in a statement.FORMER PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER, 33, CHARGED AFTER 'PROLONGED PATTERN OF ABUSE' WITH TEEN BOYThe VCUs Sexual Assault Section launched an investigation and obtained warrants for Logan after conducting interviews and recovering evidence, the statement said.No details about the victim or what evidence investigators uncovered were immediately provided. Kennedy confirmed that Logan was no longer an employee of the school.The school said it was made aware of the allegations earlier in the week and alerted state and local authorities. The school added it has been cooperating with the agencies investigation.MICHIGAN TEACHER, 26, FACING CHARGES AFTER ALLEGEDLY TELLING COWORKER SHE HAD SEX WITH 16-YEAR-OLD STUDENT"Our first concern is for the health and welfare of our students, staff, and families," the school said. "Please respect the privacy of all these parties. Contributing to rumors and suspicions profits no one and contributes only to the hardships experienced by those impacted.""It should be self-evident to say that this incident is heart rending for all involved," the school continued. "This includes especially the families directly impacted. We have prayed for them and encouraged our entire school family to hold them up in their personal prayers. This situation is easy for no one; there are only degrees of difficulty."Kennedy said that there may be more victims and encouraged them to speak with investigators.The sheriffs investigation is ongoing, and more charges could be forthcoming.

Columbia University on Monday finally disciplined more than 70 students for their involvement in unruly pro-Palestine demonstrations that took place on campus several months ago, sources revealed to Fox News Tuesday.The "disruptions," which Columbia also referred to as "high-volume events," included the May 7 riots at Butler Library, an encampment during Alumni Weekend in spring 2024, and three other chaotic events in spring 2024.Fox News learned two-thirds of the more than 70 students were expelled or suspended, according to sources.TRUMP ADMIN ALLEGES COLUMBIA VIOLATED CIVIL RIGHTS LAW WITH 'DELIBERATE INDIFFERENCE' TO CAMPUS PROTESTSThe decision marks the first since the university judicial board was moved under the provost's office, a change mandated by the White House after the Joint Task Force to Combat Antisemitism launched its probe into the Ivy League school.School officials claimed that "immediately following the disruption" at Butler Library during reading period, which affected hundreds of students attempting to study, the university began an investigation into rules violations, banned participating individuals from affiliated institutions and non-affiliates from campus, and placed Columbia participants on interim suspension."The University Judicial Board held hearings, in which respondents had an opportunity to be heard and make their case, and then determined findings and issued sanctions approximately 10 weeks following the incident," Columbia University wrote in a statement.COLUMBIA SUSPENDS ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS AFTER TAKEOVER, SPREADING OF PAMPHLETS GLORIFYING ALLEGED TERRORISTThe sanctions, issued July 21 by the university judicial board, were determined by a UJB panel of professors and administrators over the summer.While the university does not release individual disciplinary results of any student, it said the sanctions from the Butler Library riot include probation, suspensions (ranging from one year to three years), degree revocations and expulsions.COLUMBIA FACULTY RIGHTS GROUP CONDEMNS UNIVERSITY'S HANDLING OF LIBRARY TAKEOVER: 'AUTHORITARIAN ETHOS'"Over the past year, the University has worked to strengthen and clarify the disciplinary process for our community and devoted significant resources to theRulesAdministration, including the development of an Office ofRulesAdministration, and situating the University Judicial Board and Rules process and the interpretation and modification of the Rules in the Office of the Provost," the university wrote in a statement. "These structural reforms are currently in place have helped to provide that the UniversitysRulesare applied and enforced fairly, consistently, and effectively, and that the Rules process operates more expeditiously."Fox News Digital reported Israeli Columbia University professor Shai Davidai left the school earlier this month, citing ongoing frustration with anti-Israel protests on campus.COLUMBIA'S ACTING PRESIDENT SLAMS STORMING OF CAMPUS LIBRARY BY ANTI-ISRAEL AGITATORS: 'UTTERLY UNACCEPTABLE'An unfounded investigation claimed he "repeatedly harassed and intimidated" students during an Oct. 7 anniversary protest in 2024, prompting his suspension.The administration also allegedly banned him from the schools main campus in April 2024 after he coordinated a pro-Israel demonstration against anti-Israel protesters.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPColumbia leadership emphasized "respect for each other," noting disruptions to academic activities are in violation of university policies and rules."Such violations will necessarily generate consequences," the school wrote. "The speed with which our updated UJB system has offered an equitable resolution to the community and students involvedis a testament to the hard work of this institution to improve its processes."Fox News Digital's Lindsay Kornick contributed to this report.

Rep.Eric Swalwell, D-Calif., slammed Republicans on Monday for "weaponizing faith," while praising a Texas state representative who recently said that Christians can support abortion.MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace asked Swalwell abouta podcast episode published Friday that Joe Rogan did with Democratic Texas State Rep. James Talarico, where he relayed his mother told him she was a Democrat because they "fight for the people."In the Rogan interview, Talarico admitted Democrats havestrayed from that stance, saying, "I dont know how much our party is still true to that, but I do know that thats our historical legacy, is the party that fights for for for the little guy. And I think were at our best when we do that today. Were at our worst when we stray from that."DEMOCRATIC REP CALLS ON PARTY TO TOLERATE DISSENTING IDEAS ON CONTROVERSIAL ISSUESWallace asked Swalwell what he thought of the exchange between Rogan and Talarico, which Swallwell said was "very moving."Swalwell went on to slam Republicans."I saw myself as a Democrat because Republicans fight for the rich and Democrats fight for the rest," Swalwell said. "But the larger point here, and you asked right before we went to a commercial, how do we reach more voters on this message of why they should have the Epstein files, what the assemblymember is doing is, hes going into more spaces and places."The California Democrat took a shot at the GOP for "weaponizing faith."ERIC SWALWELL CLAIMS ICE AGENTS ARE RUNNING AROUND LIKE MASKED BANK ROBBERS TERRORIZING WOMEN"I made a decision after the last election, when I saw that 68% of the voters identified as Christian in one way or another, that I needed to do Christian podcasts," Swalwell said. "And Ive been doing about one to two a month. I was raised as a Christian. I went to a Christian college on a soccer scholarship, but I would not talk about my faith because I thought it didnt really belong in politics. But what Ive seen is that Republicans are weaponizing faith, and its actually to our own disadvantage to not talk about it."In the same interview between Rogan and Talarico that Swalwell praised, Talarico slammed the "religious right" and said he thinks it doesnt matter ifChristians are pro-abortion."I get suspicious when anybody, whether it's a televangelist or a politician, tells me that something is central to my faith when Jesus never talks about it," Talarico said."To me, that should, I think, ring alarm bells as to what is the agenda here, what is someone trying to get across," he added. "And I think if we're looking at the last 40, 50 years, the religious right has made a concerted effort to make homosexuality and abortion the two biggest issues for Christians. And you know, the Southern Baptist Convention was pro-choice until the late 1970s. So this idea that to be a Christian means you have to be anti-gay and anti-abortion, there really is no historical, theological, biblical basis for that opinion."

Police in Jacksonville, Florida are investigating a "viral" video in which an officer is seen punching a male driver in the face during a traffic stop.Footage that began circulating on social media over the weekend showed William McNeil Jr. staring at the camera on Feb. 19 as an officer is seen smashing his drivers side window and demanding that he "exit the vehicle now!" The officer then strikes McNeil in the face before he is dragged out of the car and taken into custody."At my direction, the agency immediately began both a criminal and administrative review of the officers actions. These administrative reviews are ongoing, but the state attorney's office has determined that none of the involved officers violated criminal law," Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters said Monday while releasing a longer bodycam video of the incident. "I want to be clear about something. Yes, there absolutely was force used by the arresting officers. And yes, that force is ugly. But as I've said many times before, the reality is that all force, all violence is ugly, and just because force isuglydoes not mean it's unlawful or contrary to policy," he added.DRAMATIC VIDEO SHOWS HERO COPS DRAG DAZED DRIVER FROM CAR BEFORE TRAIN SMASHES INTO ITWaters said the arresting officer involved in the incident, whom he identified as D. Bowers, has been "stripped" of his law enforcement authority pending the outcome of the administrative review.He also said "officers found a large unsheathed serrated knife on the driver's side floorboard" of McNeilsvehicle. "After this traffic stop on February 19, 2025, McNeil was arrested for resisting a police officer without violence, driving on suspended driver's license, and possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana. On February 20th, 2025, McNeil pled guilty to and was adjudicated guilty of resisting a police officer without violence and driving on a suspended driver's license," the sheriff also said. Waters noted that despite McNeil receiving his cell phone back in early March, which "he presumably used to record the footage that was shared on social media," he never filed a complaint with the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office or shared the video with authorities.BODYCAM FOOTAGE SHOWS CHAOTIC MOMENTS LEADING UP TO FATAL OFFICER-INVOLVED SHOOTINGThe viral footage begins with McNeil talking to an officer about why he was pulled over, recounting how an officer told him his headlights were off during apparent inclement weather."It doesnt matter -- you are still required to have headlights on," the officer says."Can you pull that law up?" McNeil then asks him."Yeah, when you step out of the car I will," the officer then says."Can you call your supervisor?" McNeil says. "Alright, go for it," the officer is heard saying before McNeils drivers side window is busted open and he is dragged out of the car.As McNeil is being taken into custody, he asks an officer "whats going on man?""Youre under arrest, that is what is going on," a voice says.CALIFORNIA OFFICER'S GUN STOLEN BY HALF-NAKED SUSPECT WHO WAS LATER SHOT DEAD BY ANOTHER OFFICER: BODYCAMIn the bodycam footage released by the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office, McNeil is seen refusing to hand over his license, registration and proof of insurance to Officer Bowers."No. Call your supervisor," he says, before refusing a command to step out of the vehicle."Sir this is your last warning to open the vehicle and exit before we are going to break the window," Bowers tells him. "Open the door and exit, you are under arrest for resisting."WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT:McNeil remains in the vehicleand the window was eventually smashed.Attorneys Ben Crump and Harry Daniels announced they are now representing McNeil after the video sparked "outrage across the country.""What happened to William McNeil Jr. is a disturbing reminder that even the most basic rights like asking why youve been pulled over can be met with violence for Black Americans. William was calm and compliant. Yet instead of answers, he got his window smashed and was punched in the face, all over a questionable claim about headlights in broad daylight," they said in a statement."This wasnt law enforcement, it was brutality. All video from JSO should be released to ensure there is transparency for McNeil and the community. We demand full accountability from the Jacksonville Sheriffs Office and justice for William McNeil Jr.," the lawyers added.

Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., is pushing a resolution that would indicate that the Senate denounces the persecution of Christians in Muslim-majority nations, while Rep. Riley Moore, R-W.V., and several other House Republicans are pushing a House version that would declare the lower chamber's condemnation of such persecution.The resolutions urge the president to prioritize the defense of persecuted Christians in America's foreign policy, including via "diplomatic engagement with Muslim-majority countries" as well as "efforts to stabilize the Middle East."The proposed resolutions also urge the president to leverage the diplomatic toolkit "to advance the protection of persecuted Christians worldwide and within Muslim-majority countries."AMERICANS LOOK AT THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND SEE A DUMPSTER FIRE: SEN. JOSH HAWLEYFox News Digital reached out to the White House, which did not provide comment."Our country was founded on religious liberty. We cannot sit on the sidelines as Christians around the world are being persecuted for declaring Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. We must condemn these heinous crimes,"Hawleysaid, according to press releases issued by the offices of Hawley and Moore."Year after year, the number of Christians murdered by extremists in Nigeria has numbered in the thousands. Millions more have been displaced. We cannot allow this to continue. I urge my colleagues to join me in condemning the persecution of Christians around the world by supporting this resolution."CHRISTIANS INCREASINGLY PERSECUTED WORLDWIDE AS MODERN AND HISTORICAL FACTORS CONVERGEOriginal cosponsors in the House included GOP Reps. Greg Steube of Florida, Michael Guest of Mississippi, Glenn Grothman of Wisconsin, Addison McDowell of North Carolina, Brandon Gill of Texas, Pat Harrigan of North Carolina, and Anna Paulina Luna of Florida.While not an original cosponsor, Rep. Warren Davidson, R-Ohio, is a cosponsor of the resolution in the House, according to congress.gov.FEARS REMAIN THIS EASTER THAT CHRISTIANS IN NIGERIA ARE BEING WIPED OUT BY MUSLIM EXTREMISTS"Around the world, our brothers and sisters in Christ face rampant persecution for simply acknowledging the name of Jesus. That is unacceptable. In Nigeria alone, more than 50,000 Christians have been martyred and more than 5 million have been displaced simply for professing their faith. During a Divine Liturgy in Damascus last month, an islamic jihadist opened fire on worshippers and detonated an explosive device killing at least 30 and wounding dozens more. These examples illustrate the violence and death Christians face on a daily basis," Moore said, according to press releases."Unfortunately, decades of U.S. foreign policy blunders have exacerbated this crisis, with ethno-religious cleansing accelerating in Iraq after our failure to stabilize the country following the 2003 invasion. We as lawmakers cannot continue to sit idly by. I urge my colleagues to join me in condemning the persecution of Christians across the globe."

Chilling surveillance shows the moment an illegal migrant from Honduras carries a screaming Chinese migrant woman back to a Houston trailer home where she was allegedly being held captive for days as a sex slave.The terrifying footage shows illegal migrant Jose Armando Carcamo-Perdomo carrying the hysterical victim off her feet in a bear-hug style grip as she tries to kick and wrangle her way free. Authorities said she was held at the trailer home without food and water inside a closet.In the video, the women can be heard screaming frantically while a dog at a fence barks loudly at them. Police were alerted to the trailer home after a neighbor saw the woman running down the street before a man grabbed her and carried her back screaming.TEXAS WOMAN ARRESTED FOR ALLEGEDLY SMUGGLING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS HIDDEN INSIDE BOX TRUCKThe Harris County Sheriffs Office said that the woman was transported from New York to Texas on the promise of new masseuse job that paid more cash. But that hope descended into horror when she was instead held tied up for more than five days, had her Chinese passport taken and sexually assaulted several times."There was a small closet with a piece of wood across the door that was screwed into the frame," Lt. John Klafka, chief of the adult special crimes unit at the Harris County Sheriffs Office told Fox News. "They were able to rip that piece of wood off and open the door. It had been tied up. She had some type of object like a sock or something that was used to bound her hands."Carcamo-Perdomo was arrested on July 14 and has been charged with kidnapping and assault.ALLEGED HUMAN SMUGGLERS ARRESTED IN TEXAS AFTER HIDING MIGRANTS INSIDE HOLLOWED HAY BALESHe entered the country illegally in 2020 from Honduras was given a notice to appear after a traffic stop, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).But in 2023, an immigration judge decided to dismiss the case."This heinous criminal illegal alien was freely roaming our interior and terrorizing American communities," DHS said in an X response to the incident."Under the leadership of President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE is working day and night to remove the MILLIONS of illegal aliens in our interior. LAW AND ORDER WILL PREVAIL!"The lieutenant in charge of that investigation says he believes this is part of a much larger traffic ring that they're now investigating in Harris County.Klafka told KPRC 2 that the victim is safe in an undisclosed location and is receiving counseling and medical care.In a statement, the migrants attorney said Carcamo is "shocked by the serious allegations" brought forth against him and "firmly maintains his complete innocence.""We remind the public that under the United States Constitution, every individual is entitled to the presumption of innocence, the right to due process, and a fair trial," the statement reads. "We expect law enforcement, the State of Texas, and the judicial system to honor these fundamental rights without prejudice or assumption.

Calif. Gov. Gavin Newsom said that he'll make the decision if Erik and Lyle Menendez are suitable for parole by Labor Day for the 1989 shotgun murders of their parents in their Beverly Hills mansion.Ahead of the Menendez brothers parole hearing on Aug. 21 and 22, Newsom discussed the case Sunday with "Monsters" creator Ryan Murphy on his podcast, "This is Gavin Newsom."The governor holds the final say and is expected to make a decision by Labor Day if the parole board recommends release."Thats heavy stuff," Murphy said.GOV. NEWSOM DOING 'POLITICAL CALCULUS' AHEAD OF MENENDEZ BROTHERS RESENTENCING DECISIONNewsom has said he intentionally avoided watching the Netflix series about the Menendez brothers to prevent any outside influence on his judgment."I kept having a temptation to want to see it, but with the recognition always in the back of my mind that this thing may land on my desk," Newsom told Murphy. "I dont want to be persuaded by something thats not in the files."The producer joked that Newsom could finally watch the series on Labor Day, since the parole board's recommendation is expected by the end of August."Im going to see if I made the right decision," Newsom replied with a laugh.During their one-on-one lunch before the series premiered, Murphy told Newsom the show would spark intense debate."And you start talking to me about this, and you all but said Im sorry," Newsom said. "And I didnt fully appreciate how right you were to be sorry.""Monsters" and the documentary, "The Menendez Brothers," largely contributed to renewed fascination with the 1996 trial, leading to the bombshell resentencing hearing in Los Angeles Superior Court, where Judge Michael Jesic reduced their life-without-parole sentences to 50-to-life, making them eligible for parole consideration.MENENDEZ BROTHERS JUNE HEARING CONVERTED FROM CLEMENCY TO PAROLE AS DECISION LOOMS FOR GOV. NEWSOMIn a news conference following the ruling on Wednesday, May 14, Newsom explained the multi-layered process of considering the Menendez brothers eligibility for release. The governor said that, before any decision is finalized, a team of forensic psychologists conducted individualized risk assessments on each brother."We thought that would be prudent to do," he said, saying that those assessments have been "debated" not only by Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman and the victims' family, but also by the judge "both publicly in another conversation, some of it behind closed doors."MENENDEZ BROTHERS 'RISK ASSESSMENT' ORDERED BY NEWSOM AHEAD OF RESENTENCING HEARINGThe topic of the brothers' Comprehensive Risk Assessments (CRA) has been a sticking point for Hochman. The brothers were marked as "moderate risk," an increase from their previous "low risk" assessment.The moderate risk increase came after each report found that the brothers, in recent months, had been cited for breaking prison rules for contraband violations, specifically the possession of cellphones.Hochman shared the findings about Lyle Menendez first, whose "actions perpetrated deceit," speaking about the contraband phone. He added that Lyle had "downplayed his rule-breaking" and that his report showed his "entitlement and willingness to meet his own needs."Along with the illicit cellphone usage, Erik was flagged for possessing and dealing drugs, as well as helping other inmates with tax fraud.Hochman, who ran on a tough-on-crime platform, has been vocal about the brothers' lack of rehabilitation.In Sundays podcast episode, Newsom said that parole decisions rely on "well-established criteria," such as in-prison behavior and psychiatric evaluations.During a prior lunch conversation, Murphy told Newsom he initially opposed the brothers release but changed his perspective while working on the series, after hearing from actors and writers involved in the project."I really do think they should be released," Murphy said. "I was astonished at how I went into something with such a predetermined point of view and came out of it at the end of it thinking."Murphy explained he was especially moved by the brothers decadeslong good behavior and the unity within their family."If not now, when? What benefit to society do we have by keeping them there if they can come out of prison and actually serve some good? I think thats a powerful thing," Murphy said.MENENDEZ BROTHERS ASK CALIFORNIA GOV. NEWSOM FOR CLEMENCYNewsom acknowledged the moral debate surrounding the case."The flip side is I've had people say, What good can come from sending a message that you can kill both of your parents and be released?"He also pointed out that many serving sentences dont have the same level of access to high-profile advocates or opportunities as the Menendez brothers do. At the same time, he added, others who have committed even more severe crimes have been granted parole and served less time."It's a very slippery slope, and it's a really hard road, and I feel for you," Murphy said.In August 1989, Beverly Hills socialites Jos and Kitty Menendez were shot to death in their home.Hochman previously called the murders "mafia-like hits," remarking on the violent nature of the repeated rounds that were fired at the parents.The brothers, then 18 and 21, were convicted in 1996.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe defenses assertion was that the brothers had been driven to violence by years of physical and sexual abuse at their fathers hands.Despite the first trial resulting in a hung juror, leading to their eventual conviction in 1996, the public has remained divided on whether the brothers acted in greed or in self-defense.Fox News Digital has reached out to Newsom's office for comment.

Border Patrol is about to get a powerful new ally, and it doesn't bark. A microwave-sized device called VaporID could soon replace drug-sniffing dogs at U.S. border crossings. Built to detect fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine, and even explosives, the tech is showing accuracy and speed that trained dogs simply can't match.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.This portable air scanner, created at the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), is being brought to market by California-based instrument maker BaySpec. The device works by pulling in air and identifying molecules in real time using a miniature mass spectrometer.Unlike traditional swab tests that take five to thirty minutes, VaporID detects fentanyl in seconds, even at levels as low as six parts per trillion. That's like spotting a single pine needle in an entire forest.For decades, trained canines have been the gold standard at ports of entry. But dogs have limits; they tire, need handlers, and can't be reprogrammed with software updates. VaporID, on the other hand, never needs a nap. It can detect not only known drugs but also fentanyl analogs, lab-made variants designed to skirt detection.The system's cutting-edge design includes an atmospheric flow tube that allows tiny drug molecules more time to interact with charged ions. That chemical dance dramatically boosts sensitivity, making it possible to detect even the most elusive threats.During a real-world field trial at the Nogales, Arizona border crossing, the device detected trace amounts of several drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine, within seconds inside a Customs and Border Protection lab.VaporID weighs about 40 pounds and draws in ambient air like a miniature vacuum. Suspicious molecules are filtered, tagged with electrically charged ions, and passed into a tiny mass spectrometer. Only the relevant particles make it through. This process filters out background interfering vapors from things like perfumes or cleaning agents, giving border agents a clear, accurate, and immediate read on potentially dangerous substances.If deployed widely, VaporID could revolutionize how U.S. Customs and Border Protection detects narcotics and explosives. Its fast, hands-free scanning would help agents screen vehicles, cargo, luggage, and even people, without relying solely on canine units or invasive sampling.The device's sensitivity also opens doors for use beyond borders. The Department of Homeland Security is already working with PNNL and BaySpec to adapt the technology for mail screening, airport baggage checks, and large-scale cargo inspections.For materials like TNT (trinitrotoluene) and PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate), both powerful explosives that release very few molecules into the air, VaporID's ultra-sensitive detection provides a level of protection that's long been out of reach with current methods.The U.S. is facing a deadly influx of synthetic opioids. According to the CDC, over 80,000 Americans died from drug overdoses in 2024, including approximately 48,400 deaths linked to fentanyl and other synthetic opioids. Fast, contactless detection at ports of entry could help choke off the supply chain before these deadly substances ever hit the streets. And in an era of rising geopolitical tensions, having a portable scanner that can also detect explosives could be a critical layer in national defense.Technology doesnt just assist border agents anymore; its starting to outperform their most trusted tools. VaporID brings speed, precision, and reliability to a job where seconds count. While drug-sniffing dogs have served well, this portable air scanner may soon lead the front line in detecting threats. As agencies prepare to roll out the system, one thing is clear. The future of border security doesnt bark. It beeps.Would you feel safer knowing machines, not dogs, are guarding our borders? Or does this shift raise concerns about reliability and over reliance on tech? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM/NEWSLETTER.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com.All rights reserved.

A dual U.S.-Chinese citizen formerly employed as an engineer at a Southern California company has admitted to stealing U.S. trade secrets for next-generation national security technology.Though Chenguang Gong, 59, of San Jose, pleaded guilty to one count of theft of trade secrets, he remains free on a $1.75 million bond, according to the Justice Department.U.S. District Judge John F. Walter scheduled sentencing for Sept. 29. Prosecutors said Gong faces a statutory maximum penalty of 10 years in prison.According to his plea agreement, Gong transferred more than 3,600 files from a Los Angeles-area research and development company where he worked, to personal storage devices during his brief tenure with the company last year.Federal prosecutors said the files Gong transferred include blueprints for sophisticated infrared sensors designed for use in space-based systems to detect nuclear missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles. Other files were said to have included blueprints for sensors designed to enable U.S. military aircraft to detect incoming, heat-seeking missiles and take countermeasures, including by jamming the missiles infrared tracking ability.CHINESE BIOWEAPON SMUGGLING CASE SHOWS US 'TRAINS OUR ENEMIES,' 'LEARNED NOTHING' FROM COVID: SECURITY EXPERT"These files describe the methods, designs, techniques, processes, specifications, testing, and manufacture of these technologies and would be extremely damaging economically if obtained by the Victim Companys competitors, and would be dangerous to U.S. national security if obtained by international actors," the complaint says.The "intended economic loss" from Gongs criminal conduct exceeds $3.5 million, according to the plea agreement.Court documents note that much of the Malibu-based company's work is funded through contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense and other U.S. government contractors.Gong was hired by the company in January 2023 as an application-specific integrated circuit design manager responsible for the design, development and verification of its infrared sensors. From approximately March 30 that year until his termination on April 26, 2023, Gong allegedly transferred thousands of files from his work laptop to three personal storage devices. That included more than 1,800 files after he had accepted a job at one of the companys main competitors, prosecutors said.Prosecutors said many of the files Gong transferred contained proprietary and trade-secret information related to the development and design of a readout integrated circuit that allows space-based systems to detect missile launches and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles and a readout integrated circuit that allows aircraft to track incoming threats in low-visibility environments.Gong also allegedly transferred files containing trade secrets relating to the development of "next generation" sensors capable of detecting low-observable targets while demonstrating increased survivability in space, as well as the blueprints for the mechanical assemblies used to house and cryogenically cool the companys sensors. That information was among the companys most important trade secrets and is worth hundreds of millions of dollars, according to the DOJ.CHINESE BIO-SMUGGLING SUSPECT CRIES IN COURT OVER FEDERAL DETENTIONMany of the files had warnings in bold letters that the information was proprietary, export-controlled and for "official use only."The FBI executed a search warrant on May 8, 2023 at Gong's temporary residence in Thousand Oaks, California, and also searched his vehicle and his person. Law enforcement recovered multiple digital devices belonging to Gong, some of which contained the company's propriety files. The complaint says the FBI, however, did not locate two hard drives Gong used to exfiltrate the companys trade secret and proprietary information, "and the whereabouts of those drives to date remains unknown."Prosecutors said Gong repeatedly denied processing those hard drives or knowing where they were located in May 2023 interviews with the FBI. Gong was arrested on federal charges on Feb. 7, 2024, but was later released on bond.Court documents say Gong first entered the United States in or around 1993 and became a U.S. citizen in 2011. His resume states that he earned a Master of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Clemson University and completed some PhD work at Stanford University, according to the complaint.Law enforcement also said Gong applied to "Talent Programs" administered by the Peoples Republic of China while he was employed at several major technology companies in the U.S. between approximately 2014 and 2022.While employed at a U.S. information technology company headquartered in Dallas, Gong in 2014 sent a business proposal to a contact at a high-tech research institute in China focused on both military and civilian products, prosecutors said. In the proposal, Gong described a plan to produce high-performance analog-to-digital converters like those produced by his employer.In another "Talent Program" application from September 2020, prosecutors said, Gong proposed to develop "low light/night vision" image sensors for use in military night vision goggles and civilian applications. Gongs proposal included a video presentation that contained the model number of a sensor developed by an international defense, aerospace, and security company where Gong worked from 2015 to 2019, according to the DOJ.Authorities said Gong traveled to China several times to seek "Talent Program" funding in order to develop sophisticated analog-to-digital converters. The Justice Department cited a 2019 email translated from Chinese in which Gong remarked that he "took a risk" by traveling to China to participate in the Talent Programs because he worked for "an American military industry company" and thought he could "do something" to contribute to Chinas "high-end military integrated circuits."