Collin Morikawa would like to forget about his trip overseas.The two-time major champion, who won the 2021 Open Championship at Royal St. Georges in England, missed the cut at both the Scottish Open and this year's final major at Royal Portrush.In a normal golf season, players can fine-tune their game for the end of the regular season to gear up for the FexEx Cup Playoffs - but this year, there's arguably an even bigger opportunity at hand.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe Ryder Cup returns to the United States this year, with the 2025 edition heading to Bethpage Black in Farmingale, New York. Morikawa has played for Team USA on four occasions - two Ryder Cups and two Presidents Cups. He also participated in the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.Morikawa, 28, believes it is the "biggest honor.""Any time you have the red, white, and blue on, it's like nothing else," Morikawa told Fox News Digital in a recent interview."We play such an individual sport even though we have a team behind us, were the ones that get all the credit when we play. But when you play for the red, white and blue, when you represent your country, whether its the Presidents Cup, Olympics, Ryder Cup, its the big one. Its not just playing for your team, its not just playing for the stakes, youre playing for the entire country. And when you have people in all walks of life come together at this one tournament rooting for your team, its truly the biggest honor."Thats all you can ask for, and when you have that weight youre holding for that week, and youre representing that, youll never lose that. Its something youll carry for the rest of your life, but in that moment, you want to do everything you can to bring the best golf and human you are."PGA'S COLLIN MORIKAWA SAYS STARRING IN 'HAPPY GILMORE 2' WAS A NO-BRAINER: 'IMMEDIATE YES'Morikawa has only three finishes in the top-20 or better since the RBC Heritage three months ago. However, he's been at the pinnacle of the sport before, and knows what it takes for a quick turnaround."Its so interesting. Sometimes, you feel like youre so far away from great golf, but youre actually a lot closer than you are. Its a degree here and there, a bounce here and there, a break in the first or second round that just kind of changes the entire week," Morikawa said. "We play four days, its a lot of golf, its a lot of time overspent that you have to just dwell on, but its just one little thing, and you never know what thats going to be."Thats why we wake up every day, keep working to try to get better. You have to accept it, and its just part of what we do. Yes, the past month hasnt been what I wanted, but doesnt mean that tomorrow cant be great, doesnt mean the playoffs wont be amazing, you just have to keep working and essentially not give up."Morikawa currently ranks eighth among American-born golfers in FedEx Cup points following his trip to the United Kingdom - the top-six automatically qualify for the 12-man team. His recent struggles, especially overseas, have none him no favors, and he knows it.However, with the never-give-up mentality he expressed, he feels he may be just fine (surely, his veteran presence gives him some bonus points)."Its a little bit of work to get to that automatic six," Morikawa said, "but Im very hopeful about it."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A trio of judges slowed the Trump administration's effort Wednesday to immediately deport Salvadorian migrant Kilmar Abrego Garcia for a second time, in a series of back-to-back court orders that were praised by Abrego's attorneys but had Trump officials posturing for a fight.The orders came in a span of 90 minutes from the U.S. districts of Tennessee and Maryland and halted, for now, the Trump administration's stated plans to have Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrest Abrego Garcia and immediately begin removal proceedings to deport him to a third country, such as Mexico or South Sudan. Justice Department officials acknowledged that plan in court earlier this month, telling a federal judge in Maryland that the handoff from U.S. marshals to ICE officials would likely take place outside the federal prison where Abrego Garcia is currently being held.Those fears were bolstered further after senior Trump administration officials took to social media Wednesday to rail against the string of court rulings. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin vowed on X Wednesday that Abrego Garcia "will never walk America's streets again.""The fact this unhinged judge is trying to tell ICE they cant arrest an MS-13 gang member, indicted by a grand jury for human trafficking, and subject to immigration arrest under federal law is LAWLESS AND INSANE," she said.'WOEFULLY INSUFFICIENT': US JUDGE REAMS TRUMP ADMIN FOR DAYS-LATE DEPORTATION INFOThe remarks prompted fresh concerns from immigration advocates, as well as lawyers for Abrego Garcia and his family."We have heightened, ongoing concerns about the Trump administration's compliance with any and all those involved" in the case, Chris Newman, an attorney who represents Abrego Garcias family, told Fox News Digital in an interview Wednesday after the orders.His concerns came despite the string of near-term victories for Abrego Garcia, aimed at affording him due process and access to counsel ahead of his removal.In Nashville, U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw on Wednesday ordered Abrego Garcia's release from criminal custody pending trial, writing in a 37-page ruling that the federal government "fails to provide any evidence that there is something in Abregos history, or his exhibited characteristics, that warrants detention."He also poured cold water on the dozens of allegations made by Trump officials, including by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem in Nashville last week, that Abrego Garcia is an MS-13 gang member."Based on the record before it, for the court to find that Abrego is member of or in affiliation with MS13, it would have to make so many inferences from the governments proffered evidence in its favor that such conclusion would border on fanciful," he said.SUPREME COURT FREEZES ORDER TO RETURN MAN FROM EL SALVADOR PRISONU.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes, tasked with implementing that order, stayed Abrego Garcia's release from criminal detention for 30 days, a request made by his attorneys earlier this week.Two minutes after Judge Crenshaws ruling, U.S. District Judge Paula Xinis, the judge overseeing his civil case in Maryland, issued an emergency order blocking the administration from immediately taking Abrego Garcia into ICE custody, citing concerns he would otherwise be removed immediately and without due process.She also ordered that Abrego Garcia be sent to the ICE Order of Supervision at the Baltimore Field Office, and that the Trump administration notify Abrego Garcia and his counsel of any plans to remove him to a third country 72 hours in advance, to ensure access to counsel and to challenge the country of removal.Lawyers for Abrego Garcia praised the court orders Wednesday, though they stressed there is a long road ahead and one that remains fraught with uncertainty."These rulings are a powerful rebuke of the governments lawless conduct and a critical safeguard for Kilmars due process rights," Simon Sandoval-Moshenberg, one of Abrego Garcias attorneys, said Wednesday.However, Abrego Garcias case has been the center of a monthslong legal maelstrom and is one that critics argue has allowed the Trump administration to test its mettle on immigration enforcement and its ability to slow-walk or evade compliance with federal courts.Whether the administration will appeal the orders Wednesday, or otherwise honor them, remains to be seen.The Supreme Court has in recent months sided with the Trump administration on a number of key court cases, as well as a flurry of emergency orders, suggesting they could move for emergency intervention at that level.Though justices on the high court ordered unanimously that the Trump administration facilitate Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S. earlier from El Salvador this year, it's unclear whether they would intervene at this point to head off the administration's planned removal. Any challenge to the Tennessee orders, including the 30-day stay, would also be heard by the conservative-majority U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, which could block the lower court orders from taking force.Others noted the Trump administration's posture in recent immigration cases, including in the wake of their removal of hundreds of migrants to El Salvador's CECOT prison earlier this year.Critics argue the Trump administration has been slow, or downright recalcitrant, to comply with court orders and their actions prompted two judges in Washington, D.C., and Maryland to threaten potential contempt proceedings earlier this year. U.S. District Judge James Boasberg's April ruling, which found there was probable cause to hold the administration in contempt for violating his order blocking them from using a wartime law to deport migrants to CECOT, was stayed by a federal appeals court.On the other hand, Trump officials have railed against the "activist" judges, who they argue have blocked their agenda and overstepped their court powers.Lawyers for Abrego Garcia and his family say they are clear-eyed about the administration and expected attempts to challenge the orders, even while the details of the efforts remain unclear."Its now a matter of public record that their posture since the beginning is to say, F--- you to the courts," Newman, the lawyer for Abrego Garcias family, said in an interview."So, to say that we are being vigilant about potential bad faith efforts by the Trump administration would be an understatement," he said.

Sen.JohnFettermanmay be a Democrat, but on theissue of banningcashless-onlybusinesses, hes 100% right andevery small business owner, working-class Americanandfinancial realist should take note.As a financial plannerandentrepreneur, Ive seen how pushing the U.S. toward a fullycashlesssociety doesnt just inconvenience people ithurtsthem. It widens the wealth gap, excludes millions from daily commerceandputsMainStreetbusinessesat a competitive disadvantage.WhenFettermansays,"Its simple its legal tender. If you accept money, you have to accept all money,"hes not just making a populist statement. Hes standing up for every American who gets punished simply for trying to pay with the money they earned.CashlessPolicies Punish the Working ClassLets look at the numbers:HOW THE CBO GOT IT WRONG AGAIN: TRUMP'S ECONOMIC BILL SET TO GENERATE TRILLIONS IN SURPLUS, NOT DEBTWhen a store refuses cash, its essentially telling millions of people especially seniors, low-income earnersandminorities that their moneyisnt welcome.AsthePennsylvania senator put it,"We cant let stores discriminate against people just because they dont have a credit card or a smartphone."Cashless= ClasslessThis push toward acashlesseconomyisdriven by tech elites who assume everyone has digital access. Arent you sickandtired of the guilt tipping button that now asks you for 20 or 25 or 30% tip with a server watching over you to see what you are going to give them. But thisisnt Silicon Valley its America. Here, you should be able to buy lunch or medicine with a few bucks in your pocket.Andfor manyAmericans, cashisnt optional itsessential.LEFT'S TARIFF DOOMSDAY PREDICTIONS FALL FLAT AS TRUMP'S AMERICA THRIVESWhyIts Bad for BusinessAs someone who works with business owners every dayandhaving owned a concrete driveway installation company, I can tell you, goingcashlessisbadfor business. Here'swhy:PrivacyandSurveillance ConcernsEvery digital transactionistracked. Your location, purchasesandhabits are catalogedandmonetized by Big Techandbanks.TRUMP'S TARIFF STRATEGY CAN WORK BUT AMERICA STILL NEEDS DEEPER ECONOMIC REFORMCash, on the other hand,protectsprivacy. No monthly statements, no tracking, no algorithms.The more we give up cash, the more control we give away to institutions that charge fees, track behaviorandlimit access.The Federal Fix: A Simple Ban on Refusing CashCities like Philadelphia, San FranciscoandNewYork have already bannedcashless-only retail. Its time to go national.Fettermans proposed federal law would:CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONIts not about resisting innovation its about ensuringinclusion. Legal tender should mean what it says:legalfor all debts, publicandprivate.Final Thought: CashIsEconomic FreedomOnce we lose cash, we lose a piece of our freedom. We become more dependent on banks, appsandcompanies that profit off our transactionsandcontrol access to our own money.Fettermannailed it:"Were going to keep pushing until every American regardless of income can walk into a storeandbuy what they need with a few bucks in their pocket."Hes right.Andif we care about fairness, privacyandkeepingMainStreetopen to all, we need to get behind him.Because cashisnt just currency. Itseconomic liberty andits worth protecting.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM TED JENKIN

"The Late Show" wasn't just a platform for Democrats under Stephen Colbert's tenure, it was also one for left-wing journalists and hosts.Fox News Digital has counted at least 200 episodes of "The Late Show" that featured members of the liberal media.The far-left politics of "The Late Show" have been facing scrutiny after CBS announced last week that it was pulling the plug on Colbert's program, which will officially wrap up in May 2026.LATE-NIGHT LINEUPS FOR FIRST HALF OF 2025 FEATURE OVERWHELMINGLY LEFT-LEANING GUESTS, STUDY SHOWSAccording to IMDB search results, CNN anchor and "60 Minutes" correspondent Anderson Cooper holds the record with 20 formal guest appearances on "The Late Show."Cooper showed his support for Colbert on Monday in a cameo appearance as part of an audience gag mocking CBS parent company Paramount and President Donald Trump.Other journalists and hosts who were top "Late Show" guests included CNN anchor Jake Tapper, with 12 appearances, the "Pod Save America" Obama bros with 11, MSNBC's Chris Hayes with 10 and MSNBC's Rachel Maddow and "The View" co-host Whoopi Goldberg with eight apiece, per IMDB.Colbert frequently rolled out the red carpet for his CBS colleagues in the news division for cross-promotion. John Dickerson has tallied 19 appearances, Gayle King notched 14, Norah O'Donnell has six, and Margaret Brennan has three. Several times, the CBS hosts made joint appearances, like King with her "CBS Morning" colleagues.Similarly, John Heilemann and Alex Wagner, prominent MSNBC analysts, both made at least ten appearances, thanks in part to their stints hosting the political docuseries "The Circus" that aired on Showtime, a sister network under the Paramount umbrella.CBS HOST POURS COLD WATER ON LIBERAL OUTRAGE TO COLBERT CANCELLATION, SAYS LATE-NIGHT INDUSTRY IS 'BROKEN'JON STEWART BLASTS CBS FOR CANCELING COLBERT'S SHOW, CALLS IT PATH OF LEAST RESISTANCE FOR CORPORATE MERGERThe late-night CBS host welcomed liberal journalists from rival broadcast networks like ABC's George Stephanopoulos and Jonathan Karl as well as NBC's Savannah Guthrie, Craig Melvin and Jacob Soboroff.Hosts on CNN and MSNBC, which both leaned into anti-Trump politics throughout Colbert's run, were regulars at the Ed Sullivan Theater. "Morning Joe" co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski have made four joint appearances, as did Joy Reid before her firing from MSNBC earlier this year. Nicolle Wallace, Jen Psaki and Lawrence O'Donnell of MSNBC and Christiane Amanpour of CNN International have each made three appearances.Other CNN and MSNBC stars, past and present, who've joined Colbert over the years include Brian Stelter, Jim Acosta, Don Lemon, Chris Cuomo, Katy Tur, Ari Melber, Kaitlan Collins, Abby Philip, Laura Coates, Van Jones, Donny Deutsch, Audie Cornish, Jim Sciutto and Chris Matthews.Other notable media figures that have also made "Late Show" appearances over the years include Katie Couric, Bob Costa, Ana Navarro, Maggie Haberman, Nikole Hannah-Jones, Ta-Nehisi Coates, Wesley Lowery, Scott Pelley, Lesley Stahl, Ezra Klein, Susan Glasser, April Ryan, Jorge Ramos, John Avlon, Margaret Hoover, Ronan Farrow, Michael Wolff, Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein.COLBERT'S MANAGER KNEW OF SHOW'S CANCELLATION WEEKS BEFORE HOST, SHOW AXED FOR FINANCIAL REASONS: REPORTLiberals have been outraged over Colbert's shocking cancellation. Many of them, including Jon Stewart, believe the move was meant to kowtow to Trump and not because of the show's finances as CBS claimed.But Colbert's show was reportedly losing CBS $40 million a year and that it had been running on a whopping $100 million budget per season.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPWhile the liberal late-night hosts are struggling, Fox News Channel's "Gutfeld!" averaged 3.1 million viewers through July 20, compared to 1.9 million for CBS outgoing "Late Show." During that same time period, ABCs "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" averaged 1.5 million, NBCs "The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon" averaged 1.1 million, and NBCs "Late Night with Seth Meyers" managed 751,000.When it comes to the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults aged 25-54, "Gutfeld!" averaged 398,000 of the viewers most coveted by advertisers, compared to 288,000 for Colbert.

At least 12 people have died as violent clashes escalate along the Thailand-Cambodia border. Amid the rising tensions, Thailand has closed its border with Cambodia.One of Thailands six F-16 fighter jets along its disputed border fired into Cambodia and destroyed a military target, according to Reuters, which cited the Thai army. The outlet added that Cambodias Ministry of National Defense said the jets dropped two bombs on a road. The ministry said that it "strongly condemns the reckless and brutal military aggression of the Kingdom of Thailand against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cambodia," according to Reuters.WORLD LEADER SUSPENDED FROM OFFICE OVER LEAKED PHONE CALL AFTER DEADLY BORDER DISPUTELate on Wednesday, Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia and announced it would expel the ambassador from Cambodia. On Thursday, Cambodia downgraded its diplomatic relations with Thailand to the lowest level and recalled all staff from its embassy in Bangkok, the Associated Press reported. Additionally, the Cambodian Foreign Ministry demanded all Thai diplomatic staff leave the country.Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said he would speak to the leaders of both countries by the end of the day, according to the BBC. Malaysia is currently serving as the chair of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), putting Ibrahim in a position to mediate, as both Cambodia and Thailand are member states.PAKISTAN WARNS OF A 'NUCLEAR FLASHPOINT,' URGES TRUMP TO STEP IN AMID RISING TENSIONS WITH INDIA OVER KASHMIRThe U.S. Embassy in Bangkok and the U.S. Embassy in Phnom Penh advised American citizens living in or traveling near the border area to follow the directions of local security personnel.This comes almost exactly one month after both embassies warned U.S. citizens in their respective countries against going near the border. The State Department issued a "Level 1 with risk" travel advisory just above the lowest level urging Americans to exercise caution, though travel is permitted.While it is unclear how the latest clashes between Cambodia and Thailand began, the violence follows a dispute in May, during which troops from both sides exchanged fire. According to The Associated Press, both sides said they acted in self-defense and one Cambodian soldier was killed.Following the flare-up in May, both countries took retaliatory actions, with Thailand stopping nearly all border crossings before ultimately closing them entirely. Meanwhile, Cambodia banned Thai movies and TV.

Paige Spiranac has gone toe-to-toe with critics on social media about everything from her golf swing to the way she markets herself, to the way she dresses on the course.Shes not one for backing down.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMIn an interview with People magazine, Spiranac again fired back at critics who want her to dress a certain way when she plays the game."I just try to embrace who I am when I talk about that," she told the outlet. "My main message is always do what you want to do, wear what you want to wear. And for me, that's wearing things that are a little bit more sexy, more form-fitting, but also just finding your own individual style."Spiranac was a top golfer for San Diego State when she played in the Mountain West Conference. Instead of turning pro, she took a different route and has become one of the most-followed sports personalities on social media.She explained to Sports Illustrated a few years ago that she was a gymnast when she was younger and most of what she wore was form-fitting. When she decided to try her hand at golf, she explained she didnt have the luxury of buying golf attire, so she wore workout clothes."And so I started wearing tank tops and leggings, and it just caused such an uproar of just people upset about no collar, and what I was wearing, and disrespecting the game, and also just exposing my body," Spiranac told People.GOLF INFLUENCER TISHA ALYN CARVES HER OWN PATH IN THE SPORT"And I'm like, I'm an athlete and I like what I wear. I feel very comfortable with what I wear. And also, I don't want young girls to grow up feeling insecure about their body or everyone telling them, no, they should cover up. They should be proud of their body, especially with how much hard work they put into it when they're eating right and working out."In July 2023, shecalled out the "hypocrisy"of comments in a video showing two half-naked baseball players on the mound. She noted that the players werent getting negative comments about what they were doing."Interesting how different the reaction is online when men choose to show off their bodies," she wrote on X at the time. "Not one comment on this video calling them attention whores or sluts. Just a ton of women saying baseball is now their favorite sport but those same women harshly judge me. The hypocrisy lol."Spiranac is set to make a cameo appearance in "Happy Gilmore 2."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Justice Department has formed a "strike force" to assess the evidence publicized by Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard relating to former President Obama and his top national security and intelligence officials' involvement in the origins of the Trump-Russia collusion narrative.The DOJ, on Wednesday evening, announced the formation of the "strike force," to investigate potential next legal steps which may stem from Gabbard's recent declassification of records suggesting that Obama administration officials "manufactured" intelligence to form the narrative that then-candidate Donald Trump was colluding with Russia to influence the 2016 presidential election.Justice Department officials told Fox News Digital that the DOJ takes the alleged weaponization of the intelligence community with "the utmost seriousness."A source familiar with the strike force told Fox News Digital that everything is being reviewed and that no serious lead is off the table.The source told Fox News Digital that the National Security Division of the Justice Department will "likely be involved in the investigation."BRENNAN DIRECTED PUBLICATION OF 'IMPLAUSIBLE' REPORTS CLAIMING PUTIN PREFERRED TRUMP IN 2016, HOUSE FOUND"The Department of Justice is proud to work with my friend Director Gabbard and we are grateful for her partnership in delivering accountability for the American people," Attorney General Pam Bondi said."We will investigate these troubling disclosures fully and leave no stone unturned to deliver justice," she said.The strike force consists of teams made up of investigators and prosecutors that focus on "the worst offenders engaged in fraudulent activities, including, chiefly, health care fraud, wire fraud, mail fraud, bank fraud, money laundering offenses, false statements offenses," and more, according to the DOJ.The formation of the strike force comes after a slew of developments related to the origins of the Trump-Russia investigation.RUSSIA SAT ON INTEL OF HILLARY CLINTON'S ALLEGED HEAVY TRANQUILIZERS USE, NEW DOCS CLAIMEarlier this month, CIA Director John Ratcliffe sent a criminal referral for former CIA Director John Brennan to the FBI.The referral came after Ratcliffe declassified a "lessons learned" review of the creation of the 2017 Intelligence Community Assessment (ICA). The 2017 ICA alleged Russia sought to influence the 2016 presidential election to help then-candidateDonald Trump. But the review found that the process of the ICA's creation was rushed with "procedural anomalies," and that officials diverted from intelligence standards.It also determined that the "decision by agency heads to include the Steele Dossier in the ICA ran counter to fundamental tradecraft principles and ultimately undermined the credibility of a key judgment."The dossier an anti-Trump document filled with unverified and wholly inaccurate claims that was commissioned by Fusion GPS and paid for by Democrat presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign and the DNC has been widely discredited. Last week's review marks the first time careerCIAofficials have acknowledged politicization of the process by which the ICA was written, particularly by Obama-era political appointees.Records declassified as part of that review further revealed that Brennan did, in fact, push for the dossier to be included in the 2017 ICA.FBI Director Kash Patel received the criminal referral and opened an investigation into Brennan.Patel also opened a criminal investigation into former FBI Director James Comey.The full scope of the criminal investigations into Brennan and Comey is unclear, but two sources described the FBI's view of the duo's interactions as a "conspiracy," which could open up a wide range of potential prosecutorial options.The FBI and CIA declined to comment.Neither Brennan nor Comey immediately responded to Fox News Digitals request for comment.Days later, Gabbard declassified documents revealing "overwhelming evidence" that demonstrated how, after President Donald Trump won the 2016 election against Hillary Clinton, then-President Barack Obama and his national security team laid the groundwork for what would be the yearslong TrumpRussia collusion probe.OBAMA OFFICIALS ADMITTED THEY HAD NO 'EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE' OF TRUMP-RUSSIA COLLUSION: HOUSE INTEL TRANSCRIPTSGabbard said the documents revealed that Obama administration officials "manufactured and politicizedintelligence"to create the narrative that Russia was attempting to influence the 2016 presidential election, despite information from the intelligence community stating otherwise.The new documents name former President Barack Obama, top officials in his National Security Council, then-Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, then-CIA Director John Brennan, then-National Security Advisor Susan Rice, then-Secretary of State John Kerry, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, and then-Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, among others.Gabbard, on Monday, sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department related to those findings. DOJ officials did not share further details on whom the criminal referral was for.And on Wednesday, Gabbard declassified documents that showed that the intelligence community did not have any direct informationthat Russian President Vladimir Putin wanted to help elect Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential election, but, at the "unusual" direction of then-President Barack Obama, published "potentially biased" or "implausible" intelligence suggesting otherwise.That information came from a report prepared by the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence back in 2020.The report, which was based on an investigation launched by former House Intelligence Committee Chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., was dated Sept. 18, 2020. At the time of the publication of the report, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., was the chairman of the committee.The report has never before been released to the public, and instead, has remained highly classified within the intelligence community.Meanwhile, Fox News Digital, in 2020, exclusively obtained the declassified transcripts from Obama-era national security officials closed-door testimonies before the House Intelligence Committee, in which those officials testified that they had no"empirical evidence"of a conspiracy between the Trump campaign and Russia in the 2016 election, but continued to publicly push the "narrative" of collusion.The House Intelligence Committee, in 2017, conducted depositions oftop Obama intelligence officials,including Director of National Intelligence James Clapper, National Security Advisor Susan Rice and Attorney General Loretta Lynch, among others.OBAMA DENIES TRUMP'S 'BIZARRE ALLEGATIONS' THAT HE WAS RUSSIAGATE 'RINGLEADER' IN RARE STATEMENTThe officials responses in the transcripts of those interviews align with the results of former Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation which found no evidence of criminal coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia in 2016, while not reaching a determination on obstruction of justice.The transcripts, from 2017 and 2018, revealed top Obama officials were questioned by House Intelligence Committee lawmakers and investigators about whether they had or had seen evidence of such collusion, coordination or conspiracy the issue that drove the FBI's initial case and later the special counsel probe."I never saw any direct empirical evidence that the Trump campaign or someone in it was plotting/conspiring with the Russians to meddle with the election," Clapper testified in 2017."Thats not to say that there werent concerns about the evidence we were seeing, anecdotal evidence.... But I do not recall any instance where I had direct evidence."Lynch also said she did "not recall that being briefed up to me.""I can't say that it existed or not," Lynch said, referring to evidence of collusion, conspiracy or coordination.But Clapper and Lynch, and then Vice President Joe Biden, were present in the Oval Office July 28, 2016, when Brennan briefed Obama and Comey on intelligence hed received from one ofHillary Clinton'scampaign foreign policy advisors "to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security service.""Were getting additional insight into Russian activities from (REDACTED)," Brennans handwritten notes, exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital in October 2020, read. "CITE(summarizing) alleged approved by Hillary Clinton a proposal from one of her foreign policy advisers to vilify Donald Trump by stirring up a scandal claiming interference by the Russian security service."Meanwhile, former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power, according to the transcript of her interview to the House Intelligence Committee, was asked whether she had or saw any evidence of collusion or conspiracy.OBAMA ADMIN 'MANUFACTURED' INTELLIGENCE TO CREATE 2016 RUSSIAN ELECTION INTERFERENCE NARRATIVE, DOCUMENTS SHOWPower replied: "I am not in possession of anything I am not in possession and didnt read or absorb information that came from out of the intelligence community."When asked again, she said:"I am not."Rice was asked the same question."To the best of my recollection, there wasnt anything smoking, but there were some things that gave me pause," she said, according to her transcribed interview, in response to whether she had any evidence of conspiracy. "I dont recall intelligence that I would consider evidence to that effect that I saw conspiracy prior to my departure."When asked whether she had any evidence of "coordination," Rice replied: "I dont recall any intelligence or evidence to that effect."Meanwhile, former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe was not asked that specific questionbut rather questions about the accuracy and legitimacy of the unverified anti-Trump dossier compiled by ex-British intelligence officer Christopher Steele.McCabe was asked during his interview in 2017 what was the most "damning or important piece of evidence in the dossier that" he "now knows is true."McCabe replied: "We have not been able to prove the accuracy of all the information.""You dont know if its true or not?" aHouse investigator asked, to which McCabe replied: "That's correct."OBAMA OFFICIALS USED DOSSIER TO PROBE, BRIEF TRUMP DESPITE KNOWING IT WAS UNVERIFIED 'INTERNET RUMOR'After Trumps 2016 victory and during the presidential transition period, Comey briefed Trump on the now-infamous anti-Trump dossier, containing salacious allegations of purported coordination between Trump and the Russian government. Brennan was present for that briefing, which took place at Trump Tower in New York City in January 2017.The dossier was authored by Steele. It was funded by Clintons presidential campaign and the Democratic National Committee through the law firm Perkins Coie.But Brennan and Comey knew of intelligence suggesting Clinton, during the campaign, was stirring up a plan to tie Trump to Russia, documents claim. It is unclear whether the intelligence community, at the time, knew that the dossier was paid for by Clinton and the DNC.The Obama-era officials have been mum on the new revelations, but a spokesman for Obama on Tuesday made a rare public statement.FBI LAUNCHES CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF JOHN BRENNAN, JAMES COMEY: DOJ SOURCES"Out of respect for the office of the presidency, our office does not normally dignify the constant nonsense and misinformation flowing out of this White House with a response," Obama spokesman Patrick Rodenbush said in a statement. "But these claims are outrageous enough to merit one.""These bizarre allegations are ridiculous and a weak attempt at distraction," Obama's spokesman continued. "Nothing in the document issued last week undercuts the widely accepted conclusion thatRussia worked to influence the 2016 presidential election but did not successfully manipulate any votes."He added: "These findings were affirmed in a 2020 report by the bipartisan Senate Intelligence Committee, led by then-Chairman Marco Rubio."

A former New York City Democratic assembly member, who now runs the New York Apartment Association, tells Fox News Digital that socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdanis rent freeze plan would be disastrous for the citys housing crisis."His proposal to freeze the rent on rent-stabilized housing, which is almost 40% of housing stock within New York City, a housing stock that is already under the stress by which the NYU Furman Center has categorized as 200,000 units functionally bankrupt. A rent freeze would be the nail in the coffin on this housing stock," NYAA CEO Kenny Burgos told Fox News Digital."So if he's attempting to achieve affordability, what he's instead going to achieve is insolvency."Mamdani hasfaced criticism from some experts overhis plan to freeze rent for certain tenants in New York City.ZOHRAN MAMDANI FIRES BACK AT WHITE HOUSE MISPRONOUNCING HIS NAME: 'M-A-M-D-A-N-I'His campaign website states, "As Mayor, Zohran will immediately freeze the rent for all stabilized tenants, and use every available resource to build the housing New Yorkers need and bring down the rent. The number one reason working families are leaving our city is the housing crisis. The Mayor has the power to change that."Burgos told Fox News Digital that the housing problem in the first place was "perpetuated by the government.""Government controls most of the costs that goes into housing, the largest of which is property taxes and when it comes to rent-stabilized housing, the government caps the revenues on this housing," Burgos explained. "So if we were to solve this affordability crisis, we have to begin by decreasing the cost to operating housing. First step is property tax. Next will be insurance, then we can talk labor, fuel, water. There's a host of costs that the government has impact on, and we have to have these conversations as opposed to just capping rents."MAMDANI SILENT AFTER BORDER PATROL OFFICER ALLEGEDLY SHOT BY ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT IN NYCBurgos told Fox News Digital that his organization represents owners of all sizes, from small properties to large, many of which have operated for decades, and they have told him the current situation is the "worst crisis" since the 1970s."So when you have a potential mayor who's coming in and whose number one policy position is to freeze the rent, the very revenue that makes this housing run while all other expenses continue to increase at extremely high levels, even higher than inflation, and we are headed for a cliff that we may not be able to get back off of, and when you talk about New York City's housing problem as a whole, not just around stabilized housing, but it has public housing and all other housing involved, I mean, this is a catastrophe waiting to happen," Burgos said.Burgos outlined his belief that the "irony" of Mamdani's proposal is that low-income and working-class voters, who Mamdani has championed on campaign stops, will actually be hurt by his housing policies."Unfortunately this crisis is felt acutely in some of the lower-income neighborhoods, particularly communities of color and while they would absolutely benefit from a potential relief on increase in bills, we can talk about that relief through targeted programs from the government," Burgos, who served in the assembly with Mamdani, said."But when you blanket it, you actually subject these individuals and these families to subpar housing and potentially the collapse of their building. So this is one of those short-term band-aids that end up into a really, really long-term wound."Burgos told Fox News Digital that he understands housing is one of the top issues facing New Yorkers but argued that the answer isn't "simply giving out slogans" but rather "addressing affordability and addressing costs head on" which sometimes involves "really tough conversations."Burgos went on to explain that the majority of New York City's funding comes from property taxes and that Mamdani will have a difficult time achieving his "big ticket proposals" with a housing plan that will "decimate and destroy" the very housing that supports that funding.Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani's campaign for comment.

A senior former Biden administration official is appearing before House investigators on Thursday.Ronald Klain served as former President Joe Biden's chief of staff in the first half of his term, from the beginning of his term in January 2021 until early February 2023.He is expected to sit down with staff from the House Oversight Committee behind closed doors on Thursday morning for a voluntary transcribed interview.Committee Chair James Comer, R-Ky., is investigating whether Biden's top White House aides concealed signs of mental decline in the then-president, and if that meant executive actions were signed via autopen without his knowledge.Biden maintained he "made every decision" in a recent interview with The New York Times.Klain is the sixth ex-White House official to appear as part of Comer's probe, and the third to appear on voluntary terms.Former White House physician Kevin O'Connor, as well as senior advisors Annie Tomasini and Anthony Bernal, all appeared under subpoena.Each also pleaded the Fifth Amendment to avoid answering questions.Ex-staff secretary Neera Tanden and longtime Biden advisor Ashley Williams both appeared for voluntary transcribed interviews, like Klain.Both of their interviews lasted over four hours, though House GOP investigators appear to have gleaned little new information.Before serving as Biden's chief of staff, Klain worked in the same capacity when the Delaware Democrat was vice president during the Obama administration.He also served as a top advisor on Biden's 2020 presidential campaign.Most critical to investigators, perhaps, is the prominent role Klain reportedly played in preparing Biden for his disastrous June 2024 debate against now-President Donald Trump.Rep. Eric Burlison, R-Mo., a member of the Oversight Committee, shared some of the information he hoped would be gleaned from Klain's sitdown."Did you ever see a question of cognitive ability in the president? Were you aware that he was not making these decisions? Was he being led?" Burlison asked.Fox News Digital's Deirdre Heavey contributed to this report.

Two men will appear in court Thursday to face murder charges for the first time after three Kansas City Chiefs fans were found dead in the backyard of their friend's home in January 2024.On Thursday at 10 a.m. EST, the Platte County Circuit Court will hold a preliminary hearing for Jordan R. Willis and Ivory "Blade" Carson.The two are facing amended second-degree felony-murder charges in the deaths of three Kansas City Chiefs fans.The victims, Ricky Johnson,38, David Harrington,37, and Clayton McGeeney,36, were found dead in Williss backyard in January 2024, days after the group gathered to watch a Chiefs game.SUSPECTS IN KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS' DEATHS PLEAD NOT GUILTYThe story shocked the Kansas City area: the mens bodies were discovered outside in freezing temperatures.A forensic exam determined Harrington, McGeeney, and Johnson "all died of fentanyl and cocaine combined toxicity," according to court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital.Prosecutors allege Willis and Carson supplied the drugs that led to the fatal overdoses, and now the state is pursuing murder charges under Missouris felony murder rule.The men have pleaded not guilty.Thursdays hearing will determine whether theres enough evidence to proceed to trial.Willis is currently out on bond and Carson remains in custody. Both expected to appear in person.KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS DEATHS: PROSECUTORS SEEK TOUGHER CHARGESMcGeeney's fiance, April Mahoney, called authorities after discovering the frozen bodies of the trio on Jan. 9, 2024. The friends had gathered at Willis' rental property to watch the Chiefs play the Los Angeles Chargers around 7 p.m. on Jan. 7, 2024.Mahoney, according to court documents, grew alarmed that her fianc had seemingly disappeared eventually going to the home and spotting McGeeney's red Ford F-150 pickup truck parked outside the residence.Repeated door knocking yielded no response, leading Mahoney to climb through a basement window, documents revealed."They located an isolated deceased person on the back patio and called police," documents say, without specifying which body was first found.Court documents note that all three of the victims were found deceased in the backyard of the home.TWO CHARGED IN KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FANS' DEATHS 14 MONTHS AFTER BODIES FOUND FROZEN IN BACKYARDWhen police arrived at the single-family home, Mahoney told authorities that her fianc would drink and use cocaine. She noted that McGeeney "would get low on money," and Willis would "usually supply cocaine to his friends."Police wrote in court documents that they discovered a bag of a "white powdery substance" in the top drawer of an end table and a second bag of "white powdery substance" on top of the entertainment center in the living room.READ THE PROBABLE CAUSE: MOBILE USERS CLICK HEREWillis told police on Jan. 9 that he believed McGeeney, Harrington and Johnson had left his home on Jan. 8 around 4 a.m., according to court documents. Willis' attorney, John Picerno, previously told Fox News Digital that his client went to sleep while the four men were still awake and hanging out at the house.Picerno also previously revealed to FOX 4 that Willis was asleep with ear buds and a loud fan on.FAMILY OF KANSAS CITY CHIEFS FAN FOUND DEAD OUTSIDE PAL'S HOUSE THINKS HE WAS DRUGGEDTwo other unidentified witnesses, who were present at the football watch party, told police that they "drank, smoked marijuana and used cocaine." One of the witnesses said that he left "shortly before midnight" on Jan. 8, documents said.Another witness said that before heading to Willis' rental home, he saw a "large plate of cocaine allegedly supplied by Mr. Willis that everyone was using" at Harrington's home, the documents said.Court records also indicated that Carson, who went by "Blade Brown," allegedly supplied and sold cocaine to Willis and the victims, and that his DNA was found on a bag of fentanyl.WATCH: Families of Chiefs fans demand answersThe Kansas City Police Department said that it investigated the three deaths for 14 months before charges were filed."KCPD detectives never stopped working on the case, waiting for all the facts to come in. Reaching this point is a testament to their dedication to delivering justice for the victims and their loved ones," Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves said Wednesday.Fox News' Stepheny Price contributed to this report.