Aaron Rodgers kicked off his tenure in Pittsburgh with an interception on his first pass inthe Steelers first team period on Thursday. But the veteran NFL quarterback isnt viewing it as a bad omen."Its good to get that out the way,"Rodgers told reporters with a smile during the teams post-practice media availability."Anybody thats watched me practice over the years you know, you like to try certain throws at certain times anybody thats watched me in the games knows Ive been pretty stellar taking care of thefootball over the years."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEW.COMRodgers, 41, signed with the Steelers last month after a disappointing two-year stint with theNew York Jets. Injury hampered the four-time league MVPs hopes of bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to New York, and his second season didnt fare any better.But one bad pass wont make or break the season, Rodgers said Thursday admitting that pick certainly wont be the only one fans see this season."Theres going to be picks, for sure. Im going to try to fit certain things in you gotta deal with some sweat on the ball from time to time. So, its going to be a good challenge for me throwing in this heat every single day. I look forward to it, but I'm gonna throw some picks, but I'm gonna throw some touchdowns, too."STEELERS' AARON RODGERS SAYS HE'S 'PRETTY SURE' THIS SEASON WILL BE HIS FINAL ONERodgers was every bit confident in his ability to turn the Jets organization around after he joined the team in 2023. He has seemingly maintained that optimism in Pittsburgh despite how things ended in New York."I think that there's really only six to eight that really have a legitimate chance [at winning the Super Bowl]," Rodgers said. "Sometimes, it's 10 to 12, and there's teams that surprise you, but I would say on paper, we're probably one of those 10 to 12."Rodgers threw for 3,987 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 17 games last season.The Associated Presscontributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Pentagon has suspended participation in all think tank events until further notice, departing from a history of dialogue with Washingtons civilian national security realm.The move is an attempt "to ensure the Department of Defense is not lending its name and credibility to organizations, forums and events that run counter to the values of this administration.""Going forward, no DOD official will attend events by America Last organizations that promote globalism and hate (President Donald Trump)," Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson wrote on X.In the future, the Defense Department (DOD)s Office of Public Affairs will conduct a "thorough vetting" every time an official is invited to a conference to decide whether the event advances Trumps agenda.HEGSETH ORDERS SWEEPING ARMY OVERHAUL AND CONSOLIDATION AIMED AT COUNTERING CHINA AND GOLDEN DOME CAPABILITIESSuch security events often are funded by foreign governments or defense contractors and serve as a space for such players to push a message or a product they sell to key officials and for defense officials to put out a message of their own from the U.S. government.The move comes after the Pentagon yanked its officials from participation in the Aspen Security Forum a gathering of defense-minded industry leaders and researchers.Wilson had said the secretarys office believed that event "promotes the evil of globalism, disdain for our great country, and hatred for the President of the United States."Several top military officials had been scheduled to speak at the event.HEGSETH ABRUPTLY PULLS PENTAGON OFFICIALS FROM 'GLOBALIST' ASPEN CONFERENCEHistorically, defense secretaries have participated in defense conferences and think tank events like the Munich Security Conference or the Reagan Defense Forum.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHegseth skipped out on the Munich Security Conference but attended the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore in May.Aspen previously told Fox News Digital, "For more than a decade, the Aspen Security Forum has welcomed senior officials Republican and Democrat, civilian and military as well as senior foreign officials and experts, who bring experience and diverse perspectives on matters of national security. We will miss the participation of the Pentagon, but our invitations remain open."

A California man was federally charged for allegedly scamming more than $2 million from people over popular dating apps by posing as someone who was "financially successful and knowledgeable about investments," prosecutors said.Christopher Earl Lloyd, 39, of Whittier, is now facing a 14-count federal indictment in connection with the alleged scheme he carried out for nearly three years on dating apps such as Tinder, Hinge and Bumble, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office of the Central District of California."According to the indictment that a federal grand jury returned on July 2, from April 2021 to February 2024, Lloyd used dating apps and websites to befriend and engage in romantic relationships with his victims. Lloyd lied to his victims to give them the impression that he was financially successful and knowledgeable about investments," the Attorneys Office said."Lloyd fraudulently induced his victims to provide money and property to him, including in the form of purported investments, by telling them he knew of investment opportunities that would benefit them. Lloyd also told his victims that he would invest their money, that they would receive regular returns on these investments, and that they could withdraw these investments at any time," it added.UK MAN INDICTED IN ALLEGED $99M WINE FRAUD SCHEME THAT LEFT INVESTORS HIGH AND DRYHowever, Lloyd used the money that his victims sent him for his own personal benefit, prosecutors said."For example, in May 2023, Lloyd allegedly withdrew $40,000 in funds a victim sent him to write a check to a Lexus car dealership in Mission Viejo," according to prosecutors.They said Lloyd helped sell the scam by telling his victims that "he had closed on multiple properties, that he had been a financial manager for years, that he was the vice president of a company called Planet 13 Holdings, and that he worked for an investment company called Landmark Associates.""None of these statements was true," the Attorneys Office said.FEDS BUST ARMENIAN FRAUD RING ACCUSED OF STEALING $30M IN COVID, SMALL BUSINESS LOANSIt added that Lloyd "supported his false statements by signing contracts with victims that specified the investments that the victims were to make and setting a false schedule of investment returns" and that they then "sent him money, including via wire transfers, Cash App, Zelle, or cash payments."Lloyd was charged with 13 counts of wire fraud and one count of engaging in a monetary transaction in property derived from the fraud."If convicted, Lloyd would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each wire fraud count and up to 10 years in federal prison for the monetary transaction count," prosecutors said. "The FBI is investigating this matter."

The U.S. and Israel announced on Friday that their respective forces had killed terror leaders from ISIS and Hezbollah in separate counterterrorism operations.CENTCOM troops carried out a raid in al-Bab, Aleppo Governorate, Syria, and killed senior ISIS leader Dhiya Zawba Muslih al-Hardani and his two adult sons, who also have ties to the terror organization, according to a statement from CENTCOM.It added that three women and three children who "were also on the target" were unharmed in the raid."These ISIS individuals posed a threat to U.S. and Coalition Forces, as well as the new Syrian Government," CENTCOM said in a statement.CENTCOM ELIMINATES ISIS PLOTTER RESPONSIBLE FOR THREATENING US CITIZENS, PARTNERS AND CIVILIANSThe Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a U.K.-based organization, said the raid was the first of its kind. The group also stated that ground troops of SDF-backed special units and Damascus special forces participated in the operation, though Fox News Digital was unable to confirm their involvement.Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla, CENTCOM commander, vowed U.S. forces would "relentlessly pursue ISIS terrorists.""ISIS terrorists are not safe where they sleep, where they operate and where they hide," Kurilla said in a statement. "Alongside our partners and allies, U.S. Central Command is committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS terrorists that threaten the region, our allies and our homeland."IDF KILLS KEY HAMAS FOUNDER AND MASTERMIND OF OCT 7 TERROR ATTACK IN ISRAELThe Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced its troops had killed Ali Mohammad Hassan Qoutan, who served as the personnel officer for Hezbollahs Bint Jbeil sector. According to the IDF, Qoutan was involved in efforts to rebuild the organization, which was dealt a blow when Israel killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in September 2024.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"The terrorist's activities constitute a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon," the IDF wrote in a statement.Israel recently concluded a 12-day war with Iran while simultaneously fighting Hamas in Gaza in a war that has been ongoing since the brutal attacks of Oct. 7, 2023.

President Donald Trump's political team and top advisers to Republican Gov. Brian Kemp of Georgia apparently aren't on the same page when it comes to the key southeastern battleground state's Republican Senate primary.The race is crucial for Republicans aiming to expand their Senate majority, as Sen. Jon Ossoff, who is running for re-election in a state that Trump narrowly carried in last year's election, is viewed by the GOP as the most vulnerable Democrat seeking re-election in next year's midterm elections.Kemp, a popular two-term conservative governor whom Trump had heavily criticized in the past, was courted by national Republicans to take on Ossoff. But Kemp, who is term-limited, announced earlier this year that he would pass on a 2026 Senate run.Sources in Trump's political orbit and Republican sources in Georgia confirm to Fox News that there was an agreement between the presidents political operation and Kemps political team that they would work together to find a candidate that they could all unify behind to take on Ossoff in the Senate race.FIRST ON FOX: TRUMP HOUSE ALLY TO LAUNCH SENATE BID NEXT WEEK IN KEY BATTLEGROUND STATEThose sources also confirm that Kemp and Trump the ultimate kingmaker in GOP politics met two weeks ago to discuss the Senate race in Georgia.But when the governor floated the name of former University of Tennessee football coach Derek Dooley, a source close to the president's political team said "they were told to stand down, because Trumps team wasnt ready to move forward on anybody."And when Kemp and his team did move forward with Dooley, it upset Trumps advisers, who, according to sources, were "already pretty annoyed" that Kemp had passed earlier this year on taking on Ossoff in the Senate race.POPULAR GOP GOVERNOR PASSES ON SENATE BID IN 2026"We had a deal to work together,"a top political source in the Trump orbit told Fox News on Friday."Kemp went out on his own which has frustrated and pissed off Trump orbit."The source added that "the best option for the GOP in Georgia was and is Brian Kemp. Unfortunately, he has chosen the path of the weak, and instead of leading has decided to circumvent and self-anoint a candidate no one has heard of and the president hasnt met.""The operation that delivered the win in Georgia was the Trump organization not a faux operation its hard to see it rallying behind the blind ambition of someone more interested in 2028 than in 2026," the source said, in a not-so-veiled reference to Kemp's potential interest in seeking the 2028 Republican presidential nomination.Kemp's political team first floated the Dooley trial balloon about two months ago. A longtime Georgia-based Republican strategist said the reaction in the Peach State among Republicans "was very negative."Dooley, who is the son of former longtime University of Georgia football coach Vince Dooley, is close with Kemp, who is a longtime friend.And Dooley has hired two top Kemp political advisers to help with his potential Senate campaign.A Republican source in Georgia says a decision by Dooley on whether he'll run could come as early as next week.Republican Rep. Mike Collins, a Trump ally and supporter in the House, will announce his candidacy for the Senate next week, sources with knowledge told Fox News Digital on Friday.Republican Rep. Buddy Carter, who for a decade has represented a district in coastal Georgia, launched a Senate campaign in the spring.Georgia Insurance Commissioner John King also announced a run, but ended his bid on Thursday.Trump and Kemp have a turbulent political history.Trump backed the then-Georgia secretary of state in his successful 2018 campaign for governor.But during the two years after his 2020 election defeat to former President Joe Biden, which included a razor-thin loss in Georgia, Trump attacked Kemp for failing to overturn the election results in his state.Trump toned down the criticism in 2022 after Kemp crushed Trump-backed former Sen. David Perdue in the state's GOP gubernatorial primary, as Kemp successfully cruised to re-election to a second term as governor.KEMP SPEAKS OUT AFTER TRUMP FLIPS AND PRAISES THE GEORGIA GOVERNORBut last summer, amid the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump went on a 10-minute tirade against Kemp at a rally in Atlanta just blocks from the Georgia State Capitol. Trump blamed the governor not only for failing to overturn the 2020 vote count but also for not stopping a county prosecutor from indicting the former president for his attempts to reverse the results.Trump quickly changed his tune on Kemp days later, and praised the governor in a social media post "for all of your help and support in Georgia, where a win is so important to the success of our Party and, most importantly, our Country."Kemp, in a Fox News Digital interview a few days later, downplayed Trump's tirade against him, calling it a "small distraction thats in the past."While it's unclear if Dooley will move forward and launch a campaign, Collins is just days from declaring his candidacy.Collins, a businessman who founded a trucking company, is in his second term representing Georgia's 10th Congressional District, which includes a large swath of urban, suburban, and rural areas between Atlanta and Augusta.The conservative lawmaker, who's the son of the late Republican Rep. Mac Collins of Georgia, has been moving closer to launching a Senate campaign for weeks.Collins was an early backer of the president, supporting him as Trump first ran for the Republican presidential nomination in the 2016 cycle.Collins at the beginning of this year reintroduced the Laken Riley Act, which mandates that undocumented immigrants charged with burglary or theft be detained. It's named after a Georgia nursing student killed by a man who had illegally entered the U.S. The case grabbed national attention.The bill, which quickly passed the Republican-controlled House and Senate, became the first legislation signed into law by Trump as he started his second tour of duty in the White House.A Republican source said that Collins has a "great relationship" with the president and his political team.And a Georgia-based Republican consultant told Fox News that "the lane that Mike is going to run in is the America First fighter who's been with President Trump.Carter is also courting a Trump endorsement in the GOP primary.Fox News reached out to the governor's political team for comment but had not received a response by the time the story was published.

New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has found herself in the red, owing thousands of dollars to a Black-owned, female-led accessories brand after breaching the House "Gift Rule."The violation stems from not paying the full market value for items she donned at the 2021 MET Gala, where she famously wore the "Tax the Rich" dress, and accepting free admission to the event for her fianc, Riley Roberts.Tickets to the Met Gala cost at least $30,000, the Associated Press reported. It is unclear whether Ocasio-Cortez purchased her own ticket.The House Ethics Committee released its report on Friday, finding that although Ocasio-Cortez "proactively took steps" to comply with the Gift Rule in relation to her Met Gala appearance, she failed to fully comply.AOC SLAMS PROGRESSIVE CRITICS FOR 'LYING' ABOUT HER IRON DOME STANCE IN DEFENSE BILL FIGHTThe committee found evidence suggesting that the designer, Brother Vellies, may have lowered costs in response to statements from Ocasio-Cortezs staff, and that payments to vendors were significantly delayed, according to the report.In several cases, payment did not occur until after the investigation was initiated, the committee noted.The report also concluded that members of AOCs staff were "overly reliant" on the vendors themselves to ensure her compliance with the Gift Rule, despite the vendors countervailing incentives to ensure she would be able to promote their goods and services.AOCS CONSTITUENTS WEIGH IN ON PRESIDENTIAL RUN, RECALL HER STUNNING 2018 POLITICAL UPSETHowever, the committee said it did not conclude that the alleged underpayments had been "intentional," instead placing the blame on a campaign staffer who handled payment discussions.AOC herself blamed her staff while speaking with investigators in March 2023, saying she did not know of any unpaid expenses related to the dress she had worn and stylists who prepared her for the gala, Fox News Digital previously reported."I just never, ever, ever would have allowed that to happen, knowing what I have learned," Ocasio-Cortez said at the time. "But I wasn't privy to the invoices, wasn't privy to the ones that had been sent."Based on its findings, the committee determined it would be appropriate for the Democrat to make additional payments from personal funds to compensate for the fair market value of certain expenses.MAXINE WATERS CAMPAIGN TO PAY $68K FOR VIOLATING CAMPAIGN FINANCE LAWSNo sanctions will be imposed, so long as she donates the $250 value of Roberts' Met Gala meal to the Costume Institute and pays Brother Vellies an additional $2,733.28 for the fair market value of the accessories she received in connection with the gala.After the committee receives confirmation that the payments were completed, it said it will consider the matter closed.Ocasio-Cortez, the Costume Institute and Brother Vellies did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.Fox News Digital's Aubrie Spady contributed to this report.

A pediatric death from a "brain-eating amoeba" has been reported in South Carolina, according to health officials.Prisma Health Richland Hospital in Columbia publicly confirmed the death on July 22, according to a statement from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH) sent to Fox News Digital.The patient died after exposure to Naegleria fowleri, a rare amoeba that causes a life-threatening brain infection called primary amebic meningoencephalitis (PAM).FOUR PEOPLE DEAD IN FLORIDA FROM FLESH-EATING BACTERIA FOUND IN COASTAL WATERS"The July 2025 exposure to the organism Naegleria fowleri likely occurred at Lake Murray, but we cannot be completely certain, as this organism occurs naturally and is present in many warm water lakes, rivers and streams," the South Carolina DPH told Dox News Digital."Water activities like swimming or diving in warm freshwater areas, such as lakes and rivers, may increase the risk of exposure and infection."Naegleria fowleri can be a risk when swimming in fresh water. The amoeba is most active in the months that the water temperature stays above 77F July, August and September, the health official said.Infection in humans is very rare, as this is the first case of Naegleria fowleri in South Carolina since 2016.There is no increased risk to the public, as Naegleria fowleri is not transmissible person to person, according to the statement.DANGEROUS FUNGUS COULD SPREAD TO PARTS OF US, RESEARCHERS CLAIM"Historically, one infection does not increase the chances that another will occur in the same body of water."Fox News Digital previously spoke with Tammy Lundstrom, chief medical officer and infectious disease specialist for Trinity Health in Michigan, about the risks of infection."The risk of brain-eating amoeba is very low," she said. "Fewer than 10 people in the U.S. every year get infected but unfortunately, most cases are fatal. There are only a handful of survivors of known cases."The death rate for Naegleria fowleri exceeds 97%, per the CDC.The initial symptoms of PAM usually begin about five days after exposure, but they can be noticed sooner.Early signs usuallyinclude headache, nausea, fever and/or vomiting, the CDCs website states.As the infection progresses, people may experience confusion, stiff neck, disorientation, hallucinations, seizures and coma."People usually start to feel ill one to 12 days after water exposure," Lundstrom said. "Early symptoms should prompt a medical evaluation, as they are also signs ofbacterial meningitis."Death can occur anywhere between one and 18 days of infection, at an average of five days.To prevent potentially fatal infections, South Carolina health officials said it's important to know how and when exposure could be dangerous."How exposure occurs is when water forcefully enters the nose," the officials told Fox News Digital. "To reduce the risk of infection from Naegleria fowleri, hold your nose shut, use nose clips, or keep your head above water, and avoid jumping or diving into fresh water."Lundstrom reiterated that it's best to avoid immersing your head in the water when swimming in summer."Infection occurs when water harboring the amoeba goes up a persons nose, usually during swimming," she previously told Fox News Digital. "It is not known why some people get infected and others, even swimming companions, do not."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERDrinking contaminated water does not present a risk, and the infection does not spread from one person to another, Lundstrom added.Because the amoeba is found in soil, the CDC also recommends avoiding stirring up the sediment at the bottom of lakes, ponds and rivers.When a patient has been diagnosed with a brain-eating amoeba, treatment usually includes a variety ofantifungal medications, as well as antibiotics like rifampin and azithromycin, according to Lundstrom.Miltefosine, a newer antifungal drug, has been shown to kill Nagleria fowleri in laboratory tests and was used to treat some surviving patients, the CDC states on its website."However, the effect of all of these drugs on actual infected people is unknown due to the high fatality rate," Lundstrom noted.Those who experience sudden headache, fever, stiff neck or vomiting especially if they have recently been swimming in warm freshwater should seek immediatemedical attention, the CDC recommends.For more Health articles, visitfoxnews.com/healthDespite the infections high fatality rate, Lundstrom emphasized the rarity of cases."Millions of people enjoy swimming every summer, but only a few become infected," she said.

Bill Self, the longtime head coach of the Kansas men's basketball team, was hospitalized Thursday after he experienced "some concerning symptoms."A university spokesperson confirmed the 62-year-old coach had two stents inserted during a heart procedure.Self remains "in good spirits" and is expected to be discharged from the hospital in the near future.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"The procedure went very well, and he is expected to make a full recovery," the school said in a statement. "He is in good spirits and expects to be released from the hospital soon."COLLEGE BASKETBALL CROWN ANNOUNCES DATES FOR 2026 TOURNAMENTThis isn't the first time Self has been admitted to a hospital after a health scare. In 2023, he missed the Big 12 and NCAA Division I men's basketball tournaments after he experienced chest tightness. Self also contended with balance issues at the time.The two-time national championship-winning coach underwent a heart catheterization and received a pair of stents to treat the blocked arteries.Self has patrolled the Kansas sideline since 2003. In addition to the two national titles, Self coached the Jayhawks to 14 consecutive Big 12 regular-season championships from 2004-2018.In 2017, Self was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Ever feel like your devices are wearing you down?Whether you're up until 3 a.m. watching videos or checking work messages on the weekend, it's easy to let technology blur the lines between downtime and overload. However, here's the catch: a growing connection exists between technology and mental health, affecting everything from focus to sleep.We're breaking down five buzzworthy terms that explain how our digital habits are shaping the way we think, feel, and function. So, if you've ever wondered why your mind feels foggy or why you can't stop scrolling, this is a judgment-free zone, with smart insights and doable tips to help you reset.Stay tuned for more in this series as we dive deeper into tech terms and other essential concepts, answering the top questions we get from readers like you.YOUR LATE-NIGHT TV BINGE COULD SABOTAGE YOUR BRAIN HEALTH, DOCTOR WARNSThe downward spiral in your feedDoomscrolling occurs when you compulsively browse negative news, social media posts or disturbing content, often late at night or during vulnerable moments. At first, you might believe you are staying informed. However, as you continue, anxiety builds and the world quickly feels overwhelming.As you scroll from one distressing update to the next, time slips away unnoticed. Soon, you notice your mood sinking, yet you keep looking for something positive that rarely appears. Therefore, if you find it difficult to stop-despite feeling worse-you are probably doomscrolling. You're probably doomscrolling when:WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?Try this: Set a time limit on news apps or swap your nighttime scroll for a podcast or audiobook. The goal isn't to disconnect entirely, it's to stop spiraling.On iPhone:On Android:Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer.The glow that messes with your sleepBlue light is a type of high-energy light emitted by screens (phones, tablets, laptops) that can trick your brain into thinking it's daytime. Too much exposure, especially at night, can disrupt melatonin production and throw off your sleep cycle. Where you'll find it:To minimize the effects: Use "Night Shift" or "Dark Mode" on your devices, avoid screens at least 30 minutes before bed, or try blue light-blocking glasses if you're stuck in front of a screen after sunset.On iPhone:On Android:Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HEREThe hours you didnt mean to spend on your phoneScreen time tracks how long you spend on your device each day. Most phones will even break it down by app, often to shocking effect.Why it matters: High screen time has been linked to lower mood, disrupted sleep, and reduced focus. It can sneak up on you, especially with multitasking (e.g., TV + phone).Good to know: Setting app limits, using focus modes, or even just checking your weekly screen time summary can help you get real about your digital habits, without judgment. It can also help youreduce screen time.On iPhone:On Android:Settings may vary depending on your Android phone's manufacturer.The reset your brain didn't know it neededA digital detox is when you intentionally unplug from tech, whether that's for a few hours, a weekend or a whole vacation. The point isn't punishment; it's about giving your brain space to rest and reset.You don't have to go full "off the grid" to benefit:Even mini detoxes can reduce stress, improve focus and boost your mood. Think of it as mental floss.When tech reinforces stereotypes without meaning toAlgorithmic bias happens when the data powering algorithms reflects human biases, leading to skewed results in everything from job recommendations to facial recognition to social media feeds.Why it matters for your mental health:Stay mindful: Be curious about why certain content shows up in your feed. Follow a range of voices, diversify your digital space and question the default settings.You don't need to throw your phone in a lake to reclaim your peace of mind. Just understanding how certain tech habits and systems affect your mental health is a great place to start. From blue light to doomscrolling to the hidden hand of algorithmic bias, each term is a reminder to use tech with more intention and care.Want more tips for protecting your peace in a screen-heavy world? Curious about how to reset your feed or set better boundaries with your phone? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.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.

"South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone discussed their controversial season 27 premiere at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, revealing a behind-the-scenes battle with network executives over airing a less-than-flattering depiction of President Donald Trump's penis during Wednesday's episode.The duo behind the long-running Comedy Central series spoke alongside a panel of other adult cartoon creators at the event, including "Beavis and Butt-Head" creator, Mike Judge, and "Digman!" co-creator, Andy Samberg.When asked if they had been following the reaction to their season 27 premiere by the panel's moderator, Josh Horowitz, Parker jokingly replied, "We're terribly sorry."'SOUTH PARK' CREATORS RIP SKYDANCE-PARAMOUNT MERGER AS A 'S---SHOW', BLAME DEAL FOR DELAYING NEW SEASONAs reported by The Hollywood Reporter, that's about as far as the creators went in responding to the controversy stirred by the episode, although Stone did address Trump more directly later in the discussion when the duo were asked about how they originally met."For me and Trey, we met over Monty Python," he said. "In this day, when PBS is getting their funding cut, thats how I found Monty Python."Stone's comments on PBS come on the heels of a congressional vote last week to cut funding for public broadcasting. Trump signed the $9 billion spending cuts package into law on Thursday.According to Parker, the show's team finalized the season's premiere episode just shortly before it aired."Just three days ago, we were going, I dont know if people are going to like this,'" Parker said, adding that the duo were reading news headlines and said to each other, "Lets put that in there."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREHorowitz questioned the "South Park" creators about whether there were any concerns about the season premiere from higher-ups at Comedy Central, with Parker detailing a discussion with the network about showing Trump's penis on the show."They were like, Were gonna blur the penis, and were like, No, youre not gonna blur the penis,'" Parker responded, adding that the show's team agreed to add eyes to the depiction of the president's penis to make it a character.The White House, however, did not seem thrilled about the season 27 premiere of "South Park." White House Assistant Press Secretary Taylor Rogers issued a statement regarding Wednesday's episode to Fox News Digital on Thursday."The Lefts hypocrisy truly has no end for years, they have come after South Park for what they labeled as offense [sic] content, but suddenly they are praising the show," Rogers stated. "Just like the creators of South Park, the Left has no authentic or original content, which is why their popularity continues to hit record lows. This show hasnt been relevant for over 20 years and is hanging on by a thread with uninspired ideas in a desperate attempt for attention. President Trump has delivered on more promises in just six months than any other president in our countrys history and no fourth-rate show can derail President Trumps hot streak."