Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here's what's happening-Vance, Bondi, Patel to huddle at VP residence for Epstein strategy meeting-Russia and China tick Doomsday Clock toward midnight as Hiroshima bombing hits 80 years-Prediction market traders bet 'the Kevin's' are Trumps Fed chair picksNew York City socialist mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's past stances on policing are a legitimate reason for New Yorkers to be concerned, despite his recent walkbacks, according to a New York City crime expert who spoke to Fox News Digital."I think what scares a lot of New Yorkers about the policy positions taken by Zohran Mamdani over the years is that he has exhibited not just a lack of appreciation for the men and women that stand on that [police] line, but a visceral disdain for them, which has led him to push for things like defunding and dismantling the police," Rafael A. Mangual,senior fellow and head of research for policing and public safety at the Manhattan Institute, told Fox News Digital, shortly after a gunman killed four people in midtown Manhattan, including a NYPD police officer."It's not so much asjust that he said, well, I wanna allocate some of this money to other places. He has gone so far as to say that we should dismantle the entire department."READ MORE.STAR WARS: Space-based missile-killing Golden Dome tech aims for crucial test before Trump leaves office: Lockheed MartinAIRSPACE ARMS RACE: Trump admin cuts red tape on commercial drones to compete with China's dominance of the marketCHILLING POSTS: Pennsylvania man charged for allegedly threatening to kill Trump before he took office'PATRIOTS' WANTED: Trump administration ends age cap for ICE officer positions in major recruitment drive'WIDESPREAD ADOPTION': SCOOP: Trump admin, OpenAI partner to unleash artificial intelligence on federal governmentGONE WITH THE WIND: EXCLUSIVE: Trump admin nixes giant wind farm approved 'last minute' by Biden teamTRUTH IS OUT THERE: Tulsi Gabbard tells podcaster aliens may be real: 'We're continuing to look for the truth'NUKES OF HAZARD: Russia and China tick Doomsday Clock toward midnight as Hiroshima bombing hits 80 yearsKREMLIN GAMBIT: Trump hails 'highly productive' talks with Putin despite no ceasefire, 'secondary tariffs' still onTESTING TRUMP: Russia, China practice destroying 'enemy' submarine in naval drill after Trump moves US nuclear assets'ALARMING SIGN': NATO member scrambles jets after Russian drone attack near border, as Witkoff meets with PutinTIGHTENING CONTROLS: Italy law would regulate gender transition treatment for minorsPALMETTO POLITICS: EXCLUSIVE: GOP governor nominee pushes redistricting to oust state's lone House DemPOWER PLAY POLITICS: GOP congressman vows 'all options are on the table' to stop US-wide redistricting warMIDTERM BATTLES: Senate Democrats are feverishly recruiting top candidates to win back majority in 2026'THUGS': Trump blasts Schumer, Democrats as 'country-hating thugs' amid blockade on Senate nominees'I DON'T CARE': MTG declares she's 'radically AMERICA FIRST,' telling those who are not, 'YOU are the enemy'LAWMAKERS LOCKED OUT: NYC Dems reportedly trapped after trying to access Brooklyn ICE facilityRED FLAG DONOR: Virginia Dem gubernatorial candidate and ex-CIA officer took $50K from CCP-linked tycoonCITY HALL SHOWDOWN: Mamdani-style activist, liberal incumbent advance to Seattle mayoral runoff'JUST CAN'T HAPPEN': NYC mayor flips script on Mamdani amid scramble to walk back anti-police rhetoricWARNING SIGNS: NYC gunman Shane Tamura seen angering police officers in bodycam video during 2023 arrestMOTOR CITY SHOWDOWN: Detroit mayoral race is set: councilmember vs. pastorSHE'S IN: Tennessee Sen. Marsha Blackburn launches campaign for governorGet the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

Before becoming a coach, Mike Vrabel was known as one of the most physical linebackers in the NFL.Earlier this year, Vrabel was named head coach of the New England Patriots, reuniting him with the franchise with which he spent eight seasons.Vrabel is guiding the Patriots through training camp, and while fights tend to break out during the grueling weeks of training camp, coaches don't typically jump into the fray.Vrabel decided to buck that trend.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMOn Wednesday, the Patriots and Washington Commanders held a joint practice at Gillette Stadium. At one point during practice, a hard tackle by rookie running back TreVeyon Henderson as he stepped up to block for pass protection appeared to be the tipping point for an eventual scuffle.2025 NFL PRESEASON BUZZ: JAGUARS DT ARIK ARMSTEAD SIDELINED BY BACK INJURYVrabel eventually tried to defuse the situation by taking matters into his own hands and jumping into the pile. Once the tension settled, the first-year Patriots coach emerged with a bloody face, the Boston Herald reported.Patriots quarterback Drake Maye was complimentary of his coach's tenacity."That's what we're trying to build, and it starts with the head coach intensity, bringing it every day, taking no crap when we're out there on the field," Maye said. "The mentality, I like it. That's what you want."Vrabel was later spotted holding a towel that appeared to contain ice on his face."Pass pro is physical. It's a physical game. Things happen out there," Maye said. "There's a time where obviously you don't want to come out here and fight and get into trouble. At the same time, you don't want to back down from nobody. So, I'm sure Coach will preach that we can't have that, but, at the same time, kind of in the back of our minds, that's kind of how we want to play the intensity. When the whistle is going, play hard, and when the whistle stops, get off and get away."Maye added that Vrabel's appearance reminded him of the assassination attempt at one of President Donald Trump's political rallies in Pennsylvania last year."Somebody was saying it was like the Trump gunshot," Maye said, pointing toward his ear.Patriots tight end Hunter Henry suggested Vrabel's pysical nature is still a part of him even though he is no longer playing."He's right there with us, man. I think that player comes out in him a little bit too," Henry said.The brief melee did not result in any player ejections from practice.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

New York City opened the nations first government-funded homeless shelter exclusively for transgender individuals a move that's drawing sharp criticism, with opponents calling it yet another example of "progressive political theater."The city is reportedly spending $63 million in taxpayer dollars to fund the project, which is set to operate through 2030, The Gothamist, a local news outlet, reported.The shelter, called Aces Place, is located in the Bronx and offers 150 beds along with a suite of services including on-site psychiatric care, job training, GED prep, and even culinary arts programs. Funded by the Department of Social Services (DSS) and run in partnership with LGBTQ+ nonprofit Destination Tomorrow, the shelter is being hailed by city leaders as a "groundbreaking national first.""A landmark moment for NYC," the Department of Homeless Services wrote on X. "We have opened the city's first shelter specifically for homeless transgender and gender-nonconforming people."SANTA MONICA BUSINESS OWNER OFFERING ONE-WAY FLIGHTS TO GET HOMELESS OUT OF CALIFORNIACity officials and nonprofit leaders celebrated the move as a milestone in LGBTQ+ rights, even as critics question the growing trend of identity-specific public programs."We couldnt be prouder to make this historic announcement that strongly affirms our values and commitment to strengthening the safety net for transgender New Yorkers at a time when their rights are roundly under attack," said DSS Commissioner Molly Wasow Park.Supporters say the facility will provide a safe, tailored environment for transgender individuals often marginalized or victimized in traditional shelters. Officials added that the aim is to help individuals stabilize and transition into long-term housing and independence."New York City has long been a leader in advancing LGBTQ+ rights and protections, and were proud to continue that tradition with the opening of the nations first city-funded shelter dedicated to supporting transgender individuals," said DHS administrator Joslyn Carter.DEM REP CALLS OUT NYC'S ONGOING FAILURE TO TACKLE BRONX 'OPEN AIR DRUG MARKET' CRISISSean Ebony Coleman, CEO of Destination Tomorrow, added that the shelter is "a declaration that transgender people will no longer be pushed to the margins." Coleman emphasized that this initiative was "by the community, for the community.""Aces Place is a community-driven answer to systemic neglect, and its only the beginning," Coleman said.However, critics argue that the project sidesteps the real crisis facing New York City.NYC Council Minority Leader Joann Ariola, who has consistently advocated for hiring more DHS police officers and social workers to improve safety in shelters, opposing identitybased segregation or symbolic policy gestures, criticized the new multimillion-dollar project."Every New Yorker should feel safe in our shelter system. But instead of fixing the system for everyone, the city is spending $63 million to build a separate facility based on gender identity," minority council leader Joann Ariola told The New York Post.'BODEGA BROTHEL' NEAR SCHOOLS IN AOCS RED-LIGHT DISTRICT SHUT DOWN WITHOUT HER HELP, LOCAL LEADERS SAY"That money shouldve gone to hiring more [Department of Homeless Services] police officers and social workers to make all of our facilities safer.""Instead, we are just further segregating the homeless system and ignoring the very real problems in favor of progressive political theater," she continued.Others online echoed that sentiment, questioning the legality and fairness of identity-based shelters."The shelter, called Aces Place, is built ONLY for transgender and "gender non-conforming individuals" because "trans rights are under attack" How is this legal???" Libs of TikTok wrote in a post on X."This is a horribly discriminatory and unconstitutional use of tax dollars," another user commented. "Its being properly condemned as "progressive political theater."Still, supporters argue the shelter sets a national precedent, with LGBTQ+ advocacy groups hailing it as a "blueprint for the future." The facility will offer wraparound services ranging from mental health and medical care to yoga and job placement assistance, all tailored to the TGNC community."This historic milestone reflects whats possible when Trans-led organizations are empowered to lead and design solutions for their own communities. Destination Tomorrow is once again meeting the moment providing not just shelter, but critical care, services, and dignity," said Kimberleigh Joy Smith, EVP of Policy and Advocacy, Callen-Lorde Community Health Center.Fox News Digital reached out to NYC Council Minority Leader Ariola's office, but did not immediately receive a response.

In a win for Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) advocates, six more states have gotten waivers allowing them to ban soda, candy and other high-sugar junk foods from being purchased through the federally funded, but state-operated Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP.The waivers, which amend the statutory definition of eligible food for purchase under SNAP, were granted to West Virginia, Florida, Colorado, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. The new restrictions on what can and cannot be purchased will go into effect in 2026.The six new waivers bring the number of states that have sought to restrict SNAP purchases of junk food to 12. The other states who received waivers from the Trump administration earlier this year were Nebraska, Iowa, Indiana, Arkansas, Idaho and Utah.5 EVERYDAY FOODS AND DRINKS SILENTLY DAMAGING YOUR LONG-TERM HEALTH, SAY NUTRITION EXPERTS"For years, SNAP has used taxpayer dollars to fund soda and candy, products that fuel Americas diabetes and chronic disease epidemics," Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said."These waivers help put real food back at the center of the program and empower states to lead the charge in protecting public health."Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has praised the historic efforts that states, mostly those with Republican leadership, have made to help improve the health and nutrition assistance provided through SNAP.On average, 42 million low-income Americans receive food stamp assistance each month, including one in five American children under 17, according to a report from the Trump administration released earlier this year.HOUSE REPUBLICANS UNVEIL NEW FOOD STAMP WORK REQUIREMENTS FOR TRUMP'S 'BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL'"It is incredible to see so many states take action at this critical moment in our nations history and do something to begin to address chronic health problems," Rollins said after the latest announcement of new waivers. "President Trump has changed the status quo, and the entire Cabinet is taking action to Make America Healthy Again. These state waivers promote healthier options for families in need."Of the 12 states that have been granted SNAP waivers thus far, all of them will restrict SNAP funds from being used to purchase sugary drinks, including soda, while at least eight of the states have indicated plans to ban SNAP funds for candy purchases. Some states, such as Florida, Louisiana and Nebraska, will explicitly ban energy drinks as well, while others, like Arkansas, have indicated drinks with less than 50% natural juice will be banned.ABC News medical correspondent Darien Sutton argued the move, although pushed as an effort to improve health outcomes, lacks evidence."There's no evidence that taking away access to soda will actually fight these conditions," he said, according to ABC News. "Sugar is one of those culprits that you always have to be mindful of."Sutton pointed out that U.S. dietary guidelines recommend that men do not have more than 35 grams of sugar per day, while women are told to limit it to 25 grams per day.

Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, is introducing "Hollys Act" after a woman was violently attacked by a mob in Cincinnati late last month a move aimed at ending what he calls the justice systems revolving door for repeat offenders.The attack happened around 3 a.m. on July 26 at the intersection of Fourth and Elm streets in Cincinnatis central business district.Bystander video captured the moment a large group turned on several individuals early that morning, and in one video obtained by Fox News Digital, an unidentified man could be heard yelling racial slurs while being beaten in the street. Other footage appears to show the male victim striking a member of the group shortly before the altercation escalated.In another video, a woman later identified only as "Holly" tried to intervene before she was slammed to the ground and knocked unconscious.EXCLUSIVE: RAMASWAMY DECRIES ANTI-LAW ENFORCEMENT CULTURE IN WAKE OF BRUTAL CINCINNATI BEATINGA single 911 call came several minutes after the incident, despite more than 100 people standing by, recording, or participating in the melee.Moreno held a press conference in Cincinnati on Wednesday after meeting with city officials, the FBI special agent in charge, the future U.S. attorney, police chief and a deputy from the local sheriffs department.Moreno described the meeting as starting "a little rough," but said it ended productively.Ultimately, he said everyone at the table agreed to work together to make certain that what happened on July 26 never happens again. He also said he wants to make sure anyone who lives in Ohio can visit any of the states cities.CINCINNATI VIRAL BEATING VICTIM FORCED INTO 'SUPER-SECRET SPOT' WITH SECURITY"Were going to talk to some of our state legislators to see if we can put something in place that I call with her permission Hollys Act, which is how we raise the bar on minimum sentences, minimum bail requirements... Were going to end the revolving door of injustice," Moreno said."Our judges can no longer hide behind their cloak, and they have to be held accountable for not upholding law and order," he added.Law enforcement officials risk their lives every day to arrest criminals, which involves going out and making difficult arrests. But when those criminals appear in court, judges undermine the police officers efforts by "giving criminals a slap on the hand," the senator said."Lets be honest, because a lot of times you guys are qualifying this as a brawl," Moreno told reporters. "This was attempted murder of an innocent woman. And that person had a rap sheet a mile long. Nobody who has that rap sheet should be walking the streets of any Ohio city free."FIFTH SUSPECT ARRESTED IN VIRAL CINCINNATI BEATDOWN AS VICTIM DETAILS HER 'ONGOING BATTLE'Standing beside Moreno was Holly, who said she was focused on reformnot reliving the trauma."Im here to talk about the future and how we can change it; how we can prevent this from happening to anybody else," she said. "These heinous crimes have to stop. You know, I never want this to happen to anyone else, especially a mother, a daughter, or somebody who is loved."Holly said moving forward, more police officers are needed, as is justice reform that prohibits judges from letting people out of custody with a slap on the wrist."The man who attacked me, and might have permanently damaged me forever, should have never been on the streets, ever," she said. "The fact that he had just gotten out of jail previously for something he should have been in there for years. It's really sad to me because I can't even fathom how many other people who have been attacked by the same type of man over and over and over in Toledo, in Columbus, Cincinnati, Dayton."FOURTH ARREST ANNOUNCED AS INVESTIGATION INTO VIOLENT CINCINNATI BRAWL CONTINUESHolly said what upsets her most is the publics desensitization to violence.Holly said she hopes one day there is some sort of bill that allows someone to be prosecuted or fined if they do not call 911 first to save someones life."We all need to help each other out and start helping humanity," she said.One reporter asked Holly if she felt like she was going to die that night."I truly felt like I was going to die," Holly said. "Im still shocked that I didntand so are my doctors."RAMASWAMY PLEDGES RULE OF LAW REVIVAL AFTER VIRAL CINCINNATI MOB ATTACKMoreno told reporters that during the meeting, the attendees spoke about offering signing bonuses for police officers as a way to bring on more staff.He said at the end of the day, a better police presence and better technology will help prevent incidents like that from July 26 from happening.But Moreno also stressed how critically important it is for civilians to call authorities so that aid can be brought in as soon as possible."Were not people that watch a woman get beaten to the inch of her life and our first instinct is to get out and videotape something so that you can be cool on Instagram," he said. "Thats not who we are."Several individuals have been charged in connection with what police describe as "a violent attack," including Dominique Kittle, Montianez Merriweather, Jermaine Matthews, DeKyra Vernon, Aisha Devaugh and Patrick Rosemond.Rosemond, 38, was taken into custody Monday afternoon by the FBI and Atlanta Metropolitan Major Offenders Task Force in Fulton County, Georgia. He is charged with two counts of felonious assault and aggravated riot, according to the Cincinnati Police Department.He is also charged with one count of fugitive from justice for a fingerprintable charge, according to the Fulton County Sheriffs Office.He is currently being held in the Fulton County Jail while awaiting extradition to Ohio, police said. Rosemond is a Cincinnati resident and does not have any registered addresses in Georgia, according to records obtained by Fox News Digital.A grand jury is scheduled to convene on Aug. 8 for the charges filed against Kittle, Vernon, Matthews and Merriweather.

In the wake of a former DOGE worker nicknamed "Big Balls" being brutally beaten by gang members in the streets of Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump indicated he is strongly considering taking control of the district to stamp out the rampant crime and violence plaguing the nations capital city.He also said that he is considering taking control of the Washington, D.C. police and using the National Guard to stop the violence.Speaking with reporters on Wednesday evening, Trump said, "We're considering it, yeah, because the crime is ridiculous.""I could show you a chart comparing D.C. to other locations, and you're not going to want to see what it looks like," he said. "We want to have a great, safe, capital, and we're going to have it. And that includes cleanliness. And it includes other things.We have a capital that's very unsafe."2 JUVENILES ARRESTED IN BLOODY DC ATTACK ON EX-DOGE WORKER KNOWN AS BIG BALLSReferring to the recent beating of the former DOGE worker, a teenager whose real name is Edward Coristine, Trump said, "We just almost lost a young man, beautiful, handsome guy that got the hell knocked out of him the night before last."The president said he called to check in on Coristine and that he would be calling again "in a little while.""He went through a bad situation, to put it mildly. And there's too much of it. We're going to do something about it," said Trump.ANTI-ISRAEL GUNMAN FACES FEDERAL HATE CRIME CHARGES IN DEADLY DC EMBASSY STAFFERS SHOOTING"So, whether you call it federalize or what, and that also includes the graffiti that you see the papers all over the place, the roads that are in bad shape, the medians that are falling down, the median thats in between roads thats falling down. We're going to beautify the city. We're going to make it beautiful," he added. "What a shame. Rate of crime, the rate of muggings, killings and everything else. We're not going to let it. And that includes bringing in the National Guard. Maybe very quickly."Trump was also asked whether he would support Congress overturning the District of Columbia Home Rule Act. The law was passed in 1973 and granted D.C. a greater degree of autonomy, including allowing residents to elect a mayor and city council.Trump said, "We're going to look at that. In fact, the lawyers are already studying it."MOTHER OF SLAIN CONGRESSIONAL INTERN SAYS DC COUNCIL TREATS VIOLENT CRIME LIKE A 'JOKE' AMID UNSOLVED KILLING"We have to run D.C. This has to be the best-run place in the country, not the worst-run place in the country," he said. "And it has so much potential, and we're going to take care of it. You're going to be safe. You're going to be safe walking down streets. You're not going to get mugged."

A bridge that would be the worlds longest suspension bridge was approved on Wednesday.The Strait of Messina Bridge would connect the island of Sicily to the mainland of Italy in a $15.5 billion project stretching over 2 miles, according to The Associated Press (AP).The bridge has been a long-discussed project since it was first proposed in 1969.It was approved and canceled multiple times until 2023, when Prime Minister Giorgia Melonis administration revived the proposal.TOURISTS FACE DANGEROUS 'CRUSH-AND-GRAB' PICKPOCKET SCHEMES IN MAJOR CITYThe concept of building a bridge connecting the Italian mainland with Sicily supposedly dates back to Ancient Rome, when the Romans attempted to transport 100 elephants captured during the Battle of Panormus in 250 BC. Others believe the idea of the bridge relates to Homers "Odyssey," citing Scylla and Charybdis.The Strait of Messina would have the capacity to carry 6,000 cars an hour and 200 trains a day, with four lanes of traffic bordered by a double-track railway, AP reported.Opponents of the bridge cite environmental, safety and even mafia concerns.The Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies (RUSI) published an analysis by Anna Sergi, a sociologist and expert in criminal law, who deemed the bridge "unnecessary."Sergi warned the project would be "vulnerable to global mafia appetites," noting that similar public works have historically been co-opted by organized crime.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle"The attraction of large-scale works for the corrupt and the mafia is that the realization and social utility of the work are of marginal interest," she said."The more the realization is diluted over time, the more technical difficulties produce delays, the more there are new investments, or changes to the original project, the malign actors will be able to fill their pockets," wrote Segi.Italian President Sergio Mattarella reiterated the project would still be subject to anti-mafia legislation that applies to all large-scale infrastructure projects, according to AP.Others share concerns about earthquakes triggered by the Messina fault,which separates Sicily from mainland Italy; it causeda deadly quake in 1908.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERWeBuild, an Italian infrastructure group, will spearhead the project, noting that suspension bridges are less likely to cave to seismic forces.The group cited suspension bridges built in Japan, Turkey and California which are seismically active areas.The Canakkale Bridge in northwestern Turkey is the longest suspension bridge, stretching over a mile, constructed by WeBuild.Work on the bridge is expected to start at the end of the summer with construction beginning to start in early 2026, according to AP.The Associated Press contributed reporting.

Wednesday marks six months until the start of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. Team USA will renew its winter rivalry with Canada in the first Olympics in a new geopolitical landscape in North America.American men's skiing medalist Alex Ferreira, entering his third Winter Games, told Fox News Digital he has always seen Canada as one of his country's biggest rivals in his sport, alongside New Zealand."New Zealand and Canada are the two biggest rivals," Ferreira said, pointing to Canadian Brendan Mackay as one of his top individual rivals."Some of the most intense competitions I've had with some of the Canadians was in 2023, the Bakuriani, Georgia, World Championships with Brendan Mackay and myself. Brendan ended up winning. Brendan skied really great there."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMBut, in 2026, Ferreira believes the rivalry will "probably" burn even hotter, citing the tensions created by recent U.S. tariffs imposed on Canadian goods earlier this year."Probably, because what [President Donald] Trump is saying about the tariffs and everything, I'm sure there's a bit of rivalry going on there. But, certainly the Canadians, like Brendan is getting better every single day. I myself am training every single day. So, I think we both just really want to win," Ferreira said."You just want to represent your country as best as possible, and being American, I just, of course, I want to win. They're our neighbors up north, and they're great people. But I want to beat them."Ferreira is familiar with the Canadian slopes his rivals use to train. He's competed at the Windsport Park in Calgary every year in recent years for competitions and the famed ski hills in Whistler.But Ferreira believes the slopes in Colorado are "more intense" and will give him and the other Americans an advantage when it comes time to compete at Milano Cortina. The men's skiing competitions will take place at Livigno, which Ferreira claims is more similar to Colorado than Canada."Yeah, definitely [Colorado slopes] are a bit more intense, no question. What I will say is more intense in Canada is definitely the cold. It's definitely nippy up there. It's freezing," Ferreira said. "It certainly can give an advantage because it's more similar to what's being held in Milano Cortina, especially in Livigno, where our venue will be held. It's definitely more similar to Colorado than it is to Canada."Ferreira says he has invited Canadian rivals, including Mackay, to Colorado to train together, and they have invited him to Canada to do the same, but neither side has ever agreed to meet up to do it."I get it. Everyone's busy. They got their own things going on, and it's just easier when you train in your own country. So, I totally understand. So, they've never taken me up on it, and I've actually never taken them up on going up there either," Ferreira said.TRUMP SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER ESTABLISHING TASK FORCE FOR 2028 OLYMPICS IN LOS ANGELESAs a Catholic American, Ferreira is proud to have seen the first-ever American-born Pope."It's spectacular. It's never been done before, so it's certainly a special time," Ferreira said.Ferreira's devotion to Catholicism dates back to his childhood, and he credits his faith with helping him achieve success in his skiing career."I've grown up as a Catholic. I was at first communion and had confirmation," he said. "I'm religious in the way in believing in the universe and doing everything in your power to put yourself in luck's way and be a good person and ultimately follow the golden rule, Do unto others how you want to be treated.'"It benefits my skiing performance because you're able to put your head on the pillow every night and fall asleep. You've got to be able to be a good person and live with yourself everyday because that's the one person you can't get away from. So, if you're being a good person, and you're doing all the right things, and you're extending kindness, then it's easier to train. And it's easier to focus on your goals. And it's easier for them to come true, I believe."Right after finishing his last Olympic performance in Beijing in 2022, Ferreira ended his years-long break from eating meat when he took a bite into a classic American cheeseburger."I had a cheeseburger after a year and a half or two years [away from meat], and it was the most delicious thing I've ever eaten. And, since then, I just feel a bit stronger," he said. "I don't know if I thought it was better for my body. It was just my palate was like, 'That was delicious, and were not leaving that again.'"I might feel a touch stronger in some ways. I feel like I have more weight on my body in some ways."Ferreira ate meat throughout his life, including during his training leading up to the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. But he experimented with going meatless and adopting a vegetarian/pescatarian diet in the years leading up to Beijing."The thought process of originally cutting it out was, 'OK, lets give this a chance. I've heard of some other athletes trying it, like Novak Djokovic and some others.' And I figured, 'All right, why not? They're the best in the world,' and it worked. It was fine," Ferreira said."I was definitely lighter weight-wise."Still, Ferreira aims to eat a lighter diet overall, and his breakfast is still entirely plant-based."For breakfast, it's always oatmeal, 10 blueberries, Goji berries, cacao nibs, cashew butter, honey and tea. So, any sort of ginger-turmeric tea with honey as well. That's pretty standard. That's five to seven days a week."And while Ferreira has abandoned Djokovic's example of avoiding meat, he still follows another global sports legend, soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo, in avoiding alcohol altogether.The Winter Olympics and Paralympics begin in February 2026. More information about the athletes can be found at TeamUSA.com.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Former Texas Congressman Beto O'Rourke was pressed during a CNN interview on Wednesday about why he was helping cover costs for Democrats fleeing Texas to avoid a redistricting vote, rather than spending that money to help vulnerable Texans directly.O'Rourke's group, Powered by People (PBP), has played a major role in supporting the roughly 50 Democrats who left for New York and Illinois. The group is paying for airfare, lodging, and assisting with the $500-per-day fines the lawmakers face for skipping the legislative session, according to the Texas Tribune.The walkout by Texas Democrats has stalled the Republican-controlled state legislature from voting on new GOP-crafted congressional maps that would create five more right-leaning congressional districts ahead of the 2026 elections.During the Wednesday interview, CNN anchor Pamela Brown pointed out that ORourkes group spent more than half a million dollars in 2021 to help Democrats flee the state to break quorum during a similar protest over a voting bill that ultimately passed.BETO O'ROURKE DROPS F-BOMB AS HE URGES DEMS TO 'MEET FIRE WITH FIRE' AGAINST GOP REDISTRICTING PLANS IN TEXAS"We could see a similar scenario this time around. Is it worth it?" Brown asked."Absolutely," ORourke responded. "If we fail, the consolidation of authoritarian power in America will be nearly unstoppable."ORourke argued that every American should be invested in helping the Texas Democrats, warning that a Republican congressional majority would "roll out a royal red carpet for a Trump third term," including more ICE raids and "more retribution and persecution and even violence for Trumps political opponents."Brown challenged ORourke on whether the funds might be "better spent" aiding vulnerable Texans instead.NEWSOM VOWS TO FIGHT FIRE WITH FIRE IN CONGRESSIONAL REDISTRICTING BATTLE"We've seen it in the pastthey flee, but then inevitably they have to come back, right? You can't just stay out in perpetuity, and the governor can continue to call these special sessions," she said. "Do you think the money could be better spent helping those folks you mentioned?"ORourke defended the Democrats' efforts, saying, "I actually believe that they can stay out long enough to stop this steal in Texas."He praised Democratic governors like Californias Gavin Newsom for threatening to pursue similar redistricting tactics if Texass effort goes forward."We have to stop their power grab. We have to win power, and then we have to use it to provide a check on Donald Trump," he urged.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTUREBrown referenced ORourke calling on Democrats to "fight fire with fire" and pointed to Vice President J.D. Vances recent meeting with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun to discuss redistricting in that state."Where does this end?" she asked."It ends with Democrats winning power," O'Rourke said. "I think for far too long, my party has been more concerned with being right and coloring within the lines than theyve cared about being in power while the other side only cares about power, regardless of what is right, what is ethical, or what is legal, even.""So weve got to take the gloves off, and weve got to fight them. Weve got to seize the initiative and stop waiting for these would-be fascists to land the punch and throw ours first and throw it harder," he added.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has called for the lawmakers to be arrested and prosecuted upon their return to the state.Fox News' Anders Hagstrom and Paul Steinhauser contributed to this report.

FATAL EPIDEMIC - Cancer deaths are surging due to a common health condition, experts say. Continue readingDEADLY DRUG - A synthetic opioid stronger than fentanyl is spreading rapidly across the Americas. Continue readingFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterLinkedInFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News HealthFox News AutosFox News Entertainment (FOX411)Fox BusinessFox WeatherFox SportsTubiFox News GoFox Nation