A Russian drone may have crashed in a field in Poland, a move the country's deputy prime minister called a "provocation," as the United States and European leaders continue to push Moscow to end its war in Ukraine.The drone hit a cornfield in the village of Osiny in the eastern Lublin province, about 62 miles from Poland's border with Ukraine, Reuters reported.Deputy Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, who also serves as defense minister, said Wednesday's incident was similar to cases in which Russian drones flew into Lithuania and Romania, and could be linked to efforts to end the war in Ukraine, according to the outlet.NEW ROMANIAN LAW MAY HAVE AVERTED NATO CLASH WITH RUSSIA AFTER BORDER STRIKES"Once again, we are dealing with a provocation by the Russian Federation, with a Russian drone. We are dealing with it in a crucial moment, when discussions about peace (in Ukraine) are underway," Kosiniak-Kamysz told journalists.Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pawel Wronski told Reuters that some experts have suggested a Russian version of the Shahed drone developed by Iran was involved in the latest incident.Polish Gen. Dariusz Malinowski said the drone had a Chinese engine and appeared to be a decoy that was designed to self-destruct.The blast shattered windows in several homes, but nobody was injured, the Polish PAP news agency reported.Police recovered burnt metal and plastic debris at the site.NATO JETS SCRAMBLED AMID RUSSIA'S LARGEST DRONE ATTACK ON UKRAINE"I was sitting in my room at night, around midnight, maybe, and I heard something just bang," local resident Pawel Sudowski told local news website Lukow.tv. "It exploded so loudly that the whole house simply shook."On X, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski said his ministry would issue a protest against the airspace violation, without naming the perpetrator."Another violation of our airspace from the East confirms that Poland's most important mission towards NATO is the defence (sic) of our own territory," he wrote.The incident came as the Trump administration continues to broker talks between Russia and Ukraine to end the bloody three-year conflict. On Monday, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and a group of European leaders at the White House.On Friday he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska.

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett refused to answer a question about a recent speeding ticket during a confrontational exchange with a reporter after practice on Wednesday.Strongsville, Ohio, police pulled Garrett over for going 100 mph in a 60 mph zone and ticketed him earlier this month. It was his eighth speeding violation since arriving in Cleveland in 2017.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMWhen asked about the violation, Garrett indicated he would not talk about it."Id honestly rather talk about football and this teamthan anything Im doing off the field other than the back to school event that I did the other day," he said.Garrett was continually asked about the incident during the media session."People want to know a lot of things," he said at one point. "But I try to keep my personal life personal Id rather focus on this team when I can."He later said, "Im going to need you to ask a different question so I can focus on this team and not, you know, this headline youre trying to get out of these questions youre asking."EX-NBA PLAYER MAKES SHEDEUR SANDERS-LEBRON JAMES COMPARISON AFTER QB'S PRESEASON DEBUTBrowns head coach Kevin Stefanski addressed Garretts latest citation earlier this month, calling it "extremely disappointing.""He needs to slow down for his safety and the safety of others," Stefanski said.Garrett's Browns teammate, rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, was also ticketed for multiple speeding violations in June.Sanders was first ticketed for going 91 mph in a 65-mph zone. Two weeks later, he went 101 in a 60 and failed to appear in court for both citations.Unlike Garrett, Sanders addressed those traffic tickets while appearing at teammate David Njokus charity softball game in June."I made some wrong choices personally, and I can own up to them," Sanders said. "I made some, you know, not great choices I learned."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward sparked a physical altercation with veteran defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons that led to the team needing to break them up.But the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft told reporters thats what he felt the team needed."Jeff is strong as s---," Ward said, via ESPN. "It was fun, and I think it was what we needed. We love competing, just with me and Jeff, and I'm excited to have that man as my teammate."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe incident occurred after Ward threw a touchdown to wide receiver Calvin Ridley, and as he went to celebrate, he stopped in front of Simmons to tease him with his trademark "Zombieland" celebration something Simmons is known for after making big defensive plays.Simmons didnt like it one bit, shoving Ward in the face mask with both hands.BENGALS ROOKIE KNOCKS DOWN JOE BURROW DURING PRACTICE, SPARKS HEATED CONFRONTATION WITH TEAMMATESThat sparked the Titans offensive line to quickly rush in to protect their quarterback, including left tackle Dan Moore Jr."Absolutely not," Moore said when asked if anyone is allowed to touch the quarterback, per ESPN. "That goes without saying."But this trash-talking between Ward and Simmons is something that has been prevalent since they got on the same field together."I get here, and hes damn near the first one Im ready to talk s--- to," Ward said. "Hes the first one that comes at my head every day at practice."Titans head coach Brian Callahan, who made the team run after the practice skirmish, acknowledged that it is wrong to touch the quarterback like Simmons did. However, he doesnt seem to mind the banter between teammates."If the quarterback enters willingly into the fray like that, then that's on him as well," Callahan said.Simmons added: "It's training camp, and tempers flare. I respect the hell out of our offense for having the quarterback's back. At the end of the day, we're family and moved on from it."Ward is going to experience much more than Simmons trash-talking in his first year in the NFL, and perhaps the three-time Pro Bowl tackle is trying to prepare him for those situations during the regular season.Well see if Ward will be jawing back at the Denver Broncos on Sept. 7 as he makes his NFL regular-season debut.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The Department of Homeland Security tweeted on Wednesday that the term "undocumented immigrant" is the political equivalent of "they/them" pronouns."DHS has no interest in the lefts open borders pronouns," the department said in its statement.DHS said "alien" is the technical and legal term for what are also called illegal immigrants in the press. "Illegal" is the only way to correctly describe lawbreakers, the agency added."Next thing you know you will be calling burglars undocumented houseguests," said the statement.TRUMP ADMIN SLAMS ACLU FOR COMPARING ICE CENTER TO JAPANESE INTERNMENT CAMP: DERANGED AND LAZYFederal law includes multiple references to the term "illegal alien" or "alien" in describing persons who incur into the U.S. illegally or without proper documentation.In 8 U.S.C (U.S. Code) 1182 and 1227 provisions dealing with admission and removal of foreign nationals the terms "inadmissible aliens" and "deportable aliens" are used.In federal statute delineating employment and public benefits, 8 U.S.C. 1324(a) and 8 U.S.C. 1611 describe the "unlawful employment of aliens" and "aliens ineligible for federal public benefits."ILLEGAL TRUCKER DEPORTED HIMSELF TO CALIFORNIA, LAWMAKER SAYS, REVEALING SYSTEMIC CRISIS IN TRANSPORTATIONIn criminal law, 8 U.S.C. 1324 describes the transgression of "bringing in and harboring certain aliens." The statute was often referred to by right-wing commentators during the Biden administration to highlight the textual precedent for using the term "illegal aliens."Another reference occurs in 8 U.S.C. 1325: regarding "improper entry by [an] alien."UNION BOSS COMPARES ICE TO AL PACINO MOBSTER AS MORE DEMS PILE ON IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT"Alien is the technical legal term, and that is what DHS will use," the department said in its statement.DHS cited three recent media stories using the term undocumented immigrant, including in Indiana, Texas and New Jersey press outlets.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPIn June, a high school student in Davidson County, N.C., won a $20,000 payday and apology after he was suspended from class over use of the term "alien" to refer to wrongfully present foreign nationals.The 16-year-old had asked his English teacher if the term "alien" meant "space aliens or illegal aliens who need green cards."Administrators ruled the comment racially insensitive and suspended the boy, whose family then sued, claiming mischaracterization of racial bias and First Amendment violations.Fox News Digital's Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.

Four additional International Criminal Court (ICC) officials are facing U.S. sanctions over actions targeting Americans and Israelis. The State Department cited President Donald Trumps executive order titled "Imposing Sanctions on the International Criminal Court," as its reasoning for issuing the sanctions.Those named are ICC Judge Kimberly Prost (Canada), ICC Judge Nicolas Yann Guillou (France), and ICC Deputy Prosecutors Nazhat Shameem Khan (Fiji) and Mame Mandiaye Niang (Senegal)."These individuals are foreign persons who directly engaged in efforts by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate, arrest, detain, or prosecute nationals of the United States or Israel, without the consent of either nation," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.US SANCTIONS PALESTINIAN AUTHORITY OFFICIALS AFTER REJECTING GLOBAL PUSH TO GIVE IT CONTROL OF GAZAWhile neither the U.S. nor Israel are members of the ICC, the individuals at the center of the sanctions have taken actions against both nations in their official capacities. According to the State Department, Prost ruled to authorize an investigation of U.S. personnel in Afghanistan, while Guillou ruled to authorize the ICC arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.Meanwhile, Khan and Niang are subject to the sanctions "continuing to support illegitimate ICC actions against Israel," including the arrest warrants, since assuming leadership of the ICCs Office of the Prosecutor in May."The [ICC] continues to disregard national sovereignty and facilitate lawfare through efforts to investigate, arrest, detain, and prosecute American and Israeli nationals," Rubio wrote on X announcing the sanctions. "In response, I am sanctioning four additional ICC officials. We will continue to hold accountable those responsible for the ICCs morally bankrupt and legally baseless actions against Americans and Israelis."TRUMP ADMIN SANCTIONS BRAZILIAN JUDGE OVERSEEING BOLSONARO COUP-PLOT PROBEIn response to a request for comment, the ICC pointed Fox News Digital to a public statement.The ICC said it "deplores the announcement of new designations for sanctions by the U.S. administration.""These sanctions are a flagrant attack against the independence of an impartial judicial institution which operates under the mandate from 125 States Parties from all regions. They constitute also an affront against the Courts States Parties, the rules-based international order and, above all, millions of innocent victims across the world," the ICCs statement read.WATCHDOG BACKS RUBIOS SANCTIONS ON UN OFFICIAL OVER SHAMEFUL EFFORTS TARGETING US, ISRAELThe State Department said that the sanctions are meant to "impose tangible and significant consequences" against Prost, Guillou, Khan and Niang. Their U.S. assets have been frozen, and U.S. persons and businesses are prohibited from dealing with them. This also applies to companies in which they hold at least 50 percent ownership. Additionally, the sanctions cover workarounds, such as indirect transactions.In February, Trump signed an executive order in which he claimed that the ICC had "engaged in illegitimate and baseless actions targeting America and our close ally Israel." The order also stated that the U.S. rejects any ICC actions against it or its allies who have "not consented to ICC jurisdiction." The order lists the types of sanctions that can be imposed, many of which are now being applied to Prost, Guillou, Khan and Niang.

Pentagon officials are enraged by a Washington Post report they say jeopardizes the safety of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his family by disclosing sensitive security details.The report, dubbed a Washington Post exclusive and headlined "Hegseths expansive security requirements tax Army protective unit," cites unnamed "officials" who insist Hegseth is straining the agency tasked with protecting him because of "unusually large personal security requirements.""The sprawling, multimillion-dollar initiative has forced the Armys Criminal Investigation Division, or CID, the agency that fields security for top Defense Department officials, to staff weeks-long assignments in each location and at times monitor residences belonging to Hegseth's former spouses, the officials said," the Post reported. "Army CID has faced significant staffing and budgetary shortfalls for years, but new demands since Hegseths arrival in January have put added pressure on the agency."HEGSETH ABRUPTLY PULLS PENTAGON OFFICIALS FROM 'GLOBALIST' ASPEN CONFERENCEThe article noted that Hegseth requires additional resources because of a "large blended family" with homes in several locations, "a rise in politically motivated violence as the nation has become more splintered" and a bomb threat "made against his home in Tennessee."Pentagon officials believe that a CID staffer talking to the press is equivalent to a Secret Service agent revealing sensitive details about the presidents protection and informing adversaries that Hegseths protection is strained can increase the likelihood of a security breach.The Washington Post report also revealed the state where Hegseths second wife currently resides, noted that "CID security assignments can entail accompanyingthe children to school and walking the perimeter of the homes," and criticized the secretary of defense for taking his family to a Washington Nationals baseball game."We attempted to get the Washington Post to remove sensitive details about the security of Secretary Hegseth's wife, children, and extended family, citing obvious security concerns and the potential for threats to increase after its publication. There is no justification for the Washington Post to publish this information about them," Pentagon press secretary Kingsley Wilson told Fox News Digital.Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell blasted the paper for putting "lives at risk.""In the wake of two assassination attempts against President Trump, ICE agents facing a 1,000% increase in assaults, and repeated threats of retaliation from Iran for striking their nuclear capabilities, it's astonishing that the Washington Post is criticizing a high-ranking cabinet official for receiving appropriate security protection, especially after doxxing the DHS Secretary last week," Parnell wrote on X, referring to a previous report that revealed the residence of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem."Any action pertaining to the security of Secretary Hegseth and his family has been in response to the threat environment and at the full recommendation [of] the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID)," Parnell continued. "When left-wing blogs like the Washington Post continue to dox cabinet secretaries security protocols and movements, it puts lives at risk."Dan Lamothe, the Washington Post reporter who wrote the story, responded to Parnell on social media."It is flatly false that The Washington Post doxxed anyone," he wrote. "There's also a public service in documenting how badly under strain this important, no-fail Army mission is, according to numerous professionals with knowledge of it."TULSI GABBARD ACCUSES WASHINGTON POST REPORTER OF 'ACTIVELY HARASSING' ODNI STAFFDepartment of Defense assistant press secretaries Riley Podleski and Jacob Bliss expressed similar disdain."How do these reporters sleep at night? @PeteHegseth is not only the Secretary of Defense but a father. This article, in addition to being false, puts him and all of his children at risk," Podleski wrote.Bliss wrote, "The scum at the Washington Post published details about @SecDefs security in the name of journalism. They arent holding anyone accountable theyre putting numerous lives and families at risk."Deputy Pentagon press secretary Joel Valdez called for reporters involved to face "severe punishment."More than two dozen paragraphs into the lengthy story, the Post report noted that the CID said "Hegseth did not request the additional coverage," and featured a statement in which Parnell called Hegseths protection "appropriate" and said that when the press scrutinizes "cabinet secretaries security protocols and movements, it puts lives at risk."HEGSETH TEARS UP RED TAPE, ORDERS PENTAGON TO BEGIN DRONE SURGE AT TRUMP'S COMMANDRep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla.,called on the FBI to probe who spoke to the Post."WaPo just doxxed sensitive info about @SecDefs SECURITY DETAIL. This isnt journalism, its a national security threat. Im calling on @FBIDirectorKash &@FBIDDBongino to open an official FBI investigation into the leakers and the hacks who printed it," Luna wrote. "TREASON wont hide behind a press badge."The Washington Post did not immediately respond to a request for comment."The Washington Postwithheld several sensitive details gathered in the course of reporting this article, including the size of Hegseths protective details and the precise locations where they are assigned," the Post noted in the report.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News Digitals Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.

Russia gave in quickly to concessions during President Donald Trumps meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, Friday, according to U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff.The remarks come as the U.S. and European allies are sorting out various security guarantees to accompany a peace deal and after Witkoff said Sunday that Putin was on board with permitting the U.S. and its European allies to provide additional protection for Ukraine, akin to protections included in NATOs Article 5 mutual defense clause."I don't want to delve into the specifics of what was discussed because we're in a negotiation, mediating, and I think we're going to be very successful because of the leadership of President Trump," Witkoff told Fox News Tuesday night.JD VANCE STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT DEFENDING TRUMP'S FOREIGN POLICY IN OVAL OFFICE DUSTUP WITH ZELENSKYY"But there were concessions almost immediately made on the part of the Russians in the first meeting in Alaska," Witkoff said. "And, you know, part of getting those concessions was learning whether we were going to be able to see the Russians prepared to be more accommodating."Historically, Russia has made demands that a peace deal include provisions to bar Ukraine from ever joining NATO, along with concessions on some of the borders that previously were Ukraine's.TRUMP: EUROPE WILL TAKE A LOT OF THE BURDEN IN PROVIDING SECURITY GUARANTEES FOR UKRAINEAlthough Trump said Sunday that Ukraine could end the war by agreeing to certain land concessions to Russia and eliminating the possibility of NATO membership for Ukraine under a potential peace deal, the next step Trump and other European allies are working toward is hashing out security provisions for Ukraine under such a deal.That was a huge focus Monday, when Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other European leaders at the White House to discuss various security measures to prevent Russian aggression against Ukraine in the future. After the meetings, Trump said Tuesday that sending U.S. troops to Ukraine to beef up security in the region was off the table."The president has definitively stated U.S. boots will not be on the ground in Ukraine, but we can certainly help in the coordination and perhaps provide other means of security guarantees to our European allies," White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Tuesday."The president understands security guarantees are crucially important to ensure a lasting peace, and he has directed his national security team to coordinate with our friends in Europe and also to continue to cooperate and discuss these matters with Ukraine and Russia as well."TRUMP CALLS WHITE HOUSE TALKS 'VERY GOOD, EARLY STEP' TOWARD RUSSIA-UKRAINE PEACE: HERE'S WHAT'S NEXTZelenskyy said U.S. backing on security guarantees is critical to delivering stability to Ukraine."Security in Ukraine depends on the United States and on you and on those leaders who are with us in our hearts," Zelenskyy said Monday."We spoke about it, and we will speak more about security guarantees," Zelenskyy said. "This is very important that the United States gives such strong signal and is ready for security guarantees."

CBS host Tony Dokoupil agreed Wednesday with President Donald Trumps push to have the Smithsonian Institution review how it presents American history.During a "CBS Mornings" segment, Dokoupil defended Trumps directive for Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., to stop focusing on the sins of Americas past and portray the countrys history in a more positive light."American history shouldnt be a thing of reverence. The country is not above critique," Dokoupil said. "But we shouldnt look at our history with contempt, either. And there is some room for correction back toward the middle."AMERICAN HISTORY WON'T BE DISPLAYED 'IN A WOKE MANNER' AT SMITHSONIAN, TRUMP SAYSTrump criticized how the Smithsonian has presented American history across its various museums in recent years in a Truth Social post Tuesday, accusing the institute of pushing a "woke" agenda that fixates on the darker parts of Americas past."The Museums throughout Washington, but all over the Country are, essentially, the last remaining segment of WOKE. The Smithsonian is OUT OF CONTROL, where everything discussed is how horrible our Country is, how bad Slavery was, and how unaccomplished the downtrodden have been Nothing about Success, nothing about Brightness, nothing about the Future," he said.Trump added, "We are not going to allow this to happen, and I have instructed my attorneys to go through the Museums, and start the exact same process that has been done with Colleges and Universities where tremendous progress has been made."The White House issued a letter to the Smithsonian on Aug. 12 ordering it to conduct an internal review of its exhibits to ensure that they align with the "Presidents directive to celebrate American exceptionalism, remove divisive or partisan narratives, and restore confidence in our shared cultural institutions" ahead of the countrys 250th birthday celebrations next year.SMITHSONIAN TEMPORARILY REMOVES TRUMP IMPEACHMENT REFERENCES FROM HISTORY MUSEUM, DRAWING LIBERAL IREDokoupil argued that the words in the letter to the Smithsonian were similar to the current mission statement of the institution itself."The mission of the Smithsonian is to forge a shared history, a shared future, not just context, but hope to lead the country and communities together. Thats essentially what Donald Trump is offering here," the morning show host continued.He added that Americans deserve to feel proud of their country's history, and that their museums should foster that feeling for all visitors."If you ask someone, is the world and its people better off because of the existence of America and its people? To me, the answer is unquestionably yes. And I think people walking in the Smithsonian when they walk out of it, they should get some sense of that."CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURECo-host Vladimir Duthiers King pushed back, saying, "We dont have to whitewash who we are and where we came from.""I agree," Gayle King responded.King added that she doesnt believe that what Trump has deemed to be a "woke" presentation of U.S. history is "an overcorrection," saying it is just presenting "the history thats all part of who we are."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Pope Leo XIVis shaking up tradition at the Vatican moving into a newly renovated papal apartment and bringing four roommates, according to reports.Leo plans to share his new residence, which is undergoing a major revamp, marking the first time in modern history that a pope has decided to live communally in the palaces official quarters, The Telegraph reported."It seems to be new to me," Vatican correspondent Iacopo Scaramuzzi told the UK outlet. "I dont know if that takes account of the long history of the Church, but certainly in the modern era."Among those reportedly joining him is his Peruvian personal secretary, Father Edgard Rimaycuna, who is often seen at Leos side. A trusted adviser and close friend since the Popes early pastoral years in South America, Father Edgard, is thought of as one of Leos most loyal companions.PIZZA FOR POPE SURVIVED VAN BREAKDOWN, TSA SECURITY AND MORE DRAMA BEFORE FINALLY REACHING CATHOLIC LEADER"In my opinion, Leo is definitely different to Francis but not that different," Scaramuzzi added. "He is returning to the papal apartments, but not like a king."The shared living arrangement is said to reflect the community ethos of the Augustinians, the order of friars to which Leo belongs.The move also contrasts with Pope Francis, who said no to moving into the papal apartments when he was ordained in 2013, choosing instead a Vatican guesthouse.MORNING GLORY: POPE LEO XIV (AND PRESIDENT TRUMP)The Apostolic Palace, where the apartment lies, dates back to the 15th century and also houses papal offices, museums and the Sistine Chapel.Italian media outlet La Repubblicareported this week that renovations to the apartment are ongoing.The 10-room suite, located on the palaces third floor, has also undergone repairs for water infiltration and humidity after years of disuse.ILLINOIS TOWN MOVES TO SEIZE POPE LEO XIV'S CHILDHOOD HOME THROUGH EMINENT DOMAIN, CONVERT TO HISTORIC SITEThe Vatican has remained "tight-lipped about the latest restructure," according to The Telegraph, though technicians have been at work for months.When Francis died in April, the papal apartments were sealed in a ritual before being reopened for renovation. Since then, Pope Leo has been living in the Sagrestia building near St. Peters Basilica.POPE LEO XIV INSPIRES OVER A MILLION YOUNG CATHOLICS AT ROME FAITH GATHERINGThis isnt the first time Leo XIVhas opted for a modern touch. Born to a working-class immigrant family in Chicago, he grew up modestly before joining the priesthood.In 2024, he told Vatican Newsthat he strives to stay grounded."A bishop is not supposed to be a little prince sitting in his kingdom, but rather called authentically to be humble, to be close to the people he serves, to walk with them and to suffer with them," he said.Reaction to Leos move has been mixed online. Earlier this year, author James Martin wrote on X: "We need to trust Pope Leos discernment in this and all things and wish him well in his new digs!"

The Texas State House on Wednesday passed a new congressional map, blasting through a Democratic roadblock in a bid to bolster the GOPs chances of holding onto the U.S. House next year.The map passed the Republican-controlled House in a 88-52 vote, setting up a new look for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections with the addition of five Republican-leaning congressional districts in the Lone Star State.Still, the map must make its way through the Texas State Senate before it lands on Gov. Greg Abbott's desk.TEXAS DEMS END WEEKSLONG QUORUM STANDOFF IN REDISTRICTING FIGHTAbbott pushed for the creation of a new map to adhere to President Donald Trumps desire to not see a repeat of the 2018 election cycle, when Democrats handily regained the majority in the House and acted as a foil to the presidents legislative desires toward the end of his first term.While Republicans control a supermajority in deep-red Texas and already passed the map through the state Senate, Democrats still needed to create a quorum in the House to actually move the process along.ABBOTT, TEXAS REPUBLICANS LAUNCH NEW TRUMP-BACKED REDISTRICTING PUSH AS FLEEING DEMOCRATS PLAN TO END WALKOUTDozens of Texas Democrats fled the state to stall the process, creating a national media frenzy and generating support from Democratic donors, including groups linked to George Soros and Beto ORourke, to help pay for their fines, travel and lodging.It generated pushes to have them arrested by Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, as well as a request from Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, to have the FBI track them down and the DOJ to launch an investigation into the political action committees funding their escape.O'ROURKE, SOROS-LINKED GROUPS FACE CALL FOR DOJ PROBE OVER ALLEGED FUNDING OF TEXAS DEM WALKOUTDemocratic leaders announced Monday they would return for the second special session following California's plan to redraw its maps to soften the blow from the Lone Star State, ending the blockade and allowing Republicans to charge ahead.Texas House Democrats accused the GOP of crafting a map that was illegal and racially discriminatory, and they tried and failed on the House floor to add amendments to the bill that would have halted the process. Despite Democrats' best efforts, Texas House Republicans shot down a dozen amendments to the bill."Members, it breaks my heart to see how this illegal and rigged, mid-decade redistricting scheme is dividing our state and our country," Rep. Chris Turner, a Democrat, said. "This is Texas, it's not Washington D.C. The impulses of outside politicians and their billionaire backers shouldn't dictate what we do in this chamber, in this House."Rep. Todd Hunter, a Republican who wrote the bill for the new map, countered that four of the five new districts were "majority-minority Hispanic," noting that each of the new districts now trended Republican. Still, he had no qualms as to why Republicans were pursuing changes to the congressional maps."The underlying goal of this plan is straightforward, [to] improve Republican political performance," he said.The Democrats blockade ended on Monday, when Abbott called for a second special session after their demands for California to also begin a redistricting cycle were met in an effort to nullify the map Texas Republicans were creating.California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the California Democrats unveiled their new map last week, which, if passed, would create five new Democratic-leaning congressional districts that would counteract the Texas legislatures new map.