Kansas health officials say they are monitoring six West Nile virus cases this year and five of them have been considered serious.As of Aug. 15, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) shows three cases located in the north-central Kansas region and three more in the south-central part of the state.The KDHE says that five of the six cases are classified as neuroinvasive. Jill Bronaugh, a KDHE spokesperson, said non-neuroinvasive cases are less severe, according to a report by KSNT.Bronaugh explained that infected subjects with non-neuroinvasive cases have flu-like symptoms and neuroinvasive cases are much more severe.MOSQUITO-BORN DENGUE FEVER CASES SURGE AT POPULAR US VACATION DESTINATION"Neuroinvasive cases are those in which there is clinical evidence of involvement of the central nervous system in the disease process," Bronaugh said. "These cases are generally more severe and include symptoms such as high fever, inflammation of the brain and/or the tissue surrounding the brain, disorientation, paralysis or muscle weakness, numbness, and vision loss. These cases generally have a longer recovery time and require more extensive medical intervention."According to a report by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), the numbers are still below last years totals, but some health officials are warning that the risk will rise as mosquito activity peaks in late summer.Last year, Kansas recorded 64 infections, including four deaths, according to KDHE data.MOSQUITO-BORNE VIRUS SPREADING THROUGH CHINA CAUSES HIGH FEVER, JOINT PAINKDHE currently has a West Nile virus dashboard, which is updated on Fridays during the surveillance season, July through September.According to the CDC, WNV is commonly spread through bites from infected mosquitoes during mosquito season starting in the summer.Peak numbers are from August to early September, the CDC website reports, and yearly about 2,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed, although those numbers are low due to under-reporting caused by mild symptoms.The CDC says typical symptoms such as high fever, headache, neck stiffness, stupor, disorientation, coma, tremors, convulsions, muscle weakness, vision loss, numbness, or paralysis tend to show up 26 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.Unfortunately, there are no medicines available to treat West Nile, but the CDC notes that most who are infected recover.The CDC says that most people infected with the West Nile virus "are believed to have lifelong immunity or protection from getting the disease again."Health officials have urged residents to use precautions when going outdoors to protect themselves from mosquito bites. Officials suggest using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants outdoors, and eliminating standing water around homes where mosquitoes can breed.

Across the country, liberal open-border politicians are trying to put ICE officers in danger. In addition to the wave of slanderous and demonizing rhetoric against those who enforce our immigration laws, they also want to ensure that these heroic men and women are under constant threat from radical retaliation in the privacy of their own homes.How? They want to ban federal law enforcement from wearing masks. Proponents of these bans claim that the masks cause chaos and undermine transparency. The common cry from politicians like Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, California Governor Gavin Newsom, failed vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz, and others is that federal law enforcement officers are refusing to identify themselves before making arrests of illegal aliens.That could not be further from the truth. Ive been on the ground during an operation, DHS law enforcement clearly identify themselves during arrests, stating their name, showing their badges, and wear identifiers on their gear like badges and patches.HOUSE REPUBLICANS WARN ANTI-ICE RHETORIC FROM DEMOCRATS IS DRIVING VIOLENT ATTACKS ON AGENTSSo why are authorities wearing masks during deportation operations? Because, if they do not, leftist rioters will dox, harass, and assault themselves and their family.That is not speculation, it is a fact. The politicians behind this push to expose ICE officers conveniently ignore the fact that they themselves with their sanctuary policies, extreme rhetoric, and reckless actions are endangering both the American public and law enforcement to begin with and creating the need to protect officers identities.Right now, ICE agents are facing a 1000% increase in assaults. Federal immigration officials have been shot, assaulted, ambushed, and targeted on a near-weekly basis. Over Independence Day weekend, nearly a dozen violent assailants equipped with tactical gear and weapons attacked an ICE facility in Alvarado, Texas and shot a local law enforcement officer. A month later in August, an ICE facility was set on fire.Meanwhile, left-wing politicians have compared ICE and other law enforcement to Nazi Germanys Gestapo, the KKK, Neo-Nazis, and terrorists.That language only encourages more and more violence.Its not just mere rhetoric from these leftist officials either. From coast to coast, they are physically assaulting and obstructing our brave law enforcement officials to defend violent criminals. For example, in California, Congressman Salud Carbajal (D-CA) doxxed an ICE employee to a mob of rioters who attacked federal immigration authorities as they executed a criminal search warrant at a marijuana facility. In Los Angeles, Mayor Bass has repeatedly attempted to shut down ICE operations, even showing up on scene to do so. In New Jersey, several representatives stormed the Delaney Detention facility, placing ICE officials in harms way, leading to charges against New Jersey Rep. LaMonica McIver.These politicians claim to care about safety and the rule of law, yet they only want to interact with federal law enforcement officials if its a chance to vilify, get a photo op, or thwart removal operations.Which brings us to the real kicker here: The same left-wing politicians lying about so-called chaos are the very same ones who are causing the chaos.Under the Biden administration, tens of millions of illegal aliens from all over the world poured into the country. Many of them flocked to blue cities and states because they understood they could get freebies, welfare, and a promise to be shielded from federal law enforcement. As a result, crime skyrocketed. U.S. citizens were victimized and killed because of their policies.The American people rejected that insanity. They voted for President Donald Trump to make America safe again. Now, rapists, murders, wife-beaters, child predators, and other monsters are being arrested and removed from the country. The border is the most secure in history. In the months of May, June, and July, U.S. Border Patrol released zero illegal aliens into the interior.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONWho could oppose that? Only politicians who would rather place their own political ambitions ahead of the safety of U.S. citizens.Its evident that rather than admit their failure, theyre choosing to double down by demonizing brave patriots serving their country. It is utterly disgusting and a slap in the face to all who wear the badge.If the opioid epidemic, sex trafficking, mugshots of murderers, and the pain and anguish of American citizens hasnt compelled these open-border leftists to change their policies, its unclear what would.In the meantime, the Trump administration will not wait around for sanctuary politicians to have a change of heart. We will take whatever action necessary to keep America safe from illegal aliens.We will not apologize for protecting the country, nor will we yield to those who seek to politicize the appearance of our agents rather than address the real threats they and the American people face.

The White House made headlines this week by finally joining TikTok. As someone who has been urging Republican leadership to modernize our outreach to young people for years, I believe this is a long-overdue step in the right direction. But joining TikTok isnt enough on its own. To win over the next generation of voters, this White House must go further and faster.President Trumps political comeback in 2024 wasnt a fluke. It was built on connecting with youth voters in ways no Republican had ever tried before. When he tapped me to come on as chair of the RNCs inaugural Youth Advisory Council in 2023, I told party leaders bluntly that the days of relying on a Sunday newspaper ad to deliver the GOPs message were over. My generation doesnt read the classifieds we scroll feeds. We share memes. We stream podcasts. We are digital natives, and any party serious about winning our support has to meet us where we are.Thats exactly what President Trump did. He embraced new platforms, leaned into long-form podcasts, and even launched a TikTok account that quickly became the fastest-growing account in the platforms history. The results spoke for themselves. Nationally, 46% of Gen Z backed Trump in 2024, a 10-point surge from 2020. In Wisconsin, Republican support among 18-to-29-year-olds jumped from 36% in 2020 to 48% in 2024. That is a generational shift in motion.WHITE HOUSE LAUNCHES OFFICIAL TIKTOK ACCOUNT WITH TRUMP FEATURED PROMINENTLY IN DEBUT VIDEOBut the work is far from over. The GOP holds the House at 218 seats a razor-thin margin and the results showed clear divides among young voters. Young men trended right while young women leaned left, especially on issues like abortion. The takeaway is obvious: Republicans cant take their foot off the gas when it comes to modern youth outreach.And heres the truth: if Republicans dont stay in the game, others will. My peers are not only watching President Trump theyre also listening to progressive Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y. and even far-left figures like democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, who could soon be mayor of New York City.Many in Gen Z are flirting with socialism because those voices are showing up online and on campus in ways conservatives too often dont. If the White House and the GOP want to cement Gen Z gains, they need to get in the game now not two years from now.Here are three ways the White House can seize this moment:One of the biggest turning points in 2023 came when Trump started appearing on popular podcasts. These werent 7-minute cable news hits clipped for social media. They were long, unfiltered, authentic conversations lasting up to three hours. And they reached tens sometimes hundreds of millions of people, many of them first-time voters.I MADE MEMES FOR THE WHITE HOUSE. HERES WHAT I LEARNEDYoung Americans are drowning in student debt, struggling to afford eggs, and working two jobs. Theyre not paying for cable bundles. Theyre streaming on YouTube and Spotify. Thats why podcasts were so effective because they met people where they already were.Now that hes back in the Oval Office, President Trump should take it further by hosting a monthly White House podcast. Thirty minutes, once a month. It would be the modern equivalent of FDRs fireside chats: a direct, unfiltered line from the president to the people. That kind of accessibility would deepen his connection with young voters and bypass the hostile filter of legacy media.This May, just before he walked on stage to deliver the commencement address at the University of Alabama, I had the opportunity to meet with President Trump one-on-one. I told him directly: my peers dont just want to see their president online they want to see him on campus.TRUMP TELLS UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA GRADUATES NOT TO BE A 'VICTIM,' SAYS IN AMERICA 'WE REJECT THAT IDEA'The impact of a campus speaking tour would be enormous. Universities are the beating heart of Gen Z political culture. Too often, conservatives have ceded that ground to the Left. But when Trump goes into these spaces whether its a stadium filled with graduates in Alabama or a rally near a college town students show up. And they listen.The Kamala Harris campaigns approach to keeping their monopoly on Gen Z last November was a political consultant's fever dream: using trendy phrases like "joy" in messaging, posting TikTok trends, and bringing our A-List celebrities. Up until that point, they executed the perfect made-in-a-lab playbook to win over my peers, but there was just one problem: she screamed at us instead of talking to us.Theres a difference between standing on stage next to Beyonc and thinking thats all you have to do to win over Americas youngest voters, and actually taking the time to fly to college campuses and throw out hot dogs in the student section like President Trump did in Tuscaloosa last October.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONRemember when the world was shocked when Trump descended on the Bronx for a rally in a territory Republicans never talked about much less visited? That same feeling of excitement--of an unseen community being seen--could happen again if the president held a speech on Harvards campus.Imagine a presidential speaking tour that takes him to major universities across the country, not just red states but swing states where young voters could decide the balance of power in 2026. Hearing directly from the president of the United States, not filtered through CNN or MSNBC, would cut through the noise and give students a chance to engage with conservative ideas firsthand.Trumps TikTok account broke records as the fastest-growing in the platforms history. That momentum cannot go to waste now that the campaign is over. TikTok is where millions of young Americans spend their time, and the White House should treat it as a permanent tool for outreach, not just a campaign gimmick.Behind-the-scenes videos, short policy explainers, and even lighter content showing the human side of the presidency would reach audiences that traditional news outlets will never touch. TikToks algorithm thrives on authenticity, and the White House has the chance to use it as a window into The Peoples House not just a political stage.President Trumps youth outreach strategy helped rewrite the rules of American politics. It showed Republicans that Gen Z isnt a lost cause. In fact, we are trending conservative faster than any recent generation. But winning our support takes effort. It takes consistency. And it takes meeting us where we live online and on campus.Joining TikTok is a good move, but it must be the beginning, not the end. A monthly White House podcast, a presidential campus tour and a daily energetic presence on TikTok would send a clear message: this president isnt just talking at young people hes talking with us. Thats how you prevent Gen Z from drifting toward AOC or Zohran Mamdani and instead lock in a generation for the conservative movement.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM BRILYN HOLLYHAND

Mondays high-stakes White House meetingbringing together President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and key European leaderscentered on one urgent question: can Ukraine secure ironclad security guarantees that deter Russia without triggering NATO membership? With Moscow escalating its campaign of terror and the West still hesitant, the gathering was less about breakthroughs and more about clarifying the battle lines for Ukraines survival.On the night of August 2021, Russia unleashed one of the most intenseaerial assaults in monthslaunching 574 drones and 40 ballistic and cruise missiles into western Ukraine. This wave of strikes targeted regions previously considered less vulnerable, signaling a dangerous expansion of Moscows strategy.Among the hardest-hit sites was a U.S.-owned Flex electronics factory in Mukachevo, near the Hungarian border. The civilian facilitymanufacturing consumer productswas struck directly, sparking a massive fire, injuring civilians, and sending a clear message that Russia is willing to target American economic interests inside Ukraine.RUSSIAN CRUISE MISSILES HIT US COMPANY IN MASSIVE UKRAINE STRIKE AMID TRUMPS PEACE PUSHPresident Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the strike as proof that Moscow has no intention of pursuing peace, while company officials stressed that the factory had no military connection and voiced deep concern for their employees safety.The timing of this ruthless offensive could not be more telling. It came just days after President Trumps peace pushfirst in Alaska with President Vladimir Putin and then at the White House with Zelenskyy and European allies. The so-called 'peace initiative' now looks hollow, undermined by Russias willingness to escalate while talks were still fresh.PUTIN ISSUES FORMAL DEMANDS TO END UKRAINE WAR AFTER MEETING WITH TRUMP: REPORTIn response, NATO and allied planners are weighing stronger guarantees for Ukraine. Yet, as of now, those discussions stop short of committing U.S. or European ground forcesa reality that leaves Kyiv vulnerable. The Kremlin, for its part, flatly rejects any form of external military assistance, further complicating the path forward. Russia is now openly targeting civilian and American-owned infrastructure, proving that this war is as much about intimidation as territory.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION Diplomatic efforts are consistently undercut by violence. The very timing of the assault highlights Moscows use of negotiations as cover for continued aggression. Strategic equilibrium remains fragile. Ukraines survival hinges not on vague assurances but on enforceable guarantees with teeth.The latest Russian escalationstriking American investments and Ukrainian civilians alikedemonstrates that peace is still far from our reach. Diplomatic promises alone cannot deter Putin. Only guarantees backed by real enforcement, rapid response mechanisms, and tangible consequences for violations will prevent Moscow from striking again.The West faces a choice: provide Ukraine with credible protection or watch history repeat itself as empty promises embolden aggression.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM ROBERT MAGINNIS

President Donald Trump threatened a full "Federal takeover of" the nation's capital, accusing Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser of disseminating "inaccurate crime figures."In an early Friday morning post on Truth Social, the president declared, "Washington, D.C. is SAFE AGAIN! The crowds are coming back, the spirit is high, and our D.C. National Guard and Police are doing a fantastic job. They are out in force, and are NOT PLAYING GAMES!!! As bad as it sounds to say, there were no murders this week for the first time in memory."Mayor Muriel Bowser must immediately stop giving false and highly inaccurate crime figures, or bad things will happen, including a complete and total Federal takeover of the City! Washington D.C. will soon be great again!!!" he added.DOJ INVESTIGATING POSSIBLE DC CRIME DATA MANIPULATION AMID TRUMP'S CRACKDOWN ON VIOLENCEFox News Digital reached out to the mayor's office early on Friday morning to request a comment from Bowser.Trump has mounted a bid to crack down on crime in D.C.Last week he issued an order directing the mayor "provide the services of the Metropolitan Police force for Federal purposes" and issued a memorandum directing the Defense Secretary "to mobilize the District of Columbia National Guard and order members to active service" to tackle the city's crime problem.TRUMP JOINS POLICE AND MILITARY FORCES IN WASHINGTON STREETSPresident Trump previously threatened a federal takeover in D.C in a Truth Social post earlier this month."If D.C. doesnt get its act together, and quickly, we will have no choice but to take Federal control of the City, and run this City how it should be run, and put criminals on notice that theyre not going to get away with it anymore," he declared in part of an Aug. 5 post.Back in August of 2023 when President Joe Biden was still in office, Trump promoted the idea, noting in a post that he was "CALLING FOR A FEDERAL TAKEOVER OF THIS FILTHY AND CRIME RIDDEN EMBARRASSMENT TO OUR NATION, WHERE MURDERS HAVE JUST SHATTERED THE ALL TIME RECORD, OTHER VIOLENT CRIMES HAVE NEVER NEEN [sic] WORSE, AND TOURISTS HAVE FLED."SOCIAL MEDIA ERUPTS AFTER ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT SCREAMS DURING VIRAL DC ARREST: WHAT I VOTED FOR"Violent crime in DC is at its lowest level in 30 years," Mayor Muriel Bowser asserted in social media posts last week. "We had an unacceptable spike in 2023, so we changed our laws and strategies. Now, crime levels are not only down from 2023, but from before the pandemic. Our tactics are working, and we arent taking our foot off the gas."

The U.S. State Department has issued an updated travel advisory for Mexico, warning Americans about potential dangers in the popular vacation destination.Released on Aug. 12, the advisory raised Mexico to a Level 2 alert, urging travelers to "exercise increased caution" due to the threat of violent crime, including terrorism, kidnapping, and other criminal activity. U.S. officials also warned that in certain areas they may have limited ability to assist travelers in emergencies."Violent crimes such as homicide, kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery are widespread," the advisory notes. "There is also a risk of terrorist violence, including potential attacks."AMERICANS IN VACATION HOT SPOT MAY SEE MORE MILITARY THAN MARGARITAS THIS SUMMERThe alert comes as Mexico continues to attract millions of international travelers.According to RoadGenius, in 2024, Mexico received approximately 45.04 million international tourists, including about 13.5 million visitors from the United States, making it the top international destination for U.S. travelers. Popular hot spots include Cancn, Tulum, Cabo San Lucas, and Mexico City.Despite the heightened warning, one expert emphasized that Americans dont necessarily need to cancel their trips.Robert McDonald, a retired supervisory Secret Service agent and a lecturer in criminal justice at the University of New Haven, told Fox News Digital the advisory should be viewed as a reminder rather than a deterrent."It's really a lot of situational awareness, a lot of common sense," McDonald said. "If you can avoid traveling into a hot zone, do so. Otherwise, just be smart about your surroundings."AMERICAN TOURISTS IN POPULAR VACATION SPOT FACE INCREASED RISK OF BEING KILLED, ROBBEDWith more than 20 years in executive protection and intelligence, McDonald has coordinated security for U.S. and foreign dignitaries. He said that while most resorts are generally safe, venturing off-property is where risks increase.McDonald explained that resorts and cruise lines work hard to maintain reputations for safety, often downplaying incidents to reassure guests. While most tourist hubs remain stable, travelers who leave resort areas may face exposure to cartel activity, gang violence, robbery, or drink tampering."Stay on the resort. Enjoy whats on the property. Dont go off thats where problems can occur," McDonald said.McDonald also highlighted how resorts and cruise ships alike are motivated to maintain a reputation for safety, even if that means underplaying incidents, adding that guests can still have safe and enjoyable vacations by being cautious and limiting exposure to risky situations.AMERICANS TOURISTS WARNED OF INCREASED THREAT IN SUMMER VACATION HOTSPOT"Resorts dont want problems advertised because it hurts business, but dangers exist once you step off," he explained.According to McDonald, safety largely depends on where youre going."Tourist-friendly areas haven't seen a significant spike in violent crime," McDonald noted. "But you should avoid areas dominated by drug cartels or where violence is common."For those still planning trips, McDonald recommends the following precautions:Avoid street taxis:There have been reports of extortion involving unregulated taxis. Instead, book transportation in advance through reputable companies offering vetted services.US RENEWS TRAVEL ADVISORY TO POPULAR DESTINATION AMID 'TERRORISM FEARS': 'EXERCISE INCREASED CAUTION'Stay on resort grounds:Resorts typically provide 24-hour security. If you plan to leave the property, avoid going out alone or after dark.Stay vigilant:Avoid distractions like using your phone while walking, and keep an eye on your drink when out socializing.Dress modestly:Avoid wearing flashy or expensive jewelry that could draw unwanted attention.Communicate safety: Check in with people back home and travel with trusted groups.Be prepared for emergencies: Always know exit strategies and how to "get off the X" (escape dangerous situations quickly).McDonald stressed that these tips apply not only to Mexican resorts but to any crowded environment."Travelers must be vigilant. Whether at a resort, a ball game, or any crowded venue, its important to always identify exit routes and have a plan to get off the X if danger arises, since law enforcement often arrives only after the fact," McDonald said.Ultimately, he advised travelers to balance enjoyment with preparation."Enjoy the trip, but dont let your guard down safety relies on awareness, preparation, and smart choices," McDonald said."A little bit of preparation, knowing where the consulate, police, or hospital are located can make a big difference. So plan ahead, and always be ready to remove yourself quickly from unsafe situations."

Top Democrats are alarmed by the $8 billion merger between Skydance Media and Paramount Global, alleging political interference, improper payments and threats to press freedom.The Federal Communications Commission(FCC) approved the high-stakes merger earlier this month that puts the new version of Paramount under the control of CEO David Ellison, the son of billionaire Oracle co-founderLarry Ellison.The approval came weeks after Paramount and CBS agreed to settle President Trumps "election interference" lawsuit for $16 million upfront.There is expected to be another eight-figure allocation set aside for advertisements, public service announcements or other similar transmissions, in support of conservative causes that is expected to be paid for by Ellison, but the media mogul has yet to speak publicly about the deal and the previous Paramount management was reportedly kept in the dark.CBS also announced ahead of the merger that the far-left program "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" would be canceled. The new company, "Paramount, a Skydance Corporation," is the parent company to a variety of media and entertainmentassets, including CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Paramount Plus and an iconic movie studio.LONGTIME '60 MINUTES' CORRESPONDENT STEVE KROFT, JON STEWART BASH CBS TRUMP SETTLEMENT AS SHAKEDOWNReps. Jamie Raskin, D-Md., and Frank Pallone, D-N.J., penned a letter to Ellison on Wednesday expressing their concerns with the merger, specifically regarding the extra cash to be paid by Ellison and the cancellation of "The Late Show.""Alarmingly, the FCCs decision came only after Skydance and Paramount agreed to provide millions of dollars in payments and free services to Donald Trump himself and millions to support his future presidential library respectively," Raskin and Pallone wrote."Further, as a condition of the merger, it appears Skydance has agreed to install someone to police CBSs editorial decisions, promising to conduct a comprehensive review of CBS and to appoint an ombudsman to root out bias," they continued. "Recent reporting and statements by President Trump indicate that you offered to provide President Trump with free access to between $15 and $20 million worth of public service announcements (PSAs) in exchange for FCCs approval of the merger."Raskin and Pallone, who are the top Democrats on the House Judiciary and Energy committees, said the settlement "raises significant concerns that Donald Trump demanded and Paramount paid an illegal bribea $16 million payment to the President in exchange for merger approval from the FCC.""Paramount also canceled the highly popular The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, which President Trump openly dislikes, shortly after Mr. Colberts on-air criticism of Paramounts settlement as a big fat bribe," Raskin and Pallone wrote."As part of our mandate to conduct congressional oversight, we will continue to scrutinize the connection between Skydances offers made to the President prior to closing the deal, Paramounts settlement of a sham lawsuit that enriches the President, and regulatory approval of the merger," they continued. "We will also continue to examine Paramount Skydance Corporations implementation and the FCCs enforcement, under Chairman Carrs leadership, of the merger conditions, with a special focus on any actions that appear to exceed the agencys statutory authority."Raskin and Pallone added, "Two wrongs do not make a rightillegitimate demands from the FCC or the Administration do not absolve your company from wrongdoing," and asked a series of questions, including confirmation of the "side deal" for advertising and all communications between the involved parties.PARAMOUNT, CBS FORCED TO PAY EIGHT FIGURES, CHANGE EDITORIAL POLICY IN SETTLEMENT WITH PRESIDENT TRUMPParamount declined comment when reached by Fox News Digital.But Raskin and Pallone arent the only Democrats who have a problem with the merger.Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.,sent a letter to FCC chairman Brendan Carr on Monday."I am writing to clarify the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) terms and conditions for approving the recent the $8 billion merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media, including any role played by President Trump or his associates in influencing the FCCs actions. The sequence of actions and statements leading up to and following the FCCs merger approval, including Paramounts $16 million settlement with President Trump just days before the FCC issued its approval, raises significant questions and alarm that the FCC an independent regulatory agency has become a vehicle for President Trump to exact personal retribution and undermine the freedom of the press," Schiff wrote."Oversight by Congress is therefore imperative to assess the FCCs actions and the circumstances surrounding the approval, which, if influenced by President Trump, would set a dangerous precedent of political interference in and corruption of the FCCs merger approval process," he continued. "As you are aware, the FCCs authority and its limits are rooted in the First Amendment."Schiff said the FCC "does not have the authority to dictate editorial content, punish perceived political bias, compel or silence specific viewpoints, or reward parties on the basis of efforts to garner favor with elected officials," and criticized the Trump settlement, along with the new owner's plans to terminate DEI initiatives and offer diverse viewpoints.Carr cited the commitment to make significant changes at the once-storied CBS broadcast network when announcing he approved the deal in July.SKYDANCE INFORMS TRUMPS FCC IT WILL ELIMINATE DEI AT PARAMOUNT, CREATE CBS NEWS OMBUDSMAN FOLLOWING MERGER"The FCCs recent actions are especially troubling considering President Trumps history of disparaging the press and undermining the protections afforded to them by the Constitution," Schiff wrote.Schiff then asked Carr a series of questions, including about details of his meetings with Ellison, whether the FCC discussed "specific programming content decisions, including The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" with Paramount or Skydance officials, if any changes to editorial review practices were promised and whether the FCC had communications with the Trump administration regarding the deal.Schiff also asked if Trump administration officials or associates asked for special conditions ahead of the approval, what First Amendment analysis was conducted, if the FCC knew of any deal concerning a potential multi-million dollar public service announcement or advertising commitment and what safeguards the FCC has in place to insulate from external political pressure during the review of future merger applications.It doesnt appear that Carr is too concerned with Schiffs questions."Once again, Adam Schiff is pressing false accusations to distract from his misdeeds and divert press attention away from the great wins President Trump is delivering for the American people," Carr told Fox News Digital.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

President Donald Trumps new deal in the South Caucasus has ended a decades-long conflict and handed Washington a rare strategic foothold on Irans northern border, experts say.The agreement, signed earlier this month between Armenia and Azerbaijan, grants the U.S. a 99-year lease over the Zangezur Corridor - a narrow strip of land that will serve as a critical trade and energy route to Europe, bypassing Tehran entirely. Iranian American journalist and dissident Banafsheh Zand told Fox News Digital the move is "a wonderful gain for the U.S." that also delivers a "slap in the face" to the regime in Tehran.The corridor has long been at the center of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which displaced tens of thousands and fueled three decades of instability. Trumps intervention brought both sides to the table and created what observers say is a new trade and security lifeline linking the Caspian Basin to Europe, bypassing Iran entirely.ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJAN LEADERS SEEK TO EASE RUSSIAN AND IRANIAN CONCERNS AFTER US-BROKERED PEACE DEALKnown as the Trump Route for Peace & Prosperity (TRIPP), economically, the agreement secures Washington a direct role in overseeing the flow of Caspian hydrocarbons to Europe. The U.S. will manage rail and road infrastructure, telecom networks and energy pipelines running through the corridor, giving American companies a dominant position in regional transit for oil, gas and goods. By controlling this artery, the U.S. not only generates billions in future trade and investment but also locks Europe into alternative supply routes that reduce reliance on both Russia and Iran.For allies, the corridor offers cheaper and safer access to Caspian energy. For Tehran, it represents lost revenue, lost leverage, and the end of its ability to act as a mandatory gatekeeper for east-west commerce.Zand said the deal is not only historic but also a direct win for Washington. "Its a wonderful gain for the U.S.," she said. "American contractors will be supervising oil and gas from the Caspian Basin, routed through Zangezur and Turkey to Europe. The profit margins are great, and it all happens under NATOs blessing."Zand said the potential goes even further. "Nobodys talking about it yet, but I dont think its out of the question to see U.S. bases there," she said. "If that happens, then checkmate the Khamenei regime and Russia."TRUMP MAKES PEACE DEAL BETWEEN ARMENIA AND AZERBAIJANFor Iran, the corridor represents what Zand called a nightmare scenario. Tehran has long used its geography to shape energy and trade flows. By inserting the U.S. into the region, the new deal effectively strips Iran of that leverage. Zand put it in stark terms: "Iran is shaped like a cat, a sitting cat. This corridor literally runs above the cats ears. It bypasses Iran, takes money away from the regime, and pushes them out into the cold."Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies Iran Program, said the corridor exposes how vulnerable Iran has become in the Caucasus. "Both the defeat of Armenia in the most recent war with Azerbaijan, as well as the political problems between Moscow and Yerevan today, have made it harder for the Islamic Republic to really benefit from its traditional economic and political relationship with Armenia," he told Fox News Digital."They still do have ties, and the regime is an opportunistic actor as much as it is an ideological one. If there is any way to throw stones at this agreement, or extract concessions on the back end, they will try."At the same time, he said the strategic picture is clear. "The Islamic Republic is, in essence, carved out of this route," he said. "This is not just a critical corridor that could bring stability to the South Caucasus and economic improvement for all countries involved-it also drives home the point that the regime has been such a poor guardian of Irans national interest that the Iranian state has been excluded from a major transit route just above its border."The timing, Zand argued, makes the impact even greater. She pointed to Irans weakening position since October 7, 2023, and Israel's recent 12-day war with Tehran. "The regime was self-isolated when it couldnt come to Hamass or Hezbollahs rescue. Iraqs Shiites are saying they dont want to be controlled, Syria is out, and Hezbollah has been degraded. For those of us whove watched the regime for decades, we always knew it was a paper tiger. October 7 and the war exposed it to the world."The killing of senior IRGC commanders and nuclear scientists has deepened the sense of vulnerability inside Tehran. "They can huff and puff about blowing the house down, but the truth is, theres a whole lot of fear among the regimes leaders now," Zand said. "Khamenei has even gone into hiding again."TRUMP BRINGS PEACE TO CAUCASUS: INSIDE THE ARMENIAAZERBAIJAN DEAL 30 YEARS IN THE MAKINGBen Taleblu added that Washington is now using these shifts to turn Irans weakness into opportunity. "Wherever the regime is weak, that invites pushback, whether militarily or economically," he said. "The U.S. has followed Israels military success against the Islamic Republic with strikes of its own against nuclear facilities, and it is now following Azerbaijans battlefield success with a political and economic success of its own. This corridor is another example of America moving in when Tehran is most vulnerable."Zand, whose father was a well-known Iranian journalist and intellectual assassinated by the regime, said she views Trumps direct involvement as the key to the corridors success. "Because its Trump, it makes all the difference," she said. "Trump doesnt care about not hurting peoples feelings. He responds to how people act. And with this move, hes sitting over Iran like a vulture-ominous, watching, ready."For dissidents like Zand, the corridor represents more than a transport route. "Weve prayed for this for decades," she said. "Until the regime is gone, people inside Iran will remain too afraid to rise up again. But this corridor is a boon. It shows the regime is surrounded, and its days are numbered."The deal was reached with NATO backing and has already been compared by some observers to historic peace accords. Zand believes the significance lies not only in ending a 30-year conflict but also in turning the U.S. presence in the Caucasus into a permanent reality. "The regime knows the jig is up."

An Iowa freeway became the scene of a dramatic rescue when the quick actions of Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., and other bystanders helped save an 11-year-old boy with severe injuries.Rep. Derrick Van Orden, R-Wis., was driving through the Hawkeye State to visit family on the anniversary of his daughters passing when he witnessed a minivan slam into a semi-truck in his rearview mirror. He immediately returned to the scene to help and found a child with severe injuries to his leg and wrist."I grabbed some socks out of my suitcase to make constricting bands and then, as people showed up on the scene, I asked if someone had a knife and cut away the seatbelts and was able to fashion two tourniquets, one for his leg and one for his arm, to stop the bleeding," he recalled on "Fox & Friends First" Thursday.EX-NAVY SEAL CONGRESSMAN SAVES BLEEDING 11-YEAR-OLD WITH MAKESHIFT TOURNIQUETS AFTER IOWA CRASHThe instant he saw the crash in his mirror, Van Orden suspected someone had died."I'm just incredibly thankful [he survived]," he added.The boy, identified by local news as Sawyer Whitt, suffered devastating injuries from the crash, including an arterial bleed in his right wrist and calf wounds that made his tibia and fibula visible.Others at the scene, including a farmer who used a windshield wiper as a splint and a medic who fashioned a tourniquet from metal, worked alongside Van Orden to stabilize Whitt until paramedics arrived.NEWLYWEDS' HONEYMOON TRIP ENDS IN FIERY CRASH THAT KILLS HUSBAND AND BABY DAUGHTERVan Orden, a retired Navy SEAL who described himself as an "experienced combat medic," said Whitt would likely have died without their intervention.He described Whitt, as well as first responders who arrived at the scene, as "heroes.""They were just amazing," he recalled."The paramedics that got to the scene about 10 or 15 minutes later were simply heroic. I'm so proud to be an American right now."Though there were no fatalities reported in the crash, both Whitt and the van's driver were airlifted to a nearby hospital.The Wisconsin lawmaker paid Whitt a visit on Monday, where he was thanked for his heroic actions."I said, 'You're welcome, young man. And you've got a great future ahead of you,'" he shared."I was able to speak to his dad, who clearly didn't know that our daughter had passed, and I said, 'Sir, our daughter passed two years ago, and I'm very thankful that you don't have to share that experience.' It was a very humbling moment with his dad."Fox News' Anders Hagstrom contributed to this report.

During a recent board meeting of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), officials addressed factors that have contributed to the decline of tourists this summer in Sin City.Steve Hill, the group's president, spoke of the impact tariffs are having on both returning and potential new visitors."Some of the decisions our administration has made around international relations [have] caused a drop in tourism," said Hill, according to local outlet KTNV Las Vegas. He noted in particular a drop in Canadian visitors.VEGAS CASINO OWNER FIRES BACK AT 'EXAGGERATED' CLAIMS OF SIN CITY'S DEMISEOthers have pointed to the high prices in Vegas.Circa Resort & Casino CEO Derek Stevens told Fox News Digital,"I think some people are feeling Vegas is maybe pricing itself out." (See the video at the top of this article.)"Getting a steak in Las Vegas is not as inexpensive as it used to be," he said."The days of Vegas being a place to visit because of cheap buffets and things like that are a bit in the past."He added, "I understand how a number of people are talking about missing some of those elements but as with any other city, things evolve."Stevens acknowledged that the state of Vegas tourism is a nuanced one and that overall, the restaurant business is very challenging.LAS VEGAS CASINO CULTURE SUFFERS REJECTION BY GAMBLERS OF YOUNGER GENERATIONSCirca has a total of 11 dining options, including restaurants, bars and cafs."I think every property owner wants to design a very broad-ranging restaurant selection because people like to eat where they wake up," Stevens said. "They like to get coffee where they wake up."The industry has taken notice, he said, that visitors are "a bit more adventurous at lunch, although it has to be convenient" for them."And then [for] dinner, you're competing against the entire city," Stevens continued. "Everybody's trying to go to the new hotspot."The Culinary Workers Union, which represents 60,000 Vegas workers, recently renewed or created several new contracts with major casinos in the city.LAS VEGAS CASINO CULTURE SUFFERS REJECTION BY GAMBLERS OF YOUNGER GENERATIONS"There was a relatively new culinary union contract that was signed that increased some costs," Stevens said.Ted Pappageorge, secretary-treasurer of the Culinary Workers Union,previously told Fox News Digitalthat companies had frozen hiring and were making targeted cuts to part-time workers' hours."If it continues, it could bleed into the full-timers," he added.Pappageorge also called the tipped income tax exemption in PresidentDonald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" a "welcome relief."He pointed out, however, that if workers aren't "making the tips, the credit doesn't help."For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleSome industry observers have said the issues are more local."Many attribute [Vegas' current problems] not only to a general dip ininternational traveldemand to the U.S., but also to aggressive price-gouging by hospitality venues," Rob DelliBovi, a consultant and founder of the Miami-based RDB Hospitality Group, previously told Fox News Digital."Guests are pushing back on$18 bottles of waterin the minibar and $37 martinis."Still, Stevens of Circa takes a more measured view."Its not as if the sky is falling," he said, according to The Associated Press.Circa has introduced inexpensive package deals to lure those with less money to spend."Vegas continues to reinvent itself as a destination worth visiting," he said.Deirdre Bardolf of Fox News Digital, plus The Associated Press, contributed reporting.