President Donald Trump slammed the United Nations for not aiding as he and his administration seek peace in conflicts around the globe and for "creating new problems" for the U.S. and member nations, while questioning its purpose and also offering "the hand of American leadership and friendship" to all countries in the body.The president, during his first address of his second administration to the United Nations General Assembly, highlighted renewed American strength while slamming the international body.TRUMP TO GIVE 'TOUGH TALK' ON GLOBALISM 'FAILURES,' WHILE HIGHLIGHTING 'RETURN OF AMERICAN STRENGTH' AT UNGA"Not only is the U.N. not solving the problems it should, it, too often, is actually creating new problems for us to solve," the president said. "The best example is the number one political issue of our time: the crisis of uncontrolled migration. It is uncontrolled. Your countries are being ruined."The president said the U.N. is "funding an assault on Western countries and their borders.""The U.N. is supporting people that are illegally coming into the United States, and we have to get them out," Trump said. "The U.N. also provided food, shelter, transportation and debit cards to illegal aliens."He added: "The UN is supposed to stop invasions not create them and not finance them."Trump said illegal immigrants are also "pouring into Europe."TRUMP'S FINAL CABINET PICK, MIKE WALTZ, CONFIRMED BY SENATE IN NARROW VOTE"It is not sustainable and because they choose to be politically correct, they are doing absolutely nothing about it," Trump said, later adding: "Your countries are going to hell. In America, weve taken bold action to swiftly shut down uncontrolled migration.""Once we started detaining and deporting everyone who crossed the border and removing illegal aliens from the United States they simply stop coming they're not coming anymore," Trump said, while thanking El Salvador for "receiving and jailing criminals" that entered the United States.During his address, the president highlighted his successful efforts to negotiate peace around the worldspecifically, Armenia and Azerbaijan; Thailand and Cambodia; Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo; among others."I ended seven wars, and in all cases they were raging with countless, thousands of people being killed," he said. "This includes Cambodia India, and Thailand, Kosovo and Serbia, the Congo and Rwanda, a vicious violent war that was Pakistan and India, Israel and Iran, Egypt and Ethiopia, and Armenia and Azerbaijan."He added: "No President or Prime Minister, and for that matter, no other country has ever done anything close to that. And I did it in just seven months. It's never happened before. There's never been anything like that."The president then took another swipe at the U.N."I'm very honored to have done it. It's too bad that I had to do these things instead of the United Nations doing them. And sadly in all cases the United Nations did not even try to help in any of them," Trump continued. "I ended seven wars, dealt with the leaders of each and every one of these countries, and never even received a phone call from the United Nations offering to help in finalizing the deal.""I didnt think of it at the time because I was too busy working to save millions of lives that is, saving and stopping of these wars," Trump said. "But later, I realized that the United Nations wasnt there for us. They werent there.""That being the case, what is the purpose of the United Nations?" Trump asked. "The U.N. has such tremendous potential But its not even coming close to living up to that potential. All they seem to do is write a really strongly worded letter and then never follow that letter up its empty words."Trump added: "Empty words dont solve war. The only thing that solves war and wars is action."Meanwhile, the president touted America under his leadership as having "the strongest economy, the strongest borders, the strongest military, the strongest friendships and the strongest spirit of any nation on the face of the earth.""This is indeed the golden age of America," Trump said.WALTZ TO ROOT OUT ANTISEMITISM, ELIMINATE 'WOKE' PROGRAMS, GET 'BACK TO BASICS' AT THE UNITED NATIONSThe president added that the United States is "once again the best country on earth to do business.""And many people in this room are investing in America, and its turned out to be an awfully good investment during this eight-month period," he said.The president touted his visit to the Middle East in May to "rebuild our partnerships" in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates."My administration has negotiated one historic trade deal after another, including with the United Kingdom, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, and many, many others," Trump said.The president also said that under his leadership, America is "respected again, like it has never been respected before."INSIDE OPERATION MIDNIGHT HAMMER: B-2 COMMANDER REVEALS HOW US PULLED OFF SURPRISE STRIKES ON IRAN"At the NATO summit in June, virtually all NATO members formally committed to increased defense spending, at my request, from 2% to 5% of GDP, making our alliance far stronger and more powerful than it was ever before," the president said.The president returned to his criticisms of the United Nations, questioning if the U.N. can "play a productive role" in peace around the world."I've come here today to offer the hand of American leadership and friendship to any nation in this assembly that is willing to join us in in forging a safer, more prosperous world," Trump said. "And it's a world that will be much happier with a dramatically better futures within our reach. But to get there, we must reject the failed approaches of the past and work together to confront some of the greatest threats in history."Trump said there is "no more serious danger to our planet today than the most powerful and destructive of weapons ever devised by man, of which the United States, as you know, has many.""Just as I did in my first term, I've made containing these threats a top priority starting with the nation of Iran. My position is very simple: the world's number one sponsor of terror can never be allowed to possess the most dangerous weapon," Trump said. "That's why shortly after taking office I sent the so-called Supreme Leader a letter making a generous offer I extended a pledge of full cooperation in exchange for a suspension of Iran's nuclear program."Trump added: "The regime's answer was to continue their constant threats to their neighbors and U.S. interest throughout the region and some great countries that are right nearby."TRUMP BRINGS PEACE TO CAUCASUS: INSIDE THE ARMENIAAZERBAIJAN DEAL 30 YEARS IN THE MAKINGBut Trump touted his decisiveness, and said: "Today, many of Iran's former military commanders, In fact, I can say almost all of them are no longer with us. Theyre dead."The president highlighted his Operation Midnight Hammer, which marked the largest B-2 operational strike in history and represented the United States move to deliver a decisive blow against Irans nuclear program back in June.The president said that he then "immediately brokered an end to the 12-day war, as it's called, between Israel and Iran with both sides agreeing to fight, fight no longer.""As everyone knows, I have also been deeply engaged in seeking a ceasefire in Gaza. We have to get that done have to get it done," Trump said. "Unfortunately, Hamas has repeatedly rejected reasonable offers to make peace. We can't forget October 7th, can we?""Now, as if to encourage continued conflict, some of this body is seeking to unilaterally recognize a Palestinian state," Trump continued. "The rewards would be too great for Hamas terrorists for their atrocities, this would be a reward for these horrible atrocities including October 7th, even while they refuse to release the hostages or accept the ceasefire."Trump demanded that nations not give in to Hamas."Instead of giving in to Hamas's ransom demands, those who want peace should be united with one message: Release the hostages now," Trump said. "Just release the hostages now. We have to get it done."This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

Portland is set to consider new legislation that would further strengthen the citys sanctuary policies and limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.The City Councils Community and Public Safety Committee is set to review an ordinance on Tuesday that would codify Portland's protections into binding city law. It would expand a 2017 resolution that declared Portland a sanctuary city.The draft ordinance prohibits the use of city resources to enforce federal immigration laws and bars employees, contractors and police from helping federal immigration officers looking to investigate or detain suspected illegal immigrants.PORTLAND RAMPS UP PRESSURE ON ICE BUILDING WITH LAND USE VIOLATION NOTICEIt also blocks city agencies from collecting or sharing information with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), unless compelled by a court order."The City of Portland recognizes and values the diverse contributions of allindividuals and affirms its commitment to treating all persons with dignity and respect, regardless of race, color, national origin, immigration or refugee status," the ordinance reads in part.All city employees would be required to complete a training course covering sanctuary policies, the difference between administrative and judicial warrants and how to respond if immigration agents attempt to access city property or information.The city would also designate all municipal buildings as "Sanctuary City Safe Spaces" with signage in multiple languages clarifying public and restricted areas.PORTLAND CITY COUNCIL CONSIDERS HOW TO BOOT ICE OUT OF CITY FACILITYAnother provision requires the city to regularly file Freedom of Information Act requests with the Department of Homeland Security and ICE, and to release legally disclosable information such as the names of those detained in Portland and the alleged offenses to the mayor, council and the public at least once a year.Each bureau would also have to submit quarterly reports on training completion and immigration enforcement activity.Exceptions would apply only in cases where Portland police arrest someone formally charged with federal immigration crimes under a judicial warrant. Any such arrests must be disclosed in an annual report to the council, including the names of officials and federal agents involved.More than two dozen people have submittedwritten testimonyon the issue, according to KATU.Only one of the written testimonies opposed the proposal. One of the supporters wrote, "I think it's important to reflect our shared values in our city code and not rely on state policy."The Portland City Council is made up of 12 members, all Democrats. The mayor is also a Democrat.Fox News Digital reached out to the Portland mayor's office and the City Council for comment but did not immediately hear back.

A bicyclist in a waterfront Florida town was killed in a hit-and-run crash after a serial traffic offender dragged her for blocks before leaving her to die on the side of the road, police said.Xavier Rigby, 22, was arrested after the Pinellas County Police Department said he fatally struck the bicyclist with his vehicle.The fatal collision occurred at approximately 10 p.m. on Friday, when police say Kjersten Aileen-Hermance Strang, 38,was struck by Rigbys car while riding her e-bike in Gulfport.SUV DRIVER RUNS OVER 8-YEAR-OLD BOY ON BIKE, FLEES THE SCENE AFTER CHECKING ON INJURED CHILDStrang was riding in the curb lane south on 49th Street when she was initially hit by Rigbys 2021 Nissan Altima as it was moving "at a high rate of speed," police said. The force of the impact caused Strang to land on the windshield of Rigbys car, police said, and Rigby allegedly continued driving for about eight blocks before Strang was dislodged from the vehicle.Strang who was the mother of a young boy, FOX 13 Tampa Bay reported was pronounced dead at the scene.Rigby subsequently fled without calling 911 and was arrested in nearby St. Petersburg "a short time later," police said. Upon being taken into custody, he allegedly showed signs of impairment and refused to partake in a field sobriety test.'CAREER CRIMINAL' KILLS TWO WOMEN, INJURES CHILD IN MINNEAPOLIS CARJACKING RAMPAGE: PROSECUTORSHe is charged with vehicular homicide, DUI manslaughter and leaving the scene of a crash involving death, according to police records obtained by Fox News Digital.Fox News Digital was unable to immediately identify an attorney for Rigby.Court documents show Rigby possesses a lengthy rap sheet encompassing numerous traffic infractions over the years, including a 2022 hit-and-run. During his first court appearance, Judge Elizabeth Zuroweste blasted Rigbys criminal history in the years leading up to the deadly crash.PREGNANT TEEN DIES SAVING BABY AFTER PONCHATOULA ROAD RAGE SHOOTING INCIDENTZuroweste reportedly pointed out a 2024 DUI arrest that was reduced to reckless driving, noting that the state was "generous enough" to offer the lesser charge for the purpose of lowering Rigbys bond."We've now gone to a second DUI, but this time the extremely aggravating facts where you've killed somebody, left the scene and dragged their body. And I don't need to go any further for how aggravating this set of facts are," Zuroweste added, FOX 13 reported.Rigby was denied bond on two of the charges and handed a $750,000 bond for the DUI manslaughter offense."I'm finding that you're a danger to the community and that nothing else can secure your decision-making and putting your life and everyone else's life on the road, so you're going to remain at no bond in the vehicular homicide and the leaving the scene of a crash involving death," the judge said.The Pinellas County Sheriff's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday once again called on all European partners in the NATO alliance to cut dependence on Russian oil.In his lengthy address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump accused NATO allies of "funding the war against themselves.""Who the hell ever heard of that one?" Trump mocked.TRUMP DEMANDS NATO ALLIES HALT RUSSIAN OIL PURCHASES BEFORE NEW US SANCTIONS"China and India are the primary funders of the ongoing war by continuing to purchase Russian oil," he said. "But inexcusably, even NATO countries have not cut off much Russian energy and Russian energy products, which, as you know, I found out about two weeks ago, and I wasn't happy."European nations have drastically cut their reliance on Moscows oil following Russian President Vladimir Putins February 2022 invasion of Ukraine, though they have not cut it off entirely.Hungary, Slovakia, France, Belgium and Spain remain Europes top importers of Russian energy.While Hungary and Slovakia continue to purchase Russian oil, France is the second-largest European purchaser of Russian energy and continues to import liquefied natural gas (LNG).TRUMP SAYS HE'S RUNNING OUT OF PATIENCE WITH PUTIN 'FAST' OVER UKRAINE CONFLICT NEGOTIATIONSLNG has largely bypassed EU sanctions and Paris' continued import of Russian energy is down to pre-exsisting "take or pay" contracts that run through the early 2030s that require France to either continue to import the energy or face penalties.Trump earlier this month took issue with European nations that continue to purchase Russian oil, but on Tuesday he adjusted his comments to include all Russian energy imports notably a shift that came one day after France broke with the U.S. over the issue of Palestinian statehood."In the event that Russia is not ready to make a deal to end the war, then the United States is fully prepared to impose a very strong round of powerful tariffs, which would stop the bloodshed, I believe, very quickly," Trump said. "But for those tariffs to be effective, European nations, all of you are gathered here right now, would have to join us in adopting the exact same measures.""You're much closer to the city. We have an ocean in between. You're right there, and Europe has to step it up," he added. "They have to immediately cease all energy purchases from Russia, otherwise, we're all wasting a lot of time."Trump said he will speak with Euroepan leaders about the issue while at the UN this week.

Walmart has budget-friendly finds that prove you dont need to splurge to create a home that feels stylish and comfortable. From chic accent chairs to coffee tables that look like theyre straight out of designer showrooms, you can find pieces for less than $500 that instantly elevate any room.Original price: $149.99Dont spend a fortune on a mattress. The affordableZinus eight-inch memory foam mattress features a simple design thats supportive but still plenty comfortable. The breathable cover keeps you cool while you sleep and the memory foam molds to your body, giving you all the support you need. Its just as good as any $1,000 mattress you can find.25 COMFY MATTRESSES THAT CAN HELP YOU SLEEP BETTERCreate a modern look in your room with this extravagantBetter Homes & Gardens platform bed. Made from soft, textured ivory-colored polyester, the fabric is easy to clean but looks stylish. The hidden feet give the platform a floating look, and theres no box spring necessary. You can also choose from a dark grey upholstery.Thisfour-in-one combination loveseat acts as both a comfy couch and extra bed. Pull this three-seater sofa all the way out to create a sleeping space, and move around the arm rests and pillows to get the perfect hangout spot. There are no pesky springs or heavy metal frames to pull out. The oversized corduroy pillows are stuffed with comfortable foam that helps you relax.GIVE YOUR SUNROOM A MAKEOVER WITH THESE 10 PRODUCTSFrom Drew Barrymores Walmart collection, thisgorgeous accent chair brings elegance to your bedroom or living room while giving you a comfortable place to relax at the end of a long day. This oversized, super soft chair swivels 360 degrees so you get the perfect angle when watching TV. It comes in soft neutrals, from cream to light pink, to give your room a colorful but classy look.TheBetter Homes & Garden Juliet arc TV stand is a modern work of art thatll look great under your TV. The arch design, a stylish feature on this sturdy wood stand, comes in three different stain options. You can fit TVs up to 65 inches and up to 100 pounds on top of the stand.10 FURNITURE PICKS FOR YOUR TINY HOMEAMainstays Ardent six-drawer dresser is a clean-looking, simple dresser that comes in two different wood finishes, black or white. This dresser will fit in with any style and provides ample storage space. Assembly is required, but its fast and simple.Original price: $499.99Adding thiscorduroy sofato your living room can really complete the room. The soft texture will be plenty warm during the cooler months, but wont stick to you during hotter months. The solid wood frame can hold up to 400 pounds per seat, making it a sturdy option, which is great for households with pets or kids. You can pick from green, black, beige and grey corduroy.For more deals, visitwww.foxnews.com/dealsFit the whole family around your newBetter Homes & Garden extendable wood dining table. When extended, it can hold up to eight people. The finish comes in both honey and walnut, and the whole table is made from solid, real wood.

Hours after he announced he wouldn't be able to make the "Dawson's Creek" reunion on Sept. 10, James Van Der Beek who was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer in August 2023 made a surprise appearance.The 48-year-old actor, who was set to read the pilot along with the original cast for a charity event on Monday, appeared virtually to thank his fellow castmates and fans."I have been looking forward to this night for months and months ever since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together," Van Der Beek said in a video played for the audience, which fans later posted on social media. "I can't believe I'm not there. I can't believe I don't get to see my castmates, my beautiful cast, in person."ACTOR WITH COLORECTAL CANCER SHARES SIMPLE SIGN THAT HE IGNORED: I HAD NO IDEA"And just I wanted to stand on that stage and thank every single person in the theater for being here tonight," he continued. "From the cast to the crew to everybody who's doing anything and has been so generous, and especially every single last one of you you are the best fans in the world.""Thank you for coming. It's just absolutely humbling just how much you did for this night, and I just want to say thank you. Thank you to every single person here," he added. "And, obviously, on 'Dawson's Creek,' I had no understudy, but this is Broadway, and I needed one. So we figured we'd try to find somebody who had never understudied in this theater before."He then introduced Lin-Manuel Miranda as his replacement for the event.Hours prior, Van Der Beek said he was "gutted" to not attend the event after contracting two stomach viruses."This is the evening Id been looking forward to MOST since my angel Michelle Williams said she was putting it together, way back in January," he wrote on Instagram."So you can imagine how gutted I was when two stomach viruses conspired to knock me out of commission and keep me grounded at the worst possible moment," he explained. "Despite every effort I wont get to be there. I wont get to stand on that stage and thank every soul in the theater for showing up for me, and against cancer, when I needed it most."In his post, Van Der Beek revealed he would be replaced by Miranda for the reunion.He called Miranda "a ridiculously overqualified replacement who would have been #1 on my wishlist (had I ever dreamed hed be available)."A representative for Van Der Beek did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.Van Der Beek revealed last November that he was undergoing treatment for colorectal cancer, and earlier this year, he talked about the "hardest year" of his life."When I was younger, I used to define myself as an actor, which was never all that fulfilling, and then I became a husband it was much better, and then I became a father that was the ultimate," he said to his 1.6 million followers on Instagram on March 8.JAMES VAN DER BEEK MISTOOK CANCER SYMPTOMS FOR PROBLEMS WITH HIS DIETThe father-of-six pointed out that during his cancer battle he was forced to "look my own mortality in the eye.""I had to come nose to nose with death," he remarked. "And all those definitions that I cared so deeply about were stripped from me.""I was away for treatment, so I could no longer be a husband who was helpful to my wife," Van Der Beek continued. "I could no longer be a father who could pick up his kids and put them to bed and be there for them. I could not be a provider because I wasnt working."LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSDuring hiscancer journey, the actor admitted he began to question if he was "just a too-skinny, weak guy, alone in an apartment with cancer what am I?""I am worthy of Gods love simply because I exist," Van Der Beek shared. "And if Im worthy of Gods love, shouldnt I also be worthy of my own?""As I move through this healing portal toward recovery," Van Der Beek said, "I wanted to share that with you because that revelation that came to me was in no small part to all the prayers and the love that had been directed toward me."He went on to say, "I certainly dont claim to know what God is or explain God, my efforts to connect to God are an ongoing process that is a constant unfolding mystery to me."But, if its a trigger that feels too religious, you can take the word God out in your mind and it can simply be I am worthy of love. Because you are."

Baltimore Ravens running back Derrick Henrys frustrations boiled over on Monday night as another fumble helped doom the team in their loss to the Detroit Lions.Henry was having a decent game against the Lions for the most part, but much like in the loss against the Buffalo Bills, the Ravens momentum was thwarted down four points in the fourth quarter. The star player took the handoff, and the ball was knocked out of his grip by Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMHenry was seen slamming his helmet in disgust once he got back to the sideline. He finished with 50 rushing yards on 12 carries and a touchdown.Detroit kicked a field goal to extend the lead to seven points on their next possession. Baltimore wouldnt score again until 29 seconds remaining in the game.The Lions won 38-30.LEGENDARY SPORTS RADIO HOST RIPS JETS' AARON GLENN FOR DANCING DURING CRITICAL PLAYHenry offered an apology to Ravens fans. He has three fumbles in three games as the Ravens have fallen to 1-2 on the season."I'm my worst critic, so I'm going to watch the film," he told reporters. "Ill continue to watch it. I know we have a short week, but its just crazy. Three fumbles straight. Im trying every day to fix the problem that just keeps occurring, so I'm trying to work on it."I'm my worst critic, so I'm not going to try to beat myself up too much, but it's hard not to when it's consecutive and consistent [instances] of me doing the same thing."He vowed to stay focused on eliminating the fumbles and taking care of the football.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Nexstar Media Group, Inc., announced on Tuesday that it will continue preempting "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" despite Disney allowing the show to return to ABC."We made a decision last week to preemptJimmy Kimmel Live!following what ABC referred to as Mr. Kimmels ill-timed and insensitive comments at a critical time in our national discourse.We stand by that decision pending assurance that all parties are committed to fostering an environment of respectful, constructive dialogue in the markets we serve," the company said in a statement."In the meantime, we note that Jimmy Kimmel Live! will be available nationwide on multiple Disney-owned streaming products, while our stations will focus on continuing to produce local news and other programming relevant to their respective markets," Nexstar added.DISNEY ANNOUNCES JIMMY KIMMEL LIVE! RETURNING TUESDAY AFTER SUSPENSIONNexstar owns 32 ABC affiliate stations.Sinclair Broadcast Group, which operates 30 ABC affiliates, also announced Monday it would continue to preempt the show."Beginning Tuesday night, Sinclair will be preempting Jimmy Kimmel Live! across our ABC affiliate stations and replacing it with news programming. Discussions with ABC are ongoing as we evaluate the shows potential return," the companys statement read.Kimmel's late-night show was initially pulled off the air last Wednesday after Kimmel's remarks about the alleged assassin of Charlie Kirk sparked outrage and a veiled threat from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Disney decided to suspend the show after Nexstar and Sinclair pulled airings of Kimmel from their stations, and Kimmel reportedly had told executives he would not apologize for his comments.HOWARD STERN BLASTS ABC OVER KIMMEL SUSPENSION, SAYS HE CANCELED DISNEY+ SUBSCRIPTIONThe situation caused outrage among liberals, who said Kimmel was being punished for exercising freedom of speech. Conservatives countered that Kimmel's comments suggesting Kirk's suspected killer was a MAGA member were outrageous, offensive and simply untrue.Disney announced Kimmel's return on Monday. He is expected to address the controversy on the show Tuesday night.The saga began last Monday when Kimmel accused conservatives of reaching "new lows" in trying to pin a left-wing ideology on 22-year-old suspected Kirk assassin Tyler Robinson."We hit some new lows over the weekend with the MAGA gang desperately trying to characterize this kid who murdered Charlie Kirk as anything other than one of them and doing everything they can to score political points from it," Kimmel said.Kirk was assassinated during a college event at Utah Valley University Sept. 10. The 31-year-old father of two was answering a question about transgender mass shooters when Robinson allegedly shot him in the neck, killing him. Robinson was romantically linked to a transgender partner, and text messages released by the FBI purport to show him confessing to the murder.On Wednesday, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr called Kimmel's comments "some of the sickest conduct" and suggested there were potential "avenues" the FCC could pursue.FCC CHAIR LEVELS THREAT AGAINST ABC, DISNEY AFTER KIMMEL SUGGESTED CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSIN WAS MAGANexstar Media Groupis the largest local television broadcasting group in the U.S., with more than 200 owned or partner stations that serve 220 million people in 116 U.S. markets.Last month, Nexstar announced a deal to acquire broadcast media company Tegna for $6.2 billion, which Nexstar said will help ensure the viability of local news and programming.Nexstar noted that its station footprint overlaps with Tegna in 35 of Tegna's 51 market areas, while also boosting its affiliate network in key election markets like Phoenix, Atlanta, Toledo, Ohio, and Portland, Maine, to increase political advertising revenue.Nexstar's acquisition of Tegna requires the approval of theFCC.This is a developing story, more to come.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News Digitals Eric Revell and David Rutz contributed to this report.

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a fire at a Florida synagogue that police investigated as an arson incident and a hate crime, authorities said Monday.Blake Richard Hoover, 31, of Charlotte County, was charged with arson and criminal mischief for the blaze that broke out at the Chabad of Charlotte County in Punta Gorda on Friday, the Punta Gorda Police Department said in a news release.Police and firefighters responded to a fire alarm at the synagogue just before 11 p.m. and discovered flames spurting from the rear of the building. Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire, which police said was contained in one room.Police said no one was inside the building at the time, and no injuries were reported.AUTHORITIES PROBE ANTISEMITIC ATTACK INVOLVING ARSON, THREATENING GRAFFITI IN MIDWEST CITY: 'VIOLENT ACTS'Investigators determined that an accelerant was used to start a fire at the back wall of the childrens classroom, according to police. They also discovered the letter "J" had been spray-painted on walls and sidewalks around the property.Police and fire officials immediately began investigating the fire, which happened just days ahead of the start of the Jewish holiday Rosh Hashanah, as an arson and hate crime.On Monday morning, one of Hoovers family members sent a tip to a detective indicating that Hoover may have been responsible for the fire, police said.A short time later, Punta Gorda police received a call from the Charlotte County Sheriffs Office about another tip. While the sheriff's office was investigating a separate incident involving Hoover, a different family member signaled to detectives suspicions that Hoover had started the fire at the synagogue.FBI ARRESTS SELF-PROCLAIMED HATE CRIME VICTIM FOR ALLEGEDLY SETTING DEADLY HOUSE FIREAfter speaking with Hoover and witnesses, police and deputies obtained and executed search warrants on Hoovers bedroom, his vehicle and his electronic devices.Hoover was then arrested and taken to the Charlotte County Jail.Punta Gorda Police Chief Pamela Smith said that "our hearts go out" to the Jewish community and called the fire "a despicable act.""We hope that you can celebrate the High Holy Days knowing an arrest has been made, and we wish you peace and happiness for the New Year," she said.Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell praised the teamwork between his detectives and Punta Gorda police."We do not sit idly by; we take immediate action to make sure our community knows they are safe safe to do the things they love, to worship where they choose, and to enjoy our little piece of paradise called Charlotte County," he said.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the White House has yet to receive a reported Hamas letter offering a 60-day ceasefire in exchange for releasing half the remaining Gaza hostages, while noting that President Donald Trump would reject anything short of a full release of hostages."We haven't seen the letter. We don't have that letter, and even if we did, it wouldn't matter. The president has already made clear he's not interested in 60 days, 10 people. He wants all the hostages out, all 48, including the 20 who are alive, the 28 who are deceased," Rubio said Tuesday on "Fox & Friends.""Why are we even talking about hostages? Why do we still have to talk about hostages at this point? There shouldn't be any. They should all be released immediately. Period. That's the president's position."AMERICAN VETERANS FACING HAMAS THREATS WHILE DELIVERING AID TO PALESTINIANS IN GAZARubio reiterated that President Trump would have rejected Hamas reported offer even if it had already reached his desk, suggesting the message was perhaps given to the media rather than the administration.Per prior reporting, a senior Trump official and a second source directly involved in negotiations told Fox News Hamas had drafted the letter to be delivered to Trump sometime this week.This comes after the president said he wanted the remaining hostages to be freed "now right now," during his U.K. visit last week.ISRAEL LAUNCHES NEW GROUND OFFENSIVE INTO GAZA CITY AS RESIDENTS FLEE IN DROVESTrump also issued what he called his "last warning" to Hamas in a Truth Social post earlier this month, writing on Sept. 7, "Everyone wants the Hostages HOME. Everyone wants this War to end! The Israelis have accepted my Terms. It is time for Hamas to accept as well. I have warned Hamas about the consequences of not accepting. This is my last warning, there will not be another one!"Rubio elaborated on what lies ahead for Hamas if the group fails to surrender, warning that Israeli forces are "right at the doorstep of Gaza City," where Hamas leaders are currently concentrated, and have "begun an operation to go in.""It may take a while, but they're [Hamas officials are] not going to survive the Israeli push," he warned."What we would hope to see is that it doesn't have to happen, because Hamas surrenders, they lay down their arms, they release all the hostages. And then the important work of rebuilding Gaza and providing a place where Palestinians can live prosperously and peacefully, that work can begin. But that work cannot begin until the hostages are released and Hamas no longer exists."The sooner that happens, the sooner peace will begin."Fox News' Trey Yingst and Alex Nitzberg contributed to this report.