Inacatastrophic miscalculation that exposes his continuedattachmenttofailure, California Gov. GavinNewsomvetoedAssemblyBill255onOct. 1. It wasabipartisan measure designedtoexpandaccesstorecovery housing forhomelessindividuals struggling with substance use disorders.Hisvetocomesatatime when Californiashomelesscan leastafford more failure.AB 255,authored byAssembly member Matt Haney, would haveallowed upto10%ofstatehomelessness fundstosupportabstinence-based recovery housing.These programs integrate shelter with sobriety requirements,accountabilityand supportive services thathelppeople reclaim stability.Newsomdismissedthebillas "unnecessary," insisting that current guidelinesalready permit sober housingand warningagainst "duplicative" categories.His reasoning rings hollow.WHY PROGRESSIVES FAIL HOMELESS AMERICANS AND ATTACK EFFECTIVE ALTERNATIVESCalifornia mimickedthefederal governments 2013 "Housing First" mandate and its promisetoendhomelessness inadecade.In 2016, California becametheonly statetoenshrine Housing First statewide, meaning thatall state-fundedhomelessprograms conformtotheapproachofproviding life-long housing subsidies without conditions suchas sobriety, treatment or workever.Despitea300% increase in federal spending since 2013 andanadditional300% increase in state spending homelessness has exploded. Itsup 35% nationallyand 40% in California.These statisticsarentabstract figures;theyare lives unraveling underagovernor who refusestolook inthemirrorandadmit that Californias rigid mandate has failed.LEFTIST LAWMAKERS WANT TO MAKE HOMELESS ENCAMPMENTS A NATIONWIDE CRISISAttheheartofthefailure isarefusaltorecognize who weare serving.Roughly 80%ofthehomelesssuffer fromthediseasesofmental illnessand/oraddiction. Manyalso struggle withanosognosia abrain-based condition that results inadeficitofself-awareness, meaningthey dont realize how sicktheyare.And thats what makes Housing Firsts requirementofvoluntaryservice engagement tragically unworkable.A14-year Boston studymakes this clear: Nearly halfofthehoused individuals died within five years,andonly 36% remained housedafter year five.Recovery housing thekindAB 255 soughttoexpand offers something fundamentally different: community,accountabilityand hope.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONThose tryingtoget sober standthebest chanceofdoing so when housedalongside others striving forthesame goal. Isolation in permanent housing without sobriety requirements flies inthefaceofwhat frontline providers know works. By surrounding people with peers whoarealso pursuing recovery,and by building environments where sobriety is non-negotiable, recovery housing gives peopleareal path forward toward stability, employmentand independence.Noneofthemen, women or children living in tents or under bridgesaspiredtothis life. Manyarrived here through trauma,addiction, mental illnessand/or generational poverty.ByvetoingAB 255 forthesecond year inarow,Newsomchose ideology over compassion, oppression over prosperity. Insteadofoffering pathwaystodignityand restoration, he consigns thosetoo sicktochoose forthemselvestotheir fate;theyre lefttocontinuetocomeapartonthestreets or languish in low-barrier, chaos-ridden shelters whilethey wait for permanent housing that rarely comes.California is hometoapproximately 30%ofthenationshomelesspopulationand nearly halfofits unshelteredhomelessness. Meeting this crisis requires couragetoinnovate, belief in recoveryand respect for human potential.AB 255 wasabalanced, modest step that could have complemented Housing First while giving desperate peoplethechancetoheal.Disguisedasadministrative prudence,NewsomsvetoofAB 255 was, in reality,aprofound moral failure. Shameonhim for standing inthewayofrecovery, restorationand hope.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM MICHELE STEEB

Last week, Virginians across the political spectrum were shocked to read text messagesfromDemocratic attorney general nomineeJayJonesfantasizing about murdering a former Republican colleague and wishing deathonhis children. But this is just the start of Virginia Democrats disturbing embrace of political violence.AsNational Reviewfirstreported, in 2022, just after resigningfromthe House of Delegates,Jonessent a disturbing string of text messages to another legislator stating that if his Republican colleagues died before him, he would "go to their funerals to p---ontheir graves."Jonesthen stated that if he had "two bullets" and was faced with the prospect of shooting Pol Pot, Adolf Hitler and former Republican House Speaker Todd Gilbert, "Gilbert gets two bullets to the head."Jonesnext called Gilbert and his wife "evil," stated that they were "breeding little fascists," and wished deathontheir children.Jonesspecifically stated that he hoped Gilberts children would die in their mothers arms.FIVE WAYS THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION CAN SAVE THE AMERICAN DREAM AND PREVENT SOCIALISMAll of these comments are repulsive, disgusting and totally disqualifying for anyone who seeks public office.JayJoneswants Virginians to trust him to protect them as the commonwealths top cop, but it is abundantly clear that he harbors intense, violent malice toward anyone who disagrees with him. There can be no doubt thatJoneswould weaponize his office against his political opponents. There would be no fair and unbiased pursuit of justice under an Attorney GeneralJayJones.When pressedonhis past remarks,Jonesoutrageouslyclaimedthathewas the real victim, accusing Attorney General Jason Miyares of "dropping smears through Trump-controlled media organizations." No remorse. No apology. Just more hatred and vitriol.THE BELTWAY BUBBLE LEADS DEMOCRATS OFF A POLITICAL CLIFFEqually shocking has been the lack of calls forJonesto drop out of the race. In 2019, leading Virginia Democrats, including Abigail Spanberger, Mark Warner, Tim Kaine and Terry McAuliffe, all calledonDemocrat Gov. Ralph Northam to resign over a decades-old yearbook photo showing him in a racist costume.But now Spanbergeronlysaysthat she "spoke frankly" withJonesafter he repeatedly and explicitly wished deathonhis political opponents and their children. She has not rescinded her enthusiastic endorsement ofJones, and she has not calledonhim to drop out of the race.Heres what Virginians want to know: How can Abigail Spanberger claim that she opposes political violence when she tolerates itfromthe candidates she shares a ticket with? Would Spanberger hire someone who has made comments like thoseJonesmade in her administration? How can anyone trust her to lead when she doesnt even have the courage to callonJonesto withdraw?HERE'S HOW WE CAN DELIVER CONSERVATIVE WELFARE REFORMEvery Virginia Democrat should state, clearly, whether they believeJayJonesshould drop out.Unfortunately, Abigail Spanberger is part of Virginia Democrats violence problem. During multiple recent campaign stops, Spanberger calledonher supporters to "let your rage fuel you." When criticized over these comments, Spanberger refused to back down even as multiple Virginia Republicans had faced credible death threats.Just days beforeJones texts became public, a man wasarrestedfor threatening the life of Del. Kim Taylor, a Petersburg Republican. Prior to that, Del. Geary Higgins of Lovettsville wastexteda death threat in which an individual threatened to shoot Higgins at his next rally.These developments also come after the disgusting reactionfrommany Virginia Democrats to the killing of Charlie Kirk last month.PORTLAND'S DYSTOPIA DELUSION COMING TO A CITY NEAR ALL OF USIn the immediate wake of that shooting, Democrat Chesterfield County School BoardChairDot Heffron who has been endorsed by both Spanberger and Democrat lieutenant governor nominee Ghazala Hashmi posted, "Call me old fashioned, but I remember when we used to be ok with shooting Nazis." Jasmine Frye, identified as an employee of Spanbergers campaign,posted"F around and find out" in response to Kirks assassination.Meanwhile, the finance director for a Virginia Democrat PAC wasexposedfor mocking those upset at Kirks death and reposting claims that his killing was "objectively funny." In another case, Katie Pillis, Virginia Democrat Sen. Mark Warners casework operations coordinator,postedmocking remarksonInstagram about Kirk being shot.Spanberger and Virginia Democrats want us to ignore all of these incidents as isolated outbursts. But the pattern is undeniable.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONThis is not just aboutJayJones. It is about a Democrat Party in Virginia that has grown comfortable excusing, rationalizing and even promoting political violence and murder. When their candidates joke about killing Republicans, when their operatives laugh at assassinations, when their leaders tell supporters to let "rage" guide them, what they are really doing is laying the groundwork for more threats, more intimidation and more bloodshed.Virginians should not tolerate it. We cannot hand over the keys of government to a party that shrugs at violence against its opponents. If Democrats will not draw a line, then voters must.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recentlydeclaredthat President Donald Trump's administration is considering declaring an emergency situation forhousing.He pointedouttheweakest summer home sales in a decade, withmore than 15%of transactions falling through in July,thehighest cancellation rate since record-keeping commencedin 2017. Prices, though below pandemic levels,arestill too lofty for working- and middle-class Americans.Bessent is right to soundthealarm, and ahousingemergency declaration is long overdue.For too long, politicians have praisedthevirtues of homeownership while supporting policies that make it harder to achieve.America no longer produces enough houses to meet demand, and existing houses have become more costly thanthey would otherwise have been due to restrictions imposed by government on building and investing.NationalhousingexpertsestimatetheUnited States is short between 3.2 million and 5.5 million homes, depending onthemethodology used. Freddie Mac putsthegap atroughly 3.8 millionunits, whiletheNational Low IncomeHousingCoalition reports a shortage ofmore than 7 millionaffordable and accessible units. This gap between supply and demand isthevery reason for rising home prices.DEIISTHEREALCAUSEOFAMERICASHOUSINGCRISISGovernment regulations have been largely responsible for causingtheshortage.Studies fromtheNational Association of Home Builders show that federal, state and local regulations account fornearly 24%oftheprice of a new single-family home andmore than 40%ofthecost of new multifamilyhousing. Zoning limitations that restrict density, lengthy permitting programs that drawoutprojects over years, and building codes that differ significantly from one jurisdiction to another all create unnecessarycostsand lost time. For some metro regions, it takes over a decade to transition a project from conceptualization through completion.IftheTrump administration does indeed choose to declare a nationalhousingemergency, its resulting emergency plan should not seek to micromanage localhousingmarkets or build new federal bureaucracies. Instead, it should focus on clearing awaytheobstacles that make it harder fortheprivate sector to meet todays growing demand forhousing.HOUSE PRICES SKYROCKETED UNDER BIDEN. NOW, GUESS WHO DEMOCRATS WANT TO BLAME?Wherever stringent restrictions have been imposed upon developers or landlords,housingavailability has contracted and affordability has gotten furtheroutof reach. Conversely, where marketsarefreed to act whenpermitting is streamlined, financing is accessible and development is allowed to respond to demandhousinghas become more plentiful and prices have stabilized.California shows how this playsout. For decades,stringentzoning and environmental vetting brought building close to a halt, leavingthestate shortalmost 1.3 million units, according one recent estimate.By contrast, states like Texas, which moved more quickly on permitting and allowed higher-density development, have seen faster growth in supply and more moderate price increases even astheir populations expanded. In fact, home pricesaredeclining faster in Texasthan any other state.Instead of following states like Texas lead and tacklingtheroot causes ofthehousingshortage, Washington, D.C., continues to scapegoattheprivate sector.Take, for example,thetrendof blaming rent pricing software.CON MAN ZOHRAN MAMDANI WANTS TO IGNORE REAL CAUSES OF NYC'S AFFORDABILITY CRISISLaunched under President Joe Biden, this effort wrongly blames technology tools that give real-timehousingpricing. Targeting AI may make for nice sounding press releases, but its no different than blamingtheweatherman fortherain. This technology just reports on whatthemarket is bearing and regulating it away does nothing to put more homes onthemarket or reducecostsfor families.Or how aboutthefederal and state lawmakers who have chosen to point fingers athousinginvestors? Astudyled by New York Universitys Joshua Coven found that markets with greater institutional investment saw both an increase in available rentalhousingand a measurable drop in rents. This is because large-scale investors add tothepool of available rentals, which can ease competition and moderatecosts.In other words, when investment is welcomed and new unitsarebuilt, families benefit directly through lowercostsand more options.What does this all mean?CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONWell, instead of seeing its role as one of restricting market activity,theTrump administration should view its job as one of increasing it. Becausetheonlywayto solve an affordablehousingshortage is to build and invest more.One approach could be tocatalyze reform atthestate and local level by making some programs and grants conditional on removing artificial limitations on construction, such asoutdated zoning restrictions that prohibit multifamily development in high-demandareas.Another could be to streamline federal permitting for infrastructure projects that supporthousing, such as roads, utilities and transit.These projects frequently get delayed and become more costly or less likely to get constructed asthey languish, and streamlining would encourage builders to construct more.TheWhite House has already prioritized enacting economic policies that have freed workers and businesses from unnecessary burdens ending taxes on tips and overtime, reducing red tape, and promoting growth through opportunity.Housingdeservesthesame treatment: less government interference and more room for private investment.This approach has worked before. Federal leaders just need to let it work again.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM BAY BUCHANAN

Baseball fans at Yankee Stadium watching Game 3 of the American League Division Series (ALDS) between the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays bit off more than they could chew on Tuesday night.Two men rushed the field wearing shirts promoting a cryptocurrency in the top of the fourth inning as Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was at the plate. Yankee Stadium security immediately sprinted after them and tackled them to the ground.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe field intruders were seen in handcuffs as they were being led out of the stadium.They missed one heck of a game.Toronto was up 6-1 in the top of the third when New York got two runs back. The fourth inning turned magical as Aaron Judge hit a three-run home run to tie the game. Judge ended up 3-for-4 with four RBI.ALEX RODRIGUEZ: 2020S DODGERS REMIND ME OF 1990S YANKEESThe Yankees added three more runs from there as the bullpen was able to stymie any hope of a Blue Jays comeback attempt. New York pulled off the 9-6 win to stay alive in the playoff series."Tonight was special, but theres still more work to be done," Judge said. "Hopefully we have some more cool moments like this the rest of the postseason."Game 4 is set for Wednesday night at 7:08 p.m. ET.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

1. James Comey to be arraigned in federal court after being indicted2. Texas National Guard deploys 200 troops to Illinois3. Key lawmaker threatens to flip vote as White House calls to end shutdownSHUTDOWN SURGE Senate GOP breaks Democrat 'blockade' with massive confirmation of Trump picks. Continue reading LOCKED IN LA Mexican Mafia 'command structure' toppled as FBI swoops in on violent California gang. Continue reading TRIAL TACTICS Legal expert unpacks defense challenges, why evidence secrecy could be crucial in Charlie Kirk case. Continue reading HOW DARE YOU Bondi blasts senator over military record claim during fiery exchange. Continue reading 'TRYING MY BEST' Country star 'scared' after anti-Trump song ignites social media firestorm. Continue reading --POLITICAL MUSCLE Trump's endorsement powers candidate to victory in heated race. Continue reading COZY CONNECTIONS Mamdani hands big check to radical group boasting about infiltrating his campaign. Continue reading SAFETY NET White House blames Dems for potential WIC lapse, announces creative solution.' Continue reading STRUCK DOWN Supreme Court skeptical of 'conversion therapy' law banning treatment for LGBTQ+ youth. Continue reading Click here for more cartoonsPOWER PLAYS Trump drives shutdown coverage, but leaderless Dems break through on healthcare. Continue reading BURIED SCANDAL Liberal media downplays Dem Virginia AG hopeful Jay Jones' texts fantasizing murder of GOP lawmaker. Continue reading 'TRIGGERED' University official warns student over Trump hat worn during Charlie Kirk tribute. Continue reading HOLY SILENCE Pope Leo rebuffs reporter's question about troops in his hometown. Continue reading MARK PEAKE Virginia Democrats have a violence problem. Continue reading BAY BUCHANAN Housingcostsarecrushingfamilies heresthewayout. Continue reading --'WE WILL WIN' Netanyahu, on 2-year mark of Oct. 7 Hamas terror attack, vows to bring hostages home. Continue reading HEALTH STRUGGLE Dolly Parton's sister asks fans to pray for country star amid health challenges. Continue reading AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ Test yourself on farmers' feats and brilliant baseball. Take the quiz here DUGOUT SECRETS Mysterious wooden canoe found after Hurricane Ian still baffles experts three years later. Continue reading TREASURE FOUND Coins discovered off coast of Florida in remarkable haul. See video KASH PATEL We're just warming up in investigation of alleged tracking of GOP senators. See video SEN. JOSH HAWLEY The Bidens need to pay for turning entire agencies into political tools. See video Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST for a deep dive into how global attitudes toward Israel have shifted two years after the Hamas attacks. Check it out ...What's it looking like in your neighborhood?Continue readingFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterLinkedInFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News Entertainment (FOX411)Fox BusinessFox WeatherFox SportsTubiFox News GoThank you for making us your first choice in the morning! We'll see you in your inbox first thing Thursday.

Republican Rep. Randy Fine of Florida lambasted New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani as "little more than a Muslim terrorist," asserting that the Empire State assemblymember should be stripped of his citizenship and deported."This is nauseating. Mamdani is little more than a Muslim terrorist. Its a disgrace he was ever granted citizenship. It should be stripped and he should be deported to the Ugandan s---hole he came from," Fine wrote in a post on X in response to a statement Mamdani issued on the two-year anniversary of the heinous October 7, 2023 Hamas terror attack against Israel.Fox News Digital emailed Mamdani's campaign to request a comment from the mayoral candidate.ISRAEL CALLS PROMINENT DEMOCRAT MOUTHPIECE FOR HAMAS IN BLISTERING OCT. 7 POSTTerrorists committed atrocities including rape, murder, and kidnapping during the 2023 attack.While Mamdani began the statement by acknowledging that "Hamas carried out a horrific war crime," he went on to assert that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the government of Israel mounted "a genocidal war" and that the U.S. government "has been complicit through it all."ABSOLUTELY A COMMUNIST: MAMDANI DODGES LABEL, BUT HIS RECORD AND EXPERT SAY OTHERWISE"The occupation and apartheid must end. Peace must be pursued through diplomacy, not war crimes, and our government must act to end these atrocities and hold those responsible to account," he declared in the statement.Mamdani was born in Uganda and moved to the Big Apple with his family when he was 7, according to his biography on nyassembly.gov, which notes that "in 2018, he became naturalized as an American citizen."MAMDANI FUNNELS BIG MONEY TO RADICAL ALLIES PLOTTING CONTROL OF CITY HALL: SEIZE STATE POWERCLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPIn the biography on his X account, Mandani calls himself a "Democratic Socialist" and indicates that he is "Running to freeze the rent, make buses fast + free, and deliver universal childcare."

A "highly unusual" wooden canoe that was unearthed in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian is still puzzling experts three years later.The canoe was discovered in Fort Myers, Florida, in fall 2022, according to state officials.The Florida Division of Historical Resources (FDHR) announced on Sept. 12 that the canoe's conservation is now complete, yet the mystery of where it came from and how old it is remains.ENEMY VESSEL THAT EXPLODED DURING 1748 BATTLE MAY HAVE BEEN FOUND IN NORTH CAROLINA RIVER"The canoe's form is highly unusual in Florida and research is still ongoing to determine its origin," the FDHR's Facebook post said. "Comparisons to similar vessels in the Caribbean suggest that it may have connections to that region.""If this is proven, then this canoe may be considered a cayuco, a term used in Hispanic countries to distinguish a small dugout canoe typically for riverine or coastal navigation."The Sept. 12 post inspired a flurry of questions about what type of wood the canoe was made from and a week later, Florida officials returned with their answer.DIVERS REVEAL IMAGES OF 321-YEAR-OLD SHIPWRECK IN REMARKABLE CONDITION OFF COAST"Many people asked what kind of wood the canoe was made of," the FDHR's Sept. 18 post read."After investigation by a respected wood anatomist, it seems that the canoe is made of mahogany!"CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThe mahogany either came from South Florida or the Caribbean, still leaving the origin a mystery.The species is native to the northern Keys and the Everglades."Researchers think this may be the first record of a canoe in Florida being constructed of mahogany!" officials added.MORE FROM FOX NEWS LIFESTYLEFlorida was home to the first permanent European settlement in the continental U.S. It's full of history, and archaeological discoveries continue to unravel there.This summer, a Florida man stumbled on a wrecked vessel while fishing with his grandson possibly a 19th-century ship designed to carry rum.Earlier this year, officials uncovered remnants of British structures in St. Augustine, shedding light on the city's 18th-century history.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared ready to strike down Colorado's ban on mental health professionals providing so-called "conversion therapy" to minors with gender identity or sexual orientation issues, an important First Amendment case laced with sharp political and social undertones.Licensed counselor Kaley Chiles says the legislation violates her free speech rights and infringes on her free exercise of religion and that of her clients by censoring and prohibiting certain private client-counselor conversations.About two dozen states and Washington, DC have laws similar to Colorado's.The state says it acted to regulate professional conduct, "based on overwhelming evidence that efforts to change a childs sexual orientation or gender identity are unsafe and ineffective."SUPREME COURT HEARS IF FAITH-BASED COUNSELING ON GENDER IDENTITY IS PROTECTED SPEECHDuring a brisk 90 minutes of oral arguments, the court's 6-3 conservative majority appeared supportive of Chiles' claims.Several conservative members of the bench suggested the Colorado law created a double standard that Justice Samuel Alito said may amount to "viewpoint discrimination.""Let's say that you have some medical experts that think gender-affirming care should be is dangerous to children and some that say that this kind of conversion talk therapy is dangerous," said Justice Amy Coney Barrett. "Can a state pick a side?"But other justices appeared to agree with the state, which cited what it claims is the consensus of mental health professionals that verbal-based conversion therapy has shown to be ineffective."There are studies that say that this advice does harm the people emotionally and physically," said Justice Sonia Sotomayor.Justice Brett Kavanaugh and Chief Justice John Roberts could be the key to deciding the case, over whether regulation of "talk therapy" can be treated the same as medical practices.Roberts cited previous high court precedent that did not distinguish professional speech."Just because theyre engaged in conduct doesnt mean that their words arent protected," said Roberts.Among the issues the nine justices confronted were whether the state law properly distinguishes speech versus conduct, and the professional speech limits of licensed mental health therapists.Chiles' lawyers describe her as "a practicing Christian [who] believes that people flourish when they live consistently with God's design, including their biological sex."FORMER ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER CALLS ON DEMOCRATS TO FOCUS ON SUPREME COURT EXPANSION, TERM LIMITSShe said she uses "faith-informed" counseling to engage in talk therapy with young people who are "seeking to reduce or eliminate unwanted sexual attractions, change sexual behaviors, or grow in the experience of harmony with ones physical body."But Chiles's lawyers say she does not "seek to 'cure' clients of same-sex attractions or to 'change' clients' sexual orientation."A small group of demonstrators gathered outside the court to support the Colorado law. The group representing Chiles canceled its rally over safety concerns.Both Chiles' lawyer and the Colorado solicitor general offered sharply different views in the courtroom on whether previous studies on conversion therapy showed its ineffectiveness.Colorado says there is a "mountain of evidence" that it is, and that major medical associations have found it leads to depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.But Chiles argues there are no studies indicating conversion therapy is harmful, and that other studies are fundamentally flawed."States should not manipulate private conversations between licensed professionals and clients," James Campbell, Chiles' attorney, told the bench.A majority on the court appeared to agree.Justice Elena Kagan posed a hypothetical where two different doctors treat someone who believes they are gay one who tells the patient to change, the other to accept it."And one of those is permissible, and the other is not?" Kagan asked. "That seems like viewpoint discrimination in the way we would normally understand viewpoint discrimination."When Colorado Solicitor General Shannon Stevenson said the core issue was about preserving the best medical practice over what therapists can tell patients, rather than freedom of speech, Alito stepped in."There have been times when the medical consensus has been politicized, has been taken over by ideology," said Alito. "Once, was there a time when many medical professionals thought that certain people should not be permitted to procreate because they had low IQ?" he asked.The Trump administration's Justice Department told the court the law creates a "muzzling" double standard forbidding her from helping people accept their assigned sex at birth, while allowing other therapists to support young people who may want to accept their homosexuality or transition to another gender.Some on the bench questioned whether talk therapy amounted to or should be treated differently than medical care."I'm still just struggling with whether a therapist who is acting in their professional capacity to help someone achieve their goals is really expressing the kind of message or expressing a message for First Amendment purposes," said Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson.TRUMP'S PRESIDENCY FACES CRUCIAL TESTS AS SUPREME COURT BEGINS PIVOTAL TERM"It's just a little puzzling to me that she would stand in a different position than a medical professional who has exactly the same goals, exactly the same interests, and would just be prescribing medication for that rather than her talking with the client. "Stevenson argued there has been a long history of states regulating therapists."The harms from conversion therapy come from when you tell a young person you can change this innate thing about yourself," said Stevenson. "And they try, and they try, and they fail, and then they have shame, and they're miserable. And then it ruins their relationships with their family."The American Psychiatric Association 55 years ago ceased classifying homosexuality as a mental illness.Chiles attended the oral arguments and afterward told Fox News, "I view my work as an outpouring of my faith. I want what is best for my clients, and often they seek me out because we have a shared faith.""Struggling kids benefit from access to voluntary counseling, conversations that help them as they seek wholeness and gaining peace with their bodies," added Chiles. "They deserve better than Colorado's one-size-fits-all approach."The Court in recent years has confronted a range of LGBTQ+-related appeals.In June, the conservative majority upheld a Tennessee law that bans certain medical treatment for transgender teens.A separate ruling allowed parents to exempt their children from school story time with LGBTQ-themed books that were at odds with their religious convictions.The court later this term will consider state laws that prohibit transgender athletes from participating in girls' and womens sports teams.The Colorado case has become a political and social touchstone. 187 House and Senate Democrats, along with major medical and mental health officials are supporting the challenged law.Groups backing Chiles include the Trump Justice Department, Association of Certified Biblical Counselors and the Family Research Council.The debate has sparked political divisions at the national level.A 2015 report by the Obama Health and Human Services Department concluded conversion therapy for young people should be stopped."There is limited research on conversion therapy efforts among children and adolescents," said the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) said in its report. "However, none of the existing research supports the premise that mental or behavioral health interventions can alter gender identity or sexual orientation."The DHS website now has a disclaimer saying the ten-year-old report is publicly available by court order, but adds, "Any information on this page promoting gender ideology is extremely inaccurate and disconnected from truth... This page does not reflect reality and, therefore, the Administration and this Department reject it."The current court case is Chiles v. Salazar (24-539). A ruling is expected by early summer 2026.

South Carolina authorities are stepping back from arson as a potential cause for the fire at the waterfront home of a longtime judge and her Vietnam War hero husband after a preliminary investigation but questions remain about the cause of the blaze that leveled their million-dollar home in Edisto Beach.Judge Diane Schafer Goodstein, 69, was out walking her dogs when the house went up in flames Saturday, according to the Post and Courier. Her husband, 81-year-old former state lawmaker Arnold Goodstein, reportedly suffered broken legs after jumping out a window to escape the heat. Their son and grandson were also injured."At this time, there is no evidence to indicate the fire was intentionally set," Mark Keel, chief of South Carolina's State Law Enforcement Division (SLED), said Monday night. "SLED agents have preliminarily found there is no evidence to support a pre-fire explosion."Investigators were still looking into the cause of the fire, however.DOJ'S HARMEET DHILLON ISSUES 'FAFO' WARNING REGARDING THREATS AGAINST HER"Upon the conclusion of the investigation, SLED will issue a follow-up statement with additional information," Keel added. "I urge our citizens, elected officials and members of the press to exercise good judgment and not share information that has not been verified."The following questions remain unanswered as the probe continues:Despite early reports that an explosion preceded the house fire, authorities ruled that out. Without evidence that it was intentionally set, the cause is still unknown.According to the U.S. Fire Administration, which operates under the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the vast majority of house fires are caused by mishaps involving cooking equipment. Less often, they can be sparked by electrical problems, heating equipment or "unintentional, careless" behavior.JUDGE'S WATERFRONT MANSION BURNS IN POSSIBLE ARSON AS FIRST RESPONDERS USE KAYAKS FOR DRAMATIC RESCUEJudge Goodstein had ruled against the Trump administration last month in a case regarding voter registration, but her decision has already been overruled by a higher court.Still, New York Democratic Rep. Daniel Goldman claimed "MAGA-world" and White House officials, including President Donald Trump and Stephen Miller, have "been doxxing and threatening judges," on X over the weekend.STEPHEN MILLER TRASHES DEM WHO BLAMED 'EXTREME RIGHT' FOR FIRE AT SOUTH CAROLINA JUDGE'S HOME: 'YOU ARE VILE'"Today, someone committed arson on the Judges home, severely injuring her husband and son," he wrote on Sunday. "Will Trump speak out against the extreme right that did this??"Goldman was a key part of the first impeachment proceedings against Trump during his first time in office. He could not immediately be reached for comment.Miller called the X post "demented smears" and "libelous madness," while Keel doused the allegation Monday night, when he said there was no indication that the fire had been set intentionally.MAN CONNECTED TO DESIGNER WHO DIED ON YACHT PREVIOUSLY CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING FIREFIGHTERA spokesperson for SLED did not immediately respond to questions about whether investigators had confirmed the Goodsteins were receiving threats.Keel said separately there was no evidence that the fire had been set off by an explosion as if it were linked to a bombing.Firefighters said they raced to the isolated home in kayaks to help victims, at least one of whom needed an airlift to the hospital. But details of the rescue beyond that remain unclear.NEW PHOTO REVEALS SLAIN QUEENS COUPLE ATTACKED IN BRUTAL HOME INVASION; SUSPECT CHARGED WITH MURDERThree people were hospitalized, and Arnold Goodstein reportedly broke both legs after jumping out of a backyard window. Details about the injuries of two more victims, believed to be other family members, remain unclear.According to Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., the blaze also killed the family's pets.Fire marshals have likely already evaluated what remains of the burned-out structure as they searched for signs of its origin and potential accelerants, according to Fire Administration guidelines. The full investigation, which may include forensic testing of materials recovered from the scene, could take up to several months.Bystanders also took video from the air and water nearby, which may or may not have evidentiary value.

AsPresident Donald Trump moves to finalize his 20-point plan to end the Gaza war, Israel faces a pivotal decision that could reshape the conflicts aftermath. The framework envisions a phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the return of all hostages, and a major prisoner exchange. In return, Hamas would commit to disarmament and allow a technocratic transitional authority to manage Gazas reconstruction.Part of the agreement involves releasing hundreds of convicted Palestinian terrorists, a clause that has already triggered backlash from the families of victims.Dr. Michael Milshtein, head of the Moshe Dayan Forum at Tel Aviv University and one of Israels foremost experts on Hamas, told Fox News Digital that the list of roughly 250 prisoners contains names that represent what he called "a real strategic danger."TRUMP UNVEILS 20-POINT PLAN TO SECURE PEACE IN GAZA, INCLUDING GRANTING SOME HAMAS MEMBERS 'AMNESTY"These are not low-level activists," Milshtein said. "Among them are people who built power and influence inside prison. When released, they will return as leaders."He cited several examples that, he said, demonstrate the risk of past exchanges. Among the prisoners now under discussion are Abbas al-Sayed, convicted for the 2002 Park Hotel bombing in Netanya that killed 30 people; Ibrahim Hamed, former Hamas military commander in the West Bank, serving more than 40 life sentences; Abdullah Barghouti, who produced explosives for a series of large-scale suicide bombings and Hassan Salameh, convicted for orchestrating multiple bus attacks in the 1990s."These are people with dozens of life sentences," Milshtein explained. "Weve already seen what happens when such figures are freed. Many of those who carried out the Oct. 7 massacre were prisoners released in the 2011 Gilad Shalit deal."ISRAELI VICTIMS OF TERROR CONCERNED WITH MURDERERS' RELEASE FROM PRISON, RELIEVED 7 HOSTAGES BACK HOMEMilshtein noted that severalrecently released prisoners have quickly rejoined Hamass leadership abroad. He pointed to Abdel Nasser Issa, a Hamas operative convicted in 1995 who was released earlier this year and soon relocated to Turkey, where he began appearing in podcasts as part of the groups senior political echelon. "That is the model," Milshtein said. "They enter prison as operatives and emerge as decision-makers."Among the most concerning names, he added, is Jamal Al-Hur, who he described as "one of the five most dangerous." Al-Hur, deeply connected to Hamass hierarchy, has served nearly three decades in prison and now acts as a key liaison between jailed operatives and the groups external leadership. "He didnt enter as a leader but became one inside," Milshtein said. "If released, he will re-establish himself quicklyjust as others did before him."The inclusion of Al-Hur on the draft list has renewed anguish for the family of Sharon Edri, the Israeli soldier he helped kidnap, torture, and murder in 1996. Al-Hur was also convicted for the 1997 Apropo Caf bombing in Tel Aviv that killed 13 civilians. Twice before, his name appeared on proposed release lists and was removed after public pressure."I know what its like not to know where your brother is for seven months," said Danielle Edry Karten, Edris sister, who lives in New York. "Theres nothing that makes me happier than knowing families will soon be reunited withthe hostages. But this man shouldnt be releasednot because of my brother alone, but because of the danger he still poses.""He kidnapped, mutilated, tortured my uncle," said Izzy Karten, Edris nephew, in an interview withFox News Digital from New York. "He went to jail, was released, and went on to commit the Apropo Caf bombing. Later, he helped organize the kidnapping of the three boys that started the 2014 war. Now hes a senior Hamas leader inside prisonthats why we call him the next Sinwar."Karten added: "Were not against the peace deal. Were praying for the hostages to come home. We just need to make sure they dont trade them for the worst of the worst."ISRAELS ARMY WILL 'ADVANCE READINESS' FOR FIRST PHASE OF TRUMP PLAN TO RELEASE HOSTAGESThe family launched a new petition this week calling on the Israeli government to block Al-Hurs release and to bar any future swaps involving convicted murderers.At Sharon Edris funeral nearly three decades ago, Netanyahu vowed to the family, "We are telling the killersyou wont break the people and the family. We will not forget him and your daughter Hana. We will end the terror and will bring peace." The family now fears that the promise may be undone.Beyond the list of notorious prisoners, another issue threatens to derail the negotiations: Hamass demand to release about 90 members of its elite "Nukhba" force, the commandos who spearheaded the most horrific atrocities on the Oct. 7 attack on Israeli communities.Milshtein, who visited the section of Ramla Prison where some of these terrorists are held, said they remain unrepentant. "I spoke with them," he toldFox News Digital. "They are fanaticalcompletely committed. They show no remorse. The only thing they regret is not having killed more people."He described the Nukhba detainees as the most ideologically extreme and operationally capable among Hamas ranks. "They are like a special-forces division with a radical worldview," he said. "Releasing them would be like setting loose the people who planned and executed the worst day in Israels history."Despite the risks, Milshtein acknowledged that Israel may have no alternative. "Its a terrible dilemma," he said. "But strategically, this may be one of those bitter compromises Israel will have to make to bring its citizens home."