A U.S. diplomat was fired on Wednesday after the State Department found out that he was in a romantic relationship with a Chinese woman accused of having ties to the Chinese Communist Party, Fox News confirmed.President Donald Trump reviewed the case and approved the diplomat's firing, Tommy Pigott, a State Department Principal Deputy Spokesperson, said in a statement. He said the diplomat "admitted concealing a romantic relationship with a Chinese national with known ties to the Chinese Communist Party.""Under Secretary Rubios leadership, we will maintain a zero-tolerance policy for any employee who is caught undermining our countrys national security," Pigott added.US UNIVERSITIES TRAINING CHINESE MILITARY SCIENTISTS ON TAXPAYER DIME, COMMITTEE WARNSWhile the diplomat was not officially identified, Fox News learned that he was featured in a video by Project Veritas founder James O'Keefe. O'Keefe was ousted from Project Veritas in 2023 and now runs similar hidden camera operations through the O'Keefe Media Group (OMG).In the video, the person believed to be the diplomat in question tells an undercover journalist with OMG that he "defied my government for love." He also said in the video that "she could have been a spy" and that her father was "straight up Communist Party."SURVIVOR OF CHINA'S CULTURAL REVOLUTION WARNS AGAINST LETTING 600,000 CHINESE STUDENTS STUDY AT US COLLEGESIn Beijing, a Chinese government spokesperson declined to comment on what he described as a domestic U.S. issue."But I would like to stress that we oppose drawing lines based on ideological difference and maliciously smearing China," the Foreign Ministry's Guo Jiakun said at a daily briefing, according to The Associated Press.In January, as the Biden administration came to a close, the U.S. government moved to ban American government personnel in China from having sexual or romantic relationships with Chinese citizens, the AP reported. This ban also applied to contractors with security clearances and relatives of American government personnel.The Trump administration intensified its scrutiny of Chinese nationals studying at U.S. universities in May following several instances of students allegedly engaging in surreptitious activity, including espionage.Secretary of State Marco Rubio said at the time that the State Department and the Department of Homeland Security planned to "aggressively revoke" student visas of Chinese nationals, "including those with connections to the Chinese Communist Party."However, the president's push to open the door to 600,000 Chinese students in late August sparked backlash, with conservatives wondering why the administration was making the move. Trump said that he believed it was important to have Chinese students in the U.S., but that the country needed to be cautious and keep track of who was coming.Fox News Digital reached out to Chinese government representatives for comment.Fox News' Nicholas Kalman, Fox News Digital's Digital's Ashley Oliver and Cameron Arcand and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Two Pennsylvania state police officers are in critical and serious condition after being shot while responding to a report of a retail theft in Franklin County, authorities said.The incident unfolded at around 6:10 p.m. after troopers were called to a Dicks Sporting Goods in Guilford Township.The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle headed toward Interstate 81, prompting a police pursuit.THREE FALLEN PENNSYLVANIA POLICE OFFICERS IDENTIFIED AS NEW DETAILS ABOUT 'AMBUSH' RELEASEDPolice deployed spike strips and stopped the fleeing vehicle near Exit 3, where it came to rest off the roadway.Two female suspects exited the vehicle and were taken into custody after complying with troopers commands, Pennsylvania State Police said.A male suspect then began firing at troopers, striking two of them. Troopers returned fire, fatally wounding the male suspect, police said.Both troopers were then flown to Wellspan York Hospital for treatment.Gov. Josh Shapiro said he and his wife, Lori, were praying for the troopers and called on others to do the same."Lori and I are praying for the two state troopers shot in the line of duty in Chambersburg tonight," Shapiro posted on X.MULTIPLE OFFICERS INVOLVED IN PENNSYLVANIA SHOOTING AS GOVERNOR RUSHES TO YORK COUNTY SCENE"Pennsylvanias law enforcement officers are the very best of us running towards danger every day to keep our communities safe. Please join me in praying for the injured troopers, their loved ones and every member of Pennsylvania State Police."State police said there was no threat to the public but "the scene remains very active."The shooting took place in southern Franklin County, which is about 85 miles northwest of Baltimore.The Pennsylvania State Troopers Association (PSTA) thanked the troopers for their bravery and asked for prayers for them and their families."Each day, the men and women of the Pennsylvania State Police go to work prepared to give their last full measure," the group posted on X. "We can never thank them enough for their incredible bravery."The shootings are the latest in a string of shootings against Pennsylvania police.Last month, three officers were killed when they were ambushed while responding to a domestic call inYork County, Pennsylvania. The suspected gunman was killed by police, officials said.That shooting came just a few months after another York County officer was killed in the line of duty during a shooting at UPMC Memorial Hospital.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

If beef is what's for dinner, European Parliament lawmakers want to make sure there is no confusion about what people are eating.On Wednesday, the lawmakers voted 355 to 247 to define meat as "edible parts of animals" and to restrict the use of words like steak, escalope, sausage or burger for animal and not plant-based products.That means terms like "veggie burger" or "vegan sausage" would be banned. The regulation is designed to give farmers a stronger negotiating position so that powerful companies in the food supply chain do not impose unfavorable conditions."Now, were not talking about banning vegetable or plant-based alternatives, of course not. But I think that terms should speak for themselves and should mean what they mean," Cline Imart, a conservative German lawmaker and former farmer, said, according to The Associated Press.LAB-GROWN MEAT BAN GOES INTO EFFECT IN RED STATE, FACES LEGAL CHALLENGEThe proposal will go to a parliamentary committee to be clarified, and it will then go back to the EU executive arm and then to the union's 27 member states for further negotiations.GUT HEALTH AT STAKE AS RESEARCHERS PUT BEEF AND CHICKEN TO THE TESTNot everyone agrees with the move. Imart's colleague and Austrian member of the European Parliament, Anna Strgkh, from the liberal NEOS The New Austria party, said consumers are not easily fooled by food labels on non-meat products."A beef tomato doesnt contain any beef... Ladies fingers are not made of actual ladies fingers," she said. "Lets trust consumers and stop this hot dog populism."The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

A Buffalo Bills fan had the moment of a lifetime when he caught an errant pass from Josh Allen and jetted out of Highmark Stadium during the teams loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night.But while most people who watched the game thought the man took home a souvenir and missed out on a pretty epic game, it turned out to be the opposite.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe fan on Wednesday was identified as Brian Kemp. He spoke to WIVB-TV about the moment, explaining that he and his wife, Tara Halliwell-Kemp, had been buying tickets from their friend, who is also a Bills superfan. Brian Kemp watched Allen roll to his right and throw the ball away."The next thing I know, that bullet from Allen is coming I mean, the biggest gun in the league, you know there was some heat on that ball," he told the station. "I was able to grab it, bring it in, and I looked at my wife and I said, Ill meet you at the car."Tara Halliwell-Kemp said security came to her and asked that her husband returned the ball and they would get him another football. She explained to officials that she had been promised that in the past but it had never came to fruition.BROWNS' KEVIN STEFANSKI REFUSES TO CONFIRM SHEDEUR SANDERS AS BACKUP QUARTERBACK DESPITE JOE FLACCO TRADEBrian Kemp explained that he did end up going back to his seat and ended up returning the ball. But the ball he received in return will end up going to his friend."I did wind up going back to the seat and happily returned the ball," he told the station. "They did give me another ball in exchange, so this ball unfortunately is not the actual ball that Allen threw that I caught."However, all is right with the world. No theft occurred. There was no stolen property."Buffalo ended up losing the game to New England 23-20. But the couple will have a moment they will never forget.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

1. Hamas accepts Trump peace plan ending war in Gaza2. Trump details negotiations in the Israel-Hamas peace deal3. Key race for governor erupts with explosive accusationsFIRST PHASE Trump peace deal triggers 72-hour countdown for Hamas to release 48 hostages from Gaza. Continue reading YOU DID IT Families call Trump after Hamas accepts peace plan ensuring hostages release. Continue reading BIPARTISAN SUPPORT Dem senator congratulates Trump on 'historic' Israel-Hamas peace plan. Continue reading VIOLENCE ESCALATED Mayor promises harsh penalties after rioters 'attack' police officers in Dem-run city. Continue reading DEADLY SPIRAL Highway dispute triggers multi-hour murder spree across Houston area. Continue reading --MELTDOWN MODE Porter explodes on staffer who steps into frame: 'Get out of my f---ing shot!' Continue reading DRAGGING ON No talks scheduled as government shutdown drags on with no end in sight. Continue reading SHUTDOWN FURY 'Keep your mouth shut': Jeffries and GOP lawmaker clash in Capitol Hill showdown. Continue reading DODGING DUTY Dems silent as Virginia candidate's violent texts about GOP opponent spark firestorm. Continue reading Click here for more cartoonsBIAS EXPOSED Parent claims sons school is singling out Turning Point USA chapter. Continue reading FAITH FIGHT City sued after mayor blames Christians for violent clash with left-wing agitators. Continue reading BLUE EXODUS San Francisco residents ditch Democratic Party over failed liberal policies. Continue reading NO REGRETS Bill Burr fires back at critics for performing at Saudi festival: 'I don't give a f---.' Continue reading HUGH HEWITT Morning Glory: Senator Chuck Schumer must end his government shutdown. Continue reading TED JENKIN Why its inevitable that Elon Musk willbea trillionaire. Continue reading --STARS & SWIPES Upcoming Super Bowl halftime performer appears to sit during God Bless America. Continue reading MONEY MOVES Disney making major changes to ticket prices at biggest US parks. Continue reading AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ Test yourself on farmers' feats and brilliant baseball. Take the quiz here SECONDHAND SECRETS Bargain hunter spots potential medieval treasures at thrift shop for $30. Continue reading WARNING FOR FAMILIES Surge in teen vaping brings doctor's alert. See video TREY YINGST This is the first time I can remember Palestinians and Israelis celebrating the same thing. See video SEAN DUFFY We're putting Americans first, not illegal immigrants. See video Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST for insight into James Comeys arraignment and what it reveals about the political battles surrounding the DOJ. 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 Friday.

More than 2.8 million Brits have signed a petition as of Wednesday, calling on the U.K. government to reverse its mandatory Digital ID system over concerns it will lead to "mass surveillance and digital control."The ID program, dubbed "Brit Card" and announced last week by U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is set to be rolled out by August 2029 in an attempt by the Labour government to crack down on illegal immigration as it would bar anyone who doesnt have a digital ID from working in the U.K.But critics of the plan argue its effects on illegal immigration will not be significant enough to make up for the privacy concerns it poses.STARMERS DIGITAL ID WORK REQUIREMENT SPARKS UPROAR FROM UK'S LEFT AND RIGHTThe White House confirmed to Fox News Digital that this controversial step to curb immigration is not currently being considered by President Donald Trump, despite his commitment to curbing illegal immigration and his security crackdowns in cities across the U.S.But according to one security expert, digital ID is actually not nearly as concerning as most opponents of the system believe it to be."When the government issues a digital ID, they're issuing it to the individual. That means, just like your paper ID sits in your physical wallet, your digital ID sits in your digital wallet, it's not stored at a central location," Eric Starr, founder and CEO ofUltrapass Identity Corp, told Fox News Digital."When you pass your digital ID to a relying party, they don't ping a central database," he continued. "They look at the digital ID you've presented, and through cryptography, can determine the authenticity of the digital document."Starr, whose company works with governments around the world to provide decentralized digital ID options, said the controversy around digital ID comes down to poor conception and a lack of understanding. The tech guru said he believes the U.K. went about its rollout of a digital ID the wrong way by making it mandatory and releasing few details on the system itself.Starr argued that governments have the right to know who its citizens are and nations, including the U.S., already have systems in place that keep track of its people, including by issuing social security numbers a system that the U.S. has relied on since 1936.When pressed about concerns relating to a governments ability to enforce mass surveillance through the ease that the technology could offer, even if that is not the original intent, Starr said it comes down to establishing those protections for personal privacy from the get-go.NORTH KOREAN HACKERS USE AI TO FORGE MILITARY IDS"We care deeply about personal freedom in ways that other countries don't think about it, and generally speaking, individuals don't want the federal government in their business every day," Starr explained in reference to the American public. "The fear that people have about digital identity is that it's a surveillance opportunity."Starr explained that some are concerned that any time a digital ID is used, it will then alert or "phone home" a government tracking system a concern that privacy advocates like theElectronic Frontier Foundationand theACLU have flagged."It's not about the technology, but managing fear and managing what actually gets deployed," he added, noting that safeguards can be put in place to counter these concerns.Even though there is no federal version of a digital ID, more than a dozen states have already begun issuing mobile drivers licenses.A federal version of a digital ID would, in theory, just include an individuals information that the government already has access to, including details like passport information.But theres another major concern people flag when it comes to digital IDs how to ensure personal information is protected from identity theft, which has become a major concern in recent years amid mass cyber breaches.According to Starr, the "architecture of digital identity" is different from centralized databases used by institutions like hospitals, which have found themselves vulnerable to cyber-attacks and data breaches.Decentralized systems, as in the case of a digital ID, make hacking "nearly impossible" because "the only way to hack a million IDs is to hack a million phones," he explained."There are solutions. It's not a technology issue, it's an education issue, it's a fear issue," Starr said. "It's also poorly conceived solutions that open the door for bad behavior."

Microplastics are a known threat to overall health and eating and drinking from plastic containers, like water bottles, could be a great offender, researchers suggest.A new study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials analyzed 141 existing scientific papers on microplastics and nanoplastics from single-use plastic water bottles to gauge how much plastic people may be ingesting.Researchers at Concordia University in Montreal, Canada, discovered that the average person consumes 39,000 to 52,000 microplastic particles per year, according to a university press release.PLASTIC WATER BOTTLE LEFT IN A HOT CAR? THINK TWICE BEFORE SIPPING FROM ITIndividuals who drink bottled water regularly ingest up to 90,000 more particles each year than those who drink mainly tap water, the study found.The researchers noted that nanoplastics are especially concerning, as theyre invisible to the naked eye and smaller than 1 micron. They can also enter human cells, cross biological barriers and have the potential to reach organs and tissues, they cautioned.Nanoplastics and microplastics have both been linked to serious and long-term health complications, including respiratory and reproductive issues, brain and nerve toxicity, and cancer risks.BOTTLED WATER FOUND TO CONTAIN TENS OF THOUSANDS OF TINY PLASTIC PARTICLES IN NEW STUDYThese particles entering the bloodstream and vital organs can also cause chronic inflammation, oxidative stress on cells and hormonal disruption, according to the release.These tiny plastic pieces emerge as bottles are made, stored, transported and broken down, and shed particles when theyre manipulated and exposed to sunlight or temperature changes, experts cautioned."The long-term effects remain poorly understood due to a lack of widespread testing and standardized methods of measurement and detection," the release stated.Lead study author Sarah Sajedi, an environmental management expert and Ph.D. candidate at Concordia University, said in the press release that the health risks of plastic water bottles are "seriously understudied.""Education is the most important action we can take," she said. "Drinking water from plastic bottles is fine in an emergency, but it is not something that should be used in daily life. People need to understand that the issue is not acute toxicity it is chronic toxicity."The analysis did have some limitations, the researchers noted. The numerous studies used various testing methods, which means results are not always comparable. Some were also lacking in data on the size and composition of these particles.The researchers called for further standardized testing and stronger policies to control the contamination of plastics in bottled water.The analysis was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada and Concordia University.In January 2025, the International Bottled Water Association issued a statement related to the risk associated with microplastics and nanoplastics, pointing out that bottled water is among thousands of food and beverage products that are packaged in plastic containers.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER"The bottled water industry is committed to providing consumers with the safest and highest quality healthy hydration products," says the statement on IBWA's website. "Micro- and nanoplastics are found everywhere in the environment in the air, soil and water.""Because there are no certified testing methods and no scientific consensus on the potential health impacts of micro- and nanoplastics, the industry supports conducting additional research on this important issue."In 2024, the FDA issued a statement on the topic, stating that "current scientific evidence does not demonstrate that levels of microplastics or nanoplastics detected in foods pose a risk to human health."The agency noted that it will continue to monitor research on microplastics and nanoplastics in foods and that it is "taking steps to advance the science and ensure our food remains safe."For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/healthIn a 2022 report from the World Health Organization, the agency stated that "no adverse health effects could be drawn from dietary exposure to micro- and nanoplastic particles less than 10 microns due to minimal scientific research."Fox News Digital reached out to the Concordia University researchers and to multiple bottled water companies for comment.

The Trump administration is intensifying efforts to trace the funding behind Antifa and other protest movements, pursuing what officials describe as a coordinated campaign to expose the nonprofit and dark money networks they believe are fueling organized unrest across the country.President Donald Trump hosted a White House roundtable Wednesday with independent journalists who have experienced Antifas violence firsthand, part of his administrations broader push to confront domestic unrest.Among those attending was Seamus Bruner, research director at the Government Accountability Institute, who said the administrations "whole-of-government" approach is now fully underway."President Trump is taking it very seriously," Bruner said, noting the president stressed the need to follow the money to officials including Attorney General Pam Bondi, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and FBI Director Kash Patel.TRUMP CALLS ANTIFA TERRORIST GROUP, FUELING FIGHT OVER FREE SPEECH AND LIMITS OF LAW ENFORCEMENTHe argued that unmasking Antifa requires tracing its finances."Its not just Antifa, but there is a whole ecosystem of radical, professional protesting organizations," he said, describing what he calls "Riot Inc." as a corporate-style operation with divisions for boots on the ground, marketing, PR and legal support.Bruner also cited bail fund networks that allegedly enable repeat offenders to return to protests. He pointed to GAI investigations showing coordination across cities such as Portland, Seattle and Chicago involving paid and transported individuals, including homeless people exploited to participate in unrest.NOEM LIKENS ANTIFA TO ISIS, OTHER TERROR GROUPS THAT WANT TO KILL AMERICANSHe pointed to major funding sources, including billionaire George Soros Open Society Foundation, the Tides Foundation, and foreign donors such as Swiss billionaire Hansjrg Wyss.To curb funding for unrest, he said federal authorities could use RICO statutes to target networks and urged the IRS and Office of Management and Budget to review or revoke tax-exempt status for nonprofits misusing charitable funds.If those agencies find that funding supports criminal activity, Bruner said, they could force organizations to open their books and justify their grants.TRUMP TO DESIGNATE ANTIFA A 'MAJOR TERRORIST ORGANIZATION'"They can absolutely cancel any future grants if they deem that the charitable purposes are less than charitable," he said, pointing out that over $100 million in taxpayer funds have flowed through major networks linked to protest activities.The roundtable followed Trumps order to deploy National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, part of the administrations broader effort to curb crime and illegal immigration a move temporarily blocked by a federal judge Sunday.Antifa is a far-left militant movement that describes itself as antifascist. It has been accused of organizing or encouraging violent riots, notably during the 2020 "defund the police" protests and, more recently, in attacks targeting federal immigration facilities.Fox News Digitals Emma Colton contributed to this report.

Arturo Gatti Jr., the son of the late boxing legend Arturo Gatti, died, the World Boxing Association (WBA) said on Wednesday. He was 17.The WBA released a statement on social media.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"The WBA and the boxing world mourn the passing of Arturo Gatti Jr.," the organization wrote on X. "His journey was just beginning, yet his spirit will live on now reunited with his legendary father among the stars."Our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones."Chuck Zito, Gatti Sr.s former bodyguard, also confirmed the death of the teenager on social media. He wrote on social media that the younger Gatti was "found hanging in an apartment in Mexico." Additional details about the teens death were unclear.BOXING GREAT RICKY HATTON DEAD AT 46Gatti Jr. initially sought to follow in the footsteps of his legendary father with an amateur boxing career in hopes of making it to the Olympics, according to ESPN. He was not even a year old when his father was found dead in a hotel in Brazil in 2009.Gattis widow, Amanda Rodrigues, was initially charged with murder in his death. But authorities in Brazil later ruled his death to be by suicide. Rodrigues had the charges dropped.The boxer was 40-9 during his career and had epic bouts with Oscar De La Hoya, Mickey Ward and Floyd Mayweather Jr. He held the IBF junior lightweight and WBC super lightweight titles during his career.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Senate Republicans arent ready to go "nuclear" again to change the rules around the Senate filibuster as Senate Democrats dig deeper against the GOPs push to reopen the government.Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Republicans need at least eight Democrats to cross the aisle and vote for their continuing resolution (CR) to pass through the Senates 60-vote filibuster threshold.But only three Democratic caucus members have joined Republicans after six failed attempts to pass the short-term funding extension as the shutdown enters its second week.SENATE DEMOCRATS DEFY WHITE HOUSE WARNINGS, AGAIN BLOCK GOP BID TO REOPEN GOVERNMENTRepublicans have already turned to the "nuclear option" to unilaterally change the rules this year to blast through Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and Democrats blockade of President Donald Trumps nominees. But for many, the notion of changing the rules and nuking the filibuster is a third rail."Never, never, ever, never, none," Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., told Fox News Digital when asked if he would consider changing the rules."I've never heard that since the Democrats tried to do it, and I think we would all fight it pretty hard," he continued.The last time the filibuster was put under the microscope was when Democrats controlled the Senate in 2022. Schumer, who was majority leader at the time, tried to change the rules for a "talking filibuster" in order to pass voting rights legislation.SENATE REPUBLICANS CONFIRM MORE THAN 100 TRUMP NOMINEES AS GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN CONTINUESHowever, the effort was thwarted when then-Sens. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., joined Republicans to block the change. Both have since retired from the Senate and become Independents.Republicans are not actively discussing changes to the filibuster."I don't think that's a conversation we've had," Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., told Fox News Digital. "Right now, we think that the Democrats' position has been untenable, and the more they hear from their constituents of their unreasonable activities, that will break this because we got a clean CR, so we got the better argument."Because of the filibuster, spending bills like a CR are generally bipartisan in nature. However, Senate Democrats have panned Republicans' bill to reopen the government as partisan and argue that they had no input on it before it passed through the House late last month."I'm generally aware of how important it is to try to keep things bipartisan, using the filibuster as the tool to do that, but I also get the fact that after a while, the frustration just boils over," Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., told Fox News Digital.GOVERNMENT LIMPS DEEPER INTO SHUTDOWN CRISIS WITH NO DEAL IN SIGHTFrustrations reached a new level in Congress on Wednesday, with Sens. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and Mark Kelly, D-Ariz., publicly arguing with House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., over the shutdown. Then there was another public back-and-forth between House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., and Rep. Mike Lawler, R-N.Y.Still, neither side in the upper chamber is ready to budge from their positions.Most Senate Democratic caucus members are rooted in their position that unless they get a deal on expiring Obamacare tax credits, they will not join Republicans to reopen the government.Republicans have been adamant that negotiations on extending the subsidies with reforms can happen, but only after the government is reopened.Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., is the lone Senate Democrat who has voted with Republicans each time to reopen the government. He pointed out that Republicans had just changed Senate rules last month to advance Trumps nominees."I think we probably should. If you're able to get out of the filibuster to prevent either party to make it a lot harder to shut the government down, Id absolutely support that," Fetterman said.