When you live in an area with limited or no cell service, Wi-Fi calling can be a lifesaver. It keeps you connected for calls and texts when your phone would otherwise be useless. However, some iPhone users have noticed that this feature appears to drain their battery more quickly than usual. Laura B wrote to us asking:"Living in a rural area with no cell service, naturally, my iPhone is used with Wi-Fi and Wi-Fi calling only. It seems to me it uses more battery this way than when connected to cellular data. Is this possible?"Laura's question is a common one, and the short answer is yes, Wi-Fi calling can sometimes use more battery than a strong cellular connection. The reasons haven't changed much in iOS 26, but Apple has added a few tools that make it easier to understand and manage battery use.And if you're on Android, don't worry; we'll cover the steps for your phone too, further down.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM newsletter.10 IOS 26 TRICKS THAT HELP YOU GET MORE OUT OF YOUR IPHONEEven though Wi-Fi calling is designed to keep you connected, there are a few behind-the-scenes reasons it may drain your iPhone battery faster than expected.Even when you don't have service, your iPhone may periodically scan for towers. That search drains energy unless you take steps to stop it.Wi-Fi calling requires your Wi-Fi radio to remain on constantly while also running extra background processes to stabilize calls. That workload can use more energy than simply maintaining a strong LTE signal.If your Wi-Fi signal drops or fluctuates, your iPhone works harder to maintain the connection. That extra effort can warm the phone and eat into your battery.WHY IPHONE USERS ARE THE NEW PRIME SCAM TARGETSThese settings are tried-and-true and work just as well in iOS 26:This keeps your iPhone from wasting power looking for nonexistent cell service.YOUR PHONE IS TRACKING YOU EVEN WHEN YOU THINK ITS NOTApple didn't change how Wi-Fi calling itself works in iOS 26, but it did improve how you can monitor and manage battery use:These tools don't remove Wi-Fi calling's overhead, but they give you better visibility and, in some cases, automatic tweaks to help stretch your charge.How Wi-Fi calling affects battery on AndroidAndroid users face many of the same challenges as iPhone owners when it comes to Wi-Fi calling and battery drain. The basic reasons overlap; extra processes, Wi-Fi radios staying active and unstable signals. But Android also has some unique quirks and settings worth adjusting.Settings may vary depending on your Android phones manufacturerEven when Wi-Fi calling is on, your Android device may keep searching for mobile networks in the background. This constant scan eats up power unless you turn it off.Fix: Enable Airplane Mode, then manually switch Wi-Fi back on. To do this openSettings, tapNetwork & Internet, and turn onAirplane Mode. Once it's active, go back intoWi-Fi, switch it on manually and reconnect to your network so Wi-Fi calling still works without the phone constantly searching for cell towers.Not every carrier handles Wi-Fi calling the same way on Android. Some route calls differently, which can use more energy depending on the network.Fix: Check your carrier's Wi-Fi calling preferences inSettings Network & Internet Mobile Network Advanced Wi-Fi Calling.Unlike iOS, many Android devices allow dozens of apps to keep running in the background. When Wi-Fi calling is active, that extra load can drain faster.Fix: Go toSettings Battery Battery Usage and identify apps draining the most power, thenrestrict background activity.Most Android phones (Pixel, Samsung Galaxy, OnePlus, etc.) include Adaptive Battery or similar power-saving tools. These features limit battery-hungry apps when Wi-Fi calling is active.Fix: EnableAdaptive Battery in Settings Battery Adaptive Preferences, or usePower Saving mode if you notice faster drain during calls.As with iPhones, weak Wi-Fi is a big culprit. Dropped or unstable Wi-Fi forces your Android phone to work overtime to keep a call steady.Fix: Stay near your router or consider upgrading to a mesh Wi-Fi system.Wi-Fi calling is a lifesaver when you're off the grid, but it does come with trade-offs. It can use more power than a strong cellular connection, especially if your Wi-Fi signal isn't steady. The good news is that iOS 26 gives you better battery insights and smarter tools to help manage power. With a few simple tweaks, like turning on Airplane Mode when there's no service, limiting background apps and keeping your Wi-Fi strong, you can cut unnecessary drain.What's been your biggest challenge with your phones battery life, and how do you manage it? Let us know by writing to us atCyberguy.com.Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, youll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join myCYBERGUY.COM newsletter.Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said Thursday that the Trump administration is looking at purchasing more facilities in Chicago and Portland, doubling down on their illegal immigration operations despite the cities' sanctuary statuses.Noem, along with other Cabinet members, met with President Donald Trump on Thursday to brief him on their respective agencies."What Im also doing, sir, with your authority, is were purchasing more buildings in Chicago to operate out of," Noem told Trump during the Cabinet meeting. "Were not going to back off. In fact, were doubling down, and were going to be in more parts of Chicago in response to the people there."BLUE CITY OFFICERS OPEN TO FEDS HELP FIGHTING CRIME CRISIS AS LEADERS SPEW ANTI-POLICE RHETORIC: UNION PRESShe also said she met with officials and authorities in Portland, where a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility has faced violence for over 100 straight nights, according to Camilla Wamsley, director of Portlands ICE office, who previously spoke to Fox News."Were looking at new facilities to purchase there in Portland, too, and were going to double down," Noem said. "I told them that if they didnt meet our demands for safety and security on the streets and work with us, then we were going to bring in more federal law enforcement."Leaders in Chicago and Portland have clashed with Trump over immigration enforcement and his decision to send National Guard troops to protect federal personnel and property amid escalating anti-ICE protests.PRITZKER SAYS TRUMP ORDERING 400 MEMBERS OF THE TEXAS NATIONAL GUARD TO ILLINOIS, OREGON AND OTHER LOCATIONS"This is a man who has something stuck in his head. He cant get it out of his head," Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said of Trump. "He doesnt read. He doesnt know anything thats up to date. Its just something in the recesses of his brain thats effectuating his callout of these cities."Earlier this week, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek directed the U.S. Northern Command to take "immediate action" to demobilize Oregons 200 National Guard members and Californias 200 National Guard members, who were deployed to Portland to protect federal property and personnel near the facility.On Thursday, Noem noted that she had met with Kotek and Portland leaders and authorities, saying they were "lying and disingenuous and dishonest people, because as soon as you leave the room, they make the exact opposite response."She also said that extra security measures were being taken to protect federal buildings following a shooting at an ICE facility in Dallas and attacks against ICE agents."So were hardening all of our buildings and making sure that we have more security measures snipers on the roof, people to protect our law enforcement while theyre out there on the streets," she said.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has overruled the school's student government after it voted to block students from starting aTurning Point USA chapter on campus."As part of the process of becoming a Registered Student Organization at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, the Dean of Students Office has completed its review of a group of students' application to establish a chapter of Turning Point USA on campus," Jay Blackman, vice chancellor of communications and marketing at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, toldFox News Digital in a statement."The Dean of Students' Office has determined that Turning Point USA is approved as a Registered Student Organization," Blackman said.PETITION LAUNCHES FOR RUTGERS TO DISBAND SCHOOL'S TPUSA CHAPTERThe universitys student government hadvoted against the students starting the chapter, whose31-year-old founder and CEO, Charlie Kirk, was shot and killed Sept. 10 while speaking at Utah Valley University during his "American Comeback Tour.""While the Student Government Association may voice opinions, recognition of student organizations is determined by the UTC Dean of Students and Chancellor," Blackman said. "Turning Point USA has been authorized in accordance with university policy and the law."In a Wednesday post on X before Blackman made the announcement that the group would be approved after it was rejected by the student government, trial lawyer Robert Barnes took to X (formerly Twitter) to criticize the schools rejection.TEXAS CHRISTIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENT VOWS TO RESTORE CHRISTIAN VALUES ON CAMPUS WITH TPUSA"My hometown school -- @UTChattanooga -- apparently told students they cannot form a campus chapter of @TPUSA due to false claims of hate speech," Barnes said. "If this is not reversed immediately, I will sue the school for the students, and win. And UTC will pay the bill. Fix it now!"Assistant Attorney General for the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division Harmeet Dhillon replied to Barnes' X post, writing, "Let us know what happens."In a statement to Fox News Digital, Barnes said, "Many thanks to all those who spoke out & special thanks to AAG Dhillon, who publicly voiced support for us. That was the gamechanger."FLORIDA VOWS LEGAL ACTION AGAINST ANY EFFORTS TO BLOCK TPUSA CHAPTERS ON CAMPUSTurning Point USA is a national conservative youth organization founded by Kirk in 2012 with a stated mission to promote "free markets and limited government" on college campuses.The UTC decision follows several recent controversies involving TPUSA chapters at other universities,including Rutgers, where students have accused administrators or peers of political bias against conservative groups.

A woman in Texas was shot and killed in a PetSmart parking lot after an argument over not saying "thank you" for opening the door, according to police.Cecilia Simpson, 41, was shot several times outside a PetSmart in Dallas on Tuesday at around 1 p.m., Dallas police told FOX 4. A witness told police that Simpson held the door open for Keona Zachyua Hampton, 22, at a Five Below store, an arrest affidavit states.Simpson allegedly became irritated that Hampton didn't thank her for holding the door open, triggering an argument. Simpson and her daughter went to their car and drove to PetSmart, which was in the same plaza.When Simpson and her daughter entered the PetSmart store, she told employees they were being followed by Hampton. Hampton allegedly walked into the store and began arguing with Simpson's daughter. Hampton exited the store, but returned a few minutes later, when she allegedly started another argument with Simpson.THEIR TEENAGE SON WAS KILLED IN THE BACKYARD. NOW A CHICAGO FAMILY WANTS TRUMP TO 'BRING ON' THE TROOPSAfter being asked to leave the store, Hampton allegedly threw a bottle at the vehicle Simpson was driving with her daughter in it. According to police, a physical fight then ensued when Hampton took out a handgun and allegedly shot Simpson three times.Hampton was arrested on Tuesday night during a traffic stop and admitted she got into an argument with Simpson, but claimed she only took out the gun when the situation became physical.Hampton was booked into jail on a murder charge. Her bail hasn't been set.VICTIM'S GIRLFRIEND AMONG 9 TEENS ARRESTED IN 16-YEAR-OLD'S BEACH TOWN MURDERAn ER nurse who saw the incident told FOX 4 her perspective on what happened."The shooter was saying, Come outside. Lets handle this outside. Let's fight outside.' And the mom and daughter were just telling her to like go away," she said. "The mother and daughter tried to get in the car to de-escalate the situation but the lady wasn't having it. They started to fight and that's when the lady pulled out her gun and shot her."The nurse said she performed CPR before paramedics arrived."The daughter was next to the mom the whole time. It's hard, you know, because the screaming of a child for her mother is never easy and it's never going to leave my head," she said. "I've been trying not to cry, but just like, you know, being in high school, my mom was such an important person in my life and she's the reason I became a nurse. My whole family is."

Serena Williams' husband, Alexis Ohanian, didnt waste his chance to check Stephen A. Smith during his appearance on ESPNs "First Take" on Thursday morning.Williams was featured in Kendrick Lamars Super Bowl LIX halftime show in February, and it sparked debate on the sports talk show about why she was there. While Smiths co-hosts pointed to the connection between Williams and Lamar given their Compton roots, Shannon Sharpe focused on Lamars diss track to fellow artist Drake, who had a previous relationship with Williams.That angle is what prompted Smith to take a shot at Ohanian, whose shoes he decided to step in for the segment.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"If Im married and my wife is going to join trolling her ex, go back to his ass. Cause clearly you dont belong with me," Smith said at the time. "What you worried about him for and youre with me? Bye. Bye."Well, before "First Take" went to a break on Thursday, Ohanian took the moment where they were talking about his marriage to Williams to check Smith for his comments in a nuanced way.AYESHA CURRY MAKES ADMISSION ABOUT GETTING MARRIED, HAVING CHILDREN"Also, too, Stephen A. Smith, I think you had some marriage advice for me. Is that right?" Ohanian asked."Oh, I am not qualified. Martial advice? Oh no, not me," Smith responded.Ohanian didnt stop there."You hadnt been married before, right?" he added. "Because I give advice to plenty of founders who want to build billion-dollar companies. And the reason I do that is because I build billion-dollar companies. So, I generally try to stay in my lane in the advice department."Ohanian is known mostly as the co-founder of the social media site Reddit. He's also the founder of the professional, female-only track and field series Athlos.Williams and Ohanian were married on Nov. 16, 2017, two months after their daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian, was born. In August 2023, Williams gave birth to their second daughter, Adira River Ohanian.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Kris Jenner is showing off a bold new look.The Kardashian family matriarch ditched her signature jet-black hair and stepped out with a new platinum blonde look at a star-studded launch for Shark Beautys new "Shark Glam" line at CUT Lounge inside the Beverly Wilshire Hotel and fans could barely recognize her."We had a fun little blonde moment tonight!" Jenner captioned an Instagram post, posing with celebrity hairstylist Chris Appleton. "Thank you to everyone who came out to help us celebrate"HAS KRIS JENNER FOUND THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH? EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON HER STUNNING TRANSFORMATIONThe mother of six paired her icy-blonde bob with a sleek black leather blazer and a gold statement necklace featuring a large green stone.The 69-year-old "momager" looked nearly unrecognizable with her new look, sparking a wave of fan reactions online."Kris and Kim out here playing Freaky Friday," one fan joked.KRIS JENNER DEFENDS SECOND FACELIFT AT 69, SAYS IT'S HER VERSION OF 'AGING GRACEFULLY'Some fans even said the dramatic new do made Jenner look like a perfect blend of daughters Kim and Khlo Kardashian."Thats hot," longtime family friend Paris Hilton chimed in.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSBefore the big reveal, Appleton gave fans a behind-the-scenes look on Instagram. In a playful video set to Sabrina Carpenters viral track "When Did You Get Hot?", Jenner sat bare-faced in a salon chair, towel on her head, mouthing along to the lyrics "Wait, I need a minute."She then covered the lens, and the video transitioned into her new platinum-blonde look.While fans couldnt get enough of the transformation, Jenner hinted the blonde look may be short-lived."I wore that black pixie for so long, you know, I couldnt look at it anymore," she joked during a Q&A, according to Us Weekly. "Im sure my kids are excited that I tried something new."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER"I mean, you know me Ill be back to black tomorrow," Jenner added.In August, Jenner revealed she underwent a second facelift, saying its her way of "aging gracefully."

When President Donald Trump and Finnish President Alexander Stubb sealed their latest trade agreement on Thursday, it wasnt just a handshake for 11 rugged ships.It was another sign of a friendship thats quickly turning into strategy.Where other European leaders have tried to win Trumps respect through policy and persuasion, Stubb chose the fairway. In March, the Finnish president once a national golf team player turned up at Mar-a-Lago not with briefing notes, but with clubs, challenging Trump to a round and earning something rarer than a trade deal: rapport.Presentation matters to Trump, and Stubb 6-foot-3, fit and sharply dressed in a double-breasted coat seemed to meet the moment. When the two last met at the White House in August, Trump told him he "looked better than ever" and introduced him as "a young, powerful man."RUSSIA, CHINA ARE TRYING TO SEIZE CONTROL OF THE ARCTIC. WE CAN'T LET THEM SUCCEEDThat personal chemistry, maintained through frequent text exchanges, has quietly opened doors for the Finnish president, a longtime marathoner and triathlete with a competitive streak. What's more, it's translating into real policy from defense contracts to Arctic cooperation elevating the once-quiet Nordic nation to new prominence in Washington.Its an unlikely rise for a country better known for saunas and serenity than for summits. Stubb hails from a nation of 5.6 million that routinely tops the worlds happiness index, where forests blanket nearly 75% of the land and lakes glint by the hundreds of thousands.Finland slightly smaller than the state of Montana and wedged between Sweden and Russia has long had its security outlook shaped by geography, a position that now places it on the front line of NATO and Arctic strategy.TRUMP SAYS HE'S RUNNING OUT OF PATIENCE WITH PUTIN 'FAST' OVER UKRAINE CONFLICT NEGOTIATIONSThe trade deal signed Thursday, for 11 ships valued at roughly $6.1 billion, is the latest sign of how that alignment is taking shape. Under the deal Trump approved, three of the ships will be built by Davie in Galveston, Texas, and four by Bollinger Shipyards in Houma, Louisiana, a setup that aligns with his "Made in America" credo and emphasis on creating U.S. jobs, injecting billions of dollars into the maritime industrial base.And when it comes to icebreakers, Helsinki is firmly in its element: Finnish companies design roughly 80% of the worlds fleet.Finlands expertise has made it more than just a supplier. Its turned Helsinki into a trusted player in Trump's Arctic strategy, a region increasingly defined by military competition with Russia and China, melting sea routes and access to critical minerals.COULD TRUMP WIN THE NOBEL PEACE PRIZE AFTER ISRAEL-HAMAS DEAL?That partnership cuts both ways. For Finland, the agreement deepens defense cooperation with the U.S. and elevates it from NATO newcomer to strategic partner, a bridge linking Washington to the fast-changing Arctic frontier."We are very pleased with the fact that we have so much training going on with American soldiers right now. They are getting experience from our Arctic conditions, and we are integrating our militaries together," Stubb said during a meeting in the Oval Office Thursday.For now, Stubbs rapport with Trump has turned the fairway into a diplomatic fast track. Whether that personal chemistry endures amid shifting politics remains to be seen, but, for Finland, the gains are already tangible.Stubb has learned what some other global counterparts havent. With Trump, a well-timed drive can travel farther than any policy memo. And, so far, that lesson is paying off for both men.

Swapping your regular soda for a diet version may not be any healthier for the liver, new research suggests.A study of UK Biobank data found that both sugary drinks and artificially sweetened ones, even those labeled zero sugar, are linked to a higher risk of liver disease.Th findings were presented this week at United European Gastroenterology Week in Berlin, Germany.CANCER TREATMENT COULD BE LESS EFFECTIVE IF PATIENTS CONSUME POPULAR SWEETENERThe study followed more than 120,000 adults over 10 years. None of them had liver disease when the research began.Over time, scientists tracked what the participants drank and also assessed their liver health.People who drank a lot of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) like soda, sweet tea or energy drinks had about a 50% higher risk of developing a serious liver condition called metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), also known as fatty liver disease not caused by alcohol."SSBs have long been under scrutiny, while their diet alternatives are often seen as the healthier choice," lead author Lihe Liu, a graduate student in the Department of Gastroenterology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China, said in a press release.YOUR DAILY DIET SODA COULD BE AGING YOUR BRAIN FASTER THAN YOU THINK, STUDY FINDSHowever, those who drank diet drinks low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages (or LNSSBs) had an even higher risk of liver disease, at around 60%.That implies that switching from regular to diet soda didnt protect their livers and might have made things even worse.People who regularly drank artificially-sweetened drinks were also more likely to die from liver-related causes, the research suggested."Our study shows that LNSSBs were actually linked to a higher risk of MASLD, even at modest intake levels such as a single can per day," Liu said.SUGAR IN DRINKS LINKED TO HIGHER DIABETES RISK THAN THAT IN FOOD, NEW RESEARCH FINDS"These findings challenge the common perception that these drinks are harmless and highlight the need to reconsider their role in diet and liver health," she added.As to why zero-sugar might be harmful, scientists think it may have to do with how artificial sweeteners affect the body.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTERThey have been shown to alter gut bacteria, increase cravings for sweets, and confuse the brains hunger and fullness signals, for example.Some research even suggests they may still trigger insulin spikes, something that is usually blamed on sugar.Liu said the safest approach is to limit both sugar-sweetened and artificially-sweetened drinks.Swapping sugary or diet soda for water was shown to reduce liver disease risk by as much as 15%, while substitution between the two types of beverages offered no risk reduction."Water remains the best choice, as it removes the metabolic burden and prevents fat accumulation in the liver, whilst hydrating the body," the researcher noted.Liver disease is already one of the fastest-growing health problems worldwide, affecting approximately 4.5 million U.S. adults, according to CDC data.As the full study had not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal, potential limitations of the study were not available.MORE IN HEALTH NEWSSome experts, however, pointed out that the beverage consumption was self-reported and may have some inaccuracies. The observational study also identifies an association, but does not prove that the beverages caused liver issues.Fox News Digital reached out to the American Beverage Association and to the study researchers requesting comment.

A federal grand jury in Virginia has indicted New York Attorney General Letitia James on a bank fraud charge.The grand jury was meeting in the Eastern District of Virginia court to weigh the charges on Thursday, sources confirmed to Fox News.Earlier this year, the Justice Department opened an investigation into James for alleged mortgage fraud. James successfully won a civil case last year against President Donald Trump and his Trump Organization over allegations of faulty business practices.NY AG'S OFFICE HIRES ATTORNEY THAT REPPED HUNTER BIDEN TO DEFEND LETITIA JAMES AGAINST FRAUD ACCUSATIONSIn a letter, Federal Housing Finance Director Bill Pulte alleged that James could have engaged in mortgage fraud by making false or misleading statements on property records, like a loan application that said her property in Virginia is her primary residence, a building record stating her multifamily Brooklyn property incorrectly has five residences instead of four, and a mortgage application that falsely stated James was her fathers spouse.In September, a housing and finance banker familiar with the investigation into James told Fox News that she is under scrutiny for, in at least one instance, declaring an investment property she owns as her primary or secondary residence, which would give her better loan terms.Fox News Digital has reached out to James' office and attorney.The office handling the case is headed by U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, who was appointed to the position by Trump afterher predecessor, Erik Siebert, was ousted.Siebert has reportedly expressed doubts about bringing cases against James and former FBI Director James Comey, both longtime critics of Trump.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Nothing is being done. What about Comey, Adam 'Shifty' Schiff, and Leticia???" Trump wrote in a social media post last month, directly addressing Attorney General Pam Bondi and referring to James and U.S. Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.. "We can't delay any longer, it's killing our reputation and credibility. They impeached me twice, and indicted me (5 times!), OVER NOTHING. JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!!"Fox News Digital's Alex Miller contributed to this report.

House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., appears to be holding firm on his strategy for pressuring Senate Democrats to agree to end the government shutdown, he indicated in both public and private comments Thursday.But even as he and Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., continue with their plans, some House GOP lawmakers are growing nervous about the potential fallout.House Republicans held a private call Thursday where Johnson briefed them on the current state of play. And while GOP lawmakers were largely unified behind their leader, Fox News Digital was told, several did express concerns about optics coming from the House and Senate as the shutdown is poised to enter a tenth day.Johnson had previously canceled House votes this week to keep national attention on Democrats' resistance to the GOP's plan to fund the government.SENATE GOP RESISTS 'NUCLEAR OPTION' AS DEM SHUTDOWN STANDOFF DEEPENSThe speaker told House Republicans he would give them 48 hours' notice before the next House votes were called but did not say when that would be, Fox News Digital was told after publicly stating multiple times that their return would depend on Senate Democrats.He said on CNN's "State of the Union" on Wednesday: "As soon as [Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.] decides to stop playing games, we'll bring everybody back here and get right back to regular session."But at least three House Republicans are advocating for the chamber to return next week whether the shutdown is resolved or not, including two on the Thursday call.Reps. Jay Obernolte, R-Calif., and Julie Fedorchak, R-N.D., both spoke up in favor of returning next week, sources told Fox News Digital.SENATE DEMOCRATS DEFY WHITE HOUSE WARNINGS, AGAIN BLOCK GOP BID TO REOPEN GOVERNMENTObernolte told Johnson the House had more work to do beyond spending bills, adding, "None of that is getting done," Fox News Digital was told."I think we're going to get to a point where it's damaging to continue to keep the House out of session. I think we've gotten to that point," Obernolte said, Fox News Digital was told.Fedorchak said she believed House Republicans would be in a better strategic position if they were in D.C., sources said.But Johnson reiterated his 48-hour pledge and said a recess next week was not a "final call" but pointed out that most House Republicans thought it was the right decision, sources said.Meanwhile, Rep. Kevin Kiley, R-Calif., made his concerns public on Wednesday, writing on X, "What the House has done is pass a 7-week Continuing Resolution. The entire reason a CR is necessary is that Congress has not done its job in passing a timely budget. The Speaker shouldn't even think about canceling session for a third straight week."On the Thursday call, Johnson also indicated he would not hold a standalone vote on keeping the military paid during the shutdown, sources said.The speaker argued it was a push led by Democrats who were seeking political cover despite rejecting the GOP's funding plan which would keep the military paid and the entire government open through at least Nov. 21.As it stands, service members on active duty are deemed "essential" and must keep working, but they could miss their next paychecks on Oct. 15 if the shutdown is ongoing."The entire government has to be reopened simultaneously," Johnson said, sources told Fox News Digital.But that's also been met with some concern by House lawmakers.Rep. Jen Kiggans, R-Va., who is leading a bill to ensure troops are paid during a shutdown, wrote on X Wednesday, "The President has made it clear: we must pay our troops. Im urging the Speaker and our House leadership to immediately pass my bill to ensure our service members, many of whom live paycheck to paycheck while supporting their families, receive the pay theyve earned."Meanwhile, two other House Republicans Reps. John Rutherford, R-Fla., and Tom Barrett, R-Mich. spoke up during lawmakers' call on Thursday with concerns about the Senate GOP not moving to bypass Democrats altogether to reopen the government.Under current Senate rules, most legislation needs to meet a 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster and allow for debate.But there have been several exceptions made in modern times, triggered by the Senate majority leader, in which rules have been changed to lower the threshold to 51 votes for certain issues. Senate Republicans most recently used it earlier this year to overcome Democrats' blockade on President Donald Trump's nominees.However, Federal funding legislation still needs 60 votes, something Rutherford and Barrett said the Senate should consider changing.Rutherford specifically warned he was concerned it could open Republicans up to "bad messaging" if the Senate did not use the so-called "nuclear option" to ensure the military was paid on time when it was used so recently for presidential nominees.Johnson, as leader of the House of Representatives, does not have a say over what the Senate does. But he addressed a similar query during a Q&A with Americans on C-SPAN Thursday morning."The filibuster is a tradition there that people on both sides cherish, and the reason is if you blow that up, and you go nuclear on something like a CR, their argument is you would open a Pandora's box," Johnson said."What if the socialists take over the Senate, and Democrat socialists are in charge, and they want to grow government to take over the means of production, and they don't have any safeguard there, and they could do it with a bare-minimum majority next time?"The government shutdown is poised to roll into a tenth day on Friday after Senate Democrats rejected the GOP's funding plan a seventh time.Republicans are pushing a short-term extension of fiscal year (FY) 2025 funding levels, called a continuing resolution (CR), to give lawmakers more time to reach a deal on FY2026 spending levels.But Democrats, infuriated at being sidelined in the discussions, are demanding serious concessions on healthcare provisions in exchange for their support for a spending deal.