Before President Donald Trumps dramatic reveal of the "Golden Dome" missile defense project on Tuesday, the proposal wasnt even on the radar of many lawmakers on Capitol Hill.Several senators told Fox News Digital they had received no briefing on the initiatives costs and some hadnt heard of it at all."I dont support blank checks. I havent seen the cost figures," Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., told Fox News Digital.Two senior members of the Senate Appropriations Defense Subcommittee, one Republican and one Democrat, asked, "whats Golden Dome?" in response to questions about the project Trump commissioned in January.CHINA ACCUSES US OF 'TURNING SPACE INTO A WARZONE' WITH TRUMP'S GOLDEN DOME MISSILE DEFENSE PROJECTTrumps sweeping plan pitched as an American version of Israels Iron Dome carries an ambitious price tag and timeline. Hes floated a $125 billion estimated cost and says it could be built in three years, by the end of his term. A government funding package moving through Congress, dubbed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, includes $25 billion to jumpstart the project.But defense experts and even some Republican allies anticipate the cost to be much higher."This is not going to be a $25 billion or $35 billion project. It will likely cost in the trillions if and when Golden Dome is completed," said Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., who announced plans to form a Golden Dome Caucus during a recent Washington Times defense industry event earlier this month.Sheehy warned that simply scaling up Israels Iron Dome to protect the U.S. is "a fundamentally different technological proposition.""The challenges dont scale linearly with the size of Israel, which is the size of New Jersey," he added.The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated the project could cost around $500 billion though some believe even that figure is likely too low.CBO estimated that the space-based interceptors portion of the dome could cost at least $161 billion but up to $542 billion. But it didn't account for any ground-based interceptors in that cost."Ive been 34 years in this business, and Ive never seen an early estimate that was too high," said Space Force chief of space operations Gen. Chance Saltzman. "We dont always understand the full level of complexity until youre actually in execution, doing the detailed planning."LASERS, SPACE RADARS, MISSILE INTERCEPTORS: DEFENSE LEADERS LAY OUT VISION FOR TRUMP'S 'GOLDEN DOME' PROJECTSome Republican lawmakers suggest the potential benefits outweigh the massive spending required."It might very well prevent a war," Sen. Mike Rounds, R-N.D., said. "When we talk about spending billions on defense, that is small compared to one single major war not only in trillions of dollars, but in bloodshed."Once a missile is launched toward the U.S. homeland, the Golden Dome system aims to detect it, and orbital systems would aim to hit the missile during its "boost" phase, either with a laser or a kinetic interceptor. Otherwise, ground-based systems could deploy to knock it off its path. Others noted competing defense priorities."Thats gonna be a long, drawn-out process, and its gonna cost a lot of money," said Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala. "Right now, were redoing our missile silos were transitioning to different types of warfare. If were gonna do [Golden Dome], we do it the right way."Supporters of the plan argue that technological advances have dramatically lowered the cost of missile defense, enough to potentially flip decades-old strategic assumptions.Chuck DeVore, a defense expert at the Texas Public Policy Foundation and former Reagan administration official, said the old logic that its always cheaper to build offensive missiles than defenses may no longer apply."That calculation is changing now," DeVore said. "With low-cost orbit launches and inexpensive electronics, it may actually be less expensive to defend against nuclear missiles than to build them. If thats the case, were at a truly revolutionary inflection point."DeVore also warned that traditionalists in the defense establishment may push back."Youre going to see people defending the status quo," he said. "Theyll say we need that money for more conventional defense more divisions, more jet fighters, maybe another aircraft carrier."Still, DeVore argued that a homeland missile defense system is overdue."The ability to truly defend the homeland and save American lives is better than mutual assured destruction especially in an age of nuclear proliferation where we cant always be sure where the threat is coming from."Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., agreed on the projects importance, even as he said he hadnt been briefed on the cost and needs of the project."I think its the most important thing we could do to keep our homeland safe."

Weighted blankets are therapeutic and are often used to relieve anxiety and stress and promote better sleep. These heavy blankets, ranging from five to 30 pounds, are "weighted" with materials like plastic pellets or glass beads to achieve their weight. Some of these blankets, like the Bearaby, use the weight of the fabric itself instead of fillers or plastic pellets. The added weight can have a calming effect through deep touch pressure, mimicking the feeling of being hugged or swaddled.You can use these blankets to relieve anxiety. The extra weight is believed to help calm the nervous system, mimicking the feeling of being hugged and promoting a sense of security and relaxation. These blankets can also help with sleep problems like insomnia because they reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Weighted blankets can help individuals fall asleep faster, stay asleep longer, and experience better overall sleep quality.Choosing the correct weight for your blanket depends on your size. The Sleep Foundation recommends that adults choose a weighted blanket between 5% and 12% of their body weight for the best results. A proper blanket should allow for comfort and movement regardless of weight.Original price: $329Bearaby's king-sized weighted blanket covers the entire bed so that you can share the calming effects of this beautiful weighted blanket. Bearaby blankets are weighted by their patented yarn. This yarn is layered upon itself to achieve the desired weight. This design also allows for a hand-knitted look and feel, with breathable fabric that encourages air circulation. You can also buy this blanket on Amazon.Original price: $230Silk & Snow's Hand-Knitted Weighted Blanket is woven with natural cotton for easier care. It's hand-knitted with soft cotton yarns in an open-knit structure, which promotes airflow and prevents overheating. The weight is achieved through the layers of woven cotton and does not use glass or plastic pellets.11 USEFUL AND PRACTICAL GIFTS FOR THE COLLEGE GRADUATEThis Luxome weighted blanket with a removable cover has a cotton interior shell filled with glass beads. The outer cover is made of Minky a plush, microfiber fabric that feels soft and velvety and lyocell from bamboo. The inner blanket is often made of 100% cotton percale weave.TheBaloo blanket made by Baloo Living is designed to provide a deep pressure touch to melt away stress and anxiety and promote relaxation and better sleep. These blankets are made of eco-friendly and sustainable materials, including 100% cotton, lead-free glass beads, and plastic-free packaging.AMAZON JUST SLASHED PRICES ON APPLE WATCHES GET ONE NOW WHILE THE DEAL LASTSOriginal price: $219Nolah Sleep's chunky knit weighted blanket's breathable open knit is soft and cozy so you can achieve your best sleep. The blanket features 100% polyester jersey-knitted fabric stuffed with breathable 100% polyester filling. This blanket has a tighter weave compared to some of the other knitted blankets on the market, so it looks chunkier. It only comes in cream.Original price: $169Brooklinen's weighted blanket is made of textured cotton and weighted with a layer of tiny glass beads. It is a high-quality cotton blend that offers a soft, breathable, and comfortable feel. It gets high marks for its even weight distribution.Original price: $179Casper's weighted blanket is filled with small glass microbeads that are evenly distributed for a comfortable and soothing feeling customers like. This blanket features a 100% cotton cover that is breathable and smooth, which helps regulate temperature. This blanket has three weight options (10, 15, and 20 pounds).Original price: $168This weighted blanket features a two-toned cover design: one side is a bamboo-based pewter gray, and the other is a dark gray. It is weighted with glass beads to alleviate stress and anxiety, and premium rayon fabric made from bamboo helps keep you feeling cool.For more Deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals.Original price: $149The Tempur-Pedic Weighted Blanket is filled with glass beads evenly distributed across the entire body to calm you. It has a plush, washable cover and is available in a modest charcoal grey color and two weights.

EXCLUSIVE: Bombshell developments continue to emerge about former President Joe Bidens declining health along with allegations of a White House cover-up. In response, a top Republican is urging the Justice Department to investigate whether any laws were broken in how Bidens condition was presented to the public.Sen. John Cornyn of Texas is expected to write Wednesday afternoon to Attorney General Pam Bondi demanding that the DOJ open a probe into "any potential violations of federal law surrounding the representations made to the American people about the health and wellbeing (sic) of then-President Biden."In the letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Cornyn cited the May 18 report from Bidens camp that he is battling late-stage aggressive prostate cancer that had metastasized to his bones."This announcement follows the publication of news reports calling into question the former presidents capacity and awareness during his time in office," Cornyn said as other Biden critics questioned what then-White House physician Dr. Kevin OConnor knew while treating the president.TEXAS LAWMAKERS SEEK TO GET FEDERAL REIMBURSEMENT FOR BIDEN ERA BORDER CONTROL EXPENSESIn the letter, Cornyn expressed concern that Bidens "associates," including OConnor, misrepresented or made "material omissions" to the public about his mental and physical fitness.Conservatives beat the drum of Bidens alleged senility for years but were often lambasted by the mainstream media for questioning the White Houses line on the matter."I fear the American people were deliberately misled about President Bidens health. Instead of providing full transparency, which is the obligation of the commander-in-chief, important information was kept secret," Cornyn wrote."I do not have confidence in the former presidents aides and staff, including medical staff, or their ability to be honest and straightforward about President Bidens cancer diagnosis."ARIZONA KAMALA HARRIS RALLY SPEAKERS COURT JOHN MCCAIN REPUBLICANSHe noted how President Donald Trump assented to calls that he take a cognitive test to demonstrate fitness for office while contrasting that with Biden's refusal, which famously resulted in a tense exchange with a CBS News correspondent when the then-president asked, "Why the hell should I take a test?" and asked if the Black news anchor was "a junkie" who might want to undergo a test for cocaine in his system.Cornyn contrasted White House claims that Biden was "fit for duty" with revelations, including those in a CNN anchors new book, that he was only capable of working "four to six good hours" per day."These positions are in direct conflict," Cornyn will tell Bondi, adding that despite having the worlds best medical care at his fingertips, Americans have been asked to "accept coincidence after coincidence" involving his health.He also cited the 25th Amendment, which he noted provides Americans an insurance policy that their government can continue to function if the infirmity or death of a president should occur.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"These actions potentially impacted the trust the American people have in their government and weakened us on the world stage."He cited a report from earlier this week that White House staff had secretly discussed the possibility that Biden would be confined to a wheelchair while still putting on a brave face to the public.Former President Franklin Roosevelt, stricken by polio, conducted the nations business from a wheelchair."I encourage the Department to conduct a full investigation and ensure that no federal laws were violated during the previous administration," Cornyn concluded.Fox News Digital reached out to a Biden representative for comment.

The Trump administration sanctioned two high-ranking members of the Cartel del Noreste Wednesday one of the most violent drug-trafficking organizations in Mexico and a U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organization, Fox News Digital has learned.The Treasury Departments Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned the two leaders of the organizations, formerly known as Los Zetas. Officials said the gang exerts "significant influence over the border region," especially near the Laredo, Texas point of entry.DOJ INDICTS ALLEGED HIGH-RANKING TREN DE ARAGUA MEMBER ON TERRORISM CHARGES FOR THE FIRST TIMEThe first individual sanctioned was Miguel Angel de Anda Ledzema, a high-ranking member of Cartel del Noreste who oversees the procurement of guns and ammunition for the group. According to the Treasury Department, he has overseen payments to facilitators and straw purchasers in the United States and organized the delivery of firearms to Nuevo Laredo, Mexico straw purchasers who made false representations to secure firearms from American businesses, who officials say "fell victim to the cartel's lies."The Treasury Department said that one of the weapons purchased in this arms trafficking conspiracy was recovered after Cartel del Noreste attacked Mexicos army during a patrol in March 2024.The second individual sanctioned was Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda, who was known as the second-in-command of Cartel del Noreste before his February arrest by Mexican authorities.The Treasury Department said he led an armed enforcement wing of the organization. He had been arrested in connection with attacks on the Mexican military and Mexican police.At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of a rifle, a handgun, 300 grams of methamphetamine and a package of 1,500 fentanyl pills.Officials said the new sanctions underscore the Trump administrations commitment to targeting Cartel del Noreste and other violent cartels involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms trafficking and other heinous crimes endangering the American people.VENEZUELAN GOVERNMENT USES TREN DE ARAGUA AS PROXIES TO UNDERMINE US PUBLIC SAFETY, FBI ASSESSMENT FINDS"In working toward the total elimination of cartels to Make America Safe Again, the Trump Administration will hold these terrorists accountable for their criminal activities and abhorrent acts of violence," Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday. Cartel del Noreste "and its leaders have carried out a violent campaign of intimidation, kidnapping, and terrorism, threatening communities on both sides of our southern border."Bessent added, "We will continue to cut off the cartels ability to obtain the drugs, money, and guns that enable their violent activities."The new sanctions were imposed in coordination with Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Drug Enforcement Administration.Officials said the action was also closely coordinated with Mexicos Financial Intelligence Unit.President of the National Border Patrol Council Paul Perez told Fox News Digital that President Donald Trumps actions against cartels "fulfills the promise that he made when he stated time and time again that he would not allow the cartels to operate with impunity on our borders or within the interior of the United States.""These actions deal a significant blow and serves to send the message to all cartels, as well as to those who wish to do harm to Americans, that President Trump will not just talk about it, he will follow through," Perez said. "The amount of drugs, weapons and other contraband, to include the smuggling and trafficking of persons into and throughout the United States, created chaos and terror that the actions of the Trump administration is bringing to an end.""We fully and without hesitation support the actions taken by President Trump and his administration to take on the cartels," Perez added.The actions come after Trump directed cartels to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations.In April, the Justice Department hit a high-ranking member of Tren de Aragua on terrorism and international drug distribution charges the first time the U.S. government has used terrorism charges to prosecute a member of the violent gang.

Proper handwashing could save a million lives a year, according to an expert and yet many people are doing it improperly, often due to misconceptions surrounding the practice.Doctors recommend washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.The NFID 2025 State of Handwashing Report, recently released by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, provides details on Americans' handwashing habits (and mistakes).WHY YOUR LAUNDRY COULD BE MAKING YOU SICK AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT ITThe report is based on a survey of 3,587 U.S. adults, conducted in November and December 2024 and March 2025.Robert Hopkins Jr., MD, medical director of NFID in Maryland, spoke to Fox News Digital about what Americans are doing wrong when it comes to handwashing."We have to recognize that there are a number of important infections that hand sanitizers are not effective at preventing," Hopkins said.One example is norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus that is common on cruise ships and is also spread seasonally.The virus cannot be killed with hand sanitizer, but is "easily destroyed" with soap and water, according to Hopkins.A COMMON KILLER BUG IS ENDANGERING AMERICANS: PANDEMIC IN PLAIN SIGHTCertain viruses are "encapsulated" and can be destroyed with either soap and water or hand sanitizer, the expert said. However, there is also an "unencapsulated" type of virus, which has an outer coat that does not break down from the alcohol in hand sanitizer.Using soap and water is a more effective way to kill the germs, the doctor noted.When people cough or sneeze into their sleeve, they could still spread germs afterward."If you cough into your sleeve go ahead and wash your hands with soap and water as well," Hopkins advised.COMMON MEDICAL TEST LINKED TO 5% OF CANCERS, STUDY SUGGESTS: USE THEM WISELY"We also have to recognize that we often bring our hands up close to our face, touch our nose, our glasses, other parts of our face," noted the doctor, who is based in Arkansas."If we have bacteria or viruses on our hands, we can introduce them into our mucous membranes, where we can get infections."The NFID report stated that one in four respondents washed their hands more frequently in the fall and winter, when cold and flu are prevalent."The seasonal variance is understandable given that some respiratory diseases, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tend to peak during fall and winter," the report stated.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER"However, other germs like those that cause colds, norovirus and other infectious diseases can spread throughout the year. It is important to maintain proper hand hygiene all year round to help stay healthy."Most adults wash their hands after using the bathroom (69%), handling food (48%) and handling human or animal waste (39%), according to NFID's report.Only 30% of respondents, however, reported that they are likely to wash their hands after sneezing or coughing.Nearly half of survey respondents admitted to forgetting or choosing not to wash their hands at key times, like after visiting a grocery store, restaurant, doctors office, pharmacy, clinic or hospital."We need to reinforce the importance of this simple tool," Hopkins said of handwashing."I think most of the public health campaigns around hand hygiene have been focused on healthcare settings," he added.Regarding handwashing as a practice in general, Hopkins emphasized, "We need to bring this back into the fold."For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/health"If everybody washed their hands more consistently, we could probably save somewhere in the neighborhood of a million lives a year."

Proper handwashing could save a million lives a year, according to an expert and yet many people are doing it improperly, often due to misconceptions surrounding the practice.Doctors recommend washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds to reduce the spread of infectious diseases.The NFID 2025 State of Handwashing Report, recently released by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, provides details on Americans' handwashing habits (and mistakes).WHY YOUR LAUNDRY COULD BE MAKING YOU SICK AND WHAT TO DO ABOUT ITThe report is based on a survey of 3,587 U.S. adults, conducted in November and December 2024 and March 2025.Robert Hopkins Jr., MD, medical director of NFID in Maryland, spoke to Fox News Digital about what Americans are doing wrong when it comes to handwashing."We have to recognize that there are a number of important infections that hand sanitizers are not effective at preventing," Hopkins said.One example is norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus that is common on cruise ships and is also spread seasonally.The virus cannot be killed with hand sanitizer, but is "easily destroyed" with soap and water, according to Hopkins.A COMMON KILLER BUG IS ENDANGERING AMERICANS: PANDEMIC IN PLAIN SIGHTCertain viruses are "encapsulated" and can be destroyed with either soap and water or hand sanitizer, the expert said. However, there is also an "unencapsulated" type of virus, which has an outer coat that does not break down from the alcohol in hand sanitizer.Using soap and water is a more effective way to kill the germs, the doctor noted.When people cough or sneeze into their sleeve, they could still spread germs afterward."If you cough into your sleeve go ahead and wash your hands with soap and water as well," Hopkins advised.COMMON MEDICAL TEST LINKED TO 5% OF CANCERS, STUDY SUGGESTS: USE THEM WISELY"We also have to recognize that we often bring our hands up close to our face, touch our nose, our glasses, other parts of our face," noted the doctor, who is based in Arkansas."If we have bacteria or viruses on our hands, we can introduce them into our mucous membranes, where we can get infections."The NFID report stated that one in four respondents washed their hands more frequently in the fall and winter, when cold and flu are prevalent."The seasonal variance is understandable given that some respiratory diseases, including flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), tend to peak during fall and winter," the report stated.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER"However, other germs like those that cause colds, norovirus and other infectious diseases can spread throughout the year. It is important to maintain proper hand hygiene all year round to help stay healthy."Most adults wash their hands after using the bathroom (69%), handling food (48%) and handling human or animal waste (39%), according to NFID's report.Only 30% of respondents, however, reported that they are likely to wash their hands after sneezing or coughing.Nearly half of survey respondents admitted to forgetting or choosing not to wash their hands at key times, like after visiting a grocery store, restaurant, doctors office, pharmacy, clinic or hospital."We need to reinforce the importance of this simple tool," Hopkins said of handwashing."I think most of the public health campaigns around hand hygiene have been focused on healthcare settings," he added.Regarding handwashing as a practice in general, Hopkins emphasized, "We need to bring this back into the fold."For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/health"If everybody washed their hands more consistently, we could probably save somewhere in the neighborhood of a million lives a year."

The machine is designed inspect industrial sites, respond to disasters, carry out logistics operations and support scientific research.

A group of Columbia University students ripped up and burned their diplomas on Wednesday shortly after graduating. (Credit: FNTV)

Communications Coordinator for the International Committee of the Red Cross Jacob Kurtzer tells Fox News Digital that its no secret that the ICRC has not been able to visit hostages to carry out the work that's mandated.

Actor Marlon Wayans spoke with Fox News Digital about the intersection of comedy and politics.