Former vice presidential nominee Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minn., is facing criticism after claiming China could be the voice of "moral authority" in the Israel-Iran conflict.During a "Whats Next: Conversations on the Path Forward" event hosted by the Center for American Progress (CAP) last week, Walz responded to a question from former Biden White House advisor, Neera Tanden, about the "escalatory" nature of the strikes between the two countries."Now, who is the voice in the world that can negotiate some type of agreement in this? Who holds the moral authority? Who holds the ability to do that? Because we are not seen as a neutral actor, and we maybe never were," Walz said of the United States' role in deescalating tensions in the Middle East.As the United States weighs striking Iran and war in the Middle East rages on, Danielle Pletka, a distinguished senior fellow in Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the conservative think tank American Enterprise Institute (AEI), told Fox News Digital that Walz's comments are "ignorance on display."TIM WALZ FLOATS CHINA AS 'NEUTRAL ACTOR' WITH 'MORAL AUTHORITY' TO NEGOTIATE MIDDLE EAST PEACEAccording to Walz, the United States once attempted "to be somewhat of the arbitrator" in the Middle East, but Americans must face the reality that the "neutral actor" with the "moral authority" to lead negotiations in the Middle East "might be the Chinese."TIM WALZ LETS LOOSE IN RANT-FILLED TALK WITH LIBERAL THINK TANKWalz didn't elaborate on why China would be that world leader."It's so staggering to me that Tim Walz was within a heartbeat of the presidency," Pletka said, before adding, "We don't need a neutral player here," and urging him to "stick to local politics."AndyKeiser, senior fellow at the conservative National Security Institute and former senior advisor on the House Intelligence Committee, told Fox News Digital that someone should "remind Governor Walz that China is far from a moral authority on much of anything," and said China is committing "cultural genocide.""The Chinese government has reportedly arbitrarily detained more than a million Muslims in reeducation camps since 2017," according to the Council on Foreign Relations (CFR). "Most of the people who have been detained are Uyghur, a predominantly Turkic-speaking ethnic group primarily in Chinas northwestern region of Xinjiang."In addition to the detentions, "Uyghurs in the region have been subjected to intense surveillance, forced labor, and involuntary sterilizations, among other rights abuses," according to the CFR.According to Human Rights Watch, President Xi Jinping has "detained human rights defenders, tightened control over civil society, media, and the internet, and deployed invasive mass surveillance technology" in Xinjiang and Tibet, which the human rights watchdog likened to "crimes against humanity.""I would strongly beg to differ that China has a moral authority on much in the world," Keiser said, and added, "I would not see them as a neutral arbiter here.""Obviously, we are not going to be a neutral broker between a terrorist and a democratic state," Pletka said. "That's just not how it works. You threatened to kill the President of the United States, but we're then meant to think of you in a balanced way with the state of Israel, our most important ally in the Middle East?"Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Fox News Bret Baier on Monday that President Donald Trump remains a target of the Iranians. "They want to kill him. Hes enemy No. 1.""I don't know how anybody could have said what [Walz] said about the role that China plays. The idea that there is some neutral interlocutor in this world, that anybody is an honest burger is nothing other than grad school silliness," Pletka said.Pletka added that "Of course, China can't play that role. China is an authoritarian communist [state] that is supporting Russia in its war on Ukraine, that is threatening Taiwan, that has broken its word over Hong Kong."And she said, "This is not a playground in which you need somebody who can talk to both Bobby and Billy about why it is you don't smack your friends.""The idea that it should be reduced to something where you have an arbiter who sees the arguments on both sides, no. This is a situation where there's a right and a wrong, and there's a winner and a loser. That's how it should be, by the way, because Iran has fashioned itself as an enemy, not just to the state of Israel, but to the United States."Nikki Haley former U.S. Ambassador to Israel and a 2024 GOP presidential candidate, who sounded off on China's threat to the United States on the campaign trail was quick to criticize Walz's viral comments last week."This is absolute insanity. Democrats think that we need the Chinese to be the negotiators between Irans nuclear production and IsraelGod bless Tim Walz. Totally tone deaf," Haley posted on X.

JESSE WATTERS Fox News host discusses how President Donald Trump is weighing his options regarding Iran Continue watchingHUGH HEWITT There is a lot of news, but only one 'story' history will focus on Continue readingDON'T BE FOOLED No Kings rallies are a Trojan Horse for radical, violent Leftists Continue readingREP. RO KHANNA A commonsense, bipartisan plan for immigration Continue readingMIKE POMPEO Fox News contributor and former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo suggests 'the world will be safer' after Israel targeted Iranian nukes Continue watchingWORDS MATTER The Left's dehumanization of Trump is pushing people over the edge with disastrous consequences Continue readingSEEN AND UNSEEN Fox News contributor Raymond Arroyo calls out the 'ultimate threat to democracy' in Los Angeles and dissects a musical glorifying accused United Healthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione on 'The Ingraham Angle.' Continue watchingART OF THE DEAL Trump's Middle East moves actually follow a brilliant master plan Continue readingSTEVE MOORE The good, the bad and the ugly in the Senate's 'big beautiful' tax bill Continue readingAMERICA'S IRAN DILEMMA How to strike Fordow without losing sight of China threat Continue readingCARTOON OF THE DAY Check out all of our political cartoons

While lawmakers argue over their position in the command chain as President Donald Trump mulls a possible strike on Iran, one expert believes that the president is within his constitutional authority to move ahead with a bunker-busting bomb.Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are embroiled in debate over where they are in the pecking order. Some argue they should have the sole authority to authorize a strike, let alone declare war, while others believe that is within Trumps purview if he wanted to join Israels bombing campaign against Iran.'INSTINCTS FOR RESTRAINT': SENATE DIVIDED OVER WHO GETS TO DECLARE WARThe predominant argument on the Hill is that the entire point of supporting Israel is to prevent the Islamic Republic from creating or acquiring a nuclear weapon.However, a legal scholar who helped to craft the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), which authorized the usage of the U.S. armed forces to engage with the entities that then-President George W. Bush believed were behind the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attack in New York City, argued that there was a difference between Congress constitutional authority to declare war and the presidents authority to use force abroad."The position we took then, I think, is the same one that Trump should take now," John Yoo told Fox News Digital. "As a legal matter, the president doesn't need the permission of Congress to engage in hostilities abroad. But as a political matter, it's very important for the president to go to Congress and present the united front to our enemies."THUNE WARNS IRAN SHOULD RETURN TO NEGOTIATING TABLE 'IF THEY'RE SMART'The Constitution divides war powers between Congress and the White House, giving lawmakers the sole power to declare war, while the president acts as the commander in chief directing the military. Nearly two centuries later, at the height of the Vietnam War, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 was born, which sought to further define those roles.Yoo agreed that the Constitution was clear that Congress has the sole authority to declare war, which effectively changes the legal status of the country. However, he countered that "the framers did not think that language meant that the President and Congress are like the two weapons officers on a nuclear sub and have to turn the keys at the same time to use force.""The founders were very practical men, and they knew that Congress is slow to act, that Congress is a large body that deliberates, but it's the president who acts swiftly and decisively in defense of the nation," he said.Adding fuel to the debate in Washington are a pair of resolutions in the Senate from Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., and the House, from Reps. Thomas Massie, R-Ky., and Ro Khanna, D-Calif., that would require debate and a vote before any force is used against Iran. The measures are designed to put a check on Trumps power and reaffirm Congress constitutional authority.'ANOTHER ENDLESS CONFLICT': DEMOCRAT ECHOES TRUMP'S ANTI-WAR STANCE AS MIDDLE EAST TENSIONS ESCALATEYoo said that the resolutions appeared to be forms of "political opportunism" and noted that when former President Joe Biden wanted to send aid to Ukraine, when former President Barack Obama engaged abroad or when Trump authorized a drone strike to kill Iranian General Qasem Soleimani, there was no resolution demanding Congress have a say."People on the Hill are conflating what's constitutionally necessary with what's politically expedient," Yoo said. "Two very different things."Congress real power over war, he said, was the power of the purse, meaning lawmakers ability to decide whether to fund the Pentagon and military in their appropriations process. Republicans are currently working to ram Trumps "big, beautiful bill" through Congress and onto his desk by Independence Day.Included in the colossal bill is roughly $150 billion in funding for the Defense Department."If Congress really doesn't want us to, doesn't want Trump to, get deeper involved in the Israel-Iran war," Yoo said. "All they got to do is not fund the military.""The ironic thing is, you have people who are voting to give extra tens of billions of dollars to the Defense Department, who are then turning around and complaining that they don't have the ability to vote on war," he said. "Every time they vote for funding, they're voting to make war possible."

Two independent journalists who say they were assaulted while covering immigration protests in Seattle accused local media outlets and city leaders of turning a blind eye to violence from the radical far-left agitators.Cameron Higby is an investigative journalist who focuses mostly on protests, especially those of the violent variant. He described his scary encounter at an anti-ICE rally in downtown Seattle in detail with Fox News Digital.As evening fell, he said Antifa took over streets downtown and became violent. Videos posted to his social media show rioters trying to break into buildings and blocking cars from being able to proceed through the area. Higby said that Antifa stopped drivers and demanded they say, "F ICE" and lit fires under the cars of drivers who wouldn't comply. One video clip shows rioters hurling an object at a car that tried to escape. According to him, one woman was "so terrified that she abandoned her vehicle in traffic."Once Antifa returned to the federal building, Higby said things quieted down, so he sat down on the sidewalk. Even though he was dressed like Antifa and wearing a gas mask, he was identified by one man who told him to leave.PORTLAND ANTI-ICE RIOT CRUSHED BY FEDERAL AGENTS"Before I could stand up I was pinned up against a wall," he said.Higby said three men approached and tried to remove his mask and helmet."Then I was picked up by somebody and was choked out, punched in the head twice with sap gloves, which are filled with steel or lead shot. And then he kicked me in the face. I pepper sprayed him and he ran away. They then later found a black Jeep Wrangler that they thought belonged to me. They destroyed it, and the poor guy had to drive his car home with a busted windshield," Higby recalled."I ended up with a concussion, nausea, dizziness, ringing in the ears, light flashes, and some headaches. I had to go to the ER and urgent care."NO KINGS RALLIES ARE A TROJAN HORSE FOR RADICAL, VIOLENT LEFTISTSHigby is no stranger to violent behavior at protests hes covered in the past sharing that one day he was bear sprayed at "point-blank." But he said this weekends assault left him shaken like never before."This is definitely the worst attack I've had on me, depending on how you look at it. I've been assaulted a lot, probably more times than I could count. This is probably the most violent assault. If I wasn't wearing a helmet, I'd probably be dead or in the hospital in critical condition. I mean the staff clubs are like brass knuckles basically. The helmet's dented and he punched me so hard that if you slow the video down you can see the filter of the gas mask actually fly off just from the impact of the hit."FEDS PROBING PROTEST FUNDING AS OFFICIALS DROP HAMMER ON VIOLENT LA RIOTERS"This literally could've killed me," he said of the assault, which video only captured after it was already underway. "If one of my friends hadn't grabbed him and pulled him back, if that hadn't happened, he probably would have kept going.""Thankfully, I was able to grab my car keys and my phone and all that. Otherwise, even if I managed to get away, I would have been stranded. I couldn't contact anybody, I wouldn't be able to drive my car," Higby added.Higby claimed that his sources told him the Seattle Police Department was told not to intervene in the protest a decision he said would have come from city officials."There is a detective on the case now. So it's an extremely slow crawl, and we've just had to twist the arm of the SPD," he said. "I don't have any animosity towards the rank-and-file police officers I know SPD wants to take care of this problem, but they just can't."JASON RANTZ: SEATTLE SAYS PRAYING IN PUBLIC IS PROVOCATIVE AND THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IS TAKING NOTICEThe Seattle PD confirmed to Fox News Digital that Higby filed a police report. As for media coverage, Higby said the local media "hasnt covered anything about it," and The Seattle Times, along with Mayor Bruce Harrell, "said everything was peaceful, it's all good."Brandi Kruse is another local, independent journalist who was attacked by masked protesters on Saturday at an anti-ICE protest in Tukwila, Washington, just south of Seattle.She was out covering the anti-Trump "No Kings" protest in the city that day when her team heard that Antifa was planning to try to disrupt immigration enforcement activities outside a Department of Homeland Security facility in Tukwila.While the "No Kings" protest had remained peaceful, things quickly escalated into violence after Kruse arrived at the DHS Antifa protest.LIBERAL MEDIA DOWNPLAYS LA RIOTS, DISMISS VIOLENCE AS ISOLATED WHILE TOUTING PEACEFUL ANTI-ICE PROTESTS"At that point, there hadn't been any sort of confrontations between police and these protesters," she recalled. "I would say it took less than two minutes for the assaults to start. So we didn't even really get a chance to do any reporting on the ground there because, within moments, this group was mobbing us."Video of the encounter that Kruse posted to YouTube shows protesters spraying her with water and trying to block her camera with black umbrellas and protest signs. Several people surrounded Kruse and her armed security member while chanting, "F you, fascist," and "Nazi." As Kruse and her team walks away from the crowd to create some distance, they continued to follow her and harass her, she says."They had no interest in leaving me alone. They kept yelling at me to leave," she continued. Kruse said a woman dumped a full water bottle on her head, a few people hit her from behind with their signs and one man ran at them and sprayed insecticide in her face as her team tried to get away."This thing sprayed a pretty far distance and it burned immediately. And that person followed us for maybe 10, 20 feet, just continuing to spray us in the face with what we later found out was hornet killer," Kruse explained.DEMOCRATIC STRATEGIST WARNS HIS PARTY THAT LA RIOTS ARE PLAYING INTO TRUMP'S HANDSThings turned violent after an undercover army veteran offered assistance to Kruse and her team."As soon as Antifa realized that this army veteran was with us they pounced on him," she said. "There's this part of the video that shows them knocking him to the ground. There's maybe six or seven black-clad Antifa members, and they're kicking him. They're stomping him. It was absolutely brutal."She said one person threatened the man with a gun before Kruse's security was able to pull the "innocent bystander" out. Another civilian drove up at this moment and rescued the three from the violent crowd."At that point, I didn't really know the driver, but I knew that it was probably better than the situation we're in. So we pile in with this guy, and we just take off as they're pelting his vehicle with who knows what," she said.Kruse filed a police report with the Tukwila PD afterward. The police confirmed to Fox News Digital a report had been filed, and an investigation was ongoing.Kruse is familiar with these protests, having covered them extensively in her 15-year journalism career. She previously worked at a Fox affiliate in Seattle for several years and now hosts a political commentary show called "Undivided." In her experience, it's not unusual for Antifa to attack journalists or "anyone who is exposing their criminal conduct."She said she was previously assaulted by Antifa during the 2020 summer of protests when the group took over parts of the city. Kruse recalls this experience in the new Fox Nation streaming series, "Summer of Chaos: Inside Seattle's CHOP Zone."FOX NATION'S SUMMER OF CHAOS SPECIAL REVISTS SEATTLE'S FAILED CHOP ZONE EXPERIMENT"This is a very violent faction of left-wing extremists with a long history of assaulting journalists in Seattle, including myself," Kruse said.She accused local left-wing outlets like The Seattle Times of covering for violent extremists.On Saturday night, the paper published a report on the protest without mentioning the violence by the protesters. Their report documents Tukwila Police using tear gas against protesters and frames law enforcement as the instigators of violence."If you'd just read The Seattle Times article, you would think that the police unleashed on peaceful demonstrators," Kruse said. "So you have these media outlets that absolutely cover for violent left-wing extremists. And so Antifa doesn't target them in the same way, because why would they?"The Seattle Times and Mayor Bruce Harrell's office did not return requests for comment.

If its time for a living roomupgrade, transforming it doesnt require a complete overhaul. You can modernize your space with small, simple changes thatll make a huge difference. Simple, stylish, practical upgrades like a statement rug, layered lighting or strategically-placed sculptural pieces can quicklyspruce up your space and dramatically alter the room's overall aesthetic. Here are 10 items that give your living room an instant upgrade.It doesnt get much quicker and simpler than switching out your old, dated drapes forthese Amazon Basics portable blackout curtains. They block out light and provide privacy, making them ideal for movie nights or afternoon naps. Plus, they enhance energy efficiency in your home by insulating against heat and cold. Theyre also portable, which means no drilling into your walls or moulding ,and if you decide to try a different style next season (like maybethese for a pop of color), you can easily switch them out.If youre anAmazon Prime member, you can get these items to your door ASAP. You canjoin or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.An accent chair likethis Wayfair Kian slipcovered one at Wayfair combines modern aesthetics with comfort. Its down-blend fill and removable, reversible cushions make it both cozy and practical. You can also choose from more than 32 colors, including several spring colors, a floral print and a woven stripe. You can also buy the chair and then switch out theslip cover, choosing from various options with a new color every season.10 SMART HOME DEVICES THAT CAN MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER AND SAVE MONEYThis L-shaped sectional sofa by Novogratz at Home Depot offers a blend of elegance and comfort for those looking to make a statement. Its tailored silhouette and wooden legs add a modern touch, while the plush velvet upholstery and chaise piece ensure relaxation. Plus, it comes in two bold shades, a bright blue and a mossy green. If you prefer polyester,this Jarenie sectional at Lowes comes in several colors and costs less than $500.This three-piece Better Homes and Gardens lamp set at Walmart offers a cohesive look for less than $50, including two table lamps and one floor lamp. Their traditional design adds warmth and charm, enhancing the room's ambiance. While this set has an oil-rubbed bronze finish, you could also opt forthis farmhouse-style set with a wood finish.Original price: $99.95Space-saving and stylish,these Laib nesting tables at Wayfair are perfect for smaller living rooms. Their versatile design allows for easy rearrangement, serving as side tables or additional surfaces when entertaining guests. If the black marble and wood choices arent what youre looking for, asimilar set is available at Amazon in choices like white marble.YOU CAN BUY THESE 10 TINY HOMES ON AMAZONYou may not have considered swapping out a ceiling fan to change the look of a room, but it can be an inexpensive way to do so.This Home Decorators Collection ceiling fan features a windmill blade system and energy-efficient LED lighting. Its brushed nickel finish adds a modern touch, while the remote control offers convenience with multiple speed settings and light dimming options. You might also considerthis chic and contemporary three-blade version or one of the trendynested ceiling fans.Organize and display your favorite books or decor items withthis sturdy bookcase by Mainstays at Walmart. Three of its five shelves are adjustable and are perfect for showcasing framed photos, plants anddecorative accent pieces. Considerthis tree style one for a fun twist that wont take up a lot of space.8 THINGS YOU SHOULD HAVE IN YOUR HOME TO BEAT SPRING ALLERGIESOriginal price: $419.99This Mercury Row Petrin tufted armchair at Wayfair offers a cozy spot for reading or relaxation, while its sleek design complements various interior styles. It comes in several colors and can easily be moved around the room. Grabthese marble and white gold tray tables so you can have a spot to rest your drink.These nesting tables by StyleWell at Home Depot are perfect for anyone looking for a modern industrial look. Their black metal frames paired with wood tops are ideal for entertaining and can be used together or separately.Similar sets are available on Amazon, giving you plenty of options.For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/dealsOriginal price: 379.99This Martha Stewart Ellen Cocktail Ottoman at Wayfair is a versatile piece that will add a light and airy feel to any room. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this ottoman offers practical use as extra seating, a footrest or a coffee table paired with adecorative tray. If youre looking for something thats more than just a place to rest your feet, considerthis Kelly Clarkson Home ottoman that doubles as storage.

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Hunter Bigge was carted off the field at George M. Steinbrenner Field in a terrifying scene after the reliever was struck in the face by a foul ball in Thursday nights game against the Baltimore Orioles.Bigge was struck by a 105-mph ball off the bat ofOrioles catcher Adley Rutschman at the top of the seventh inning. The ball, heading straight for the dugout, struck Bigge on the right side of his face."Certainly you feel for Hunter and his wife. I can't imagine what she and he were going through," Rays manager Kevin Cash said,via MLB.com. "Scary for everybody, none more than them."CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMBigge was placed on a backboard after receiving medical attention in the dugout. Despite a bloodied face, Bigge gave a thumbs-up to fans who looked on in fear. He was taken to a hospital for further evaluation, but Cash said Bigge never lost consciousness and was able to speak with first responders.The game was delayed by eight minutes, but the scary scene left fans and players in a state of shock."Its really scary, its terrifying. We sit in these dugouts every night, and, in a lot of ways, you kind of feel like a sitting duck," Orioles interim manager Tony Mansolino said after the game. "Its just terrifying."PIRATES RELIEVER DENNIS SANTANA SWINGS AT FAN WHO 'CROSSED THE LINE' DURING FIERY ALTERCATIONRutschman echoed that sentiment, adding that hes "praying" for the best."I saw it [come] off my bat, and it was just really, really scary. Im praying for him and for his recovery, hope hes doing OK. Im just its scary," he told reporters in the locker room. "You never want to see that. I think everyone wishes for the best health for everyone in this game, and you hate to see that. I hope hes doing OK."Bigge is on the 15-day injured list with a lat strain. He has a 2.40 ERA in 13 relief outings covering 15 innings this season.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

City commissioners in Miami, Florida, voted 3-2 on Tuesday to allow police officers to work with Immigration and Customs Enforcement.The city entered a 287(g) partnership with ICE, which various cities use to assist with federal enforcement using different methods. Its a sharp contrast to some governments throughout the United States, especially in major cities, which do not allow local or state authorities to help enforce immigration laws. "We value our partnerships with state and local law enforcement, and the success of the 287(g) program allows for a force multiplier in enforcing immigration laws," an ICE spokesperson said in a statement. "This whole-of-government approach enables law enforcement partners to protect cities across the nation from public safety and national security threats, and we encourage others across the country to join."ICE PARTNERSHIP WILL BUILD 'PUBLIC TRUST,' VICE MAYOR OF TOWN WITH LARGE VENEZUELAN COMMUNITY SAYSIn February, Gov. Ron DeSantis issued an Executive Order for state-level law enforcement to establish agreements with ICE to assist in the Trump administrations deportation efforts."Florida is setting the example for states in combating illegal immigration and working with the Trump Administration to restore the rule of law,"DeSantis said at the time. "By allowing our state agents and law enforcement officers to be trained and approved by ICE, Florida will now have more enforcement personnel deputized to assist federal partners. That means deportations can be carried out more efficiently, making our communities safer as illegal aliens are removed."However, there was opposition to entering the agreement from some residents and groups like the American Civil Liberties Union and the Florida Immigrant Coalition.FLORIDA OFFICIALS DIVIDED OVER ICE DEPORTATION DEAL AIMED AT CRIMINAL ALIENS: 'EMBARRASSED FOR OUR CITY'"This is a shameful day for Miami," Dariel Gomez, Statewide Organizer with the ACLU of Florida said in a press release. "With their vote, commissioners chose fear over facts, and division over unity. This agreement will not make us safer it will only spread fear and isolate the very people who make our city strong."CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGE"287(g) doesnt belong in any city, but especially not in Miami a place shaped by immigrants, built by immigrants, and powered by immigrants," Tessa Petit, Executive Director of the Florida Immigrant Coalition, said in a statement."More than half of our residents are foreign-born. The commissioners who voted to implement this ruthless program have turned their back on the very community they were put into office to protect. They are turning our diversity into a target."However, the White House told Fox News Digital the citys decision was ultimately the right move.BLUE STATE SHERIFFS COMBINE FORCES TO FIGHT BACK AGAINST SANCTUARY LAWS"President Trumps promise to deport illegal aliens is a key plank of his agenda to Make America Safe Again. The Administration is always grateful to work with state and local officials to get dangerous criminals off the streets and keep the American people safe." Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman, stated.In April, a massive ICE operation in collaboration with Florida authorities led to the arrest of 1,120 illegal immigrants, and the agency said 63% of them had "existing criminal arrests or convictions," and many had alleged gang affiliations.

A grieving family will receive $2.25 million after a Georgia judge ruled a metro Atlanta-based pathologist violated their privacy by posting autopsy photos of their decapitated baby on social media.A Fulton County jury on Wednesday found Dr. Jackson Gates and his company, Gates Rapid Diagnostic Laboratory of Atlanta, owed the baby's parents $2 million in compensatory damages and $250,000 in punitive damagesthe legal maximum, according to a report from affiliate FOX 5 Atlanta.The baby's young mother, Jessica Ross, experienced a complication known as shoulder dystocia during her delivery on July 9, leading to a rushed Cesarean section.COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY SETTLES FOR $750M WITH VICTIMS OF CONVICTED SEX CRIMINAL DR. ROBERT HADDENThe couple, Jessica Ross and Treveon Taylor Sr., later filed a lawsuit against Southern Regional Medical Center and the OBGYN, claiming the doctor pulled on the baby's head and neck so hard that the bones in his skull, face and neck were broken.While doctors delivered the baby's body and legs during the procedure, his head remained in the vaginal canal.Attorneys claimed the nurses and medical staff at the hospital lied to the couple about what occurred during labor, discouraged them from getting an autopsy, encouraged them to cremate the baby's body, and did not report the death to the medical examiner.MAN SUSPECTED OF STRANGLING PREGNANT TEEN GIRLFRIEND TO DEATH RELEASE ON BOND FOR THE SECOND TIMEAs part of the parents' search for answers, they hired Gates to perform a private autopsy. Weeks after the tragedy, Gates allegedly shared photos and videos of the child's full-face and internal organs on Instagram without the couple's consent."My baby was on Instagram," Ross said in an interview with FOX 5. "Dr. Gates posted pictures of my baby."The lawsuit against Gates, which was filed in September 2023, alleged he reposted the photos after receiving a cease-and-desist letter from the family, requiring him to remove the videos from his account.Gates claimed he did not include the child's identity and the posts were for educational purposes, according to the report.GENE HACKMAN JUDGE RULES ON DEATH SCENE IMAGES AFTER FAMILY ARGUES GROTESQUE PICTURES COULD CAUSE TRAUMA"While we are pleased that a jury punished Dr. Jackson Gates for his reprehensible behavior, nothing can ease the pain that the parents have experienced in losing their baby boy in such a horrific way," the couple's attorneys wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Our goal was toensure that Gates was held accountable for his unconscionable lack of empathy and invasion of our clients' privacy."The Clayton County Medical Examiners Office ruled the child's death a homicide earlier this year, according to the report. The case against the hospital and physician who delivered the baby has not yet been tried in court.Southern Regional Medical Center did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.Gates' attorneys could not immediately be reached by Fox News Digital for comment.

Tensions between the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres reached a boiling point during the top of the ninth inning of the Padres' 5-3 win at Dodger Stadium on Thursday.Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. was batting with one out in the ninth inning with the Padres up 5-0.Dodgers relief pitcher Jack Little threw a 93-mph fastball that ran in on Tatis and hit him in the hand. It was the third time Dodgers pitchers have hit Tatis in seven games this season.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMPadres manager Mike Shildt was irate that Tatis had been drilled again, and stormed out of his dugout and began yelling towards the Dodgers bench.As Shildt came marching across the field, Dodgers manager Dave Roberts raced out of his dugout, and the two managers were face to face for a moment before being pulled away from each other. Both teams' bullpens and dugouts emptied to join the fracas.Eventually, order was restored, and both teams returned to their respective dugouts, but Shildt and Roberts were both ejected from the game. Despite both managers having been tossed, the fireworks were not over yet.In the bottom of the ninth inning, the Padres were up 5-2 with two outs and a man on third base with Shohei Ohtani up to bat.Padres reliever Robert Suarez fell behind 3-0 in the count to Ohtani and on the next pitch, Suarez beaned Ohtani with a 100-mph fastball into his right shoulder.ICE DENIES SENDING AGENTS TO DODGER STADIUM AS TEAM SAYS THEY WERE TURNED AWAYThe Japanese superstar waved his dugout off from storming the field as he walked down the first baseline to take his base. Suarez was ejected for beaming Ohtani with the pitch.It was the second time Ohtani was hit by a pitch in the series, with both times coming the half inning after the Dodgers hit Tatis with a pitch.It was also the sixth time Tatis had been hit by the Dodgers in his career, the most by any club.The Padres eventually won 5-3, but their concern lies with the results of Tatiss X-Ray and CT scan."(The Dodgers) gotta pray for (results) to come back negative tomorrow," Padres third baseman Manny Machado said. "They should. Us, too, but they should for sure."PIRATES RELIEVER DENNIS SANTANA SWINGS AT FAN WHO 'CROSSED THE LINE' DURING FIERY ALTERCATIONShildt said whether the Dodgers had hit Tatis intentionally or not does not matter."Whether it was (intentional) or it wasnt, enough is enough," Shildt said. "We got a guy whos getting X-rays right now, is one of the best players in the game. Fortunately, hes on our team, and this guy has taken shots, OK?"Roberts said it bothered him that Shildt had come out and started yelling towards him following the hit-by-pitch."I didnt feel good about Tatis great player, good guy getting hit," Roberts said. "I didnt feel good about it. And so as (Shildt) comes out, and hes yelling at me and staring me down, that bothers me. Because, to be quite frank, thats the last thing I wanted."Roberts also praised Ohtani for defusing the situation after he had been drilled."Well, I think he knew it was intentional," Roberts said. "He wasnt hurt by it, and he didnt want any more drama, which I respect that a lot."The Dodgers took three of the four games in the series and have taken five of the seven games that the two teams have played thus far this season.The next time the two NL West rivals will face off again is Aug. 15-17 at Los Angeles and Aug. 22-24 at San Diego.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The FBI is increasing its monitoring of Iran-backed operatives in the U.S. as President Donald Trump weighs involvement in the Israel-Iran conflict, a senior law enforcement source confirmed to Fox News Friday.The White House said Thursday Trump will make a decision on U.S. involvement in the conflict within two weeks.The monitoring reportedly includes surveillance of possible sleeper cells linked to the Tehran-backed terrorist organization Hezbollah, according to CBS News. The Lebanon-based terror group also got a clear warning from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz not to join the conflict.TRUMP TO MAKE IRAN DECISION 'WITHIN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS' GIVEN 'CHANCE' OF NEGOTIATIONS, LEAVITT SAYSThe decision to increase monitoring comes just days after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed Iran was plotting to assassinate Trump because the regime saw him as a threat to its nuclear program."They want to kill him. He's enemy No. 1. He's a decisive leader. He never took the path that others took to try to bargain with them in a way that is weak, giving them basically a pathway to enrich uranium, which means a pathway to the bomb, padding it with billions and billions of dollars," the prime minister told Fox News' Bret Baier during a Sunday edition of "Special Report."UN'S ATOMIC CHIEF GIVES UPDATE ON IRANS NUCLEAR MATERIAL, WEAPONS PROGRAMWhile Trump has called for an "unconditional surrender," he has yet to decide whether to involve the U.S. in the conflict. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Thursday he would make a decision within two weeks. Critics from both sides of the aisle have called on the president not to get involved, while others see involvement as a necessity to protect American interests.On Friday, a U.S. official told Fox News the USS Nimitz, which left the South China Sea Monday, would arrive in the Middle East this weekend. The USS Carl Vinson has already been deployed for some time, meaning two U.S. aircraft carriers would be in the Middle East at the same time.Liz Friden and Taylor Penley contributed to this report.