Before passing away last month, Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., endorsed Fairfax County Supervisor James Walkinshaw, his former chief of staff, to succeed him in Congress but more than a month after Connolly's death, posts were fired off on social media accounts for the late lawmaker to promote Walkinshaw's congressional bid."Early voting starts TODAY in VA-11! Before passing, Gerry endorsed @JamesWalkinshaw to carry the torch. Lets honor that legacy and vote for bold leadership thatll fight for us every day," a Tuesday post on the @ElectConnolly X account declared, sharing link to a page on Walkinshaw's campaign website as well as a picture of the two men together.The bio section of the X account notes that the congressman died on May 21 and explains that "All posts made with the consent of the Connolly family."The account features a link to gerryconnolly.com, which also highlights Connolly's support for Walkinshaw's bid.VIRGINIA DEMOCRATIC REP GERRY CONNOLLY DEAD AT 75A post backing Walksinshaw also appeared on a Facebook page that is labeled as Connolly's campaign page."Early voting starts TODAY in VA-11! This is our first chance to stand up for our workers, our schools, our democracy, and everything Gerry fought for. Before his passing, Gerry endorsed James Walkinshaw to carry on that legacy because he knew James would never stop fighting for us. Make your plan to vote early and bring a friend. Every vote matters," the post declares, providing a link to a page on Walkinshaw's campaign site.The special election to fill the seat in Virginia's 11th Congressional District is scheduled for Sept. 9, while the related Democratic nominating contest an "unassembled caucus" is taking place this week.VIRGINIA CONGRESSMAN TO RETIRE AFTER CANCER RETURNSPrior to the posts on Tuesday promoting Walkinshaw's bid, the latest posts shared on the two social media accounts had been a Connolly Family statement announcing the death of the lawmaker on May 21.Shortly after winning re-election in November, Connolly announced that he had esophageal cancer, noting, "A few days ago, I learned I joined the ranks of millions of Americans. I have cancer of the esophagus. It was a surprise because, except for some intermittent abdominal aches and pains, I had no symptoms."Then in late April, he announced that following "grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned," noting that it would be his final term in office.AOC LOSES BID TO BE TOP DEMOCRAT ON POWERFUL HOUSE OVERSIGHT COMMITTEEThe lawmaker had served in the U.S. House of Representatives since 2009.Fox News Channel's Mike Emanuel contributed to this report

Amid MAHA-inspired efforts to reduce ultraprocessed food consumption, seed oils have come under tough scrutiny in recent months but a new study suggests they may not be all bad.Researchers from the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington found that linoleic acid a common omega-6 fatty acid found in a variety of seed oils could help reduce the risk of heart disease and type 2 diabetes.Linoleic acid is found in seed oils such as soybean and corn oil, as well as plant foods, according to a press release from the American Society for Nutrition.COOKING OIL LINKED TO COLON CANCER IN EARLY STUDY, TIED TO INFLAMMATION"There has been increasing attention on seed oils, with some claiming these oils promote inflammation and raise cardiometabolic risk," said Kevin C. Maki, Ph.D., adjunct professor at the Indiana University School of Public Health-Bloomington and chief scientist at Midwest Biomedical Research, in the release."Our study, based on almost 1,900 people, found that higher linoleic acid in blood plasma was associated with lower levels of biomarkers of cardiometabolic risk, including those related to inflammation."While previous studies have explored the link between linoleic acid and cardiovascular risk factors, this latest research used "objective biomarkers" instead of relying on participants self-reported dietary habits, according to Maki."We also measured a range of markers of inflammation and indicators of glucose metabolism," he noted.RESTAURANT CHAIN DITCHES SEED OILS 'LURKING' IN ITS INGREDIENTSPeople with higher levels of linoleic acid were found to have lower levels of glucose, insulin and markers of inflammation, the researchers found."We saw consistent results across the different biomarkers measured," Maki said. "People with higher levels of linoleic acid in their blood tended to have a healthier overall risk profile for heart disease and diabetes."The findings were presented at NUTRITION 2025, the flagship annual meeting of the American Society for Nutrition that was held May 31-June 3 in Orlando although the results were preliminary."Abstracts presented at NUTRITION 2025 were evaluated and selected by a committee of experts, but have not generally undergone the same peer review process required for publication in a scientific journal," the release stated."As such, the findings presented should be considered preliminary until a peer-reviewed publication is available."DOCTOR REVEALS THE 'HATEFUL 8' SEED OILS THAT COULD HARM YOUR HEALTHBased on the findings, the researchers called for additional study to confirm whether greater intake of linoleic acid intake reduces the chances of heart attacks, stroke and type 2 diabetes, the release stated.The team also aims to determine the impact of specific types of oils.Michelle Routhenstein, a New York-based registered dietitian who specializes in heart disease, was not involved in the study but shared reaction to the findings."As a cardiovascular dietitian, I think this study reinforces what evidence has long suggested: Seed oils are not harmful in fact, they may be protective of cardiometabolic health," she told Fox News Digital."By using blood biomarkers, the research shows that higher linoleic acid levels are linked to lower inflammation and better cardiometabolic health."Routhenstein noted that linoleic acid has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and support healthy cell membranes."It is also associated with lower levels of inflammatory markers like CRP (C-reactive protein)," she said. "These biological effects help explain its cardiometabolic benefits."BELOVED AMERICAN CANDY DEEMED 'UNSAFE TO EAT' IN UNITED KINGDOM DUE TO HIDDEN CHEMICALS"This study supports including seed oils, used in appropriate amounts, as part of a heart-healthy diet."In a Dec. 2024 study published in themedical journal Gut, theplant-based cooking oils which are often used in processed, packaged foods were linked to an increased risk of colon cancer, although dietitians pointed to limitations.For more Lifestyle articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/lifestyleMeanwhile, California chef and restaurant owner Andrew Gruel has shared his staunchopposition to seed oils in interviews with Fox News Digital, saying the "switch away from seed oils shows this movement is here to stay.""People have researched the effects of seed oils, tried the alternatives and are now demanding their favorite brands make the switch," Gruel said.Sherry Coleman Collins, a food allergy dietitian and expert from the Atlanta metropolitan area, suggested the cautions about seed oils may be exaggerated, but did recommend choosing wisely.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERIn terms of cooking oils, Collins recommended using olive oil, noting theres a "significant body of evidence" for its use as part of aMediterranean approach to eating."Extra-virgin olive oil can be a wonderful, versatile oil to use in low-medium heat cooking. It tastes great and has a very good fatty acid profile," she previously told Fox News Digital."For higher-heat cooking, I like avocado and peanut oils for their high smoke point and neutral flavor, and they, too, have good fatty acid profiles."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFox News Digital reached out to the Indiana University researchers for comment.Peter Burke of Fox News Digital contributed reporting.

A.J. Dillon wants to make a good impression when he takes the field with the reigning Super Bowl champions on Sept. 4.The running back spent his first five years in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers, sharing touches with Aaron Jones for most of his tenure. Dillon missed the 2024 season with a neck injury, but the Philadelphia Eagles signed him in free agency - and it is obvious to see why he joined the Birds.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"Coming off a Super Bowl, best offensive line in football, Saquon [Barkley]s a guy Ive known for a long time, so it really worked out perfect," Dillon told Fox News Digital in a recent interview. "Im loving my role there, getting to know my teammates, Phillys a great city, they got awesome fans, foods great, footballs great, and its a great city. Its awesome to be out there, and Im looking forward to the season."However, earlier this month, in an effort to fire up his mind before heading to training camp, Dillon joined several other NFL stars, including Justin Herbert, Kyler Murray and eventual winner Justin Reid in the Chess.com BlitzChamps tournament.Reid also won the tournament last year.Dillon's results were not what he was hoping for, saying, "there's some chess sharks in the league," but he added the game of chess is an ideal mental warm-up for football.ICE CUBE'S SON DISHES ON DAD'S RAIDERS DEVOTION, SHARED CONCERN OVER SHEDEUR SANDERS' UNEXPECTED DRAFT SLIDE"I think the mental piece in football is such a big thing. I think when you talk about what sets people apart, because obviously, everybody's talented at the college level, and at the NFL, everyones big and strong, but its that mental piece," Dillon continued. "How quickly can you gather information? How can you think back into the scouting report, and so forth?"You can only do so much football, so still trying to challenge your mind, but also get your mind off of football. Chess is a great way, and trying to stimulate the mind in different ways, chess does that in a way where youre really thinking strategically, and theres a lot of correlations between chess and football, I think."Dillon was also able to raise money for his charity, which he started last year."Being able to not only play chess and have fun, but also be able to have extra money to donate to a great cause like everybody else will be able to do for whatever they represent this is a huge blessing in itself," he added.The competitive nature in Dillon will not let him phone it in after one subpar tournament appearance, either."Next time, I'll be a lot better. It definitely made me hungry. I'm a competitor," Dillon said. "Its OK, my first time. I know what the competition is like, so I gotta step it up. I got the Chess.com app downloaded on the phone, so when I got some down time, definitely will play some exhibition matches and things like that. Definitely looking at shake up the tables next year."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

FOX News Media signed conservative podcaster and influencer Brett Cooper as a contributor, the company announced on Wednesday.Cooper, who will provide cultural, social, and political commentary across all FOX News Media platforms, will make her debut Wednesday on "The Will Cain Show" at 4 p.m. ET.Cooper launched her podcast"The Brett Cooper Show"in January and has amassed over nine million followers across her social media platforms. The Gen Z conservative is known for "her grounded perspective, sharp wit and distinctive takes," FOX News Media said when announcing her new role.BRETT COOPER: PEOPLE HAVE A VOICE NOW IN A WAY THEY NEVER HAVECooper, who previously hosted"The Comments Section" video podcast, covers current events, pop culture, politics, generational shifts, relationships and more.In January, Cooper appeared on"Jesse Watters Primetime" to discuss the changing media landscape."I watched the media landscape change and young people are just hungry for independent voices who are authentic and honest with their audiences. They dont want to hear from traditional pundits 24/7," Cooper said.Cooper is a graduate of UCLA and is based in Tennessee where she lives with her husband.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked President Donald Trump after they had a talk Wednesday at the NATO summit in the Netherlands months after Vice President JD Vance called out Zelenskyy for not voicing more gratitude for U.S. support for Kyiv as it battles Moscow.When Zelenskyy visited the White House in February he sparred openly with Trump and Vance in the Oval Office over engaging in diplomacy with Russia to end the conflict, prompting Vance to ask the Ukrainian leader if he'd "said thank you once this entire meeting."But on Wednesday Zelenskyy made sure to thank Trump and the U.S. in a post on X following their meeting in The Hague."We covered all the truly important issues. I thank Mr. President, I thank the United States. We discussed how to achieve a ceasefire and a real peace," Zelenskyy said in a post on X on Wednesday. "We spoke about how to protect our people. We appreciate the attention and the readiness to help bring peace closer. Details will follow."JD VANCE STEPS INTO THE SPOTLIGHT DEFENDING TRUMP'S FOREIGN POLICY IN OVAL OFFICE DUSTUP WITH ZELENSKYYTrump, Vance and Zelenskyys infamous Oval Office meeting in February started after Zelenskyy challenged Vances statements that diplomacy was the correct avenue to end the conflict. Zelenskyy questioned the value of diplomacy, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin has broken other agreements in the past."What kind of diplomacy, JD, you are speaking about?" Zelenskyy said. "What do you mean?"Vance said, "Im talking about the kind of diplomacy thats going to end the destruction of your country.""Mr. President, with respect, I think it's disrespectful for you to come into the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media," Vance said. "Right now, you guys are going around and forcing conscripts to the front lines because you have manpower problems. You should be thanking the president for bringing it, to bring it into this country."TRUMP SAYS ZELENSKYY CAN COME BACK WHEN HE IS READY FOR PEACE AFTER FIERY WHITE HOUSE EXCHANGEFollowing the tense exchange, Trump announced a halt to peace negotiations and said that Zelenskyy could return to the White House when he was "ready" for peace. Just after leaving the White House, Zelenskyy issued a post on X thanking the U.S., Trump, Congress and the American people for backing Ukraine.Although Zelenskyy and Trump continued to exchange harsh barbs at one another following the Oval Office visit, they've subsequently spoken over the phone and met in person at St. Peters Basilica in Vatican City during Pope Francis April funeral.WHERE ZELENSKYY IS HEADED FOLLOWING TENSE WHITE HOUSE EXCHANGE WITH TRUMP, VANCEMeanwhile, Trump said Wednesday that his administration has not been able to finalize a peace deal with Ukraine and Russia, claiming that both leaders have been more challenging to work with than expected."Vladimir Putin has been more difficult," Trump told reporters Wednesday. "Frankly, I had some problems with Zelenskyy. You may have read about him, and it's been more difficult than other wars."Still, Trump said that his meeting with Zelenskyy went smoothly, and that he would be speaking to Putin as well."He's very nice, actually," Trump said of Zelenskyy. "A little rough at times. He couldn't have been nicer. I think he'd like to see an end to this."

New York City Democratic mayoral candidateZohran Mamdani, who declared victory inthe Democratic primary for mayor on Tuesday, said previously that he would arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he ever visited the city.In December,former MSNBC host Mehdi Hasan, now editor-in-chief and CEO of Zeteo,asked Mamdani, "Mayor Mamdani, would you welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu to New York City for the for whatever he comes for, given the U.S. is not a signatory to the ICC, so he can travel to the U.S., unlike a lot of other countries? Would a Mayor Mamdani welcomeBenjamin Netanyahu to this city?"Mamdani,a 33-year-old state assembly member from Queens who wasborn and raised in Uganda, told Hasan, "No. As mayor, New York City would arrest Benjamin Netanyahu. This is a city that our values are in line with international law. Its time that our actions are also."CUOMO CONCEDES IN NYC DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR MAYOR, CONGRATULATES AOC-ENDORSED MAMDANIHasan pressedMamdani, asking him if he would still arrest Netanyahu even though Israel is not part of the International Criminal Court (ICC), an organization that reviews global matters like war crimes and genocide.In February, President Donald Trumpsigned an executive ordersanctioning the ICC in response to its May 2024 arrest warrant for Netanyahu.Mamdani toldHasan that, "Its time that we actually step up and make clear what we are willing to do to showcase the leadership that is sorely missing in the federal administration."In aspeech earlier this month atthe Bnai Jeshurun synagogue in Manhattan, Mamdani appeared to double down on his position that he wouldarrest Netanyahu as mayor."My answer is the same whether we are speaking about Vladimir Putin or Netanyahu. I think that this should be a city that is in compliance with international law," Mamdani said. "And we have seen other countries across the world that are signatories of the ICC [International Criminal Court] that they would honor that same request, being Canada or other countries in Europe, and their honoring of it meant that Netanyahu did not travel there."During an event in May,Mamdanireportedly said that he believes "that Israel has a right to exist with equal rights for all," and recently told Late Night host Stephen Colbert that, "Yes, like all nations, I believe it has a right to exist."CHICAGO TRIBUNE WARNS NEW YORK TO AVOID SOCIALIST MAYORAL CANDIDATE AFTER 'MISTAKE' BRANDON JOHNSONHe has beenlinked to anti-Israel activism, according to a report by Canary Mission, a watchdog group that tracks antisemitism, which said thatMamdani regularly attends New York Citys anti-Israel protests, and that he took part in protests against Israel days after the Hamas Oct. 7, 2023, terror attack that killed 1,200 Israelis.The report also noted thatMamdanis father, Mahmood Mamdani, is ananthropology professor at Columbia University, which has been a hub ofanti-Israel protests since the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack.It also highlights thatMamdanis filmmaker mother,Mira Nair,signed an open lettercalling for Israeli actress Gal Gadot to be removed from presenting at the 2025 Academy Awards.During his victory speech on Tuesday,Mamdani said that he envisions a New York City "where the mayor will use their power to reject Donald Trump's fascism, to stop mass ICE agents from deporting our neighbors and to govern our city as a model for the Democratic Party."Fox News Digital reached out toMamdani for comment, but did not immediately receive a response.

An Israeli assessment determined that the U.S. strikes on Iran set the countrys nuclear program back "many years."The Israel Atomic Energy Commission said that the U.S. destroyed "critical infrastructure" at the Fordow nuclear facility and rendered it "inoperable.""The devastating U.S. strike on Fordow destroyed the site's critical infrastructure and rendered the enrichment facility inoperable. We assess that the American strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities, combined with Israeli strikes on other elements of Iran's military nuclear program, have set back Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons by many years," the Israel Atomic Energy Commission said in a statement. "The achievement can continue indefinitely if Iran does not get access to nuclear material."SATELLITE IMAGE SHOWS FORDOW NUCLEAR FACILITY AFTER MASSIVE BOMB STRIKEThe Israeli assessment seemingly aligns with the Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaeis statement on the status of the site. According to The Associated Press, Baghaei said that the countrys "nuclear installations have been badly damaged, thats for sure."In the early hours of June 22 local time, Irans Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear facilities were hit. U.S. B-2 stealth bombers used 30,000-pound bunker busters on Fordow, which was Irans main underground enrichment site.US AIRSTRIKES LEAVE A MARK ON IRANS NUCLEAR SITES, MAXAR SATELLITE IMAGES REVEALIsrael hit the site again on Monday as the country carried out strikes on roads leading to the underground facility.The latest strike on Fordow comes as the Israel Defense Forces said Israel also launched a series of strikes targeting the notorious Evin prison and several Iranian military command centers in an "ongoing effort to degrade the Iranian regimes military capabilities."Iran's nuclear chief, Mohammad Eslami, said on Tuesday that the country was assessing the damage and preparing to restore the facilities, according to Reuters. He added that Irans "plan is to prevent interruptions in the process of production and services."Both President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to respond if Iran rebuilds its nuclear program.Fox News Digitals Stephen Sorace contributed to this report.

On Tuesday, New York Citys Democrat voters chose as their nominee for mayor, Assemblyman Zohran Mamdani, who ran on a socialist platform that at times made Sen. Bernie Sanders look like an editor at National Review.Among the insane socialist programs Mamdani has floated are city owned grocery stores just like in Cuba, replacing police with social workers, and a freeze on rents, this goes along with his toxic stance that Israel has no right to exist as a Jewish state.CUOMO CONCEDES IN NYC DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY FOR MAYOR, CONGRATULATES AOC-ENDORSED MAMDANIThe cat ladies and wine moms in Park Slope, Brooklyn with the refugees welcome signs in the window will have an extra bounce in their Pilates Wednesday morning at the thought of Zohran Mamdani claiming the moniker Hizzoner, but where does this leave the national Democratic Party?In poll after poll, and now in the actual election, we saw Comrade Mamdani overwhelmingly winning white college-educated voters and those making over $100,000 a year, while his opponent, former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, won convincingly among Black, Latino, and working-class New Yorkers.This tracks with national woes for Democrats who have been bleeding sections of their traditional base to Trump, such as the Teamsters, and do not have enough white NPR listeners with graduate degrees and pronouns to make up for it.It is a political realignment that overwhelmingly favors Republicans and Mamdanis stunning win just makes the problem worse for Democrats.Since the election of Barack Obama as president in 2008 both of our major political parties have undergone revolutionary shifts. The Democrats were captured by wokeness, and not soon after, the GOP was captured by MAGA. The results have been very different.Donald Trumps Make America Great Again program had four core planks: close the border, no bad trade deals, energy independence and fighting the culture war. All of these policies brought the once stiff and unbending GOP closer to the ideological center.Wokeness has had the exact opposite effect for Democrats. From men in womens sports, to diversity, equity and inclusion, to tacit support of Islamic terrorists, and to open borders amnesty, the far left has not just moved away from the center, but alienated it.Outside of our bluest of blue cities, there is little to no appetite for outright socialism of this kind. Most of the country, across the political spectrum looks at this stuff as craziness.And yet, look at the leading figures in what was once the Party of Jefferson and Jackson. We have the likes of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., the ever-entertaining Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, and here comes, Mamdani, saying "Hold my government-issued beer."Where are the normal Democrats? Every now and again, to his credit, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa.., sticks his bald head up to warn his party against setting its hair on fire over everything Trump does. But where is everyone else?This has to be a wake-up call to moderate Democrats who assumed three weeks ago that Cuomo would rack up a big win for them in the Gotham mayors race. Instead, they got a 33-year-old new face of the party who falls somewhere to the left of Chairman Mao.The primary goal of far-left Democrats, at least right now, is not to win elections nationally. It is to take over their party just as MAGA took over the GOP. And if that means losing swing congressional districts, Senate seats, or even presidential elections, it's worth it to them.Mamdani and AOC are in their mid-thirties. They have decades to pull off this coup, even if political realities like donors nudge them now and then towards the middle.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONIn 1992, then-little-known Arkansas Gov. Bill Clinton won the Democratic primary by calling out his own sides craziness and promising a return to the sensibilities of John F. Kennedy. But on Tuesday, Andrew Cuomos similar "return to normalcy" pitch crashed and burned like the Hindenburg in the five boroughs.If moderate Democrats are going to mount a fight for the soul of their party, they'd better start doing so now, because with every Mamdani their brand moves closer and closer to looking like a hammer and sickle.Even regularly loyal liberal outlets like The New York Times called out Mamdani as a disaster in waiting, but it didnt matter. If the lefty media cant stop crazy progressives, then who can?Republicans will have reason to rejoice if Democrats cant tac to the center, but for New York City, there is no joy; fewer than half a million radical leftists have all but elected a socialist to govern a city of 9 million souls, and if Chicago and San Francisco are anything to learn from, it wont end well.Time is running out for the old establishment Democrats, and one must begin to wonder if they are ever going to even try to fight back.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM DAVID MARCUS

Democratic Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker is expected to announce on Thursday that he'll seek a third four-year term steering the blue Midwestern state, a source with knowledge confirmed to Fox News.The billionaire governor, a member of the Pritzker family that owns the Hyatt hotel chain and who has started several of his own venture capital and investment startups, is expected to make his announcement in Chicago before traveling to Springfield, Illinois' capital city.Illinois, which is the nation's sixth most populous state, does not have term limits for statewide officials. However, there has not been a three-term governor in the state in over three decades, since GOP Gov. Jim Thompson won four terms as governor in the 1970s and 1980s.HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING AND OPINION ON JB PRITZKERPritzker has become one of his Democratic Party's most vocal critics of the sweeping and controversial moves by President Donald Trump during the opening months of his second tour in the White House."Weve got to be ready for the fight," Pritzker said in an interview with Fox News Digital in April.PRITZKER ON HOT SEAT AS ILLINOIS GOVERNOR FACES OFF WITH CONGRESSIONAL REPUBLICANS ON CAPITOL HILLThe 60-year-old governor argued that the nation is "in a constitutional crisis" and that "we have too many people who are ill-affected by the policies of the Trump administration."Pritzker, who has taken steps to "Trump-proof" his solidly blue state, told reporters earlier this year, "You come for my people, you come through me."21 DEMOCRATS WHO MAY TRY TO SUCCEED TRUMP IN THE 2028 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONPritzker is seen as a potential contender for the Democrats' 2028 presidential nomination and the launch of his 2026 gubernatorial re-election campaign is not expected to derail him from potentially running for the White House.He was a high-profile campaign surrogate in the 2024 cycle on behalf of former President Joe Biden, as well as former Vice President Kamala Harris after she replaced Biden as the Democratic Party's nominee last summer.Those efforts brought Pritzker to Nevada, a general election battleground state and an early-voting Democratic presidential primary state, and New Hampshire, which for a century has held the first-in-the-nation presidential primary.Additionally, Pritzker's return to New Hampshire this spring, to headline a major state Democratic Party fundraising dinner, sparked more speculation about a possible 2028 presidential run.

Country music icon Tim McGraw is taking a necessary pause from the stage as he recovers from recent back surgery.McGraw, 57, was forced to pull out of his upcoming performance at the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) event in Colorado, which was scheduled for July 21."Cross Canadian Ragweed will step in for Tim McGraw as he recovers from back surgery to open the Last Cowboy Standing Show on July 21 in Fort Collins and we couldn't be more thrilled," PBR announced in a statement on their official Instagram page.TIM MCGRAW SAYS 'BIGGEST DISAGREEMENTS' WITH FAITH HILL USUALLY INVOLVE MUSICThe American country-rock band reunited after a lengthy 15-year hiatus and shared how ecstatic they were to take the stage, as they sent their well-wishes to McGraw."The band is back together and ready to bring the house down in an unforgettable night of world-class music and the greatest bull riding on earth. You won't want to miss it," the announcement read."We're sending our very best to Tim for a quick recovery and hope to see him at a future PBR event."Its unknown why McGraw needed back surgery.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSReps for McGraw did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment.The "One Bad Habit" crooners canceled performance comes after he previously stepped away from a starring role in an untitled bull-riding show set to air on Netflix, according to Deadline.The outlet reported that he was set to star and executive produce the show, but a source claimed that he stepped back because he needed to have back surgery, which would require recovery time.COUNTRY STAR THOMAS RHETT FALLS AT CONCERT, LEAVES IN WHEELCHAIRMeanwhile, in May, the country star shared a health update during a podcast interview."I can tell you that after double knee replacements and three back surgeries and now a torn rotator cuff and a ruptured disc, all the things that are going on, there were times this year that I thought this might be it," he said on the "TLs Road House" podcast. "This might be time to hang it up."McGraw shared at the time that he had to do his fitness routine and workouts carefully.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER"I can't move quickly, there's no turning real quick to do something," he remarked. "Everything has to be very intentional; everything that I do has to be very methodical. I have to do cold plunges, I have to do infrared saunas. I have to do massages."The country star kicked off his Standing Room Only Tour on March 14, 2024, and has scheduled dates until October 25, 2025.