Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday condemned reports alleging that the U.S. strikes on Irans nuclear facilities didnt do as much damage as the Trump administration has said.In an interview with Politico at the NATO summit, Rubio refuted intelligence leaks that alleged minimal damage from the attacks, and hit media reports spreading those leaks."I would say that storys a false story, and its one that really shouldnt be re-reported because it doesnt accurately reflect whats happening," he told Politico White House bureau chief Dasha Burns.PENTAGON FLEXES US MILITARY'S DECOYS AND STRATEGIC DECEPTION THAT TOOK IRAN AND WORLD BY SURPRISEThe U.S. military on Saturday carried out massive precision strikes on three key nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, in an attempt to eliminate the threat of the country manufacturing a nuclear weapon. Long-range B-2 stealth bomber aircraft dropped 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on the locations in an attack that President Donald Trump called "a spectacular military success."Burns sparked Rubios answer by asking about The New York Times and CNN reporting on intelligence leaks that the strikes did not completely destroy Iran's program but may have only delayed it a few months. Other experts have said the bombings must have done significant damage.The Times report cited, published Tuesday, stated, "A preliminary classified U.S. report says the American bombing of three nuclear sites in Iran set back the countrys nuclear program by only a few months, according to officials familiar with the findings."HEGSETH, MILITARY BRASS DESCRIBE INCREDIBLE AND OVERWHELMING SUCCESS OF US STRIKES ON IRAN"The strikes sealed off the entrances to two of the facilities but did not collapse their underground buildings, the officials said the early findings concluded," the report added.Trump has denied that reporting, calling it a "phony story" while talking to the press at the NATO summit.Rubio weighed in, telling Burns that the leaks featured in the Times story dont necessarily reflect reality, but are "often mischaracterized" and altered by someones spin."I can also tell you that intelligence leaks are one of the most frustrating things anywhere, not just because you have someone who has access to this and is putting stuff out there, but because its so often mischaracterized," he said.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE"An intelligence report, for anyone who has ever seen it, sometimes is an assessment. Some analyst will make an assessment or analysts will make an assessment and in these leaks, what you typically have is someone who reads it and then leaks it to the media, giving it the spin and the angle they want it to have," Rubio continued.He added that someone might leak the info for a variety of reasons, including to "embarrass the administration," or because they "were against the action."Rubio then affirmed that because of the U.S. strikes in Iran, the "Iranian program the nuclear program today looks nothing like it did just a week ago. The program today has been set behind significantly from where it was a week ago."

Its unknown if Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Calif., will face federal charges from the Department of Justice after he interrupted a press conference that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was holding in Los Angeles on June 12."No comment here," a DOJ spokesperson told Fox News Digital in an email on Wednesday afternoon when asked if the department plans to file charges against the Democratic senator. "Senator Padilla chose disrespectful political theatre and interrupted a live press conference without identifying himself or having his Senate security pin on as he lunged toward Secretary Noem. Mr. Padilla was told repeatedly to back away and did not comply with officers repeated commands," Homeland Security tweeted after the incident. [Secret Service] thought he was an attacker and officers acted appropriately."DEMOCRATS CASH IN AFTER PADILLA FORCIBLY REMOVED FROM TRUMP ADMIN PRESS CONFERENCEPadilla was pushed out of the room by the Secret Service and briefly arrested after trying to ask the secretary a question in the middle of her remarks.CLICK HERE FOR MORE IMMIGRATION COVERAGEWhile he was wearing a shirt marked "United States Senate" and identified himself by name, he was not wearing his security pin."I was forced to the ground," he said in a Senate floor speech about the incident, saying that officers would not answer why he was being detained.CONSERVATIVES ERUPT AFTER DEM SENATOR'S 'TEMPER TANTRUM' SENDS DHS PRESSER OFF THE RAILS"I pray you never have a moment like this," he added. On Tuesday, the Senate Democratic Caucus wrote a letter to Noem criticizing how law enforcement handled the situation.Despite the incident, Padilla and Noem ended up holding a meeting afterward, which Padillas office described as "civil," and Noem described as "cordial" even though there were strong disagreements between the two.The senator told CNNs "State of the Union" that he was escorted into the room by the National Guard and the FBI, as he was taking another meeting in the same building where Noem held her press conference.KRISTI NOEM SUSPECTS 'COMPLETELY INAPPROPRIATE' DEMOCRATIC SENATOR 'WANTED THE SCENE'The secretary was in Los Angeles to address the anti-ICE protests and riots that unfolded in the city as federal authorities conducted immigration enforcement efforts in the region. Fox News Digital reached out to Padilla's office to see if he had been contacted by the DOJ.However, Padilla is far from the only one who has made waves for protesting ICE and DHS. Rep. LaMonica McIver, D-N.J., was arraigned in federal court on Wednesday for allegedly "forcibility impeding and interfering with federal officers" during a protest outside the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark on May 9. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka was also arrested at the May 9 protest on a trespassing charge that was later dropped."I pleaded not guilty because I'm not guilty. We will fight this," McIver said outside the courthouse.In New York City, comptroller and Democratic mayoral candidate Brad Lander was arrested and then released for allegedly "assaulting law enforcement and impeding a federal officer," DHS said last week. He was holding onto an individual that immigration court authorities were trying to take into custody, according to the Associated Press.DHS said last week that ICE agents are facing a 500% uptick in assaults as opposition to the Trump administration's immigration policies continue.

President Donald Trump on Wednesday playfully advised the Democratic Party to nominate Reps. Jasmine Crockett and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, two of his fiercest critics, to bring them back into "play."In a post on Truth Social, Trump lamented the party's loss in the 2024 presidential election."After years of being left out in the cold, including suffering one of the Greatest Losses in History, the 2024 Presidential Election, the Democrats should nominate Low IQ Candidate, Jasmine Crockett, for President, and AOC+3 should be, respectively, Vice President, and three High Level Members of the Cabinet Added together with our future Communist Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, and our Country is really SCREWED!" he wrote.'I'M JUST A SILLY GIRL': AOC FIRES BACK AFTER TRUMP CALLS HER 'STUPID'Ocasio-Cortez and Crockett have heavily criticized Trump for his immigration and economic policies, as well as this past weekend's U.S. strikes against Iran. Ocasio-Cortez has said Trump should be impeached for not seeking congressional approval for the military operation.In a separate post, Trump called out Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old New York state assembly member who topped former three-term New York State Gov. Andrew Cuomo in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary on Tuesday.Mamdani, a Democratic socialist, was endorsed by Ocasio-Cortez.TRUMP DARES AOC TO TRY TO IMPEACH HIM: 'MAKE MY DAY'"Its finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line," Trump wrote. "Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor."Mamdani has proposed a number of progressive policies, including the elimination of bus fares across New York City, making City University of New York tuition-free, freezing rents on municipal housing, and providing "free childcare" for children up to age 5. His campaign was energized by endorsements from Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, two leading voices of the progressive movement, which galvanized young voters."Weve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous," Trump said. "He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, hes not very smart, hes got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him. Yes, this is a big moment in the History of our Country!"

Upgrade your backyard, patio or deck with a new dining set or a pair of Adirondack chairs during Polywood's early Fourth of July sale. Polywood furniture is durable, American-made and stands the test of time.Original price: $229This Adirondack chair has an ergonomic design, a contoured seat and sturdy armrests. Crafted from durable Polywood lumber, it withstands harsh weather conditions, making it ideal for year-round use. Dont forget to grab aconnecting table if you buy more than one.Original price: $289Another option for an Adirondack style isthis chair, which features a flat backrest. Made from Polywoods signature weatherproof materials, its perfect for relaxing in your backyard or patio. Amatching side table is a great spot to place your drink.REFRESH YOUR PATIO FOR THE FOURTH OF JULY WITH NEW GRILLS, DINING SETS AND OUTDOOR SEATINGOriginal price: $1,695Ideal for hosting dinner parties,this 7-piece dining set includes a generously sized table and six comfortable chairs. The Polywood construction resists stains, splitting, cracking, rot and UV damage, ensuring it stays pristine despite heavy use. If you prefer a smaller set for intimate gatherings, the brand makes athree-piece version.Original price: $549This 3-piece rocker set has two chairs that offer a gentle rocking motion perfect for relaxing on the porch and an added side table to hold coffee, books or bites with ease. The weather-resistant material withstands elements like storms and strong winds while retaining its original polished look.FIRE PITS AND PATIO HEATERS TO MAKE YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE COZY AND INVITINGOriginal price: $419No poolside setup is complete without some lounges.This chaise lounge offers adjustable reclining positions, arms to rest on and wheels for easy moving. Its been tested to hold up to 300 pounds and is comfortable for anyone up to seven feet tall.For more deals, visitwww.foxnews.com/dealsOriginal Price: $1,999This porch swing provides a cozy retreat for conversations or quiet moments with a good book. Its spacious seating and smooth swinging motion create a relaxing ambiance. Dont forget to add somedecorative outdoor throw pillows to complete the look.

Zohran Mamdani's upset in New York City's Democratic mayoral primary shocked the political establishment and signaled a generational shift within the party, according to Democrat strategists.Naysayers dismissed the 33-year-old democratic socialist as too young and inexperienced to steer New York City through the uncertainty of President Donald Trump's administration, as Democrats across the country clash with Trump's vision for America and grapple with the party's future after losing the White House and Congress in 2024.Leaning into his democratic socialist values and livestreaming them on social media, Mamdani managed to topple the presumptive front-runner, 67-year-old former Gov. Andrew Cuomo, whom pundits seemed convinced had the funds and name-recognition to pull off a political comeback after leaving office in 2021 amid sexual harassment allegations."It suggests that there's a movement going on in the Democratic Party, especially in terms of age," Brad Bannon, a Democratic strategist and president of Bannon Communications Research, told Fox News Digital.REPUBLICANS USE MAMDANI BOMBSHELL VICTORY OVER CUOMO AS AMMUNITION TO BLAST DEMOCRATS AS EXTREMISTSTrump picked up on the leftward movement, posting on Truth Social Wednesday, "Its finally happened, the Democrats have crossed the line. Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor. Weve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous."NEW YORK DEMOCRAT SAYS MAYORAL CANDIDATE ZOHRAN MAMDANI 'TOO EXTREME TO LEAD'Stephanie Taylor, co-founder of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee, said in a statement, "Zohran Mamdani's likely victory shows that a new direction for the Democratic Party is possible a future of dynamic candidates who appeal to young voters and working-class voters with a platform that fights for people, not corporations."Mamdani will face off against moderate Democratic Mayor Eric Adams, who has cozied up with Trump and cooperated with the president's crackdown on illegal immigration. Adams won as a Democrat in 2021 but chose to campaign for re-election as an independent, amid low approval ratings and his since-dropped federal corruption charges."Hes a snake-oil salesman," Adams said of Mamdani on "Fox & Friends" Wednesday. "He would say and do anything to get elected."Mamdani's victory Tuesday night prompted Republicans to criticize him as the new face of the party. Freshman Sen. Bernie Moreno, R-Ohio, posted on X, "NYC resident alert: Delta, United, Spirit, and American have daily flights from NYC airports to most Ohio destinations. Leave now before its too late."Mamdani was called every name in the book during his mayoral campaign, from "antisemitic" to "Communist," as Jewish groups and moderate Democrats criticized his radical vision for New York City."But he won anyway. I just think it shows you how much voters want change. I think that's why Trump is president now. Voters are sick of the status quo," Bannon said.On the campaign trail, Mamdani took aim at Cuomo for accepting money from Trump's 2024 presidential campaign donors and framed the race as a referendum on the future of the party, one that "billionaires and corporations want to buy.""It's a question for our own party of: How do we move forward?" Mamdani said on "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert." "Do we move forward with the same politicians of the past, the same policies of the past that delivered us this present, or do we move forward with a new generation of leadership, one that is actually interested in serving the people?"Progressive Democrats rallied behind Mamdani as he worked to consolidate support within the ranked choice voting style by cross-endorsing with New York City Comptroller Brad Lander. Mamdani and Lander campaigned together in the weeks leading up to primary day.Mamdani secured endorsements from Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., the democratic socialist national leader and two-time Democratic presidential nominee runner-up, and New York Democratic star Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who unseated a longtime incumbent in 2018.As Ocasio-Cortez campaigned with Mamdani online and in New York City, fellow "Squad" members also rallied behind Mamdani, endorsing his campaign from afar, including Reps. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich., and Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., who congratulated his win Tuesday night.The democratic socialist described his vision for New York Citys future as a place "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." Mamdani has proposed radical ideas, like government-run grocery stores, free bus service, tuition-free city universities, rent freezes and free childcare, among other ideas."As a fellow millennial, Im thrilled to see voters rally behind a joyful, people-powered campaign rooted in love for the city. Voters spoke clearlyand they chose a bold, hopeful future," Democratic National Committee (DNC) vice chair Malcolm Kenyatta celebrated Tuesday night.David Hogg, the former DNC vice chair who was ousted after a procedural challenge to his leadership position after stirring up intraparty division for his plan to primary older incumbent Democrats he said were "asleep at the wheel," campaigned for Mamdani in New York City ahead of the primary.Hogg celebrated Mamdani's victory in a series of posts Tuesday night, emphasizing of Cuomo's concession, "Crazy idea - maybe we should stop running the same people who brought our party to this place."But the old-guard of the Democratic Party seemed more reluctant to embrace this radical change and leftward shift as Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., refused to answer reporters' follow-up questions Wednesday about what Mamdani's win signals for the Democratic Party."He ran an impressive campaign that connected with New Yorkers about affordability, fairness, & opportunity. I spoke with @ZohranKMamdani this morning and am looking forward to getting together soon," Schumer said on X.Meanwhile, Bannon pointed to California Democratic Rep. Robert Garcia's leadership nomination on the House Oversight Committee Tuesday, calling the progressive shift "generational.""Democrats anointed a guy who was 25 years younger and had less experience on the committee. So, I think you're seeing it all over the place, and I think that you're going to see more," Bannon added.Fox News' Paul Steinhauser and Kelly Phares contributed to this report.

Maine state representative Laurel Libby had her speaking rights restored by fellow state lawmakers on Wednesday, five months after she was censured for a social media post that identified a trans athlete.The Supreme Court restored Libby's voting rights on May 20 after she filed a lawsuit in response to the censure, but her speaking rights have still been withheld from her until now. Libby was still waging her lawsuit against Maine House Speaker Ryan Fecteau to have the full censure overturned.Libby told Fox News Digital that she walked into the state capital Wednesday unaware that today her speaking rights would be restored, and she didn't even find out until near the end of the session when she and others were getting ready to adjourn.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMJust before adjournment, House assistant majority leader Lori Gramlich proposed a resolution that upon adjourning, Libby's full voting and speaking rights would be restored. The resolution passed by a vote of 115-16."It was a surprise, it was our 33rd supplement of the day, and within minutes it was on the floor," Libby said.Libby's censure was initially passed on Feb. 25 by a vote of 75-70. Libby said no reason was given for Wednesday's surprise resolution that ended the censure. But she believes it's because of the momentum she had in her lawsuit and the growing public opposition against trans athletes in girls' sports."Democrats know that they are losing on this issue, that the majority of not just Mainers, but Americans, do not agree with their extreme stance allowing biological males to participate in girls' sports," Libby said. "They know they're losing on that issue, they know that they're losing in the courts regarding my lawsuit that I filed and so they caved because they know they're losing and this is the best way for them to save face."MAINE TEENS BATTLING STATE DEMOCRATS ON GIRLS' SPORTS BILL AFTER ENDURING TRANS ATHLETE CHAOS IN HIGH SCHOOLPresident Donald Trump has signed an executive order that requires states only allow females to compete, but multiple Democrat-run states, including Maine, have defied the order and continued to enable trans inclusion.The U.S. Department of Justice and Attorney General Pam Bondi have even filed their own separate lawsuit against the state of Maine for continuing to defy the order.Libby has been a central figure in the conservative pushback against Democrat policies that enable trans inclusion in girls' sports in Maine. In addition to her lawsuit against Fecteau, Libby has been repeatedly critical of Mills for her refusal to comply with Trump.It started when she made a Facebook post that identified a trans athlete that won a girls' pole vault competition for Greely High School in February, prompting pushback from Democrats in the state who criticized her for identifying a minor, which was the main premise of her censure. However, she and her attorneys argued that the trans athlete had already been publicized in other media.The same trans athlete then skipped the spring track and field state championships earlier in June.A survey by the American Parents Coalition found that out of about 600 registered Maine voters, 63% said that school sports participation should be based on biological sex, and 66% agreed it is "only fair to restrict womens sports to biological women."Many Maine residents have even entire school districts have stood up against Mills' policies alongside Libby. Maine's school districts RSU No. 24 and MSAD No. 70 have each passed their own localized resolutions to keep girls' spots for female students only. There have also been three large-scale protests against the current policies in the state's capital city, Augusta, since February.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Kevin Costner is fighting back against a lawsuit filed by stuntwoman Devyn LaBella, who alleged that she was made to perform a "violent, unscripted rape scene" on the set of "Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2" without her consent.In a statement obtained by Fox News Digital, Costners attorney, Marty Singer, refuted the claims."Ms. LaBella was doing a rehearsal on an Insert Shot for a scripted scene. There was no intimacy or anything sexual in the shot," his lawyer said.KEVIN COSTNER SUED FOR ALLEGEDLY DIRECTING 'VIOLENT UNSCRIPTED' RAPE SCENE WITHOUT CONSENT"There was tugging on a dress while she was fully clothed in a dress with long bloomers lying down next to a male actor."Costners lawyer continued, "Numerous witnesses have contradicted Ms. LaBellas meritless claims."His legal team additionally claimed that LaBella texted her supervisor after she wrapped, "stating, 'Thank you for these wonderful weeks.""We look forward to the swift end of this specious lawsuit," the statement concluded.In a newly amended complaint filed Wednesday, June 18, lawyers for LaBella claimed a scene that was filmed on May 2, 2023, was shot without any stunt or intimacy coordinators on set, according to documents obtained by Fox News Digital."What happened to me on that set was a reckless violation a breach of consent and of basic workplace safety. I was told to lie down, and without warning or rehearsal, another actor was brought in to simulate a rape on top of me," LaBella said in a statement."My undergarments were exposed. I was left alone afterward, overwhelmed and in shock. Compliance under pressure is not consent. Consent cannot be given after the harm has already begun."She continued, "Once the line is crossed, there is no real choice left to make. I spoke up immediately. And for that, I was met with silence, deflection, and efforts to discredit me. This case is not just about what happened to me. Its about a broken system that protects those in power and punishes those who speak out. Its about demanding change, not just for me but for everyone who deserves to work in safety and dignity. What happened on that set was wrong. Let it be known: I stood up. I told the truth. And I will never apologize for demanding the bare minimum to be treated like a human being at work."LaBella amended her lawsuit, which was originally filed in May.The recent filing included alleged text messages exchanged between LaBella and the film's intimacy coordinator the day after the alleged incident."I wanted to discuss yesterdays abomination when we both have a chance," LaBella, 30, wrote in the message. "I was put in a really wrong position and its really affected me."To which the coordinator replied, "Oh no, Im so sorry to hear this Devyn Lets talk through it."In another alleged text message listed in the amended lawsuit, LaBella wrote to the coordinator, "Why was there no intimacy coordinator?""Why was a stunt double doing this non stunt work especially given the sensitivity of it?" LaBella added, "Who is gonna take responsibility for the abuse of power "The dispute between Costner and LaBella comes after the stuntwoman claimed last month that she performed the unscripted rape scene without proper notice, consent or the mandatory presence of an intimacy coordinator while she was working on "Horizon: An American Saga Chapter 2."HORIZON DIRECTOR KEVIN COSTNER GRATEFUL GOD ALLOWED HIM TO MAKE EPIC MOVIE DESPITE MASSIVE PERSONAL RISKSIn the sequel film, LaBella was the lead stunt double for actress Ella Hunt, who played one of the "Horizon" movies' main characters, Juliette Chesney. "Horizon: An American Saga" is a four-part Western film series that was co-written, produced and directed by Costner, who also stars.In a complaint filed on May 27, 2025, and obtained by Fox News Digital, LaBella sued Costner and his production companies for sexual harassment, sexual discrimination, the creation of a hostile workplace environment and retaliation stemming from the alleged on-set incident.The lawsuit claimed that, "On May 2, 2023, plaintiff Devyn LaBella, a female stunt performer, was the victim of a violent, unscripted, unscheduled rape scene directed by Kevin Costner."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERIn a statement to Fox News Digital at the time, Costner's attorney emphatically denied the allegations made against his client, saying that LaBella's claim "has absolutely no merit.""The impact of this impromptu work demand on Ms. LaBella has been profound, not only upending a career Ms. LaBella spent years building but leaving her with permanent trauma that she will be required to address for years to come," the documents claimed.LaBella is suing for unspecified compensatory and punitive damages, and has requested a trial by jury.Per the lawsuit, LaBella began filming "Horizon 2" in April 2023.According to the documents, there was another scene filmed on May 1, 2023, and LaBella and the actors previously rehearsed it with Wade and an intimacy coordinator. During the filming of that scene, the set was closed, and the intimacy coordinator was present.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS"The scene wrapped, and no issues were noted," the lawsuit stated.Per the documents, LaBella was on set to film a "non-intimate scene" the following day. The lawsuit alleged that Costner, who was present on the set, improvised additional scenes in which Juliette would be raped by a different character played by another actor.The new scenes required the actor to "climb on top of Ms. Hunt, violently raking up her skirt," the documents claimed. "Due to the ad hoc and violent nature of the sudden script change request, along with the failure to secure a contractually required intimacy coordinator for the scene, Ms. Hunt became visibly upset and walked off the set, refusing to do the scene," the documents alleged.In a statement at the time of the initial lawsuit filing, Singer told Fox News Digital, "Our client, Kevin Costner, always wants to make sure that everyone is comfortable working on his films and takes safety on set very seriously. However, this claim by Devyn LaBella has absolutely no merit, and it is completely contradicted by her own actions and the facts.""As a stunt performer on Horizon 2, the scene in question was explained to Ms. LaBella, and after she performed the rehearsal in character with another actor, she gave her Stunt Coordinator supervisor [Allen] a thumbs up and indicated her willingness to then shoot the scene, if needed (which she was not)," Singer stated.Costners attorney also pointed to a text that LaBella allegedly sent to Allen, which was "illustrated with happy heart emojis" and read: "Thank you for these wonderful weeks! I so appreciate you! I learned so much and thank you again. Im really happy it worked out the way it did to. Have a great rest of the shoot and yes talk soon!""The facts are clear, and we are beyond confident that Kevin will prevail," Singer concluded.Fox News Digital's Ashley Hume contributed to this report.

Mouth taping has again become a popular bedtime trend on social media just as it trended a few years ago.The idea is to tape the mouth shut at night to promote nasal breathing, which some experts claim can have health benefits.Others, however, warn of potential risks and questionable results.COUPLES WHO CUDDLE BEFORE SLEEP REAP KEY HEALTH BENEFITS, STUDY REVEALSThe Sleep Foundation, based in Seattle, Washington, says the benefits of mouth taping are "mostly anecdotal," with few studies backing up the benefits."The main proposed benefit of mouth taping is promoting nasal breathing, which helps filter and humidify air and may reduce snoring or dry mouth for some individuals," sleep expert Wendy Troxel, Ph.D. a RAND Corporation senior behavioral specialist and licensed clinical psychologist in Utah told Fox News Digital.Breathing through the nose helps people absorb more oxygen, according to Todd Anderson, sleep and wellness expert and founder of Dream Performance & Recovery in Nashville.When you breathe out through your mouth all night, you're expelling most of the carbon dioxide in your body, Anderson said but it can be beneficial to have some CO2 in the system.HERE'S WHY 90% OF AMERICANS DON'T SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT, ACCORDING TO EXPERT"When you start exercising, you're under stress and your CO2 starts to rise," he told Fox News Digital."So the more comfortable you are with carbon dioxide in your system, the more adaptable to stress your body is."Anderson said breath is like the "steering wheel" of the nervous system, as breathing through the nose promotes longer exhalations and relaxes the body."Your nose [also] produces nitric oxide, which you breathe down into your lungs. That expands your blood vessels and relaxes your cardiovascular system," he said. "Top to bottom, it calms your body down. That's why it impacts sleep in such a positive way."Some claim that using the tape could also help achieve a more defined jaw structure and could protect dental health, Anderson noted, as mouth breathing leads to dryness and more acidity, which can break down tooth enamel.Sleep expert Troxel said she approaches mouth taping with "considerable caution" as scientific evidence shows that its effectiveness is "limited."HEAT EXPOSURE LINKED TO BETTER SLEEP, EXPERTS SAY HERE'S WHY"While some people report less snoring or better sleep, most of these claims are anecdotal and not well-supported by rigorous research with large and diverse samples," she told Fox News Digital.While there is some "preliminary evidence" that mouth taping can reduce snoring for some sleep apnea patients, Troxel noted that the overall effect is "modest."She added there is "no strong evidence" that mouth taping changes jaw shape.For those who have nasal congestion, blockages or allergies, Troxel and Anderson agreed that mouth taping is not recommended, as it can make it harder to breathe at night."This can lead to feelings of anxiety and disrupted sleep and in some cases, it may lower oxygen levels while sleeping," Troxel warned.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTEROne big concern is that using mouth tape may delay or prevent people from getting proper treatment for sleep apnea, she added, which could pose serious health risks.Anderson also recommended against mouth taping for people who are overweight, those who drink alcohol or other substances, and those who are feeling sick.Troxel encouraged those who experience mouth breathing or snoring to consult with a healthcare provider to address any underlying issues."Treating the root cause is safer and more effective than taping the mouth shut," she said.For more Health articles, visit foxnews.com/health"For otherwise healthy, low-risk individuals who do not have sleep apnea and want to experiment with mouth taping, I suggest approaching it scientifically and with caution."For those who do decide to try it, Troxel suggested testing the tape on the skin first to check for irritation, using medical-grade tape, or considering a tape with a slit so that the mouth is not fully covered.Anderson added that consumers should consider where the mouth tape is made and what adhesive is used, to prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions.The Sleep Foundation cautions on its website that some side effects of mouth taping include difficulty breathing, skin irritation and anxiety.EATING MORE FRUITS AND VEGETABLES LINKED TO SURPRISING EFFECT ON SLEEPUsing a sleep tracker before and during the use of mouth tape for a few weeks could help gauge how its working, Troxel advised."If you do not see improvements, thats your answer it may not be effective for you," she said. "Always stop immediately if you experience discomfort or difficulty breathing."There are other ways to promote nasal breathing, according to Troxel including targeted exercises."Alternating nostril breathing or belly breathing during the day can help train your body to breathe through your nose more naturally at night," she said."It's also a great strategy to manage stress and promote relaxation."

The country is, once again, divided along partisan lines, this time over the U.S. joining Israel in military strikes against Iran's nuclear sites, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday.Such was the case on Capitol Hill this week as congressional Democrats railed against the "unconstitutionality" of President Donald Trump ordering attacks on three nuclear sites in Iran, while most Republican lawmakers celebrated his bold move to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear capability.Forty-two percent of voters support the U.S. strikes against Iran, while 51% oppose them, according to the Quinnipiac University poll, conducted between June 22-24 in the days after the U.S. strikes on Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan in Iran.The results were split along party lines, with 81% of Republicans supporting the strikes compared to 75% of Democrats opposing them. Sixty percent of independents opposed the strikes, while 35% supported them.MOST REPUBLICANS SUPPORT TRUMP-ORDERED MILITARY STRIKE ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR PROGRAM: POLL"No ambivalence from Republicans on the U.S. bombing of Iran's nuclear sites. By a large margin, GOP voters give full-throated support to the mission," Quinnipiac University Polling Analyst Tim Malloy said in a statement.AMERICANS FOUND TO HAVE INCREASING APPETITE FOR ACTIVE US GLOBAL LEADERSHIP, LED BY MAGA REPUBLICANS: REPORTHalf of voters, at 50%, think the strikes would make Americans less safe, while 42% said they would make Americans safer.Results were once again split along party lines. Seventy-six percent of Democrats said striking Iran's nuclear program would make Americans less safe, while 80% of Republicans said it would make Americans safer.According to the poll, nearly 8 in 10 voters are either very concerned, 44%, or somewhat concerned, 34%, about the U.S. getting dragged into war with Iran. Only 22% of voters are not concerned."American voters, most of whom are not supportive of the country joining in the Israel-Iran conflict, are extremely troubled by the possibility that involvement could metastasize and draw the U.S. into a direct war with Iran," pollster Malloy said.Forty-two percent of voters think the U.S. is too supportive of Israel, while 45% say support for Israel is about right. Only 5% say the U.S. is not supportive enough.The percentage of voters calling the U.S. too supportive of Israel is at an all-time high since Quinnipiac University first posed the question to registered voters in January 2017. The percentage of voters calling the U.S. not supportive enough is an all-time low since then, the poll reveals.Half of voters, 50%, support Israel's military strikes against nuclear and military sites inside Iran, while 40% oppose them. Eighty percent of Republicans support them, while 60% of Democrats do not.The Quinnipiac University Poll included 979 self-identified registered voters nationwide who were surveyed from June 22-24, with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points.Trump announced the U.S. successfully struck Iran's nuclear sites Saturday night. Israel had launched a series of coordinated attacks on Iran the previous week, which Iran had retaliated against, prompting the countries to exchange strikes. After the U.S. struck Iran, the Islamist country launched retaliatory attacks on a U.S. air base in Qatar.The president indicated a ceasefire between Israel and Iran earlier this week, touting a successful mission to hinder Iran's nuclear sites without engaging the U.S. in an escalatory Middle East conflict.

Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis is predicting property values in Palm Beach will "skyrocket" if Democratic socialist nominee Zohran Mamdani wins the mayors race in New York City this November.Mamdani, a Ugandan immigrant and member of the Democratic Socialists of America, won the Democratic Partys nomination for New York City mayor on Tuesday night. Running a campaign in which he promised a slew of free services, Mamdani defeated former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, who was highly favored to win. His victory has caused alarm among both Republicans and Democrats, with some predicting a Mamdani administration would lead to a mass exodus from Americas largest city."Just when you thought Palm Beach real estate couldnt go any higher" DeSantis said on X in response to Mamdani taking the lead over Cuomo, a quip playing off south Florida as a long-favored relocation destination for New Yorkers.Speaking shortly before the primary election on Tuesday, DeSantis said, "if this socialist mayor candidate wins in New York City, youre going to see real estate values skyrocket in Palm Beach because people are going to get out of that city."TRUMP TORCHES '100% COMMUNIST LUNATIC' MAMDANI, DEM BACKERS AFTER SHOCK NYC MAYORAL PRIMARY WIN"As bad as De Blasio was," DeSantis went on, "this guy is going to be way, way worse.""He doesnt think that we should have law enforcement in dangerous parts of the city, that you should send in social workers. See how that works out for you, it aint going to work out well. So, theyve made a lot of dumb decisions, and weve benefited from it," he quipped.Floridas Voice reported DeSantis also commenting, "if this guy gets in, we may need to up our police recruitment bonuses" because "youre going to see a flood of people."DeSantis added that "when you have a candidate who wants to abolish the NYPD," that "aint going to end well."1,500 JEWISH AMERICANS EVACUATED FROM ISRAEL AS DESANTIS SPONSORS RESCUE FLIGHTS TO TAMPAA look through Mamdanis platform, available on his campaign website, lives up to his socialist affiliation and endorsements by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio Cortez.He has promised to immediately freeze rent prices for more than 2 million New Yorkers living in rent-stabilized apartments, implement free public transit, create a network of city-owned grocery stores that are "focused on keeping prices low, not making a profit" and institute free universal childcare for children from ages 6 weeks to 5 years.He has also promised to create a New York City Department of Community Safety that he says will deploy outreach workers in 100 subway stations, expand gun violence prevention programs, and increase funding to "hate violence prevention programs" by 800%.Mamdani has also pledged to champion a law to raise the minimum wage in New York City to $30 an hour by 2030.REPUBLICANS USE MAMDANI BOMBSHELL VICTORY OVER CUOMO AS AMMUNITION TO BLAST DEMOCRATS AS EXTREMISTSMamdanis website says that he plans to raise the corporate tax rate to 11.5%, which he says will bring in an extra $5 billion. He plans to further set a flat 2% tax on those earning above $1 million annually, which he believes will bring in an extra $4 billion a year in taxes. He has also said he will hire more tax auditors, end no-bid contracts and crack down on fine collection from "corrupt landlords" to raise an additional $1 billion.Republicans and Democrats alike have criticized Mamdanis record. Trump has also weighed in, saying that "this is a big moment in the History of our Country" in which "the Democrats have crossed the line" with Mamdanis nomination."Zohran Mamdani, a 100% Communist Lunatic, has just won the Dem Primary, and is on his way to becoming Mayor," Trump posted on Truth Social. "Weve had Radical Lefties before, but this is getting a little ridiculous. He looks TERRIBLE, his voice is grating, hes not very smart, hes got AOC+3, Dummies ALL, backing him, and even our Great Palestinian Senator, Cryin Chuck Schumer, is groveling over him."