The world is a safer place because of the destruction of Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities thanks to the bold and effective actions of the U.S. military and the Trump administration. This decisive action follows the Israelis' resolute response to the Iranian-backed October 7th sneak attack on its defenseless civilians. Over the last 21 months, the Israelis have degraded Irans military capabilities and decapitated their fanatical leadership. While these actions have crippled Irans conventional weapons, they have dramatically increased the risk of Iranian terror proxy attacks against U.S. citizens across the globe. The greatest risk is presented by the Iranian-backed terrorist organization Hezbollah, which is responsible for the death of more Americans than any other terrorist organization. Since the late 70s Hezbollah has maintained a well-documented presence in the U.S., mainly for terror fundraising, but these so-called sleeper units can instantly morph into violent and lethal operational cells.An example of Hezbollahs enduring presence in the U.S. was the prosecution of a Hezbollah cellin Charlotte, North Carolina, in the late 1990s and early 2000s. This case marked a significant chapter in the efforts to combat transnational terrorism on American soil. The investigation, which lasted four years, uncovered a network of criminals and criminal acts supporting international terrorism, demonstrating the global reach of Hezbollah and its strategic presence in American cities.COLLEGE CAMPUSES COULD BE GROUND ZERO FOR IRANIAN SLEEPER CELLS PLOTTING TO HARM AMERICANS, EXPERTS WARNHezbollah members from the Charlotte cell were arrested, tried and convicted in a federal court in Charlotte, North Carolina. The case brought against the cell included copyright,cigarette tax and counterfeit violations, as well as bank scams, bribery,credit card fraud, identity theft,immigration fraud, money laundering and tax evasion,and "material support to a terrorist organization." Federal courts estimate the cell collected a total of $8 million, funneled through some 500 different bank accounts. Mohamad Youssef Hammoud, the cell's leader, was sentenced to 155 years in federal prison. Hammoud's older brother, Shawqi Youssef, (a.k.a. "Bassem"), and "right-hand man," received a prison sentence of 70 years. Overall, 26 people were indicted in the operation. Similar cases were later uncovered across the US. If anyone doubts the commitment of Iran and Hezbollah to killing Americans wherever they can find them, consider the following: OPEN BORDERS UNDER BIDEN COULD HELP IRAN RETALIATE WITH US TERROR SLEEPER CELLS: FORMER FBI BOSSTHEY WANT AMERICANS DEAD, TOO THE THREAT FROM IRAN AND ITS PROXIESIN IRAN'S FOREVER WAR AGAINST THE US, REGIME HAS TARGETED AND KILLED AMERICANS WORLDWIDECLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONA June 2022 study by the George Washington University program on extremism identified 128 individual examples of Hezbollah activity in the US. According to the study: "The majority of cases involved small, centralized hubs of Hezbollah operatives who engage in illegal activities in conjunction with wider criminal enterprises to create an array of networks across America."The misguided prioritization of the FBI during the Biden administration on "white supremacist" organizations diverted precious resources away from the greatest threat in its mission portfolio. As a result, the intelligence community is playing catch-up in a no-fail responsibility: to prevent harm to American citizens and interests at the hands of small cells or fanatical single operatives heeding the call from their Iranian masters to activate. It is an absolute certainty that the Biden administrations reckless open-border policies created an unprecedented opportunity for a host of additional international terror cells and individual fanatics to infiltrate into the U.S. A WEAKENED HEZBOLLAH LEADS SOME IN LEBANON TO TALK OF PEACE WITH ISRAEL AS US PUSHES SIDES TOGETHERThe previous administration threw the door open to terrorists and criminals of every description. Border Czar Tom Homan reported that Bidens policies resulted in the capture and release of over 1,272 Iranian nationals who have melted into this country unvetted and unmonitored. In addition, there were over 2 million "got-aways."Now that Irans military capabilities have been greatly diminished, Hezbollah will revert to its origins as the most prolific and capable terrorist organization in the world. Other terror groups will do the same. The FBI, law enforcement and the intelligence community must be in hyperdrive to address what Homan has described as "the biggest national security vulnerability."Prevention of terrorist attacks in the homeland in the post-Biden era presents the greatest challenge since 9-11 and no resource should be spared in supporting this mission.

TheUniversity of WisconsinMadisonhas reportedly approved doling out $136,000 to fund a group that provides sexual programming, including a 90-minute "Ethical Porn" session for students.Theapproved budget for the FY 2026 budget says that the Sex Out Loud club, billed as a "peer to peer sexual health resource," requested$136,475 for 20252026 and was approved to receive $135,706.51.Their budget allocates over $90,000 for salaries, and over $41,000 for supplies and services. Within their service budget, $14,000 is reserved for programming. The Sex Out Loud club hosted a "Sex After Dark" program in April. In an Instagram post, they advertised the event would include a drag performance and bingo as well as a sex toy giveaway.Their website, which has a content warning for readers upon opening the page, says that their mission is "to promote healthy sexuality through sex-positive education and activism," and says that it seeks "to empower all students by providing inclusive and accessible programs, events, and resources, and by creating [a] safe space where students can freely discuss these issues."MASSACHUSETTS PARENTS OUTRAGED AFTER MIDDLE SCHOOL GIVES EXPLICIT HEALTH SURVEY TO STUDENTS DESPITE OPT-OUTThe page offers a "Safer Sex Supplies Order Form," with over 20 different types of condoms to choose from, eight different kinds of lubricant options, and flavored latex sheets to be used when performing oral sex toreduce risk of spreading sexually transmitted infections, as well asPlan B and pregnancy tests.It also highlights that items are donated byPlanned Parenthood and the EC Access Network.The website says that the group offers "a mix of interactive activities, guided group discussions, and presentations by trained peer facilitators" and "four events weeks per year allow for keynote speakers, crafts, pole dancing, yoga, carnivals, and more!"Some of the programs offered by Sex Out Loud include a 90-minute "Ethical Porn" session that looks at "common assumptions/critiques of porn" and "Understand what porn is and the key differences between ethical and mainstream porn."Another 90-minute program, "LGBTQIA+" is about "Understanding personal gender identity and societal constructions of gender," and seeks to "explore the embodied experience of Coming Out and reduce expectations and pressure pertaining to the experience of Coming Out.""Sex Jeopardy," which is 1-2 hours long, is a "Classic jeopardy game with a fun and sexy twist," and says participants "get quizzed on interesting and informative questions on sexual health, identity, expression, pleasure, and sex!"Other programs include "Advanced Pleasure," "Kink" and "Masturbation."FREE CONDOMS, LUBE AND SEX ED MATERIALS IN STOCK FOR ALL AGES AT CA LIBRARIES, THANKS TO PLANNED PARENTHOODThe club also produces a publication called, "Zine," with thetheme for this year being "F*ck Me: Pleasure, Kink, & Politics."The Instagram post advertising the publications theme says, "We invite you to explore the complexities of desire, pleasure, and identity that shape our unique sexuality."Sex Out Louds website also shares a page advertising15 approved sex toy brands, such as "TheTool Shed," a site "where people of all genders and sexual orientations can explore their sexuality in a positive environment and be treated with respect by a friendly and knowledgeable staff."Another highlighted sex toy brand, "Cute Little F*ckers," is a "queer owned, trans owned, disabled owned" company whose mission is to "make authentic sexual expression as inclusive and accessible as possible."On its website, theUniversity of WisconsinMadison, a public university, says it received "more than $816 million in federal awards for research across campus," in 2023-2024.Fox News Digital reached out totheUniversity of WisconsinMadison as well as Sex Out Loud for comment on the clubs funding, but did not immediately receive a response.

Rep. Ryan Zinke, R-Mont., said in a Thursday post on X that he remains opposed to the Senate reconciliation measure."I agree with my colleagues that the federal government has mismanaged federal lands for decades. But I dont agree with their solution. The solution is not to sell public lands. The solution is better management. Lets send legislation to POTUS desk to improve management and access. I remain a no on the senate reconciliation bill," the lawmaker noted.The president has been urging lawmakers to pass the measure.FURY ERUPTS AS UNELECTED SENATE SCOREKEEPER BLOCKS TRUMP'S AGENDAGOP Sen. Mike Lee of Utah has been pushing for the measure to include the sale of some federal land, while Zinke has been opposing the prospect.A Monday press release from the ranking member of the Senate Budget Committee indicated that the public land sales provision of the measure had been flagged by the Senate parliamentarian.HOUSE CONSERVATIVES GO TO WAR WITH SENATE OVER TRUMP'S BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL"Housing prices are crushing families and keeping young Americans from living where they grew up. We need to change that," Lee noted in a Monday night post on X."Yes, the Byrd Rule limits what can go in the reconciliation bill, but Im doing everything I can to support President Trump and move this forward," he noted.TRUMP SPOTLIGHTS PARENTS WHO HAVE LOST KIDS DUE TO OPEN BORDERS DURING BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL EVENTZinke served as Interior secretary during a portion of President Donald Trump's first term in office.

A coffee-shop patron who confronted another customer about having a dog inside the store said he was accused of acting improperly for questioning the woman about it.A Reddit user wrote about his recent coffee-shop experience on a popular subreddit page."As soon as I open the door I'm hit with a dog looking at me at hip level sitting on a chair in this small shop," wrote the man, who said he was 33 years old. "The dog is indoors and the door had a clear no pets sign. I watched for a second. This clearly wasn't a service animal, as she was letting it interact with several other guests."WORKER'S UNUSUAL LUNCH SPOT BACKFIRES AFTER UNCOMFORTABLE CONFRONTATION: 'WAS I BEING DISRESPECTFUL?'That's when the man said he decided to approach the woman about it."I asked her why she ignored the no pets sign? She ignores me," the man wrote."I asked her, Did you miss the no pets sign? She immediately says, I think you should stop harassing me' This lady played the victim and called me an a--hole."The man said that another customer "stepped up for her" and then confronted him asking him why it's an issue and telling him, "Don't be an a--hole and drop it.""I wave the guy off, tell him I care, and I don't like dogs," he said. "I say, 'It's not hard to not bring your dog to a coffee shop that doesn't allow dogs.'"SCAM LEAVES RESTAURANT WAITRESS STUNNED AS DINERS LAUGH IN HER FACE: 'WHY IS THIS THE NORM?'The man writing on Reddit said he then complained to an employee at the stop, "who didn't seem interested in enforcing anything."Many commenters agreed with the man but felt he handled the situation poorly."The way you asked her why repeatedly was weird - she's not going to have an answer or respond well to that - but you weren't wrong for calling her out for having a dog in a restaurant that clearly doesn't allow them," one person wrote.WALMART CUSTOMER CALLS COPS ON HIMSELF AFTER SELF-CHECKOUT AVOCADO MISHAP"I'd personally have asked for the manager and pushed them to do something. I say this as a huge animal person: It's outrageous how many pet owners feel entitled to ignore rules because they think their pet is 'special.' I love dogs, but I don't want to find dog hair in my tea."Another person commented, "Annoying that the business would have 'no pets' policies posted and not enforce them, though."Someone else wrote, "I love dogs. I love cafs. I hate people who bring their dogs to cafs."WOMAN DRINKING WINE TEACHES PUSHY MOTHER A LESSON AFTER FAMILY TRIES TO INTERVENEYet another person remarked that dogs "don't belong in coffee shops sitting on chairs meant for people, especially in shops that also serve food, as many coffee shops do."Etiquette expert Diane Gottsman, founder and owner of the Protocol School of Texas in San Antonio, suggested that this sort of issue is best left for management to handle."Unless the dog is vicious and you have to immediately move a child or yourself out of the way, remarking that you are in potential danger, allow the owner or manager of the establishment to handle the situation," Gottsman told Fox News Digital.Other Redditors agreed that it wasn't necessary for the man to get involved."See, it's not your 'civil duty' to protect a company or spout the rules," one commenter wrote. "You could have quietly brought it up to someone at the register or find the manager."The commenter also said, "The lady also sucks because clearly she thinks the rules aren't meant for her."Another commenter felt the man was instigating things. "Go complain to an employee or manager. What possible positive outcome could transpire by confronting the person?" the individual wrote.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyle"Confronting the other patron directly only serves to fulfill some desire for engaging in conflict where you're justified," the person added. "Not your job."Gottsman added, "If the dog is sitting under the table, causing no harm, and you are just irritated because the [animal's owner] is breaking the rule, consider your motive. How important is it to you and how is the dog impacting you personally or other patrons?"She said it's important to consider that the woman might not have seen the "no pets" sign."It's not necessary for a guest to be the pet enforcer but to politely point out the issue to the manager and allow them to make the final call," Gottsman noted.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERIf the woman was "blatantly disrespecting a rule, it comes across as arrogant because everyone will feel like they can break the rule and all of a sudden there are no boundaries," Gottsman told Fox News Digital.However, she said, "perhaps she may not have known there was a pet policy, or there may be a reason she brought her pet in with her It's never a good idea for a fellow guest to be on pet patrol for no good reason except to call someone else out. Let the manager handle the situation."Fox News Digital reached out to the original Reddit poster for additional information.

FIRST ON FOX: A group of House Republicans is demanding to know how the U.S. is ready to protect its own domestic assets in the event of a potential attack on the homeland."We write to inquire with the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) about the current state of drone attack countermeasures for our military installations, government buildings, embassies, and consulates, both domestic and abroad," the GOP lawmakers wrote in a letter."The ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East have demonstrated that large-scale, highly coordinated mass-drone attacks can be highly effective if the defender lacks adequate counter-drone defenses."148 DEMOCRATS BACK NONCITIZEN VOTING IN DC AS GOP RAISES ALARM ABOUT FOREIGN AGENTSThe letter was sent late Thursday, days after Israel and Iran declared a ceasefire following days of escalating attacks within one another's borders.Just before President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) warned the Middle East conflict was "causing a heightened threat environment in the United States."House lawmakers will be briefed behind closed doors on the situation with Iran at 9 a.m. Friday."Since 9/11, our nation has not suffered a major coordinated attack on our own soil. While the government has done good work in preventing an attack like 9/11 from happening again, we want to ensure that we are preparing for a new paradigm in which relatively cheap drones can quickly and effectively wipe out core military and government infrastructure," the lawmakers wrote Thursday."While American threat projection globally is strong among all the branches of the military, we need to be prepared for a new paradigm of covert, but potentially disastrous, threats to our core military interests, including our nuclear triad in the homeland."The letter is led by Rep. Mike Carey, R-Ohio.The lawmakers are asking Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem if counter-drone technology is being factored into Trump's plans for a Golden Dome defense system in the U.S.REPUBLICANS CHALLENGE 'IRRELEVANT' BUDGET OFFICE AS IT CRITIQUES TRUMP'S 'BEAUTIFUL BILL'They've also asked whether there is "a concern of any sort of weaponized drone buildup already happening in the United States from drones that may have been smuggled in due to the former administrations open border policies."Noem and Hegseth were also questioned on whether they are "aware of or actively working to deter potential threats posed by foreign-owned land near critical military and infrastructure sites in the United States that could be a launching point for a mass drone attack like we saw in Russia by Ukrainian forces."Fox News Digital reached out to the Pentagon and DHS for comment.

Which top New York politico lost the mayoral primary to a democratic socialist? What fast-food chain ended its partnership with McDonalds? Can you answer the Fox News Quiz?Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz.Looking for more fun?A rock band said Trump supporters are "not allowed" at shows. Do you remember the details from last week's News Quiz?Test yourself on beachside bars and coaster creations in this week's American Culture Quiz.If you're looking to play even more, you can find all of our quizzes by clicking here.Check back next week for the latest News Quiz from Fox News Digital. Thanks for playing!

EXCLUSIVE: A coalition of sports stars and entertainers have sent a letter to the White House urging President Donald Trump to enact cannabis reform.The group is headlined by boxing legend Mike Tyson, NBA superstar Kevin Durant, former NBA star Allen Iverson, former boxer Roy Jones Jr., former Dallas Cowboys star Dez Bryant, former NFL star Antonio Brown, and former NFL player and prominent cannabis advocate Ricky Williams.Williams' name appears twice on the list of signees.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe group labels itself the "Coalition of Athletes and Entertainers Supporting President Trumps Policy Objectives."The letter highlights three main points in their proposed reform: Clemency for "nonviolent" marijuana offenses, support for marijuana rescheduling and ending "discriminatory banking practices."The first point in the letter points out Trump's previous pardon of music producer Weldon Angelos, who was sentenced to 55 years in prison in November 2004 for marijuana charges. Angelos was released in 2016 and then pardoned by Trump in December 2020. The letter also criticized former President Joe Biden for a lack of action on addressing marijuana-related incarcerations."Today, people continue to serve lengthy federal sentences for conduct that is now legal in most states which makes their continued incarceration not only cruel but absurd. After making sweeping promises to voters in 2020, former President Biden failed to deliver on his pledge to address marijuana-related injustices. Not only did he leave office without commuting the sentences of those incarcerated for marijuana, but in one of his final acts, he denied nearly every pending marijuana-related clemency application," the letter states."This betrayal only underscores the urgent need for bold leadership, we believe, and represents an opportunity to correct glaring disparities as part of your Administrations ongoing push for criminal justice reform."EX-NFLER SAYS HE'D 'BE IN TROUBLE' IF CANNABIS WERE STILL WIDELY ILLEGAL, GLAD TODAY'S PLAYERS CAN USE ITThe second point in the letter urges Trump to reclassify the drug from a Schedule I substance to a Schedule III. The difference in the respective schedules, which are determined by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), determines how drugs are viewed in terms of their potential for abuse vs. medical application.Schedule I substances have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use in the U.S. They also have a high potential for severe psychological and/or physical dependence.Schedule III substances have a moderate to low potential for physical and psychological dependence compared to Schedule I and II drugs, and they have accepted medical use in the United States."Marijuanas current classification as a Schedule I substance is scientifically outdated, economically detrimental, and at odds with modern medical understanding," the letter states. "Rescheduling marijuana would harmonize federal law with state policies, promote innovation, encourage research, and drive economic growth."The final point in the letter arguing against "discriminatory banking practices" points out that Trump has been opposed to a previous U.S. initiative called "Operation Choke Point," which investigated banks and the business they did with firearms dealers, payday lenders and other companies that, while operating legally, were said to be at a high risk for fraud and money laundering.The group argued marijuana businesses have also been affected by that initiative and other banking practices."State-legal cannabis operators, including many of us, have also been unjustly denied banking services despite full compliance with state law," the letter read. "Despite operating legally in 40 states, employing over 450,000 Americans, and generating more than $35 billion annually, these businesses face unjust barriers to banking services, and their employees struggle to obtain mortgages from traditional lenders."Moreover, cannabis businesses cannot take standard business deductions, leading to effective tax rates often exceeding 85%. While foreign cannabis companies benefit from listings on U.S. exchanges, such as NYSE and NASDAQ, American cannabis operators are unjustly excluded. We fully support your commitment to 'work with Congress to pass common-sense laws, including safe banking,' ensuring fair economic opportunities and equal access to financial services for all American businesses."The other figures listed on the letter to the White House include former NBA players Steven Jackson, Chris Webber, JR Smith, John Salley and Al Harrington, former NFL players Jim McMahon, Kyle Turley, Champ Bailey, Marvin Washington and Tony Richardson, and former boxers Boyd Melson, Paul Willias and Keith Thurmon.The entertainment figures on the letter are streamer Adin Ross, rappers Lil Pump and Ralo, and musician Wyclef.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

1. Trump wins over lifelong Democrat with 'big, beautiful bill'2. Chinese 'agroterrorism' could threaten US survival as a nation3. Massive fraud uncovered at agency Dems tried to protect from DOGEAMERICA RESTORED Condoleezza Rice reveals thoughts on Trump's strikes on Iran and their impact. Continue reading BLATANT LIES Harris campaign accused of lying about interview set-up by comedian podcast host. Continue reading FUNDING FALLOUT Elite university faces crisis after White House slashes billions over campus protests. Continue reading UNEXPECTED LIFELINE Bryan Kohberger could escape death penalty because of leaked evidence aired during TV episode. Continue reading PUPPET MASTER Diddy's 'righthand woman' faces Maxwell-like scrutiny as closing arguments begin. Continue reading --STAYING IN Cuomo refuses to bow out after shocking defeat to socialist candidate. Continue reading DEFENSE GAP Republicans raise alarm over U.S. vulnerability to mass drone strikes. Continue reading DEPORTATION DEADLINE Supreme Court tightens the screws on illegal immigrants fighting removal orders. Continue reading 'FLAT-OUT WRONG' White House promises 'irresponsible' Iran strike leaker will be held accountable. Continue reading Click here for more cartoonsONE YEAR LATER How Joe Biden's disastrous debate performance forced his media allies to turn on him. Continue reading BOLD STRATEGY Seattle mayoral candidate outlines plan to 'Trump-proof' city. Continue reading TOUGH LOVE Michelle Obama urges parents to take harder stance on their kids social media use. Continue reading SURPRISING ALLIANCE 'The View' co-host makes admission about Trump's Iran nuclear strike. Continue reading CHRIS SWECKER Trump neutralized Iran. But one big Middle East threat still looms. Continue reading COREY DEANGELIS What Randi Weingartens DNC exit reveals about obnoxious teachers union-Democrat alliance. Continue reading --BILLIONAIRE BASH Bezos' $500M yacht proposal leads to lavish Italian wedding with A-list guests. Continue reading PRESIDENTIAL MEETING Eagles' star reflects on 'cool experience' of attending Trump rally. Continue reading DIGITAL NEWS QUIZ How closely were you following the news? Challenge yourself with this week's quiz. Take the quiz here THAT'S RUFF Coffee-shop customer sparks online debate after ignoring pet policy with dog in chair. Continue reading DIVINE DISPLAY Worshippers stare in awe as Jesus figure forms in clouds after mass. See video REP. PAT HARRIGAN You can't believe anything CNN is reporting on Trump's Iran strikes. See video EMILY COMPAGNO Mamdani's policies are that of a fantastical 8th-grade presidential run. See video Tune in to the FOX NEWS RUNDOWN PODCAST for today's in-depth reporting on the news that impacts you. Check it out ...Whats it looking like in your neighborhood?Continue readingFacebookInstagramYouTubeTwitterLinkedInFox News FirstFox News OpinionFox News LifestyleFox News Entertainment (FOX411)Fox News Sports HuddleFox BusinessFox WeatherFox SportsTubiFox News GoThank you for making us your first choice in the morning! Well see you in your inbox first thing Monday.

American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingartens exit from the Democratic National Committee (DNC) after 23 years exposes a little-known truth: teachers unions are practically an appendage of the Democratic Party. Her departure, paired with National Education Association (NEA) President Becky Pringles ongoing role as an at-large DNC member, reveals a relationship thats less about education advocacy and more about political symbiosis.For over two decades, Weingarten wielded influence as an at-large member at the DNC, stepping aside only recently on June 5, 2025. In her resignation letter to the new party chairman, she said "I appear to be out of step with the leadership you are forging."She endorsed David Hoggs efforts to primary Democrats who werent sufficiently progressive, signaling a desire to make the party even more radical.But her exit might not have been her choice. The new chairKen Martinopposed Hoggs idea to pull the party further to the left with primaries. Weingartens relentless push to keep schools closed during COVID-19, despite mounting evidence of learning loss, made her a liability even Democrats couldnt ignore. Last weekend, she called for a "nationwide day of defiance" amid the "No Kings" proteststoo incendiary for a party grappling with its own fractures.RANDI WEINGARTEN, LEE SAUNDERS QUIT DNC IN LATEST BLOW TO DEM PARTY LEADERSHIPWhen Martin became DNC chair earlier this year, he removed Randi Weingarten from the Rules and Bylaws Committee that she had served on for 16 years, since 2009.Yet the union-party nexus persists. Becky Pringle remains a DNC fixture, linking the NEA to Democratic Party machinery. The money tells the story: Weingartens American Federation of Teachers (AFT) funnels about 99% of its campaign contributions to Democrats every cycle. Union dues, often extracted from taxpayer-funded teacher salaries, flow into Democratic coffersa financial pipeline thats borderline money laundering.It appears to be a form of quid pro quo: unions bankroll the party, and the party protects union power. Children and teachers are just pawns.CRITICS SLAM RANDI WEINGARTENS BIZARRE NO KINGS MELTDOWN, ACTIVISM IN WAKE OF ABRUPT DNC DEPARTUREThe unions loyalty runs deeper than cash. Their prioritiesabortion rights, climate activism, identity politicsmirror Democratic talking points, sidelining teacher pay or classroom needs. They mobilize Democratic voters through get-out-the-vote campaigns and endorse Democrats in non-education races, from governors to congressmen. Union offices double as training grounds for Democratic activists, using dues-funded resources to coach partisan operatives, turning labor hubs into party outposts.This partisanship screams for school choice and homeschooling. Parents shouldnt be forced to send kids to schools run by left-wing activists like Weingarten and Pringle, who prioritize politics over learning. Schools should be for education, not indoctrination. School choice lets families pick schoolsor homeschoolingthat focus on academics, not activism. Giving families the freedom to choose alternatives should also incentivize public school teachers unions to get their act together and tone it down politically.'DISTRACTION': THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IS READY TO LEAVE THEIR DAVID HOGG DRAMA IN THE DUSTEven Franklin D. Roosevelt, a champion of labor, warned against public sector unions, noting their potential to distort democracy. Teachers' unions prove him right: they essentially use taxpayer dollars to lobby against taxpayers interests, pushing policies that prioritize political agendas over childrens needs. Unlike private sector unions, they face no market-based accountability, so they squander dues on partisan causes without consequence. Their political clout ensures they sit across the bargaining table from allies they helped elect, rigging negotiations in their favor. This relationship isnt representationits a racket, undermining the public they claim to serve.The medias complicity is glaring. Weingartens 23-year DNC tenure barely registered until she left. Not a peep about Becky Pringles connection to the Democrats, either. The New York Times mentioned Weingartens DNC post only once she departeda textbook case of selective reporting. The press, quick to dissect conservative ties, gave these union bosses a pass.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONThe COVID-19 debacle is Exhibit A. As DNC members, Weingarten and Pringle pressured the CDC to prolong school closures, defying evidence from safely reopened private schools and international systems. The CDC caved, prioritizing union demands over kids. This was bad policy and an undisclosed conflict of interest.One fix is clear: ban public sector union leaders from holding leadership roles in political parties their unions fund. Its a legal barrier to curb corruption.Another fix is already in place: the 2018Janus v. AFSCMESupreme Court decision, which ruled teachers cant be forced to pay union duesa blow to unions reliant on mandatory dues to fuel their political machine. Forcing teachers to fund partisan causes violates their First Amendment rights. All teachers, especially conservatives, should opt out of these far-left unions now, using alternatives like the Association of American Educators (AAE) for liability insurance.Weingartens exit exposes cracks, but Pringles presence proves the machine hums.Teachers' unions arent just aligned with Democratstheyre an extension. TheJanusdecision and school choice give teachers and parents the tools to break free.CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM COREY DeANGELIS

A 12-year-old girl died and at least 21 children were hospitalized after an E. coli outbreak that was likely caused by contaminated meat, prompting the closure of six butcher shops in France, officials said.Signs of severe food poisoning, including bloody diarrhea, first emerged on June 12 near the city of Saint-Quentin in northern France.In total, 22 children and one elderly person have been treated and 10 of the patients were still hospitalized as of Wednesday, according to officials in the Hauts-de-France region. The girl died on Monday, June 16.DELI MEAT, CUCUMBERS TOP LIST OF 'REALLY RISKY FOODS' YOU MIGHT HAVE IN THE FRIDGE"I would like to express my deepest sympathy and solidarity with the family of the deceased girl," Health Minister Yannick Neuder said in a post Sunday on X. "To her loved ones, I extend, on behalf of the French government, my most sincere thoughts."Initial tests determined the outbreak was caused by E. coli likely from meat consumption, he told Radio France Internationale (RFI).Nine of the patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare condition caused by a certain type of E. coli bacteria, according to a news release from the local prefect's office on Wednesday.E. coli is a type of bacterium found in the environment, foods and intestines of people and animals, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).While most varieties of E. coli are harmless, some strains, which can be contracted through contaminated food and water, can cause severe cramps, diarrhea and vomiting.FEWER FOOD RECALLS YET MORE AMERICANS SICKENED IN 2024 THAN PREVIOUS YEAR, SAYS NEW REPORTOne serious strain is Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), which can lead to HUS, typically among children and the elderly, and cause kidney failure, permanent health problems even death.About eight in 10 children with HUS have a STEC infection, according to the CDC. There have been 1,624 HUS cases and 38 deaths from it in the U.S. in recent decades, according to the CDC's most recent data, which spans from 1997 to 2021.Some of the hospitalized patients in France received dialysis, which filters waste and excess fluid when the kidneys are not functioning."Once somebody has the symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome, there's really no therapy other than supportive care," said Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, the chief of pediatric infectious disease at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. "Antibiotics are not going to work. We don't have an antidote."Kahn, who is not involved in the care of the patients in France, called HUS a "nasty" disease and said he has seen children receive kidney transplants and come into renal failure as a result of it.It has spread in the U.S. as a result of chopped meat and apple cider, he noted."The way to keep these outbreaks under wraps, or at least to halt the progression, is a robust public health system," Kahn added. "The investigators are key."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERInvestigations by several government offices into the origins of the outbreak in France are ongoing, according to the prefect's office, and test samples from six Saint-Quentin-area butcher shops, which have been preemptively closed, are expected to open next week.The poisoned individuals had eaten meat traced back to the six shops, according to preliminary investigations."As part of these investigations, all leads are being explored, analyzed and reported back to ensure that no possible source of contamination is ruled out," the prefect's office stated.Neuder urged people not to panic."The idea is not to cause panic," he told RFI. "It is still possible to eat meat."Fox News Digital reached out to the health minister's office for comment.For more Lifestyle articles, visitfoxnews.com/lifestyleOfficials reminded residents that symptoms linked to E. coli can appear within 10 days of eating contaminated food. They cautioned that meat from some of the butchers had been served at two sporting events and a school fair as recently as June 22.They additionally warned people not to consume meat bought from those butchers after June 1, to clean their refrigerators thoroughly if they have purchased any and to prevent transmission by handwashing."The good news is, there's a lot we can do in the kitchen to help prevent E. coli infections and lower the risk of HUS," Jessica Gavin, a certified food and culinary scientist from California, told Fox News Digital."I always make sure to cook meat, especially ground beef and poultry, to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit, wash my hands well after handling raw ingredients and keep raw and cooked foods separate to avoid cross-contamination."