Despite Democrats protesting President Donald Trump's plan to dismantle the Department of Education, Education Secretary Linda McMahon said returning education to the states is a "nonpartisan issue.""I'm not getting push back, because if it were just Democrat states or Republican states that were doing well or doing poorly, that would be one thing, but it's many of the states on both sides of the aisle. That's why this is really a nonpartisan issue," McMahon explained in an exclusive interview at the National Governors Association (NGA) summer meeting.The Education Secretary participated in discussions with governors from both parties at the Colorado Springs, Colo., meeting, and her department announced the release of roughly $6.8 billion in previously frozen federal funds for K-12 programs ahead of her panel discussion with the outgoing NGA chair, Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colo."It's just incredibly important that if we are going to return education to the states, we have to talk to the governors," McMahon emphasized. "What's meaningful to them? How can we work together? This is both sides of the aisle because, clearly, education is a nonpartisan issue."TRUMP ADMINISTRATION RELEASES OVER $6B IN FROZEN EDUCATION FUNDS TO THE STATESTrump signed an executive order earlier this year to dismantle the Department of Education, fulfilling one of his key campaign promises during the 2024 presidential election.McMahon explained that returning education to the states "just means giving them back the part that is now provided by the federal government, and they're anxious for it."EDUCATION SECRETARY LINDA MCMAHON TOUTS COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY'S $200M SETTLEMENT 'TEMPLATE'In a joint statement on behalf of the NGA, Polis and incoming NGA chair Gov. Kevin Stitt, R-Ok., said they were "thankful these bipartisan discussions with Secretary McMahon and other key officials during the NGA Summer Meeting led to the distribution of these education funds," adding that they are "proud our advocacy helped secure this vital support for states and districts."The Education Secretary, the former CEO of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), explained to Fox News Digital that participating in events like NGA, having discussions with governors from both parties and visiting as many states as possible is critical to understanding America's diverse educational landscape.McMahon said she has already visited different types of schools, from charter schools to public schools, to learn the best practices across the country."Every state does have different needs," McMahon said. "There's no one size fits all, but what I hear with every governor and almost every educator coming in, is what we are stressing, which is literacy."A Department of Education report released earlier this year revealed that American students' reading skills have continued to decline since the COVID-19 pandemic, and their math skills have barely improved.Despite the dismal report, McMahon said "the future for education is very bright" because the Trump administration has called attention to the "Nation's Report Card," which reveals "how the United States doesn't compare all that favorably with the rest of the world.""The president is very keen on making sure that those levels rise, so that the United States takes its rightful place as one of the leaders in education in the world," McMahon explained.And when asked how the Education Secretary would address teachers who are anxious about the dismantling the Department of Education, McMahon said she is focused on ensuring best practices are carried out nationwide, while empowering states to deliver for teachers' individual needs."[Teachers] are working with their school boards, they're working with their principals and superintendents and their governors to have the best policies in their states," McMahon said. "This is a win for teachers because governors are already talking about that teachers should be paid fairly, that they should be allowed to innovate in the classroom, that they shouldn't spend their time doing paperwork and regulatory compliance. They should be able to spend that time with the students.""Let's let teachers teach. This is all good," McMahon explained.

Move over, hard seltzers. Low-carb beer is making a comeback.Brewers are tapping into a renewed thirst for light beers, which were once marketed mostly toward women and lacking the complex flavors that connoisseurs crave.A rise in health-conscious behavior, especially among millennials and Gen Z, is driving the shift, said Michael Vollmer, assistant director of food and beverage at Chicago's Kimpton Gray Hotel.AMERICAN BREWS CRUSH THE COMPETITION AT 'OLYMPICS OF BEER' WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP"People want to enjoy social moments without compromising on health goals," he told Fox News Digital.Michelob Ultra, a pioneer in the space, saw sales grow over 3% in June compared to the same period last year, even as broader beer sales declined, The Wall Street Journal reported in July.Producing full-bodied, low-carb beers can be difficult, but the challenge has inspired innovation, Katherine Benecke, a cicerone at Treadwell Park in New York City, told Fox News Digital."Brewers are moving beyond the old 'light' stereotype to craft bold, flavorful brews that keep carbs and glycemic impact low," she said.When made well, low-carb beers can be good for anyone, Benecke added, regardless of health needs."They help reduce blood sugar spikes so you can maintain more sustainable energy levels, can aid in digestion and are just generally easier on the gut and on the palate."IS TEQUILA GOOD FOR YOU? EXPERT REVEALS WHAT MAKES IT A 'REASONABLE CHOICE' FOR DRINKERSWhile many beers, like IPAs, ales and stouts, can have as much as 20 grams of carbs equal to half a cup of white rice there are plenty of lighter varieties on the shelves.Men's Health features editor Matt Allyn, a certified beer judge, and editor Ryan Brower, a certified beer server, recently ranked the seven best low-carb options.With 95 calories, 3.6 grams of carbohydrates and 4% alcohol by volume (ABV), the hoppy Dogfish Head's 30 Minute Light IPA combines classic notes of citrus peel with juicy mango and pineapple, the judges said.The judges called Blue Moon's light offering a "unique and impressive" low-carb beer that blends herbal citrus flavors with creamy and bready malts at only 95 calories, 3.6 grams of carbs and a 4% ABV.BARTENDERS' STRONG BUT SILENT MESSAGE TO DRUNK PATRONS SPARKS HEATED VIRAL DEBATEA step up from Garage Beer's standard option, the citrus in its lime version helps round out the light beer, which has 95 calories, 3 grams of carbs and a 4% ABV.Partake's non-alcoholic IPA has no carbs, only 10 calories and a malty taste that competing 0% ABV hop seltzers lack.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThe Lagunitas Daytime IPA packs a full aroma and flavor into a crisp and thirst-quenching beer, clocking in at 98 calories, 3 grams of carbs and 4% ABV.The judges dubbed Michelob Ultra at 95 calories, 2.6 grams of carbs and a 4.2% ABV the "true king" of light lagers.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleHeineken Silver and even its no-alcohol counterpart, Heineken 0.0 manage to taste like the "real deal," according to the writers.With only 95 calories, 2.9 grams of carbs and a 4% ABV, it delivers the lager's familiar sweet, bready malt notes.The panel included some honorable mentions: Miller Lite, Miller 64 Extra Light, Kona Light Blonde Ale and Budweiser Select 55.Vollmer said he believes lagers lend themselves best to low-carb brewing and named Yuengling's Light Lager as a personal favorite.Benecke suggested Ommegang Brut IPA, a carb-friendly choice.She said it has an "elegant dryness and Champagne-like effervescence" as well as sour beers like Berliner Weisse and Gose, which can be naturally lower in carbs.

Just over two years ago, Bronny James suffered a cardiac arrest while practicing at USC.He returned to the court about five months later and managed to get selected 55th overall by the Los Angeles Lakers last summer and got some time on the NBA floor.However, even though it's a couple of years removed from the situation, the 20-year-old still has some lingering effects.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"I get kind of sick easier now. Which is kind of weird, but I think it messed with my immune system a little bit. So, I would have times where I have to sit out, and that conditioning that Im working on just goes away in that week of me being out," James told ESPN recently.James proved he was not ready for the NBA this past season, averaging 2.3 points on 31.3% shooting in 27 games. However, in the G-League, he put up 21.9 points on 44.3% shooting, which was a far cry from the 4.8 points per game he averaged in his lone season at USC.FORMER NBA STAR GILBERT ARENAS INDICTED IN ILLEGAL GAMBLING SCHEME WITH SUSPECTED CRIMINAL FIGURES, DOJ SAYSHowever, head coach JJ Redick thinks that if he continues to work on his conditioning, he's "got a chance to be a really fantastic player in the NBA.""With the defensive pickup points, the disruption, being able to get downhill I think we have all seen these amazing flashes of it from Bronny. And to get to that next level for him, its cardio fitness" Redick told the outlet. "I get that theres a history there of a really scary thing that he had to live through, and I think its tough to push past certain points for him, but hes going to get there. Hes going to get there."During the summer league this year, James averaged 14.3 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.8 rebounds per game.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Tony Buzbee did not expect to be involved in a highly-publicized case with Shannon Sharpe, but when the opportunity came calling, he jumped on board.The football Hall of Famer-turned-national television star was accused of assault, sexual assault, battery and sexual battery. He was also accused of engaging "in the intentional infliction of emotional distress," and his accuser was seeking $50 million in damages.The situation got ugly, with Sharpe calling the allegations a "shakedown," while he and his legal team released sexually explicit messages that the woman had allegedly sent him.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe parties settled last month, and Buzbee said that "both sides acknowledge[d] a long-term consensual and tumultuous relationship."However, upon Sharpe being let go of ESPN as part of the case's aftermath, Buzbee took one more half-hearted shot at the former tight end."I didnt wake up one morning and say, I want to sue Shannon Sharpe. He has no relevance in my life," Buzbee told Esquire. "I actually think hes very entertaining when he yells and screams and talks about sports that hes not involved in. But if I think its a legitimate case, then I pursue it. And I think this is worth my time."CHARGERS ROUT LIONS IN HALL OF FAME GAME BEHIND STRONG TREY LANCE PERFORMANCE IN PRESEASON OPENERBuzbee represented two dozen of the women who accused Deshaun Watson of sexual assault, and all but one of those cases ended in a settlement. Buzbee also represented the woman who accused Jay-Z and Sean "Diddy" Combs of assault when she was just 13. Those charges were dropped, and Jay-Z is now suing a woman and Buzbee.Sharpe accused Buzbee of targeting Black men, but Buzbee dismissed such a notion."I guess a bunch of old White men could say Im targeting them, and a bunch of multinational corporations could say Im targeting them as well I guess you could say I was targeting BP," he said, regarding his lawsuit against the oil company. "If I think its a legitimate case, then I pursue it."Sharpe said that he "really enjoyed" his abbreviated stint at ESPN, where he appeared on "First Take.""I really enjoyed my time at ESPN. It gave me an opportunity to bring my audience that saw me really just grow. They saw me, you know, Lakers in 5 and they saw me say all these funny, these analogies that my grandparents gave me. And I was able to bring that to ESPN, so Im very, very grateful for that."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

1. Teacher charged with murdering couple in front of children2. 911 audio reveals city's response to violent assault in Cincinnati3. New revelations add to 'one of the biggest political scandals in history'PAY UP Trump hikes tariffs on Canada while making other sweeping trade moves. Continue reading DEADLY RAMPAGE Manhunt underway for 'armed and dangerous' suspect accused of quadruple murder months after prison release. Continue reading SEARCH FOR JUSTICE One month since DC intern murder, mom turns up heat on city leaders with no arrests. Continue reading IN BROAD DAYLIGHT Parents' worst nightmare caught on camera as man grabs little girl at mall. Continue reading END OF WATCH NYPD officer earns posthumous promotion as sea of blue turns out in pouring rain. Continue reading --CLASS IN SESSION Linda McMahon pulls back the curtain on Trump's plan to dismantle the Department of Education. Continue reading ISRAEL DENIAL Video of Zohran Mamdani saying Israel is not a place and not a country resurfaces. Continue reading COURSE CORRECT Former Secret Service agent calls for accountability after smuggling incident. Continue reading GRAND ADDITION Trump to pay for $200M White House ballroom, sparing taxpayers the bill. Continue reading Click here for more cartoonsLOPSIDED The View faces mockery for booking 102 left-leaning guests and zero conservatives in 2025. Continue reading LEGAL SMACKDOWN First lady's lawyers force outlet to apologize after scandalous Epstein claims. Continue reading THATS RIDICULOUS' Pelosi pushes back when pressed by CNNs Tapper on insider trading allegations. Continue reading BACKLASH BRANDING Sydney Sweeney, Dunkin ads trigger cultural firestorm over genetics references. Continue reading MEHEK COOKE This is how Trump can break defiant sanctuary cities. Continue reading SCOTT KUPOR 5 huge ways Trump can make civil service great again. Continue reading --TURNING POINT Scientists reveal the exact age when your body starts aging dramatically. Continue reading BIG BROTHER Expert warns 'drastic changes' coming to travel industry amid overtourism. Continue reading DIGITAL'S NEWS QUIZ Where was mayor during beatdown uproar? Which beach town will fine half-naked tourists? Take the quiz here VANISH POINT Researchers accidentally discover Civil War-era shipwreck while exploring murky Midwest river. Continue reading FITNESS IN FOCUS President Trump gets kudos for bringing back the Presidential Fitness Test. See video MIRANDA DEVINE Former White House aides were captive to the Joe Biden delusion. See video CJ PEARSON Dems waging a war on hot women is why Trump keeps dominating with male voters. 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.

EXCLUSIVE: The White House provided an exclusive statement to Fox News Digital after former San Jose State volleyball player Brooke Slusser came forward with allegations related to her final college volleyball season in 2024 a season that involved a transgender teammate being investigated for allegedly conspiring to have Slusser harmed during a game."Women deserve to play sports without fear of being violated and harassed by biological men. President Trump is returning integrity to womens sports by ending the deranged lefts policies that demean and endanger women," White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers told Fox News Digital.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe statement came after an inquiry into a response to Fox News Digital's reporting on a Mountain West Conference investigation into allegations that former SJSU trans athlete Blaire Fleming conspired with a Colorado State player to have Slusser spiked in the face during an Oct. 3 match.President Donald Trump's Department of Education opened a federal Title IX investigation into San Jose State in February over the situation involving Fleming and the university's handling of the trans athlete.Slusser issued a response to the White House statement."I love the steps the White House has taken to eliminate men in womens sports, but as of now, there is so much change that still needs to be made. We have seen baby steps in the right direction, but we still have girls out there having to deal with men on their teams and in their locker rooms," Slusser said."I feel this needs to be a massive priority so we can stop this madness sooner rather than later. Girls are still suffering every day until we can put a complete stop to these people's false reality and put them where they belong, which is with mens sports."Slusser previously alleged in a lawsuit, signed by 10 other current or former women's college volleyball players against the Mountain West and representatives of SJSU, that Fleming and other teammates snuck out of the team hotel the night before an Oct. 3 game against Colorado State and met with an opposing player.The lawsuit alleged a teammate who snuck out with Fleming later told players and coaches of an alleged plan by Fleming, in a conspiracy with the Colorado State player, to have Slusser spiked in the face during a match.The lawsuit and complaint alleged the players who snuck out told other players and coaches they saw Fleming also hand over an SJSU scouting report with an agreement to throw the match in Colorado State's favor.In November, the Mountain West Conference launched an investigation into the allegations but concluded "sufficient evidence" could not be found.Slusser now claims she had a conversation with a teammate who was interviewed as part of the conferences investigation into Fleming's alleged plan. Fox News Digital is not disclosing the identity of the teammate."Based on what I was told, exactly what one of my teammates had seen go on that night about talking about the scouting report and leaving the net open was told to those lawyers. So, that should have been sufficient evidence [of the alleged plan by Fleming]," Slusser told Fox News Digital, adding she wants to see the investigation reopened."People are telling you this happened, and it's not second-hand information. She sat there and heard the conversation between Blaire and [former Colorado State volleyball player] Malaya [Jones]. So, to me, just from what I know without even having to dig deep into this investigation, there is sufficient evidence, and they were told sufficient evidence."NEVADA VOLLEYBALL PLAYERS WERE PRESSURED WITH LEGAL ISSUES TO PLAY SJSU TRANS PLAYER DURING FEUD WITH SCHOOLFox News Digital cannot independently verify that Slussers teammate corroborated the allegations against Fleming when speaking to investigators.Slusser has alleged university officials hid knowledge of Fleming's birth sex from her while allegedly frequently pairing the two in the same bedroom on overnight trips."I'm openly changing in front of this person, thinking that it's a woman, and I could have had the chance to take myself out of that situation and at least go to a different room and request to be switched to another room and didn't," she said. "So, I got that opportunity of my choice to be taken away from me."Slusser said after she joined Riley Gaines' lawsuit against the NCAA in September, citing her experience with Fleming, interactions with trans athletes quickly turned hostile."After I joined the lawsuit, Blaire did not like me whatsoever. There was a time where Blaire said, I never want to speak to you again.' And I said, OK, thats fine,'" Slusser said. "I just knew there was hatred toward me from Blaire."Fox News Digital interviewed San Jose State athletic director Jeff Konya to inquire about Slussers claims and other details of the investigation. However, Konya stood up after just around five minutes of related questions and walked away, saying "Im done."Fox News Digital played a video clip of Slusser reciting these allegations to Konya at Mountain West media days July 15."I have no idea if shes telling the truth or not," Konya said of Slussers claims.Konya could not confirm or deny whether any of the witnesses interviewed corroborated the allegations against Fleming.When asked if he was satisfied with how the university handled the controversy involving Fleming in 2024, Konya said, "I think everybody acted in the best possible way they could, given the circumstances."Slusser made an attempt to return to play one season of beach volleyball in the NCAA, which she had a year of eligibility for, entering the transfer portal this past spring around the time of her graduation from SJSU.However, after communicating with several Division I coaches about potential offers, she pulled herself out of the transfer portal and abandoned the idea.Slusser cited concern about her well-being and potential retaliation for her beliefs and public profile, citing her experience with SJSU, Fleming and the controversial investigation into the trans athlete's alleged plan to harm her."I could have gotten there and could have had a lot of retaliation from just students or staff or the athletes even, and I didn't know if that was something I could handle going through again," Slusser said, adding she had no faith "at all" she would be protected in the event of retaliation."I was never shown that at an institution I thought I could trust so I could really trust no one. There was a lot of fears going through that transfer process."Education Secretary Linda McMahon previously told Fox News Digital that the Trump Education Department will continue working to address the SJSU investigation."Our investigation will continue," McMahon said.Fox News Digital has reached outto the Mountain West, Willkie Farr & Gallagher, San Jose State University, Kress, Colorado State University and Jones' current school, Southern Methodist University (SMU), for a response to all reported findings and the allegations by the Slusser family and Batie-Smoose. Jones transferred to SMU after the end of last season.When asked if Mountain West would disclose any evidence from the investigation, particularly if any of the witnesses interviewed corroborated the allegations against Fleming, the conference declined."With litigation ongoing, the Mountain West will have no further comment," a conference spokesperson said.San Jose State has declined to respond to Slusser's claims as well."Due to ongoing litigation and federal investigation, we are unable to respond to your inquiry," a university spokesperson told Fox News Digital.Fox News Digital has attempted to reach Fleming via social media for comment.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Were living in a time when you can finance pizza. Where $100 jeans can be split into four easy payments. Where "zero interest" sounds like free money. But behind the buzzwords and flashy apps,Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL)is turning into one of the most financially destructive forces in America.What started as a clever tech innovation to help people "manage cash flow" has become a full-blown debt trap one thats quietly ruining the financial health of working families across the country. BNPL is marketed like a budgeting hack, but its really the worst thing thats happened to consumers since payday loans.Lets cut through the hype and look at the facts. According to a 2023 report by TransUnion, BNPL usage soared 43% in a single year. Roughly 40% of users have missed at least one payment, and those missed payments often come with hefty late fees or aggressive collections. A2023 CFPB reportindicates that among consumers in households charged an insufficient funds (NSF) fee in the past year, 85% were also charged an overdraft fee.HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS DISCOVER THE BIG SECRET ABOUT CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTIONMeanwhile, Americans are already up to their eyeballs in other forms of debt. Credit card balances have now hit an all-time high of$1.12 trillion, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Auto loan delinquencies are rising fast over 7.6% of borrowers are 30 days past due, the highest level in over a decade. And since the federal student loan pause ended,more than 40% of borrowers havent resumed payments.Weve built a nation thats not just living paycheck to paycheck its now borrowing paycheck to paycheck.And BNPL is pouring gasoline on that fire.Heres why its so dangerous: it doesntfeellike debt. When you swipe a credit card, you know youre borrowing. When you click "pay later" on a website, it feels like nothing happened. But something did happen you took out a loan. MAGA COUNTRY VOTERS SOUND ALARM OVER RIDICULOUS NATIONAL DEBT AMID DEBATE OVER TRUMP-BACKED BILLAnd instead of thinking about the total cost, consumers focus on the $25-a-week illusion. Itspredatorybecause it masks the risk. It convinces people they can afford things they absolutely cannot.Im seeing it firsthand in conversations across the country: People dont even realize how many plans theyve signed up for. Klarna here. Afterpay there. Affirm on something else. According to industry data, the average BNPL user hasfour to six active plans but most couldnt tell you the total amount they owe.And its not just big-ticket items like laptops or furniture anymore. People are now financing gas, groceries andtakeout. Think about that: Were borrowing money to buy things that are gone in a week. Even short-term loans to make it to our next paycheck. This isnt just financially unsound its culturally dangerous. BNPL is normalizing the idea that youdeserveto have something now and worry about paying for it later. Its instant gratification on steroids. Its teaching young people that budgeting means stacking multiple payment plans not actually saving money.INVISIBLE TAX: GOVERNMENT DEBT IS CRUSHING YOUR FINANCESYou know what system worked better when I was growing up? Layaway.Thats right good, old-fashioned, unglamorous layaway. You saw something you wanted. You made small payments. Andonly afteryou paid in full did you walk out the door with the item. No debt. No fees. No collections. Layaway required patience. It taught discipline. It was about savingbefore you spent.CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINIONBNPL flips that on its head. It removes friction. It encourages consumption without consequence. Retailers love it because it boosts sales. Tech companies love it because it boosts engagement. But the American consumer? Theyre the ones stuck holding the bag when all those "easy payments" come due at once. Its the same trap as payday loans, just with better branding.Even regulators are waking up. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has flagged BNPL for deceptive practices, lack of transparency and the use of consumer data for marketing. But theyre behind the curve. This market has already ballooned to $80 billionin annual transactionsand its only getting bigger.So, whats the solution?We need to go back to basics. We need toteach people to save before they spend. Its calleddelayed gratification and people in America just dont understand this concept anymore. We need to stop pretending that BNPL is some kind of harmless financial tool. Its the fast track to delinquency and bankruptcy for people who can least afford it.And maybe, just maybe, we need to bring back the layaway counter at your local department store. Because the lesson there was simple but powerful:If you cant pay for it today, wait until you can. Thats how wealth is built not through apps, not through gimmicks, and certainly not through "four easy payments."CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM TED JENKIN

Liam Neeson teased details about a sex scene with Pamela Anderson that fans will see in "The Naked Gun.""There's a threesome," Neeson told Stephen Colbert during Wednesday's episode of "The Late Show." "And one of the participants is very cold." The actor revealed the scene in question was his first time using an intimacy coordinator. Neeson claimed the experience was "a little bit strange.""Well, Pamela and I knew..." Neeson began, before Colbert interrupted with, "You guys knew what to do? But did you know how to bring in a third or was that old hat for you?""No, that was a first," Neeson quipped while laughing. "That had to be specifically choreographed."LIAM NEESON CONFESSES HES MADLY IN LOVE WITH CO-STAR PAMELA ANDERSONNeeson and Anderson have been "enjoying each other's company" after they wrapped filming for "The Naked Gun.""It's a budding romance in the early stages," a source confirmed to People magazine. "It's sincere, and it's clear they're smitten with each other."LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSNeeson and Anderson have been promoting the comedy reboot, which premieres Aug. 1.The "Naked Gun" co-stars appeared on the "Today" show on Tuesday morning, and at one point during the show, they were shown with their arms around each other in what appeared to be a passionate embrace.Neeson, 73, gave Anderson, 58, a steamy kiss before the pair turned to the camera, looking surprised. The hosts were heard in the background saying, "Theyre making out on the Today show!"CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERNeeson hinted at the relationship rumors during their interview, when host Craig Melvin asked, "Whats the deal here?"After joking around, Neeson explained, "I had never met Pamela before. We met on set. And we discovered we had a lovely, budding chemistry as two actors."The "Taken" star added that nothing has been forced between the two. "Its like, Oh, this is nice. Lets not mold this. Lets just let it breathe. And thats what we did."Neither star has confirmed nor denied a romance.Fox News Digital's Stephanie Giang-Paunon contributed to this report.

Despite President Donald Trump's harsh criticism over his bill to ban stock trading among top government officials, Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., insists he has a good rapport with the president, who shares his goal of enacting such a ban."The president and I had a really good conversation," Hawley told Fox News Digital on Thursday, adding "he wants to get it done.""What the White House wanted was that the president, the vice president not be covered. They're not, the offices are, but it'll be the next office holders," he explained.The Missouri Republican added that "in fairness, we did the same thing for Joe Biden. We passed this last year, and we set the date out so that it would be the next president who had to comply.""So, Trump and Vance are not covered, but all the members of Congress are. And it's not a perfect bill, but it's pretty tough," said Hawley.CONGRESSIONAL STOCK TRADING BAN PASSES THROUGH COMMITTEE AS HAWLEY DENIES REPORTS OF WHITE HOUSE PUSHBACKHawleys measure, originally named the PELOSI Act but switched to the HONEST Act after Senate Democrats agreed to support it, irked Trump and many Senate Republicans. The bill was advanced out of committee by an 8-7 vote, with Hawley joining Democrats to approve the bill.Shortly after the vote, Trump drilled into Hawley in a Truth Social post in which he called him a "pawn" and "second-tier" senator."The Democrats, because of our tremendous ACHIEVEMENTS and SUCCESS, have been trying to Target me for a long period of time, and theyre using Josh Hawley, who I got elected TWICE, as a pawn to help them," he wrote. "I wonder why Hawley would pass a Bill that Nancy Pelosi is in absolute love with He is playing right into the dirty hands of the Democrats. Its a great Bill for her, and her husband, but so bad for our Country! I dont think real Republicans want to see their President, who has had unprecedented success, TARGETED, because of the whims of a second-tier Senator named Josh Hawley!"Despite the pushback, Hawley told Fox News Digital, "I want to get this done.""I want to get this banned. So, I will work with anybody, I said to my colleagues, like if you've got good faith changes you want to make, you think will make this stronger, I'm all for it. I will do it," he went on. "What I will not do, though, is consensus stuff that's going to kill the bill."TRUMP BACKS STOCK TRADING BAN SO LAWMAKERS LIKE PELOSI CANT CONTINUE RIPPING OFF' CONSTITUENTS, WH CLAIMSHe blasted an amendment proposed by Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., and promoted by Trump, which he said, "would have gutted the bill.""Scott made really clear he's opposed to this bill, and he was attempting to kill the bill," said Hawley."Ive seen this for six years now. Members campaign on banning stocks, and then they get here, and they're like, well, this isn't the right time, or maybe let's do it later, or let's never do it, or you heard today, let's have another hearing. We've had hearings for years,"For his part, Scott told Fox News Digital that "Trump's on the right side.""This was a bill that Senator Hawley teamed up with Democrats to attack Trump," he said. "Here's a guy that went through Russiagate, went through an indictment, went through conviction, went through all this stuff, and then this is just a new bill to go target the president."PELOSI PUSHES BACK ON INSIDER TRADING ALLEGATIONS ON CNNSen. Ron Johnson, R-Wisc., meanwhile, told Fox News Digital that he thinks it is "hypocritical" of Rep. Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., to be supporting the bill after years of her husband engaging in lucrative trading."I thought it was interesting that all the Democrats, together with Senator Hawley, voted against Rick Scott's excellent amendment, which would have asked GAO to do an investigation of how did she get so wealthy," he said. "If they really wanted to get to the bottom of that, they would have supported that amendment. The fact that they voted against it speaks volumes.""Theidea is good, the execution is not as good," said Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla."Iwanted to be able to see a bill that's actually fixed and that actually works. This bill bans things like cryptocurrency, digital currency, it says you can't use stablecoin," he explained. "It's a straightforward idea. But we've got to be able to clean up the language of this particular version of it to make sure it's right."Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., also took issue with the bill specifically for exempting Trump. He told Fox News Digital, "If it were a good bill, they would apply it to Donald Trump. The fact that they're excluding Donald Trump, and he's going to be exempt from it, probably means it's not a very good bill."PELOSI'S STOCK TRADING LEGACY HAUNTS DEMOCRATS AS JEFFRIES SLAMS GOP FRESHMAN'S 'THIEVERY'He said that if passed, the bill would "deter" leaders with strong business acumen."I think you want to bring people like that. You're going to deter a lot of people like from coming, not just banning them from owning stock, but saying they have to sell all of their businesses. I think it's over the top and not well thought out," said Paul.On the other side of the aisle, Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., voiced support for the bill, saying, "treat everyone equally, and don't trade stock if you're a member here."In conclusion, Hawley said he agreed to the changes to exclude Trump and Vance, to get a bill that could be signed into law."I want something that'll pass and that he can sign, and I think we took a step forward on that today," he said.

The New York Mets sent four players to Atlanta for the All-Star game a couple of weeks ago, but star shortstop Francisco Lindor said there should have been one more player that went with them.Lindor, 31, said his star teammate Juan Soto should have joined the Mets contingent in Atlanta."I hope we can get players like him to every All-Star game," Lindor told Fox News Digital last week after talking about Miracle Treat Day at DQ.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"I wish he was there with us. He deserved it. He definitely should have been there."Soto began the year slow but really turned it on heading into the All-Star break. In 106 games this season, Soto has a .248 batting average with 25 home runs, 62 RBIs and 15 stolen bases.Lindor said that Soto was not the only player who was snubbed from the game.METS' FRANCISCO LINDOR PARTNERS WITH DAIRY QUEEN FOR 'MIRACLE TREAT DAY' IMPACTING CHILDREN'S HOSPITALS"It wasnt just him can anyone say a lot of players around the league that didnt get the recognition they deserve," Lindor said."Juan Soto (is) one of the best hitters in the league, and he is going to end up with the numbers he wants (at the end of the season) and will probably end up with a silver slugger, and we will see what else, but it would have been cool to see him in Atlanta."In addition to Lindor, first baseman Pete Alonso, closer Edwin Diaz and starting pitcher David Peterson were the Mets players who were named to the National League All-Star game.With the All-Star game in the review mirror, the Mets are now focused on their division race with the Philadelphia Phillies. The Mets (62-47) currently hold a half-game lead over the Phillies (61-47) for first place in the NL East.Lindor said the Mets have to try and find the "best version" of themselves down the stretch as they vie for a postseason spot."We just got to continue to be ourselves and continue to play the game the right way and push for each other and support each other to try to be the best version of ourselves," Lindor said.Fox News' Connor McGahan contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Skydance denied any involvement in the cancellation of Stephen Colbert's late-night CBS show and said it had complied with anti-bribery laws in response to Senate Democrats who had suggested there was wrongdoing ahead of its acquisition of Paramount Global."Throughout its history and during the review of the proposed acquisition of Paramount, Skydance has fully complied with all applicable laws, including our nations anti-bribery laws," Skydance General Counsel Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon wrote to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., and Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., in a letter first reported by Deadline.McKinnon's letter also said Skydance was "not involved" in the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." The announcement, made on July 17, was reportedly in the works before Colbert spoke out that week against parent company Paramount for settling President Donald Trump's election interference lawsuit against CBS News and "60 Minutes."FCC APPROVES PARAMOUNT-SKYDANCE MERGER FOLLOWING TRUMP SETTLEMENT, COLBERT CANCELLATIONMcKinnon noted that Paramount did provide notice to Skydance about axing Colbert's show, which will stay on the air until May, but only after the company had made its own independent decision on the matter.According to Deadline, McKinnon also said Skydance "was neither a party to the lawsuit nor to Paramounts settlement of its litigation" with Trump. She added that Paramount requested, and received, Skydance's consent that one of the settlement terms included CBS News making public transcripts of its interviews with White House candidates in the future.The liberal senators had previously warned Paramount that "it is illegal to corruptly give anything of value to federal officials to influence an official act and if Paramount settles the lawsuit in a quid-pro-quo arrangement to influence the Administrations assessment of the Paramount-Skydance deal, company officials could be breaking the law."Paramount was accused of paying, as Colbert put it, a "big, fat bribe" to the Trump administration in the form of a $16 million settlement of the suit ahead of the FCC approving its merger with Skydance. Fox News Digital previously reported another eight-figure sum would be allocated for advertisements and public service announcements for conservative causes set to be funded by the new ownership.PARAMOUNT, CBS FORCED TO PAY EIGHT FIGURES, CHANGE EDITORIAL POLICY IN SETTLEMENT WITH PRESIDENT TRUMPLast week, FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced he was giving the Paramount-Skydance merger the go-ahead, citing multiple commitments Skydance said it would make."Americans no longer trust the legacy national news media to report fully, accurately, and fairly. It is time for a change. That is why I welcome Skydances commitment to make significant changes at the once-storied CBS broadcast network," Carr said in a statement. "In particular, Skydance has made written commitments to ensure that the new companys programming embodies a diversity of viewpoints from across the political and ideological spectrum.Skydance will also adopt measures that can root out the bias that has undermined trust in the national news media.""These commitments, if implemented, would enable CBS to operate in the public interest and focus on fair, unbiased, and fact-based coverage.Doing so would begin the process of earning back Americans trust.Todays decision also marks another step forward in the FCCs efforts to eliminate invidious forms of DEI discrimination.And Skydances commitment to enhancing local news and reportingcoverage valued by the publicwill also inure to the benefit of the American people," Carr continued.The Paramount-Skydance deal is set to close August 7.SKYDANCE INFORMS TRUMP'S FCC IT WILL ELIMINATE DEI AT PARAMOUNT, CREATE CBS NEWS OMBUDSMAN FOLLOWING MERGERThe newly formed Paramount Skydance Corp. is led by CEO David Ellison, the son of billionaire Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison, and former NBCUniversal CEO Jeff Shell, who will serve as president. Paramount's controlling shareholder Shari Redstone, who controlled more than three-quarters of Paramounts Class A voting shares, will exit the company.Before the merger became official, Paramount and CBS agreed to settle Trumps "election interference" lawsuit last month for a sum expected to be north of $30 million, including $16 million upfront for Trump's presidential library.Redstone, who recused herself from discussions related to Trumps lawsuit in February, wasnt thrilled with being tied up in litigation with the sitting president and signed off on a settlement. It is widely believed that she wanted to settle in hopes of preventing potential retribution by Trump's FCC, which had the authority to halt the merger with Skydance.Meanwhile, Paramount ignited further backlash among liberals last week when it announced the cancellation of "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert." CBS insisted it was purely a financial decision, while many critics, including top Democrats, accused the network of political motivation ahead of the Skydance merger.But Colbert's show was reportedly losing CBS $40 million a year and had been running on a whopping $100 million budget per season.Still, Paramount has been at the receiving end of intense criticism for its recent moves, including on its own programs like "The Daily Show" hosted by Jon Stewart and "South Park," both of which air on Paramount-owned Comedy Central.

It is no secret that ESPN programming looks a lot different now than it did even 10 or so years ago.A network that constantly flooded viewers with some of the best highlights from the day before has turned into lots of talking-head shows like "First Take," "Get Up," "NFL Live" and "The Pat McAfee Show."Such changes have even grabbed former first lady Michelle Obama's attention, who said she cannot help but feel like she is watching reality television when she turns on the channel.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"Its all a sociological study. They think that sports is better reality TV, Im like, its the same thing.' If I listen to ESPN for an hour, its like watching the Real Housewives of Atlanta, you know?" Obama said on her brother Craig's "IMO" podcast. "Its the same drama, and theyre yelling at each other, and they dont get along, you know? I mean, Stephen A. Smith, hes just like every other"Two of the hosts then joked that he'd be a perfect fit for the show."So thats why Im like, whats the difference? Its just, you know, its just sociological drama," added Obama. "I mean, the fact that people over seasons of working still cant get along. They still have the same arguments, you know, and its not just women. But this happens in sports, too. I find it fascinating."TRANS DARTS THROWER SPEAKS OUT AGAINST FEDERATION BARRING BIOLOGICAL MALES FROM WOMEN'S COMPETITIONESPN did recently cancel "Around the Horn" after over 20 years, with one of its former analysts, Jay Marriotti, claiming it had gone too woke.In one of its final episodes, a former panelist making a return, Kate Fagan, said "trans kids deserve to play sports."In the show's final episode, longtime "Around the Horn" guest Tim Cowlishaw took a shot at the network for "hiring athletes instead of journalists."Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.