The Ohio Conference of Teamsters has endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor, in a shift from past support of Democrats, his campaign confirmed to Fox News Digital.The biotech entrepreneur and former 2024 presidential candidate has already earned a handful of union endorsements for the 2026 gubernatorial election, according to the Ohio Dispatch.His campaign said he had already been endorsed by the Ohio State Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters, the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters, the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council and the Northwest Ohio Building & Construction Trades Council.Interestingly, the Ohio State Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters and the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters have both endorsed Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown.RAMASWAMY PLEDGES RULE OF LAW REVIVAL AFTER VIRAL CINCINNATI MOB ATTACKHe has also been endorsed by President Donald Trump and the Ohio Republican Party.The Ohio Conference of Teamsters, which represents more than 50,000 workers in the state, had previously supported former Ohio Rep. Tim Ryan, who has yet to decide if hes entering the governors race.Ramaswamys campaign told Fox News Digital earlier this month that nearly $220,000 of the contributions raised in his first months as a candidate came from individuals who previously gave to Ryan.SCOOP: RAMASWAMY PLEDGES TO SPEND AT LEAST $30M OF HIS MONEY IN OHIO'S RACE FOR GOVERNOR"The Teamsters are proud to endorse Vivek Ramaswamy for Governor of Ohio. Our members want a leader who will fight for good-paying jobs and strengthen the future for Ohios working families,"Patrick J.Darrow, president of the Ohio Conference of Teamsters, said. "Vivek has demonstrated a commitment to listening to labor and partnering with us to deliver real results, and we look forward to working with him."Ramaswamy said he was "deeply grateful" for the endorsement."This isnt about left vs. right, its about up vs. down," he continued. "We are building a movement that restores dignity to work, rewards those who keep our economy moving, and ensures every Ohioan has a fair shot at the American Dream. Together, we will make Ohio the best place in America to work, raise a family, and pursue a better life for the next generation."CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPFormer Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Amy Acton is currently the leading Democrat in the governors race.

UFC CEO Dana White spoke about the recent assassination of Charlie Kirk during an interview on Fox News' "Special Report" on Friday.White, a supporter of President Donald Trump, said it was "hard to wrap your brain around" the incident."Things started to feel better and get normal again, and then that happened, and it's almost like, you know, it's all starting over again," White said. "Not just my daughter, a lot of kids were impacted by this, kids who loved and respected Charlie, and it's just, it's just hard to wrap your brain around when something like this happens."White said he's looking for "unity" and "normalcy" following the assassination.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"All I'm looking for over the rest of this year and into next year is some unity, coming back together as a country and stop all the in-fighting and the finger-pointing, and just some normalcy again. Let this country get back to normal."JONATHAN ISAAC'S NEW SNEAKERS SUDDENLY MIRROR CHARLIE KIRK'S MESSAGE AFTER ASSASSINATIONWhite shared his initial reaction to the news during a recent appearance on Logan Paul's podcast."I just woke up, and my phone was blowing up. I was f---ing blown away," White said.He said his children also took it hard."I was actually surprised by how impacted my kids were. My kids used to watch him on social media. My daughter, she's 19, she's in college, and she's been just destroyed over this thing for the last couple days. You have to feel horrible for his family. It's f---ing crazy," White said.Tyler Robinson has been charged with aggravated murder, two counts of obstruction of justice and felony discharge of a firearm causing serious bodily injury, two counts of witness tampering and commission of a violent offense in the presence of a child.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Friday that he ordered a lethal strike on a vessel allegedly linked to a designated terrorist organization "conducting narco-trafficking" in the U.S. Southern Commands area of responsibility.The strike, carried out on a vessel confirmed by intelligence to be trafficking illicit narcotics, left three narco-terrorists dead, Trump said in the post, along with a video showing the moment the boat was struck and became engulfed in flames."On my Orders, the Secretary of War ordered a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with a Designated Terrorist Organization conducting narcotrafficking in the USSOUTHCOM area of responsibility," Trump posted to his Truth Social account Friday evening."Intelligence confirmed the vessel was trafficking illicit narcotics, and was transiting along a known narcotrafficking passage enroute to poison Americans."US MILITARY CARRIES OUT SECOND STRIKE ON VENEZUELAN NARCOTERRORISTS IN INTERNATIONAL WATERSThe strike took place in international waters, and no U.S. forces were harmed, he added.TRUMP TOUTS US STRIKE AS MADURO SLAMS MILITARY THREAT OFF VENEZUELA"The strike killed 3 male narcoterrorists aboard the vessel, which was in international waters," Trump said. "No U.S. Forces were harmed in this strike. STOP SELLING FENTANYL, NARCOTICS, AND ILLEGAL DRUGS IN AMERICA, AND COMMITTING VIOLENCE AND TERRORISM AGAINST AMERICANS!!!"The announcement came just days after Trump announced the U.S. military had carried out its second strike on Venezuelan cartels as the administration continues its crackdown.RUBIO PROMISES MORE STRIKES ON VENEZUELAN CARTELS: WERE NOT GOING TO SIT BACK ANYMORE"This morning, on my Orders, U.S. Military Forces conducted a SECOND Kinetic Strike against positively identified, extraordinarily violent drug trafficking cartels and narcoterrorists in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility," Trump posted to Truth Social on Monday.Earlier this month, a U.S. military strike blew apart a Venezuelan drug boat in the southern Caribbean, leaving nearly a dozen suspected Tren de Aragua narco-terrorists dead.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPIn February, the Trump administration also designated drug cartel groups like Tren de Aragua, the Sinaloa Cartel and others as foreign terrorist organizations.

Adam Carolla, who once co-hosted "The Man Show" with outspoken liberal Jimmy Kimmel, reflected on what the indefinite suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" means for America."I think a lot of people want me to comment on it," Carolla said on Thursday's episode of his radio show, "The Adam Carolla Show." "My feeling is this: I dont think he should have been fired. Its a weird thing. The right and the left are always sort of misinterpreting things. He was inaccurate about something. It wasnt like he was necessarily attacking Charlie Kirk. He was trying to dump it on Trump and inaccurate about it."Disney announced Wednesday it had pulled Kimmel's late-night show "indefinitely" after he suggested that Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old Utah man charged with the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, was part of the "MAGA gang," despite reports he had a left-wing ideology. This was later reaffirmed in details from Tuesday's indictment.Kimmel and Carolla rose to fame in the early 2000s as co-hosts of Comedy Central'ssketch comedy series"The Man Show." The shows humor thrived on political incorrectness as it touted male stereotypes, famously featured "girls on trampolines" and Kimmel himself repeatedly donned blackface to impersonate celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and NBA star Karl Malone, according to archived Comedy Central clips and resurfaced interviews. Healso used the N-wordwhile parodying Snoop Dogg's music in 1996.HOLDING ABC'S JIMMY KIMMEL ACCOUNTABLE ISN'T 'CANCEL CULTURE' IT'S BASIC FAIRNESSOver the last decade, particularly since 2017, Kimmel took a decisively liberal turn in his commentary, ranging from jokes to scathing political monologues. Still, Carolla defended him as his friend, even as he said Kimmels statement about Kirks assassin was "inaccurate."Carolla lamented that a modern part of the media landscape is that when some shocking attack happens, there will be immediate narratives where each side tries to pin the blame on the other."I dont like the government getting involved," he argued. "And Ive heard every side of the story. And, in general, I just want people to speak, and then the ratings will do the talking. And then you can support them or not support them."Carolla warned listeners about how easy it is for people on either side of the political aisle to view their opposition as shallow "cartoon characters" that are easy to hate.LATE-NIGHT HOSTS RALLY AROUND KIMMEL FOLLOWING SUSPENSION, ACCUSE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OF CENSORING HOST"I know Jimmy to be a very good guy and a generous guy, and Ive always said that about him. And I realize that while everyone else knows Jimmy as a caricature, I know him as a person," Carolla continued, explaining that conservative friends will ask him, "Whats up with your buddy Jimmy?"Well, I know him, so thats why I dont think of him like you think of him," Carolla responded. "But, on the other hand, they think of you as a cartoon character too."He laid out how this problem "at a certain point" manifested as "the assassin who thinks of Charlie Kirk as a cartoon character, not a dude. I know him as a guy, sweet guy, fair guy, family guy, good American. But that guy looks at him as a cartoon character.CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE"I know Jimmy is a human, and I know how good he is. And I know how decent he is, and we disagree politically, but who cares? We disagree on pizza toppings as well, but it doesnt mean we dont talk," Carolla said.

Morrissey canceled two shows in the United States after receiving threats on his life.The 66-year-old musician was scheduled to perform two shows on the East Coast over the weekend, but announced on Instagram he was forced to cancel due to a "credible threat." He was set to perform at Foxwoods Resort Casino in Mashantucket, Connecticut, Friday night and at MGM Music Hall at Fenway in Boston Saturday."In recent days, there has been a credible threat on Morrisseys life," the Instagram post read. "Out of an abundance of caution for the safety of both the artist and audience, tonights engagement at Foxwoods has been cancelled. We appreciate your understanding."Shortly after announcing the show in Connecticut was canceled, a second post appeared confirming the show in Massachusetts was also canceled. The post promised that "all tickets will be refunded automatically."THE WHO'S ROGER DALTREY IS 'NERVOUS ABOUT MAKING IT TO THE END OF THE TOUR' AMID HEALTH STRUGGLESThe former Smiths frontman, whose full name is Steven Patrick Morrissey, is in the middle of a world tour. He is scheduled to perform in various cities across the U.S. before taking the tour to Mexico at the end of October.Fox News Digital reached out to Morrissey's reps for comment.News of the cancellation comes after he was threatened in Ottawa, Canada. According to the Ottawa Citizen, a 26-year-old man was arrested earlier this week for allegedly threatening to kill the musician ahead of his performance at the CityFolk music festival in Ottawa.According to the outlet, the young man posted the threat on social media."Steven Patrick Morrissey when you perform at TD Place here in Ottawa next week on the evening of September 12th, 2025 at about 9pm, I will be present at the venue in the audience and I will attempt to shoot you many times and kill you with a very large gun that I own illegally," he allegedly wrote.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSMorrissey went on to perform at the festival as planned.Many artists have canceled concerts after threats against them or their audiences, including Marilyn Manson, The Chicks and, most recently, Taylor Swift.Swift canceled three shows in Vienna, Austria, while on the European leg of the Eras Tour in August 2024 after authorities discovered a planned terror attack targeting her concerts."We live in a time in which violent means are being used to attack our Western way of life," Austrian Chancellor Karl Nehammer wrote on X at the time. "Islamist terrorism threatens security and freedom in many Western countries. This is precisely why we will not give up our values such as freedom and democracy, but will defend them even more vehemently."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERIn response to the alleged terror plot planned for the concert, Swift took to social media to address her fans, calling the situation "devastating" and saying the reason for the cancellations "filled me with a new sense of fear, and a tremendous amount of guilt.""I was heartened by the love and unity I saw in the fans who banded together," she wrote on Instagram. "I decided that all of my energy had to go toward helping to protect the nearly half a million people I had coming to see the shows in London."My team and I worked hand in hand with stadium staff and British authorities every day in pursuit of that goal, and I want to thank them for everything they did for us. Let me be very clear: I am not going to speak about something publicly if I think doing so might provoke those who would want to harm the fans who come to my shows."

Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham had an up-close discussion with a policewoman during the team's playoff win against the Atlanta Dream Thursday night in Atlanta.With just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter and the Dream leading by six, Dream player Odyssey Sims sustained an injury, prompting an injury timeout. During that timeout, Cunningham walked to center court with WNBA phenom Caitlin Clark following closely behind her.There, an Atlanta policewoman met them and appeared to tell them to back up with a gesture. Cunningham did not back up until after exchanging words with the policewoman.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMCunningham later reshared a photo of the encounter with the policewoman on social media with the caption, "THIS IS SOME AURA."Even with Cunningham and Clark out for the year, the Fever won the game and series to advance in the WNBA playoffs. The team will face the Las Vegas Aces in the next round.CAITLIN CLARK, FORMER FEVER TEAMMATE DEWANNA BONNER HAVE FIERY EXCHANGE DURING GAMEBut the Fever will have to press on in their playoff quest without their two biggest stars in Cunningham and Clark because they are not coming back this season.Still, the cameras are likely to be on the two sidelined stars often so long as the team is still playing.Cunningham and Clark have been a frequent focus of broadcast cameras and media attention throughout the team's playoff run while they remained sidelined due to injury.During Game 2 against the Dream earlier this week, Clark and Cunningham went viral after making a demonstrative gesture to officials, protesting that a Dream player should be called for traveling.Later in the game, when officials did call traveling on Atlanta, Clark was seen imitating the gesture again, playfully.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Country music fans are mourning the loss of Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, who died in a plane crash in North Carolina, officials confirmed Friday. He was 57.James' lengthy songwriting credits include Carrie Underwood's hit "Jesus, Take the Wheel."The small plane with three people aboard crashed Thursday afternoon "under unknown circumstances" in the woods near Franklin, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said in a preliminary report. There were no survivors, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol said.James was on a Cirrus SR22T, which was registered to him under his legal name of Brett James Cornelius, according to information provided by the FAA. It was not known if he was the pilot. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol confirmed his death.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMLongtime ESPN college football lead analyst Kirk Herbstreit was among those who paid tribute to James. Herbstreit described James as an incredible person."Was calling a game last night when I got the news on a text that Brett was in a plane crash and didnt make it. Living in Nashville, Ive been very fortunate to meet a lot of incredible people Brett was certainly that one of the most talented and yet humble and down to earth guys Ive met," the former Ohio State quarterback wrote on X.The plane had taken off from John C. Tune Airport in Nashville. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board said they will investigate the crash.ESPN STAR KIRK HERBSTREIT ANNOUNCES DEATH OF BELOVED DOG BEN FOLLOWING CANCER BATTLEJames was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. The organization posted a statement online mourning his death.Herbstreit added that James performed a few years ago during his birthday celebration. He said he was left heartbroken by the tragic events that led to James' death."He was a legend as a songwriter and one of the most respected people in that town. He sang at my 50th along with Casey Beathard such a good man. Just heartbreaking my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends as they cope with this unthinkable reality," Herbstreit wrote.James had more than 500 of his songs recorded for albums with combined sales of more than 110 million copies, according to his Grand Ole Opry biography online.Other artists who sang his songs include Faith Hill, Kelly Clarkson, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban and Meghan Trainor.Country singer Jason Aldean also honored James and credited him for making a profound impact on his life. "Heartbroken to hear of the loss of my friend Brett James tonight," Aldean posted on X. "I had nothing but love and respect for that guy and he helped change my life. Honored to have met him and worked with him."James recorded his own album in 2020.The Associated Press contributed to this report.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A man who pleaded guilty to attempting to kill Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in 2022 is now using a female name and pronouns, according to a court document filed Friday.Nicholas Roske, who is set to be sentenced next month, is using the name Sophie Roske and a "Ms." title for the first time in a court filing in a case that has stretched for three years.The court filing was a routine request in anticipation of Roske's sentencing, which is set for Oct. 3. But the filing referenced Roske by the name "Sophia," while a footnote revealed that Nicholas remains Roske's legal first name."Out of respect for Ms. Roske, the balance of this pleading and counsels in-court argument will refer to her as Sophie and use female pronouns," the footnote stated.FEDERAL JUDGE RELEASES WOMAN ACCUSED OF THREATENING TO KILL TRUMPIt is unclear if Roske is undergoing any treatments to become transgender. Fox News Digital reached out to the defendant's defense team for comment.Roske arrived at Kavanaugh's house on June 8, 2022, with a pistol, ammunition, a knife, a crowbar and tactical gear. Roske eventually called 9-1-1 and turned himself in after receiving a call from his sister and observing U.S. marshals in front of the justice's house.The incident occurred just two weeks before the Supreme Court handed down its landmark decision overturning Roe v. Wade, an expected decision that had drawn protesters to the Supreme Court building and conservative justices' houses for weeks leading up to it.The Department of Justice is seeking a 30-year sentence. In a sentencing memorandum, prosecutors referenced "mental health issues" the defendant has had for about a decade that included thoughts of violently murdering his sister. He has received treatment for the issues, specifics of which were not included in the memorandum.DOCTOR WHO BLEW WHISTLE ON TRANSGENDER MEDICINE MOCKS LIBERAL JUSTICES' 'INSANE' DISSENT IN LANDMARK CASE"While the defendant has mental health issues, those issues do not detract from the gravity of the defendants crime: the defendant researched and targeted multiple members of the judiciary, and intended to alter the composition of the Supreme Court for ideological reasons," prosecutors wrote.The revelation of the gender label switch comes as the DOJ has internally discussed concerns with transgender people owning guns and as conservative activist Charlie Kirk's alleged assassin Tyler Robinson was discovered to have been in a romantic relationship with a transgender person. While the investigation remains open and authorities are still developing an understanding of the motive, authorities have said Robinson felt Kirk spread hate, which drove him to carry out the killing.The Bureau of Prisons spokesperson said in a statement to Fox News it could not confirm details about any gender-related treatments Roske may have received."For privacy, safety, and security reasons, the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) does not comment on the conditions of confinement for any incarcerated individual, including health information status or treatments," the spokesperson said.

President Donald Trump on Friday announced the "Trump Gold Card," which will allow individuals and corporations to receive rapid residency in the U.S., is now available for purchase with a starting price of $1 million.The card features a portrait of the president, the Statue of Liberty and the American flag underneath a gold background, with "Trump Gold Card" stamped on the left side."For far too long, we have had millions of Illegal Aliens pouring into our Country, and our Immigration System was broken," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post. "It is beyond time that the American People, and American Taxpayers, are benefitting from our LEGAL Immigration System."FOREIGN TRAVELERS SOON TO PAY 'VISA INTEGRITY FEE' TO VISIT THE U.S. COSTING $250Individuals are now able to purchase the card for $1 million, and corporations will later be able to purchase a card for $2 million."We anticipate THE TRUMP GOLD CARD will generate well over $100 Billion Dollars very quickly," Trump wrote. "This money will be used for reducing Taxes, Pro Growth Projects, and paying down our Debt."Interested parties can apply for the "exclusive privileges" on the official website, trumpcard.gov.TRUMP TOUTS WORKER-FIRST ECONOMY ON LABOR DAY AS INTERNET SPECULATION OF HIS WHEREABOUTS SPIRALSAccording to the site, applicants will submit their documents and pay a nonrefundable processing fee, triggering an accelerated probe by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.From there, officials will conduct an in-depth background check and vet the potential cardholder.Once an applicant is approved, a Trump Gold Card will be available for use throughout all 50 states and territories. Card carriers will be given lawful permanent resident status as an EB-1 or EB-2 visa holder.POPULAR DESTINATION MAY EXPAND 'GOLDEN' VISA PERKS, OPENING MORE DOORS FOR WEALTHYThe website notes that the Trump Gold Card status acts as a visa and may be revoked due to national security and other risks.The administration also plans to roll out the Trump Platinum Card, which will allow individual applicants to live in the country for up to 270 days per year without being subject to taxes on non-U.S. income. It will take the place of travel visas.While the platinum card has not yet been released, the website notes applicants should join the waitlist immediately, as they will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Rep. Mikie Sherrill, D-N.J., the far-left Democratic nominee for governor, called Charlie Kirk a Christian nationalist who wanted to roll back the rights of women and Black people after the passage of a House resolution honoring the conservative activist.The House adopted a resolution to honor Kirk's "life and legacy" Friday, just over a week after he was shot and killed during a college campus speaking event in Utah. The measure got bipartisan support in a 310-58 vote, with both Democrats and Republicans condemning political violence after Kirk's assassination.The vote divided Democrats, however, with 95 lawmakers voting to adopt the resolution, 58 voting against it and 22 not voting at all.LAWMAKER WHO TIED KIRK TO DOMESTIC TERRORISM FACING EXPULSION CALLS AMID POLITICIAN BLOWBACK NATIONWIDE"I take my oath to the Constitution seriously. I believe in free speech and that the First Amendment wouldnt be necessary if it were only meant to cover language we agreed with," Sherrill said in a statement. "It is meant to protect people like Charlie Kirk who present vile dissenting views. But it is also meant to protect teachers, doctors and TV comedians who may express views the president doesnt like."Charlie Kirk was advocating for a Christian nationalist government and to roll back the rights of women and Black people. This flies in the face of every value I hold dear and that I fight for," she added. "But the Constitution protects free speech, even for those I vehemently oppose."In addition, the lawmaker said President Donald Trump continues to "define hypocrisy.""On one hand, he denounced Kirks politically motivated killing, while on the other hand, he is instigating a witch hunt worthy of Joseph McCarthy to shut down the free speech rights of anyone who disagrees with Kirks racist, anti-American views," she said.58 HOUSE DEMS VOTE AGAINST RESOLUTION HONORING 'LIFE AND LEGACY' OF CHARLIE KIRKWhile condemning Kirk's murder, she said she will continue to "condemn political violence, racism, attacks on women and the hypocrisy coming from Trump and his acolytes."Sherrill has been criticized by Republicans for embracing Zohran Mamdani, a socialist who is the Democratic nominee for the 2025 New York City mayoral election."Its not that hard to disavow socialism, and Mikie Sherrills official comments saying she shares the goals of socialist Zohran Mamdani is not only absurd, but it is disqualifying. Period. Full stop," Republican Governors Association Communications Director Courtney Alexander said in June."It should alarm New Jerseyans that Mikie Sherrill, in her words, wants to throw out the old playbook and share his voters goal.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Just a few of Mamdanis top agenda items include defunding the police, ending cooperation with ICE and government-run grocery stores," he added. "New York Citys failures have always become New Jerseys problems, and Mikie Sherrills new embrace of socialist Zohran Mamdani is a terrifying risk New Jerseyans cannot afford."

Jimmy Kimmels future as the "face" of ABC is in limbo after Disney benched the late-night host indefinitely after he made controversial remarks about conservative activist Charlie Kirks assassination.Disney on Wednesday sidelined Kimmel "indefinitely" amid mounting pressure fromABC affiliate stationsacross the country and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).Kimmel had planned to address the growing controversy in his monologue that evening, according to TheWall Street Journal. But Disney Entertainment co-Chair Dana Walden, a top Kimmel ally, believed his planned remarks "could make the situation worse."DISNEYS JIMMY KIMMEL BENCHING PROMPTS CELEBRATION, BUT ALSO CAUTION, FROM CONSERVATIVESWalden and Disney CEO Bob Iger made the decision to bench Kimmel, sources told Fox News Digital. The top honchos were clearly looking to protect the Disney brand, but Kimmel is more than just a late-night host for ABC.CBS announced earlier this year that Stephen Colbert's "Late Show" would be canceled next year. The decision shocked many industry insiders, who rushed to blame the Trump administration and assumed it was some sort of quid pro quo to satisfy the FCC ahead of a long-planned merger between Paramount and Skydance. But then it was reported that Colberts program was hemorrhaging cash, and observers started to notice the "Late Show" didnt perform particularly well on non-linear platforms."Its not a Colbert situation; we have been told that Kimmel is profitable. He does a lot more for the network than just hosting this show," Pucks Matthew Belloni pointed out Thursday on his "The Town" podcast."He is like the face of the brand."DISNEY SAYS JIMMY KIMMEL'S SHOW WILL BE PREEMPTED INDEFINITELY FOLLOWING CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION COMMENTSIndeed, Kimmel has hosted the American Music Awards, the Primetime Emmy Awards and the Academy Awards. He also plays a key role in the Disneys annual Upfront presentation to advertisers and hosts ABCs reboot of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?""Jimmy Kimmel Live!" has shed viewers in recent years, but the program's YouTube channel has nearly 21 million subscribers, compared to 10.2 million for the "Late Show." A recent Kimmel monologue piled up over 4.1 million views on the platform, and the "face" of ABC also has millions of followers across social media.Its unclear what happens next for Kimmel. Disney did not immediately respond to a series of questions, including if the next scheduled "Who Wants to be a Millionaire?" will air and whether "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" turns a profit.Kimmel suggested in 2024 that he could wrap up his late-night program at the end of his current contract, which will expire in 2026."I think this is my final contract. I hate to even say it, because everyones laughing at me now, each time I think that, and then it turns out to be not the case. I still have a little more than two years left on my contract, and that seems pretty good. That seems like enough," Kimmel told the Los Angeles Times.But earlier this month, Kimmel was evasive when asked how long he planned to keep the gig."Im not prepared to answer that question. Its something I think about a lot. Things have changed a lot over the last few years, the last nine years. Each day is a new adventure, and I kind of take them as they come,"Kimmel told Deadline.KIMMEL REPORTEDLY PLANNED TO ATTACK TRUMP SUPPORTERS IN MONOLOGUE, DEFEND KIRK COMMENTS BEFORE DISNEY'S ACTIONThe Ringer founder and CEO Bill Simmons, who worked on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" when the program launched in 2001, maintains a close relationship with his former boss. He echoed the notion that it feels "different than the Colbert thing," but he thinks ABC could still keep Kimmel around."Colbert, I dont feel like was the face of CBS, whereas Jimmy was. His show has been on for over two decades," Simmons said Thursday on his podcast."When I was growing up, and we had Battle of the Network Stars and things like that in the '70s, each network had all these different stars you would associate with the network. And, you know, once you get to 2025, as theyre making less and less TV shows, theres more reality shows, more sports, all these things that kind of make a network feel less vibrant," Simmons continued. "Jimmy was one of the few people that you would have associated with ABC."Simmons said it seemed genuine that CBS "wanted to get out of late night," but he doesnt believe that is the case with Disney."When you look at the Jimmy situation, I just think he means more to ABC," Simmons said."There was such a groundswell against Disney this week, I went from thinking there was no chance this show is gonna come back but maybe this flips. Maybe what Disney is realizing is that, at some point, youve got to stand for something," Simmons observed. "Once you start losing your faces, you just dont have a soul anymore."Entertainment outlets reported that around 200 protesters demonstrated outside Disneys location in Burbank, California, to demand that Disney put "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" back on the air. Protesters also gathered outside Kimmels studio on Hollywood Boulevard on Thursday, where they were recorded chanting, "ABC bent the knee! No to the FCC!"CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPSimmons feels ABC could need Kimmel more than his friend needs the network."You can create your own platform now. You dont need these big places," he said. "You can get your content out in whatever way you want."Fox News Digitals Joseph A. Wulfsohn and Gabriel Hays contributed to this report.

In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital after delivering his Red Mass homily to Minnesotas Catholic lawyers and judges, Bishop Robert Barron warned that the brutal murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk represents a cultural breaking point for America not only because of the tragedy itself, but because it symbolizes an assault on free speech and civil dialogue.Barron argued that Kirks killing is resonating so strongly because "he died not with a gun or a knife or a grenade in his hand, but a microphone." To Barron, the attack reveals that something "basic to our civilization is in danger of being lost."Speaking inside St. Paul Cathedral, Barron said Kirks death "shook the foundations" of American civic life because it struck at the heart of free and open dialogue. "Each human being is a subject of infinite dignity, and without that recognition, conversation devolves into violence."Barron described Kirk as "a man of great intelligence, charm, and goodness of heart." Charlie, he said, embodied a tradition of open debate stretching back to the roots of Western civilization.CHARLIE KIRK ASSASSINATION WILL SPARK FAITH REVIVAL AMONG YOUTH, CARDINAL DOLAN PREDICTS"Charlie, as thousands of videos on YouTube attest, was committed to open dialogue, particularly on college campuses."The bishop explained that this tradition rests on two bedrock assumptions: the dignity of the individual and the objectivity of truth."There is a rational structure to the world and moral values to which anyone, by virtue of being a rational creature, can appeal."Both principles, he added, are grounded in God. "Thomas Jefferson knew that human rights were rooted in this divine soil: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights'."EXPERTS WARN LEFTIST CELEBRATIONS OF CHARLIE KIRK'S DEATH SIGNAL A DANGEROUS MAINSTREAM SHIFT IN POLITICSBarron said Kirk himself understood that faith was central: "He always made it clear that the most important thing in his lifethe thing he most wanted to be remembered forwas not his party affiliation or political philosophy but his Christian faith."Citing Pope Benedict XVIs 2006 Regensburg address, Barron warned that when reason is abandoned in favor of willpower and ideology, debate inevitably collapses into oppression and violence."If we make reason subject to the will, dialogue will tend to devolve into oppression and violence were left simply with a clash of wills."He pointed to a disturbing statistic: "34 percent of college students feel that it is sometimes permissible to respond to a speaker on campus with violence." To Barron, that number underscores the urgency of Kirks example."To the degree that we lose touch with the venerable tradition of dialogue in which Charlie stood, we will continue to see the bombs and bullets fly."Barron said one of the "single ugliest" reactions to Kirks killing has been celebratory posts from some professors and government officials. "Without religion, the very conditions for civil conversation are fatally compromised."As more Americans turn to ideology instead of faith, he warned, "a shared sense of human dignity and objective morality are both diminished, and public discourse imperiled."Addressing judges, lawyers and lawmakers gathered for the Red Mass, Barron said part of the noble purpose of law is to protect these very principles."Positive law nests within the natural law, which itself nests within the eternal law the very structure of the divine mind."He noted that Martin Luther King Jr. drew on this tradition in his "Letter from Birmingham Jail.""Law, like reason and speech, is not a function of the will or a tool in the hands of the powerful; it is an expression of the divine Logos who creates and sustains human life and calls us from darkness to light."Barron closed his homily by urging prayer for both the legal profession and the country itself.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP"Law has a high moral and spiritual purpose, because without these foundations, we will devolve into violence. And thats, I think, what we saw in almost iconic form in the death of Charlie Kirk and why its had such a resonance around the country."The Red Mass, hosted annually by the St. Thomas More Lawyers Guild at the Cathedral of St. Paul, brought Barrons warning directly to jurists, law students, and public servants.