Cooler weather calls for heated jackets, warm hoodies and soft blankets. This week, Amazon, Wayfair and other retailers are offering deals on all three, with discounts of up to 86%. You'll also find steep discounts across tech, home goods and tools.

Best sales from FOX News Deals' favorite brands

FOX News Wine Shop: Use the code 30YEARS to take $30 off sitewide during FOX's 30-year anniversary sale through Oct. 22

GlassesUSA: Take advantage of the 30% off deal across many frames, and get free shipping

Cuisinart: Spend $149.95 and save 25% at checkout

Brooklyn Bedding: Get up to 25% off sitewide during the Fall Sale with code FALL25

Anker SOLIX: During the fall sale, get up to $1,500 off power stations

Dearfoams: Find select slippers and shoes for up to 50% off

Eddie Bauer: Up to 70% off all clearance clothing and gear

Kate Spade Outlet: Save up to 70% and take an additional 20% off select styles

J.Jill: Enjoy 30% off your purchase during the Friends and Family Sale, plus an extra 10% off sale styles

Top deals at a glance

Intake manifold for 2011–2019 Ford trucks: $649 (13% off)
The Hume Pod 2.0 health scale: $249 (35% off)
McAfee+ Advanced: $7.50/month ($100 off first year)
Automatic litter box: $169.99 (27% off)
Kate Spade crossbody tote bag: $210.86 (44% off)
CHEF iQ Sense wireless meat thermometer: $88.06 (51% off)
National Tree Company 7.5-foot artificial Christmas tree: $289.99 (57% off)
UPF long-sleeve shirts, 7-pack: $45.99 (54% off)

Bestselling deals worth shopping this week

Save on the items FOX readers buy most.

Keurig K-Supreme coffee maker: $99.99 (47% off)

Save more than 45% on the Keurig K-Supreme, currently among its lowest prices in months. The single-serve coffee maker brews 6- to 12-ounce cups and accommodates taller travel mugs when you remove the drip tray.

Heated blanket: $36.97 (46% off)

Spend cozy autumn nights wrapped in this soft heated blanket. It has six temperature options, giving you control over how warm you are.

Compression socks, 3-pack: $12.99 (52% off)

Compression socks can soothe sore legs if you sit all day. They help with blood flow, and at 52% off, this three-pack ensures you're well-stocked.

National Tree Company 7.5-foot pre-lit artificial Christmas tree: $289.99 (57% off)

Grab a Christmas tree you can use for years to come while it's more than half off. It comes pre-strung with lights you can adjust to white or multicolor.

Levoit cordless vacuum: $139.94 (30% off)

A 50-minute runtime and the lightweight design of this vacuum allow you to power through your entire home. The filter only needs a replacement every three months, and the pet tool tackles fur, spills and other pet messes fast.

Apple AirPods Pro 3: $199 (20% off)

The AirPods Pro 3s have noise-canceling tech that helps reduce background noise, and an eight-hour battery life keeps you going throughout the workday. Take a hearing test and the AirPods automatically adjust the volume if you have minor hearing loss.

Anker Prime 3-in-1 charging stand: $159.99 ($160, was $230)

Keep a phone, smartwatch and headphones running all at once with Anker's charging stand. It powers devices quickly, while the LED screen lets you monitor their charging status.

Deals we love

Shop standout deals on everything from the latest iPhone to rain jackets.

T-Mobile: iPhone Duo

Switch over to T-Mobile and order the new iPhone Duo for no money upfront when you use your current number and enroll in the Experience Beyond plan. Existing customers may qualify, too, with an eligible trade-in and enrollment in the same plan.

Hanes men's zip-up hoodie: $12.98 (54% off)

Original price: $28

Layer up for less with this lightweight Hanes zip-up hoodie, made from soft fleece. It's currently 39% off, and the women's version is also on sale in multiple colors.

PureTalk Wireless Unlimited Plan: $29.95 per month (Orig. $65 per month)

Sign up for PureTalk Wireless now using the link above or the code FOXNEWSDEALS to score unlimited talk, text and data for just $29.95 per month. The deal also includes 30 GB of hotspot data and international data roaming in more than 100 countries.

Columbia women’s Switchback IV jacket: $37.77 (46% off)

Original price: $70

Columbia's fall jacket is nearly 50% off this week if you choose the black option. It's easy to stuff in your hiking or camping gear, and the hood stows away on nicer days. The Omni-Shield fabric sheds rain and dries quickly, so you stay comfortable longer.

READ MORE: From cozy robes to toys, these 36 Amazon holiday deals offer up to 55% off

Snap-N-Charge by Statik portable charger: $29.99 (50% off)

Original price: $59.99

With the Snap-N-Charge charger, you can power up all your devices cable-free. The three rotating magnetic connectors make it a universal charging option for smartphones, tablets, headphones and more across different brands. 

Sleep Number True Temp plush pillow: Buy one, get one free

This True Temp pillow uses temperature-regulating technology and foam that conforms to your head to help you sleep cooler and more comfortably all night long. Choose from Classic, Contour or Ultimate shapes to match the pillow to your sleep needs (there's a quiz if you're not sure which is right for you).

Allen Brothers prime porterhouse steak: $55.96 (30% off)

Original price: $79.95

Save more than $20 on a generous porterhouse steak cut from Allen Brothers. It's a hand-cut piece of meat raised in the U.S. that makes the perfect meal for two.

DoorDash DashPass: no delivery fees on eligible orders

Save on restaurant and grocery orders with a DashPass subscription through DoorDash. Members also get 5% back on pickup orders and 5% to 10% back on Lyft rides. It may be worth considering if you order delivery or eat out frequently.

READ MORE: Christmas gifts she'll actually use (and love)

DIRECTV streaming package: $59.99 per month + fees for first 3 months

DIRECTV offers live TV streaming without a satellite dish. Choose from several plans to stream sports, news and entertainment on your device. The traditional live TV streaming plan is currently $59.99 per month for the first three months, then increases to $89.99 per month. A five-day trial may be available, depending on the package.

Deals ending soon

Grab these deals before they're gone.

DeWalt LED work light: $38.85 (54% off)

Original price: $84

Brighten your garage or workshop with DeWalt's work light while it's more than 50% off. The integrated hook lets it hang overhead for hands-free illumination, and the battery (sold separately) lasts up to 25 hours on a single charge.

Eddie Bauer throw blanket: $17.06 (51% off)

Original price: $34.99

Wrap up in this Eddie Bauer throw blanket now that chillier temperatures have arrived. Its blue-and-green plaid complements most spaces, while the generous size gives you plenty of room to cozy up.

Bedsure tufted comforter set: $51.99 (86% off)

Original price: $359.99

This embroidered comforter adds visual and textural interest to your fall bedding, and it's a whopping 86% off. The set comes with a comforter and two pillowcases for a cohesive look.

READ MORE: Best fall mattress deals: Up to 83% off DreamCloud, Saatva and sleep accessories

Hisense 55-inch Hi-QLED S7 Canvas TV: $897.99 (40% off)

Original price: $1,499.99

This 55-inch Hisense TV connects to Google TV for an organized browsing experience you can control through your phone or voice control. When you're not watching anything, choose from more than 1,000 classic pieces of art and transform the TV into a realistic framed painting.

EverFoams fuzzy slippers: $15.99 (50% off)

Original price: $31.99

Now that colder weather is here, it's time to break out your slippers. EverFoams have a faux wool lining for warmth and a shoe-like outsole for indoor and outdoor tasks.

Sling bag: $16.52 (40% off)

Original price: $40.99

Carry all your must-have belongings in this compact sling bag and travel hands-free. It has carefully organized pockets, including a phone pouch on the strap and mesh side pockets for water bottles. Built-in RFID protection keeps your personal information safe, and an anti-theft zipper also protects everything inside. The purple color has the highest discount, but nearly all 16 colors are on sale.

Shark StainForce cordless stain and odor remover: $147.46 (13% off)

Original price: $169.99

The Shark StainForce helps you finally get rid of set-in stains and manage pet accidents. It soaks, scrubs and extracts spills and stains without a cord, giving you an all-in-one cleaning tool you can use in the car, on carpets throughout the house and for pet beds.

READ MORE: 16 fall home finds that make your space feel warm and inviting, starting at $10

Men's heated jacket: $139.99 (30% off)

Original price: $199.99

Prepare for winter now while this heated jacket is $50 off. Get up to 10 hours of uninterrupted heat on a full charge. The water-resistant jacket helps to keep you dry from rain and snow.

READ MORE: Best fall mattress deals: Up to 83% off DreamCloud, Saatva and sleep accessories

The Hume Pod 2.0: $249 (35% off)

Original price: $384

The Hume Pod 2.0 isn't just any scale — it shows dozens of health metrics in one place. Track muscle gain, fat loss, your metabolic age and 42 other metrics. It works with both Apple and Google fitness apps, so you can monitor all your information on your phone.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals

FAQs

What brands are having the best sales this week?

FOX News Deals' favorite retailers and brands, including Kate Spade Outlet, Anker and Eddie Bauer, are rolling out top deals this week on everything from new phones and delivery services to fall apparel and Christmas trees. This week's standout offers include Shark stain cleaning tools, compression socks and Columbia rain jackets.

If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.

Since the dawn of civilization, mankind has looked to the stars and wondered: How did the universe come to be? What lies beyond our own world? Are we alone in this vast expanse? And will we ever venture far enough to set foot on another planet?

Over the centuries, human ingenuity has helped answer some of these questions. Others may only be known to our Creator. But whether mankind will ever live and work on another world is a question we are closer to answering now than ever before.

What once belonged to the pages of science fiction is rapidly becoming reality. And at the forefront of this extraordinary new era of exploration stands the United States of America.

PETER NAVARRO: TRUMP'S ARTEMIS VISION IS NOW FLYING — AND CHINA IS PAYING ATTENTION

From the Apollo program to today’s groundbreaking missions to the moon and beyond, the American pioneering spirit has continually pushed the boundaries of what is possible. But what truly sets America apart is not simply the vision of our government or the brilliance of our scientists. It is the unmatched capabilities of our commercial space sector.

That success did not happen by accident. It is the product of decades of American innovation, investment and cooperation between the public and private sectors.

TRUMP TO TRANSFORM SPACEFLIGHT FROM SPECTACLE TO STATUS QUO TARGETING 3 LAUNCHES PER DAY

One of the clearest examples of what this partnership can accomplish is unfolding right in my home state of Texas.

In February 2024, Houston-based Intuitive Machines made history when its Odysseus lander became the first American spacecraft to touch down on the moon in more than half a century — and the first privately built spacecraft to achieve a soft lunar landing. Just over a year later, Cedar Park, Texas-based Firefly Aerospace landed its Blue Ghost spacecraft on the lunar surface, delivering 10 NASA science and technology instruments and completing two weeks of operations.

NASA'S ARTEMIS FOLLOW-UP MISSION 'RIGHT AROUND THE CORNER' AFTER SUCCESSFUL LUNAR FLIGHT

These achievements are more than historic milestones. They demonstrate what is possible when NASA’s expertise and resources are paired with the talent and innovation of American companies. Through initiatives like NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, the federal government is helping develop a thriving commercial lunar industry while advancing the technologies needed to return astronauts to the moon and eventually reach Mars.

As chairman of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I have seen firsthand the role thoughtful policy can play in supporting these achievements. From commercial lunar deliveries to the next generation of space stations, our committee has worked to advance the partnerships, research and technologies shaping America’s future in space.

INNOVATION IS KEY TO AMERICA STAYING A SUPERPOWER. BUT IT IS MISSING AN ESSENTIAL PIECE

But the work is far from finished. As more nations recognize the economic and strategic importance of space, the United States faces growing competition, particularly from China. The future of exploration will be determined not only by what we accomplish in orbit or on the lunar surface, but also by where companies choose to invest, develop new technologies and build the infrastructure that makes those missions possible.

For America’s commercial space industry, the regulatory environment is a central part of that equation. Companies designing next-generation spacecraft, launch systems and other capabilities must navigate federal requirements that can affect everything from testing and licensing to operational deployment.

TRUMP SWINGS FOR MOON WITH NUCLEAR REACTOR PLANS AS CHINA, RUSSIA TEAM UP IN SPACE RACE

Our committee has a responsibility to build on this progress and ensure American space companies have the freedom to innovate and grow. That means examining outdated requirements, improving coordination across federal agencies and fostering an environment where the next generation of commercial capabilities can move from the drawing board to the launchpad.

We must also recognize what is at stake. As China sets its sights on expanding its presence beyond Earth, America cannot afford to become complacent. Our past achievements are no guarantee of future success. We should be making it easier for companies to build, invest and innovate here at home while working alongside allies and partners who share our commitment to peaceful exploration and a future in space guided by our shared principles.

The possibilities before us are nearly limitless. From establishing a lasting foothold on the moon to sending the first humans to Mars, the next great chapter of our journey into space will depend on the ingenuity and resolve of the American people and the conditions we create for them to succeed.

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For thousands of years, mankind has looked to the stars and wondered what lies beyond. Today, we have the chance to go farther, discover more and accomplish what generations before us could only imagine.

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America’s commercial space sector will help take us there. And Congress must ensure it has every opportunity to do so.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM REP. BRIAN BABIN

Longtime "Saturday Night Live" cast member Kenan Thompson said he would sit Shane Gillis down "like a little kid" to discuss the comedian's controversial joke about women's gym attire during his recent hosting stint, which drew criticism from fellow entertainers earlier this month.

Speaking at the Axios Media Trends Live summit on Tuesday, Thompson addressed the criticism of Gillis and discussed how he would handle the comedian's potential return to host the show for a fourth time.

"If he were to come back, I'm sure we would have a conversation of like, ‘How do you think that went?’ You know what I mean? And what do you think you could have done? Like a little kid, you know? Like I would just sit him down and be like, ‘Yeah, so what do you think we could change there, pal?’ And just figure it out," Thompson said.

BROADCAST BIAS: FEMINIST FREAKOUT OVER SHANE GILLIS COMMENT IS THE REAL JOKE

Thompson, who is now in his 24th season of the show, stopped short of condemning the routine, but suggested performers must strike a balance between taking "creative liberties" in comedy and avoiding "harmful words."

"I guess it's just finding the balance of both things, like allowing creative liberties, but also kind of like watching your step as far as harmful words are concerned," Thompson said.

"Because I think everybody's focusing in on this one specific word or one specific part of the monologue, and then the rest of the monologue, or even the rest of the show, is getting overshadowed."

SWIFTIES CLAIM TRAVIS KELCE DID THE UNSPEAKABLE BY LIKING SHANE GILLIS' 'SNL' MONOLOGUE & THEY'RE NOT HAPPY

Thompson also said the decision to invite Gillis back was not up to him, but he suggested the two would need to talk if the comedian returned.

"But if he were to come back, then yeah, I think we would have to have some sort of like, a real chat where, you know, people's actions don't, you know, kind of overly like wave pool the rest of us, if you will," he said.

Sitting alongside Thompson on the panel, Range Media Partners CEO Peter Micelli defended Gillis, arguing that fear of offending audiences is stifling comedy.

Calling Gillis a "lovely human being" and a "wonderful man" who spent most of his opening monologue poking fun at himself, Micelli argued that comedians need room to take risks without fear of backlash.

"There's so much focus on what makes you angry and afraid. And there needs to be more focus on what makes you laugh and love and enjoy life," Micelli said.

"Comedians need some space to do some stuff to make us laugh. And if every time they step a little too far, in your opinion ... then we're gonna shut the whole thing down, then what kind of world are we [going to] live in?"

SETH MEYERS ADMITS SHOCK OVER SECOND TRUMP VICTORY PROMPTED SIT-DOWN WITH LATE-NIGHT TEAM TO ADJUST TONE

Gillis drew criticism from entertainment figures after joking during his opening monologue earlier this month that women at gyms "just dress like whores now." The appearance marked his third time hosting the NBC sketch series.

"I haven’t been to the gym in so long. I didn’t know women just dress like whores now?" Gillis said. "Look, I’m sorry, there’s no other way to describe [it]. Have you seen it? I’ve seen it. You’ve seen the shorts? They’re those neon, like, artificial bait-colored [shorts], and the wrinkles go around the cheeks and all combine at the butthole. And don’t look! You’re not allowed to look."

Among those who criticized the routine was "Schitt’s Creek" co-creator and star Dan Levy, who posted a video on social media condemning Gillis' remarks.

"Women wearing short shorts at the gym does not make them whores. It makes the men calling them whores misogynists," Levy said. "There’s a difference there. By the way, I’ve seen more men’s nipples at the gym than I’ve ever seen women showing their bodies off."

RICKY GERVAIS REJECTS CALLS TO TONE DOWN COMEDY: 'BE OFFENDED IF YOU WANT'

Other comedians, however, offered a different perspective. Fellow "SNL" cast member Michael Che addressed the controversy on NBC's "Today" show Thursday, arguing that jokes don't always land with audiences.

"That’s comedy. It’s like, you think it’s funny, and then some people don’t," Che said.

He said he did not initially see Gillis' monologue when the show aired. When he eventually watched it, Che said he "didn’t think about it, honestly." He added that his experience delivering jokes that haven't landed while co-anchoring "Weekend Update" with Colin Jost has kept him from criticizing other comics.

"That’s why I can’t criticize anybody for swinging and missing, because I’ve definitely swung and missed, too," Che said. "I try to keep that heat off of me."

Former "SNL" cast member Dana Carvey also questioned the criticism during Monday's episode of his "Fly on the Wall" podcast with David Spade, saying he didn't "understand the kerfuffle."

"When you say jokes, you’re not literally saying ‘women are whores.’ You are literally joking," Carvey said. "Isn’t that kind of the idea? No? Did I just get canceled?"

BILL MAHER ARGUES CANCELED STARS LIKE LOUIS CK, KEVIN SPACEY SHOULD BE LET OUT OF 'SHOW BUSINESS JAIL'

Comedian and media analyst Tim Young had a similar take, telling Fox News Digital that the controversy surrounding Gillis reflects what he sees as a growing divide between comedy fans and audiences of traditional network television, including "SNL."

"Comedy is the last bastion of free speech. So if we’re [going to] start policing comedy, then we’re going to lose basically our First Amendment," Young said. He also pointed to Gillis' success selling out arenas outside traditional network television.

"This wasn’t for that audience in New York, and it wasn’t for the ‘SNL’ audience," Young added. "It was for his audience, and his audience, I think, is much larger than the ‘SNL’ audience."

Young also argued that comedians should resist pressure to apologize in response to criticism on social media.

"Never apologize, because the apology is never enough," Young said. "This audience, the leftists, they want this attention. They want to keep drowning out any other voices that they disagree with, and when you acknowledge that by apologizing, and you give them the power, they will never give it up and they will always want more. So it is very important to never apologize."

Fox News Digital reached out to Thompson's representatives for comment but did not receive a response. Gillis' team declined to comment.

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Fox News’ Lindsey Kornick contributed to this report.

President Donald Trump is holding back on sweeping new economic penalties Congress handed him to squeeze Russia.

He is betting that keeping those sanctions in reserve will help bring Vladimir Putin to the negotiating table, a strategy drawing criticism from Republican allies amid questions about whether Moscow believes he will ever use them.

Over roughly a week, the administration waived most of the new Russia sanctions and tariffs enacted last month while separately easing restrictions on Russian diesel exports, moves one foreign policy expert described as Trump's most significant effort yet to unwind economic pressure on Moscow.

"It's probably the biggest effort that the Trump administration has made to start unwinding the U.S. sanctions architecture that's been in place against Russia since 2022 or even earlier in some cases," Hal Brands, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, told Fox News Digital.

TRUMP TRIES DIFFERENT APPROACH WITH RUSSIA TO BRING AMERICANS RELIEF AMID ONGOING WAR WITH UKRAINE

Trump argues that imposing the new penalties could drive Russia away from peace negotiations. But Brands said repeatedly holding back economic punishment risks convincing Putin that Washington is unwilling to follow through on its threats.

"The threat of imposition may lose some credibility if over a period of time you've demonstrated that you would prefer not to impose those penalties in the first place," Brands said.

REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS BREAK WITH TRUMP ON DIESEL DEAL WITH RUSSIA

The decision has drawn criticism from Republicans who helped advance the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act, including Trump allies who worked with his White House to pass it.

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., who played a leading role in passing the legislation and joined Trump in the Oval Office when he signed it last month, said Tuesday the administration should be turning up economic pressure on Moscow.

"It is my belief that we need to use economic firepower to help drive Putin to the table," Britt told Semafor. "I believe that Russia is at the darkest point that they've been at in this entire war, and now is the time for us to turn up the pressure."

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., said Congress had coordinated the legislation's timing with the White House, making Trump's decision to waive most of its new penalties particularly surprising.

"This was an act of Congress that we had worked with the White House on," Capito said. "We had timed this to when the president and the White House felt it was a good time to move forward with this, where it could be effective."

Other Republicans were more blunt in their criticism.

"Beyond irresponsible," Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., wrote on X. "What part of enforcing a law passed 86-11 by the Senate does the President and his advisors not understand?"

"It's unconscionable that this administration is capitulating to a Russian dictator who illegally invaded Ukraine and butchers innocent civilians every single day," he added.

Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., the lead sponsor of the legislation named for her late brother and a Trump-endorsed candidate, said she would "choose to keep the pressure on Russia" because "I don't trust Putin and I don't trust Russia."

The Graham Act, signed into law in September, provided for steep tariffs targeting Russia and major purchasers of Russian energy, along with sanctions on Russian financial institutions and foreign entities doing significant business with them.

Congress also included presidential waiver authority, which Trump invoked to put most of the law's new Russia penalties on hold.

Brands said including a waiver was not necessarily a mistake, even if it ultimately allowed Trump to avoid imposing the penalties lawmakers had sought.

"It's really tough to craft a sanctions or tariffs bill that forces the president to do something, and typically you don't want to do that because there are always circumstances one can imagine in which you might want to be able to waive sanctions," he said.

Trump has defended his decision as necessary to keep Putin at the negotiating table.

"My decision on Russia is a very simple one. I am in the process of negotiating Peace in the war between Russia and Ukraine, and don't want to do anything that will drive, foolishly, Russia away from the bargaining table," Trump wrote Sunday.

In his formal certification to Congress, Trump said imposing the Graham Act penalties now "would impede ongoing U.S. efforts to negotiate a durable and comprehensive peace." He left open the possibility of imposing them later to "incentivize resolution" of the war.

Brands acknowledged that holding sanctions in reserve can give a president bargaining power, but questioned whether Putin believes Trump is prepared to follow through.

"The challenge is that it's been clear for about 18 months now, since Lindsey Graham started pushing this bill in the first place in the early parts of 2025, that the president simply doesn't have much appetite for squeezing the Russian energy export system to the degree that people like the late Senator Graham envisioned and desired," Brands said.

The administration has separately eased existing restrictions to allow more Russian diesel onto the market, a move intended to relieve pressure on global fuel prices.

Trump has criticized Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries, arguing they are straining diesel markets. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has described sanctions relief as a "carrot" that could encourage Russia to de-escalate.

Brands said the immediate financial benefit to Moscow from diesel relief is probably "fairly marginal." The more consequential decision, he argued, was Trump's refusal to activate the broader sanctions and tariffs Congress authorized.

"There's a potential for pretty serious pressure to be exerted if he had used both the sanctions authorities and essentially the secondary tariff authorities to go after purchasers of Russian energy products overseas," Brands said.

Such measures could "put a fairly significant squeeze on the Russian war economy" while discouraging other countries from doing business with Moscow, he added.

Brands acknowledged that squeezing Russian energy exports could further strain global energy markets when Trump is focused on lowering fuel prices at home.

But he argued that the larger risk lies in what Putin concludes about Washington's willingness to sustain economic pressure.

"Putin's theory of victory in Ukraine for a long time has been that at some point the West, particularly the United States, will get tired of the costs of confrontation with Russia and support for Ukraine," Brands said.

The concern, he explained, is less about the immediate revenue Moscow gains from additional diesel exports than the possibility that easing restrictions reinforces Putin's belief that Washington is growing tired of confronting Russia.

"The risk you run here has less to do with the precise dollar or ruble amount that Russia will gain by being allowed to export some additional diesel than with the strategic signal you're sending that, in fact, the U.S. is getting tired of applying economic pressure against Russia and that the U.S.-Ukraine relationship is entering another period of conflict and divergence," Brands said.

Brands sees little prospect for a negotiated settlement in the immediate future and argued that changing Putin's calculation would require convincing him that the costs of continuing the war outweigh the potential gains.

"I think the only way you get there is by continuing to support Ukraine so it can take an increasing toll on Russia on the battlefield and by finding ways of ramping up rather than ramping down the economic pressure on Russia," Brands said.

Trump's waiver does not eliminate sanctions against Russia that predated the Graham Act, and the administration can revisit the new penalties.

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The dispute now centers on whether keeping those penalties in reserve strengthens Trump's hand with Putin — or diminishes their value if Moscow doubts he is willing to use them.

Ahead of the midterms, Natasha Sarin and Catherine Rampell unpack the state of the economy — and how much responsibility the president bears for it.

© The New York Times

More than 200 years ago, President James Monroe established a simple principle: the security of the United States is directly tied to the security of the Western Hemisphere. Today, that principle is just as vital. With communist China expanding its influence throughout Latin America and transnational criminal organizations threatening American communities, it is time to reaffirm the Monroe Doctrine and put American interests first in our own hemisphere.

President Donald Trump's efforts to expand military training and security cooperation with Latin American partners represent the exact forward-thinking America First policies our national security demands. Deploying elements of the 10th Mountain Division to Panama for jungle training and joint exercises marks an important step toward strengthening the Shield of the Americas initiative.

By strengthening our regional allies, we take the fight to criminal organizations before their operations reach American communities. Providing partners with the training, equipment and intelligence they need helps them dismantle drug-trafficking networks, disrupt smuggling routes and stop deadly drugs before reaching our borders. This protects American interests while allowing allies to take the lead in securing their own countries.

PENTAGON SENDS HUNDREDS OF ARMY TROOPS TO LATIN AMERICA FOR TRAINING AS DRUG-TRAFFICKING CAMPAIGN EXPANDS

The Trump administration is also expanding regional intelligence capabilities by shifting MQ-9 Reaper drones from U.S. Africa Command to U.S. Southern Command. Supporting operations in Colombia and Ecuador, these aircraft deliver critical surveillance to track trafficking networks across remote jungles, borders and maritime routes. Combined with greater intelligence sharing and coordinated operations, these efforts help dismantle criminal networks at the source.

However, drug trafficking is only one part of the threat. During a recent congressional delegation trip to Ecuador, Peru and Colombia, we saw firsthand the growing influence of communist China. Beijing has spent years expanding its economic and strategic footprint through investments in ports, mining operations, critical infrastructure and key industries. These investments are not simply about trade; they give China leverage over regional economies, access to critical resources and influence over historically reliable American partners.

TRUMP ADMIN'S LIST OF US-DESIGNATED 'FOREIGN TERRORIST' GROUPS IN LATIN AMERICA EXPANDS TO 21

One of the clearest examples is the Port of Chancay in Peru. Built and operated by Chinese state-owned COSCO, this deep-water port has the capacity to transform trade between South America and Asia. While increased trade benefits Peru's economy, China's control of critical infrastructure raises serious security concerns regarding intelligence collection, logistical support or future military use. The United States cannot stand by while our greatest strategic competitor establishes a foothold in our backyard.

While in Peru, our delegation met with U.S. Ambassador Bernie Navarro, who is actively strengthening this crucial partnership. Navarro is demonstrating the value of strong American diplomatic leadership. His recent coordination with Peruvian defense officials and Southern Command commander General Francis Donovan to combat narcoterrorist organizations, including those in the Valle de los Ríos Apurímac, Ene y Mantaro (Valley of the Apurímac, Ene and Mantaro rivers), also known as the VRAEM region, is the results-driven engagement we need.

RUBIO WARNS CHINA AFTER PANAMA SHIP DETENTIONS, CALLS HEMISPHERE SOVEREIGNTY 'NON-NEGOTIABLE'

These efforts reinforce a central truth: a strong American presence in the hemisphere does not require us to act alone. It requires working with willing partners who share our interest in combating criminal networks, protecting sovereignty and preventing hostile foreign powers from gaining strategic influence. That is why renewing our commitment to the Monroe Doctrine is critical.

The Western Hemisphere cannot be treated as a secondary priority while China expands its influence and criminal organizations exploit weak institutions and porous borders. The threats emerging from Latin America directly affect American national security, our economy and the safety of our communities.

WALTZ WARNS OF CHINESE, RUSSIAN-FUELED ‘NATIONAL SECURITY THREAT’ LOOMING CLOSE TO US SHORES

As a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs, I believe our foreign policy and assistance must produce tangible benefits for the American people. Our embassies, security partnerships and diplomatic resources must focus on advancing American interests, countering Chinese influence and helping allies confront shared threats.

That also means demanding accountability. Taxpayers deserve to know their dollars are spent effectively, that partners contribute their fair share and that investments deliver measurable results. We should cut wasteful programs and direct resources toward initiatives that strengthen national security.

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America First does not mean America alone. It means recognizing that American strength, backed by capable regional partners, is the best defense against regional threats. Trump's expanded security cooperation in Panama, increased intelligence capabilities in Colombia and Ecuador, and renewed diplomatic engagement in Peru are vital components of that strategy.

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The Monroe Doctrine was built on the understanding that foreign threats in our hemisphere cannot be ignored. Two centuries later, that lesson remains true. A secure Western Hemisphere is essential to a secure United States — it is time we start treating it that way.

The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday allowed New Hampshire officials to reject student IDs as a valid form of identification when voters cast their ballots in next month's midterm elections.

A lower court judge previously found that state officials had improperly gone further than a new law restricting the use of student IDs to obtain a ballot, ruling that officials still had to consider student IDs alongside other evidence when voters lacked other means of verifying their identity.

But the Supreme Court took issue with the judge intervening this close to the elections.

ARIZONA VOTER LAW FIGHT REACHES SCOTUS AS ELECTION GROUPS WARN ‘ABSURD’ CONSEQUENCE COULD ENSUE

The high court has said orders handed down too close to an election can cause voter confusion, an idea known as the Purcell Principle. The court cited the recent legal back-and-forth over Missouri’s redistricting maps.

"Here, the District Court did not point to anything that would justify deviating from that principle," the majority wrote in its opinion.

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson dissented, saying the rule did not apply since the lower court judge was helping ensure the public received accurate information.

JACKSON RIPS INTO SUPREME COURT COLLEAGUES' 'SERIOUS LEGAL ERROR' ON TRUMP MAIL-IN VOTING ORDER

"When a federal court determines that material misrepresentations are being made about a State’s election rules, an injunction to prohibit that conduct does not contribute to public confusion, it prevents that very problem," Jackson wrote. "I would not disturb a clearly justifiable federal-court order issued to ensure that the public receives accurate information about a State’s electoral processes," she wrote.

This comes after Gov. Kelly Ayotte signed House Bill 323 into law in April, removing student IDs from the list of identification expressly considered valid for obtaining a ballot. The law took effect June 2. After the law went into effect, New Hampshire Secretary of State David Scanlan issued guidance to election officials about the change, and multiple trainings were held.

"New Hampshire has a responsibility to protect the integrity of its elections and ensure that election laws are applied as written," New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella, a Republican, said in a statement.

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"The Supreme Court’s decision is an important victory for our efforts to defend those laws and prevent last-minute court orders from creating uncertainty for voters and election officials. We will continue to defend New Hampshire’s election laws and the safeguards they provide," he continued.

The Supreme Court's decision was not a final ruling on the merits of the case, and the underlying litigation over the law remains ongoing.

World Series champion Mitch Garver has announced his retirement from baseball at age 35.

Garver played for the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers and Seattle Mariners during his 10-season major league career. He confirmed his retirement to MLB.com in a text message.

The Albuquerque native spent the first five seasons of his career with the Twins. The catcher and designated hitter won a Silver Slugger Award in 2019 when he hit 31 home runs, drove in 67 runs and posted an impressive .995 OPS.

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In 2022, Garver was traded to the Rangers and became a key contributor to their 2023 World Series championship team. During the 2023 postseason , Garver played in 14 games, hitting .226 with three home runs and 14 RBI.

Following his postseason success, Garver signed a two-year, $24 million contract with the Mariners. At the time, it was the richest contract Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto had ever handed out. First baseman Josh Naylor set a new high mark with his five-year, $92.5 million contract last offseason.

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Garver struggled offensively in Seattle compared with his time in Texas and was relegated to a backup role behind catcher Cal Raleigh. Despite no longer being a starter, Garver remained an important clubhouse presence and helped Raleigh during his record-setting 2025 season.

The Mariners released Garver in August, and he signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees but never appeared in a major league game for the team.

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In 701 games, Garver had a career batting average of .229 with 110 home runs and 324 RBI.

The New York Knicks raised their first NBA title banner in 53 years on Tuesday night before tipping off their 2026-27 season, and we were all reminded of just how much this championship meant to the city of New York.

For one family, the championship was so impactful, it inspired the name of their firstborn son.

Yvonne Gonzalez-Bradford and her husband Vance were expecting their son when the Knicks defeated the San Antonio Spurs in five games during the NBA Finals this summer, capping a run of destiny in the best way possible – ending a 53-year title drought for a city that has been waiting forever to celebrate them again.

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The historic moment ultimately led the Bradfords down a path of names, and they settled on one: Knickson Fyve Bradford.

The Bradfords spoke with TODAY.com about the name choice, saying they already had Prestige Wisdom in place if the baby were a boy, and Lady Victoria if it were a girl.

But the Knicks changed everything.

"You know how when something happens so well in your favor, you don’t want to jinx it?" Vance said. "I was just like, ‘Yep! Absolutely. That’s it!"

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Knickson was the first time, but Fyve as the middle name brought together the "Knicks in Five" slogan this fan base rallied around after they defeated the Spurs in five games.

Knickson was born on Aug. 8, weighing a healthy eight pounds, eight ounces. And for Yvonne, he was born on her birthday.

"We wanted to have a very strong and firm name that would lead to a cool life," Vance told the outlet. "Knickson Fyve is definitely our motto, Knickson Fyve forever!"

It’s also worth noting the Bradford family has a strong Knicks connection, with Vance’s mother being a scorekeeper for the 1972-73 Knicks. They went on to win the NBA title that season as well – and it remained the last time New York hoisted the Larry O’Brien Trophy before this group, led by Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, got the job done.

Brunson spoke to a sold-out, emotional Madison Square Garden crowd on Tuesday night before facing LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers, thanking the crowd and the Knicks fans at home for their support throughout the playoff run.

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Well, he and his teammates have one new supporter who has no choice but to be a Knicks fan for life now that his name is attached to franchise history.

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The New York City Council voted Thursday to ban horse-drawn carriages by June 2028, moving to end a nearly 170-year tradition after the death of a teenager in Central Park and prompting threats of legal action from carriage drivers.

The council voted 40-7, with two abstentions, to approve Romanch's Law, named after 18-year-old Romanch Mahajan, who died in June after being thrown from a runaway carriage in Central Park.

The legislation would phase out the industry by June 1, 2028, while requiring Mayor Zohran Mamdani's administration to develop a transition program for more than 150 active carriage drivers and other workers. 

The plan would include job training, career counseling and employment referrals, although financial compensation is not guaranteed.

MAMDANI PRAISED OVER MOVE TO DISMANTLE CONTROVERSIAL NYC INDUSTRY — BUT INSIDERS SAY THERE’S MORE TO THE STORY

President Donald Trump weighed in on the decision Thursday, criticizing the move to eliminate one of New York City's longtime tourist attractions.

"The Horse-drawn Carriage in New York City is a quintessential New York experience. So sad that, for political reasons, we will see it go!" he wrote on Truth Social.

The Transport Workers Union (TWU), which represents carriage industry workers, threatened to challenge the ban in federal court and seek a temporary restraining order. Union representatives accused City Council Speaker Julie Menin of failing to adequately consult drivers whose livelihoods are at stake.

MAN KILLED AFTER HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE BOLTS AND FLIPS NEAR POPULAR NEW YORK CITY TOURIST DESTINATION

Opponents argued the city had failed to establish a concrete financial plan for drivers and carriage owners. An effort to delay the phaseout until January 2030 failed before the final vote.

Menin defended the legislation Thursday, saying the council had strengthened worker protections and was prepared for a legal fight.

"We're very confident in the legislation. That's why we took the time to work over the summer on the legislation," she said at a news conference.

"We made changes to legislation to beef up worker protection. We are very confident in defending this law and will vigorously defend it. I've already talked to Steve Banks about it and our team, and we will vigorously defend this law."

Animal rights group PETA also celebrated the vote, pledging $50,000 to help carriage horses retire as the industry winds down.

The Central Park Conservancy celebrated the decision, arguing that horse-drawn carriages pose growing safety risks in a park that welcomes roughly 40 million visits annually.

MAMDANI, CITY COUNCIL MOVE TO END ICONIC NYC HORSE-DRAWN CARRIAGE INDUSTRY AS WORKERS FACE UNCERTAIN FUTURE

"In the modern era, carriages pose a serious — and even fatal — safety risk to park visitors, carriage drivers and the horses themselves. Our hearts break for the family of Romanch Mahajan, who stepped into a carriage earlier this summer and never thought he might lose his life," the organization wrote in a press release.

The Conservancy said Mahajan's death was the ninth carriage-related incident in just over a year.

The legislation also includes protections intended to prevent retired carriage horses from being sold for slaughter, while allowing owners to keep their animals.

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The bill now heads to Mamdani, who has expressed support for ending the industry. If signed, it would bring an end to a decades-long political battle over one of New York City's most recognizable tourist attractions.

The Justice Department (DOJ) has launched an investigation into longtime Trump advisor Corey Lewandowski, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News.

The probe stems from a criminal referral sent to the Justice Department by the Department of Homeland Security’s inspector general, marking a legal escalation for the high-profile political figure.

Asked about the inquiry by reporters outside the White House, President Donald Trump said he wants his staff held accountable and that he had "heard something about it."

"All I know is I want my people to be honest," Trump said.

TRUMP'S NEW PRESS SECRETARY OUT OF A JOB JUST DAYS AFTER ROCKY DEBUT

"If they're not going to be honest, they have to be prosecuted," Trump warned, adding that dishonesty amounts to "stealing from me as president."

"They are stealing from me. So, I want my people to be honest. And if they're not honest, I'll have my DOJ go and do whatever they have to do."

OBAMA-APPOINTED JUDGE AT CENTER OF TRUMP'S ANTI-WEAPONIZATION FUND CASE HIT WITH MISCONDUCT CLAIM

Adam Trigg, an attorney for Lewandowski, said his client has not been contacted by the Justice Department and denies any wrongdoing.

"Mr. Lewandowski has not been contacted by the Justice Department regarding any investigation, and he denies any wrongdoing when he was proudly serving his country in a voluntary capacity," Trigg said in a statement posted on Lewandowski's X account.

Lewandowski is a longtime political ally of Trump who previously served as an advisor to former Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

He also served as Trump's first campaign manager during the 2016 presidential race before being fired that June. 

'WORST OF THE WORST' JUDGES ARE SABOTAGING TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION AGENDA, TOP DHS OFFICIAL SAYS

Lewandowski stayed close to Trump, also serving as a senior advisor during his 2020 and 2024 campaigns. 

After The Wall Street Journal reported that the Department of Justice was reviewing allegations of corruption and personal financial gain involving Corey Lewandowski, he said on X that the report was "another example of the kind of anonymous-source, politically driven reporting that Americans have seen time and again." 

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Lewandowski added he was proud of his work as a volunteer in "advancing this administration's agenda and (remains) confident that the facts and not anonymous accusations will ultimately speak for themselves."

The NFL is gearing up for the next international game on its annual slate, with the Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints battling it out at Stade de France.

Of course, there has been some criticism of this plan, as France is experiencing some pretty nasty civil unrest at the moment, but the game will go ahead, with the Saints having been in the country for a few days already.

The Steelers? Well, people are already questioning their travel plans a little bit.

STEELERS CANCEL PARIS FAN EVENT OVER FEARS OF UNREST WHILE NFL PUSHES AHEAD WITH ITS OWN EVENT AND GAME

According to reports, the Steelers plan to take a red-eye to France that will depart on Thursday night.

Now, there are plenty of reasons why they might want to do this. It allows for more game prep at home; plus, with all the uncertainty around the game, there's a case to be made that it's less disruptive to players' sleep habits, and it makes some sense to hang around to make sure it's all going to happen.

NFL VP SAYS LEAGUE IS 'VIGILANT' ABOUT SECURITY FOR FRANCE MATCHUP, REMAINS CONFIDENT IN PLANS

But...

We did get an example of why it might work better to go abroad earlier rather than later.

The Los Angeles Rams were goofed on for their decision to fly to Melbourne, Australia very close to game time, with some blaming it for their big loss to a San Francisco 49ers team that had been down under so long, they were starting to develop a taste for Vegemite.

Of course, in hindsight, the Rams aren't quite the worldbeaters we all thought before the season, but that travel schedule couldn't have helped matters.

TJ WATT'S WIFE BREAKS RANKS WITH NFL MARCH TOWARD PARIS GAME QUESTIONING HOW PLAYING THERE MAKES SENSE

While a red-eye to France isn't as brutal as a red-eye to Australia, travel is exhausting, and many people on social media were quick to point that out.

So who is going to end up being right on this one? The early-to-the-party Saints, or the fashionably late (compared to the Saints) Steelers?

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We'll find out when the game kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET on Sunday.

Did everyone involved in the Arch Manning story create an edgier monster this week ahead of the Longhorns' showdown against Ole Miss on Saturday night?

In the middle of a season that has warranted a lot of questions pertaining to this Texas offense, the story of offensive woes from this Steve Sarkisian-led football team has created more drama than one could have foreseen before the first game in September.

Should it come as a surprise that Texas is currently feeling the pressure as it pertains to making the college football playoffs?

STEVE SARKISIAN FACES BRUTAL ARCH MANNING DECISION AS TEXAS’ SEASON BEGINS TO SLIP AWAY AMID LOSSES

Absolutely not. The expectations around Austin are to put themselves in a position that could lead to a postseason run.

The problem centers around the fact that this offense has not produced enough with Arch Manning up to this point that would keep them from losing to consecutive unranked opponents.

STEVE SARKISIAN VOWS TO 'EVALUATE EVERYTHING,' WON’T RULE OUT BENCHING ARCH MANNING AMID TEXAS' TWO-GAME SKID

Outside of a fourth quarter comeback against Ohio State, there has not been a moment where we looked at this football team and thought that they were living up to expectations.

What are those realistic goals?

ARCH MANNING ISN’T BACKING DOWN FROM EXPECTATIONS, AND NEITHER IS STEVE SARKISIAN, AS CFP SEMIS AREN'T ENOUGH

Making it past the CFP quarterfinals and having a shot at competing for a national title with four other teams.

Those aren’t the goals from within the media, but more so centered around the fact that Steve Sarkisian made it abundantly clear that the semifinals were no longer good enough for this Texas football program.

Did we in the media create a monster in Arch Manning? Guess we'll find out ...

Now, during a very important week leading up to the Ole Miss game, with their shot at the CFP essentially on the line, the conversation has drastically shifted even further towards the Longhorns offense and quarterback Arch Manning.

Did we in the media, along with the coaches at Texas, turn this whole ordeal into a massive storyline around Manning?

Did we imply that Arch had taken on the persona of the family legacy that came before him?

I don't know. But what I do know is that the Texas quarterback has looked pretty timid in the pocket for a majority of this season, though it obviously doesn’t fall on just Manning. This is a Sarkisian problem as well, for his interesting and inept play-calling through this point in the season.

So, has the demeanor of Arch changed this week as the volume continues to get louder in Austin?

"I would use the word edgy, and I like it. He’s edgy right now," Steve Sarkisian noted. "And I think that somebody texted me today that we lost the ‘Aw Shucks’ kid and we created something else. I don’t know if we lost him. We created this. We did. All of us. Y’all included. Me. The whole thing, right. Everybody on ESPN, we’ve created this. And so we’ll see what comes out of it.

"But he’s edgy right now. And honestly, I appreciate that about him. At some point, he’s gotta fight back. And the best way for him to fight back is going out and playing really good football with his teammates and enjoy playing football with his teammates. And so I’m looking forward to watching him compete Saturday night."

STEVE SARKISIAN’S ‘JOE SMITH’ ARGUMENT FOR ARCH MANNING IS ABSOLUTE NONSENSE FOR AN AVERAGE QB

Who knows how this outcome will play Saturday night in Austin.

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Will we get the quarterback who looks to play timid at times, or will we see Arch just "let it rip" as he proclaimed this week after the loss to Florida?

I think we all know which passer Texas fans want to see against Ole Miss.

That type of quarterback has essentially been buried deep within the body of Manning over the past two months. But we have all seen the fierce side of Arch before, dating back to last season on multiple occasions.

We have also seen it against Ohio State, with a quarterback that was playing with an aggression on the field that circumvents throughout this football team.

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I guess we're about to find out if we created a monster or not, even if that means Steve Sarkisian can use the outside noise to entice his quarterback into playing with more aggression.

Halloween is right around the corner, but there's still time to put together a last-minute costume, throw an impromptu party or prepare for trick-or-treaters. These are the things you need for the spooky holiday that'll still arrive on time.

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No costume? No problem! Grab a cute Halloween sweatshirt, like this pumpkin one from Walmart and you're good to go.

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These glow-in-the-dark press-ons are the missing touch for your spooky outfit. They're easy to apply and stay on for weeks. Shop the entire Halloween collection here.

Face painting kit: $19.99 (39% off)

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Whether you're a cat, dragon or witch for Halloween this year, this face painting kit has everything you need to create a masterpiece.

READ MORE: Yes, your dog needs a Halloween costume. Here are 13 options.

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There's still time to grab bags, treats and accessories.

Miss Pumpkin embroidered treat bag: $19.99 (43% off)

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Halloween cellophane treat bags: $9.99

Fill these cellophane bags with candy and toys for trick-or-treaters. They'll also work great for holding party favors for your Halloween bash.

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Throw together a last-minute party that's so fun, it's scary.

Halloween tableware: $13.99

This one bundle has all the tableware you'll need for a last-minute Halloween party. The black, orange, green and purple colors are perfect for the season and the bat pattern is super fun and festive.

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Upgrade any spooky gathering with a fog machine. This one has 14 lighting effects and multiple colors to choose from. Control the machine with or without the fog with the included remote.

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Add these pieces to your home for the last weeks of October (or longer).

The Holiday Aisle Halloween candles: $36.99

Transform any tablescape with these adorable Halloween candles. They flicker like real flames for a spooky, yet worry-free ambiance.

Hanging ghost decorations: $15.99

For a last-minute addition to your entryway or front yard, hang these scary ghosts from a tree branch, entryway or straight from the ceiling.

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Bat sticker decorations: $9.99

These bats couldn't be easier to use to decorate your space. Each one has a peel-and-stick backing, so just peel off the adhesive and stick them anywhere you like to give the room a Halloween ambiance.

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Two Minnesota federal judges who took the unusual step of publicly criticizing the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown to the New York Times are now fighting the administration’s efforts to disqualify them from cases involving immigration enforcement.

One of those judges, Patrick Schiltz, is overseeing the Justice Department’s effort to strip U. S. citizenship from Salah Osman Ahmed, a Somali-born man who pleaded guilty in 2009 to providing material support to terrorists after joining al- Shabaab. The other, John Tunheim, is presiding over the prosecution of a South African national accused of falsely claiming U. S. citizenship and illegally voting in the 2024 election. The Justice Department filed separate motions asking Schiltz and Tunheim to recuse themselves, arguing that their participation in the New York Times report criticizing President Donald Trump's Operation Metro Surge has raised questions about whether they can fairly preside over the cases.

"Impartiality is imperative to ensuring public trust in our Nation’s judiciary," the Justice Department said in a statement posted to X this week. "Judge Schiltz’s and Judge Tunheim’s on-the-record participation in a recent highly partisan New York Times Article, along with Judge Schiltz’s subsequent public comments, unquestionably calls into doubt whether they can be impartial in these cases."

OBAMA-APPOINTED JUDGE AT CENTER OF TRUMP'S ANTI-WEAPONIZATION FUND CASE HIT WITH MISCONDUCT CLAIM

The Justice Department's formal recusal demand follows reporting by Fox News Digital last month detailing unusual behind-the-scenes coordination among Minnesota's federal bench as judges confronted a massive influx of immigration cases stemming from the administration's enforcement operation. The report came after Schiltz and Tunheim were among seven Minnesota federal judges who spoke with the Times in September about Operation Metro Surge. Schiltz sat for a roughly 90- minute interview during which he described the administration's handling of the operation as having created a "grave threat to the rule of law," while Tunheim suggested to the Times that agents carrying out the administration's immigration crackdown were not primarily apprehending dangerous criminals.

DOJ had already raised the prospect that judges who publicly discussed the administration's immigration cases might need to step aside when the Times report was released in September. Last month, DOJ filed a judicial misconduct complaint against Schiltz, Tunheim and other Minnesota judges who participated in the Times report, accusing them of violating judicial ethics rules and asking the Eighth Circuit to investigate. Attorney General Todd Blanche said their conduct had "undermined public confidence in an impartial judiciary in Minnesota."

"It is remarkable that sitting federal judges are giving on-the-record interviews attacking this Administration's policies rather than ruling from the bench," a Justice Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital in September. "Judges who have made public comments on pending or related matters should consider whether recusal is warranted going forward."

'WORST OF THE WORST' JUDGES ARE SABOTAGING TRUMP'S IMMIGRATION AGENDA, TOP DHS OFFICIAL SAYS

The Times report in question revealed that Schiltz, Tunheim and the other Minnesota judges handling the flood of Operation Metro Surge cases regularly met, communicated through running email threads and used an informal spreadsheet created by court clerks to identify judges to consult about recurring legal questions. Chief Judge Eric Tostrud previously told Fox News Digital that the judges nevertheless independently decided every case assigned to them.

"The bottom line is that each of us made an independent decision with respect to the merits of each and every petition we were assigned," Tostrud said at the time.

The Justice Department, however, has accused Schiltz and the other judges of "publicly" taking sides in the ongoing battle over Trump's deportation agenda.

"A judge who has publicly taken sides on the political issue of immigration enforcement cannot then preside over a case concerning one of the Justice Department’s key immigration initiatives: pursuing the largest denaturalization effort in Department history to restore trust and integrity in U.S. citizenship," Associate Attorney General Stanley Woodward wrote.

Schiltz declined to comment on the Justice Department's new effort to disqualify him when reached by Fox News Digital this week. But when Fox News Digital asked him about the possibility of recusal in September, Schiltz argued there was no basis for him to step aside — and pointed to the fact that DOJ had not asked him to do so.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION'S IMMIGRATION PUSH FUELS ICE'S BIGGEST ARREST MONTH IN AGENCY HISTORY

"I have seen suggestions from the Administration that I might have to recuse in immigration cases, but no one has yet identified any basis for my recusal, which is presumably why the Justice Department has not asked me to recuse," Schiltz said at the time.

"Neither in the New York Times article nor anywhere else have I commented on the merits of a particular case," he continued. "Instead, I have spoken in defense of the rule of law, a component of which is compliance with court orders. That is not a cause for recusal."

Tunheim did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Charles "Cully" Stimson, a senior legal fellow at the Heritage Foundation who previously served as a federal prosecutor and military judge, told Fox News Digital that judges ordinarily avoid publicly commenting on matters that could intersect with cases before them.

"These judges did something extraordinarily imprudent, and that is to talk to any newspaper, much less the New York Times," Stimson said. "That was a big no-no."

STATE'S LARGEST MOSQUE LEADER’S DEPORTATION FIGHT TAKES DRAMATIC TURN AS TRUMP ADMIN SCORES MAJOR WIN

Asked what he would do if the New York Times interviews were the only facts at issue, Stimson said he would step aside.

"If we were to just go off of the New York Times interview ... I would recuse myself," Stimson said, noting the recusal would only be from the particular case at issue as opposed to all future cases adjudicating the same principles.

Stimson cautioned, however, that recusal motions put judges in the unusual position of effectively judging their own impartiality and said it would be inappropriate to predict how either motion should ultimately be resolved without the complete record.

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If either judge denies DOJ's request, Stimson said the government could seek review from the Eighth Circuit, where a three-judge panel would determine whether the government has met the legal standard for recusal.

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DOJ declined to comment further Thursday beyond its public statement. A DOJ spokesperson also did not answer Fox News Digital's question about whether the department would appeal if Schiltz or Tunheim denies the recusal motions.

Spouses of Trump administration Cabinet members say they lean on one another as they navigate life in Washington, offering a behind-the-scenes look at their friendships on the latest episode of Fox News' "the Girls" podcast.

On Thursday's episode, actress Cheryl Hines, wife of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and Fox News host Rachel Campos-Duffy, wife of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, discussed how Cabinet spouses lean on one another through occasional lunches, girls' nights out and reunions at crowded White House events.

"We actually get together like once a month or, you know, we have a club that we're part of. It's like an international club and most of us are in it," Campos-Duffy said. "We see each other then, and then sometimes we'll go to lunch or next week I think we're just doing a girls' night out after."

'THE GIRLS' PODCAST DEBUTS AS CO-HOSTS TAKE ON LINDSAY CLANCY CASE, MS RACHEL'S POLITICAL ACTIVISM

Hines, known for her role on HBO's "Curb Your Enthusiasm," said seeing familiar faces at administration events can be comforting, as Cabinet spouses often gravitate toward one another in a crowd.

"As you guys know, there are so many events going on for the White House, for the Cabinet. So, whenever there's a big sea of people at a party, and I use the term loosely, you know, Rachel and I will gravitate and go, ‘How's it going? How's it going?’ It's nice to have a pal," Hines said.

Campos-Duffy added that while the spouses often see one another at events, they find it difficult to have meaningful conversations in a crowded room, so they make time to get together outside official functions.

"We do find that time, which is actually really great," Campos-Duffy said.

DUFFYS FIRE BACK AFTER PETE BUTTIGIEG, HUSBAND ATTACK NEW ROAD TRIP TV SERIES: 'RADICAL, MISERABLE LEFT'

The conversation also offered a humorous glimpse into life at home with one of the administration's most outspoken advocates for healthy living. Kennedy has championed the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, urging Americans to cut back on ultra-processed foods and raising concerns about seed oils.

"Well, once in a while, he will catch me eating potato chips, and then I won't stop because, you know, it's okay. I'm not shoplifting. But he'll say, ‘Are you [going to] do this in front of me?’ I was like, ‘Yes.’ But yeah, he definitely makes it … He brings it to the forefront, shall we say," Hines said.

RUBIO REJECTS RFK'S 'CRAZY' DIET, JOKES POP-TARTS ARE 'ONE OF THE GREAT AMERICAN INNOVATIONS'

When Fox News host Harris Faulkner asked whether Kennedy ever gives in to his own cravings, Hines said the health secretary has a hard time stopping at just one bite.

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"If you're eating, like, a piece of cake or something, the problem with Bobby is he can't have a bite. He has to have the whole thing," Hines said, laughing.

Aside from Team Europe dominating the Americans over the course of the first two days of the 2025 Ryder Cup, one of the wilder moments from the biennial event involved comedian Heather McMahan and chants of "f- - - you Rory" ringing out across the first tee at Bethpage Black.

Now, a year removed from helping lead the vulgar chants, McMahan is claiming that if she were a man, the consequences that followed never would have happened.

Ahead of Saturday's foursomes matches, McMahan, who was hired as an MC for the event, attempted to fire up the crowd on Long Island. While it's an admittedly awkward job for anyone to start chanting things into a microphone at sunrise in front of tens of thousands of rowdy golf fans screaming their own obscenities, McMahan made a mistake that immediately cost her.

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As fans in the stands started a ‘f you Rory’ chant for Team Europe leader Rory McIlroy, McMahan joined in and started shouting the chant into her microphone. The following day, the PGA of America issued a statement explaining that McMahan had extended an apology to McIlroy and had stepped down from her role. McMahan recently told Oona McCaughan of Barstool Sports that she was "immediately fired" after joining in on the chants.

During a recent sit-down with The Hollywood Reporter, McMahan reflected on nearly being "cancelled" after the incident while pinning the blame on golf not knowing its identity, whatever that means.

"The Ryder Cup has always been known to be heavily competitive between Europe and America," McMahan told the outlet. "But it's always been in good fun? I think [having it in Long Island], the already the weird animosity that America was having to outsiders, I don't think they were set up for success that year. And, I'll fall on the sword. I did not help the cause. It's just really wild.

"What does golf want to be? Is it all buttoned up like The Masters? Is it trying to be Happy Gilmore? I do think golf needed to like shake off the cobwebs, quit being as stuffy, but it doesn't know where it wants to go."

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After explaining that she's only planning on attending LPGA events from now on, McMahan claimed that her being a woman played a role in the backlash and firing.

"I went to the Masters and got to see him win again. I'm still a huge fan," McMahan said, referring to McIlroy winning the green jacket in April. "It's not the players. They're doing their thing. It's just this kind of weird environment with some of the male fans these days. And again, I apologized, but I do think, had a male comedian been in my shoes, we would have never had this conversation. They wouldn't have given a s - - t. Dudes being dudes. Set it on fire, man."

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It's extremely hard to find a modicum of truth in what McMahan is implying.

If anyone who is hired to MC one of the largest events in golf grabs a microphone and joins in on ‘f you’ chants directed at a player in the event you're being paid to be a part of, that person is undoubtedly being fired, regardless of gender.

When it comes to the idea that McMahan should have been cancelled for the chant, that's equally as absurd.

The 2025 Ryder Cup was three full days of American fans shouting obscenities at every European player, but fans aren't held to the same standard as a paid employee of the event, as McMahan was presumed to be.

Fitness trainer and media personality Jillian Michaels is urging parents to "keep the pressure on" social media companies, warning about the platforms' allegedly "addictive" algorithms and content.

Michaels made the comments during an appearance on "The Faulkner Focus" while promoting her new Fox Nation documentary, "Toxic 2: A Generation on the Brink." Michaels advised parents to limit their children's access to online activities.

"You have to do everything you can," Michaels said. "And that means putting parental controls on your kid's phone, period. Take the phone away at night, limit the sites that they can access, have communications with them regularly about the content that they're seeing online. But you also have to be realistic about what they're going to do when they're not with you."

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"This is the part where we also have to continue putting pressure on the social media companies to make their algorithms safer for kids," she said. "They created an addictive product, they know it, and we need to keep the pressure on."

In the documentary, Michaels examines the risks she says children face in the modern age, including excessive screen time, mental health issues and over-medicalization.

"The truth is, a lot of parents probably don't realize the scale of what kids are dealing with today," she said. "From day one, the fragile little bodies and brains of the tiniest and most vulnerable among us are being targeted, treated and toxified from all angles."

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Michaels is joined by several experts in "Toxic 2: A Generation on the Brink," including psychology researcher Jean Twenge, who argues that individuals who begin using smartphones at an early age are more likely to experience mental health issues later in life. 

"In some of the best design studies, the heaviest users of social media are about twice as likely to be depressed as lighter non-users," Twenge said. "Even in other studies, you see at least often a 40% or a 50% increase in depression from not using social media to being a heavy user of social media."

"Gen Z and Gen Alpha know how bad these technologies can be for them," Twenge added. "They're the ones who came up with phrases like 'chronically online,' which make it sound like a disease, 'brain rot,' that it's bad for your attention span and your focus."

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Social media companies have faced increasing pressure to be regulated and be held accountable for the potential effects of their platforms. In August, Meta agreed to pay as much as $17.1 billion and implement restrictions on teen accounts to settle claims that it designed Facebook and Instagram to addict children and misled the public about the platforms' safety. Meta denied the allegations.

For more on the potential risks personal tech and other issues pose to young children, make sure to watch "Toxic 2: A Generation on the Brink," now streaming on Fox Nation.

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Hal Steinbrenner was not fond of answering questions about Major League Baseball's labor negotiations with the players' association, but he came as close as possible to answering a very important one.

When asked at the New York Yankees' postmortem presser if he was in favor of a salary cap, the team's owner said he "support[s]" the owners' proposals - all of which include a cap.

"I've said before - let me put it this way as a member of the labor policy committee - I helped craft, one of many, the proposals that we have given at the bargaining table. And I support those proposals in their entirety. That's absolutely the case, so that should answer your question," Steinbrenner told reporters.

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"What I will say is as a member of the labor policy committee is that we are working hard on our end. We are completely focused on the task ahead of us, on the negotiating. And I'm optimistic we're gonna get a deal done, and we''e gonna get a deal done that's favorable for both sides."

Players have adamantly opposed a salary cap and said it is non-negotiable. The owners are expected to lock out the players on Dec. 1, when the current collective bargaining agreement expires.

The Yankees' $336 million payroll was the third-largest in baseball during the 2026 season, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers ($422 million) and New York Mets ($338 million).

Arguments skew both ways, but a constant has remained in that the highest payrolls continue to go up, while the lowest payrolls remain at a stall. The Marlins' payroll is actually roughly half of what it used to be in 2017, despite a sale of the team and everyone in the league making more money than ever. Meanwhile, the Dodgers have already committed more money in 2030 than 12 teams have this season.

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MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has said that owners are simply "listening to our fans" regarding a salary cap and said it "defies human experience... to think that the bottom end of that [payroll] gap has the same opportunity to win the top end." It should be noted, though, that the National League-winning Milwaukee Brewers swept the Dodgers with the 11th-smallest payroll, and they will be facing the Tampa Bay Rays, who have the league's third-smallest payroll. They defeated the Cleveland Guardians, who rank 29th in payroll, in the American League Division Series.

Major League Baseball has never had a salary cap.

"Salary cap is the ultimate excuse not to compete. It's the ultimate excuse for an owner to say, ‘Gee, I would like to make the team better, but you know I can’t,'" interim MLBPA executive director Bruce Meyer said during the All-Star break. "Salary caps are bad for fans. Salary caps prevent teams from doing the things that they believe are in their interest to make the team better."

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"Every team in baseball can afford to compete, many are choosing not to," Meyer added. "To me, that's the biggest problem right now."

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Steinbrenner mentioned Wednesday that the Yankees' payroll in 2026 was the highest in franchise history.

A source said his brother had been with O.J. Simpson the night of the murders in 1994. But when we refused to pay, he retracted his story.

© Pool photo by Reed Saxon