A Christian couple who spent more than a decade caring for foster children is celebrating a major legal victory after Washington state agreed to change its licensing rules following a dispute over requirements that foster parents use children's preferred pronouns and comply with gender identity policies, even when those requirements conflicted with their religious beliefs.

Shane and Jennifer DeGross told Fox News Digital in an interview Wednesday that the dispute began in 2022, when they attempted to renew their foster care license and discovered the state had changed its requirements concerning gender identity.

The couple said they were willing to love and care for any child placed in their home but could not agree to certain state-imposed requirements they believed violated their Christian faith.

"We were made aware that the state had updated and changed some of their requirements," Jennifer DeGross told Fox News Digital. "While we agreed that we would love and care for any child in our home, they had specific things that we could not agree to as Christians."

DOJ BACKS NUNS CARING FOR DYING CANCER PATIENTS IN FIGHT AGAINST NEW YORK TRANS IDEOLOGY MANDATE

Shane DeGross said the state required them to affirm the state's views on gender identity and human sexuality.

"Those views directly conflict with the biblical worldview of human sexuality," Shane DeGross said. "So, as Christians, we just couldn't accept that. Our allegiance is to God and the truth of Scripture. And we just couldn't abide by what they were requiring us to affirm."

Washington's licensing policies required foster parents to affirm and support LGBTQ children, including expectations concerning gender identity and the use of preferred names and pronouns. The DeGross family challenged the requirements on religious freedom grounds. Jennifer said the state eventually partially reinstated their license but restricted the ages of children they could foster.

AUTISM PROVIDERS WARN FOSTER KIDS AT RISK FROM UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF TRUMP'S MEDICAID FRAUD CRACKDOWN

"We felt like even when they reinstated a partial license to us that they were still discriminating against us," she said.

"When a child reached 5, they had to be removed from our home," Jennifer said. "So not only was that upsetting to us, but that's not good for kids, right?"

Jennifer argued that such a restriction could disrupt a child's placement even if the child had already spent years living with a foster family.

PATRIOTS RB TREVEYON HENDERSON SLAMS STATE OVERREACH AFTER CATHOLIC FAMILY LOSES CUSTODY IN GENDER CASE

"If we had had a child for a couple of years, and then they have to be removed just because they turned or reached a certain age, it's definitely not in the interest of children," she said.

The legal battle resulted in a settlement under which Washington agreed to revise its foster care licensing rules, addressing the conflict between the state's gender identity requirements and foster parents' religious freedom claims.

Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse, senior counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, told Fox News Digital that the DeGross' case should serve as a lesson for the rest of the country.

"These foster care agencies, they have to respect the First Amendment rights of foster parents, as well as the children in the system and everyone that they work with," Widmalm-Delphonse said. 

"So, states should be on notice from this settlement, as well as some of the other cases that we've seen like the Bates v. Pakseresht decision, that they have to respect First Amendment rights, they have to respect free speech rights, and the way you do that is you invite as many foster parents into the system as possible on the front end, and then you match at the back end according to children's individual needs or family's abilities, comfort level, things like that, which is what they've been doing for decades, and this settlement shows that they can continue doing that now," Widmalm-Delphonse added.

WASHINGTON FATHER SUES SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR DENYING RELIGIOUS OPT-OUT FOR 5TH GRADER FROM LGBTQ INSTRUCTION

Widmalm-Delphonse said that since the settlement, Washington State has a new proposed regulation, WSR 26-20-103, currently undergoing the public notice and comment process which would in part give foster parents like Shane and Jennifer DeGross a religious exemption.

"This new rule, in part, would give foster parents like the DeGross's a religious exemption from any rule requiring them to violate their religious beliefs on gender or sexuality," Widmalm-Delphonse said.

Shane DeGross told Fox News Digital, "It's a great victory in the sense that more Christians can be available to love and care for foster kids without fear of being excluded because of their religious beliefs."

"It's a huge victory for kids that need a loving home," he added.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"We are proud of the diversity of our foster parent and kinship caregiver community who have different cultures, religious beliefs, and lived experience," the Washington State Department of Children, Youth, and Families said in a news release on the settlement. "We are grateful that they all open their doors and provide a loving home to children and youth in foster care."

"This settlement agreement respects the religious beliefs of foster parents, while ensuring LGBTQIA+ youth are placed in an environment that is safe and supports their well-being," DCYF Secretary Tana Senn said.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Washington DCYF for further comment.

MANCHESTER, N.H. - Former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt says she is helping President Donald Trump choose his next press secretary after his first pick for the job lasted just five days.

"I've offered my help to the president to help him select someone who can serve him and the country well," Leavitt said Wednesday evening in an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital.

Leavitt served as Trump's press secretary from the start of the president's second term until Aug. 27, when she stepped down from the demanding role to spend more time with her two young children, including a daughter who was born in May.

Her successor, political commentator Katie Zacharia, took over earlier this month, but lasted just five days in the role, making her the shortest-serving White House press secretary in U.S. history.

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

"White House press secretary is a tough job. I know that because I did it, obviously for almost two years, and many people say it's one of the hardest jobs in politics," Leavitt emphasized.

She noted that the job "takes a lot of preparation and sometimes you don't know how someone will perform until they go out there."

"We wish Katie the best. The job obviously was not for her, but we wish her and her family well," Leavitt added.

When it comes to whom Trump will choose next for the position, Leavitt said the president "is continuing to look over options. There's a lot of people who want that job. It's an amazing job. It provides you with incredible opportunities."

SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER

Asked what advice she's offered to Trump, Leavitt said, "I'll keep my private counsel to the president private, but I do obviously talk to him about what the job entails, and he knows it very well."

"Nobody understands the press better than Donald Trump. He knows he needs someone who is tough, who is smart, who understands his policies, who is loyal, and who can go out there and put up a fight," she added.

Leavitt, a New Hampshire native, served as an intern in the Trump White House after graduating from Saint Anselm College in 2019. She later became an assistant White House press secretary at the end of Trump's first term.

After Trump's defeat in the 2020 presidential election, Leavitt worked as communications director for Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik of New York. She then served as spokeswoman for the Trump-aligned super PAC MAGA Inc. before taking over as press secretary for Trump's 2024 presidential campaign.

After being named White House press secretary following the 2024 election, Leavitt made history as the youngest person ever in the role.

DEMOCRACY ’26: STAY UP TO DATE WITH THE FOX NEWS ELECTION HUB

Leavitt also ran for Congress in 2022, winning a heavily contested GOP nomination in New Hampshire's 1st District before losing the general election to incumbent Democratic Rep. Chris Pappas.

Asked if she might make another run for public office in her home state when Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan is up for re-election in 2028, Leavitt quickly said, "No, I'm all set. I don't have any plans to run for office in the near future at all, or in the future at all."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"I am home with my family, and we're really excited about that," she explained. "Right now I'm really focused on being a wife and a mother to my two very young children. That's why I made the decision to leave Washington. So we're just happy to be home and enjoying the ride."

Leavitt officially becomes a Fox News contributor at the start of November.

Politico has issued a correction and re-examined multiple articles after the White House threatened "consequences" if the outlet doesn't retract its recent reporting on President Donald Trump's chief of staff Susie Wiles, Fox News Digital has confirmed.

In a letter addressed to Politico's global editor-in-chief Jonathan Greenberger on Monday, White House counsel William Scharf slammed three "demonstrably false and defamatory articles" about Wiles, including claims that Trump was mulling Wiles' ouster, and that he had a "freak-out" when Politico published its story.

"These publications reflect far more than sloppy reporting or an unfortunate, inadvertent reliance on unreliable sources. They instead reveal a disturbing pattern of the publication of sensational falsehoods despite direct, on-the-record refutations from senior White House officials and even the President of the United States himself, as well as documentary evidence provided to Politico, all of which established clearly that claims central to Politico's planned reporting were false. Put simply, your publication was told the truth and presented with corroborating evidence, and yet chose to publish fanciful fiction regardless," Scharf wrote in the letter first reported by Axios that has been obtained by Fox News Digital. 

WHITE HOUSE CONFIRMS APPEAL AS TRUMP-APPOINTED JUDGE EXTENDS RULING RESTORING CNN, MS NOW, POLITICO ACCESS

"This is not a question of competing interpretations, editorial judgment, or political disagreement. It is a question of whether a major news organization may knowingly publish demonstrably false factual allegations, disregard documentary evidence contradicting those allegations, and then hide behind anonymous sources when confronted with the truth. It may not. I therefore demand that Politico retract these defamatory articles and issue corrections promptly, or face the consequences," he later continued.

Scharf gave Politico "48 hours" to reverse its reporting and issue an apology to both Trump and Wiles before the White House explores "appropriate and available legal remedies."

WHITE HOUSE REPORTERS REACT TO KATIE ZACHARIA'S 'BRUTAL' EXIT AS TRUMP'S PRESS SECRETARY

"The White House has no obligation to pretend that this persistent conduct is consistent with responsible journalism. Nor should Politico expect that its institutional behavior will be insulated from scrutiny. After all, freedom of the press is not a professional exemption from accountability," Scharf told Greenberg.

"I therefore demand that Politico immediately correct or retract these publications, issue a prominent and public apology to the President of the United States and to Ms. Wiles, and remove the false reporting from your digital archives. Failure to do so or otherwise respond justifying Politico's publications within 48 hours will prompt an immediate review of Politico's relationship with the White House, and, of course, consideration of all other appropriate and available legal remedies."

Politico responded on Wednesday, insisting it strives for accuracy in its reporting and "categorically rejects the false accusations" that it "chose to publish fanciful fiction" and "purposeful falsehoods designed to mislead the public." 

"That said, Politico takes seriously assertions like those made in your letter. Accordingly, consistent with its commitment to ensuring its reporting is as accurate as possible, Politico re-examined all three articles identified in your letter and did follow up reporting," Politico's attorney wrote in a letter obtained by Fox News Digital. 

"As a result, Politico determined it was appropriate to correct one of the three articles identified in your letter," the letter continued. 

Politico did not offer an apology to Trump and Wiles or correct the report that Trump was considering moving on from Wiles. Instead, Politico corrected an article to note that Wiles simply offered "positive reinforcement" for then-White House press secretary Katie Zacharia's Fox News appearance on "Hannity" last week before she stepped down, but did not play a direct role in booking the interview. 

BIDEN-ERA FBI RECORDS REVEAL SPRAWLING WILES MONITORING AS BURIED CONTACTS SURFACE

"The updated version of that article, reflecting the information obtained through Politico's further reporting, has now been published. Promptly and transparently making corrections, as Politico has done here, is a hallmark of journalistic ethics and integrity, and of the very professionalism your letter falsely claims Politico is lacking," Politico's attorney wrote. 

The White House did not immediately respond when asked for comment. 

Politico has been in the crosshairs of the Trump administration in recent weeks as among the outlets that were banned by the White House last month, which had been reversed by a judge's ruling.

"To be clear, any error that you could identify in Politico's reporting about the President or his administration would not excuse the White House's unconstitutional retaliation and discrimination against Politico for the content of its news coverage," Politico's response said. 

"The White House's efforts to retaliate against Politico for its constitutionally protected journalism, and to discriminate against Politico based on what the President perceives to be its editorial viewpoint is a profound affront to the most fundamental constitutional rights," the response continued. "Politico will defend its journalism and the right of its reporters to pursue their mission and report fearlessly on the President and other White House officials for the benefit of the American public, notwithstanding the White House's ongoing attempts to intimidate Politico and chill and punish that reporting."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

SALT LAKE CITY — Education Secretary Linda McMahon told Fox News Digital that the United States is due for a "reset" of public education after spending $3 trillion over decades while national reading scores have consistently declined.

"We've spent this $3 trillion that you referenced, and we've watched scores continue to come down. So we're doing something wrong. We need to reset," McMahon said in an interview with Fox News Digital.

"We know that the president believes, as do I, that the best education is the one that's closest to the child with parental involvement," McMahon added. "Our goal is to make sure that we move administrative programs that focus more on adults out of Washington, D.C., so that we can get all of those dollars back into education in the states."

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TOUTS 'HARD RESET' FOR AMERICAN SCHOOLS, VOWS TO PUT PARENTS 'BACK IN CHARGE'

McMahon visited Utah on Tuesday to highlight the Trump administration's progress in reforming K-12 education. Delivering a speech titled "The Next 250: K-12 Education," the secretary emphasized returning education authority to the states, investing in proven academic interventions and expanding school choice for families.

"In every decision we make, we are not asking what's better for growing government power, ideological agendas or bureaucrats' careers. We are returning education to its most basic obligation: to nurture the God-given potential of our children," McMahon told a crowd of students, parents and teachers at American Preparatory Academy in West Valley City.

The Utah event marked the 47th stop on the department's 50-state tour aimed at decentralizing federal education authority. According to Department of Education officials, more than $3 trillion in federal taxpayer money has been spent over the decades, while national test results show that only about three in 10 students perform at or above the proficient level in math and reading.

Speaking with Fox News Digital following her address, McMahon said parental involvement in education increased during the pandemic. 

"Parents, for the first time, could see what was going on with education, with the curriculum that was being taught to their children," McMahon said. "They became involved, they became concerned, and they started going to school board meetings. I think that really started to change the focus. And that, in conjunction with looking at the fact that NAEP scores — our national report card — have simply gone down since the Department of Education was established."

McMahon pledged upon taking office to work toward dismantling the federal agency, including hiring leaders tasked with phasing out their own offices. The push aligns with President Donald Trump's broader education initiative, which he highlighted at a White House Rose Garden event promoting school choice. Trump also pledged to eliminate "far-left extremism" from classrooms and argued that federal education spending has failed to deliver acceptable academic results.

MOMS FOR LIBERTY UNLEASHES AI WATCHDOG ON 13,000 SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO FLAG CONTROVERSIAL POLICIES BEFORE VOTES

As part of the administration's broader effort to downsize federal oversight, the Department of Education announced an interagency agreement with the Treasury Department in March. Under the agreement, Treasury will take on certain responsibilities for managing federal student loans, including collections on defaulted loans, as part of the administration's effort to transfer administrative duties away from the Education Department.

The student loan transfer is one of nine interagency partnerships designed to serve as a "proof of concept" for Congress to show that federal education tasks can be reallocated.

"I've asked Congress, with this proof of concept and these interagency agreements: Let me prove to you that it works," McMahon told Fox News Digital. "I know, ultimately, Congress has to vote if we do close the Department of Education and if I, in fact, am able to fire myself. Hopefully, they will vote for it because I believe the outcome will be better for students — and that is the goal."

McMahon said that the federal agency functions largely as a "pass-through" for funding rather than controlling local school curricula, a distinction she noted is frequently misunderstood by the public.

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TARGETS HEAD START BUREAUCRACY IN MOVE ADVOCATES SAY PUTS PARENTS IN THE DRIVER'S SEAT

"The goal is to get rid of the bureaucracy of education that seems to focus more on adults and not on children's performance," she said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Following her Utah visit, McMahon's four-part speaking series will continue with upcoming stops in Nevada, Arizona and Tennessee to address rising higher education costs and workforce Pell grants. Her final keynote in Tennessee later this month will focus on restoring accountability and standards in higher education.

During a podcast interview Wednesday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton criticized a video from actor Matthew McConaughey encouraging voters to consider independent candidates.

On Sunday, McConaughey took to social media and challenged the long-held notion that voting for an independent candidate is a wasted vote, arguing that just a handful of independent lawmakers could dramatically shift the balance of power in Washington.

"They've been telling us for years that an independent vote is a wasted vote," McConaughey said in a video shared on Instagram. "Well, a great question for our times is has that unwasted vote been working out for you?"

FOX NEWS POWER RANKINGS: AS THE HOUSE FALLS, THE SENATE STAYS IN PLAY

Liberal journalist Kara Swisher shared the video with Clinton on their new podcast "High Stakes," remarking that she didn't think McConaughey articulated the appeal of independent candidates well enough for viewers.

Clinton went further and criticized McConaughey for potentially complicating the Democratic Party's efforts to push back against President Donald Trump in the midterm elections.

"I think it's really unfortunate that somebody who's such a great actor with such a reach would be two weeks before a midterm that is aimed at stopping Trump's corruption, impunity and extreme damage to the country would suggest that any independent candidate is really a better choice," Clinton said.

HILLARY CLINTON ISSUES ENDORSEMENT IN US MIDTERM ELECTIONS

"Right now, we have a broad range of Democrats running, and Democrats are representing, I think, every kind of American in these elections," she continued. "And we know, I mean, it's just a fact. We know that if we don't vote for Democrats to defeat Republicans, then Trump will have two more unchecked years to do whatever he wants to our country."

Fox News Digital reached out to McConaughey's representative for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Clinton and her husband, former President Bill Clinton, have recently taken steps to campaign for Democratic candidates ahead of the midterm elections. While the former president has been making public appearances on behalf of candidates, the former first lady has made rounds in the podcast sphere with Swisher.

HILLARY CLINTON INCLUDES 2016 LOSS IN 'HARD TIMES' LIST FOR DEM VOTERS, INCLUDING 9/11, 2008 FINANCIAL CRISIS

However, some Democratic strategists have expressed doubts about this latest push.

"Hillary and Bill are still relevant to some voters. However, they will mostly be useful in speaking to the Democratic base and those who are highly engaged in politics," Democratic strategist Mally Smith told Fox News Digital last week. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"It is a hard media environment to break through, and even current elected officials, let alone former office holders, will struggle to get people’s attention."

ESPN host Stephen A. Smith defended his trip to the White House to meet with President Donald Trump during an episode of "The View" Wednesday, telling the co-hosts he wouldn't apologize for sitting down with the president.

Co-host Sunny Hostin asked Smith, "He has this history of racial bias that is so clear. Did you think meeting with him, that you got anywhere?"

"I don't know. We'll find out, but he’s the president of the United States, and I’ll be damned if I’m not going to try," he said. "And the reality is I’m just speaking from a constitutional perspective in that regard. 

THE NINE KEY RACES THAT WILL DECIDE WHO CONTROLS THE SENATE, AND WHERE THEY STAND

"And it points to a bigger issue. There are so many people that have this mentality, ‘Why even waste time talking to him?’ Whether you like him or not, he’s the president of the United States of America. He’s not going away until 2028. At least. He’s not going away."

Smith met with Trump, comedian Bill Maher and Kid Rock at the White House Oct. 15.

Hostin raised the possibility that Trump could be impeached after the midterm elections, but Smith rejected the idea. 

"I think you’re going to have a situation where the Republicans are going to maintain the Senate," Smith said. "They’ll probably lose the House. So, you’ll get folks to impeach him, but then they’ll step in and save him, and it will be an ongoing continuous thing. 

"And don’t get me started with that because I get disgusted with all that pomp and circumstance. I’m so sick and tired of us acting like that’s going to do something. He’s not going away until 2028.

"You’re going to have to deal with him," he continued. "And when it comes to getting things done, I’m all about exhausting every means and every measure to try to do what’s in the best interest of our community. I’m not apologizing for that to anybody."

The co-hosts told Smith they had invited Trump onto the show, but, on Tuesday, co-host Ana Navarro said there was "no way in hell" she would meet with the president.

JOY BEHAR WANTS TRUMP BACK ON ‘THE VIEW’ DESPITE SAYING HE’S ‘NOT LONG FOR THIS WORLD’

"It’s easy for the cast of ‘The View’ to attack people for meeting with President Trump or crow about how they would never take a meeting with him," Nicholas Fondacaro, associate editor of the Media Research Center's NewsBusters, told Fox News Digital in a statement about the exchange. 

"One, they’ll never be asked. Two, they’re not counted on by anyone to be a champion of their cause.

"It’s clear that ‘The View’ truly believe him to be the bumbling racist caricature that they and the rest of the liberal media paint him to be to their viewers," he continued. "They were visibly shocked to learn that Trump seemed to hear him out and called him a few days later to hear his argument again before he met with others about the HBCUs issue."

Navarro also pressed Smith on the meeting and questioned whether he pushed back on the president.

The ESPN host said he pressed Trump several times regarding the war in Iran and added that Maher grilled the president during the meeting as well.

"The only other thing I would add is I’m kind of disappointed that you’re asking whether or not I pushed back because that shows me that you’re not watching my SiriusXM show enough because I push back on Trump all the time," Smith said.

BILL MAHER REVEALS HE'S HAVING DINNER WITH TRUMP AGAIN, SAYS HE WAS 'REALLY NICE' BY TEXT

Kid Rock spoke on "Fox & Friends" about the meeting Friday.

"Last night, I'm having dinner at the White House with the president, Bill Maher and Stephen A. Smith. We all agreed socialism and communism has no place to have a foothold in our government," he said, before referring to Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.

Asked how the dinner went, Kid Rock said the group had a great conversation.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"It was epic," he said. "And the thing that was the greatest — there's so many points, I could do an hour on it — is that, you know, two Democrats, two Republicans sit down, break bread, have laughs, talk about, have tough conversations on a lot of the issues."

A California mayor insisted that handing out monthly cash payments is an effective tool to combat the state's soaring cost of living, even as local leaders face steep hurdles in securing permanent taxpayer funding to keep guaranteed income programs alive.

"I believe that guaranteed income programs like our Rise Up Alameda (RUA) pilot program are a valuable and effective tool to address the affordability crisis, based on the documented experiences of program participants," Alameda Mayor Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft told Fox News Digital. 

"The average age of the 150 program participants was 49 years, with 26% being 62 years or older, and most participants were either employed or retired."

Ashcraft’s comments follow the completion of Rise Up Alameda, the city's first-ever guaranteed income pilot project. City staff presented the program's final 24-month evaluation report to the Alameda City Council on Oct. 6.

ALBUQUERQUE USES WEED TAX TO FUND 'NO-STRINGS-ATTACHED' GUARANTEED INCOME, SPARKING POLICY DEBATE

According to city documents, the pilot aimed to "reduce economic instability for program participants, help to change local narratives and perceptions surrounding poverty and the provision of public benefits and help to support and inform the national discussion regarding public benefits and anti-poverty policies."

The Alameda City Council previously allocated $4.6 million in federal pandemic relief funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to finance the initiative, which provided 150 low-income households with $1,000 per month in no-strings-attached cash over two years. However, city notices confirm that because ARPA was a one-time federal allocation, the pilot has officially concluded, and the city has no plans or budget allocated for a permanent continuation.

"As mayor, I believe our responsibility is to advance practical, compassionate and evidence-informed policies that help residents meet their basic needs, preserve their dignity and build a more stable future for themselves and their families," Ashcraft told Fox News Digital when asked whether she planned to implement a permanent program.

BALTIMORE MAYOR BACKS BALLOT MEASURE CREATING TAXPAYER-FUNDED 'BABY FUND' FOR NEWBORN FAMILIES

The faces behind the program

Ashcraft highlighted several personal accounts of local residents who received monthly payments through the pilot.

Among them was Andrea, a certified nursing assistant who used the funds to stay afloat following the death of her mother. The financial boost helped cover medical bills, rent, gas and Bay Area bridge tolls while allowing her to care for her father and ailing brother.

Another participant, Dolores, a retiree in her 70s living in affordable senior housing after a 41-year career at AT&T, used the extra $1,000 a month to pay off credit card debt and build an emergency savings account.

Other recipients included Haroon, a rideshare and transit driver; Julia, a woman with a disability who was able to buy new mattresses, groceries and a set of car tires after an eviction forced her to move in with her sister; and Tyronne, a Navy veteran and former truck driver at the decommissioned Alameda Naval Air Station who relied on the extra money to cover medical bills and stabilize his housing.

While Ashcraft praised these personal outcomes, she acknowledged that direct cash payments are not a full remedy for California's economic pressures.

"These stories demonstrate the value of direct, unrestricted cash in helping residents navigate financial hardship, maintain stability and improve their overall well-being," Ashcraft said. 

"While guaranteed income is not a stand-alone solution to the affordability crisis, programs like Rise Up Alameda can provide meaningful support as we pursue longer-term solutions to the high cost of housing, health care, transportation and other basic needs."

GUARANTEED INCOME PROGRAM TARGETS LOW-INCOME HOMES LED BY BLACK MOMS AS CASH HANDOUTS SURGE NATIONWIDE

How will municipalities fund these programs?

Alameda's program underscores a funding challenge local governments face across the nation regarding how to sustain guaranteed income pilot programs now that temporary federal pandemic relief funding is ending.

Many local guaranteed income pilots were underwritten by temporary pandemic-era ARPA allocations. With federal deadlines requiring municipalities to spend remaining relief funds, mayors and advocacy groups are searching for ways to convert short-term experiments into permanent, taxpayer-funded government programs.

A major organization advocating for guaranteed income is the Economic Security Project (ESP). Founded in 2016 by a network of entrepreneurs, activists and researchers, ESP has helped support more than 100 guaranteed income pilots nationwide. California leads the country with more than 60 pilot launches.

ESP has urged governments to consider taxpayer-funded measures to establish permanent minimum-income guarantees.

When asked by Fox News Digital whether local pilots are transitioning into permanent public policies, ESP indicated that multiple municipalities are actively working on legislative proposals.

"We can say, however, that there’s an active and growing movement for cash in hundreds of communities across the country," Shafeka Hashash, director of cash initiatives at the Economic Security Project, told Fox News Digital.

"We regularly take calls from some of the 1,500 members of the Guaranteed Income Community of Practice — researchers, nonprofits, local government officials and community leaders all interested in bringing cash to their neighborhoods," Hashash added. 

"We just can’t announce any pilots or policies before the localities do."

MICHIGAN LAWMAKER MOVES TO SHUT DOWN 'GUARDRAIL-FREE' CASH HANDOUT PROGRAM FOR NEW MOTHERS

One pilot program has become permanent in Cook County, Illinois. To sustain the initiative without federal aid, the Cook County Board of Commissioners approved $7.5 million for guaranteed income in the county budget, signaling a shift toward long-term local funding.

Republican state officials and conservative policy groups have sought to block guaranteed income programs. Critics argue unconditional handouts discourage work, increase dependence on government assistance and misuse taxpayer funds.

"The affordability crisis is hitting Americans across backgrounds, geographies and party lines, and it's imperative that state and federal leaders adopt a solutions-focused approach," Mayors for Guaranteed Income founder Michael Tubbs told Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"Banning policies that have proven effective at the local level is not only undemocratic, it is incredibly counterproductive to solving the key problem facing American families," he added. 

"We should be unlocking innovation at the local level to boost economic security, stabilize households and restore faith in the American dream." 

Vice President JD Vance sharply called out WNBA players in the league finals over skipping the national anthem during an interview Wednesday, calling them "disgraceful."

Players from both the Atlanta Dream and Golden State Valkyries have left the court during the national anthem before the first two games of the WNBA Finals, despite a rule in the league’s own rulebook specifically calling for players to stand and line up during the performance.

"I think it's disgraceful," Vance told host Raymond Arroyo on "Arroyo Grande." "I think that you should not express some criticism of a public policy of a given politician by disrespecting the country writ large. I mean, those women who play for the WNBA, think of the public safety, think of the incredible wealth and privilege, the amazing jobs that they have. They have a lot to be grateful to the United States for, and I think that if they had a bit more of a spirit of gratitude, they'd be happier people, and they wouldn't offend so many people as well."

Vance also appeared to cite Saint Augustine’s idea of Ordo Amoris, a concept from Catholic thought that Vance cited in 2025 to defend administration deportation policies.

NBA STAYS SILENT ON WNBA FINALS TEAMS SKIPPING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM BEFORE GAMES 1 AND 2

"I've gotten some trouble talking about this, but I'll just talk about it again," Vance said. "One of the ways I understand the Catholic understanding is that we have various orders of duty, and you know, our closest and most immediate duty, of course, is to our family and to the people in our immediate circle. But we, of course, owe duties to the entire world. We owe duties to the stranger. But I also think a good and coherent understanding of the Christian self is that you are part of a national community."

He added, "Whether you were born in the United States or whether you came here by choice, this is your country. And I think that we're all meant to love it. We're all meant to try to make it the best version of itself. But fundamentally, I think, without love of country, I think that you're going to be a disordered human being."

Fox News Digital spoke to veteran GOP strategist Mary Marslender, who argued, like Vance, that the basketball players lack perspective on how great it is to live in the United States.

OUTKICK READERS BLAST WNBA PLAYERS FOR HIDING DURING FINALS NATIONAL ANTHEM

"The WNBA players are treating a country that has given them extraordinary privileges as if it were an oppressor, while ignoring that American women enjoy rights and opportunities that remain rare or nonexistent for most women elsewhere," she said. "They seem to forget that a league like the WNBA exists and its players can publicly dissent without fear of state reprisal solely because of these rights and opportunities. If these activists hate this country that much, they are free to leave it. The rest of us are done with this disrespect."

Fox News Digital reached out to the WNBA, as well as the Women's National Basketball Players Association, and did not receive an immediate reply.

OutKick's Dan Zaksheske contributed to this report.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Modern Times Café, a Minneapolis restaurant that attempted to eliminate prices, has announced it will be closing for good by the end of the year.

"For the last six years, I’ve been trying to prove that Modern Times can continue to exist," owner Dylan Alverson wrote on social media Saturday. "I’ve exhausted every option without compromising the core fundamentals that make Modern Times what it is."

He added that he plans to spend the next two months celebrating the 16-year-old business and discussing ways for a business like his to continue.

MINNESOTA SENATE VOTES TO BAN ICE FROM WEARING MASKS, ALLOW RESIDENTS TO SUE FOR CONSTITUTIONAL VIOLATIONS

"The only way for places like Modern Times to exist in the future is to actively challenge the reasons why it can no longer exist," Alverson wrote.

Alverson announced on Instagram in January that his business, which rebranded as Post Modern Times, would operate as a "free and donation-based restaurant" where everyone would be welcome "except ICE" in protest of the Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations happening in his state, partly in response to the killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti.

"We absolutely cannot go on as we have. I am sick of generating money for the soldiers in our streets and for a government that won't protect us — a government who is actively inflicting daily harm on its citizens," Alverson wrote. "Effective tomorrow we are done making money for the fascists that occupy our city."

The decision was made after Pretti was shot and killed by Border Patrol agents.

The Modern Times Café operated without prices for about six months until it briefly closed in July. The establishment returned to using prices once the store reopened in August but announced that it would continue serving 25 free meals per day.

By October, Alverson told The New York Times he was operating under a "zero profit margin," hoping that his place could be used as a model for other restaurants.

BELOVED LA RESTAURANT HIT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA BACKLASH AFTER OWNERS SPOKE POSITIVELY ABOUT TESLA

‘WE’RE BACK TO COVID’: MINNESOTA RESTAURANT OWNERS SAY ICE ENFORCEMENT IS CRIPPLING THEIR BUSINESSES

"If I can create a fundraising mechanism that can raise money to provide hospitality, we can take that program and add restaurants to it," Alverson said.

However, he acknowledged that the process was taxing for his staff and led to customers waiting up to two hours for a meal, half of which would usually be given for free. Neighbors also expressed concerns that homeless and drug-addicted people would take advantage of the offer.

In a comment to Fox News Digital, Alverson stood by his remarks to The New York Times and suggested that the bigger issue was other restaurants that were struggling.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"I think a bigger question right now is how many independent restaurants are close to collapse?" Alverson said.

Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico blamed Republican extremism for prompting some of his past controversial remarks during a new interview, including assertions that God is "nonbinary" and that there are six biological sexes, arguing that those weren't issues he ran for office to discuss.

Talarico said that culture war issues became more prominent in the 2021 Texas state legislature and suggested Republicans were responsible for the increased attention to those topics. Talarico, in 2021, opposed a bill to ban men from women’s sports and claimed that "God is non-binary" while on the Austin, Texas, House floor. 

Additionally, at a Texas House Committee on Public Education hearing in 2021, he stated, "Modern science obviously recognizes that there are many more than two biological sexes; in fact, there are six."

Talarico, who is running against Republican Ken Paxton in the state's closely watched U.S. Senate race, spoke to The New York Times' Michael Barbaro on the paper's "The Daily" podcast Tuesday. He said he felt compelled to fight what he described as Republican extremism at the time when asked about the comments.

JAMES TALARICO ADMITS PAST COMMENTS 'MISSED THE MARK' WHEN CONFRONTED ON CLAIMS LIKE GOD IS 'NON-BINARY'

"I was put in a position where I had to fight back against that extremism. So, you mentioned some of my comments on gender or on issues affecting trans people. It's not like I ran for the legislature to talk about these things. Again, if you go back to my first session, I wanted to talk about public education, which is why I ran in the first place," he said, pointing to other issues on which he ran.

"It's kind of ironic that they're clipping these things to make it sound like I'm the one who was talking about this when, in reality, it was the Republican extremists at the Capitol who were obsessed with talking about trans issues, obsessed with talking about people's private parts. That wasn't me. That was them that changed."

DEM SCRAMBLES TO CHANGE TUNE ON TRANS ATHLETES AS TRUMP TARGETS PAST RECORD: ‘ANNIE TRANNIE’

Talarico was asked whether some Democratic positions on cultural issues around 2020 had gone too far.

The Democratic Senate candidate said that, at the national level, the party may have gone too far. But at the state level, specifically in Texas, he believed certain bills were targeting and harming his constituents.

He pointed to Texas' abortion ban and legislation affecting the LGBTQ community.

"These bills targeting LGBTQ people have real ramifications in our state, especially when they're written to be overly broad," he said. "I'm all for if we want to figure out when it's appropriate for a trans athlete to play in a sport. That's a policy discussion that we should have and an issue we should solve.

"But the bill that they were trying to pass, the bill they ultimately did pass, was a blanket ban in all cases," he continued. "It treated tee-ball the same as varsity baseball. 

"And it's because their goal was to score political points off of the backs of a very small, vulnerable group of people in our state. And, so, you know, my values haven't changed, but I was put in a position because of the rise in Republican extremism to defend my constituents."

Barbaro asked Talarico if he subscribed to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and her assertion that so-called "Woke One" was "crazy" at a personal level.

Talarico said he regretted not articulating his position in a "more straightforward way" but had no regrets about defending his constituents.

JAMES TALARICO TORCHES BIDEN BORDER POLICIES IN STUNNING ATTACK AD AS PROGRESSIVE TRIES TO FLIP TEXAS BLUE

"So, there's a lot that is said and, when you pull out maybe the most inarticulate of those things to make an attack ad, you know, I certainly regret not articulating my position more clearly, in a more straightforward way to say what I actually mean. And that's going to be true, you know, probably for my entire time in public service. I'm not a perfect person. None of us are. And, so, I'm going to always keep trying to improve how I talk about things so that I'm getting my point across," he said.

"I wasn't making a large point about American politics or the Democratic Party. I'll leave those to the pundits and the commentators. All I was trying to say is that I've said things imperfectly, and I'm going to keep working on trying to communicate more clearly and effectively."

Inez Stepman, senior policy and legal analyst at Independent Women, criticized Talarico's remarks.

"The left is always pulling a bait and switch with cultural issues. They advanced policies that placed males on girls sports teams, in locker rooms, in women’s prisons, and tried to push anyone who objected to that insanity out of public life. Now, they say none of this ever existed or isn’t important. But they don’t change their policy or votes," Stepman told Fox News Digital in a statement.

"Not a single Democrat on the federal level voted for a bill to keep men out of women’s sports. If they don’t want to talk about these issues, they could easily put them behind us by ceasing their campaign, including passing laws and regulations that force us to accept men in women’s spaces. But they won’t do that. They merely want us to stop talking about the consequences of their ideas and policies on women and girls."

Talarico was recently confronted about some of his comments regarding cultural issues while participating in a "Jubilee"-style town hall, during which voters confronted him one-on-one. Talarico met with a fellow Christian from Texas who pressed him on his past statements.

"You've said some concerning things in the past kind of related to faith and social issues. Things such as God is nonbinary, questions about how many genders there really are and your justifications using the Bible for abortion," Sarah Gardner, a small business owner, said to Talarico.

EXPERT TEARS APART TALARICO'S VIRAL CLAIM HIS AGENDA IS BASED ON JESUS'S TEACHINGS: 'BUTCHERING THE BIBLE'

While explaining some of his comments, he drew a parallel to his own interpretation of Scripture to Charlie Kirk.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

"The first comment about God not being defined by gender, when I said that I was being provocative. And I want to admit that and come clean about that. But I think what I was saying is actually not controversial theologically. 

"The idea that we can't define God using human categories, not only did I say that, but the late Charlie Kirk said that, the late Pope Benedict said that. And so, yes, I was doing it, maybe in an annoying way, I can admit that," he said.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Paxton's campaign did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment.

A woman who watched her husband get brutally beaten by a mob of rioters in Paris is recounting the terrifying attack that left him bloodied.

"It was like a horror movie. I've never experienced a fear like that before," Almudena Garcia told "America's Newsroom" on Wednesday.

"We were just in the streets in the center of Paris ... We were about to leave, and then we heard some screaming, so we turned around, and we saw one of our friends being beat up by a group of individuals, four or five, and then my husband just ran to them in order to help his friends," she added.

MCDONALD'S RANSACKED AND WRECKED AS STORES, RESTAURANTS SUFFER FROM VIOLENCE AND RIOTING

Garcia, who lives in France, told Fox News the group turned on her husband and began beating him after he tried to help his friend.

"It happened very, very fast," she recounted.

"There were five at the beginning and four or five more just arrived in two seconds, so I just saw my husband being beat up by 10 individuals."

Garcia said she screamed for help during the attack, fearing her husband could be seriously injured or killed.

"I was panicking, and I was asking for help," she said.

According to Garcia, two waiters at a nearby restaurant intervened and pulled her husband inside to protect him from the attackers. She said several members of the group then followed him into the restaurant and continued the assault.

FRANCE'S MASSIVE INTEL FAILURE SPARKS RESIGNATION OFFERS AMID DAYS OF RIOTING

"Thanks to the waiters, they could finally get them [the rioters] out ... and I got into the restaurant, and I just saw my husband all covered in blood ... It was very, very scary," she added.

The attack comes amid weeks of unrest across France, which began over concerns about poor school conditions, has expanded to include protests against rising living costs. Some demonstrations have turned violent, with rioters attacking police, looting businesses and damaging public buildings.

Paris has remained a flash point for violence, with videos circulating on social media over the weekend appearing to show groups of men damaging property in the capital and other major cities.

Violence in the streets has subsided since French authorities imposed curfews in parts of Paris and other cities affected by the unrest, according to The Associated Press. Authorities are preparing for additional demonstrations on Saturday, Oct. 24.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News' Robert Schmad contributed to this report.

The "Ruthless Podcast" hosts called out Democratic hypocrisy Wednesday for decrying "big money" in politics while accepting donations from major companies and billionaires ahead of the midterm elections.

Podcast co-host John Ashbrook highlighted a recent report that Kansas Democratic Senate nominee Adam Hamilton holds up to $4 million in stock in companies in the artificial intelligence (AI) and data center sectors despite previously criticizing AI technology.

"He’s getting rich off of data centers," Ashbrook said.

'RUTHLESS' BREAKS DOWN ELECTION DETAILS NEGLECTED BY MAINSTREAM MEDIA

They also commented on how Hamilton's wife earned between $5,001 and $15,000 from interest in bonds alone from the Bank of China.

"She's hedging on China, if the church doesn't work," podcast co-host Comfortably Smug joked.

"Roger Marshall voted for $30 billion in tax breaks for data centers and for making it easier to build centers while taking tens of thousands from data center developers. Adam will let Kansans decide what's right for their community, not big tech," Hamilton spokesperson Tyson Brody told Fox News Digital.

WOKE MEGACHURCH PASTOR, DEM NOMINEE CALLED FOR REPENTANCE OVER WHITE PRIVILEGE IN WAKE OF GEORGE FLOYD, BLM

The podcast also remarked on Maine Democratic Senate candidate Troy Jackson recently disclosing that at least four billionaires donated to his campaign despite previously claiming he had no billionaires backing him.

"That is my favorite Democrat bit," co-host Josh Holmes said. "It's the ‘I'm tired of corporate greed and corporate donations, and I'm not taking big money in politics.’ And like the entirety of their party, each one of them individually is exclusively on the map only because of that."

MAINE DEM SEN CANDIDATE'S 'WORKING CLASS' CRED SHREDDED BY BOTH PARTIES WHEN INTERNET SEES LATEST 'CRINGEY' AD

"He said that he's running for office because he's tired of high-priced lobbyists and corporate greed," Ashbrook added. "Well, of course, if you listen to the Variety Progrum, you know his own son is a lobbyist."

Fox News Digital reached out to the Jackson campaign for comment.

A Jackson campaign spokesperson told WGME, "Nearly 200,000 people have donated to Troy’s campaign, with 95% of contributions under $100, support from Mainers in all 16 counties, and no corporate PACs — unlike Susan Collins, who is heavily funded by corporate PACs and wealthy special interests whose bidding she does in Washington. While Susan Collins remains at the center of a pay-for-play scandal where she steered taxpayer dollars to campaign donors, Troy has always been clear that billionaires need to pay their fair share, and he’ll always put working people first."

Maine's race has been ruled a "toss-up" between Jackson and the GOP incumbent Sen. Susan Collins.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Collins campaign for comment.

Fox News’ latest power rankings have classified the race in Kansas as "leans GOP" in favor of incumbent Sen. Roger Marshall.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Former Obama staffers who host the "Pod Save America" podcast debated Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s handling of a recent question about his family’s alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

While Tommy Vietor and his co-hosts sympathized with El-Sayed over questions they considered "bigoted," Jon Favreau warned that El-Sayed must keep in mind that he is speaking not just to the questioner, but also to voters who may be concerned about the Muslim Brotherhood itself.

Concerns about alleged ties between El-Sayed's family and the Muslim Brotherhood emerged after the Washington Free Beacon reported on social media posts in which El-Sayed's half-sister, Eman Abdelhadi, described her family's history with the organization, including her and El-Sayed's mother.

At an October 17 town hall, El-Sayed bristled when an audience member asked whether he would disavow the Muslim Brotherhood. After disavowing the organization, El-Sayed turned the scrutiny back on the audience member, saying, "You’re asking the question because, implicitly, you assume that I’ll have dual loyalties, right? You assume that I wouldn’t disavow, or that I'll have some higher order allegiance than to the Constitution, correct? Tommy, is that what you imply?"

'THE VIEW' CO-HOSTS DEFEND EL-SAYED COMPARING HIMSELF TO JFK OVER MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD SCRUTINY

Favreau criticized Republican attempts to tie El-Sayed to the organization through his family connections, but argued that the GOP was using the issue to sway voters.

"It's somewhat smarter for them to throw out the Muslim Brotherhood thing because it's like, ‘This is a new piece of information that people might have no idea what the Muslim Brotherhood is,’" he said, appearing to frame the tactical mindset of Republican operatives. "'Sounds pretty scary, doesn't it? Terrorist organization. Maybe you don't know the history of the Muslim Brotherhood. Maybe it's got foreign ties to Egypt and he, you know, his family, his family's from Egypt.'"

"So, to respond to that, as bulls--- as it is, and of course, he like knocked it down. But you've got to forget about the a--hole asking you the question," Favreau continued. "You've got to give the answer as if someone who might have a question about a Muslim Brotherhood tie is not necessarily like totally Islamophobic and like that kid or like Trump or like Mike Rogers, but like might have a question, and you don't want — and you don't want to condescend to that person or be like, ‘No, you're an a--hole for asking.’ Right?"

"And I'm not saying he did," he added. "I thought it was a good — I thought he could have used like 20% less condescension in the answer."

Vietor agreed that El-Sayed’s tone could have been better, and replied, "There’s a slightly more empathetic version of that."

Fellow co-host Jon Lovett said, "Stop fighting with that guy and speak to the people that are not."

ABDUL EL-SAYED INVOKES JFK TO DISMISS 'CRAZY' QUESTIONS OVER FAMILY'S ALLEGED TIES TO MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD

Favreau recalled his experience working for former President Barack Obama and said that, regardless of whether a characterization of a candidate's statements is fair, candidates and public officials have to be careful about rhetoric and tone when speaking to voters.

"You can say this from the cheap seats, because I am sure when you are Abdul, and you're going around doing this and there are people who are f---ing just calling into question your loyalty to your country that you love, it must f---ing infuriate you," Favreau said. "And it's not fair that what he has to do in response is to eat s--- and just give a nice answer with a smile." 

"But like we were there when Barack Obama had to do it, and you know Zohran Mamdani had to do it and like, unfortunately, there's a double standard, and it's unfair, but you still have to do it to win an election anyway and it f---ing sucks," he added.

Fox News Digital reached out to El-Sayed's campaign for comment but did not immediately receive a response. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Jesse Arm, vice president of external affairs at the Manhattan Institute and a former pollster who has followed the Michigan Senate race, suggested El-Sayed's confrontational demeanor may be a key reason he is not doing as well against his Republican opponent as the Democratic gubernatorial nominee is doing in her race in Michigan.

"The ‘Pod Save America’ guys are partisan hacks who bend over backward to excuse El-Sayed’s radicalism and dismiss legitimate scrutiny as bigotry. But even they recognize that his nastiness and condescension are deeply off-putting," Arm told Fox News Digital. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"And if even his most sympathetic defenders can see it, imagine how he comes across to ordinary Michigan voters," he added. "This is a big part of the reason he’s poised to dramatically underperform the state’s Democratic gubernatorial nominee."

Liberal Americans who fled to Europe after President Donald Trump's re-election shared how the grass is not always greener on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean.

Wired Magazine released an article Thursday headlined "They Fled Trump’s America. Now They Regret It," speaking directly to those who sought "political refuge in the wake of Trump’s second term," but have since voiced frustration with Europe’s lower quality of life, the rise of right-wing politics in those countries, and a newfound appreciation for the cultural norms and niceties of American life.

One account, from a woman nicknamed "Annie," said she was sold the idea of an idyllic U.K. life on social media, "But the reality of life in the U.K. was dramatically different to what she’d imagined."

"There are huge misconceptions about access to quality healthcare, standard of living… the quality of life is significantly lower than in the U.S.," she told the magazine, citing challenges ranging from their healthcare system to a significantly lower disposable income. "Things in the U.K. that are considered luxury items are very common" in America, like a dishwasher and dryer, she told Wired.

FRENCH AI CEO WARNS AMERICANS AGAINST VOTING DEMOCRAT, SAYING 'YOU DON'T WANT TO BE FRANCE'

Annie told the outlet that despite believing she'd have free healthcare under the NHS, she now pays "huge amounts of taxes and an immigration surcharge" to access the national healthcare services.

"So no, the health care is not free here," she said.

Annie was also surprised by the amount of anti-American hostility she experienced and cultural differences in the workplace.

"I found it particularly surprising how people feel so comfortable mocking my accent and culture, even in a workplace environment," she said. "The U.K. is very much a place of ‘it is what it is,’ but as Americans we are taught to always improve and strive for better things."

"I thought that ‘British politeness’ existed as it does in movies," Annie added, "but unfortunately, the reality is that present-day British culture is very individualistic, as well as without the sense of charity and helpfulness that many parts of American culture value."

WORLD CUP SOCCER FANS ARE DISCOVERING AMERICA’S GREATNESS. IT’S TIME AMERICANS DID, TOO

Sarah Wood González, a journalist and consultant, made similar comments about learning to appreciate the American mindset and work culture once she was in a different environment.

"Something I had taken for granted is the American outgoingness and default to action, where the question is ‘how can we collaborate?’" she said. "Generally speaking, I also found that the American work style, for better or for worse, moves much faster and can get to a yes or no in less time."

"Finding work was so hard, and the endless bureaucracy had grown worse since I’d left," Josh, who moved to Germany, told Wired. "I missed the friendlier people, freedom of speech, and ease of daily life" in the United States, he said. He added of German daily life, "If you aren’t born and raised there, and don’t look German, you’ll never be fully accepted."

Josh told the magazine he moved back to the U.S. recently and is much happier. He admitted he may have "overreacted" by fleeing to Europe.

Many Americans who shared their regrets on social media were berated by fellow liberals for wanting to move back to "evil" America, the article also said.

"These posts are usually met with a huge amount of backlash. Commenters are quick to imply that the poster must be right-wing and privileged, in for a nasty shock if they did return home," Wired Magazine summarized. "Ironically, many times, they parrot the right-wing notion that they probably aren’t trying hard enough to assimilate into their new country. When one person recently said they badly missed their community of friends in a 'blue city in a blue state' and were considering moving back, the majority of top comments agreed the user was 'insane.'"

Daniel Di Martino, a Manhattan Institute fellow and economist who was born in Venezuela, spoke to Fox News Digital about how some misguided Americans tend to have unrealistic notions about European life.

"Things aren’t always great in Europe, but Europe is not one thing. Living in Greece, making the average salary of a Greek person, would be considered near poverty level in America. Living in Denmark, like an average Dane, is definitely fine, but they still earn much less than the average American," he said. "Some aspects of quality of life in European countries are definitely better: Lower crime, better food. But on the basic reality of how much someone earns, Americans would be worse off moving to Europe."

He concluded, "The reason for this is simple: It is very hard to fire workers, so getting a job in the first place is difficult. And in most European countries other than Switzerland and the Baltics, taxes are very high for low and middle-income workers to pay for so-called universal healthcare and pensions for a larger elderly population."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Theo Wold, a former White House deputy assistant for domestic policy in Trump’s first term, also spoke about how American liberals fail to understand that the very European socialism they romanticize would undo the qualities that make America great.

"American liberals want to import European socialist ideas and wave after wave of third world immigrants into the U.S., but it turns out that in real life, socialism and mass immigration produce countries that are poorer, less productive, and less enjoyable to call home," he said. "American liberals who moved to Europe are experiencing that firsthand. Every American voter who thinks they want single-payer healthcare should have to spend a few months on an NHS waitlist or look for housing in the Kreuzberg district of Berlin: the European malaise is a real wake-up call."

"The View" co-host Ana Navarro said Tuesday there was "no way in hell" that she would meet with President Donald Trump.

During a segment on the ABC daytime talk show, the panel discussed Trump's Thursday night dinner with comedian Bill Maher, sports commentator Stephen A. Smith and musician Kid Rock at the White House. This led to a discussion among the co-hosts about whether they would accept an invitation to dinner with the president.

While co-hosts Sara Haines and Alyssa Farah Griffin, who previously worked for Trump, said they would accept an invitation, Navarro responded, "Hell to the no."

"There is no way in hell, no way in hell I would want to break bread or be in the same room with a man whose administration is hunting Latinos," Navarro said.

TRUMP HOSTED A DINNER WITH – WAIT FOR IT – STEPHEN A SMITH, KID ROCK AND BILL MAHER

"It’s not 'Lady and the Tramp.' You’re not going to slurp pasta," Haines replied jokingly.

"No, but, listen, stop, this is not funny!" Navarro responded. "What he’s doing to Latinos is criminal."

She clarified that she had no interest in meeting with Trump because it would make "zero difference" to his administration.

"I know that he has seen the polls of Latinos going against him, that he’s lost 50 points of support with Latinos, and his administration has doubled down on their cruelty," Navarro said. "They are killing Latinos, chasing them, hunting them, racially profiling them, torturing them, sending them to places in far-off Africa. You think I’m going to go share a meal with him?" 

Haines pointed out that Navarro has met with and questioned other Republican politicians, including Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., but Navarro suggested that there were other ways to push back against political figures.

"You know who’s going to hold him accountable? The people who are going to vote in the midterm elections," Navarro said.

'THE VIEW' CO-HOST DEMANDS 25TH AMENDMENT BE USED AGAINST TRUMP, SUGGESTS CABINET COULD DO IT AFTER MIDTERMS

Co-hosts Sunny Hostin and Whoopi Goldberg agreed with Navarro, saying there was no real reason to sit down with Trump.

"He’s the criminal-in-chief," Hostin said. "I think that he would not listen, and I don’t think this is a normal presidency. I think it’s abhorrent, and I think it’s abnormal. I think what he’s doing to Latinos, I think what he’s doing to African Americans, I think what he’s doing to the LGBTQ+ community, I think the fact that he’s enriching himself, it’s so disgusting and abhorrent. I don't think I would meet with him." 

"This is a man who started out racially profiling people," Goldberg said. "It’s not the first time he’s done it. He’s done it for years, and I cannot, in good conscience, try to reason with someone who has decided that I’m barely human." 

Fox News Digital reached out to ABC and the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response from either.

Despite several co-hosts' refusal to meet with Trump, fellow co-host Joy Behar said in a New York Magazine interview published Friday that she would like to see the president appear on the show. 

"I’d love Donald Trump to take the heat," Behar said. 

Vice President JD Vance appeared on "The View" in June and sparred with the co-hosts on issues including immigration. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

In an interview with "Fox & Friends" Friday, Kid Rock praised the dinner with Trump, Maher and Smith, saying the group had a great conversation despite having different political leanings.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"It was epic," he said. "And the thing that was the greatest, there's so many points, I could do an hour on it, is that, you know, two Democrats, two Republicans sit down, break bread, have laughs, talk about, have tough conversations on a lot of the issues."

The Bucks County NAACP called for a Pennsylvania home to remove its Halloween decorations on Thursday, accusing the display of carrying a "painful historical significance" for Black Americans.

In a statement on social media, the Bucks County NAACP reported on a complaint earlier this month regarding a home featuring fake bodies wrapped in black body bags and hung from trees. The organization felt "deeply concerned" over this display, remarking that "something can be legally permissible and still be profoundly harmful."

"For Black Americans, this imagery carries a painful historical significance rooted in lynching and racial terror," Bucks County NAACP said. "While we recognize that Halloween decorations are often intended to frighten or shock, intent does not erase impact."

DHS RIPS HOUSTON HALLOWEEN DISPLAY DEPICTING HANGING OF ICE AGENTS, DEMANDS 'SANCTUARY POLITICIANS' STAND DOWN

The organization has spoken with the Bristol Borough council on the matter, but it emphasized that it was focused more on "voluntary reconsideration of the display" rather than forcibly removing the decorations.

"This is not about restricting Halloween celebrations or freedom of expression. It is about historical awareness, empathy, and respect for our neighbors. We cannot change our history, but we can choose how we respond when that history is invoked in our communities today," the statement read.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, the Bucks County NAACP confirmed the council has responded to their concerns and has spoken to the homeowner at the heart of the conflict. The organization also clarified that it has not advocated for government censorship or asserted that the resident committed a crime with the display.

"We are encouraging the homeowner to voluntarily reconsider the display and are interested in working with borough leadership on opportunities for community education and constructive dialogue. Ultimately, our goal is not to assign motives or create division. It is to encourage historical awareness, empathy, and respect for the experiences of others. We cannot begin to bridge divides we refuse to acknowledge," Bucks County NAACP President Adrienne King told Fox News Digital.

TEXAS WOMAN'S STRIPPER-THEMED HALLOWEEN DISPLAY LEADS TO CLASH WITH HOMEOWNERS ASSOCIATION

King also said that since the story has gotten attention, she has received several personal calls and messages about similar displays outside of Bucks County, suggesting "the issue extends beyond one homeowner or one community."

In a comment to Fox News Digital, Bristol Borough Manager James Dillon confirmed that he and other members of the council spoke to the homeowner. The homeowner informed them that the display was not meant to offend and that he has no intention of removing it.

PHOTO GALLERY: PRESIDENT TRUMP AND FIRST LADY HOST ANNUAL WHITE HOUSE HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The situation resembled a controversial Halloween display in Houston, Texas, last year which depicted two individuals dressed in red hats, black shirts, khaki pants and black masks being hung from a wooden gallows topped with a Mexican flag.

Investor Bill Ackman called the Democratic Party "crazy, radicalized and anti-American" during an interview on Tuesday, arguing that the party is "in a very bad place."

"I think the Democratic Party is in the worst place it's ever been, in the 250-year history of the country," Ackman told Katie Miller, host of the "Katie Miller Podcast." "I think it's become like this crazy, radicalized, you know, anti-American thing. I think it's — and by the way, I think there's some very high-quality Democrats, you know, senators and, sure, some congressmen — but the party itself, I think, is in a very bad place."

Ackman specifically named Sen. Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., as someone he used to be friendly with but now believes has "compromised" on his values.

FORMER BERNIE SANDERS OPERATIVE WARNS RADICAL LEFT HAS 'OVERTAKEN' THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY FROM WITHIN

"And I think the problem with people who've chosen to be a politician for a career, you either have to get with the party in order to continue, or you get primaries," Ackman said. "You know, actually, Senator Schumer, I had a good relationship with him over the years. I thought he was a good man. But in recent years, I felt he's just trying to keep his job." 

"And, you know, that's the really low point for politicians when they'll compromise on their values, and they'll support, you know, a quasi-terrorist, perhaps running for Senate in Michigan, because they have to for the party," Ackman said. "Stuff like that to me is, or terrorist supporter, is not, that's, I find that pretty, deeply concerning."

Schumer's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

"Chuck Schumer has been in Washington long enough to know exactly what’s happening to his party. The question isn’t whether he sees it. It’s whether he’s willing to do anything about it," Y. David Scharf, chair of Morrison Cohen’s government strategies and controversies practice, told Fox News Digital of Ackman's remarks. 

"There’s something remarkable about watching one of the most powerful Jewish Democrats in America struggle to stand up to the very people in his party who are alienating Jewish voters," he continued. "Bill Ackman isn’t asking Schumer to become a Republican. He’s asking him to act like the Democrat he spent decades telling us he was."

EX-DSA MEMBER RIPS ABDUL EL-SAYED AND WARNS FAR-LEFT ADOPTING POLITICS OF FOREIGN TERROR ORG

Ackman appeared to reference Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, who has faced questions over his family's alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

El-Sayed's campaign did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.

The controversy followed a Washington Free Beacon report about social media posts in which El-Sayed's half-sister, Eman Abdelhadi, described her family's history with the Muslim Brotherhood.

In one 2012 post, Abdelhadi described a conversation with her and El-Sayed's mother, Fatten Elkomy, about her involvement with the organization during college in Egypt.

"Had an amazing talk with my mom about her activism in the Muslim Brotherhood during the early '70s while she was in college #respect," she posted to X.

El-Sayed has denied any family connections to the group. During a recent interview with NBC's "Meet the Press," El-Sayed rejected the assertions when asked to set the record straight.

"I have no ties; we have no ties," El-Sayed said.

During a town hall on Saturday, El-Sayed responded to a man identified as Tommy, asking him whether he would disavow the Muslim Brotherhood.

"Sure," El-Sayed said. "Yeah, absolutely. But I want to ask the question that you're asking: Why are you asking the question?"

ABDUL EL-SAYED GROWS AGITATED WITH REPORTER AFTER BEING PRESSED ON FAMILY'S ALLEGED MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD TIES

Ackman has also previously voiced his opposition to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, criticizing his policies as harmful to the city.

"I'm not a fan," he responded. "He's very smart, very charismatic, very good at politics, but I think the decisions he's making are very bad for New York."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

When asked if he'd consider running for mayor, Ackman responded, "I would say possibly, but I think I could achieve a lot more by helping a very talented person do that job."

A columnist took a victory lap Tuesday as The Washington Post was ordered to give her back pay after she challenged her firing last year.

"POV: Channeling my inner Rihanna because I won my case against the @washingtonpost — and they owe me a year’s worth of back pay," Karen Attiah wrote on X while sharing a video of her dancing to a Rihanna song.

In August, an arbitrator ordered the Post to reinstate her employment and give her back pay, saying the paper "did not have good and sufficient cause" and that it "violated" her labor agreement.

WASHINGTON POST ORDERED TO REINSTATE COLUMNIST KAREN ATTIAH AFTER BEING TERMINATED OVER CHARLIE KIRK POSTS

"I'm still processing everything, but overall, I am happy I have been vindicated and ordered reinstated with back pay," Attiah told Fox News Digital. "But in the meantime, I just wanted to put on a pretty gold dress, vibe to Rihanna’s music and eat cake! I wanted to be as loud about the win as possible so that other journalists will not be afraid to speak the truth."

Attiah said her post was inspired by a video she liked from her party and "wanted to show that I take celebrating this huge win — for me, the Guild [the Washington Post union] and for journalism — very seriously!"

It remains unclear whether she will formally return to work despite the arbitrator's order. A spokesperson for The Washington Post told Fox News Digital the paper respects the arbitration process and declined to comment further.

TEACHERS WHO CELEBRATED CHARLIE KIRK'S ASSASSINATION NOW CASH IN WITH TAXPAYER-FUNDED SETTLEMENTS

Attiah sparked outrage last year for her posts about slain conservative icon Charlie Kirk on the liberal social media platform Bluesky following his assassination.

"Refusing to tear my clothes and smear ashes on my face in performative mourning for a White man that espoused violence is… not the same as violence," Attiah wrote at the time. In a separate post, she wrote, "Part of what keeps America so violent is the insistence that people perform care, empty goodness and absolution for White men who espouse hatred and violence.’"

Critics also slammed Attiah for misquoting Kirk in another post, attributing to him saying, "Black women do not have the brain processing power to be taken seriously. You have to go steal a White person's slot."

On a July 2023 episode of "The Charlie Kirk Show," Kirk actually said, "If we would have said three weeks ago [...] that Joy Reid and Michelle Obama, and Sheila Jackson Lee, and Ketanji Brown Jackson were affirmative-action picks, we would have been called racist. But now they're comin' out and they're saying it for us! They're comin' out, and they're saying, 'I'm only here because of affirmative action.' Yeah, we know. You do not have the brain processing power to otherwise be taken really seriously. You had to go steal a White person's slot to go be taken somewhat seriously."

TENNESSEE UNIVERSITY TO PAY PROFESSOR $1.9M AFTER CALLING CHARLIE KIRK A 'DISGUSTING PSYCHOPATH'

Following the backlash, Attiah revealed she had been fired by the Post, saying in a termination letter her posts were "unacceptable" and "gross misconduct."

Attiah filed a legal challenge against the Post over her termination last fall, and previously announced in June that she and the paper would enter arbitration.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

A Canadian man battling a debilitating neurological disease told Fox News Digital that hospital staff repeatedly raised the possibility of medically assisted death while he was fighting for the home care he says he needs to survive.

Roger Foley, who has spinocerebellar ataxia, told Fox News Digital in a recent interview that the conversations began in 2016 at Victoria Hospital, part of the London Health Sciences Centre in Ontario, where he says he has remained hospitalized for years while seeking a self-directed home-care arrangement.

In a July 7, 2026, letter obtained by Fox News Digital, Foley's attending physician said he could safely leave the hospital if the Ontario government authorized an individualized home-care arrangement.

EXCLUSIVE: ‘BROKEN COUNTRY’ FILMMAKER WARNS CANADA’S SLOW DECLINE OFFERS CAUTIONARY TALE FOR AMERICANS

"By any reasonable clinical standard, you could be discharged from our hospital if you had adequate support at home," wrote Dr. George K. Dresser, an attending internal medicine physician at London Health Sciences Centre.

Dresser said Foley has been medically stable for much of his prolonged hospitalization, despite suffering hospital-acquired infections, and argued that conventional home-care programs have failed to accommodate his complex medical needs.

"You have been at London Health Sciences Centre because the unique needs that you have cannot be met by existing programs in the community," the physician wrote.

Dresser described Foley as "a square peg in a round hole," arguing that the hospital's standardized approach to care is poorly suited to a patient who requires consistent caregivers and highly individualized assistance.

The physician also suggested that keeping Foley hospitalized may be unnecessarily expensive for Ontario's healthcare system.

"A community-based, self-directed arrangement would in all likelihood cost substantially less than continued acute admission, while delivering far better-matched care," Dresser wrote.

He urged Ontario's Ministry of Health to authorize funding that would allow Foley to recruit, train and manage his own personal support workers, potentially ending his yearslong hospitalization.

Foley alleged that assisted dying was raised again during a disputed discharge process in 2017, when he says he was threatened with daily hospital charges of approximately $1,500 if he did not accept the care arrangements being offered.

POPE LEO CALLS OUT ‘FALSE COMPASSION’ OF MEDICALLY ASSISTED SUICIDE DURING FRENCH HOSPITAL VISIT

"I don't want to die," Foley told Fox News Digital, describing his determination to return to his apartment with caregivers of his choosing.

Foley also alleged that the hospital removed lighting accommodations for his neurological condition in May 2025, making it difficult for him to receive care and consume food and fluids.

Foley said the lighting dispute is particularly serious because his neurological condition makes him sensitive to certain wavelengths of light, including those emitted by fluorescent fixtures.

For years, he said, the hospital accommodated his condition with amber-spectrum lighting that allowed caregivers to assist him without triggering his symptoms.

But in May 2025, Foley alleged the hospital withdrew those accommodations and began requiring staff to provide care under fluorescent lighting.

He claimed the change has made it increasingly difficult to receive routine assistance, including help with eating and drinking, because he must wear large, heavy protective goggles that place additional strain on his already compromised neck.

CATHOLIC NUNS SUE NEW YORK, SAY ASSISTED SUICIDE LAW FORCES THEM TO VIOLATE THEIR FAITH

Foley said he has sometimes relied on personal support workers from outside the hospital to help him consume fluids and that financial limitations have prevented him from arranging enough outside assistance to meet all his needs.

He further alleged that some hospital employees have been instructed not to provide care unless fluorescent lights are turned on, even though he says other staff members have been able to assist him using the amber lighting without difficulty.

Foley also claimed hospital personnel began asking him questions about suicidal thoughts again around the time his lighting accommodations were withdrawn. Unlike his earlier experiences, he said he refused to engage in those conversations because he no longer trusted the hospital's intentions.

If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

He said he does not refuse to discuss his mental health in general, and is not opposed to mental health assessments or receiving appropriate mental health support. However, he said previous experiences with hospital staff have made him wary of engaging in such discussions, especially because he said medical assistance in dying (MAID) had previously been raised as an option.

The allegations mark the latest chapter in what Foley described as a nearly decade-long struggle to obtain the kind of care that would allow him to leave the hospital and return to his own home.

Despite his prolonged hospitalization, Foley said he has never given up his apartment, which he described as accessible and equipped with a ceiling lift to assist with his mobility needs.

"I have my own apartment. I still pay all my bills," he told Fox News Digital.

"The last 10 years I haven't given up my apartment and I have wonderful community [personal support workers] that are ready to start working for me as soon as I get the self-directed funding," Foley said.

FAMILY SOUNDS ALARM AFTER 83-YEAR-OLD GRANDMA DIES UNDER CANADA'S ASSISTED-DEATH PROGRAM

Self-directed funding primarily refers to the Direct Funding (DF) Program for adults with physical disabilities and Family-Managed Home Care for broader home care services.

Under such a model, Foley explained, patients with disabilities would have greater control over choosing and managing their caregivers rather than relying exclusively on agencies selected through the provincial home-care system.

Foley argued that this would provide more consistent and safer care, particularly for patients with complex medical needs who require caregivers familiar with their individual conditions.

He said his physicians have supported his efforts to obtain alternative home-care arrangements, but he has been unable to secure the funding necessary to put his plan into action.

Foley said that the existing system has left him caught between remaining hospitalized indefinitely and accepting community-care arrangements he believes would place his health at risk.

"I'm not giving up," he said. "I don't want to die, my daughters know I don't want to die, my physicians have always been very explicit and direct that it's not safe to put me in that type of close model that I need direct funding."

In the letter from Dresser, Foley's attending physician, he writes in part, "I am therefore advocating that the Ministry to consider authorizing an individualized, self-directed funding arrangement that would enable you to be discharged from acute care and to arrange and direct your own care in the community. I am very willing to meet with Ministry staff, to provide whatever clinical documentation is required, and to work collaboratively on the design and safeguards of such an arrangement."

Before his illness progressed, Foley said he had built a career in banking, worked as a television host and comedian, and even trained as a professional wrestler.

He described earning recognition for his work before his deteriorating health eventually forced him to leave his career and go on long-term disability.

GRANDDAUGHTER SAYS GRANDMA REJECTED MAID BEFORE LETHAL PROCEDURE, ‘I DON’T WANT THE DEATH SHOT’

But Foley said he has continued looking for ways to contribute to society despite his physical limitations.

He is now involved with a project called "Bring Roger Home," which he said is working with a nonprofit organization to raise money for the care he needs to return to his community.

The effort also includes releasing music he recorded years earlier, with proceeds intended to support his home-care needs and eventually help other people facing similar circumstances.

One of the songs, "Limitless with Limitations," reflects the philosophy he said helped him come to terms with his condition.

"Just because you're not the person that you were doesn't mean that the person you are can't be limitless and achieve positive things and goals," Foley said.

He also urged people living with disabilities or chronic illnesses not to lose hope, even when their medical circumstances become overwhelming.

"Don't give up who you are at your core and believe in yourself," he said.

Foley said his ultimate goal remains unchanged: to return home, reconnect with family and friends, and live as independently as his condition allows.

His experience has also shaped his opposition to Canada's Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) system, which he argues cannot be adequately safeguarded when patients face serious gaps in medical care and social support.

According to the BBC, Canada’s MAID law, which legalized euthanasia in 2016, is responsible for one in every 20 deaths in Canada.

Foley contended that patients should have meaningful access to treatment, disability assistance and home-care alternatives before assisted death is considered.

For him, the central issue is not whether he has the ability to end his life, but whether he can obtain the assistance necessary to continue living it.

"Even in the darkest times," Foley said, "you can still find a light at the end of the tunnel to go towards."

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Fox News Digital reached out to London Health Sciences Centre (LHSC), which operates Victoria Hospital, Ontario Health atHome, the Ontario Ministry of Health, and Dresser, Foley’s physician, for comment but did not immediately receive responses. 

Cheshire Independent Living Services declined to comment. 

Just over a year after the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk, the organization is teaming up with Students for Life of America (SFLA) to launch a tour focused on discussing feminism and abortion with college students. The tour will be the first-ever partnership between the two groups.

The tour, which is being called "Feminists Lied: Prove Me Wrong," is kicking off on Tuesday with eight events scheduled at campuses across the country, including University of North Texas, Grand Valley State University, University of Cincinnati, Boise State University, University of New Mexico, University of Arizona, Southern Oregon University and University of Washington.

The organizations say that the campus tour is aimed at challenging "the claim that feminism and 'reproductive rights' have helped women more than they’ve harmed them."

"There’s a lot of young women who have bought the lies of the second wave and third wave of feminism, and are actually walking around hurt on college campuses unaware of where the pro-life movement really stands with women, all that we do to serve women and families facing unplanned pregnancies and beyond," SFLA President Kristan Hawkins told Fox News Digital.

INSIDE CHARLIE KIRK’S EFFORT TO DEVELOP THE NEXT GENERATION OF CONSERVATIVE VOICES

Hawkins is set to speak at the events and ask the students a fundamental question at the heart of the debate topic: "Have women been told the truth about career, equality, empowerment and motherhood?"

"If men do not have to sacrifice their children in order to succeed, why should women?" Hawkins said in a statement announcing the tour. "A society that values women should treat motherhood as an essential contribution worthy of honor, not a liability. Students deserve to hear that case, and we are going to make it on their campuses."

The "Feminists Lied: Prove Me Wrong" events will mirror Kirk’s famous "Prove Me Wrong" sessions during which he would debate college students and allow them to ask questions about various controversial topics. He was in the middle of one of these events on Sept. 10, 2025, when he was shot and killed.

Since his death, TPUSA has kept Kirk's spirit alive through the Pick Up the Mic initiative, bringing debates and open conversations with a full roster of speakers, including Hawkins.

"Charlie and I were friends, and so it means a great deal to me to be on campuses with his chapters at Turning Point and to really continue doing the work that he set out to do," Hawkins told Fox News Digital.

OPINION: I’M A UNIVERSITY PRESIDENT. OUR PROFESSION SHOULD FINISH WHAT CHARLIE KIRK STARTED

Hawkins said that prior to Kirk's death, the two had been trading stories and photos of their visits to various college campuses where they would speak with students, and she believes it is "extremely important that we continue this free speech work" that Kirk started.

Hawkins rejected criticism of college visits like hers as a form of "rage bait," saying that they are not meant to merely incite division and spark anger, but rather to change minds in meaningful ways.

"These videos, these conversations that we're having, not only do they change [the] minds of the 100-plus students who are gathered who can actually hear the conversation happening in real time, they change tens of thousands of minds of young people online," Hawkins said.

Hawkins told Fox News Digital that she has seen the results of these conversations for herself in real life. She said that she has held children whose mothers were thinking about getting an abortion and changed their minds after watching videos of debates online.

"There's not a doubt in my mind that these conversations are important for saving lives and changing minds," Hawkins said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

Hawkins is no stranger to campus debates. Over the course of 20 years, she has built a national network of Student for Life campus groups across all 50 states. This past spring, she embarked on the "Abortion is Human Sacrifice" tour, which was also aimed at discussing the issue of abortion with college students.

Hawkins told Fox News Digital that it doesn't matter whether she is at an Ivy League or a community college campus, the conversations often involve the same arguments from pro-choice advocates.

"It really doesn't matter, to be honest with you, if I'm at Harvard or if I'm in a community college or a high school, the questions about abortion are about the exact same, no matter where you go," she said. "You will always get a question about children in foster care, as if a child being in foster care somehow justifies the violence of abortion against a million children a year. You will hear horrific stories about sexual assault and rape, and sometimes these are very deeply personal stories."

Ultimately, Hawkins believes that the key to winning over the hearts and minds of those on the other side comes down to the question of "what is inside a woman?"

"If what's inside a woman is a meaningless clump of cells that is not a human person, then there is no permission needed for abortion, abortion's fine, abortion is nothing," Hawkins said. "But if what's inside of the woman is unique, all-living human being who is completely unique and unrepeatable, then we need to have a conversation about that human being because all of those things that you hear as a justification for abortion under circumstances, those stop being justifications for harming another member of our human species."

While the conversations may have stayed the same, the demographics, according to Hawkins, are changing. She noticed that Gen Z men tend to be more pro-life than millennial men. However, Gen Z women still tend to be pro-choice, according to Hawkins. The pro-life advocate wants to help these young women understand how feminism has failed them.

"When I'm on campus today, when I am on campus this semester, a lot of my conversations are going to be towards the women and really addressing the lies that the second wave, the late second-wave feminists, the third-wave feminists, told women, that they needed abortion in order to be free and equal. That that was going to make us happy and responsibility-free, and it hasn't worked and by any measure by looking anxiety rates, depression rates, SSRI use, that hasn't worked," Hawkins told Fox News Digital. 

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

"Young women are increasingly unhappy," she added. "They are not doing okay and we need to back up the conversation and ask the question of ‘why?’"