aatm shakti

Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., defended his campaign-funded travel and fundraising events after recent reporting detailed luxury travel, childcare and event expenses paid through his political committees, arguing that trips to the Super Bowl and Miami were legitimate efforts to raise money for his political operation.

"You have to go where the money is to raise money," Gallego told Fox News Digital when asked about criticism surrounding the expenditures.

It was recently reported that Gallego used his leadership PAC to pay for a variety of luxurious trips, including trips to Miami, Saint Barthélemy, Disneyland, Disney World and Chicago, according to financial filings. A source familiar with Gallego’s spending said the senator often used campaign cash to bring his family on these vacations and used donor cash to fund babysitting services for his children, as reported by Politico.

Federal Election Commission records also show Gallego using a joint fundraising committee with former Rep. Eric Swalwell, who recently resigned from Congress after multiple women accused the California Democrat of sexual assault, that was used to fund tickets for him and his wife to attend the 2023 Super Bowl.

When asked about his recent financial controversies, Gallego claimed the Super Bowl endeavor to be a fundraiser event, the "Swallego Victory Fund," which he hosted with Swalwell.

"The Super Bowl was in Arizona, I represent Arizona," Gallego said. "We threw a Super Bowl fundraiser in Arizona where we raised money for my election in 2023. That's what you do." 

SWALWELL'S 'BEST FRIEND' IN CONGRESS TURNS ON HIM AFTER BOMBSHELL ALLEGATIONS TORPEDO HIS POLITICAL CAREER

The event was held with donors at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, just 20 days after Gallego launched his Arizona Senate bid. A copy of the invitation obtained by Politico shows tickets costing $5,000, including a brunch that could be attended before the game for an additional $1,000.

The event cost over $37,000, with both lawmakers each receiving roughly $8,000 and halting the joint committee after the game.

A Gallego spokesperson told Politico that the "tickets were purchased at fair market value" and that "hosting donors and supporters at sporting events in their areas is a common, bipartisan practice."

"There's a lot of people that do fundraisers at golf tournaments, at NASCAR, at IndyCar," Gallego told Fox News Digital. "So this is just the very same thing."

The Arizona Democrat also used PAC money for a trip to Miami that coincided with his wife, Sydney Gallego’s, birthday. The couple retreated to the Loews hotel on Miami Beach and charged over $9,000 in expenses. 

"We raised about $50,000 in our nine events in Miami," Gallego said.

FAR-LEFT FIREBRAND SPENDS EYE-POPPING AMOUNT OF CAMPAIGN CASH ON LUXURY HOTELS, 'TOP-TIER' LIMO SERVICES

A Gallego spokesperson told Politico that the Gallegos "attended several widely attended political events and fundraisers" on their trip to Miami, but did not specify any specific numbers nor address the birthday aspect of the trip.

Federal campaign funds generally cannot be converted to personal use, but FEC guidance allows campaign-related travel, meals at fundraising events and childcare expenses incurred as a direct result of campaign activity. Mixed personal and campaign travel can require reimbursement for the personal portion.

Fox News Digital has not cited any FEC finding that the expenses violated campaign finance law.

Fox News Digital’s Robert Schmad contributed to this report.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/Yz8ZThl

The NBA Draft begins on Tuesday, and ESPN college basketball broadcaster Jay Bilas has high hopes for it.

Bilas, 62, called this year’s draft class the "best" and "deepest" he can remember.

"It's the best and deepest crop. When I say best, I mean deepest crop of super talented freshmen in one draft that I can remember. And I think it is the best crop of star-caliber freshmen. Freshmen are going to dominate the first round," Bilas told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Bilas noted that a lot of NBA teams tanked this season in order to get a premier selection in the draft.

"One of the reasons that you saw so many NBA teams jockeying for position to try to get into the lottery, which people call tanking, is because of the quality of this draft. And you can be picking at six, seven, and eight and go, ‘Man, we're going to get a starter out of this?’" Bilas said.

Bilas said the top of the draft has superstar potential. He listed BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson, Duke’s Cameron Boozer and North Carolina’s Caleb Wilson as players who could be future All-Stars.

The Washington Wizards hold the No. 1 overall pick, the Utah Jazz hold the No. 2 pick, the Memphis Grizzlies have the No. 3 pick, and the Chicago Bulls have the No. 4 overall pick. Dybantsa has widely been mocked to be the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

In his lone season at BYU, Dybantsa averaged 25.5 points, 6.8 assists and 3.7 rebounds in 35 games. He was a consensus All-American and made the All-Big 12 team.

Who the Jazz select at No. 2 overall has been the subject of much debate. Peterson, Boozer and Wilson have all been mocked to Utah. Bilas said he would not bat an eye if Wilson were the Jazz’s pick because of how talented he is.

In 24 games with North Carolina in his freshman year, Wilson averaged 19.8 points, 9.4 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Like Dybansta, the forward was also a consensus All-American in addition to being named to the All-ACC team.

Boozer, the son of two-time NBA All-Star Carlos Boozer, shined in his lone season with Duke. In 38 games, Boozer averaged 22.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists and 1.4 steals per game. He won the Wooden Award, which is awarded to college basketball’s most outstanding player, in addition to being a consensus All-American.

Peterson, in 24 games with Kansas, scored 20.2 points, recorded 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He was named to the All-Big 12 team, but was not a consensus All-American, unlike Dybansta, Wilson and Boozer.

Bilas will be playing in the American Century Championship from July 10-12 at Edgewood Golf Course in Lake Tahoe. The tournament will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/dtDCV12

ABC on Monday launched an on-air campaign urging viewers to support "The View" and eight Disney-owned ABC affiliates in its battle with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Earlier this year, the FCC launched an investigation into ABC's "The View" amid the agency's crackdown on equal time for political candidates after Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico appeared on the daytime gabfest. Disney’s ABC believes "The View" is bona fide news and, therefore, exempt from the equal time rule.  

ABC’s new campaign features a petition to declare that "The View" indeed qualifies as a bona fide news interview program. A commercial debuted Monday during the program that declared, "’The View has welcomed your favorite guests for nearly 30 years. Now the FCC wants to control who is allowed to appear on the show. Tell the FCC to let the viewers decide. You have until July 6th." 

FCC LAUNCHING PROBE INTO ABC'S 'THE VIEW' AMID CRACKDOWN ON EQUAL TIME FOR CANDIDATES

The campaign also encourages ABC News viewers to support early broadcast license renewals for eight ABC-owned stations. 

FCC Chairman Brendan Carr said in April that KFSN-TV in Fresno, KABC-TV in Los Angeles, KGO-TV in San Francisco, WLS-TV in Chicago, WABC-TV in New York, WTVD in North Carolina, WPVI-TV in Philadelphia and KTRK-TV in Houston must prove they have been operating in the public interest as part of an ongoing look at Disney’s diversity, equity and inclusion [DEI] practices. 

Disney-owned ABC affiliates’ licenses were originally scheduled to be renewed between 2028 and 2031, but Trump’s FCC expedited the process. 

ABC launched ads in those markets that declared, "The FCC is questioning our commitment to viewers by threatening to take us off the air," and urged viewers to speak up and help. ABC wants viewers to offer public comment through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System online and enter the corresponding docket number along with their submission. 

FCC TO CALL IN DISNEY STATIONS FOR EARLY LICENSE REVIEW IN WAKE OF ABC'S JIMMY KIMMEL CONTROVERSY

Both campaigns will also run online and across ABC social media platforms as ABC honchos feel it is important for the public to know what’s at stake and how to engage directly in the process. While the two issues are separate, ABC insists they both involve the same free speech principle. 

When reached for comment, the FCC accused Disney of "misleading" viewers. 

"Disney wants the FCC to classify 'The View' as a 'bona fide news program.’ And it has chosen to run a campaign of misinformation to make its case—misleading viewers about the law. That is a choice," an FCC spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

In January, the FCC announced it would require the broadcast networks to adhere to the "statutory equal opportunities requirement," citing the Communications Act of 1934, "including their airing of late-night and daytime talk shows."

ABC FIRES BACK AT FCC PROBE OF 'THE VIEW,' CALLS OUT AGENCY'S 'CHILLING EFFECT ON FIRST AMENDMENT'

There has been a longstanding "bona fide" exception for news programming that wouldn't require equal time for an opposing candidate, but the FCC now says it "has not been presented with any evidence that the interview portion of any late-night or daytime television talk show program on the air presently would qualify for the 'bona fide' news exemption."

A spokesperson for the FCC previously told Fox News Digital, "Decades ago, Congress passed a law that generally prohibits broadcast television programs from putting a thumb on the scale in favor of one political candidate over another.  Specifically, Congress put protections in place to ensure that covered programs offer legally qualified candidates for office (both Republican and Democrat) equal time on the public airwaves.  

"The equal time law encourages more speech and empowers voters to decide the outcome of elections. The FCC will review Disney’s assertion that ‘The View’ is a 'bona fide news program' and thus exempt from the political equal time rules."

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/V4MwhIB

Feeling older than your actual age could be a sign that you're not getting enough quality sleep, according to new research.

A study led by researchers at the National Sleep Foundation and published in the journal Sleep found that adults who felt older than their chronological age were more likely to report insomnia symptoms, irregular sleep patterns and daytime fatigue.

The study involved more than 3,100 adults, who were asked a simple question: "How old do you feel?"

HERE'S WHY 90% OF AMERICANS DON'T SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT, ACCORDING TO EXPERT

Researchers then compared participants' answers with measures of sleep quality, sleep consistency and daytime functioning.

People who felt older than their actual age consistently reported poorer sleep and greater sleep-related impairment than those who felt younger or closer to their chronological age.

Researchers also found that people who felt older than their age were more likely to report poorer physical health.

Jonathan Alpert, a New York-based psychotherapist and author who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital that the findings align with what he frequently sees in his practice.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

"I've worked with many people who come in saying they feel older than they are. They're exhausted, mentally foggy, less patient, less motivated and generally not functioning at their best," Alpert said. "Poor sleep is often a major part of the picture."

Inadequate sleep can make everyday responsibilities feel more difficult and leave people struggling to concentrate, manage stress and maintain their usual energy levels, Alpert said.

Over time, he said, those challenges can contribute to a feeling of premature aging.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

"Many people assume feeling older is just an inevitable part of aging, but sometimes the issue is simply that they're chronically sleep-deprived," Alpert said.

For that reason, he suggested looking at sleep habits before assuming fatigue and low energy are simply consequences of getting older.

For now, Alpert said the findings offer a reminder that fatigue should not automatically be blamed on getting older.

While the findings were notable, there are several limitations to consider.

The study relied on self-reported survey responses, meaning participants provided information about both their perceived age and sleep habits. The observational design also means the research cannot determine whether poor sleep influences how old a person feels or vice versa.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/xKkfym3

Freddy, the viral World Cup fan and Germany soccer supporter, has broken the internet once again. He recently shared on X, "Our connecting flight from Dallas to Canada has been canceled due to weather. They rebooked us on a flight tomorrow evening. We‘re gonna miss the Germany match."

Then, private jet owners, major airlines, and even the governor of Utah flooded to Freddy’s replies offering to help.

WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE

It was like a soap opera, honestly. John Owen, the president and CEO of Airshare, a U.S. private aviation company, offered to help by replying, "What time do you need to get there by? and eventually posting, "your chariot awaits," accompanied by a look at the inside of the luxury private jet. 

American Airlines replied, "Not on our watch, Freddy. Check your DMs."

Air Canada said, "Hi Freddy, let’s get you to Toronto. Can you send us a DM?"

The governor of Utah, Spencer Cox offered his assistance saying, "Hey Freddy, I’m the governor of Utah. I’m assuming someone has reached out to help you make [it] to your match tomorrow. If not, DM me and I’ll help get you there."

FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE

What made the story especially interesting was not just the fact that there was a bidding war for who would fly Freddy and his buddies to Toronto, but the fact he was radio silent for almost four hours. I, like millions of others, was on the edge of my seat waiting to see how this stranded saga would end. Would he fly in private luxury? Was Air Force One on the way to pick him? (I’m only half joking). 

FREDDY, THE VIRAL WORLD CUP TOURIST, LINKS UP WITH COUNTRY SINGER ELLA LANGLEY AND THE INTERNET LOVES IT

Eventually, Freddy gave the world a much-needed and heartwarming update. He posted on X, "UPDATE: We’re on the plane to Buffalo!!! American Airlines was incredibly helpful and made it possible for us to get on this flight. A special thank you to @JJWatt for organizing it while we were in the air to Dallas. Big thanks as well to everyone else who offered their help."

Notably, J.J. Watt hooked Freddy and his friends up with a suite at a nearby hotel in Houston, a signed jersey, and has struck up a friendship with Freddy that has proven again to be extremely valuable.

This is Freddy’s world, we’re just living in it. He has the world’s biggest airlines, millionaires, country music stars, the whole sports world in the palm of his hands. He’s quite literally a rockstar. I feel like this is the script for a "Most Interesting Man in the World" Dos Equis commercial. He’s the subject of the coolest sports fan story we’ve ever heard. The level of stardom is unmatched right now.

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/UpQlxm0

Mona Khalil, who had refused to leave the beach she had spent years protecting, died from her injuries after the Israeli strike.

from BBC News https://ift.tt/wlB97Wg

Nearly six decades after leading his Marines through a brutal ambush in Vietnam, retired Marine Corps Major James Capers Jr. was awarded the Medal of Honor Thursday by President Donald Trump.

The 88-year-old, who is widely recognized as the "father of Marine Corps Special Operations," dedicated the medal to the young men who made the ultimate sacrifice for the United States.

"I can't say I'm happy to be here, because this award belongs to a lot of young men who followed me and died in battlefields around this world for a country that we honor this flag," Capers said Friday on "Fox & Friends."

TRUMP SIGNS MEDAL OF HONOR ACT TO RAISE PENSIONS FOR AMERICA'S MILITARY HEROES

The ceremony conferred the nation’s highest military award upon three veterans — two from the Vietnam War and one from the Afghanistan War. Trump honored retired Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery and presented the award posthumously to Marine Col. John W. Ripley, who died in 2008.

Capers served in the Vietnam War, where he heroically saved his fellow Marines in combat. In 1967, his unit was ambushed in the jungle. Several service members were gravely injured that day, including Capers himself.

Even after suffering a stomach wound, a broken leg and heavy bleeding, he refused to quit. Capers continued leading his men, holding off the enemy until a medevac helicopter could reach them. He explained that what drove him through those difficult moments was his fellow Marines.

ROB RIGGLE EXPRESSES 'DEEP PATRIOTISM,' LOVE FOR THE COUNTRY WHILE DISCUSSING TIME IN MARINE CORPS

"When your men [are] in peril, and you have an opportunity to save your men, then that's what I chose to do, to get off the helicopter, to lighten the load so that my men can survive," Capers said.

Capers was also the first African American to lead a Marine recon company and receive a battlefield commission. He has now been officially inducted into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes, though Capers admitted he has felt a sense of survivor's guilt over the praise.

"It was a difficult time for me because I felt a little guilty because I didn't really [feel] like I deserved it. But all of the men and women that served, and I get to do something like this, it's a wonderful day, and I'm honored," Capers said.

GARY SINISE SAYS VETERANS DAY IS A REMINDER THAT THE MISSION NEVER ENDS FOR THOSE WHO SERVE

He explained the heavy toll that his service took on himself, his family and those around him.

"I lost a lot of good men in battlefields and I fought two wars and suffered 19 bullet holes and along the way out of the battle zones. My son died in my arms of appendicitis and my wife of 50 years died of cancer," he said.

"So I had to survive that on top of losing wonderful Marines, Special Operations Marines, in combat. So there's no real satisfaction in getting a medal when I've lost so much."

Despite the immense personal loss he has endured, he credited the military community for stepping up to support him in his moments of need.

"Well, that's what the military does. We're one unit, and when one falls, somebody else has to replace that person who fell," Capers said. "So I feel honored to have the support that I find today. I'm honored, and I give gratitude to the ones who made this happen."

During the White House ceremony, Trump thanked the three veterans for their unparalleled service, saying, "We will never, ever forget you."

Capers' story of heroism is retold in "The Iron Major: James Capers Jr.," streaming now on Fox Nation.

Last November, Capers was recognized at the seventh annual Fox Nation Patriot Awards, receiving the "Salute to Service Award."

from Latest & Breaking News on Fox News https://ift.tt/CkJh29v