Fox News Latest Headlines
Trump to present FIFA World Cup winners with trophy
President Donald Trump will present the FIFA World Cup trophy to the winner of the match between Spain and Argentina on Sunday, a White House official confirmed to Fox News.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said last month on "Fox & Friends" that he and Trump would deliver the trophy to the winning team’s captain on the field of New York/New Jersey Stadium.
Infantino also said at the time that Trump would attend the contest. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt called the president’s attendance "a fitting conclusion to a tournament that showcased America's ability to host the world on the grandest stage."
Trump was on stage during the FIFA Club World Cup trophy presentation after Chelsea defeated Paris Saint-Germain last summer.
Earlier in the World Cup, Trump got involved in one of the World Cup's biggest controversies, calling Infantino and requesting a review of Folarin Balogun's red card. Balogun was suspended for Team USA's Round of 16 match, but he was later ruled eligible for the game.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Trump has yet to attend a World Cup match, but Secretary of State Marco Rubio was spotted at the U.S. Men's National Team's opener against Paraguay, a 4-1 win on June 12.
The president was awarded the first FIFA Peace Prize at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., during the World Cup final draw in December.
Trump recently attended Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden, while the White House played host to UFC Freedom 250 last month. An IndyCar race will take place in Washington, D.C. next month.
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
Mamdani pummeled online as critics call possible Netanyahu arrest ‘pure political theater’
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani was blasted by critics on social media Saturday after he disclosed that New York City attorneys were exploring whether NYC police could arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he visits Manhattan for the United Nations General Assembly in September — suggesting the mayor lacked authority and was interfering with U.S. foreign policy.
"Whatever the law allows me to do in New York City, that’s what we will do, but we won’t be writing our own laws to that end," Mamdani said in an interview with The New York Times.
The mayor said the city’s Law Department was actively discussing the issue and reiterated his support for the International Criminal Court’s arrest warrant against Netanyahu.
WORLD COURT PROSECUTOR WHO WENT AFTER NETANYAHU FOR WAR CRIMES SUSPENDED OVER SEXUAL MISCONDUCT
"I believe that Prime Minister Netanyahu belongs in 'The Hague.' He’s a war criminal who has been charged by the International Criminal Court. And what you will find is that it is an opinion that is held by many, purely because of what his actions have wrought over these last many years," Mamdani told The New York Times.
"Federal authority trumps any local mayor’s wishes. This is pure political theater," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said on X.
Waltz cited several legal barriers, including that America is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court, diplomatic protections surrounding U.N. visits and immunity for foreign leaders.
FETTERMAN WARNS MAMDANI RISKS 'CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS' BY VOWING TO DEFY SCOTUS IMMIGRATION RULING
House Republicans urged Mamdani to turn his attention to problems within the five boroughs rather than attempting to involve local police in international affairs.
"Mamdani is threatening to arrest the head of one of our closest allies," House Republicans said on X. "He should stop politicizing local law enforcement and interfering with US foreign policy and instead focus on rising rent and housing prices and antisemitism in NYC."
Former New York City Mayor Eric Adams, who preceded Mamdani, said the proposal could also carry consequences for Americans serving overseas and promised to welcome Netanyahu to the city.
"This isn’t a college protest. This is the City of New York," Adams said on X. "Threatening to arrest the democratically elected leader of one of America’s closest allies during U.N. General Assembly week isn’t bold. It’s reckless."
Republican New York City Councilwoman Vickie Paladino went further, arguing on X that any effort to carry out the ICC warrant would amount to rebellion against federal authority.
"Just so we’re clear, this would be an act of insurrection," Paladino said. "The United States is not a party to the ICC and it has no jurisdiction in this country. No law enforcement agency at any level has the authority to enforce its orders."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Israeli defense minister Yoav Gallant in November 2024 over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity connected to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Israel has rejected the allegations and challenged the court’s jurisdiction.
The United States is not a member of the ICC. Federal law prohibits state and local government entities from cooperating with ICC requests or providing support to the court.
The New York City Mayor's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.
Fetterman calls Zohran Mamdani a 'clown' over push to arrest Netanyahu in New York City
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman took fresh aim at New York City Democratic socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Sunday, branding him a "clown" over his repeated interest in having Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrested if he visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly this September.
"[He's] such a tough guy to say that kind of thing. He has no way to do that," Fetterman said on "Sunday Morning Futures."
"America's not even part of that corrupt court," he continued, referring to the International Criminal Court (ICC), which has issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu.
FETTERMAN WARNS MAMDANI RISKS 'CONSTITUTIONAL CRISIS' BY VOWING TO DEFY SCOTUS IMMIGRATION RULING
"He's [Mamdani is] just a clown to even say that, so he won't try that. Just sit down and focus on other... problems that they have in New York. That's really not your purview. You and I know that. Sit down."
Mamdani has repeatedly said he would seek to have Netanyahu arrested if the Israeli leader travels to New York City, citing the International Criminal Court's November 2024 arrest warrant accusing Netanyahu of war crimes and crimes against humanity stemming from Israel's war against Hamas.
Most recently, the far-left mayor said his administration is actively exploring whether the city has the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu, calling him a "war criminal" who "belongs in The Hague," during an interview with The New York Times.
Netanyahu has denied the allegations, and Israel rejects the ICC's jurisdiction over the matter.
SEN JOHN FETTERMAN PLEDGES TO BE 'LAST MAN STANDING' IN THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY IN SUPPORT OF ISRAEL
The United States is not a party to the Rome Statute that established the ICC and does not recognize the court's jurisdiction over U.S. citizens or Israeli officials.
Fox News Digital previously reached out to the mayor's office asking whether Mamdani stands by calling Netanyahu a "war criminal," whether City Hall is actively consulting with the Law Department regarding possible legal action against the Israeli leader and whether the mayor would direct the NYPD to arrest Netanyahu if attorneys determined the city had legal authority. The mayor's office did not immediately respond, however.
Meanwhile, Fetterman has emerged as one of Israel's most outspoken defenders in Congress, simultaneously acting as one of Mamdani's — and the progressive left's — greatest internal party critics.
Speaking to Fox News' Maria Bartiromo, Fetterman discussed his bond over Israel with late South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham and why he would reconsider his position in the Democratic Party should its official platform adopt anti-Israel terms.
"That would force me to kind of reevaluate should I remain as a Democrat," he shared, later adding, "If we became the kind of party that would embrace someone like Hasan Piker, maybe my party doesn't want like a reasonable common sense kind of Democrat that reminds people that standing with Israel... used to be part of our core values and one of the reasons why I've been I'm proud to be a Democrat."
Brexton Busch wins first race since father Kyle Busch's death in emotional return to Victory Lane
Brexton Busch found his way back to Victory Lane on Friday night, but this one meant far more than your ordinary checkered flag.
The 11-year-old son of late NASCAR champion Kyle Busch won the restricted micro sprint feature at Port City Raceway in Oklahoma — his first victory since his father died May 21 at age 41 following a severe illness.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE FROM OUTKICK
Brexton started 14th before a major wreck on the opening lap sent him toward the back of the field. From there, he methodically worked his way forward and completed the emotional comeback.
"And he ended up with the WIN!!!!" Samantha Busch wrote on her Instagram Stories.
But for the Busch family, the celebration was understandably bittersweet.
"This is his first win since Kyle’s passing," Samantha wrote. "There was a lot of emotions to say the very least."
"Beyond proud of him not just for winning but all that he’s navigating at a young age," she continued, "beyond shattered Kyle isn’t here to be a part of this, beyond grateful for all the support and amazing people we have around us."
Samantha later reflected on how much Kyle loved sharing race days with his son.
"Watching him celebrate all I could think about was Kyle," she wrote. "There was nothing that made him happier than watching Brex race, spending the day tinkering on his car and then being the first one sprinting to Victory Lane with that huge grin on his face."
Brexton also opened up about what the win meant to him after an incredibly difficult two months.
"My first win since my dad passed. I don’t like to talk about it much, but the last two months have been really tough," Brexton wrote on Instagram. "I’m missing my crew chief, my driver coach, my dad, the guy who I looked up to more [than] anyone."
Kyle was deeply involved in Brexton’s budding racing career, serving not only as his father but also as his mentor, mechanic and biggest supporter. Brexton has continued competing since Kyle’s death, returning to the track less than two weeks later at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
Friday’s victory came with another meaningful connection to his dad, as Brexton also competed in Kyle’s green No. 18 car during the outlaw portion of the event.
Kyle’s final Instagram post was a birthday tribute to Brexton, shared just days before his death.
"Happy Birthday Brexton!!! Your mom & I are so proud of who you’re turning out to be!" Kyle wrote. "You’re the best kid on & off the track, you amaze us every day."
"Keep doing what you’re doing and there is no limit to what you’ll accomplish! Love you buddy!"
Seems like Brexton’s taking that one to heart.
Shortly after Saturday's win, the young driver posted a video doing Kyle's signature bow, captioned simply: "For my Dad. 🏁"
Betting preview for Patriots after falling short in the Super Bowl and controversial offseason
The NFL has found a way to dominate news headlines regardless of whether the season is happening or not. It could be the draft, free agency, preseason, minicamps, whatever, there is always something happening in the news with football. It can be overwhelming at times, but at others it is a nice reminder that the season is right around the corner. One team in the news for the wrong reasons has been the New England Patriots.
Last year, the Patriots had an unexpectedly good season. They won their division, knocking the Buffalo Bills back down a bit. They had their second-year quarterback looking like an MVP candidate.
Their first-year (with the franchise) coach led them to a great turnaround. The team went 14-3 in the regular season. In their Wild Card round game, they crushed the Chargers 16-3. Then, against Houston, they destroyed the Texans in a forgettable game for quarterback C.J. Stroud. Finally, they took on the Broncos and barely beat them in the AFC Conference Championship.
A.J. BROWN HEADED TO NEW ENGLAND TO REUNITE WITH MIKE VRABEL AFTER A SEASON OF EAGLES UNHAPPINESS
The biggest addition for the Patriots came recently as they traded for A.J. Brown. We know that when Brown is motivated, he can be one of the top wide receivers in the league. I think with this new team, he should be ready. He also goes to a pass-first quarterback instead of a run-first quarterback. They addressed some of their offensive line needs via the draft and free agency, and that could help. The biggest loss was Stefon Diggs, but he was replaced by Brown or even Romeo Doubs.
I like the offensive weapons that New England has surrounded Drake Maye with. There are very few positions that I feel like are lacking. I also think the team should still have a lot of strengths on defense. They have a good pass rush, and they have some solid players in the secondary. I don’t know that either will be elite, and most teams take a step back after the Super Bowl (especially after losses).
HOW THE DIANNA RUSSINI-MIKE VRABEL SCANDAL COULD DERAIL THE PATRIOTS' SEASON ON THE FIELD
After making it to the Super Bowl and being embarrassed, the expectation was that this season was going to be another step forward for the young club. Instead, most of the conversation this offseason has been about an alleged affair between their head coach, Mike Vrabel, and a reporter, Diana Russini. This will likely be a distraction until the season starts, as it seems like every few days, new pictures or pieces of the affair come out. I am bringing this up in a betting article because I think it is important to figure out if this will be a distraction or help the team focus on football. I’m sure there will be questions, but winning cures all.
Unfortunately, I don’t see them winning this year. Last year was a fluke to me. I need to see Maye do it again before I believe it. Vrabel will have his defense ready, but I like the under 10.5 for them.
For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024
Trump's election integrity speech: 7 takeaways every American should know
In his speech to the nation on July 16, President Donald Trump made a fundamental point seemingly lost on his critics:
Every American, whether you’re a Republican, Democrat, independent or otherwise, should be able to agree that we deserve the most secure, honest, and fair election system anywhere in the world. Secure elections should not be a partisan issue.
Yet Democratic critics are already disputing the evidence and conclusions Trump presented.
'SHADOW GOVERNMENT': TRUMP CLAIMS INTEL COMMUNITY BRAGGED ABOUT HIDING CHINESE MEDDLING
Here are the seven biggest takeaways about the vulnerabilities in our election process, as outlined by the president:
1. In his speech, Trump said newly declassified intelligence showed that China had illicitly acquired or attempted to acquire voter-registration information involving as many as 220 million Americans across multiple states. He characterized it as the "largest compromise of election data in history," involving the theft of "220 million U.S. voter files."
This allegation is shocking but not surprising. The Chinese engaged in a similar hack during the Obama administration, when they stole the personnel files of roughly 22 million current and former federal employees (including me) from the Office of Personnel Management. The Chinese military maintains units devoted to cyber operations targeting foreign governments and industries.
2. Instead of warning officials in the 18 affected states, President Trump alleged that individuals within the intelligence agencies "worked to actively suppress and downplay information about the extent of China’s" cybersecurity attacks, without even briefing the president or members of Congress. According to the president, an analyst admitted in an email that officials "deliberately massaged the presidential daily briefing to withhold" this information, while another FBI official said she was running a "shadow government" to keep intelligence about China’s meddling from becoming known.
If true, this is outrageous behavior. The president has instructed federal agencies to immediately provide states with all the information needed to remedy the vulnerabilities that allegedly allowed this to occur. That should have been done when the breach was first discovered.
3. According to President Trump, CIA reports indicate that the Chinese worked to "undermine domestic confidence" in the president. That effort included "efforts to use Chinese contacts with big U.S. companies to influence U.S. business leaders to turn against the president" as well as to use "U.S. journalists who had reported negatively on the U.S. president." These allegations obviously need further investigation.
REPUBLICAN SAYS TRUMP'S TOP ELECTION PRIORITY 'DEAD' IN SENATE AS GOP FRACTURES AHEAD OF MIDTERMS
4. The administration said DHS database comparisons flagged approximately 278,000 voter-registration records nationwide as potentially associated with noncitizens. Fox News Digital separately reported that DHS letters alleged more than 256,000 potential matches in four states. A release from the Department of Homeland Security indicates that 10 states have voluntarily participated in this program, and DHS reviewed the public files from California, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Nevada, which have refused to cooperate. The president claims that "since many Democrat states refuse to share their voter files the real number [of registered aliens] is actually much higher than that." But even this "limited analysis" should raise concerns, according to the president — and he is right.
5. The president says that intelligence reports assess "that centralized election-related data repositories, such as voter registration databases, poll books, and other official election websites are most vulnerable to exploitation, and adversaries could use this access to these systems to disrupt election processes." He says Americans "were blatantly lied to about the security of our election infrastructure…They’re vulnerable and they’re easily compromised and people within our government knew that." This calls for complete cybersecurity audits by state officials of their electronic election systems.
6. According to the president, much of this information was found in "burn bags," which are used for classified documents marked for destruction but, because of "gross incompetence," were never burned. The president has directed the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the Department of Justice, the FBI, and the CIA to investigate "how and why such crucial information was hidden, to fire those involved in the cover-up and to file criminal charges, if appropriate." That is clearly the correct course of action.
7. Finally, the president demanded that the Senate pass the SAVE America Act, which would implement voter ID and proof-of-citizenship requirements for federal elections. He is also right about that — this is needed to fix the current registration "honor" system, which is too often dishonored.
The president’s presentation was not what his critics probably expected. As Fox News’s Ashley DiMella reported, there were no claims that China changed votes or altered election results.
But Trump outlined allegations of serious cybersecurity problems that have now been uncovered, including a Chinese influence campaign, and said the information was apparently hidden from him, the public, Congress, and state election officials.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION
Those who claim none of this is true are doing so before they have even reviewed the treasure trove of formerly classified documents that has now been released, and before any states have even begun to investigate the potential compromise of their election systems.
It seems obvious that all of this should — indeed, must — be investigated. That is the only way to address alleged existing vulnerabilities and make sure no future elections are compromised.
A failure to do so will further damage the confidence the American people have in the election process, rather than the president’s decision to bring these intelligence assessments to light. Based on my research, the evidence from states that have implemented election-integrity reforms, such as voter ID, makes it clear that such reforms improve public confidence and turnout in our elections.
That is what we should all be aiming for.
WWE's Charlotte Flair thanks NBA star for donation to family of 8-year-old who died after tragic cancer battle
WWE star Charlotte Flair lavished praise on Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton on Saturday night for a kind gesture he made for someone who was close to the former champion.
Flair appeared at Sports Illustrated Beyond the Pitch in New York City and told Fox News Digital that Haliburton contributed $10,000 to a GoFundMe set up for the family of 8-year-old Scarlett Guillen who recently died after battling a rare and incurable form of brain cancer known as Diffuse Midline Glioma.
COMPLETE PRO WRESTLING COVERAGE ON FOX NEWS DIGITAL
"It really helped cover her funeral costs," Flair said. "I saw him tonight at the show and I was like, hey, thank you. You have no idea how much that meant to me, to the family. Just, what a great guy."
Scarlett was known as Flair’s biggest fan. She was featured in a segment before WrestleMania 42 about how the two shared a bond that will never be broken. Flair also wore butterfly ring gear in honor of Scarlett.
Upon her death, Flair put out a message on her X account.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
"Thank you for the light you brought into my life," she began.
"You reminded all of us that a life isn’t measured by its length, but by the love it leaves behind. Your light doesn’t end here. It lives on in your family, your friends, and in every heart you touched. It lives on in every butterfly that makes someone stop and smile, and in every diamond that catches the light.
"You will always be our butterfly. You will always be our diamond girl. You are loved beyond words, and you will never, ever be forgotten."
Trump administration touts more than $1B in UN budget cuts as reform push gains momentum
UNITED NATIONS — The Trump administration says it has secured more than $1 billion in cuts to United Nations budgets in just six months, calling the reductions evidence that an institution long considered resistant to change is finally beginning to reform.
The latest milestone came June 30, when all 193 U.N. member states approved a peacekeeping budget of approximately $5.1 billion for the coming fiscal year — about $550 million, or 9.7%, less than the previous year.
Combined with a 15% reduction to the U.N.'s regular budget approved in December, U.S. officials say the agreements amount to more than $1 billion in cuts to assessed U.N. budgets, a level they describe as unprecedented.
INTERNATIONAL ‘DEEP STATE’ PRIME TARGET OF TRUMP-STYLE CANDIDATE FOR UN CHIEF
Assessed budgets are funded through mandatory contributions charged to member states under a formula based largely on the size of their economies.
"On June 30th, with U.S. leadership, all 193 countries came together again for the second time in six months," U.S. Ambassador for U.N. Management and Reform Jeff Bartos told Fox News Digital. "We've achieved over a billion dollars of savings in six months, which is unprecedented. Any one cut would be unprecedented. The totality of the reforms is monumental."
The agreement comes as the United Nations faces mounting financial pressure and prepares for a leadership transition in 2027, with Secretary-General António Guterres set to leave office at the end of his second term. At the same time, the Trump administration has made reform a central pillar of its U.N. strategy, arguing the organization has become overly bureaucratic and inefficient.
In response to questions from Fox News Digital, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric confirmed that the peacekeeping budget was reduced by roughly $550 million and the regular budget by 15%, describing both as "unprecedented reductions."
US URGES DONORS TO ABANDON UNRWA FUNDING AS UN DEFENDS AGENCY'S MISSION
Bartos argues the reforms reflect sustained pressure from the Trump administration and months of negotiations led by the U.S. Mission.
"The new budget, this reformed budget, the enhanced efficiency changes the culture of how the U.N. looks at peacekeeping," Bartos said. "Every dollar has to achieve impact on the ground."
He pointed to the U.N. Mission in South Sudan as an example, saying the United States worked to streamline the mission's mandate before reducing its budget accordingly.
Another reform highlighted by the administration changes how the U.N. handles unused budget credits.
Until now, U.N. financial rules required the organization to return unspent funds to member states even if those contributions had never actually been paid, a practice critics said worsened the organization's recurring liquidity crisis.
The General Assembly voted on June 30 to introduce, on a four-year trial basis, a new methodology under which unspent funds will be returned only when backed by cash actually received.
Bartos said the change could save the organization more than $1 billion over the next three years. That projected figure is separate from the more than $1 billion in budget reductions already approved over the past six months.
He called the change another example of "common-sense" reform and said it could save the organization more than $1 billion over the next three years.
The United Nations likewise welcomed the change, though officials noted it had been a longstanding priority of Secretary-General António Guterres.
TRUMP CELEBRATES AFTER UN CLIMATE COMMITTEE MOVES AWAY FROM ITS MOST EXTREME GLOBAL WARMING SCENARIO
"I have been pushing for this reform for almost a decade," Guterres said after the vote. He described the previous system as a "Kafkaesque cycle" in which the organization was expected "to give back cash that did not exist."
Dujarric said the reform would allow the U.N. to manage resources "in a more predictable and responsible way" while helping ensure operational continuity, particularly for peacekeeping missions.
Bartos insists the latest budget agreements are only the beginning.
Among the administration's next priorities are reforms to staff compensation, employee benefits and the U.N. pension system, areas he argues consume resources that could otherwise support humanitarian operations and peacekeeping missions.
"We're going to continue to see us push whether it's on benefits, whether it's on staff compensation, whether it's on the pension system," Bartos said. "There's massive numbers of additional reforms that our team is working on right now."
He also suggested reform will remain a central issue as member states begin selecting the next secretary-general.
"We're going to select the next secretary-general," Bartos said. "That reform momentum that has been growing over the last 15, 18 months ... you'll see that continuing in 2027 with the new secretary-general."
Europe's fires reveal deadly mix of record heat, human error, arson and land mismanagement
Since the beginning of the month, France and Spain have been hit by massive wildfires. Some observed the fires looked like a scene from Armageddon. The infernos destroyed buildings and forests alike, where the epic heat wave in Europe has hit record levels in many parts of the bloc. The heat has already led to thousands of deaths. However, the fires are not just due to the record heat.
Notably, last week, the famous Fontainebleau Forest near Paris was set alight, destroying 2,000 hectares (4,942 acres) of woodland. Approximately 1,000 people were evacuated, and 850 emergency firefighters were deployed — efforts to end the fire could take weeks.
The latest data from France's Ministry of Agriculture says nine out of 10 wildfires are caused by people. Often it's campfires, unextinguished cigarettes or similar negligence. That was exacerbated by the extreme heat this year in France and Spain, which in many cases turned scrub grassland into a tinderbox. It's also true that both countries have regulations that prohibit clearing of certain protected lands, according to information from each country. "Policies of nature restoration and building have made it hard in some cases to clear the brush that piles up," Daniel Lacalle, chief economist at Madrid-based investment company Tressis, told Fox News Digital.
1,700 EVACUATED, FIREFIGHTER DEAD AS TURKEY WILDFIRES TEAR THROUGH MAJOR CITY
The causes of fires in the U.S. are quite similar to those in France. According to data from the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) and the U.S. Forest Service, 85% of fires are caused by people. However, the total wildfire burns in the U.S. from lightning-caused fires tends to burn more acreage because they often strike in remote, hard-to-reach areas.
France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said experts found 10 points around a little more than half of a mile radius that were used for ignition, according to a report by France Insider. It also found that pattern "suggests a voluntary origin," the minister reportedly said.
France 24 reported that dozens of people have been arrested across the nation for either accidentally or deliberately starting fires. On a visit to the Fontainebleau forest last week, French President Emmanuel Macron said the country "has never faced so many outbreaks of fire across the country since the end of World War II." He added, according to the France 24 report, "Here, as everywhere else in France, there will be zero tolerance" for arsonists, "because it is, of course, our national territory that is under attack every time a fire breaks out."
Meanwhile, Spain has been dealing with three separate wildfires, one of which has been stopped. A fire in Zaragoza destroyed 12,000 hectares (29,653 acres) and resulted in the evacuation of six separate villages. Fires in Madrid and Guadalajara impacted at least 2,000 people. "The speed of these fires is something that even the most experienced firefighters are saying they have never seen anything like this," Lacalle told Fox News Digital.
A fire in the Spanish Andalusia region killed at least 13 people, including a 93-year-old woman who was injured in the fire at Los Gallardos.
Spain has vast areas of unused land with most of the population living in cities. "Some unused areas have not been cleaned up," Lacalle told Fox News Digital. "Because they have uncleared scrub land, there is a higher likelihood of a disastrous fire." That uncleared scrub that gets dried out by an extreme heat wave effectively creates a tinderbox that ignites quickly, even with a partially smoked cigarette.
The number of people exposed to wildfires has grown by an average of 382,700 per year during the period from 2002 to 2021, an increase of 40%, according to a study by the University of East Anglia in England. The study says, "This surge in human exposure was driven mainly by population growth and migration into fire-prone landscapes." Over the same period, the amount of land burned decreased by 26%, according to the UEA study.
Separately, the extreme heat across France over the last month has caused a high death rate. The Guardian reported that some 2,000 people died at the end of June. The heat wave is forecast to continue through August.
France is the epicenter of the excessive heat, which has resulted in many outdoor events being canceled, especially in the south of the country. "Europe is being hit by a unique situation," Shawn Hackett, president of Hackett Financial Advisors, told FOX News Digital. "The extreme heat and dryness are mainly being driven by the warm surface in the Mediterranean Sea and the cold-water Atlantic." And that situation of warm dry weather will continue into August.
Millions warned that popular summer fruit can seriously interfere with medications
Amid this summer's sweltering temperatures, many people are finding relief by sipping fruity cocktails and smoothies or drinking fruit juices.
But a doctor is warning millions of people taking common medications such as statins and antidepressants that ingesting grapefruit — a common "healthy" ingredient in many summer snacks and drinks — can have serious consequences.
"Grapefruit is a pleasant snack for most, but it is important to disclose large amounts of grapefruit use to your doctor because it can interact with an array of medications," Dr. Nicole James, a doctor based in Illinois, told news agency SWNS.
GRAPEFRUIT COULD MAKE YOUR COFFEE BUZZ LAST LONGER AS EXPERTS WARN OF HIDDEN RISKS
Common cocktails that contain grapefruit include palomas, greyhounds, some margaritas and sea breezes.
"Grapefruit contains natural compounds — primarily furanocoumarins and flavonoids. These inhibit an important enzyme called cytochrome P450 3A4," James said.
This enzyme is referred to as CYP3A4.
It plays an important role in breaking down oral medications so that the body can properly process them.
"When you ingest grapefruit, it blocks this enzyme," said James, who is also a clinical research fellow in the department of dermatology at Stanford University.
CELEBRITY CHEF SAYS IF YOU CAN DRIVE TO MCDONALD'S, YOU CAN COOK HEALTHY MEALS AT HOME
"This causes drugs that would normally be broken down in the gut wall to instead pass through intact, leading to significantly higher-than-intended blood levels of the medication," James added.
Having higher concentrations of a medication than normal can cause serious side effects.
Drug concentrations in the blood can rise too fast and to dangerously high levels, Harvard Medical School also noted, as Fox News Digital previously reported.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
"Patients taking statins could experience higher levels than normal, which can cause muscle breakdown and cramps," James noted.
Meanwhile, patients taking certain blood pressure medications like amlodipine "may experience dizziness and low blood pressure."
Sedatives can also pose a risk, with medications like midazolam being impacted by grapefruit and causing "extreme drowsiness and even slowed breathing," she said.
Antidepressants like sertraline also come with a warning to avoid the fruit.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
For those who think it would take a lot grapefruit to have an effect — James said this isn’t the case.
"As little as one grapefruit or 200 mL of juice can cause a clinically relevant increase in medication concentrations, and the effect can last up to 72 hours because grapefruit irreversibly inactivates CYP3A4 enzyme," she said.
People should keep an eye on mixed fruit juices, smoothies and cocktails, as grapefruit juice is a common ingredient, she said.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
"If patients ingest a large amount of grapefruit while on these medications, they should monitor for any symptoms and avoid ingesting any more grapefruit," said James, advising people to always seek medical attention if there are any concerns.
The doctor also warned about other ingredients that patients should be aware of — and reiterated that reaching out to healthcare professionals ahead of time is always a wise move.
Among the ingredients to watch: