Fox News Latest Headlines
Two dead, including infant, after boat capsizes in New York Harbor; 12 rescued
Two people, including an infant, died after a boat capsized near Liberty Island in New York Harbor on Saturday night, authorities said.
The NYPD told Fox News Digital that officers responded to a report of an overturned vessel in the vicinity of Liberty Island at around 10:25 p.m.
Twelve people were rescued from the water before police arrived, according to authorities.
An adult female and an infant were later located in the water by NYPD divers. Both were transported to NYU Langone Hospital in Brooklyn in critical condition, where they were later pronounced dead. Their identities have not been released.
Police said some of the other passengers were also transported to the hospital and are believed to be in stable condition.
The cause of the capsizing remains under investigation. Police said no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
A police source told Fox News Digital that the vessel was a 22-foot bowrider.
The NYPD's Harbor Unit, Scuba Team and Aviation Unit responded to the scene along with the U.S. Coast Guard.
This is a developing story; check back for updates.
Teen accused of killing 10-year-old cousin Lily Peters may avoid November trial after new hearing scheduled
The Wisconsin teenager accused of killing his 10-year-old cousin, Lily Peters, in 2022 may not face a November trial after a resolution hearing was scheduled in the case.
More than four years after Lily's death, Carson Peters-Berger, 18, had been expected to stand trial in November on multiple charges, including first-degree intentional homicide and sexual assault, in connection with his cousin's death.
The Chippewa County District Attorney's Office announced that a resolution hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 26, according to WEAU.
Chippewa County District Attorney Wade Newell told the outlet that the scheduled resolution means the case will not go to trial and will instead conclude following the hearing.
However, Peters-Berger's defense attorney, Michael Cohen, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the proceeding will "address issues in the case that will determine whether there will be a trial."
Court records do not yet indicate the nature of the resolution expected to be presented during the hearing later this month.
Lily was reported missing by her father on the evening of April 24, 2022, after she failed to return home from her aunt's house.
Her father later found Lily's bicycle in a wooded area in Chippewa Falls, but an initial search by police did not locate her.
Authorities were notified the following morning that Lily's body had been found near the area where her bicycle was discovered. Investigators said her injuries were consistent with blunt force trauma, according to the criminal complaint.
During an interview with police, Peters-Berger, who was 14 at the time, allegedly said he asked Lily to "go exploring off the trail."
According to the complaint, Peters-Berger allegedly "punched [Lily] in the stomach, knocking her to the ground" and struck her with a stick while they were in the woods.
TODDLER'S TRAGIC DEATH SPARKS MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES AFTER ALLEGED POISONING
Peters-Berger also allegedly told investigators that he strangled Lily and attempted to sexually assault her after her death, according to the complaint.
Afterward, Peters-Berger allegedly returned home, where "he showered and put his dirty clothes in the laundry," according to the complaint.
After learning Lily had been reported missing, Peters-Berger allegedly determined that "he needed to hide her better" and returned to her body, dragged her several feet and covered her with leaves, according to the complaint.
Peters-Berger was charged with first-degree intentional homicide, first-degree sexual assault and first-degree sexual assault of a child under age 13 resulting in great bodily harm. He faces life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Chippewa County District Attorney's Office and Peters-Berger's defense attorney for additional comment.
Fox News Digital's Adam Sabes contributed to this report.
WATCH: Dems stand by Maine nominee hit with report he fathered children with his second cousin
Democratic senators are still backing Maine Senate nominee Troy Jackson, who replaced former candidate Graham Platner on the ballot, after the latest allegations threaten to yet again shake up the race for U.S. Senate in the Pine Tree State.
Platner, following a series of scandals culminating in sexual misconduct claims, was forced to drop out ahead of the Democratic primary to take on Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, earlier this summer. But now, a bombshell report claims Platner's replacement fathered two children with his second cousin.
The recent report wasn’t enough to turn lawmakers against Jackson, with most stressing the necessity for Democrats to win swing state races in order to win back a majority in the upper chamber — not an easy feat in Maine where Collins, a moderate, has represented the state in the Senate since 1997.
Maine's other senator, independent Angus King, said: "I have no idea what you’re talking about and I’m not going to comment on it anyway."
Every senator that Fox News Digital spoke with on the issue this week denied having knowledge of the report.
"I don't know anything about that, but what I do know is that we have got to elect Democrats up and down the ballot," Sen. Angela Alsobrooks, D-Md., told Fox News Digital.
"I haven’t heard of these reports," Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., echoed. "Troy Jackson is somebody who's obviously in this fight for working people."
Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., ignored the crux of the question. "I think it's super important that we win that seat so that we can put an end to the wild cost increases and rampant corruption that the Senate right now is indulging," he said.
The Maine Wire editor Steven Robinson first reported last week that Jackson shares two children with his second cousin, Lana Pelletier. In posting the genealogical findings, the independent journalist claimed Pelletier's father is a cousin of Jackson's mother.
The report made waves after Jackson received 94% of the 601 delegate votes in the process this summer to replace Platner, who dropped out of the race after a rape allegation finally forced his Democrat allies to turn against him. Platner denied the claim, among others made against him, but ultimately it was the nail in the coffin that resulted in him ending his bid for U.S. Senate before the deadline for Democrats to get a new candidate on the Maine primary ballot.
Without directly denying the report, Jackson's campaign said in a previous statement to Fox News Digital that it was an attack comping from the Collins camp.
"Susan Collins will do anything to distract from the fact that she votes with Trump 96% of the time and has sold out working people in Maine. Personal attacks on Troy's family are shameful and desperate," the statement read.
Jackson's campaign did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for additional comment on the reporting.
MAINE DEM IN HOT SEAT FOR CHAMPIONING POPULAR VOTE DESPITE CLINCHING SENATE BID WITHOUT IT
"Haven’t seen it," Sen. Jon Ossoff, D-Ga., said when asked on Capitol Hill about the reports.
Ossoff initially avoided saying whether he'd back Jackson. Instead, he pointed to Michigan’s Democratic race, which the far-left progressive Abdul El-Sayed won on Wednesday, before addressing his support for Jackson.
"I’m supporting our nominee in Michigan," Ossoff replied when asked if he will be endorsing Jackson. "In Maine, we'll see who wins."
Many senators credited their support for Jackson and other Democrat candidates running for office as a broader effort to target Republicans and their agendas — both within the Donald Trump administration and in Congress.
"We have a president who today, again, has no strategic plan about getting us out of that war in Iran, where our children are dying on the battlefield while his are getting rich," Alsobrooks said.
A recent Fox News Poll found that 56% of voters oppose U.S. military action against Iran, with 40% strongly opposing the war, indicating the ongoing conflict might play a role in how voters show up at in November.
2026 MIDTERMS STATE OF PLAY: KEY RACES UNFOLD AS STEVENS, EL-SAYED BATTLE IN MICHIGAN
Alsobrooks said she is supporting the Democratic nominee "in every single state," again indirectly backing Jackson, to ensure her party takes back the majority in Congress.
"I'm supporting whoever the nominee, in every single state, the Democratic nominee," Alsobrooks said. "We are going to have to take back the House and take back the Senate as well so that we can bring down the cost of living, get people healthcare again."
"That is what is important right now to the American people, and that's what we're looking for."
Hawaii contractor nominated to construct GOP comeback after two-decade Democratic hold on governor's mansion
Gary Cordery, who owns a contracting company, won the Republican nomination for Hawaii governor after defeating business owner Ken Fujiyama in Saturday's primary.
He is now set to face Democratic Gov. Josh Green in November in a race that heavily favors the incumbent. The Cook Political Report rates the contest as Solid Democratic, with a Partisan Voting Index of D+13.
Cordery faces a steep challenge: Hawaii has not had a Republican governor since Linda Lingle left office in 2010.
In addition to facing an incumbent with a 56% approval rating and Hawaii's long history of Democratic control, Cordery faces a significant financial disadvantage against Green.
Green has raised approximately $3.5 million, far outpacing Cordery, who has raised about $313,000, according to Honolulu Civil Beat.
Despite the uphill battle, Cordery is pitching voters on a platform centered on lowering Hawaii’s high cost of living, reforming education and cracking down on corruption.
"As a husband, father and grandfather, businessman and community servant, I love Hawai’i," Cordery said in an interview with Honolulu Civil Beat. "These islands of unique beauty have endured mismanagement for decades. Her people live under tremendous stress and anxiety. I am running to open opportunity, create abundance and ensure stewardship of her resources, bringing accountability and hope for the people."
THE AMERICAN DREAM NOW COMES WITH A ZIP CODE: HERE'S WHERE STARTER HOMES ARE STILL WITHIN REACH
Part of Cordery's plan to create abundance includes adding 15,000 homes across the islands for working families, with prices ranging from roughly $400,000 to $600,000. His proposal calls for using state-owned land for fee-simple housing while streamlining permitting and opening more land for residential development.
SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER
He is also proposing eliminating the state's General Excise Tax on food and medicine and freezing property taxes for homeowners at retirement. Cordery argues that the state is failing to properly manage taxpayers' dollars and says he would order audits to root out waste.
"Hawai’i’s 20.5 billion dollar budget for 1.4 mil[lion] people is a staggering number. New Hampshire has 1.4 million people but a $7.75 billion dollar budget," Cordery said. "I believe our tax burden is out of control. The answer is management."
Hawaii Gov. Josh Green cruises to Democratic primary win, sets up fall matchup with GOP nominee
Democratic Hawaii Gov. Josh Green defeated three little-known primary challengers seeking to lead the Aloha State.
Green, who was first elected governor in 2022, entered the unusual Saturday primary with a 56% approval rating. His primary win makes him a strong favorite for re-election, as the Cook Political Report rates the race 13 points in favor of the Democratic Party.
Green's opponents were David "Duke" Bourgoin, George "Teva" Lucas-Tadeo, a Democratic socialist, and Lauren Kapoliahiʻiaka Shim.
Bourgoin previously ran against Green for governor in 2022, but he captured only 590 votes compared with Green's 158,161. He also lost two bids for Honolulu mayor, in 2022 and 2024.
HAWAII'S DEMOCRATIC LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR INDICTED IN STATE CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION
Despite the growing popularity of Democratic Socialists across the country, Lucas-Tadeo failed to win over Hawaii Democrats with public Instagram posts promising publicly run grocery stores and the legalization of marijuana.
Neither Lucas-Tadeo nor Shim had campaign websites, and none of Green's three challengers had raised any money in the race as of June 30, according to Honolulu Civil Beat. Meanwhile, Green had raised approximately $3.5 million, far outpacing Republican Gary Cordery, the race's second-highest fundraiser, who had raised about $313,000, according to Civil Beat.
Hawaii has not had a Republican governor since Linda Lingle left office in 2010. In typical election years, the Democratic primary attracts candidates with strong name recognition. For instance, in 2022, the candidates besides Green included Rep. Kai Kahele, D-Hawaii, and former first lady Vicky Cayetano.
"His policies have been fairly popular, there hasn’t been anything he’s done that’s really created a pushback," John Hart, a communication professor at Hawaiʻi Pacific University, told Civil Beat. "So, why would you throw your hat in the ring on a suicide run when there are other offices that are more achievable?"
Meanwhile, Green told Civil Beat that his administration responded effectively to the 2023 Lahaina wildfire, which killed 102 people, and flooding from the March Kona low storms, which caused more than $1 billion in damage.
SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER
"We were very present and I think pretty competent and compassionate in our response and we heard from a lot of people — both politicians and just, people — that they appreciated that," Green told Civil Beat.
"It just didn’t create a scenario in which another Democrat thought it made sense to run against us," Green continued. "I didn’t set out to get into fights with people, I really just tried to do this job. So, It didn’t create the usual opening where there was a big divide where people would come after me."
Hawaii rep cruises to Dem primary win after challenger arrested for beach brawl
Progressive Rep. Jill Tokuda, D-Hawaii, cruised to victory in her primary on Saturday, setting up a showdown with Republican state Sen. Brenton Awa in November.
Tokuda is seeking a third term representing Hawaii's 2nd Congressional District, which includes the entire state outside the island of Oahu, as well as rural and suburban parts of Oahu itself.
The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the district D+12. That means it's highly likely that Democrats keep hold of it in this year's midterms.
2026 MIDTERMS STATE OF PLAY: KEY RACES UNFOLD AS STEVENS, EL-SAYED BATTLE IN MICHIGAN
Tokuda defeated three primary challengers to win the Democratic Party nomination, though none posed a significant threat to her campaign despite a wider intraparty civil war that's toppled several House Democrat incumbents throughout the country.
Her fellow delegation member, Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, faced a significant primary challenge from his left in his own race, though Case is seen as much more moderate than Tokuda.
HAWAII DEMOCRATIC HOUSE CANDIDATE FACES FELONY THREAT CHARGES AFTER BEACH FIGHT CAUGHT ON VIDEO
Tokuda's race did attract some controversy, however, after one of her longshot opponents was arrested for a violent altercation that was caught on camera at Keawakapu Beach.
Kirill Basin allegedly threatened a man who asked him to turn down his music, according to Honolulu Civil Beat.
A violent clash ensued after a bystander intervened, and Basin allegedly pulled out a knife.
Tokuda told Hawaii News Now that the video was "disturbing" and said "any individual, whether you're running for office or a public citizen, you need to be held accountable for your actions."
Dem establishment strikes back as longtime incumbent fends off progressive challenger
The Democratic establishment won a key battle in the left's ongoing civil war with its socialist insurgency on Saturday.
Longtime Rep. Ed Case, D-Hawaii, won his primary bid to seek another term in the House of Representatives, defeating progressive state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole.
Case, who served in Congress from 2002 to 2007 and then won again in 2018, faced his toughest primary challenge yet this year. It comes amid a wider showdown between the Democratic establishment and its far-left flank that's seen multiple House incumbents lose to socialist upstarts.
SOCIALIST VICTORIES SHOW DEMS' DESCENT DOWN 'DEADLY PATH OF COMMUNISM,' JOHNSON WARNS
Keohokalole, who's been in Hawaii's state legislature since 2014, was the most formidable of a group of primary challengers looking to oust Case this year.
Both raised considerable money on the campaign trail, though the incumbent had more money in his war chest at the outset of the race.
Keohokalole criticized Case for not doing enough to stand up to the Trump administration during the president's second term, including President Donald Trump's federal immigration operations.
The progressive challenger also attacked Case for being one of four House Democrats to vote for Republicans' initial iteration of the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act in April 2025.
JOHNSON'S STRATEGY TO BYPASS DEMOCRATS' SAVE ACT BLOCKADE SURVIVES KEY VOTE, HANDING GOP BIG WIN
That version would have imposed a federal voter ID requirement at the polls as well as a proof of citizenship mandate for registering to vote, but would have allowed for a written affidavit absent that proof.
Case told Hawaii News Now that he will "never" be someone who votes in lockstep with his party and said of the issue of noncitizen voting, "This has nothing to do with voter suppression. Now, those are fears and there are legitimate fears, and I accept those concerns."
"It’s a solution in search of a problem. There is no security problem in our election system," Keohokalole told the outlet.
Case later joined nearly all other House Democrats in opposing an updated version, the SAVE America Act, which would have vastly expanded the federal government's authority over state voter rolls.
He now goes on to face Republican Adriel Lam in November.
Hawaii's 1st Congressional District, which encompasses part of Oahu, including Honolulu, is rated a safe Democratic seat with a Cook Political Report rating of D+13.
WNBA walks back Caitlin Clark technical foul, sparing Fever star from suspension
Caitlin Clark appeared headed for a one-game suspension after picking up what was initially ruled her eighth technical foul of the season Saturday — but the WNBA quickly stepped in.
The league rescinded the technical foul assessed to the Indiana Fever star during the team’s win over the Chicago Sky, wiping away the penalty that would have automatically sidelined Clark for one game.
Had the technical stood, Clark would have been forced to sit out Tuesday’s matchup against the New York Liberty, dealing a significant blow to Indiana as the Fever continue their push through the season.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
But, a WNBA spokesman told The Associated Press that the technical had been rescinded a few hours after the game ended.
In the third quarter, Clark made contact with a referee when she was forced out of bounds and was called for a technical foul. The Fever went on to win the game 90-86.
CAITLIN CLARK CALLS FOR FULL-TIME WNBA REFEREES AS OFFICIATING FAILURES MOUNT IN 2026
Clark made her case for having the technical wiped away almost immediately, insisting after the game that the contact was accidental and never escalated into a verbal confrontation.
With a suspension potentially hanging in the balance, Clark said she was optimistic the league would review the play and ultimately overturn the call.
"She said I ran into her," Clark said of the referee. "I have already watched it on the tape. So, we’ll let the league decide. But, it wasn’t anything intentional or anything. So, I hope it gets rescinded. And, nothing was said."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Trump's 4th of July fireworks display on National Mall confirmed as largest in history
Nearly two months after President Doanld Trump proclaimed Washington, D.C. would launch the "LARGEST FIREWORKS SHOW IN HISTORY," Guinness World Records confirmed it this week.
"The largest firework display consists of 840,537 fireworks, and was achieved by Freedom 250 and Pyrotecnico, Inc (both USA) at an event organized by Event Strategies Inc in Washington D.C., USA, on 4 July 2026," the organization wrote on its website.
Despite weather delays that involved revelers being evacuated from the National Mall, hundreds of thousands of people still watched the Washington, D.C., fireworks that began just before midnight last month.
TOP HIGHLIGHTS FROM TRUMP'S LATE-NIGHT JULY 4 ADDRESS: ‘NO DREAM IN HISTORY IS BIGGER’
The president also gave an abbreviated speech beforehand as part of the "Salute to America" celebration for the 250th anniversary of the country.
Once it got underway, the show lasted for about 40 minutes.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum explained in June that the fireworks would be launched from several sites because of its immense scale.
"Normally the fireworks are set off right along here," he told the Washington Reporter of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool.
"This year, because of the size and scale of the thing, there are so many locations where the fireworks are going to be going off, including barges," he explained.
FLASHBACK: AS AMERICAN TURNS 250, HERE'S HOW THE NATION CELEBRATED ITS BIGGEST BIRTHDAYS
The White House launched Freedom 250 as a public-private partnership months ago and the president serves as chair of the initiative.
The previous record holder for largest fireworks celebration was a megachurch’s 2016 New Year's Eve show, which featured 810,904 fireworks, according to The Washington Post.
"On July 4th, America came together to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday with the largest fireworks display in history — over 850,000 fireworks lighting up the National Mall and the Potomac River, and miles around in a 40-minute spectacular," Freedom 250 spokesperson Danielle Alvarez shared in a statement with Fox News Digital.
AMERICA 250 ATTENDEES FIRE BACK AT CRITICS OF TRUMP'S JULY 4 SPEECH: 'WHAT WE NEEDED TO HEAR'
Alvarez added, "This historic display shattered the previous global benchmark and stands as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and pride as we begin our nation’s next 250 years. Freedom 250 is honored to have brought this moment to millions of Americans, and we thank everyone who made it possible."
"No other president in history could have accomplished the incredible feat that President Trump did at our Nation’s historic 250th birthday celebration, which included an incredible air show, a record-breaking fireworks display, and an inspiring speech delivered before hundreds of thousands of American patriots," the White House said in a statement, according to the Post.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Florida man allegedly kills family's kittens in front of teenage daughter as form of punishment: officials
A Florida father was arrested this week for allegedly killing the family's kittens in front of his teenage daughter as a form of punishment, authorities said.
Bodycam video released by the Lee County Sheriff's Office shows deputies responding to a home in Pine Manor after receiving a report that a man was attempting to drown and strike a two-month-old kitten named Luna.
David Charette Jr., 48, was arrested and charged with aggravated animal cruelty after authorities accused him of killing two kittens and injuring a third.
Witnesses told deputies that Charette allegedly abused and killed the family's kittens in front of his teenage daughter as a form of punishment when she "acted up."
'DEEPLY DISTURBING' ANIMAL CRUELTY OPERATION INVOLVING BABY MONKEYS BUSTED BY ICE INVESTIGATION
Charette defended his treatment of Luna while speaking with deputies in the body camera video.
"The cat is in perfectly healthy condition," Charette told deputies. "I have to give the cat a bath because it soils itself in the cage."
"It's covered in crap and I have to give it a bath, and it cries, and she doesn't like that," he added.
Lee County Sheriff Carmine Marceno said the allegations involving Charette's daughter made the case particularly disturbing.
"A daughter says that when she acts up or when she's in trouble, her father kills her kittens. This is sickening to me," Marceno told CBS affiliate WINK.
Investigators said they later learned Charette had allegedly killed two other kittens over the previous year.
In June, Charette allegedly smothered a one-month-old kitten with a bleach-soaked rag, according to the sheriff's office.
In a separate incident, investigators said Charette allegedly killed a three-month-old kitten with a blow-dryer.
Authorities said both kittens had been buried in the backyard, but investigators recovered only one during a search of the property.
Luna was taken to a local animal hospital for treatment and is recovering, according to the sheriff's office.