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Surrogate who refused abortion asks SCOTUS to intervene as baby could be moved out of Texas
The surrogate who refused an abortion sought by the biological parents has filed an updated brief with the U.S. Supreme Court following an emergency application she filed with the court last week, arguing the case is moving more quickly than expected.
McKenna West, an Alaska resident, and a California couple referred to as the commissioning parties, have been involved in a legal battle after she refused their request to terminate the pregnancy after a diagnosis of a serious heart condition, Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).
Represented by attorneys from Alliance Defending Freedom and First & Fourteenth PLLC, West asked Justice Elena Kagan, who handles emergency matters from the Ninth Circuit, for an administrative stay and a stay pending a possible petition for certiorari.
SURROGATE, CALIFORNIA COUPLE CLASH IN COURT AS NEWBORN FIGHTS FOR LIFE AFTER HEART SURGERY
Her application argues that the California courts violated federal due process by treating her jurisdictional defense as consent. It also argues that without a stay, the baby could be moved to California for hospice care while West remains unable to participate in decisions about the child's medical treatment.
But on Monday, the surrogate and her team expressed fears that the baby may be moved out of Texas earlier than she had expected.
She is asking the high court for an administrative stay 1 p.m. Eastern Time on Tuesday.
SURROGATE GIVES BIRTH IN TEXAS TO BABY WITH HEART DEFECT AFTER PARENTS REQUESTED ABORTION
This comes after a California court judgment that declared the commissioning parents the child's legal parents and denied West's custody claims.
The commissioning parents have argued in court that California has jurisdiction under the surrogacy agreement and that they are the child's legal parents.
West had refused the commissioning parents' request for an abortion and traveled to Texas, which has abortion restrictions, to give birth, saying she did so to ensure access to specialized medical care.
She asked for parentage and protective orders in Alaska and Texas, but the commissioning parents filed a parentage action in the Los Angeles Superior Court, according to Fox 4. West entered a special appearance to contest personal jurisdiction and object to the forum, citing a forum-selection clause that required litigation to be held in Alaska.
But the California trial court ruled that West’s jurisdictional arguments and attached exhibits constituted a general appearance, meaning she had consented to the court’s jurisdiction, the outlet reported. The court then entered an ex parte judgment of parentage in favor of the commissioning parents.
After the baby was born in Texas on Aug. 12, a Texas court recognized the California ruling naming the commissioning couple as his legal parents and dismissed West from the case with prejudice, meaning she could not refile the same claim in that proceeding.
Dolly Parton, Rob Reiner receive emotional tributes during 2026 Emmy Awards
Sally Field reflected on Dolly Parton's legacy during a moving tribute to the late country music legend at the 2026 Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, Calif.
"If there are truly angels on earth, then we just lost one, Dolly Parton," Field confessed of her "Steel Magnolias" co-star.
Parton died on Aug. 25 following a "brief battle with cancer," according to her representatives. She was 80.
DOLLY PARTON'S LIFE IN HER OWN WORDS: FROM SMOKY MOUNTAINS POVERTY TO COUNTRY MUSIC IMMORTALITY
"It was my great, good fortune to have worked with Dolly in a film called 'Steel Magnolias,' and over the years I never stopped loving her though we lived very far apart," Field told the audience at the Peacock Theater. "I adored her from day one, how could you not?"
"She was genuine, and humble, supportive and blisteringly funny with a bawdy sense of humor that would send any rude guy looking for a place to hide."
CARRIE UNDERWOOD HONORS DOLLY PARTON'S FAITH AND LEGACY DURING EMOTIONAL CONCERT TRIBUTE
Field, 79, admitted that she "couldn't see then what a real giant Dolly was."
"Not just as an artist, but as a human ... She was a humanitarian who's contributions had made a profound difference in the lives of so many in her home state of Tennessee, and across our country," Field said.
"God bless you, Dolly Parton my friend. I am not the only one on earth that will love you forever and ever."
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Dressed in a sparkling white gown, Reba McEntire then took the stage to perform a rendition of Parton's classic 1983 song, "Appalachian Memories."
Parton was surrounded by loved ones at the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center when she died peacefully in Nashville, Tenn., last month.
With Noah Kahan leading a rendition of "Bridge Over Troubled Water," Jamie Lee Curtis commemorated the life of director Rob Reiner, who died in December alongside his wife, Michele Singer Reiner.
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Their 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, was indicted last month on two counts of first-degree murder with special circumstances which make him eligible for the death penalty.
"Last year we lost another cherished legend, our beloved 'Meathead,' Rob Reiner," Curtis said. "He was generous and kind and funny as hell and a friend to all."
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During last week's Creative Arts Emmys, Reiner received a posthumous Emmy for his guest role in "The Bear."
"He now holds the record of 48 years for the longest gap between acting Emmys, which was previously held by his father Carl Reiner at 37 years," Curtis told the crowd through tears.
Macaulay Culkin, Annie Murphy and Dan Levy paid tribute to the late Catherine O'Hara during the 78th Emmy Awards. The "Home Alone" actress died in January following a brief illness. She was 71.
"There are all kinds of words I could use to describe Catherine," Culkin said. "She was encouraging, she was warm, she was funny. But the word that I think of is mama."
He added, "By the way, call your mother tonight. For real."
Chiefs' new stud Kenneth Walker runs wild, Bo Nix melts down as Kansas City obliterates Broncos in MNF blowout
So much for Denver taking over the AFC West. The first Monday Night Football matchup of the 2026 season was a total disaster class for the Denver Broncos, who got flattened 31-10 by the Kansas City Chiefs at a rowdy Arrowhead Stadium.
Everyone tuned in to see Patrick Mahomes make his return nine months after tearing his ACL and LCL last December.
CHIEFS FACE CRITICAL 2026 SEASON WITH PATRICK MAHOMES RETURNING FROM ACL TEAR
But while Mahomes looked crisp, Kansas City’s $43 million offseason prize stole the entire spotlight. Fresh off winning Super Bowl LX MVP honors, running back Kenneth Walker put on an absolute clinic. Walker finished with 191 total yards (173 rushing, 18 receiving) and two touchdowns ... single-handedly out gaining Davis Webb's entire Denver offense on the night.
On Denver's opening drive, Chiefs rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane picked off Bo Nix to hand Kansas City instant momentum, which Mahomes capitalized on with a 15-yard touchdown scramble.
From there, Walker took complete control.
Early in the second half, Andy Reid kept his offense on the field for a fourth-and-1 at the Kansas City 40-yard line. Walker took the handoff, hit the seam, and exploded 60 yards to the house, becoming the first Chiefs back to log over 140 rushing yards and a touchdown in a game since Kareem Hunt in 2017.
Meanwhile, Denver's offense was an unmitigated trainwreck.
NFL LEGEND DREW BREES REPORTEDLY ALMOST PULLED OFF A SHOCKING COMEBACK FOR BRONCOS' AFC TITLE GAME
Davis Webb’s debut as Broncos offensive coordinator went down in flames as his entire unit couldn't even match the yardage output of Kansas City's lead tailback.
Broncos coach Sean Payton looked like he wanted to jump out of his skin watching his new OC call plays.
Outside of a quick first-quarter touchdown pass from Nix to Evan Engram that briefly tied the game at 7-7, Denver went completely ice-cold, stringing together four straight punts before halftime.
The wheels completely fell off in the third quarter. Trailing 21-7, Denver got a massive break when safety Brandon Jones picked off Mahomes, handing the Broncos first-and-goal at the Kansas City 5-yard line.
Instead of punching in a game-tying touchdown, Denver wet the bed.
A 10-yard penalty backed the offense up, and Nix followed by dropping a snap and fumbling out of bounds near the 16-yard line to force a field goal.
Nix later fumbled deep in his own territory, which Chris Jones pounced on to set up a Walker touchdown catch from Mahomes that officially put the game away.
PATRICK MAHOMES SO OBSESSIVE ABOUT KNEE REHAB HE TAKES A TRAINER WITH HIM WHEN HE LEAVES TOWN
Along the way, Travis Kelce provided the night's signature milestone.
The All-Pro tight end ripped off an electric 59-yard catch-and-run down the sideline to officially pass Jason Witten (13,046) for second place on the NFL's all-time receiving yards list for tight ends. Kelce now trails only Hall of Famer Tony Gonzalez (15,127 yards) for the all-time spot.
Old Man Kelce finished with 71 receiving yards to lead all Chiefs pass-catchers.
Taylor Swift held court with Tom Cruise, subjecting cinema’s boldest stuntman / actor to a Mission: Impossible even he couldn't pull off: pretending Bo Nix is a starting quarterback.
Different year, same story: the AFC West still firmly belongs to Kansas City, and Denver isn't any closer to changing that.
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Michael J. Fox receives standing ovation at 2026 Emmys for Parkinson's disease advocacy work
Michael J. Fox was honored with the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the 2026 Emmys for his advocacy and philanthropic work supporting Parkinson’s disease research.
The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award is an honorary Emmy presented by the Television Academy and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation. Established in 2002, it recognizes a television-industry figure whose philanthropic work has made a lasting impact on society.
Fox attended the award show on Monday night with his wife, Tracy Pollan. This was the couple's first appearance at the Emmy Awards in 13 years.
Fox received a standing ovation as he took the stage and talked about his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Fox was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at age 29. He publicly revealed his diagnosis in 1998.
MARISKA HARGITAY, SELENA GOMEZ AND ZENDAYA STUN AT 2026 EMMYS: VOTE ON YOUR FAVORITE TV STAR LOOKS
On the Emmy Awards' stage, Fox said, "Initially, I kept my Parkinson's diagnosis a secret. I worried that it would affect my work and my relationship with audiences."
He continued, "Would they laugh if they knew I was sick? And then I was stunned by the support I got. The support from all of you. It was so uplifting. It made me feel like I could keep doing this and I hadn't lost what I do and they couldn't take this away from me. And it's because you stood up for me, and I really appreciate it."
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During the speech, Fox discussed his foundation and said that they are "close" to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease.
The internet reacted to Fox being honored with the award on Monday night.
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"Michael J. Fox ❤️❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏We can all learn so much from him...🙏🏻👍," one user wrote on X.
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Another added on X, "I really do think we underestimate how much Michael J Fox really put Parkinson’s 'on the map' so to speak. I knew about it as a little kid because of him and his advocacy for it."
"Michael J. Fox is an inspiration. The guy got dealt an awful hand," a third wrote on X.
Georgia mayor, 23, ousted 10 months after making history as state’s youngest mayor
Georgia's youngest elected mayor was removed from office just 10 months after taking the job following allegations that he misused city funds and exchanged sexually suggestive messages and images with an 18-year-old high school student.
Jayden Williams, who recently turned 23, was impeached by the Stockbridge City Council in the city south of Atlanta after taking office in January.
"The City of Stockbridge confirms that the City Council has taken formal action concerning the Office of Mayor," the city said in a statement on Sunday. "The Mayor has been removed from office."
Williams was accused of using his city purchasing card for more than $4,000 in personal expenses, including restaurant meals, clothing, haircuts and a movie, according to Fox 5 Atlanta. He reportedly spent $2,600 on gas and used a city vehicle for personal purposes.
MASSACHUSETTS MAYOR CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD IN $1.5M COVID RELIEF SCHEME
The spending was reported after city workers noticed unusual transactions involving public funds and immediately notified management and the city’s legal team.
According to Williams’ testimony, he did not intend to use city funds and later repaid the money, Fox 5 reported. He further claimed the city-issued card looked similar to his personal card and said he later replaced the cards to avoid future confusion, the outlet reported.
Separately, Williams was accused of exchanging sexually suggestive messages and explicit images with an 18-year-old male high school student.
A police report noted that Williams did not commit any criminal violations because the student was considered an adult under Georgia law. However, police referred the matter for administrative review over potential policy and ethical concerns about an elected official's interactions with a student in what investigators described as a city-affiliated mentorship program, Fox 5 reported.
In a statement, Williams previously said he met the individual before taking office and that the student never participated in the city’s "Mayor for a Day" program, which Williams described as not a mentorship program.
EX-MAYOR FOUND LIABLE FOR ALLEGED SEXUAL ASSAULTS OF 7 WOMEN, ORDERED TO PAY $13M
"The individual was 18 years old at the time of our communication, meaning we were both adults. I met this individual on November 30, 2025, and our online communication occurred before I was sworn into office in January 2026," he said.
Williams became the youngest mayor in Georgia history after campaigning for the position while still attending Clark Atlanta University.
He was subsequently stripped of certain official privileges on July 17 as the investigation unfolded but was never criminally charged in connection with the alleged conduct.
Dozens missing after passenger ferry sinks as rescuers scour South Pacific coastline
A desperate search is underway in the South Pacific after a passenger ferry carrying dozens of people sank between two islands in Vanuatu, an island nation east of Australia.
At least one person has died and more than 30 others remain missing as search-and-rescue operations continue, according to a statement shared on Facebook by Vanuatu's Ministry of the Prime Minister.
MOM LOSES GRIP ON DAUGHTER AS PASSENGER FERRY CAPSIZES WITH 20 PEOPLE STILL MISSING
The MV Matui was traveling between the islands of Ambae and Santo when it sank Friday, according to The Associated Press (AP). It had 47 people on board.
Searchers rescued 15 survivors and recovered one body — but local authorities have now shifted their efforts toward the coastline as the hunt for the remaining passengers continues, AP reported.
Search efforts are being scaled back in open waters and shifted toward Vanuatu's southeastern coastline, where currents may have carried survivors, according to Matai Seremaiah, Parliament member for Luganville, the ministry said.
"Our hearts and prayers are with the families who have lost loved ones," the ministry wrote. "To the survivors, we pray for your strength and recovery. To the families of those missing and those we have lost, please know that the nation stands with you in this time of grief."
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Retired Coast Guard Capt. Aaron Davenport, based in Virginia, told Fox News Digital that several factors could determine the survival chances of those still missing.
Water temperature, injuries and access to flotation or other lifesaving equipment could all affect how long someone can survive after entering the water, Davenport said.
"They may be clinging to debris. But as the days go on, the chances of survival are less and less," he said, adding that a lack of food and water, along with the risk of hypothermia, could reduce the chances of survival.
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The ministry noted that the tragedy likely resulted from ignored marine warnings about strong winds, along with the possibility that the vessel was overloaded.
"This tragedy is a reminder that the safety of life at sea must come first," the ministry said. "Ship owners must ensure their vessels are seaworthy, carry all required safety equipment and have proper communication systems on board. Ignoring strong marine warnings puts lives at risk."
The government has launched a full investigation to establish the facts and help prevent a similar tragedy from happening again, the ministry said.
Fox News Digital previously reported that another deadly ferry disaster unfolded Aug. 30, when the Filo Jet catamaran, carrying 267 people, capsized off northern Cyprus.
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Fourteen people died and another 14 remain missing, while 239 people were brought ashore alive. Search and recovery efforts are continuing.
The ferry began taking on water shortly after leaving port, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
Authorities are investigating the sinking as questions continue to emerge about what caused the vessel to go down.
Patrick Mahomes answers troubling questions about his serious knee injury on first drive of the Chiefs season
If you were wondering whether Patrick Mahomes would be his old self following the serious knee injury he suffered exactly nine months ago to the day that the Kansas City Chiefs opened their 2026 season on Monday night, then rest easy.
The quarterback scored on a 15-yard run to culminate his team's first offensive drive of the season against the Denver Broncos and, honestly, the zigzagging dash to the end zone that he finished with a dive said something:
He's baaaack!
"That was definitely the moment physically where that kind of said all my [rehabilitation] work paid off," Mahomes said. "Like, I didn't feel anything. And it's still a process, I still have to keep getting better and better and stay on top of it.
"But this is obviously a great first week."
CHIEFS FACE CRITICAL 2026 SEASON WITH PATRICK MAHOMES RETURNING FROM ACL TEAR
The Chiefs, which sunk to a 6-11 record last season, seem to be back as well. They pummeled a talented Denver Broncos team by riding a stifling defense and running back Kenneth Walker rushing for 173 yards and a touchdown.
But Mahomes was the story.
Look, it remains to be seen how the season ultimately unfolds for the Chiefs and for what many consider to be the NFL's top quarterback.
Mahomes was by no means dominant, completing only 55 percent of his passes and throwing 2 TD passes and 1 interception. But that was not the focus.
The focus was gauging Mahomes and his return to health. Could he function? Could he still run? Could he still cause problems for the defense?
That first drive, with the quarterback showing no fear of being hit, made a statement that put the rest of the league on notice.
"It gave me that confidence back and let me be out there and be myself," Mahomes said.
Mahomes, who is turning 31 later this week, did not get hit in organized team activity sessions in the spring.
He didn't get hit in training camp.
He didn't get hit in the preseason, because he didn't play in any of the Chiefs' three games.
He was hit during the game and so that psychological obstacle is now moot.
"I just wanted to play," Mahomes said.
"It was great to get Patrick back in the mix there and knock a little rust off," Chiefs coach Andy Reid said. "He hadn't had a chance to play and see things coming at him quite that fast, so I was proud of him and how he handled it."
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Mahomes is wearing a lightweight brace on his left knee. He has said it does not deter him from moving as he did before his surgery, but he does eventually expect to shed the gear — perhaps as early as late in this season.
Mahomes tore both the anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament in his left knee during the Chiefs’ Dec. 14, 2025, game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
He underwent surgery in Dallas the next day, with doctors repairing the torn ACL and LCL, and began rehabilitation almost immediately.
The exceedingly quick timetable for having the surgery was part of a plan, Mahomes has said. While many doctors urge their player patients to wait until their inflammation goes down before having surgery, Mahomes said his doctors urged him to get the surgery before the inflammation took root.
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Mahomes then committed to an intensive recovery program that included roughly seven hours of rehabilitation per day. All that led to Monday night.
"Once you put him in the game, he's going to play and you better be confident in him running," Reid said. "The only thing I asked was that [he] get down and, for the most part, he did that."
Just not on that touchdown run.
Gov Hochul's plan to opt New York into federal school choice program draws union opposition
As New York teachers unions organize a protest against Gov. Kathy Hochul’s plan to opt into a federal tax-credit scholarship program, the CEO of Teach Coalition told Fox News Digital that opponents are spreading "misconceptions" about how the policy actually operates.
"It seems that they want to continuously spread these lies and the misinformation about this program on to anyone who will hear them," Sydney Altfield, CEO of Teach Coalition, told Fox News Digital on Monday. "But the people who actually want to help children, the people who actually want to see children succeed, they're not going to listen. They're going to understand that this is not the truth of what this program actually can do."
Tax-credit scholarships, historically operated at the state level, serve as a mechanism for school choice by allowing individuals or corporations to receive full or partial tax credits when donating to non-profit scholarship organizations. Unlike traditional voucher programs that draw directly from municipal or state education funds, tax credits allow taxpayers to redirect a portion of their tax liability toward non-profit funding for student scholarships.
NEW YORK JOINS FEDERAL SCHOOL CHOICE INITIATIVE DESPITE TRADITIONAL DEMOCRAT OPPOSITION
The federal iteration allows state governors to opt into the framework, enabling local families and educational programs to access federally incentivized scholarship dollars.
Emma Wallner, a spokesperson for Hochul’s office, confirmed in May that the governor intends to opt New York into the federal tax-credit scholarship program — making New York the 30th state to participate.
"Governor Hochul is supportive of the federal tax credit scholarship and its potential to help New York students and schools," Wallner told Fox News Digital. "Our office awaits information from the federal government on the program and will thoroughly review the details of the policy for poison pills that could harm New York’s education system."
For decades, school choice initiatives have remained a third-rail issue for many Democrats, who argue that choice models divert resources away from public education and undermine teachers unions. However, several high-profile Democrats have recently adjusted their stances.
Colorado Gov. Jared Polis became the first Democratic governor to opt his state into the federal program in January 2026. Dismissing critics at the time, Polis told local media he "would be crazy not to" join, noting that the credits empower parents to afford after-school, tutoring, or summer enrichment programs previously out of reach.
ARIZONA REPUBLICANS GIVE TEACHERS UNION AN EDUCATION LESSON THEY WON’T FORGET
Despite these arguments, major labor groups remain opposed.
Teachers unions and several allied interest groups plan to demonstrate on Wednesday at the United Federation of Teachers (UFT) headquarters in Manhattan. The coalition includes the UFT, its statewide parent organization, the New York State Union of Teachers (NYSUT), and their national affiliate, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
Together, the groups launched a public petition calling on state leadership to reject Hochul’s decision.
"Gov. Hochul plans to opt New York in starting in 2027. But most New Yorkers haven’t even heard of this program or know how it will affect New York," the petition states. "Tax dollars would help pay private tuition for families who never used public schools."
The petition further points to fiscal challenges in other states that expanded school choice models: "Florida couldn't account for $270 million in voucher funds in a single year. Arizona's $65M plan became a $1.4 billion budget hole — cutting water, highways, and community colleges ... We need to show the governor that New Yorkers stand for strong public schools and against any measure that would weaken them."
Union advocates argue that "every dollar diverted to private schools is a dollar taken away from the public schools that serve 90% of New York's kids."
Altfield, however, disputed the characterization that the program constitutes a traditional private school voucher.
"Why are we trying to take away opportunities for our children when they're included as well? Another thing that they call it is a ‘voucher’. And it is not a voucher. It is a tax credit," Altfield explained. "What we know as a voucher is when you take public funding from the public school system, and you allow it to follow the child — which works in many states — but that's not what this is."
On their online campaign website, union organizers argue that labeling differences are purely rhetorical: "The branding changes — ‘Education Savings Accounts,’ ‘tax-credit scholarships,’ ‘school choice’ — but the mechanism is the same: public money flowing to private schools."
The union FAQ page also claims that funds do not go directly to families: "Funds flow to private SGOs [Scholarship Granting Organizations], which decide who receives the money. These organizations aren't required to be transparent or accountable to the public, and the private schools they fund can turn away students based on disability, academic record, behavior, religion, or almost any other criteria they choose."
Altfield strongly denied that public school operational budgets would suffer under the program.
"This money does not come out of state budgets. It does not come out of state public school resources," Altfield said. "Which is one of the things that the misinformation is trying to tell you — that this is going to drain public school resources and funding. This money does not come out of that bucket."
"Those buckets remain untouched," Altfield added. "One of the things that they like to peddle is that this is going straight into the pockets of private school parents. Well, yes, private school parents and students can access this funding, but they also forget to tell you that public school students can also get this funding and get these scholarships."
The New York State Union of Teachers, American Federation of Teachers and United Federation of Teachers did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
NFL legend Drew Brees reportedly almost pulled off a shocking comeback for Broncos' AFC title game
Hours before the Kansas City Chiefs and Denver Broncos kicked off on "Monday Night Football", NFL insider Adam Schefter dropped a stunner ... that 47-year-old Drew Brees nearly came off the couch to start for Denver in last season's AFC Championship Game against the New England Patriots.
After Broncos quarterback Bo Nix broke his ankle in overtime during the divisional round, Denver was forced to turn to backup Jarrett Stidham. That led Broncos assistants Joe Lombardi and Pete Carmichael, two former Saints coaches, to quietly reach out to Brees.
Head coach Sean Payton was kept in the dark until months later. Brees reportedly took the offer seriously and held a private throwing workout to test his arm.
However, wrist discomfort during the session killed the idea. Realizing his body could no longer execute, Brees allegedly called off the comeback.
Had Brees returned, it would have been one of the craziest one-game comebacks in sports history. He had not taken an NFL snap in five full calendar years after retiring in 2021.
SEAN PAYTON WIPES AWAY TEARS AFTER DREW BREES ASKS HIM FOR INCREDIBLE HALL OF FAME HONOR
Throwing a 47-year-old into a freezing, snowy AFC title game with zero practice reps was a massive physical gamble.
Plus, taking a single active snap would have reset his five-year retirement clock, pushing his Hall of Fame induction from August 2026 back to 2031.
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On the "New Heights" podcast with Travis and Jason Kelce, Brees recalled how the Miami Dolphins rejected him in 2006 after team doctors gave his shoulder a 25% chance of recovery. Nick Saban spent years regretting that failed physical, admitting it prevented his Dolphins from reaching new heights and pushed Brees to New Orleans.
In the end, Stidham started, the Broncos lost 10-7 to New England, and Denver was left wondering what if.
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UK breakup push escalates amid historic pact after Trump backs reunification of Ireland
The leaders of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland called Monday for the British government to "prepare for, plan and facilitate" constitutional change that could lead to the breakup of the United Kingdom, with the remarks coming days after President Donald Trump said he would "love to see" Irish reunification.
"Westminster’s time is coming to an end," Scottish First Minister John Swinney, Welsh First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth and Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill said in a historic joint declaration issued in Cardiff.
The nationalist party leaders had met Monday to strengthen cooperation among Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland and advance what they described as "constitutional change."
KEIR STARMER REPORTEDLY CONSIDERING STEPPING DOWN AS PM AND COULD ANNOUNCE TIMETABLE FOR DEPARTURE
The declaration, signed during the summit in Cardiff, signals an unprecedented challenge to Prime Minister Andy Burnham and the U.K.’s constitutional settlement.
Trump spoke about the status of Northern Ireland over the weekend, saying Saturday during a visit to Dublin: "It’s going to happen eventually. It might as well happen now."
On Sunday, Trump repeated his support for a united Ireland, saying it made sense to merge the Republic of Ireland with Northern Ireland.
"It just seems to me that you have Northern Ireland and you have Ireland, and it would seem to me that one of the naturals of all time is put them together," Trump said in Doonbeg.
NIGEL FARAGE RESIGNING FROM UK PARLIAMENT
"You asked about Scotland. That one I won't talk about yet. I'll save that for another day," he added.
By Monday, the nationalist leaders had released a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to drive constitutional change.
They said no Westminster government has the right to block democratic decisions made by Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
"Each of our nations has the right to determine its own future, through democratic means and in accordance with the wishes of its people," the three leaders wrote.
"For the first time ever, people across these islands have First Ministers in Scotland, in Wales and in the North of Ireland who are all committed to independence from the United Kingdom. For people watching across these islands – for people watching around the world – there could be no clearer sign that Westminster’s time is coming to an end," the statement continued.
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"We call for the British Government to prepare for, plan and facilitate constitutional change in each jurisdiction," the memorandum said.
According to GB News, Burnham was told Monday that he could not stop the breakup of the U.K.
Sinn Féin, the largest party in the Northern Ireland Assembly, issued the warning after signing the memorandum with the SNP and Plaid Cymru.
O’Neill said the three nations shared a "common cause" because "Westminster does not and will never serve our people well."
She added during a news conference that Burnham would not be able to "hold back the tide" of nationalism.
"We’re certainly living in times of enormous change, change that is unstoppable, change that, no matter what is said by any British prime minister, will not be able to hold back the tide of what’s happening in front of our eyes right now.
"Our common cause here is the understanding that Westminster does not and will never serve our people well," she added.
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The memorandum commits the parties to cooperation on economic policy, renewable energy and rebuilding ties with the European Union, among other areas.
It also calls for greater self-determination and states that the nations should work together as equals.
A spokesperson for Burnham said: "The Prime Minister is committed to delivering change across all four nations of the United Kingdom and believes strongly in the Union.
"The United Kingdom is at its best when people come together around our shared values and problem-solving, rather than division, and the Prime Minister will continue to ease pressures on household finances and delivering greater economic security, rather than engaging in constitutional debates or further referendums."
Fox News Digital has reached out to 10 Downing Street for comment.