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Democrats sound alarm over AI job apocalypse — but labor market isn't following script
In recent months, top Democrats like Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., who caucuses with Senate Democrats, have raised fears about artificial intelligence and cast dismal projections about what it might mean for the job market, pressing for government intervention.
"How the hell do you go forward and throw millions of people out on the street without planning what’s going to happen?" Sanders said at a press conference in April.
But since the introduction of artificial intelligence chatbots in late 2022, the U.S. has continued to add jobs while unemployment has remained at historically low levels, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The tension between Democratic projections and market adjustments underscores the difference between free-market perspectives and more centrally planned alternatives.
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To Richard Stern, an economist with Advancing American Freedom, a conservative think tank, the debate reveals a more fundamental clash of worldviews.
"It’s showcasing the difference between free market and central planning, but it's also showing the difference in what you think it is to be human. Do you think it is to merely do the work that you're told to do? Or is it to do things that provide new value and new service to your neighbors?" Stern said.
Stern pointed out that innovation has routinely eliminated some jobs while freeing up workers to pursue other kinds of work and create new products.
He recalled how the weaving industry was threatened by one such breakthrough in the 1820s.
"We invented something called a Jacquard loom, which had basically an early punch card system. It allowed a loom to automatically raise and lower needles so that it would replicate a pattern on its own without a human having to memorize what the pattern was," Stern said.
Since 2022, the workforce has continued to grow, adding total non-farm payroll employment every year even as the use of AI has made its way into the workforce. Over the same window, unemployment has remained below 4.5%. Some companies seem to have also adjusted their expectations for AI and the role it plays in the workplace.
In one such case, the Wall Street Journal reported that several companies started hiring again when they realized AI wasn’t replacing junior workers, defying market projections.
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Despite encouraging short-term data, Democrats have continued to demand that the government step in to curtail the impact AI has on the workforce.
"AI is the most transformational technology in the history of the world — and will have a profound impact on the life of every man, woman and child in our country. And, if you’re currently in the workforce, there’s a good chance it will take your job," Sanders said.
"A Stanford paper called ‘Canaries in the Coal Mine?’ found there has already been a 16% decline in employment for younger workers in jobs exposed to AI — like computer programming and customer service," he added.
Other Democrats, like Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, chairman of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, have articulated similar fears.
"One entity seems totally unaware: the United States government. The only major AI proposal advanced this Congress was a failed effort to prevent states from regulating the industry," Casar said in a press release of his own, referring to a proposed 10-year moratorium on AI regulation included in Trump’s signature One Big Beautiful Bill.
That provision was struck out in the Senate and did not become law.
"The path we are on is clear," Casar continued. "AI will make a small number of investors and executives even richer, while it eliminates jobs for millions of Americans — and the government does nothing about it."
The Trump White House's former deputy chief of staff, Taylor Budowich, fired back, telling Fox News Digital that "Trump’s AI boom will only make the American worker more productive."
"Democrats keep telling American workers that AI is going to take their jobs," Budowich, the founder of Innovation Council, said. "The truth is that President Trump’s AI boom will only make the American worker more productive—and more employable—than ever before."
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., have also participated in fearmongering about AI and jobs.
"If AI could disrupt half the workforce, we can’t wait until people lose their jobs to act," Warren said in June.
"An overwhelming majority of Americans now worry that AI will take their jobs and leave them permanently unemployed," AOC said in Dec. 2025.
Stern believes that while new technologies often disrupt markets and force employees, innovators and businesses to adapt, confidence in the market comes down to a matter of trust. He added that calling on the government to prevent that change or somehow control it is also a form of trust.
"Do you trust a million nameless, faceless entrepreneurs and innovators? Or do you trust the government?" Stern said.
He compared the reliance on government to how some people have treated AI itself — as a vehicle for solutions without human error.
"’Claude, do whatever — no hallucinations, make no mistakes,’ right?" Stern said, referring to an AI chat put out by Anthropic.
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"Democrats have viewed government as that for 200 years, right? They're like, ‘government, solve this problem that no one else can figure out no hallucination no mistakes no corruption,’ and I think it's people who are just unwilling to recognize that the government is a collection of people."
Packers projected to miss NFL playoffs as Jordan Love's inconsistency raises concerns
It seems like from year to year there is more turnover and changes in the NFL playoff picture than any of the big four sports. Will the Green Bay Packers, a team that was listed as the lowest seed to make the playoffs, make it this season, or will they fall short?
As mentioned, the Packers did make the playoffs last season, but it turned out to be a fairly quick exit as they lost 31-27 to their rival Chicago Bears. It was an interesting season for the Packers. They started with wins over the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders, both teams that made the postseason the previous year. Then they lost to the Browns in what was one of the more confounding games of the season. They tied the Dallas Cowboys in a shootout, 40-40, and went into the bye week with a 2-1-1 record. They ended the season winning four in a row, followed by four consecutive losses to the Bears, Denver Broncos, Baltimore Ravens, and Minnesota Vikings. The game against the Vikings wasn’t a big deal because they were resting players anyway.
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This season saw the wide receivers room take a bit of a turn. They had four receivers, none of whom seem all that amazing, and now they have two to concentrate on. They let Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks find other homes via free agency and trade. The odder move was letting Rasheed Walker leave the squad. He signed with the Carolina Panthers, and it was a low-value deal. He was listed as a top free agent when the season ended, so his leaving for a low contract doesn’t make a ton of sense to me.
The Green Bay Defense ranked 11th in points allowed last season. They were also 11th in total yards allowed. Part of me wonders if that is because they played some crappy teams, or if it is due to them being a good squad.
They didn’t make a ton of major additions this offseason, so we will see really quickly which it is. On offense, the value of this team comes down to what you think of Jordan Love. Last year, Love was 13th in yards, 14th in touchdowns, third in QBR, and threw six interceptions. Those aren’t super impressive numbers for someone who played in 15 of 16 games they actually were trying in. Josh Jacobs is another year older, and the wide receivers aren’t exactly amazing. I also don’t think their tight ends or offensive line are anything super special.
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I think the Packers will take a step back this season. I don’t particularly think Love is that great of a quarterback. There are too many inconsistent games from him. I also think the Vikings are better, the Lions will have a more favorable schedule, and I think there are better teams that can prevent them from the playoffs. The books have the Packers at 9.5 games. The first half of the season should be fairly easy for them; I could see them going 6-4 in the first 10 weeks. I don’t see another four wins on their schedule, though. I’d back the under 9.5. They are +125 to miss the playoffs, and I think that’s a better bet.
For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024
State Dept axes Biden-era DEI scheme pushing woke politics across the globe and more top headlines
1. State Dept axes Biden-era DEI scheme pushing woke politics
2. Luigi Mangione plea buzz raises potential problem for prosecutors
3. WNBA attacks 'bad-faith' fans who don't want men in women's sports
SANCTUARY FALLOUT — Illegal immigrant charged with slaying one day after California judge released him. Continue reading …
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LUCK OF THE DRAW — Powerball's billion-dollar mystery ends with one ticket hitting all 6 numbers. Continue reading …
‘GODSEND’ — Former Chicago detective says one city's murder plunge offers Windy City crime blueprint. Continue reading …
MIDTERM GAMBLE — Tehran may be preparing to raise the stakes as Iran war enters new phase. Continue reading …
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IVORY TOWER SPY — Harvard-China links unearthed as Congress finds 140 papers co-authored by CCP military universities. Continue reading …
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DECEPTION PLAYBOOK — Trump's Air Force One shell game: How years of decoy tactics led to a catering-truck switch. Continue reading …
POWER STRUGGLE — Trump heads toward unlikely clash with close ally over future of multibillion-dollar industry. Continue reading …
'THE DEVIL HIMSELF' — Kaylee Goncalves’ mother wrestles to forgive ‘demon’ Bryan Kohberger. Continue reading …
HOUSE RULES — Comedian declares Hugh Laurie 'can't be canceled' as actor comes to Sophie Cunningham's defense. Continue reading …
CANCEL CULTURE — Composer of 'Halo' video games says he was disinvited from convention event for being a Republican politician. Continue reading …
TODDLER TERRITORY — Ms Rachel pushes reparations quote in latest progressive political move. Continue reading …
HUGH HEWITT — Democrat El-Sayed reminds us just one senator can do great damage to our military. Continue reading …
ROB PORTMAN — America needs thousands of blue-collar workers to manufacture our AI future. Continue reading …
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TWO AMERICAS — Sophie Cunningham controversy grows as rival's background raises eyebrows amid 'privilege' claim. Continue reading …
SKY-HIGH WORRY — Mystery Wi-Fi network aboard flight raises alarm over travelers' information. Continue reading …
CHECKING OUT — Popular supermarket chain quietly shutters locations across 15 states. Continue reading …
AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on family fun and medical marvels. Take the quiz here …
Tune in as Iowa’s tightening Senate race puts tariffs, food costs, and a proposed congressional stock-trading ban in focus. Check it out ...
Nick Freitas talks service, leadership and making the argument on ‘Hang Out with Sean Hannity.’ Check it out…
Jim Breuer brings his comedy and Hollywood stories to ‘Planet Tyrus.’ Check it out…
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SEN TOM COTTON: Democrats say socialism will help. History says it will hurt
Americans are worried about the cost of living — and rightly so. The price of groceries, housing and many everyday necessities rose by roughly 30% under President Biden. While price increases have slowed under Republican leadership, the devastating effects of that inflation remain. Democrats' self-described "socialist" solution — a dramatic expansion of government welfare, regulation and taxation — would make life even more expensive for American families.
History has already run this big government socialist experiment again and again. From Venezuela to Cuba to the Soviet Union, countries that embraced socialism have produced the same results: shortages, inflation, declining investment, fewer opportunities and higher prices for their citizens.
First, look at Venezuela, which has some of the world's largest oil reserves. Venezuela should have been among the wealthiest nations in the Western Hemisphere, but decades of socialist policies — such as nationalizing industry, reckless government spending and sweeping price controls — have devastated its economy, destroyed the currency and skyrocketed inflation.
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For years, Venezuelans have paid the price for these failed socialist policies as grocery shelves emptied, basic medicines disappeared and hourslong lines formed for staples like flour and rice. Toilet paper became so scarce that it became an international symbol of Venezuela's collapse. And because of inflation, a loaf of bread that once cost only a few bolívars eventually cost millions.
Also consider Cuba, where state ownership and central planning have similarly failed to generate prosperity and provide food for its people, despite having fertile agricultural lands. More than six decades after the communist revolution, Cuba imports as much as 80% of its food, yet Cubans still endure chronic shortages. Ration books remain part of daily life. Buildings crumble. Young people leave whenever they can. Even basic household necessities often require standing in long lines or having personal connections to obtain.
And in the Soviet Union, citizens living behind the Iron Curtain grew accustomed to empty shelves, endless waiting lists and chronic shortages of everything, including butter, meat, shoes, coffee, household appliances and automobiles. Sure, the government-controlled Soviet economy could build shoddy tanks and missiles, but it struggled to provide decent housing, quality consumer goods and reliable food supplies. Bureaucrats simply could not replace the countless daily decisions made by millions of producers, workers, entrepreneurs and consumers operating in competitive markets. The problem wasn't bad management. It was the centralized, top-down system itself.
The lesson is clear: socialism doesn't eliminate scarcity. It creates it. While supporters of socialism often blame sanctions or embargoes for these struggles, in reality, these consequences are the result of socialist policies that never work and always fail.
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Some also point to Scandinavia as proof the socialist model can succeed. But Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland aren’t purely socialist. After all, these nations rely on private enterprise, secure property rights, competitive markets and successful global private companies. Yes, their governments operate larger welfare programs, but those programs are financed by high taxes on ordinary workers — not simply by "taxing billionaires."
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For example, Denmark, Sweden and Norway’s tax-to-GDP ratios top 40%, and all three countries impose a 25% value-added tax on most purchases, increasing costs on pretty much every consumer purchase. Add this to the housing prices, which in cities such as Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen rank among the most expensive in Europe, and the Nordic model offers no evidence that an expansive welfare state makes life more affordable for average citizens.
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In America, socialist ideas championed by the likes of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are no longer confined to college seminars or political fringes. Self-described democratic socialists — many of whom have never experienced socialism firsthand — have won major primaries, secured seats in Congress and influenced the Democratic Party's agenda. Proposals once considered politically impossible — such as government-owned grocery stores, universal rent control and greater government management of the economy — are now mainstream.
History offers a warning that should not be ignored. America's strength has always rested on the hard work and ingenuity of its people, not the commands of socialist bureaucracies. Wherever socialism has expanded government control over the economy, ordinary citizens have paid the price through higher costs, fewer choices and declining prosperity.
Americans shouldn't be forced to learn that lesson the hard way. They should remember it before casting their next vote.
Because socialism doesn't make life cheaper. It makes life more expensive.
College students express strong trust in school leaders despite broader public cynicism: Gallup
FIRST ON FOX — Most college students hold a positive view of their institution’s leadership — in stark contrast with the general American public’s declining trust in higher education, according to a new Gallup poll exclusively obtained by Fox News Digital.
"Recent Lumina-Gallup research finds that college students’ experience contradicts many of the concerns raised by U.S. adults who lack confidence in higher education," the report stated.
"By wide margins, both currently enrolled students and graduates agree that their degree is or has been worth the cost and is important to their career success," the survey explained. "However, while students remain confident in the value of their degree, more than four in 10 also question whether the college or university they are attending consistently acts in their best interests."
FOX NEWS POLL: FAITH IN HIGHER EDUCATION IN THE US IS COLLAPSING
The poll, joint-conducted by the Lumina Foundation and Gallup, found that 55% of college students believe their school’s administration usually makes decisions with students' best interests in mind.
According to the findings, 12% of students say leadership acts in their best interest "all of the time," while 43% say "most of the time." Meanwhile, about one in three students (35%) say their school acts in their interest "some of the time," with roughly one in 10 saying leadership "rarely" (9%) or "never" (2%) does.
The survey revealed that students attending top-tier institutions — as ranked by U.S. News & World Report — are slightly less likely to believe their school prioritizes their interests. Despite this, students across the board expressed significantly higher confidence in campus leadership than in elected political officials.
The findings were based on a survey of 3,801 currently enrolled associate and bachelor’s degree students between the ages of 18 and 59, conducted Oct. 2–31.
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The data comes on the heels of broader Gallup polling that showed public confidence in U.S. higher education dropping back down, erasing a brief post-pandemic recovery as concerns over campus politics, rising tuition and degree value intensify.
Just 38% of U.S. adults currently maintain a "great deal" or "quite a lot" of confidence in higher education. That figure marks a noticeable dip from last year, when public trust briefly bounced to 42%.
"It's kind of the three things that we see — those are still front and center as to why people aren't as confident in higher ed as they used to be: the cost, the perception that there's a political agenda being taught, and the perception that they're not teaching people the right kinds of things they need to succeed in the job once they finish," a Gallup expert told Fox News Digital in an interview.
The findings arrive amid an intensified effort by federal lawmakers and conservative advocates targeting viewpoint discrimination, antisemitism, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) frameworks across American universities.
5-step sleep reset could promote healthy weight loss, nutritionist says
One weekly routine could help foster better sleep and promote healthy weight loss, according to a New Jersey-based registered dietitian.
Erin Palinski-Wade, who is also a certified diabetes care specialist and author of "The Sleepdemic Solution," shared her "seven-day reset" in an interview with Fox News Digital.
The reset combines sleep, nutrition and lifestyle strategies into a five-part system represented by the acronym SLEEP.
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In a test panel conducted in connection with her seven-day program, Palinski-Wade said participants reported improvements in sleep, blood sugar and weight.
Experts recommend consulting a healthcare professional for individualized guidance before making significant changes to diet, sleep or lifestyle habits, particularly for those with underlying health conditions.
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Palinski-Wade emphasized that results varied among participants with different sleep challenges. The panel included shift workers, mothers and people with long-term insomnia.
Despite those differences, within the first two to three days, the expert said people "across the board" reported falling asleep faster, getting higher-quality sleep and feeling more rested the next day.
Panelists with pre-existing insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes also reported improvements in blood sugar levels, Palinski-Wade said.
"Once they were resting better and those stress hormones were reduced, and the body was getting the rest it needed, we were seeing better balanced blood sugar throughout the day," she noted.
Participants also reported improvements in hunger and satiety.
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"They weren't having those cravings, especially in the evening, especially those sugar cravings," Palinski-Wade said. "When they were eating, they were feeling more satisfied."
"I had a few test panel members who lost as much as seven pounds in the first seven days," she said, noting that some of the loss was water weight.
Participants reported reductions in weight and waist circumference and improvements in blood sugar, sleep and next-day energy.
Below, Palinski-Wade breaks down the five components of the SLEEP system.
Setting a rhythm involves timing meals consistently to help improve sleep. This means avoiding skipped meals, which can lead to blood sugar fluctuations throughout the day, Palinski-Wade said.
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"We want to be fueling our body all throughout the day so that our body is expecting to sleep in the evening," she said.
Skipping meals and consuming excess food and calories in the evening tells the body that it's time to burn energy, which is not going to be conducive to sleep, according to the expert.
Exposure to sunlight within the first hour of waking can help set the body’s circadian rhythm, Palinski-Wade noted.
"When your body gets that natural light, whether you go outside or put your desk by the window, that's helping your body get more in tune with that rhythm where you're awake," she said.
In the evening, Palinski-Wade recommends dimming the lights and avoiding electronics and bright overhead lighting, which helps the body wind down and prepare for restful sleep.
Eating with intention means choosing meals and snacks with nutrients that support healthy sleep, according to Palinski-Wade.
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"Whether it's serotonin and tryptophan, anti-inflammatory nutrients, we want to make sure that we're eating with intention, so we're giving our body the building blocks it needs to create sleep in the evening," she said.
Palinski-Wade recommends combining lean protein, healthy fats and fiber to help keep blood sugar steady throughout the day and support better sleep.
Powering down involves creating a consistent nighttime routine, including limiting electronics and caffeine and maintaining regular sleep and wake times, according to Palinski-Wade.
"That also applies to having a set bedtime and a set wake time ... in those seven days to reset that circadian rhythm, so we can have the best results moving forward," she said.
For those who are "trying everything," like diet and exercise, without seeing results, Palinski-Wade stressed that it is "not because you don’t have enough willpower."
"It could just be your biology working against you, and many times it's as simple as improving your sleep," she said. "If you start to improve your sleep within just a few days, you can see major changes in how you feel, how your body is processing food, in your metabolism, and then ultimately in your body weight."
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External research by the National Institutes of Health has also linked adequate sleep with appetite regulation and healthy weight management.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute states that sleep helps regulate hormones involved in hunger and fullness, while sleep deficiency can affect the body's response to insulin and has been linked to a higher risk of obesity.
Comedian declares Hugh Laurie 'can't be canceled' as actor comes to Sophie Cunningham's defense
Golden Globe winner Hugh Laurie rejected the idea of biological men competing in women’s sports this week and voiced his support for WNBA guard Sophie Cunningham.
The comments came during an exchange with comedian Graham Linehan, who pressed Laurie to clarify his views after the actor initially posted a dry observation on X about biological height advantage in professional basketball. Linehan called Laurie’s indirect wording "cowardly" in a now-deleted post, prompting the actor to deliver a blunt response.
Laurie, best known for playing Dr. Gregory House in the hit drama "House," then clarified his position on X. "Firstly, f--- off; secondly no, I don’t believe men should compete against women. I thought I’d made that pretty clear. If you’d looked. But obviously you must get onto your next," he wrote.
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Linehan pressed Laurie further, telling him to "just say that you support Sophie Cunningham in her fight for fair sports and stop trying to be arch." Laurie responded:
"You started it. ‘Cowardly’ to ‘f--- off’ is the going rate of exchange around here. And yes, I support Sophie Cunningham. And you, some of the time," Laurie posted Monday.
Linehan then apologized for his reaction, writing, "Fair dos. I apologise for my knee-jerkiness. And thank you. I would never have had what career I had without 'A Bit Of Fry and Laurie' to aspire towards."
The subsequent X exchange quickly went viral, racking up millions of views as users debated Laurie’s stance. Some criticized the actor for opposing transgender athletes competing in women’s sports, while others praised the Hollywood star for publicly supporting women’s sports.
Comedian and political commentator Tim Young told Fox News Digital that Laurie’s established career gives him more freedom to voice his opinion without fear of being canceled.
"It’s so rare that someone from Hollywood would stand up for women in women’s sports that it’s exciting when someone does at this point. Hugh Laurie aka Dr. House simply said he stood with Sophie Cunningham, and now he gets to see the ugly side of the left for the first time," Young said, adding, "Laurie can’t be canceled."
Young also argued that financial considerations can influence what performers say publicly: "Comedians always stand at the forefront of social commentary, but many of their opinions come from who pays them. Here we see someone established like Laurie against someone who is afraid of being canceled. I think that’s a heavier factor than anything else."
"Unfortunately, a lot of times, comedians, albeit the loudest among the people, are some of the dumbest, same with actors and musicians, and similar to every other issue, you should side here with common sense, not what the famous guy said," Young said. "This time it just so happens that he’s right and my favorite TV doctor of all time," he added.
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The debate over transgender athletes competing in women’s sports has taken center court in the WNBA, where Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham has recently said women and girls should not have to compete against biological men.
Fox News Digital reached out to representatives for Laurie and Linehan but did not immediately hear back.
Former Chicago detective says one city's murder plunge offers Windy City crime blueprint
A former Chicago detective says the Windy City should look to a southern city where murders have plunged since the National Guard members moved in to find a way out of its crime crisis.
Homicides in Memphis fell 43.7% during the first half of 2026 compared to the same period the prior year, according to data from the Major Cities Chiefs Association. President Donald Trump had signed an executive order in September 2025 authorizing the deployment of the National Guard, allowing troops to arrive in Memphis that fall.
On Monday night alone, nine people were shot across Chicago, including three who were killed. In one incident, two men were critically injured after gunfire rang out in the city's Near North Side neighborhood.
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"When we were in our living room, and we thought that another sporadic rainstorm hit Chicago, so we go outside in the windows, next thing you know, we just hear like lights everywhere," one person told FOX 32.
Retired Chicago Police Chief of Detectives Eugene Roy told Fox News Digital that Chicago officials aren't utilizing federal resources to clean up the city's crime problem amid a shortage of officers.
"Chicago has just 2,500 fewer police officers than it did just two or three years ago. You can't keep doing more with less. It's got to come down," Roy said. "As far as cooperation in preventative levels, which involves street-level policing, there's very little cooperation, if any, between Chicago and the federal authorities."
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The city's police officer shortage has been exacerbated by a November 2025 decision to pause classes at its training academy and slow hiring to roughly 50 recruits per month, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. The cut in training and hiring was made to address a $1.2 billion budget shortfall that the city faced.
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Roy pointed to Memphis in particular as a "success story" on what happens when local and state governments effectively partner with the federal government, as the National Guard and federal law enforcement agencies surged into the city.
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"Memphis is a success story on how this can work out. From the material I've looked at, they had cooperation from the governor on down, some reluctance at the city level, but they've done the right things the right way and it results in the, it's produced the results," Roy said.
"The mere presence of police serves as a disincentive to commit crime. You want people to say, 'hey, people are going out to do something, a robbery, a burglary or whatever. Man, it's hot out here. The police are everywhere. Let's forget about it. Let's do it a different time, a different place. Let's move on.' That's how you prevent crime."
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"Done right, done properly, it is a godsend," he said.
Memphis recorded 67 homicides in the first six months of 2026, down from 119 during the same period in 2025, according to the Major Cities Chiefs Association.
If done properly in Chicago, Roy said bringing in the National Guard to help would "mirror those in Memphis and other locations where there's been a truly cooperative effort between the federal and local government."
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Roy said it's not entirely unprecedented for a Democratic governor to deploy its National Guard to deter crime.
New York Democrat Gov. Kathy Hochul deployed at least 1,000 National Guard members to New York City's subway system in March 2024 following a series of high-profile crimes, saying it creates a deterrent effect.
"For people who are thinking about bringing a gun or knife on the subway, at least this creates a deterrent effect. They might be thinking, 'You know what, it just may just not be worth it because I listened to the mayor and I listened to the governor and they have a lot more people who are going to be checking my bags,'" Hochul said.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Chicago Police Department and the Illinois governor's office for comment.
Marshawn Lynch wants to know why NFL teams add White DBs and questions whether they can dance
Marshawn Lynch, who once helped lift the Seattle Seahawks to prominence, recently visited the defending Super Bowl champions during training camp and used part of that time trying to understand one of the important questions on his mind:
Why does the NFL have more White defensive backs lately?
No, seriously.
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Lynch, who is a franchise folk hero and has virtual free run of the practice field and training facility, walked up Seahawks strong safety Julian Love during the team's practice at Lumen Field and asked the following:
"Why y'all keep on getting all these White DBs?" Lynch asked Love. "What y'all gonna do with them, fam? What y'all gonna do with all them White DBs?"
For the record, the Seahawks have two White defensive backs currently on their roster. Ty Okada started 11 games last season and is trending toward keeping that starting strong safety job this coming season, his fourth in the league.
There's also Maxen Hook, who is trying to earn a roster spot during training camp.
Both are White. Okada also has Japanese ancestry but none of that is the issue. The issue is why Lynch is so interested in the racial makeup of NFL defensive backs.
Okada was standing right next to Love when Lynch asked the question. And he seemed puzzled by the former running back's curiosity.
We know this because the scene played out on the latest episode of Hard Knocks on HBO. And right there, with the cameras rolling and everyone aware this stuff could be going out to a national cable audience, Lynch turned to Okada and made him an unofficial spokesman for White guys.
"How many of y'all is it?" Lynch asked Okada.
Because everyone knows all White guys know each other.
"What?" Okada asked as if Lynch had a horn coming out of his forehead.
"White DBs," Lynch said.
"More and more," Okada responded.
"What the [expletive] is going on?" Lynch said in shock. "What the [expletive] is going on?"
This is an actual conversation in 2026 America that is questioning nothing of major significance but also says a lot about our society.
Because right there, Marshawn Lynch, serious or not, was absolutely showing off his Black privilege.
You've doubtless heard minorities and White liberal Karens complain about White privilege, while few people acknowledge that Black privilege is out there as well as any other kind of privilege folks contend exists.
It exists because, among other things, a Black person can say things a White person cannot. So a Black man named Lynch can ask a White man what the heck is going on that he and others of his race can play a position without anyone really reacting.
Now, let's flip that script.
What would happen if, say, when Russell Wilson played for the Seahawks for a decade, a White former player had asked him, "What the [expletive] is going on" with so many Black quarterbacks playing in the NFL?
That White dude would've been labeled a racist and canceled on the spot.
But the Black dude asking the White player that question is amplified on national television as entertainment. And the White player would have been labeled as soft if he was offended.
That is an example of Black privilege in the NFL. And it didn't end there in this particular exchange.
"So tell me how this works in your head, you know what I mean?" Lynch presses Okada. "White people ain't known for their dancing..."
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One supposes Lynch is tying to make the point, however inartfully, that defensive backs have to be light on their feet. So he asks Okada how he can do it despite being part of a race not "known for their dancing."
Stereotype much?
Lynch is not the sharpest tool in the shed, folks. He went to Cuba for an Amazon Prime feature a couple of years ago and found a way to portray the communist country Cubans want to flee as a paradise, while telling those Cubans that the United States, the place they want to escape to, has problems.
Anyway, Okada felt the need to show Lynch he has rhythm and can dance. And that somehow sealed it for Lynch.
"Oh, yeah, there you go," Lynch exclaimed. "Hey, you know what? I apologize for coming over here ... Now I got it understood. Respect, my boy."
Lynch apparently now understands White people can dance. And play in the defensive backfield on NFL teams.
Women’s sports media outlet backs trans athletes, then avoids questions from reporter who disagrees
A women-focused sports media company with one million newsletter subscribers has an explicit position on transgender athletes: athletes should be allowed to compete based on their gender identity rather than their biological sex.
The company is The GIST, co-founded by Ellen Hyslop, and it doesn't hide where it stands.
"At The GIST, we believe trans women are women and that trans athletes have the right to compete on teams consistent with their gender identity," the outlet wrote Tuesday.
WNBPA ISSUES STATEMENT EMBRACING DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION AMID TRANS ATHLETE DEBATE IN WOMEN'S SPORTS
Also on Tuesday, Hyslop and co-host Steph Rotz devoted an episode of their podcast to the WNBA's ongoing debate over transgender athletes. The hosts made clear they think the political and cultural controversies surrounding the league are worthy of media attention, even as some fans would prefer everyone just talk about basketball.
Rotz argued that women's sports provide an opportunity to have "critical conversations," and Hyslop repeatedly agreed that what's happening off the court deserves attention, too.
So, when a public relations representative reached out to me Tuesday afternoon and offered an interview with Hyslop, I was interested. If we're going to have these "important" conversations, let's have one.
Apparently, there's a catch.
If you've never heard of The GIST, that's fair. But don't mistake that for irrelevance.
According to its website, The GIST has one million newsletter subscribers, 582,000 social media followers and more than 40 million monthly social reach. Its twice-weekly podcast gets 300,000 annual downloads, and the company says it employs about 40 people.
It has also attracted plenty of attention from the media industry. Forbes profiled The GIST when it reached one million email subscribers and has written glowing articles about Hyslop and the company's growth several times.
The Associated Press included The GIST in a February feature about the expanding women's sports media ecosystem, noting that its newsletter audience had grown nearly 50% in 2 years. Axios also cited The GIST as one of the women's-sports-specific media companies benefiting from increased interest in female athletics.
In other words, this isn't a random Substack with a few hundred readers. The GIST has built a substantial audience, particularly among young female sports fans, and it wants to help shape the conversation around women's sports.
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Its own website says the company goes "beyond the highlights" and views sports through a wider lens that accounts for their cultural impact.
Keep that in mind.
A PR agent contacted me after reading my recent coverage of Chicago Sky wing DiJonai Carrington's flagrant foul on Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham.
The agent said she wanted to offer "a similar angle from a diff POV." Her pitch acknowledged that much of the WNBA conversation had centered on "race, gender and politics," but argued that there was a larger story underneath it all: the WNBA is becoming a cultural force and is now dealing with the increased scrutiny that comes with that growth.
That's an argument that I've made recently, so I thought it might make sense to explore that.
The rep offered GIST co-founder Ellen Hyslop for an interview about what the WNBA's current moment says about the "growing pains" of women's sports leagues. I responded that I could potentially be interested.
The rep quickly wrote back:
"Awesome! If you're not totally sold, I'm happy to set up a call with Ellen to discuss her POV, and explore any other topics that might be top of mind for your coverage needs!"
So, it seemed like we were off and running. But I wanted to check something before I responded.
Before interviewing someone, I do my homework. For this, I went and listened to the latest episode of Hyslop's podcast.
That's when things got way more interesting.
The episode was titled, "Why the WNBA is stuck in a right-wing culture war." The GIST's own description says Hyslop and Rotz discussed the controversy surrounding "trans women and trans athletes" and what the outlet characterized as the "anti-trans comments" that ignited the debate.
The hosts went hard at Cunningham after she told ESPN that she wanted to protect young girls who "shouldn't have to go against biological men." They criticized Cunningham's association with Riley Gaines and praised Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve for wearing a "trans kids belong" shirt before a game against Indiana.
Later, the hosts went even further.
"Trans rights are human rights," Rotz said, before arguing that "inclusion should be the default and we'll work it out from there." The hosts also said people rallying around Cunningham's position don't actually care about women's sports.
Then there was Caitlin Clark.
Hyslop and Rotz weren't satisfied with Clark largely deferring transgender eligibility questions to leagues and governing bodies. They argued that Clark, because of her platform and financial security, has a greater obligation to speak publicly.
Race entered the equation, too.
"White women have more responsibility," Rotz said. "We're never going to be calling on Black women in the same way."
Those aren't throwaway sports takes. They're strong positions about sex, race, politics and the responsibilities of athletes.
They're also fair game for questions.
After listening to the podcast, I sent the PR rep a simple question Wednesday morning.
"Is Ellen aware of this pitch? I'm happy to speak with her, but I want to make sure she knows about me before I start prepping for an interview."
There was a reason for asking.
OutKick has extensively covered the debate surrounding males competing in women's sports. Based on Hyslop's public comments, I figured we were going to strongly disagree with one another's positions.
That didn't make me less interested in speaking with her. Quite the opposite.
The rep eventually responded that Hyslop was aware of "the pitch and angle we're pursuing here."
Then came the qualifier.
"I think the distinction is really that we're approaching this from a broader, more positive lens focused on the growth of women's sports and the visibility & scrutiny that comes with that," she wrote, "rather than the political/culture-war side of the conversation."
Then she essentially took the interview off the table.
"Given your call out, this may not actually be a perfect fit for your beat, so I'd rather not force it!"
WNBA MEDIA TURNS STEPHANIE WHITE'S REHEARSED RANT INTO AN 'IMPORTANT' ATTACK ON LEAGUE CRITICS
Except I hadn't told her it wasn't a fit for my beat. If anything, this was a great fit for my "beat." I've spent a lot of time covering the WNBA and the trans athlete controversy, and I'm happy to speak with anyone on the topic. That includes people who think males should be allowed to compete in girls' and women's sports.
The only thing I had done differently was demonstrate that I’d listened to what Hyslop actually said and might ask her to defend it.
The GIST’s representative wanted a broader conversation about women’s sports growth, but The GIST’s own podcast had just framed the WNBA debate through politics, social issues and transgender-athlete eligibility.
Again, Hyslop's podcast episode is literally titled, "Why the WNBA is stuck in a right-wing culture war."
The GIST also describes that podcast as a show where Hyslop and Rotz discuss how sports intersect with "pop culture and social issues."
Then, one day after publishing its piece about transgender athletes and promoting the "right-wing culture war" podcast, The GIST published a separate WNBA update focused strictly on basketball.
"Hoops only, please," the outlet wrote.
So The GIST clearly understands the distinction between basketball coverage and culture-war coverage. It does both.
The issue only seemed to arise when the person asking the questions might challenge its position.
It's important to understand that Hyslop isn't simply an employee of The GIST expressing a personal opinion on a podcast. She's a co-founder of the company, and her comments align with an explicit editorial position The GIST has taken on transgender athletes.
In its Tuesday story about the WNBA, the outlet argued that the debate over transgender athletes had reached "dangerous levels," called WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert's response "underwhelming" and described a stunt by former NBA players challenging the league's eligibility language as "harmful."
Then it made its position unmistakable: "At The GIST, we believe trans women are women and that trans athletes have the right to compete on teams consistent with their gender identity."
That's a significant position for a media company focused heavily on women's sports to take. And they're allowed to take it.
But they should also be willing to defend it.
The majority of Americans believe biological sex matters in athletic competition and that female sports categories exist specifically to exclude males. The GIST believes gender identity should take precedence.
Great. Let's discuss it.
Instead, a PR representative pitched Hyslop to me after specifically citing my WNBA coverage, offered to discuss other topics relevant to my beat and then decided the interview might not work once it became clear there could be disagreement.
I told the PR agent that I remained interested in interviewing Hyslop. I also made clear that if Hyslop didn't want to do an interview, that was perfectly fine.
I also sent written questions if she preferred not to speak to me directly.
Among them: Does Hyslop believe there should be any biological restrictions on transgender participation in women's sports? What, specifically, did Sophie Cunningham say that Hyslop believes was wrong? Why should Caitlin Clark's responsibility to speak publicly differ based on her race? And why would discussing The GIST's explicit position on transgender athletes fall outside the "broader" conversation that its representative originally pitched?
We also asked whether Hyslop knew that her representatives had specifically pitched an interview with me, a reporter for OutKick and Fox News Digital, before I expressed interest.
OutKick gave Hyslop and her representative an opportunity to respond and made clear that I remained willing to speak with her directly. Neither responded before publication.
That's disappointing, because disagreement is supposed to be the point of a "critical conversation."
The GIST doesn't have to agree with OutKick. Hyslop doesn't have to agree with me. In fact, the disagreement is what could have made the discussion worthwhile.
But growth brings scrutiny. That's literally the premise her representative pitched to me.
Well, this is scrutiny.
If The GIST wants to influence the future of women's sports, advocate for transgender inclusion, criticize athletes who don't speak loudly enough and frame the debate as a "right-wing culture war," it should expect people who disagree to ask questions.
Otherwise, The GIST isn’t having the difficult conversation it says women’s sports needs.
It’s deciding who gets to participate in it.