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Jackson Koivun arrives in style, Lucas Glover takes off his shoes, and the greatest golf dad moment
We are so back. For those wondering why Par Talk disappeared over the last month, the best weekly golf column on the Internet took a sabbatical as I went on paternity leave. In late June, I went from being just a boy dad to now a member of the girl dad gang and a father of two under four. Life is busy, but oh so good.
Some things happened in the golf world while we were on our brief hiatus. Ryan Fox won The Open, Bryson DeChambeau stomped on some grass, Scottie Scheffler continues to be the best player on Earth but can't buy a victory, and we'd be remiss to not mention Chris Gotterup winning the John Deere Classic and suddenly becoming the No. 7 player in the world.
As for this past weekend's 3M Open, everyone was expecting a hangover of epic proportions as the event following The Open and final major championship of the year, but the golf gods smiled upon us with Jackson Koivun finding the winner's circle in what was just his third start as a professional.
JACKSON KOIVUN HOLDS OFF SCOTTIE SCHEFFLER TO WIN FIRST PGA TOUR EVENT JUST 24 DAYS INTO PRO CAREER
All Koivun did for his maiden victory on Tour was fire a bogey-free 66 to win by three shots over the No. 1 player in the world, who was very much in hunting mode with his own final-round 63. Not bad for a 21-year-old who was playing college golf at Auburn a few months ago. We'll dive into Koivun's masterful week and other moments worth mentioning below. It's great to be back.
This is Par Talk, a weekly read to get you caught up on all the happenings that took place in professional golf that you need to know. You can follow Mark on X @itismarkharris and email him at mark.harris@outkick.com.
Jackson Koivun wastes zero time meeting his expectations
Well, that escalated quickly.
You can name just about anything involving collegiate golf, and Jackson Koivun accomplished it during his three-year career at Auburn. The California kid won every award, won countless events, and became the No. 1 amateur in the world. He has carried the title of 'the next big thing' for years, but unlike many who have earned that expectation, he essentially immediately met it.
Despite earning his PGA Tour card through the Tour's University program in 2025, he returned to Auburn and kept his amateur status all the way through the 2026 U.S. Open, where he finished T-23. He turned professional immediately after, and surprisingly missed the cut at the John Deere Classic in his professional debut.
Fast-forward just three weeks and two starts later, and Koivun is now a winner on the PGA Tour, and made things look way easier than they actually were. He missed just 11 greens and 12 fairways for the entire week, made all of three bogeys across 72 holes, and picked up over nine shots on the field with his approach play alone. Those aren't supposed to be achievable numbers for a guy making his third start as a professional.
As for Sunday's final round, well, it was about as good as they come given the situation. While Koivun did start the day with a three-shot lead, three-shot leads can vanish in a hurry when you're a rookie and see the likes of Scottie Scheffler, Hideki Matsuyama, and Brian Harman surging up the leaderboard. Koivun didn't blink, however, and the fact that he went bogey-free on that stage – one he'd never stepped foot on – is as impressive as it gets.
On the topic of expectations, they only increase for Koivun moving forward. Earning a spot in the FedEx Cup Playoffs, making the Presidents Cup team, and picking up more victories before the calendar flips to 2027 are all now, fairly or unfairly, very much on the table.
Lucas Glover lets his dogs out
Outside of Koivun earning his first win on Tour and Scheffler firing a final-round 63, the best moment from Sunday's final round at the 3M involved former U.S. Open champion Lucas Glover taking off his shoes after making a putt in the middle of his round.
Glover made a 10-footer for birdie on the 10th hole, and instead of walking to the hole and picking up his ball, he walked to the fringe and slid off his golf shoes.
While everyone assumed that Glover's actions were a protest of the AimPoint method that many players on Tour use these days to read putts, it turns out that he was being mindful of his spike marks on the greens, something he was reportedly told to do by an official during the round.
It would have been way, way cooler if he was protesting AimPoint, which not only adds time to rounds, but also foot traffic around the hole. Glover is an outspoken critic of AimPoint, so maybe his tossing off his shoes was a mixture of being mindful of his spikes and also a protest. That's the way we're going to choose to look at it, at least.
A father-son moment that nearly ended me
Paternity leave the second time around as a father looks much different than the first. During my time off, it's been the three-and-a-half-year-old and me most of the time while momma is with baby girl. Luckily for me, my son is obsessed with golf, and we got to spend a ton of time on the course together during the break, but our twilight nine holes on Sunday evening stand above them all.
It was approximately 173 degrees where we live on Sunday, but the toddler was determined to hit the course. Aside from looking like we had both jumped into a pool by the second tee, it was our typical great time out there, and then we made it to the ninth green.
After hitting his first tee shot into a greenside bunker, the toddler wanted to re-tee. He found the green with ball No. 2, and while he was putting out and I was sweating gallons while raking the bunker after retrieving his golf ball, I turned around to see him grab his ball from the cup.
His next move was removing his hat and his sunglasses. I thought nothing of it and just assumed he was cooling off, knowing we were done with our round. He stood there for a few seconds just looking at me, almost expecting me to do something.
I didn't know what that something was, so I asked him what was wrong. He responded by asking me if he could give me a hug.
I said of course, and as he latched onto my leg, both of us soaked in sweat, he said "That's what players do."
I admittedly haven't gotten into the etiquette rules of golf with him at this point – after all, he's only three – but he picked up that players give hugs and handshakes after they're done playing by watching golf on TV with me.
I am one proud, blessed dad.
Nancy Guthrie update: 25 weeks after abduction, Elizabeth Smart says there's 'reason to have hope'
Kidnapping survivor Elizabeth Smart says there's still a chance Nancy Guthrie can be returned home safely in a new interview 25 weeks after the 84-year-old's suspected abduction from her home in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, Arizona.
"I want to remind people that there isn't a body, so there is still reason to have hope that she is alive and that we shouldn't give up until we find her," the 38-year-old told E! News in an interview published Friday.
She said she hopes that investigators have more information than is publicly available and that they're making progress behind the scenes.
The results of DNA testing and other forensics have not been made public as the case drags on without signs of Guthrie. A purported ransom note and an apparent follow-up message that claimed she had died have not been confirmed as authentic by investigators.
Smart did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Fox News Digital.
NEW DETAILS FROM NANCY GUTHRIE RANSOM DEMAND REVEALED, 'HER LIFE IS IN YOUR HANDS': REPORT
In 2002, as a 14-year-old, Smart was abducted at knifepoint from her family's home in Salt Lake City, Utah, by married couple Brian David Mitchell and Wanda Barzee.
FOLLOW THE FOX TRUE CRIME TEAM ON X
Police rescued her nine months later after members of the public recognized Mitchell and Barzee from news coverage of the case and called authorities in Sandy, Utah, about 20 miles to the south of her home.
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More recently, she's become an amateur bodybuilder and took first place in the novice category in a competition in April.
Guthrie, the 84-year-old mother of "Today" co-host Savannah Guthrie, was taken by force from her home in Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of Feb. 1, according to the Pima County Sheriff's Department.
LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST
The FBI and Google have released home security video recorded by her missing Nest doorbell camera that shows a masked intruder on her doorstep that morning.
Authorities have asked anyone with information on the case to dial 1-800-CALL-FBI. Tipsters can remain anonymous by calling 520-88-CRIME, Tucson's Crime Stoppers affiliate.
"If anyone knows anything or seen anything — or the smallest detail that might seem insignificant can make all the difference — just report it," Smart told the interviewer.
The combined sum of all rewards from authorities, 88-CRIME and the Guthrie family is over $1.2 million.
Fox News' Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.
What to look for in antivirus software without the jargon
Shopping for antivirus software can feel harder than it should. Many product pages lead with buzzwords, lab scores and long feature lists. Most of us just want a simple answer: Will this help keep my computer safe without making life harder?
That question gets more important every day. Scammers use fake texts, phishing emails, bogus websites and infected downloads to trick you into giving up your money, passwords or access to your personal files.
The good news? You do not need to understand every technical term to make a smart choice. A strong antivirus program should automatically monitor for threats, help block malware and ransomware, include firewall protection and run quietly in the background.
CyberGuy Live: Missed "Sick of Spam?" Get the replay and checklist
Our free CyberGuy Live class, "Sick of Spam?" , has ended, but you can still watch the full replay and download our spam-stopping checklist. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson walks you step by step through simple ways to reduce robocalls, spam texts, junk email and unwanted messages. You’ll also learn how to curb political texts, clean up your inbox and spot messages that could put your personal information at risk.
Get the free replay and checklist now at CyberGuyLive.com.
HALLUSQUATTING AI ATTACK COULD HIJACK YOUR COMPUTER
The first thing to look for is real-time protection. That means the software keeps watching while you browse, open attachments, download files or click links. Threats can show up at any moment. Malware can hide inside downloads, fake websites or links that look harmless. If your antivirus only works when you remember to run a scan, you may miss the moment when protection counts most. When comparing options, ask one simple question: Does this protect me automatically? For most people, automatic protection is the safer choice because it works before you remember to check.
Many people still use the word virus for almost every online threat. Today's risks go much wider. Strong antivirus software should help protect against malware, spyware, ransomware and suspicious activity. Ransomware deserves special attention because it can lock your personal files, photos and documents. Once that happens, getting access back can become stressful, expensive or impossible. So, instead of getting stuck on product jargon, look for clear language about the threats the software helps stop. You want protection that covers the problems people actually face today.
REDHOOK ANDROID MALWARE CAN QUIETLY HIJACK YOUR PHONE
The word firewall sounds technical, but the idea is simple. A firewall helps monitor traffic going in and out of your device. It can also help block suspicious connections. That matters because some threats try to communicate with your device or send data out without your knowledge. A firewall gives your system another layer of defense. When shopping, check whether firewall protection is included. Some antivirus products offer stronger firewall tools than others, so this can be a meaningful difference.
Many people avoid antivirus software because they worry it will slow down their computer. That concern makes sense. Security software that constantly interrupts you can get ignored, delayed or turned off. Performance should matter. Good antivirus software should run in the background without making everyday tasks feel harder. You should still be able to browse, work, stream and manage files without constant pop-ups or delays. For most mainstream users, the best choice often comes down to everyday comfort. If the software feels easy to live with, you are more likely to keep it running.
Online threats keep changing. Scammers adjust their tactics. Malware changes. Fake websites appear quickly, then disappear and show up somewhere else. That is why updates matter. Antivirus software works best when the provider keeps improving detection as threats evolve. Before choosing a product, look for signs that it receives regular updates. You want protection that keeps pace with newer risks rather than software that feels frozen in time.
Many attacks begin before malware ever reaches your device. A fake delivery notice, phishing email or bogus text can push you to click a bad link or enter personal information on a fake site. That makes scam protection worth checking. Good security software should help flag suspicious links, fake messages and risky websites before they create a bigger problem. AI-powered scam detection can provide another layer of help by analyzing questionable content and warning you when something appears unsafe. This can be especially useful during everyday browsing, shopping and email use.
You do not need to compare every technical feature on every product page. Start with the basics. Look for real-time protection that runs automatically. Make sure the software helps block malware and ransomware. Check for firewall protection. Pay attention to performance. Also, look for regular updates and scam detection. That approach helps you focus on what actually affects your daily life. The goal is simple: protect your device without turning computer security into a second job.
Use this checklist to narrow down your options. Look for real-time protection against viruses, malware, spyware and ransomware, along with a firewall that helps block suspicious connections.
Usability matters too. Security software should run quietly in the background without slowing down your device or interrupting you with constant alerts. Before choosing a plan, compare its features, device limits, introductory price and renewal cost.
The most useful question remains practical: Will this protect you automatically, cover the threats you may encounter and stay easy to use every day?
Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices at CyberGuy.com.
Antivirus software can feel confusing because companies often make it sound more complicated than necessary. Most people are not shopping for technical jargon. They want protection that works before a bad click turns into a costly problem. The best approach is to look past the marketing language and focus on what the software actually does for you. Real-time protection, ransomware defense, firewall tools, scam detection and regular updates all matter. Performance matters too. If security software slows down your device or interrupts you constantly, you may stop using it. Look for an option that runs quietly in the background and remains easy to manage. The key is choosing antivirus software you will keep turned on, keep updated and trust when something suspicious appears.
Do you trust your antivirus to catch today's scams before you click, or are you relying on luck more than protection? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.
Yellowstone tourists get dangerously close to a resting bison in shocking nature video
Tourists continue to prove they have no idea how to behave in nature.
Anyone who reads this site knows that there is a shocking number of people who visit national parks without an ounce of common sense.
They seem to think wild animals behave like they're in a children's movie. That's simply not the case, and when they feel threatened, all bets are off.
WOMAN RISKS BEING GORED BY BISON FOR A SELFIE AT BADLANDS NATIONAL PARK IN SHOCKING FOOTAGE
Enter a truly mind-boggling nature video.
The popular Instagram page @touronsofnationalparks posted a video a couple days ago that needs to be seen to be believed.
Two adults thought it was a wise idea to get incredibly close to a large bison that appeared to simply be resting.
HIDDEN DANGER AT POPULAR US NATIONAL PARK FORCES TRAIL CLOSURES AS BEAR SIGHTINGS CLIMB
The shockingly dumb incident occurred in Yellowstone National Park, according to the video's caption.
You can watch the moment it all unfolded below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
One person in the comments wrote, "Can’t cure stupid."
TERRIFIED HIKERS FACE NIGHTMARE SURVIVAL SCENARIO AFTER HEART-POUNDING GRIZZLY BEAR ENCOUNTER
Fact check: true.
Another person added, "Every day some idiot somewhere learns a very painful if not final lesson that you cannot predict the behavior of wild animals."
I have no doubt these videos will continue to go viral because people simply can't get enough of them. Let's use some more common sense and not end up in the ER. Let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
Harvard tops nation in foreign cash haul as Cotton demands probe into China funding
FIRST ON FOX: One Ivy League institution has taken in more money from foreign countries, including China, than any other university in the country.
The U.S. Department of Education has, for years, compiled a list of federally funded universities that have taken in funding from abroad. The Trump administration sought to revamp the agency’s online reporting portal, and, in doing so, it has shown that one institution, Harvard University, has scored more foreign funding than any other college in the country.
Harvard is in the crosshairs of Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., for its ties to China and other foreign nations because of the reams of outside cash the university has taken in. And the Senate Republican, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, wants Education Secretary Linda McMahon to open an investigation into China’s cash flow into higher education.
REPUBLICANS TARGET TRUMP'S CRYPTO EMPIRE WITH NEW PLAN, DEMS SAY IT FALLS SHORT
"I remain concerned that millions in additional transactions with sanctioned Chinese entities may not have been reported," Cotton wrote. "Therefore, I encourage additional scrutiny of financial ties between American universities and Communist China."
Harvard did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Cotton noted that since the portal was relaunched in January, reporting data has shown that federally funded universities accepted more than $6.8 billion from "Communist China — including more than $300 million from sanctioned entities."
"Harvard, for instance, has received more than $630 million from Chinese entities," Cotton wrote. "This includes roughly $418,000 from organizations participating in foreign talent programs and nearly $420,000 from entities allegedly supporting unauthorized military advancements."
KHANNA DEMANDS ANSWERS FROM CCP-LINKED COMPANY ACCUSED OF UNDERCUTTING US MANUFACTURERS
More money from foreign countries flows to Harvard than any other college on the Education Department's list, to the tune of nearly $4.5 billion across 7,089 transactions.
Of that, $634 million is from countries of concern.
Notably, China is not the only country of concern that has sent money to Harvard. A country of concern is one that the federal government designates as engaging in conduct that is detrimental to U.S. national security, foreign policy, or the safety of U.S. citizens. Venezuela and Russia have also both sent money to the university, with $3.3 million and over $750,000, respectively, flowing to the Ivy League institution.
CALIFORNIA MAYOR ACCUSED OF SECRETLY WORKING FOR CHINA, SPREADING PROPAGANDA WHILE IN OFFICE: FEDS
China’s alleged influence doesn’t stop at Harvard, either.
Broken further down, there are four Chinese entities in the top five funders on U.S. watch lists that have provided a total of about $119 million to universities across the country. That list includes the Beijing Institute of Tech, Air China, Ltd., Huawei Technologies Co., and Ocean University of China.
The Education Department late last year announced that it would be revamping the portal and charged that the Biden administration had neglected the system.
"After years of neglect by the Biden Administration, the new portal will assist our institutions of higher education in fulfilling their statutory responsibilities and enable us to protect our national security by facilitating improved compliance," McMahon said in a statement at the time.
"America’s taxpayer-funded colleges and universities have both a moral and legal obligation to be fully transparent with the U.S. government and the American people about their foreign financial relationships," she continued.
Mets trot out a Korean pop star with an amazing windup for first pitch duties, Wemby plays soccer & Rosie
Let's get the final Monday of July 2026 rolling with a fresh edition of Monday Screencaps where we cook up some content before football season gets cranked up. Guys, I'm disappearing for a few days after this column to get some family vacation time in before the kids dive into school sports and the school year starts in two weeks.
It's that time of the year. It's now or never for those final family getaways, which means SeanJo will be with you the rest of the week.
IDAHO TEEN UMPIRE DELIVERS ULTIMATE REALITY CHECK TO COACH COMPLAINING ABOUT WALK-UP MUSIC
TONY ROMO'S BRUTAL GOLF SCORE BEFORE GETTING ARRESTED PAINTS A NIGHTMARISH PICTURE
Imagine going out in public looking like this. And we're supposed to listen to what this woman has to say about America from her living room in Ireland?
– Jeff E. emails: If you took all the soccer I’d watched in my life and compared it to FIFA in US it’s not even close. Maybe watched four or five games - even watched some that were not USMT. Here's the top and bottom three list for soccer:
Top
-Fan commitment to their team
-Athletic prowess with feet
-Visitor reaction to US
Bottom
-Red Card (often over prescriptive - someone should tell them how hockey does it)
-Time keeping (added time, lack of precision, lack of communication to those watching)
-Flopping, the worst thing about soccer (many had taken LeBron James master class)
– Marty in Idaho always sends in cool content: Some readers are having squirrel problems in their back yard. I get that squirrels can be annoying but let’s add some perspective. In late June a buck deer died in the tall grass in my back yard from an antler injury we think. Not much I could do so I just put a game camera on it to see what happened. Mountain lions (mama and three cubs) found it within the hour and spent most of the next two nights feeding on it. If you watch the video, our house is about 75 yards to the left. I let the neighbors know so nobody would go out for a moonlight stroll.
– Loyal reader Ricky A. is spending his summer in Japan:
– Robert R. on how to get to Wisconsin while avoiding Chicago: I lived in FL 35 years and moved to TN in 2019. I'm from WI originally, my oldest lives near Green Bay and since 1997 I have been making the trip to visit at least once a year . I solved the Chicago problem about 10 years ago. I now leave I 57 and head west to Bloomington about 40 miles before Chicago, use I 72.
At Bloomington head north to Rockford and then at Janesville you can take 43 to Milwaukee or go to Madison and use 51 north to Fond du Lac. Adds about an hour or a little more but: less traffic, only 1 toll (at Rockford) for about $2 . I hate going through Chicago, my daughter in-law used to call and ask where I was and my response was always "the 7th ring of Hell".
– John in Milford, MI advises me to take up smoking: It will take commitment on your part, but I have a solution to your problem with your neighbor’s cigarette smoke that I guarantee will work. I smoked long ago when I was young, and I can tell you that the urge to run out and pick up a carton of Winstons never goes away. I still find the smell of cigarette smoke enchanting. All you need to do is start smoking yourself, huff a pack a day for a few years, then quit cold turkey. I promise that you will look forward to being downwind from your neighbor and catching a whiff of tobacco smoke after that. Problem solved.
– Jim in East Peoria, IL has a simple solution: LEAF BLOWER!!! Hell yes!!! Dumbass me should have thought of that. And a real f–king loud and big and annoying one would be in order methinks.
Also, those Miami girls are definitely going to give the Dallas team a run for their money!!!
Kinsey: I did have my leaf blower next to me on the patio Saturday afternoon. I'll have to try this next time the neighbor lights up the cigs.
This went down over the weekend in Madison, WI. Very simple solution. Pepper spray water cannons. Clear the whole area. If they want to come back. Blast them again. Clear the way for red-blooded Americans who want to suck down a beer or whiskey on a Saturday night while maybe chasing some skirts.
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That is it this morning. SeanJo will have you until Saturday morning when I will be back. Send him emails. Send him your deep thoughts. And keep Respecting Summer while I'm out.
Have a great week.
MARTHA MAcCALLUM, KELLY McKENNA: America's next 250 years begin on the playground
As we enter the "dog days" of summer in this 250th, since our nation boldly asserted its independence, there is, as there should be, a good deal of reflection about who we are and what we truly value. As we look to the future, there is perhaps no more important measure than how we educate our children so that they can be strong protectors of our country and our democracy deep into the decades to come.
It turns out that a basic truth of well-being, getting fresh air and play time, plays a pretty big part in achieving that goal. It’s simple. It’s free. It stimulates and restores learning power, and, as it turns out, many of our children are getting precious little of it.
From the earliest days of the republic, education was never intended to be merely the efficient transfer of information. Reformers like Horace Mann, whose vision helped shape modern American education, argued that schools should prepare children not only for work, but for democratic life. Even the word kindergarten — German for "children’s garden" — reflects an understanding that young minds need room to grow, explore, play and develop.
NEBRASKA ENDS IN-STATE TUITION BENEFITS FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS UNDER DOJ DEAL
Over time, however, our definition of educational success narrowed. Beginning with A Nation at Risk in 1983 and accelerating through the accountability era of No Child Left Behind, schools came under increasing pressure to maximize instructional minutes and standardized test performance. One of the first casualties was often recess, treated as expendable time rather than an essential part of learning.
Today, modern neuroscience has confirmed what America’s earliest education reformers understood intuitively: children learn best when schools develop the whole child — not just the test taker. In many ways, the science has finally caught up with the philosophy. Earlier this summer, the American Academy of Pediatrics released its first updated policy statement on recess since 2013. Rather than simply reaffirming its earlier recommendations, the new statement reflects an explosion of research over the past decade, expanding from roughly 44 references to more than 100 studies documenting how recess supports learning, memory, executive function, social development, mental health and physical well-being. As they concluded, recess is not a break from learning — it’s part of how children learn.
That’s because recess is not simply exercise. It’s the only part of the school day designed around child-directed play. As two middle school children explained this month in an op-ed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, it gives students the opportunity to "refresh themselves." It also lets them negotiate disagreements, practice leadership, build friendships, manage stress, solve problems and return to the classroom better able to focus and learn. These are not "soft skills." They are the very qualities that fuel innovation, civic engagement, resilience and collaboration, the qualities every generation of Americans needs.
In other words, the Academy’s recommendation remains clear: recess should be protected, never withheld as punishment or exchanged for more academic time seated. That conclusion has not changed since 2013. What has changed is the strength of the evidence behind it. More than a decade of new research has deepened our understanding of why recess matters — not only for children’s physical health, but for their cognitive development, emotional well-being and long-term success.
The lesson is remarkably consistent with America’s oldest educational ideals. If the purpose of education is to develop thoughtful, resilient citizens — not simply higher test scores — then recess is not a distraction from learning, but key to it.
This summer, as Americans gather to celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday, we’re also celebrating examples of teamwork, perseverance and excellence across the country — from neighborhood ballfields to championship arenas. Yet those qualities don’t begin under stadium lights, as in the stunning athleticism displayed from countries around the world in the FIFA World Cup, or the college sports teams we’ll start watching in August. They begin on playgrounds. Long before children wear a team uniform — whether as professional athletes, college athletes, or even on Little League fields — they learn to cooperate, lead, compromise, recover from failure, resolve conflict and celebrate success together during recess.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE FOX NEWS OPINION
Two hundred fifty years after our nation’s founding, only twelve states currently mandate daily recess for kids in school. But several states, including New York, are considering legislation that would change that. As we prepare for "back-to-school" in August, and as mandatory recess bills are considered in the next legislative season, the nation will be watching to see how states decide to let kids play, or not.
We have all seen the evidence that children have become more isolated, depressed and anxious in a society that has all of us glued to our screens. Protecting children's play time, fresh air and opportunities for social connection is one of the simplest ways we can improve their health and well-being.
The children on today’s playgrounds will become tomorrow’s architects, engineers, scientists, physicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, military leaders, parents and elected officials. They could even become America’s World Cup soccer stars. They will shape America’s next 250 years.
The skills they’ll need — creativity, collaboration, resilience, curiosity, leadership, empathy and the confidence to solve problems together — will require commitment to academic rigor in the classroom, balanced with the promise of play time and fresh air to "refresh" young minds and bodies in every single school day.
Kelly McKenna is CEO of End Chronic Disease, former captain of Stanford's varsity sailing team and a three-time All-American.
EXCLUSIVE: Trump admin fast-tracks asylum cases, bypassing interviews to slash backlog
FIRST ON FOX: The Trump administration is changing how some asylum claims move through the immigration system, allowing U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to refer certain applications directly to immigration judges without first interviewing applicants in an effort to reduce the nation's asylum backlog.
The interim final rule, which takes effect immediately, gives USCIS the authority to send some asylum applications to immigration court without conducting an affirmative asylum interview, eliminating what the administration called an unnecessary step in the adjudication process.
The change applies to affirmative asylum claims, which are filed by immigrants who are not in removal proceedings. Defensive asylum claims, in contrast, are raised before an immigration judge after the government has initiated removal proceedings.
TRUMP PUTS ASYLUM LAWYERS ‘ON NOTICE’ WITH NEW FRONT IN WAR ON FRAUD
Currently, USCIS generally interviews affirmative asylum applicants before either granting asylum or referring the case to an immigration judge for a separate review. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) told Fox News Digital the process can result in some applications being reviewed twice — first by USCIS and then again by an immigration judge — adding to the agency's growing backlog.
Under the new rule, USCIS can refer certain asylum applications directly to immigration court without first conducting an interview, a change administration officials said will allow both asylum officers and immigration judges to process cases more efficiently while directing resources toward applicants with legitimate claims of persecution.
The rule is the latest step in the Trump administration's broader effort to tighten the asylum system and speed up immigration enforcement, with officials arguing the current process has been exploited by immigrants seeking to delay removal proceedings and obtain work authorization.
HOUSE REPUBLICANS MOVE TO MAKE TRUMP'S BORDER POLICIES PERMANENT
"For far too long, the asylum system has been exploited for purposes of delay and work authorization, not legitimate claims of protection," USCIS Director Joseph Edlow told Fox News Digital. "America's asylum system exists to protect individuals who genuinely fear persecution and this rule will help ensure that resources are directed to the timely adjudication of those claims instead of to those seeking to use the system as a loophole."
DHS general counsel James Percival said delays within the asylum system have hindered immigration enforcement.
"One of the greatest barriers to effective immigration enforcement is intentional delay by illegal aliens and the open borders attorneys who represent them," Percival told Fox News Digital. "My office works every day with the immigration components of DHS to improve efficiency and fulfill the president's mandate. The rule would do just that."
The rule takes effect immediately, though USCIS said it will continue accepting public comments before issuing a final version, responding to the feedback it receives.
NASCAR race looks pathetic with empty seats, driver gives the finger & the most embarrassing command ever?
Monday Morning Pit-Stop is a weekly NASCAR column that runs on OutKick.com and Fox News Digital. If you're looking for a normal NASCAR recap, go check out insufferable ESPN ... assuming they still know NASCAR exists.
Well ... Once a crown jewel, always a crown jewel, I reckon.
That wasn't your daddy's Brickyard 400. Sure, we got a decent finish and solid final 10 laps, but goodness gracious, does NASCAR have a problem on it's hands with this car.
There's no real point in relitigating it this morning. We all know it's garbage. Frankly, NASCAR knows its garbage. And if they didn't before Sunday's race, they certainly do now after seemingly every driver complained about it after the race.
Every driver except Corey Heim, of course! Who? That's right. Corey Heim. He's now a two-time NASCAR Cup Series winner, folks, and he isn't even a full-time driver! Better get used to the name, because he appears to be the real deal.
We'll talk about it today.
What else should we break down after Sunday's semi-snoozer in Indy? How about that crowd? Wasn't the best optics for NASCAR, although there is a catch.
HAS NASCAR LOST THE SOUTH? EX-DRIVER UNLOADS AFTER SEEING "100,000 EMPTY SEATS"
I've also got Carson Hocevar flipping off our winner while merging into traffic, Taylor Reimer kissing the bricks, the worst starting command in the history of commands, and are NASCAR races too long?
Kyle Larson thinks so, and boy, did it create a firestorm this weekend. He's right, by the way, but only sort of.
Four tires, a splash of Sunoco racin' fuel, and maybe a Red Bull for Kyle so he doesn't fall asleep at the wheel ... Monday Morning Pit-Stop — the 'Everybody Hates This Stupid Car' edition — is LIVE!
Which negative thing should we start with today? Look, I don't love coming out of the gates with this kind of attitude on the final Monday of July, but I don't dictate the content.
The racing does, and it wasn't great this weekend.
You know what? Before we get into any of the negative stuff (the car, the racing, the crowds, the length of a race), let's hit the refresh button on this Monday and get our minds right.
And I know the PERFECT person to help us do just that!
Carson Hocevar ... come on down:
Lordy. Is Carson Hocevar a content machine, or what? Imagine what he's gonna do when he gets into a legit car? He is, easily, the best thing going in NASCAR right now.
Frankly, it's not particularly close. Listen to Dale Jr.'s voice in the above clip. It's the most excited he got all day! Also, may have reminded him of this gem of a moment from his daddy's final race:
Dale Earnhardt giving a rookie Kurt Busch the finger at his first Daytona 500? I mean, how good did we have it back in the day? The racing. The broadcast booth. The drivers.
We had it all, and we just pissed it away. Sad.
Anyway, we've gone from that to just a brutal scene Sunday at Indianapolis. Again, the Brickyard 400 is still considered a "crown jewel," but Lordy, it didn't look — or feel — like one.
Covered grandstands. Empty seats. I know it's an absolutely massive venue — I get it — but it just looked bad:
We do this every time we go to Indy, by the way. The place is huge. It holds 400k. Do you understand how massive that is, especially in terms of other venues?
I think they'd have a hard time selling out an NFL game there, much less a NASCAR race in 2026. The folks who run the ticket stands tell me there were around 70,000 fans at the track yesterday, which looks horrific on TV — as you can see — but is actually a pretty decent number for NASCAR.
The Daytona 500 is easily the biggest race of the year, and that one gets around 101k. No other race, track, or venue comes even close. Any other race weekend, NASCAR would LOVE to see 70k.
But when you spread them out at the biggest venue in North America (unofficially), it's just a tough look. Also a tough look considering NASCAR used to pack this place to the brim. But it also used to get 20 million TV viewers a week, so, you know, times have changed.
You know what else has changed? The racing itself.
It stinks, especially at a place like Indy where it's quite literally follow-the-leader from start to finish.
The ONLY time you could gain spots yesterday was on a the restart. That's it. If you were in the lead, you stayed there.
Joey Logano ... how do we fix this bad boy?
"What would it take for you guys to pass here?"
"Probably an Xfinity car."
Whoooooooooooof. Just a brutal day. Just a brutal look for NASCAR at Indy, where there was NOT ONE green flag pass for the lead. Not one. We had lead changes during the pit cycles and restarts. That was it.
Do you know how embarrassing that is? That's an F1 stat. That's the crap I literally mock all the time. I don't have a leg to stand on today! I'm cooked. All NASCAR fans should be furious at that one stat today. If nothing else, be pissed at THAT.
That is a major problem ...
... as is the length of races:
"Yes I agree a lot of our Cup races are too long. Three hours is too long," Kyle Larson said before crashing out 100 miles into Sunday's race.
That comment took a ton of heat this weekend. A TON. Fans are pissed at Larson. It all stems from IndyCar driver Scott Dixon's comments last weekend saying a NASCAR race is a good time for a nap (objectively true), and it has everyone fired up right now.
Here's the thing ... Larson is halfway right. NASCAR races are too long, but not because of the mileage. They're too long because we can go nearly 30 minutes without any actual racing:
LOOK at those numbers. Truly astonishing.
Yeah, that's too long. I don't think Larson was speaking out of turn. Sleep tight, race fans!
Perhaps the only thing that could keep folks awake yesterday was this ELECTRIC command to get the day going:
Thanks, Mike! Who else is ready to run through a brick wall today? You reckon he gives pep talks on the side?
OK, that's it for today. Good work, everyone. Let's get this thing back on track next week at ...
Wait. Never mind. The fellas are off next week.
See you in two weeks at Iowa.
Take us home, Taylor Reimer.
Acting Director of National Intelligence announces 4th wave of layoffs
Acting Director of National Intelligence William Pulte announced Sunday that his office has completed a fourth batch of layoffs.
"Since becoming Acting Director of National Intelligence, our team has been smartly, and carefully, reducing the size of [the Office of the Director of National Intelligence], re-focusing ODNI on national security, the law, and the statute," he wrote in a post on X.
"As of this evening, we just finished a 4th round of thoughtful, measured layoffs. Thank you!" he noted.
TRUMP GREEN LIGHTS NEW DNI PULTE TO 'START THE PROCESS' ON MASS INTELLIGENCE FIRINGS
Pulte had previously noted in a July 10 post, "U.S. National Intelligence is operating more efficiently and effectively than ever before, and today, we started a third round of reducing redundant, or non-critical, personnel. DNI’s future is exceptionally bright, and will be focused on following the law and the statute."
President Donald Trump chose Pulte, the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as acting DNI as well.
Tulsi Gabbard, who had been serving as DNI, departed the role last month. She had previously announced in May that she planned to exit the role due to her husband's bone cancer diagnosis.
WHY TRUMP PICKED BILL PULTE TO LEAD US INTELLIGENCE AS CRITICS QUESTION HIS QUALIFICATIONS
Prior to when Pulte took the reins at ODNI last month, The Wall Street Journal reported that during an interview, Trump said he had informed Pulte that he thought ODNI was "unnecessary and/or too big."
"I’d like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn’t be there," the president said, pointing to Obama and Biden administration carryovers, according to the Journal. Asked if he was calling for Pulte to engage in firings, the president indicated he wanted Pulte to "start the process," noting that the eventual DNI nominee should carry on with the effort, the outlet reported.
Trump later announced U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York Jay Clayton as his nominee for the DNI role.
TRUMP'S DNI PICK CLEARS KEY HURDLE, REVIVING PATH FOR NATION'S TOP ANTI-TERROR SURVEILLANCE PROGRAM
"So deeply grateful to POTUS for letting me be acting Director of National Intelligence. He is, truly, the best, and it is a blessing to work for him. While it’s been only a few weeks, so much has already been accomplished —Operationally, AND, Transparency. Thank you, POTUS," Pulte wrote in a Sunday post on his personal X account.