Fox News Latest Headlines
Supreme Court allows Alabama GOP-backed congressional map for midterms
The Supreme Court on Tuesday gave Alabama Republicans a victory, issuing an emergency order that the state can use a congressional map likely to benefit the GOP in November’s midterm elections.
The justices granted Alabama’s emergency appeal to use a map adopted by the state legislature in 2023 that includes a single majority-Black district for this election cycle. The court’s three liberal justices dissented.
Alabama Republicans had sought to revive the previously blocked map, which is expected to give the GOP an opportunity to gain an additional congressional seat by replacing a court-drawn south Alabama district that helped elect a Black Democrat with a map that contains only one majority-Black district.
The ruling came after the Supreme Court last month vacated a lower court ruling blocking Alabama's 2023 congressional map and sent the case back for further review. Last week, however, a three-judge federal panel again blocked the GOP-backed map and ordered Alabama to continue using a court-drawn map containing two districts in which Black voters are a majority or have an opportunity to elect their preferred candidates.
REDISTRICTING WAR INTENSIFIES AS GOP SUFFERS SETBACKS IN TWO STATES
Republican Gov. Kay Ivey celebrated the ruling Tuesday evening and confirmed that Alabama’s Aug. 11 special primary election would be conducted under the 2023 map.
"The U.S. Supreme Court confirmed what I have said all along and that is that Alabama knows our state, our people and our districts best," Ivey said in a statement.
"Today’s decision is a win for the people of Alabama and our elections," she continued. "Alabama is doing our part to keep America strong, and I am proud our state continues to fight the fight to ensure activists do not get the final say."
"I will see y’all at the polls August 11!" Ivey added.
The redistricting fight comes as President Donald Trump has encouraged Republican-led states to redraw congressional maps following the Supreme Court’s Callais decision, which limited the use of race in congressional redistricting. Alabama argued that the lower court’s remedial map improperly elevated race over traditional districting principles, while voting-rights groups argued that the state’s map diluted Black voting power.
In an unsigned majority opinion, the court wrote: "The State has also made a strong showing of irreparable harm and that the equities and public interest favor it."
SUPREME COURT JUST GAVE BLACK VOTERS A SHOT AT REAL POWER BEYOND SAFE SEATS
"We have repeatedly cautioned that lower federal courts should not "alter the election rules on the eve of an election," the majority added.
In a dissenting opinion, Justice Sonia Sotomayor argued that the map discriminates against Black Alabamians.
"Before the Court are two paths," Sotomayor wrote. "Down one lies an orderly election, held under a tried-and-tested congressional map that protects Black Alabamians’ right to vote and with which all voters, elections officials, and candidates alike are familiar."
"Down the other lies a chaotic election, held under a never-before-used congressional map that intentionally discriminates against Black Alabamians, that Alabama adopted in unashamed defiance of a prior court order directly affirmed by this Court, and that will require officials to change the voter registrations of hundreds of thousands of voters in just days at best, a task that Alabama previously represented would take months," she continued.
"The majority chooses the second path and disregards both democratic values and the rule of law." she added.
The ACLU also criticized the ruling, arguing it permits Alabama to use a racially discriminatory map.
"Today’s ruling delays relief for voters who have already spent years fighting for an equal opportunity to elect candidates of their choice and to have their voices heard," Davin Rosborough, deputy director of the ACLU’s Voting Rights Project, said in a statement.
"We remain committed to pursuing equal opportunities in Congress for our clients and Black Alabamians," he added. "We will fight for those rights even in the face of those who continue to move the goalposts and undo our nation’s progress in realizing its promise as a multi-racial democracy."
Fox News Digital's Adam Pack and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Trump-endorsed Feenstra concedes to MAHA-backed Lahn in GOP governor primary upset
Trump-backed Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa, conceded to MAHA-backed Republican Zach Lahn after the polls closed Tuesday night in Iowa’s GOP gubernatorial primary.
Lahn, a farmer and businessman who campaigned on an "Iowa First" message, pulled off a surprising upset over Feenstra in the race to succeed outgoing Republican Gov. Kim Reynolds.
Besides Feenstra, Lahn beat out former state Rep. Brad Sherman, former Iowa Department of Administrative Services Director Adam Steen and state Rep. Eddie Andrews in his bid to move on to the November general election and eventually the governor's mansion.
The result marked a major setback for Feenstra, who represents Iowa’s 4th Congressional District and entered Election Day as the best-known Republican in the race. Feenstra had a congressional profile, a fundraising advantage, support from prominent Iowa Republicans, including former Gov. Terry Branstad, and a late endorsement from President Donald Trump.
TRUMP-ENDORSED HINSON SECURES IOWA SENATE NOMINATION AS DEMOCRATS EYE GOP SEAT
Lahn had just around a 1,600-vote lead ahead of Feenstra shortly after midnight Eastern Time with 99% of the votes counted, according to The Associated Press' elections tracker.
"I just called Zach Lahn, and said, ‘Hey, you got to carry this torch. We got to keep this state red. You got to make sure you beat Rob Sand.' And I’m all in to help him out," Feenstra said to supporters at his election night gathering, according to a video recording shared by Iowas News Now reporter Skylar Tallal.
Trump endorsed Feenstra just days before the primary, calling him "MAGA all the way" and giving him his "Complete and Total Endorsement." Feenstra campaigned as a close ally of the president, highlighting his support for Trump’s agenda on border security, tax cuts, energy production and agriculture.
Lahn, meanwhile, ran as an outsider candidate and drew support from MAHA Action, the political group aligned with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) movement. His campaign website describes him as a father, farmer and businessman advancing an "Iowa First" agenda.
IOWA MAN SUSPECTED OF KILLING 6 FAMILY MEMBERS IN ‘ACT OF EVIL’
The race opened after Reynolds announced she would not seek reelection despite being eligible to run again, creating Iowa’s first open gubernatorial contest since 2006. Republicans have controlled the governor’s office since 2011.
Lahn will now face Democratic State Auditor Rob Sand in November. Sand, Iowa’s only Democratic statewide officeholder, advanced unopposed through the Democratic primary and has built a political profile centered on government accountability and anti-corruption efforts.
Early ratings have suggested the general election could be competitive. The Cook Political Report moved the race from "Lean Republican" to "Toss Up" in April, while Inside Elections has rated the contest "Lean Republican."
If Sand were to win in November, he would become the first Democrat elected governor of Iowa since Chet Culver’s victory in 2006.
Booker set to face Navy vet after former local NJ official lost in 2024 Senate race
Justin Murphy won New Jersey’s Republican U.S. Senate primary late Tuesday night, setting up a general election fight against Democratic Sen. Cory Booker in a state where Republicans have not won a U.S. Senate race since 1972.
The race was close among the top three candidates with 90% of the votes counted. Murphy was followed by suspended New Jersey State Trooper Richard Tabor, and former News 12 New Jersey reporter Alex Zdan. Physician Robert Lebovics finished last.
Murphy is an attorney and U.S. Navy veteran from Tabernacle, New Jersey, who previously served as a local committeeman and ran unsuccessfully for the GOP Senate nomination in 2024, finishing a distant third. He launched another campaign this cycle to take on Booker, casting himself as a conservative, pro-Trump grassroots candidate.
‘JERSEY SHORE’ STAR MIKE SORRENTINO TEASES FUTURE RUN FOR NEW JERSEY GOVERNOR
Murphy faces an uphill but nationally watched race against Booker, a high-profile Senate Democrat and frequent Trump critic who is running unopposed on the Democratic side of the ticket as he seeks another term after first winning the seat in a 2013 special election. While Republicans are hoping to flip the seat, the party has not won a U.S. Senate race in the state since 1972.
Murphy, who describes himself as self-employed, is a former Tabernacle deputy mayor and a U.S. Navy veteran, according to the New Jersey Globe. He previously ran for the GOP Senate nomination in 2024, finishing far back in third, before launching another bid this cycle as a conservative candidate running on cleaning up his state's pollution, protecting it from ever-expanding windmill construction, parental rights, medical freedom and improving Medicare for seniors.
"I will convey my Conservative principles with confidence, energy, and optimism. The last time New Jersey elected a Republican to the US Senate was 1972; my campaign represents a new day in New Jersey politics," Murphy states on his campaign website. "Being self-employed, I can identify with middle-class voters. I know firsthand financial struggle, debt, and stress. I know the long hours and countless weeks without a paycheck that many small business owners experience as a normal part of their working adult lives. Small business owners will have no better friend in Washington."
DEMS PICK CHALLENGER FOR GOP CONGRESSMAN WHO VANISHED FROM PUBLIC VIEW AMID HEALTH MYSTERY
The GOP primary unfolded without an obvious Trump-backed favorite. Trump does not appear to have endorsed in New Jersey’s Republican Senate primary. His late New Jersey endorsements ahead of Tuesday’s primary went to House Republicans Tom Kean Jr., Jeff Van Drew and Chris Smith.
Murphy received support from two county Republican organizations and ran in some counties under the slogan "American Conservative Republican," according to NJ Spotlight News’ 2026 U.S. Senate primary voter guide.
The general election will test whether Republicans can make inroads in a state that has remained stubbornly difficult for GOP Senate hopefuls.
Booker won re-election in 2020 by more than 16 points, and early race ratings have generally listed the seat as safely Democratic heading into November.
Gregg Hull wins New Mexico GOP gubernatorial primary, setting up bid to flip governor’s office
Former Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull has clinched the GOP nomination in New Mexico’s open-seat gubernatorial race.
Hull, widely viewed as a leading contender entering Election Day, campaigned on public safety, government experience and economic growth.
He defeated businessman Doug Turner and former New Mexico Human Services Secretary Duke Rodriguez.
Turner pitched himself as a business-minded conservative and political outsider focused on jobs and education reform. Rodriguez, a healthcare executive and former state cabinet secretary, emphasized addiction treatment, healthcare and government reform.
2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS
Throughout the race, Hull argued New Mexico needs tougher approaches to violent crime, fentanyl trafficking and border security while criticizing Democratic leadership in Santa Fe.
Hull’s victory solidifies Republican support behind a candidate many in the party see as a strong statewide contender heading into November.
THE RED STATES RACING AHEAD IN AMERICA’S POWERFUL WEALTH BOOM — AND THE STATES FALLING BEHIND
He will now face former President Joe Biden's Interior Secretary Deb Haaland in the general election as Republicans attempt to flip the governor’s office in New Mexico for the first time since 2019.
The gubernatorial race to replace term-limited Democratic Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham in November is expected to be one of the most closely watched political contests in the state in 2026.
Tomas Hertl scores game-winner as Golden Knights rally to beat Hurricanes in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
The Vegas Golden Knights have taken Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, erasing the Carolina Hurricanes' early 2-0 lead to win a thrilling 5-4 game in Raleigh and set the tone for this best-of-seven series.
It’s a seven-game win streak for Vegas now, as they haven’t lost since Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Anaheim Ducks. They surprisingly swept the Colorado Avalanche to win the West, and they kept that momentum going on the road.
Tomas Hertl was the hero for the Golden Knights in Game 1, as he scored the game-winning goal on a snipe with 3:25 left in the third period.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
But it wasn’t easy for Vegas in the first period when the Hurricanes were quick to assert their home-ice advantage just 25 seconds into the game.
It was the first shot on goal for either side when Nikolaj Ehlers poked a puck past an aggressive Shea Theodore for Vegas, and he sprinted down ice toward Carter Hart, who mans the Golden Knights’ net. Ehlers, though, had the perfect shot, ringing the post and sending the Hurricanes faithful into a frenzy with the 1-0 lead before some could even get to their seats.
Then, midway through the period, Ehlers found himself in yet another breakaway scenario, and he didn’t squander the opportunity to take advantage. He put a nifty move on Hart, and his backhand found the net to make it 2-0.
Jalen Chatfield also had his eye down ice, recognizing that Ehlers was uncovered and quickly turned Jack Eichel’s turnover into the opportunity.
But if there’s anything the Golden Knights have proved in these Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s to never count them out. Another example of that was seen on Tuesday night.
Theodore made up for his mishap to start the game with an absolute rocket off his stick on a one-timer that saw its way through traffic and past Frederik Anderson in net to get Vegas on the board shortly after Ehlers’ second goal.
Then, as the second period got underway, it was Ivan Barbashev who decided to return the favor of scoring in 30 seconds or less. As Vegas entered the offensive zone with speed, the puck found Jack Eichel's stick. He quickly spotted Ivan Barbashev cutting through the slot, and Barbashev fired a shot over Frederik Andersen's right shoulder before the goalie could react.
With that, the Golden Knights tied this game up, but they didn’t let the momentum go. William Karlsson, who already has a cup under his belt for Vegas, did his part in seeking the next trophy. Mitch Marner had a tremendous backhand pass from behind the net that found Karlsson’s stick all alone out in front, and Anderson had no chance as Vegas took a 3-2 lead.
At that moment, the air in the Lenovo Center was taken right out of the fans’ sails, but a trusty veteran restored that later in the period. Jordan Staal, who watched his brother and 2006 Stanley Cup champion with the Hurricanes, Eric Staal, get the crowd going with the siren at puck drop, potted his third goal of these playoffs.
Jordan Staal snapped a wrister past Hart thanks to a heads-up play by K’Andre Miller to keep the puck onside and find his teammate fast for the grade-A chance.
The bleeding was stopped, but the third period was bound to be a thriller based on how these two teams were finding clear chances to score. Who broke the tie first was the major question, and Brett Howden had the answer just 1:21 into the period.
The playoff leader in goals, Howden had a beautiful tip on a shot by Theodore for his 11th of the playoffs and perhaps his most important in Game 1. The scoreboard remained silent for some time after that, with both teams trying to set up solid forechecks, but to no avail. The Hurricanes even had a power play, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.
Then, with 8:41 left, some puck luck found the Hurricanes, as defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere saw an offensive zone face-off biscuit fall right into his lap with no one around. He secured the puck on his stick blade and wristed it past Hart for the 4-4 tie.
However, the rollercoaster ride for the Hurricanes didn’t have a happy ending when they got off, with Hertl’s goal, assisted on a crafty Sissons' pass following a face-off, being the final say in this one.
Game 2 of this series will be played once more in Raleigh on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
DOJ expands indictment against SPLC, alleging $4M secretly funneled to KKK and extremist groups
The Department of Justice last month announced an indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), alleging that the civil rights nonprofit defrauded donors by secretly paying informants associated with extremist organizations, including the Ku Klux Klan.
A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Alabama returned an 11-count indictment in April charging the SPLC with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of making false statements to a federally insured bank and one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering, according to the Justice Department.
The superseding indictment retains those charges while expanding on the alleged misconduct.
According to the DOJ, the SPLC "secretly funneled" more than $3 million in donor funds between 2014 and 2023 to numerous individuals associated with extremist organizations, including the Ku Klux Klan, United Klans of America, the National Socialist Movement, participants in the Unite the Right rally and the Aryan Nations-affiliated Sadistic Souls Motorcycle Club.
NEO-NAZIS, ‘SADISTIC’ BIKERS AND CHARLOTTESVILLE ORGANIZER: 5 OF THE MOST SHOCKING SPLC INFORMANTS
The original indictment alleged approximately $3 million in payments between 2014 and 2023.
"The SPLC’s paid informants ('field sources') engaged in the active promotion of racist groups at the same time that the SPLC was denouncing the same groups on its website," the indictment states.
Prosecutors further allege the SPLC opened bank accounts tied to fictitious entities in order to conceal donor funds that were allegedly routed to confidential sources.
MIKE DAVIS: SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER: A TALE OF A RACISM SCAM
According to the indictment, the SPLC began operating a covert informant network in the 1980s, and between 2014 and 2023 allegedly paid those sources in a clandestine manner.
The DOJ alleges an SPLC employee instead encouraged the pair to remain involved and offered them a monthly salary of $1,200.
The two subsequently agreed to remain in the organization, according to the indictment.
DR. BEN CARSON: I KNOW HOW BAD THE SPLC WAS, IT CAME AFTER ME AND PUT ME AT RISK
Prosecutors allege an SPLC employee instructed the individuals to claim they worked for a company called Rare Books and helped college students with research and writing assignments if anyone questioned the source of their income.
The indictment alleges donor funds were used to pay both individuals through SPLC accounts.
According to prosecutors, the pair were also reimbursed for expenses related to Ku Klux Klan activities, including cross-burning events and associated costs such as wood and fuel.
One of the individuals is also accused of recruiting new members using donor-funded payments. The indictment further alleges the SPLC knew donor funds were used to purchase materials for Ku Klux Klan garments.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, attorney Abbe Lowell, who represents the SPLC, denied the allegations.
"This apparent superseding indictment attempts to shore up the flaws in the initial charges, but it changes nothing," Lowell said.
"The SPLC did not lie to its donors, it did not mislead banks it did business with, and its informant program prevented violence and saved lives," he continued.
"It appears the Justice Department shared the indictment with media before it was unsealed by the court – another example of the government’s troubling handling of this case."
"We will be addressing these irregularities with the court and look forward to presenting the truth at trial," he added.
NONPROFIT REVENUE TOTALS SURGE AMID GROWING SCRUTINY AFTER MAJOR FRAUD CASES
The superseding indictment also notes that the SPLC’s reported revenue increased from roughly $38.7 million in 2010 to more than $129 million in 2023, an increase of approximately 233%.
According to the filing, the organization’s net assets grew from approximately $238 million to nearly $787 million during the same period.
The SPLC is a longtime nonprofit organization that says it combats white supremacy and extremism through research, reporting and monitoring efforts intended to assist law enforcement and the public.
During a news conference announcing the original indictment, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche alleged the SPLC paid members of extremist groups so it could generate "work product" documenting their activities.
"To that end, [SPLC] was doing the exact opposite of what it told its donors it was doing – not dismantling extremism but funding it," Blanche said.
Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch, David Spunt, Jake Gibson and Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.
Joel Klatt roasts SEC: Nick Saban isn't there 'with his big old coattails for you to ride as a conference'
The SEC has, for years, enjoyed a widespread belief that it is the strongest conference in college football. And for years, that belief was correct.
Starting in 2009, Nick Saban created one of the most impressive dynasties in the sport's history. The Alabama Crimson Tide won a BCS National Championship in his third year on the job. And just never stopped winning. They won again in 2011 and 2012. Then won three more College Football Playoff National Championships from 2015-2020.
But as hard as it is to believe, 2020 is now six years ago, and the times have changed. Dramatically. The Big Ten has won three consecutive National Championships, starting, coincidentally, when name, image and likeness rules were changed allowing college football players to get paid by outside collectives. Not only has the Big Ten won three in a row, but the SEC hasn't reached the championship game since 2022.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
SEC teams were 1-8 during the 2025-2026 bowl season against teams from other conferences, and 0-3 in the playoff against other Power 4 programs. Despite those obvious realities, along with plenty of other unflattering statistics, at the conference's recent spring meetings, Commissioner Greg Sankey and other prominent figures were adamant that they remain, by far, the country's best conference.
There are some who agree with that sentiment, and others who don't, and based on some comments made by FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt, he's squarely in the latter category. Why? Because Nick Saban's retired, and the conference can't ride his "big old coattails" anymore.
"This is not 2012, this is not 2016, 15," Klatt said during a recent episode of his show. "I'm sorry, Nick Saban is no longer there with his big old coattails for you to ride as a conference. It's not that way anymore. So I thought that we should recap what we learned from the SEC spring meetings, and I've gotta be honest, it wasn't a lot.
"What did we get? Propaganda. Awesome," he continued. "Let's start with what Greg Sankey said, and it was basically, 'hey, we're the best.' That is false. They are not by far the best conference in college football. And candidly, I don't even know if you can call them the best conference in college football."
LANE KIFFIN MAKES RIDICULOUS EXCUSES FOR SEC'S POOR RECENT PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
Klatt added that the "data" shows that the Big Ten has passed the SEC, and those who doubt that are predisposed to support the SEC or its schools.
"Why don't we just go to the data, why don't we call balls and strikes, because here's the thing: at a meeting like that, Greg is saying this to a group of writers who largely want that to be true. If you believe what he said, deep down in your heart, it's because you want to believe what he said. You don't want to see the data, you don't want to see the truth.
"And that's fine, and that makes college football great. If you're a fan and you're mad right now because you sense what I'm about to talk about, and you're thinking to yourself like, 'no way, here he goes,' that's fine, because the passion in our sport is what makes our sport great. What the data suggests is that what Greg said, is absolutely false. The Big Ten is 4-0 over the SEC over the last three playoffs. 4-0 is not a small thing now."
Yes, four games is a small sample size. But the playoff is the best against the best, ostensibly, providing a clearer comparison. Bowl games, too, went the Big Ten's way. Iowa beat Vanderbilt, a team that believed it should have been in the College Football Playoff. Illinois beat Tennessee, a team that was ranked for much of the season. Indiana obliterated Alabama, with the one win being Texas over Michigan. That same Texas team also lost to Ohio State in the first week of the year. Meanwhile, Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers went 16-0 a few months after Steve Sarkisian said undefeated teams were a thing of the past.
It's Sankey's job to ignore these results and point to metrics he prefers. But it's the job of those on the outside to be honest about where the SEC currently sits. Because activism from Sankey and other coaches has already impacted the selection committee. Alabama's inclusion in the 2025-2026 field proves it. And it's why Klatt's right to call it out for what it is, propaganda.
Montana Senate showdown emerges as Trump-backed Republican faces independent challenge
The race to replace a political titan from the Treasure State has taken shape with three challengers who will square off in November.
What was expected to be an easy path to victory in Montana was shaken up earlier in 2026. Now, three new faces — former U.S. District Attorney Kurt Alme, ex-University of Montana President Seth Bodnar and Alani Bankhead — are all headed to the big stage in November.
Republican Sen. Steve Daines' sudden exit from his reelection campaign opened up the race in ruby-red Montana.
2026 MIDTERMS: PRIMARIES, KEY RACES AND ELECTION RESULTS
Now, it’s a three-way battle between his chosen successor, an insurgent independent candidate and a total political newcomer.
Alme has a home field advantage given the groundwork Daines laid throughout his political career, turning Montana from a purple to a ruby red bastion for the GOP.
But Alme hasn’t run for statewide office before. He was tapped twice by President Donald Trump to serve as U.S. District Attorney in Montana and had a stint in Gov. Greg Gianforte’s administration.
And he’s leaning into Trump’s backing, along with the endorsements of Daines and Sen. Tim Sheehy, R-Mont., to make his case to voters.
"We think that the Republican platform — and certainly President Trump’s approach to governing — is a winner in Montana," Alme told Fox News Digital in March. "And we think that if we stick to our conservative roots, we’re going to perform well against anyone."
FROM REALITY TV TO CITY HALL? TRUMP-BACKED SPENCER PRATT SOARS IN LA MAYOR RACE AS CALIFORNIANS VOTE
His opponents, however, have both been critical of the circumstances that led to his entering the race.
Daines, just as the candidate filing deadline in Montana was nearing its end, opted to drop out of the race. Then Alme stepped in almost immediately, a move that drew accusations that Daines tried to rig the Republican primary in the state.
Bodnar charged in a statement after collecting the needed signatures to make it on the ballot that "D.C. insiders tried to rig this election in March by installing a handpicked candidate who will do their bidding."
"Our campaign has spent months building a political movement of Montanans who want the chance to send leaders to Washington who will always put Montana first," Bodnar said. "I will never pay allegiance to party bosses or political elites, and I will work every day until Election Day to earn the vote of every Montanan."
Bodnar, who has similarly not run for public office, is leading all candidates in fundraising.
His latest financial filing showed the independent raised more than $754,000 since March for a total of $2 million since entering the race. Neill raised $294,000 during the same period, gaining an edge on Alme, who raised $259,000.
Given the GOP’s grip on the state, which Trump has won by double digits in each election he’s run, Bodnar and Neill both face an uphill battle.
FBI charges 35 in West Virginia drug and firearms operation, launches nationwide summer crime initiative
The FBI on Tuesday said 35 people had been charged for narcotics and firearms offenses stemming from a yearlong federal operation in West Virginia while also unveiling a new nationwide summer crime-fighting initiative.
The bureau said FBI Pittsburgh and FBI Baltimore launched Operation Turf War in early 2025 alongside the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.
The operation resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics, along with the forfeiture of proceeds allegedly used to fund violent criminal activity, according to the FBI.
"Operation Turf War was this FBI answering the call of a community that needed it the most," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
WEST VIRGINIA GOVERNOR'S ORDER LEADS TO NEARLY 60 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIMINALS DETAINED
"This was a massively successful operation right in West Virginia with nearly three dozen individuals arrested using sophisticated techniques, confidential informants, and precise collaboration across the entire FBI enterprise with our partners," he continued.
Patel said the operation demonstrated "exactly what partnerships are supposed to look like."
He pointed to coordination among the Martinsburg Police Department SWAT team, Jefferson County SWAT and Homeland Security Investigations SWAT.
The FBI also announced the launch of Operation Summer Heat 2.0, a renewed version of an initiative led last year by then-Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino that the bureau said resulted in nearly 9,000 arrests nationwide.
The effort will run through Sept. 20 and focus on partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime.
"For the next 95 days, the entire country will see this FBI replicating these exact efforts across America with Operation Summer Heat – an extension of our work last year led by then Deputy Director Dan Bongino to crush violent crime," Patel said.
"We’re just getting started," he added.
According to the FBI, last year’s Operation Summer Heat resulted in more than 8,600 arrests, nearly 7,750 search operations, the seizure of 2,280 firearms and more than 44,560 kilograms of cocaine.
The bureau said this year’s operation will be conducted on a larger scale, with federal officials working alongside state and local partners to identify and disrupt violent criminals.
Drake London signs $141M deal with Falcons, becoming third highest-paid receiver in NFL: reports
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London can now call himself one of the highest-paid players in franchise history.
The Falcons and their top receiver have reportedly come to terms on a four-year, $141 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, according to ESPN. The deal can also reach $150 million with incentives.
At $35.25 million per year, London would become the NFL's third-highest-paid receiver. Only the Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who signed a record-breaking $168.8 million extension one month after helping his team win Super Bowl LX, and the Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase, who agreed to a $161 million deal in March 2025, would earn more.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
London, 24, was the Falcons’ first-round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft out of USC, and he has earned that draft slot after hauling in 309 receptions for 3,961 yards and 22 touchdowns across four seasons.
He was coming into this season on his fifth-year option, but the Falcons will not be playing that game with a cornerstone piece.
JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, SEAHAWKS AGREE TO HISTORIC CONTRACT EXTENSION: REPORTS
However, they won’t be done shelling out massive deals, and London’s star offensive teammate, running back Bijan Robinson, might do more than just be one of the highest-paid players in franchise history.
Robinson cemented himself as one of the elite running backs in the NFL across just three seasons with Atlanta. Last season, he tallied a league-leading 2,298 scrimmage yards (1,478 rushing, 820 receiving, with 11 total touchdowns). He earned himself his first All-Pro honor, and there’s likely more to come for the shifty Texas product.
Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley is the highest-paid running back in the NFL at $20.6 million per year, but Robinson could crush that number depending on what he and the Falcons potentially agree to. It doesn’t have to come this year, but it’s certainly on the horizon.
The Falcons already picked up Robinson’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
As for London, the Falcons have a major decision to make heading into the 2026 season: determining who will be their starting quarterback. Whoever wins the job will be tasked with getting the ball to London and the rest of Atlanta's pass catchers, including tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., who will play the season on the franchise tag.
While Michael Penix Jr., who partially tore his ACL in his left knee last season, remains on the roster, the Falcons signed another lefty, former Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa, to give him some competition in training camp this summer.
Inconsistency at the quarterback position is what London and his teammates have had to deal with since he entered the league, with the likes of Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinecke, and Marcus Mariota taking turns as the team’s starter before Kirk Cousins signed his massive three-year deal with Atlanta.
London’s best year was in 2024 when he was Cousins’ clear top target, hauling in 100 of his 158 targets for a career-high 1,271 with nine touchdowns. However, Cousins didn’t hold on to his starting role, as Penix took over as the Week 1 starter. Once he sustained his injury, Cousins had to come in, and yet London still almost reached 1,000 yards.
With a new front office in place, led by Falcons legend and President of Football Matt Ryan, it's clear the team is committed to retaining its young core as it tries to return to playoff contention in the wide-open NFC South.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.