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Victor Wembanyama isn't good or mature enough to be the face of the NBA — at least not yet
Before the start of the NBA Finals, a number of analysts and reporters anointed Victor Wembanyama as the new "face of the NBA."
They had plenty of reasons to do so. Wembanyama is only 22-years-old. At 7-foot-4 with guard-like ball-handling skills and a smooth jump shot, he is unlike any player the NBA has ever produced. He also led the Spurs to the NBA Finals in just his third professional season.
But through four games, with the Knicks holding a commanding 3-1 series lead, Wembanyama has done little to justify the hype. Instead, it has become increasingly clear that he was crowned too soon.
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In each of San Antonio's three losses, Wembanyama has struggled in the biggest moments. In Game 1, he became passive in the second half and finished just 6-of-21 from the field. In Game 2, a costly turnover and poor shot selection on consecutive possessions helped seal the Spurs' fate. He bounced back with a strong performance in Game 3, only to shoot 36% from the field in Game 4 as San Antonio squandered a historic 29-point lead. He also missed two crucial free throws late in the game, opening the door for New York to steal the win.
"If you're going to be doing all the yapping, all the clapping, the taunting, when the game is on the line and you've got the biggest free throws of your career, you can't brick them both," ESPN reporter Tim MacMahon said after the game. "He wants to be the face of the league, but there's pressure that comes along with it. When the pressure was highest, he failed."
MacMahon's criticism reflects a broader issue. Wembanyama has embraced the villain role, engaging in trash talk, hard fouls and flagrant-worthy play. He welcomes the attention and the spotlight. Yet when the pressure has mounted, he has not backed up the persona.
Wembanyama has also drawn attention for his willingness to use his platform to express his discontent with the U.S. government.
In January, he accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents of "murdering" civilians.
"Yeah, PR has tried, but I'm not going to sit here and give some politically correct answer," Wembanyama told reporters who asked him about unrest following the shootings of Alex Pretti and Renee Good.
"Every day I wake up and see the news, and I'm horrified. I think it's crazy that some people might make it seem like, or make it sound like, the murder of civilians is acceptable."
For the record, "murder" is a legal term. The agents involved in the shootings were never charged with murder.
During the Finals, Wembanyama has also appeared to make a statement during the national anthem. Before Game 1, cameras showed him standing with his arms crossed during the playing of "The Star-Spangled Banner." OutKick asked his management team and the Spurs for an explanation. Was the gesture intended as a statement? Neither responded.
OutKick also asked President Donald Trump about Wembanyama's anthem posture aboard Air Force One after Game 1. Trump said he had not seen the moment but suggested someone should ask Wembanyama what he meant by it.
Unfortunately, no credentialed reporter appears to have asked him.
As attention around the story grew, Wembanyama reportedly remained in the locker room during the national anthem before either Game 3 or Game 4 at Madison Square Garden.
The last thing the NBA needs right now is for Wembanyama to be the latest wannabe activist.
The league is finally recovering from a turbulent decade during which television ratings dropped by nearly 48% as many of its most prominent players, coaches and executives increasingly inserted themselves into partisan political debates. In recent years, the NBA has attempted to distance itself from that image.
NBA FINALS RATINGS SURGE AS THE LEAGUE WELCOMES TRUMP, DROPS WOKE MESSAGING — BUT IS IT SUSTAINABLE?
This week, Commissioner Adam Silver welcomed President Trump to Game 3 of the Finals, signaling a league that appears more interested in broadening its appeal than engaging in political theater.
The strategy appears to be paying off. A less political NBA, combined with the New York Knicks chasing their first championship since 1973, has helped generate some of the strongest Finals interest in years.
"For a decade LeBron, Silver, Popovich and Kerr ridiculed Trump voters and Republicans. That has now ended. It's a return to the Jordan, 'Republicans buy sneakers too,' era. Smart business and good for sports culture too. Good decisions get rewarded, bad decisions get punished," Clay Travis argued this week.
Wembanyama now risks undermining much of that newfound goodwill. And, at the risk of sounding like Skip Bayless, he may lack the clutch gene.
Suddenly, Wembanyama looks far less like the ideal candidate to lead the NBA into the post-LeBron James and Steph Curry era.
In the span of just two weeks, Wembanyama has gone from an engrossing basketball phenomenon to, as Jason Whitlock called him, an overprotected punk.
"Victor Wembanyama is a punk and possibly the most protected player in the history of sports," Whitlock argued.
A punk who hasn't shown he knows how to win.
Of course, there is still plenty of time. Wembanyama is only 22-years-old. LeBron James didn't win his first championship until age 27. Michael Jordan didn't win his first title until 28.
Wembanyama may still become the "face of the NBA" someday. But he isn't there yet. Not based on how he has responded when the pressure has been greatest.
He isn't ready for that title or responsibility. He isn't good enough. He isn't mature enough.
Not yet, anyway.
Thursday Night Mowing League growth skyrockets as weekend warriors realize there’s a better way to mow
Build it and they will come. The Thursday Night Mowing League mission to rewire the brains of over 40 million Americans who spend their weekends doing lawn chores is working after last week's plea to FoxNews.com readers.
"So awesome to see there is a league for what my neighbors have been making fun of me for doing past 15 years!!" Rebecca, a new TNML fan wrote on Facebook, where membership shot up an astounding 600% over the last 28 days.
Americans who are laughing at Rebecca are, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, spending two hours on lawn work on the day they decide to mow. Forty million Americans are losing those two hours on weekends. For U.S. men, it's even more. The average male spends two hours and 15 minutes on lawn work.
Now for more sobering statistics. Americans, based on CDC life expectancy data, are alive for around 4,000 Saturdays. Men can expect to be alive for 3,990 Saturdays; women average around 4,245 Saturdays. Now extract your childhood Saturdays. Between the ages of 25 and 65, the prime years of life, you will enjoy 2,080 Saturdays.
Shall I go on? Let's dig even deeper into these numbers.
Based on the active mowing season — roughly April through October — you get only 1,040 prime summer Saturdays during your entire adult life. That’s it. Just 1,040 afternoons to sit by the pool, play catch in the yard with your kids, or just relax and enjoy life on the patio.
There's a simple solution: this league. What are you waiting for?
📩 Email: joe.kinsey@outkick.com or use my personal Gmail. Send your mowing reports, stripe photos, equipment upgrades, garage beer reviews, and league updates.
🐦 Twitter/X: @OutKickTNML Follow along for league news, drought reports, mowing conditions, and weekly action.
📘 Facebook Page: OutKick TNML Follow along for league news, photos, and community updates.
Thank you to 2023 TNML national champion Timmy2Cuts for reminding us that there are moments in life that take precedence over mowing on a Thursday, as long as you don't skip and then mow on Saturday. That's a cardinal sin in this league. The good news for 2Cuts is that Mrs. 2Cuts is also married to this league. She gets it. They have like six kids. She wants her kids frolicking on the perfectly manicured turf on Saturdays as one big, happy family.
You know who didn't think of the planet when they were engineering their mowers to help save the planet? The robotic mowing world. There's news out of Europe that some governments are looking to ban the use of robot mowers at night to save the hedgehogs that forage at night.
Guess which mowing league isn't mutilating hedgehogs? THIS ONE!
"Are you accidentally harming hedgehogs?" a headline read last month. Nope, not us. We're making the world better for hedgehogs. We mow on Thursdays when there's daylight.
You guys make the call.
From grills to boots: American-made products worth every penny
With America's 250th birthday approaching, now is the perfect time to invest in products known for top-notch craftsmanship. From Brooks Brothers shirts and Leatherman multi-tools to Weber grills, these American-made favorites are both durable and timeless. While they're often a bit pricey, these splurge-worthy picks will last a lifetime.
READ MORE: America 250 is coming: What to know and the best commemorative gear to buy
Find U.S.-made clothing from brands like Brooks Brothers and Origin.
Original price: $128
Origin's Maverick jeans come with an extra-stitched seam to ensure durability, making them ideal for work or casual wear. The stretch denim moves with you, eliminating that stiff jean feel. Right now, save $52 on a pair while they're on sale.
Original price: $99
These durable Origin cargo shorts have a military-style slotted waist button, a rugged coil zipper and reinforced stitching. Plus, the water-resistant design makes them ready for anything. Made in the USA, these shorts are ideal for casual days and come in neutral colors along with a camo pattern.
Brooks Brothers' American-made dress shirts have authentic mother-of-pearl buttons and are neatly platted for a ready-to-wear look right from the start. The 100% cotton fabric stays cool yet still machine-washable, making this easy-to-care-for shirt a worthwhile splurge.
READ MORE: We found 10 patriotic deals in Amazon's America 250 shop — all under $50
Find popular American-made shoes and boots from brands like Red Wing and New Balance.
Original price: $329.99
Save more than $100 on this pair of Red Wing boots with 100% leather construction. Known for 70 years of craftsmanship, the company has nailed down a tough, durable design. A traction tread holds you steady on most surfaces, while the roomy fit lets your feet breathe.
New Balance proudly carries a "Made in the USA" line, and these retro-style shoes are just one standout option. The unisex fit and classic build give you a reliable shoe whether you're heading into the office or out for a long walk. A cushioned heel helps absorb shock, and the crisp white leather stands up to regular wear and tear.
Original price: $169.95
For a sturdy pair of work boots, Thorogood offers an American-made option. The high-shine toe cap and heel blend in with uniforms, while the tactical design holds up in wet or icy weather. The 8-inch height gives you enough ankle support without weighing your feet down. These boots are at a 90-day-low — making now the right time to buy.
READ MORE: Save up to 50% on top-rated sneakers before Prime Day — from Skechers to adidas
Find coolers, grills and cookware made to last.
You can pass down a Lodge Dutch oven for generations — that's how durable it is. Whether you're roasting, baking or sautéing, the American-made pot features enamel-coated cast iron that retains heat evenly. Choose from a range of unique colors that look striking in any kitchen.
Original price: $549
Weber's American-made Spirit E-210 grill is perfect for your America 250 barbecue — and it's $150 off at Lowe's. The Snap-Jet ignition turns on the burners with a quick press, and the long-lasting cast-iron grates cook your favorites evenly.
Break out the nice flatware with a Liberty Tabletop 20-piece set, which includes enough silverware for four people. The responsibly sourced stainless steel construction makes them durable yet polished enough for any table setting. You can even toss them in the dishwasher without worrying about damage.
READ MORE: 18 brands still making cookware and kitchen tools in the U.S. — from skillets to spatulas
As America approaches its 250th anniversary, this retro-looking Igloo cooler blends right in with the nostalgic celebration. The colors evoke a 1990s aesthetic, plus classic molded-in side handles provide a secure grip. The 15-quart interior holds up to 36 cans, and the impact-resistant exterior prevents dents and damage.
Many tool brands — like John Deere and Leatherman — take pride in making products domestically.
When you think of American-made lawn mowers, chances are you think of John Deere. A factory in Greenville, Tennessee, builds its tractors for durability, with a two-blade system that delivers a clean, even cut. Bright LED lights illuminate your lawn during evening and early morning mows.
This Leatherman Signal multi-tool goes beyond the classic Leatherman. Made at Leatherman's factory in Portland, Oregon, it's backed by a 25-year warranty, giving you everything from wire cutters to a knife, saw and hammer. With 19 tools in one, it makes the $150 price tag less intimidating.
Channellock pliers have a stronger build than foreign-made options. The laser heat-treated teeth improve grip and cutting power, while the high-carbon U.S. steel resists rust and corrosion. This set includes tongue-and-groove pliers, long-nose pliers and slip-joint pliers.
READ MORE: Buy it for life: Durable products worth every dollar (now on sale)
Add these high-quality products to your self-care regimen.
Perfect for Father's Day, this Caswell-Massey soap gift set has three bars of sandalwood and cardamom soap. The ingredients are plant-based and cruelty-free, helping nourish sensitive skin.
Enjoy a better shave with Remington's F5 foil shaver. It adjusts to your face during use for a closer, more comfortable result. The cordless, compact design means you can use it anywhere, and the battery lasts for up to 60 minutes. A quick five-minute charge adds enough power for a single grooming session.
Remington's compact Balder Pro is a popular buy on Amazon, with more than 5,000 shoppers purchasing one in the last month. It lets you shave your head in less than two minutes thanks to its five rotary blades. A built-in hair-capture system collects hair and helps prevent a messy cleanup.
For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals
Burt's Bees makes most of its products in the U.S., and its firming face cream is a must-add to any beauty routine. It contains natural, paraben-free ingredients to help hydrate skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Plus, it's fragrance-free for anyone with sensitivities.
If you're an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.
'Top Gun: Maverick' star James Handy's official cause of death revealed as new details emerge in murder case
James Handy's official cause of death has been revealed.
The circumstances surrounding the "Top Gun: Maverick" actor's murder came into sharper focus after new findings revealed the veteran performer died from a stab wound and neck compression, Fox News Digital can confirm.
The County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner's office listed Handy's manner of death as homicide.
Michael Gledhill, 44, was charged with one count of murder with a special allegation that he personally used a deadly weapon, a knife, on June 5. Police claimed officers found the 81-year-old actor stabbed in the chest and lying unconscious outside a home in Los Angeles days before. Handy was taken to the hospital and later pronounced dead.
Gledhill did not appear at his arraignment on June 5, where Superior Court Judge John H. Reid ordered that Gledhill be sent to mental health court and undergo psychological evaluations. Another judge will decide whether he is competent for trial.
Gledhill remained behind bars after the court hearing with bail set at $2 million. He faces up to 26 years in prison if convicted.
Gledhill is the son of Handy's girlfriend of 30 years, Wendy Gledhill. Actor Brian Delate, who knew Handy for over four decades, told The Associated Press that a few times over the past couple of years, Handy mentioned in passing that his girlfriend's son had mental health problems.
"I didn’t think much of it, because he just kind of mentioned it casually," he said.
Handy's girlfriend had fixed up the garage so her son could live there, Delate said. Handy had his own home.
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Gledhill's arrest came after he confessed to the alleged crime. According to police, a 911 caller stated: "I am the son of man, I just killed the man of sin."
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According to investigators, Gledhill flagged down officers as they arrived and told them he was the person they were looking for.
Born in New York, Handy appeared in films and TV shows for decades.
He was known for his role as an exterminator in the 1995 film "Jumanji" and more recently as the bartender Jimmy in the 2022 film "Top Gun: Maverick," according to IMDB. He’s also appeared in some of the top TV crime dramas, including "NCIS: Los Angeles," "The Closer" and "Cold Case."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
'Deranged message' on National Mall sparks police probe as Trump security fears mount
Law enforcement officials responded to Washington, D.C.'s National Mall on Thursday after a giant "8647" message appeared to be etched into the grass, prompting an investigation as federal authorities remain on heightened alert over political threats and violence.
"The deranged vandalism on our National Mall will not be tolerated," an Interior Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Any threat against the President is taken very seriously by the Department, and our U.S. Park Police will investigate this incident and hold those responsible accountable."
The marking was etched into the grass between the Washington Monument and the World War II memorial. The administration has previously interpreted the number "86" as a political threat, pointing to its common use in the restaurant industry to mean removing or refusing service, while 47 appears to refer to Trump as the 47th president.
The administration has previously treated "86 47" messages as threatening, arguing that "86" can mean to get rid of or remove, per restaurant industry slang, while "47" refers to Trump as the 47th president.
U.S. Park Police responded to the incident around noon, FOX 5 reported. Grass samples were also collected for testing and examination in the area by investigators.
"Anyone who engages in or endorses political violence or assassination culture must be condemned in the harshest terms possible," White House spokesperson Davis Ingle told Fox News Digital. "They should also immediately seek psychiatric help to treat their severe and debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome that has warped their brains and made them sick in the head."
The incident took place days before Trump’s birthday on Sunday, which coincides with the UFC Freedom Fight taking place on the South Law, which is expected to attract 4,000 spectators to the White House.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship was set up near the Lincoln Memorial for a weigh-in event on Friday.
America’s 250th birthday brings major events to the nation’s capital as D.C. braces for massive crowds, tight security, road closures and heightened law enforcement presence.
FROM RALLY GUNFIRE TO WHITE HOUSE SHOOTING, THREATS AGAINST PRESIDENT TRUMP CONTINUE TO MOUNT
Trump has repeatedly been targeted by violence, including just in April at the White House Correspondents’ Association Dinner.
There were two assassination attempts on Trump’s life in 2024, beginning in Butler, Pennsylvania, where a bullet grazed his ear after a gunman climbed onto a roof during a rally on July 13, 2024.
The incident comes amid heightened administration scrutiny of "86 47" messages after the Department of Justice charged former FBI Director James Comey over a similar message.
Comey was charged with two federal counts over an Instagram post last year showing seashells arranged to read "86 47," and faces a maximum 10 years in prison if convicted. Comey has denied wrongdoing, saying he did not intend the post as a call for violence and removed it once critics interpreted it as a threat.
Former Premier League star, accused of rape, to miss World Cup game after being denied entry into Canada
One of the stars of Ghana's World Cup team will be absent for its tournament opener in Canada after being denied entry into the country.
Thomas Partey, formerly of Arsenal, who now plays for Villarreal in La Liga, is currently facing seven counts of rape, all of which he has pleaded not guilty to.
"FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp in Boston, USA, to Canada for their first match against Panama on Wednesday, 17 June, as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government," FIFA said in a statement, via The Athletic.
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"FIFA is not involved in the immigration processes of host countries, including the adjudication of visas. As with previous FIFA events, the host government ultimately determines who receives a visa and is admitted into the country."
Five of the charges were brought last July by the London Metropolitan Police, and two more came earlier this year.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz explained why he picked Partey for his World Cup squad while he awaits trial.
Queiroz cited a presumption of innocence for Partey, criticized the quick judgments of modern social media and spoke philosophically in comments late Monday ahead of a warm-up game in Wales.
"Let events run its normal course, let the river flow and one day when the river meets the ocean we will find the truth," said Queiroz, a veteran coach going to his fifth straight World Cup after leading his native Portugal and Iran at previous editions.
Ghana is set to open its tournament on Wednesday against Panama in Toronto. Ghana will then play England on June 23 at Gillette Stadium and then on June 27 at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field.
Partey is accused of raping four women from 2020 to 2022.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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'The View' co-host warns against Vance interview becoming 'free-for-all' to sell books
"The View" co-host Ana Navarro warned on Thursday that she didn't want the show's upcoming interview with Vice President JD Vance to become a "free-for-all" just to sell books, which she argued happens with Republican guests.
The show's producer, Brian Teta, asked Navarro to discuss the Vance interview during the "Behind the Table" podcast. Teta said people were surprised he was coming on the show.
"It shouldn't be surprising, he's got a book, right? And I think that everybody, including Republicans, know that at 'The View,' we are really good at selling books," she said. "I think it's a very relevant time. I want to ask him questions about Epstein. I want to ask him questions where he — where there's several issues where there's sunlight between him and Donald Trump, right?"
The co-host added, "The war, going into military action, all of these new wars. He seems to me to be a lot more tuned into the MAGA manosphere than Trump is, actually, and really works those relationships far more than practically anybody else in the White House."
She continued, "I hope we get to have a constructive conversation about the issues that Americans care about and are on Americans' minds and that it doesn't turn into some free-for-all for the sake of creating a moment for him so that he can go out and sell books, which is what often happens with Republicans."
JD VANCE RELEASING BOOK ABOUT FAITH JOURNEY, CONVERSION TO CATHOLICISM
Vance, who is set to join the show on June 16, will be the third sitting vice president and the first sitting Republican vice president to appear on "The View." All six co-hosts, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin and Ana Navarro, are expected to be in-studio for the rare interview with an elected Republican.
"The View" had a total of 341 guests in 2025, but only two of them were conservative, while 128 were liberal, according to a study conducted by the Media Research Center's NewsBusters.
In 2026, the show had multiple Republican guest hosts appear while Griffin, the Republican co-host, was on maternity leave. Alina Habba also appeared on the liberal talk show in late April. However, Habba was not promoting a book.
REPUBLICANS VIRTUALLY SHUT OUT OF DEM-DOMINATED TALK SHOWS AS FCC AIMS TO REFORM NETWORK BIAS
Vance will discuss his new book, "Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith," along with news of the day and his goals for the Trump administration during his appearance on Tuesday.
Teta noted that Vance and the co-hosts of "The View" disagree on a lot of issues, but said they want to hear what he has to say.
He added, "Hopefully, it's passionate debate that's respectful, and it's the vice president. It's a big deal. So, we're excited to do it."
Vance's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
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Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.
Unearthed DOJ emails expose turmoil over Biden-era memo urging crackdown on parents
A controversial memo issued by then-Attorney General Merrick Garland in 2021 aimed at addressing the alleged threat posed to school boards by dissatisfied parents caused an internal revolt at the Justice Department, according to documents obtained by Fox News.
As parents across the nation took to school board meetings to vent their dissatisfaction with COVID-era learning restrictions as well as how race and gender were being taught in classrooms, the National Association for School Boards appealed to the Justice Department for assistance, claiming that some actions taken by angry parents could be classified as "domestic terrorism."
The Justice Department in October 2021 issued a memo to coordinate a response to what the department described as an "increase in harassment, intimidation and threats of violence against school board members, teachers and workers in our nation’s public schools" by parents.
Newly released emails, however, indicate that high-ranking officials at the DOJ were skeptical of this move, predicting that it could transform into a political headache for the Biden administration.
MAJOR PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD SIMULATES PARENT ‘TERRORIST’ ATTACK AFTER FATAL ACCIDENT KILLS STUDENT
"I don't think it's possible to state how strongly I object to this. It will completely and totally nuke our election threats efforts, and will damage the reputation of the Public Integrity Section into the bargain," one deputy assistant attorney general wrote on an internal email chain. "It's like they've affirmatively trying to make this thing not work and look political."
"If they do this, they might as well rename the damn thing the Anti-MAGA Task Force," they continued.
"Exactly!" the DOJ’s Public Integrity Section chief responded. "Stupid, stupid, stupid."
Some at the DOJ also questioned whether or not the agency had the authority to address purported threats to school board members in the way that was being proposed.
ANDREW MCCARTHY: BIDEN-HARRIS JUSTICE DEPARTMENT TANGLES WITH RED STATES ON ELECTION DAY
"We will not do this," one principal deputy assistant attorney general wrote. "There is no conceivable connection to [public integrity] (indeed, I'm not seeing a federal interest of any kind.). And if they're going to make the AG's memo to the field about this and election threats, I'm going to strongly recommend that they not send it."
The Public Integrity section chief chimed in that the memo could turn the Justice Department and the FBI into the "threat police" and that it contained "no limiting principle at all."
After sparking a firestorm of criticism from GOP lawmakers, state officials, pundits and parents’ groups, the NSAB formally apologized for its letter to the Biden administration calling for legal scrutiny to apply to disgruntled parents.
CNN HOST RECALLS HOW COVID CAUSED THE 'RADICALIZATION' OF PARENTS
"On behalf of NSBA, we regret and apologize for the letter," the organization wrote in a memo to its members. "There was no justification for some of the language included in the letter. We should have had a better process in place to allow for consultation on a communication of this significance. We apologize also for the strain and stress this situation has caused you and your organizations."
Though Garland was pressed to retract his memo or apologize, he instead opted to defend his decision.
"The obligation of the Justice Department is to protect the American people against violence and threats of violence and that particularly includes public officials," he said of the memo.
The DOJ and Garland did not respond to requests for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Friday.
Fox News' David Spunt and Jake Gibson contributed to this report.
Texas overtakes California as 'America’s center of gravity,' claims Treasury Sec Bessent
FIRST ON FOX — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the stark difference he sees emerging between Texas and California as well as the "tale of two states" cropping up between red and blue jurisdictions.
"In California, I saw firsthand what years of failed governance looks like: a tax system that is hostile to ambition. A regulatory state that smothers enterprise. An economic climate indifferent to consequence," he said during a meeting at the Petroleum Club of Houston on Friday in remarks shared exclusively with Fox News Digital.
California has seen a number of high-profile defections in recent years, with many businesses and wealthy individuals citing the state’s regulations and taxation regime as the reasons for their exit.
CORPORATE AMERICA IS ON THE MOVE, AND THESE RED STATES ARE CASHING IN
Chevron, Tesla, Charles Schwab and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to name a few, have all abandoned their California headquarters and shifted operations to Texas. IRS migration data also shows that the Golden State is hemorrhaging high-earning taxpayers, imperiling its finances.
"Here in Texas, meanwhile, the contrast is so striking that it begins to feel like a tale of two states," Bessent said.
And it's true that the Lone Star State's business-friendly policies and lower taxes have attracted more American families and businesses to move from other states to Texas.
THE RED-STATE WINNERS IN THE CLIMB TO BECOME AMERICA’S NEXT ECONOMIC POWERHOUSE
During the meeting on Friday, Bessent also highlighted the importance of energy policy as a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s economic policies.
"The AI race may be accelerated by the elegance of our code, but it will be won by the abundance of our energy," he said. "More than strengthening an economy, energy abundance also secures a nation. Economic security is national security."
RED STATES ARE THE ONES GOING GREEN AND WINNING THE CLEAN ENERGY RACE
He said that Texas is spearheading that growth.
Texas has rapidly expanded its energy production to meet booming demand, partially spurred by the construction of new data centers, recently surpassing California as the state with the most utility-scale solar capacity and hitting record-breaking levels for both crude oil production and low-carbon electricity generation.
"Texas has become America’s center of gravity because it is fostering the conditions for families and businesses to flourish," Bessent went on.
Data indicates that Texas has seen considerable success in attracting businesses and taxpayers to the state.
Of the 725 companies that relocated headquarters between 2018 and 2025, per a CBRE report, 230 of them moved to Houston, Dallas and Austin alone. IRS migration data also shows that the Lone Star state saw a net increase of 56,000 tax filers between 2022 and 2023.
FIFA implements mandatory water breaks in each half for first time at 2026 World Cup
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will introduce one of the most noticeable in-game rule changes in modern tournament history: Mandatory hydration breaks in every match.
For the first time, players will be required to pause twice per game, once in each half, for a three-minute water break, regardless of weather conditions or stadium location across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Under the new format, referees will stop play at roughly the 22-minute mark of each half. Players will remain on the pitch, where they can hydrate while coaches are able to talk strategy with their team, essentially making this a timeout like us Americans are used to in our major sports. There aren’t team-issued timeouts like in the NFL, NBA, and NHL by the way. Just a quick reminder for you Americans that only get excited about soccer when the World Cup rolls around, like myself.
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE
An important note is that the stoppage time will be added back at the end of each half, ensuring the total playing time remains unchanged. FIFA has framed the change as part of its broader emphasis on player welfare, particularly given the expectation of high temperatures in several host cities during the summer tournament.
I just hope European fans take much-needed water breaks in the stands too. A group of English soccer fans posted a video talking about how hot it was for the England vs. New Zealand friendly at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, home of the Buccaneers. It’s quite funny.
As for the response to FIFA’s decision, it has certainly sparked debate among fans and analysts, not only because of its impact on match rhythm, but also because it effectively standardizes interruptions that previously occurred only under extreme conditions.
Critics like U.S. men’s national team coach Mauricio Pochettino claimed the breaks "cut the rhythm of the game," which has long been defined by continuous, uninterrupted halves. While Belgium coach Rudi Garcia was more positive, saying the breaks are useful because they allow coaches to "discuss strategy mid-game."
FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE
This decision is why FOX Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas made the joke, "At the end of the first quarter it’s Mexico-1 South Africa-0." Soccer now feels a lot more like quarters due to the water breaks, again which Americans are used to in our major professional sports.
You might be thinking, "Wait a minute. I specifically remember water breaks in the 2014 World Cup hosted by Brazil." You’d be right, but the rules in 2026 are much different.
WORLD CUP PLAYERS WHO COVER THEIR MOUTHS DURING CONFRONTATIONS COULD GET RED CARDS
During the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, FIFA implemented "cooling breaks" for the first time in tournament history. Those stoppages were not mandatory, though, like they are in every match in 2026. They were instead triggered by extreme heat conditions, typically when the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature (WBGT) exceeded safety thresholds. In those cases, breaks occurred around the 30th and 75th minutes and were primarily focused on player safety in the intense humidity and heat.
The key difference in 2026 is consistency. Rather than being an occasional response to weather conditions, water breaks will now be built into every match as a permanent structural feature. FIFA officials argue this removes ambiguity for referees and ensures equal conditions across all matches, while also addressing modern concerns about player workload and heat stress.
Though FIFA does not explicitly say "this is an advertising break" in the laws of the game change, it’s fair to assume this is a way to generate more advertising dollars. It’s extremely valuable advertising real estate for broadcasting partners, similar to the Super Bowl. As you watch games, you’ll see split-screen advertising during these hydration breaks.
It’s safe to say FIFA wouldn’t agree with Coach Boone from Remember the Titans when he said, "Water is for cowards. Water makes you weak."
The United States kicks off its first World Cup match on Friday night against Paraguay at 9 p.m. ET.