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Pete Alonso rips on traffic, crushes homer against Yankees in return to NYC
For the first time in his MLB career, Pete Alonso rolled into New York City as part of a visiting team.
Only, on Friday, he wasn't headed to his old Citi Field stomping grounds; he was headed to the Bronx as he and his Baltimore Orioles teammates took on the New York Yankees.
And, right off the bat, Alonso knew he was back in the Big Apple, and that was all thanks to the city's trademark nightmare traffic.
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The Baltimore first baseman was asked about his emotions when he arrived back in town, and he went right to bagging on the traffic.
"We flew into Newark, and then, I'm like, 'We're definitely back because we hit an insufferable wall of traffic,'" Alonso told SNY. "So it was definitely (like), 'Yeah, alright, we're here. We're back; we are for sure back. This is unmistakably New York City.'"
SNY's Michelle Margaux asked him if that meant Baltimore didn't have traffic.
"No, they do, just not an insufferable wall of traffic," he joked.
Alonso, who started his career with the Mets in 2019, said it was great to be back and to go down memory lane.
And speaking of memory lane, Alonso likely had fans thinking back to his rookie season, when he crushed 53 home runs, with his performance in this one.
In the top of the second, he hit an absolute bomb off Yankees righty Will Warren when he connected with the 1-1 pitch and sent it into the second deck in right field.
The cameraman almost didn't seem like he believed how far that one went.
That was Alonso's fifth home run this year, and probably one of the sweeter ones of his career.
Now, the only dinger that might taste even sweeter would be if he hits one when the O’s head to Queens for a three-game series against his former team.
Bus plunges into river after trainee driver crash, massive rescue response: reports
A driver in training sent a bus careening into the River Seine near Paris Thursday after hitting a parked car and veering off the road, triggering a massive rescue operation, according to BBC and Reuters.
All four people on board were pulled to safety as more than 90 firefighters, divers and emergency crews — along with boats and a helicopter — responded, officials said.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and drug and alcohol tests came back negative.
EMERGENCY CREWS RESPOND TO TOUR BUS ROLLOVER WITH DOZENS OF PATIENTS IN NEW YORK
The incident happened in France's Juvisy-sur-Orge, about 12 miles south of Paris, as the driver was nearing the end of her practical training, transport officials told the BBC.
Authorities said the bus missed a turn near the riverbank, instead continuing straight and dragging a parked car into the water before plunging into the Seine, Reuters reported.
Dramatic images show the bus partially submerged as rescue crews surrounded it with some individuals on top of the vehicle while others worked in the water below.
WILD VIDEO SHOWS SPEEDING CAR GOING AIRBORNE, EJECTS DRIVER INTO BACKYARD POOL
Witnesses described a chaotic response, with one saying it felt like "every firefighter in the department" had arrived as bystanders initially threw life rings into the river before first responders took over.
TERRIFYING VIDEO SHOWS OUT-OF-CONTROL MTA BUS PLOWING INTO CARS IN THE BRONX, INJURING 8
Officials later launched an internal investigation into what caused the crash.
Video released later showed crews using cranes to pull the submerged bus from the river as helicopters circled overhead.
Father of teen allegedly killed by stepbrother on cruise says he can't 'relive' trauma at murder trial
The father of a teen allegedly slaughtered by her stepbrother on a cruise is skipping the June murder trial, saying he simply cannot "relive" the trauma of discovering the girl's body in her cabin.
"Unless they ask for me to be there, neither my wife or I will be attending," Christopher Kepner, 41, told the Daily Mail.
"I’ve heard all the evidence. I saw it for myself. They have everything they need. It’s going to be too painful to relive it all again."
Kepner’s 16-year-old stepson, Timothy Hudson, is headed to trial June 1 in Miami federal court on first-degree murder and aggravated sexual abuse charges in the Nov. 7 slaying. Timothy has pleaded not guilty.
In a harrowing account, Kepner described the moment his family vacation became a living nightmare.
"I checked her pulse. I pulled her out from under the bed," Kepner said. "I knew my daughter was dead long before the medical examiner got there. I don’t want to be back in that room."
TEEN FOUND DEAD ON CARNIVAL CRUISE SHIP DIED FROM MECHANICAL ASPHYXIATION, RULED HOMICIDE: REPORT
Authorities later ruled her death a homicide caused by "mechanical asphyxiation," caused by "mechanical asphyxiation," according to documents previously reviewed by Fox News Digital.
According to investigators, she was found under the bed in her cabin, wrapped in a blanket and covered with life jackets. The cabin was shared with her stepbrother.
Now, the family is working to remember the 18-year-old cheerleader from Central Florida affectionately called "Anna Banana."
"We are celebrating Anna by keeping it all about her and doing the things she liked," Kepner said. "We want to remember Anna how she lived — and not how she died."
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If convicted, the teen faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
"I want to see him in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs. He does not need to be free. He does not need to be in the general public, around any kids or women in general," Kepner previously said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Timothy Hudson's attorney for comment.
"Our hearts go out to the victim’s family during this unimaginable loss," U.S. Attorney Jason A. Reding Quiñones for the Southern District of Florida said. "A federal grand jury has returned an indictment charging serious offenses that allegedly occurred aboard a vessel in international waters. We will present the evidence in court and pursue this case with professionalism and care. As in every case, the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt."
Palestinian soccer boss refuses to shake hands with Israeli counterpart at FIFA Congress
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands or even stand beside Israel Football Association Vice President Basim Sheikh Suliman during a tense exchange at the FIFA Congress Thursday.
Both officials were invited to the stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but the Palestinian representative resisted efforts to bring him closer to his Israeli counterpart.
Infantino briefly placed a hand on Rajoub’s arm and gestured for him to step forward, but Rajoub did not comply.
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The Palestinian FA, led by Rajoub, has long pushed for Israel to be suspended from international soccer competition.
Rajoub defended his decision, saying he remains committed to formal processes but believes stronger action is needed.
"I still respect and follow the legal procedure, but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned. The double-standard policy should stop," Rajoub said, according to The Times of Israel.
"I refused to shake hands. Sport is sport. … For me, that should be respected, but if the other side is representing a criminal like Bibi [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and speaking on behalf of Bibi as if Bibi is Mother Teresa, how can I shake hands or have a photo with such a man?
"I think Gianni has the right to try to bridge gaps and bring people together, but I think maybe he does not understand or does not know the deep suffering of the Palestinian people."
After the exchange, Infantino addressed the room, urging cooperation.
"We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters," Infantino said.
Speaking just before the incident, Suliman emphasized the unifying role of the sport.
"In football, there is no place for politics," Suliman said. "Everyone has the right to play and compete. We are teaching children values like respect, equality and love for others, and we hope that by the next time we meet, the situation will be better. We extend a hand to the Palestinian FA in the spirit of those shared values."
UEFA was reportedly moving toward a vote to suspend Israel over the war in Gaza in September, but the motion was put on pause.
Infantino announced no action would be taken against the team on Oct. 3 after a historic peace proposal by President Donald Trump and Netanyahu.
However, even after the peace proposal, Israeli sports teams have faced opposition and exclusion.
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Four noncitizens charged with illegally voting in 2020, 2022 and 2024 federal elections in New Jersey
Four noncitizens were charged with illegally voting in multiple federal elections and making false statements while applying for U.S. citizenship, federal prosecutors announced Friday.
According to criminal complaints filed in the District of New Jersey, each defendant allegedly cast ballots in at least one federal election, including the 2020 and 2024 presidential elections.
"Four individuals have been charged with illegally voting in federal elections and making false statements applying for U.S. citizenship," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a post on X.
KANSAS MAYOR HIT WITH CRIMINAL CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY VOTING AS NONCITIZEN IN SEVERAL ELECTIONS
"The individuals — all noncitizens — voted in elections including the 2020 Presidential election, 2022 midterms, and 2024 Presidential election cycles."
Prosecutors identified the defendants as David Neewilly, 73, of Atlantic County; Jacenth Beadle Exum, 70, of Bergen County; Idan Choresh, 43, of Monmouth County; and Abhinandan Vig, 33, of Monmouth County.
They are accused of registering to vote in New Jersey while not U.S. citizens and falsely certifying their citizenship status on voter registration forms.
"This administration will not tolerate aliens who attempt to vote in our elections when they know they are not eligible," acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said in a statement.
"As alleged, these green card holders lied in order to register to vote and then lied again to immigration authorities by falsely claiming never to have voted in a federal election."
Blanche added the Justice Department "will use every authority to protect the integrity of U.S. elections."
STATE CONSERVATIVES DEMAND ACTION ON NONCITIZEN VOTING: ‘TIME FOR CONGRESS TO LISTEN’
According to prosecutors, the defendants later falsely stated on naturalization applications that they had never registered or voted in federal elections.
"As alleged, the defendants broke federal law by voting in elections they were not eligible to participate in and then made false statements under oath to conceal that conduct," U.S. Attorney Robert Frazer said in a statement.
"Today’s charges reflect this office’s commitment to protecting the integrity of our election system and ensuring that those who attempt to circumvent both our voting laws and our naturalization process are held accountable."
Neewilly was charged with voting by an alien in a federal election and making false statements related to naturalization. He appeared April 22 before a U.S. magistrate judge in Camden.
DHS SCORCHES PRITZKER'S 'SANCTUARY' STATE AFTER CHILD RAPIST ON ICE DETAINER RELEASED
Choresh faces multiple charges, including voting by an alien in a federal election and unlawful procurement of citizenship. He appeared May 1 in Newark federal court.
Vig was charged with unlawful procurement of citizenship and appeared May 1 in Newark.
Beadle Exum faces charges of making false statements related to naturalization and unlawful procurement of citizenship. She also appeared May 1 in Newark.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Justice Department and FBI for comment.
Trump teases US will be 'taking over' Cuba 'almost immediately' in Florida speech
President Donald Trump appeared to joke during remarks at the Forum Club of the Palm Beaches in Florida Friday that the U.S. would be "taking over" Cuba "almost immediately," while recognizing attendees including former Rep. Dan Mica.
"And he comes from, originally, a place called Cuba, which we will be taking over almost immediately," Trump said.
"Cuba’s got problems. We’ll finish one first. I like to finish a job."
TRUMP AIMS TO RESET WAR POWERS CLOCK WITH CONTROVERSIAL BID TO BYPASS CONGRESS
Trump then riffed on a hypothetical show of American force.
"On the way back from Iran, we’ll have one of our big — maybe the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier — the biggest in the world," he said.
"We’ll have that come in, stop about 100 yards offshore, and they’ll say, ‘Thank you very much, we give up.’"
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The president did not elaborate further.
The White House did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for clarification if the remarks were hypothetical or outlining policy plans.
Pentagon orders withdrawal of 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany as Trump escalates feud with Merz
The Pentagon will withdraw 5,000 U.S. troops from Germany, a spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The redeployment comes amid President Donald Trump’s escalating feud with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and other NATO allies after tensions over their response to the conflict involving Iran.
"The Secretary of War has ordered the withdrawal of approximately 5,000 troops from Germany," chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told Fox News Digital.
EUROPEAN LEADERS ON EDGE AS PROSPECT LOOMS OF TRUMP PULLING 20K TROOPS FROM CONTINENT
"This decision follows a thorough review of the Department’s force posture in Europe and is in recognition of theater requirements and conditions on the ground.
"We expect the withdrawal to be completed over the next six to twelve months."
About 38,000 U.S. troops are stationed in Germany, where U.S. European Command is headquartered at Ramstein Air Base. The base and other American installations have long served as key logistics hubs and command centers supporting U.S. military operations in Europe and the Middle East.
The U.S. troop presence in Germany has been a point of political debate in recent years. In 2020, Trump ordered the withdrawal of roughly 12,000 troops from the country, but the plan faced bipartisan resistance in Congress and was not completed before President Joe Biden took office.
Merz, speaking Monday in Marsberg, criticized the U.S. approach to Iran, saying Washington was being "humiliated by the Iranian leadership" and expressing hope the conflict would end "as quickly as possible."
EU PUSHES FOR END OF IRAN WAR IN A MANNER WHERE 'EVERYBODY SAVES FACE'
Trump’s comments followed those remarks, marking the latest flash point between the two leaders, who have previously clashed on issues, including tariffs and defense spending.
On Wednesday, Trump said in a Truth Social post his administration was "studying and reviewing the possible reduction of Troops in Germany," adding that a decision would be made "over the next short period of time."
He also sharply criticized Merz, saying he "doesn’t know what he’s talking about" regarding Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
"The Chancellor of Germany, Friedrich Merz, thinks it’s OK for Iran to have a Nuclear Weapon," Trump wrote in a Truth Social post Tuesday.
TRUMP’S ‘ECONOMIC FURY’ SQUEEZES IRAN — BUT CAN TEHRAN OUTLAST THE PRESSURE?
"He doesn’t know what he’s talking about! If Iran had a Nuclear Weapon, the whole World would be held hostage.
"I am doing something with Iran, right now, that other Nations, or Presidents, should have done long ago. No wonder Germany is doing so poorly, both Economically, and otherwise!"
Fox News Digital's Alex Koch and Peter Doocy contributed to this report.
Stephen A Smith says he argued with Michael Jordan about whether NASCAR drivers are athletes
Stephen A. Smith saying that NASCAR drivers are not athletes has been one of my favorite stories for quite some time.
You've got someone giving a demonstrably incorrect hot take, and then just digging their heels in.
It's everything that's both great and terrible about sports media rolled up in a single package.
But, I thought if there was one person who could break through to Stephen A. and point to the mountain of evidence why NASCAR drivers — and racing drivers in general — are not just athletes, but high-level, highly trained athletes, it would be Michael Jordan.
But I would be mistaken.
Stephen A. has been called out on this take by drivers like Joey Logano and Kevin Harvick, who brought his own in-car fitness tracking info as proof. So, Smith, being the savvy media personality he is, took this to his show.
That's when, according to Awful Announcing, he got a call from his Airness.
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Now, if you didn't know, Jordan is a longtime NASCAR fan and co-owns one of the sport's hottest teams right now, 23XI Racing, with current Joe Gibbs Racing driver Denny Hamlin.
Surely, he could talk some sense into Stephen A.
"You know who wanted to correct me about the NASCAR thing? Michael Jordan," Smith said on his SiriusXM. "Michael Jordan. I argued with him! Because that’s how I feel! I’m being honest. That’s how I feel. That’s all, it’s not a crime. That’s what makes radio and sports talk."
All right, so not at all.
I mean, people are entitled to their opinions, but when someone goes, "Here are several dozen reasons and examples why you're wrong," and you stick to your guns, you're just being difficult.
But remember, it is Stephen A. who is under attack through all of this.
"Don’t you notice what we call the gang mentality?" Smith asked. "Where everybody in my line of work jumps on popular opinion so they are lumped in with the vast majority of people who feel the way they feel? That’s easy. The hard part is, ‘this is where I stand, and I genuinely feel this way, and here’s why.’"
NASCAR drivers being athletes isn't a popular opinion.
It just is.
Federal appeals court blocks mailing of abortion pills in ruling with nationwide effect
A federal appeals court on Friday blocked the mailing of the abortion pill mifepristone under current Food and Drug Administration (FDA) rules, a move the court acknowledged would, "as a practical matter, have a nationwide effect," one that sets up a likely Supreme Court battle over abortion access.
The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling could restrict abortion pill access across the country, restoring rules supporters say protect patient safety and state authority, while critics warn it will make access harder even in states where abortion remains legal.
The decision means women will now have to see a medical professional to obtain a mifepristone prescription, restoring a requirement that had been lifted during the COVID-19 pandemic under former President Joe Biden.
Mifepristone is one of two drugs commonly used in medication abortions and accounts for a majority of abortions in the U.S., according to research from the Guttmacher Institute.
ABORTION PILL MIFEPRISTONE STAYS AVAILABLE BY MAIL FOR NOW AS FDA FACES 6-MONTH REVIEW DEADLINE
The court’s order blocks mail-order distribution of the drug and effectively halts pharmacy-based dispensing allowed under recent FDA rule changes, requiring it to be dispensed in person under earlier safety protocols.
"It is true, as the district court noted, that a § 705 stay 'would, as a practical matter, have a nationwide effect.'" the court wrote, putting in plain terms the sweeping implications of the decision.
Judges sharply criticized the FDA’s handling of the drug’s safety data, saying the agency had "previously eliminated the requirement to report mifepristone’s adverse events," and calling it "unreasonable" to remove reporting requirements and then rely on the resulting lack of data to justify expanded access.
The ruling also sided with arguments from pro-life states, including Louisiana, which said federal policy undermined their abortion laws.
"Every abortion facilitated by FDA’s action cancels Louisiana’s ban," the court wrote, adding that the state’s policy recognizes "every unborn child is [a] human being … from the moment of conception.
REPUBLICAN SENATORS BLAST FDA FOR EXPANDING ABORTION PILL ACCESS
"Once lost, that sovereign prerogative of protecting unborn life cannot be regained."
The ruling marks a major escalation in the legal fight over abortion drugs, pitting federal regulators against states seeking to enforce stricter abortion laws after the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade.
Pro-life groups quickly praised the decision.
"This is a win we’ve been waiting for, and we pray it holds," Students for Life President Kristan Hawkins said.
"We can’t remain the United States of America if abortion-loving states allow criminal enterprises to be set up, breaking the laws of their pro-life neighbors."
Family Research Council President Tony Perkins called the ruling "great news for the unborn," adding that the issue "should be before the U.S. Supreme Court soon."
Pro-choice advocates sharply criticized the decision.
New York Attorney General Letitia James said mifepristone is "safe, effective and essential," calling the ruling "yet another cruel attack on abortion access."
"Restrictions on abortion care are restrictions on life-saving health care," she added.
As Fox News Digital previously reported, a federal judge had allowed mifepristone to remain available by mail on a temporary basis last month while legal challenges and federal review efforts continued.
PRO-LIFE MOVEMENT CONFRONTS HIGH ABORTION RATES THREE YEARS AFTER DOBBS
Judge David C. Joseph previously cautioned against "government by lawsuit," emphasizing that the FDA’s ongoing safety review, not litigation, should determine long-term policy.
That review remains underway, with the Department of Health and Human Services and the FDA tasked with examining safety data, adverse events and the regulatory framework on mifepristone.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill had argued the policy caused "irreparable harm every day" it remained in place, warning expanded access was designed to "reach into jurisdictions like Louisiana" despite state-level abortion restrictions.
Friday’s ruling now sets up a likely appeal to the Supreme Court, where a new challenge to federal authority over abortion drug regulation could take center stage.
The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.
Browns coach Todd Monken keeping QB competition open amid uneven practice reps, Shedeur Sanders buzz
The Cleveland Browns entered last season with one of the NFL's more crowded quarterback rooms.
Shedeur Sanders took over as starting quarterback in Week 12 last season, and after two more starts, he was named the starter for the remainder of the season.
Dillon Gabriel moved to a backup role as Deshaun Watson remained on the physically unable to perform list, even after the team opened his 21-day practice window in December.
Sanders, Gabriel and Watson all return in 2026, but it remains unclear which quarterback will be under center when the regular season begins this fall.
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Browns head coach Todd Monken reiterated his stance on maintaining an open competition for the starting job, telling Cleveland radio station 92.3 The Fan it's premature to name a starter.
"It’s my job to let it play out," Monken said.
Monken’s comments Friday are in line with his previously stated belief in letting players decide who plays and giving all involved opportunities as the competition evolves.
The remarks also follow a report that Watson leads the race for the starting job. They also come after Shilo Sanders downplayed the report and publicly expressed support for his brother Shedeur’s bid for QB1.
Monken, who was hired in January, is expected to introduce a new offensive system in Cleveland. The first-year coach has indicated he prefers one quarterback to separate himself from the group.
The Browns held a three-day voluntary minicamp shortly before the 2026 NFL Draft. At the lone practice open to the media, Watson led the quarterback rotation in most drills, but Monken said the plan called for Sanders to get more reps overall.
"I’m not there yet, so I can’t say (there’s a leader)," Monken added. "We’ve been on the field three days."
The Browns are scheduled to begin organized team activities in mid-May. In June, the team will hold a mandatory minicamp. The offseason program then concludes before training camp begins in July.
The Browns drafted quarterback Taylen Green in the sixth round in last week's draft.
Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine in February, Browns general manager Andrew Berry cautioned that there's no rush to decide on a starting quarterback.
"We don't have to make that decision anytime soon," Berry said at the time. "I think any player that we have in that room we would expect to compete to earn a role. Those two would be no different."
The Browns went 5-12 last season.
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