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Newsom’s ‘break the glass’ warning fuels Hilton accusation Democrats are exploiting jungle primary fears
California Republican gubernatorial frontrunner Steve Hilton blasted Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom for "fear mongering" after the governor suggested he had a contingency plan if Democrats appeared at risk of being shut out of the general election.
California’s primary election is just two weeks away, and under the state’s jungle primary system — where the top two vote-getters advance regardless of party — both Democrats and Republicans fear they won’t be represented in the general election.
Newsom expressed his concern about a Republican shutdown last Thursday during a news conference, explaining that he has a "break the glass scenario" to ensure Democrats aren't "locked out."
"There’s many people that have a deep understanding of what it would look like if Democrats were locked out, and we’re going to do everything to make sure that doesn’t happen," Newsom said. "I’ll leave it there."
JOY REID BLASTS CA DEMS FOR LETTING GOP CONTENDERS TAKE LEAD IN GOVERNOR’S RACE
Fox News Digital reached out to Newsom's office for further comment.
Hilton claimed that Newsom's comments were a tactic to split Republican voters between himself and Republican candidate Chad Bianco.
"He's not trying to stop a 'top two Republican' outcome because that is not possible and never was," Hilton said in a statement to Fox News Digital. "Chad Bianco is far behind in the polls and fundraising, and has no chance of being in the top two."
GOP CANDIDATE BIANCO'S TWO-WORD JAB AT KATIE PORTER DRAWS GASPS FROM CALIFORNIA DEBATE AUDIENCE
RealClearPolitics’ polling averages show Hilton leading the pack of candidates, with Democratic candidate Xavier Becerra in a close second. Meanwhile, Bianco trails in fourth place.
Hilton argued it would be Newsom’s "ideal scenario" to have two Democrats facing off, saying it would deflect attention from Newsom’s "appalling record" as he eyes a 2028 presidential run.
"Newsom and the Democrats are fearmongering over a R vs R matchup in the general election precisely to encourage Republicans to split their votes, thus guaranteeing an all-Democrat top two," Hilton said in a statement for Fox News Digital.
In a video posted to X on Tuesday, Hilton called on his Republican opponent Bianco to drop out of the race, in an effort to ensure a Republican is on the ballot.
Political strategists have said there is a valid fear among both Democrats and Republicans that their party could be shut out of the general election due to the jungle primary system, which went into effect after voters approved it in a statewide referendum in 2010.
"This is really the first gubernatorial election where there's no obvious winner, so that's why it's such a tense thing," Richard Winger, owner of Ballot Access News, told Fox News Digital.
Winger and former Democratic state Sen. Dario Frommer pointed to other races where the seat was open and two candidates of the same party were running against each other in the general election.
"The Republicans were shut out in the California U.S. Senate primary in 2018 when the top two vote getters were Kamala Harris and Rep. Linda Sanchez, and there have been other races where either Republicans or Democrats were shut out of the general election because of the top two," Frommer, who is now a legislative strategist, told Fox News Digital.
"I think early on there was genuine, genuine concern of the Democratic party, because there were so many Democratic candidates that Hilton and Bianco were going to be the top two vote getters," Frommer told Fox News Digital. "Now that's changed a bit."
Frommer said that, based on current polling, the top two vote-getters appear likely to be Hilton, Becerra, and Democratic candidate Tom Steyer.
But at the same time Frommer said Democrats aren't in the clear either.
"Usually, there's a lot more people overall voting by this point, and they're not, and so I think that concern is real for Democrats, that people wait too long to fill out their ballots, and there's only two Republican candidates," Frommer told Fox News Digital.
The fear of either party being shut out of the general election this fall has prompted Democratic strategist Steven Maviglio to organize a ballot initiative campaign to eliminate the jungle primary system, a measure that could appear on the 2028 ballot.
"I think if two Republicans make the ballot, or if two Democrats make the ballot, then voter outrage will be high, and that will only focus on just what a failed experiment this is," Maviglio said of the jungle primary system.
Woman stunned to unearth 3-carat diamond at state park after heartbreaking year
A grieving woman unearthed an unusually large diamond at a state park just days after burying her father — and months after losing her son.
Keshia Smith, a resident of Pennsylvania, found the 3.09-carat diamond at Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park in Pike County last month.
Officials described the "gorgeous" gem as having "a flat, smooth appearance" and measuring about the size of a bead.
OKLAHOMA FAMILY UNCOVERS 'REALLY NEAT' DIAMOND AT STATE PARK, THANKS TO DOLLAR-STORE TOOLS
"It is colorless, with a few unique inclusions around the edges," a May press release from Arkansas State Parks noted.
Park officials said that Smith planned her April vacation to the park over a year ago.
After losing her son in October and burying her father just days before the trip, Smith hoped the outing would bring "some much-needed comfort."
"She made the road trip with her boyfriend Joey and brother Kirim, and arrived at the park on Tuesday, April 21," officials said.
She spent her first day scouring the park and meeting other visitors before heading to the south end of the search area the next morning.
After receiving tips from other visitors, Smith began digging — and soon "saw the colors of the soil change from brown to black."
"After a couple more scoops, she spotted something shiny in her shovel," Arkansas State Parks said.
Skeptical at first, Smith placed the stone in her bag. She continued digging before later bringing it to the park's wash pavilion to sift through her finds.
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As she showed the crystal to other visitors, one person urged her to have it examined.
According to the release, Smith "was overcome with joy and started crying, laughing and hugging everyone around her."
She compared the diamond's shape to a heart, which she said was "the first thing I saw when I found it."
Smith told officials she's been "feeling a lot of pressure" in recent months.
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"In October I lost my son, and we just buried my dad a week ago ... I really needed this," she said, as the released indicated.
"I really prayed for this, and I just can’t believe it actually happened!"
Over the past decade, just 15 diamonds weighing 3 carats or more have been discovered at the park, said Caleb Howell, park superintendent Caleb Howell.
Howell told Fox News Digital that park officials do not appraise found diamonds, as staff are not trained gemologists.
"Most gemologists would not know how to appraise our diamonds because they are natural stones and have not been 'cut,'" said Howell.
"However, I like to think our diamonds are even more special because diamonds from a jewelry store have been handled by several humans before they ended up in that counter space."
"Our diamonds are like snowflakes," he added. "Of all the ones I have seen, they are unique in clarity, color and carat."
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Howell said the digging experience gives each diamond added sentimental value.
"Think about it — this place is very, very special," he said.
"While diamonds are rare and most visitors do not find a diamond, all visitors can leave here with the memories of having the opportunity to search for these special gemstones," he said.
"I recommend that you come to enjoy the adventure and opportunity, but maybe you too might be the lucky one that leaves with a diamond."
Mamdani won't attend Israel Day Parade, breaking decades-long mayoral tradition amid antisemitism surge
Democratic-Socialist Mayor Zohran Mamdani of New York City is being slammed by Jewish groups for his decision to miss the city’s historic Israel Day Parade. His decision comes as the Big Apple wrestles with record levels of antisemitism.
Home to the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, Jewish New Yorkers have long viewed the annual parade as one of the city’s clearest public displays of solidarity with both the Jewish state and the community. On Tuesday, two of the city’s most prominent Jewish organizations declined an invitation to a Jewish heritage event held at Gracie Mansion in response to Mamdani’s latest snub.
"Since the very first Israel Parade in 1964, every single sitting Mayor of New York City has joined in the festive celebrations. New York has historically been proud of its deep relationship with Israel. Not joining the parade is an affront to the history of New York City," Moshe Davis, former Executive Director of the Mayor’s Office to Combat Antisemitism under Mayor Adams, told Fox News Digital.
NYC ANTISEMITIC INCIDENTS NEARLY TRIPLE DESPITE OTHER CRIMES REACHING RECORD LOWS
Earlier this month Mamdani officially confirmed that he would not attend the event, despite soaring antisemitism in New York City and weeks of anti-Israel demonstrations outside synagogues and Jewish communal institutions across the city. Parade, organizers say the event on May 31st is expected to draw record turnout in response to Mamdani’s snub.
While the mayor had previously indicated during an Oct. 2025 interview with the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he would likely not attend as a matter of political principle, his renewed public confirmation has led to growing criticism.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Mamdani’s office regarding the criticism from Jewish leaders over not attending the parade and were referred by his spokesman to a statement he had given to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.
"I look forward to joining and hosting many community events celebrating Jewish life in New York and the rich Jewish history and culture of our city. While I will not be attending the Israel Day Parade, my lack of attendance should not be mistaken for a refusal to provide security or the necessary permits for its safety. I’ve been very clear: I believe in equal rights for all people everywhere. That principle guides me consistently."
Community leaders say the decision breaks with decades of bipartisan tradition in a city where participation in the parade has long been viewed as both symbolic and expected.
Despite the mayor declining the invitation, New York Governor Kathy Hochul spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that she will participate in the parade.
Organizers say this year’s event is expected to feature more marching groups than ever before, driven not only by support for Israel but also by concern over rising antisemitism.
One person associated with the parade told Fox News Digital the event is expected to be "safer at the parade than in your own home," citing extensive security coordination surrounding this year’s march.
Still, much of the conversation surrounding the parade has centered on Mamdani’s absence.
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During his mayoral campaign, Mamdani suggested he would likely "miss a lot" of New York City’s traditional parades due to his political views, while evaluating appearances "case-by-case."
Critics argue the Israel Day Parade is not simply another political event, but a longstanding civic tradition closely tied to New York City’s Jewish identity and history.
"The Israel Day Parade is a testament to one of New York City's most important relationships. From healthcare to technology to innovation, Israel and New York City are partners in building a better future. I want every New Yorker to join the Parade on Fifth Avenue because celebrating this bond isn't just for the Jewish community, it's for our entire city," former Mayor of New York City Eric Adams told Fox News Digital.
The controversy surrounding Mamdani has also widened beyond the parade itself, with the UJA Federation of New York and the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York declining to attend his first Jewish Heritage event for the upcoming Jewish holiday of Shavuot at Gracie Mansion, stating they would not participate in an event hosted by a mayor who "denies the core pillar of our heritage, the State of Israel as the homeland of the Jewish people."
At the event, Mamdani acknowledged the scale of antisemitism facing the city’s Jewish population, stating, "Jewish New Yorkers, accounting for just nearly 12% of our city’s population, are also the targets of more than 50% of all hate crimes."
He also announced a proposed $26 million annual investment toward expanding hate crime prevention efforts under the city’s Office for the Prevention of Hate Crimes. Details of the proposal were not clear at how he would tackle antisemitism at time of publication.
Ambassador Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, Trump's special envoy to monitor and combat antisemitism, told Fox News Digital when asked about Mamdani's position that, "It is important we recognize the need for leaders to uphold their responsibility to protect religious freedom and refrain from making incendiary comments that contribute to the rise of antisemitism. Leaders who fail to do so bear responsibility for the increase in antisemitic activity."
This year’s parade is also expected to feature expanded interfaith participation. In a first for the event’s 61-year history, some Muslim groups are slated to march alongside Jewish organizations, in addition to expanded participation from Asian American groups and others.
UK police apologize to 'Father Ted' creator Graham Linehan for arrest over trans social media posts
The Metropolitan Police has issued an apology to an Irish comedy writer who was arrested over his social media posts criticizing transgender issues, according to a new report.
Graham Linehan, creator of "Father Ted," was detained by five armed officers at Heathrow Airport in September 2025 on suspicion of inciting violence. The Telegraph reported that Lynsay Watson, a transgender former police officer, reported Linehan for a hate crime stemming from three social media posts Linehan had posted criticizing transgender activists.
Prosecutors later dropped the case. Linehan announced in October he intended to sue the force for wrongful arrest.
After a five-month investigation, the Met Police has now apologized for how his case was handled and vowed to learn from the experience.
IRISH TV COMEDY WRITER SAYS UK 'NO LONGER FREE COUNTRY' AFTER ARREST OVER SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS
"I apologize to Mr Linehan for the shortcomings in this investigation," Met Police Inspector Matt Hume said, according to a police report obtained by The Telegraph. "The Met Police remains committed to lawful, proportionate policing and to learning from failings when they arise."
"I accept that the service provided was not acceptable and recognize the distress and impact this matter has caused Mr. Linehan," he added.
Linehan has long been a vocal critic of gender ideology. One of the social media posts which triggered the arrest read, "If a trans-identified male is in a female-only space, he is committing a violent, abusive act. Make a scene, call the cops and if all else fails, punch him in the balls."
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His arrest sparked international outrage over the UK's free speech policies.
"What the f--- has the U.K. become? This is totalitarianism. Utterly deplorable," "Harry Potter" author J.K. Rowling wrote at the time.
Last October, the Met announced it would no longer investigate "non-crime hate incidents" as a result of the high-profile case.
BILL MAHER URGES AMERICANS TO UNCONDITIONALLY SUPPORT FREE SPEECH, AVOID BECOMING LIKE BRITAIN
None of the police officers involved in Linehan's arrest will face discipline, according to The Telegraph, but Scotland Yard said it would work to change the way it "handles future hate-crime allegations involving high-profile people."
Hume's report allegedly concluded that Linehan's arrest was lawful, but the investigation was "flawed" because officers had wrongly focused on the transgender criticism in his posts, "rather than the alleged incitement to violence," according to The Telegraph.
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"I therefore accept that, at times, both the investigation and arrest phases lacked the diligence one would expect from the MPS," Hume wrote.
The Free Speech Union (FSU), which supported Linehan's legal case, said it welcomed the police apology, calling Linehan's arrest and detention "an unacceptable interference in his right to free speech."
"We look forward to working with the Met Police and other police services to ensure their response to complaints about social media posts in future has due regard to freedom of expression," the group said in a statement to The Telegraph.
In a post to X, Linehan appeared to mock the police apology.
"This, from the 'apology' I received from the police, doesn't sound like an apology," he said before quoting the report.
Linehan and the Met did not immediately return Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
Vanderbilt pitcher screams at batter like a maniac, gets hit with instant karma one pitch later
It’s that time of year, boys and girls. We’re on the doorstep of the College World Series, otherwise known as the most underrated tournament of the year.
We always hype up March Madness, and for good reason. Obviously, that’s the GOAT. I get it. I watch it. I enjoy it.
But I’ve long said that college baseball deserves some more shine. ESPN owns all the rights, and completely buries it for 11 months out of the year until June rolls around. It’s disgusting. It’s a disservice to the fans, to the players, and to the schools.
I’m not here to rag on ESPN, though, although I’d very much like to continue. Nope. Instead, I’d like to head on out to the SEC Tournament, where Vanderbilt pitcher Connor Fennell got the biggest dose of karma in the history of sports during Tuesday’s opener against Kentucky.
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I realize that may sound hyperbolic, but … yeah, I’m not exaggerating.
Take a look:
My God. Amazing. This Connor Fennell is cooked. He may never recover from that. It’s one of the most embarrassing things I’ve ever seen on a pitching mound, and I once played for the worst D-III college baseball team in the country.
Yelling, "You’re f----ing mine, let’s go!" after throwing an 89 MPH fastball is truly barbaric behavior. Do you need how slow 89 is in 2026? It was slow when I last played a DECADE ago.
If you’re not hitting triple-digits every other pitch nowadays, you’re considered slow. That’s how out of control the arms have gotten in today’s game.
And this guy is pumping … 89? And YELLING about it? Goodness gracious. The next pitch was obviously going to get sent to the moon, and it was. The Baseball Gods are fickle. They are unforgiving. They don’t miss a thing.
Oh, you think you’re gonna sneak one by just because you’re playing an SEC tournament opener against Kentucky in the middle of a work day? Think again, pal. The Gods were locked in on this one, and they made sure Connor Fennell was properly dealt with.
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Fennell, by the way, is 4-2 this season with a 4.96 ERA. Again, I’m all for being cocky on the mound. I like my pitcher having some swag. Be confident. Be bold. I get it.
But when your ERA is hovering around five and you’re topping out at 89? Eh. Maybe don’t declare that the batter is yours after one check swing. Just a thought.
Anyway, all’s well that ends well for Fennell and Vandy, which scored seven unanswered runs and advanced to a date with Florida in the next round.
June Madness is almost here!
Friday night problems: Alabama high school football coach banned for season after recruiting violation
The State of Alabama is the latest to crack down on recruiting within high school football, with Mary G. Montgomery head coach Zach Golson being suspended for the upcming season.
You might be wondering what type of recruiting violations would end up getting a coach escorted out of the school after being placed on administrative leave when accusations started flying.
Well, in my neck of the woods of Semmes, Alabama, keeping a secret or not running to social media to blast the latest gossip is essentially a rite of passage.
Located just outside of Mobile, which is home to Hank Aaron, Ozzie Smith, Jake Peavy, JaMarcus Russell, Tee Martin, Satchel Paige and plenty of other legends, Mary G. Montgomery has made plenty of noise over the past four years under coach Zach Golson.
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During his time as the head coach, Golson had accumulated a 37-10 record at the Division 7A level of Alabama high school football, which also put a target on his back from opposing coaches in the area and state.
Honestly, during my time at Davidson High School, MGM was one of those games that you knew would be an easy night on the field, though I'm not going to act as if I played.
You could catch me on the soccer field, and even then I wasn’t getting on the pitch until we had secured at least a three-score lead.
OK, back to the reason why Mary G. Montgomery will not have its head coach for the upcoming season.
While back home last month for a visit with family, along with making a trek down I-10 towards a college not to be named (future story), the MGM Vikings were brought up numerous times as the latest scuttlebutt of weird improprieties in high school recruiting.
According to a few people who couldn’t resist the opportunity to spread some gossip about things I had missed, MGM head coach Zach Golson allegedly held an event for eighth-grade students who were intending to play for the high school next season.
FOX10 News in Mobile, Alabama, reported that a principal from an opposing school turned in the MGM football program.
The problem is that the location of MGM also coincides with schools like Blount High, Baker and even Vigor, which leads to some interesting recruiting tactics being used if you are not within a certain zoning area. If you are in the Blount housing zone, that's the school in which you are to attend.
So, if a coach were to maybe maneuver a few things to get a player into his district, and I'm not implying Zach Golson did this, you can see how opposing coaches would be upset.
Just think of that scene from the show "Friday Night Lights" when "Buddy" put in a fake mailbox so he could allow some talented players to use the 'house' as their home address so they could play for the Dillon Panthers. If you remember, this was the reason why Luke Cafferty had to play for East Dillon, which turned out to be a blessing for coach Eric Taylor.
In the case of head coach Zach Golson, the signing day ceremony that included youngsters who were not in his district, which were plastered across social media, has ended up costing him a year of coaching.
Turns out, this would be all the evidence opposing schools needed to turn in Golson, which led to him being placed on administrative leave, along with being told to exit school grounds. He was then suspended for the entire 2026-2027 season.
I know what you're probably thinking, and yes this seems a bit excessive. But, high school football is obviously pretty competitive to say the least.
In the aftermath of the school finding out that evidence existed of this alleged poorly executed ceremony, with the Alabama High School Athletic Association having already been tipped-off about the event, Mary G. Montgomery officials confessed to the recruiting violations.
Not only was the school placed on probation for next season, but they will not be allowed to participate in the postseason, thanks to a ridiculous ceremony for eighth-grade students. And, if an opposing team were to lose to MGM, the game will not count towards their overall record in Division 6A, Region 1 standings.
For the students who participated in the ceremony and were not in MGM's district, they will have to play for the school located within their housing zone.
So, because of the actions of its now suspended head coach, who is known for being a great guy, MGM players are essentially playing a seasons worth of exhibitions games. This is the worst part of it all.
What an absolute sham for those players caught up in this nonsense.
But, that's recruiting during an era where we also have what is essentially a transfer portal for high school athletes.
Backseat grillmeisters are the absolute worst and other petty complaints about BBQing
It’s Wednesday, which means it’s time to slather on some sunscreen and get ready for some warm-weather whining in an all-new edition of The Gripe Report!
We’re just days away from Memorial Day — the unofficial start of summer — but, as I mentioned in Tuesday’s edition of Nightcaps, it should really just be accepted as the official start of summer.
Because while not everyone lives in a part of the country where the weather is nice enough to BBQ all year long, it may be the first time you dust off the grill, smoker, or flat-top for the year.
I don’t care what science says; that is the start of summer.
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So, we’re talking BBQ this week, and as great as it is, there is still plenty to gripe about.
Good BBQ takes time, and that can be one of the biggest pains in the ass about it.
There’s just no way around it: if you want to smoke a brisket or a pork shoulder, clear your schedule.
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Sure, with the advent of pellet smokers and Bluetooth thermometers, you can be untethered from your smoker to some degree, but you're still going to need to do some degree of babysitting.
This is a real pain when your wife says something to the effect of, "Everyone is coming over for lunch at 1," at which point you do some mental meat math about how the pork butt you're going to smoke will probably take eight to 10 hours and then needs another hour to sit.
Well, set that alarm.
But here’s the thing: while I just complained about how long BBQing takes, that’s one of the things that makes it great. I love getting up while it’s still dark, firing up the grill, and watching it while I drink coffee for the first few hours.
That’s honestly part of the experience, and what an experience!
I’m not much of a BBQ snob. I’m not like, "You have to do X for it to be real BBQ," or "The only BBQ that will enter my piehole has to have Y."
All I ask is that it’s good.
I know that’s subjective, but there’s nothing worse than bad BBQ, and that’s because of the letdown that comes with it.
If someone says, "Hey, let’s go to this BBQ place I know of," you’re already drooling on yourself thinking of putting yourself into a voluntary, brisket-fueled food coma.
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But then you go and find it’s kind of meh, and then you’re upset that you just got BBQ cucked.
It’s happened to me, and it sucks, so be wary.
Speaking of snobs, I’m not a fan of the guys who insist that all BBQ is s--t unless it comes from within the city limits of where they grew up or currently live.
It’s like a guy who says he likes one kind of music and only listens to it.
I like rock too, but you're missing out by not dipping into blues, jazz, classical, hip-hop, etc.
That’s BBQ to me. Kansas City style is great. Texas style is great. The Carolinas have great BBQ. Alabama white sauce is good. The modern version of BBQ can be really great.
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It’s okay to have a preference; that’s natural. What I’m asking is that you not rip a deuce on other styles of BBQ just because they’re not the one from your hometown.
No one is going to banish you from Texas if you admit that Carolina BBQ is good.
You will not be drawn and quartered by folks in Kansas City if you say you prefer a simple dry rub to something slathered in sauce.
Actually, they might…
One of my biggest problems with BBQ is myself.
As is the case with anything I do, I am my worst critic, and boy, has that ruined a meal or two for me and others.
I’m not saying I did anything crazy, but I have brought the mood down like a hockey player who just deflected a game-winning goal into his own net.
"Yeah, y’know, just really disappointed. I feel like I let everyone down tonight. We’ll just have to regroup, come back, and execute better next time…"
I just hate putting in the time to make something and have it suck. I remember one time I made some pork belly burnt ends that weren’t inedible, but not to my liking. That ruined them even more because I just sat there thinking about how I should’ve done something differently.
Well, there’s always next time… unless you screw up so bad that you make everyone sick, in which case you should probably stop.
It’s almost a cliché at this point, but whenever there’s a cookout, dudes are drawn to the grill or the smoker like a moth is drawn to a porch light.
I feel like most of the time, they’re just there to spectate (and silently judge), but occasionally, you get a guy who feels the need to start dictating what the grillmeister is supposed to do.
Flip this. Turn that. Move this. Stab that with a fork. Don’t stab that with a fork.
Everyone has their own way of doing things on the grill, and as long as you get a good result, who cares?
Now this isn’t to say I’m not looking for tips on how to get better. I’m always looking for them.
That’s how you unlock the secrets to great BBQ. I was once told to use mayo as a binder when I smoke a turkey breast, and — what do you know? — it’s great.
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But when someone is in the midst of grilling up some burgers or bratwursts, that’s not the time to start spitting some knowledge.
…
That’s all for this smoky, saucy edition of The Gripe Report!
Feel free to send in your gripes for the next one: matthew.reigle@outkick.com
'Written in our DNA': Polish pilots who remember Soviet rule prepare for America's most lethal fighter jet
LASK, Poland — Poland is expected to receive its first F-35 fighter jets "very, very soon", Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski told Fox News Digital, as American and Polish forces prepare together at a key NATO air base near the alliance’s eastern flank.
Fox News Digital received exclusive access to Poland's 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask, where commanders pointed to the hangars being prepared for the arrival of the U.S.- made fifth-generation aircraft, part of Poland's $4.6 billion purchase of 32 F-35 from Lockheed Martin.
The jets have not arrived yet, but the partnership behind them already has.
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Polish and American personnel train, operate and in some cases are stationed together on the base, reflecting the unusually close military relationship between Warsaw and Washington at a time when NATO burden-sharing remains under political scrutiny.
Lt. Col. Pete Nanoslawski, commander of the 52nd Operations Group Detachment 1 of the U.S. Air Force, originally from New York and stationed in Poland for the past five years, told Fox News Digital that Poland’s military modernization has significantly deepened cooperation between the two militaries.
"We are experiencing incredible support from Polish-provided logistics support and Polish-provided infrastructure," Nanoslawski said while standing alongside Polish commanders on the base.
He said Poland’s investment in American military systems and joint operations reflects how seriously Warsaw views threats from Russia. "Their foreign military sales portfolio is an appetite that’s insatiable, and rightfully so."
The close relationship between the two militaries was visible throughout the visit. As Polish commanders spoke about cooperation with the United States, they frequently turned toward their American counterparts with familiarity that went beyond formal alliance language.
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"We speak the same language, only with different accents," Col. pilot Krzysztof Duda, commander of the 32nd Tactical Air Base in Lask, told Fox News Digital.
Duda, who studied in the United States and attended the U.S. Air War College, described himself as "a child of the American education system."
"The marriage we have with the U.S. on the military level, even if you want to divorce, we would not," Duda said with a smile,"But we don’t want the divorce."
Nanoslawski added that the American presence in Poland provides "enhanced forward presence and the ability to maneuver and adjust rapidly."
The partnership is now entering a new phase with the integration of the U.S.-made F-35 into Poland’s air force fleet.
Poland signed a $4.6 billion agreement in 2020 to purchase 32 F-35A fighter jets manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
Duda, who is overseeing the implementation process at Lask, said the transition involves years of training, infrastructure upgrades and coordination with the United States.
Training to become an F35 pilot is not just a long process, it's an expensive one too — Duda estimates that it costs around $55 million per pilot.
The base itself has undergone extensive modernization to prepare for the aircraft, including new operational infrastructure, maintenance systems and classified facilities required under American certification standards.
In an interview with Fox News Digital in Warsaw, Polish Deputy Defense Minister Paweł Zalewski confirmed the first F-35 arrival is expected soon. "I can confirm that it will be very, very soon," Zalewski said.
POLAND SHOOTS DOWN DRONES IN ITS AIRSPACE DURING RUSSIAN ATTACK ON NEIGHBORING UKRAINE
"F-35s provides very, very important capabilities, so it offers domination in the air. That is crucial in the battlefield nowadays," he added. "It will be a capability developed together with Americans."
At a time when NATO burden-sharing remains a recurring debate in Washington, Poland has emerged as one of the alliance’s strongest military partners, dramatically increasing defense spending, purchasing American weapons systems and hosting U.S. forces.
For many Polish officers, the threat from Moscow is deeply personal.
Lt. Col. "Shooter," a Polish F-16 pilot at the base, told Fox News Digital that countries on NATO’s eastern flank still carry memories of Soviet domination.
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"There are still people that lived in communism," he said. "We remember, and we don’t want anything like that to happen again."
Looking at Russia’s actions in Chechnya, Georgia, Crimea and Ukraine, he said Poland believes deterrence is essential.
"We have this intuition probably written in our DNA," Shooter said. "When they are doing something, they’re not going to stop unless the cost of the further operation is going to be more than what they’re going to gain."
According to the U.S. Air Force, Polish pilots began F-35 training in the United States in 2024, including at Ebbing Air National Guard Base in Arkansas. The 33rd Fighter Wing announced in February that a Polish pilot had completed the first flight on Poland’s new F-35A aircraft as part of the training program.
Lockheed Martin told Fox News Digital that "integration of the F-35 into the Polish Air Force fleet advances regional deterrence, enhances interoperability and strengthens European security."
"As seen in recent combat and air policing operations, the F-35 is actively helping defend NATO and allied airspace by deterring and defeating threats, and it will protect Poland’s national security for decades to come," a company spokesperson said.
The company added that preparations are continuing for Poland’s first in-country F-35 arrival celebration at Lask in June.
Knicks storm back to shock Cavs in Game 1 as James Harden's defensive play comes under scrutiny
James Harden’s defensive liabilities came into focus in the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Game 1 collapse against the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.
The Cavaliers led by as many as 22 points before Jalen Brunson led the Knicks to a storming comeback victory, 115-104. Brunson had 38 points, including crucial buckets in the fourth quarter while Harden was guarding him.
Harden put the Cavaliers ahead with a few seconds to play, while Brunson answered back to tie the game. Cleveland’s Sam Merrill had an opportunity to give Cleveland the game-winning basket at the end of the fourth quarter, but his shot rolled around the rim and out.
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New York, then, outscored Cleveland, 14-3 in overtime to put the finishing touches on an incredible comeback.
Harden had 15 points, four rebounds and three assists, but was marked with six turnovers and was minus-6 on the floor. NBA fans targeted Harden for failing to do enough on defense when it mattered the most – a critique that has haunted him his entire career.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown pointed out after the game that the plan was to attack Harden.
"There is no secret: We were attacking Harden," Brown said. "Sometimes you’ve got to do what the game dictates, and they were trying to do the same thing with Jalen, so we said, ‘OK, we feel like we can play that game.’ We try not to play that game much, but we feel like we have a guy that we can play that game with in Jalen."
Harden credited Brunson with making tough plays down the stretch.
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"He made some tough ones, but we obviously all know he’s a great 1-on-1 player," Harden said. "Anybody on an island, it’s going to be difficult, so we’ve got to do a better job of making sure he sees bodies. On the other hand, they do a good job at supporting him and helping him when he’s on an island. He made some tough ones, but we’ve got to do a better job as a team."
Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson claimed the team made adjustments, but nothing worked.
"We started sending two at him, getting the ball out of his hands, full rotating," Atkinson said. "James was good most of the game. Listen, we weren’t great defensively in the fourth quarter."
He said he never considered taking Harden off the floor defensively.
"Listen, he’s been one of our best defenders and a big player in the playoffs," Atkinson said. "I trust him. He’s smart, great hands."
Game 2 is set for Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET at Madison Square Garden.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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