Fox News Latest Headlines
Two massive Alaskan brown bears fight over prime fishing spot at Lake Clark National Park
Some more incredible wildlife footage has hit the web.
As our loyal readers know, nature and wildlife content is among the best content on the internet, and it's wildly unpredictable.
Sometimes, it's beautiful and uplifting. Other times, it can be a house of absolute horrors.
GRIZZLY BEAR SENDS A BOLD YELLOWSTONE WOLF PACKING AFTER IT EYES THE BEAR'S BISON CARCASS MEAL
Today definitely leans towards the latter.
ABC News shared a video on Instagram this week of two massive bears in a tense standoff in Alaska.
BEAR TRIES TO STEAL ONE TOO MANY FISH OFF OF FISHERMAN'S LINE, GETS CHARGED AT WITH POLE IN HAND
"A tour guide in Alaska was startled when two bears began fighting over a prime fishing spot at Lake Clark National Park," the caption states.
Whiskey Riff reported the bears captured in the video are Alaskan brown bears, which can be significantly bigger than a standard grizzly.
This video perfectly sums up the impressive awe of nature and the fact it can also be insanely dangerous. Imagine being a human and getting in between those two beasts.
I don't care how tough or strong anyone thinks they are. I can guarantee you that there's no human on the planet who is going toe-to-toe with an Alaskan brown bear and coming out the winner.
It's simply not happening, especially once you realize an adult male can easily weigh more than 1,200 pounds.
Do you have crazy stories about encountering wild animals? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
Kansas renews Border War rivalry with Missouri by calling Tigers 'evil,' invoking slavery imagery
You all know I'm a sucker for college football rivalries.
I even wrote about some of my favorite rivalries in the sport that are no longer annual contests, and one of the games that ended up on that list was Kansas vs. Missouri, so you can imagine my excitement when it was announced that these two foes would be going at it once more.
The Border War, as it was known until 2004, dates back to 1891 and features the kind of hatred and bad blood that makes college football rivalries hit differently than any other sport.
NOTRE DAME-USC RIVALRY GAME DISCUSSIONS BACK ON AFTER COLLEGE FOOTBALL SERIES ENDED IN 2026
That hatred was on full display thanks to a new hype video the Jayhawks dropped on social media earlier this week in anticipation for Friday's showdown, and, if we are being honest, they might have taken things just a bit too far.
Listen, I'm all for animus in college football rivalries but calling Mizzou evil because Missouri was a slave state 160 years ago feels a bit much, don't you think?
I love how they had to officially change the name from Border War to Border Showdown so as not to invoke images of armed conflict, but here comes the Kansas social media team saying, "Hey, remember the Civil War? Well, our opponent was on the side that wanted to keep using slaves."
That's painting with a bit of a broad brush, if you ask me.
Also, no one at the University of Missouri, be they students, faculty, or otherwise, were even alive at the time of the Civil War, so I'm not sure it's very polite or even correct to call them all "evil."
Most of the Mizzou players featured in Kansas's hype video are black, too, and I can assure you they didn't commit to the Tigers because they're pro slavery.
And the final cherry on top of this embarrassment sundae is that Metro Boomin, the producer for the song "Superhero (Heroes & Villains)" used in the video, is from, you guessed it, Missouri. (St. Louis.)
Well done all around, Jayhawks.
THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!
Take it from a guy who throws his remote every time the opposing team converts a first down on his college team: no, it is not that deep.
Sophie Cunningham addresses perception that she is the 'sex symbol' of the WNBA
The usual suspects say that Sophie Cunningham, a role player, is more popular than some of the WNBA’s best players because of "white privilege." But that is not true.
Since Caitlin Clark’s rookie season, several WNBA players have used the increased spotlight to exhibit bratty behavior, entitlement, and racial hysteria. By contrast, Cunningham has embraced the moment. She’s entertaining, humorous, resilient, and gorgeous.
Colin Cowherd interviewed Cunningham this week on his Volume podcast network, of which she is a part, and noticed a difference between her and the many other athletes he has interviewed.
MINA KIMES THINKS PERCEPTION OF DIANNA RUSSINI-MIKE VRABEL SCANDAL IS UNFAIR TO WOMEN
"Just did a pod w @sophaller Never had a pod with an athlete that was this honest and authentic. Totally refreshing. I’ll release it tonight," Cowherd posted on X.
Cunningham is real. She’s likable.
She also doesn’t cave to the pressure from the vultures of American culture who have determined that attractive white women should be ashamed of their looks. She’s like Sydney Sweeney in that way.
"You are kind of viewed as the leagues…ummm," Cowherd hesitated.
"Just say it," Cunningham interrupted.
"Sex symbol," he responded.
"That is way better, I thought you were gonna go somewhere completely different," she joked.
THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!
Contrast Cunningham’s response with Angel Reese’s. Last month, Reese called herself "beautiful" multiple times and bragged that she looks good in a bikini. She then accused internet users of "sexualizing" her in the comments beneath those photos.
Many WNBA players want to be seen as sex symbols but then complain about the perception of such. Cunningham, meanwhile, has no issue with the narrative.
Nor should she.
"For me, the reason why I really lean into that is, first of all, I've always been super girly. Since a little girl, I've always loved to dress up. I love dresses. I love high heels. I love all of that," Cunningham explained.
"For some reason, our society, if you play basketball, you can't dress that way, or you can't be girly. No one's ever said it, but it's like, they kind of feel that you can't be both. Screw all that. Yes, you can. You can be girly, and you can go out and kick someone's ass."
She’s right.
WNBA SILENCE ON DIJONAI CARRINGTON'S 'WHITE PRIVILEGE' POST EXPOSES SANDY BRONDELLO DOUBLE STANDARD
The DiJonai Carringtons and Jemele Hill types want to reduce Cunningham’s popularity down to her skin color. Of course they do. It’s their only card.
In reality, Cunningham is the type of woman Americans would embrace regardless of her skin color. She’s a smoking-hot badass who protects her teammates and trolls the media elite.
The WNBA would be much better off if its other players learned from Cunningham, instead of trying to clothesline her.
Mamdani draws fury from 9/11 mourners over Ground Zero appearance: ‘Disrespectful’
Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s presence at Friday’s 9/11 remembrance at Ground Zero drew criticism from some in the city, including one former police officer who said the mayor "probably should have skipped it" and another mourner who called his appearance "disrespectful" and "very offensive."
Mamdani has faced criticism over his associations with controversial political and online figures, as well as his decision to appoint Ramzi Kassem as his administration’s chief counsel. Kassem previously represented a Guantánamo detainee linked to an al Qaeda terrorist plot.
Former New York Republican Gov. George Pataki, 9/11-era FDNY Commissioner Thomas von Essen and others called on Mamdani to skip the ceremony.
"He showed up anyway. It does bother us," Walter Matuza, whose father Walter was killed that day, told Fox News Digital.
MAMDANI HEADS TO 9/11 MEMORIAL DESPITE 110,000-SIGNATURE PUSH FROM VICTIMS’ FAMILIES TO STAY AWAY
Matuza said he was part of the group of victims’ families that initiated the petition to keep Mamdani away.
He cited Mamdani’s association with streamer Hasan Piker, who once said America "deserved 9/11," as well as Mamdani’s appointment of Kassem.
MAMDANI UNDER FIRE AFTER SYMBOLIC 9/11 PEN GOES TO FORMER AL QAEDA DEFENSE LAWYER
Matuza, of Staten Island, said his father was one of dozens at Carr Futures brokerage who died after American Airlines Flight 11 struck the north tower just above their 92nd floor offices.
Mike, a former New Jersey police officer, told Fox News Digital he recalled watching the terror unfold on television from across the Hudson – and later came to Manhattan to help relieve exhausted NYPD officers stuck at their posts.
"Based on the rhetoric that he's used in the past. Yeah, he probably should have skipped it," Mike said of Mamdani.
He added that Mamdani’s appointment of Kassem also troubled him, saying the mayor could’ve handled the situation in a "whole different way."
FAMILIES OF 9/11 VICTIMS' MESSAGE TO MAMDANI: 'PLEASE DO NOT COME' TO MEMORIAL CEREMONY
"But, he did it and unfortunately people aren't going to forget it."
Another mourner called Mamdani a "communist" when asked about his appearance on Friday, adding that the memorial was "not supposed to be a political event."
Steven, who traveled all the way to New York from Hobe Sound, Florida, to attend the remembrance, lambasted Mamdani’s presence as "disrespectful" and "offensive."
ZOHRAN MAMDANI URGED TO SKIP NEW YORK CITY'S 9/11 MEMORIAL: 'VILE ANTISEMITE'
"I've been following that over the past couple weeks and I saw that I think they had upwards of 700,000 New Yorkers requesting him not to be here. I mean, as the mayor, I would assume he has the right to be here…. But who he represents and the people he's affiliated with… I feel that he should stay away. I don't feel that his presence here is wanted, and I think he should honor that as a human being."
The petition had garnered more than 110,000 signatures at the time, according to the petition’s tally.
Steven called Kassem’s appointment "hideous" and added that the youngest generation who does not remember or did not live through 9/11 are suffering from "incorrect information" and do not understand the reality of the terror attack.
He said he will educate his children on 9/11 so that they do not go down the same ideological road.
Attendee John told Fox News Digital that Mamdani does have a right to attend.
John said he lost friends including at now-Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick’s Cantor-Fitzgerald firm – which lost more than 650 people; the most of any company in the Twin Towers that day – and that as long as Mamdani is respectful to the fallen Americans being remembered, he is "fine" with the Democrat attending.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mamdani for comment.
In a prior statement, the mayor said he is proud of New York and "love[s] this city [and] country."
"[W]hat I want this week to be a focus on is on the families whose loved ones were stolen from them 25 years ago in the horrific act of terror of September 11, and a focus also on the first responders who gave everything they could to this city and to the people who came together to try and help their fellow New Yorkers."
During the ceremony, footage captured Mamdani approaching and greeting his 9/11-era predecessor, Republican Rudolph Giuliani.
SIGN UP TO GET THE POLITICS NEWSLETTER
The two could be seen appearing to exchange brief pleasantries before Giuliani turned and sat down and an aide began speaking to the incumbent mayor.
All living former presidents reportedly attended the ceremony, as President Donald Trump instead visited the Pentagon’s remembrance before departing for County Clare, Ireland from nearby Andrews Air Force Base.
New video shows what led up to Patriots fan fighting multiple Seahawks fans at NFL opener
Can't we all just get along?
Fists were flying Wednesday night at Lumen Field in Seattle when a massive fight broke out between one Patriots fan and multiple Seahawks fans who threw punches at the outnumbered visitor. After the dust cleared, the Patriots fan was in handcuffs and eyewitnesses were alleging that this was all over the Pats fan trying to sit in the wrong seat.
"I was right there, it wasnt a race thing. The Pats fan and his nasty ass girl were in someone else's seats," a Seattle fan, who goes by Hawkaholic12, wrote on X. "When the rightful owner of those seats asked him to get out of THEIR seats the Pats fan kept talking crap and touching the guys chin. The Pats fan also SHOVED a Sr citizen."
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Another fan on X, JoeGurt, seemed to paint the same scenario that led to the fight. "It started over seats. A Patriots fan sat in empty ones that weren’t his in section 314," Gurt wrote. "Stadium ushers told him to move and he refused. When security arrived, he collided with (or knocked over) a stadium staffer. One Seahawks fan then tried to shove him out of the section, and the whole thing exploded into a multi-person brawl. Police ended up walking him out in cuffs."
THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!
Now, in typical sporting event fight fashion, there's always a loud girlfriend or wife in the middle of the action claiming that her man was never in the wrong. In this case, the wife or girlfriend seems to claim that a Seahawks fan used the "N" word. She's then seen right in the middle of the action as her man attempts to fight an entire section of Seattle fans.
FAN GIVEN SUSPENDED PRISON SENTENCE FOR RACIALLY ABUSING MARCUS RASHFORD
What's also clear is that Seahawks fans don't throw punches very often. Just watch for yourself. Some of these guys have never thrown a punch in their lives.
Texas man remembered by Fox News hosts after repeat offender arrested in savage park bench slaying
A 62-year-old Texas engineer with ties to multiple Fox News hosts was stabbed to death from behind in what authorities have described as a random attack on a park bench in Round Rock, Texas, and deputies have arrested a repeat offender who spent months in the local jail earlier this year.
Andrew James Wimsatt, of Austin, was killed on Sept. 7 — minutes after he sat down in the park after visiting his mother at a nursing home nearby, according to authorities.
Williamson County deputies have arrested a 26-year-old local man named Benedict Chinedu Ogbodiegwu on murder and theft charges.
The murder was recorded on surveillance video, according to the Williamson County Sheriff's Office.
A man identified as Wimsatt sat down on a park bench at around 11 a.m., authorities said. A few minutes later, another man, alleged to be Ogbodiegwu, grabbed him from behind and repeatedly drove a knife into his neck.
The victim struggled but was unable to push his attacker away as the stabbing continued, according to a probable cause affidavit obtained by Fox 7 Austin. The suspect then wiped the blood off on his shirt and walked out of view.
Wimsatt, who had a Ph.D. in civil engineering, is credited on IMDB as an executive producer of the Penn Jillette horror/comedy "Director's Cut." He worked for the Texas A&M Transportation Institute and had an Instagram account filled with photos of wildlife, vintage storefronts and city landscapes.
He also had ties to several Fox News personalities.
"He might be the only person on social media to never leave a bad word on a post about anyone," Greg Gutfeld wrote in an X post after news of the arrest. "He was relentless supportive and if he didn't like something, he usually kept it to himself, or found a way to engage positively."
Kat Timpf called him a "fan who became a friend" — a friend not only to her, but also to her family. They had lunch in Fort Worth in June, and she said she was expecting to see him at a show in Nevada later this month.
LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST
"He was so kind and generous it almost seems impossible," she told Fox News Digital Friday. "He always supported me... whether that was sending me clips I wanted to post or offering truly helpful words of encouragement during the times throughout my career that the internet was piling on me."
They spoke regularly — one a week or more for years — and he became known for sending TV clips to members of the "Gutfeld!" cast.
"Whenever the rest of the internet was making me feel hopeless about the state of the world, I could always count on a message from Andrew to remind me of the good that's out there, too," Timpf said.
Wimsatt attended Tyrus' standup shows as well.
"[He] took care of his mother… always positive… he was kind man, 62 years old fragile looking but had a monster laugh," Tyrus said in a statement. "I was honored to know him I was honored he cared so much and honored that my jokes and thoughts brought him joy."
On Labor Day, a witness called 911 after finding Wimsatt on the ground in the park, and paramedics pronounced him dead at the scene, according to authorities.
Investigators were able to retrace the suspect's steps and allegedly recovered prints and other evidence, including bloody clothes and the suspected murder weapon, according to the affidavit. When confronted with video evidence, Ogbodiegwu allegedly claimed he had a twin brother but could not provide his name.
Ogbodiegwu has a criminal record in Williamson County going back to at least 2017, when he was charged with stealing. He had two prior arrests this year, on charges involving theft and carrying fake identification.
Prior to his arrest in connection with Wimsatt's murder, he was most recently released from the county jail on June 9. He had also been incarcerated between January and April.
He's being held on $1 million bond. His next court date is on Oct. 8 at 1:30 p.m., for a pre-indictment docket call.
49ers star Christian McCaffrey recalls hilarious 'cracker' compliment with Australian barber
For Christian McCaffrey, the San Francisco 49ers’ trip to Australia was quite the learning experience, as he found that words and sayings are a lot different Down Under.
McCaffrey, 30, revealed a hilarious interaction he had with a barber while getting a haircut.
"I was getting a haircut a few days ago and one of the barbers looks at me and says, ‘Looks cracker,'" McCaffrey said during his postgame press conference.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE
"I said, ‘Sorry, what did you say?’"
George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, who flanked McCaffrey at the press conference, laughed at the star running backs retelling of the story. McCaffrey, accustomed to "cracker" being used as a derogatory term for White people, had no idea the barber was paying him a compliment.
"I didn’t know what it meant, I guess that means it looks good. But that was funny," McCaffrey said.
THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!
In Australia, the meaning of "cracker" is much different than in the United States, as it’s slang used to describe something as very good.
"He said (cracker) again, I said, ‘Dude, I hear that every Sunday.’ That was good, we had a good moment. I enjoy all the slang," McCaffrey said with a smile.
The 49ers had plenty of reasons to joke after their 27-7 trouncing of the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday night. McCaffrey had 10 carries for 68 yards while also catching five passes for 20 yards.
Rookie running back Kaelon Black split carries with McCaffrey, presumably in an effort to keep the four-time Pro Bowler healthy and had 14 carries for 65 yards.
McCaffrey and the 49ers will return to the United States after their win and lesson in Australian slang to play the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.
Fox News AI Newsletter: Researcher delivers extinction warning
IN TODAY’S NEWSLETTER:
- Researcher who departed AI role over fears of racing into extinction says people are 'begging' for regulation
- 9/11 hero’s legacy lives on 25 years later as son unveils new tech lifeline for those facing grief
- Nobody wants AI-generated sports commentators, but a pro golf tournament is introducing one anyway
'GAMBLE': The Anthropic researcher who is leaving the company over fears the technology is gambling with human life told Fox News there is hope that we can avoid the chance it could destroy humankind within the next decade.
BEYOND THE PAIN: A father's legacy is living on through a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool that helps others navigate grief and trauma — two-and-a-half decades after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
SMART FLEX: Apple on Wednesday unveiled a highly anticipated foldable version of the iPhone along with other consumer tech devices embedded with artificial intelligence in the first major product event under the leadership of new CEO John Ternus.
NEXT-GEN SIDEKICK: Meta on Tuesday rolled out a long-planned personal artificial intelligence agent aimed at helping users complete daily tasks.
THREAT ALERT: Anthropic said Thursday it disrupted several attempts this year by researchers to use its AI models for biological research that could potentially aid the development of biological weapons, prompting the company to ban accounts and strengthen its safeguards.
RACE TO NOWHERE: Golf fans who tune into this week's New Mexico Open broadcast will be introduced to a new commentator by the name of Duff Foreman. He'll join former PGA Tour winner Notah Begay III and well-known broadcaster Ryan Burr on the call, although Foreman won't technically be on site, seeing as how he's not an actual person.
SILICON HANDSHAKE: The federal government under President Donald Trump reached an agreement with OpenAI on a landmark deal to equip government employees with the most cutting-edge artificial intelligence models at a major discount, Fox News Digital has learned.
'SEAT AT THE TABLE': A GOP insider making the conservative case for regulating artificial intelligence development predicts President Donald Trump's full-throated support for data center expansion will soon change after he hears from the American people on the midterm campaign trail.
THE NEW GOLD RUSH: As Americans weigh the costs and benefits of massive data centers emerging in their towns to fuel the artificial intelligence boom, the country's reddest state could be poised to capitalize on billions of dollars in investment that other states are increasingly reluctant to welcome.
CUT OF THE DEAL: As opposition to artificial intelligence data centers spreads across rural America, one group is proposing "data center dividends" to counter the backlash by allowing residents to share directly in the wealth generated by the technology hubs.
BOLD FRONTIER: Nvidia co-founder and CEO Jensen Huang declared that the era of artificial general intelligence (AGI) has arrived after OpenAI released its latest model.
AISLE BE WATCHING: Artificial intelligence is making its way into the grocery aisle, and it could have an unexpected effect on how much you spend. You grab a grocery cart, start working through your list and notice a screen on the handle offering directions, coupons and product suggestions. It can keep a running total and may even let you skip the checkout line. That sounds convenient. It also gives the store a new way to reach you while you are deciding what goes into your cart.
FOLLOW FOX NEWS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
SIGN UP FOR OUR OTHER NEWSLETTERS
DOWNLOAD OUR APPS
WATCH FOX NEWS ONLINE
STREAM FOX NATION
Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future with Fox News here.
US warns Americans to stay vigilant as terror risk looms at major vacation hot spot
Americans are being warned to exercise increased caution when traveling to one of Europe's most popular tourist destinations amid multiple terrorism-related arrests in recent months.
The State Department updated its "Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution" travel advisory for Italy on Thursday — keeping the country at the same advisory level while revising its summary.
Italy draws millions of visitors with its beaches, quaint villages and iconic ancient Roman landmarks.
TOURIST HOT SPOT SLAPPED WITH US TRAVEL WARNING RENEWAL DUE TO CRIME AND TERROR
But despite its appeal to tourists, the State Department is warning travelers to remain vigilant due to the threat of terrorism.
"There is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Italy," the advisory said.
While the threat of terrorism in Italy may receive less attention than in other parts of Europe, authorities have made several terrorism-related arrests in recent months.
In August, Italian news agency ANSA reported that a 16-year-old in northern Italy was arrested on international terrorism-related charges after investigators said he had spread jihadist and pro-ISIS material online.
SEXUAL ASSAULTS AND SCAMS PLAGUE TOP VACATION HOT SPOT, PROMPTING URGENT ADVISORY
In a separate incident in June, another 16-year-old near Bologna was arrested after authorities allegedly found jihadist material and weapons-making manuals in his possession.
The State Department advisory noted that petty crime is also a significant concern in Italy, especially "in popular tourist locations and on public transportation, including trains."
"Stay aware of your surroundings," officials said.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
"Most crimes against foreigners are crimes of opportunity, like purse snatching, pickpocketing, and car break-ins."
Americans who decide to travel to Italy are urged to monitor local media for breaking news and "stay alert in tourist spots."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE NEWS
"Be prepared to adjust your plans," the advisory states. "Stay aware of your surroundings."
Fox News Digital reached out to the State Department for additional comment.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Italy is one of several popular tourist destinations to face updated travel guidance from the State Department in recent weeks.
This month, the State Department updated its travel advisory for Peru, warning Americans about crime, civil unrest, kidnapping and terrorism.
Brazil's travel advisory was also recently updated, with officials warning Americans about crime and kidnapping, including armed robberies, carjackings and criminals drugging victims' drinks before robbing them.
Reporter's Notebook: Countdown is on as Senate races to pass crypto, college sports bills
It’s a twofer in the Senate.
Senators return to Washington Monday for the first time since the wee hours of Aug. 8. The Senate’s slated to meet for three weeks before heading home for the midterms — if the session even goes that long.
There are a lot of items senators want to tackle. But only two big ones are lined up for test votes right now.
The first legislative vote is locked in. It’s a procedural vote on a measure to regulate cryptocurrency. That comes Tuesday afternoon. The bill needs 60 votes to be in play.
REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK: SUMMER ENDS, BUT THE SENATE'S FALL CRUNCH BEGINS
There’s no bigger advocate for cryptocurrency than President Trump. He’s pushing for the Senate to move legislation.
"We ended the war on crypto once and for all," said the President. "Now we need Congress to take the next step by passing the Clarity Act."
Let’s clarify what the Clarity Act does. The measure clarifies federal rules for digital currencies and tokens. The framework would divide oversight between two regulators: The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CTFC). Approval of the bill would be the first step toward establishing guardrails for cryptocurrency.
"We passed the Clarity Act in the House last summer with 78 Democratic votes. It's now time for the Senate to join us," said House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill, R-Ark., on Fox Business.
The package has bipartisan support. But there’s a roadblock coming from the Democrats.
"The one remaining significant issue, I think, is the ethics provision," said Hill.
President Trump’s own financial disclosure report reveals he earned $1.4 billion on cryptocurrency last year alone. That’s why Democrats want specific rules for the Trump family and crypto.
"It basically exempts the President from any kind of ethical constraints. And that's just not going to fly in the Democratic caucus," said Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif.
Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., says the bill is too closely aligned with what the President and his industry allies want.
"Yes. We need crypto legislation. But not this legislation that has been written by this industry," said Warren. "I just don't see how anyone, Democrat or Republican, moves forward on this bill."
That’s why many doubt the measure can score 60 votes twice to break a filibuster. The naysaying aggravates cryptocurrency advocates.
"This is the right bill at the right time, and it's time to vote," said Sen. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wy.
She argues that crypto supporters bowed to demands to firm up ethics rules.
"In 2023, we added 100 pages with stronger consumer protection provisions. Yet we got feedback from colleagues that they wanted more. So again, we listened. Today, this bill that was under 300 pages is more than 600 pages. That's hundreds of pages built over 11 months of daily bipartisan negotiations in windowless rooms where colleagues from both parties shared their priorities, and we worked diligently to incorporate them," said an exasperated Lummis.
Warren argues that the bill makes it easier for drug runners and terrorists to fund their operations — without a literal paper trail.
TED CRUZ URGES SENATE TO STAY IN WASHINGTON UNTIL PROTECT COLLEGE SPORTS ACT PASSES THIS WEEK
Lummis says if the U.S. doesn’t establish its cryptocurrency blueprint, digital assets could flee overseas.
"These companies can go to Singapore, Switzerland, the UAE and have a well-understood clear set of regulations," said Lummis.
So that test vote is locked in. But it’s rare to pass a major financial regulatory measure this close to the midterms. And if Democrats prevail in November, that could create friction with the White House.
The Senate also expects a test vote before the end of September on a bill to regulate money in college sports. But there’s no specific agreement on a date for that roll call tally.
You know the old saying that there’s no such thing as bad publicity? Well, the "bad" publicity surrounding college football could potentially provide this legislation a boost.
President Trump implored senators to stay in Washington to finish the bill last month. But it wasn’t ready. However, controversies over former pro players heading back to college — to say nothing of clock maintenance at the University of Michigan — could prod skeptical senators to give this measure another look.
Let’s start with LSU tight end Dae’Quan Wright. If you can keep up with him.
Last year, Wright played for current LSU head coach Lane Kiffin last year at Ole Miss — before Kiffin abandoned his squad late in the season for the Tigers. Wright decided to go pro. The Philadelphia Eagles picked him up in the spring. But then waved Wright early last month. The Cleveland Browns then signed Wright. He dressed for a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills. Never played a snap. Then the Browns cut him.
So, Wright headed back to school. But this time, at LSU.
"I’m just putting on a college uniform again and going out there and having fun and embracing my opportunity," said Wright.
A judge then cleared Wright and former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris to play for LSU this fall. But in between, Harris appeared in preseason camp with the New Orleans Saints — before the team waived him.
Drew Rosenhaus is Wright’s agent. He believes his client had no other option after his brief cup of coffee in the pros.
"His contract with the NFL was terminated," said Rosenhaus. "If he was still able to play in the NFL, he would be there."
Chaos like this is prodding lawmakers to try to regulate intercollegiate athletics.
"It's not fair to the high school kids coming out to play college ball if you suddenly have colleges that are going and recruiting from the NFL," said Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz, R-Texas.
Cruz teamed up with Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Commerce panel, to craft the college athletics regulation measure.
One big restriction: the legislation limits athletes to one transfer.
"The transfer portal is out of control. You have athletes transferring two, three, four times. You have essentially no eligibility rules. So you have athletes competing six, seven, eight years. You have 28-year-olds competing against 17-year-old kids," said Cruz.
The constant darting around from school to school worries the Trump administration, too.
"It's a crazy system, man," said Vice President JD Vance to colleague Lucas Tomlinson. "When I was growing up…you would get some loyalty, between the athletes and the fan bases. You would know the names of the people who played for your team because they were there for three or four years."
The Cruz/Cantwell package also caps money schools can use for name, image and likeness, or NIL. And, considering the recent contretemps, the legislation bars athletes from going pro. Then reversing field to college.
The White House tapped legendary former Alabama football coach Nick Saban to push for passage of the bill.
"Join the winning team today and help Congress protect this American tradition," says Saban in the commercial now airing around the country.
But even if the bill gets through the Senate, it faces an unclear path in the House. The House returns to session Monday, too. But it’s unclear how long its members will stick around with the midterms looming.
"I've had coach Saban in my office, and we've talked about this, and he's right," said House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La. "I think Congress is ready to act. But it takes both chambers."
In other words, just like there’s a play clock in football, there’s a play clock in Congress, too.
"I appreciate the exuberance of our Senate colleagues," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman Pete Aguilar, D-Calif. "But I don't know if there's enough days to get this done."
Time may be the enemy of both the cryptocurrency bill and the college athletics bill. Lawmakers return to Capitol Hill with one foot practically out the door, headed back toward the airport.
It’s a Senate twofer. But if things don’t sail smoothly on either or both bills, there may be little reason to anchor lawmakers to Washington. And if lawmakers don’t address these bills now, potential legislative fixes may evaporate until the new Congress begins in January.