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'Crystal Lake' trailer reveals the 'Friday the 13th' origin story with Linda Cardellini as Pam Voorhees
The first preview for the upcoming "Friday the 13th" prequel series "Crystal Lake" has arrived.
Basic info:
"Friday the 13th" is one of the most famous film franchises ever made, and it's arguably the most recognizable horror franchise to ever exist.
The story of Jason Voorhees and his mother goes back to the original film in 1980. Now, Peacock is releasing a prequel series from A24.
The preview was released by Peacock on Monday, and it looks like it's going to be a very dark and sinister journey with Linda Cardellini leading the way.
Give the preview a watch below, and let me know your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
"It's like someone put a curse on this town. It all started when that kid drowned last summer. Something is in these woods and all it knows how to do is kill."
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That's going straight into the veins of horror fans everywhere, and for good reason. While horror isn't my favorite genre, a really good horror series or film always hits the spot.
We're witnessing that in real-time with the new movie "Obsession" dominating the box office.
Now, Peacock and A24 are teaming up to give horror fans a prequel to one of the most famous slasher stories ever told.
What do you think about the preview? Let me know at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.
Cricket Australia pulls ridiculous national anthem move that shows how left-wing the country has become
Australia seems determined to make radical left-wing blue states like California, Minnesota and Michigan look normal.
That seems borderline impossible, doesn't it?
Those states are busy trying to allow males to compete in girls' and women's sports, making it possible for illegal immigrants to vote, and covering up massive amounts of government fraud and waste in the name of "equality."
And yet, Australia somehow always finds a way to drop the ultimate, "hold our beer."
The latest example comes from Cricket Australia, which is reportedly bringing the Big Bash League final back to Australia Day on Jan. 26, 2027.
Makes sense, right? Cricket is one of the biggest sports in the country. Australia Day is one of the country's most important holidays.
It's the perfect time to combine two unifying forces – love of sport and national pride – into one huge celebratory day. But this is modern-day Australia we're talking about.
According to The Australian, Cricket Australia does not currently plan to feature "Advance Australia Fair," the country’s national anthem, before the BBL final unless the hosting city specifically requests it.
Read that again.
The championship game is being played on Australia Day, but playing the Australian national anthem prior to the match isn't in the plan.
Truly incredible.
Can you imagine if the NFL hosted the Super Bowl on the Fourth of July and said, "We're going to pass on the whole 'Star-Spangled Banner' thing because we don't want to offend anyone."
American sports leagues have pulled some ridiculous moves in the name of radical left-wing ideology, but none of them have dared to go that far. It's bad enough the NFL plays the "black national anthem" before the Super Bowl, but forgoing "The Star-Spangled Banner" is a step no league would dare attempt.
THIS 'AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL' RENDITION BEFORE THE FRANCE VS PARAGUAY MATCH WILL GIVE YOU GOOSEBUMPS
If sports executives for one of the country’s biggest sports properties think playing the national anthem before their biggest game is problematic, Australia has far more problems than it seems willing to admit.
But it goes much deeper than that.
The league is reportedly expected to work with the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cricket Advisory Committee, also known as NATSICA, to make sure the day is handled with proper "cultural sensitivity."
Seriously? The league has to consult with an "Indigenous advisory group" to decide if it's appropriate to play Australia's own national anthem?
I can do that for them right now for free.
Yes. It's perfectly appropriate to play the country's national anthem before a massive sporting event. There, done.
By the way, Cricket Australia scheduled the final for Australia Day. Nobody forced them to do that; they picked the date because it’s a national holiday and they want people to watch.
The good news is that many Australians are actually angry. A Herald Sun reader poll cited found overwhelming support for cricket returning to Australia Day, and many readers also argued the anthem should be played.
Why is that good news? Because it means there are rational people in the country who simply want to display some patriotism and national pride. That's a good thing, not a bad thing.
This is all very predictable. The people in charge make decisions to please left-wing activists who are impossible to satisfy, then act shocked when normal citizens don’t appreciate the disrespect for their country.
What exactly is the point of putting the BBL final on Australia Day if Cricket Australia is going to act like the "Australia" part is inherently problematic? They want the holiday crowd, the TV audience and the attention. They just don’t want to appear too patriotic while cashing in on the date.
Or, maybe, they’re just cowards.
Cricket Australia has an easy choice here.
Play the anthem. Play the match. Let Australians enjoy Australia Day and maybe, just maybe, have a little pride in their country for one day.
Apparently, that’s too much to ask.
Australia can keep pretending this is about "cultural sensitivity" or whatever other corporate buzzword makes executives feel brave while doing cowardly things.
But normal people see exactly what’s happening.
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Cricket Australia scheduled one of its biggest events on Australia Day, then acted like celebrating Australia is something that requires an apology.
That’s not sensitivity.
That’s weakness.
'The halls of the Senate already feel empty': Tearful Thune honors Lindsey Graham as sister takes his seat
In the Senate, there’s a black veil covering a desk. On top there’s a bowl of striking white roses. That’s where Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., used to sit.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., pointed to that desk during an emotional tribute to the late Senator on Monday. Graham was a confidant, trusted advisor and friend to Thune. And through tears, he set about remembering the lawmaker who spent 30 years in Washington, D.C., making a mark on his state and country.
"It's difficult to believe that Lindsey Graham is no longer here with us," Thune said. "That we won't run into him at a meeting today or share a joke with him at this afternoon's vote. The halls of the Senate already feel empty without him. And I know I'm not alone in that feeling."
GRAHAM'S DEATH IGNITES GOP SCRAMBLE FOR SENATE SEAT AS TRUMP HINTS HE ALREADY HAS A FAVORITE
As Thune spoke about Graham, the late lawmaker’s staff sat in the Senate chamber as tears filled the room. And since Thune became the leader of the Senate GOP, you would oftentime see Graham enter his office just off the Senate floor.
He was there to talk down Republican rebels who threatened to sink President Donald Trump’s "big, beautiful bill," and once earlier this year stormed into Thune’s office declaring his resistance to a deal struck by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and the president to avert a government shutdown.
But he was there, and Thune noted that "Lindsey was fearless in his commitment to the causes that he espoused."
SENATE RETURNS TO PACKED AGENDA AFTER GRAHAM'S DEATH SHRINKS GOP MARGIN
"It didn't matter to him whether he would catch flak on an issue," Thune said. "He was undaunted by the politics if he believed he was right on the principle."
"Senator. Warrior. Patriot. Statesman," Thune continued. "Words that will be written about Lindsey. But for me, most of all, Mr. President, he was my friend."
Shortly after Thune’s tribute to Graham, South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster officially tapped his sister, Darline Graham Nordone, to fill his seat for the remainder of his term. It’s a move that Thune, Trump and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C. backed.
LINDSEY GRAHAM’S SISTER APPOINTED TO SENATE AS GOP RUSHES TO PROTECT FRAGILE MAJORITY
"I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way," Nordone said at the ceremony. "Now to Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words. But I'm going to do this, I got it."
Back in the Senate, Thune remembers Graham as a "staunch conservative and a fierce advocate for South Carolina," but as a lawmaker who was willing to cross the aisle to find a solution. Through it all, Thune said that he would miss Graham’s friendship and humor.
"I am comforted by the knowledge that in the end, he has just changed his address. And that one day, Mr. President," Thune said through tears. "We will laugh together again."
Trump touts IndyCar drivers' 'special' ability at Freedom 250 Grand Prix showcase, seemingly ending hot debate
President Donald Trump on Monday ended the debate over whether racecar drivers are athletes as his administration showcased the power of IndyCar vehicles ahead of the Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C., next month.
Trump participated in the Freedom 250 Grand Prix showcase at the White House along with IndyCar star Álex Palou, racing team owner Roger Penske and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
"Next month these exceptional sportsman drivers, athletes, they’re great athletes," Trump said. "Nothing nobody can do. They’re born with something special. They’re born with the ability to press that pedal all the way down to the ground. Most people can’t do that. Very few people can.
"They’re beautiful cars. They’re going to make freedom roar. This is going to be a freedom that’s roaring like never before."
The showcase also featured a live pit stop.
The Freedom 250 Grand Prix of Washington, D.C. takes place Aug. 22 and 23. The track layout features a 1.66-mile drive and seven turns.
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Trump’s declaration comes amid a hotly contested debate in the racing world over whether professional racecar driver are actually athletes.
ESPN star Stephen A. Smith waded into the territory in April when a caller on his radio show suggested that Richard Petty was one of the greatest athletes of all time. He said driving a car doesn’t "count" as being an athlete.
NASCAR greats Jeff Gordon and Kyle Larson pushed back on Smith’s insinuations in an interview with Fox News Digital in May before the Indy 500.
Larson, the reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, challenged Smith, or anyone for that matter, to go one lap in a race car "without feeling like they're going to die."
Fox News’ Ryan Morik contributed to this report.
Mamdani breaks silence on 'perverted' ally who helped sell Platner before scandal-plagued collapse
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced that he will continue to work with Morris Katz, one of the leading political consultants behind Graham Platner’s doomed bid for Senate.
"I will continue to work with Morris Katz, he remains a top advisor of mine," Mamdani said at a news conference on Monday.
Many of Katz’s fellow Democrats lambasted him after Platner withdrew from the race following a rape accusation – which Platner denied – from an ex-girlfriend, arguing that Katz failed to do his due diligence before promoting Platner to party leaders. Some in the party are now calling for him to be blacklisted from future political operations.
Katz and his consulting partner, Daniel Moraff, ignored multiple requests from their own vetting team to dig deeper into Platner’s past over concerns of possible scandals, a source familiar with the early stages of the Platner campaign previously told Fox News Digital. The duo paid just over $6,000 for a three-day vetting job, something that usually takes weeks and costs tens of thousands of dollars.
PLATNER’S THREE-DAY VETTING JOB COMES BACK TO HAUNT DEMS AS RAPE ALLEGATION ROCKS SENATE BID
In addition to a rape accusation, Platner also attracted scrutiny over a trove of controversial deleted Reddit posts, a Nazi-linked tattoo he acquired while serving in the military and his alleged mistreatment of women.
The reporter asking Mamdani about Katz cited a letter circulated by the Democratic Socialists of America urging their political allies not to work with him.
KINGMAKER MAMDANI CALLS ON PLATNER TO 'DROP OUT OF THE RACE' AFTER RAPE ALLEGATION
"Morris Katz is one of the chief parties responsible for the catastrophic campaign of scandal-ridden Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner," the letter reads. "Billed as a top adviser to the campaign, Katz helped recruit Platner and supercharged his candidacy with slick video production, friendly media placements and political connections."
Democratic sources claim that Katz pitched Platner as a potential successor to an elderly Sen. Bernie Sanders and a potential presidential contender — a characterization he now denies.
After Platner announced his intention to suspend his candidacy, Katz wrote on X that "as soon as the team became aware of the rape allegations against Graham Platner we advised he suspend his candidacy, and in the following days worked to wind down the campaign" and that he was "deeply disappointed."
PLATNER AIDE HIT WITH BRUTAL TIMELINE CHECK AFTER CAMPAIGN DENIED RAPE CLAIM, THEN FOLDED DAYS LATER
A community note attached to his post points out that Platner’s campaign initially denied the rape allegation.
Katz also threatened former Platner staffer Genevieve McDonald in an attempt to dissuade her from cooperating with reporters seeking to cover Platner’s alleged emotional abuse of women.
"Just want to be clear on where we are right now," Katz wrote in the message obtained by the Bangor Daily News. "If the story goes in its current iteration we’ll communicate directly on the record, and by name, that Genevieve violated the personal trust of Amy and Graham and shared explicit falsehoods to sabotage the campaign."
Katz also faced criticism earlier this year over a puberty book he previously authored.
The political consultant authored a book in 2020 that bills itself as a "puberty book" for "curious boys" aged 10 to 12. Sections of the book include "Your New Penis" and "The Magic of Masturbation."
In a footnote on page 15 of the text, Katz wrote that he planned to "use images of my penis" to show children how genitalia develop during puberty, but that publishers shot the idea down for being "inappropriate." Conservative critics swiftly condemned him over the remark, with Katz later saying the comment was joke.
"Only a perverted freak would say that," wildly popular conservative X account "Libs of TikTok," which is operated by Chaya Raichik, posted to X in March.
"Morris Katz’s musings about exposing himself to ten-year-olds are absolutely disgusting," the National Republican Senatorial Committee said of Katz back in March as news of the footnote spread.
Mamdani’s office did not respond to a request for comment when reached by Fox News Digital on Monday.
Lindsey Graham’s sister appointed to Senate as GOP rushes to protect fragile majority
Darline Graham Nordone, the sister of the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., was appointed to fill her brother’s Senate seat after a push from President Donald Trump.
"It's my honor to ask his little sister, Darlene Graham, to finish his work for him now," South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said at a ceremony on Monday afternoon.
McMaster, a close Trump ally, appointed Nordone nearly 48 hours after her brother and longtime lawmaker suddenly died from an aortic dissection.
McMaster’s pick comes after Trump pushed for Graham’s "wonderful sister" Nordone to get the job.
"This would be a fabulous tribute to Lindsey, who loved her dearly," Trump wrote in a post to Truth Social on Monday morning.
Others were in the mix initially, including Lt. Gov. Pam Evette, who Trump endorsed in her failed bid to clinch the GOP nomination for governor, former Rep. Trey Gowdy and former Sen. Jim DeMint, sources told Fox News Digital.
Her appointment fills the seat through Jan. 3, while voters decide in November who will hold the seat for the next six-year term.
HEART CONDITION TIED TO LINDSEY GRAHAM'S DEATH CAN STRIKE WITHOUT WARNING — WHAT TO KNOW
At this point, it's unclear if Nordone, 62, would consider running for a full six-year term, and there's already private jockeying to run in the special election, set for Aug. 11, to secure the GOP nomination in the Palmetto State, with Reps. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., and Ralph Norman, R-S.C., both eyeing a bid.
Graham’s death narrowed Republicans’ Senate majority and added pressure to keep every GOP vote available, especially with Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., still being treated after a fall and pneumonia.
Nordone, who has largely kept out of the public eye, is married to Larry Nordone and has two daughters. She has worked with the South Carolina Commission for the Blind (SCCB) as commissioner, according to the organization's 2026-27 budget. The SCCB provides services aimed at helping blind and low-vision South Carolina residents gain employment, independence and self-sufficiency.
In the past, she has described a personal closeness with Lindsey Graham, having been raised by him after the death of their mother when she was just 11.
"I have always looked up to Lindsey. He's just always been there for me as long as I can remember. If I fell down and scraped my knee, Lindsey was the one I ran to," she recounted in a 2014 campaign ad.
Nordone has not previously held elected office. She will become South Carolina's first female senator.
GRAHAM'S DEATH IGNITES GOP SCRAMBLE FOR SENATE SEAT AS TRUMP HINTS HE ALREADY HAS A FAVORITE
Following Trump’s endorsement, Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C., the chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), also put his support behind Nordone on Monday morning ahead of the announcement.
"Lindsey Graham’s sister, Darline Graham Nordone, would be a fantastic pick to serve out the remainder of the Senate term," Scott wrote in a post to X.
"After speaking with Darline, there is no one better who understands Lindsey’s love for family, our state and our country."
McMaster also described speaking with Darline ahead of her appointment as well as with Trump.
"After we spoke on the phone in the wee hours of Sunday morning and you agreed to serve through tears, I had wondered what you would say and I was humbled by your quickness to see the duty that you had to serve. And I called the president afterwards, and he thought it was a great idea," McMaster said.
GRAHAM REPORTEDLY REFUSED MEDICAL HELP BEFORE SCHEDULED TV APPEARANCE
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., also voiced his support for Nordone.
He told CNN Monday afternoon that he had already spoken with both Nordone and McMaster the day before, and believed that tapping the longtime lawmaker's sister to fill his spot, "in my view, makes a lot of sense."
"I think, in many respects, it would be a way of extending Lindsey’s legacy here, and certainly something that, if that’s what they decide to end up doing, I think there’d be a lot of support for," Thune said.
The filing period for a special primary election begins on July 21, with the special election to follow on Aug. 11. A runoff, if needed, would be held Aug. 25, leaving the candidate just two months to campaign before the Nov. 3 general election.
More Hollywood hypocrisy: Variety demonizes critics of Christopher Nolan's casting in 'The Odyssey'
Hollywood and its media partners may have abandoned any pretense of creativity, originality, or intelligent filmmaking, but at least it hasn't given up on hypocrisy.
Take, for example, the brilliance of Variety, a publication dedicated to entertainment industry news and coverage. Variety is, like most companies associated with the film business, openly and proudly left-wing. As such, anytime those on the right, or even tangentially associated with the right, notice or say something about a movie or entertainment property, Variety leaps in to defend their political party.
Case in point? The difference in how they have treated the importance of "representation" in two prominent summer big-budget blockbusters.
LIVE-ACTION REMAKE OF 'MOANA' GETS RAVAGED BY CRITICS IN LATEST BLOW TO DISNEY STUDIOS
On the one hand, there's "Moana." A fictional story based in mythology, set in the Pacific Islands, the original 2016 animated film was widely enjoyed, critically and commercially successful. That led to the inevitable Disney live-action remake, which is the exact opposite. As part of their promotional efforts designed to help the film succeed, Variety posted a link to their story on X, saying, "'Moana' Creatives on Working Closely to Honor Polynesian Culture and Traditions, and Why Representation Matters in the Live-Action Film."
"Why representation matters." So what does that mean in practice? Well, Variety celebrates the film's depiction of Polynesian cultures, saying that the creative team "finally" has something to celebrate.
They quote star Dwayne Johnson inexplicably implying that audiences can only enjoy something when characters look exactly like them. "When I was 8 years old watching Harrison Ford, I was like, ‘I want to be that guy,’ but that guy didn’t look like me,'" Johnson said. "And so, as the film hits screens this weekend, Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander audiences, Johnson, and the film’s cast and creatives are finally finding much to celebrate," the article adds.
'MOANA' REVIEW: DWAYNE JOHNSON RETURNS FOR DISNEY'S LAZY LIVE-ACTION REMAKE THAT RESEMBLES AI SLOP
"Aspects such as traditional Māori tribal tattoos, known as Tā moko, the rich expression of history through dance, and generations of Polynesian traditions are the beating heart of Thomas Kail’s adaptation. That left the film’s cast and creatives feeling a sense of pride at seeing their culture represented on screen."
Variety then celebrates how committed the cast and crew was to "representation," saying, "To ensure that the representation was done with respect and authenticity, countless artisans, consultants, experts, advisors, and department heads worked closely with the Cultural Trust."
That's great; the film is based on those cultures and their mythologies and traditions, so getting the details right is an admirable commitment to authenticity and accuracy. Except, and here's where the modern Hollywood tradition of hypocrisy comes into play, this same exact media outlet had the polar opposite reaction to critics of Christopher Nolan's upcoming release of "The Odyssey."
Nolan has received an enormous amount of criticism for his bewildering casting and authenticity choices in "The Odyssey," one of the most legendary stories in Greek mythology and literature. He cast Elliot Page, a 5-foot-1-inch tall transgender actor, as a Greek soldier. Kenyan-Mexican actress Lupita Nyong'o is Helen of Troy. Zendaya is Athena, a Greek goddess. Other leads in the film include Matt Damon and Tom Holland, who have no Greek ancestry. In fact, not one of the main actors or actresses are Greek. There's modern language, like "Dad," for example, used in the trailer. And the armor and ships depicted are not representative of the time with "The Odyssey" was written.
Many critics have pointed out that this lack of accuracy and authenticity is bizarre, off-putting, and for some, offensive. Not to mention that it would never be tolerated were the story from a different culture. But to Variety? Pointing out these obvious issues makes you a "troll."
In May, left-wing columnist Marlow Stern wrote a story headlined, "‘The Odyssey’: Why Elon Musk and His Troll Army’s Attacks Aren’t Just Silly but Wildly Inaccurate."
Ah. So with "Moana," a fictional animated film from 10 years ago, Variety believes it was vitally important that every detail be "done with respect and authenticity." They cheer that "countless artisans, consultants, experts, and advisors" worked with the creative team to ensure that all Pacific Islander, Polynesian, Maori, or Native Hawaiian traditions were depicted accurately. Dwayne Johnson and the cast and crew are "finally" able to "celebrate," because of representation.
With "The Odyssey," if people point out that these same values are apparently thrown by the wayside with one of the most important, foundational texts in the history of storytelling, they're silly trolls. If you expect hypocrisy from the Hollywood left, you'll never be disappointed.
Here's how Stern's article starts: "From the team that brought you 'Why is Snow White Latina?,' 'Why are there Black people in ‘The Rings of Power?,’' and 'Star Wars has gone woke,' comes the latest online onslaught against an anticipated Hollywood project that committed the unfathomable sin of having a diverse cast."
Makes you wonder whether Stern would have the same reaction if Dwayne Johnson's character in "Moana" had been replaced by say, Chris Pratt. Something tells me she'd have been outraged, furious, launching silly, inaccurate, troll attacks left and right.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK CULTURE COVERAGE
But therein lies the contradiction at the heart of the modern entertainment business. When a story centers around a specific cultural or minority group, all authenticity and representation must be maintained. When Snow White, a character from a German fairytale published in 1812, is played by a Latina actress, it's cause for celebration. We must update all historical stories from European cultures to reflect modern diversity, but don't you dare touch any detail from a protected 10-year-old animated film.
Nothing about this is surprising, but it is illuminating. The entertainment industry is no longer a place devoted to making the best, most entertaining stories possible, but one where the express purpose is promoting and defending a specific type of ideological activism.
No wonder they keep losing money and influence.
Democratic socialists erupt over 2028 endorsement as AOC speculation grows: 'Dangerous path'
Infighting has erupted within the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) about the selection of its pick for U.S. president, as the group’s influence continues to grow on the national stage and speculation swirls about a 2028 presidential run by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y.
The infighting reveals fractures in the roughly 120,000-member group, which has emerged as the preeminent socialist group in America. The division also sheds light on how some Democratic Socialists of America members believe the group can gain a permanent foothold in American politics and deliver on its socialist ideals on a national scale.
Some Democratic Socialists of America leaders have been pushing for an earlier presidential endorsement in place of the group's normal practice of selecting endorsements at its biennial national convention, which is set for summer 2027.
One faction known as the "Groundwork" caucus is pushing strongly for the group to conduct a national member poll and "endorse AOC on day one." The caucus believes an early endorsement will help DSA hold a more influential early role in 2028 presidential politics and "build power for socialism."
DEMOCRATIC SOCIALISTS OF AMERICA LEADER SAYS ‘MANY’ IN GROUP WOULD BE 'THRILLED' AT AOC IN 2028
In one online petition, DSA members voiced that "if we don’t have a member poll, we as members will be left out of DSA’s most fundamental way of building a democratic strategy."
However, in a Sunday 14–13 vote, DSA's National Political Committee (NPC) rejected a proposal to allow the group's 2028 presidential endorsement to be decided through a nationwide all-member poll, according to Canary Mission. By rejecting the proposal, the committee left the issue to DSA's existing convention process, meaning any national endorsement decision would likely wait until the organization's next convention in August 2027.
The decision was blasted by many DSA members online.
Gustavo Gordillo, co-chair of the group’s New York City chapter, posted on X that "DSA’s national leadership (the NPC) just voted to overturn our convention & took away rank and file members’ right to vote in an all-member poll on presidential endorsement."
Gordillo added that the committee is "taking away our members’ right to vote" while NYC-DSA, the group’s largest chapter, is "send(ing) them ~ $2M per year in dues."
Likewise, J. Ryder, founding editor of a magazine on communism, wrote that the committee’s decision "to suppress polling the will of the members on presidential endorsement is severely disappointing."
Ryder added that "this will inevitably put DSA on the back foot in the 2028 moment," writing, "Waiting to endorse in August of next year at the convention may mean 6 months+ of vital AOC campaign time where the masses will be mobilizing without intervention by DSA."
"The worst part is, the members want to mobilize, they see the opportunity that this moment represents for socialism and want so desperately to grasp it," he added. "The fact the (sic) some sectarians on the NPC are suppressing even a non-binding poll shows that they know this, and are scared of the implications of member democracy and mass politics in DSA."
In response, committee member Amy Wilhelm fired back at Gordillo, posting on X that "NYC members deserve co-chairs that don't lie."
Wilhelm said that "there was never intention to prevent" DSA members from participating in chapter polls, and that "with the resolution where we left it today chapters are allowed to carry out the poll per their standard method."
Likewise, another X user who goes by the name "tylerisposting" blasted Gordillo, telling him in an X post to "stop lying" and "stop trying to foment a split."
Meanwhile, Eve Seitchik, a Massachusetts DSA member, characterized the events of the day as "a massive escalation of factional tensions," adding, "I'm afraid DSA has been set down a dangerous path."
The authors posited that DSA’s recent electoral wins and Ocasio-Cortez and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., "Fight Oligarchy" tour "have shown that there is energy all across the country to support a bold, democratic socialist presidential campaign."
They argued that "DSA should be ready to position ourselves as the political home for the millions of people that will be inspired by AOC’s message and position our organization as the vital core of AOC’s campaign."
They wrote that Ocasio-Cortez is "on the precipice of running for — and potentially winning — the presidency of the United States" and that "this opportunity is years in the making."
"If we drag our feet," they wrote, "we will have forced ourselves into the backseat and miss the opportunity to strike when the iron is hot."
The four-term congresswoman has not directly said whether she will launch a presidential run in 2028. Rumors are also circulating about her opting to instead run for the Senate to topple Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y.
Though Ocasio-Cortez is considered one of the most prominent socialists in the country and a close ally of Sanders, she has run afoul of DSA leadership several times.
In summer 2025, the group issued a statement condemning Ocasio-Cortez’s vote against an amendment to block additional funding for Israel’s "Iron Dome," which would have denied Israel an additional $500 million in U.S. funding for its preeminent missile defense system. In 2024, the DSA withdrew its endorsement for Ocasio-Cortez’s re-election, citing that she had not met its conditions, including opposing all funding to Israel and publicly supporting boycott and sanctions for the country.
DSA's New York City chapter notably retained its endorsement for Ocasio-Cortez.
AOC TAKES PAGE FROM BIDEN PLAYBOOK IN DODGING INTERVIEWS WITH NATIONAL PRESS
Commenting on DSA’s deliberations, a spokesperson for Canary Mission told Fox News Digital that "an AOC presidency would give that movement more than influence: it would give its agenda access to the full power of the executive branch."
The spokesperson added that "putting that power in the hands of a movement that repeatedly places ideological allegiance above America’s national interests, regards America and its allies as the problem, and shows sympathy toward their adversaries would not be political progress. It would be a profound national-security risk—and could be devastating for the country."
"DSA presents its agenda as a project of reconstruction, but much of its politics begins with dismantling the institutions, alliances, and economic system that sustain those achievements," the spokesperson said, adding, "For more than a decade, Canary Mission has documented numerous instances in which anti-Zionist activism has crossed into antisemitic harassment, support for extremism, and hostility toward the United States and its democratic allies."
"As these ideas have moved from activist circles into mainstream politics, DSA has emerged as the primary vehicle through which radical ideology is translated into political success," said the spokesperson.
Canary Mission keeps its representatives unnamed for security reasons.
Fox News Digital reached out to Ocasio-Cortez’s office and DSA for comment.
Connecticut bars Nativity display in state Capitol because it's 'religious,' lawsuit threat says
EXCLUSIVE — A Connecticut religious liberty group is challenging a state policy that barred it from displaying a Nativity scene inside the Capitol, arguing officials violated the First Amendment by prohibiting holiday displays solely because they were religious.
On Monday, First Liberty Institute sent a demand letter to Connecticut’s Joint Committee on Legislative Management on behalf of the Family Institute of Connecticut (FIC) after the organization was barred from exhibiting a small Nativity in the state Capitol building in December.
First Liberty Institute maintains that the Committee’s policy permits displays in the Capitol unless they are "religious in nature," and, in their letter with Jones Day, asks the Committee to remove the provision from its policy and allow the Nativity display this Christmas season.
According to First Liberty Institute, the Family Institute of Connecticut applied in December to display a small Nativity scene in a public area of the state Capitol.
The group says the Joint Committee on Legislative Management rejected the request, explaining that its policy prohibits religious displays by outside organizations because a standalone Nativity scene could be viewed as government endorsement of Christianity.
"The Committee’s position is legally incorrect, and the Committee itself has violated the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by maintaining a facially unlawful policy and denying FIC’s application," the letter reads. "As summarized below, the Establishment Clause certainly does not forbid the display of a Nativity scene at the State Capitol, and the Committee’s denial of FIC’s request based on its religious nature is viewpoint discrimination in violation of the Free Speech Clause."
Roger Byron, senior counsel for First Liberty Institute, said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital that the Connecticut’s Joint Committee on Legislative Management’s policy infringes on First Amendment rights.
"The ‘no religious display’ policy is such a blatant violation of the First Amendment that it must have been an oversight," Byron said. "The law is clear that barring a religious viewpoint from a public forum like this violates the Free Speech Clause. Hopefully the Committee changes its policy and makes further legal action unnecessary."
Andrew Lelling, partner at Jones Day and lead counsel for the FIC, said in a statement provided to Fox News Digital, "The FIC is just asking for equal treatment. No one should be censored or denied access because his viewpoint is a religious one."
Fox News Digital reached out to Connecticut’s Joint Committee on Legislative Management for comment.
Driver accused of DUI survives astonishing 600-foot plunge down California cliff
California officials on Monday said a driver suspected of being under the influence miraculously survived after a pickup truck plunged roughly 600 feet off a cliff in Northern California last week.
The crash happened in Siskiyou County along State Route 263, a scenic highway carved through steep cliffs and rugged terrain known for its dramatic drop-offs.
The pickup appeared to veer off the roadway before tumbling down the mountainside and eventually coming to rest at the bottom of the cliff, according to the California Highway Patrol (CHP).
"Remarkably, the driver survived what could have easily been a fatal crash," the agency said.
After authorities responded to the scene, the driver was found to be allegedly impaired, CHP said.
The individual was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
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Photos released by the agency show the pickup truck mangled and nearly unrecognizable after the violent plunge, with debris scattered across the rocky mountainside.
Authorities did not immediately release the driver's identity or provide details about the extent of any injuries sustained in the wreck.
Following the incident, CHP urged drivers to never get behind the wheel while impaired, warning that the consequences can be devastating.
"This crash serves as a powerful reminder that impaired driving puts not only your life at risk, but also the lives of everyone else on the road," CHP said. "Choosing to drive under the influence can have devastating consequences that are entirely preventable."