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Schiff silent on Biden-era Newsom probe report as California AG claims DOJ 'weaponization'
California Attorney General Rob Bonta doubled down on Gov. Gavin Newsom's claims that the Trump administration is weaponizing the Justice Department after being pressed on reports that the federal probe involving Newsom and his wife originated in California and was not opened by the Trump Administration in Washington, D.C.
"I know what I've concluded is that this is highly dubious — there's no trust in it," Bonta said. "This is someone who's weaponized the U.S. DOJ time and time again. I think he's doing it now."
Newsom took to X on Monday to publicly announce his uncovering that he and his wife, Jen Siebel Newsom are being investigated by the DOJ, claiming President Donald Trump directed the DOJ to investigate them and that they’ve joined "Donald Trump’s hit list."
GAVIN NEWSOM CLAIMS TRUMP ORDERED DOJ PROBE TARGETING HIM AND HIS WIFE
He is also widely claiming that Trump is targeting him because of recent speculation of Newsom as a promising 2028 presidential bid.
"Newsom is the governor for the biggest state, the bluest state in the nation, the fourth largest economy in the world," Bonta said "Everyone knows that he could be president of the United States. So you put that situational awareness and context into this, and what do you conclude?"
Bonta told Fox News Digital that Trump has "weaponized" the Justice Department, saying it has shifted from pursuing criminal prosecutions to conducting "political persecutions against political enemies."
FORMER GAVIN NEWSOM CHIEF OF STAFF CHARGED IN $225K FRAUD AND CORRUPTION SCHEME, DOJ SAYS
He also claimed that Trump ordered former Attorney General Pam Bondi "to go after his political enemies."
"If that doesn't destroy trust and make you doubt the intent behind this probe, I don't know what else I can tell you," Bonta said.
Bonta claimed Trump has used the DOJ to commit "political persecution" of his enemies, including a specific reference to "shifty Schiff."
Sen. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., declined to answer questions from Fox News Digital about reports that the probe was opened by federal prosecutors in California rather than the administration in Washington.
Sources familiar told Fox News that the investigation has been ongoing since 2025 and that the probe is based on whistleblower complaints related to Newsom and his wife's personal finances. The case is being handled by the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento.
A source also said that Washington was not involved in the decision to open the probe, according to the Associated Press.
An investigation launched last year under then-President Joe Biden resulted in corruption charges against Newsom’s former chief of staff, Dana Williamson. She pleaded guilty to lying about sharing internal information with a former associate. Newsom was not involved in the probe personally. It is reported that Newsom’s office believes the Trump administration’s federal investigators widened the efforts of the probe to also look into Newsom.
The Governor’s office announced on Monday that it filed a public records request to the DOJ seeking documents that mention Newsom or his wife during Trump’s second term, including messages to and from Justice Department leaders.
Fox News' David Spunt, Jake Gibson and Olivia Palombo contributed to this story.
USA World Cup team clinches spot in knockout stage after another historic performance vs Australia
A dream start for the United States Men's National Team continued on Friday, and the dream will continue into the next round.
The United States World Cup team clinched a spot in the knockout stage with its 2-0 victory over Australia in Seattle on Friday afternoon, its second win in as many games in this World Cup.
It's the first time since the inaugural World Cup in 1930 that the United States has won back-to-back World Cup games.
WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINAL ON FOX ONE
The United States' second World Cup match got off to an awfully familiar start. Flo Balogun’s pass hit Australia's Cameron Burgess and was directed into the net, resulting in an own goal in the 10th minute and giving the Americans an early lead in the group stage matchup.
It was the first time in World Cup history in which a team benefited from own goals in back-to-back games.
The field stayed tilted after the first goal, with the Stars and Stripes getting plenty of chances. Amazingly enough, though, they did not have a shot on goal for roughly 43 minutes.
But the U.S. found the back of the net at the tail end of that 43rd minute after a free kick was stopped, and then Alex Freeman, the son of former NFL player Antonio Freeman, headed a ball in. Officials initially ruled it offside, but a VAR check reversed the call, sending Seattle’s Lumen Field into a frenzy and giving Freeman, the youngest player on the roster at just 21-years-old, his first World Cup goal.
Through 71 minutes, the United States had possession of the ball for over 60% of the time as opposed to nearly 30% for Australia.
The United States is now 11-2-1 when scoring first in the World Cup.
It was announced before the game that Christian Pulisic would not play after suffering a calf injury last week. However, the Americans hardly missed a beat without him.
FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE
The team already has six goals in group play, tying its group stage record.
With its 2-0 record, the United States is in first place with six points, while Australia remains with three and in second place. Both Paraguay and Turkey, who face off on Friday to potentially determine the USA's group fate, are winless with zero points.
The United States would clinch a Group D victory, and a favorable draw in the Round of 32, if Paraguay either beats or ties with Turkey — that game kicks off at 11 p.m. ET.
However, a Turkey loss may actually not affect the United States too negatively. Sure, they would be in last place in the group by three points; but the U.S. would be able to rest a lot of its players — namely Pulisic — to give Turkey a favorable matchup to potentially snatch a Round of 32 spot.
The top two finishers from each of the 12 groups advance, as well as the eight-best third-place finishers. So while the U.S. may be able to sit comfortably for its own sake, it could certainly be involved in some mayhem.
No matter the case, the United States will take the pitch back in Los Angeles against Turkey next Thursday.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Transgender former New Hampshire state representative sentenced to 33 years for child sex abuse: report
A transgender former New Hampshire state representative will spend more than three decades in federal prison after admitting to receiving nude photos of children at a Massachusetts daycare.
Stacie Marie Laughton, 41, of Nashua was sentenced to more than 33 years behind bars after pleading guilty to sexual exploitation of children, according to a report from local outlet WCVB.
Laughton received the explicit images from his former intimate partner, Lindsay Groves, 40, of Hudson, New Hampshire, who was sentenced earlier this month to 22 years in prison, according to the report.
FORMER SUBSTITUTE TEACHER AND BOYFRIEND FACE 38 CHILD SEX CHARGES AS BOND NEARS 9 MILLION
Groves, who previously pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual exploitation of children and one count of distribution of child pornography, was employed at the Creative Minds daycare in neighboring Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Massachusetts.
Authorities said that between May 2022 and June 2023, Groves took multiple photos of prepubescent children in a private bathroom during routine diaper and pull-up changes prior to nap time.
Groves then sent the photos to Laughton via text message, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
A forensic review of Laughton and Groves’ cellphones uncovered more than 10,000 text messages sent between the two over a one-month period in 2023.
Court documents revealed the messages included discussions about and transfers of explicit images of children, including victims as young as 3 to 5 years old.
The U.S. Attorney's Office confirmed all the children in the case were identified, and their families were contacted by law enforcement.
Hillsborough County jail officials confirmed to NH Journal that Laughton has been housed in the male population.
Creative Minds Early Learning Center and the U.S. Attorney's Office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
WATCH: Boozy boaters unleash wild riverfront brawl as fists fly at popular South Carolina sandbar
A popular South Carolina river hangout erupted into chaos when a massive brawl broke out, with shocking video showing dozens of people crowding around as punches flew and fighters grappled in the water.
Videos from the June 6 incident at the 601 Sand Bar on the Congaree River in Calhoun County show multiple fights breaking out simultaneously while large crowds gathered to watch.
In one video, several people can be seen throwing punches while others attempt to separate those involved. Another clip shows people wrestling and exchanging blows in knee-deep water as bystanders shout and record the chaos on their phones.
The violent confrontation has now led to six arrests and a continuing investigation by the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office.
FLORIDA SHERIFF RIPS 'REPREHENSIBLE' LAKE BRAWL AFTER 8 ARRESTED
Investigators previously told WIS-TV that more than 20 people were involved in the fight and that at least three people suffered injuries ranging from swollen eyes to head injuries.
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"The injuries were severe," Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers told the outlet.
Authorities have not publicly identified what sparked the violence, but Summers said alcohol was a factor and that deputies identified numerous cases of underage drinking.
"To see that many people swinging, fighting, it could have been really, really bad and I'm sure there are injuries that we haven't heard about. That's just the nature of that type of beast," Summers told WIS.
"The water and drinking don't mix," he added. "It could be a family setting. Obviously, this would not be a good place to take your children if you wanted to because of things like this."
WATCH: Chaotic sandbar fight spills into water during massive riverfront brawl
The fight occurred during the annual Sparkleberry Duck Run, an event that draws boaters and outdoor enthusiasts to the Congaree River each year, according to WIS.
According to the sheriff's office, six people have been arrested in connection with the brawl. Authorities identified the suspects as Brendan Bonds, Hunter Dalzell, Lucas Scott, Edward Scott, Austin Mizzell and Taylor Knudson. The suspects face various assault and breach-of-peace charges stemming from the incident.
The sheriff's office said the investigation remains active and additional arrests are expected as detectives continue reviewing video and information submitted by the public.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office for additional comment.
In announcing the arrests, Summers said authorities are continuing to investigate the incident and encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators.
"This kind of behavior will not be tolerated," the sheriff said.
New Air Force One takes flight as Trump unveils revamped presidential aircraft
President Donald Trump on Friday unveiled a newly refurbished presidential aircraft at Joint Base Andrews, touting its size, luxury and updated red, white and blue paint scheme as the Air Force prepares the jet for service.
The Boeing 747-8i, donated by the government of Qatar and modified for presidential use, is expected to serve as an interim Air Force One while Boeing continues work on two delayed VC-25B replacement aircraft.
Standing alongside Air Force leaders and service members, Trump said the aircraft's most noticeable feature is its size.
"The biggest difference is the difference in size. It's like virtually double the size," Trump said.
AIR FORCE ONE SCRAPS ICONIC KENNEDY-ERA PAINT SCHEME FOR TRUMP-APPROVED RED, WHITE, BLUE DESIGN
The Air Force said the aircraft will soon begin commissioning flights, a final phase of testing before entering operational service.
"The safety and security of the commander in chief is our highest priority," Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said. "From the beginning, we meticulously evaluated every requirement to accelerate delivery while maintaining the high standards expected of the presidential mission."
Trump said he sought the aircraft after becoming frustrated with delays to Boeing's Air Force One replacement program and growing comparisons between the aging U.S. presidential fleet and newer aircraft operated by foreign governments.
"I asked the Emir if we could use the brand new 747," Trump said, noting the aircraft had relatively few flight hours and describing the current presidential fleet as aging.
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO: THE QATAR AIR FORCE ONE JET
"Our country has to be represented properly," he added.
The aircraft features Trump's preferred red, white and dark blue color scheme, replacing the light blue-and-white design that has defined presidential aircraft since the Kennedy administration. Earlier this year, the Air Force confirmed the updated paint scheme would become the standard across the presidential and executive airlift fleet, including the VC-25B aircraft currently under development.
Trump also praised the aircraft's interior craftsmanship and described it as "considered the world's most luxurious plane."
Trump said the aircraft could also play a prominent role in next year's America 250 celebration, predicting it would lead a July 4 flyover over Washington featuring fighter jets and other military aircraft. The president called it "a flyover like no flyover" and said the display could include F-22s, F-35s and other aircraft from across the U.S. military.
The Pentagon accepted the Qatari aircraft last year and has spent recent months preparing it for presidential service. Officials have said the timeline moved more quickly than the broader Air Force One replacement effort because the aircraft's interior required fewer modifications than the VC-25B program.
The jet is expected to bridge the gap until Boeing delivers two next-generation Air Force One aircraft, which are not expected to be completed for roughly two more years.
Trump thanked the more than 250 personnel involved in preparing the aircraft for service and called the project an example of modernizing a presidential fleet he said had fallen behind newer aircraft used by foreign leaders.
World Cup fans obsessed with ranch just got the solution they've been craving, but there's a better one
The United States is a tapestry of various condiments.
Mustards of endless varieties, ketchups, sauces and aiolis, and you can slather as much of it on your food as you want (although I do have a theory about a correlation between extreme condiment usage and low IQs, but that's a topic for another day).
But no condiment has captured the minds and taste buds of World Cup visitors quite like ranch dressing, and the folks at Kraft worked overtime in the lab to make sure fans can mule their calorie-packed bounty back home.
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The TSA made a (kind of) tongue-in-cheek post reminding travelers that ranch dressing is subject to the agency's carry-on liquid restrictions.
Well, Kraft has a solution: TSA-compliant ranch packets.
It is not going to be a fun day to be at Hidden Valley HQ when they realize they got beaten to the punch on this.
The post says that the image is partially AI-generated, but they're working on the real deal.
Now, I love bespoke equipment that solves a very specific problem, but there's another solution that I think everyone is forgetting.
So, Hidden Valley folks, listen up...
You need to set up pop-up ranch stores in airport terminals after TSA. That way, fans can just stick it in their carry-on.
FOX ONE’S NEW WORLD CUP VIEWING EXPERIENCE
I also think you'd move more of it because people would see it and make an impulse buy. Maybe some German fans would be like, "This stuff was great! Perhaps it would be good on mein schnitzel, ja?"
I call this the "Hudson News" strategy. You walk in there and magically leave with bags of pretzels and a Stephen King book you didn't want but bought because you were bored.
Hell, it was this phenomenon that led to me buying a Lebanon bologna one time and flying with it in my backpack (that was actually a very good decision in retrospect, and it made my backpack smell delicious).
So, while I like where the Kraft heads are at, I think there are a few more weeks of World Cup action that could see record airport terminal ranch sales if companies play their cards right.
Let's get on that.
Male breast cancer survivor shares warning after unexpected diagnosis
→ Former wrestler, actor reveals breast cancer diagnosis: 'One in 750 men'
→ TV news anchorman reveals he has Alzheimer's during final night helming broadcast
→ Nightly glass of wine may not be as harmless as many people think, study suggests
→ Bride in full wedding gown makes 2-hour hospital trip to see mother before ceremony
→ Weekly weightlifting sweet spot may be linked to longer life, study finds
→ Americans to get new sunscreen option already used abroad for decades
Tensions flare on 'The View' after Sunny Hostin claims Joy Behar 'in love' with JD Vance
Co-hosts of "The View" grilled Joy Behar on Friday about being a courteous host to Vice President JD Vance when he appeared on the liberal daytime talk show on Tuesday, and she argued she was simply following the example of the late Barbara Walters.
"It’s like with JD. He was here the other day," Behar said as the panel looked back on the interview with Vance. "I respect the office. I believe in reaching across the aisle. I do."
Moments later, co-host Sunny Hostin asked, "But I want to know, why were you so in love with JD Vance?"
"I wasn’t in love. I’m not in love with him, and I’m not in love with this administration," Behar replied.
WHOOPI GOLDBERG CLAIMS TRUMP'S ACTIONS IN IRAN ARE MEANT TO DISTRACT FROM NANCY GUTHRIE CASE
During a press conference on Wednesday, Vance addressed skepticism about his skills in "hostile, high-stakes negotiations" with Iran by joking that his appearance on "The View" was all the proof anyone needed.
"I would point those progressive critics to the fact that just two days ago, I spent over an hour on ‘The View,’ so I actually have great experience in very hostile negotiations," he quipped. "Look, Joy Behar is way tougher than the Iranians, and she and I are best friends now."
A clip of that moment was played on "The View" on Friday, getting laughter from the audience and co-hosts alike, as co-host Sunny Hostin asked, "What!? We were more difficult to deal with than the Iranian government?"
"He’s being funny, I think," Behar replied, as co-host Ana Navarro replied and wished that Behar could be the one negotiating with the Iranian government.
JOY BEHAR CLAIMS UNDER OBAMA THERE WAS 'NOTHING TO MAKE FUN OF' FOR COMEDIANS
"He came in strategically prepared to disarm us with niceness. He came in being affable and laughing easily and being very nice," Navarro said in reference to Vance. "It worked on you. Didn’t work on me," she then said to Behar.
"It didn’t work on me either," Hostin added.
"It did not ‘work’ on me," Behar said, appearing visibly annoyed that she was being accused of being swayed. "It did not. I respect the office. I’m a civilized human being, and when someone comes on my show, then you treat them like a human being."
"Barbara Walters did say that," Hostin admitted.
"I learned under Barbara Walters," Behar said, as she and Hostin both spoke about the late creator and founder of "The View."
Hostin remembered that when she first came on the show as a guest co-host years ago, Walters had advised, "When someone comes to your house, you treat them well. She did tell me that."
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While some of the co-hosts were skeptical about Vance’s political changes over the years, Behar defended him, "You know what? I believe people are redeemable. I remember when he wrote the ‘Hillbilly Elegy.’ He grew up poor. It was a really good book. He was not the person he is now. I agree with that, maybe he’ll go back to that. Who knows? I can only hope!"
Behar confirmed that she told Vance during a commerical break on Tuesday that he had a good vibe "for a Republican" and suggested he should run for president.
'Political stunt' prosecution of ICE agent for 'road rage' provokes heated DHS response
The Department of Homeland Security is accusing Minnesota officials of staging a "political stunt" as federal and state authorities square off over whether an ICE agent accused of pointing a gun at motorists should be prosecuted in state or federal court.
The dispute centers on Gregory Morgan Jr., an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent charged with two counts of second-degree assault after prosecutors said he pointed a handgun at motorists during a traffic confrontation while returning from a federal immigration enforcement operation in the Twin Cities.
Morgan's attorneys, backed by federal officials, argue he is protected under legal doctrines stemming from the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, which establishes that federal law supersedes conflicting state laws. Courts have recognized that federal officers may, in certain circumstances, be shielded from state prosecution for actions taken in the course of their official duties. But Minnesota prosecutors say those protections do not apply here, arguing Morgan's alleged conduct fell outside any legitimate federal law-enforcement function.
The case has grown into a broader fight over the legal protections afforded to federal officers. Hennepin County prosecutors are seeking to keep the matter in state court, while the federal government has joined Morgan's effort to move it to federal court. Earlier this week, the Department of Justice filed a notice seeking to have Senior Trial Attorney Paul Quast appear on behalf of the United States in the case.
"These actions by Minnesota sanctuary politicians are nothing more than a political stunt," a DHS spokesperson said in a statement. "States do not have the authority to charge a federal law enforcement officer while performing his official duties."
The statement came as Hennepin County Attorney Mary Moriarty's office urged a federal judge to reject Morgan's request to transfer the case out of Minnesota state court.
In filings submitted this week, prosecutors argued Morgan is attempting to "transform his moment of road rage — committed on a state highway against Minnesota victims — into a federal enforcement action."
The filing, submitted by the Hennepin County Attorney's Office along with the Institute for Constitutional Advocacy and the Washington Litigation Group, contends there is no meaningful connection between the alleged assault and Morgan's responsibilities as an ICE agent.
According to prosecutors, Morgan's authority to arrest and detain individuals suspected of violating immigration laws did not extend to confronting motorists on a Minnesota highway.
MINNESOTA SUES TRUMP ADMIN OVER SWEEPING IMMIGRATION RAIDS IN TWIN CITIES
"There is no evidence of any job-related circumstance requiring the defendant to rush to his destination or to drive on the highway shoulder to get there," the filing states. "It was the defendant's decision to drive illegally on the shoulder to avoid the inconvenience of rush-hour traffic, and to draw and point his firearm at motorists who got in his way."
Morgan's attorney, Ryan Pacyga, filed the removal petition last week, arguing the alleged conduct occurred while Morgan was performing federal law enforcement duties and that both he and his partner feared "imminent bodily harm" during the encounter.
According to court records, Morgan was returning to the Whipple Federal Building at Fort Snelling on Feb. 5 after participating in Operation Metro Surge when the incident occurred on Highway 62 near the Interstate 35W interchange.
Prosecutors say Morgan and another ICE agent were driving on the highway shoulder during rush hour when a Cadillac moved over and blocked their path. Authorities allege Morgan then pulled alongside the vehicle, drew a handgun and pointed it at the occupants.
ICE AGENT SHOOTS VENEZUELAN NATIONAL IN MINNEAPOLIS AFTER SHOVEL ATTACK DURING AMBUSH: DHS
One of the motorists called 911 and reported that a man had aimed a Glock at his face, while both occupants later told investigators they feared for their safety. Morgan was charged with two counts of second-degree assault and was released after posting $100,000 bail.
Morgan's case is not the only prosecution stemming from Operation Metro Surge.
Moriarty's office later charged another ICE agent, Christian Castro, with multiple assault counts in connection with the alleged shooting of Julio Sosa-Celis, an incident that sparked protests in north Minneapolis.
Fox News Digital reached out to the Justice Department, Moriarty's office and Pacyga for comment.
Russell Crowe says 'Gladiator II' failed because it lacked original film's 'moral core'
Russell Crowe is opening up about his career-defining role and why he thinks efforts to replicate the magic of the film with a sequel failed.
During a panel at the Taormina Film Festival, the 62-year-old actor spoke about the sequel to "Gladiator," noting he believed it was unsuccessful because it was missing the "moral core" of the original 2000 movie, per Variety.
"When we were shooting that film, there was a lot of pressure. The studio, the producers [thought] there should be sex between Maximus and the female characters. I kept pushing back," he said of the original film. "This is the story of a man avenging the death of his wife and his child. There cannot be a moment in that journey where he stops and has sex with somebody. It doesn’t make any sense because that destroys the journey."
He explained that director Ridley Scott agreed with him that an intimate scene between him and Connie Nielsen would take away from the "emotional core" of the film and excluded it from the movie.
'GLADIATOR' STAR RUSSELL CROWE DONATES THOUSANDS TO HELP SAVE STUNTMAN'S LEG
The "Les Misérables" star went on to say he found it interesting for executives "to destroy that moral centre" in the 2024 sequel.
"It’s very interesting because the second movie barely took the same box office that the first movie took. That’s 20 years later," he said. "When you apply how much of a change there’s been on the value of a dollar, they failed. They failed because they didn’t understand why [the original movie] was successful — it had a moral core."
The original film brought in about $465.5 million at the global box office in 2000, while the second earned about $462.1 in 2024, but adjusted for inflation, the original film's gross box office number would have been much more.
Crowe explained that while the studio didn't know why the film was such a success, he realized that "from the second week of release globally, there were always more women in the theaters than men."
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"You think that on the surface ‘Gladiator’ is a movie for men, but if it was a movie for men, it would be about revenge, but it’s not about revenge. It is a movie for women because it is about vengeance," he explained. "[‘Gladiator’] was successful because it had a moral core. In a way, we all want to be that guy who can stay that strong, if you’re a man. And if you’re a woman, we all want a man to love us in that way."
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The original film followed Crowe as Maximus, a once-powerful general who is sold into slavery and trained as a gladiator after the emperor's son gets jealous of him and kills his family.
It went on to become the second-highest grossing film of 2000 and won five Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor for Crowe.
The second film stars Paul Mescal as Lucius, the son of Maximus, who returns to Rome as a prisoner and is trained to be a gladiator for Macrinus, a former slave played by Denzel Washington, who has plans to overthrow the twin emperors.
"All we had to do was put the clothes on and start talking," Washington said at a Los Angeles screening of the movie in October 2024. "I’m serious. What Ridley did, which was great, is he built Rome… When we would walk around, you were in Rome [with] 10,000 extras and horses. I mean, it was make-believe, it was play."