Fox News Latest Headlines
EA shuts down legendary game studio BioWare after recent high-profile disappointments, controversies
Electronic Arts shut down BioWare, the longtime video game studio behind the "Mass Effect" and "Dragon Age" franchises, following years of disappointing releases and controversy over its games' identity-politics themes.
BioWare, founded in 1995, has closed after 31 years. Bloomberg reported that the studio "has struggled in recent years with critically panned titles such as Mass Effect: Andromeda and Anthem," and that "The studio’s most recent game, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, missed sales expectations and led EA to gut the studio last year."
The studio said in an Oct. 21 company blog post that "Now, after more than three decades of shared adventures, BioWare is closing and early development on the next Mass Effect project is ending. There is nothing easy about writing those words. Our focus right now is on our incredibly talented team who put their hearts into these games, and supporting one another through this transition."
BioWare became famous for games like "Dragon Age: Origins," a critically acclaimed dark-fantasy role-playing game. However, the series’ most recent installment, "Dragon Age: The Veilguard," underperformed, attracting approximately 1.5 million players during its launch quarter, nearly 50% below EA's expectations, according to the company.
GAMING-WORLD VETERAN WHO RIPPED ‘WOKE’ CULTURE SCORES TRUMP-BACKED BATTLEGROUND PRIMARY WIN
Former "Dragon Age" lead writer David Gaider later said another installment was unlikely under EA, and that the series previously survived because it had outperformed expectations.
"The Veilguard" also drew controversy for its transgender and nonbinary themes, including a character-creation option allowing players to add top surgery scars. In one scene criticized online, a character accidentally misgenders another character, who is nonbinary, and performs a fictional apology ritual.
Two months after the game’s release, Inverse reported that "The Veilguard" had faced backlash over its handling of identity politics, an issue that has sparked debate around other recent video games.
The game’s director, Corinne Busche, who is transgender, spoke to Inverse about how themes of identity influenced the game.
"I’m an openly queer, trans woman," Busche told the outlet. "It shaped everything about who I am, and it’s been the source of a lot of joy, a lot of difficulty, and perspective. For me personally, one of the greatest gifts about being trans is the amount of introspection it forces upon you. You spend a lot of time deeply examining who you are, and why that matters."
BioWare became famous for games like "Dragon Age: Origins," a critically acclaimed dark-fantasy role-playing game. However, the series’ most recent installment, "Dragon Age: The Veilguard," underperformed, attracting approximately 1.5 million players during its launch quarter, nearly 50% below EA's expectations, according to the company.
Over the past decade, several video games have sparked controversy over the inclusion of progressive political themes. Marty O’Donnell, a Republican congressional candidate and composer for the "Halo" video game series, spoke to Fox News Digital about how he believes BioWare's closure reflects a larger phenomenon that has been developing for years.
"For the last few years, BioWare hasn’t been in touch with its fans, as it got infected with woke ideology, including a scene in ‘Dragon Age’ where a character came out as non-binary," O'Donnell said. "The game failed to sell, which surprised no one who understands the industry."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
"EA took BioWare and ruined it by preaching to their audience," he continued. "I knew Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk, who started BioWare, well, and I’m glad they got out at a good time before EA destroyed their company. More companies like Bungie and BioWare will be shuttered until the executives wake up and realize fans want politics out of their games."
Mamdani under fire over NYC schools as critics say mayor is devoid of education agenda despite $38B budget
Ten months into New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s term, education advocates tell Fox News Digital that the democratic socialist mayor is falling short of delivering on the education promises he made during his campaign.
"It's not good enough to be the TikTok mayor for 900,000 New York City public school students and their families," said David Bloomfield, former general counsel for the New York City Board of Education.
"We need movement, not just words."
Mamdani, who campaigned on a progressive education platform, was expected to make significant changes to the city's struggling public school system, but education advocates argue that his first 10 months in office have produced few substantive changes to K-12 education.
"Mayor Mamdani has not addressed education adequately," Bloomfield said. "Ten months into his administration, there is no real overwhelming education agenda or, particularly, regarding racial segregation or enrollment decline and school mergers … We're really hearing nothing out of the administration."
"Most people who are involved in education advocacy and many parents are disappointed because they really expected a big shift from the last administration. Mamdani ran on a very progressive agenda overall, a kind of activist agenda, and yet we haven't seen many changes from the Adams administration in terms of K-12 education," said Class Size Matters founder Leonie Haimson.
Bloomfield, a professor emeritus at Brooklyn College, argued that Mamdani's administration has yet to establish a comprehensive strategy for addressing declining enrollment, racial segregation, overcrowded classrooms and other issues facing the Big Apple’s public school system.
MAMDANI TURNS ON NEW YORK CITY TEACHERS UNION WITH LAWSUIT BLOCKING PAY RAISES FOR EDUCATORS
"[Mamdani] is continuing mayoral control of New York City public schools, but without a real agenda," Bloomfield told Fox News Digital.
New York City’s public schools operate under mayoral control, giving Mamdani broad authority over the system and its leadership, including Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels.
New York City has allocated a $38.6 billion budget to its public schools, which serve nearly one million students. The city spends 50% more per student than Los Angeles and Chicago, the country's other two largest school districts, according to a New York Post analysis.
Bloomfield questioned whether the city is directing funding where it is most needed. He said funding continues to support schools with declining enrollment, while overcrowded campuses "bursting at the seams" struggle to accommodate their student populations.
"Money will go a long way to solving the education problem in New York," said Bloomfield. "The problem, though, where does that money go? How is that money used?"
STEVE MOORE, ED POZZUOLI: STOP FUNDING SCHOOL SYSTEMS. LET THE MONEY FOLLOW THE CHILD
Haimson, a longtime education advocate who fights for smaller class sizes in New York City, criticized Mamdani's sudden loss of momentum on overcrowded classrooms.
A New York state law, signed by Gov. Kathy Hochul and supported by Mamdani when he was a state assemblyman, requires New York City public schools to limit class sizes to between 20 and 25 students, depending on grade level. Mamdani has sought a two-year extension of the compliance deadline, which would push full implementation to 2030.
"The one thing he was most enthusiastic about was lowering class sizes and complying with the class size law. And yet, as soon as he got elected, he decided he wanted an extension," Haimson told Fox News Digital.
"I expected that they would come out with a real plan on how that space would be created, and they have not done so," she added.
Haimson said Mamdani’s education agenda remains limited compared with his broader campaign platform, arguing that his approach to K-12 schools has largely mirrored that of his predecessor, former New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
CHICAGO'S HALF-EMPTY SCHOOLS REVEAL A CRISIS CITY LEADERS REFUSE TO CONFRONT
Bloomfield echoed Haimson’s argument, saying that unlike Adams and former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Mamdani lacks a clear education agenda.
"I think there's disappointment. People want change," he said. "Change is necessary, whether it's in terms of race … quality education, reading scores, math scores. There really is a need for improvement, and yet we're hearing nothing out of City Hall or the Department of Education."
During his first six months in office, Adams issued 21 press releases related to K-12 education — including announcements about expanding the gifted and talented program and introducing dyslexia screening — compared with Mamdani's 11 releases during the corresponding period, according to an analysis by Chalkbeat.
While Haimson credited Mamdani with launching the city’s first 2-K initiative, which expands early education and childcare to 2-year-olds through a partnership with Hochul, she said the administration has paid little attention to students older than five.
POWERFUL TEACHERS' UNIONS SHARE STRIKING LINK WITH STATES STRUGGLING TO TEACH KIDS TO READ
"He really hasn't taken much interest in anything that relates to education once the child turns 5 years old," she said. "And of course, there's many, many years of schooling that make a huge difference in a child's life after the age of 5."
Both Haimson and Bloomfield told Fox News Digital that Mamdani and Samuels must make K-12 education a more prominent priority for the administration and develop a clearer strategy for addressing persistent challenges.
"I'd like him … to pay more attention to K-12 education, because he did get mayoral control renewed, and it really is one of the top responsibilities of mayors in this city is to make sure that New York City kids are getting a good education," Haimson said.
"We really need either the chancellor, Kamar Samuels, or the mayor himself to step up," Bloomfield added.
Neither Mamdani nor Samuels responded to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.
FBI advised ESPN star Pat McAfee to wear a bulletproof vest after Charlie Kirk’s assassination
The FBI advised ESPN commentator Pat McAfee to begin wearing a bulletproof vest the week after the assassination of Charlie Kirk last year, a source familiar with the situation told OutKick.
McAfee alluded to Kirk earlier this week while explaining why he did not feel safe filming "College GameDay" on the Utah Valley University campus.
"And then I thought to myself, has anything like really scary happened at like a college gathering in the state of Utah recently?" McAfee said Monday during his show. "Like, do we think we should be amplifying reasons for why people hate my guts as a university? I don’t know."
HOW CHARLIE KIRK’S ASSASSINATION CHANGED THE WAY CONSERVATIVES APPROACH HOSTILE OPPONENTS
Front Office Sports first reported the FBI’s advice to McAfee.
ESPN released a statement that it takes all threats seriously, adding, "We support Pat and recognize the very real and valid concerns he has around safety and security."
It is unclear what specifically caused McAfee to feel unsafe on campus. However, an official university account posted a viral video that students used to mock McAfee as "corny" for ripping his shirt off on campus during "College GameDay."
Kirk’s assassination in 2025 has raised concerns among polarizing media figures about their safety in public.
McAfee, arguably the biggest star in sports media, is frequently the target of hysteria and false accusations from internet users, especially after his interview with President Trump on ESPN earlier this year.
He appears weekly on ESPN’s "College GameDay," which airs live from a college campus.
McAfee did not respond to a text message from OutKick seeking comment on the FBI’s advice by the time of publication.
We will update this story if he provides an on-the-record statement.
Rep Tom Tiffany claims Kamala Harris' visit signals weakness in David Crowley’s Wisconsin campaign
Former Vice President Kamala Harris’ recent trip to Wisconsin to stump for Democratic gubernatorial candidate David Crowley shows his campaign is struggling to rally voters, according to his Republican opponent, Rep. Tom Tiffany.
Harris arrived in the key battleground state Monday to campaign alongside Crowley in Milwaukee just eight days before Election Day.
"For the last year and a half, I know many of us have been going through a whole lot of emotion: anger, sadness, disappointment, destruction, depression, all kinds of emotions," Harris told supporters at Milwaukee’s Pfister Hotel.
"And we've been feeling powerless. People have been feeling like, ‘I can't do anything about this.’ And I know how much pain people are in. I know how it is creating so much fear among so many communities of people."
KAMALA HARRIS CALLS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION 'MOST CALLOUS AND CORRUPT' IN AMERICAN HISTORY
Tiffany asserted that Harris was brought in to energize a Democratic base where Crowley’s campaign has lagged amid a sense of national political fatigue caused by polarization and endless campaign messaging.
"This is clearly a move that says that they're struggling to get their base to vote. David Crowley has not excited the base," Tiffany told Fox News Digital.
ABORTION, ICE AND SOCIALISM SPARK FIREWORKS IN SWING STATE GOVERNOR DEBATE: 5 TOP MOMENTS
Critics and political opponents have accused Crowley of being handpicked by Democratic leaders, including Gov. Tony Evers, as a centrist alternative to more progressive candidates such as state Rep. Francesca Hong, whom Crowley narrowly defeated in the primary.
The critique echoes challenges Harris faced during her own presidential bid.
"It was, once again, the Democrats that pulled somebody off the bench," Tiffany said. "They handpicked them rather than letting democracy work in their own party, and there's people very frustrated with that. They're trying to excite their base, and it's a problem for them."
Tiffany has framed himself as a commonsense candidate while targeting Crowley, the current Milwaukee County executive, over local economic conditions.
"It's not in his DNA to reduce costs for people in Wisconsin or to reduce taxes," Tiffany said. "He is going to raise taxes. That's what he's done every single year when he's been county executive. That's not what people want to hear. "
A spokesperson for Crowley's campaign pushed back in a statement to Fox News Digital, highlighting his efforts to detail his affordability plans amid inflation and blaming Tiffany and the Trump administration.
"David Crowley is criss-crossing the state to discuss his plan to lower costs for working families who are struggling to pay their bills because of Congressman Tom Tiffany and Donald Trump’s unaffordable MAGA agenda," the spokesperson said.
"David has spent his career lowering costs for working families, including balancing the budget and lowering the property tax rate every single year as county executive.
"Meanwhile, Tom Tiffany went to Washington and sold out working Wisconsinites to give the same billionaires funding his campaign massive tax breaks."
Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump's relationship 'stronger than ever' with marriage talks on the table: report
Marriage might be on the table for Tiger Woods and Vanessa Trump.
A source told Page Six that their relationship is "stronger than ever" after dealing with serious personal situations this year on both ends.
Woods was arrested on charges of DUI back in March after flipping his Land Rover on Jupiter Island, Florida, where he was found with two hydrocodone pills on his person during a search at the scene. He ended up going to Switzerland to enter a rehab facility and has since been hoping to get back into golf after returning home.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGE
Trump, the ex-wife of Donald Trump Jr., revealed in April that she was diagnosed with breast cancer. She recently announced that she is cancer-free in a video on her daughter, Kai Trump’s, Instagram this past week.
It’s been a difficult year, but their bond has grown stronger because of it, according to the outlet.
THE CRAIG CARTON SHOW–UNFILTERED, UNAPOLOGETIC AND UNMISSABLE. DOWNLOAD HIS DAILY PODCAST NOW!
"They’re very serious about each other and absolutely see a future together," the source said. "Marriage is something they’ve talked about, but that doesn’t mean a proposal is necessarily around the corner.
"Going through difficult times together has brought them closer and shown them that they can count on one another. It’s one thing to enjoy the good times together, but they’ve also seen how the other person handles things when life gets difficult.
The source added that Woods and Trump "have really leaned on each other." Woods and Trump also "celebrated privately" since learning the latter was cancer-free.
Trump was also very supportive of Woods following his arrest on charges of DUI. She stood by his side during a court appearance in September stemming from the arrest. Woods ultimately accepted a plea deal that reduced his charges to reckless driving.
Vanessa, who shares five children with Trump Jr., and Woods, who has a daughter and son with ex-wife Elin Nordergren, have also seen their families get close, according to the source.
An example is Kai, a freshman at the University of Miami, who has been spotted with Woods multiple times this year. Kai is a part of the women’s golf team for the Hurricanes, though she announced she underwent surgery that will keep her off the course for some time.
"Their families have blended really naturally," the outlet’s source continued. " Kai absolutely adores Woods and Trump gets along great with his kids, too. They genuinely enjoy spending time together as a family."
Travelers may face major disruptions as strikes threaten airports and popular attractions
Travelers heading to Italy and Spain could face major transportation disruptions this week as workers prepare to strike.
Rail passengers in Spain could see delays and cancellations beginning Thursday, Oct. 29, while a nationwide strike in Italy on Friday could affect trains, flights and other forms of transportation, according to reports.
In Spain, train drivers represented by the SEMAF union are planning a 24-hour strike Thursday that will affect Renfe, Spain's national passenger rail company, according to an announcement from the union.
US WARNS AMERICANS TO STAY VIGILANT AS TERROR RISK LOOMS AT MAJOR VACATION HOT SPOT
SEMAF cited concerns, including railway safety, working conditions and what it described as unfulfilled commitments as reasons for the strike.
The strike is scheduled to run from 12:01 a.m. through 11:59 p.m., the union said.
Some trains will continue operating during the strike under minimum service requirements.
The Spanish government has required 73% of Renfe's high-speed and long-distance trains and 65% of its medium-distance trains to run during the strike, according to Renfe.
Renfe has pushed back against some of the reasons given for the strike.
The company said it's completed the steps it was responsible for under a February agreement aimed at improving the country's rail system, according to a company press release.
FURIOUS CROWDS PROTEST SKY-HIGH HOUSING COSTS AND MASS TOURISM IN MAJOR CITY
It also said it has moved forward with additional hiring and taken steps to improve train maintenance, while arguing that several other issues raised by the union are controlled by government agencies or other organizations.
"Renfe respects the exercise of the right to strike but regrets a call that could affect thousands of travelers despite the progress made and full compliance with the obligations assumed by the company in the February agreement," the company said in a translated press release.
TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ
Travel problems in Spain could continue Friday, when drivers for Ouigo, another high-speed rail operator, are planning a separate 24-hour strike over working conditions, according to Business Travel News Europe.
Meanwhile, travelers in Italy could face disruptions to several forms of transportation.
A nationwide general strike is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 30, with transportation workers among those expected to take part, according to Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.
Rail workers are scheduled to strike from 9 p.m. Thursday through 8:59 p.m. Friday, according to the ministry's strike calendar.
CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER
Air travel could also face disruptions Friday, while ground-handling workers at Florence and Pisa airports are planning a separate 24-hour strike, according to the government schedule.
Reasons for the strike include concerns over the cost of living, wages and pensions, as well as opposition to increased military spending, according to the USB union.
The strike comes amid broader unrest in Italy, where recent demonstrations have led to clashes and prompted the government to deploy additional soldiers to Milan, Fox News Digital previously reported.
The upcoming strikes have already left some tourists questioning whether they should change their plans.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES
"Is it safe to travel or should I reschedule the trip?" one Reddit user asked ahead of a planned Oct. 30 train trip from Rome to Florence.
Some commenters urged other travelers to check whether their specific train is included on a guaranteed service list before making any changes.
"There is nothing unsafe about a transportation strike," one person wrote, adding that travelers should check their train before deciding whether to reschedule.
Other travelers said they would rather avoid the uncertainty altogether.
"I would reschedule if you can," one Reddit user wrote.
Fox News Digital reached out to SEMAF, Renfe and Italy's Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport for comment.
Savannah Chrisley stands by ‘huge’ age gap with fiancé after announcing pregnancy
Pregnant Savannah Chrisley is defending her "huge" age-gap relationship with fiancé and "best friend" Jason, who has been identified in reports as Jason Galanis, 56, according to People magazine.
The outlet reported that Galanis, who is 27 years older than Chrisley, was an associate of Hunter Biden, noting that he worked with him and business associate Devon Archer.
In September 2020, Galanis was sentenced to 189 months in prison for multiple securities fraud schemes, before President Trump commuted his sentence in March 2025, People reported.
While in prison, Galanis also testified during President Biden’s impeachment inquiry in 2024, per the outlet.
During Tuesday's episode of her "Unlocked" podcast," the 29-year-old reality TV star — who also announced her engagement and pregnancy with a video post on Instagram — opened up about the age difference between her and the father of her first baby and explained why she doesn't care what other people's opinions are towards their relationship.
"Yes, there is a huge age gap there, OK?" Chrisley, 29, said of Jason during the podcast. "And that’s probably part of the reason why I kept a lot of it quiet, because I know how brutal the public can be. But I genuinely do not care.
"I have always said, ‘I would rather [have] 20 phenomenal, unbelievable years with someone than 50 ‘meh’ years.' Like, the amount of love and respect that we have, we have so many dreams, and we dream together, we work together … we want to have life experiences with each other. And I think that’s when you know you have the right person, when you don’t feel like you have to escape them at times.
"We do everything together. … And it’s just such an amazing, fulfilling feeling to finally find your person. And I’m there. So, yes, the age difference. So what?"
Chrisley, who revealed she got engaged in December 2025, shared limited details abougt the day Jason proposed.
GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HERE
"When he gave me the ring, he was like, ‘Before I open this, I just want you to know that this is just an expression of love to you. This can be whatever you want it to be. This can be an engagement ring, a promise ring, a cocktail ring for all I care. I just want you to know how much I love you,'" she recalled. "And there was no pressure ever put on me to, like, ‘You have to accept this as this.'"
While she acknowledged the engagement was "really quick," she stressed that "timing means nothing."
On Tuesday, Chrisley also announced that she and Jason are expecting their first child together in an emotional Instagram post.
"I’ve prayed for this life. I’ve cried for this life. And there were moments I truly wondered if this life would ever be mine," she wrote alongside a video montage announcing the pregnancy.
LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
"The past few years have taken me through fires I never imagined I’d have to walk through. Seasons of heartbreak, loss, and moments when I didn’t know if I would ever make it to the other side. I wondered if I would ever find my forever … if I would ever feel safe enough to truly breathe again," she continued.
"And then God sent me J. Right in the middle of the heartbreak. Before all the pieces were put back together. And somehow, he began healing parts of me he never broke.
"My protector. My fiercest fighter. My most loyal person. My lover. My safe place. A man with the patience of Job — and Lord knows he needs it. The one who makes me laugh even on my hardest days.
"For the first time in a long time, I feel safe. I feel fulfilled. I can finally exhale. I found my forever in you."
Chrisley went on to describe her pregnancy as the couple’s "sweetest blessing yet."
"J, watching the way you already love and protect our baby before he/she has even entered this world has made me fall in love with you in an entirely new way," she wrote.
"Not a single doctor’s appointment missed. Constantly caring for me, talking about our baby, and reminding me how beautiful my growing bump is. I thank God every day that this baby gets to call you Daddy."
Chrisley also addressed women who may be waiting for their own "forever."
"And to the woman still in her waiting season… wondering when it will finally be her turn, wondering if God has forgotten her… Please don’t mistake God’s silence for His absence," she wrote.
"Sometimes He’s writing the most beautiful chapters of your story while you’re still trying to make sense of the ones that broke your heart.
"I once prayed just to make it through another day. Now I get to spend forever with the love of my life, carrying a little miracle we already love more than words," she continued.
"From heartbreak to healing. From surviving to living. From praying for my forever to building a family with him.
"Only God could have written this story."
Chrisley previously discussed her relationship with Jason during a June appearance on the "Whine Down with Jana Kramer" podcast, where she admitted that her father, Todd Chrisley, is "not too fond" of the age difference.
"Age-gap relationships are the new thing. You’re going to see it everywhere," she said. "There are all these couples that are huge age-gap relationships, but it just works. It’s insane.
"For me, I’m not dealing with the insecurity of a younger guy who’s trying to keep up. Honestly, it’s the healthiest relationship I’ve ever been in," she continued.
"He’s my biggest cheerleader," Chrisley added. "He’s not intimidated by my success, which is so great.
"I feel like so many women in today’s day and age are the primary breadwinners for their family, and they feel like they have to dim their light in order to make their partner feel better. And I’m like, no," she said.
"First off, he does way better than I do. And I love that because I’m like, ‘You’re not intimidated by me. You think what I do is great. You don’t try to stifle me.’"
Fox News Digital reached out to Savannah Chrisley's reps for comment.
Russian diesel tankers close in on US ports as Trump, Putin deal triggers legal showdown
As three tankers carrying Russian diesel are crossing the Atlantic toward U.S. ports, with a fourth set to depart soon, President Donald Trump's fuel deal with Moscow is drawing opposition in Congress and threats to investigate companies involved in the shipments.
A former Treasury Department sanction official confirmed to Fox News Digital that Trump has the legal authority to allow the imports despite a 2022 law banning Russian energy products, arguing that Washington's authorization does not eliminate the underlying prohibition.
"The concern that the president has violated a law from 2022 that prohibits the importation is actually not founded in law, so the president certainly has the authority in this case to provide the authorization," Jeremy Paner, a partner at Hughes Hubbard & Reed, told Fox News Digital.
TRUMP TRIES DIFFERENT APPROACH WITH RUSSIA TO BRING AMERICANS RELIEF AMID ONGOING WAR WITH UKRAINE
Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexander Novak also confirmed the tanker movements Tuesday on the sidelines of the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GEC) summit, saying a fourth vessel was expected to depart Russia Oct. 28.
"There are three ships at the moment. The fourth has not yet departed," Novak said, according to TASS.
The shipments, totaling around 140,000 metric tons, is the first authorized cargo under an Oct. 9 agreement between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin temporarily permitting imports of Russian diesel.
The administration followed the process to ease diesel prices amid supply disruptions linked to the war with Iran and Ukrainian strikes on Russian refineries.
The deal triggered opposition on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers argue the administration lacks the authority to bypass the Ending Importation of Russian Oil Act of 2022 without congressional approval.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., also escalated opposition Tuesday, demanding that two shipping companies recall tankers carrying Russian diesel bound for U.S. ports.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS BREAK WITH TRUMP ON DIESEL DEAL WITH RUSSIA
In letters to Eastern Mediterranean Maritime Limited and PetroVietnam, Blumenthal argued that the Treasury Department's General License No. 135 cannot override the 2022 import ban and warned that the deliveries would violate federal law.
He also demanded details about the companies involved in the shipments and any federal guidance they received by Oct. 31.
Paner, however, drew a distinction between removing sanctions and authorizing specific transactions.
"Trump's action did not lift or remove or waive the underlying prohibition on the importation of Russian diesel into the United States," Paner said.
"What it did was authorize it, and, as a matter of law, that's different. A license does not get rid of a prohibition. It's simply allowed," the expert added.
The incoming tankers have drawn scrutiny because at least two are subject to Western sanctions, according to reports.
The first tanker, the Malta-flagged Agioi Fanendes, is carrying about 40,000 metric tons of diesel and signaling New York as its destination, with an estimated arrival date of Nov. 7.
A second vessel, the 20-year-old Talisman, is expected to reach the East Coast on Nov. 9 and is sanctioned by the U.S., United Kingdom and the EU.
The third tanker, the Sierra Leone-flagged, Hong Kong-owned Leruo, is signaling an East Coast arrival around Nov. 11.
The Leruo was sanctioned in 2025 by the European Union, United Kingdom and Canada over alleged deceptive shipping practices involving Russian oil and petroleum products and conducting ship-to-ship transfers at sea.
Paner said the U.S. authorization would allow the shipments to proceed under American sanctions rules, even if a vessel is separately designated under U.S. sanctions.
"From a U.S. legal perspective, U.S. sanctions do not get in the way of importing Russian diesel from these three ships, even though one of the ships is sanctioned by the United States and even though the importation of Russian diesel is prohibited by U.S. law," Paner explained.
"Because of the breadth of the authorization that OFAC issued, it would cover anything that would touch upon Russian sanctions," Paner said, referring to the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control.
"From a U.S. perspective, it's not relevant that one of these three vessels is sanctioned by the U.S.," he added.
But Paner warned that American authorization would not automatically protect foreign companies operating under other countries' sanctions regimes.
REPUBLICAN LAWMAKERS BREAK WITH TRUMP ON DIESEL DEAL WITH RUSSIA
"Where it gets complicated is the EU, U.K. and Canadian sanctions on some of the vessels, and that is because there are so many different players in the maritime industry, including shippers, insurers, re-insurers and banks," Paner said.
"There could be European operators involved, and the U.S. authorization would not authorize those European, U.K. or Canadian companies to have any involvement in these shipments."
The complications could explain why sanctioned vessels are being used for the deliveries, according to Paner.
"Sanctioned vessels would be used because of the reputational and legal risk exposure from moving Russian diesel," he said.
"Even if it's blessed by the U.S., there are other sanctions out there that these big global logistics companies and shipping companies have to keep in mind as well."
He also cautioned that vessel ownership could complicate efforts to determine which sanctions apply.
"I don't know who owns them currently. I don't know if the same entity identified by the various sanctioning authorities owns them now."
The shipments underscore a shift in Washington's approach to Russian energy restrictions imposed after Moscow's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, when the United States banned Russian petroleum imports and imposed price caps on Russian oil and refined products.
TRUMP SAYS RUSSIA HAS AGREED TO DELIVER MILLIONS IN DIESEL FUEL AFTER 'HIGHLY SUCCESSFUL DISCUSSION'
Under the deal, Washington authorized certain Russian diesel imports in exchange for Moscow releasing 300,000 metric tons to global markets, rising to 500,000 in November and potentially 1 million per month after.
Novak also criticized lawmakers opposing the arrangement, accusing them of acting against the interests of American consumers.
"Overall, it is certainly surprising to see the stance taken by Democrats, who speak out — or even take action — in a way that is not in the best interests of the residents of the United States of America," Novak said.
In an October letter to commercial banks, fuel distributors and port authorities in New York, New Jersey and along the Texas Gulf Coast, lawmakers also warned that companies involved in the diesel shipments could face investigations.
They also demanded that companies preserve transaction records, port reservations and communications, giving recipients until Oct. 28 to confirm they had taken steps to retain the documents.
"I'm confident that Congress is going to investigate on the U.S. side, and then from investigating the U.S. involvement, they'll be able to understand the non-U.S. companies that are involved as well," Paner concluded.
Road rage victim’s utility worker ‘brothers’ face off with hedge fund driver indicted in murder case
Dozens of Con Edison workers showed up to court on Tuesday as Koran Irvine's alleged killer faced upgraded charges following a grand jury indictment in the suspected road rage shooting.
Victor Romero, a former NYPD detective who had been working as a driver and security guard for a hedge fund, now faces a second-degree murder charge in connection to the fatal shooting of Irvine, 46, on the George Washington Bridge in New York City last week.
Irvine, who leaves behind a wife and two children, worked for the utility company Con Edison for 20 years before Romero, 62, allegedly killed him.
EX-COP SPED AWAY IN HEDGE FUND’S SUV AFTER FATAL GEORGE WASHINGTON BRIDGE ROAD RAGE SHOOTING: REPORT
Dozens of Irvine's colleagues showed up at the courthouse Tuesday morning to stand in solidarity with the family of their slain coworker.
"We're brothers here," one Con Edison employee said outside the courthouse, FOX 5 NY reported.
WATCH: Con Ed coworker remembers GWB shooting victim
PREGNANT WOMAN DRIVING HOME FROM PRENATAL VISIT SHOT DURING ALLEGED ROAD RAGE ATTACK: POLICE
PHILADELPHIA POLICE OFFICER KILLED, PARTNER SHOT 12 TIMES IN AMBUSH; SUSPECT FOUND HIDING IN TREE
He detailed his friendship with Irvine, noting that their families often "hung out" together and their children were "friends."
LISTEN TO THE NEW 'CRIME & JUSTICE WITH DONNA ROTUNNO' PODCAST
Following a near collision as the two men drove toward the George Washington Bridge, prosecutors allege surveillance video shows the suspect "aggressively tailgating" Irvine's car before pulling up next to it and firing at least one shot.
Authorities conducted a 24-hour manhunt to locate Romero following the shooting.
DRIVER OPENS FIRE ON STRANGERS ALONG MAJOR US INTERSTATE, TELLS COPS HE ‘HAD TO KILL PEOPLE TODAY’
Romero, who had previously posted a $1 million bail and entered a not guilty plea to initial first-degree manslaughter charges, appeared in court alongside his attorney and his own private security.
He made no public comments when approached by reporters outside the courthouse.
Romero is now scheduled for a Supreme Court arraignment on Nov. 23.
Fox News Digital reached out to Romero's attorney, Alan Abramson, who could not be immediately reached for comment.
Country star Terri Clark says her band thinks she needs therapy for her fishing addiction
Terri Clark has a problem. At least, that's what her band thinks.
The country music legend loves fishing so much that she's taken to practicing fishing knots on her tour bus. And apparently, her bandmates have some thoughts.
"My band is just like, 'You can get therapy for this. There's a problem,'" Clark joked during an exclusive interview with OutKick OutDoors.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE FROM OUTKICK OUTDOORS
She blames Instagram. Every time she opens the app, the algorithm feeds her another video promising to teach her the strongest fishing knot known to mankind. Naturally, she has to try it.
But if Clark's fishing obsession requires professional intervention, she's about to find herself in excellent company.
On Sunday, the Grand Ole Opry member will participate in The Champions Celebrity Pro-Am on Old Hickory Lake near Nashville, where she'll share a boat with one of the world's top professional bass anglers.
The Pro-Am follows a three-day championship that brings together 60 of the sport's best anglers competing for a $3.25 million purse.
And Clark, who has spent years honing her skills on Lake Erie, can't wait to see how her own fishing knowledge stacks up.
"Everybody thinks I'm such a great fisherwoman," she said. "I'm like, they have no idea the level that these guys operate at. I mean, they're professionals. They make a living doing this."
Watch Terri Clark's whole interview with OutKick OutDoors here:
The difference, she explained, is that she has the luxury of knowing her home waters. Professional anglers, on the other hand, have to figure out unfamiliar lakes, study underwater topography and adapt to whatever conditions they encounter.
"I'm going to be taking a master class in bass fishing, which will be super fun."
Clark is particularly interested in learning more about fishing electronics. She owns a Humminbird MEGA Live 2 system but hasn't installed it on her boat because, as she put it, she doesn't want to spend all day staring at a camera.
Still, she recognizes how useful the technology can be. And if Sunday's fishing lesson happens to reveal a few productive spots on Old Hickory Lake, she certainly won't complain.
"I live in Nashville, so maybe I need to mark all the spots we go to so I can go back to them with my kayak later," she joked.
While Clark is looking forward to learning from the bass fishing pros, there's another fish occupying an awful lot of space in her brain these days.
A musky. Preferably one measuring more than 50 inches.
She recently returned from a fall fishing trip to Lake Erie, where she'd hoped to finally land one of the elusive predators. Unfortunately, Mother Nature wasn't particularly cooperative.
Strong easterly winds kept her off the water for much of the trip, while warmer-than-usual lake temperatures appeared to have delayed the muskies' typical fall movements.
But Clark isn't about to admit defeat: "I'm gonna get one though. I'm gonna get one."
She's even considering chasing muskies on Tennessee's Caney Fork River, closer to home.
In the meantime, she's got plenty of other fish to keep her busy.
Lake Erie's multi-species fishing is one of the things she loves most about the lake. On any given day, she might find herself catching bass, northern pike or walleye — sometimes on the same lure.
And she has some pretty impressive catches to her name.
In 2022, she landed a 16-pound northern pike, a fish so memorable that she had a replica made for her wall after releasing it.
But one of her favorite recent fishing memories belongs to somebody else.
Over the summer, Clark took comedian Kathleen Madigan out on Lake Erie, where Madigan landed her personal-best bass: a five-and-a-half-pounder.
"The fish was bigger than Kathleen," Clark laughed.
And watching her friend's excitement was every bit as satisfying as catching a giant fish herself.
"When they get something big and they get excited, it's just as exciting as if I caught it myself."
Conveniently enough, Madigan will also be competing in Sunday’s Pro-Am.
PARKER MCCOLLUM WANTS HIS SONS TO LEARN THE LESSON HUNTING AND RANCH LIFE TAUGHT HIM GROWING UP
For someone who describes fishing as a meditative experience, Clark has a pretty intense approach to it.
"I will dehydrate myself because I won't even stop casting long enough to take a drink of water," she admitted. "I'm so zoned in on it."
She's had pike launch themselves out of the water to grab a lure right beside her boat. She's cut her hands badly enough to need bandages while fishing. And she's developed enough knowledge of Lake Erie that she keeps several weather apps handy to make sure it's safe to head out.
Even when she's touring, the fishing bug follows her.
On days off, she'll hire a guide or find someone willing to take her out on a nearby lake. She generally avoids fishing on show days, though, because the possibility of a boat breakdown causing her to miss soundcheck isn't a risk she's willing to take.
But it's not just the thrill of landing a big fish that keeps her coming back.
"It's not just about catching fish. It's not just about fishing," she said. "It's about being surrounded by nature."
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY OUTKICK NEWSLETTER
After more than three decades in a career that involves bright lights, loud crowds and constant travel, Clark finds something entirely different on the water.
She described watching the sunrise over Lake Erie at 6:30 in the morning, with the water perfectly still, and being so overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment that she's been moved to tears.
"It's almost like you're part of nature's heartbeat at that time, and I don't know a better way of putting it."
That's also an experience she hopes more women and young girls will discover for themselves.
"I think that we need more female anglers out there," she said.
Her advice for beginners? Don't overcomplicate it. Find someone knowledgeable who can teach you, start with basic equipment and build your skills over time. And don't underestimate the humble wacky rig, which she says still catches bass as reliably as just about anything else.
As for Clark, she's still learning, still chasing bigger fish and still looking for the next excuse to get out on the water.
Her remaining bucket-list goals include headlining Colorado's iconic Red Rocks Amphitheatre and landing that 50-plus-inch musky.
And when asked about those two dreams, Clark made one thing very clear.
"Don't ask me though if I had to choose Red Rocks or the musky. Don't ask me which one."
Love all things fishing and outdoors? Follow OutKick OutDoors on Instagram and TikTok!