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Dem Colorado gubernatorial nominee balks at socialist Melat Kiros' response to bombing of pro-Israel rally
Colorado Attorney General and Democratic gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser revealed Wednesday he was "concerned" that far-left congressional candidate Melat Kiros could not answer whether the firebombing of a pro-Israel rally was antisemitic.
In an interview with 9News last month, Kiros hesitated to answer whether a deadly attack on a pro-Israel rally in Boulder last year which killed one attendee and wounded a dozen others could be described as antisemitic.
"I don't know what was in the heart of the perpetrator," Kiros said. "All I know is that he went and attacked innocent people because of what they might have believed, and I don't even know what the people that were at that protest believed, too. In fact, most of them were probably just there to, you know, ask that the people who were kidnapped during October 7 be returned home to their families. That's not a political statement in and of itself."
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She continued, "I think the fact that we're having a conversation about whether it was anti-Zionism or antisemitism is a political debate that, you know, I think everyone has the freedom to have, but to me it was a loss of innocent life. Regardless of what the perpetrator had in mind when he took those lives matters less to me than, you know, our responsibility to making sure that people understand that even in the face of these kinds of disagreements that violence is not the answer."
When pressed, Kiros repeated that she did not know the perpetrator's intentions.
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Weiser, who recently defeated Sen. Michael Bennet in the Democratic primary bid for governor, pointed out that the perpetrator, Mohamed Sabry Soliman, had already been convicted of all charges, including committing a hate crime.
"We cannot look at that murder and say anything else happened than a hate crime," Weiser told 9News. "And so, if someone isn’t going to acknowledge that, I am concerned about that, because this was tried. Now we have a conviction. Our judicial system is set up to make a judgment, and the judgment here was it was a hate crime."
He referred to the crime as an "antisemitic attack" and expressed remorse for 82-year-old Karen Diamond, who was killed during the demonstration.
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"This is a point you hear a lot in the context of Black Lives Matter. Now we’re talking Jewish Lives Matter, and for a lot of people this may not have been as clear a conversation, but let me tell you what it means. Black Lives Matter, period. Black Lives Matter. Elijah McClain’s life mattered, period. You don’t put a comma. Jewish lives matter. Karen Diamond’s life mattered. You don’t put a comma, an 'and' or a 'but' — period. That’s the message," Weiser said.
Weiser said that he has not yet sat down with Kiros regarding her comments. Fox News Digital reached out to Kiros' campaign for comment.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. brought NASCAR back to life 25 years ago this weekend, but the pain is back
Hard to believe, but it's been 25 years since Dale Earnhardt Jr. turned tragedy into triumph and injected life back into NASCAR.
That's right. Twenty-five years ago this weekend, Junior returned to Daytona International Speedway six months after the track killed his father and won the Pepsi 400.
Remember? Of course you do. How could you not?
Earnhardt Jr. diced his way through the field in the waning laps in the iconic No. 8 Budweiser Chevy, and conquered more than one demon along the way.
NBC's Allen Bestwick delivered arguably the greatest line in sports history. Certainly the greatest line in motorsports history.
"It's going to be Dale Earnhardt Jr., using lessons learned from his father to go from sixth to first and score the victory in the Pepsi 400!"
Everything about it was perfect. The roar from the crowd. The call. The track. The finishing order (Junior won, while Michael Waltrip finished second).
The celebration that finally got to take place.
"It’s as storybook as it can get," Junior once told me years ago.
NASCAR is once again at a crossroads.
I spoke to Junior about that very moment back in 2021. We talked for nearly an hour. He didn't know me from Adam, but boy, did he enjoy reliving that race.
The key, he said, was embracing the track. It was his dad's favorite place. His playground, of sorts.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. won just the one Daytona 500 (1998), but he dominated the track in every other way.
He won 34 times at Daytona International Speedway. Thirty-four. Busch Clashes. Busch races. Duel races. Shootouts. Twin 125s. July races. IROC races.
You name it, Dale Earnhardt won it.
"He used to start last in the Busch Clash and then be leading after four laps," Junior told me. "The way he used all those tricks as he approached each car, it was just fun to watch. When I got in the car, and started doing the things I saw him do, and then I saw how the car reacted to that, it was like a light bulb went off.
"I was like, 'Oh, wow. So that’s how this works.' "
Of course, the track eventually bit back. Earnhardt died on the final turn of the 2001 Daytona 500, and everything changed.
Junior changed. The fans changed. The sport, obviously, changed. Everything was different.
For a while, everything sort of stood still. Sure, the season went on, but it really wasn't until Junior won at Daytona 25 years ago this weekend that things started to move forward.
In a way, the sport faces a similar challenge right now.
In May, Kyle Busch became the first active NASCAR driver to die since Earnhardt in 2001. Once again, the sport lost its soul. Its superstar. Its rock.
We've all tried to move forward, but, let's be honest ... it's not the same. Not yet, at least. It may never be. It's been a brutal year for NASCAR.
Last December, Greg Biffle went down in a plane crash. Less than two weeks later, Denny Hamlin lost his father in a house fire. Let us not forget about the court battle last offseason, which wasn't a good look for anyone.
And then the sport lost Kyle Busch days before the Coca-Cola 600 in the cruelest twist to date.
A lot has changed in the 25 years since Junior won the Pepsi 400. Unfortunately, some things are the same.
NASCAR is again in limbo. It's been a rough year, to put it mildly. There's probably not a "Dale Jr. at Daytona" moment waiting in the wings, either. At least not right now.
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But if that win taught us anything, it's that there will be one. It's possible. We've seen it. This sport produces magical moments all the time.
Earnhardt Jr. brought NASCAR back to life 25 years ago this weekend. As the series grapples with immense loss, again, perhaps we can look back at that moment and allow Junior to teach us a lesson this time around.
"It seems like a lifetime ago," he told me. "When I think about that race, it’s as storybook as it can get. It’s magical, even after all these years I still watch video of it, watch the celebration, and it’s still so much fun to relive that."
Caitlin Clark finally breaks her week-long silence after being punched in the throat by Alyssa Thomas
Caitlin Clark has finally broken her silence on the punch to the throat by Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas.
While speaking to the media on Friday morning, Clark opened her lengthy five-minute statement by saying, "First of all, I know what you’re going to ask, and I did think it was a flagrant foul. Our reffing just needs to be better." Clark then gave the officials some grace stating that "it’s one of the hardest jobs in the world."
The conversation about protecting players, specifically, has been a heavily debated topic and to that Clark said, "The league has to do better protecting our players."
To the specific foul from Thomas, Clark made a definitive statement. "I don’t think it was up for debate… You can go back and watch the clip. I think it was straight forward."
This response could be seen as a subtle jab at Phoenix Mercury head coach Nate Tibbetts and ESPN’s Chiney Ogwumike. Ogwumike claimed, "When narratives are created based off of a freeze-frame, that can create a huge problem. The league was reacting to the optics of that image." Tibbetts claimed something similar when he spoke to the media. "The goal is to clean up our game, but I do think it’s important not to rely on social media screenshots. This is a slippery slope."
Another aspect in the aftermath of Thomas’ flagrant foul and weak suspension in my opinion, was how Thomas has played the victim. She has claimed death threats have been hurled her way, Fever head coach Stephanie White has denounced the "hate," and WNBA media has been crying nonstop with inflammatory claims that Fever/Clark fans are spewing racism and division.
To this, Clark stated, "The harassment and the hate. None of that is ok."
The WNBA’s biggest superstar also stated how difficult it’s been to handle all of the controversy over her first three seasons in the league. "I’m not a robot. I have emotions. I have feelings… I’m 24 years old trying to navigate a lot… There are times where it’s hard."
Clark then spoke about how this conversation going on for over a week is a "disservice" to her team, her opponents, and the other "talented" players in the W. She wrapped up this point by stating, "It’s all of our jobs to help refocus the narratives."
There has undoubtedly been countless conversations about how the Indiana Fever has handled protecting their star. Fans have grilled General Manager/Chief Operating Officer Amber Cox to head coach Stephanie White for a perceived lack of support for what Clark has been subjected to this season, and since she joined the league. To that, Clark made it clear that she feels supported:
"I’m thankful to be here in an organization to has my back and will always stand up for me."
The storylines have been all over the place when it comes to sports media. While Clark has been adamant about staying off social media as much as possible, she expressed frustration with an article from The Athletic.
"The headline read like, ‘This Season Has Been Everything But Fun, Full of Frustration for Clark and the Fever.’ And I’m like, 'No one ever asked me that.' That’s wrong!"
The title of that article is "Why aren’t we having fun yet? This season’s Caitlin Clark experience just isn’t enjoyable," where writer Candace Buckner makes definitive claims about Clark and her fan base. "Today, her team, which has championship aspirations, is a meh 10-8. Her base rallies around one thing: not the times when Clark builds on her league record of 20-point and 10-assist games, but when their communal claws come out against the WNBA. Her league stays in constant reactive mode, accused of failing to protect its star of stars. Her coach, Stephanie White, spends as much time serving as Clark’s personal injury lawyer (and a convincing one, at that), as she does drawing up X’s and O’s.
And guess who’s having the least fun of all? Caitlin Clark."
Clark ended her statement on a positive note , imploring everyone to "get back to a lot more smiling and positivity. I think our world could use a lot of that."
Clark also made it clear before she opened it up for questions that she would still be sidelined for Sunday’s game against A’ja Wilson and the Las Vegas Aces.
American restaurant chain celebrates nation's 250th with 'amazing' hot dog tower
For generations, the hot dog has been as much a part of Independence Day as fireworks and parades. This year, one American entertainment chain is putting an over-the-top spin on the holiday staple in celebration of the country's 250th birthday.
At its Times Square location, Dave & Buster's is serving up a limited-time Pretzel Dog Tower, turning one of America's most iconic Fourth of July foods into a towering centerpiece designed for sharing.
Americans devour a staggering 150 million hot dogs on July 4 alone — a line of franks long enough to stretch from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles more than five times, according to the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council.
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At Dave & Buster's Times Square location in New York City, general manager Steve Friedl and his team are dialing up the energy to create the ultimate holiday memories.
Central to that effort is a limited-time spectacle that has been turning heads across the dining room: the Pretzel Dog Tower.
"The Fourth of July is really just about bringing people together," Friedl told Fox News Digital.
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"We wanted to create a fun, shareable menu item that just kind of reflects that spirit. I mean, the hot dog is one of America's most iconic holiday traditions, so we put together a bigger, bolder spin on the classic."
Designed as an eye-catching centerpiece for group celebrations, the massive tower has drawn strong reactions from guests.
Friedl recalled checking in on a table that had ordered the promotion shortly after it launched.
"I could see all the guests around and the other tables eye-watching it, wondering 'What is that?,' just getting curious," Friedl said.
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"I went up to the guest and asked her what she thought, and she just looked at me and said, 'It's amazing.'"
Overall holiday weekend spending on food and cookouts is expected to top $9 billion nationally, making value a major focus for families looking to celebrate outside the home, according to the National Retail Federation.
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Dave & Buster's is leaning heavily into that demand with a packed lineup, including an all-day event featuring unlimited gameplay, a live DJ, an all-American barbecue buffet and the venue's very own hot dog-eating contest.
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"It's really about the energy and the excitement, bringing it to the guests," Friedl said.
"Not even just the guests, but my staff. We get dialed in. We just want to create that fun experience."
Cheap streaming box could hijack your home internet
That cheap streaming box promising free movies, live sports and premium channels may come with a hidden cost you never agreed to pay.
Security researchers are warning about a sprawling Android-based botnet called Popa. It has reportedly forced millions of consumer TV boxes to relay internet traffic tied to ad fraud, account takeovers and mass data scraping.
The concern goes beyond one shady app or one off-brand gadget. It points to a bigger problem sitting in living rooms across the country. Your home internet connection can be quietly used by strangers. In other words, that box connected to your TV may be doing more than streaming shows and movies.
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Popa is tied to the wider Vo1d and BADBOX-style ecosystem of compromised Android-based streaming devices. These are often unofficial TV boxes sold online under countless names. Many promise access to paid movies, sports or channels for a one-time price. That should be your first warning sign.
KrebsOnSecurity reports that Popa works less like a traditional botnet built for quick attacks and more like a persistent tunneling system. It can register a device, keep encrypted connections open and route traffic through that device when needed.
So what does that mean at home? Someone else's internet traffic can appear to come from your house.
A residential proxy uses a regular home internet address to send traffic. To a website, that traffic can look like it came from an ordinary household instead of a suspicious server farm.
That makes these networks valuable for people trying to hide mass scraping, fake ad clicks, account attacks or other shady activity. It also creates a scary problem for the person who owns the Wi-Fi.
Your IP address could show up as the source, even though you had no idea anything was happening. The FBI has warned that compromised internet-connected devices can become part of BADBOX 2.0 and residential proxy services used for criminal activity. Those devices can include TV streaming boxes, digital projectors, digital picture frames and other connected gadgets.
For more on how attackers can abuse connected devices, see our report on how the FBI warned that more than 1 million Android devices were hijacked by malware.
The numbers are huge. Lumen's Black Lotus Labs told Krebs that Popa averages between 1.5 million and 2.5 million distinct IP addresses each day. The system also reportedly relies on hundreds of internet addresses used to direct its activity.
Google previously said BADBOX 2.0 compromised more than 10 million uncertified devices running Android open-source software without Google's built-in security protections. Google also said the devices were used for ad fraud and other digital crimes.
That is why this should get your attention. The box under your TV may look harmless. But if it came preloaded with sketchy streaming apps, required workarounds or promised too much for too little money, it may be putting your home network at risk.
The Popa story also includes a major dispute. Security firms Qurium and Synthient say Popa is linked to NetNut, a residential proxy provider owned by Alarum Technologies, a publicly traded Israeli company. Synthient said its analysis found traffic associated with NetNut coming from devices running Popa.
Alarum disputes the reports. The company says the claims contain flawed conclusions and rejects the characterization of the technology as a botnet. Alarum also says its SDKs are meant for bandwidth-sharing with notice, consent and safeguards. That disagreement is important. But for everyday households, the most important point stays the same. If a device or app can route someone else's traffic through your home connection, you need to know before you plug it in.
This problem goes beyond cheap Android TV boxes. Krebs cited research from Spur, a proxy-tracking service, that found some smart TV apps can include hidden tools that share your home internet connection with outside companies.
Spur said more than 42% of LG webOS apps it reviewed had these components. It also found similar components in more than 25% of Samsung Tizen apps reviewed.
In response, a Samsung spokesperson told CyberGuy, "Samsung wants to reassure our customers that the third-party residential proxy SDKs recently reported in the media cannot access, collect, or store any personal information from the TV, such as account credentials, viewing history, or personal files."
Samsung said it has already restricted new app registrations that include those proxy functions.
"We are currently implementing strict platform-wide developer policies explicitly banning residential proxy SDKs, and we are working to identify and remove all apps currently available in our store that contain these components," the company said.
"The privacy and security of our customers are our top priority, and we will continue to enforce our developer policies to ensure our platform remains safe and trustworthy," the spokesperson added.
Samsung's response sounds reassuring on personal TV data. Still, the bigger lesson is to be careful about what you install on any smart TV. Random games, free streaming apps or odd utilities can come with permissions or fine print that most people skip.
A TV remote makes it easy to click through prompts without reading much. That is important because an app may be able to use your home internet connection in ways you did not expect.
Be careful with any streaming device that promises free access to paid content. Also watch for Android boxes advertised as "unlocked," "fully loaded" or loaded with premium channels.
The FBI lists several warning signs, including devices that require Google Play Protect to be disabled, apps from suspicious marketplaces, generic streaming boxes from unknown brands, Android devices that lack Play Protect certification and unexplained internet traffic.
If you see one of those signs, unplug the device from power and disconnect it from Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
The good news is you do not need to be a cybersecurity expert to lower your risk. Start with the devices connected to your TV, then work outward to your router, apps and passwords.
Do not buy cheap Android TV boxes that promise free movies, live sports or paid channels. Those deals can come with malware, backdoors or proxy software. Stick with trusted streaming platforms and certified devices from known brands. A bargain stops looking like a bargain when it puts your home network at risk.
Unplug any no-name Android TV box, unlocked streaming device or gadget that required you to disable Google Play Protect. Then remove it from your router's connected-device list. If unknown devices appear on your router, change your Wi-Fi password. After that, reconnect only the devices you recognize.
If you use an Android TV device, check whether it is Play Protect certified. Uncertified Android devices may lack Google's built-in security protections. A device that asks you to turn off security settings during setup deserves extra scrutiny. That setup step can be a major red flag.
Install apps only from official stores on your smart TV, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku or Android TV device. Avoid sideloading, which means installing apps from outside the official app store, unless you fully trust the source. The FBI warns that unofficial marketplaces and required app downloads can increase the chance of infection.
Go through the apps on your smart TV and streaming devices. Remove games, utilities, free streaming apps and anything you no longer recognize. Pay close attention to apps that mention bandwidth sharing, proxy access or earning rewards from unused internet. Those tradeoffs can be buried in language most people would skip.
Keep your router, smart TV, streaming stick and other connected devices updated. Firmware updates often fix security holes that attackers love to exploit. Also, check whether your router supports automatic updates. Turn that on if available.
Open your router app or router admin page and look at the connected-device list. Remove anything you do not recognize. Also, watch for devices sending unusual amounts of data. A streaming box should not be creating heavy outbound traffic when no one is watching anything.
If you signed into Google, streaming apps or other accounts on a suspicious TV box, change those passwords from a trusted phone or computer. Also, sign out of those accounts on other devices when the service gives you that option. Use a trusted password manager to create and store strong, unique passwords so one compromised account does not open the door to others. Check out the best expert-reviewed password managers of 2026 at Cyberguy.com
Remove free VPNs, free streaming apps, coupon extensions, unknown browser extensions and apps that offer to pay you for bandwidth. A trusted VPN can help protect your privacy online, especially on public Wi-Fi. However, a VPN will not clean an infected streaming box or stop a shady TV app from abusing your connection. Use it as one layer, not your only defense. For the best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
Create a separate guest or IoT network for TVs, streaming boxes, cameras, printers and other smart devices. That way, a compromised gadget has less access to your phones, laptops and personal files. Many newer routers make this fairly easy inside the router app.
Run a full security scan on your computers and phones with trusted security software. This can help catch malware, risky downloads and suspicious files. But let's be real here. Do not assume antivirus software can fully clean a cheap infected TV box. The FBI has warned that some compromised devices may come with malware before purchase or pick it up during setup. Get my picks for the best 2026 antivirus protection winners for your Windows, Mac, Android & iOS devices at Cyberguy.com
A factory reset may sound like enough, but it may fail to remove malware that came preinstalled or lives deeper in the device. If the box came from an unknown brand, pushed you toward sketchy apps or required security workarounds, replacing it is the safer move.
If you believe your device or network has been compromised, report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center at IC3.gov. Also, contact your internet provider if you see strange traffic or get abuse notices tied to your IP address.
The scary part here is how ordinary this can look. A cheap streaming box sits under your TV, works well enough and promises free content. Meanwhile, your home internet connection may be getting rented out or abused in ways you never approved. That to me is scary because most people would never think to check whether their TV box is sending traffic in the background. They just want to watch the game or a movie. But if the device came from an unknown brand, promised free paid content or required sketchy setup steps, it deserves a serious look. The safest move is to unplug anything suspicious, use certified streaming devices and keep your smart TV apps under control. Free TV can become expensive fast when your home internet gets dragged into someone else's scheme.
Would you unplug a streaming box if you found out strangers might be routing their internet traffic through your home? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Country star Gabby Barrett says she 'slept in the car' before 'American Idol' changed her life
Before the glitz and glam of stardom, Gabby Barrett knew all too well about the struggles of "being at the bottom."
In an exclusive interview with Fox News Digital, the 26-year-old country star — who recently released her latest single, "In On It" — opened up about her rise to fame, got candid about the financial and emotional hardships she faced and explained how faith carried her through difficult periods.
Growing up in Pittsburgh, Barrett was one of seven children and learned the importance of a strong work ethic at an early age.
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"My parents, growing up in Pittsburgh, were always very hard workers," Barrett said. "Both parents were working. My mom stayed home with us when we were little, which I really appreciate being a mother now. But she's been working for a long time. My dad worked several jobs at a time. My dad's very entrepreneurial, so that kind of bled over onto me. And he's a business guy, and I've always just seen him work really hard my whole life and sacrifice a lot for me too in those beginning years of me singing around Pennsylvania and trying to get my name out there."
"There were times… he couldn't pay the light bill or the lights got pulled, and we had to pack up sandwiches in the car because we couldn't afford to stop at the drive-through," she continued. "When I was getting ready to go onto 'American Idol' I remember we all slept in the car. There were like a couple dogs in the car too. It was just crazy. So I understand, you know, what being at the bottom and what kind of being at the top looks like. And I really appreciate my parents for instilling a hard work ethic in me because I do understand it. And there are challenges that come along with it. But I'm really thankful for that."
The "I Hope" singer began singing around age nine and found herself performing at local fairs and festivals before competing on Season 16 of "American Idol" in 2018 at 18 years old.
WATCH: GABBY BARRETT REVEALS THE STRUGGLE BEHIND HER RISE, SAYS SHE ‘SLEPT IN THE CAR’ BEFORE ‘AMERICAN IDOL’
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"I was so nervous," Barrett admitted. "My dad was such a motivational, encouraging person, you know, he'd always help turn a negative into positive for me, even when I had a tough time going through school… I was a minor on 'American Idol,' I was 17, 18, so I kind of went in with that mindset because it was the first time that I really felt myself go, 'Okay, this is some real pressure here.' Like that was my first crack at something global where millions of people are watching you at a time, which is tough. That was tough for being 17, 18. So that was a challenge, but a good challenge."
While Barrett landed in third place on the singing competition show, she walked away with a full heart.
"I didn't know what was going to come from 'American Idol,' honestly. I had no idea. I had, at first I thought it was like a scam... I got scouted by a producer and got emailed like, ‘Hey, "American Idol" wants you to,’ uh, you like that thing. And I was like, this is not real. There's no way. Sure enough, it was real. I auditioned for it and ended up in third place on that season, which I just couldn't be more grateful for the way that things kinda fell out. It was a wonderful experience. It feels like another world though… I'm proud of where I've come from then, and it's been such a fun ride ever since."
The experience also transformed her personal life: Barrett met her husband, Cade Foehner, while they were both competing on "Idol." The two married one year after appearing on the show together and have since welcomed three children.
"I think marriage grows you deeply as a person, and it also shows where your weaknesses are and where your strengths are as well," said Barrett. "You're always going to have frictions. You're always going to disagree somewhere, and it's a matter of figuring out, you know, like am I going to still choose you through that?"
"I've been married for almost seven years, got married when I was 19," she continued. "Everybody was like, ‘No!’ You know? Because that's so… young and you're still figuring out life. You just start asking all those big questions. 'Who do I want to be? What do I want to be about?' There's a lot to figure out. And I'm still figuring that out heavily at 26. I'm not saying I have it all together because there are challenges. But it has taught me a lot about me as a person, and it's taught me also just how thankful I am to the Lord for marriage and what a gift that really is."
As a working mom of three, Barrett said she's learned one important lesson: there's no such thing as balance.
"I like to throw the word balance kind of out the window," said Barrett. "There's really no balance. I'm a believer, and so I really prioritize my family and making sure that they are good. I also really prioritize music and making sure that I'm really intentional about the way that I do music and what I put out... and something I can connect to the fans. And so there is no balance, but it's really fun."
"I'm on tour right now… and I take my kids on the tour bus with me and, you know, some nights aren't the best nights of sleep, but it's really cool when you zoom out and get to put it in perspective. Like, I get to take my kids to work. I know that there's a lot of hard-working parents out there that don't get to take their kids to work, or their kids have to go to daycare. And so that's something that I don't take for [granted]. I really am thankful for the life that I get to live."
With all the challenges that life can throw at her, Barrett remains steadfast in her faith. So much so, that it became the inspiration behind her latest single, "In On It."
"The inspiration behind that song really was that God has a plan for your life, regardless of your circumstances," she said. "And this song was pitched to me. It was one that I actually didn't write. So I really had to deeply kind of feel, and want to push the message of the song. And so as soon as this song came to me, I was like, 'Oh, I love it.' And I could see myself writing it and pushing it."
"And it's really just like, you know, the author has not given us the script for everything," Barrett continued. "We don't have the blueprint of life right in front of us. And so we just have to trust God even in those uncomfortable circumstances… I've had uncomfortable circumstances, I'm sure, like we all have. And I've gotten past them as time moves on. And then I look back, and I actually can peel some valuable things, even though it didn't feel good at the time, I still made it through. And so, just again, trusting, having faith that God has a plan for your life that's bigger than you can see right now."
For Barrett, her Christianity is everything.
"I'm a Christian and I like to consider myself a more, you know, forward Christian who's not afraid to talk about that part of my life because it's so just organically woven into the way that I live," she said.
"My husband and I have three kids, and so that's something that's really, really important to us. It's something that's woven into all of my music, really. And so I find it heavily important to represent a message like this, especially in a world like we're in right now. I think everybody could use something positive, encouraging, and a message that points back to the Lord."
Zoox robotaxi redesign brings big rider upgrades
Zoox has a new version of its robotaxi, and yes, it still looks like something that rolled in from the future. The Amazon-owned company has updated its custom-built electric robotaxi with new comfort and usability upgrades. The vehicle still has no steering wheel or pedals, and it can still drive in either direction. However, Zoox now wants the inside to feel less like a tech demo and more like a ride you might actually relax in.
That is a big shift. Once robotaxis move beyond early testers and start picking up more riders, small things suddenly become important. A stiff seat, a sliding phone or a cupholder that cannot handle your giant iced coffee can turn a futuristic ride into an annoying one fast. Zoox says the new updates came from testing, early deployments and feedback from half a million riders. In other words, this robotaxi makeover seems designed for the people sitting inside, not the engineers admiring it from the curb.
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The biggest changes are inside the cabin. Zoox added more padding and ergonomic curves to the seats and headrests. That should help make the ride feel more comfortable, especially if you hit rough pavement or sit in the vehicle for more than a quick hop across town. The company also updated the color, materials and finish. The new interior uses aloe-green seating with stone-grey flooring and trim. Zoox says the lighter palette creates a calmer cabin.
There is another everyday benefit, too. A lighter interior can make it easier to spot your phone, keys or wallet before the vehicle pulls away. Anyone who has ever left something in the back seat of a rideshare knows how stressful that moment can be. Zoox also added fluting to the wireless charging pad to help keep phones in place. The cupholders are larger. The touchscreen is easier to see. None of that sounds dramatic, but those details become important when a vehicle may eventually shuttle lots of people a day.
The core Zoox design has not changed. CyberGuy previously reported on Zoox's first public-road robotaxi milestone back in 2023, when the company's autonomous vehicle carried passengers in Foster City, California. This is still a purpose-built autonomous vehicle, not a regular car with self-driving software added later. There is no driver's seat, steering wheel or traditional controls.
The vehicle has carriage-style seating for four people, with passengers facing each other. It also has a moonroof, starry night lighting and a sensor setup that includes cameras, radar, lidar and long-wave infrared sensors.
The robotaxi can drive bidirectionally, which means it does not need to turn around the way a normal car does. It also uses four-wheel steering and can travel at speeds of up to 75 miles per hour. That design is the whole point of Zoox. The company wants a robotaxi built around riders from the start. Still, that also makes federal approval more complicated because many vehicle rules were written for cars with human drivers.
Zoox also made exterior changes that focus on visibility and communication. The company relocated its bidirectional reflectors so people outside the vehicle can better understand which direction it is moving. Zoox says those reflectors rotate color to clearly distinguish the robotaxi's front from its rear. That is important because a boxy robotaxi that can drive both ways may confuse pedestrians, cyclists or other drivers.
Zoox also added a new speaker and microphone to the door interface. The vehicle now supports two-way audio, which can help riders talk with Zoox Support. It may also help first responders communicate in an emergency. That may sound like a small upgrade, but it is important. If there is no driver, someone still needs a clear way to talk to the vehicle, the rider or support staff when something goes wrong.
Zoox says this latest version is its production intent vehicle, and it plans to move into large-scale production at its robotaxi facility in Hayward, California. Zoox says it is live in Las Vegas and San Francisco, while Austin and Miami are listed as "Now Arriving" on its ride pages. Availability varies by city, so this is still not the same as opening an app anywhere and calling a ride. Zoox says riders can download the app at zoox.com/app to ride in Las Vegas or join the waitlist in other cities. Zoox wants to make the updated robotaxis available to more riders later this year, but that expansion remains subject to regulatory approval.
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Zoox has petitioned NHTSA for a temporary exemption from certain requirements in eight Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards for its automated vehicle. NHTSA previously granted Zoox a demonstration exemption for its driverless vehicles, but broader commercial deployment still depends on regulatory approval. That decision could shape how quickly Zoox moves from limited access to more widespread availability.
This update says a lot about where robotaxis are headed. The early race focused on whether autonomous vehicles could safely drive through cities. Now, companies also have to prove that people will enjoy using them. That is a different challenge.
You may be willing to try a robotaxi once because it feels new. However, would you use one again if the seat feels stiff, your drink tips over or you cannot figure out how to get help? Probably not.
Zoox seems to understand that. The company is polishing the experience before it tries to scale the service. That makes sense because robotaxis will be judged by the whole ride, including whether the vehicle feels safe, comfortable and easy to use.
Zoox isn’t alone in the robotaxi race. Waymo already operates in several markets, Tesla has been pushing its own robotaxi plans and other autonomous vehicle companies continue to test driverless technology. Zoox stands out because its vehicle has no traditional driver setup at all. That makes it visually striking, but it also puts the company closer to the center of the regulatory debate.
Federal rules still have to catch up with vehicles that were never designed for a human driver. Until that happens, companies like Zoox may need exemptions before they can fully launch paid service. For riders, the question becomes less about whether the technology looks cool and more about whether it feels safe, comfortable and easy to use.
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Zoox's updated robotaxi shows how autonomous vehicles are moving into a new phase. The technology still has to prove itself on safety, but the ride experience now counts too. Better seats, clearer screens, larger cupholders and easier communication may sound minor, yet those are the things that become important for everyday riders. The bigger issue is approval. Zoox can make the cabin calmer and more comfortable, but broader commercial deployment still depends on regulatory approval. That is the part to follow closely because it could affect how quickly steering-wheel-free robotaxis show up in your city.
Would you climb into a driverless taxi with no steering wheel if it looked this calm inside, or would you still want a human at the controls? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com
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Major soccer governing body nixing FIFA's mouth-covering red card mandate for future games
FIFA introduced a wild rule for this year's World Cup in which players could receive red cards for covering their mouths while speaking; however, one of soccer's largest governing bodies will not be following suit.
FIFA established the new rule to prevent players from hiding abusive, discriminatory or offensive language while on the field.
But the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced Thursday that players will not be sent off the field for the infraction during Champions League, Europa League and Conference League matches next season.
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UEFA did say, however, that players could receive a yellow card if they are "attempting to conceal communication as an act of unsporting behaviour."
"This is obviously without prejudice to any disciplinary investigation or proceedings that may follow as a consequence of or in connection with such behaviour," a statement said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino pushed for changes after Benfica winger Gianluca Prestianni tried to hide verbal insults toward Real Madrid forward Vinícius Júnior in a Champions League match. Soccer’s rulemaking panel, the International Football Association Board, agreed that players can be penalized with a red card if they cover their mouths when verbally confronting another player.
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The rule is not mandatory within the Laws of the Game but gives tournament organizers like FIFA the option to use it at their discretion.
The rule change was unanimously approved by IFAB, which includes officials from FIFA and the four British soccer federations, at a special meeting ahead of the FIFA Congress. FIFA’s proposal followed Vinícius, backed by Real Madrid teammate Kylian Mbappé, accusing Prestianni of making a racially charged insult while raising his jersey to cover his mouth during the game in February.
Paraguay's Miguel Almiron and Piero Hincapie of Ecuador are the only players to be red-carded for mouth-covering.
If a player is shown a red card by an official, the player is ejected from the match and must serve a one-game suspension in the following match. The team is also forced to play the remainder of the match with 10 players.
OutKick's Matt Reigle and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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Washington Post throws cold water on DC fireworks with report of ‘hazardous air pollution’
Fireworks planned for President Donald Trump's July Fourth celebration on the National Mall are expected to cause hazardous air pollution around the Mall and "very unhealthy" conditions across central Washington, D.C., according to internal National Park Service documents reviewed by The Washington Post. The show is scheduled for Saturday night as part of the 250th anniversary of American independence.
George Thurston, a professor of medicine and population health at New York University, told the Post that people attending or living near the display should reduce their exposure to the smoke.
"People should use the precautionary principle, which is to minimize exposures," Thurston said. "An N95 mask would be a good idea."
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The fireworks show is part of the Salute of America 250 Celebration & Fireworks, which the official Freedom 250 event page says will feature 850,000 shells launched from 10 sites, including the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, eight Potomac River barges and West Potomac Park. Organizers list the fireworks show as starting at 10:30 p.m. and lasting about 40 minutes.
The White House promoted the event as a centerpiece of the nation's anniversary celebration, saying more than a million people will gather on the National Mall for Trump's keynote remarks, entertainment and "the largest pyrotechnics display in the history of the world."
The internal modeling reviewed by the Post projected that, in the most likely scenario, the show would generate between 600 and 1,200 micrograms of PM2.5 per cubic meter around the Mall. A worst-case scenario would exceed 2,000 micrograms per cubic meter, according to the report.
FAMOUS LANDMARKS SLASH VISITING HOURS AS DEADLY HEAT WAVE THREATENS TOURISTS
The draft analysis said people near the Mall should "avoid prolonged exposure."
PM2.5 refers to fine inhalable particles that are 2.5 micrometers or smaller, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The EPA says those particles can get deep into the lungs and some may enter the bloodstream, posing the greatest health risk among particulate matter categories.
The Post reported that downtown Washington, Arlington and Capitol Hill were projected to see "very unhealthy" conditions, with elevated pollution levels lingering for three to six hours after the fireworks show. Another Park Service document recommended N95 masks outdoors and staying inside as much as possible during and after the display, according to the report.
FAMOUS LANDMARKS SLASH VISITING HOURS AS DEADLY HEAT WAVE THREATENS TOURISTS
The documents also raised questions about who could be affected by the smoke. The fireworks are planned near the Potomac River and the National Mall, not far from Southeast Washington, an area that includes predominantly Black and lower-income neighborhoods, The Post reported.
Thurston told The Post that respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including asthma, are more prevalent among lower-income and minority populations.
"I definitely think that should not be ignored," he said.
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D.C. officials have separately warned residents and visitors to prepare for a large holiday crowd and several days of extreme heat. Mayor Muriel Bowser's office said Monday that hundreds of thousands of residents and visitors are expected for events, including the Salute to America Celebration and Fireworks, parades, World Cup celebrations and Washington Nationals games.
The mayor’s office said the National Mall event has been designated a National Special Security Event and advised attendees to arrive early, use public transportation and expect security magnetometers to open at 1 p.m. Saturday.
Fox News Digital reached out to the White House for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
Trump calls out NATO ahead of summit, calling it 'ridiculous' for US to persist on 'one sided path'
President Donald Trump targeted the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), venting frustration about the alliance in Thursday's social media posts.
"The United States spends more money on NATO than any other country, by far, to protect them, without getting any benefit from so doing: U.S. 999 Billion Dollars, United Kingdom, 90.5 Billion Dollars, France, 66.5 Billion Dollars, Italy, 48.8 Billion Dollars, Poland, 44.3 Billion Dollars. Others, including Germany, are MUCH LOWER. (2014-2025) Ridiculous!" the president asserted in a Thursday morning Truth Social post.
A NATO release, which explains that the "cut-off date for information used in this report was 3 June 2025" and that "figures for 2024 and 2025 are estimates," listed the estimated 2025 U.S. defense expenditure as $980 billion, the United Kingdom's as $90.508 billion, France as $66.531 billion, Italy as $48.8 billion, and Poland as $44.314 billion.
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America's commander in chief also called out NATO in a post on Thursday night.
"Ridiculous for the U.S.A. to continue along this one sided path when the relationship is not reciprocal. They were not there for us!!!" Trump exclaimed in the post.
The president's vocal complaints about NATO came ahead of the alliance's upcoming summit in Ankara, Turkey, next week. Trump is scheduled to attend.
Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House last month.
Trump has been critical of NATO amid the U.S. war with Iran.
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"Now that the Hormuz Strait situation is over, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. They were useless when needed, a Paper Tiger!" Trump asserted in a mid-April Truth Social post.