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Steelers star in hospital after experiencing lung discomfort
Pittsburgh Steelers star linebacker T.J. Watt was hospitalized after experiencing discomfort in his lung, the team announced Thursday.
Watt, 31, will not practice Thursday, and his status for the team’s game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday is in question. The team said head coach Mike Tomlin will provide more updates at the appropriate time.
Watt has played every game this season for the Steelers, and losing him for any amount of time would be a big blow.
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The Steelers, who moved into sole possession of first place in the AFC North with their 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens last week, are 7-6 and battling for a spot in the playoffs. The 31-year-old is a major part of the team’s defense.
In 13 games this season, Watt has seven sacks, three forced fumbles and has 53 total tackles. The former Wisconsin star has made the Pro Bowl each of the last seven seasons.
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Watt was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2021 after recording 22.5 sacks. The four-time first-team All-Pro has been runner-up for the award in two other seasons.
In his career, Watt has recorded 115 sacks and 36 forced fumbles in 134 games and is constantly around the quarterback.
The Dolphins, who have won their last four games, are also in the hunt for a playoff spot. They are 6-7 on the season after a slow start and have their eyes on snagging a wild card spot, as they cannot mathematically catch the New England Patriots (11-2) to win the AFC East.
The Steelers and Dolphins will play in the pivotal AFC matchup at 8:15 p.m. ET on Monday.
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In wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder, Elon Musk says security issues keep him from spending much time in public
Tesla CEO Elon Musk revealed that security issues have prevented him from going out in public following the assassination of Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk in September.
In a Tuesday interview on "The Katie Miller Podcast," Musk explained how Kirk’s murder has intensified his need for personal protection, making public appearances significantly more challenging from a security standpoint.
Miller — the wife of White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller — asked the Tesla CEO when he had last been able to do "something extremely ordinary" like going to Target.
ERIKA KIRK DELIVERS POWERFUL REBUKE TO THOSE CELEBRATING HER HUSBAND'S ASSASSINATION
"I can't go to things where there's the general public because there's an immediate, ‘Can I have a selfie,’ line that forms, and these days — particularly in light of Charlie Kirk's murder, there are serious security issues," he responded. "It's not that I don't want to. I simply can't."
Following up, the host asked Musk whether Kirk's murder changed how he operates, and whether he's always felt uneasy about making public appearances.
"It certainly reinforced the severity of the situation where life is on hardcore mode," he told Miller. "You make one mistake, and you're dead… it only takes one mistake."
CHARLIE KIRK’S SECURITY CHIEF SAYS POLICE PROMISE TO COVER ROOFTOPS FAILED BEFORE ASSASSINATION
Following Kirk's death, Musk became adamant about lowering the temperature in the country, calling out the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) for their "Glossary of Extremism and Hate" in September.
The ADL removed the glossary from its website after receiving backlash from Musk and Republican lawmakers for listing TPUSA as an extremist group.
TPUSA's background page on the ADL website fell under the "Center of Extremism" tag and described the conservative group as having ties to "a range of right-wing extremists and has generated support from anti-Muslim bigots, alt-lite activists and some corners of the white supremacist alt-right."
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The ADL also listed dozens of controversial statements tied to TPUSA members or event speakers dating as far back as 2015, and wrote that Kirk used the movement to promote "Christian nationalism."
In response to the listing, Musk wrote on X that the "ADL hates Christians," which makes it a "hate group."
He continued in a separate post, "Using such false and defamatory labels about people and organizations encourages murder."
Explaining the decision to retire the glossary, the ADL said on September 30 in an X post that the group "saw a number of entries intentionally misrepresented and misused."
The ADL added, "At ADL, we always are looking for how we can and should do things better. That's why we are moving to retire the Glossary effectively immediately. This will allow ADL to explore new strategies and creative approaches to deliver our data and present our research more effectively. It will keep us focused on ensuring we do what we do best: fighting antisemitism and hate in the most impactful ways possible."
Fox News' Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this report.
Broncos' practice squad quarterback reveals he declined opportunity to return to Colts
Denver Broncos quarterback Sam Ehlinger turned down an opportunity to return to the Indianapolis Colts as the team searched for solutions to replace Daniel Jones after he suffered a season-ending Achilles injury.
Ehlinger, who spent the first four years of his NFL career with the Colts before joining the Broncos practice squad, told The Denver Post that he spent time weighing the decision after his agent had extensive talks with the team.
"We’re really happy here and enjoy the organization, the path we’re on and what we’re building. I want to be part of that," Ehlinger told the outlet.
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"I was in Indianapolis for four years and I love everybody over there. It’s just a difficult situation, obviously."
Ehlinger, 27, was drafted by the Colts in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. He made eight appearances for Indianapolis before signing with the Broncos before the start of the season.
The Colts instead signed 44-year-old quarterback Philip Rivers to the practice squad. Ehlinger indicated to The Denver Post that the team was planning to bring him on alongside Rivers.
Speaking to reporters this week, Rivers was hopeful he would start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. He last played in 2020, but coming out of retirement has presented an exciting opportunity for the NFL veteran.
"Something about it excited me and it's kind of one of those deals, the door opens and you either walk through it and find out if you can do it or you run from it," he said. "I know there's risk involved, what may or may not happen, but the only way to find out is going for it."
The Seahawks host the Colts on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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FOX News Media Spotlight Awards recognize team members who went above and beyond in 2025
FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott and President & Executive Editor Jay Wallace announced the recipients of the 2025 FOX News Media Spotlight Awards on Wednesday during an end-of-year town hall for employees.
The FOX News Media Spotlight Awards are an annual tradition for the company; management received hundreds of nominations from staff members passionate about celebrating colleagues who earned special recognition. Fox News anchor Bill Hemmer, Chief Digital and Marketing Officer Jason Klarman and host Will Cain were part of the presentation announcing the winners during the town hall.
"I want to start off by saying congratulations. Your incredible work has led FOX News Media to record-shattering achievements this year. Each of you should be incredibly proud of your work and contributions," Scott told staffers.
FOX NEWS EXTENDS LEAD OVER CBS, NBC IN KEY CATEGORY THROUGH NOVEMBER
"Fox News Channel started the year at number one in all of cable," Scott continued. "That was just the beginning. Because we are now on pace to finish as not only the top network in all of cable, but as the second-highest-rated television network ahead of both NBC and CBS."
Scott explained that the Spotlight Awards were started in 2020 "to recognize some of our superstar employees," before announcing the winners.
The Unsung Hero Award goes to employees who consistently go above and beyond with work that is vital to FOX News Media but often goes unnoticed. Four winners were chosen.
Director of broadcast contribution Pat Butler
Butler joined Fox News in 1995 and is working on a digital infrastructure project, coordinating how outside feeds come into the control rooms and get on air.
FOX Weather talent relations and programming Megan Gent
"Megan received eight nominations, with colleagues noting how she works around the clock coordinating coverage during big weather events. And she does it with a smile," Cain said.
FOX Nation producer Tania Joseph
Joseph has been with FOX News Media for seven years, frequently earning promotions along the way.
"One colleague noted when anyone starts to ask Tania for something, the answer is always ‘already done,’" Cain said. "Tania is constantly a step ahead, ensuring Fox Nation’s content is of the highest quality possible. And she’s not only dedicated to her craft but also one of the most likable people you'll ever meet."
SAT vehicle operator and field tech engineer Tiger Stanley
Scott, Wallace, Klarman, Hemmer and Cain sat at a custom desk that Stanley built himself, featuring a Texas star made out of Hawaiian lava to pay homage to a pair of states close to Cain’s heart. The town hall desk mirrored the desk at "The Will Cain Show" studio in Dallas, which was also designed and built by Stanley.
"Tiger is part of the foundation supporting our success. He is both versatile and indispensable as an expert carpenter, set designer and field engineer," Cain said.
FOX NEWS' TREY YINGST HONORED WITH 2025 PRIZE OF EXCELLENCE AT FOREIGN PRESS AWARDS
The Rising Star Award goes to employees who have shown exemplary work ethic and growth during the early stages of their careers.
"They’ll likely be our bosses someday, so we should all be extra nice to them," Klarman joked before announcing the winners.
Assignment editor Matthew Donnell
"He’s always looking for ways to push stories forward, and he makes himself an expert on whatever we’re covering," Klarman said.
"Even if that requires reading an entire book on the history of the Federal Reserve," he added. "That’s crazy and actually true."
Associate producer Jessica Sonkin
"In less than a year, Jessica has proven herself an invaluable member of the small team that covers the courts. At this early stage of her career, she has an innate understanding of news, and what makes good television," Klarman said.
FOX & Friends associate producer Carey Gallagher
Gallagher, who was recently promoted from production assistant, has quickly earned the trust of colleagues.
"Like so many of our Rising Stars, Carey puts in long hours and is always ready to take on more responsibility," Klarman said.
FOX Nation associate producer Sabrina Baker
"Sabrina routinely balances at least six shows at the same time. Sabrina, I’m sorry we work you so hard, but that’s what you get for being so amazing at your job," Klarman said.
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This award goes to an employee that has dedicated time and energy to his or her local community and is active in company volunteer efforts.
Fox News Audio reporter Ryan Schmelz
Schmelz volunteers with a group that brings dance programs to underserved school districts all around Washington D.C.
"Overall, Ryan dedicates tremendous time and energy to uplifting others at work, in his community and as far as his voice can take him," Hemmer said.
"FOX and Friends First" stage manager Matt Rodriguez
Rodriguez has worked overnights for 13 years but still finds time to volunteer for the Cub Scouts.
"It’s a big job; he’s a unit commissioner. That means he doesn’t work with just one group of Scouts, but many different packs. He teaches leadership skills as well as CPR and overall helps young boys and girls grow into the best versions of themselves," Hemmer said.
Washington D.C. assignment manager Lillian Lecroy
Lecroy volunteers with American Corporate Partners, a nonprofit that supports veterans and their spouses as they navigate their careers.
"It’s an important group, and one that Fox has been proud to partner with for more than a decade," Hemmer said.
"One military spouse credits Lillian with changing her life, saying Lillian made her more confident, and approached every conversation with compassion," Hemmer added. "In her words, Lillian epitomizes Fox’s values of leadership, social responsibility and connection to the community."
FOX NEWS CHANNEL’S AISHAH HASNIE PROMOTED TO ANCHOR, WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT
FOX Weather talent relations and programming Megan Gent
"Megan, your colleagues nominated you for this award because you make them feel heard, even as you juggle competing demands from talent, leadership and show teams," Hemmer said.
Fox News Audio reporter Ryan Schmelz
"Ryan, I know we already talked about the incredible work you do in your community, but your colleagues say you also create an atmosphere of collaboration and innovation, building a more unified newsroom," Hemmer said.
"Part of that has been your work bridging communications between the channel, business, digital, and Radio," he continued. "Thanks to you, those teams are more easily sharing information and driving a more integrated and efficient newsroom culture."
FOX NEWS MEDIA PROMOTES BILL MELUGIN TO CONGRESSIONAL CORRESPONDENT
Lead technical director Rich Cozzi
"Rich’s work across platforms has saved us time, money, and plenty of trouble," Wallace said.
"He constantly trains both tech and editorial teams at Fox Business on how to make the best use of our automated control rooms," Wallace added. "He helped us expand FOX Weather’s programming by making it possible for a single person to keep the coverage going all night, or on weekends when needed."
FOX NEWS CHANNEL OUTDRAWS CNN, MSNBC DURING ELECTION WEEK
The Impact Award goes to those who have had some of the most positive overall effects on Fox News Media. This year, a pair of colleagues from the campus recruitment team shared the award.
Director Brianne Bombara and recruiter Veronica Baker
"They have helped build an absolute world-class recruiting program, bringing us talented interns, many of whom go on to careers here at FOX News Media," Scott said.
"Just this year, the team oversaw three intern cycles, with more than 500 participants. They made 19 campus visits, attended several journalism conferences, and spent 47 days on the road. Thanks to their work, our program is consistently ranked among the best in the country, and Vault currently lists it as the No. 1 media internship," Scott said. "That helps us attract the most qualified people, who we can then bring into full-time positions."
Russell Wilson signals NFL future plans as Jaxson Dart emerges as Giants’ top option for next season
After a rocky one-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024, Russell Wilson joined the New York Giants this past offseason. However, he was relegated to a backup role after just three games.
Rookie Jaxson Dart quickly showed promise once he had the chance to start, but his season was briefly derailed by injury. Jameis Winston — not Wilson — stepped in for Dart in a handful of games. Dart returned to the starting lineup in Week 13, casting more doubt on Wilson's future with the Giants.
Nevertheless, Wilson does not appear to be ready to call it quits in 2026.
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On Wednesday, Wilson replied to a social media user who declared, "2017-2020 Russell Wilson would be the best QB in the NFL if he played today."
IS EAGLES QB JALEN HURTS ON A SIMILAR CAREER PATH AS RUSSELL WILSON?
The statement was a response to a clip from FOX Sports’ daily morning program, "Wake Up Barstool," that debated whether Wilson's career shared similarities with Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.
"Man… I gotta get back to Ballin’ & being Me. Back to my First 10. It’s time. Time to go Dark," Wilson wrote on X.
Just three NFL seasons have passed since Wilson was among the highest-paid stars in league history. The Super Bowl winner appeared to be on the fast track to Canton for a Hall of Fame enshrinement shortly after he hung up his cleats.
In March 2022, the Seahawks traded Wilson to the Denver Broncos. His two-year stint in Denver was tumultuous.
Wilson has seen limited action following his latest benching. Barring a major roster shakeup or an injury crisis in the Giants' quarterback room, Wilson is on track to end the season with career lows in touchdowns and passing yards.
He has thrown for 831 yards and three touchdowns against three interceptions over six games this season. The 37-year-old could draw interest from teams looking for a bridge quarterback, considering the expected limited number of available options in next offseason’s free-agent quarterback class.
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Patriots star talks wife's viral baking videos: 'She's a superstar'
New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye isn’t the only member of his family who has taken the world by storm.
Maye’s wife, Ann Michael, has gone viral on TikTok for her baking videos. Ann Michael began her "Bakemas" series on Dec. 1, when she planned to bake something every day leading up to Christmas.
The Patriots quarterback talked about his wife’s social media fame, saying he gets to try all of her baking.
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"It’s been awesome," Maye said during an appearance on "WEEI Afternoons."
"(She’s) in her little journey doing ‘Bakemas’ right now. I get to do the good part of trying all her stuff she bakes. I try to bring some leftovers into the building."
The first video of Ann Michael’s "Bakemas" series has amassed over 1.6 million views. She has over 207,000 followers. Drake made a quick cameo on the second day of "Bakemas," as he poked his head into the frame before quickly exiting.
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Drake said that people had struggled with Ann Michael’s double name, but that she’s been a superstar.
"I think people up north kinda struggle with the double name. Her name’s a double name, Ann Michael, so hopefully people figure that out. But she’s a superstar. She’s been a big addition for me being up here and living with me," Maye said.
The 23-year-old quarterback is turning into a superstar himself. The Patriots are 11-2 this season, and Maye has been a large part of the team’s success.
Maye, who is a frontrunner for the MVP, has completed 71.5% of his passes for 3,412 yards with 23 touchdowns and six interceptions while rushing for 81 yards and two touchdowns. Maye has the highest completion percentage in the NFL.
The former North Carolina star will look to extend the Patriots’ 10-game winning streak when they take on the Buffalo Bills (9-4) in a key AFC East matchup on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.
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Senator warns of 'powder keg' as people condone behavior of anti-ICE protesters
A Republican senator warned lawmakers Thursday of a "powder keg" in the U.S. as people "villainize" Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and condone the behavior of anti-ICE protesters.
Sen. Eric Schmitt of Missouri made the remark as the Senate Committee on Armed Services gathered on Capitol Hill for a hearing about the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops across the U.S.
"You've seen a 1,000% increase in assaults on ICE officers. So to my Democrat colleagues who want to have this hearing, we got to be honest about what's actually happening out there. This rhetoric is making it open season on law enforcement. And it is incredibly dangerous," Schmitt said.
"So when we villainize ICE agents who have family members, who are husbands, who are mothers, who are simply enforcing the laws that... Congress has passed over the years. This is insane. And the condoning of people blocking off vehicles from, you know, enforcing the law, these ICE agents, this is a powder keg. It's a powder keg," he added.
JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT IN LOS ANGELES
Schmitt said he is "very thankful for the men and women who are serving this country, who are protecting those agents, who are protecting federal assets. And the president's well within his authority to do it."
Earlier in his remarks, Schmitt told lawmakers, "You have the L.A., sort of Portland scenario, where Antifa, in particular, which is now thankfully been designated not only as a domestic terrorist organization, but a foreign terrorist organization because of their tactics."
"The fact is, this is a network decentralized that has safe houses and financing across the world, including the United States, who wants to do harm to ICE agents. And so what I don't hear a lot from my Democrat colleagues -- they might condemn the violence, but what's telling is you don't hear any of them say, stand back and let ICE do their jobs, because the fact is, they just don't actually believe in immigration enforcement," he continued.
WAR ON BADGES: HOUSE GOP TARGETS ANTI-POLICE RHETORIC AMID ICE ATTACKS
"They think that everybody has a right to be here and no one should ever have to go home. Borders don't really matter. And so the villainizing of our law enforcement agents, especially ICE, is really destructive and leading this. Which then brings us to today, which is why the National Guard has been deployed in places like Los Angeles and in Oregon," Schmitt added.
Schmitt also asked witness Gen. Gregory Guillot, the commander of the U.S. Northern Command, to describe "some of the tactics that are being used right now by these thugs on the streets, these criminals who are seeking to entice federal agents out with firecrackers or whatever it is, so that they can actually take shots at them so they can assault them."
"Senator, you just described, many of the tactics that were being used when Title 10 forces were directed into Los Angeles to protect federal activities, to include ICE, conduct of their duties," Guillot said.
WWE NXT star Sol Ruca reveals reaction to Tatum Paxley winning title, Kendal Grey's tremendous growth
WWE NXT wrestlers Tatum Paxley and Kendal Grey have been two of the standout performers on the brand over the course of 2025.
Paxley went from being on the tag-team scene with Gigi Dolan and Shotzi Blackheart to start the year and quickly worked her way up the ladder to earn shots at the NXT Women’s Championship and the NXT Women’s North American Championship.
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She became the NXT women’s champion after she defeated Jacy Jayne at Halloween Havoc. However, her recent relationship with Izzi Dame and The Culling fractured, leading to an emotional match at NXT Deadline, which she lost thanks to help from Dame’s compatriots.
Sol Ruca, who has made her own waves in NXT over the last three years, told Fox News Digital in a recent interview she was over the moon for Paxley as her hard work paid off.
"Tatum, she’s grown so much and when she won the title, I was literally backstage, like, trying not to cry because she’s just tried so hard and she’s just always on it," Ruca said. "She’s always showing up and ready to work and I think she really deserved being the NXT women’s champion."
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Grey found her footing at WWE Evolve as she split time between that brand and NXT. She won the Evolve Women’s Championship against Kali Armstrong back in September. Then, she won the Women’s Iron Survivor Challenge and earned a shot at the NXT Women’s Championship.
Ruca suggested she was impressed with Grey’s growth over the last two years. Grey joined the WWE organization in 2023 as part of WWE’s Next In Line program five years after being named the USA High School Wrestler of the Year.
"Same with Kendal, she’s gotten really good within the past, I don’t know, she’s been here for what? Like two years, maybe? I think the background in amateur wrestling definitely helps but they’re really putting her in the deep end right now," Ruca said. "And I think she’s definitely holding up.
"I think she’s performing very, very well. I think her promos are getting better, and I don’t think she’s super nervous about the position she’s in. I think she’s pretty confident, which is definitely a good thing for her."
Ruca will have a big opportunity to make an impression with WWE fans. She will take on Bayley on Saturday at Saturday Night’s Main Event, which will also be John Cena’s final match of his WWE in-ring career.
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Senate Dems' Obamacare fix fails as Senate looks for off-ramp from healthcare cliff
Senate Republicans rallied to block Senate Democrats’ extension of expiring Obamacare subsidies as both sides of the aisle suffer defeats on their proposals to deal with the looming healthcare cliff.
Over the course of the 43-day government shutdown, Senate Democrats made the longest closure in history all about the subsidies, which were passed and enhanced under former President Joe Biden.
They argued that if Congress didn’t act, Americans who rely on the subsidies would be hit with skyrocketing premiums. Their plan, however, was one that was never going to pass muster with the majority of Senate Republicans, who demanded myriad reforms to the program that they charged was rife with fraud.
DUELING OBAMACARE PLANS SET TO FAIL AS DEADLINE NEARS, PUSHING SENATE TOWARD BIPARTISAN TALKS
Only Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and Josh Hawley, R-Mo., split from their party to support Democrats' plan on an otherwise party line vote on Thursday, leaving the upper chamber without a solution to the fast-approaching deadline to either extend or replace the subsidies. Still, both sides of the aisle want to tackle rising healthcare costs, they just can’t agree on the best solution.
"We don't need to come up with the perfect plan," Hawley told Fox News Digital before the vote. "We need to say what will help right now to lower healthcare costs? That's a more achievable goal, and that's doable, so I am willing to vote for just about anything that has a legitimate shot at lowering healthcare costs right now. So that's where I'd start."
Senate Democrats’ plan, in comparison with Republicans’ offering that was blocked minutes before, was a straightforward three-year extension of the expiring enhanced subsidies.
But the plan did not include several reforms Republicans demanded, like measures to prevent fraud, income caps and more stringent enforcement of Hyde Amendment language that would prevent taxpayer dollars from funding abortions.
"Our bill is the only proposal on either side that has party-wide support on both sides of the Capitol," Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., said.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., charged that Democrats’ proposal wasn’t based on reality.
"What [Schumer] is saying about a Democrat plan that will lower healthcare costs is a fantasy," Thune said. "It just is. It's a fantasy."
While neither side can reach a consensus on how to actually move forward on a healthcare plan, both recognize that time is running out to find a fix and that the cost of healthcare is running rampant.
SENATE DEMOCRATS PUSH OBAMACARE SUBSIDY VOTE 'DESIGNED TO FAIL' AS REPUBLICANS CALL PLAN UNSERIOUS
Democrats see the subsidies as a quick fix that can stop the bleeding, while Republicans are looking for broader, immediate reforms that could start putting a dent in healthcare costs.
Bipartisan talks have continued throughout the process, but those too are being hampered by the GOP’s red line on more stringent enforcement of anti-abortion measures on the Obamacare exchange, which is a nonstarter for Democrats.
Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D., predicted that both Republicans’ and Democrats’ proposals would fail but that "hopefully, that keeps us working on getting something where we provide assistance, but get some reforms."
"But we can't keep just sending the money to insurance companies and continue this runaway medical inflation that just perpetuates the problem," Hoeven said.
Quiet GOP 'Astroturf' campaign convinced liberal firebrand to run for US Senate, source says
It appears some behind-the-scenes tinkering by the Senate Republican campaign arm helped spur progressive firebrand Rep. Jasmine Crockett to declare her candidacy this week in Texas' high-stakes Senate race.
The campaign launch by Crockett, a two-term lawmaker who represents a Dallas-area district and who is known as a vocal critic and foil of President Donald Trump, quickly shifted the political spotlight off of the Republican nomination race, where incumbent GOP Sen. John Cornyn is involved in a divisive primary with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and Rep. Wesley Hunt.
The GOP boosting of a preferred primary opponent comes in a race with extremely high stakes, as it's one of a handful across the country that will likely determine if Republicans hold their Senate majority in next year's midterm elections.
As the race in Texas was heating up this past summer, Crockett, a rising Democratic Party star who enjoys a large social media footprint, was not among the list of Democrats widely considered as contenders for the party's nomination.
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But Republican strategists viewed Crockett as a more beatable opponent in the 2026 general election than either former Rep. Colin Allred, who until Monday was making his second straight Senate bid, state Rep. James Talarico, another rising party star who launched his campaign in September, and former Rep. Beto O’Rourke and Rep. Joaquin Castro, who at the time were mulling bids.
So the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) released a poll in July that indicated Crockett with a double-digit lead over the rest of the field of actual and potential Democratic Senate contenders.
The poll quickly grabbed plenty of national attention.
A source familiar with the NRSC's process told Fox News Digital that when they saw the results of the survey, they instantly said, "We've got to disseminate this far and wide."
The survey spurred other polls which also indicated Crockett hypothetically in the lead, and the NRSC helped push those results "to really drive that news cycle and that narrative that Jasmine Crockett was surging in Texas."
The NRSC then reached out to allies to aggressively push the polls in the progressive digital world in what the source described as an "AstroTurf recruitment process."
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The effort also included phone calls and text messages to Texas Democrats calling on voters to urge Crockett to enter the race.
The source called it a "sustained effort that we orchestrated across the ecosystem for several months."
Crockett, in announcing her candidacy, noted that "I never put myself into any of the polls."
But she acknowledged that "the more I saw the poll results, I couldn't ignore the trends, which were clear, both as it relates to the primary as well as the general election."
NRSC Chair Sen. Tim Scott, speaking exclusively with Fox News Digital on Monday, said that Crockett's entry into the Senate race is a key sign of the Democrats' shift to the left.
"I think it says something about who the Democrats are nationally, not just in Texas. What it says is that they've been overrun by this radical left agenda that focuses on rhetoric, not reality," the Republican senator from South Carolina claimed.
SENATE REPUBLICAN CAMPAIGN CHIEF SAYS CROCKETT CANDIDACY EXPOSES HOW ‘RADICAL’ DEMOCRATS ARE
Allred, who was making his second straight bid for the Senate after losing last year to conservative Sen. Ted Cruz by 9 points, abandoned his bid hours before Crockett launched her campaign and announced he would run next year to return to the House.
Crockett will now face off in her party's primary with Talarico, a former middle school teacher and Presbyterian seminarian who is also seen as a rising Democrat. The two surging contenders with powerful fundraising operations will face off in the March 3 primary.
In the GOP showdown, Cornyn, the longtime incumbent who hails from the party's establishment wing, has cut into the one-time large lead by Paxton, a MAGA firebrand, with Hunt in third, according to public opinion polling.
The concern among Republicans is that Paxton, who has been battered over the past decade by a slew of scandals and legal problems and who is now dealing with a messy divorce, would put the seat in play if he were to win the GOP nomination.
But Crockett's Senate candidacy may change the political equation. While her aggressive push-back against Trump and the GOP should play well with the left, it could deflate her chances of winning next November among Texas' more conservative electorate.
By dropping out of the race, Allred will likely allow Democrats to avoid a costly and messy primary runoff in the spring, giving the party more time to consolidate around their nominee and raise much-needed campaign cash.
Meanwhile, with Cornyn, Paxton, and Hunt all taking aim at each other in a combustible primary, the GOP nomination appears headed towards a runoff, which would be triggered if no candidate tops 50% in the early March primary.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, Scott, and the NRSC are backing Cornyn.
Asked if he's concerned about the GOP nomination battle extending to a primary runoff, Scott predicted that "Cornyn will win the primary and Cornyn will win the general election."