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Tomas Hertl scores game-winner as Golden Knights rally to beat Hurricanes in Game 1 of Stanley Cup Final
The Vegas Golden Knights have taken Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, erasing the Carolina Hurricanes' early 2-0 lead to win a thrilling 5-4 game in Raleigh and set the tone for this best-of-seven series.
It’s a seven-game win streak for Vegas now, as they haven’t lost since Game 4 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Anaheim Ducks. They surprisingly swept the Colorado Avalanche to win the West, and they kept that momentum going on the road.
Tomas Hertl was the hero for the Golden Knights in Game 1, as he scored the game-winning goal on a snipe with 3:25 left in the third period.
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But it wasn’t easy for Vegas in the first period when the Hurricanes were quick to assert their home-ice advantage just 25 seconds into the game.
It was the first shot on goal for either side when Nikolaj Ehlers poked a puck past an aggressive Shea Theodore for Vegas, and he sprinted down ice toward Carter Hart, who mans the Golden Knights’ net. Ehlers, though, had the perfect shot, ringing the post and sending the Hurricanes faithful into a frenzy with the 1-0 lead before some could even get to their seats.
Then, midway through the period, Ehlers found himself in yet another breakaway scenario, and he didn’t squander the opportunity to take advantage. He put a nifty move on Hart, and his backhand found the net to make it 2-0.
Jalen Chatfield also had his eye down ice, recognizing that Ehlers was uncovered and quickly turned Jack Eichel’s turnover into the opportunity.
But if there’s anything the Golden Knights have proved in these Stanley Cup Playoffs, it’s to never count them out. Another example of that was seen on Tuesday night.
Theodore made up for his mishap to start the game with an absolute rocket off his stick on a one-timer that saw its way through traffic and past Frederik Anderson in net to get Vegas on the board shortly after Ehlers’ second goal.
Then, as the second period got underway, it was Ivan Barbashev who decided to return the favor of scoring in 30 seconds or less. As Vegas entered the offensive zone with speed, the puck found Jack Eichel's stick. He quickly spotted Ivan Barbashev cutting through the slot, and Barbashev fired a shot over Frederik Andersen's right shoulder before the goalie could react.
With that, the Golden Knights tied this game up, but they didn’t let the momentum go. William Karlsson, who already has a cup under his belt for Vegas, did his part in seeking the next trophy. Mitch Marner had a tremendous backhand pass from behind the net that found Karlsson’s stick all alone out in front, and Anderson had no chance as Vegas took a 3-2 lead.
At that moment, the air in the Lenovo Center was taken right out of the fans’ sails, but a trusty veteran restored that later in the period. Jordan Staal, who watched his brother and 2006 Stanley Cup champion with the Hurricanes, Eric Staal, get the crowd going with the siren at puck drop, potted his third goal of these playoffs.
Jordan Staal snapped a wrister past Hart thanks to a heads-up play by K’Andre Miller to keep the puck onside and find his teammate fast for the grade-A chance.
The bleeding was stopped, but the third period was bound to be a thriller based on how these two teams were finding clear chances to score. Who broke the tie first was the major question, and Brett Howden had the answer just 1:21 into the period.
The playoff leader in goals, Howden had a beautiful tip on a shot by Theodore for his 11th of the playoffs and perhaps his most important in Game 1. The scoreboard remained silent for some time after that, with both teams trying to set up solid forechecks, but to no avail. The Hurricanes even had a power play, but they couldn’t find the back of the net.
Then, with 8:41 left, some puck luck found the Hurricanes, as defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere saw an offensive zone face-off biscuit fall right into his lap with no one around. He secured the puck on his stick blade and wristed it past Hart for the 4-4 tie.
However, the rollercoaster ride for the Hurricanes didn’t have a happy ending when they got off, with Hertl’s goal, assisted on a crafty Sissons' pass following a face-off, being the final say in this one.
Game 2 of this series will be played once more in Raleigh on Thursday night at 8 p.m. ET.
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DOJ expands indictment against SPLC, alleging $4M secretly funneled to KKK and extremist groups
The Department of Justice last month announced an indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), alleging that the civil rights nonprofit defrauded donors by secretly paying informants associated with extremist organizations, including the Ku Klux Klan.
A federal grand jury in the Middle District of Alabama returned an 11-count indictment in April charging the SPLC with six counts of wire fraud, four counts of making false statements to a federally insured bank and one count of conspiracy to commit concealment money laundering, according to the Justice Department.
The superseding indictment retains those charges while expanding on the alleged misconduct.
According to the DOJ, the SPLC "secretly funneled" more than $3 million in donor funds between 2014 and 2023 to numerous individuals associated with extremist organizations, including the Ku Klux Klan, United Klans of America, the National Socialist Movement, participants in the Unite the Right rally and the Aryan Nations-affiliated Sadistic Souls Motorcycle Club.
NEO-NAZIS, ‘SADISTIC’ BIKERS AND CHARLOTTESVILLE ORGANIZER: 5 OF THE MOST SHOCKING SPLC INFORMANTS
The original indictment alleged approximately $3 million in payments between 2014 and 2023.
"The SPLC’s paid informants ('field sources') engaged in the active promotion of racist groups at the same time that the SPLC was denouncing the same groups on its website," the indictment states.
Prosecutors further allege the SPLC opened bank accounts tied to fictitious entities in order to conceal donor funds that were allegedly routed to confidential sources.
MIKE DAVIS: SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER: A TALE OF A RACISM SCAM
According to the indictment, the SPLC began operating a covert informant network in the 1980s, and between 2014 and 2023 allegedly paid those sources in a clandestine manner.
The DOJ alleges an SPLC employee instead encouraged the pair to remain involved and offered them a monthly salary of $1,200.
The two subsequently agreed to remain in the organization, according to the indictment.
DR. BEN CARSON: I KNOW HOW BAD THE SPLC WAS, IT CAME AFTER ME AND PUT ME AT RISK
Prosecutors allege an SPLC employee instructed the individuals to claim they worked for a company called Rare Books and helped college students with research and writing assignments if anyone questioned the source of their income.
The indictment alleges donor funds were used to pay both individuals through SPLC accounts.
According to prosecutors, the pair were also reimbursed for expenses related to Ku Klux Klan activities, including cross-burning events and associated costs such as wood and fuel.
One of the individuals is also accused of recruiting new members using donor-funded payments. The indictment further alleges the SPLC knew donor funds were used to purchase materials for Ku Klux Klan garments.
In a statement to Fox News Digital, attorney Abbe Lowell, who represents the SPLC, denied the allegations.
"This apparent superseding indictment attempts to shore up the flaws in the initial charges, but it changes nothing," Lowell said.
"The SPLC did not lie to its donors, it did not mislead banks it did business with, and its informant program prevented violence and saved lives," he continued.
"It appears the Justice Department shared the indictment with media before it was unsealed by the court – another example of the government’s troubling handling of this case."
"We will be addressing these irregularities with the court and look forward to presenting the truth at trial," he added.
NONPROFIT REVENUE TOTALS SURGE AMID GROWING SCRUTINY AFTER MAJOR FRAUD CASES
The superseding indictment also notes that the SPLC’s reported revenue increased from roughly $38.7 million in 2010 to more than $129 million in 2023, an increase of approximately 233%.
According to the filing, the organization’s net assets grew from approximately $238 million to nearly $787 million during the same period.
The SPLC is a longtime nonprofit organization that says it combats white supremacy and extremism through research, reporting and monitoring efforts intended to assist law enforcement and the public.
During a news conference announcing the original indictment, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche alleged the SPLC paid members of extremist groups so it could generate "work product" documenting their activities.
"To that end, [SPLC] was doing the exact opposite of what it told its donors it was doing – not dismantling extremism but funding it," Blanche said.
Fox News Digital's Alexandra Koch, David Spunt, Jake Gibson and Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.
Joel Klatt roasts SEC: Nick Saban isn't there 'with his big old coattails for you to ride as a conference'
The SEC has, for years, enjoyed a widespread belief that it is the strongest conference in college football. And for years, that belief was correct.
Starting in 2009, Nick Saban created one of the most impressive dynasties in the sport's history. The Alabama Crimson Tide won a BCS National Championship in his third year on the job. And just never stopped winning. They won again in 2011 and 2012. Then won three more College Football Playoff National Championships from 2015-2020.
But as hard as it is to believe, 2020 is now six years ago, and the times have changed. Dramatically. The Big Ten has won three consecutive National Championships, starting, coincidentally, when name, image and likeness rules were changed allowing college football players to get paid by outside collectives. Not only has the Big Ten won three in a row, but the SEC hasn't reached the championship game since 2022.
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SEC teams were 1-8 during the 2025-2026 bowl season against teams from other conferences, and 0-3 in the playoff against other Power 4 programs. Despite those obvious realities, along with plenty of other unflattering statistics, at the conference's recent spring meetings, Commissioner Greg Sankey and other prominent figures were adamant that they remain, by far, the country's best conference.
There are some who agree with that sentiment, and others who don't, and based on some comments made by FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt, he's squarely in the latter category. Why? Because Nick Saban's retired, and the conference can't ride his "big old coattails" anymore.
"This is not 2012, this is not 2016, 15," Klatt said during a recent episode of his show. "I'm sorry, Nick Saban is no longer there with his big old coattails for you to ride as a conference. It's not that way anymore. So I thought that we should recap what we learned from the SEC spring meetings, and I've gotta be honest, it wasn't a lot.
"What did we get? Propaganda. Awesome," he continued. "Let's start with what Greg Sankey said, and it was basically, 'hey, we're the best.' That is false. They are not by far the best conference in college football. And candidly, I don't even know if you can call them the best conference in college football."
LANE KIFFIN MAKES RIDICULOUS EXCUSES FOR SEC'S POOR RECENT PERFORMANCE IN COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF
Klatt added that the "data" shows that the Big Ten has passed the SEC, and those who doubt that are predisposed to support the SEC or its schools.
"Why don't we just go to the data, why don't we call balls and strikes, because here's the thing: at a meeting like that, Greg is saying this to a group of writers who largely want that to be true. If you believe what he said, deep down in your heart, it's because you want to believe what he said. You don't want to see the data, you don't want to see the truth.
"And that's fine, and that makes college football great. If you're a fan and you're mad right now because you sense what I'm about to talk about, and you're thinking to yourself like, 'no way, here he goes,' that's fine, because the passion in our sport is what makes our sport great. What the data suggests is that what Greg said, is absolutely false. The Big Ten is 4-0 over the SEC over the last three playoffs. 4-0 is not a small thing now."
Yes, four games is a small sample size. But the playoff is the best against the best, ostensibly, providing a clearer comparison. Bowl games, too, went the Big Ten's way. Iowa beat Vanderbilt, a team that believed it should have been in the College Football Playoff. Illinois beat Tennessee, a team that was ranked for much of the season. Indiana obliterated Alabama, with the one win being Texas over Michigan. That same Texas team also lost to Ohio State in the first week of the year. Meanwhile, Curt Cignetti and the Indiana Hoosiers went 16-0 a few months after Steve Sarkisian said undefeated teams were a thing of the past.
It's Sankey's job to ignore these results and point to metrics he prefers. But it's the job of those on the outside to be honest about where the SEC currently sits. Because activism from Sankey and other coaches has already impacted the selection committee. Alabama's inclusion in the 2025-2026 field proves it. And it's why Klatt's right to call it out for what it is, propaganda.
FBI charges 35 in West Virginia drug and firearms operation, launches nationwide summer crime initiative
The FBI on Tuesday said 35 people had been charged for narcotics and firearms offenses stemming from a yearlong federal operation in West Virginia while also unveiling a new nationwide summer crime-fighting initiative.
The bureau said FBI Pittsburgh and FBI Baltimore launched Operation Turf War in early 2025 alongside the Eastern Panhandle Drug and Violent Crimes Task Force.
The operation resulted in the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics, along with the forfeiture of proceeds allegedly used to fund violent criminal activity, according to the FBI.
"Operation Turf War was this FBI answering the call of a community that needed it the most," FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement to Fox News Digital.
WEST VIRGINIA GOVERNOR'S ORDER LEADS TO NEARLY 60 SUSPECTED ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT CRIMINALS DETAINED
"This was a massively successful operation right in West Virginia with nearly three dozen individuals arrested using sophisticated techniques, confidential informants, and precise collaboration across the entire FBI enterprise with our partners," he continued.
Patel said the operation demonstrated "exactly what partnerships are supposed to look like."
He pointed to coordination among the Martinsburg Police Department SWAT team, Jefferson County SWAT and Homeland Security Investigations SWAT.
The FBI also announced the launch of Operation Summer Heat 2.0, a renewed version of an initiative led last year by then-Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino that the bureau said resulted in nearly 9,000 arrests nationwide.
The effort will run through Sept. 20 and focus on partnerships with state and local law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime.
"For the next 95 days, the entire country will see this FBI replicating these exact efforts across America with Operation Summer Heat – an extension of our work last year led by then Deputy Director Dan Bongino to crush violent crime," Patel said.
"We’re just getting started," he added.
According to the FBI, last year’s Operation Summer Heat resulted in more than 8,600 arrests, nearly 7,750 search operations, the seizure of 2,280 firearms and more than 44,560 kilograms of cocaine.
The bureau said this year’s operation will be conducted on a larger scale, with federal officials working alongside state and local partners to identify and disrupt violent criminals.
Drake London signs $141M deal with Falcons, becoming third highest-paid receiver in NFL: reports
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London can now call himself one of the highest-paid players in franchise history.
The Falcons and their top receiver have reportedly come to terms on a four-year, $141 million deal with $100 million guaranteed, according to ESPN. The deal can also reach $150 million with incentives.
At $35.25 million per year, London would become the NFL's third-highest-paid receiver. Only the Seattle Seahawks' Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who signed a record-breaking $168.8 million extension one month after helping his team win Super Bowl LX, and the Cincinnati Bengals' Ja'Marr Chase, who agreed to a $161 million deal in March 2025, would earn more.
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London, 24, was the Falcons’ first-round pick of the 2022 NFL Draft out of USC, and he has earned that draft slot after hauling in 309 receptions for 3,961 yards and 22 touchdowns across four seasons.
He was coming into this season on his fifth-year option, but the Falcons will not be playing that game with a cornerstone piece.
JAXON SMITH-NJIGBA, SEAHAWKS AGREE TO HISTORIC CONTRACT EXTENSION: REPORTS
However, they won’t be done shelling out massive deals, and London’s star offensive teammate, running back Bijan Robinson, might do more than just be one of the highest-paid players in franchise history.
Robinson cemented himself as one of the elite running backs in the NFL across just three seasons with Atlanta. Last season, he tallied a league-leading 2,298 scrimmage yards (1,478 rushing, 820 receiving, with 11 total touchdowns). He earned himself his first All-Pro honor, and there’s likely more to come for the shifty Texas product.
Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley is the highest-paid running back in the NFL at $20.6 million per year, but Robinson could crush that number depending on what he and the Falcons potentially agree to. It doesn’t have to come this year, but it’s certainly on the horizon.
The Falcons already picked up Robinson’s fifth-year option for the 2027 season.
As for London, the Falcons have a major decision to make heading into the 2026 season: determining who will be their starting quarterback. Whoever wins the job will be tasked with getting the ball to London and the rest of Atlanta's pass catchers, including tight end Kyle Pitts Sr., who will play the season on the franchise tag.
While Michael Penix Jr., who partially tore his ACL in his left knee last season, remains on the roster, the Falcons signed another lefty, former Miami Dolphins star Tua Tagovailoa, to give him some competition in training camp this summer.
Inconsistency at the quarterback position is what London and his teammates have had to deal with since he entered the league, with the likes of Desmond Ridder, Taylor Heinecke, and Marcus Mariota taking turns as the team’s starter before Kirk Cousins signed his massive three-year deal with Atlanta.
London’s best year was in 2024 when he was Cousins’ clear top target, hauling in 100 of his 158 targets for a career-high 1,271 with nine touchdowns. However, Cousins didn’t hold on to his starting role, as Penix took over as the Week 1 starter. Once he sustained his injury, Cousins had to come in, and yet London still almost reached 1,000 yards.
With a new front office in place, led by Falcons legend and President of Football Matt Ryan, it's clear the team is committed to retaining its young core as it tries to return to playoff contention in the wide-open NFC South.
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Jim Schwartz opens up about messy Browns split after being passed over for head coaching job
Jim Schwartz came up short in Cleveland's head coaching search, which ultimately led to his departure from the Browns after two seasons as defensive coordinator.
The Browns entered the offseason looking for a replacement after dismissing Kevin Stefanski, and Schwartz quickly emerged as a leading candidate after overseeing one of the NFL's top defenses.
Ultimately, however, ownership elected to hire former Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken.
Now, Schwartz is opening up about the split with the Browns.
Schwartz discussed his messy departure during an appearance on the "Ryan Ripken Show," shedding light on a decision that followed Cleveland's search for a new head coach.
While Schwartz said he understood the organization's decision, he also made clear that remaining on Monken's staff was never a realistic option.
"They wanted to go with an offensive guy. They chose Todd. I'm fine with that," Schwartz said. "They can make, you know, decisions that they want to make. But they can't expect me to stay on board for that."
NFL FIRING WAVE LEAVES A QUARTER OF TEAMS WITHOUT HEAD COACHES
After believing he had earned consideration for the top job, Schwartz viewed a return to his previous role as an untenable situation.
"Anybody that's in any business, you get passed over for a promotion, when you've done a really, really good job in your job, and you think you were in line for that promotion, it's time to go," Schwartz said.
The veteran coach suggested the arrangement would have created an awkward dynamic from the outset.
Rather than attempt to make the situation work, he opted for a clean break.
"A forced marriage isn't gonna work in the NFL," Schwartz said.
He also questioned whether he could have effectively maintained his authority within the building after the hiring decision.
"I didn't feel like I could do my job after getting passed over for that coaching job," he added.
Schwartz ultimately resigned from his position and, because of the terms of his contract, will spend the upcoming season away from the sidelines.
Cleveland has since turned to Mike Rutenberg to lead the defense as Monken begins his tenure as head coach.
Whether the Browns made the right decision will ultimately be determined on the field.
What Schwartz made clear is that once Cleveland chose Monken, his own decision was already made.
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Missing GOP congressman reveals he's 'more energized than ever' to return to Washington
Rep. Tom Kean Jr., R-N.J., said Tuesday he is "more energized than ever" and plans to return to in-person work "within a matter of weeks," issuing a new statement after months away from Capitol Hill because of an undisclosed medical issue.
Kean, who represents New Jersey’s 7th Congressional District, has been absent from Congress for months while dealing with undisclosed health issues keeping him away from Washington and the campaign trail. Kean said in April that he was addressing a "personal medical issue," but he has not publicly disclosed the nature of the issue.
"Serving the people of this district is the honor of my life. Every day, I wake up determined to build on the results I have delivered for New Jersey families such as lowering costs, restoring the SALT deduction, funding our law enforcement, helping veterans, standing with Israel, strengthening our economy, and making government work better," Kean said in a statement Tuesday, amid growing scrutiny over his absence.
Kean has not cast a vote since March 5, according to The New York Times. House voting records also listed Kean as "Not Voting" on a May 21 roll call vote.
"I am optimistic about the road ahead, and ready to earn the support of voters in every corner of the district," Kean continued. "I am more energized then ever to keep fighting for the people of New Jersey's 7th District. Right now I am focused on my recovery and under the advice of healthcare professionals I will transition from virtual work to in person work within a matter of weeks. At that time I will be completely transparent as to the nature of my medical condition."
Kean added that he "understand[s] the need for transparency on this matter" and looks forward to sharing his experience with the public.
Ahead of Kean's Tuesday primary election, during which he ran unopposed, President Donald Trump endorsed the New Jersey Republican.
Trump praised Kean in a Truth Social post Monday night, describing him as a strong supporter of the president's "America First Agenda," adding the New Jersey Republican is "working tirelessly" on border security, crime, the economy, taxes, energy, veterans and Second Amendment issues.
"Tom Kean has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election," Trump concluded, telling people to get out and vote.
Trump’s support remains one of the most powerful forces in Republican primaries, with candidates across several states openly competing for his backing ahead of key contests. His endorsement of Kean signals the White House and GOP leaders are still lining up behind the incumbent as Republicans fight to defend their narrow House majority this fall.
Four Democrats — Rebecca Bennett, Michael Roth, Tina Shah and Brian Varela — were competing for the nomination to face Kean in November, but Bennett edged them out Tuesday night during the Democratic primary.
The Associated Press described Bennett as a former Navy helicopter pilot, Roth as a former Small Business Administration official, Shah as an intensive care doctor and Varela as a businessman, with each candidate raising seven figures as Democrats target Kean’s battleground seat.
Bomb threat standoff at Bakersfield Chase Bank continues as negotiators work to release hostages
A standoff involving a man who allegedly made bomb threats at a Chase Bank in downtown Bakersfield, California, stretched into Tuesday evening as negotiators worked to secure the release of people still inside the building.
The Bakersfield Police Department said officers responded shortly after 1 p.m. to a reported bomb threat at the Chase Bank near Chester Avenue and 17th Street.
During a briefing with reporters, Bakersfield Police Sgt. Eric Celedon said authorities learned that an unidentified man entered the bank and remained inside with an unknown number of community members.
"What I can guarantee the community right now is that every single resource is at the site's disposal," Celedon said, adding that SWAT officers, bomb squad personnel, K-9 teams, negotiators and drone operators had been deployed to the scene.
MAN ALLEGEDLY ATTEMPTS TO ROB UTAH BANK WITH NOTE ON STOLEN PAPER, CLAIMING HE HAS A BOMB: REPORT
In a post on X, the department described the incident as a "confirmed bomb threat" and urged residents to avoid the downtown area, warning that road closures would remain in effect until further notice.
According to local station KBAK, authorities believe the suspect may have had a bomb strapped to his body and had barricaded himself inside the building with several people.
The station reported that one person was safely released before 5 p.m. following negotiations involving Bakersfield police and the FBI's negotiation team.
"At this time, everybody else still remains inside the building, and everybody else still remains in good health," Celedon said.
Jason Pack, a retired FBI supervisory special agent, told Fox News Digital that the fact negotiators remain in communication with the suspect is a significant development.
"As long as communication is open, you have options," Pack said.
Pack noted that suspects who introduce real or alleged explosive devices often do so to gain leverage rather than immediately carry out an attack, adding that negotiators are typically focused on understanding a suspect's demands and creating opportunities to secure the release of additional people.
"The FBI has confirmed it is aware of the situation and sending assistance," he said. "Any bomb threat at a financial institution triggers federal jurisdiction automatically, which means Bakersfield PD and the FBI are coordinating closely."
KBAK reported that several city buildings, including City Hall North, City Hall South, the Development Services Building and Bakersfield Police Headquarters, were placed on lockdown as a precaution due to the nearby incident.
In a statement obtained by the outlet, Bakersfield Mayor Karen Goh said city officials were closely monitoring the situation and thanked law enforcement personnel for their response.
"We continue to closely monitor the situation unfolding in our city and remain concerned for the safety and well-being of everyone involved," Goh said.
Fox News Digital has reached out to the office of Mayor Karen Goh for additional comment.
Democrats turn to Paralympian in bid to flip key GOP-held Senate seat
Democratic state Rep. Josh Turek of Iowa on Tuesday captured his party's Senate nomination in the race to succeed retiring GOP Sen. Joni Ernst.
Turek, a Paralympian, defeated state Sen. Zach Wahls in Iowa's Democratic Senate primary, The Associated Press reported, and will now face off against Republican Rep. Ashley Hinson, who cruised to the GOP nomination.
The Republican-controlled Senate seat in Iowa is a top target for Democrats, and the race is one of about a dozen crucial showdowns in this year's midterm elections that will determine whether Republicans successfully hold onto their slim majority in the chamber.
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Turek, a moderate Democrat who flipped a GOP-held Iowa House seat in 2022, was backed by former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and had the tacit support of longtime Democratic Senate Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer of New York and Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee Chair Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. And VoteVets, an establishment-aligned outside group, has spent big bucks on behalf of Turek.
"Josh Turek is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist who has represented his country on the world stage and has built a reputation in the legislature for working across the aisle to get things done for Iowans," Schumer and Gillibrand said in a statement. "His nomination tonight puts the Iowa Senate seat firmly in play, and in November, Iowans will reject Ashley Hinson’s self-serving politics and send Josh Turek to the U.S. Senate."
But National Republican Senatorial Committee Regional Press Secretary Samantha Cantrell said that "Chuck Schumer spent $10 million dollars to coronate Josh Turek as his rubber stamp for Democrats' radical tax-and-spend agenda. In November, Iowans will reject him and elect Ashley Hinson to keep fighting for Iowa families, farmers, and workers."
Wahls, a progressive candidate who Republicans likened to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, was endorsed by liberal champion Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts. The Democratic primary grabbed plenty of national attention and drew tons of outside money.
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Hinson, a former TV news anchor who is in her third term representing Iowa's 2nd Congressional District, defeated former state senator and former U.S. Senate candidate Jim Carlin in the GOP Senate primary, The Associated Press reported.
Hinson was backed by President Donald Trump; Senate Majority Leader John Thune; the National Republican Senatorial Committee, which is the campaign arm of the Senate GOP; and by Ernst as she cruised to her party's nomination. Hinson, who in 2020 flipped a Democratic-held seat, is seen as a rising star in the party.
Iowa was once a top battleground state that former President Barack Obama carried in his 2008 and 2012 White House victories. But the state has shifted to the right in recent election cycles with Trump carrying the state by nine points in 2016, eight points in 2020 and by 13 points in November 2024.
Republicans hold both of the state's Senate seats — Ernst and longtime Sen. Chuck Grassley — and all four of Iowa's congressional districts, as well as all statewide offices except state auditor.
But Democrats are energized heading into the midterms, when the GOP, as the party in power, will face traditional headwinds, a challenging political climate thanks to persistent inflation and sky-high gas prices due to what polls show is an unpopular war with Iran, as well as Trump's sinking approval ratings.
And Iowa Democrats, in particular, are energized after flipping two GOP-held state Senate seats in special elections in 2025.
The general election winner will succeed Ernst, a retired Army Reserve and Iowa National Guard officer who served in the Iraq War and was first elected to the Senate in 2014.
Ernst grabbed plenty of national attention in that campaign with her "make 'em squeal" ads as she won the high-profile Senate election to succeed retiring longtime Democratic Sen. Tom Harkin.
Fox News' Sally Persons contributed to this report.
'Jersey Shore' star Mike Sorrentino teases future run for New Jersey governor
"Jersey Shore" star, Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino, announced he may run for governor of New Jersey in the future.
According to News 12, the 43-year-old reality star told VUE Magazine about his plans to enter the political sphere at their spring edition party on Thursday night.
"I'd like to save lives for the next three to five years with Archangels Centers," he said. "I’d like to have an Archangels center in every 50 states [sic], and after that, you know, I will introduce everybody to Governor Situation."
While he said he couldn't quite share which party he will run under just yet, he noted he believes "the residents of New Jersey would like no property tax."
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Fox News Digital reached out to representatives of Sorrentino for comment.
Sorrentino found fame as a cast member on the reality show "Jersey Shore," which followed a group of young men and women who lived together on the Jersey Shore and worked at a T-Shirt shop on the boardwalk. Fans were drawn to their wild antics, as they partied most nights and often argued with one another.
The show aired on MTV for six seasons from 2009 to 2012 and came back for eight more seasons in 2018, with "Jersey Shore: Family Vacation," which came to an end this year.
In between filming the original show and the reboot, Sorrentino sought treatment for an addiction to prescription painkillers, previously sharing he entered into three different rehab programs between 2012 and 2015.
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He celebrated 10 years of sobriety in December 2025, telling People in May that his wife, Lauren, "saved my life," adding she is the reason he is "going on my 11th year of sobriety this year."
"I feel like this new chapter of me using my story to help other people," he told the outlet. "You know, I now own a brand of treatment centers called the Archangel Centers where we live to help as many as we can. And I tell people all the time, like, I love being on TV, right? But I love helping people more."
The reality star founded the recovery and treatment center, Archangel Centers, with his wife in 2024, with the help of Ascend Behavioral Health Network.
He made the announcement in an Instagram post, calling himself "living proof that the comeback is always greater than the setback."
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"I didn’t get anything I prayed for until I became the kind of person who could receive it. I put in the work, never gave up, and now my story is someone else’s roadmap to survival," Sorrentino wrote. "Today, I’m on the front lines, ready to save lives. My experience, strength, and hope will help addicts find recovery, one day at a time."
Not only did Sorrento overcome addiction, he also served eight months in federal prison for tax evasion.
"Against all odds, I turned my life around," he said. "Today, I’m happily married with three amazing kids, a published author, nine years sober, and about to launch my own treatment centers: @thearchangelcenters. What once seemed impossible is now my reality."