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WNBA coach doubles down on Jalen Brunson doubts despite Knicks reaching NBA Finals
Knicks fans are hoping to break their 53-year championship drought, knowing a title would also silence one of Jalen Brunson’s biggest critics.
Yet even with New York officially in the Finals, Becky Hammon still isn’t ready to admit she was wrong.
Brunson has already played his way into Gotham lore, spearheading the franchise’s first playoff series victory since 2013 in his debut season and now leading the Knicks to their first Finals appearance in 27 years.
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Still, fans are waiting for Hammon to eat crow after she questioned whether the guard could truly be the No. 1 player on a championship-caliber team.
She’s not quite there yet.
WATCH:
When asked recently if she was willing to take back her past comments, the Las Vegas Aces coach stood her ground:
"I speak from experience. Allen Iverson got MVP, and he lost in the Finals. I think the two best teams are probably in the West, but I’m up for being proven wrong.
NEW YORK READY TO COMBUST AS NYPD SHUT DOWN KNICKS WATCH PARTY OUTSIDE MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
"That’s the other thing. I think Jalen Brunson’s a hell of a player, a hell of a player. I’m speaking historically on the NBA with what I said.
"I don’t know why everybody’s so stuck on that. I said it two years ago. I said what I said. If he proves me wrong, he proves me wrong."
To understand why fans are still so hung up on it, you have to revisit Hammon’s original "brass tacks" assessment of the Knicks’ ceiling:
"They don’t have enough personnel, they don’t have the manpower that they need to hang with those guys.
"I think you’re going to get a consistent team like they’ve been. They’re a pretty good team.
"They’re well-coached, they’re going to be on their defensive game, but at the end of the day, they don’t have a dude.
"You gotta have a 1A dude, and they’re missing that at the end of the day if we’re just getting down to brass tacks."
At the time, Hammon’s comments reflected a common belief around the NBA ... that Brunson was talented, tough and reliable, but not the type of superstar capable of carrying a franchise to a championship.
Now, Brunson is one of the biggest reasons the Knicks are four wins away from ending decades of heartbreak.
The truth is, unless Brunson wins a championship for New York, Hammon’s skepticism will continue to shadow him. But if Brunson brings a title back to the Big Apple, Hammon’s comments won’t age well. He would not only prove her wrong, but he’d cement himself as a Knicks legend forever.
Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
Feds seize $40M in gold bars, cash, Rolexes from senior US gov't official who faked being a Navy pilot
A former senior U.S. government official with top secret security clearance was arrested after the FBI raided his Virginia home and discovered a staggering $40 million stash of gold bars, $2 million in cash and 35 luxury watches, court documents reveal.
David J. Rush was arrested May 19 and is facing federal charges for theft of public money after allegedly swindling the government out of tens of millions of dollars while posing as a highly decorated Navy Reserve captain and Air Force test pilot.
According to an unsealed criminal complaint and FBI affidavit, the grift unraveled after Rush made multiple requests to his unnamed government agency between November 2025 and March 2026 for a "significant quantity of foreign currency and tens of millions of dollars in gold bars."
Rush claimed the payout was strictly for "work-related expenses," but an FBI search of his home on May 18 turned up roughly 303 one-kilogram gold bars, $2 million in U.S. currency and dozens of luxury watches, many of which were Rolexes, according to court documents.
CBP DIRECTOR FACES CHARGES FOR ALLEGEDLY DEFRAUDING FEMA AND LYING TO FEDS
A federal investigation revealed that despite holding a Senior Executive Service (SES) rank and Top Secret/SCI clearance, Rush routinely lied about his military background and education.
In applications for his high-level job, Rush claimed he was a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Test Pilot School and the "current director of test for a 145-person, 18-aircraft joint Army/Navy weapons test organization," according to court documents.
However, military records show Rush was never a pilot and held no FAA licenses; his actual duties in the Navy included working as an information systems technician.
FORMER STATE DEPARTMENT ANALYST PLEADS GUILTY TO EMBEZZLING MORE THAN $650K
He also allegedly faked his educational credentials to boost his federal salary, claiming he held a bachelor’s degree from Clemson University and a master's degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, according to the filings.
Registrars from both universities confirmed to the FBI they have no record of Rush ever attending their schools.
Further, the FBI claims that Rush scammed the government out of $77,000 in fraudulent military leave, claiming 744 hours of paid time off by telling his employer he was actively serving as a Navy Reserve captain (O-6) through September 2025.
Rush was honorably discharged a decade earlier, in February 2015, as a lieutenant (O-3), according to court documents.
He is currently being held in federal custody by the U.S. Marshals after a judge initially denied his request for release.
Rush recently waived his right to a preliminary hearing, and a magistrate judge found probable cause to move the case to a grand jury.
The FBI and CIA did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.
Clint Dempsey admits USMNT roster has 'some surprises,' but explains optimistic mindset about World Cup squad
Clint Dempsey had the honor of representing the United States in three World Cups, and there were likely times during all three where questions about the roster came about once it was revealed before the tournament.
The same goes for this year’s 2026 USMNT squad, which had their official roster reveal Tuesday in Manhattan. The spectacle not only confirmed previous reports about what the squad would look like, but manager Mauricio Pochettino’s first World Cup team led to some defense from the coach already.
Dempsey, speaking to Fox News Digital while highlighting his work as a mentor for global health leader Abbott’s Dream Team alongside Real Madrid, admitted this USMNT roster comes with some surprise.
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"There’s definitely some surprises," he said. "It looks like we do have a defensive-heavy roster, especially in that right back position. But look, I’m not the one selecting this team. I still think this team can perform really well, but you’re going to need some big performances from people like Chris Richards, Antonee Robinson, Tyler Adams, Weston McKennie, Christian Pulisic and [Falorin] Balogun. Not to say there’s no other forwards that can contribute and other players, but to me, those players jump off the roster to me."
Dempsey pointed at two players others were shocked to see left out -- Diego Luna and Tanner Tessman – who he said you naturally "feel bad" for. However, Dempsey isn’t going to discredit what others who made their first World Cup roster bring to the table.
USMNT ROSTER TAKES SHAPE UNDER MAURICIO POCHETTINO AS US PREPARES TO HOST WORLD CUP: REPORTS
"You look at other players that got in. Shoutout to [Alex] Zendejas, how well he’s played at Club América. That left foot he has, his finishing abilities, but also his ability to assist and whip in balls with that left foot. He scored a really good goal against Japan in one of their friendlies.
"I think a surprise for some people may be Gio [Reyna], but if you look at his form with the national team, it’s up there at the top in terms of his production rate and what he gives to this team."
It’s rare that the roster will change ahead of FIFA’s June 1 deadline, meaning this is the 26-man squad that Pochettino believes in, and this will be the group that has the privilege of representing their country on home soil during the World Cup.
Dempsey said he used to pray before bed as a kid that he got to wear the Stars and Stripes on his jersey in a World Cup, and he was able to do so more than once. But to play in front of your home country, Dempsey is now praying that the team gets off to a hot start against Paraguay to kick off their Group D play on June 12 in Los Angeles.
"I just think get off to a good start, get the fan base behind them like what you saw in the Winter Olympics with the men’s and women’s hockey teams. I’m sure there are other examples I could draw from, but to me, that’s something that I definitely noticed from the outside looking in. Hopefully that’s something they can connect with these fans and create that 12th man. That’s what’s need to push you along in big moments," he said.
THE ABBOTT DREAM TEAM
For the second straight year, Dempsey is helping Abbott and Real Madrid with the "Abbott Dream Team," a program encouraging young soccer players aged 18-19 throughout the U.S. to participate in a once-in-a-lifetime development experience with one of the best soccer clubs in the world in Madrid.
ALEXI LALAS DOESN'T WANT TO HEAR ABOUT TEAM USA PRESSURE DURING HOME WORLD CUP: 'CRY ME A RIVER'
Selected participants will be training with Real Madrid’s coaches at the team’s facilities, while enjoy unique experiences like attending a match at Bernabéu Stadium and meeting some team legends. Real Madrid’s medical team will also continue providing those players with the latest advancements in sports health and nutrition, helping them better understand their bodies, build healthier habits and reach their peak performance on and off the pitch.
"It’s awesome, man. Any time you can give back and give kids the opportunity to chase their dreams, that’s what it’s all about," Dempsey said about his role in this. "I have kids of my own, and that’s what I’m trying to do. I’m trying to help them accomplish their dreams, take them to all their soccer practices, and give them the best chance possible to do something great. This is one of those things where you have a tryout, you have Real Madrid coaches here watching you, and no matter what, you take something away from this experience.
"Just being here, letting [the players] know this is important, and I’m proud of them for betting on themselves and putting themselves out there to even try out for something like this."
Other than Dempsey, Real Madrid legend Marcelo will also join this year’s Abbott Dream Team as a mentor.
Tryouts have already taken place in Miami, Washington, D.C. and Houston, where Dempsey was on Wednesday morning. There are still tryouts set for Kansas City (June 2), Los Angeles (June 4) and Chicago (June 9).
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Feds plan new Bahamas search for Lynette Hooker after GPS data allegedly torpedoes husband’s story: report
Federal investigators have reportedly reopened the search for the Michigan woman who disappeared in the Bahamas after newly obtained forensic data suggests inconsistencies in her husband’s recollection of events from the night she went missing.
United States authorities are asking the Bahamas for clearance to send a dive team to search new areas in the Sea of Abaco for the remains of Lynette Hooker after newly discovered GPS data allegedly contradicted her husband’s version of events surrounding the night she vanished, CBS News first reported and a source confirmed to Fox News Digital.
A source reportedly told the outlet that GPS data retrieved from an electronic device belonging to Brian Hooker showed a discrepancy with his story to investigators, and that the device provides investigators with locations that have not yet been searched.
Investigators are also reportedly working to extract data from devices aboard the vessel – including an infrared camera – that may contain additional clues surrounding Lynette Hooker’s disappearance.
SAILBOAT TRACKING DATA WENT DARK FOR 11 HOURS THE NIGHT MISSING AMERICAN VANISHED IN THE BAHAMAS
A source in the Bahamas told Fox New Digital that the new search, if approved by Bahamian authorities, will focus on an area of the Sea of Abaco with waters reaching 25-foot depths. The renewed efforts are based on GPS data from Brian Hooker's phone, in which he was using a marine navigation app. The Hookers' dinghy allegedly visited the same area, a U.S. official confirmed to Fox News Digital.
The data shows the device on the water, stopping in the Sea of Abaco and later returning to shore, CBS News reported. The newly obtained data provides investigators with a more precise area to search, the source reportedly added.
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Family members of Lynette Hooker confirmed to Fox News Digital that they have provided DNA samples to aid in the investigation.
LYNETTE HOOKER MISSING IN BAHAMAS: TIMELINE OF MICHIGAN WOMAN’S DISAPPEARANCE, HUSBAND’S ARREST
Additional evidence in the case continues to be processed at the FBI’s lab in Quantico, CBS News reported.
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The development comes nearly two months after Lynnette Hooker vanished while on vacation with her husband on April 4, while also raising new questions surrounding Brian Hooker’s version of events.
Brian Hooker initially told investigators he and his wife were on a nighttime boat ride when she fell from a small dinghy and was swept away, Fox News Digital previously reported.
He said he was forced to paddle back to shore because his wife was carrying the ignition key when she went overboard, authorities said.
HUSBAND OF MISSING AMERICAN WOMAN WILL REMAIN IN BAHAMAS AFTER JAIL RELEASE, ATTORNEY SAYS
Despite a weekslong search, investigators were unable to find Lynette Hooker.
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Brian Hooker was detained for five days by Bahamian police after his wife disappeared, but was never charged with a crime. He subsequently returned to the U.S. to tend to his "very ill" mother, his Bahamian attorney previously said.
Last month, investigators with the Coast Guard Investigative Service seized the couple’s shared sailboat, the "Soulmate," as it was docked in Fort Pierce, Florida, Fox News Digital reported.
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After Lynette Hooker went missing, Brian said in a Facebook post that he was "heartbroken."
"I am heartbroken over the recent boat accident in unpredictable seas and high winds that caused my beloved Lynette to fall from our small dinghy near Elbow Cay in the Bahamas," he wrote. "Despite desperate attempts to reach her, the winds and currents drove us further apart. We continue to search for her and that is my sole focus."
Brian Hooker has not been charged with a crime by American authorities.
Fox News Digital reached out to Brian Hooker’s attorney for comment.
Conservatives erupt after DNC lashes out at top White House official with vulgar personal attack
The official Democratic National Committee X account ignited a social media firestorm on Wednesday afternoon in a profanity-laden online spat with President Donald Trump’s chief policy advisor, Stephen Miller.
"Shut up, you ugly f---" @TheDemocrats wrote.
The comment was made in response to Miller’s own jeering of James Talarico, the Democratic Senate candidate in Texas.
"The Democrats made history in Texas by nominating their first transgender senate candidate," Miller said, needling Talarico over his physical appearance.
WHAT THE F----? DEMOCRATS TURN TO PROFANITY INSTEAD OF POLICY
The moment quickly drew reactions from conservative onlookers online.
Stephen Miller’s wife, Katie Miller, wasted no time and went straight for the DNC’s social media handler.
"Paulina Mangubat is who runs the Democrats’ account. She’s 30, unmarried with no kids. Put your name on it next time," Miller said. "This is what a sad, unhappy female liberal looks like. It’s why Pew reports 50% of them have been diagnosed with a mental condition," she added, referring to the Pew Research Center.
TEXAS SENATE HOPEFUL TALARICO IN HOT SEAT FOR CALLING MEN IN WOMEN’S SPORTS A ‘FAR RIGHT CONSPIRACY’
Conservative media personality Benny Johnson also weighed in.
"This is the party that spent years lecturing America about civility, unity and healing. The party that cried when Trump was ‘mean’ on Twitter. This is who they really are. And they wonder why they keep losing," Johnson said.
"The official Democratic Party," the Libs of TikTok wrote in its own post, highlighting the spat.
"I'm sure this will get the votes you need," conservative radio host Dana Loesch posted on X.
"Hilarious these are the same people that complain about Trump being mean," conservative influencer Caleb Hull posted on X.
"This is where the median Democratic staffer's comms instincts are," Manhattan Institute VP Jesse Arm posted on X.
When asked about the post, Talarico's campaign referred Fox News Digital to their own response online, calling Miller's comments "Talarico Derangement Syndrome," a riff on "Trump Derangement Syndrome," a favorite phase of the president's to describe his critics.
The exchange also drew some scrutiny for Miller from accounts like Occupy Democrats, a left-leaning account that offered a defense of Talarico.
"To point out the incredibly obvious here: James Talarico is not transgender. He is a cisgender, heterosexual Christian man with a loving girlfriend. Of course, even if he were trans (or nonbinary or gay or any other identity), that would in no way affect his ability to serve the people of Texas. What matters are his politics."
But at least one Democratic strategist decried the post.
SELECTIVE OUTRAGE: TRUMP, DEMOCRATS MAINLY DENOUNCE THE OTHER SIDE’S SCANDALS
"As a lifelong Dem who’s donated free consulting to House Dem staffers, I find this so, so embarrassing for us. We complain about the right’s behavior, and now we’re doing stuff like this? Come on, Democrats. Do better," Jack Appleby wrote in a post of his own.
The DNC post is one of many profanity-laced online posts popping up across social media as Democrats push an aggressive and edgy online strategy to go after Republicans. Gov. Gavin Newsom's rapid response account has repeatedly cursed out critics, including telling a conservative reporter earlier this year to "f--- off."
The DNC did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Fort Worth principal pick faces backlash, investigation over social media posts defending Sharia law
A newly appointed Texas high school principal is facing backlash and a district investigation after her alleged past social media posts defending Sharia law and supporting progressive causes resurfaced online.
Shayma Alzubi, currently identified as an assistant principal for ninth grade at Southwest High School in Fort Worth, was selected by Fort Worth ISD as the next principal of Western Hills High School and announced the news in a recent Facebook post that now appears to have been deleted.
Alzubi’s appointment faced criticism online after screenshots from her past social media posts surfaced.
TEXAS REPUBLICANS LAUNCH 'SHARIA FREE AMERICA CAUCUS' AIMED AT DEFENDING 'WESTERN CIVILIZATION'
A Jan. 23 post shared by Alzubi appeared to defend Sharia law by comparing it to other religious ethics and standards like "biblical principles."
An August 2021 repost from FWISD 4 ALL demanded people vote for mask mandates at a 2021 Fort Worth ISD school board meeting, as well as a photo of Alzubi and another person with "BLACK LIVES MATTER" banner text.
Another photo featured banner text that read, "I am #WithDreamers I SUPPORT DACA," which refers to Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, as well as an image of Alzubi accompanied by text that states, "Jerusalem is the capital of Palestine."
In a Tuesday post on X, State Board of Education member Julie Pickren called for an investigation into Alzubi, writing, "I am calling on @teainfo to do an investigation into Shayma Alzubi for violations of Texas Code of Ethics for Administrators. Furthermore, I am asking for an investigation into Dept. Commissioner of School Governance Steve Lechelop who oversees the Fort Worth ISD Board of Managers."
TEXAS TEACHERS' UNION SUES STATE OVER INVESTIGATION INTO CONTROVERSIAL CHARLIE KIRK POSTS
In a Tuesday update on X replying to her initial post, Pickren shared a statement she said came from the Fort Worth ISD suggesting that Alzubi could be reassigned pending an investigation.
MAMDANI BACKS CANDIDATE WHO CALLED 9/11 ‘A TERROR ATTACK A COUPLE OF PEOPLE DID’
Brandon Hall, a member of the State Board of Education, told The Dallas Express, "I am very concerned to see the extreme content that was apparently posted on social media by Shayma Alzubi," and in a Tuesday post on X wrote, "As a State Board of Education member representing FWISD, you better believe I am on top of this situation. Stay posted."
In a statement to Fox News Digital, Fort Worth ISD said, "Yesterday, May 26th, Fort Worth ISD was made aware of multiple social media posts from the past by a finalist for a principal position in the district. After review, it was determined that the posts may not align with the district’s social media policy and expectations for staff. Therefore, the candidate will be reassigned pending the outcome of an investigation. As such, the district will not comment further on an open investigation."
"Fort Worth ISD is in full compliance with state law and per statute TEC 28.0022, FWISD administration ensures that all issues of public policy or social affairs be explored objectively and in a manner free from political bias," the statement continued. "Our district leaders, educators and staff will not inject personal political perspectives into classrooms. Fort Worth ISD serves a wide array of families and students that are civically engaged and maintain a variety of perspectives. As a taxpayer funded entity, we will remain focused on our mission of providing a high quality education for all students."
Fox News Digital reached out to Alzubi and Pickren for comment but did not immediately receive responses.
TPUSA reporter says family charged with assaulting her is now trying to silence her with restraining orders
TPUSA reporter Savanah Hernandez says the family charged after an altercation with her at an anti-ICE protest has now filed restraining orders against her and is attempting to stop her from discussing them publicly on social media.
In a new video posted Tuesday, Hernandez gave an update to the case, after a federal grand jury indicted Minnesota family Christopher, Deyanna and Paige Ostroushko last month in connection with the April 11 incident outside the Whipple Federal Building in Minnesota.
Hernandez was there covering an anti-ICE protest when she said the crowd turned hostile after learning she was affiliated with Turning Point USA and that the Ostroushkos assaulted her as she attempted to leave the area.
Chris Ostroushko, his wife DeYanna and daughter Paige have all pleaded not guilty to the charges. Hernandez said each family member also filed separate restraining orders against her, which she characterized as full of "lies" portraying her as the aggressor, including describing her as 5'9" tall when she says she is actually 5'4".
Hernandez claimed the restraining orders are an attempt to prevent her from speaking publicly about the family or reporting in Minnesota in the future.
"All three of them have basically been alleging that I started a harassment and doxing campaign against them, and that I am continuing to engage in this behavior by reporting on them," she said. "And what these restraining orders are essentially trying to do is get me to stop being able to post about anything or quite frankly step foot in Minnesota."
She added, "Now, on top of Chris stating that I am waging this war against the family, he also is requesting that the court straight-up bans me and any of my family members from entering an entire county in Minnesota where he lives. He also wants me to be prohibited from the Whipple ICE Facility."
Hernandez also said Paige Ostroushko’s petition accused her of backhanding Paige twice and punching her in the face.
"None of that happened. That's actually what she did to me. And it's all on camera," Hernandez said.
Hernandez further claimed Chris Ostroushko’s petition falsely accused her of publishing the family’s private information online.
WOMAN SEEN ON VIDEO ALLEGEDLY BLOCKING MINNESOTA ICE OPERATION WITH CAR AS AGITATORS SURROUND AGENTS
"Not once have I posted this family's private home address, phone numbers, and since the beginning of this case, I have continued to have the mindset, and still do, that I want to see the justice system play out," she said.
"It's why I filed a civil suit," she continued. "It's why I was extremely happy and grateful when the DOJ stepped in and brought this forward in front of a federal grand jury, who did find probable cause for those charges."
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Hernandez also said police officers have visited her home multiple times to serve the restraining orders.
"Chris and DeYanna were already granted theirs and now I have to go fight in court and prove that what they are alleging in here is false, which should be very easy because there is not one tweet in existence of me doxing them or even calling for other people to go and hurt these people in any way, shape, or form," she said. "But that is the level of delusion that we are dealing with here."
Attorney James Cook, who represents the Ostroushko family, told Fox News Digital that he cannot provide comment on the content of Hernandez's video because there is pending litigation.
During a previous court hearing, an attorney for the Ostroushkos told the court they planned to seek a gag order on Hernandez, according to FOX 9.
Before the federal indictment, Chris Ostroushko defended his family’s actions in a podcast interview, saying, "We are absolutely not violent people."
Illinois official charged after allegedly submitting dead mother’s mail-in ballot
Sylvia Sims Bolton, an alderperson representing Waukegan’s 1st Ward, has been charged after authorities alleged she submitted a mail-in ballot in her deceased mother’s name during Illinois’ 2026 primary election.
Bolton, 67, was charged with one felony count of mutilation of election material and one misdemeanor count of disregarding election code, according to the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the investigation began after election officials flagged a vote-by-mail ballot connected to a deceased voter during a post-election review process.
According to officials, a vote-by-mail ballot for Mary Sims was mailed Feb. 5, the first day ballots could legally be sent for the 2026 General Primary Election.
FORMER DEM MAYORAL CANDIDATE ADMITS FORGING VOTER REGISTRATION APPLICATIONS
Election officials later processed the cancellation of Mary Sims’ voter registration on Feb. 12 after receiving notification of her death through the Illinois State Board of Elections voter registration system, according to authorities.
Officials said the completed ballot envelope was returned through a secure drop box outside the Lake County Clerk’s Office on Feb. 26.
During a review conducted after the March 17 primary election, election staff determined the ballot had been returned after the voter’s recorded date of death, authorities said.
"The safeguards and verification procedures in place within our election system worked exactly as intended," Lake County Clerk Anthony Vega said in a statement. "Our staff followed established protocols, identified the irregularity, and immediately coordinated with law enforcement to ensure this matter is thoroughly investigated. Protecting the integrity of our elections remains our highest priority."
Investigators alleged Bolton received the ballot after her mother had already died, filled it out, signed her mother’s name and submitted it through an official ballot drop box.
Sheriff John D. Idleburg said the case demonstrated cooperation between multiple agencies.
"Safeguarding the integrity of our elections is something the public rightfully expects from all of us in government," Idleburg said in a statement. "This case is an example of the strong collaboration between the Lake County Clerk’s Office, the Lake County Sheriff’s Office, and the Lake County State’s Attorney’s Office to thoroughly review allegations, follow the facts, and ensure our election laws are upheld fairly and impartially."
Lake County State’s Attorney Eric Rinehart also praised the investigation.
"While Lake County’s internal protocols and automated systems are effective, any attempt at voter fraud undermines democracy and must be prosecuted," Rinehart said in a statement.
Authorities said the ballot was flagged, voided and separated from valid ballots before it could be counted.
Officials also said investigators did not uncover evidence linking the allegations to Bolton’s duties as an alderperson, and she was not charged with official misconduct.
Bolton surrendered to authorities Wednesday morning and was expected to appear in court later in the day.
Authorities said they were unaware of any prior Lake County investigations involving someone allegedly voting on behalf of a deceased person through the vote-by-mail system.
Fox News Digital reached out to Sylvia Sims Bolton, the City of Waukegan, the Lake County State’s Attorney Office and the Lake County Clerk's Office for comment.
Alpine F1 team to race under Gucci branding in 2027, meaning new colors are on the way
Formula 1 is practically synonymous with luxury, so it only makes sense that one of the most well-known luxury brands on the planet wants in on the sport.
On Wednesday, it was announced that starting in 2027, Gucci will take over as the title sponsor of the Alpine Formula 1 team.
The brand will take over from Alpine's current title sponsor, European water treatment company BWT, with the official name becoming "Gucci Racing Alpine Formula One Team."
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The team will take on Gucci's color scheme — red, green, black and gold — while ditching the Alpine brand's blue and BWT's pink.
It may sound weird for a clothing brand like Gucci to get in on F1, but remember, this is a sport where one of the best teams of the last 20 years is owned by an energy drink company.
FORMULA 1 LEGEND ALAIN PROST REPORTEDLY INJURED DURING ROBBERY BY MASKED GANG IN SWITZERLAND
Plus, this isn't unprecedented. From 2020 to 2023, Red Bull's second team, currently known as Racing Bulls, competed under the name Scuderia AlphaTauri to promote Red Bull's clothing brand.
But what's wild is that if you trace Alpine's lineage, this is not even the first time the team has been named after a clothing company.
Alpine is sometimes referred to as Team Enstone because they've changed names... a lot.
Before they were Alpine, they were Renault. Before that, they were Lotus, and before that, they were Renault (yes, for the first time).
From 1986 to 2001, they were known as Benetton, a fashion label that took over the team after previously sponsoring it when it was known as Toleman.
Confusing? Yes.
But Benetton was actually a great team, and Michael Schumacher won a pair of championships with them in the mid-1990s.
So, can they maybe do something similar with Gucci?
Well, Alpine has been one of the most surprising teams in 2026. They had been at the back of the pack for the last few years, largely due to the fact that they were stuck with a very underpowered Renault power unit.
That's gone, and in its place is a much more powerful Mercedes engine, and suddenly, Alpine is currently a very solid P5 in the constructors' standings. Both drivers, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto, have had a strong start to the season.
There's no question that they're on the upswing, which means that Gucci might be getting in at the right time.
Of course, as improved as the team is, they're still quite a way off from competing for race wins every week, and certainly from winning championships.
Jim Harbaugh, confirmed lover of love, was happy Justin Herbert took time off in Europe with Madison Beer
Everyone knows that Jim Harbaugh is a football guy through and through. The Los Angeles Chargers head coach is also a lover of love, and he proved that on Wednesday by talking about his quarterback’s return to practice.
Justin Herbert had been missing from the voluntary team workouts, having taken time off to vacation in Europe with his girlfriend Madison Beer as she kicked off her "Locket Tour." It was an absence Harbaugh fully supported.
When asked if he was excited to have Herbert back, Harbaugh acknowledged that he was. He then got romantic with the media as he got into why his quarterback was away from the team.
"I was happy he went to support Madison on her music tour. Madison supports him at the football games. He told me he wasn’t gonna be here for those two weeks and my first reaction was, ‘do you need a ride to the airport?’" Harbaugh said.
He knows his quarterback isn’t someone on his roster he needs to worry about. Herbert’s a leader and someone, win or lose, who can be counted on.
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Whether it’s shaking off a tough season at a Pre-Grammy Gala or blowing off voluntary workouts, it’s important for Herbert, as the franchise quarterback, to have some balance and spend time as a pop singer’s boyfriend.
That’s more or less what I think Harbaugh was trying to get across.
"He’s just been somebody that is just here all the time. There’s times I’ve wanted to shoo him out of the building. He’s at every voluntary, every non-voluntary workout," he continued.
"Same guy that broke his hand and he was here the next day practicing. The next game, stiff-arming guys. Yeah, I was happy. Good balance."
Spoken like a true lover of love. A happy pop singer girlfriend makes for a happy quarterback who in turn uses that to play better football. That's beautiful.