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Transfer photos from your phone to a hard drive
If you own a smartphone, this moment eventually arrives. A warning pops up saying your storage is almost full. Photos stop syncing. Apps slow down. Suddenly, you are deleting emails, clearing messages and searching for anything that will free up space.
Many people hit this problem because their photos automatically back up to services like Google Photos or iCloud. Those services include a limited amount of free storage. Once it fills up, the solution is usually the same. Pay for more space.
Janice from Alabama recently wrote to us about this exact situation.
Janice is far from alone. Millions of smartphone users face the same choice every year. Either pay monthly for more storage or move their photos somewhere else. The good news is that you can store your photos on a hard drive you own, keep access to them anytime and avoid ongoing subscription fees. Let's walk through the easiest ways to do it.
YOUR IPHONE HAS A HIDDEN FOLDER EATING UP STORAGE SPACE WITHOUT YOU EVEN KNOWING
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The simplest approach is to first copy your photos to a computer. After that, you can move them to an external hard drive.
Apple devices use a slightly different process. Instead of opening the phone like a storage device, you import photos through the Photos app on your computer.
The photos will download to your Mac's photo library.
If you are signed into iCloud and iCloud Photos is enabled on your iPhone, your photos may already be syncing automatically. In that case, you can simply open Photos on your Mac or visit iCloud Photos in a browser on your desktop to access and download them without connecting your phone.
HOW TO HIDE PHOTOS ON YOUR IPHONE AND ANDROID FROM SNOOPS
Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer
Once copied, paste the files into a folder on your computer. This step gives you a full backup before moving them to a drive.
Windows will copy your photos directly to your computer.
Once your photos are on your computer, transferring them to a hard drive is quick.
Now your photos are stored safely on a device you control. External drives can hold tens of thousands of photos, depending on the size of the drive. Check out our best external drives article at Cyberguy.com.
BEST WAYS TO SAVE YOUR PHONE’S PHOTOS BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE
If you prefer skipping the computer, some flash drives plug directly into smartphones. These drives typically include:
After connecting the drive, open the companion app that comes with it. From there, you can move photos directly from your phone to the drive. This option works well when you need to free up space quickly. Be sure to explore our best flash drive recommendations at Cyberguy.com.
After transferring photos to a hard drive, spend a few minutes organizing them.
Create folders by:
Hard drives are reliable, but keeping a second backup ensures your memories stay protected if one drive ever fails.
Cloud storage can feel inexpensive at first. Over time, the monthly charges add up. An external hard drive often costs less than a year or two of cloud storage fees. After that, the storage is essentially free. Even better, your photos stay under your control rather than sitting only on a company server.
Think your devices and data are truly protected? Take this quick quiz to see where your digital habits stand. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing right and what needs improvement. Take my Quiz here: Cyberguy.com.
Janice asked a question many people quietly wonder about. Do we really need to keep paying companies just to store our own memories? Fortunately, the answer is no. With a simple cable and an affordable hard drive, you can free up phone storage, keep every photo you want and avoid ongoing storage fees. Once you try it, the process becomes fast and routine.
So here is something worth thinking about. If your phone holds years of photos and videos, should those memories live only on a company's cloud server or somewhere you fully control? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com.
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Reporter's Notebook: Trump's SAVE Act ultimatum runs into Senate reality
Passage of the SAVE America Act is of paramount importance to President Donald Trump and many congressional Republicans.
In his State of the Union speech, the president implored lawmakers "to approve the SAVE America Act to stop illegal aliens and other unpermitted persons from voting in our sacred American elections."
The House approved the plan to require proof of citizenship to vote last month, 218-213. There’s now a different version of the legislation that’s in play. And, as is often the case, the hurdle is the Senate. Specifically, the Senate filibuster.
So some Republicans are trying to save the SAVE America Act.
It’s important to note that Trump never called for the Senate to alter the filibuster in his State of the Union address. But in a post last week on Truth Social, Trump declared, "The Republicans MUST DO, with PASSION, and at the expense of everything else, THE SAVE AMERICA ACT."
Again, the president didn’t wade into questions about overcoming a filibuster. But "MUST DO" and "at the expense of everything else" is a clear directive from the commander in chief.
That’s why there’s a big push by House Republicans and some GOP senators to alter the filibuster — or handle the Senate filibuster differently.
It’s rare for members of one body of Congress to tell the other how to execute their rules and procedures. But the strongest conservative advocates of the SAVE America Act are now condemning Senate Republicans if they don’t do something drastic to change the filibuster to pass the measure.
Some Senate Republicans are pushing for changes, or at the very least, advocating that Senate Republicans insist that Democrats conduct what they refer to as a "talking filibuster" and not hold up the legislation from the sidelines. It takes 60 votes to terminate a filibuster. The Senate does that by "invoking cloture." The Senate first used the cloture provision to halt a filibuster on March 8, 1917. Prior to that vote, the only method to end a filibuster was exhaustion — meaning that senators finally just run out of gas, quit debating and voted.
So let’s explore what a filibuster is and isn’t and dive into what Republicans are talking about when they’re talking about a talking filibuster.
The Senate’s leading feature is unlimited debate. But, ironically, the "debate" which holds up most bills is not debate. It’s simply a group of 60 lawmakers signaling offstage to their leaders that they’ll stymie things. No one has to go to the floor to do anything. Opponents of a bill will require the majority tee up a cloture vote — even if legislation has 60 yeas. Each cloture vote takes three to four days to process. So that inherently slows down the process — and is a de facto filibuster.
But what about talking filibusters? Yes, senators sometimes take the floor and talk for a really long time, hence, the "unlimited debate" provision in the Senate. Senators can generally speak as long as they want, unless there’s a time agreement green-lighted by all 100 members.
That’s why a "filibuster" is hard to define. You won’t find the word "filibuster" in the Senate’s rules. And since senators can just talk as long as they want, they might argue that suggesting they are "filibustering" is pejorative. They’re just exercising their Senate rights to speak on the floor.
A true filibuster is a delay. For instance, the record-breaking 25-hour and 8-minute speech last year by Sen. Cory Booker, D-N.J., against the Trump administration was technically not a filibuster. Booker began his oratory on the evening of March 31, ending on the night of April 1. Once Booker concluded, the Senate voted to confirm Matt Whittaker as NATO ambassador. The Senate was supposed to vote on the Whitaker nomination on April 1 anyway. So all Booker’s speech did was delay that confirmation vote by a few hours. But not much.
In October 2013, Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, held the floor for more than 21 hours. It was part of Cruz’s quest to defund Obamacare. But despite Cruz’s verbosity (and a recitation of "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss), the Senate was already locked in to take a procedural vote around 1 p.m. the next day. Preparations for that vote automatically ended Cruz’s speech. Thus, it truly wasn’t a filibuster either.
COLLINS BOOSTS REPUBLICAN VOTER ID EFFORT, BUT WON’T SCRAP FILIBUSTER
So, this brings us to the talking filibuster, which actually gums up the Senate gearboxes. A talking filibuster is what most Americans think of when they hear the term "filibuster." That’s thanks to the iconic scenes with Jimmy Stewart in the Frank Capra classic, "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington."
Most senators filibuster by forcing the Senate to take two cloture votes — spread out over days — to handle even the simplest of matters. That elongates the process by close to a week. But if advocates of a given bill have the votes to break the filibuster via cloture, the gig is up.
However, what happens if a senator, or a group of senators, delays things with long speeches? That can only last for so long. And it could potentially truncate the Senate’s need to take any cloture vote, needing 60 yeas.
Republicans who advocate passage of the SAVE America Act believe they can get around cloture — and thus the need for 60 votes — by making opponents of the legislation talk. And talk. And talk.
And once they’re done talking, the Senate can vote — up or down — on the SAVE Act. Passage requires a simple majority. The Senate never even needs to tangle with 60.
Senate Rule XIX (19) states that "no senator shall speak more than twice upon any one question in debate on the same legislative day."
Easy enough, right? Two speeches per day. You speak twice on Monday, then you have to wait until Tuesday? Democrats would eventually run out of juice after all 47 senators who caucus with Democrats have their say — twice.
But it’s not that simple. Note the part about two speeches per "question."
Well, here’s a question. What constitutes a "question" in Senate parlance? A "question" could be the bill itself. It could be an amendment. It could be a motion. And just for the record, the Senate usually cycles through a "first-degree" amendment and then a "second-degree" amendment — to say nothing of the bill itself. So, if you’re scoring at home, that could be six (!) speeches per senator, per day, on any given "question."
Questions?
But wait. There’s more.
Note that Rule XIX refers to a "legislative day." A legislative day is not the same as a calendar day. One basic difference is if the Senate "adjourns" each night versus "recessing." If the Senate "adjourns" its Monday session on calendar day Monday, then a new legislative day begins on Tuesday. However, the legislative day of "Monday" carries over to Tuesday if the Senate "recesses."
It may be up to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., whether the Senate "adjourns" or "recesses." The creation of a new legislative day inhibits the GOP talking filibuster effort.
Democrats would obviously push for the Senate to adjourn each day. But watch to see if talking filibuster proponents object to Thune’s daily adjournment requests. If the Senate votes to stay in session, that forces the legislative day of Monday to bleed over to Tuesday.
Pro tip: Keep an eye on the adjournment vs. recess scenario. If a talking filibuster supporter tries to prevent the Senate from adjourning, that may signal whether the GOP has a shot at eventually passing the SAVE Act. If that test vote fails and the Senate adjourns for the day, the SAVE Act is likely dead in the water.
We haven’t even talked about a custom practiced by most Senate majority leaders to lock down the contours of a bill when they file cloture to end debate.
It’s typical for the presiding officer to recognize the Senate majority leader first on the floor for debate. So Thune and his predecessors often "fill" what’s called the "amendment tree." The amendment tree dictates how many amendments are in play at any one time. Think of the underlying bill as a "trunk." A "branch" is for the first amendment. A "sprig" from that branch is the second amendment. Majority leaders often load up the amendment tree with "fillers" that don’t change the subject of the bill. He then files cloture to break the filibuster.
That tactic curbs the universe of amendments. It blocks the other side from engineering controversial amendments to alter the bill. But if Thune doesn’t file cloture to end debate, then the Senate must consider amendment after amendment, repeatedly filling the tree and voting on those amendments. This would unfold during a talking filibuster, not when Thune is controlling the process by filing cloture and "filling the tree."
This is why Thune is skeptical of a talking filibuster to pass the SAVE Act.
"This process is more complicated and risky than people are assuming at the moment," said Thune.
In fact, the biggest "benefit" to filing cloture may not even be overcoming a filibuster, but blocking amendments via management of the tree. Republicans are bracing for amendments Democrats may offer.
"If you don't think Democrats have a laundry list of amendments, talking about who won the 2020 election, talking about the Epstein files — if you don't think they have a quiver full of these amendments that they're ready to get Republican votes on the record, then I’ve got a bridge to sell you," said George Washington University political science professor Casey Burgat.
Plus, forcing a talking filibuster for days precludes the Senate from passing a DHS funding bill. That’s to say nothing of confirming Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., as Homeland Security secretary. His confirmation hearing likely comes next Wednesday, but a protracted Senate debate would block a confirmation vote from the floor.
Thune all but killed the talking filibuster maneuver on Tuesday — despite the president’s ultimatum.
"Do you run a risk of being on the wrong side of President Trump and your resistance to do this talking filibuster, tying the Senate in knots for weeks?" asked yours truly.
"We don't have the votes either to proceed, get on a talking filibuster, nor to sustain one if we got on it," replied Thune. "I understand the president's got a passion to see this issue addressed."
I followed up.
"Does he understand that, though?"
"Well, we've conveyed that to him," answered Thune. "It’s about the math. And, for better or worse, I'm the one who has to be a clear-eyed realist about what we can achieve here."
And there just doesn’t appear to be any parliamentary way to get there with the talking filibuster.
Like many things in Congress, it all boils down to one thing.
As Thune said, "It’s about the math."
Colts sign Daniel Jones to record-breaking contract as he recovers from Achilles injury: reports
Daniel Jones is reportedly returning to the Indianapolis Colts on a historic contract.
Jones, 28, and the Colts agreed to a two-year, $88 million deal that can be worth up to $100 million with incentives, according to multiple reports. It is the largest two-year contract in NFL history.
Jones is reportedly guaranteed $50 million at signing and $60 million for injury.
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The former New York Giants quarterback tore his Achilles in a Week 14 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars but is expected to be ready for the start of the season, according to ESPN’s report.
The Colts used the transition tag on Jones prior to the March 3 deadline, not allowing him to hit the open market as a free agent. That tag allowed the Colts to match any offer made to Jones, and the quarterback would have been paid $37.833 million.
COWBOYS' DAK PRESCOTT FACES LURID ALLEGATIONS AS WEDDING ABRUPTLY CALLED OFF
Jones signed with the Colts last season on a one-year deal and beat out Anthony Richardson for the starting job. The Colts, led by Jones and the team’s prolific offense, got out to an 8-2 start.
However, Jones sustained a hairline fibula fracture in his leg, and the team went 0-3 as he tried to play through it. Jones tore his Achilles in his other leg.
Jones was off to a career year before the injury as he completed 68% of his passes for 3,101 yards with 19 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran for 164 yards and five touchdowns.
In his seven-year career, Jones has completed 64.7% of his passes for 17,683 yards with 89 touchdowns and 55 interceptions while running for 2,343 yards and 20 touchdowns.
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Former scandal-plagued Illinois 'super mayor' eyes political comeback as a Republican in Georgia
The former embattled Democratic mayor of a Chicago suburb is running for a seat in Georgia as a Republican after relocating to the area following her scandal-plagued tenure in office.
Tiffany Henyard, who once declared herself a "super mayor," is the lone GOP candidate for South Fulton County's District 5 on the Fulton County Commission, according to election records.
She is facing off against four Democratic opponents.
Henyard has a contentious political history. She made national headlines in 2024 after officials in her administration were served with subpoenas from the FBI in response to an alleged corruption investigation.
'SUPER MAYOR’ TIFFANY HENYARD SKIPS DOLTON MEETINGS AS CONTROVERSIAL TENURE NEARS QUIET END
She was never charged.
While serving as the mayor of Dolton, Illinois, she came under fire over corruption allegations and financial mismanagement of village funds.
A financial probe reportedly revealed that the village of Dolton's bank account fell from its initial $5.6 million balance to a $3.6 million deficit.
While mayor, the village was delinquent in filing annual financial reports and audits with the state comptroller’s office.
Amid corruption allegations among officials, residents accused her of using village funds as her own piggy bank by billing taxpayers thousands of dollars for her hair and makeup team, as well as going on a lavish trip to Las Vegas.
FEDS SUBPOENA DOLTON, ILLINOIS RECORDS TIED TO OUSTED 'SUPER MAYOR' TIFFANY HENYARD'S BOYFRIEND
After losing her re-election bid, she was ordered to pay $10,000 stemming from a case in which her landlord accused Henyard and her former boyfriend of failing to pay rent for a home she lived in while serving as mayor.
In 2025, she was ordered to appear in court after failing to turn over public records from her time in office.
Critics dubbed Henyard the "worst mayor in America." She was heavily criticized over allegations related to an alleged sexual assault by one of her allies during the Las Vegas trip. The alleged victim claimed to have been fired after speaking out.
Henyard also served as supervisor for Thornton Township, one of the 29 townships in Cook County, Illinois. She was defeated in her re-election bid by Illinois state Senator Napoleon Harris.
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In January 2025, Henyard was seen on video jumping into a chaotic brawl that broke out between her boyfriend and an activist who called her a "b----" during a heated Thornton Township Board of Trustees meeting.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Henyard for comment.
Fox News Digital's Michael Dorgan and Julia Bonavita contributed to this report.
Brooke Slusser sparks liberal social media meltdown by speaking about SJSU transgender volleyball scandal
Left-wing social media users launched a volley of insults at 23-year-old Brooke Slusser in recent days.
In response, dozens of high-profile women's rights activists have come to the former San Jose State University volleyball player's defense.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Slusser has addressed the critics herself in a statement to Fox News Digital.
"I would just say people that don’t know my life or my trauma don’t have room to say how good or bad my time at SJSU was. I hope they never have to understand going through something as awful as that," she said.
She has also acknowledged the responses in a series of TikTok posts, as she has become more active on the platform this week to speak about her alleged experience at SJSU.
The online hate campaign started after Slusser shared details about living arrangements in the same apartment with transgender volleyball teammate Blaire Fleming while at San Jose State University, in an interview with Fox News Digital.
During the interview, she said, "You find out you're just chilling in a bed with a man that you have no idea about… I [was] unknowingly sharing a bed at that time with a man," and alleged SJSU volleyball coach Todd Kress encouraged her to live in the same apartment as the trans teammate when another group of players was also looking for a final tenant.
The fallout of the interview has prompted high-profile activists, lawmakers and even an actor to speak out, taking a side behind or against Slusser.
Many critics echoed the sentiment that "nothing bad" happened to Slusser, despite the fact that the anxiety from the situation ultimately led to her developing an eating disorder and not being able to complete her college degree.
Former "Glee" actor Kevin McHale even appeared to mock Slusser's appearance.
A coalition of "save women's sports" activists rushed to Slusser's defense, with OutKick host Riley Gaines, XX-XY Athletics founder Jennifer Sey, Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., women's tennis legend Martina Navratilova and former ESPN star Sage Steele leading the charge to defend Slusser from the pro-trans detractors.
"Brooke has every right to feel violated. This is a violation of her personal space and boundaries. She was lied to. She would not have agreed to room with or play with a man," Sey wrote in response to one critic.
Navratilova wrote in response to that same critic, "Brooke has every right to be mad. Try again with the punishment wish…"
Slusser finds herself at the center of a sports culture war flashpoint at a time when the conflict over her school's handling of her transgender former teammate has reached a political impasse.
After the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Civil Rights (OCR) announced at the end of January that an investigation into the university for its handling of a trans athlete and other players concluded that the school violated Title IX, SJSU and the California State University (CSU) system declined to resolve the violation.
Instead, SJSU President Cynthia Teniente-Matson announced Friday that the school and the CSU system are suing the federal government to challenge the investigation.
"Because we believe OCR’s findings aren’t grounded in the facts or the law, SJSU and the CSU filed a lawsuit today against the federal government to challenge those findings and prevent the federal government from taking punitive action against the university, including the potential withholding of critical federal funding," Teniente-Matson said Friday.
"This is not a step we take lightly. However, we have a responsibility to defend the integrity of our institution and the rule of law, while ensuring that every member of our community is treated fairly and in accordance with the law. Our position is simple: We have followed the law and cannot be punished for doing so."
The school is also requesting that OCR rescind its findings and close its investigation.
Teniente-Matson affirmed the university's commitment to defending the LGBTQ community in the announcement.
"Our support for the LGBTQ members of our community, who have experienced threats and harms over the last several years, remains unwavering. We know the attention the university has received around this issue and the investigative process that followed have been unsettling for many in our community," the university president said.
Among the Education Department's findings, it determined that a female athlete discovered that the trans student allegedly conspired to have a member of an opposing team spike her in the face during a match. The department claims "SJSU did not investigate the conspiracy, but later subjected the female athlete to a Title IX complaint for ‘misgendering' the male athlete in online videos and interviews."
Slusser alleged in a November 2024 lawsuit against the Mountain West that she and former assistant coach Melissa Batie-Smoose were made aware of a meeting between Fleming and Colorado State women's volleyball player Malaya Jones on Oct. 2, 2024, during which Fleming discussed a plan with Jones to have Slusser spiked in the face during a match the following night.
Slusser's own lawsuit partially survived motions to dismiss last week as well.
Colorado District Judge Kato Crews dismissed all the plaintiffs' charges against the Mountain West Conference but did not dismiss charges of Title IX violations against the CSU system.
Crews deferred his ruling on whether to dismiss those charges until after a decision in the ongoing B.P.J. v. West Virginia Supreme Court case, which is expected in June.
The CSU provided a statement to Fox News Digital in response to Crews' ruling.
"CSU is pleased with the court’s ruling. SJSU has complied with Title IX and all applicable law, and it will continue to do so," the statement said.
The outcomes of the lawsuits by and against SJSU on this issue could ultimately set a consequential precedent for the future of women's sports in America.
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Maxx Crosby's agent disputes medical concerns after Ravens back out of deal with Raiders
The blockbuster trade for veteran NFL pass rusher Maxx Crosby unraveled almost as quickly as it materialized Tuesday, after reports surfaced that the Baltimore Ravens backed out when the Las Vegas Raiders star failed his physical.
But Crosby’s agent issued a statement after the Raiders’ confirmation suggesting otherwise.
CJ LaBoy, senior vice president at Wasserman, posted a statement on X stating that Crosby is "ahead of schedule" in his recovery process and is currently on track to return during the offseason.
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"Maxx continues to be on track in his recovery and if anything is ahead of schedule according to his surgeon Dr Neal El Attrache," LaBoy’s statement read. "Maxx remains on track to return during the offseason program & will undoubtedly return as the dominant game wrecker he has been these past 7 seasons."
Crosby underwent surgery in January to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury that kept him sidelined during the final two games of the season. During an appearance on FOX Sports’ "The Herd with Colin Cowherd," Crosby said he was "ahead of schedule," a sentiment his agent echoed on Tuesday.
Crosby had posted a video on his Instagram story showing he was in Baltimore just hours before the news broke of the trade falling apart. The Raiders would have received two first-round picks from the Ravens, including the No. 14 overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft, one report said.
The collapse of the deal carries salary cap consequences for the Raiders, who are having a busy free agency season.
Meanwhile, the Ravens reportedly struck a deal with defensive end Trey Hendrickson hours after the news broke about the Crosby fallout. The deal is reportedly a four-year contract worth $112 million and will keep Hendrickson in the division.
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House GOP leader launches Senate bid as Trump taps Markwayne Mullin for DHS
A member of House GOP leadership is jumping into the open race for a Senate seat likely being vacated by Sen. Markwayne Mullin, R-Okla., after he was tapped to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).
House GOP Policy Committee Chairman Kevin Hern, R-Okla., is officially launching his campaign for the Senate on Wednesday with support from at least four Republicans in the upper chamber.
"The American dream is under threat by the radical left and RINO Republicans who oppose President Trump’s America First agenda and want to turn the United States into a third-world country," he says in his campaign debut video.
"That's why I'm running for U.S. Senate — to ensure President Trump has a loyal ally, a leader who stood by his side when RINOs turned their backs on him, who will fight against Democrat insanity, keep the southern border secure, deport dangerous illegal immigrants, stand with law enforcement, and deliver economic affordability."
Hern, who grew up in poverty without indoor plumbing until his teenage years, found considerable wealth as a McDonald’s franchisee before coming to Congress in 2018.
He’s the first major Republican candidate to declare his intent to run for Mullin’s seat in November — and whoever wins the GOP primary in the deep-red Midwestern state is the likely favorite to win.
Mullin is expected to leave the Senate after being tapped by President Donald Trump to lead DHS following Kristi Noem’s firing. He’s facing a confirmation hearing later this month.
Traditionally, Senate vacancies are filled by the state’s governor to serve out the remainder of the previous senator’s term. That person is also usually the favorite to win the seat in the subsequent election cycle.
But in Oklahoma, the governor’s appointee must sign an affidavit swearing they will not run in the next election — which in this case is coming in November, with Mullin’s term ending at the end of 2026.
It’s not clear yet how crowded the GOP primary for Mullin’s open seat will get. Rep. Stephanie Bice, R-Okla., has previously said she is considering her own campaign but has not made any final decisions.
MULLIN PROMISES TO EARN DEM VOTES AS GOP COLLEAGUES POUNCE ON HIS SEAT
Hern, meanwhile, is already stacking his team with Trump operatives.
He’s recruited pollster Tony Fabrizio, who is closely aligned with the president, as his campaign’s senior advisor.
Fabrizio said in a statement that Hern is in a "strong position" to win the seat, citing his "record of support for President Trump’s agenda, the trust he has built with Oklahoma voters, and his experience in public service and in business."
Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s, R-S.D., first goal is to get Mullin’s seat quickly filled. He is set to meet with Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt, a common practice when an appointment needs to be made, this week, a source familiar told Fox News Digital.
It’s common practice for a governor to meet with the leader of the Senate to work on appointing a replacement, as is the case with Mullin, who is set to begin his confirmation process in the upper chamber next week.
Further down the line, Thune has no preference as to who would replace Mullin, who is currently a member of his leadership team.
"You know, obviously we want — we're going to have to fill that seat for Markwayne here by the end of the month in the near term, and then the long-term issue will be decided by the voters of Oklahoma," Thune said. "So whoever they decide to send us, we'll be happy to receive."
Still, Hern has already snatched up the endorsement of a handful of senators, including Sens. Jim Banks, R-Ind., Bill Hagerty, R-Tenn., Rick Scott, R-Fla., and Ron Johnson, R-Wis.
Trump has given a deadline of March 31 for Mullin to take over and for Noem to get out, and he is expected to easily pass through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Whether Mullin hits hurdles during a full confirmation vote remains an open question.
Washington parents demand action, answers after teacher allegedly raped student on school grounds
Washington parents are demanding answers after a 62-year-old physical education teacher and athletic director at Skykomish K-12 School was arrested Friday on suspicion of sexually abusing a student for more than a year.
Records obtained by Fox News Digital show that a Washington state man was booked March 6 by the King County Sheriff’s Office during the investigation of the rape of a child.
Fox News Digital is not naming the individual because he has not been formally charged.
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office said on Tuesday that it has not yet received the case but expects it Wednesday from the sheriff’s office for a charging decision.
NEW JERSEY TEACHER WHO SLEPT WITH STUDENTS AT FAMILY BAGEL SHOP LEARNS PRISON SENTENCE
According to investigators, the female student, now 14, transferred to the school in seventh grade and bonded with the teacher over a shared interest in soccer after experiencing the traumatic loss of a friend at her previous school.
She was allegedly given gifts and special treatment from the teacher before the interactions became sexual in eighth grade.
The alleged abuse, which included sexual intercourse, continued for about a year and a half and took place in multiple locations on campus, including in closets, stairwells and the gymnasium during the school day, according to the probable cause statement.
WEST VIRGINIA TEACHER FIRED AFTER ARREST ON CHILD SEX ABUSE CHARGE
The relationship became increasingly personal over time, with frequent communication through his school district email account that investigators allege included coded references to sexual activity.
Deputies also allege the teacher admitted to repeated sexual contact with the student inside the school and acknowledged purchasing gifts for her, including lingerie.
The probable cause statement says multiple staff members and students raised concerns about the relationship.
ELITE MASSACHUSETTS BOARDING SCHOOL ROCKED BY TEACHER SCANDAL AND INSTITUTIONAL COVER-UP ALLEGATIONS
Investigators allege the principal at the school instructed the 62-year-old not to be alone with the student, but instead of assigning adult supervision, another student, described as autistic, was present while the two were in the same area.
The case came to light after the student’s mother discovered nude images and videos on her daughter’s phone and contacted law enforcement, according to investigators.
"I’m shaking right now because I’m pretty irritated about this," said Maria, a parent of a young child in the district, who didn't want to provide her last name, in an interview with local Fox 13.
DISGRACED TEACHER ACCUSED OF USING GOOGLE DOCS TO GROOM UNDERAGE STUDENT BEFORE ALLEGED SEX CRIMES
She said her son saw the teacher being arrested and was "very upset about it."
The Skykomish School District released a statement on Sunday, telling parents it had "no advance notice that the employee was under investigation until the day of his arrest."
Superintendent Destry Jones said the school is "cooperating fully with the investigation" and described student safety and well-being as its "highest priority."
Jones said the district will aim to remain transparent as more information becomes available while "respecting the privacy of the youth involved."
"We ask community members to be mindful and respectful of student privacy when sharing information with each other and the community about this topic. Our focus remains on maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment for all students," the superintendent added.
The King County Sheriff’s Office told Fox News Digital that detectives with the Special Assault Unit are continuing to investigate the case.
Authorities believe there are no additional victims at this time and said they welcome any relevant information from members of the public.
Fox 13 reported the teacher is being held on $750,000 bail.
Teen charged in senior prank gone wrong makes vow after teacher’s death
The 18-year-old Georgia high school student charged in a teacher’s death is expressing his "deepest sorrow" after an annual prank turned tragic.
Five North Hall High students were arrested after they arrived at math teacher Jason Hughes’ home, carrying toilet paper with plans to carry out an annual prank tradition in which Hughes was the target.
As the group went to leave Hughes’ Gainesville home in two separate vehicles, the beloved teacher tripped on the slippery roadway and fell into the street, the Hall County Sheriff’s Office said.
Hughes was then run over by a car driven by 18-year-old Jayden Ryan Wallace, according to authorities.
WIFE OF TEACHER KILLED IN SENIOR PRANK MAKES UNEXPECTED REQUEST FOR CHARGED STUDENTS
Wallace issued a separate statement vowing to live out the rest of his life in a way that would honor Hughes.
"I pledge to live out the remainder of my life in a manner that honors the memory of Coach Hughes by exemplifying Christ," Wallace said, according to the outlet. "He will never be forgotten."
Wallace's family also issued a statement expressing their sadness regarding the incident.
"We are a family in deep remorse and grieving over such a tremendous loss in our North Hall community," Wallace’s family said in a statement obtained by 11Alive. "Jason Hughes meant the world to our son, Jayden. He took the time to invest in Jay and poured his love into him, making a lasting impact. Along with the rest of our family, Jay expresses his deepest sorrow and sincerest apology to the Hughes family."
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Immediately following the fatal collision, authorities said the students tried to render aid as they awaited first responders. Hughes later died from his injuries.
Wallace was subsequently taken into custody and charged with felony first-degree vehicular homicide and reckless driving, along with misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass and littering on private property.
Four other 18-year-olds, identified as Elijah Tate Owens, Aiden Hucks, Ana Katherine Luque and Ariana Cruz, were also arrested at the scene and charged with misdemeanor criminal trespass and littering on private property.
All five students have since been released on bond, according to court records obtained by Fox News Digital.
In a statement to The New York Times, Hughes’ wife, Laura, said the father of two was "excited and waiting to catch them in the act," when the group arrived at his home for the friendly prank.
"This is a terrible tragedy, and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students," Laura Hughes said. "This would be counter to Jason’s lifelong dedication of investing in the lives of these children."
The married couple both worked as teachers at the public school, and the popular prank had turned into an ongoing battle in which students lost "points" if the teacher caught them in the act, according to the New York Post.
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In a statement to FOX 5, the school said, "Our hearts are broken. Jason Hughes was a loving husband, a devoted father; a passionate teacher, mentor, and coach who was loved and respected by students and colleagues. He gave so much to so many in numerous ways. Our hearts and prayers go out to his wife and family. We ask that the media and the public respect their privacy as they grieve."
In addition to working as a math teacher, Hughes was also a golf coach at the school, according to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes’ Facebook page.
In a GoFundMe created by a family friend, Hughes’ loved ones have asked for donations to help with future planning for his two young children.
"Jason’s life was a blessing to so many, and his untimely passing will be indescribably difficult for his wife and two young boys for years to come," the fundraiser said.
Fox News Digital was unable to immediately locate an attorney representing Wallace.
Fox News Digital’s Sarah Rumpf-Whitten contributed to this report.
New York governor warned to fix race-based college program or be taken to court
FIRST ON FOX—New York could face legal action over a state-funded college enrichment program after two groups warned Gov. Kathy Hochul that the program’s eligibility rules allow for discrimination against White and Asian students.
In a demand letter sent Wednesday and obtained by Fox News Digital, the Pacific Legal Foundation (PLF) and the Equal Protection Project (EPP) urged Hochul and Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa to change the state-funded Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), arguing it violates the Equal Protection Clause by authorizing eligibility based on race and ethnicity.
CSTEP, a grant-funded program sponsored by the New York State Department of Education, is an academic and professional development program intended to help minority students and economically disadvantaged students pursue careers in math, science, technology and health-related fields. Under state law, the program offers financial aid, tutoring, counseling and remedial and special summer courses to eligible students.
State regulations limit eligibility to those who are either economically disadvantaged or those who are "historically underrepresented" minorities, defined as Black, Hispanic, American Indian or Alaskan Native students. The two groups argue this allows for discrimination against White and Asian students, who have to prove they are economically disadvantaged to qualify.
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After PLF and EPP filed a federal lawsuit in 2024 challenging the state's sister program for high school students — STEP — New York officials issued interim guidance to program administrators in 2025 saying they may base eligibility decisions for new students in both programs solely on economic disadvantage and "without regard" to race or ethnicity.
But PLF and EPP argue some campuses still apply or advertise the "historically underrepresented" requirement. They point to the University at Albany’s CSTEP page, which states applicants may qualify as "economically disadvantaged and/or historically underrepresented" and lists underrepresented minority groups. The website also says it is "not currently accepting new applications."
The letter asks the governor to say by March 25 whether New York will eliminate race as an eligibility criterion for CSTEP, or potentially face further legal action.
"The Supreme Court has made clear that state programs that allocate benefits or opportunities based on race are presumptively unconstitutional," the groups wrote, citing the 2023 Students for Fair Admissions decision.
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In a statement to Fox News Digital, Cornell law professor and founder of the Equal Protection Project, William Jacobson, said, "It is shameful that the State of New York requires, funds, and defends racially discriminatory programming just because the victims are Asian and White students. This would never be tolerated if the victims were Black or Hispanic."
Erin Wilcox, a senior attorney at Pacific Legal Foundation, said, "CSTEP should be open to all qualified students, regardless of race."
"Racial discrimination has no place in a publicly-funded program like CSTEP, and NYSED should stop funding CSTEP programs that treat applicants differently based on race or ethnicity," she continued in a statement to Fox News Digital. "It's time for Commissioner Rosa and her department to show they're serious about equal opportunity for all New York students."
CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE
PLF and EPP are already challenging STEP in a similar case in federal court in Chu v. Rosa. The case was filed in January 2024, and allowed to proceed in November 2024, after U.S. District Judge David N. Hurd denied the state’s motion to dismiss.
Jacobson thanked the Asian parents and organizations "who were brave enough to be plaintiffs" in the STEP court case, saying the college program "also deserves legal challenge" and invited Asian and White students who've been discriminated against through this program to share their story.
Gov. Hochul's office and New York Education Department Commissioner Betty A. Rosa did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment.
The University at Albany told Fox News Digital, "As noted on the program website, the program is not currently accepting applications. When the program application window opens, the website will also be updated to reflect that UAlbany’s CSTEP program relies on race-neutral and ethnicity-neutral eligibility criteria."