Haitian fraudster’s eye-popping taxpayer-backed drug scam puts Congress on the hunt
Members of Congress are calling for increased oversight and reform after a Haitian national in Florida was convicted in a healthcare fraud conspiracy that prosecutors said involved more than $58 million in false claims targeting Medicare, Medicaid and private insurers using a federal drug discount program. Prosecutors accused Jean Jethro Alexandre and his co-conspirators in 2025 of recruiting fake patients and offering them financial kickbacks if they accepted fraudulent prescriptions — primarily for HIV and AIDS medication — written by nurse practitioners involved in the operation, according to court documents reviewed by Fox News Digital. Alexandre would then cash in on the scheme through insurance reimbursements for filling the fake prescriptions. He used the proceeds from his scheme to bankroll a life of luxury, including a fleet of top-end cars, a mansion near Miami and a slate of investment properties. The case is drawing renewed scrutiny to the 340B Drug Pricing Program, a decades-old federal initiative designed to help safety-net providers serve low-income patients that is increasingly being criticized by lawmakers and industry groups who say weak oversight has allowed bad actors to exploit the system. Advocates for reform may point to Alexandre’s case as evidence that the program is in need of tweaks to reduce the risk of fraud. MULTIBILLION-DOLLAR HEALTHCARE FRAUD SCHEME INCLUDED GIVING PEOPLE ‘UNNECESSARY’ SKIN GRAFTS: DOJ “The 340B program was created with good intentions to help vulnerable and underserved patients access care, but unfortunately, it has evolved into a massive, poorly supervised program with weak transparency and accountability safeguards,” Rep. Diana Harshbarger, herself a pharmacist, told Fox News Digital. “Cases like this demonstrate how the current structure can create opportunities for bad actors to exploit deeply discounted drugs, questionable contract pharmacy arrangements and opaque reimbursement practices for personal profit.” “When there is limited federal oversight, little transparency into how 340B revenues are used, and enormous financial spreads between discounted acquisition costs and insurer reimbursements, it should not surprise anyone that fraudsters see the program as a target,” she said. Alexandre used a nonprofit health clinic that he secretly co-owned to purchase drugs at a discounted rate using the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program and had the prescriptions filled by pharmacies, who provided Alexandre’s clinic with reimbursements paid by insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid. The arrangement allowed Alexandre and his colleagues to pocket the difference between what he was paid in reimbursements and what the drugs cost him through the discount program. While this is a legitimate way for healthcare providers to generate revenue generally, according to the Government Accountability Office, Alexandre’s conduct was illegal because the underlying prescriptions were fake. Prosecutors allege, for instance, that in some cases the drugs were simply destroyed after being dispensed to fraudulent patients. “Alexandre’s blatantly setting up a fraudulent medical clinic and disregarding important safety net programs, as well as finite taxpayer dollars, shows the need for the Committee to continue its important work in cracking down on harmful schemes like this one,” Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Va., who sits on the health subcommittee of the powerful Energy and Commerce Committee, told Fox News Digital. “Although I am supportive of the 340B Drug Pricing Program, this instance of fraud is yet another example of how the program has strayed far from its initial intent and is something my Health Subcommittee will continue to monitor closely,” the congressman added. FBI LAUNCHES ‘MOST WANTED FRAUDSTERS’ LIST AS DOJ CHARGES OHIO DEFENDANTS IN $30M MEDICAID SCHEME FOR KIDS Prosecutors said Alexandre used proceeds from the healthcare fraud conspiracy for personal benefit and traced assets from the scheme to a luxury-car collection that included a 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, a 2023 Bentley Flying Spur, a Mercedes-Benz G-Class AMG and a six-passenger golf cart-style vehicle. Additionally, he purchased a $2.5 million 4,452-square-foot mansion on the southern coast of Florida equipped with a custom pool and spa. The Trump administration has mounted a series of fraud investigations across federal programs, including Medicaid and Medicare, framing them as part of a broader push to root out waste, abuse and improper payments. That effort intensified in December 2025, shortly after Alexandre was initially indicted, signaling a more aggressive enforcement posture. Alexandre, a native and citizen of Haiti, is to be handed over to ICE and processed for removal after serving his sentence of just under 10 years in prison. He will be barred from reentering the United States without written permission from the relevant authorities. DR. OZ SAYS TAXPAYERS FOOTING $14 BILLION BILL FOR MEDICAID FRAUD WHILE ELIGIBLE PATIENTS STRUGGLE FOR CARE “Anyone who comes to the United States to steal from American taxpayers should be denaturalized and deported, which is why I introduced the Fraud Accountability Act earlier this year,” Sen. Marsha Blackburn told Fox News Digital. “We’re grateful President Trump is laser-focused on rooting out fraud across the federal government, including in the 340B Program. The Trump DOJ and HHS are working hand in hand to eliminate health care fraud and hold every fraudster accountable.” In addition to prison time, Alexandre is on the hook for paying roughly $14.3 million in restitution, per the terms of his plea agreement. Alexandre’s lawyer did not respond to a request for comment. “Every dollar stolen from these programs is a dollar taken from families who need it most,” Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., told Fox News Digital. “The 340B Program was created to help patients access affordable health care, not enrich criminals and fraudsters. I am working to strengthen transparency and accountability in 340B to ensure the program lowers costs and improves care for American families.”
Supreme Court declines to revive Carter Page lawsuit over FBI surveillance tied to Trump-Russia probe
The Supreme Court on Monday declined to revive a lawsuit brought by former Trump campaign advisor Carter Page challenging FBI surveillance conducted during the bureau’s investigation into alleged ties between Russia and Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The justices denied Page’s appeal, leaving lower court rulings in place and effectively ending his effort to hold former FBI Director James Comey and other former government officials personally liable for what he alleged was unlawful surveillance. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson did not participate in the case. Page, who served as a foreign policy advisor to Trump’s 2016 campaign, was the subject of secret surveillance warrants approved by the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court in 2016 and 2017 as part of the FBI’s Crossfire Hurricane investigation. He was never charged with a crime and has long denied allegations that he acted as an agent of Russia. TRUMP ORDERS FBI TO DECLASSIFY DOCUMENTS FROM ‘CROSSFIRE HURRICANE’ RUSSIA INVESTIGATION The case became one of the most controversial chapters of the Trump-Russia investigation after a Justice Department inspector general report identified significant errors and omissions in the FBI’s applications to surveil Page. Former FBI and Justice Department officials involved in approving the warrants later said they would not have signed off on the applications had they known the full extent of the problems identified by investigators. In response to the watchdog findings, the FBI implemented dozens of corrective measures aimed at improving the accuracy and completeness of future surveillance applications. Page sued Comey and other former officials, alleging they violated his constitutional rights by submitting flawed applications to obtain surveillance authority. Lower courts dismissed the case, finding, among other things, that Page had not sued the officials who directly carried out the surveillance. Page recently reached a $1.25 million settlement with the federal government related to the surveillance claims but sought to continue pursuing claims against individual former officials. FBI LAUNCHES CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS OF JOHN BRENNAN, JAMES COMEY: DOJ SOURCES The Supreme Court offered no explanation for declining review, as is customary when turning away appeals. The decision marks the latest legal chapter stemming from the Russia investigation, which examined whether members of Trump’s 2016 campaign coordinated with Moscow’s efforts to influence the election. Special counsel Robert Mueller ultimately concluded that Russia interfered in the election but did not establish that members of the Trump campaign criminally conspired with Russia. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
George Conway vows to put Trump ‘away for good’ in bid for Congress
Democratic House candidate George Conway is pledging to pursue President Donald Trump’s third impeachment and put him “away for good” if elected to Congress. Conway, a longtime conservative lawyer turned vocal Trump critic, is vying for the Democratic nomination in a crowded primary to represent a deep-blue district in central Manhattan. He is promising to push for Trump’s third impeachment and his potential criminal prosecution if chosen by voters to represent New York’s 12th Congressional District ahead of the June 23 primary. “Hi, Donald. It’s me, George Conway. I cost you 88 f—— million dollars, and I’ve only just gotten started,” Conway said in a 60-second spot overlooking the U.S. Capitol that was rolled out on Monday. “I know you like putting your name on everything from your plane to the Kennedy Center.” “But the only thing your name is going to be left on when I’m done with you is the orange jumpsuit you’re going to have to wear in prison,” Conway continued. GEORGE CONWAY LOOKS DRAMATICALLY DIFFERENT IN CAMPAIGN ANNOUNCEMENT VIDEO “And you see that building back there,” Conway added, pointing to the Capitol building. “That’s where we’re going to hold your third and final impeachment trial, the one that’s going to put you away for good, and I’m going to enjoy every minute of that.” The ad does not specify what conduct Conway believes warrants impeachment. The Conway campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment seeking clarification. Conway’s impeachment warning comes as Democratic leadership has yet to back another effort to oust Trump if the party retakes control of the House in November, though a number of Democratic lawmakers have already called for his removal. Democrats impeached Trump twice, in 2020 and 2021, but the Republican-controlled Senate acquitted him on both occasions. Conway, who previously lived in Bethesda, Md., before launching his congressional campaign, faces an uphill battle in the race for the heavily Democratic seat vacated by longtime Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., who is retiring. FROM CAMELOT TO ‘OUTSIDER’: JFK’S GRANDSON SHAKES UP NYC HOUSE RACE TAKING AIM AT GATEKEEPING DEM ‘MACHINE’ He trails state Assembly members Micah Lasher and Alex Bores, D-N.Y., and Jack Schlossberg, a social media provocateur and grandson of former President John F. Kennedy, according to an Emerson College poll released in May. The survey of 425 likely Democratic primary voters found Lasher and Bores in a near dead heat at 22% and 20% of the vote, followed by Schlossberg registering 11% support and Conway clocking in at 10%. Lasher, who previously served as a Nadler aide, has the retiring congressman’s endorsement as well as those of Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., and former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg. The primary winner is likely to cruise to the general election given the district’s overwhelming Democratic voter advantage. Conway became a regular anti-Trump fixture on cable news during the president’s first term and co-founded the anti-Trump organization the Lincoln Project, which opposed the president’s 2020 re-election campaign. He was previously married to former Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway for more than two decades. The couple divorced in 2023. Fox News Digital reached out to the White House before publication.
Federal judge who had sex in chambers apologizes to former clerk as impeachment push ramps up
A federal judge in Georgia has apologized to a former law clerk for “harmful, offensive, and unprofessional behavior” amid allegations she had engaged in sexual activity with a high-ranking uniformed police officer in her office during working hours and within earshot of staff. The apology comes as two House Republicans from Georgia have filed articles of impeachment for U.S. District Judge Eleanor Ross. “You deserved better than to have your experience marred by my own offensive conflict,” Ross, who serves in the Northern District of Georgia, wrote in a letter last week, adding that her “actions were patently wrong, and there is no excuse,” and her previous letter to the clerk was “entirely deficient, as I did not take full accountability for my actions, and I failed to give you the apology that you deserve.” “I also want to convey my deepest apologies to you for my false accusation against you,” the letter continued. “Again, I have no excuse and immensely regret my behavior.” MARRIED FEDERAL JUDGE REPEATEDLY HAD COURTHOUSE SEX WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, COMPLAINT ALLEGES Ross, nominated by former President Barack Obama in 2014, was disciplined after investigators found she had sex with a police officer in her chambers and then lied about it. Reps. Andrew Clyde, R-Ga., and Clay Fuller, R-Ga., filed separate impeachment resolutions against Ross following the judicial misconduct investigation. Federal judges are appointed for life and can only be removed through impeachment by Congress. “When judges become political activists or engage in judicial misconduct, Congress bears both the responsibility and the constitutional authority to hold them accountable,” Clyde said. “Judge Ross’ deeply disturbing actions prove she is incapable of displaying integrity or showing impartiality.” DOJ SOLICITS EXAMPLES OF ‘JUDICIAL ACTIVISM’ FROM PROSECUTORS AS IT WEIGHS IMPEACHMENT REFERRALS Ross provided materially false statements to senior judicial officials during the course of an internal inquiry, potentially obstructing efforts to fully assess misconduct concerns and impacting the administration of the court, according to Fuller, who said these issues represent a serious breach of judicial ethics and a serious failure to uphold the basic standards required of federal judges. “The American people expect and deserve a judiciary system that operates with the highest level of integrity, professionalism, and accountability,” Fuller said. “Judge Ross has no place on the federal bench.” “This behavior is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated on any level within our courts, and most certainly not in the State of Georgia,” Fuller added. The investigation, initiated by 11th U.S. Circuit Chief Judge William Pryor, also examined allegations that Ross attended a partisan political event, failed to properly supervise clerks and yelled and cursed at staff. A special committee ultimately found that Ross had sex in the courthouse, attended a partisan event and initially lied when confronted with the allegations. RETIRED FEDERAL JUDGE WHO WROTE ANTI-TRUMP OP-ED REPORTEDLY FACED MISCONDUCT INQUIRY BEFORE RESIGNING Ross received a “private reprimand” that did not publicly name her. She also agreed not to seek the position of chief judge for the district when eligible and to write apology letters to six former law clerks. Clyde filed three articles of impeachment against Ross, accusing her of improper sexual activity in chambers, attending a partisan political event and obstructing an official proceeding. Clyde’s resolution states that Ross engaged in an extramarital affair from roughly October 2023 through October 2025 with high-ranking Atlanta Police Department officer Kelley Collier, and that the relationship was not disclosed to judges, court staff or litigants. The articles allege that Ross and Collier had sex in Ross’ chambers during business hours, and that at least three former clerks heard sounds from the judge’s chambers, creating what the resolution described as an uncomfortable workplace. “She’s simply unfit to remain a U.S. District Court Judge for the Northern District of Georgia, which is why I’m leading the charge to impeach Judge Ross and ultimately remove her from the bench,” Clyde concluded. Cosponsors of his articles of impeachment include Reps. Lauren Boebert, R-Colo.; Sheri Biggs, R-S.C.; Buddy Carter, R-Ga.; John Carter, R-Texas; Paul Gosar, R-Ariz.; Andy Harris, R-Md.; and Andy Ogles, R-Tenn. JUDGE CAUGHT IN EXTRAMARITAL AFFAIR WITH AN OFFICER IN HER CHAMBERS Fuller filed a separate impeachment article, saying Ross “engaged in extra-marital affairs with a high ranking officer of the Atlanta police department within her chambers during official court hours, while actively presiding over criminal matters.” Clyde’s articles also accuse Ross of attending an event hosted by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis’ campaign the evening before she presided over a criminal revocation proceeding. The resolution says Ross told interns and staff the next morning that she had consumed “too many martinis” at the campaign event. Ross told investigators she attended a “mixer” for former employees of a district attorney’s office where she used to work, but said it was in a separate room from the victory party. The articles further accuse Ross of making “numerous, material false statements” to Pryor and the chief district judge when she initially responded to the allegations. The resolution says Ross denied having sexual intercourse in her office or anywhere else in the courthouse and said she was “astounded and confused” by the allegation. FORMER PRISON GUARD WHO HAD SEX TAPE WITH INMATE GO VIRAL IS FILLED WITH REGRET & NOW FOCUSING ON BEING A MOM Ross did not recant those statements until Oct. 10, 2025, after the special committee had gathered corroborating evidence. The resolution says the committee declined to treat the recantation as absolution because it came only after Ross likely knew her false statements had been, or were about to be, exposed. Pryor first asked Ross to respond to the allegations last fall. Ross replied the same day and “specifically denied” them, then suggested in a follow-up email that the law clerk might have invented the claims in retaliation for being required to work in the office. The special committee reviewed logs and security footage showing that an officer had frequently visited Ross’ chambers in uniform around lunchtime. Six clerks
Trump bet tariffs would bring back American factory jobs. New report says it didn’t work
EXCLUSIVE — President Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs promise is facing challenges from a new analysis that argues the sweeping trade policy failed to revive manufacturing and instead slowed job creation in the U.S. The report, obtained first by Fox News Digital, lands months after Trump’s signature economic policies was handed a blow when the Supreme Court struck down sweeping tariffs, and businesses are now seeking billions of dollars in tariff refunds. Trump’s April 2025 global tariff rollout marked the largest U.S. tariff hike in decades, delivering on a signature economic promise that higher duties would spark a manufacturing renaissance, bring factory jobs back to the United States and reduce Americans’ reliance on foreign goods. Researchers at the Advancing American Freedom Foundation argue those goals never materialized, and estimate in their report that the tariffs resulted in up to 1 million fewer jobs nationwide than would have been expected under pre-tariff trends. TRUMP SAYS US WOULD BE ‘DESTROYED’ WITHOUT TARIFF REVENUE Manufacturing — the industry the tariffs were intended to help — fared particularly poorly, according to the damning report. Researchers estimate the sector lost roughly 75,000 positions during the policy’s first year, or about 6,250 jobs per month. “We can say with an over 90% confidence level that manufacturing lost jobs because of the tariffs,” Richard Stern, vice president of the Plymouth Institute for Free Enterprise at Advancing American Freedom, told Fox News Digital. Stern argued the tariffs backfired because many American manufacturers rely on imported components and equipment. “Most of the Americans that are importing are American businesses, especially American manufacturers and producers,” he said. “So the tariffs really ended up being a tax on high-end American manufacturing.” ‘WE WERE RIGHT’: HE TOOK TRUMP’S TARIFFS TO THE SUPREME COURT AND WON If nothing else, the tariffs proved to be a windfall for Washington. Duties climbed from $9.6 billion in March 2025 to $23.9 billion by May, according to Treasury data. By the end of the 2025 fiscal year, tariff collections reached $215.2 billion, roughly triple pre-tariff levels. In January alone, duties totaled $30.4 billion, up about 242% from $8.9 billion a year earlier. Tariff revenue for the current fiscal year has already reached roughly $230 billion, more than four times the amount collected during the same period last year. ONE YEAR LATER, TRUMP TARIFFS GENERATED BILLIONS AS REFUNDS TAKE SHAPE FLOURISH CHART SHOWING TARIFF REVENUE: 29325373 But the report from AAFF, which was founded by former Vice President Mike Pence in 2021, contends the tariffs’ revenue success came at a cost. Researchers found employment growth weakened across most sectors after the tariffs took effect, with manufacturing and trade-related industries among the hardest hit. Their analysis found a 99.9% probability that job growth slowed following the policy change. When reached for comment about the report’s findings, White House spokesman Kush Desai did not address the claims, but instead took a swipe at the group, telling Fox News Digital: “Another useless memo is still not going to make Mike Pence relevant again.” AFTER SUPREME COURT BLOW, TRUMP ADMIN LAUNCHES $166B TARIFF REFUND PORTAL Beyond employment, the report points to higher costs for American households and businesses. According to the report, about 90% of the tariff burden fell on U.S. importers rather than foreign producers. The authors estimate the average American family paid about $1,000 more in tariff-related costs during 2025. While businesses are seeking refunds following the Supreme Court’s ruling, Stern argued that repayment cannot reverse broader economic damage caused during the tariff period. “You can’t undo the damage. You can’t undo a factory,” Stern said. “There are many that closed in America because they couldn’t get their hands on products used for manufacturing.” The report concludes that the tariffs “unlawfully taxed American families, wiped out nearly a million jobs, and were ultimately ruled illegal.” The findings add a new dimension to the ongoing debate over Trump’s trade agenda, challenging the argument that higher tariffs would revive domestic manufacturing and create American jobs.
Trump lands in France with Iran deal momentum, trade fights looming at high-stakes G7
President Donald Trump landed in France for the G7 summit after announcing a deal with Iran, setting up high-stakes meetings Monday with world leaders on the Middle East, trade, Ukraine and artificial intelligence. Trump was greeted upon arrival by U.S. Ambassador to France Charles Kushner. Trump is joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and a U.S. delegation as leaders from France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the European Union gather from Monday through Wednesday as part of the annual meeting. Discussions are expected to focus on trade, artificial intelligence, supply chain resilience, critical minerals, and illegal immigration. He will meet with French president Emmanuel Macron Monday for his first bilateral meeting of the week. “President Trump has effectively restored America’s standing on the world stage and strengthened relationships abroad and the president looks forward to a productive G7 summit on shared issues of importance next week,” said a senior administration officials during a call with reporters Saturday. RUBIO MEETS G7 MINISTERS IN FRANCE AS US LEADS ON IRAN — ALLIES UNDER FIRE FOR TEPID RESPONSE Trump’s trip to Europe follows his announcement on Sunday that the U.S. and Iran had finalized a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to end the war following months of negotiations. “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete. Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. European leaders backed the announcement, including the leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom saying in a joint statement on Sunday: “We are prepared to lift relevant sanctions in response to clear, verifiable steps by Iran on its nuclear program.” Last year’s G7 was held in Alberta, Canada, with President Trump leaving the talks sooner than expected as the Israel-Iran conflict intensified. The summit did not produce any major trade breakthroughs. Trump, this year, is expected to join bilateral meetings with Macron, Emir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Egyptian president Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, a senior administration officials told reporters. Although Ukraine is expected to feature prominently in discussions, Trump has no formal meeting scheduled with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, but will join him in working sessions. Trump will attend broader multilateral sessions on economic growth and working lunches with global tech CEOs and Middle East leaders. Heading into the G7 meetings, Trump’s objective is to gauge whether other leaders are willing to participate in efforts to clear mines and help restore normal shipping through the Strait, a senior administration official said. Trump will face allies as tensions loom over his “America First” tariff policies which are aimed at leveling the global trade playing field by holding other countries accountable for trade deficits. Trump aims to secure a “very good” U.S.-India trade deal that expands American exports and reduces barriers for U.S. businesses operating in India, a senior administration official said. The summit comes weeks before the July 1 deadline for the first joint review of the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement, which replaced NAFTA and entered into force in 2020. US ALLIES EDGE CLOSER TO BEIJING AS CRITICS WARN CHINA IS GAINING LEVERAGE OVER WASHINGTON After attending a U.S.-China summit in Beijing last month, Trump praised what he called “fantastic trade deals,” including agreements for China to buy Boeing planes and soybeans. TRUMP TOUTS ‘FANTASTIC TRADE DEALS’ IN FINAL XI MEETING AMID TARIFF STANDOFF Dependency on China will be a focus of the group of seven with discussions expected on Chinese supply chains, excess production capacity and clean technologies. Leaders are closely watching China as the global race to develop and dominate artificial intelligence intensifies, with concerns over technological leadership, economic competitiveness and national security shaping the agenda. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP At the time, U.S. officials said China continues to weigh whether to buy advanced U.S. chips or accelerate domestic alternatives, while Trump said the two sides discussed the possibility of AI guardrails. AI executives from large tech companies such as OpenAI, Meta and Anthropic are expected to attend the G7 to discuss regulation and AI infrastructure, Reuters reported.
Trump announces peace deal with Iran, declares Strait of Hormuz will reopen: ‘Let the oil flow!’
President Donald Trump announced Sunday that the United States and Iran have officially reached a peace agreement, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough that would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports. “The Deal with the Islamic Republic of Iran is now complete,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social. “Congratulations to all! I hereby fully authorize the toll free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorize the immediate removal of the United States Naval blockade. Ships of the World, start your engines. Let the oil flow!” Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, whose country has served as a mediator, was the first to announce the peace deal, saying a signing ceremony is scheduled to take place Friday in Switzerland. TRUMP SAYS HE’S CANCELED IRAN STRIKES, ADDS POTENTIAL DEAL-SIGNING ‘TO BE ANNOUNCED SHORTLY’ Trump added that the Strait of Hormuz will reopen once the parties formally sign the agreement. “With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!” he said. IRAN REVEALS 10-POINT PLAN FOR PEACE WITH THE US – HERE’S WHAT’S IN IT According to Sharif, the deal includes the termination of military operations across the region, including in Lebanon, where Iran-backed terrorist proxy Hezbollah has been engaged in conflict with Israel. “Both sides have declared the immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon,” he said. Additional details of the agreement, including any provisions related to Iran’s nuclear program, were not immediately released. Iran’s deputy foreign minister said talks with the United States on a final and more comprehensive agreement will take place during a 60-day ceasefire period, according to Reuters. The outlet reported that the future of Iran’s nuclear program will be addressed in upcoming negotiations. Trump has long maintained that Iran cannot be in possession of a nuclear weapon and has repeatedly vowed to prevent Tehran from developing, acquiring or obtaining one. Trump further praised his administration for securing the agreement. “This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region,” he said. “Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace.” Sharif also thanked the United States and Iran for their “commitment to finding a diplomatic solution to the conflict,” as well as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey for their contributions to the mediation effort. With the agreement now in place, mediators are expected to facilitate a series of meetings this week that could lay the groundwork for technical negotiations and the official signing ceremony, Sharif said. The peace deal would formally end the high-stakes conflict that began on Feb. 28, which disrupted roughly 20% of global oil shipments that pass through the Strait of Hormuz and contributed to higher energy prices worldwide. It comes roughly one year after Israel initiated massive strikes on Iran during Operation Rising Lion. The strikes sparked a 12-day conflict between the nations before Trump ordered strikes on a trio of nuclear facilities later that same month. Fox News’ Ashley J. DiMella and Reuters contributed to this report.
Congressional baseball game offers longstanding traditions, and plenty of confusion
There were two 1s. Three 3s. Three 4s. One 04. Three 6s. Two 06s. Two 7s. Two 07s. 2 9s. And three 12s. No. I wasn’t trying to decipher computer programming code. This wasn’t a routing number for a checking account. Nor was I communicating in hexadecimals. I was staring at these numbers to unravel the GOP’s uniform numbers for the annual Congressional baseball game at Nats Park. REPUBLICANS DESTROY DEMOCRATS IN CONGRESSIONAL BASEBALL GAME AGAIN, WINNING FOR 5TH STRAIGHT YEAR Congressional Republicans and Democrats play each other in the event. It’s a custom dating back to 1909. No other athletic team in any sport on the planet allows players on the same team to wear the same numbers. But since this is Congress, lawmakers get to choose whatever uniform number they want. On the Republican team, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) and Rep. Brad Finstad (R-MN) both wear number one. Reps. Chuck Flesichmann (R-TN), Greg Murphy (R-NC) and Marlin Stutzman (R-IN) don number three. You get the idea. Old-time ballpark vendors used to hawk their wares by shouting, “You can’t tell the players without a scorecard.” With all of these numbers, a scorecard won’t do. You need an abacus. The Democrats aren’t much better with their uniform algebra. Four Democrats utilized the same uniform digits. There were two 3s. Two 11s. Two 15s. And two 25s. For instance, Reps. Morgan McGarvey, D-Ky., and Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., sported number three. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Ariz., and Frank Mrvan, D-Ind., requested number 11. The game is a charity event, raising more than $3.2 million and coaxing 32,000 fans to the ballpark. So who wears what number really shouldn’t matter much. SCHMITT GOES IN-DEPTH ON DIVING CATCH & CHANGES TO COLLEGE ATHLETICS ON ‘RUTHLESS’ Unless you’re broadcasting the game on national television. That’s where I come in. I’ve had the privilege of announcing the game for Fox Sports for five years now, live on FS1. I handle the color commentary. My Fox News colleague and former ESPN hand Kevin Corke does play-by-play. Fox Sports sends the same production crew which handles playoff games and the World Series to cover this. Led by Fox producer extraordinaire Aaron Stojkov, the same group of folks just worked Fox’s national broadcast of the Cardinals/Cubs game a few weeks ago in St. Louis. They handled the Phillies/Brewers game in Milwaukee Saturday night. Congress is my thing. But baseball even more so. I was at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati in 1985 the night Pete Rose broke Ty Cobb’s all-time hits record. I know that Atlanta Braves pitcher Tom House caught Hank Aaron’s 715th career home run in the bullpen, breaking Babe Ruth’s mark. I can talk about Ralph Branca on the mound for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Branca yielded “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” to Bobby Thomson, propelling the New York Giants into the 1951 World Series. I’ll then regale you with the little known fact that Thomson is from Glasgow, Scotland. Not Staten Island. I can even give you a dissertation explaining the infield fly rule. But the annual ritual of decrypting the Congressional baseball game is the most challenging thing I do professionally each year. The exercise involving the national pastime is a fabulous yet tough assignment. I’ve often wondered if calling an actual Major League game would be easier than announcing the tilt between the Democrats and Republicans. For MLB, I follow the teams. I study box scores. I can tell who is on a winning streak. Who can’t hit a slider. PRESENT AND ACCOUNTED FOR: HOUSE REPUBLICANS’ SMALL MAJORITY COULD MAKE ATTENDANCE A PRIORITY This is not to say that announcing a Big League game is easy. But there’s more information. It’s baseball as I know it. Pete Rose said that the easiest place to hit was the Big Leagues. The pitching was better. The umpiring was better. The lighting was better. Rose’s point is that most MLB hurlers have command. But down in the minors, some of the pitchers make Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn from the movie Major League look like Greg Maddux. Umpires in The Show work a consistent strike zone. But in the Pioneer League, an actual pioneer may have a better concept of what’s a ball or strike. Down in the South Atlantic League, you might struggle to even see the ball because the stadium is practically illuminated by foot candles. But the lighting at Major League Stadiums is better than a Taylor Swift concert. So that’s the challenge. There’s a chasm between MLB and the Congressional baseball game. You have to figure out what to say about each player – who have limited stat lines. I know more about their voting records than batting averages. So, like any reporter, I dig around to prepare what to say during the game. It was just before 7a.m. ET a few weeks ago. My phone buzzed with a text from Republican Missouri Sen. Eric Schmitt. He was at the pre-dawn practice. Schmitt has the highest OPS (on base percentage, plus slugging percentage) in Congressional baseball history. He’s a mega St. Louis Cardinals fan. But despite his prowess at the plate, Schmitt made one of the most stellar plays in Congressional baseball history in the game Wednesday night. LEARNING CURVE: THE NEW PLAYERS IN CONGRESS Rep. Johnny Oleszewski, D-Md., looped a long flyball down the left field line. Approaching foul ground and the warning track, Schmitt laid himself out, with a diving, circus catch in the heel of his glove. Schmitt popped back up, blood streaming from his face after crashing into the warning track. “I’m not as sore as I thought I would be,” said Schmitt the next day, noting he scraped up his forearms. That play goes into the baseball lore for next year’s broadcast. Schmitt wasn’t the only Gold Glover this year. Reps. Pete Aguilar, D-Calif., and Jimmy Panetta, D-Calif., also made spectacular catches in short left field. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, is the GOP manager. But he toiled as
Sen Mitch McConnell hospitalized, ‘receiving excellent care,’ his office says
Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., was hospitalized for an undisclosed health issue, according to his office. “Sen. McConnell was admitted to the hospital this morning,” McConnell’s Communications Director David Popp told Fox News. “He is receiving excellent care.” McConnell, the longest-serving Senate party leader in U.S. history, was previously hospitalized for eight days earlier this year after experiencing “flu-like symptoms.” SEN. MCCONNELL REPORTEDLY FINE AFTER FALLING DURING GOP LUNCH The 84-year-old senator announced last February that he would not seek reelection and would retire when his current term ends in January 2027. McConnell has dealt with a series of health episodes in recent years, including injuries from falls and multiple instances in which he briefly froze while speaking publicly. Only Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, at 92 and Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., at 84, are older than McConnell in Congress. This is a breaking news report. Check back for more updates.
Republican leaders embrace viral World Cup fans they say are discovering the ‘real America’
As foreign soccer fans descend on the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, some visitors are going viral for documenting their enthusiasm for distinctly American experiences — from Waffle House and Buc-ee’s to college football and Southern hospitality. While political battles over immigration and travel policy continue to dominate discussion ahead of the World Cup, foreign fans are going viral for celebrating a very different side of America. Videos celebrating iconic restaurants, sprawling highways, local traditions and everyday hospitality have racked up millions of views online and drawn reactions from political leaders who say they highlight America’s enduring appeal. The upbeat posts have not gone unnoticed in Washington. INTERNET FALLS IN LOVE WITH GERMAN SOCCER FAN DISCOVERING AMERICAN SOUTH AHEAD OF 2026 WORLD CUP Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was among the officials to weigh in, sharing one of several viral posts from German soccer fan FreddyLA7, whose enthusiastic dispatches from across the United States have become a social media sensation ahead of the World Cup. In a post on X, Duffy pointed to Freddy’s journey through Georgia, Tennessee and Alabama as an example of the uniquely American experiences drawing attention online. “There’s no better way to see our country than on a road trip,” Duffy wrote. “Because to LOVE AMERICA you have to SEE AMERICA.” WORLD CUP FANS FALL IN LOVE WITH AMERICAN CULTURE, COMFORT FOOD CLASSICS He concluded the post by asking followers to suggest additional destinations for the German fan to visit as he continues his travels across the United States. Freddy’s posts have attracted millions of views for their enthusiastic portrayal of everyday American life, with the German fan praising everything from Waffle House and Taco Bell to Buc-ee’s and Bass Pro Shops as he travels the country following the German national team. After Freddy made stops across Alabama, Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., joined the conversation on X, highlighting the state’s role in the German fan’s increasingly viral American road trip. After Freddy marveled at the atmosphere inside Auburn University’s Jordan-Hare Stadium, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey invited him back for football season, writing: “Y’all ought to come back in the fall to see just how we do Saturdays in Alabama.” DeSantis similarly welcomed Freddy to Florida after the soccer fan posted footage from the Gulf Coast. The governor playfully corrected Freddy’s description of the water as “the sea” before encouraging him to enjoy what he called some of the best beaches in the world. As the United States prepares to welcome millions of visitors for the World Cup next year, Freddy’s viral road trip has offered an early preview of the tournament’s potential to showcase American culture far beyond the soccer pitch.