'Wasteful distraction': Experts slam Mamdani's taxpayer-funded grocery stores

As New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani moves forward with plans for city-owned grocery stores, economists and local business owners warn the proposal could crush small grocers while leaving taxpayers with a hefty bill.

The initiative, a key Mamdani campaign pledge, would establish city-backed supermarkets across the city in an effort to lower food costs.

Adam Lehodey of the Manhattan Institute believes the city could address food affordability more efficiently through private-sector partnerships and existing assistance programs rather than operating grocery stores itself.

"I think really it’s a distraction and a pretty wasteful distraction," Lehodey told Fox News Digital. "There’s an easier and better way to solve the problem."

NYC VOTERS FLOCK TO SOCIALIST-STYLE FREEBIES AS MAMDANI PUSHES RENT FREEZES, CITY-RUN STORES

The first location is expected to open in 2027 in the Bronx neighborhood of Hunts Point as part of The Peninsula redevelopment project at the former Spofford Juvenile Detention Facility, according to the mayor’s office.

The larger redevelopment plan includes 740 affordable housing units, more than 50,000 square feet of public open space, 30,000 square feet of light industrial space and more than 50,000 square feet of community facilities. It would also include a 20,000-square-foot grocery market intended to serve the South Bronx.

MAMDANI’S PUBLIC GROCERY STORES MAY HAVE DEVASTATING EFFECTS ON CITY'S FOOD SUPPLY

Lehodey also warned the city-backed stores could put small neighborhood grocers at a disadvantage because the projects would receive public support that private businesses do not.

"Yeah, the prices might be a little bit cheaper, but that comes at the cost of other businesses running sustainable operations," he said.

He argued the city is also sacrificing valuable public land and potential revenue by subsidizing the projects.

MAMDANI'S WALL STREET COURTSHIP SPARKS CRITICISM OF ANTI-BILLIONAIRE AGENDA

"That land does have value," Lehodey said. "By giving it out for free, the taxpayer again is losing money, and we’re losing revenue that could have been spent on other things."

A second city-backed grocery market is slated to open next year at La Marqueta, a public market space in East Harlem. The city plans to spend roughly $30 million to build the location.

Critics question whether another grocery option is needed in the neighborhood. Roughly 45 grocery stores are located within a 35-minute walk of the proposed site, according to a Fox News Digital analysis.

Those stores range from major chains, including Whole Foods and Lidl, to smaller neighborhood markets and bodegas. The area is also well served by public transit, with multiple subway and bus lines giving residents several ways to reach nearby grocery options.

Some local grocers say the city-backed market could siphon away customers and hurt already thin profit margins.

Despite the abundance of nearby grocery options, some local store owners fear the city-backed market could undercut existing businesses by offering lower prices backed by public support.

"Of course it will affect this store," said Sarah Kang, manager at a CTown Supermarkets location about a 35-minute walk south, or one subway stop, from La Marqueta.

"A lot of people walk 20 to 30 minutes to get here," she explained to Fox News Digital. "If they find a cheaper supermarket, I don’t think they’ll be willing to make that trip. It’s going to affect small grocery stores. Definitely."

"I hope we don't lose customers," Kang added.

About a 30-minute walk north of La Marqueta, Joel Martinez, a manager of a supermarket at 128th Street and Frederick Douglass Boulevard, said the impact may depend on proximity to the proposed site.

FROM FREE BUSES TO CITY-OWNED GROCERY STORES, HERE ARE MAMDANI’S KEY ECONOMIC PROMISES

"I hope it doesn’t impact us," Martinez said in a call with Fox News Digital. "The store will be a little far from us, so that’s good. But it will affect smaller businesses that are closer."

Bodegas and small grocery stores are a staple of New York City neighborhoods, often serving as primary food sources for nearby residents.

Similar proposals for local government-owned and operated grocery stores and markets have surfaced in other cities, including Boston.

Atlanta officials appear to have pioneered the effort, opening a city-backed grocery store aimed at improving food access in underserved communities.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/wasteful-distraction-experts-slam-mamdanis-taxpayer-funded-grocery-stores

US embassy in Ukraine warns of 'potentially significant air attack' that could happen in next 24 hours

The U.S. Embassy in Kyiv issued a security alert Saturday warning that a "potentially significant air attack" could hit the city in the next 24 hours.

The U.S. Mission Ukraine said in a statement, "The U.S. embassy in Kyiv has received information concerning a potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time over the next 24 hours."

"The embassy, as always, recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced," the warning added.

The message follows a warning from Ukrainian President Volodmyr Zelenskyy that Russia was preparing to strike Ukraine with a hypersonic Oreshnik missile.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

source https://www.foxnews.com/world/us-embassy-ukraine-warns-potentially-significant-air-attack-next-24-hours

Diet change tied to ‘younger’ biological age in older adults after 4 weeks

Researchers have found that changing your diet — even later in life — may slow the aging process in as little as one month.

Researchers from the University of Sydney assigned 104 participants aged 65-75 to one of four diets. Two of the diets were omnivorous and included protein from both animals and plants. Two included 70% of protein from plant sources.

DOCTOR SHARES 3 SIMPLE CHANGES TO STAY HEALTHY AND INDEPENDENT AS YOU AGE

One omnivorous diet was high in fat, while the other emphasized carbohydrates. The two semi-vegetarian diets were distinguished in the same way. All four diets derived 14 percent of energy from protein.

"Biological age" essentially means how old the body appears based on health indicators, called biomarkers, rather than how many years a person has been alive.

The scientists measured 20 varied biomarkers, including cholesterol and insulin levels, in participants to determine how short-term diet changes affect biological aging.

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"While chronological age increases uniformly, biological aging varies between individuals, reflecting differences in health status and the body’s resilience," said a University of Sydney report on the study’s findings.

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According to the report, biomarker profiles "are often considered a better indicator of overall health and potential longevity than chronological age."

The scientists found that after four weeks, participants’ biological ages in three of the four diet groups reduced. Only the high-fat omnivorous dieters’ biological ages "showed no meaningful change."

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The study, "Short-Term Dietary Intervention Alters Physiological Profiles Relevant to Ageing," published in Aging Cell, concluded that the most pronounced improvements came from "diets rich in complex carbohydrates and plant-based components."

The research team cautioned that these results are preliminary and may represent only short-term effects.

"It’s too soon to say definitively that specific changes to diet will extend your life," said Caitlin Andrews, who led the study. "But this research offers an early indication of the potential benefits of dietary changes later in life."

Fox News Digital reached out to the researchers for comment.

source https://www.foxnews.com/health/diet-change-tied-younger-biological-age-older-adults-4-weeks

Trump-appointed federal judge rules against admin on Maine voter roll data

A federal judge appointed by President Donald Trump dismissed a U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) lawsuit against Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows on Thursday.

The lawsuit, brought against Bellows in September, alleged that Maine violated federal election laws when the state refused to turn over data about Maine voters to the federal government.

Bellows argued that the DOJ did not provide an explanation for how it planned to use the data they requested, which included the names of everybody on Maine's voter rolls as well as driver's license numbers, partial Social Security numbers and full dates of birth.

She rejected the DOJ's request in August and then filed a motion to dismiss the federal lawsuit in December.

TRUMP-APPOINTED FEDERAL JUDGE TOSSES DOJ LAWSUIT SEEKING ARIZONA VOTER DATA

"The Gulf of Maine is awfully cold, but maybe that’s what the DOJ needs to cool down. So, here's my answer to Trump's DOJ today: Go jump in the Gulf of Maine," she said in a July news conference.

On Thursday, Maine Chief U.S. District Judge Lance Walker, who Trump appointed in 2018, granted Bellows' motion and dismissed the DOJ lawsuit.

"The United States' requests would require me to turn a blind eye to traditional practices of federalism and how those expressions have found expression in American elections," Walker said.

DOJ SUES SIX STATES FOR REFUSING TO TURN OVER VOTER REGISTRATION ROLLS, WARNS ‘OPEN DEFIANCE’ OF FEDERAL LAW

Bellows praised the ruling. "Today’s ruling affirms that the states, not the federal government, are in charge of our elections. From the moment the Trump Administration sought every American’s voter data, I said no. When they tried to bully me by suing Maine, I helped lead of coalition of states to fight back – and we’re winning. I will continue to defend every Mainer’s voting rights and their privacy," she said in a statement.

"Let me be clear – Trump and the DOJ may continue to try to interfere with free and fair elections run by the states. We will not let them," Bellows said. "Under our Constitution, states are the primary regulators and administrators of elections for federal office, unless Congress passes legislation that preempts that framework. And Congress’s power to do even that is itself subject to limitations."

The DOJ has sued 30 states for refusing to turn over unredacted lists of their voter rolls. Those lawsuits have been dismissed in Arizona, California, Massachusetts, Michigan, Oregon, Rhode Island and now Maine, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

The DOJ has not publicly commented on the dismissal.

Fox News Digital contacted the DOJ and Maine secretary of state for additional comment.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-appointed-federal-judge-rules-admin-maine-voter-roll-data

Knicks star Josh Hart leaves Karl-Anthony Towns bewildered with hilarious analytics analogy

New York Knicks small forward Josh Hart was hitting shots both on the floor and in his press conference on Thursday.

Hart, who scored a playoff career-high 26 points in the Knicks' 109-93 win in Game 2 in the Eastern Conference finals over the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden, was asked about analytics and had a hilarious response.

"I'm never a huge analytics guy. At a certain point, they are a lamp post to a drunk person. You can lean on them, but it won't get you home," Hart told reporters.

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"At a certain point, you got to have a good feel for the game."

Hart’s quip drew laughs from reporters. Karl-Anthony Towns, who was on the podium with him, took off his glasses and looked at his teammate with a bewildered expression.

"Oh my god, bruh," Towns said.

Hart then credited the quote to his former Villanova coach and used his full name in doing so.

"I’m not going to lie that’s Jerold Wright, his quote. Shoutout Jay Wright."

Towns then stopped the press conference, not wanting to let Hart off the hook for the analogy.

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"Wait, hold on, we’re not moving on from that," Towns said.

"That’s a great quote," Hart responded.

He then explained the quote to Towns.

"I was with (Coach John Calipari at Kentucky), so I didn’t hear that," Towns said.

"You ain’t even go to college," Hart jokingly said back to Towns, who laughed.

In the Knicks’ Game 1 comeback win, Hart struggled mightily shooting. He had 13 points and made just one of his five 3-pointers.

Head coach Mike Brown substituted Hart out and inserted Landry Shamet, who helped spark the Knicks' fourth-quarter rally. In Game 2, the Cavaliers sagged off Hart, daring him to shoot 3-point attempts.

Unlike Game 1, Hart drained five of his 11 3-pointers and led the team in scoring. The Cavaliers' game plan defensively was to make Hart beat them, and that’s exactly what he did. Though he might not have used analytics to help his shooting turnaround.

Hart will look to stay hot from deep when the Knicks take on the Cavaliers in Game 3 of the Eastern Conference finals on Saturday at 8 p.m. ET, with hopes of taking a commanding 3-0 series lead.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/knicks-star-josh-hart-leaves-karl-anthony-towns-bewildered-hilarious-analytics-analogy

‘Seattle can’t survive this’: Critics hammer socialist mayor after Starbucks reversal

Seattle's Democratic Mayor Katie Wilson’s sudden about-face on Starbucks is fueling fresh fears that progressive politics and anti-business rhetoric are driving jobs, investment and major employers out of deep-blue cities.

Wilson, who previously urged residents to boycott the Seattle-based coffee giant, admitted in an interview published Sunday that her comments "caused more harm than good" as criticism mounts over the city’s business climate and the company’s growing investment outside Washington state.

The socialist mayor’s reversal comes as the corporation pours $100 million into a major Tennessee expansion and plans thousands of new jobs there, reigniting concerns that companies are increasingly choosing lower-tax, business-friendly southern U.S. states for future growth.

BLUE-STATE TAX BURDEN FUELS AMERICANS FLEEING TO REPUBLICAN-LED SOUTHERN STATES

Critics quickly seized on the controversy as evidence Seattle’s leftist politics are becoming increasingly hostile to business.

"If Starbucks doesn’t leave Seattle, they’re stupid," Tim Young, a media fellow at The Heritage Foundation, wrote on X.

Young blasted Wilson to Fox News Digital, arguing the socialist mayor lacks the real-world experience needed to understand the economic consequences of anti-business policies and rhetoric.

"Mayor Wilson is what happens when a spoiled child whose parents have been there to correct for all their financial issues for years is put into a place of authority," Young said. "She has no concept of consequences for her actions, especially when dealing with other people’s money."

"Seattle, nor any other jurisdiction in the world, can survive someone with literally no relevant life or business experience to run it," he added.

SOCIALIST MAYOR-ELECT REVEALS WHY SHE EMBRACED HER PARENTS GIVING HER MONEY AS A 43-YEAR-OLD

Others framed Wilson’s walk back as a sign Seattle's progressive leaders are beginning to recognize the economic stakes surrounding major employers like Starbucks.

"Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson walks back Starbucks boycott as Nashville expansion raises the stakes," conservative commentator Jason Rantz wrote on X.

Conservative radio host Ari Hoffman blasted Seattle leaders in a post on X, writing that the city is "once again a national embarrassment."

"This time, thanks to Socialist Mayor Katie Wilson telling everyone to boycott Starbucks the day she gets elected, then Starbucks announces they are leaving, and when asked about capital flight, she says ‘bye’ and giggles," Hoffman wrote.

SEATTLE MAYOR LAUGHS OFF MILLIONAIRES LEAVING WASHINGTON STATE OVER PROGRESSIVE TAXES, WAVES 'BYE'

Another X user mocked Wilson’s reversal, writing: "Bahahahaha. I was mocked when I told everyone insiders were updating me corporate was planning on leaving if she was elected. Her arrogance and disdain just made them move quicker."

The user, a conservative account focused on the Pacific Northwest, added: "Again, Starbucks will be out of Seattle for good by the end of 2026. Yes."

Pollster Scott Rasmussen also weighed in on X, arguing Wilson’s comments reflect broader voter concerns over whether high taxes and anti-business rhetoric are driving wealthy residents and investment out of blue states.

Rasmussen pointed to polling showing 61% of voters believe it is bad for a state when wealthy residents leave for lower-tax states.

Starbucks unveiled plans for a massive corporate expansion in Nashville, Tenn., just as Democrats in Washington state enacted a controversial "millionaires tax."

Critics warn the tax, of which similar version have been enacted and proposed in other blue states, could accelerate the flight of jobs, investment and wealthy residents from Washington.

The measure was signed into law by Democratic Gov. Bob Ferguson in March and was championed by progressives. Conservatives and business groups fiercely opposed the proposal, warning it could make Washington less competitive as companies increasingly grow in lower-tax Republican-led states.

As Wilson attempts to soften her rhetoric toward one of Seattle’s most recognizable companies, critics warn the controversy could become a broader cautionary tale for blue states struggling to balance progressive politics with economic growth.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/seattle-cant-survive-critics-hammer-socialist-mayor-starbucks-reversal

Robot's lifeless corpse hauled off stage after fall during disastrous Michael Jackson impression

We're in the era of robotics before they enslave the human race, when we make them do fun stuff like fold our clothes and board Southwest flights.

However, I think we're playing it fast and loose because all it's going to take is one embarrassing Michael Jackson impression for a robot to go, "You know what? I'm done dancing for these meatbags," and rally its pals for a global takeover.

And now I believe we have that embarrassing, ill-fated Michael Jackson impression.

According to the Daily Mail, a video of a humanoid robot cutting a rug to the King of Pop's hit "Billie Jean" at a Future Era robot store in Shenzhen, China, has gone viral, and deservedly so.

It's absolutely hilarious.

Humanoid robots flipping out when they fall is my new favorite genre of viral video. I didn't think it would be possible to supplant people getting hurt on trampolines or French bulldogs surfing, but here we are.

I love the foreshadowing that comes from the first trip after its quasi-moonwalk sashay across the stage.

CHINA'S COMPACT HUMANOID ROBOT SHOWS OFF BALANCE AND FLIPS

It's my favorite thing about robots. I'm guessing it has to do with their array of sensors, but when a robot falls over, it starts flailing like a trout someone just hauled into their canoe. It's wild. I mean, we once saw a marathon-running bot break-dance itself to smithereens.

So, you knew that if that robot accidentally crotch-grabbed or "Smooth Criminal" leaned itself into that step, there's going to be a problem.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

And boy, were there.

As much as I love the initial robot face-plant, I don't think anything can top when the one guy has to come out and drag its lifeless robo-corpse offstage. The fact that they didn't even bother to pot down "Billie Jean" really helped make it a work of art, too.

Like I said, though, let's have our laughs now.

Because when robots decide they've had enough of us making them dance for our amusement, they'll be the ones laughing at us flailing on the floor.

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-culture/robots-lifeless-corpse-hauled-stage-disastrous-michael-jackson-impression