War powers resolution fails as Senate Republicans stand by Trump on Iran

Despite reports of waning munitions, spiking gas prices and concerns of no clear objectives moving forward, Senate Republicans are still giving President Donald Trump wiggle room in the war in Iran.

Republicans again blocked another war powers resolution to force an immediate withdrawal of America’s military might from Iran on Thursday. Senate Democrats have tried and failed to convince enough of their Republican colleagues to consistently buck the war over a dozen times as it stretches into its fifth month.

The latest effort from Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., failed along similar lines as last week’s effort, where only a small cohort of Senate Republicans crossed the aisle to end the war.

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One Republican who did join Democrats, but has since reversed course, is Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., who got into a shouting match with Trump and demanded a briefing on the situation in Iran.

He got that briefing and has since flipped his vote, which he acknowledged was used as "leverage to get some information." Still, he doesn’t totally support what’s going on, but used "All the King's Men" as an example to show that the situation and the politics of it are not black and white.

"It is a gradation," Cassidy said. "What we're doing here is a gradation, a murkiness, a vagueness, but we're trying to see our way through it. And I'm trying to see my way through it."

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But he drew a hard line on ground troops entering Iran.

"If there are ground troops, by definition, there needs to be a declaration of war from Congress on this, period," Cassidy said.

The latest votes come as reports of munitions continuing to dwindle have reverberated through Congress, and as the Pentagon and War Secretary Pete Hegseth plead for more defense funding.

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Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C., who has been wary of the war but has so far not broken with Trump to back Democrats’ resolutions, said, "Obviously, it’s concerning" that the nation’s munitions stockpile is dropping, but countered that a closed-door debriefing on the matter could sate concerns.

"And of course, if they are chronically low and affecting war strategy, then we should make it a priority," Tillis said.

When asked whether he had been adequately briefed, Tillis said, "No."

Munitions have been a concern throughout the war in Iran, and with renewed strikes starting last week, they are again back at the forefront of the conversation about the strategy in the region.

A report released Monday from the Center for Strategic and International Studies found, for example, that renewed fighting in the Middle East found that Patriot and THAAD interceptor missiles, which are used to thwart incoming projectiles and drones, had dwindled from prewar inventories of 2,330 and 452, respectively, to 759 and 234 missiles.

"I think there's pretty solid information that our military is short on munitions, not their fault," Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., said. "Trump launched this war impulsively, without a clear set of achievable objectives, and planning for how to conduct it."

"The basic failure to plan the amount of munitions that would be necessary is a fatal failing that is directly the responsibility of the commander in chief," he continued.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/war-powers-resolution-fails-senate-republicans-stand-trump-iran

The Nintendo 64 is turning 30 years old, here are some of its most impactful games of all time

If you don't want to feel old, I'd suggest you click away from this article now, but the Nintendo 64 is celebrating its 30th birthday this summer (I warned you).

The console that helped usher 3D gaming into homes everywhere and catapulted us into the fifth generation of gaming has had plenty of legacy-defining games attached to its name.

Today, I want to honor the N64 turning the big 3-0 by looking at some of the most impactful games that were ever released on the console.

Full disclosure, this isn't a "favorites" list.

Some of my favorite and most-played N64 games might not make the list, and there might be a game or two on here that I don't necessarily love.

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Conversely, your favorite game might get left off the list, so if that's the case, be sure to scream at me about it in the comments section.

Without further ado, let's talk video games.

We kick this list off with an absolute banger, although, let's be honest, they're all bangers.

"Goldeneye 007" is widely considered one of the most revolutionary first person shooters in gaming history.

The 1997 James Bond movie tie-in took what games like "Doom" and "Wolfenstein" did and brought it into the next generation of gaming.

The gameplay was mind-blowing, especially for the time, but the thing that separated "Goldeneye" from its peers was the multiplayer.

Its four-player "couch multiplayer" set the standard for shooters to come and was so ahead of its time that college dorm rooms still frequent it to this day.

A special mention has to be made to the soundtrack, which has gained an almost cult-like following from both nostalgic Millennials and newer Gen Z fans alike.

If you want an idea of just how impactful a game has become, you'll notice "high-definition remakes" start to pop up years after its release.

"Star Fox 64" is no different, as it has a brand-spanking-new remake out on the Switch 2 nearly three decades after the original.

As far as the N64 version of this game is concerned, there's a reason people have been clamoring for a remake of this game since 1997.

The story of ace pilot Fox McCloud and his misfit crew of anthropomorphic sidekicks has white-knuckle dogfighting, a fun and tightly packed campaign, and more memorable quotes than you could find in any modern movie.

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Seriously, this game spawned the "do a barrel roll" meme that swept the internet in the late 2000s and early 2010s, almost 15 years after the game came out.

If you were looking for a fun crossover between "Star Wars" and "Independence Day" mixed with fun and goofy humor, this was your bag.

Before 1999, the thought of all your favorite video game characters beating the tar out of each other on the same video game console felt like a pipe dream.

That's why "Super Smash Bros." was so Earth-shattering upon its release. It gave every fan something they didn't even know they wanted and set the bar in the process.

Manufacturing a scenario where Link, Samus, Mario, and Fox McCloud could all fight to the death on some of the most iconic Nintendo stages felt like a fever dream.

There were bonus stages, unlockables, and achievements galore, which for the fifth generation of consoles was far ahead of its time.

"Super Smash Bros." created a template for all games to follow after and yet is so unique that it still hasn't been properly imitated or duplicated since.

A true original like this deserves a seat at the table on this list.

The game that started it all, "Super Mario 64" was, surprisingly enough, a launch title for the N64.

Amazingly, one of the best and most impactful games Nintendo has ever created was also the first to be released on their fifth-gen console.

The pairing of Nintendo's most legendary mascot coupled with their first jump into the realm of 3D alone makes this an instant classic, but "Super Mario 64" is more than that.

Every 3D platformer you've ever played owes its very existence to "Super Mario 64," and even 30 years later, the game still holds up.

The soundtrack is iconic, the gameplay is fluid and responsive and rewards skilled players, and there were so many secrets to be found that Easter egg hunters are still discovering bits, pieces, and oddities to this day.

If you haven't experienced "Super Mario 64" for yourself, give it a try.

I promise you won't be disappointed.

Here it is, the granddaddy of them all.

You knew it was going to end up on this list, as it routinely ends up on plenty of "greatest of all time" lists and sits comfortably atop the Metacritic rankings, but it's more than just numbers for "Ocarina of Time."

The game introduced a huge and expansive overworld map, a timeless story, and gameplay mechanics that set the bar for all 3D action-adventure games to come.

If you don't believe me, just look up "Z-Targeting."

The creators of "Ocarina of Time" literally invented a lock-on mechanic to help with 3D sword combat that every game since then has emulated in one way or another.

You want a memorable cast of characters? Check.

How about an iconic soundtrack? Check plus.

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No game will ever be able to replicate the sense of wonder "Ocarina of Time" created upon its release, and we as gamers have been chasing that high ever since.

Sure, games like "Breath of the Wild" have come close, but it will never feel the same as the first time we popped that golden cartridge into our N64's and stepped out into Hyrule Field for the first time.

Happy birthday, Nintendo 64! Thanks for the memories.

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/nintendo-64-turning-30-years-old-impactful-games-all-time

WATCH: US envoy defends walkout during France's 'condescending' remarks, vows boycott

The United States dramatically walked out as France addressed the United Nations (U.N.) Security Council Monday, escalating an extraordinary clash between the longtime allies after Paris claimed America was no longer a "beacon of human rights."

The U.S. delegation left the chamber as French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont delivered remarks during a Security Council meeting on Ukraine, days after France’s U.N. mission in Geneva accused Washington of standing alongside North Korea, Nicaragua, Mali and Russia following a vote on the U.N.’s human rights chief.

Deputy U.S. Ambassador Dan Negrea accused France of "disingenuous grandstanding" and warned that American diplomats would continue walking out during French statements until Paris renounces what he called its "condescending and disrespectful rhetoric."

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"Today, I remind them that it is the United States that remains the beacon of liberty for the world," Negrea told the council. "As such, we will not be affording them the benefit of listening to their politicized drivel until they renounce their condescending and disrespectful rhetoric and behave in a manner commensurate with their seat on this council."

The clash matters because the United States and France are among the world’s oldest allies, dating back to French support for the American Revolution, and today remain NATO partners and permanent members of the U.N. Security Council. Their cooperation is central to Western policy on Ukraine, European security and sanctions enforcement.

A French diplomat told Fox News Digital that the dispute should not be interpreted as a broader rupture between the longtime allies. "Differences in how we assess a vote do not call into question the quality of our relations or our ability to work together," the diplomat said.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon backed Washington’s response and sharply criticized France.

"I think the behavior of France is shameful," Danon told Fox News Digital Tuesday. "The U.S. is demonstrating moral clarity, standing for the real values of the U.N."

Danon accused France and other European countries of supporting voices within the United Nations that undermine rather than advance human rights. "It’s about time to reform the U.N., and I want to thank the U.S. for showing leadership on that issue," he said.

The confrontation marked a significant escalation from the unusually personal social media exchange that erupted after the General Assembly approved a second four-year term for U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.

Türk, an Austrian diplomat who has served as U.N. high commissioner for human rights since 2022, has drawn criticism from the United States and outside watchdogs over what they describe as uneven scrutiny of democracies and authoritarian governments. A 2024 analysis by UN Watch found that, among public country criticisms initiated by Türk or his office, he criticized the United States more often than China, North Korea, Cuba, Saudi Arabia and Qatar combined, while issuing no such criticism of several repressive governments during the period reviewed.

Türk’s supporters, including France and the European Union, argue that his willingness to criticize powerful democracies reflects the independence and universality required of the U.N.’s top human rights official.

France’s Geneva mission had declared that the United States was no longer a human rights leader and claimed "the world no longer listens to it" after Washington joined nine other countries in voting against Türk’s extension.

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U.S. Ambassador Mike Waltz responded by accusing France of backing an official who lectures democracies while "cozying up to the world’s worst oppressors."

Negrea went further Monday, invoking the history of the U.S.-French alliance and saying Washington had stood beside France whenever its freedom was threatened.

The United States had tolerated France’s "grandstanding" out of "a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect," he said, but would no longer remain silent in the face of what he described as feigned French "moral outrage."

Bonnafont did not directly address the walkout when he spoke again at the end of the meeting. Instead, he invoked the countries’ historic ties, noting that France helped the United States secure its independence and participated in celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary. "This is the spirit of the relationship between France and the United States," he said, before reaffirming France’s commitment to the U.N.’s work on peace, development and human rights.

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"The United Nations was created with the goal of working towards international peace and security, human rights and development," Bonnafont said, adding that France would continue working to protect the institution’s independence and its ability to serve human rights and peace.

The dispute began after the General Assembly voted 144-10, with 13 abstentions, to extend Türk’s tenure through October 2030.

The United States had unsuccessfully sought an additional week for consultations, arguing that the vote was being rushed even though Türk’s current term does not expire until Oct. 11.

Washington also objected to Türk’s record. U.S. officials have accused him of disproportionately criticizing democracies, including the United States and Israel, while failing to confront authoritarian governments with the same urgency.

source https://www.foxnews.com/world/watch-us-envoy-defends-walkout-during-frances-condescending-remarks-vows-boycott

Bryan Kohberger waived his appeal rights but plans on pursuing post-conviction relief: sources

The admitted murderer Bryan Kohberger plans to file for post-conviction relief after pleading guilty to killing four University of Idaho students in a 4 a.m. home invasion attack, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Kohberger plans to argue that he had bad counsel.

The New York Times was first to report this story after Kohberger called a reporter directly and claimed that he has an "absolute claim of innocence" in his first public remarks outside the courtroom.

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"My actual innocence is my truth, and the plea, hinged on by false promises and blatant disinformation, MUST be withdrawn," he told the outlet.

In a writing message, he claimed that "justice was not served" and claiming that it was "circumnavigated by a broken plea."

"Broken Plea" is the title of a recent book about the case that shed new light on what the defense may have looked like at trial — and his use of the term surprised author Chris Whitcomb, who says he had never spoken to Kohberger.

"He would have to show ‘manifest injustice,’" said Joshua Ritter, a California-based defense attorney and Fox News contributor. "Essentially his lawyers lied to him."

One hypothesis floated in Whitcomb's book is that Kohberger may not have fully understood or meaningfully participated in the decision to plead guilty.

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Kohberger is serving four consecutive life sentences with no possibility of parole plus another 10 years for the Nov. 13, 2022 murders of Xana Kernodle, Ethan Chapin, Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves after pleading guilty in July 2025.

As part of the plea deal, he waived his right to an appeal.

This is a breaking news story. Stick with Fox News Digital for updates.

source https://www.foxnews.com/us/bryan-kohberger-waived-appeal-rights-plans-pursuing-post-conviction-relief-sources

Los Angeles Rams betting outlook: why one analyst is all in on a Super Bowl win at +550

If you watched the Super Bowl last year, you were probably a bit disappointed. I’m sure you weren’t if you were a Seahawks fan, and I know that I was happy about some of the outcomes, but the game itself was a bit boring. That was a lot different than the NFC Championship game, which was a fantastic back-and-forth battle between the Seahawks and the team we break down here, the Rams.

Last Year

As mentioned, the Los Angeles Rams made it to the NFC Championship before falling short against the Seahawks. It was a good run, but the Rams did look vulnerable in each of their playoff games. They started against the Panthers and seemed like they were going to lose until they had some Matthew Stafford heroics. Speaking of Stafford, he ended up with one of the best seasons of his career and the MVP award. In the Divisional Playoffs, he capitalized on a bad route or bad throw (depending on who you ask) from the Bears and stole a 20-17 overtime win. He was great against the Seahawks, but the Rams defense couldn’t get a stop.

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Offseason additions and subtractions

That inability to get a stop may be part of the reason that Los Angeles went out and made a major splash this offseason. They traded for Myles Garrett, arguably the best defensive player on the planet at the moment. It was so big that even Aaron Donald is considering coming back to the team, and out of retirement. Stafford is coming back after contemplating retirement, so they shored up that concern. They added Trent McDuffie, one of the better cornerbacks in the league, and grabbed Jaylen Watson from free agency to address the other side of their secondary. Their defense should be even better.

Roster

If Donald comes out of retirement, he probably won’t be quite as elite as he was in the past, but I have to imagine he is still in shape and would be ready by the time the season starts. It doesn’t look like he is coming, though. Still, this defense, which was solid but not great last season, could be amazing this season. I don’t know that Stafford will lead the league in touchdowns and yards, but he still has Davante Adams and Puka Nacua. If his offensive line protects him and gives him time, he will carve up even the best defenses he faces.

Betting Outlook

I am all in on the Rams this year. I think they are the best team in the NFL and have very few exploitable weaknesses. They are in a tough division – the Seahawks will still be good, the 49ers are always a tough team – but I think 11.5 wins is an over for them. I have them at 13 wins for the year. I also like them to win the Super Bowl at +550. Maybe I’m overconfident in their defense with Garrett or a 38-year-old quarterback, but I think the Rams have all the pieces and will close the deal this season.

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For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/los-angeles-rams-betting-outlook-why-one-analyst-all-in-super-bowl-win-550

WNBA All-Star Game betting preview: Team Coop's guards could give them the edge over Team Spoon

You probably didn't know it, but the WNBA has been off for a few days now because of the All-Star Game that takes place tonight. I know that you missed it, but now we have some women's basketball back, so don't be too upset! Jokes aside, I've enjoyed this season despite the same narratives being pushed.

Betting on the sport has proved very profitable and rewarding to this point as well. This is an exhibition, but I do think we have an edge here.

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The teams are basically divided by fan voting, player, and coaches. I don't think it is really important to get into how the players got here, but you should know who is on what team. For Team Coop, they have Paige Bueckers as their main attraction. If you're not familiar with Bueckers' game, you should be. She is elite in many ways. A great scorer, a solid playmaker, and even good on defense.

What I like most about this team is that they have a lot of talented guards. If they want to get out and run, they shouldn't have any trouble.

Kahleah Copper is one of the most elite finishers in the game. Marina Mabrey is a lethal outside shooter. Sonia Citron is one of the better young players and a talented scorer. Kelsey Mitchell is one of my favorite players in the league and a versatile scorer. That doesn't mention Breanna Stewart, who is still one of the best players in the league, and Angel Reese, who will play with energy and effort no matter if this is an exhibition or if it actually meant something. Their team is very good.

You're certainly familiar with their Captain, Caitlin Clark. Clark was going to be an All-Star based on popularity, but her performance on the court shows she deserves to be here. Expect that she doesn't do quite a bit in this game, though. She is likely going to pass and facilitate much more than look to score.

I could see her shooting from deep, but I don't think that she is going to just jack up shots like they do in the men's version of this game.

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The rest of the team is rounded out mostly by forwards/centers — Aliyah Boston is really good and familiar with Clark, being that they are on the same team. A'ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA, but I don't think she is going to try all that hard in this game.

Jonquel Jones, Nneka Ogwumike, and Kiki Iriafen will round out that group. They should be able to get a bucket just about whenever they want, but they are better closer to the basket than farther away. Oliva Miles is one person who stands out to me as someone who might pour in buckets for Team Spoon.

The scores from the past few years are interesting. Last year, the total went to 282. The year prior, it was just 226. In 2023, they were at 270, and in 2022 they scored just 246. Tonight's total is 277.5. I think that is too high. The women can score, don't get me wrong, but I think the chances of them just pouring in points is more likely for Team Coop than for Team Spoon. The game is also in the United Center, which is notorious for being tougher to shoot in for many players.

Not only will I back the under, but I'll also take Team Cooper. If either team is likely to run the floor and play in a game with little defense, I think the guards will be more energetic and ready to go. They are getting +3.5 points, and I think some of that is because Clark is on the team, and some maybe because of Wilson. I'll still take the points with Cooper.

For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024

source https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/wnba-all-star-game-betting-preview-team-coop-guards-could-give-them-edge-team-spoon

Another top Seattle mayoral aide exits as Katie Wilson administration faces continued staff turnover

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson's press secretary is leaving City Hall after less than seven months on the job, marking the latest high-profile departure from an administration that has already faced significant staffing turnover during its first year.

Local outlet PubliCola reported Wednesday that Sage Wilson made the call after "deciding he’d be more effective as an advocate for progressive causes outside the mayor’s office than inside it."

"Wilson, who previously worked in media relations for the labor advocacy group Working Washington and the progressive policy group Civic Ventures, doesn’t have a job lined up yet; his last day will be in early August," the report continued.

On his LinkedIn page, Wilson identifies himself as Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson’s deputy communications director.

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Sage Wilson's departure is the latest in a series of staffing changes inside Mayor Katie Wilson's office. PubliCola previously reported that the mayor's communications director, Seferiana Day, resigned in June after the mayor requested her resignation following several weeks of negative publicity.

According to the outlet, City Hall later brought in political consultant Crystal Nicole Fincher as a temporary communications advisor and Seattle Department of Transportation spokeswoman Dawn Schellenberg to assist with media relations.

On Thursday, the Everett Post reprinted a story from The Center Square that quoted Schellenberg as saying that the turnover is to be expected.

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"It is common for new administrations to have some turnover and restructuring during the early phase as staff settle into their roles and address the priorities voters elected them to do," Schellenberg said.

Before taking office, Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson urged Seattle residents to boycott Starbucks in support of a baristas' union protest at one of the company's local stores. She later softened her stance after Starbucks announced it would establish a regional headquarters in Nashville and relocate some Seattle-based jobs there.

"I had the pleasure of visiting the Pike Place Market Starbucks a little while ago, and I ordered – I think it was a blueberry muffin latte that was like a staff creation," Wilson said during a June interview with FOX 13 Seattle co-anchor Hana Kim, who had asked Wilson if she still supports a boycott of Starbucks.

"I guess I broke my boycott," Wilson added. "And yeah, but I, you know, I don’t know. What do you want me to say about that?"

In a May Wall Street Journal opinion piece, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz criticized Wilson's "socialist rhetoric," arguing it reflected an anti-business climate contributing to companies leaving Seattle.

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"Seattle’s mayor, Katie Wilson, has chosen to cast business as a foil rather than a partner," Schultz wrote in the op-ed. "Her socialist rhetoric vilifies employers, even while she continues to rely on them for revenue. She has encouraged residents who disagree with her policies to leave."

News of Sage Wilson’s departure quickly prompted criticism from political opponents on social media, many of whom pointed to the administration's earlier staff changes as evidence of broader instability. Others wished the departing spokesman well and speculated about the demands of the job.

Fox News Digital reached out to Sage Wilson for comment.

source https://www.foxnews.com/media/another-top-seattle-mayoral-aide-exits-katie-wilson-administration-faces-continued-staff-turnover