EXCLUSIVE: Trump-backed challenger gains labor union support in key race for House control

EXCLUSIVE: A Republican challenging a vulnerable Democratic incumbent in one of the nation's most competitive House races is touting a key labor endorsement. 

Mike LiPetri, a former state assembly member backed by President Donald Trump, said support from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 138 reflects growing momentum behind his campaign. 

"I think you'll see [more unions] fall in line with us knowing that we stand with the men and women who work hard to build our country," LiPetri told Fox News Digital in an interview.

The endorsement from the 1,500-member union gives LiPetri a boost as he prepares for a rematch contest against Rep. Tom Suozzi, D-N.Y., who won back the suburban swing seat in 2024 after representing it from 2017 to 2023. 

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Local 138 Business Manager John Duffy praised LiPetri's candidacy in a statement to Fox News Digital.

"We need leaders in Washington with guts — people who aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to get the job done, no excuses," Duffy said. "Mike LiPetri is that guy and the men and women of Local 138 are with him all the way." 

The support from the union comes as national Republicans, who view Suozzi as a top target, look to make gains in the district spanning parts of Long Island and Queens ahead of November’s elections. 

Trump carried Suozzi's seat by just over four points in 2024, while LiPetri ran three points behind the incumbent lawmaker.

Republicans have largely united behind LiPetri, who is seeking to fend off a challenge from attorney Gregory Hach in the June 23 GOP primary. LiPetri is part of the National Republican Congressional Committee's flagship candidate program and is viewed as a top recruit.

"This seat can literally decide the fate of the majority," LiPetri told Fox News Digital. 

"The president is all in on our race, he's given us a ringing endorsement," he added. "House leadership is all in on this race. Local leadership is also all in on this race."

LiPetri also argued that Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman, the presumptive GOP nominee against Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-N.Y., would help drive Republican turnout on Long Island.

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The GOP challenger is also seeking to draw sharp contrasts with Suozzi on immigration, transgender issues and tax policy as he looks ahead to November. 

Suozzi, the co-chair of the centrist Problem Solvers Caucus, has branded himself as a staunch moderate. But LiPetri argued the incumbent has strayed from that image over the past year.

Suozzi notably joined Democrats in opposing additional funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) during the months-long standoff over immigration spending.

He initially backed a Department of Homeland Security funding bill in January but later publicly apologized for his vote, saying he "failed" to view the legislation as "a referendum on the illegal and immoral conduct of ICE" amid backlash from the left over the Trump administration's immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis. Suozzi later adopted Democratic leadership's position in pushing to pair any new funding with reforms to immigration enforcement.

"We have to have someone that stays strong with law enforcement," LiPetri told Fox News Digital, arguing Suozzi had "betrayed" federal law enforcement officers with his votes.

Suozzi also voted with Democrats against legislation barring biological males from women’s sports in K-12 schools and against a bill to direct the construction of a women’s history museum on the National Mall. Some Democrats vigorously objected to the proposal because it excluded transgender people, and LiPetri argued Suozzi shared that view. 

"They're going to have to explain to their voters why they believe this museum should not be built and why they believe that there should be transgender exhibits in it," Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., the measure's sponsor, said in May, referring to Democrats.

LiPetri also hammered Suozzi for his vote against Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which created new deductions for tips, overtime pay, and automobile loans.

"No tax on overtime was critical for union men and women," LiPetri told Fox News Digital. "And they see who my opponent really is, someone that focuses on keeping his job rather than doing his job."

Suozzi opposed Republicans’ budget law at the time over cuts to federal Medicaid spending and objections to extending lower tax rates for the highest earners, among other concerns.

However, the GOP challenger still faces a steep fundraising climb against Suozzi. The New York Democrat has nearly $5.5 million in his campaign’s war chest compared to LiPetri’s roughly $727,000 cash on hand, according to recent Federal Election Commission filings.

LiPetri said his campaign is among the top fundraisers for GOP challengers nationwide. 

"We're gonna keep pushing and raising our money to make sure our message gets out there," LiPetri told Fox News Digital. "People are excited for what's ahead."

The nonpartisan Cook Political Report rates the race "Lean Democrat." 

Fox News Digital reached out to Suozzi’s campaign before publication.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/exclusive-trump-backed-challenger-gains-labor-union-support-key-race-house-control

Six men allegedly kidnapped two people at vacation resort, tortured them at boat ramp: FBI

Six men allegedly kidnapped two people at a Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort in Florida and tortured them, according to officials.

The incident took place starting on the night of May 29 at Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort with one of the suspects "pressuring" a victim as well as a witness to go to a car show in a remote part of Broward County, Florida, according to a recently unsealed court document. Saul Alfonso Fajardo, 19, Justin Phihoang Le, 20, Amari Tamire Hill, 21, Anthony Teruel Hernandez, 18, Marikevies McNichols Jr., 19, and Weilen Hernandez, 20, were charged with kidnapping and conspiracy to commit kidnapping.

Two victims, who weren't identified in court documents, allegedly met up with "Saul" at the Margaritaville parking garage as well as a female suspect. After getting to the parking garage, the two victims were forced into two cars at gunpoint by several people, according to court documents.

Officials said that Hill slammed one of the victims onto a car and forced him into the passenger seat. Phihoang then allegedly told the victim "If you try to get out, I'm going to end your life," further saying "I am going to kill you and your family." The victim complied, fearing for his life.

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An FBI agent wrote in an affidavit that all people were armed with semiautomatic weapons and were wearing "shiesty" masks with latex gloves on.

The other victim was forced into a separate car, according to the documents.

The complaint states that Phihoang allegedly demanded that one of the victims give him money if he wanted to live, then forced him to call friends to try to get the money.

SIX OHIO SUSPECTS ACCUSED OF TORTURING MAN IN WEEKLONG HOTEL KIDNAPPING: 'EXTREMELY DISTURBING'

"If I don't get my money, every 10 minutes I'm going to take one of your fingernails," Phihoang allegedly told the victim.

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The victim "observed a pair of pliers inside the car and believed they were going to pull his fingernails off, so he continued calling people in an attempt to get money," according to the criminal complaint. The victim in the other car was allegedly held at gunpoint.

Both victims would be taken to a location one of the suspects referred to as "the spot," which was the West Broward Boat Ramp.

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Once they were there, the FBI agent said both victims were "forced to kneel at gunpoint," adding that one of the suspects saw a tattoo on a victim. The two were allegedly robbed of their personal belongings, including phones, jewelry, clothing and other personal items. One of the victims was allegedly forced to send $400 through Zelle.

"I’m gonna burn the tattoo off of you, you don’t deserve to have it. I’m going to torture you," Phihoang allegedly said.

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"Don’t cry," he allegedly said. "I will kill your family if you go to the police. We are not done."

FLORIDA WOMAN ESCAPES STORAGE CONTAINER SHE WAS BEING HELD IN AFTER BRUTAL ASSAULT: SHERIFF

The suspects even forced the two victims to strip in their underwear while demanding money, according to the complaint, which added that Hill fired a round into the air while he was on a video call "in an attempt to let the person on the phone know they were serious."

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The suspects at one point became concerned that the second victim's ankle monitor could disclose their location to police, and allegedly dropped him off within a subdivision of Cooper City, where the victim walked to a relative's home in nothing but underwear.

The other victim allegedly observed the suspects "burning something" at the boat ramp, then heard someone say "We have to burn the evidence," according to the FBI agent. That's when the victim, "in fear for his life," began faking a seizure.

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After the suspects put the victim into a car, one of the men "began to panic" and threw the victim out of the car, where he made his way to safety.

Authorities allegedly recovered burned clothing and more of the victims' items at the boat ramp, as well as surveillance videos.

Messages between the unidentified female suspect and Fajardo allegedly confirm that the first victim was assaulted.

"He got jump injuries," one of the messages read. "DELETE INSTA."

Fox News Digital reached out to lawyers for all suspects named for comment.

source https://www.foxnews.com/us/six-men-allegedly-kidnapped-two-people-vacation-resort-tortured-boat-ramp-fbi

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.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/republican-leaders-embrace-viral-world-cup-fans-say-discovering-real-america

Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker misses Seahawks' ring ceremony after signing $45M deal with Chiefs

The Seattle Seahawks received their Super Bowl rings on Thursday night, but one person from the team was notably absent: the game's Most Valuable Player.

Kenneth Walker earned Super Bowl LX honors in Santa Clara after he had 27 carries for 135 yards, making him by far the best offensive player on the field.

Walker had no choice but to be the bell cow for the Seahawks after Zach Charbonnet tore his ACL in the NFC Championship game two weeks prior.

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But there was a price to pay for the Seahawks, as Walker signed a three-year, $45 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs a month later.

Walker was the only member of the championship-winning team to not be in attendance, but it should be noted that the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp still took place on Thursday.

By the second quarter, Walker had already joined Timmy Smith and Marcus Allen with multiple 25-yard runs in a Super Bowl.

KENNETH WALKER FOCUSED ON NEW CHIEFS CHAPTER DESPITE SEAHAWKS GM'S REPLACEMENT COMMENT: 'THAT'S ON HIM'

Walker was unable to find the end zone — in fact, Seattle’s only offensive touchdown came from A.J. Barner. However, Walker’s dominance on the ground helped get Seattle into scoring position. Jason Myers went 5-for-5 on his field-goal attempts after Walker’s ground-and-pound effort.

Walker’s 135 yards on the ground are tied for the eighth-most in Super Bowl history and the second most he has ever had in a game, including playoffs.

Walker’s rushing prop had been hovering around 70 yards, which he surpassed in the first half.

The Seahawks won the game, 29-13, over the New England Patriots for their second Lombardi Trophy.

Ring highlights include 50 white diamonds around the logo in honor of the team's 50th season, a piece of a game ball inside the ring, a removable topper that can be used as a chain pendant and much more.

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

source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/super-bowl-mvp-kenneth-walker-misses-seahawks-ring-ceremony-signing-45m-deal-chiefs

Texas overtakes California as 'America’s center of gravity,' claims Treasury Sec Bessent

FIRST ON FOX — Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted the stark difference he sees emerging between Texas and California as well as the "tale of two states" cropping up between red and blue jurisdictions.

"In California, I saw firsthand what years of failed governance looks like: a tax system that is hostile to ambition. A regulatory state that smothers enterprise. An economic climate indifferent to consequence," he said during a meeting at the Petroleum Club of Houston on Friday in remarks shared exclusively with Fox News Digital.

California has seen a number of high-profile defections in recent years, with many businesses and wealthy individuals citing the state’s regulations and taxation regime as the reasons for their exit. 

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Chevron, Tesla, Charles Schwab and Hewlett Packard Enterprise, to name a few, have all abandoned their California headquarters and shifted operations to Texas. IRS migration data also shows that the Golden State is hemorrhaging high-earning taxpayers, imperiling its finances.

"Here in Texas, meanwhile, the contrast is so striking that it begins to feel like a tale of two states," Bessent said.

And it's true that the Lone Star State's business-friendly policies and lower taxes have attracted more American families and businesses to move from other states to Texas. 

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During the meeting on Friday, Bessent also highlighted the importance of energy policy as a cornerstone of President Donald Trump’s economic policies.

"The AI race may be accelerated by the elegance of our code, but it will be won by the abundance of our energy," he said. "More than strengthening an economy, energy abundance also secures a nation. Economic security is national security."

RED STATES ARE THE ONES GOING GREEN AND WINNING THE CLEAN ENERGY RACE

He said that Texas is spearheading that growth.

Texas has rapidly expanded its energy production to meet booming demand, partially spurred by the construction of new data centers, recently surpassing California as the state with the most utility-scale solar capacity and hitting record-breaking levels for both crude oil production and low-carbon electricity generation.

"Texas has become America’s center of gravity because it is fostering the conditions for families and businesses to flourish," Bessent went on.

Data indicates that Texas has seen considerable success in attracting businesses and taxpayers to the state. 

Of the 725 companies that relocated headquarters between 2018 and 2025, per a CBRE report, 230 of them moved to Houston, Dallas and Austin alone. IRS migration data also shows that the Lone Star state saw a net increase of 56,000 tax filers between 2022 and 2023.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/texas-overtakes-california-americas-center-gravity-claims-treasury-sec-bessent

White House blasts Washington Post's claim Reflecting Pool 'looks almost the same' after Trump renovations

The Washington Post faced backlash, including from the Trump administration, after suggesting that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool "looks almost the same" following President Donald Trump's renovations.

"After Trump's $10 million renovation, the Reflecting Pool is full again — and looks almost the same," The Washington Post wrote alongside an image comparison of the Reflecting Pool in 2022 and 2026 on X Tuesday.

The paper also shared an article from last week on the renovations in an X post that read, "The Reflecting Pool on the National Mall has been refilled following President Trump’s renovations. The project ultimately took six weeks and cost more than $10 million, far more than Trump initially projected."

TRUMP TORCHES 'STUPID' QUESTION FROM REPORTER ON BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS AMID IRAN WAR

The social media post quickly went viral as several social media commentators remarked that images The Washington Post shared already showed differences made by Trump's renovations.

The backlash also extended to Trump's team, which called out the paper for allegedly misleading readers.

"The water was green. Now it's not. Hope this helps," the Trump War Room account posted along with an older image of the Reflecting Pool.

"This successful renovation not only made the Reflecting Pool more beautiful, but it was completed at a fraction of the time and cost of Obama's botched project — AND it finally addressed the leaks that caused millions of gallons of water loss per year. But the Fake News @washingtonpost won't acknowledge that," the White House Rapid Response 47 account wrote.

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum's communications director, Cody Sargent, commented, "Why is the @washingtonpost so committed to this stupid lie? Here’s an actual before and after from @EarthCam."

Sargent also posted two images of the Reflecting Pool from March 2026 and June 2026.

WASHINGTON POST SLAMMED FOR DESCRIBING AYATOLLAH KHAMENEI AS ‘AVUNCULAR’ WITH ‘EASY SMILE'

Several other commentators and political figures called out the Post for its claim as well.

"Why put this spin on it when it’s obvious that it looks much better? Not exactly helping in the media credibility department," Gov. Ron DeSantis, R-Fla., commented.

Podcast host Katie Miller remarked, "The original cost estimate was $300 million way more than the $10 million it cost. President Trump saved the taxpayers $290 million."

"It works. It doesn’t leak. It doesn’t smell like wet dog hair. It doesn’t have algae swirling in it. Go pound sand," Media Research Center President David Bozell commented.

Fox News Digital reached out to The Washington Post for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

CNN PANEL ERUPTS OVER TRUMP'S $13M LINCOLN MEMORIAL REFLECTING POOL RENOVATION AFTER DOGE-ERA CUTS

Trump announced intentions to fix what he called the "absolutely filthy" Reflecting Pool in March with the intention of having it repaired by the time of July 4 celebrations.

Critics have voiced concerns over the pool resurfacing with "industrial-grade" material in the color "American flag blue," with a nonprofit called the Cultural Landscape Foundation (TCLF) going so far as to file a lawsuit against the National Park Service (NPS) to halt the project.

Trump confirmed last week during a White House event that renovations were complete.

source https://www.foxnews.com/media/white-house-blasts-washington-posts-claim-reflecting-pool-looks-almost-same-after-trump-renovations

No hazard found after 'severe' Pentagon alert sparks emergency response

Certain areas in the Pentagon went on lockdown Thursday morning due to an "air quality incident" that was later revealed to be a false alarm. 

An alert, shared with Fox News Digital, carrying a "severe" rating was sent to employees in multiple corridors of the building directing them to shelter in place. All other personnel were told to avoid the area. As of 1:30 p.m. Eastern Time Thursday, the lockdown order was lifted, according to Pentagon officials. 

"Earlier this morning, Pentagon occupants were notified of a potential air quality issue, prompting immediate precautionary safety measures and evaluation. Subsequent testing confirmed no hazard exists, and normal operations have resumed," chief spokesperson Sean Parnell said in a Thursday statement. 

"We express our sincere appreciation to the first responders for their swift actions to ensure the safety of all personnel," he said. 

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A hazardous materials team scrubbed several locations in the Pentagon's A ring, the center-most location in the building, according to a Pentagon official. 

Approximately 23,000 to 27,000 people work in the Pentagon on any given day. 

PENTAGON DROPS 180 FAITHS FROM MILITARY'S RECOGNIZED RELIGIONS LIST

Secretary Pete Hegeth's office and chairman of the joint chiefs Gen. Dan Caine's office are not located in the corridors placed under lockdown. 

Systems detected a problem with the air quality in part of the building and a device picked up a biohazard scent, the Pentagon source told Fox News. 

The Arlington, Virginia, fire department confirmed on X it sent its Hazardous Materials team to support the Pentagon Force Protection Agency’s Hazmat team with the incident.

The last notable Pentagon lockdown was in August 2021, when a Pentagon police officer was killed during a violent incident at the Pentagon Transit Center. 

The Pentagon has spent years developing systems designed to detect and contain airborne threats inside the building. 

Following the Sept. 11 attacks, officials launched the Pentagon Shield program, which uses sensors, computer modeling and building ventilation controls to help identify chemical, biological and radiological hazards and limit their spread through the Pentagon's five-ring structure. 

Building systems can adjust airflow and isolate affected areas while emergency responders assess a potential threat.

Fox News' Liz Friden contributed to this report.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/no-hazard-found-after-severe-pentagon-alert-sparks-emergency-response