Bill Maher calls for complete end to State of the Union address ahead of Trump speech

Comedian Bill Maher called for an end to the State of the Union address during "Real Time" on Friday, ahead of President Donald Trump's speech this week.

"Since the State of the Union address is next Tuesday, let's get rid of the State of the Union address before Tuesday. And here's why. Nothing has misled the American people to the warped belief that the president can act like a king more than this stupid, boring, performative after-dinner speech from hell where the Sergeant-at-Arms announces the president like he's a king," Maher said.

Trump is set to address Congress on Tuesday for his 2026 State of the Union speech.

"He walks into the room like Conor McGregor heading into the octagon, with members of Congress lining the aisle like medieval peasants hoping to touch the royal garments, and then he proceeds to tell Congress what he wants them to do, making it look like the president is in charge of everything, and it's he who sets the agenda," Maher continued.

WATCH: TOP 5 MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS IN AMERICAN STATE OF THE UNION HISTORY

The comedian said it wasn’t part of the "operating manual" of the Constitution. He then read Article 1, Section 1 of the document.

"Nearly half the words in our Constitution are in Article 1. That's the one about Congress and all the stuff they're supposed to be in charge of. The exclusive power to make laws, declare war, tax, tariff. Congress creates the laws. The president is just supposed to execute them," he said.

"The star of this movie we call American Democracy is Congress. The president is at most up for best supporting actor," he said.

Maher argued that the speech was everything George Washington didn't want.

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"It's everything George Washington did not want because Washington knew the Constitution. And nowhere does it say the president has to get up before Congress every year and bloviate on and on like he's the slightly drunk best man at the rehearsal dinner," the comedian said.

Maher addressed Trump's attack against him during "Real Time" on Friday as well.

In a lengthy post, the president took aim at Maher over recent comments mocking Trump for suggesting that China would end all hockey in Canada as the two countries deepen their economic ties.

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Maher addressed these insults from the president directly, saying, "[Trump] went off on me and said, ‘You know, the dinner we had was a waste of time.’ Well, I didn’t think it was. And then I’m a jerk, and I’m at low ratings, lightweight, and all this s---. Because I never stopped criticizing him. I never said I would."

The late-night host joked that he now knows "how women feel" when a guy "buys you dinner and then expects you to put out," adding that he's "not that guy."

source https://www.foxnews.com/media/bill-maher-calls-complete-end-state-union-address-ahead-trump-speech

Trump reveals his 'new hero' Supreme Court justice after tariffs ruling

President Donald Trump revealed which Supreme Court justice he considers to be his "new hero" after a high court ruling rejected his sweeping tariff powers on Friday.

Trump made the declaration in a post on his Truth Social platform on Saturday morning, a day after the Supreme Court voted 6-3 to block Trump’s tariff powers under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

"My new hero is United States Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh and, of course, Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito," the post read. "There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that they want to, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

While all three justices voted with the minority, Kavanaugh wrote a fiery dissent that called the high court’s decision "illogical."

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"As they interpret the statute, the President could, for example, block all imports from China but cannot order even a $1 tariff on goods imported from China," Kavanaugh wrote. "That approach does not make much sense."

Kavanaugh asserted that the IEEPA "does not draw such an odd distinction between quotas and embargoes on the one hand and tariffs on the other," but rather empowers the president to regulate imports during national emergencies using tools such as quotas, embargoes and tariffs.

Trump last year bypassed Congress and unilaterally levied tariffs on nearly every country in the world by invoking the IEEPA. The president argued that an influx of illicit drugs from China, Mexico and Canada and a trade deficit that has decimated American manufacturing constituted emergencies that justified the tariffs.

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Trump, in a Friday speech remarking on the decision, praised Kavanaugh for "his genius and his great ability," adding he was "very proud of that appointment."

Kavanaugh wrote in his dissent that while he disagrees with the court’s ruling, its decision may not "substantially constrain" a president’s ability to order tariffs going forward because of "numerous other federal statutes" that allow the president to impose tariffs.

The justice added that the court’s decision may, however, have substantial interim effects.

"The United States may be required to refund billions of dollars to importers who paid the IEEPA tariffs, even though some importers may have already passed on costs to consumers or others," Kavanaugh wrote. "As was acknowledged at oral argument, the refund process is likely to be a ‘mess.’"

He added that the high court’s decision could "generate uncertainty" regarding what the government has said were trade deals worth trillion of dollars with foreign nations, including with China, the United Kingdom and Japan.

Trump on Saturday raised the global tariff to 15% — up from the 10% global tariff he announced Friday in the wake of the Supreme Court ruling. He cited Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 in announcing the new levy.

source https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-reveals-his-new-hero-supreme-court-justice-after-tariffs-ruling

Florida Senate passes 'Teddy Bridgewater Bill' allowing coaches to use personal funds for student welfare

Teddy Bridgewater has become something of a martyr in Florida.

While coaching at Miami Northwestern High School, the former NFL quarterback admitted to providing players with financial benefits, including Uber rides, meal costs and physical therapy for the team.

His actions led to his suspension last summer, but they are closer to being legal after a bill was signed in the state.

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Florida lawmakers on Thursday passed Senate Bill 178, the "Teddy Bridgewater Bill," which requires "the Florida High School Athletic Association to adopt bylaws authorizing a head coach to support the welfare of a student by using personal funds to provide certain effects to the student."

The bill says the coach must report the use of funds to the association, "providing that such use of personal funds is presumed not to be an impermissible benefit, etc."

The bill will now go to Florida's House of Representatives.

Speaking to the media last August after signing a one-year deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Bridgewater explained his thought process behind the events that led to his suspension.

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"Honestly, I think everyone knows that I'm just a cheerful guy, a cheerful giver as well. I'm a protector. I'm a father first before anything," he began. "When I decided to coach, those players became my sons and I wanted to make sure that I just protect them in the best way that I can. I think that's what came about." 

He reached out on social media asking for donations "so I no longer have to take from my personal funds to keep smiles on these young men's faces and remind them that they matter."

"Miami Northwestern is in a tough neighborhood, and sometimes things can happen when kids are walking home and different things like that," Bridgewater said at the time. "So, I just tried to protect them, give them a ride home instead of them having to take those dangerous walks. I just want people to continue to see me for the person that I've been from the time I arrived in the NFL, from the time that I arrived at the University of Louisville – just a humble guy who has a big heart and a cheerful giver."

Bridgewater was a one-time Pro Bowler in 10 years in the NFL and coached the school to a state title.

Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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source https://www.foxnews.com/sports/florida-senate-passes-teddy-bridgewater-bill-allowing-coaches-use-personal-funds-student-welfare

White teens cleared of hate crime allegations levied by Black Virginia Tech professor

A police department in Virginia has cleared several White juveniles of hate crime allegations after a Black Virginia Tech University professor filed a criminal complaint, which was amplified by a local chapter of a far-left nationwide nonprofit.

Dr. Onwubiko Agozino is a professor of sociology at the university, and describes himself as a "scholar-activist who values inclusive excellence and diversity with critical attention focused on people of African descent and other marginalized groups around the world" who "emphasizes race, class, and gender issues in his contributions to learning, discovery, and community engagement beyond the boundaries of the classroom."

He filed the complaint with police on Feb. 10, after an incident where a group of White men blaring rap music with profane lyrics from their truck stopped on the street in front of his house and shoveled snow and ice out of the truck's bed.

The story was amplified by New River Valley Indivisible, part of the national far-left nonprofit Indivisible, which promotes progressivism and has recently organized nationwide protests against President Donald Trump.

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"NRV Indivisible vehemently condemns the recent, despicable act of racist intimidation and harassment that occurred in our community. Dr. Biko Agozino (who recently ran for delegate in the 42d district) and his family were targeted at their home by a group of 8 White young men riding in four 4 different trucks," that group said on Facebook.

"The young White men parked in front of Dr. Agozino’s home and unleashed a torrent of racial slurs, including the N-word, and threw ice bricks onto the property, blocking his driveway," the statement continued. "This hateful assault was accompanied by the blaring of music, specifically Drake’s 'Energy,' in a calculated effort to terrorize and intimidate Biko and his family."

The group's post asserted as a fact that a hate crime had been committed, and called for criminal and civil action to be taken against the alleged perpetrators at the state level, and for prosecution under federal hate crime laws.

But the town of Christiansburg, Virginia, said police investigated and there is no evidence of a racist attack against the professor, as first reported by The College Fix.

"There have been incorrect reports that this may have been a targeted incident toward a specific residence or person based on racial bias," the town's statement said. "The Christiansburg Police Department does not tolerate discrimination, hate speech or racial profiling within the Town of Christiansburg. Our investigation has found no evidence of criminal intent or racial bias."

"After several interviews, including a third-party eyewitness, and a detailed investigation, detectives found that a group of juveniles were attending an organized function at a home in the area," the town explained. "Before departure, two juveniles attempted to clear frozen snow and ice out of the bed of a truck, but were unable to completely remove, due to the slope of the vehicle. Upon departure, the juveniles stopped at a flat spot on the street, where a juvenile pushed out the remaining frozen snow and ice."

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Agozino argued that whether the juveniles, whom he called "suspects," had criminal intent may be irrelevant.

"They investigated and identified the suspects. They claimed that they had no bad intent and the police concluded that there was no evidence of hate crime," he said. "I reminded the police that intent is only one element of crime because reckless or unreasonable behavior that is threatening to anyone is considered a breach of the law even if there is no intent to harm anyone."

He also said police increased patrols near his home to "prevent a repeat or escalation."

"However, the second day, one of the trucks parked by my letter box for about 20 minutes before driving to the address of the neighbor from whose house the young White men emerged the day before," Agozino continued. "I hope that the statement by the police that there is no evidence of hate crime will not unwittingly embolden the suspects."

He also thanked the police for their concern, and the groups who supported him.

Virginia Tech did not return a request for comment. Neither did New River Valley Indivisible.

source https://www.foxnews.com/us/white-teens-cleared-hate-crime-allegations-levied-black-virginia-tech-professor

Truck launched 100 feet into air crashes through Oregon family home

A truck flew roughly 100 feet into the air before crashing into an Oregon home, police said.

The incident occurred just before 3 a.m. on Feb. 13 in a residential neighborhood in Tigard, located about 10 miles south of Portland.

Witnesses reported the driver was speeding and driving recklessly when he struck a dirt mound on the side of the road. Investigators believe the impact launched the truck into the air, sending it over a three-foot brick wall and into the side of the house.

"We’re thankful no one was seriously hurt. We appreciate the help from neighboring agencies in responding to this crash, including TVF&R, Beaverton Police, King City Police and the Washington County Sheriff’s Office," the department said in a statement.

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The Tigard Police Department said when officers arrived, the driver was initially unconscious and both he and a passenger were trapped inside the vehicle.

Firefighters with Tualatin Valley Fire & Rescue rescued them from the truck, and both were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Police identified the driver as Jacob Hankins, 33. He was charged with reckless driving and recklessly endangering.

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The family inside the home was not injured, though the house sustained significant damage.

"I got woken up — just the slamming and the house rumbled and like, it was — it was crazy," homeowner David Brudnok told CBS affiliate Koin 6. "And then my wife was knitting in the room just right there, and I heard her start screaming my name."

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Brudnok said the truck tore a massive hole through his home, demolishing what once was the bathroom.

The local station reported that the family is still waiting to learn whether their insurance will cover the damage to the home. For now, they are staying in a hotel paid for by their insurance company.

source https://www.foxnews.com/us/truck-launched-100-feet-air-crashes-through-oregon-family-home

Ukraine makes fastest gains in years as Russia talks stall, exploiting cracks in Kremlin command

As U.S.-backed negotiations between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva ended without a breakthrough, Kyiv made gains on the battlefield, recapturing territory at its fastest pace in years through localized counterattacks along the southeastern front.

The advances come as analysts point to disruptions in Russian battlefield communications and shifting operational dynamics, developments that could strengthen Ukraine’s leverage even as talks remain stalled.

Ukrainian forces retook about 78 square miles over five days, according to a report by Agence France-Presse based on an analysis of the Institute for the Study of War battlefield mapping. The gains represent Kyiv’s most rapid territorial advances since its 2023 counteroffensive in the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.

Retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Richard Newton said Ukraine’s battlefield performance should not be underestimated. "As this war grinds on, the world too often forgets that Ukraine’s determination, innovation and moral clarity are force multipliers. Its ability to defend against a larger, better-resourced enemy should never be counted out," Newton told Fox News Digital. "There are growing signs that Russia’s supposed invincibility is no longer a safe assumption, particularly as pressure increases on the Kremlin and its partners."

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The fighting has centered east of Zaporizhzhia, where Russian forces have steadily advanced since mid-2025. Open-source battlefield monitoring and mapping indicate Ukrainian troops pushed forward around Huliaipole and nearby settlements, though analysts caution the front remains fluid, and some areas are not fully secured, The Telegraph reported.

The Institute for the Study of War assessed in mid-February that the counterattacks appear to be exploiting disruptions in Russian command-and-control. ISW said Ukrainian forces are likely leveraging limits affecting Russian battlefield communications, including reported restrictions tied to the use of Starlink satellite terminals and messaging platforms cited in open-source reporting.

Analysts say reduced connectivity can create short windows for Ukrainian units to move through contested zones that are typically dominated by drone surveillance and electronic warfare. ISW and other observers emphasize that such opportunities are temporary and do not signal a broader collapse in Russian defenses.

The evolving fight is also shaped by the growing role of drones. In a Feb. 10 special report, ISW said Russia’s expanding use of first-person-view drones reflects a campaign to "weaponize and institutionalize intentional civilian harm as a purposeful tool of war," warning the tactic is becoming embedded in operational doctrine and could influence future conflicts.

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Despite the recent gains, analysts caution against viewing the developments as a decisive shift in the war. Newton argued that sustained Western military support remains essential. "Putin responds to force," he said. "The United States and Europe should continue providing Ukraine with both defensive and offensive capabilities, including long-range systems capable of striking deep inside Russia."

Retired Vice Adm. Robert S. Harward said battlefield gains are increasingly tied to diplomacy. "Both sides are trying to use battlefield advances to strengthen their position at the negotiating table," Harward said. "It’s a sign neither side is ready to strike a deal yet."

Harward pointed to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s stated willingness to hold elections following a ceasefire as evidence Kyiv is signaling flexibility, while Moscow continues to press its demands. "If a lasting and fair diplomatic agreement is achievable, the current U.S. team is well-positioned to help deliver it," he said. "But negotiations must be paired with sustained pressure on Russia and its partners."

Nearly two years after Ukraine’s last major offensive stalled, the war remains defined by incremental territorial changes rather than sweeping breakthroughs. Both sides continue to rely heavily on drones, artillery and electronic warfare, with front lines shifting village by village.

"As U.S.-led talks continue, it is critical to increase pressure on Putin to end the war on terms that restore deterrence and prevent further aggression," Newton said.

source https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukraine-makes-fastest-gains-years-russia-talks-stall-exploiting-cracks-kremlin-command

Plastic surgeon applauds move away from trans youth surgeries as far-left outlet examines doctors' shift

Plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian says it is a "stain" on her profession that so many doctors remained silent, she argues, while minors were steered toward irreversible gender surgeries. She said data suggests the risks of these procedures on young people could outweigh the potential benefits.

Nazarian responded to a new article in The Atlantic highlighting divisions within the medical community over gender surgeries for minors. The piece notes recent moves by major medical groups to delay certain procedures and questions whether a broad professional consensus still exists in the field. 

"It is a stain on my profession that so many were silent on this issue when they knew deep in their hearts and looking at the evidence that this is wrong," Nazarian said Tuesday on "Fox & Friends."

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The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) updated its guidance, recommending medical professionals delay these procedures until patients are adults.

The organization now recommends "surgeons delay gender-related breast/chest, genital, and facial surgery until a patient is at least 19 years old." The group said it found "insufficient evidence" that the procedures have a positive risk-benefit ratio. 

Nazarian said the United States is following Europe, where several countries have adopted more restrictive policies on gender surgeries for minors. 

The United Kingdom has restricted the sale and supply of puberty blockers for minors. Sweden and France have also tightened guidelines on gender procedures for young people.

Nazarian has been vocal about what she called "emotional blackmail," accusing doctors of pressuring both the patients and their parents into agreeing to these surgeries.

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In a lawsuit decided earlier this year, a transgender teen won a landmark medical malpractice lawsuit over surgery performed when she was a minor. The parents of the plaintiff, Fox Varian, claimed they were told by medical providers their daughter faced a high risk of suicide if the surgery was not performed.

On Jan. 30, a jury found that a psychologist and a surgeon were liable for malpractice, determining they had skipped key steps in deciding whether surgery was the best course of action. 

"Imagine being a mother and being told [to] either accept your transgender child or you'll have a dead child," Nazarian said.

"It is a horrific place to place a parent, that you just agreed to take off the healthy body parts of your child because doctors, people you trusted, told you that you would have a dead child if you did not," she later added.

source https://www.foxnews.com/media/plastic-surgeon-applauds-move-away-from-trans-youth-surgeries-far-left-outlet-admits-doctors-shift