Rob Gronkowski is calling for the NFL to institute referee punishments amid a slew of questionable officiating decisions this season. The New England Patriots legend also revealed he is skeptical of his long-time team's chances at getting back to the Super Bowl, and suggested they made it last year due to a weak schedule.

Gronkowki shared his bevy of strong takes, revealed some newly-unearthed secrets about Bill Belichick's strangest rules, and revealed a new technology he is using to heal his body from the wear and tear of football in an interview with OutKick.

'Put the referees on a pedestal'

Gronkowski believes officials should face consequences just as the players and coaches whose games they help decide do.

"So yeah, I think, you know, it would be fair and square to, you know, put the referees on a pedestal as well and — and have punishment just like any coach or any NFL player can be punished just like that," Gronkowski said.

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Asked whether the NFL needs more accountability for officials, Gronkowski pointed to how quickly a player’s fortunes can change.

"I think so, actually, because players are accountable. Players can be cut the very next day and you’ve seen players cut," he continued.

Gronkowski’s comments followed Tom Brady’s criticism of several calls during the Detroit Lions’ 20-17 win over the Green Bay Packers during Sunday's NFL on FOX broadcast. Brady and FOX rules analyst Dean Blandino disputed multiple decisions, including roughing-the-passer penalties and an intentional grounding call.

Gronkowski agreed with his former quarterback’s broader concerns.

"I don’t think the referees are doing that great of a job. I think they can definitely improve," he said.

He identified pass interference and roughing-the-passer calls as areas that need improvement before the postseason, warning that incorrect flags could determine games.

"We want it to be fair and square. That’s what fans want to see," he said. "Yes, you call it when it’s appropriate, but when it’s not appropriate, you know, it doesn’t need to be called and affects the game in all ways."

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The NFL already grades officials on every play, according to its Football Operations website. Those evaluations help determine postseason assignments.

Gronkowski also recalled his own frustration with offensive pass interference penalties when defenders collided with him.

"It was just me running and I was just a bigger body. So the guy would bounce off of me, you know, even though he ran into me and then I would get the flag. It just didn’t make any sense," he said.

Patriots have work to do before another Super Bowl run

The Patriots enter Week 8 at 4-3 after a 30-24 loss to the Chicago Bears, and have shown signs of regression after reaching the Super Bowl last year.

"Their schedule definitely was pretty, pretty simple last year. They’re playing tougher opponents this year, tougher defenses. I think that has more to play with it," Gronkowski said of the Patriots. "I definitely think the schedule plays a part in it for sure. It really does."

Gronkowski sees a playoff team in New England. He is less convinced he sees a championship team.

"The Patriots, I think, are a pretty solid, you know, football team. And I think they’re going to make the playoffs. They definitely have a chance at winning their division. They just got to pick it up," he said.

"I just don’t see enough right now for them to be a potential, you know, Super Bowl candidate."

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Gronkowski also pointed offensive injuries and the need for more playmakers. He said New England’s offense had been clicking more consistently last season.

"They’re just having some problems right now, a couple injuries, injuries all across the offensive line. They’re depleted there. So I think the injuries, you know, to the offensive unit is playing a crucial part as well," he said.

"And once they get everyone back and AJ Brown gets fully healthy, I think they can start clicking at a high level then."

Asked what he would bring to the current locker room, Gronkowski emphasized experience and a belief that the team can win regardless of the circumstances.

"I would say just a mentality of bringing it at practice and also having just a winning mentality that, hey, no matter the situation, we’re going to come, we’re going to find a way to win this game," he said.

Gronkowski’s health after football, and what Brady and Belichick taught him for life

Gronkowski’s memories of the Patriots include Bill Belichick’s rules for what players could do away from the field — including a ban on burning incense in hotel rooms.

"He said, not even incense are allowed to be burned in your hotel room," Gronkowski recalled, explaining that Belichick wanted to leave no room for interpretation about burning anything.

But the rule that bothered him most involved where veteran players had to sleep during training camp.

"I would just say the most wildest one, though, was having veteran players stay at the hotel, even though their homes are closer to the facility than the hotel throughout training camp," he said.

"That definitely drove a couple of veteran players like myself crazy."

Still, Gronkowski said he understood the reasoning behind Belichick’s strict approach. He credited Belichick and Brady with shaping his habits, calling them "the two biggest leaders of my life."

Brady’s approach to food and preparation, in particular, offered a lesson Gronkowski could carry beyond football.

"He didn’t force it down anyone, but you just watch him. That’s what it’s all about is leading by example," Gronkowski said.

Now, Gronkowski’s own priorities include staying active and managing the physical toll of his playing career.

"If you have your health, you know, you have everything," he said.

He continues to work out and incorporates hot yoga, saunas and float tanks into his routine. He also discussed his partnership with DNA Vibe, whose Jazz Band wearable he credits with helping him manage aches and pains.

"You got to ask someone that truly knows the science behind red light therapy, but, you know, I just like to do it because I’ve tried it, you know, through my own experiences and it works," he said.

DNA Vibe founder and CEO Perry Kamel said the device combines red and infrared light, micro-vibration and magnetic pulses, which the company markets as supporting the body’s natural recovery processes.

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"One of the things that I love about being at DNA Vibe is that the mission of the company is to help every single person live at their peak potential no matter who you are,"

Gronkowski is also promoting a 30‑Day free tryout for the product.

What JJ McCarthy shares with Tom Brady

Gronkowski sees a connection between McCarthy and Brady, but it has more to do with their response to adversity than their playing styles.

"They’re totally different quarterbacks, they really really are," he said. "The only similarities is that you’ve got to go through adversity to be great."

Both quarterbacks played in big games for Michigan, and then didn't have the smoothest starts to their NFL careers.

Brady was famously a sixth-round draft pick who had to spend a year climbing the New England depth chart just to reach the backup role at the start of year two. McCarthy, the No. 10 overall pick in 2024, had to work his way back into a starting role after losing his job in Minnesota and getting traded to the Giants.

The Vikings traded McCarthy to the Giants on Sept. 28 for a 2027 fifth-round pick. He completed 20 of 28 passes for 252 yards in his first Giants start, a 27-21 overtime win over the Houston Texans on Sunday.

Gronkowski said McCarthy had shown he was prepared when another opportunity arrived, drawing a comparison to Brady’s readiness when he moved from backup to starter.

"That’s also very similar as well is when your number is called and you’re ready to go," he said.

He believes McCarthy can help take New York to the postseason.

"I really do think he has what it takes to take the Giants team to the playoffs," Gronkowski said. "He has a resurgence, he has vengeance within his eyes and that’s what I saw."

The NFL’s growing celebrity couple culture

Gronkowski also defended the attention surrounding NFL players’ celebrity relationships, particularly Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift.

"I think it boosted it to a whole other level. I think it got more eyeballs on the game. I think it was great for the NFL to expand its broadcasts to expand to its fan base," he said of their relationship.

"Overall I just see that it was very positive and it helped out tremendously because NFL wants to grow. It wants to grow in the US. It wants to grow overseas and it couldn’t have been a better situation with those two."

Asked whether the focus on celebrity couples could annoy fans, Gronkowski rejected the idea that broadcasts have gone too far.

"I think it’s great for visibility and I don’t think it’s overexposed at all. It’s not like they’re sitting down doing interviews with them. They’re just showing their partner cheering for them and that’s just like any other relationship in life," he said.

"Every partner’s cheering for their partner and that’s what life is all about. I think it’s great and it’s not overexposed at all either and it’s just perfect where it’s at."

Gronkowski expects Jay-Z to ‘bring the heat’

Gronkowski is also optimistic about the entertainment planned for the NFL’s biggest stage.

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Jay-Z was announced Monday as the Super Bowl LXI halftime performer. The game is scheduled for Feb. 14, 2027, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. His company, Roc Nation, has partnered with the NFL on the halftime show since 2019.

Asked about Jay-Z choosing himself for the performance, Gronkowski suggested that would be a reason to expect something special.

"You know, I can tell you this, if Jay Z is in control of picking the halftime show and he picks himself, I can tell you this, expect a hell of a show because I’m not picking myself unless if I know I’m going to bring the heat," he said.

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"So you know, Jay Z has something up his sleeve and it’s going to be popping."

Older adults diagnosed with autism face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease-related movement disorders compared to the general population, according to a large new study published in the journal Autism.

Researchers analyzed Medicare and Medicaid claims data covering nearly 57 million Americans aged 45 and older between 2017 and 2019.

Individuals on the spectrum, as well as those with intellectual disabilities, were diagnosed with parkinsonism at much higher rates than those without autism.

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Parkinsonism refers to a range of neurological conditions characterized by certain movement symptoms, including tremors, muscle rigidity, balance difficulties and slowed voluntary movement, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

While earlier research suggested an overlap between autism and motor decline later in life, it was unclear whether those problems stemmed from the condition or from antipsychotic medications, which are widely known to trigger Parkinson’s-like symptoms as a secondary side effect.

To determine whether medications explained the link, researchers excluded people who took antipsychotics from the analysis. They still found higher rates of Parkinson’s-related diagnoses in neurodivergent populations.

In the general population control group, the prevalence of parkinsonism was roughly 1.57%. The prevalence rose to 3.83% among adults with autism alone, 4.32% for those with an intellectual disability alone, and 4.86% among individuals diagnosed with both autism and an intellectual disability.

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"A critically important new contribution of this study is increased incidence rates of parkinsonism for autistic people in middle and older adulthood, which suggests that these cases aren’t simply a byproduct of lifelong motor challenges," Greg Wallace, lead author and a professor in the Department of Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C., said in a press release.

The study represents the first time scientists have tracked the incidence rate, or the risk of newly emerging cases over time, among older autistic individuals.

"It is therefore important for clinicians to establish clear baselines of motor skills and challenges during adulthood that can be tracked over time," Wallace added.

Dr. Lee Murray, a neurologist based in Jackson, Tennessee, said this study clarifies previous research that suggested patients with autism are at a higher risk of having Parkinson's.

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"This study takes into account the use of antipsychotic medications that can cause a Parkinson's look (resting tremor, stiffness, shuffled gait, stooped posture, softened voice), which is a different pathology than stereotypical or idiopathic Parkinson's disease," Murray, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital.

"This study showed patients with autism that was associated intellectual disability seem to have the greatest association with concomitant Parkinson's."

The neurologist cautioned that autism encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity, so the findings don't mean that people with milder cases face a significantly higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.

"It certainly is an interesting correlation, although it does not imply that someone with autism is certain to develop Parkinson's," Murray added.

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"From a clinical perspective, is helpful to review medications with the autistic patient's physicians and, if possible, try to avoid medications that may cause a Parkinson's appearance."

Despite the scope of the data, the authors noted several key limitations of using insurance records.

The investigation relied on billing and diagnostic codes submitted through Medicare and Medicaid, which can contain errors or reflect differences in how clinics and medical providers diagnose conditions.

The reliance on claims data also means researchers could not assess the severity of individual motor symptoms or examine the role of lifestyle factors, genetics and family history, they noted.

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Additionally, the data only captured adults who were enrolled in public insurance programs, potentially leaving out older individuals who rely strictly on private health insurance.

Because people on the autism spectrum may already struggle with coordination, repetitive behaviors or executive functioning challenges, experts say early indicators of Parkinson’s disease can be missed or mistaken, potentially delaying essential care.

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"Patients with autism can have atypical movements that can be misdiagnosed as Parkinson's if the examiner is not accustomed to diagnosing it," Murray confirmed.

The researchers emphasized the need for physicians, long-term care facilities and family caregivers to closely monitor older autistic patients for motor decline so interventions can begin as early as possible.

Recently, I was on an extended business trip across the United States that ultimately touched upon planes, trains, automobiles, ships, bridges and majestic skyscrapers. Along the way, I honestly paused in awe to marvel at modern jetliners; the engines pulling passenger and freight trains cross-country; driverless taxis; four-football-field-long megacruise ships; the George Washington and the Golden Gate bridges; and 60-story-plus office towers in New York City, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

As I pondered them all over the course of the trip, I had two immediate thoughts. The first being that, in one way or another, those modes of transportation and that stunning and often historic infrastructure all held human life within and upon them. The second was that all were devised and built via meritocracy.

DEI, identity politics and woke dictates played no role in their construction. Nor should they ever, when what is being designed and built will eventually determine the safety of human lives.

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My third and overriding thought was: "That’s all about to be thrown out the window once the ‘religion’ of wokeism comes roaring back into play across the spectrum of our lives." If you think otherwise, I most humbly believe you either have not been paying attention to current events or are fooling yourself via the cliché: "Ignorance is bliss."

To be clear, I don’t care if someone is female, male, Black, White, brown, straight, gay, trans, liberal, conservative, faith-based or an atheist. If that person happens to be the best person for the job based solely upon merit and real-world experience, they should get it. Period.

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But if that person is being inserted into the flight deck of a commercial aircraft; the control tower of an airport; the bridge of a military or commercial ship; behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler; into a police force or fire department; or behind the controls of a major utility simply because of "identity politics," then the lives in the hands of those occupations are exposed to much higher risk simply to appease an ideological narrative.

There are many people — myself included — who strongly believe that DEI never went away. That it was never "defeated" or "crippled." Rather, we believe that it was placed in a purposeful "sleeper mode" by the powerful prophets of "woke" who were simply biding their time while riding out the peak influence of President Donald Trump and his MAGA movement.

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If the Democrats retake control of the House of Representatives — and quite possibly the Senate — on Nov. 3, expect those identity-politics-pushing prophets to signal their various flocks to fire up the DEI machines across the corporate, academic, political, media and governmental spectrums.

As a stark reminder of the malicious power DEI can wield, we have these exposés: the first being the recent report from the head of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) which outlined in detail that his agency uncovered "irrefutable evidence that the nation's largest banks have denied, debanked and discriminated against customers and lawful businesses."

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No surprise at all that many of those targeted were conservative or faith-based. Regarding this seemingly DEI-fueled discrimination, Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould stressed in part: "Americans should have access to financial services regardless of their beliefs, affiliations, or political views."

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Tim Scott, R-S.C., told Fox News Digital: "Debanking Americans over faith or politics is simply un-American. Expect to hear more from the Banking Committee on this important issue when Congress returns."

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U.S. banks targeting elements of their own customer base because of politics and faith because they happen to operate via the dictates of woke and staffed via identity politics is not only chilling, but dangerous. And yet, such illicit conduct not only exists, but might soon be dialed up to "blast."

Going back to the DEI-compromised airline industry, we first have this recent editorial from The Wall Street Journal: "Flying the Socialist Skies at United CEO Scott Kirby wants a wealth tax. How about more leg room instead?"

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Kirby, who, according to the Journal, made over $32 million in compensation last year, now wants to tackle "wealth inequality" in the United States. Of course he does. Not surprising, as he has seemingly long been a fan of woke and DEI.

Back in 2021, Kirby pushed DEI hiring practices to the max by stating in part: "Over the next decade, United will train 5,000 pilots who will be guaranteed a job with United after they complete the requirements of the Aviate program — and our plan is for half of them to be women and people of color."

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Kirby continued: "We're excited that JPMorgan Chase has agreed to support our work to diversify our pilot ranks and create new opportunities for thousands of women and people of color who want to pursue a career in aviation."

JPMorgan. Interesting. Would anyone be surprised to learn that JPMorgan has also been implicated in the "debanking" scandal?

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I have a wild idea for Kirby: How about hiring only the most-qualified pilots based entirely upon merit? And if half of them happen to be women and minorities, all the better.

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The planes we fly; the ships we sail; the trains that move us from city to city; the bridges we cross; and the skyscrapers we ascend via elevator are all testaments to genius and meritocracy. But very soon, all may be designed and built not by the most qualified, but someone who checks an ideological identity politics box.

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DEI is about to come back with a vengeance if political control switches hands on Nov. 3. If — and when — it does, the lives of countless Americans will be put at more risk in service to woke over merit.

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To say that expectations were high at USC heading into the 2026 college football season would be an understatement.

The Trojans, especially head coach Lincoln Riley, were adamant that this year would be different than the recent disappointments. SC finished 9-3 in 2025, brought in the number one recruiting class in the country, added some talent at key positions in the transfer portal, and returned starting quarterback Jayden Maiava after a strong 2025. They hired former TCU head coach Gary Patterson to run the defense. In theory, the elements had finally come together to return the program to prominence. And they said as much.

"The time is now," the marketing campaign went. Riley gave interviews in the spring, including one to On3, where he said the administration got "serious" about competing at the highest levels of college football.

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"USC had to get really serious about being great in the sport again," he explained. " I give the school administration — everybody — credit. They have.

"Taking this over, you knew you had to go fight like hell just to try to get this window opened," Riley said. "And we’re at a point right now where there’s a lot to be excited about and a lot in front of us. It’s been a lot of work for a lot of people, a lot of commitment from a lot of people to get there, and it should be a lot of fun these next few years."

"We came here to win championships," he continued. " A lot of us have been fortunate enough to be a part of a lot of championships. We certainly didn’t come here for anything less. We’ve got to go buckle down and improve and really come together, but there’s the makings of a championship-level football team in that building right now."

Fast-forward to late-October, and they're anything but. After an inexcusable loss to Wisconsin this past weekend, USC is now 6-2 and unranked in the AP Poll. While they had a nice win over Penn State in a hostile "White Out" environment in Happy Valley, the Trojans lost at home to a very mediocre Oregon Ducks team playing a backup quarterback.

The seven points they scored against the Badgers on the road, after a bye week no less, represented the lowest point total of any Lincoln Riley-coached team. With a senior quarterback in his third season in the program and a very highly-paid offensive line. Naturally, the defense wasn't good enough to keep the game close. It never is.

The performance, the record, the mediocrity, the consistent underachievement ... all of it has led to rampant, and growingly serious, speculation that Riley's job is contingent on a strong finish to the season. Perfect timing to host Ohio State and go on the road to face Indiana.

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Part of the speculation is the assumption, or the observation, that Riley doesn't seem fully connected to the USC program. That he's ready to move on as much as the SC fanbase is ready to move on from him.

He addressed those questions and opinions at a news conference this week, saying that he's fully committed to staying in LA and that SC is where he belongs.

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"Listen, if I didn't want to be at this place, I wouldn't have come here in the first place. I've had plenty of opportunities to leave," Riley explained Tuesday afternoon. "This is where I want to be. This is the right place for me. I'm the right person to be here. And that's as honest and transparent as I can be with you guys.

"I love it here. I mean like I told you guys a lot of times — there's not many people in college football history that gave up what I gave up to come here," Riley said. "I don't care if it's 15 years down the line, that never should be taken lightly. It's certainly not taken lightly by me. I came here because I believe in this place and none of that has changed whatsoever."

That's an interesting way to put it, because it's not exactly clear what Riley "gave up" to come to SC. He got a huge raise in salary. He locked in a massive buyout, ensuring generational wealth no matter how well he coached. He went from living in Norman, Oklahoma, to a palatial $35 million mansion on top of a hill overlooking the Pacific Ocean, acquired for him by USC. What was the big sacrifice he made? Theoretically losing favor with Oklahoma fans, but uh, you know, $100+ million can make up for some mean comments by anonymous message board accounts.

Riley said that he has a great relationship with USC's Athletic Director Jen Cohen, and said she's been a "huge part of the progress that we've made."

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Though again, it's not clear what progress he's referring to. USC went 11-1 in the regular season in his first year in LA, thanks in large part to Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams. They haven't won 10 games since, and have to win while playing three top-10 teams to do so in 2026.

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As for his demeanor, which can sometimes give off the impression he doesn't care, Riley addressed that too.

"When you're a head coach of a blue-blood school, you have to be ready to weather the storms, the overly positive or the overly negative," he said. "Typically, what I've learned from doing this for a few years, I haven't learned it all, but the truth typically lies somewhere in the middle. And that's typically where it's at even if you know that it's going to sensationalize. And so my job is to stay steady."

Well, that's all true. And all well and good. But when your team comes out lifeless for road game after road game, loses games it should win to programs like Minnesota, Maryland and Wisconsin, and struggles against Oregon or Notre Dame, it's reasonable to question. Watching what Curt Cignetti has done at Indiana, or even Bob Chesney in his first year at UCLA, it's easy to see why there's such disappointment in Riley's work at SC. There's little toughness, discipline, or consistency on the roster. And always another special teams mistake.

Riley might be committed to USC, but that's a two-way street. And Saturday's game, Ohio State playing with potentially a true freshman backup quarterback on the road, might be enough to end the Trojans' commitment to him. Baylor anyone?

There is a reason that Megan Rapinoe only does interviews with people she knows won't challenge her. It's the only way the former soccer star won't end up red-faced or storming off in a fit of rage.

Her answers leave her too vulnerable. Her comments sit on the summit of Mindless Mountain.

Her recent sit-down with comedian W. Kamau Bell proved as much.

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Among the topics the pair discussed was trans people in women's sports, which Rapinoe has been a staunch advocate for.

Here's how it started.

Bell: "There's a lot of talk about how damaging trans women are to sports, so I give you credit for not being afraid to stand with trans people of all types, but also trans women in sports."

Rapinoe: "I am appalled, I think at just, like, the lack of basic humanity and empathy that people are showing and just the amount of fear and hate, and I just think the silence of athletes is a lot."

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Basic humanity and empathy? Fear and hate? One could just as easily argue — or better yet, more convincingly argue — that she lacks empathy toward the women and girls who are losing competitions or sharing locker rooms with biological males. Last week, I saw a girl forfeit her cross country season because she chose not to race against a boy. She wasn't giddy about this. She broke down in tears while hugging her mother. Does Rapinoe feel empathy for her?

As for athletes being silent? Megan might want to take that as a sign. It's probably not that they're afraid to stand with her on this issue — it's that they likely disagree with her, as do most Americans. And unlike Rapinoe, who can't lose a spot to a male, these athletes are still active and under that threat.

The interview continued.

Bell: "Why aren't you afraid of trans women in sports? Because that's the big fear is that it's like, suddenly it's LeBron James with a wig on, blah blah blah."

Rapinoe: "Yeah, and that example isn't happening, and I don't think it's ever going to happen. I think there's a lot that trans people have to go through. If you're a trans person in sports to even play, it's like you couldn't just say, one day, 'I'm a woman' and go play. That's not how it works."

Excuse me, but ... HAHAHA. That is exactly what happened with the high school cross country runner in Camas, Washington. He started the year on the boys team, finishing 76th in a junior varsity race. Then he switched to the girls team, where he's won one varsity race and finished second in three others. And not that it should matter, but he hasn't seemed to do anything to try and present himself as a girl. Not even a name change. So, yeah, Megan — it's happening.

Rapinoe continued with the pièce de résistance: "And for me, one of the biggest things is God forbid somebody be good at sports and have some sort of advantage — and, by the way, sports is not fair in any sort of way ever. Right?"

Bell (clapping his hands): "Yeah, it's not meant to be fair."

Rapinoe: "Yeah, what's fair?"

Bell: "I always point to [the 7-foot-4 Spurs center] Victor Wembanyama. Is that fair?"

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Rapinoe: "What does that mean, even? It's already not fair, and also, just like, it isn't the most important thing in the world over someone's human rights or getting to play or being cruel to people. I don't know. I've won everything at every level, and played, you know in sort of every competition, and I'm just kind of like, I'm the one who could speak to it. Like, I'm okay if God forbid a trans person play sports and they're halfway decent at it."

Yes, Rapinoe has won at everything at every level and played in every sort of competition. But do you know what one of those competitions was? Her U.S. National team playing a group of 15-year-old boys from Dallas and losing 5-2. So, in that sense, she is uniquely qualified to speak to boys playing in girls sports. She knows they'll kick girls' behinds.

But even more asinine is the notion that sports aren't meant to be fair — along with Bell's attempt to equate Wembanyama's natural advantages with those of a transgender athlete.

If sports weren't meant to be fair, there wouldn't be rules or referees. There wouldn't be punishments for performing enhancing drug use, weight classes in boxing or age limits in Little League. There is always going to be someone who's the best — whether it be Usain Bolt, Michael Jordan or Michael Phelps. But exhibiting athletic supremacy isn't unfair. Allowing men in women's sports, on the other hand, defies the very reason we separate the sexes. Simply put: If there was no separation, women's sports wouldn't exist.

Personally, I don't think Rapinoe actually believes what she's saying. She saw firsthand what those 15-year-olds did to the best women's international soccer team in the world.

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She's pandering to a woke crowd and refuses to be challenged. The woman famous for kneeling only accepts interviewers who bend their knee to her.

The Republican National Committee rejected the narrative that both parties engage in similar tactics after a New York Times report exposed Democrat-linked efforts to recruit a second "Dan Sullivan" onto Alaska’s Senate ballot, saying Republicans are focused solely on securing elections while Democrats are "trying to be fraudulent."

"No, both sides of the aisle don’t do this," RNC election integrity communications director Ally Triolo told Fox News Digital on Thursday. "Our entire effort here at the RNC is securing elections, making them fair and free and honest."

"We are doing the exact opposite of what Democrats are trying to do. Democrats have voted time and time again against the Save America Act. They have voted against common sense safeguards.

DEM STRATEGIST SHRUGS OFF ALASKA BALLOT SCANDAL ON MS NOW, INSISTS 'THIS STUFF HAPPENS ALL THE TIME'

"We couldn't be more different from Republicans versus Democrats, and I honestly hope people see this straight in the eye with what's happened out of Alaska, that Democrats are completely disingenuous. They have ill intentions. They're trying to disenfranchise voters, and, of course, trying to be fraudulent.

"This is fraudulent behavior, and they need to be held accountable to the fullest extent."

The Times reported Wednesday that Senate nominee Mary Peltola’s campaign, aides from the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and others worked to place a retired teacher named Dan J. Sullivan on the ballot.

JASON CHAFFETZ: DEMOCRATS TRIED TO TRICK ALASKA VOTERS. PELTOLA MUST ANSWER

"Republicans, we tried to fight this months ago and draw attention to this Democrat scheme," Triolo said. "And look, no wonder Democrats are against election integrity because they don't want to be held accountable for trying to disenfranchise voters and cheat the system."

"It has been abundantly clear from the get-go that this was a ploy to try to sway voters, confuse voters, take votes away from the real Sen. Dan Sullivan," she added. "And that is exactly why you saw the DOJ intervene just last week to make sure there were protections in place before the election could be certified to make sure everything was above board. And now we have this bombshell report coming out exposing exactly what we have been saying, and I think this points to the larger issue of Democrats continually fighting election integrity, because again, they have admitted that they cannot win fair and square when safeguards are in place."

TRUMP SAYS 'WE ARE LOOKING INTO' OTHER DAN SULLIVAN ON ALASKA BALLOT, WARNS ABOUT GOVERNOR'S RACE

The RNC election integrity unit has a major on-the-ground operation in Alaska, she said, including an in-state director, attorneys, observers and poll workers, and that President Donald Trump and the Justice Department have already moved to address the issue.

The DOJ last week sued to block certification of a potential Peltola win if votes for the second Sullivan could have changed the outcome, and a senior DOJ official told Fox News on Thursday that the criminal investigation has intensified, with officials examining possible civil-rights violations under 18 U.S.C. §§ 241 and 242.

Vice President JD Vance said authorities should "certainly look into whether [Peltola] committed election fraud," describing the effort as an attempt to "steal a Senate seat." Senate Majority Leader John Thune called it a "coordinated effort" and "totally dirty pool."

SEN DAN SULLIVAN BRANDS PELTOLA’S ALLEGED BALLOT SCHEME A ‘SCANDAL AT THE HIGHEST ORDER’

There is an "aggressive criminal investigation" into Daniel J. Sullivan Jr. appearing on the ballot, sources told Fox News. That investigation has only intensified since the Times' reporting but has been underway for several months.

This investigation, being run by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Alaska, is expected to go beyond Tuesday's Election Day, and there will not be any sort of indictment or heavy grand jury activity before then.

'DECOY DAN' SULLIVAN CASE LEADS TOP SENATOR TO BREAK FOUR-YEAR X SILENCE: 'PATTERN OF LIES'

The DOJ thus far has declined to comment on the matter.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has also ordered a state investigation. Peltola’s campaign and DSCC officials have denied involvement in recruiting the second Sullivan to confuse voters, issuing warnings that "both sides" put up spoiler candidates in elections.

The Alaska Supreme Court previously ruled the second Dan Sullivan could remain on the ballot under state law.

"The RNC is heavily invested in protecting the vote in Alaska since this scheme came out," Triolo said. "We've been fighting it, drawing attention to it, doing everything we can to educate voters.

DEM BUCKS PARTY OVER ALLEGED ALASKA VOTE-SIPHONING EFFORT: 'NEITHER PARTY SHOULD BE DOING IT'

"We are heavily invested in securing Alaska and obviously this scheme is an absolute fraud. You saw President Trump come forward and say that Mary Peltola, the fake Dan Sullivan, all of these individuals should be held accountable not only for lying about their affiliation with the scheme, but also just for trying to deceive voters.

"We are seeing this play out in real time. Even The New York Times, the left-wing media, has no choice but to hold them accountable for their schemes.

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"So I think what we need to stay focused on, as Republicans, is that we need to keep the majority. This is why this midterm election feels like a presidential, because so much is at stake."

Fox News' David Spunt, William Mears and Jake Gibson contributed to this report.

Cavities aren't the only Halloween candy hazard — many sweets can cause a fright to teeth and dental work even in adults, a dentist warns.

Hard sweets can crack a tooth, while sticky treats can pull out dental work, potentially turning a trick-or-treat haul into an expensive dental visit, according to Dr. Marc Lazare, a New York City dentist who has practiced for nearly 30 years and focuses on biomimetic dentistry.

But Lazare isn't trying to spook people. 

YOUR FAVORITE GROCERY AND SNACK ITEMS MAY HAVE DISAPPEARED FROM STORE SHELVES IN 2026

"I'm never going to be the dentist who says, 'Don't enjoy Halloween. Don't have candy,'" he told Fox News Digital. "I love Halloween."

It's all about moderation, he said.

As a dentist, he said he evaluates candy by how it could damage teeth: "Can it harm the enamel? Can it contribute to decay and cavities? Can it pull out a filling or a crown? Can it crack a tooth?" 

People with fillings, posts, crowns, existing cracks or teeth weakened by grinding are particularly vulnerable, he noted.

Hard sweets can force people to crunch down, which may crack or split a tooth, especially one that has already been restored, Lazare said.

GEN Z EATS NEARLY TWICE AS MANY SNACKS AS BOOMERS, WITH EXPERTS WARNING THEY'RE REPLACING REAL MEALS

"Anything where you have to force a crunch is not good," he said.

Super-sticky candies and caramels can cling to teeth and pull out fillings or crowns. Chewy sweets can get stuck between teeth, prolonging sugar exposure and what Lazare called an "acid attack."

Sour candy can also expose enamel to acid, he warned. He recommended avoiding snacking throughout the day to help limit acid exposure.

BEST FOODS FOR REDUCING DANGEROUS BELLY FAT AND PROTECTING HEART HEALTH

Candy isn't the only Halloween treat that can haunt your teeth, Lazare noted. While raisins are often seen as a healthier alternative for trick-or-treaters, they can stick to teeth and also contribute to prolonged acid exposure. 

"Raisins are probably one of the worst things you can have for your teeth," he said.

Lazare said his treat recommendation would be chocolate, which melts and dissolves quickly. Dark chocolate is best, he said, because it tends to be lower in sugar than other candy, but beware of fillings like raisins and toffee in that chocolate.

If you do indulge in some Halloween candy, Lazare said, some easy tips can help mitigate the damage.

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Rinse with water and wait about an hour before brushing because acid can temporarily soften tooth enamel and brushing immediately may increase wear. Then maintain your regular brushing and flossing routine. 

Sugar-free gum can also help clear food from teeth and get saliva flowing, Lazare said.

If a crown or other restoration comes out, "don't panic," he said. "Stop chewing on that side, save any crown or restoration that comes off, and contact your dentist promptly. Never try to reattach it with household glue."

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Anyone experiencing severe pain, swelling or significant bleeding should "seek urgent dental care," he said.

Some restorations may be reusable, depending on their condition.

The main goal, Lazare said, is prevention, a central tenet of his biomimetic approach, which focuses on preserving natural tooth structure for the long term. 

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"We want to prevent damage rather than have to repair it," he said.

Test your news knowledge with this week's Fox News Digital News Quiz, featuring a Senate election controversy and a surprising revelation about the Playboy Mansion's most frequent customer.

Looking for another challenge?

A federal indictment handed down to Virginia state Sen. L. Louise Lucas and a political post from actress Natasha Lyonne were featured in last week's News Quiz.

Test your knowledge of famous feuds, skin secrets and a lot more in this week's American Culture Quiz.

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If you're looking to play even more, you can find all of our quizzes by clicking here.

Check back next week for the latest News Quiz from Fox News Digital. Thanks for playing!

"There is a panoply of drugs out there that will destroy your kids," says retired NYPD inspector and Fox News contributor Paul Mauro.

Following recent college deaths and allegations around a campus cocaine trafficking ring, Mauro said America's students are now the primary prey for a relentless and deadly drug trade.

"If you're sending a kid off to college these days, you better sit that child down and give that child a hard primer on what could possibly happen," he said.

FIT fentanyl poisoning death

A recently unsealed indictment shows Moises Freire, 19, and Brian Peralta, 18, both from Queens, New York, are facing charges after a young woman was killed and another seriously injured after they were allegedly poisoned by fentanyl.

Reports indicate Annabel Richter, 20, was killed after she ingested the drug supplied by the men, who allegedly told her it was simply "cocaine."

She had moved from Brazil to live in the U.S. to pursue her studies at Manhattan's Fashion Institute of Technology, the New York Post reported. She was found unresponsive with another female victim in a dorm room.

According to the federal indictment, Freire allegedly raped the victim and "waited approximately 45 minutes to contact campus security" about the woman being unconscious.

Mauro questioned why there wasn't more media attention on the case.

"It happened on a campus and the only thing I can conjure is that it happened in New York City, and so the powers that be as we come into an election season would rather these rape stories or these campus crime stories occur someplace far from New York where they could have any impact on the elections here," he said.

The indictment also alleges Freire texted photos to his friends of one unconscious victim, who was "naked below the waist."

Read the indictment here:

The second victim sustained "serious bodily injury" and regained consciousness after receiving life-saving care in the hospital.

Court records indicate both men pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to federal charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance resulting in death. Freire is additionally charged with distributing a controlled substance with the intent to commit rape.

In a statement, FIT President Jason Schupbach said in part, "We are thankful to our teams from Public Safety and Residential Life for their immediate response in March, and also to the Department of Justice and the NYPD for their actions in March and their continued focus on this case. As a community, we continue to support each other through difficult times."

Ole Miss deaths

Campus drug deaths extend beyond New York City, including at the University of Mississippi, where federal prosecutors and local authorities launched intensive investigations following the deaths of two students.

Ole Miss students Aidan Hamilton, 18, and Robert Strang, 20, were found dead of suspected drug overdoses in September.

TWO OLE MISS STUDENTS FOUND DEAD AS PACKAGED KRATOM IS RECOVERED AT TWO SITES: OFFICIALS

WHAT IS KRATOM? RISKS OF POPULAR SUBSTANCE REVEALED AFTER COLLEGE STUDENTS' DEATHS

Investigators recovered packages of kratom-related products or "gas station heroin" at both scenes where the victims were discovered.

The discovery prompted federal charges against a vape shop clerk and his son for illicitly selling dangerous, banned compounds disguised in retail packaging.

The deaths sent shock waves through the campus community, intensifying urgent warnings from law enforcement about unregulated substances flooding college towns.

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"It really is a minefield out there these days, and it's not an accident. Our enemies know what they're doing, and your kids are the target," Mauro said.

Fox News Digital reached out to Ole Miss for comment.

Penn State cocaine ring

Adding to the mounting national crisis on campuses, Pennsylvania's top prosecutor, Attorney General Dave Sunday, announced sweeping charges against 14 men — including current and former students — following an investigation into an alleged cocaine trafficking organized crime ring.

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Investigators revealed that the network operated out of off-campus fraternity houses, including Sigma Chi and Delta Upsilon.

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At the center of the enterprise, authorities identified former student Agostino Abbatiello, 24, as the primary ringleader and kingpin, aka "Pablo Pledgescabar."

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According to a criminal complaint, fraternity pledges were forced to cut, package and bag large quantities of cocaine for the operation.

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The drugs were then distributed widely among Penn State students across the University Park campus.

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The drugs were coming from larger networks like Philadelphia and New York City.

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Mauro said the networks rely on supply from foreign countries.

"You got the Chinese making this stuff. It goes to the cartels in Mexico and South America. It gets brought up here into the country, and it's [distributed onto campuses now]," he said.

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"They keep coming. Why? Chinese make this stuff in labs. They just change the formula all the time, and one of the reasons for that is they want to stay ahead of the charging here in America, the charges that get captured by the drug laws," he said.

Penn State said in a statement, in part: "While the problem of illicit narcotics is a global issue, the recent allegations of drug trafficking taking place so close to the University Park campus is very concerning."

"In prevention efforts, Vice President for Student Affairs Andrea Dowhower shared a message with the Penn State community last month, and additional messaging has been sent directly to students and parents related to health and safety, including on alcohol, drugs and hazing," the school added.

With the midterm elections approaching, data centers have become an increasingly popular political target. Politicians are raising alarms about their impact on communities, with some calling for construction moratoriums or outright bans.

There's been plenty of fearmongering. But the more Americans learn about data centers, and the more communities experience their benefits firsthand, the stronger the case for continued development becomes.

Data centers have existed for decades, but the rapid growth of artificial intelligence has dramatically increased the demand for computing power. Americans understandably have questions about what this development means for electricity prices, water supplies, and their quality of life. Newer facilities are increasingly being designed with technologies that can address these concerns, including closed-loop cooling systems and quieter operations.

DATA CENTERS COULD BE THE SLEEPER ISSUE OF THE 2026 MIDTERM ELECTIONS

Yet much of the national debate overlooks what data centers are already delivering to communities across America.

Take Ellendale, North Dakota, a town of 1,100 people. Before Applied Digital's new $11 billion data center development, the town collected roughly $400,000 annually in sales taxes. In the first seven months of 2026 alone, that figure jumped to $3.5 million.

THIS TINY FARMING TOWN YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF IS HELPING MICROSOFT SELL AMERICA ON DATA CENTERS

That revenue is helping the city repave its roads and renovate its senior center. A historic opera house is being restored. For a small town, this kind of investment can transform the community for generations.

And Ellendale is far from alone.

Schools across America are seeing enormous benefits from the data center boom.

In Richland Parish, Louisiana, Meta's massive investment has helped fund an increase in annual teacher bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $50,000.

Think about what that means for a working family. Teachers who have dedicated their careers to educating children are receiving a life-changing financial benefit, while the school district becomes an attractive destination for talented educators.

It's hard to imagine a politician campaigning against higher teacher pay or better schools. Yet those are precisely the kinds of benefits communities stand to lose when development gets blocked.

PROPOSAL WOULD PAY HOMEOWNERS 'DATA CENTER DIVIDENDS' TO COUNTER GROWING BACKLASH

The benefits extend to homeowners struggling with the rising cost of living.

In Loudoun County, Virginia, data centers generate 45% of county revenue. That enormous tax base has allowed local officials to cut homeowner property tax rates every year for a decade.

TO BEAT CHINA IN AI, AMERICA MUST WORK WITH COMMUNITIES — NOT AROUND THEM

In neighboring Henrico County, local leaders used data center revenue to fund a $60 million Affordable Housing Trust Fund, helping young families and first-time buyers purchase homes.

At a time when housing affordability is dominating political conversations, building data centers is helping some communities make the American Dream a little easier to achieve.

Electricity prices are another major concern, and understandably so. Families are already struggling with higher utility bills, and the arrival of a major new industrial customer can raise legitimate questions about who pays for new infrastructure.

But the enormous, predictable electricity demand from data centers also creates opportunities to finance new generation and grid investments, spreading infrastructure costs across a larger customer base.

In Georgia, agreements involving new large electricity customers, including OpenAI, are projected to lower residential power bills by $180 annually by 2029.

With the right arrangements in place, the arrival of data centers can mean lower costs for the families already living in these communities.

And the benefits extend well beyond tax revenue and household expenses.

Trade unions have been among the most vocal supporters of data centers because of the good-paying jobs they create. Building these facilities requires years of work for skilled tradesmen, with new projects creating opportunities for the next generation of American workers.

In Baltimore, Maryland, IBEW Local 24 expanded its membership by 50% alongside data center construction. In Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, IBEW Local 163 doubled its ranks following construction of an Amazon data center.

Politicians have spent decades promising to bring back good-paying blue-collar jobs. Here is an industry creating enormous demand for exactly those workers.

Of course, developers have a responsibility to work with residents and local governments to address legitimate concerns. Communities deserve clear answers about electricity costs and water use. They should also understand how the investments taking place in their backyards will benefit local families.

But when data centers are developed responsibly, the economic benefits can be enormous. Communities are rebuilding roads and improving schools. Homeowners are seeing lower tax burdens, and skilled workers are finding new opportunities.

For decades, politicians have campaigned on championing the Forgotten Man and bringing economic opportunity back to communities that have struggled to attract investment.

Now, data centers are delivering billions of dollars in private investment to many of those very places.

We're watching a new industrial boom take shape across America, creating jobs and revitalizing communities that Washington has spent decades promising to help. Before politicians rush to stop it, they ought to take a serious look at what those communities are gaining.

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And they should consider what their constituents stand to lose.

Alaska Republican gubernatorial candidate Bernadette Wilson said she was not surprised Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, crossed party lines to endorse her Democratic opponent in the governor's race.

Wilson told Fox News Digital that Murkowski endorsed Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins on Tuesday because the two share similar views on taxation and Alaska's oil industry.

"It should not surprise anyone. They're two peas in a pod, and I can tell you that as governor," Wilson told Fox News Digital.

FORMER STATE REP TOPS RANKED-CHOICE SLUGFEST AS ALASKA ADVANCES NOMINEES FOR GOVERNOR

"It doesn't surprise me that she is supporting the just keep taxing JKT," Wilson continued. "You know the guy that supports an increase in income tax, the guy that wants to double the fuel tax here in Alaska, the guy that has said ‘Hey I’m gonna come after the oil companies,' the guy that does not support paying out a full permanent fund dividend."

In August, during a candidate forum hosted by the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, Kreiss-Tomkins said he believes "broad-based tax and revenues of that nature are likely going to be necessary to balance our budget."

DEM SENATE HOPEFUL VOWS TO UNLEASH ALASKA OIL — BUT HER RECORD TELLS A DIFFERENT STORY

Wilson argued that Kreiss-Tomkins' economic policies align with Murkowski's, accusing both politicians of supporting what she described as "socialist policies."

The Republican candidate said she has been "sounding the alarm since 2010 about the fact that she was [subscribing] to extreme liberal socialist policies," referring to Murkowski.

Wilson also said she would not "assign motive" to Murkowski's decision to endorse Kreiss-Tomkins, though she did not rule out the possibility that the endorsement was intended as a rebuke of President Donald Trump.

Trump endorsed Wilson on Oct. 13, days before Murkowski announced her support for Kreiss-Tomkins.

Murkowski has opposed several legislative priorities backed by Trump during the 119th Congress, including the SAVE America Act, which would impose additional proof-of-citizenship requirements for voter registration.

In an op-ed for The Wall Street Journal in July, Murkowski wrote that "as written, the SAVE America Act isn’t a simple fix to safeguard elections, as proponents claim. It would impose costly new barriers and prevent some, perhaps many, from voting, while also creating chaos before the November elections."

JOHNSON'S STRATEGY TO BYPASS DEMOCRATS' SAVE ACT BLOCKADE SURVIVES KEY VOTE, HANDING GOP BIG WIN

In January, Murkowski joined Senate Democrats in voting in favor of the War Powers Resolution, which failed but could have limited Trump’s ability to take military action against Iran.

The president then took to Truth Social to state that Murkowski "should never be elected to office again."

If elected governor, Wilson pledged in her video interview that she would continue to "sound the alarm" about Murkowski, whom she described as a "so-called Republican senator."

The candidate also characterized Murkowski's political positions as "absolutely terrible."

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Murkowski and Kreiss-Tomkins did not respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.

In my first career, I stood in courtrooms as a defense attorney dealing intimately with the fallout of organized crime and gang violence. I have cross-examined operatives, analyzed thousands of pages of gang intelligence and witnessed firsthand the brutal efficiency of transnational syndicates. If my time immersed in the legal trenches of the gang world taught me one undeniable truth, it is this: cartels do not respect international borders. In fact, they weaponize them. For too long, the jurisdictional lines on a map have served as the greatest defense strategy for the world's most violent criminal organizations.

We have treated multinational, multibillion-dollar criminal enterprises as localized law enforcement problems. Fortunately, the landscape of international justice is shifting. The U.S.-led "Shield of the Americas" initiative, which recently designated eight major criminal groups as foreign terrorist organizations, is fundamentally rewriting the playbook on how we dismantle these syndicates.

There remains one critical holdout, Brazil, whose president is not expected to join this critical coalition. Indeed, the re-election of incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva all but ensures an increase in organized criminal activity in Brazil.

ICE ARRESTS MORE THAN 100 ALLEGED GANG MEMBERS IN SINGLE WEEK, INCLUDING VIOLENT MS-13, TDA SUSPECTS: DHS

The reality of the modern syndicate

To understand the necessity of this initiative, one must understand how modern cartels operate. In the courtroom, you quickly realize that the street-level gang members, like the MS-13 triggermen or the Tren de Aragua enforcers, can be the lowest rung on a massive, sophisticated corporate ladder.

These organizations operate with the logistical precision of Fortune 500 companies. They manage complex supply chains, launder money through intricate global financial networks and employ specialized cells for enforcement, distribution and corruption.

At times, our legal framework has been outmatched by their agility. A drug shipment might originate in the Andes, be financed through a front company in Central America and be distributed by local gangs in American cities. When law enforcement attempts to build a case, they can hit a variety of bureaucratic obstacles and challenges sharing evidence, securing extraditions or tracing illicit funds across different countries. The cartels know this and deliberately structure their operations to exploit operational disconnects between regional governments.

EXCLUSIVE: FBI EXTRADITIONS SOAR AS PATEL RAMPS UP FOREIGN OUTREACH, VOWS 'NO SANCTUARY'

The power of the terrorist designation

By officially designating eight major cartels and gangs, including the Sinaloa cartel, the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) and Tren de Aragua, as foreign terrorist organizations and specially designated global terrorists, the U.S. government dramatically altered the legal reality.

RUBIO DESIGNATES ECUADORIAN GANG LINKED TO DRUG TRAFFICKING A TERRORIST GROUP

The terrorist designation unlocks a completely different enforcement arsenal. It allows for the immediate freezing of assets, imposes severe penalties for anyone providing "material support" and authorizes deep, aggressive disruption of their financial networks.

You cannot arrest your way out of a cartel problem — you must disrupt the business itself. By targeting their money and imposing serious consequences on the seemingly legitimate financial institutions that launder it, the Shield of the Americas strikes at the absolute core of cartel power. It equips law enforcement to fight proactively and focus on strategic dismantling of cartel financial infrastructure.

DRUG CARTEL KINGPIN AMONG TARGETS IN SWEEPING TRUMP CRACKDOWN ON ALLEGED MEXICAN CORRUPTION NETWORK

Hemispheric intelligence and military coordination

Equally crucial is the initiative’s mandate for unprecedented intelligence sharing and military coordination. Currently, countries like Argentina, El Salvador, Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay and Chile are participating in the Shield of the Americas.

EXCLUSIVE: TRUMP’S NEW SECURITY ALLIANCE FACES FIRST REAL-WORLD TEST DEEP IN SOUTH AMERICA AS TROOPS DEPLOY

This will help break down silos where one law enforcement agency has one piece of the puzzle, while authorities in Colombia or El Salvador hold the rest. Without a streamlined mechanism to share that data, the kingpins remain untouchable.

The Shield of the Americas facilitates the real-time sharing of actionable intelligence among partner nations. This means that a cartel operative’s communications intercepted in Lima could be instantly used to disrupt a trafficking route in Central America and ultimately support a federal indictment in New York. Furthermore, joint military coordination ensures that the sheer firepower of these cartels could be matched.

The Brazilian loophole

The final critical piece of this initiative is Brazil, South America’s largest nation.

CONSERVATIVE WAVE HITS ROADBLOCK IN BRAZIL AS LULA HOLDS OFF BOLSONARO CHALLENGE

Brazil is a continent-sized nation with its own deeply entrenched criminal organizations, most notably the Primeiro Comando da Capital (PCC) and the Comando Vermelho. These groups have grown into major forces in the global drug trade, forging alliances with international cartels and expanding their reach far beyond Brazilian borders. Unfortunately, the current government has abstained from joining the U.S.-led effort, which is expected to continue in light of the recent presidential election.

Brazil’s participation would have a tremendous impact. The cartels would lose one of their most significant safe havens and operational hubs in the hemisphere. A unified front stretching from the U.S.-Mexico border down to the Southern Cone would squeeze transnational syndicates from every direction. It would close the geographical and jurisdictional gaps they have exploited for generations.

The human cost of cartel operations is staggering. Hundreds of thousands of American lives have been lost to cartel-linked fentanyl overdoses, while communities across Latin America have been destabilized by extreme violence and corruption.

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The Shield of the Americas represents a profound modernization of our approach to international justice. By recognizing these cartels for the global terror threats they are, strangling their finances and uniting the hemisphere's law enforcement and military resources, we are finally fighting the battle on equal footing.

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If more nations commit to this alliance, we will not just be managing the cartel problem; we will be systematically dismantling it. The cartels have operated globally for decades. It is long past time the law did the same.

What lit a fire under billionaire SpaceX CEO Elon Musk this midterm cycle?

He’s given more than $445 million to Republican candidates and causes this year, making him the single biggest disclosed donor in the 2026 midterms — and the biggest single donor in a midterm cycle ever.

According to the most recent data, he’s given:

REPUBLICAN CAVALRY ARRIVES FOR KEN PAXTON AS BIG-BUCKS TEXAS OFFENSIVE OPENS CASH FLOODGATES

• An estimated $189 million to support Ken Paxton’s Senate bid in Texas.
• $10 million to the Republican Governors Association campaign fund, including funds for the gubernatorial race in New York state.
• At least $5 million to the GOP PAC MAGA Inc., which is building a strong ground game in key races in both the House and Senate.

SENATE CONTROL IS A COIN FLIP — AND DEMOCRATS’ PATH RUNS THROUGH TRUMP COUNTRY

All this makes the $288 million Musk gave to help elect President Donald Trump and Republicans in 2024 look miserly.

Why so much more? Because Musk realizes that keeping the Republican majority in Congress has become crucial to America’s secure and prosperous future.

On his social media platform, Musk shared a post last week agreeing that Democrats "must lose" the midterms. Critics claim he’s doing this because he fears investigations by a Democrat-controlled Congress. The truth is, he understands what it takes to build a strong America and what threatens to tear it down.

He’s not alone. He’s been joined by other tech and financial billionaires who are spending tens of millions to protect America’s future from the Democrats.

WARREN GETS DEFENSIVE WHEN PRESSED ON DEMOCRATS ACCEPTING BILLIONAIRE DONATIONS

Tech entrepreneurs and venture capital giants Marc Andreessen and Ben Horowitz are major contributors to Trump’s MAGA, Inc.

Citadel’s Ken Griffin has spent at least $40 million to support Republican candidates.

Blackstone CEO Steve Schwarzman and his wife Christine have put up almost $32 million to Republican-affiliated political organizations and super PACs this election cycle.

It’s not just tech billionaires who’ve opened their wallets to the GOP. Uline founders Elizabeth and Richard Uihlein have reportedly put up $124 million for their own Restoration of America PAC, and roofing company ABC Supply Chairman Diane Hendricks has given $25 million to MAGA, Inc.

'DARK MONEY’ GROUP ACCUSED OF 'SCHEME' TO TIP ELECTION IN FAVOR OF DEMOCRATS, MANIPULATE GOP VOTERS

In 2025, we saw the denizens of America’s high-tech sector — Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, Apple’s Tim Cook and key Google executives — paying out millions for Trump’s inauguration festivities. Bezos, Cook, Zuckerberg and OpenAI’s Sam Altman even attended the inauguration in person — as did Elon Musk.

What did they understand about Trump and the GOP that the media didn’t?

This midterm cycle, according to The Washington Post, total Republican-leaning mega-donors have contributed $1.7 billion this cycle with Musk leading the way, compared to $832 million from Democratic-leaning givers.

Critics dismiss these donors as superrich oligarchs and robber barons trying to protect their ill-gotten money. Critics are wrong, tragically wrong. The truth is, the key stewards of our private sector economy are taking bold action to protect America’s future.

That’s because they see two possible paths to the future, and only two. One makes America strong, prosperous and secure, with tax cuts, investment, energy dominance and a strong, unequaled military.

One deals finally with the Iran that has destabilized the Middle East and killed thousands around the world, including American soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, for four decades.

One sees the need to cut what the GAO says could be as much as $500 billion of fraud from the federal budget — the cause that rallied Elon Musk to the DOGE agenda in the first place.

One sees American AI dominance as key to protecting our freedom.

One sees restoring America’s manufacturing and industrial base as key to protecting prosperity.

All that stands on one side. On the other is a party that makes unsustainable policy promises like "Medicare for All."

A party that will give back the uncontrolled government spending spree that drove cumulative inflation up 21% during the Biden years.

A party cradled in corruption, waste and fraud, as exposed first by DOGE and now by Vice President JD Vance’s anti-fraud task force.

A party that has consistently presented weakness and prevarication to America’s foes, whether it’s Iran or China or the Muslim Brotherhood.

Finally, a party that threatens to mobilize the same radical forces that have turned the streets of France and European cities into battlegrounds.

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The choice is clear to Elon Musk, and our private sector’s best and brightest founders and entrepreneurs. Those 77 million Americans who voted for Donald Trump in 2024 now face the same choice. It is either to return to the voting booth in order to protect America’s safe and prosperous future or hand Congress over to those who want to bring back a bankrupt and discredited past.

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The choice seems easy. It will be America’s tragedy, and ours, if we don’t take it together.

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Alaska Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola is facing an onslaught of social media criticism over a resurfaced quote that critics say reeks of hypocrisy, following an explosive New York Times report this week.

"It should be a criminal offense to lie or mislead the electorate," Peltola says in the clip from August posted by the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) on Wednesday, shortly after The New York Times reported that her campaign was actively involved in a scheme to peel votes away from incumbent Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan by recruiting namesake and spoiler candidates.

Conservatives on social media quickly shared the post and suggested that Peltola should be investigated based on her own words.

"Your terms are acceptable," Townhall columnist Dustin Grage posted on X.

MARY PELTOLA'S CAMPAIGN, DEMS BACKED COVERT SCHEME TO FIELD SPOILER CANDIDATES IN ALASKA SENATE RACE: REPORT

"Turn yourself in, Mary Peltola," conservative radio host Jason Rantz posted on X.

"Amen, Mary! " former Trump campaign national press secretary Hogan Gidley posted on X.

"Well, that’s ironic… ," Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., posted on X.

"Agree!!! " Fox News contributor Marc Thiessen posted on X.

ALASKA'S GOVERNOR ORDERS INVESTIGATION AFTER NYT REPORT ON ALLEGED DEM-LINKED SENATE ELECTION SCHEME

The New York Times report rocked the Alaska Senate race, which could determine the balance of power in the Senate, as questions now swirl over the legality of the campaign's alleged actions. The Department of Justice and the state of Alaska are both investigating the genesis of the alleged scheme to recruit Dan J. Sullivan into the race against incumbent Dan S. Sullivan.

Fox News learned Wednesday that federal prosecutors are conducting an "aggressive criminal investigation" into how the second Sullivan secured a spot on Alaska's ballot, according to two sources familiar with the probe. Investigators are preparing grand jury subpoenas and examining potential violations of voters' rights, with the investigation expected to continue beyond Election Day. The DOJ declined to comment.

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Alaska's Republican Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced that he was ordering a probe into the matter.

"Today’s New York Times reporting reveals disturbing new evidence of an organized effort to manipulate Alaska’s elections by recruiting candidates — including one with the same name as an incumbent U.S. Senator — to deliberately confuse voters and misdirect their votes. The Alaska Division of Elections investigated these very concerns in June of this year. The new reporting substantially supports the Division’s findings," Dunleavy noted in a post on X.

"I am therefore directing the Department of Public Safety to investigate whether this scheme violated Alaska’s laws and whether criminal charges or civil action are warranted. The evidence will determine what happens next," the GOP governor continued.

The DOJ has issued dozens of subpoenas in the past 24 hours, reportedly looking into whether the campaign violated federal law by conspiring against the rights of voters. Others have argued the alleged actions are not illegal, and simply a "dirty trick" that is sometimes utilized in campaigns.

Fox News Digital reached out to Peltola's campaign for comment.

Peltola has dismissed reports of the alleged election scheme as "just another distraction," arguing that The New York Times’ report was solely purposed to "sell newspapers."

Her campaign also continues to assert innocence, previously telling Fox News in part that the Alaskans for Mary campaign "has no involvement with either Sullivan campaign."

The Green Bay Packers opened Week 8 with a crucial win, keeping pace in a tightly contested NFC North race.

Jordan Love threw for 288 yards and three touchdowns as Green Bay defeated the Carolina Panthers 27-19 at Lambeau Field Thursday night.

Bryce Young was sacked six times and threw an interception as Carolina lost its second straight game. Despite the setback, the Panthers remain atop the NFC South and hold the head-to-head tiebreaker after defeating division rival Atlanta in Week 2.

BREWERS CONTINUE WORLD SERIES CELEBRATION, RAISE COMMISSIONER’S TROPHY AT LAMBEAU FIELD DURING PACKERS GAME

Packers wide receiver Christian Watson got taken to the hospital after injuring his chest in the second quarter, only to return to the game in the second half.

Watson’s injury occurred as he made a 53-yard catch, with Panthers cornerback Will Lee also getting hurt on the play while making a diving stop. Lee was carted into the locker room with a hamstring injury and didn’t return to the game.

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After getting sent to the hospital for examination, Watson returned to Lambeau Field and received a huge ovation as he headed back to the field after the Packers had extended their lead to 27-10 in the third quarter. Watson returned to the game later in the third, after Ryan Fitzgerald’s 50-yard field goal made it 27-13.

Brewers take victory lap at Lambeau Field

Less than 24 hours after the Milwaukee Brewers captured the franchise’s first World Series title, the team’s celebration continued roughly 120 miles north at Lambeau Field.

Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff brought the Commissioner’s Trophy onto the field Thursday night at the end of the first quarter. Teammates Christian Yelich and Sal Frelick also joined the celebration.

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Watson had six catches for 100 yards before leaving the game.

The Packers will face New England on Nov. 8, while the Panthers will host the Denver Broncos in Charlotte in Week 9.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Seemingly every other game in the NFL these days, there's a scary injury that requires transportation and tests at the hospital. Just in the past few weeks, Jalen Hurts' blood clots and Terry McLaurin's awful leg injury were major stories around the league.

During Thursday night's game, that injury went to Green Bay Packers star wide receiver Christian Watson. On a play that also hurt a defensive back.

Watson was in the middle of a huge night against the Carolina Panthers at Lambeau Field, racking up six catches for 100 receiving yards in the first half. His big play came when he brought in a 53-yard catch on a deep ball from Jordan Love about midway through the second quarter, setting the Packers up in great field position as they drove down for another score.

But he hit the ground hard while colliding with Panthers cornerback Will Lee III, and was slow to get up. Lee himself also had to be helped to his feet thanks to a hamstring injury, eventually needing the cart to leave the field.

TERRY MCLAURIN CARTED OFF, MIKE EVANS HURT AS 49ERS HOLD OFF COMMANDERS 23-17 ON BRUTAL MNF

But Watson's injury, at first glance, seemed more serious. The 27-year-old was transported in an ambulance to a hospital near Lambeau Field, undergoing precautionary checks for a chest injury, while Lee was deemed doubtful to return to the game himself. But that's where the story gets crazier, and so much better.

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Not long after leaving for the hospital, Watson, miraculously, returned to Lambeau Field. Quite literally driven back to the stadium in the ambulance, cameras caught him running out of the tunnel back in full pads to, unsurprisingly, a raucous reception from the home crowd.

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Seems like Watson either never got out of pads while going to the hospital, going through medical tests while in full uniform, or did an extremely fast quick change. Then he was driven back to the stadium in an ambulance, running directly from the tunnel out to the field. Less than an hour after sustaining what looked to be a scary, and painful, injury.

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And sure enough, Watson returned to the game not long afterward. Even pulling in another reception, as Love found him for a six-yard completion in Carolina territory right at the start of the fourth quarter. Incredible.

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That drive wound up in a Love interception, but the Packers still took a 27-13 lead into the middle part of the fourth quarter. And they have their star wide receiver back, somehow, after a brief detour to a local hospital. Not that most fans doubt NFL players are tough, but absolutely nobody will be questioning Christian Watson's toughness and commitment to his team anytime soon.

Less than 24 hours after the Milwaukee Brewers captured the franchise’s first World Series title, the team’s celebration continued roughly 120 miles north at Lambeau Field.

Brewers pitcher Brandon Woodruff brought the Commissioner’s Trophy onto the field Thursday night at the end of the first quarter of the Green Bay Packers’ game against the Carolina Panthers. Teammates Christian Yelich and Sal Frelick also joined the celebration.

Frelick embraced the moment by attempting a Lambeau Leap of his own, drawing a warm reaction from the Packers faithful.

BREWERS STAR CHRISTIAN YELICH PAYS TOUCHING TRIBUTE TO LATE, BELOVED BROADCASTER AFTER WORLD SERIES WIN

Milwaukee could come to a standstill Friday, with thousands of fans expected to line the streets for a victory parade celebrating the Brewers’ long-awaited championship.

Wisconsin’s largest school district, Milwaukee Public Schools, announced it would close Friday, citing operational and safety concerns. However, the closure will also give faculty and students the opportunity to enjoy the parade.

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The parade route will run through downtown Milwaukee before ending with a fan fest at Henry Maier Festival Park.

The Packers are likely hoping to build on the Brewers’ success, despite not having won or reached a Super Bowl since the 2010 season.

The Brewers’ Game 5 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays to clinch the World Series title and the Bucks' 2021 NBA Finals victory means the Packers now own the longest championship drought among Wisconsin’s major men’s professional sports teams.

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Green Bay entered Thursday night’s game coming off a Week 7 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Panthers jumped out to a 3-0 first-quarter lead. The Packers responded by taking a 20-10 halftime lead and extending the advantage to 27-10 in the third quarter.

Three people were killed when two helicopters collided midair near an Oregon airport Thursday afternoon, crashing in a field and prompting authorities to close a nearby highway.

A Robinson R22 helicopter and an Airbus H125 helicopter collided near McMinnville Municipal Airport around 2:15 p.m. local time, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed in a statement to Fox News Digital.

The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office confirmed Thursday that all three people aboard both helicopters died in the crash.

The two victims aboard the Robinson R22 helicopter were identified as 22-year-old flight instructor Maddie Aasbo, of Texas, and a student pilot from the United Kingdom, according to the sheriff's office. The student's identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The sole occupant of the Airbus helicopter was identified as Tyler Delane Sturdevant, 38, of Newberg, Oregon.

TWO NAVY JETS CRASH MIDAIR AS CREW SUCCESSFULLY EJECTS DURING IDAHO MILITARY BASE AIR SHOW

The collision occurred in a field off Oregon Route 233, about one mile west of Dayton, according to Oregon Department of Transportation spokesperson Mindy McCartt.

McCartt told Fox News Digital that the highway and some nearby county roads were closed at the request of emergency responders. She said there was no estimated reopening time.

DASHCAM VIDEO CAPTURES SMALL PLANE CRASHING ON SAN JOSE HIGHWAY, INJURING THREE ON BOARD, INCLUDING CHILD

McMinnville Airport Manager John Paskell told Fox News Digital that the collision occurred off airport property and did not disrupt airport operations. The airport remained open without closures or restrictions.

Paskell said he understood that both helicopters were based at the airport but could not confirm what activities they were conducting or how the collision occurred.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) responded to the scene and are leading the ongoing investigation into the collision, according to the sheriff's office.

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The cause of the collision has not been determined.

The Yamhill County Sheriff's Office and NTSB did not respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.

Multiple customers at a Chili's Grill & Bar reported experiencing chemical burns Wednesday after consuming margaritas that had been prepared with an industrial cleaning chemical that was mistaken for sugar or salt.

The Foothills Health District said the incident unfolded at a restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina.

Three customers consumed the contaminated margaritas, while two restaurant employees also reportedly experienced symptoms after exposure to the chemical, according to the health district.

ROACHES CAUGHT CRAWLING ACROSS POPULAR STEAKHOUSE'S KITCHEN FLOOR IN VIRAL EMPLOYEE VIDEO

According to preliminary findings, the mix-up began Monday when an employee received an industrial degreaser from a contracted worker and placed it in an unmarked container.

The container was then brought inside the restaurant and left in the bar area.

Two days later, an employee preparing the bar for lunch service discovered the unlabeled container and, believing its contents to be sugar or salt, used the chemical to prepare the margarita station, the health district said.

Shortly after the restaurant opened, three customers consumed the contaminated beverages and "immediately experienced discomfort and chemical burns in and around their mouths."

After the customers alerted staff, two employees also tasted the substance and reported similar symptoms.

CHILI'S REVIVES ICONIC RED BOOTHS AND CLASSIC DESIGN IN NATIONWIDE RESTAURANT OVERHAUL

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Chili's said the company took immediate action to support those affected.

"We are aware of an isolated incident at our restaurant in Forest City, North Carolina that resulted in injuries to two of our guests and Team Members. Our team took immediate action to support those affected and avoid any further injuries. We are actively investigating the circumstances related to this incident as the health and wellbeing of our guests and Team Members remain our top priority," the company said.

The company’s account differed from the Foothills Health District’s preliminary findings, which said three customers experienced chemical burns after consuming the margaritas.

After the Foothills Health District launched an investigation, the restaurant's food service permit was immediately suspended.

It was quickly reinstated on Thursday after specialists determined the restaurant met all other food safety standards.

MORE THAN 12,000 POUNDS OF BACON RECALLED AFTER USDA ISSUES HIGHEST-RISK ALERT

The health district used the incident to remind all food service establishments in North Carolina that chemicals must be properly labeled and stored away from food-handling areas.

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"This incident highlights the importance of proper chemical labeling, storage, and handling in food service establishments, as required by the North Carolina Food Code, to prevent chemical contamination and protect public health," Jason Masters, the health director of Foothills Health District, said in a statement.

June Jones, a longtime football coach who made an impact at the college level, died at the age of 73 on Thursday.

Jones was placed in hospice care two weeks ago, as he’s dealt with health issues earlier this year, per the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

The University of Hawai’i, where Jones served as head coach from 1999-2007 after playing quarterback for the Rainbow Warriors, confirmed his death.

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Timmy Chang, Hawai’i’s current head coach, became the NCAA’s all-time passing yards leader under the tutelage of Jones. He said "words can’t express the sorrow" he feels learning of his old coach’s passing.

"Coach Jones was a father figure, a mentor, and a visionary who revolutionized the game," Chang said in a statement, per ESPN. "He believed in a young kid from Hawai’i and gave me the opportunity of a lifetime to run his offense. And his impact didn’t stop when my playing days ended. He guided me every step of the way as I transitioned into coaching, always making time to share his wisdom and support me when I took over this program.

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"He put Hawai'i football on the map and showed us all what was possible. We lost a true legend today, but I will spend the rest of my career trying to honor his legacy, his passion for this university and the Aloha he shared with everyone he touched. My deepest condolences go out to his 'ohana and all those who he impacted."

After playing college ball at Hawai’i, Portland State and Oregon, Jones signed as an undrafted free agent with the Atlanta Falcons, whom he spent four seasons with, backing up quarterback Steve Bartkowski. He started five games in his NFL career, winning just one.

Jones’ coaching career began right after his playing days were over. He eventually worked his way to become the Falcons’ head coach from 1994-96, and he would be named the interim head coach of the San Diego Chargers in 1998.

He had an opportunity to remain in place, but he decided to head back to Hawai’i to become its head coach. Jones led the Rainbow Warriors to conference titles in 1999 and 2007, the latter season being a historic one.

Hawai’i began the season 12-0 and made the school’s first-ever BCS bowl game (Sugar Bowl).

"The 2007 season and making the Sugar Bowl, that went over what anybody ever thought was possible," Honolulu Mayor Rick Blangiardi, a former Rainbow Warriors player and assistant coach, said in a statement. "I was on the field for the game [against] the University of Washington. We were down 21 points, not once but twice, and still came back to win against a very formidable opponent. That kind of coaching and who he was was very, very special. He leaves an incredible legacy here. June was very special, we will miss him, but his legacy will live on."

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Jones’ career took him to SMU next, where he was head coach from 2008-14. He also coached in the USFL and CFL.

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