Happy New Year 2025

Tag: Ahead

Brittney Griner exits: WNBA star found threatening note ahead of speech

Brittney Griner, a 10-time WNBA All-Star, was a no-show for a speaking engagement she was booked for just outside of Washington, D.C.

The Atlanta Dream center’s decision stemmed from a note she discovered near the entrance to her hotel room in National Harbor, Maryland. Griner was scheduled to speak at the Women Grow Leadership Summit on Feb. 17. But, event organizers informed attendees that Griner pulled out after she saw “threatening objects and words” outside her hotel room.

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Oct 29, 2024; Phoenix, Ariz, U.S.; WNBA player Brittney Griner joins Poder Latinx to promote “Cabalgata to the Polls”, a horseback riding event and live Banda music to celebrate National Vote Early Day. (Joe Rondone/The Republic/USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

The note in question contained the words “Gay Baby Jail,” WUSA 9 reported. The words appeared to be written on a piece of duct tape.

The Prince George’s County Police Department confirmed the launch of an investigation at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, the site of the conference.

2025 WNBA DRAFT NO. 1 PICK ODDS: PAIGE BUECKERS HEAVILY FAVORED

“Detectives have learned the phrase ‘gay baby jail’ is commonly used as a video game reference,” a statement from police obtained by TMZ Sports read. “At the time the tape was located, a large convention was taking place at the Gaylord which attracts thousands of people, many with an interest in anime as well as video game enthusiasts. At this time, detectives have uncovered no link to or threat against the guest who located the tape.”

Gold medallist Brittney Griner of United States holds the U.S. flag. (REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein)

Women Grow is an organization that brings women together with the goal of promoting leadership within the cannabis industry. Women Grow CEO Dr. Chanda Macias told WUSA9 that the hotel staff claimed the message was a cruel joke which a previous guest left, which was ultimately not removed by housekeeping.

“I don’t know what their protocols are, but I don’t know why rooms wouldn’t be cleaned,” Macias said.

Investigators did add that “detectives are working to determine who placed the piece of tape, when it was done and the intention behind it.”

A 2013 interview with Sports Illustrated is believed to have marked the first time Griner pubically discussed her sexuality. During the interview, Griner was asked about the differences in public acceptance as it related to male athletes vs. female athletes revealing their sexuality.

Phoenix Mercury center Brittney Griner pauses on the court during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Seattle Storm, Sept. 3, 2019, in Phoenix. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

“I really couldn’t give an answer on why that’s so different,” Griner told the outlet at the time. “Being one that’s out, it’s just being who you are. Again, like I said, just be who you are.” Griner added that she did not prioritize what others thought of her personal life.

“Don’t worry about what other people are going to say, because they’re always going to say something, but, if you’re just true to yourself, let that shine through. Don’t hide who you really are,” she said.

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Griner, a two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, has been married to Cherelle Griner, since 2019. The couple welcomed their first child together in July 2024.

Griner spent the first 11 seasons of her WNBA career with the Phoenix Mercury. She signed a contract with the Dream in January.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 19, 2025
Russia frees US citizen detained on drug smuggling charges ahead of talks between Moscow, Washington

A U.S. citizen arrested in Russia earlier this month on drug smuggling charges has been released from Russian custody.

Kalob Wayne Byers, 28, was detained on Feb. 7 at the Vnukovo airport in Moscow after cannabis-laced marmalade was allegedly found in his luggage by customs officials. Byers was traveling from Istanbul with his Russian fiancée, who was also taken into custody.

It was not immediately clear whether Byers’ fiancée, identified by Russian media as Naida Mambetova, was also released. She was placed in pre-trial detention on the same charges.

Russian authorities said Byers had attempted to smuggle a “significant amount” of drugs into the country. He was taken into custody on drug smuggling charges, punishable by up to a decade in prison.

AMERICAN DETAINED IN RUSSIA IDENTIFIED AS KALOB WAYNE BYERS

Kalob Byers, 28, was detained in Russia on Feb. 7 on drug smuggling charges. (Moscow City Court’s Press Office/Reuters)

Byers, now freed from Russian custody, is staying in the U.S. embassy in Moscow as he awaits a flight home, his parents wrote on social media, according to Russian independent news outlet Meduza. A U.S. official confirmed that Byers was released to the embassy late on Sunday evening, according to The Associated Press.

Russia freeing Byers appears to be part of an effort to ease tensions between Moscow and Washington ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday.

When asked about Byers, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Monday that Moscow expects “to discuss restoring the entire complex of Russian-American relations” at the Saudi Arabia meeting “so certain events can be viewed in this context.”

Tensions between the two countries had already begun to soften in recent weeks.

A U.S. citizen arrested in Russia earlier this month on drug smuggling charges has been released ahead of talks in Saudi Arabia between Moscow and Washington. (Contributor/Rebecca Noble/Getty Images)

Last week, President Donald Trump upended three years of U.S. policy toward Ukraine and Russia, stating that he and Russian President Vladimir Putin had agreed to begin negotiations on ending the war.

Americans being arrested in Russia has become increasingly common in recent years, as relations between Moscow and Washington have soured because of Russia’s war against Ukraine, which began in February 2022.

Some Americans have been released in prisoner exchanges, including Marc Fogel, a teacher from Pennsylvania who was jailed in Russia on drug charges. He was freed last week.

US CITIZEN ALLEGEDLY CARRYING CANNABIS DETAINED IN MOSCOW, CHARGED WITH NARCOTICS SMUGGLING: RUSSIAN MEDIA

Russian prisoner Alexander Vinnik, left, was swapped for American teacher Marc Fogel, right. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images/Aaron Schwartz/CNP/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Fogel was detained at a Russian airport in August 2021 when traveling to work at a school in Moscow. He was sentenced to 14 years behind bars for possession of drugs, which his family said was medically prescribed marijuana.

He was released and flown back to the U.S. earlier this month in an exchange that included returning Alexander Vinnik, a Russian cryptocurrency expert who faced Bitcoin fraud charges in the U.S., to Russia.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

February 18, 2025
Rubio meets Saudi crown prince, foreign minister ahead of US-Russia talks

Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Saudi Arabian officials Monday ahead of planned talks in the country between United States diplomats and their Russian counterparts meant to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war.

Rubio was joined by U.S. National Security Advisor Michael Waltz and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East, in a meeting with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman at his palace in the capital city of Riyadh. Rubio also met with Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud earlier Monday after traveling to Riyadh from Israel during his first trip to the Middle East as secretary of state.

Talks are scheduled for Tuesday in Saudi Arabia between the U.S. and Russia. Ukrainian officials are notably expected to be absent from the negotiating table.

Rubio, Waltz and Witkoff will meet the Russian delegation, State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce said.

NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR SAYS PUTIN, ZELENSKYY AGREE ‘ONLY PRESIDENT TRUMP COULD GET THEM TO THE TABLE’

Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Feb. 17, 2025. (EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Putin’s foreign affairs adviser Yuri Ushakov set off for the Saudi capital on Monday, according to Russian state TV.

Addressing reporters in Moscow on Monday, Lavrov said he looked forward to putting an “absolutely abnormal period” of estrangement between the U.S. and Russia behind them, according to the Washington Post.

“We want to listen to our partners,” Lavrov reportedly said.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the talks will be primarily focused on “restoring the entire range of U.S.-Russian relations, as well as preparing possible talks on the Ukrainian settlement and organizing a meeting of the two presidents.”

Bruce said the meeting is aimed at determining how serious the Russians are about wanting peace and whether detailed negotiations can be started.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan al-Saud receives Secretary of State Marco Rubio at the Saudi Foreign Ministry headquarters in Riyadh on Feb. 17, 2025. (EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

“I think the goal, obviously, for everyone is to determine if this is something that can move forward,” she told reporters traveling with Rubio in Riyadh, according to the Associated Press.

Bruce said that even though Ukraine would not be at the table for Tuesday’s talks, actual peace negotiations would only take place with Ukraine’s involvement.

Tuesday’s talks are expected to lay the groundwork for the summit between Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Trump said he spoke to Putin on the phone last week and they “agreed to have our respective teams start negotiations immediately.” The call upended years of U.S. policy, ending the isolation of Moscow over its Feb. 24, 2022, invasion of Ukraine. Trump phoned Zelenskyy afterward to inform him about their conversation.

Trump on Sunday told reporters that Zelenskyy “will be involved” but did not elaborate.

ZELENSKYY NOT YET SIGNING US ECONOMIC AGREEMENT ‘SHORT-SIGHTED,’ WHITE HOUSE OFFICIAL SAYS

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron is convening an emergency meeting between the main European powers in Paris on Monday to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Speaking on Fox News’ “Sunday Morning Futures,” Witkoff said he and Waltz will be “having meetings at the direction of the president,” and hope to make “some really good progress with regard to Russia-Ukraine.”

Witkoff didn’t directly respond to a question about whether Ukraine would have to give up a “significant portion” of its territory as part of any negotiated settlement. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said last week that NATO membership for Ukraine was unrealistic and suggested Kyiv should abandon hopes of winning all its territory back from Russia.

The Ukrainian president said Monday his country had not been invited to the upcoming talks and won’t accept the outcome if Kyiv doesn’t take part. The U.S.-Russia talks would “yield no results,” given the absence of any Ukrainian officials, Zelenskyy said on a conference call with journalists from the United Arab Emirates, according to the AP. Zelenskyy said he would travel to Turkey on Monday and to Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, but that his trip was unrelated to the U.S.-Russia talks.

Rubio meets with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh on Feb. 17, 2025. On a separate couch are Waltz and U.S. charge d’affaires Alison Dilworth. Witkoff, not pictured, was on another couch in the room. (EVELYN HOCKSTEIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

In an appearance on “Fox News Sunday,” Waltz rejected the notion that European allies are not being consulted on negotiating an end to the Russia-Ukraine war, noting how Rubio, Hegseth, Vice President JD Vance and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent spent last week in Europe meeting with allies. Bessent, in particular, traveled to Kyiv, while Vance met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

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Waltz said one of the key tenants in negotiating a peace deal would be ensuring “a permanent end to the war,” describing how the conflict has devolved “into a World War I-style meat grinder of human beings.” He said long-term military security guarantees have to be European-led, criticizing how a third of NATO countries are not contributing what they agreed upon a decade ago.

As for the billions in U.S. aid sent to Ukraine during the Biden administration, Waltz said the American people “deserve to be recouped, deserve to have some type of payback for the billions they have invested in this war.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Danielle Wallace is a breaking news and politics reporter at Fox News Digital. Story tips can be sent to [email protected] and on X: @danimwallace.

February 17, 2025
Trump applauds ‘guts’ of NASCAR drivers ahead of Daytona 500, sends them special message

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NASCAR drivers will hit speeds of nearly 200 mph when the green flag waves for the Daytona 500 on Sunday as the season begins at Daytona International Speedway.

President Donald Trump was on hand for the start of the “Great American Race.” He led the drivers on a lap before the race started. It’s the second time he’s attended the event.

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President Donald Trump shakes hands with NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Richard Petty at the NASCAR Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Daytona Beach, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

Ahead of the call for drivers to start their engines, Trump talked to FOX Sports’ Jamie Little and applauded the racers for competing in the event.

“They have a lot of courage doing this. I see it and I’ve been here,” the president said. “They have a lot of guts, as they would say.”

Trump, who was joined on the track by his granddaughter, highlighted the progress of the United States since he started his second term as president.

“I think it’s fantastic. I think it’s great for the country,” he said. “The country is doing well again. We have spirit all over the world. There’s spirit again, we brought it back and it’s been less than four weeks. You’ll see what we do in a little period of time. It’s gonna only get better. But this is very exciting.”

Trump had a message for the drivers on their radios before the green flag waved.

President Donald Trump, with granddaughter Carolina, speaks during an interview at the NASCAR Daytona 500, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, in Florida. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

NASCAR FANS CHEER AS TRUMP ARRIVES FOR DAYTONA 500 IN AIR FORCE ONE

“This is your favorite. I’m a big fan. I’m a really big fan of you people. (How) you do this, I don’t know. But I just want you to be safe. You’re talented people and great people and great Americans. Have a good day. Have a lot of fun and I’ll see you later.”

Trump touted the American spirit in a statement before he arrived in Daytona Beach, Florida.

“This iconic race showcases the fastest, most fearless drivers in motorsports, who represent our Nation’s love of tradition, competition, and automotive innovation,” the statement read. “The Daytona 500 brings together people from all walks of life—from lifelong racing fans to first-time spectators—they all join in celebrating a shared passion for speed, adrenaline, and the thrill of the race.

“From the roar of the engines on the track to the echo of ‘The Star-Spangled Banner’ soaring through the stands, the Daytona 500 is a timeless tribute to the speed, strength, and unyielding spirit that make America great. That spirit is what will fuel America’s Golden Age, and if we harness it, the future is truly ours.”

President Donald Trump waves as he arrives at Daytona Beach International Airport, Sunday, Feb. 16, 2025, en route to NASCAR’s Daytona 500. (Pool via AP)

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The president was joined at the track by Eric Trump, Luke Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, John Paul Duffy, Patrick Duffy, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Kathryn Burgum, Sens. Todd Young and Ashley Moody, and Reps. Jason Smith, Byron Donalds and Mike Haridopolos.

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February 16, 2025
NHL exec hopes Canadians avoid ‘unfortunate situation’ of booing US national anthem ahead of rivalry game

The USA-Canada rivalry on the ice is a longstanding one, but the rivalry appears to have gone political.

The bordering countries will take the ice Saturday night in Montreal for the 4 Nations Face-Off, the first time the two countries have played against each other in a best-on-best format since the World Cup of Hockey in 2016.

When Team USA faced Finland Thursday night in Canada, the crowd was anti-U.S., booing the American players and, later, the national anthem despite the public address announcer pleading with fans to respect both anthems.

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Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk celebrates a goal against Team Finland in the third period during a 4 Nations Face-Off game at Bell Centre. (David Kirouac/Imagn Images)

“I think it’s obviously an unfortunate situation. I don’t think anybody likes when anthems are booed or disrespected in any way, and certainly we count ourselves among that group,” Bill Daly, the NHL’s deputy commissioner, told Bloomberg’s “Business of Sports” podcast.

A rivalry is a rivalry, but tensions between Canadians and the United States are high after President Donald Trump announced 25% tariffs on goods imported from the north. He also said Canada could become the “51st state.”

Raptors and Senators fans also booed the “Star-Spangled Banner” earlier this month when American teams visited Toronto and Ottawa. Vancouver Canucks announcer John Shorthouse even joked that a penalty would be 2½ minutes because of the 25% tariffs.

Charlie McAvoy (25), Jake Guentzel (59), Zach Werenski (8), Auston Matthews (34) and Jack Hughes (86) of the United States stand at their blue line during the singing of the United Sates national anthem before a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Vitor Munhoz/4NFO/World Cup of Hocky via Getty Images)

TEAM USA STAR MATTHEW TKACHUK DELIVERS STERN ONE-LINER AFTER CANADIAN FANS BOO DURING AMERICAN NATIONAL ANTHEM

Daly said the NHL is “monitoring the situation.”

“I do think it’s ebbing a little bit,” Daly said. “Our experience just this past week in Montreal was a positive experience, with two American teams playing there. So, I hope that that will continue. Sport is a way of breaking down barriers and bringing people closer together, and we hope that this tournament can help do that, for sure.”

The puck drops at 8 p.m. A win in regulation for the U.S. will clinch a spot in next Saturday’s one-game final. There is a chance the two could play each other for the tournament title when it moves to Boston next week.

Matt Boldy (12) of the United States celebrates with Jaccob Slavin (74), Brock Faber (14), Kyle Connor (8) and J.T. Miller (10) after Boldy scored a goal during the second period of a 4 Nations Face-Off game against Finland at Bell Centre Feb. 13, 2025, in Montreal. (Andrea Cardin/4NFO/World Cup of Hockey via Getty Images)

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Canada famously beat the U.S. in the 2010 Olympic gold medal game in Vancouver with a Sidney Crosby overtime goal.

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February 15, 2025
Vivek Ramaswamy campaign files mandatory paperwork ahead of Ohio gov. bid

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Vivek Ramaswamy’s campaign filed paperwork to begin his widely-expected run for governor of Ohio, Fox News Digital can confirm.

The venture capitalist’s campaign filed its Designation of Treasurer form with Ohio’s Secretary of State on Friday. The form is a requirement before a candidate’s campaign committee makes any expenditures or receives contributions.

The filing represents an official registration for Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial committee. While the filing was made under the name “Vivek Ramaswamy For Ohio” and online records did not note an explicit reference to the gubernatorial bid, Ramaswamy has been heavily hinting about the Ohio governor’s race, which will take place in 2026. Current Gov. Mike DeWine is ineligible to run, having taken office in 2019.

The filing comes nearly a month after it was revealed that Ramaswamy left President Donald Trump’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) initiative. In a statement to Fox News, Trump-Vance transition spokesperson Anna Kelly said that Ramaswamy “played a critical role in helping us create DOGE.”

MUSK AND RAMASWAMY IGNITE MAGA WAR OVER SKILLED WORKER IMIMGRATION

Vivek Ramaswamy speaks before Republican presidential nominee, former U.S. President Donald Trump takes the stage at the campaign rally at Madison Square Garden on October 27, 2024 in New York City. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

“He intends to run for elected office soon, which requires him to remain outside of DOGE, based on the structure that we announced today,” Kelly explained. “We thank him immensely for his contributions over the last 2 months and expect him to play a vital role in making America great again.”

Ramaswamy’s exit from DOGE came after he and Tesla CEO Elon Musk polarized Trump supporters over their support for H-1B temporary worker visas. At the time, Ramaswamy addressed his departure by saying it was an “honor” to help create DOGE.

“I’m confident that Elon & team will succeed in streamlining government,” he said. “I’ll have more to say very soon about my future plans in Ohio. Most importantly, we’re all-in to help President Trump make America great again!”

TOP JD VANCE POLITICAL ADVISORS TO STEER RAMASWAMY RUN FOR OHIO GOVERNOR

Then-Republican presidential candidate and businessman Vivek Ramaswamy speaks at the Republican Party’s First in the Nation Leadership Summit in Nashua, New Hampshire, U.S., October 13, 2023. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

Republican leaders have endorsed Ramaswamy in recent weeks, including GOP Sens. Mike Lee of Utah and Marsha Blackburn of Tennessee. In a post, Blackburn said that Ramaswamy has “a servant’s heart and a brilliant entrepreneurial mind.”

“The people of Ohio would be well served by his leadership, and if he chooses to run, he’ll have my full support,” the Tennessee Republican wrote.

Lee said that he was sure Ramaswamy would win a gubernatorial race in the Buckeye State and that he would “transform Ohio for the better.”

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Vivek Ramaswamy gestures from the stage on Day 2 of the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, U.S., July 16, 2024. (REUTERS/Brian Snyder)

“The results will benefit Ohioans—and Americans—for generations I’m honored to have worked with @VivekGRamaswamy, and I support him wholeheartedly,” Lee’s X post read.

Fox News Digital’s Paul Steinhauser, Alex Nitzberg and Sophia Compton contributed to this report.

February 15, 2025
Philadelphia police officers reenact Eagles’ tush push ahead of Super Bowl parade

Even the Philadelphia police are getting in on the Eagles’ action.

The Eagles celebrated their Super Bowl victory Friday. And just as the Philly Special from 2018 lives forever in fans’ hearts, the tush push will always have a place in Eagles lore.

Made famous for being pretty much unstoppable, the Birds’ tush push has become a staple.

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Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores a touchdown on a tush push during the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs Feb. 9, 2025, at the Superdome in New Orleans. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

And while it’s often imitated, it’s never duplicated, at least not nearly to the Eagles’ success rate.

Philadelphia police officers also imitated the play before Friday’s parade.

A video of the police officer tush push was reposted by the NFL and Philadelphia Police Department.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) scores on a tush push against the San Fransisco 49ers Dec. 3, 2023, at Lincoln Financial Field. (Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

SAQUON BARKLEY GIFTS EAGLES OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TRUCKS OF BUD LIGHT AFTER HIS RECORD-BREAKING CAMPAIGN

Because of a top-notch offensive line and Jalen Hurts’ ability to squat over 600 pounds, the play has been successful over 90% of the time over the last three years for Philly.

The play has become controversial because it seems that it cannot be stopped. However, it’s clear that nobody is as good at it as the Eagles are.

During the NFC title game, the Washington Commanders’ Frankie Luvu jumped offside numerous times trying to jump the snap for the push, and referees almost awarded the Eagles a touchdown in response.

The Eagles busted out the play for their first of many scores in a 40-22 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts smiles on the podium next to defensive tackle Milton Williams (93) after a win over the Kansas City Chiefs in the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

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Friday’s parade was marred by the shooting of two women who sustained leg injuries but reportedly remained in stable condition.

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February 14, 2025
Vance tours Dachau concentration camp ahead of Munich Security Conference: ‘what unspeakable evil’

Vice President JD Vance toured the Dachau concentration camp in Germany on Thursday ahead of the Munich Security Conference and a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set for Friday.

Vance and his wife, second lady Usha Vance, toured the site that has become a powerful symbol of the atrocities committed by Nazi Germany against Jews and other minority groups during World War II.

“What happened here should never happen again,” Vance said to a group of dignitaries near the entrance to the camp.

Vice President JD Vance visits the Dachau concentration camp on Feb. 13, 2025, after his arrival in Bavaria to commemorate the victims and survivors of the Nazi terror regime and the 80th anniversary of the camp’s liberation by American forces on April 29, 1945. (Peter Kneffel/picture alliance via Getty Images)

CAR DRIVER IN MUNICH PLOWS INTO CROWD 1 DAY BEFORE VANCE AND WORLD LEADERS GATHER FOR SECURITY CONFERENCE

“I’ve read a lot in books,” he added. “But being here, and seeing it up close in person, really drives home what unspeakable evil was committed and why we should be committed to ensuring that it never happens again.”

The pair, who toured the site alongside 96-year-old Abba Naor, a Holocaust survivor who was an inmate at Dachau, also laid a wreath with a red, white and blue ribbon at the base of the International Monument – a bronze sculpture that depicts humans entangled in barbed wire.

They then stopped at a wall that reads “Never again” in five different languages. In front of the wall sits an urn with the ashes of an unknown prisoner.

Vice President JD Vance, second lady Usha Vance and Holocaust survivor Abba Naor tour the Dachau Concentration Camp memorial site in Germany, on Feb. 13, 2025. (Tobias Schwarz/AFP via Getty Images)

RUSSIA CLAIMS TRUMP, PUTIN TALK BROUGHT WORLD FROM ‘BRINK OF APOCALYPSE,’ EU WARNS OF ‘DIRTY TRICKS’

More than 200,000 people were held at Dachau between 1933-1945 and experts believe that more than 40,000 people were killed there.

Vance is the latest top American official to visit the site. It was toured by President Joe Biden, both as vice president during the Obama administration and as commander in chief, as well as by Vice President Mike Pence during the first Trump administration.

“I really am really moved by this site,” Vance said. “It’s very important that it’s here, and it’s very important that those of us who are lucky enough to be alive and can walk around, can know what happened here and commit ourselves to do everything to prevent it from happening again.”

Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance lay a wreath at the former Dachau concentration camp, Feb. 13, 2025. (Peter Kneffel/picture alliance via Getty Images)

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Vance’s five-day trip to Europe will also include his attendance of the Munich Security Conference, which begins Friday.

There he will meet with world leaders, including Zelenskyy, alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Vance and the Ukrainian president are expected to discuss President Donald Trump’s plans to end the three-year-long war.

Caitlin McFall is a Reporter at Fox News Digital covering Politics, U.S. and World news.

February 13, 2025
Pro wrestling legend Booker T sets expectations for next great superstar ahead of ‘WWE LFG’

Legendary professional wrestler Booker T will be one of the four coaches tasked to find the next top competitor on the upcoming A&E series “WWE Legends and Future Greats.”

The show, also known as “WWE LFG,” takes 16 budding professional wrestlers and lets them learn under the guided eyes of Booker T, Mickie James, Undertaker and Bubba Ray Dudley. While each coach has their own styles and backgrounds, Booker T has experience as a coach.

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A fan, right, takes a picture with WWE wrestler Booker T before the Houston Dynamo play the Seattle Sounders in the first leg of the MLS Western Conference Championship at BBVA Compass Stadium in Houston on Nov. 21, 2017. (Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports)

Booker T is the founder of the independent promotion Reality of Wrestling (ROW), which became an independent wrestling school for WWE’s latest developmental program, WWE ID. Much like his fellow coaches, he has been through the ups and downs that pro wrestling has to offer. He has been a world champion with WWE, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) and Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling, and he has been on the independent and international scenes.

He explained to Fox News Digital in a recent interview what he is looking for in a pro wrestler.

“How much heart they have, how much they really, really want it, and how far they’re willing to go because with professional wrestling, I tell my students, it’s not going to come to you,” he said. “You got to go to it as far as the studying side of it.

“Do you really want to be a professional wrestler or do you want to just play wrestling? It’s so many different elements that goes into it. But I’m looking for the guy that wants it. It’s hard to judge a book by its cover because you might see the one guy, he may have everything on the outside you’re looking for, but it may have zero on the inside that you’re looking for. On the other hand, it could be totally the opposite.”

Aside from being a prolific singles competitor with multiple world championship reigns, Booker T broke into WCW as a tag-team wrestler with his brother, Stevie Ray. The two were known as the Harlem Heat and took the tag-team scene by storm.

Former WWE Superstar Booker T cuts a promo for the upcoming 2020 Royal Rumble to be held at Minute Maid Park, on Sept. 18, 2019 in Houston. (Bob Levey/Getty Images)

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The Harlem Heat were 10-time tag-team champions in WCW. Booker T also won tag titles with Rob Van Dam, Goldust and Test.

He told Fox News Digital he was not looking for one person to have a certain specialty, rather a person who is ready for any type of challenge.

“I’m looking for someone who can find themselves in situations, and no matter what the situation is, they know how to figure it out,” he said. “A lot of these guys are dealing with this competition from just about every aspect we possibly can put them in – from a tag-team perspective, from a singles perspective, from a surprise perspective.

“There’s going to be so many different elements that we’re going to put them through. They’re going to, like I say, run the gambit as far as that goes. But I’m looking for someone who’s prepared for those situations because, just like I’ve been talking to my students since day one, preparation is the only luck you’re going to have in making it in this business.”

“WWE Legends and Future Greats” features four coaches trying to develop the next great superstar. (A&E)

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 13, 2025
ESPN star warns Chiefs’ Travis Kelce about turning into ‘diminishing player’ ahead of eventual retirement

The Kansas City Chiefs’ bid for a third consecutive Super Bowl title came to an abrupt end Sunday. The Chiefs’ offense was mostly ineffective against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times and finished the game with 257 passing yards. Travis Kelce, one of Mahomes’ most trusted targets, accounted for just 39 of those yards.

The Super Bowl loss also brought Kelce’s 12th NFL season to a disappointing end. He finished the regular season with 823 receiving yards, which marked the second consecutive year the star tight end did not reach the 1,000-yard receiving mark.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce walks off the field after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

He will also celebrate his 36th birthday during the 2025 season. While Kelce did receive Pro Bowl honors for a tenth straight year and remains a productive player, his age and lackluster showing in the big game continued to fuel questions about when he may decide to step away from the game.

Last month, during an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Kelce admitted his thoughts on retirement tend to fluctuate, but he plans to “reevaluate” during the offseason. As the Chiefs’ offseason begins, former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark cited Jason Kelce’s dilemma after last season and compared it to his brother’s current situation.

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“Isn’t Trav sort of in the same place our colleague and friend, his brother, Jason Kelce, was in last year?” Clark asked. “Still feeling like you can still do it and you still have it, but you know you don’t have it like you used to. And it’s gonna be based on whether or not Travis Kelce understands he’s a diminished player and is comfortable with that.”

After the Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs last season, reports surfaced that Jason informed his teammates he had decided to retire. Several weeks later, the offensive lineman confirmed his retirement in an emotional speech.

“When you’re at the highest of highs, when you’re the best pass-catching tight end in the history of the National Football League, it’s hard to go into a game last night, have two drops, not have any impactful catches or impact on the game,” Clark said. “Can Travis Kelce go forward in 2025 and be that person? Especially when so many lucrative opportunities await him in his second career.”

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce waves to the crowd after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Kelce’s four receptions Sunday were enough to secure the record for most career Super Bowl catches with 35. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice held the previous mark with 33. Kelce has also recorded more postseason receptions than any other Chiefs player in history.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after making a catch during warmups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Nov. 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)

Clark suggested Kelce would weigh the “sort of player he wants to be” before making a final decision about retirement.

“Travis Kelce is going to have to take some time, sit down and know what sort of player he wants to be and what sort of life he wants to live, but he’s earned the right to take his time in doing so,” Clark added.

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Kelce has 12,151 career receiving yards and 77 touchdowns in 12 NFL regular seasons.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025