Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his intentions to visit New York in September, undeterred by New York City Council Member Zohran Mamdani’s controversial demand for his arrest over alleged war crimes in Gaza.

During a conversation with Fox News host Sean Hannity, Netanyahu asserted, “First of all, I’m going to New York,” confidently dismissing Mamdani’s declaration last week that deemed him “not welcome” in the city. This reaction follows the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) issuance of an arrest warrant in 2024.

The prime minister vowed to address the situation head-on, saying, “I’m definitely going there,” and expressing his determination to confront what he described as a “hate-spewing elected official” intent on dividing New Yorkers.

Netanyahu specifically accused Mamdani of inciting his followers against the Jewish community in New York, framing the political figure as a source of discord.

“I mean, what are we in the 1930s? What is this?” he remarked, alluding to an era of intense prejudice. “You know, so much hate, so many lies, and you know the big lie is about the ICC … that’s a corrupt, evil organization,” he concluded, adamantly dismissing the allegations.

Mamdani, in a July 21 video statement, admitted that he doesn’t have the legal authority to arrest Netanyahu should he visit New York – but slammed him as an unwelcome “war criminal.” 

The pro-Palestinian, socialist mayor further called on the Trump administration to enforce the ICC warrant and arrest Netanyahu, despite the US government not recognizing the international court’s authority.

Netanyahu said his visit to New York City would come in September, during the United Nations General Assembly meeting. 

The Israeli leader was in Washington Tuesday for late Sen. Lindsey Graham’s funeral. 

Netanyahu praised Graham for being “absolutely unapologetic and unabashed in supporting the American-Israel alliance.”  

“He believed that Israel’s security and America’s security were intertwined,” Netanyahu said, adding that Graham “couldn’t care about the winds of fashion.” 

“He couldn’t care about social media and all these bots that try to play the American people for fools,” the prime minister continued. “He said you have one real ally in the Middle East and in the world, Israel.” 

Netanyahu met with President Trump at the White House before Graham’s funeral and described his sit-down with the commander-in-chief as “one of the best meetings that we’ve had.”

“I always hate to disappoint our would-be critics who are trying to find, you know, cracks in our alliance,” he said, likening the current state of the US-Israel alliance to a “wall of granite.”

“The president is so clear … we have a common commitment. We don’t want to see this fanatic regime in Tehran have nuclear weapons to threaten every American and to threaten the peace of the world and to threaten the existence of Israel,” Netanyahu continued. “So we have a common goal, and it’s going to be achieved either through diplomatic means or other means and we’re both committed to that.”

Tensions within the WNBA over the ongoing transgender athlete debate have intensified, following a striking move by Stefanie Dolson of the Seattle Storm aimed at Sophie Cunningham, her rival on the court.

Cunningham, a standout player for the Indiana Fever, found herself at the center of a heated controversy after expressing concerns about the involvement of trans women in female sports. This ongoing issue was further highlighted during a game held in Seattle, a city known for its progressive views, stirring conversations on Tuesday evening.

Ahead of the Fever and Storm clash at Climate Pledge Arena, Dolson made a conspicuous entrance, wearing a statement t-shirt emblazoned with “trans rights are human rights,” seemingly directed at Cunningham.

The team’s social media pages, both on X and Instagram, were quick to share images of Dolson’s political stance, igniting a robust discussion with fervent feedback from supporters and critics alike.

While Dolson and the Seattle Storm garnered applause from many for their stand, the t-shirt also drew sharp criticism, with detractors describing it with a simple, yet harsh, “Gross.”

Another added: ‘Then you should have no problems playing against biological men.’

Before the WNBA game on Tuesday night, anti-trans protestors also held a rally outside the arena in support of Cunningham, whose comments are continuing to make headlines around the world.

The group held up signs which read ‘Thank you Sophie’ and ‘Protect Female Sports’, chanting in support of Cunningham and her now-viral comments.

Inside the arena, meanwhile, the division continued with both pro and anti-Cunningham signs seen on the ESPN broadcast.

While one fan held up a ‘no hate in these United States’ rainbow banner, another fan’s sign read: ‘Thank you Sophie for speaking up for girls’. 

Reports from outside the arena claimed arguments took place between pro and anti-trans protestors, but it is understood there was no physical violence.  

Cunningham initially sparked the widespread reaction when she underlined her support for the movement aiming to protect women’s sports while talking with ESPN, before later doubling down on Instagram. 

In her initials comments, she said: ‘I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, “I never once said that”. 

‘I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to go against biological men.’

The debate even got as far as the White House, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt telling reporters last week: ‘Men should not be playing in women’s sports. It’s completely ludicrous that anyone could support that.

‘It’s even more ludicrous that you do have Sophie Cunningham, a female athlete herself, very accomplished in her own right, coming forth and speaking that truth that men should(n’t) play in women’s sports.

‘The backlash she is receiving from Democrats and left-wing figures across the country is astonishing. They are clearly very out of touch with the American public on this issue, which again, is an 80/20 issue. It’s common sense.’

Cunningham herself had appeared to double down on her views with a not-so-subtle Instagram post last Thursday afternoon. 

Taking to the social media platform, the WNBA star shared pictures of her arriving before one of the Fever’s recent games, with the caption: ‘I said what I said.’

She also had the location tagged as ‘Women’s Sports’, before later changing it. 

Cunningham, who is a close friend to teammate Caitlin Clark, had already defended her comments before her team’s Wednesday night game against Connecticut Sun.

She told reporters: ‘There’s going to be some negative comments but there’s also a lot of positive comments too. It is what it is.

‘We’re all human, I really don’t care what other people have to say. I said what I said, I think it’s common sense and I think I will always believe in that. I stand on what I said.’

Cunningham was asked if her words signal a move to become more political but she denies having any aspirations to remain outspoken on any other major issues.

‘I am not a very political person but I have beliefs, I have morals and I will always be true to who I am,’ Cunningham said. 

‘I think people are going to take it how they want to take it. When it comes to protecting young girls and women in sports, I feel very strongly about that.’

The topic has become particularly politicized since President Donald Trump returned for a second term in office. He issued an executive order to block trans athletes participating in girls or women’s sports and the Supreme Court recently upheld state bans on trans athletes. 

Asked if her own comments could now ‘come back’ on the trans community, Cunningham said: ‘I extend love, I don’t dislike anyone. 

‘I think there’s room for everyone here and there’s room to love everyone. I truly think when you get people in the same room and you have conversations, you actually have a lot in common with a lot of people.

‘I’m there to love but I am also there to love biological women and I think that there are rights that need to be protected. Like I said, I am going to stand true to that. I’ll never falter in my beliefs for that.

‘But I’ve never said I hated the trans community. I think there is space for everyone.’

Back in 2022, Cunningham faced heavy backlash after sharing a post from CBS Sports host Josh Pate regarding the controversy surrounding former Penn transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and their inclusion on the women’s team.

Pate’s post read: ‘Female collegiate athletes deserve so much better than this’. 

Cunningham was forced to release a statement over the matter, at the time, saying that she ‘stands’ with athletes, but calling for ‘fair’ competition in events. 

Kerri Rawson, known for her connection to one of history’s most infamous criminals, “BTK” killer Dennis Rader, has found herself at the center of a legal storm. Her ex-husband has secured a domestic violence injunction against her, asserting that Rawson frequently conveyed ominous warnings about potential threats on their lives and those of their children. This startling detail was initially uncovered by the New York Post from court records.

Since the shocking revelation of her father’s crimes in 2005, Rawson has carved a path as a bestselling author and a staunch advocate for victims of violent crime. Her personal narrative, marked by growing up under the shadow of one of America’s most feared serial killers, has resonated with many as she shares her experiences across books and speaking engagements.

The legal measure came to fruition when a Florida judge acted on Darian Rawson’s petition, depicting a pattern of behavior that instilled a genuine fear for his own safety and that of their two teenage children. This development underscores a deeply troubling chapter in the lives of those involved.

As part of the court’s decision, Darian Rawson has been temporarily granted full custody of their children. The communication between Kerri and her children has been restricted to digital means only. Furthermore, she has been barred from approaching their residential or educational spaces and is also forbidden from interacting with the family’s pets.

The petition alleged that Kerri Rawson summoned her former husband to an Altamonte Springs police station on Jan. 5, 2025, where she allegedly told him she had psychic abilities that allowed her to determine their children were in immediate danger and would be murdered that morning.

The filing further alleged Kerri Rawson warned police that people were coming to harm the family before later calling 911 and reporting that shots had been fired, several active shooters were at an apartment complex and three people were dead. Officers who responded found the family safe, according to a police report cited by the Post.

Police later located Rawson at Orlando International Airport and transported her to a hospital, where she voluntarily admitted herself, the report said.

The injunction petition said she was later taken into custody under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows authorities to temporarily detain a person for a mental health examination under certain circumstances.

An incident report obtained by the Post described Rawson as “an individual known to make inaccurate and fabricated statements about incidents that did not actually occur, due to mental health issues.”

The Post also reported that Darian Rawson later alleged Kerri Rawson violated the injunction by contacting him multiple times despite the no-contact order.

Dennis Rader murdered 10 people in the Wichita, Kansas, area between 1974 and 1991 while living what appeared to be a normal suburban life with his family. His nickname, BTK, stood for “bind, torture, kill.” He pleaded guilty to the murders in 2005 and is serving 10 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

Rawson published the memoir “A Serial Killer’s Daughter” in 2019 and has appeared in documentaries and television programs discussing her father’s crimes and advocating for victims of violent crime.

A representative for Rawson did not immediately respond to News Media’s request for comment.

J.J. McCarthy’s time in Minnesota could be nearing an end.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter shed light on the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback conundrum on “Get Up” Tuesday morning. According to Schefter, Adam Thielen, a stalwart in the franchise, believes the starting quarterback position is Kyler Murray’s to secure, lending significant weight to Murray’s prospects.

“When Adam Thielen asserts that, it’s logical to conclude that Kyler Murray is the frontrunner for the role,” Schefter elaborated. “Assuming he maintains his current trajectory, the job is his unless we begin receiving reports from training camp that highlight J.J. McCarthy’s marked improvements, notable growth, and the coaches start praising his maturity and ability to rise to the occasion. Until then, it seems Murray will lead the charge.”

Thielen, while speaking on ESPN Monday night, acknowledged that although the job seems to be Murray’s at the moment, McCarthy shouldn’t be discounted just yet.

“If J.J. steps forward and addresses his previous shortcomings, he still stands a chance,” Thielen remarked. “The team invested a first-round pick in him with the hope of his success. Should he prove himself capable, the starting position could indeed become his.”

Former Broncos corner Domonique Foxworth also said if Kyler Murray plays well this season, “then it’s over for J.J. McCarthy there”

Before training camp Tuesday, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell was asked about the team’s quarterback competition, and said both quarterbacks will have the chance to prove themselves. 

“Both Kyler and J.J. will take reps with the first team,” O’Connell told reporters. “They’ll also take reps with the second group, and I think that gives different layers to the evaluation as well.”

Even if O’Connell won’t admit it, it makes sense why Murray may have the upper hand in the competition. 

Though Murray was never a spectacular quarterback over his seven years with the Cardinals, he was rarely a liability and at minimum provided value as a runner. 

Across seven years in Arizona, Murray threw 121 touchdowns and ran for 32 more while helping guide the Cardinals to the playoffs in 2021. 

McCarthy missed all of 2024 with a knee injury and was a mixed bag his first season starting in 2025, tossing 11 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

But he was 6-4 as a starter and the Vikings were 9-8 overall when his season ended because of a hairline fracture in his hand after a January win over the Packers.

On Tuesday night, the United States successfully prevented an Iranian offensive targeting a US base in Jordan, collaborating with Saudi Arabia to launch operations against Iranian-backed militia bases in Iraq.

In a significant development, the US military confirmed the interception of missiles launched by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps. This marks the first direct military encounter between the two countries under President Trump’s administration, who had previously opted for a diplomatic pause.

The attempted strike on US forces stationed in the Middle East occurred around 5:45 pm ET, according to a confirmation from US Central Command.

“All the Iranian missiles were intercepted successfully, ensuring US forces are alert and prepared,” stated their official report.

Following the US’s responsive measures, they issued a stern warning: any additional attacks on American forces or the energy infrastructure in Saudi Arabia could provoke further retaliation.

The US and Iran had experienced a brief period of calm, during which neither announced attacks for days following weeks of escalation over the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Persian Gulf waterway is a narrow chokepoint through which 20 percent of the world’s oil normally flows.

Iran effectively closed the strait when the war began by firing at freighters and tankers off its coast or threatening, too.

Following the signing of an interim ceasefire deal in June, a battle for control over the strait has erupted. 

Iran demanded that ships use a route near its coastline and said it can potentially charge fees. 

Ships were increasingly navigating a southern route along the coast of Oman under a US overwatch operation when Iran attacked some vessels.

Earlier Tuesday, Saudi Arabia said that it shot down drones fired by Iran-backed militias in Iraq for a second day, while Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed to have forced a Saudi oil tanker to turn around as part of their self-styled blockade of the kingdom.

The attacks ended a period of calm between the United States and Iran, neither of which had announced attacks for days following weeks of escalation over the Strait of Hormuz.

The Saudi Defense Ministry said in a statement that air defenses intercepted and destroyed several drones that had attempted to target petroleum facilities in the nation’s eastern region. 

It said the attacks were ‘once again launched from Iraqi territory and carried out by Iran-affiliated terrorist militias.’

Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi ordered security agencies to investigate after the Saudis alleged a similar attack on Monday. 

The Iraqi military said in a statement that Iraq is committed to ‘preventing Iraqi territory from being used as a route or launching point for any attack targeting brotherly or friendly countries.’

The Iraqi militias have denied any role in the drone attacks. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iran-backed armed groups, called the Saudi claims ‘fabrications’ and implied that Monday’s attacks were carried out by the Houthis, who had themselves claimed to have attacked Saudi oil facilities.

Iran and the US paused their fighting over the weekend, though tensions remain high even as officials said mediators achieved progress in getting the two sides back to negotiations.

Tehran said Tuesday that US strikes during an earlier period of escalation destroyed an airport and a marine control tower, and caused damage to 12 bridges and two tunnels, among other infrastructure.

The US military said at the time that it had struck numerous military targets in response to Iranian attacks on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. 

Iran retaliated with missile and drone attacks on Arab countries hosting US forces.

The attack comes the same day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched a charm offensive on President Donald Trump, working top Cabinet members in a place of worship as anxiety grows that Israel could move to widen the war with Iran. 

Netanyahu turned the somber funeral for the late Senator Lindsey Graham at Washington National Cathedral into a backdrop for diplomatic networking.

He rubbed shoulders with Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles and was also seen speaking closely with Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and his wife. 

He was also spotted among senior Trump aides and administration heavyweights including Stephen Miller, Steve Witkoff, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, HHS Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, and Homeland Security chief Markwayne Mullin.

Netanyahu said he had an ‘excellent’ meeting with Trump at the White House on Tuesday, their first sitdown since launching a joint war against Iran that offered Netanyahu a chance to smooth out strains in their relationship.

The closed-door meeting lasted nearly an hour and a half and was ‘positive and productive,’ White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. 

The White House did not immediately offer more details.

It comes as both leaders face growing pressures at home. 

Netanyahu is up for reelection and is embattled in part because of his deteriorating relationship with Trump. 

Trump is under pressure to end an unpopular war that has wreaked economic havoc and driven prices higher ahead of midterm elections this November.

An Israeli official briefed on the meeting said Netanyahu made it clear to Trump and his Cabinet that if Iran were to attack Israel, they would respond, but that beyond that, they would trust the judgment of the president regarding next steps. 

The official spoke on the condition of anonymity to share details of a private meeting.

Despite signs of tension between the two before the meeting, Netanyahu was effusive afterward in a post on Instagram, noting that the meeting included Trump’s ‘entire senior team.’

The US’ ability to intercept Iran’s incoming strikes has become an increasingly salient issue as lawmakers, members of the military and experts raise concerns over the nation’s diminishing stockpiles of missile interceptors. 

The Center for Strategic and International Studies released an analysis Monday that said the nation’s shrunken inventories of Patriot and THAAD interceptors may force the U.S. and its Middle Eastern allies to take more risks to conserve those air defenses.

For example, the Washington think tank said American forces may launch fewer missiles against incoming Iranian drones and missiles, raising the chance of one getting through. 

The Pentagon, however, pushed back against concerns that its capabilities have diminished.

‘America’s military is the most powerful in the world and has everything it needs to execute at the time and place of the President’s choosing,’ Sean Parnell, the Pentagon’s chief spokesman, said in a statement Tuesday.

In a rare and somber moment in Florida’s history, two convicted murderers faced execution Tuesday following the rejection of their final appeals by the U.S. Supreme Court. This marked Florida’s first instance of a double execution since 1964.

The nation’s highest court turned down two separate pleas for stays, thereby clearing the path for the scheduled executions.

Among the executed was James Duckett, a 68-year-old former police officer, whose execution had been initially planned for noon. The process was temporarily postponed as the Supreme Court considered the last-minute stay requests.

Ultimately, Duckett met his fate through lethal injection, with the Florida Department of Corrections confirming his time of death at 1:19 p.m.

Duckett was convicted of raping and murdering an 11-year-old girl in 1987.

The Supreme Court also denied a separate stay for Dominick Occhicone, an 80-year-old who was convicted of murdering his ex-girlfriend’s parents in 1986.

The Florida Department of Corrections said Occhicone’s execution, also by lethal injection, was carried out at 6:13 p.m. local time.

Occhicone became the oldest inmate executed in Florida.

Occhicone’s execution marked the first time Florida executed two inmates in one day since 1964. It was just the second double execution in the U.S. this century and the first since Arkansas executed two inmates in 2017.

Florida executed 19 inmates in 2025, according to a News Media review of Florida Department of Corrections data. The 12 people the state has executed so far this year are more than double the next closest state, with Texas having executed four inmates this year, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Speaking Tuesday at the Florida Sheriffs Association Summer Conference, Gov. Ron DeSantis said his administration is on pace to carry out more executions than any other in Florida history.

“I think we’ll probably end up having done more than any administration in the history of the state of Florida,” DeSantis said.

The governor stressed he does not view the number as a point of pride.

“I’m not, like, taking pride in that because it’s a weighty thing, but to me, as we move through those and bring justice, that makes a big difference for a lot of people out there who suffered really, really serious tragedies,” he said.