New York Magazine columnist Ross Barkan has been accused of plagiarism, launching an internal investigation into his past work.

The accusation began on Thursday after Washington Post reporter Drew Harwell accused Barkan of lifting material from his May 9 piece on The Daily Wire co-founder Ben Shapiro for a similar piece on Shapiro's business. After Harwell highlighted the similarities between the two articles, New York Magazine updated its piece with an editor's note offering credit to the Washington Post, though Harwell explained he wasn't "entirely sure what happened."

After Harwell's comments, NPR correspondent Bobby Allyn found additional examples of what appeared to be Barkan lifting similar phrases and descriptions from The Intercept and Compact Magazine on other reports.

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"The paragraphs in question are summarizing the historical background or context of the stories, with some instances containing the same 30 words in a row, or near identical passages with a word or phrase slightly tweaked," Allyn wrote.

In a comment to Fox News Digital, New York Magazine issued a statement that it would be "conducting a review of the writer's prior work" in light of this report.

Barkan defended his work in his own comment to Fox News Digital, saying that he "did not plagiarize anyone" and "[a]ll of this is ridiculous."

Barkan repeatedly pushed back against the report and criticized Allyn's reporting on his X account during the weekend.

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"Here's a lesson for reporters out there. When you are writing a story, don't email at 11:24 p.m. and threaten someone for comment about a story you publishing 'tonight.' It's deeply unserious. @BobbyAllyn's been doing this a long time, and it sure doesn't show," Barkan wrote on Saturday.

In another post, he wrote, "Between Crain's and New York Magazine in the last calendar year, I have published something like 150 columns. A story is currently being written about 3. One was updated with proper citation, and the other two had proper citations already."

"I get it - media reporters get bored. We all hunt for ideas. We all get obsessed with Twitter. But this is one of the dumber controversies imaginable," Barkan wrote.

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Meanwhile, Harwell has shared NPR's report and stood by his accusation.

"@RossBarkan copied my lede almost word for word. @BobbyAllyn found other questionable passages, and @NYMag is reviewing his work. Now Ross says it's 'one of the dumber controversies imaginable' and 'you become a target after a while when you do this,'" Harwell wrote.

Compact Magazine editor Matthew Schmitz, who agreed that Barkan "heavily plagiarized" Compact writer Juan David Rojas' work, also called out Barkan's comments.

"So @RossBarkan heavily plagiarized a @rojasrjuand article in Compact. He claims that this is a-ok because he linked to Juan’s article. No. That isn’t how it works," Schmitz wrote.

It’s no secret that China is willing to influence and undermine U.S. interests and national security by any means possible. On May 11, Eileen Wang, the mayor of Arcadia, Calif., resigned after pleading guilty to acting as a foreign agent for China, marking the latest high-profile example of the extent of our foreign adversaries’ intelligence operations.

The Chinese Communist Party is targeting U.S. lawmakers and officials, from the state and local levels to our nation’s capital. But not every target of foreign subversion efforts is as easy to compromise as, for instance, failed presidential and California gubernatorial candidate and former representative for California’s 14th Congressional District – Democrat Eric Swalwell. Foreign intelligence assets are equally determined to gain access to principals' aides and staff, a reality that rarely makes national headlines.  

In 2022, a compromised staffer for a Northern Virginia congressman was fired after the employee made repeated attempts to schedule meetings with other congressional offices at the behest of the Chinese Embassy, in order to lobby for the CCP’s priorities.

The U.S. Capitol campus, despite all the visible public security measures, belies the truth that it is still relatively open access for the American people and foreigners alike. Lawmakers and staff, on a regular basis, also often have engagements with foreign diplomats, who each have their own agendas that go beyond small talk at receptions.

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Even foreign entities that may not appear threatening at face value are oftentimes soft power and intelligence conduits for adversarial state actors. Russia-aligned entities, posing as religious or non-political organizations, sought meetings with congressional offices last year, to disseminate Kremlin propaganda and sway U.S. policy.

In a similar manner, individuals with academic credentials with strong ties to the Iranian regime have tried to influence congressional offices to advocate for sanctions relief. These individuals, well known in Beltway foreign policy circles, strive to gain access to lawmakers and their staff and successfully exploit loopholes under the Foreign Agent Registration Act.

The point here is not that members and their staff are totally oblivious to the threat posed by foreign agents. In fact, on May 9, it was reported that a would-be CCP spy had offered $10,000 to a staffer on the Select Committee on China in return for insider information. The staffer promptly reported the incident, and the committee referred it to the FBI for further investigation. Still, this shows that foreign agents can be subtle as well as bold in their attempts to gain access to classified information or compromise a target.

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What’s clearly needed is a far more serious focus on deterring the threat posed by foreign intelligence operations. For this reason, I, along with House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence Chairman Rick Crawford, R-Ark., have introduced the Stop Talking to Other People (STOP) Resolution.

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This resolution would require the House of Representatives to establish a training program for both members of Congress and staff with access to classified information to undergo counterintelligence training and information protection best practices. Many would be surprised that such a program does not already exist for Congress.

In the interest of U.S. national security, we cannot afford to neglect giving our public servants the know-how and resources to combat foreign intelligence threats here in the workplace. After all, in recent years the FBI has given a ballpark estimate of 10,000 for the number of foreign agents in the DC area.

Because a savvy operator can easily develop the pretense to physically access congressional offices and lawmakers, it’s no secret that foreign intelligence agencies view Washington, D.C., as the ultimate soft target for espionage.

Pat Fallon represents Texas’ Fourth Congressional District. An Air Force Veteran, he is a member of the House Oversight, Intelligence and Armed Services Committees.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM REP. PAT FALLON

The South Carolina Supreme Court wiped away Alex Murdaugh’s double-murder conviction on May 13, ruling unanimously that the trial was irredeemably tainted by the conduct of Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca "Becky" Hill.

Last week, the South Carolina Supreme Court delivered an account of how Hill’s conduct during the 2023 double-murder trial crossed ethical and constitutional lines, ultimately unraveling the state’s conviction of Murdaugh.

"Both the State and Murdaugh's defense skillfully presented their cases to the jury as the trial court deftly presided over this complicated and high-profile matter," the court wrote. "However, their efforts were in vain because Colleton County Clerk of Court Rebecca Hill placed her fingers on the scales of justice, thereby denying Murdaugh his right to a fair trial by an impartial jury."

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The opinion described Hill’s actions as a "breathtaking and disgraceful effort" to interfere with the jury process, conduct the justices called "unprecedented in South Carolina."

ALEX MURDAUGH'S DOUBLE MURDER CONVICTION UNANIMOUSLY OVERTURNED BY SOUTH CAROLINA SUPREME COURT

At the center of the case were repeated allegations that Hill improperly commented on Murdaugh’s testimony and credibility to jurors during the six-week murder trial.

Jurors testified Hill told them not to be "fooled" by Murdaugh’s defense and instructed them to "watch him closely," "look at his actions," and "look at his movements" while he testified.

One alternate juror recalled Hill warning jurors: "They’re going to say things that will try to confuse you. Don’t let them confuse you or convince you or throw you off."

ALEX MURDAUGH ATTORNEY ARGUES STATE SUPREME COURT SHOULD OVERTURN GUILTY VERDICT

The Supreme Court said the comments went beyond casual conversation between staff and jury members, writing that she "essentially implored the jurors to find him guilty."

"Hill became a character witness on behalf of the State, encouraging the jurors to question Murdaugh's credibility" the opinion said.

The opinion also painted a portrait of a public official consumed by the attention surrounding the nationally televised trial.

FORMER SOUTH CAROLINA CLERK IN MURDAUGH MURDER TRIAL ARRESTED ON MULTIPLE FELONIES

Hill co-authored a book about the proceedings, "Behind the Doors of Justice: The Murdaugh Murders," while also granting favors to media members and cultivating celebrity around the case, according to testimony cited by the court.

According to the book’s synopsis, Hill had known the Murdaugh family for decades and was aware of "the rumors of corruption and crime surrounding the Murdaugh family."

"These accusations came and went, nothing sticking long enough to bring clarity or a clear conviction. Becky had also known of good deeds done by the Murdaughs," the synopsis stated. "She was there when Randolph Murdaugh received the Order of the Palmetto, the highest honor bestowed on a civilian by the Governor of South Carolina."

MURDAUGH COURT CLERK BECKY HILL RELEASED ON BOND AFTER ARREST ON PERJURY, MISCONDUCT CHARGES

A fellow court official testified Hill said she hoped the book would earn enough money to buy a lake house and believed a guilty verdict would improve sales.

The justices concluded Hill "was attracted by the siren call of celebrity" and "allowed her desire for the public attention of the moment to overcome her duty to her oath of office."

Although Hill denied many of the allegations during a 2024 evidentiary hearing, the Supreme Court wrote that "Hill’s denial of making any inappropriate comments lacked credibility."

ALEX MURDAUGH TRIAL: EXPERTS WEIGH IN ON POSSIBILITY OF AN OVERTURNED MURDER CONVICTION

The opinion also referenced Hill’s later guilty plea to perjury related to her denial that she allowed members of the media to view sealed exhibits.

The unraveling began publicly in October 2023 when Murdaugh’s attorneys filed a motion for a new trial accusing Hill of jury tampering.

WATCH: Becky Hill walks into Colleton County Courthouse

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By January 2024, jurors were testifying under oath about Hill’s comments and behavior.

The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that Hill’s actions triggered the legal presumption that the jury had been improperly influenced and that prosecutors failed to prove the verdict was unaffected.

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"As noted at the outset," the justices wrote, "Hill’s shocking jury interference" forced the court to reverse the conviction and order a new trial.

Prior to Wednesday's ruling, Hill had previously pleaded guilty to four charges -- obstruction of justice and perjury for showing a reporter photographs that were sealed court exhibits and then lying about it, plus two counts of misconduct in office for taking bonuses and promoting a book she wrote on the trial through her public office.

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"There is no excuse for the mistakes I made. I’m ashamed of them and will carry that shame the rest of my life," Hill said in a statement read to the court.

She was sentenced to three years of probation.

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WATCH: Hill reads Murdaugh's 2023 guilty verdict

At the conclusion of Murdaugh's 2023 trial, Hill notably read the guilty verdict.

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Despite the legal win Wednesday, Murdaugh will not be walking free. He remains behind bars serving lengthy sentences for a string of financial crimes that cemented his fall from power.

For his financial crimes, Murdaugh was sentenced in state court to 27 years in prison after pleading guilty to 22 counts including money laundering and breach of trust. In federal court, he received a 40-year sentence for conspiracy to commit wire fraud and bank fraud, which he is serving concurrently with his state time.

Though his murder convictions and subsequent life sentences were overturned by the South Carolina Supreme Court on Wednesday, he remains in prison to serve the financial sentences.

Fox News Digital has reached out to Hill, her attorneys and Colleton County for comment.

The American Culture Quiz is a weekly test of our unique national traits, trends, history and people — including current events and the sights and sounds of the United States.

This week's quiz highlights Knicks knowledge, sitcom similarities — and a whole lot more.

Can you get all 8 questions right?

Give it a try and see how you do!

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Workers for the Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) — the nation’s largest commuter rail line — went on strike early Saturday, leaving more than 330,000 commuters scrambling for alternatives.

At 12:01 a.m., five unions representing roughly 3,700 workers — including ticket clerks, locomotive engineers, signalmen, electricians and machinists — walked off the job in the fourth strike in the rail line’s history.

The LIRR confirmed in a statement that service has been suspended until further notice.

"Avoid nonessential travel and work from home if possible," the railroad said. "We will have limited shuttle bus service on weekdays for essential workers and those who cannot telecommute."

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Kevin Sexton, national vice president of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen, said no new negotiations had been scheduled.

"We’re far apart at this point," Sexton said. "We are truly sorry that we are in this situation."

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said the agency "gave the union everything they said they wanted in terms of pay" and claimed it appeared union leaders had intended to strike all along.

NYC HOSPITAL ACCUSES NURSES’ UNION OF SEEKING PROTECTIONS FOR WORKERS ARRIVING DRUNK, HIGH AS STRIKE BEGINS

Leading up to the strike, unions and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) negotiated a new contract that included work-rule changes and annual wage increases of 3% over three years.

The dispute centered on a proposed fourth-year wage increase, with unions seeking a 5% raise for the final year.

MTA officials said they could not meet that demand and warned it could force fare increases.

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The agency also warned the shutdown would cause severe congestion and delays across the region.

As part of its contingency plan, the MTA said it would operate limited weekday shuttle bus service during peak commuting hours between select Long Island locations and subway stations in Queens.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul described the strike as "reckless" and "unacceptable."

"Commuters are dealing with unnecessary dysfunction and thousands of union LIRR workers are being forced to go without a paycheck because of decisions made by a small group of union leaders," she said in a statement. "I stand with LIRR riders and will fight to preserve the long term stability of the MTA."

"I believe a deal can be done and I urge both the MTA and these unions to return to the table and bargain non-stop until a deal is reached," she added.

Hochul also blamed the disruption in part on the Trump administration, saying federal officials cut mediation efforts short and pushed negotiations closer to a strike.

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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said his office was helping coordinate contingency efforts.

"New Yorkers should prepare for heavier-than-usual traffic, crowded transit options and additional travel time," he wrote in a post on X.
"The MTA has announced that limited weekday bus service will be available for essential workers and others who cannot telecommute."

The first LIRR strike occurred in 1980 and lasted two days. Another strike in 1987 lasted 11 days, while a third strike in 1994 lasted two days.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Home foreclosures in the U.S. are up 26% from last year as inflation rates and rising costs are catching up with homeowners.

Indiana was hit hardest and logged one foreclosure filing for every 739 housing units in the first quarter of 2026, according to findings from property data firm ATTOM. This is nearly two-thirds higher than the nationwide rate of one in every 1,211 house facing foreclosure in that same period.

The latest data released in April shows that red states are being hit the hardest by the sweeping affordability crisis — and with the 2026 midterm elections approaching, economic woes are at the top of mind for many voters and policymakers.

WHITE HOUSE TEASES MAJOR HOUSING AFFORDABILITY PLAN AS PRICES SQUEEZE AMERICANS

The top three states with the worst foreclosure rates at the start of 2026 all voted for President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. South Carolina came in second behind Indiana with one in every 743 properties with foreclosure filings in the first quarter of the year, and Florida was in third with one in every 750 housing units facing the same fate.

While foreclosure activity is on the rise across the U.S., it remains well below levels seen during the 2008 housing crisis. But that isn't stopping Democrats from pouncing on the issue, and using affordability, inflation and rising housing costs as their candidates' leading messaging ahead of the November elections.

A total of 118,727 U.S. properties had a foreclosure filing in the first quarter of 2026, up 6% from the previous quarter and 26% from a year ago.

Foreclosure filings came in for 45,921 properties for March alone, increasing 18% from February and 28% from March of last year.

THE PRICE OF BUILDING A HOME KEEPS CLIMBING — AND UNCERTAINTY ISN’T HELPING

Looking more closely at the data, more homes are entering the foreclosure process, a potential sign of future distress. A total of 82,631 properties started foreclosure processes in the first quarter of 2026, up 20% from the year prior, while lenders repossessed 14,020 properties, marking a 45% annual increase.

Blue states like Delaware and Illinois are also facing high foreclosure rates — showcasing that the issue crosses party lines. Among major metro areas, cities like Cleveland, Ohio; Jacksonville, Florida; and Indianapolis, Indiana ranked among the highest for foreclosure rates.

The revelation of spiking foreclosure rates comes as the U.S. grapples with a slew of housing challenges that have helped contribute to today’s crisis. 

Against that backdrop, experts say rising mortgage rates, higher living costs and other homeownership expenses are putting increasing pressure on some homeowners, pushing up monthly payments and making it harder to keep up with housing costs.

THE TOP 3 REASONS HOUSING HAS BECOME SO UNAFFORDABLE IN THE US MARKET

The average rate on a 30-year fixed mortgage rose to 6.37% for the week ending May 7, up from 5.98% in late February.

Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, said that while foreclosure levels remain below those seen during the housing crisis, the recent uptick suggests more homeowners may be coming under financial strain.

Taken together, the data points to a housing market that remains stable overall, even as affordability challenges persist for some homeowners.

A prominent criminal profiler is warning that a suspected budding serial killer in Texas has allegedly started years earlier than expected and fears there may be more victims due to a six-year gap between murder charges.

Luis Benitez-Gonzalez, a 26-year-old previously deported Mexican national, is accused of strangling two women in the area of Austin, Texas, in 2018 and 2024.

Police announced his arrest earlier this week after two more women survived shootings in 2025, including one who fought back and police say swiped her attacker's cellphone.

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"The rub for me...is that he is accused of killing Alba Jenisse Aviles-Marti when he was only about 18 years old," said John Kelly, a criminal profiler who had been following the case since before Austin police and the U.S. Marshals announced an arrest. "We worked hard looking for this guy, because we believed there was a serial killer in this area. Little did we expect a budding serial killer who allegedly started killing at 18."

Historically, most serial killers are older when they evolve into murderers, he said.

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"This is extremely rare, as serial killers usually start killing between 23 to 35 years old," the STALK Inc. founder told Fox News Digital. "We usually never find out who the first victims really were. I just wonder how many this guy has killed with his homicidal anger towards women over the years?"

Investigators working the case are asking the same question.

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"We believe that there is a strong likelihood that Benitez is responsible for further acts of extreme violence," said Chris Anderson, a homicide detective with the Austin Police Department.

He said police are already looking into more cases for potential connections.

He is urging anyone with additional information on Benitez-Gonzalez to contact the Austin Police Homicide unit at 512-974-8477 or Capital Area Crime Stoppers at 512-472-8477.

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The suspect, an illegal immigrant from Mexico who voluntarily self-deported in 2020 before reentering the country at an unknown time, is believed to have ties to Austin, Houston, Dallas and Hidalgo County.

WATCH: Texas authorities say illegal migrant charged in 2 murders, 2 shootings and more victims possible

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Authorities announced charges against him Tuesday in connection with the murders of Aviles-Marti and Alyssa Ann Rivera, whose remains were found just three miles away in 2024.

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Anderson said that it's suspicious that there's a six-year gap between the slayings and that evidence shows an alleged "repeated pattern of violence conducted against vulnerable female victims."

"He has a 2018 case, and he has a 2024 case," Anderson said. "People who commit crimes of this nature, with the very distinct MO, they usually don't take a break.

Benitez-Gonzalez is also accused of shooting two more women in Austin in November and December 2025. Both of them survived, which helped authorities catch Benitez-Gonzalez.

He allegedly claimed self-defense in all four cases, but authorities said they don't believe him. He has not yet entered a plea.