The Trump administration filed lawsuits against four states Thursday over laws allowing illegal immigrants to receive financial benefits offered to state residents, including in-state tuition, state grants and state-funded student loans.

The Justice Department argued that laws in Oregon, Washington, New Mexico and Arizona allowing illegal immigrants to receive benefits are in violation of a federal law that states an illegal immigrant is ineligible to receive higher education in-state benefits unless those same benefits are available to every U.S. student.

"This is a simple matter of federal law: Colleges cannot provide benefits to illegal aliens that they do not provide to U.S. citizens," Assistant Attorney General Brett A. Shumate of the Justice Department’s Civil Division said in a statement. 

"This Department of Justice will not tolerate American students being treated like second-class citizens in their own country."

DOJ SUES NEW JERSEY OVER LAWS GIVING ILLEGAL ALIENS IN-STATE TUITION, SAYS CITIZENS TREATED AS 'SECOND-CLASS'

The latest lawsuits bring the number of states facing legal challenges over laws granting illegal immigrant students the same benefits as lawful residents to 21. The Justice Department has won its cases in Texas, Kentucky, Oklahoma, Nebraska and Illinois.

"Our efforts will not cease until President Trump’s promise is fulfilled: Illegal aliens will not receive benefits denied to American citizens," Associate Attorney General Stanley E. Woodward, Jr. said in a statement.

The difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition costs at public universities in the four states is significant. The complaint showed that for the 2026-2027 school year, Washington residents would pay $13,406, compared with $44,460 for out-of-state students at the University of Washington.

This means illegal immigrants could receive a $31,054 discount if they earned a high school diploma or equivalent in the state, lived there for at least one year for reasons other than attending college and signed an affidavit saying they would seek permanent residency when eligible.

TRUMP'S JUSTICE DEPARTMENT SUES NEW YORK, OTHER BLUE STATES OVER TUITION FOR ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS

The Justice Department's lawsuit against Arizona also showed a significant difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition costs, with the largest gap at Arizona State University totaling $24,448.

The lawsuit alleged that in fall 2025, 432 illegal immigrants received in-state tuition benefits at Arizona State University amounting to $10.5 million in reduced tuition.

The lawsuit also cites a report from the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting that estimates more than 3,600 illegal aliens per year could qualify for in-state tuition under Arizona’s law.

A spokesperson for the Arizona Board of Regents, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, said the school system follows state law.

"We are reviewing the lawsuit and will work closely with Arizona leaders on the appropriate next steps," a spokesperson said.

The benefits extend beyond tuition costs.

COURT CHECKS PRITZKER AS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SCORES ANOTHER IMMIGRATION WIN

In Oregon, only in-state students enrolled at Oregon Health & Science University can receive a Rural Nurse Scholars Scholarship, which covers the full cost of tuition and a $1,500 travel stipend. The Justice Department alleges that illegal immigrants are eligible for the scholarship under state law.

In Washington, not only do illegal immigrants qualify for in-state tuition and grants, but the state also created a financial aid program for illegal immigrants living in the state who are unable to obtain federal financial aid. The program is known as the Undocumented Student Support Loan Program, and it was created under a bill passed in 2020. 

Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson said in a statement to Fox News Digital that he stands by the state's laws. 

"Washington state won’t be bullied into changing how we provide opportunities for young people in our state," Ferguson said. "We’ll see them in court, and we expect to win."

A June 2024 report estimated that roughly 408,000 illegal immigrants were enrolled in higher education, with 29.1% arriving in the United States at age 17 or older.

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Lawsuits are pending in Minnesota, Virginia, California, New Jersey, Kansas, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maryland, Colorado, New York, Connecticut and Vermont.

Fox News Digital reached out to Oregon, New Mexico and Arizona's governors' offices for comment.

Dolly Parton stared down her own health crisis with one final act of generosity in mind.

Parton had quietly battled cancer in the months before her death on Aug. 25. The "Islands in the Stream" singer had informed fans she was struggling with her health, but never disclosed details. As she privately faced the devastating diagnosis, she was already thinking about how her fight could help others.

Stella Parton, Dolly's sister, revealed the country music icon had offered to let doctors test experimental drugs on her if she ran out of treatment options, hoping what they learned could someday save someone else.

DOLLY PARTON DIES AT THE AGE OF 80: A LOOK AT HER LIFE THROUGH PHOTOS

"My sister was one of the most generous, thoughtful and kind people I’ve ever known," Stella wrote on Facebook. "What the world saw is exactly who she was, so much so, she told me recently that if there was no hope for her, she would still allow her medical team to try experimental drugs in the hope of helping others in the future."

Stella said her sister’s final wishes embodied the kindness she hoped fans would carry forward.

WHY DOLLY PARTON COULD BRING TOGETHER AMERICANS WHO AGREE ON ALMOST NOTHING

"My sister was always thinking of others and if you want to honor her legacy, show more kindness, lift others up and give more of your time and resources as she continued to do to the very end," Stella wrote.

"I want to personally thank all of you for the out pouring of love and respect you are showing my sister," she added. "Your love and respect for her is deeply felt by all of us who loved her first and it helps as we grieve her passing through our lives!"

Among Stella’s most cherished memories were the simple moments she and Dolly shared long before the rest of the world woke up.

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"Every Tuesday about this time, before the sun came up and the world was still asleep, she and I for many years had our coffee together over the phone," Stella recalled. "Being little farm girls we’ve continued to be early risers. As she liked to say; 'shoot Tedda we get more work done before the sun comes up than most folks do all day long!'"

"We would catch up on gossip, as sisters do, and drink coffee and make plans as it has always been our way," she added.

The "I Will Always Love You" singer's death was announced Tuesday by her nephew. The family later confirmed to Fox News Digital that Parton had died after a brief cancer battle.

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Parton’s family will hold a small, private service for the country music icon, honoring her wish to be remembered by her immediate loved ones.

"At Dolly’s request, a small, private service will be held for immediate family," the family said in a statement.

The family also asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, the literacy program Parton founded to help put free books in the hands of children.

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Parton wanted to be buried in a bed of soft cotton after spending a lifetime draped in rhinestones, according to the touching tribute from her nephew.

"Dolly was a farmer, just like her daddy; he farmed the soil, she farmed songs and happiness," he said in the video announcing Parton's passing. "Dolly called me and said she wants to rest in a beautiful bed of plush cotton because, after a life of wearing heavy rhinestones, she finally deserves to be comfortable and have some rest."

Japan enlisted the help of hundreds of volunteers to move a portion of a 360-tonne castle more than six feet back into position, inch by inch, following renovations to the structure.

About 1,800 people gathered over the weekend to pull large ropes attached to the Hirosaki Castle keep in Aomori Prefecture, The Independent reported.

The keep — which is a fortified tower within a castle — was moved so repairs could be completed on a wall damaged during a major earthquake. The wall has since been rebuilt, with all 2,185 stones returned to their original positions.

JAPAN MALL REBUILT AFTER DEADLY 2016 EARTHQUAKE DESTROYED IN MAJOR TEMBLOR WEEKS AFTER 'FRESH START' REOPENING

Rotating teams used an ancient technique known as hikiya, in which buildings are placed on rollers or rails and moved intact. The technique is used to preserve historic Japanese buildings that might otherwise be damaged or destroyed.

"We had about 8,000 applications for the 1,800 slots over the last two days, roughly four times oversubscribed, so not everyone could participate," Kensuke Hayasaka, head of the parks and green spaces division in Hirosaki City, told The Guardian.

"Not only from the city, but from across Japan and overseas; a fair number from Southeast Asia, Europe and North America."

MASSIVE 7.7-MAGNITUDE EARTHQUAKE HITS OFF JAPANESE COAST

Pulling the castle keep by hand will continue through the end of August, with about 4,100 people scheduled to move it a total of more than 16 feet, The Guardian reported.

The Hirosaki Castle keep was originally a five-story tower, but it was destroyed by a lightning strike in 1627, the newspaper reported, citing the Japan National Tourism Organization.

The current three-story structure was rebuilt in 1811. Many Japanese castles were dismantled after the end of the Samurai era in 1868 or were destroyed during World War II.

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced Tuesday the debut of the city's new Unified Court System, a mechanism to fast-track emergency cases in New York City Housing Court.

"I am proud to announce that the Unified Court System will now fast-track emergency housing court cases where the health, safety and well-being of New Yorkers is at risk," Mamdani said during a Tuesday news conference.

The new system will reduce the time tenants face to have emergency hearings on potential negligence from landlords, Mamdani explained.

"This fast track will accelerate the cases that are both the most egregious and the most complex. Cases where at least one third of units in a building are subject to an open vacate order. Where families have been forced from their homes. Cases where at least one third of the units have an open and immediately hazardous violation for essential services," he announced.

MANHATTAN BUILDING STABILIZED, SOME EVACUATIONS LIFTED AFTER COLLAPSE FEARED

In cases of "persistent and extreme negligence" where tenants request entirely new building management, judges will require parties to return to court "within five days after service is completed," Mamdani announced.

NYC RENT BOARD DISSENTER WARNS MAMDANI-BACKED FREEZE COULD HURT AFFORDABLE HOUSING OVER TIME: 'SLOW BURN'

When asked how his office would differentiate between a landlord who was persistently negligent and one who simply couldn't afford to keep up with the costs of building management, Mamdani did not hold back.

"We're talking about cases where a third of the building is facing some kind of a serious violation. Cases where we have elevators broken down," he started.

MAMDANI RIPPED OVER 'FREAK SHOW' NEWS CONFERENCE WHERE EVICTION WAS DECLARED A FORM OF 'VIOLENCE'

"When it comes to the law, everyone has to follow it. And for far too long that has somehow not been understood when it comes to housing in our city. If a landlord is not able to follow the law, then they should not be a landlord of that property," he replied.

When asked about how to enforce any violators who might not appear to Housing Court after the five-day window, Mamdani said, "There is still a lot of work to follow through on."

Fox News Digital contacted the mayor's office for further comment.

It's a bad day to be a feral hog. At least when Shaquille O'Neal is around.

The 7-foot-1 NBA legend spent a night hunting hogs in East Texas last week with the crew behind Texas_NightHunter. And according to Shaq, he didn't need much help locating his target.

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"I smell pigs," O'Neal says into the camera while standing in the darkness. "Some people need nightvision. I am the nightvision."

Moments later, Shaq fires his gun before eventually walking over to a hog on the ground and finishing it off.

CONTENT WARNING: The video below contains graphic footage of a hog being shot and killed.

For the record, we at OutKick OutDoors do not condone the no-look discharge of a firearm under any circumstances. Please do not do that.

The hunt took place near Paris, Texas, according to a Facebook post highlighting O'Neal's outing. He joined East Texas native Matthew Prescott and other members of the local crew, which has previously taken notable guests — including two-time Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith — out hunting.

And while Shaq stalking pigs in the dark makes for entertaining content, knocking down feral hogs in Texas is also doing landowners a favor.

A very, very big favor.

Texas has the largest feral hog population in the United States, with millions of the invasive animals roaming the state. Texas A&M AgriLife has reported that feral hogs cause more than $670 million in annual agricultural losses, while landowners spend an additional estimated $130 million or more each year trying to control them and repair the damage they leave behind.

The animals tear up crops, pastures, fences, roads and waterways, damage habitat used by native wildlife and can carry diseases capable of affecting livestock, wildlife and humans.

CODY JOHNSON FIRES BACK AT CRITICS, CALLS ALASKA GRIZZLY BEAR HUNT A 'CONSERVATIONIST EFFORT'

They're also notoriously difficult to control.

Feral hogs reproduce quickly, have few natural predators and have dramatically expanded their range. Texas A&M researchers have previously estimated that roughly two-thirds of a population would need to be removed annually for several consecutive years just to keep the numbers from growing.

So Texas isn't exactly worried about hunters like Shaq taking too many.

There are no closed seasons or bag limits for feral hogs on private property, and a hunting license is not required when hunters have landowner authorization. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department even specifically promotes nighttime hog hunting, noting that the animals become increasingly nocturnal during the hot summer months.

This also wasn't O'Neal's first rodeo — or "Shaqfari," as he calls it.

Hunting has been a longtime hobby for the four-time NBA champion. Over the years, O'Neal has hunted everything from waterfowl to wild boar and goats. He even devoted a section of his 2001 autobiography, "Shaq Talks Back," to his hunting adventures.

And if there were ever any question about whether a Hall of Fame big man belongs in the wilderness, O'Neal also tested that theory back in 2016 when he joined survivalist Bear Grylls for an episode of "Running Wild." Shaq trekked through the Adirondacks, climbed a massive rock face and spent the night sleeping outside in the woods.

So this wasn't some celebrity photo-op where Shaq showed up, held a rifle and went home.

The man just really loves a Shaqfari.

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It turns out Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson doesn't feel so great about the idea of playing "17 away games" after all, so he opened his press conference on Monday addressing his comments aimed at the team's fans and offered something of an apology.

Sort of.

Probably more an explanation.

DESHAUN WATSON FIRES BACK AT BROWNS FANS AFTER HE'S BOOED AT HOME

Whatever it was, once Watson was selected the team's starting quarterback on Monday morning, he got the message that ripping the fan base is not such a good idea – even if they booed him before, during and after he played in Saturday's preseason game.

"First off, I want to address the comments from Saturday after the game," Watson said to begin his presser. "I think just human nature and myself being very emotional, putting a lot of time these last two years to get back, spend time in this facility, in the city, meeting a lot of different people in the community, I thought I was going to get a little different response.

"But I think my emotions got the best of me, and my comments weren’t intended to go at any of the fans around the city, because there’s been a lot of great fans that have been supporting me."

Waiting for the apology.

"And I know the frustration. This organization put a lot of investment into getting me back in ’22, and things haven’t been going the right direction that we thought it would. A lot of injuries, a lot of time off, and not putting my best football and my best foot forward.

"So, again, I understand the frustration, I understand everything that goes into that."

BROWNS PICK DESHAUN WATSON AS THEIR STARTING QB DESPITE BOOING INCIDENT

Yeah, this an explanation. Not an apology for saying the fans had gotten "personal," and made him feel some sort of way about their reactions, which he deemed "disrespectful."

"I feel like I get more love on road games than I do at home games," Watson said at one point on Saturday. "So, if it is my [starting job] ... maybe it’s 17 away games, then."

To be clear: Browns fans have not embraced Watson for a number of reasons. He came to the team with a history of lawsuits tied to sexual abuse claims by nearly two dozen massage therapists in Houston.

He was suspended by the NFL 11 games and fined after he reached a settlement with those therapists as part of civil court proceedings.

Then Watson injured his shoulder in 2023, forcing him to miss 11 games. He tore his Achilles tendon in 2024, forcing him to miss 10 games. And he tore the same tendon again in 2025, forcing him to miss the entire season.

All this by a player who cost the Browns six draft picks in trade, including three first-rounders, and a fully guaranteed $230 million contract.

So, excuse the Dawg Pound if it took a big doodie on Watson by booing him on Saturday.

"Moving forward, I just want to focus on football, making sure that I’m putting the best product out there, having the best ability because I thrive off the energy," Watson said. "I thrive off the energy of the fans, I thrive off the energy of the community, I thrive off all that stuff.

"...I want to make sure I put the best product out there for the team, for the organization, and for the city, so we can put [out] a lot of wins, and celebrate, and put Cleveland on the map."

FOLLOW ARMANDO SALGUERO ON X: @ARMANDOSALGUERO

'Nightcaps' is a daily column that catches you up on the biggest sports, news and culture stories you may have missed while pretending to do work at your desk. It runs Monday–Friday on OutKick.com.

Listen ... Just listen.

You hear it? You smell it? Really listen closely ...

It's officially college football week. We've made it. It's our first real game week since January. Really, it's our first one since December. I don't want to hear a single word about "It's only Week Zero!"

UNC WANTED THE DEION SANDERS EFFECT WITH BILL BELICHICK, ALONG WITH WINS. IT GOT SOMETHING MUCH DIFFERENT

Hogwash. Last I checked, we're getting a noon ESPN game featuring Bill Belichick on Saturday. That ain't Week 0. That's football.

We're back. We've made it. Last Saturday was our last Saturday without college football until 2027. Time to lock it in, boys and girls. Move over, WNBA, the real #content machine is back ...

... But first, welcome to a Monday Nightcaps — the one where Sophie Cunningham stuns in a backless halter top and then surpasses Caitlin Clark in social media followers.

What a day! Oh yeah. Something else happened in the WNBA last night. Honestly, I just don't feel like getting into it today. I'm tired. It's football season. I'm gonna sit this one out (sort of).

What else? I've got Trump angering the left by waving the green flag along the streets of D.C., Deshaun Watson somehow survived his asinine postgame presser to become the Browns' starter today (sorry, Cleveland fans), and Jon Gruden was BACK in the booth over the weekend.

And buddy, he was incredible. Here's an idea, CBS: Maybe pair him with Jim Nantz. Just a thought.

OK, let's get rolling. I've inexplicably got a fantasy football draft tonight even though it's Aug. 24. Unreal.

Grab you a waffle for National Waffle Day, and settle in for a Monday 'Cap!

Big day in the world of fast food, or whatever it is you consider Chick-fil-A. Is it fast food? It's a step above, for sure, but I don't know what I'd call it.

Anyway, they're rolling out their big Chicken & Waffles AND S'mores Milkshake today to coincide with National Waffle Day. Gives me a stomach ache just thinking about it, but I reckon it'll be good. Lord knows it'll be an absolute pleasure ordering it.

I maintain that there is no better food service business on the planet than Chick-fil-A. They are just incredible.

Anyway, let me know if you pop on over to one today and try it out. I don't see myself indulging any time soon given it's 110 degrees in Florida right now and Chicken & Waffles sounds just horrible, but I'm curious to hear your thoughts.

OK, now that the important stuff is out of the way, let's get this class started with Sophie Cunningham going with the backless top on social media before last night's game, and then surpassing Caitlin Clark in a big way when the dust settled:

That number says 4 million, folks. Why is that big? It now puts Sophie in second place in terms of follower count in all of the WNBA, ahead of Caitlin Clark.

Angel Reese is No. 1, for those wondering. She has over 5 million. Fair is fair, and I have to be fair to Angel here. The data says she's still No. 1. Kudos to her.

As for Sophie Cunningham, it's pretty clear she's a rocket ship right now in terms of popularity. The minority hates her, but don't be fooled, they are the minority. The data says she's a few months away from taking over the top spot in the WNBA. It's only a matter of time.

And when that happens, we can really start to laugh at people like this:

"The moment the league didn’t discipline Sophie Cunningham for her transphobic comments, they set the table for almost all of this political discourse and nastiness towards the trans community. Her conduct has objectively been detrimental to the league."

That's a real person, by the way. Chris Williamson is an "Emmy-nominated" sportscaster, per his X bio (which also features a picture of Angel Reese as the header).

Hilarious.

Again, let's quickly go back and see what those "transphobic" comments were in the original ESPN story:

"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."

That's it! Those are the transphobic comments! These people are the best. They're just the best. I can't get enough.

Speaking of delusional liberals, let's check in with Adam Schiff, who had a meltdown yesterday because Donald Trump waved the green flag for the IndyCar race in DC:

"While you struggle with the cost of gas, Trump offers you the spectacle of an IndyCar race hoping you will not notice," Shifty Schiff posted on Elon's X. "More taxpayer money spent on his self-aggrandizing distractions. And you get higher taxes and higher costs."

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Hey, Shifty, cool it. Can we just enjoy some Freedom 250 racing action in peace, pal? It's a Sunday. We don't need to be serious every single day of the week. It's OK to give it a rest on a Sunday.

Looking at you, WNBA.

OK, let's rapid-fire this Monday class into a big Monday night of drafting an auction draft that I am 0% prepared for because it was sprung on me last night. Should end well!

First up? How about the NUTS on the Browns declaring Deshaun Watson QB1 after he took a blowtorch to the fanbase over the weekend?

That last one is the thing that really sticks out to me. Deshaun Watson isn't a good QB anymore. It's been YEARS since he was actually good at football. Years. And I was a huge Watson guy out of college.

But he's just genuinely bad at football now. Mix in just some ridiculous shots at a fanbase that has every single right in the world to despise him, and it's bonkers to me that they'd still name his the starter for Week 1.

Granted, Shedeur Sanders is no better at football, but at least he'd buy you a little grace with the fans.

I feel bad for old OutKick (and Nightcaps!) writer, Anthony Farris. I still talk to Anthony every day. He's hanging in there.

And by that, I mean he's miserable.

Next? You know who isn't miserable? Jon Gruden. How great was it to have Gruden back in the booth this weekend?

Nobody could break down a play better than Gruden back in the old MNF days. He was elite. One of one. Clearly, he still has the fastball. Lordy, I missed him.

Hey, CBS — I found your Romo replacement. Easiest call in the history of time.

You're welcome!

Now, let's go have a big week.

Is Week 0 the real start of the season? Email me at Zach.Dean@OutKick.com.