Louisiana Republican Senate candidate Rep. Julia Letlow is striking back against an attack campaign from incumbent Sen. Bill Cassidy highlighting her past involvement with diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives.

Letlow is challenging Cassidy in the upcoming U.S. Senate primary. She joined the “Fox News Rundown” podcast to defend her record, arguing that DEI programs she once oversaw were “hijack[ed]” by the political left and turned into “Marxism.”

“DEI six years ago was introduced in higher education as something that could be a tool to encourage students, staff, faculty to work hard and go achieve the American dream,” Letlow told Fox News Radio’s Jessica Rosenthal.

“I quickly witnessed the left completely hijack any of those efforts and turn it into indoctrination of our students, Marxism, holding people down instead of lifting them up,” she added.

EXCLUSIVE: UNEARTHED VIDEOS EXPOSE HOW TRUMP-ENDORSED CANDIDATE CHAMPIONED DEI IN UNIVERSITY HIRING PROCESS

Rep. Julia Letlow leaves the House Republican Conference meeting at the Capitol Hill Club in Washington on May 17, 2022. (Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc/Getty Images)

Ads supporting Cassidy highlight Letlow’s past comments from 2020 in which she advocated for diversity initiatives and described herself as a “progressive” leader. Letlow formerly worked in higher education, and her campaign website notes she is “committed to fighting for a brighter future for children and future generations.”

In a 2020 video from Letlow’s hiring process while she was interviewing to be the president of the University of Louisiana Monroe, Letlow called the school’s record on faculty gender diversity “shameful,” praised DEI efforts around the country and said she wanted to open the school’s first DEI division.

Letlow said the DEI issue is more complex than the ads suggest, arguing it was initially presented as a tool for student success but later was distorted into something she opposes.

“Once I witnessed that firsthand because I was in education, I spent the last five years in Congress fighting against it,” she said.

TRUMP ENDORSEMENT ROCKS LOUISIANA SENATE RACE AS LETLOW POISED TO JUMP IN

“That’s why I authored the Parents’ Bill of Rights to root out DEI in our K-12 programs. That’s why I supported the End Woke and Higher Education Act in Congress. And it’s why I’ve voted continuously to get DEI out of our military and out of our academies, while Sen. Cassidy voted time and time again to entrench it even further,” she added.

The primary race has drawn attention from President Donald Trump, who has criticized Cassidy since the senator’s 2021 vote to convict him in his Senate impeachment trial. Trump endorsed Letlow earlier this year.

DETRANSITIONER CHLOE COLE CANCELS UW SPEECH AFTER ALLEGED ANTIFA THREATS

Letlow, who won a 2021 special election following the death of her husband, says her Senate bid is aimed at protecting the “America First” agenda. Cassidy pushed back on her challenge, pointing to his conservative record.

Chairman Sen. Bill Cassidy speaks during a Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee hearing on Capitol Hill on Feb. 25, 2026 in Washington, DC. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images))

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

“Congresswoman Letlow called me this morning to say she was running. She said she respected me and that I had done a good job,” Cassidy said in a statement.

“I will continue to do a good job when I win re-election. I am a conservative who wakes up every morning thinking about how to make Louisiana and the United States a better place to live.”

Fox News Digital’s Alec Schemmel contributed to this report.

It starts quietly. Your phone buzzes. You see a voicemail notification. But your phone never rang. Then it happens again. And again. Before long, your voicemail inbox looks like it’s under attack.

That’s exactly what Mike from Westport, CT, is dealing with right now. He wrote to us saying,

“I am so upset. Every 20 to 30 minutes, I am getting voicemails, but what’s weird is my phone never rings. After blocking the number, it just rolls over to a new source number. When I go to play the message, there is no audio. Is this a scammer just trying to get me to call them back? Not sure what the endgame is here. What can I do to stop this from happening? I really appreciate your help.”

What he is describing is something we’re seeing more often. It may feel random, but there’s a clear pattern behind this voicemail scam and here’s what you need to know to stay safe.

RECEIVING UNEXPECTED INTERNATIONAL CALLS? WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Silent voicemail scams can flood a phone with blank messages even when the device never rings. (Getty Images)

Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

What the silent voicemail scam actually is

This tactic is often called a silent voicemail scam or ringless voicemail spam. Here’s how it works in plain terms:

• Scammers drop voicemail messages directly into your inbox
• Your phone never rings, so it feels strange and urgent
• The message is blank, garbled or extremely short
• The number changes constantly to avoid blocks

At first glance, it looks like a glitch. That confusion is the point.

What’s really happening behind the scenes

This pattern almost always points to automated robocall systems using caller ID spoofing, not real people manually calling you.

Here’s what’s likely happening:

• Automated dialing systems are repeatedly hitting your number
• They use spoofed or constantly changing caller IDs, which is why blocking one number doesn’t stop it
• Some calls connect briefly, then drop, leaving behind a silent or very short voicemail
• In some cases, the system is “pinging” your number to confirm it’s active

Once a number is confirmed as active, it can be shared across spam networks and used in future campaigns.

Why scammers leave empty voicemails

It seems pointless, but there’s a strategy behind it.

1) They want you to call back

Curiosity does the work for them. Many people return the call just to figure out what happened. When you call back, you may:

• Reach a premium-rate number that charges per minute
• Get routed into a scam call center
• Confirm your number is active and monitored

2) They test if your number is real

Even if you never call back, your voicemail confirms your number is in use. That makes it more valuable for future scams.

3) They try to bypass spam filters

Because your phone never rings, traditional call filters may not catch it. That lets more of these messages slip through.

Why do the numbers keep changing

You block one number, and another appears minutes later. That’s usually a sign of caller ID spoofing and number cycling. Scammers use software to falsify the number that shows up on your phone and rotate through large batches of numbers to stay ahead of blocks and spam filters. Some of those numbers may be completely fabricated, while others may belong to real people whose caller ID information is being misused. Many of those numbers are:

• Fake
• Reassigned or temporarily used
• Tied to real people who have no idea their number is being spoofed

Blocking a single number can still be worth doing, but it usually will not stop the campaign by itself because the caller can keep switching numbers. 

GOOGLE SEARCH LED TO A COSTLY SCAM CALL

Scammers may use ringless voicemail spam and caller ID spoofing to test whether a phone number is active. (Getty Images)

Is your phone being hacked?

This is one of the first things many people worry about. In most cases, no. These silent voicemails are more likely to be part of a scam call or robocall campaign than a sign that your phone has been hacked. Scammers can use tactics such as caller ID spoofing and ringless voicemail to reach you without making the call feel normal.

The bigger risk isn’t your phone itself. It’s how the scam tries to get you to respond. Calling back, pressing prompts or engaging with the message can confirm that your number is active and may expose you to more scam attempts. The FTC specifically advises people to hang up or delete the voicemail and not call back unknown numbers.

How to stop silent voicemail scams

You don’t have to just put up with it. There are ways to reduce or stop these messages. 

1) Do not call back unknown numbers

Even if it feels harmless, skip it. If it’s important, the caller will leave a real message.

2) Enable spam call filtering

On iPhone and Android, turn on built-in call filtering and silence unknown callers. This helps reduce future attempts.

How to enable spam call filtering 

On iPhone (latest iOS)

Apple now gives you two strong options: Silence Unknown Callers and Call Screening.

Option 1: Silence unknown callers

• Open Settings
• Tap Apps
• Tap Phone
• Scroll down and turn on Unknown Callers

This sends calls from numbers not in your contacts straight to voicemail without ringing.

Option 2: Turn on Call Screening (recommended)

• Open Settings
• Tap Apps
• Tap Phone
• Scroll down and under Screen Unknown Callers, select Ask Reason for Calling

This feature prompts unknown callers to say who they are before your phone rings, which filters out many spam calls automatically.

Optional: Enable spam identification

• Go to Settings
• Tap Apps
• Tap Phone
• Tap Call Blocking & Identification
• Tap Business Call Identification
• Make sure it is set to ON

This allows your iPhone to show verified business names and logos for legitimate callers when available.

On Samsung 

Samsung combines spam protection with AI call screening.

Settings and feature names may vary depending on your Samsung model, carrier and software version.

Option 1: Turn on spam protection

• Open the Phone app
• Tap the three-dot menu (top right)
• Tap Settings
• Tap Caller ID and spam protection
• Toggle it ON

This flags suspected spam calls before you answer.

Option 2: Block unknown callers

• Open the Phone app
• Tap the three-dot menu (top right) 
• Tap Settings
• Tap Block numbers
• Turn on Block calls from unknown numbers 

This stops hidden or unidentified numbers from ringing your phone.

Option 3: Enable Call Screen (best option)

• Open the Phone app
• Tap the three-dot menu (top right)
• Tap Settings
• Tap Bixby Text Call or just Text Call
• Toggle it ON

This lets your phone answer unknown calls with AI and show you what the caller says in real time.

One important reality check: Even with these turned on, some calls may still go to voicemail. That’s because voicemail is controlled by your carrier, not your phone.

HOW TO STOP SPAM MAIL, POLITICAL TEXTS AND EMAIL SPAM FOR GOOD

Unknown voicemail messages that contain no audio may be part of an automated robocall campaign. (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3) Use a call-blocking app

Apps can spot patterns faster than manual blocking and stop repeat offenders. Many of these apps can also identify known scam numbers and automatically block high-risk calls, helping reduce how often your phone gets hit.

4) Contact your carrier

Many carriers offer network-level spam blocking. Ask about tools that block ringless voicemail or robocalls.

5)  Use a data removal service

If your number keeps getting hit, it may already be circulating on marketing lists or data broker sites. These data removal services scan for your personal information and help remove it from databases that scammers often tap into. Cutting down where your number appears can reduce how often you get targeted over time. Check out my top picks for data removal services and get a free scan to find out if your personal information is already out on the web by visiting Cyberguy.com

6) Report the activity

You can report unwanted calls and voicemails to the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov or by calling 1-877-FTC-HELP (1-877-382-4357). Reports help track and shut down large scam campaigns.

7) Protect your number going forward

Avoid posting your phone number publicly. The less exposure it has, the harder it is for scammers to target you.

8) Register your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry at donotcall.gov/

This can help reduce telemarketing calls from legitimate businesses, but it unfortunately won’t stop scammers, illegal robocalls, or exempt organizations (like charities and political groups) from calling you. Scammers often ignore the registry and use tactics like number spoofing to bypass it. Want to know more about why your phone still won’t stop ringing and what you can do about it?  Check out our article on the ‘Do Not Call’ list loophole.

Kurt’s key takeaways

Silent voicemails are designed to mess with your instincts. They rely on curiosity and confusion, not sophisticated hacking. The best move is simple. Don’t engage. Let them hit a dead end. Over time, that tells the system your number isn’t worth the effort.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

So here’s the real question: If scammers are counting on curiosity to hook you, how often do you think that instinct is working on other people right now? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

 Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy Report

• Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox.
• For simple, real-world ways to spot scams early and stay protected, visit CyberGuy.com – trusted by millions who watch CyberGuy on TV daily.
• Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide free when you join.

Copyright 2026 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Reference #18.c5d07868.1778754186.5bf26dc4

https://errors.edgesuite.net/18.c5d07868.1778754186.5bf26dc4

Charles Barkley had sharp criticism for Detroit Pistons forward Jalen Duren before the team took on the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 5 of their NBA Playoffs series on Wednesday night.

The “Inside the NBA” crew were going over key players for the game and who needed to step up. Barkley put the onus on Duren, who had eight points and two rebounds in Game 4.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Detroit Pistons’ Jalen Duren reacts after allowing a pass to go out of bounds in the second half of Game 4 of the second-round NBA playoff series against the Cleveland Cavaliers in Cleveland on May 11, 2026. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)

“His whole game is offensive rebounds and lob dunks from Cade (Cunningham). He’s not getting those,” Barkley said. “So, that’s really hurting him. Listen, he should never have two rebounds, ever. That’s two more than a dead person.

“You can’t ever have two rebounds. But he’s a young kid. He’s gonna get in the gym, work on the 12–15-foot jumpers or something like that. But he’s too good a player. He’s an All-Star.”

The Pistons blew a 15-point lead and allowed the Cavaliers back into Game 5 on Wednesday. Cleveland would outlast Detroit in overtime, 117-113, to take a 3-2 series lead. Cleveland was behind 2-0 in the series before going back home for Games 3 and 4.

TNT college basketball analyst Charles Barkley on air before the National Championship of the 2026 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament between the Michigan Wolverines and the Connecticut Huskies at Lucas Oil Stadium on April 06, 2026 in Indianapolis, Indiana.. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) (Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Duren slightly improved from Game 4. He had nine points, five rebounds and four assists. But the scoring wasn’t there from him. He only took five shots during the game.

Only three Pistons starters were in double figures. Cunningham led the team with 39 points. Daniss Jenkins added 19 and Tobias Harris had 13. Paul Reed provided 10 points in 17 minutes off the bench. But that was it from the Pistons.

Cleveland got a serious boost from James Harden. He scored 30 points with eight rebounds and six assists. Donovan Mitchell had 21 points. While starter Dean Wade didn’t score and didn’t attempt a single shot, Max Strus had 20 points, making six 3-pointers and nailing two free throws.

Cleveland Cavaliers guard James Harden drives to the basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half of Game 5 in the second-round NBA playoffs in Detroit on May 13, 2026. (Duane Burleson/AP)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The Cavaliers could set themselves up with a date in the Eastern Conference Finals against the New York Knicks should they take Game 6 on Friday.

In an exclusive interview with the Ruthless Podcast, Representative Tim Burchett says that more Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) videos will be released. 

“There are 30 or 40 videos that we need to see that we know that they have that we have not seen that are much clearer,” Burchett said in the interview released Thursday morning. “And we don’t know what we don’t know. I’ve been told by some pretty high-ranking people that there are some.”

The East Tennessee congressman joined Ruthless days after the Department of War began releasing files on UFOs. In February, President Trump committed to releasing information on alien, extraterrestrial life, and UFOs. 

Burchett noted that many of his colleagues in Congress and across the government are scared to discuss the matter publicly.

REP TIM BURCHETT CONVINCED THAT ALIENS EXIST, SAYS HE’S ‘SEEN TOO MUCH’ IN GOVERNMENT BRIEFINGS

Rep. Tim Burchett, R-Tenn., speaks to reporters after attending Congressional briefings on Iran at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., on March 3, 2026. Trump administration Cabinet officials briefed lawmakers on U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran. (Heather Diehl/Getty Images)

“I’ve talked to Members of Congress [who said], ‘hey, man, I don’t want to come forward and talk about this,’” Burchett said. “I was in this branch of the service or whatever, I was on night watch and this thing, and he said it was just unbelievable, and I hear that over and over and again,” he continued.

Podcast co-host Josh Holmes appreciated Burchett’s honesty and approach to politics, even if he was skeptical.

“We enjoy your sense of humor and your interest in just the idea of exploring things, regardless of where the politics lead,” Holmes told Burchett.

‘RUTHLESS’ LAUNCHES CANDIDATE INTERVIEW SERIES TO HELP EDUCATE VOTERS AHEAD OF CRITICAL MIDTERM ELECTIONS

Burchett appeared on Ruthless as a part of the Ruthless Midterm Interview Series, an ongoing initiative to interview major candidates across the country. The hosts have already interviewed candidates in 15 states, with more scheduled ahead of the November midterms. 

President Donald Trump claims that Pentagon study on UFOs will be released “very soon.” (Getty Images)

Burchett, who told Fox News last summer that he would be interested in filling Senator Marsha Blackburn’s Senate seat should she win the gubernatorial race.

When asked by co-host John Ashbrook if that was still the case and if he was looking to give East Tennessee more of a voice in Washington, Burchett replied that he would be interested in serving in the Senate.

REPUBLICAN SEN. MARSHA BLACKBURN EYES GUBERNATORIAL BID: REPORT

“I will not be the guy that says, well, I’m going to form a study committee, and we’re going to talk about it down to Chamber of Commerce, and I’m going to have a round table: heck, no,” Burchett responded. “I would love to fight it out in the United States Senate. I would do that. Yeah. And I would relish that fight.”

Voters in Tennessee will head to the polls for the congressional primary election on August 6th.

The “Ruthless” podcast is available on all podcast platforms and can be watched on YouTube. It is part of Fox News Media’s expansion into new media through a licensing deal. (Fox News)

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

Following a recent Supreme Court decision, Governor Bill Lee and Republicans in the state legislature have successfully passed a new congressional map, likely flipping Democrat Rep. Steve Cohen’s Memphis-area seat to the GOP. Should that seat change party control, Tennessee’s delegation would consist of nine Republicans and zero Democrats.  

The general election will take place on November 3rd. 

Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink got one over on Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark during their matchup on Wednesday night.

Clark was driving to the lane and going up for a layup when the 6-foot-4 Sparks player swatted the ball away. She had an explicit outburst after the block.

ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!

Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink blocks a shot by Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark during the first half of a WNBA game in Los Angeles on May 13, 2026. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

“Get that f—ing s— outta here,” Brink yelled.

The play occurred early in the game as the Fever held a two-point lead. Clark and Indiana would get the last laugh and later finished off the win, 87-78.

Brink, who played 19 minutes off the bench, had 11 points, five rebounds and three blocks in the loss.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Indiana Fever guard Kelsey Mitchell steals the ball from Los Angeles Sparks forward Cameron Brink during the first half of a WNBA game in Los Angeles on May 13, 2026. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Clark had 24 points on 9-of-17 shooting, and nine assists. She received a technical foul at halftime for arguing with a referee as she walked back to the locker room.

Kelsey Mitchell had 23 points for the Fever. Sophie Cunningham had 12 points and seven rebounds. Clark, Mitchell and Cunningham were the lone Indiana players in double figures.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark reacts to a call during the first half of a WNBA game against the Los Angeles Sparks in Los Angeles on May 13, 2026. (Jae C. Hong/AP)

Kelsey Plum led Los Angeles with 25 points and four assists. Dearica Hamby had 16 points and eight rebounds while Nneka Ogwumike and Rae Burrell each had 10 points.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP

The Fever’s win over the Sparks was their first of the season. The Sparks have yet to find their first win.