Unidentified, sophisticated drones flying over a handful of U.S. military bases could be a warning sign from China, Gordon Chang warned Monday, suggesting Beijing could target the American homeland if the U.S. becomes more involved in its conflict with Iran.

“The important point here is that we have had, last month, over four of our important military bases, foreign drones. These drones were large, they were un-hackable, they obviously were not recreational, so some foreign power — probably China, maybe Russia — was operating drones over our critical air force bases,” Chang said on “Mornings with Maria.” 

“Really, right now, the United States needs to be able to defend its bases in the homeland because those drone flights were a warning to the United States of some sort,” he continued.

GORDON CHANG URGES US TO TREAT CHINA AS ‘ENEMY COMBATANT,’ WARNS SUBS OPERATING ‘VERY CLOSE’ TO US

Chinese President Xi Jinping applauds during the joint press conference of the China-Central Asia Summit in Xian, China, on May 19, 2023. (Florence Lo/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

Chang suggested the drone activity could be an attempt to send President Donald Trump the message that, if U.S. forces escalate in the region, China could respond by potentially targeting bases on American soil.

That warning, coupled with a recent suspicious device left near MacDill Air Force Base in Florida — which Chang suggested may have been linked to China — highlights a growing threat, he warned.

IRAN STRIKES COULD SIGNAL LIMITS OF BEIJING, MOSCOW’S POWER AS US FLEXES STRENGTH

“The Coming Collapse of China” author Gordon Chang has consistently warned about the threat the U.S. adversary poses. (Fox Nation)

“We’ve really got to be concerned,” he said, later adding, “These are warnings that China intends to move on the U.S. in the American homeland.”

Chang also warned that Beijing’s actions should be viewed in the context of its growing alignment with other U.S. adversaries like Russia and Iran, as tensions continue to spill across multiple global fronts.

“China is supporting Russia in Ukraine, and China is supporting Russia in other matters as well… So they have a durable partnership, and anything that helps one of them is going to generally help the other, with the exception of the matter that you just raised,” he said, referring to the tension between higher oil prices benefiting Russia while raising costs for China.

“Generally speaking, the United States now faces a very powerful combination, and we shouldn’t be doing anything that fuels that combination,” he added.

GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE

Fox News Digital’s Michael Dorgan contributed to this report.

SYDNEY — With the grand finale of Australian Idol 2026 just days away, 18-year-old powerhouse vocalist Harlan Goode from Brisbane has surged as the clear favorite among fans and commentators to claim the season 11 title on Channel Seven.

The competition, which premiered Feb. 2 on Seven and 7plus, reaches its climax with live performances from the remaining top six contestants expected around April 13-14 at the Coliseum in Rooty Hill. Hosted by Ricki-Lee Coulter and Scott Tweedie, the season has featured judges Kyle Sandilands, Marcia Hines and Amy Shark delivering their signature mix of tough love and encouragement.

Goode, often praised for his mature tone, emotional depth and stage presence that evokes comparisons to Adam Lambert without imitation, has consistently wowed audiences and the panel with powerhouse ballads. Fan comments on the official Australian Idol Facebook page repeatedly declare him the “full package” and “superstar material,” with many predicting he will take the crown. “Harlan has to win based on talent,” one viewer posted, while others noted his youth gives him “his whole life ahead” to build a career.

The top six, announced in late March, include Goode alongside strong contenders Jacinta Guirguis, Kalani Artis, and others who have survived intense public voting rounds. Earlier, the top 12 featured diverse talents such as soul singer Charlie Moon from Perth, Kesha Oayda, Simela Petridis, Trè Samuels and more. Multiple eliminations narrowed the field through March, with public votes deciding most fates after the live shows began.

Kalani Artis has drawn significant attention for his smooth, distinctive style. YouTube comments on his “Don’t Dream It’s Over” performance during Aussie Week called him a potential “Australian Idol 2026” with a sound blending Harry Styles and Calum Scott. Some fans argue he “does not miss a key” and possesses his own identity. Jacinta Guirguis also features prominently in fan predictions for a top-three finish.

Season 11 has emphasized artist development more than past iterations, according to executive producer Joel McCormack. The show aims to launch sustainable careers rather than one-hit wonders, building on recent winners like Dylan Wright, who earned chart success and awards after his 2024 victory. The 2025 champion, Marshall Hamburger, a 19-year-old Queenslander, walked away with $100,000 and a recording deal; early signs suggest 2026’s winner could follow a similar path with strong original material potential.

Public voting has been fierce. After the top 12 performances, eliminations shook up expectations, sending some early standouts home despite strong judge feedback. By the top 10 and top 8 stages, viewer support proved decisive. Contestants like Simela Petridis advanced with judge saves or strong audience backing, highlighting the mix of vocal talent and fan engagement that defines Idol.

Judges have played a pivotal role. Sandilands, known for his blunt assessments, Hines with her legendary insight as a former Idol mentor figure, and Shark bringing contemporary pop credibility, have guided the field. Guest appearances added star power, but the core trio’s chemistry has kept the show engaging through auditions, knockouts and transformation week makeovers.

Goode’s journey began with a standout audition that earned him a fast pass into the top 12 in some reports, though details vary across coverage. His ability to deliver emotional, technically sound performances week after week has built a dedicated following. Fans on social media and fan groups frequently list him, Jacinta and Kalani as the likely top three, with debates centering on who commands the most votes in the final stretch.

The prize remains substantial: $100,000 cash plus a recording contract, offering the winner immediate industry access. Past contestants have leveraged the platform for tours, ARIA nominations and sustained careers. Producers stress this season’s focus on preparing artists for the road, with several top 12 members already demonstrating touring readiness in judge feedback.

As the finale nears, speculation fills social platforms. Some viewers predict an upset if a dark horse like Tre Samuels or a returning bottom-two survivor gains momentum. Others insist Goode’s consistent excellence makes him unstoppable. Betting sites have not yet posted formal odds for the 2026 finale, but informal fan sentiment heavily favors the young Brisbane singer.

The live grand finale will see the top contestants deliver signature hits and possibly original material before Australia votes one last time. Tickets were reportedly available for the April 13-14 shows, promising a high-energy night with studio audience and celebrity guests.

Australian Idol’s return to Seven has maintained strong viewership, capitalizing on nostalgia while introducing fresh voices. The 2026 season follows the 2025 win by Marshall Hamburger, whose post-show momentum included new singles and touring. Whomever claims victory this year steps into a franchise with proven star-making power — from Guy Sebastian’s enduring success to more recent alumni carving independent paths.

For now, all eyes remain on Harlan Goode. His vocal range, emotional connection and undeniable star quality have positioned him as the contestant to beat. Yet Idol history shows that public voting can deliver surprises, especially when multiple strong vocalists remain.

Jacinta Guirguis brings a compelling story and vocal fire that resonates with many. Kalani Artis offers a modern, genre-blending appeal that could capture younger voters. The final performances will likely decide whether Goode’s frontrunner status holds or if another talent rises in the decisive vote.

As the clock ticks toward the April finale, excitement builds across Australia. Fans are urged to vote via the official 7plus app or SMS when lines open. The winner will not only take home the title but launch what producers hope becomes a lasting music career.

With the top six delivering their best, the 2026 Australian Idol promises a memorable conclusion to another captivating season. Whether Harlan Goode fulfills fan predictions or another name is called on finale night, the competition has once again showcased the depth of Australian singing talent.

TUCSON, Ariz. — More than two months after 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie vanished from her Tucson home in what authorities call a targeted abduction, the FBI has increased its reward to $100,000 for information leading to her recovery or the arrest of those responsible, as the high-profile case continues to baffle investigators and captivate the nation.

Guthrie, mother of NBC’s “Today” show co-anchor Savannah Guthrie, was last seen Jan. 31 when family members dropped her off at her Catalina Foothills residence after a games night. She was reported missing the next day, Feb. 1. Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos quickly declared she had been taken against her will, citing evidence at the scene including drops of her blood on the porch and signs of forced removal. “She couldn’t walk 50 yards by herself,” Nanos told reporters, emphasizing that voluntary departure was not believed.

Surveillance footage released by the FBI shows a masked suspect in dark clothing, gloves and a backpack approaching Guthrie’s front door in the early morning hours of Feb. 1. The individual is seen tampering with her doorbell camera — propping it open with vegetation before disconnecting it — while holding a flashlight in his mouth, potentially leaving behind biological evidence from saliva. A similar masked figure was captured on Nest cam footage three weeks earlier, on Jan. 11, raising questions about prior surveillance of the home.

The case stands out for its rarity. FBI data from recent years shows that while women make up over 75% of reported kidnapping or abduction victims, those in their 80s account for less than 0.2% of cases. Experts have described the abduction of an elderly woman requiring daily medication as “unheard of” in its specifics, especially given the apparent amateurish elements mixed with targeted planning.

Ransom demands surfaced early. Media outlets, including local stations and TMZ, reportedly received notes demanding millions — initially $4 million, later raised to $6 million — with Bitcoin payment instructions and deadlines. One note referenced a specific time aligning with the camera disconnection. Savannah Guthrie publicly appealed to the kidnappers, posting videos asking for proof her mother was alive and stating the family was ready to negotiate. No confirmed communication has been reported since the deadlines passed, deepening family anguish.

Savannah Guthrie, who has stepped back from her “Today” duties, has shared emotional updates. She described hearing what she believed was a divine message about her mother’s fate and revealed her young daughter Vale asked heartbreaking questions about Grandma Nancy. The family offered a $1 million reward for tips leading to Nancy’s safe return, acknowledging the grim possibility she may no longer be alive. “Whether she’s on this Earth still or whether she’s in Heaven, I know where she is,” Savannah said in one appearance.

Investigators recovered DNA evidence, including from gloves found near the home that matched the suspect’s apparent attire, though early CODIS hits proved unrelated — one belonging to a restaurant worker. Other potential leads, including a detained man and his mother questioned in a SWAT raid, were released without charges. A vehicle and additional residences near the Guthrie home were searched, yielding no immediate breakthroughs.

Sheriff Nanos has stated investigators believe they know the motive and that the home was specifically targeted, though he stopped short of full certainty. Former FBI agents and analysts have speculated on possibilities ranging from a ransom plot gone wrong to revenge or a link to cryptocurrency schemes seen in other Arizona home invasions around the same period. Nanos warned the suspect “could absolutely” strike again, urging residents to remain vigilant.

Criticism of the investigation has mounted. Reports suggest initial responders may have considered a “wandering off” scenario before shifting to abduction, and one lead detective reportedly lacked prior homicide experience. A recall effort against the sheriff has gained traction amid frustration over the lack of arrests more than 60 days later. The FBI has provided additional resources, releasing updated suspect descriptions and enhancing the reward.

Nancy Guthrie, née Long, lived a relatively private life despite her daughter’s fame. A religious woman and mother of three, she had ties to Australia where Savannah was born in Melbourne. The family has cooperated fully, with Savannah’s siblings also involved in appeals. No family members or their spouses are considered suspects, according to authorities.

The case has spotlighted the broader issue of missing persons in Tucson, where dozens of other cases remain open. Experts note the emotional toll on families facing prolonged uncertainty, especially when the victim is elderly and dependent on medication. Guthrie’s health needs have heightened fears for her safety as weeks turn into months.

Online speculation has run rampant, leading to unwarranted accusations against innocent locals and one family reporting they felt “scared numb” after amateur sleuths targeted their street. Law enforcement has urged the public to avoid spreading unverified theories and to submit tips through official channels.

As the search continues, air and ground efforts, neighborhood canvassing and analysis of thousands of tips have yielded limited progress. The suspect’s backpack — described as an “Ozark Trail Hiker Pack” — and low-quality holster have been highlighted as potential identifiers, with some analysts pointing to the amateur nature of the crime, including the counterproductive camera tampering that actually preserved footage.

Pima County authorities, alongside federal partners, continue to treat the matter as an active kidnapping investigation. No arrests have been made, and Nancy Guthrie’s whereabouts remain unknown. Her family maintains hope while preparing for all possibilities.

The unusual details — an elderly victim, celebrity connection, ransom notes, prior surveillance and sparse forensics — have made the Nancy Guthrie case one of the most discussed disappearances in recent memory. It serves as a stark reminder of vulnerabilities even in seemingly safe suburban homes.

Tips can be submitted to the Pima County Sheriff’s Department or the FBI. As authorities press forward with enhanced rewards and public appeals, the central question lingers: Who took Nancy Guthrie, and why?

With no resolution in sight entering April, the investigation remains fluid. Savannah Guthrie and her family continue pleading for information, while experts caution that time is critical given the victim’s age and medical needs.

The nation watches as Tucson authorities and the FBI work to bring closure to a mystery that defies easy