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Iceland votes on resuming EU membership talks as Trump's push for neighboring Greenland looms over debate

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 01:44:44 -0400

Icelanders voted Saturday on whether to reopen negotiations to join the European Union, with President Donald Trump's push for U.S. control of neighboring Greenland adding a new security dimension to a debate that has divided the NATO ally for years.

Iceland, strategically positioned in the North Atlantic and roughly 180 miles from Greenland, has no military of its own and relies on NATO and a longstanding defense agreement with the United States for its security, according to RTE and The Associated Press.

Trump's repeated interest in acquiring Greenland has unsettled some Icelanders and raised questions about whether closer ties with the EU could provide another layer of security for the island nation, the AP reported.

TRUMP SAYS NATO FAILED TWO KEY TESTS DURING HIGH-STAKES TURKEY SUMMIT: 'NOT HAPPY'

Roughly 275,000 eligible voters were asked whether Iceland should resume membership negotiations with the EU. As of Saturday evening, the result had not been officially called.

If the referendum passes, Iceland would resume negotiations with the EU, followed by another referendum on actual membership, RTE reported.

Iceland's government, led by Prime Minister Kristrún Frostadóttir, has vowed to respect the result, although the referendum is technically nonbinding.

"This has been a tight race, extremely exciting," Frostadóttir said after voting Saturday.

She said the campaign had "lifted discussions about the EU, about Iceland's place in the world, about our general geopolitical situation and status, to a higher level."

While domestic and economic issues have played a central role in the referendum campaign, Trump's ambitions for neighboring Greenland have also cast a shadow over Iceland's debate about its place in Europe and the broader geopolitical landscape.

TRUMP ARRIVES AT NATO SUMMIT AS IRAN RIFT LOOMS ABOVE ALLIANCE TALKS

Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in acquiring Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory, previously saying the U.S. would obtain the strategically important Arctic island "one way or the other."

The Trump administration has also previously weighed options for acquiring Greenland, including the potential use of military force. Such a move against territory belonging to Denmark, a fellow NATO member, would pose an extraordinary challenge to the alliance and its collective-defense commitments.

Trump has also mistakenly referred to Iceland while discussing Greenland on multiple occasions, according to the AP.

Iceland itself was drawn into the discussion earlier this year after former Rep. Billy Long, who is now Trump's ambassador to Iceland, apologized for privately joking to House lawmakers that the country could become the "52nd state" with him as its governor.

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

North Carolina warns mobile petting zoo visitors of rabies exposure after baby goats test positive

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:56:17 -0400

North Carolina health officials are urging people who touched baby goats at a mobile petting zoo to contact their local health department after several goats tested positive for rabies.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) said the infected goats were from Farm Adventures, a mobile petting zoo based in Harmony, North Carolina, that attended off-site events across multiple counties.

Anyone who had contact with baby goats from Farm Adventures, either at its Harmony location or at an off-site event between July 28 and Aug. 27, should contact their local health department to determine whether medication is needed to prevent infection, according to NCDHHS.

RABID BAT FOUND NEAR ZOO RESTAURANT SPARKS URGENT PUBLIC HEALTH WARNING: 'EXTREMELY SERIOUS'

During that period, NCDHHS said Farm Adventures held off-site events involving children and elderly individuals across multiple counties. Organizers of those events are being notified, the agency said, adding that the investigation remains ongoing and additional information about potential exposure locations will be released when available.

In a Facebook statement, Farm Adventures said four of its baby goats had contracted rabies and that the animals had been euthanized to prevent further spread.

MARYLAND ROCKED BY THIRD BEAVER ATTACK IN WEEKS AFTER 2 ANIMALS TEST POSITIVE FOR RABIES

The petting zoo identified the goats as Molly, Maggie, Cow and Uno.

"We are working closely with public health officials, the North Carolina Department of Agriculture, and animal control to address this issue and ensure the safety of our animals and clients," Farm Adventures said.

According to Farm Adventures, the baby goats were housed in a separate pen away from the other animals at the petting zoo.

The four goats were too young to receive their vaccinations when a skunk entered their pen, according to Farm Adventures. While the skunk was removed, the petting zoo was not aware that the goats had been bitten.

"They showed no sign or symptoms of rabies," Farm Adventures said.

DEADLIEST ANIMAL IN EVERY US STATE REVEALED, FROM MOOSE AND BEARS TO DOGS

Farm Adventures said one of the animals was ultimately sent for a necropsy after its veterinarian investigated what was happening. State health officials said several goats tested positive for rabies at the North Carolina State Laboratory of Public Health.

"These past few days have been incredibly difficult for us," Farm Adventures said.

Rabies is a viral disease that is deadly if people do not receive medical care before symptoms begin, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The virus primarily spreads through bites or scratches from an infected animal. Bats, skunks, raccoons and foxes are the animals most frequently found with rabies in the U.S., according to the CDC.

The CDC said roughly 100,000 Americans receive rabies vaccinations following a potential exposure each year.

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Human rabies infections are extremely rare in the U.S., and no human cases have been reported in North Carolina since 2011, according to NCDHHS.

South Carolina police officer killed, another wounded in gunfight with suspect who had extensive record

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:51:52 -0400

A gunfight between a man with an extensive arrest record and two police officers in Columbia, South Carolina, left one officer dead and another wounded on Saturday morning.

The two officers responded to a domestic dispute call just after 9:30 a.m. at a residence where a woman said a man she had a restraining order against was in her home destroying property.

By the time the officers arrived, he had left the scene, but they found him about an hour later and a "gunfight" ensued.

MARINE VETERAN LAS VEGAS POLICE OFFICER KILLED IN SHOOTING; ARMED SUSPECT ALSO DEAD

"Our hearts are broken this evening," Columbia police Chief W.H. "Skip" Holbrook said at a news conference later Saturday. "We gather under the worst of circumstances you could possibly imagine. We’re deeply hurt."

Holbrook added, "It’s with heartbreak and sadness that I inform you that one of our officers has succumbed to his injuries."

SEA OF BLUE FLOODS CHICAGO FUNERAL FOR SLAIN OFFICER AS KILLING FUELS OUTRAGE OVER SOFT-ON-CRIME POLICIES

Officer Christopher DeLong, 29, had been with the police department for two years and leaves behind a wife and two young children, Holbrook said.

"Our thoughts and prayers are first and foremost with Officer DeLong’s family, his loved ones and friends and coworkers," he said.

CONNECTICUT POLICE OFFICERS SHOT, SUSPECT KILLED AFTER ATTEMPTED ARREST SPARKS HECTIC CHASE

The second officer, David Dymock, is in stable condition, Holbrook said, adding, "our prayers are with him as he continues to recover from wounds sustained during the gunfight."

The suspect, identified as Adam Tyler Dowdy, was also killed in the gunfight.

CHICAGO COP KILLING SUSPECT ALLEGEDLY PREYED ON ‘JOKE OF A SYSTEM,’ COSTING OFFICERS THEIR LIVES: CITY LEADER

Dowdy had a series of arrests for disorderly conduct, operating a motor vehicle under the influence, contempt of court, public intoxication, possession of a controlled substance and probation violations, Holbrook said.

Holbrook added that Dowdy may have been out on bond for battery in Georgia.

"We’re still trying to verify that preliminary information," he said. "He has a history of several arrests that span through the following states: South Carolina, Kentucky, Wisconsin, and Georgia."

He asked for people to pray for the DeLong family "to have strength as they navigate this unimaginably difficult time."

Holbrook said he had already gotten condolences from every law enforcement agency in the region as well as South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster.

"I’m saddened by the tragic loss of Officer Chris DeLong of the Columbia Police Department," U.S. Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., wrote on X. "Officer DeLong answered the call to serve and protect us all, and he lost his life in the line of duty this morning. My prayers are with his family, friends, and the Columbia Police Department. I’m also praying for Officer David Dymok, who was injured while serving and protecting our community. We’re hoping for his quick and full recovery. Law enforcement officers are heroes who protect us every day. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their service and sacrifice."

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The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division is investigating the shooting.

Retired Port Authority officers tell Mamdani, Hochul to stay away from Ground Zero on 9/11

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:00:33 -0400

Retired Port Authority police officers are demanding that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Gov. Kathy Hochul skip Ground Zero’s 25th anniversary 9/11 commemoration, saying their attendance would inflict "deep pain" on victims’ families, survivors and first responders.

In separate letters dated Aug. 14, John McDevitt, president of the Port Authority Retired Police Association, urged the two Democrats not to attend the Sept. 11 ceremony at the site of the deadliest terror attack in U.S. history.

"For us, September 11 is not a political occasion, a photo opportunity, or a platform for public officials," McDevitt wrote to Mamdani. "It is a solemn day of remembrance for those who were murdered, those who responded, those who survived, and the families who have carried these losses for twenty-five years."

GOP SENATORS RALLY BEHIND 9/11 FAMILIES IN PUSH TO BAN MAMDANI FROM ANNIVERSARY CEREMONY: 'HE'S A DISGRACE'

The group said the World Trade Center was "our home," noting that 37 Port Authority police officers and 47 other members of the Port Authority family were killed in the 2001 attacks.

"Thirty-seven of our brothers and sisters made the ultimate sacrifice," McDevitt wrote. "Their memorial should not become the center of political controversy."

SEE IT: MAMDANI BOOED OFF STAGE AT NEW YORK CITY PRO-POLICE CELEBRATION: ‘WALKED OFF IN SHAME’

The letter said the retired officers have "profound concerns" about Mamdani’s public statements, political associations and positions, which they believe are inconsistent with the sacrifice of victims and law enforcement officers.

"We believe your presence at Ground Zero on this 25th anniversary would cause deep pain to many members of the 9/11 community," McDevitt wrote. "It also risks shifting attention away from the people whose lives, courage, and sacrifice the ceremony exists to honor."

NEW YORK GUBERNATORIAL CANDIDATE URGES 9/11 ATTENDEES TO TURN AWAY FROM MAMDANI DURING CEREMONY

McDevitt suggested Mamdani could instead recognize the anniversary through a written statement, public message or a separate event.

"This is our day to remember," he wrote. "Please allow us to remember in peace."

The association struck a similarly blistering tone in its letter to Hochul, taking issue with her decision to illuminate One World Trade Center for Muslim American Heritage Month.

The retired officers said they did not object to Hochul’s proclamation itself, but to the decision to use the World Trade Center and Ground Zero for the observance.

"We believe that political pandering played a role in a decision that showed such disregard for the significance of this sacred site," McDevitt wrote.

The association called the decision "insensitive, tone-deaf, and an affront" to those who served at the World Trade Center, victims’ families, survivors and first responders.

TRUMP CONFIRMS PENTAGON PLANS FOR 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9/11 ATTACKS, DISPUTES REPORT ON GROUND ZERO ABSENCE

"Because of that decision, we believe that you have forfeited your right to stand alongside us at Ground Zero on the 25th anniversary," McDevitt wrote to Hochul.

Hochul’s office pushed back on the retired officers’ demand in a statement to Fox News Digital, saying the governor "has enormous respect for all the families who lost loved ones on 9/11" and will "proudly stand alongside them at this year’s commemoration."

The spokesperson added that Muslim New Yorkers "served as first responders and helped unite the city in the aftermath of 9/11," and said, "The Governor knows we can respect these families while being clear that Islamophobia has no place in New York."

AMERICA’S HEARTLAND COMES FACE-TO-FACE WITH 9/11 HISTORY AS 25TH ANNIVERSARY NEARS

Mamdani previously said he plans to attend the commemoration and "proudly honor" the families, survivors and first responders forever affected by the terror attack.

The retired officers’ demand comes as a petition asking organizers to bar Mamdani from the ceremony has drawn more than 95,000 signatures.

The petition was launched in July by Giovanni Galante, whose wife, Grace Catherine Galante, was killed in the Sept. 11 attacks.

MASSIVE PIECE OF 9/11 HISTORY MAKES STUNNING 10,500-MILE JOURNEY ACROSS AMERICA

"Speaking as the husband of Grace Catherine Galante, we are taking measures to shield our loved ones by barring anyone who opposes our way of life from the ceremony," Galante wrote on the petition page.

Former Jill Biden spokesman Michael LaRosa, who also served as a special assistant to former President Joe Biden, signed the petition and warned that Mamdani’s presence would be a "lightning rod" that diverts attention from victims and their loved ones.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum previously told Fox News Digital that it keeps the annual commemoration free of politics. Government officials who attend do not deliver remarks and are asked to remain in a designated area, a spokesperson said.

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Fox News Digital has reached out to Mamdani's office for comment.

Fox News Digital's Charles Creitz contributed to this report.

PGA Tour taps Donald Trump to reprise honorary chairman role for Presidents Cup, White House confirms

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:55:12 -0400

President Donald Trump will return to a familiar role next month when the 2026 Presidents Cup tees off. Trump was named an honorary chairman for the tournament, the PGA Tour announced Saturday.

This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 22-27 at Medinah Country Club near Chicago. Trump previously served as honorary chairman of the 2017 Presidents Cup, held at Liberty National Golf Club in New Jersey. He participated in the trophy presentation after the U.S. Team defeated the International Team, 19-11.

PGA Tour CEO Brian Rolapp pointed to the Presidents Cup’s long-standing connection to world leaders, saying, "The Presidents Cup has a proud tradition of engaging world leaders from across the globe and across political lines, and President Trump’s involvement continues that legacy."

TRUMP PRAISES MAJOR ANNOUNCEMENT ABOUT GOLF BALL ROLLBACK THAT HAS THE SPORT DIVIDED

"His participation will help elevate the event on the international stage while furthering our mission of bringing people together through the game of golf," Rolapp added.

This year's tournament will see a 12-man U.S. Team go head-to-head with a 12-man International Team. Brandt Snedeker will captain the Americans, while Australian Geoff Ogilvy will lead the International Team.

"At the request of the PGA Tour, and its Great new Commissioner, Brian Rolapp, it is my Honor to accept being the Honorary Chairman of the upcoming Presidents Cup, which will take place at the Medinah Country Club in Chicago," Trump wrote on Truth Social in a post later shared by the official White House account on X.

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"This will be a particularly exciting event," Trump wrote in the post to Truth Social. "Both teams are 'loaded' with Talent. I look forward to being there, and greeting all of these fantastic athletes, on both teams!"

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Trump is the seventh U.S. president to serve as honorary chairman of the Presidents Cup, joining Joe Biden, Barack Obama, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George H.W. Bush and Gerald Ford.

Former California councilman's corruption unmasked after FBI finds cash buried in backyard

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:58:48 -0400

A former California councilman who admitted burying nearly $63,000 in cash in his backyard was sentenced Friday to 18 months in federal prison for taking bribes tied to a police-union contract and commercial marijuana permits, prosecutors said.

Ricardo Pacheco, 63, spent more than two decades on the Baldwin Park City Council before resigning in 2020 as part of his plea deal. Federal prosecutors said he used his elected office to collect cash and funnel other payments through his church and political groups.

The Department of Justice said Pacheco and former Compton City Councilman Isaac Jacob Galvan carried out "corrupt acts while they were elected officials," including accepting and paying bribes for political support and city permits.

HAWAII'S DEMOCRATIC LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR INDICTED IN STATE CORRUPTION INVESTIGATION

Pacheco was also fined $10,000 and ordered to forfeit $219,755. The FBI seized $83,145 in cash proceeds from him, including $62,900 that Pacheco said he had buried in two places in his backyard, prosecutors said. A restitution hearing is still to be scheduled.

Galvan, 39, received the same 18-month federal prison sentence and was ordered to pay $323,557 in restitution.

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The case began with the police-union deal.

Between January and October 2018, Pacheco solicited and received $37,900 from a Baldwin Park police officer in exchange for supporting the Baldwin Park Police Association’s contract with the city, prosecutors said. The deal was worth at least $4.4 million over three years.

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The officer was working at the FBI’s direction after he and another officer approached the bureau to assist in its corruption investigation, according to the DOJ.

In October 2018, the officer handed Pacheco a $20,000 cash bribe inside an envelope at a Baldwin Park coffee shop, prosecutors said. Pacheco also directed $17,900 in checks to his church and political action committees that were set up in other people’s names but controlled by him, according to the DOJ.

MADURO ALLY DEPORTED TO US OVER ALLEGED BILLION-DOLLAR CORRUPTION SCHEME TIED TO OIL, FOOD PROGRAM

Pacheco voted for the police association contract in March 2018.

Pacheco later became an FBI informant after agents caught him in a video-recorded sting at the coffee shop, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The outlet reported that Pacheco wore a concealed wire as investigators built cases that led to six indictments involving more than 20 people tied to local government and the marijuana industry.

The outlet also reported that the wider investigation implicated figures including Galvan, a former Baldwin Park city attorney, a Commerce city manager, a San Bernardino County planning commissioner and a marijuana distributor.

The case also uncovered an alleged pay-to-play system around marijuana permits in Baldwin Park.

FORMER CALIFORNIA MAYOR ADMITS TO SECRETLY WORKING FOR CHINA, SPREADING BEIJING PROPAGANDA IN US

The city began allowing marijuana cultivation, manufacturing and distribution in 2017. Prosecutors said Pacheco soon began seeking money from businesses pursuing development agreements and related permits.

Galvan, who was then serving on the Compton City Council, offered consulting services to W&F International Corp., a Diamond Bar import-export business that wanted a marijuana permit in Baldwin Park, prosecutors said.

Galvan then helped facilitate $70,000 in bribes from the company’s owner, Yichang Bai, to Pacheco in return for the councilman’s votes and political backing, according to the DOJ.

Pacheco delivered, prosecutors said, voting in favor of W&F’s permit in June and July 2018 and later supporting the company’s effort to relocate its operations.

The payments were obscured through checks from third parties, including checks with blank payee lines, prosecutors said. When Pacheco later sought more money for his legal defense fund, Galvan told Bai the councilman wanted $25,000. Bai agreed to provide $20,000 through seven checks from bank accounts that were not his or W&F’s, the DOJ said.

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Galvan also admitted he failed to report about $560,525 in income to the IRS from 2017 through 2020. Prosecutors said the scheme caused a tax loss of $115,816.

Bai pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bribery and was sentenced in July to 20 months in federal prison and a $3,000 fine.

Footage of two planes stunning a rugby stadium with one of the wildest flyovers ever goes viral

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:50:42 -0400

Is there anything better than a flyover?

Just last weekend, fans at the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington, D.C., were treated to seven of them in the lead-up to the race.

However, none of them buzzed the tower quite like a couple of passenger jets did to a rugby stadium in South Africa.

EXCLUSIVE: AIR FORCE DEBUTS HISTORIC 8-SHIP BOMBER-FIGHTER FORMATION OVER MIAMI BEACH

New Zealand traveled to South Africa as part of a tour called "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry," pitting the All Blacks against the Springboks in a series of matches being played around the world.

Saturday's was in Cape Town, South Africa, and started with a doozy of a flyover by a pair of Embraer E-Jets from South African airline Airlink.

That was about as low as it could've been without grazing the heads of cheapskates in the nosebleeds with the landing gear.

I mean, look at this from some other angles because it just makes it even more unbelievable.

FREEDOM 250 GRAND PRIX ATTENDEES TALK ABOUT AMERICAN PRIDE IN THE MIDST OF HISTORIC EVENT

While it's shocking to those of us who are used to seeing flyovers several thousand feet higher than that, it's apparently pretty common in South Africa.

South Africa: where they have sharks that jump out of the water higher than planes fly over stadiums.

I’m sure it was a shock to the system for any rugby fans in that stadium who were a few beers deep by the time the match got underway — which, let’s be real, was probably most of them — but man, what an experience.

Imagine that being done by something like the B-2 bomber that did a flyover at the aforementioned Freedom 250 Grand Prix, that low over a stadium.

It would probably rattle the fillings out of your face, but you'd think it was the coolest thing ever.

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And then when you'd explain it to your dentist, he'd think it was the coolest thing ever too, and not just because he was getting paid.

Country duo Dan + Shay nearly broke up at height of success when their communication faltered

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:41:59 -0400

Country music duo Dan + Shay revealed they almost went their separate ways at the height of their success.

The duo, composed of Dan Smyers, 39, and Shay Mooney, 34, admitted while on the "Artist Friendly" podcast recently that, at the pinnacle of their success, "there was unhealthy dynamics between both of us 'cause we process things a lot differently."

Mooney explained that their biggest issue was that there "was just a communication stop," and they eventually "got to this point" where it was "just getting really tough."

"We had that moment in 2021, and it was kind of like, all right, do we ride off into the sunset and celebrate our accomplishments or do, like, we have some maybe really hard conversations with each other and fix this?" Mooney said.

COUNTRY STAR STEPS AWAY FROM MUSIC TO FOCUS ON HIMSELF AFTER FAME TOOK A TOLL

After host Joel Madden pressed the duo for more details, Smyers explained that, after they landed the opening slot for Kenny Chesney's tour, they were excited but didn't know if they could do it since their relationship was in a bad place.

They ultimately decided, "We have to figure this out," even if it meant that they "call it a day and go out on this Kenny tour as our farewell tour," Smyers said.

The two decided to meet at Smyers' home to have a conversation, with Smyers calling that meeting "the most pivotal critical moment in our entire career."

"We're either going to say peace out to this thing or we're going to figure this out and get it right," Mooney said.

Smyers added, "He ended up staying at the house till like 3, 4 in the morning and just hashing."

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Mooney later explained that he felt as if Smyers wasn't enjoying himself during the shows, noting that he felt like he didn't "know how to make you enjoy these things" and that he just wanted his friend to be happy.

He was later able to understand that Smyers is particular about "those details that people don't see" and would get upset when things malfunction during shows, for instance, if "the video wall was out," whereas that isn't as big of an issue for Mooney.

"When we finally were like, 'Hey, you're not good at enjoying these things sometimes. I enjoy everything even when it's bad,'" Mooney said. "So, if we can meet somewhere in the middle, we can make this beautiful thing. Which is what happened in the beginning."

In the end, they chose to remain together as a duo after they both apologized for their part in the breakdown of their relationship. Smyers said they also established a new rule by which they let each other know when something is bothering them "rather than letting these things build up and boil and then it just explodes."

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Dan + Shay broke out onto the country music scene in 2013 with the release of their debut single, "19 You + Me."

Their debut album, "Where It All Began" came one year later in 2014, and their signature hit, "Tequila," was released in 2018. The song won them their first Grammy Award in 2019, which was followed by two more consecutive wins in 2020 and 2021 for "Speechless" and "10,000 Hours."

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Division-II running back pronounced dead after medical emergency in team's season opener

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:18:21 -0400

A college in Liberty, Missouri, is in mourning after one of the school's running backs was pronounced dead following a medical emergency on the sideline during the team's season-opening game.

William Jewell College running back MicahJo Barnett was the player involved in the incident during the game against D-II rival Fort Lewis College.

The game, which was being played at William Jewell College's Greene Stadium, was suspended, with a vigil in memory of the late junior running back scheduled for Saturday evening.

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"William Jewell & the Liberty community mourn the passing of junior MicahJo Barnett," the school's athletic department posted on social media. "Our thoughts & prayers are with MicahJo’s family, teammates, friends, & coaches. A vigil will be held tonight on the Jewell quad at 8 p.m. in honor of MicahJo & family."

FORMER COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDOUT LEVI WYATT DEAD AT 23

The school's interim president, Dr. Drew Van Horn, thanked first responders for the efforts to save Barnett, who was pursuing a business major at the small liberal arts college.

"We appreciate the response from the sheriff’s office, the police department, EMS team, physician for the team, everybody responded so quickly, so well," Dr. Van Horn told Fox 4 KC. "Our hearts are heavy and we just appreciate all the support that we have received from the greater community."

Barnett had scored a touchdown earlier in the game, not long before his death.

According to the school's athletics site, Barnett hailed from Shawnee, Kansas, and has six siblings. In high school, he led Liberty North High School to a state title during his senior year.

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Barnett appeared in eight games his freshman year, but was limited to five in 2025 due to a season-ending injury.

Mississippi mayor argues against lowering flag for Dolly Parton after her death

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 20:14:04 -0400

The mayor of a small city in Mississippi is arguing against lowering the flag to honor Dolly Parton, worrying that it would "lessen the meaning of the gesture" in the future.

"I believe lowering the American flag to half-staff should mean something very significant," Olive Branch, Mississippi, Mayor Ken Adams wrote on the city’s Facebook page Friday.

"In my opinion, it should be reserved for our military heroes, fallen first responders, presidents and other major national leaders, or events that have had a tremendous impact on our country.

"If we lower the flag every time a well-known or beloved person passes away, I believe we eventually lessen the meaning of the gesture."

DOLLY PARTON'S LIFE IN HER OWN WORDS: FROM SMOKY MOUNTAINS POVERTY TO COUNTRY MUSIC IMMORTALITY

Adams began his post by acknowledging the "9 to 5" songstress as a "great person" who "brought happiness to millions of people and has done tremendous things for others throughout her life."

He said he had "nothing but respect for her."

SHERRILL RIPPED AFTER NEW JERSEY SKIPS FLAG DIRECTIVE HONORING GRAHAM: ‘MOST POLITICAL GOVERNOR’

Adams said while he doesn’t believe local governments should disregard the president or the governor, Mississippi operates under home rule, which he said gives local governments broad discretion.

Both President Donald Trump and Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves ordered U.S. and state flags flown at half-staff for one week after her death at age 80 Tuesday.

DOLLY PARTON REFUSED TO PICK POLITICAL SIDES FOR DECADES: ‘I’M NOT IN POLITICS, I’M AN ENTERTAINER’

"The President can make the decision for the country. The Governor can make the decision for the State of Mississippi. I believe a mayor should have the ability to make a decision for his or her city," Adams continued.

"I also don’t believe residents elected me to be a ‘salute and execute’ Mayor but to lead with conviction."

He stressed that his decision wasn’t about "disrespecting Dolly Parton. It isn’t about politics. And it certainly isn’t about saying she wasn’t a great American."

DOLLY PARTON'S BELOVED LITERACY MISSION SEES SURGE OF SUPPORT AFTER COUNTRY ICON'S DEATH

"It’s simply my belief that the American flag at half-staff is one of the highest honors we can give, and I believe that honor should be reserved for truly extraordinary circumstances," he said. "Sometimes preserving the meaning of an honor means being selective about when we use it."

Adams faced criticism in the comments, with one person writing, "She did more for children than any politician ever has. That should raise her status in your eyes from ‘just a celebrity.’"

BROADCAST BIAS: DOLLY PARTON TAUGHT THE WORLD THE WAY TO BE UNIVERSALLY BELOVED

"I’d lower it for Dolly before any politician," a second person stated.

A third commenter wrote, "When you said 'it's simply my belief', I guess you said it all. Doesn't matter to you what the President, the Governor or your residents believe. And 'reserved for people who made a tremendous impact?' Well...she was probably the most unifying figure of the past 40 years; and she donated 325 million books to kids. Sounds like an impact."

A fourth person who identified as a veteran and first responder wrote about being "100% ok with lowering the flags for Dolly. She gave her time and money to the military and multiply organizations. She earned this."

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Adams didn't clarify if his statement meant the flag would not be lowered in Olive Branch.

Fox News Digital reached out to Adams’ office for comment.

Natasha Cloud refuses to address Enes Kanter Freedom by name in first comments on ejection incident

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 19:46:46 -0400

Natasha Cloud called Enes Kanter Freedom an "irrelevant person" Saturday in her first public comments since their courtside confrontation last Sunday led to his ejection and ban from Chicago Sky home games.

"I won't be talking about anything that happened with an irrelevant person," Cloud told reporters Saturday. "What I will focus on is what actually affects women and children."

"I will talk about real issues that face women, and it's not our trans human beings," she continued. "It's not our drag queens. It's not our gay community. There is a certain demographic of people that you can generally search; it's a simple Google search of what is the greatest threat to women and children in 2026 in the United States of America, and it's not going to be trans people."

WNBA PLAYER NATASHA CLOUD FIRES OFF PRO-TRANS MESSAGE FOLLOWING ALTERCATION WITH ENES KANTER FREEDOM

The confrontation occurred late in the third quarter of the Sky’s loss to the Indiana Fever on Aug. 23. Freedom sat courtside wearing a shirt that defined a woman as an "adult human female." He had also recently announced plans to seek eligibility for the 2027 WNBA Draft as part of his protest against the league’s publicly available eligibility language.

Freedom said he initially raised his hands to celebrate a shot by Fever guard Sophie Cunningham. He alleged that Cloud later turned toward him and said, "She’s not going to sleep with you." Freedom said the two exchanged words before Cloud approached him, yelled and pointed in his direction.

Video shows Freedom stand, extend his arms and step toward the playing surface as security intervened. The Sky said arena security, NBA Security and Chicago police considered him a potential threat. Freedom maintained that he never intended to enter the court and had already taken his final step.

Sky principal owner Michael Alter announced two days later that Freedom was banned from future team games at Wintrust Arena unless he could demonstrate that he would follow the organization’s rules without presenting a potential threat.

Cloud praised Alter, general manager Jeff Pagliocca and coach Tyler Marsh for their handling of the incident.

"We're asking for protection, and that's what protection looks like from a man," Cloud said. "We can't not allow him in the arena before the game, but after the game we can bring solutions to the table that best benefit putting our players first and protecting our players. Jeff, Tyler and Michael have done a good job of that. I hope the WNBA follows their lead."

The WNBA Fan Code of Conduct permits teams to eject spectators, revoke tickets and prevent individuals from attending future games. It also states that a guest who attempts to enter the court can be immediately removed.

Asked why the WNBA continues to experience heightened controversies, she answered with one word: "Men."

ENES FREEDOM VS NATASHA CLOUD: THE OPPOSING ACTIVISTS AT THE CENTER OF THE WNBA'S LATEST SIGNATURE MOMENT

Alter has not identified a formal reinstatement process for Freedom. He said Freedom must prove that he understands his conduct was unacceptable and will not repeat it, but declined to give him a "roadmap" for having the ban lifted.

Cloud said Saturday that the league’s repeated cultural and political distractions stem from men.

"The men now that are like, ‘Oh, we need to protect the WNBA,’ y'all were the same ones saying we shouldn't be paid," Cloud continued. "Y'all were the same ones saying we shouldn't have been invested in, saying we're a joke, the same ones that don't respect Black women. So, if you're going to protect women, that means all women. That includes Black women, trans women and the list goes on."

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Cloud scored 14 points earlier Saturday as the Sky lost to the Liberty, 85-66.

Social media rips dude who snatched Liverpool star's match-worn jersey from two kids … or did he?

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 19:10:16 -0400

You’d think by now most people would know that snatching a game-used ball or jersey from a kid at a sporting event is always a bad move, but it appears at least one person didn’t get the message … or did he?

English Premier League club Liverpool had just played Nottingham Forest to a 2-2 draw, and while he was walking off the pitch, Liverpool's Alexander Isak decided to make a young fan's day.

He spotted the kid, popped off his jersey, and went to hand it to him, only for it to be intercepted by some dude.

A'S FAN BRUTALLY SWINGS AND MISSES WITH THE LADIES AFTER TRYING TO HAND THEM A FOUL BALL

Oh, boy...

These are always rough.

CHICAGO CUBS FAN SLAPS YOUNGER FAN FOR NOT STANDING DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM IN VIRAL VIDEO

At this point, every functional adult knows that you yield cool sports souvenirs to kids. I’m not saying I agree with that. I think it actually builds character when a 31-year-old fella like myself dives in front of a youngster and takes a home run ball from them with a highlight-reel catch.

I get a cool addition to my office; they get a valuable life lesson about life not being fair and scumbags walking among us.

The thing is, I don’t do that and abide by the unwritten rule because I don’t want to get eaten alive on social media more than I have to.

However, in an instance of something that never happens — aside from the fact that it happens all the time — social media may have jumped the proverbial gun on this one.

Alright, it's good to see that situation ended the way it should have, with that young soccer fan getting his favorite player's sweaty shirt.

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But let this be a reminder that if you're going to shame someone, make sure you get all the facts before you start serving up a heaping helping of it.

USC football ripped for pathetic crowd at home opener: 'Absolutely embarrassing'

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:35:26 -0400

College football is BACK. Can you feel it? It's in the air!

We've waited months for today. We put our heads down all winter and spring. We suffered through the insufferable summer weather. We made it through the awful WNBA drama.

We waited for today — for this moment. Week Zero. The unofficial start of the college football season. It's the best Saturday of the year ...

ONE OF THESE EIGHT COLLEGE FOOTBALL TEAMS WILL BE HOISTING THE NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY IN 2026

Unless you're in Los Angeles.

USC, the No. 14 team in the country, opened up their 2026 season this afternoon at home against San Jose State. The Trojans, of course, dominated.

They went into the half up 28-0, and took a 35-3 lead into the fourth quarter. It was always going to be a blowout, and it was.

And, apparently, fans got that memo well before kickoff:

Fans, pundits rip USC crowd

Lordy. What a scene!

Look, I get it. It's Los Angeles. We're not talking about SEC country here. It ain't exactly the college football capital of the world.

It was also San Jose State. Not exactly a juggernaut.

Yes, I know it was ... "hot." And by that, I mean 92 degrees. Sure. Whatever you say!

That being said, it's a tough look for a program that, in theory, is supposed to be competing for a national title in a few months.

I don't know what the official attendance was — and I'm not certain USC is gonna be eager to provide that information — but those are some bad optics.

Bad optics.

This is a program that produced Reggie Bush and Matt Leinart. Carson Palmer and Caleb Williams. Junior Seau. Troy Polamalu. Ronnie Lott. Marcus Allen.

Yes, O.J. Simpson.

NOTRE DAME CAVES, LIVES UP TO MARCUS FREEMAN'S PROMISE AS USC RIVALRY GAME IS OFFICIALLY BACK

USC was the team during my childhood. For about a decade, the Trojans were must-see TV. Sure, they're not the powerhouse they were 15 years ago, but this is still the No. 14 team in the country! This was the home opener.

After eight long months, football was finally BACK at the Coliseum ...

And nobody showed up.

Brutal.

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Drug institute warns that Trump-shaped ecstasy pills contain potentially fatal ingredient

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:28:40 -0400

A respected drug treatment and mental health center in the Netherlands issued a warning against taking ecstasy pills shaped like President Donald Trump’s head, saying they could be fatal.

The Trimbos Institute warned in a "red alert" that the pills contain a high concentration of PMMA, also known as para-methoxymethamphetamine, which is similar to ecstasy’s active ingredient MDMA but is slower acting.

The slow onset could encourage users to take more and potentially overdose.

The institute shared a photo of two of the pills, one of which was green on the front and the other yellow. They were red and blue on the back.

POLICE SEIZE COCAINE BRICKS WITH STICKERS OF NORWEGIAN SOCCER STAR ERLING HAALAND ALL OVER THEM

The pills had a likeness of Trump’s face on the front and the name "Trump" and letters "NL" on the back.

"Absolutely do not use these pills," the institute said.

In 2018, Indiana State police seized orange Trump-shaped ecstasy pills in an operation targeting small-time drug traffickers.

Those pills also had Trump’s face on the front and "great again" written on the back, an apparent reference to his Make America Great Again slogan.

In 2017, German police also seized thousands of Trump-shaped ecstasy pills, which also appeared to be orange, that had an estimated street value of nearly $46,000.

There have yet to be any reports of overdoses or deaths due to the drug, spokesperson Anniek Groothuis told The Associated Press.

GERMAN POLICE SEIZE THOUSANDS OF 'TRUMP' ECSTASY TABLETS

"We do not know of any victims where PMMA was found in their blood," she said.

The clinic said the pills had recently been handed in to some of its centers where it tests drugs before people take them.

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While ecstasy is illegal in the Netherlands, hundreds of thousands of people use the drug every year, according to the government.

Royce White became a fan-favorite guest at Fever game amid Simone Biles' appearance

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:15:07 -0400

On a night when Simone Biles was in the building, Indiana Fever fans flocked to Royce White.

White, a former NBA player who became a viral sensation after declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft, showed up at Friday night’s Fever game in what he says was an unannounced appearance.

White told OutKick that he didn't give the Fever any notice that he would be coming, and the ticket wasn't even purchased under his name. The Fever have not responded to requests for comment.

FORMER NBA PLAYER ROYCE WHITE OFFICIALLY DECLARES FOR 2027 WNBA DRAFT AS LEAGUE'S CULTURE WAR CONTINUES

White quickly became the story of the night, as fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse stopped to talk with him, shake his hand and take photos.

The friendly reception of White was in stark contrast to how Enes Kanter Freedom was received at the Chicago Sky's home game vs. the Fever game last Sunday. Fans heckled Freedom on his way into the arena before he was ejected from the game in the third quarter.

The Sky were informed that Freedom would be coming hours before the game, and team owner Michael Alter told OutKick that security was alerted of Freedom's presence at that game.

White, who says the Fever had no such notice he would be showing up Friday, avoided any similar issues to Freedom. The Indiana home crowd truly embraced White.

"They don't have hate for Black trans lesbians here in Indiana, it's a beautiful thing," White told OutKick after the game. "The reception was great. That's really the cool thing, juxtaposed to what Enes went through... there in Chicago. I just had a completely different experience tonight, and the people of Indiana are great."

White admitted he did not expect the crowd to embrace him like that.

"It's just so crazy the difference of response here in Indiana versus Chicago. But one city is run by people who have common sense and the other one isn't," he said.

Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita and Riley Gaines were also at the game, and were among the other spectators who flocked to White.

Gaines has her own history with Biles after they engaged in a social media spat in June 2025 over the topic of trans athletes in women's sports.

But despite Gaines and Biles being in the same room together on Friday, White's presence appeared to overshadow both of them, especially in social media discussion.

ENES KANTER FREEDOM EJECTED FROM SKY-FEVER GAME AFTER VERBAL ALTERCATION WITH NATASHA CLOUD

Gaines, who was at her second WNBA game, also spoke about the difference in reception by fans in Indiana compared to her last outing. Gaines last attended the Fever vs Minnesota Lynx game in Minneapolis earlier this month.

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"My main takeaway is that when Minneapolis is booing you, it’s generally a good sign," Gaines told OutKick "Especially for those of us with common sense and an ounce of integrity and a shred of honesty."

Dems face uphill battle in challenge to Georgia congressional map under new SCOTUS rules

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:09:20 -0400

President Joe Biden put Georgia at the center of the national voting rights fight in 2021 when he branded the state’s Republican-backed election overhaul "Jim Crow in the 21st century."

Now, five years later, a separate Georgia voting rights battle involving allegations of racial discrimination is garnering national attention as it plays out in federal court.

This time, the dispute centers on the state’s redrawn congressional and state maps redrawn in 2021, with challengers facing a significantly tougher burden of proof after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Louisiana v. Callais.

The latest development came when the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals vacated a lower court judgment striking down Georgia’s 2021 maps and returned the case to U.S. District Judge Steve Jones.

SUPREME COURT RULES ON KEY VOTING RIGHTS ACT RULE AS REPUBLICANS AND DEMOCRATS WAGE REDISTRICTING WAR

The appeals court instructed Jones to reconsider the challenge under the new framework established in Callais, which raised the bar for plaintiffs alleging racial discrimination in redistricting.

Under that standard, evidence that a map weakened Black voters’ electoral influence is not enough by itself. Plaintiffs must present evidence supporting a "strong inference" of intentional racial discrimination and distinguish the effects of race from those of partisan politics.

That distinction is especially important in Georgia, where Black voters overwhelmingly support Democratic candidates, creating significant overlap between race and partisan affiliation. That overlap could make it more difficult for the challengers to prove that race, rather than political advantage, drove the district lines.

Black voters and voting rights organizations filed three lawsuits challenging the maps between December 2021 and January 2022, arguing that the districts diluted Black voting power in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

Jones ruled for the challengers in 2023 and ordered Georgia to create additional majority-Black districts, including one congressional district, two state Senate districts and five state House districts.

Georgia subsequently enacted replacement maps that satisfied Jones’ order while preserving the Republican Party’s political advantage elsewhere. Those maps were used in the 2024 elections and remain in place for the 2026 election cycle, while the legality of the original maps remained at the center of Georgia’s appeal.

MEDIA OUTRAGE OVER SUPREME COURT’S VOTING RIGHTS ACT DECISION COLLIDES WITH REALITY

Before Callais, plaintiffs suing based on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act could win their case without proving that lawmakers intentionally discriminated on the basis of race. Courts focused heavily on whether a map had the effect of diminishing minority voters’ ability to elect their preferred candidates. But under Callais, courts must more closely examine whether present-day racial discrimination was behind the redrawing of the maps rather than political advantages.

Hans von Spakovsky, a senior fellow at Advancing American Freedom, said he does not believe the Georgia challenge will survive the new test.

"I don’t think a challenge will succeed because there is no evidence of current racial discrimination going on in the state legislature," von Spakovsky said. "Prior rulings against the state were based on judges misconstruing and misinterpreting Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act by claiming there was racial dilution resulting from partisan gerrymandering.

"That is not the correct legal standard under Section 2," he continued. "Partisan gerrymandering is constitutional and is not a violation of Section 2."

GEORGIA REDISTRICTING BATTLE REVIVED AFTER APPEALS COURT OVERTURNS FEDERAL COURT DECISION

Georgia can argue that lawmakers were pursuing partisan objectives rather than targeting Black voters because of their race. Because the state’s Black and Democratic voting blocs substantially overlap, separating those possible motivations could prove difficult for the challengers.

"The Supreme Court in the Callais decision specifically said that a viable claim under Section 2 can only be shown if there is evidence of current racial discrimination, and judges must distinguish between racial and political bases for the way people vote," von Spakovsky said.

"In other words, there’s no racial dilution going on when individuals are voting a particular way because of their politics."

Jones must now decide how to handle the remanded case. The plaintiffs could ask to supplement the record with revised maps, updated statistical analyses or additional evidence addressing the Supreme Court’s new requirements. The 11th Circuit, however, did not automatically grant them a new trial or authorize them to rebuild their case from the beginning.

Georgia could argue that the plaintiffs have already received a full trial and that Jones should apply the new standard solely to the existing record.

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Whatever Jones decides is unlikely to alter Georgia’s districts before the November 2026 midterm elections. The appeals court did not order the state to reinstate the original 2021 maps, and Georgia has already conducted its primaries using the replacement districts created from the 2023 map.

Bill Maher ridicules liberals’ 'Lake America' outrage with jab at left-wing language police

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 18:00:02 -0400

Comedian Bill Maher mocked liberals for crying foul over President Donald Trump’s decision to rename Lake Ontario, suggesting they know a thing or two about changing things to fit a political agenda.

In Friday’s opening monologue of HBO’s "Real Time," host Maher poked fun at Trump’s renaming of one of the Great Lakes to "Lake America" during an ongoing trade war with Canada.

"Trump is so mad at Canada he renamed Lake Ontario Lake America," Maher said. "Now I gotta buy a new globe again.

TRUMP TAUNTS CANADA ON RENAMING LAKE ONTARIO THE 'LAKE AMERICA' AMID RISING BORDER TRADE RIFT

"It’s like the fifth time it’s happened," Maher added, referring to Trump’s renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to "Gulf of America."

Trade talks between the two countries crumbled late Friday, and the United States moved forward with 50% tariffs on Canada.

VANCE SAYS CANADA FRIENDLIER TO CHINA ON TRADE THAN TO US: 'INSANITY'

Maher then took aim at liberal outrage over the president’s decision, suggesting critics of Trump’s move had embraced politically driven changes in terminology themselves.

"The liberals are very pissed at this," Maher quipped. "They say you can’t just go around changing things to fit your political agenda. Just ask any Latinx birthing person."

MAHER MOCKS LIBERALS FOR STILL PANICKING ABOUT TRUMP'S ANTICS, PERSONALITY AFTER 10 YEARS

Trump signed the executive order renaming the lake from the Oval Office on Thursday, telling reporters, "This is official, effective immediately."

Maher’s criticism was echoed by NewsBusters Managing Editor Curtis Houck, who told Fox News Digital that liberals’ willingness to embrace new terminology undermines their criticism of Trump’s latest decision.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE COVERAGE OF MEDIA AND CULTURE

"The fact that 'Latinx' and 'birthing person' are increasingly accepted as a punchline rather than a serious demographic statement should give all of us hope that ‘Woke 1’ is dead, and we're never going back to that farcical time," Houck told Fox News Digital.

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"If only the liberal, elitist media could more consistently get the picture," he continued. "The left needs to take a seat before they can say anything about anything being renamed."

The sentiment was echoed by NewsBusters Executive Editor Tim Graham.

"Liberals want to rename all kinds of things to satisfy their urge for wokeness," Graham told Fox News Digital. "Just in this decade, they've pulled down all kinds of statues and renamed scads of military bases. What they hate is anything Trump does to add a patriotic pro-America tinge to something which they associate more with his ego than with patriotism. They see red — as in a red MAGA cap.

"The media routinely genuflect ethnic and LGBTQ pressure groups and their demands to remake the language we're all supposed to use," he continued. "So, they can't seriously object to renaming things. They just want to be the only people who get to rename things."

Police fatally shoot sword-wielding man after woman found trapped in car, officials say

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:49:49 -0400

A sword-wielding man who police say threatened to kill a coffee-shop clerk was fatally shot Saturday after a woman inside his Hyundai sedan told police she was being held against her will after an hourslong standoff.

Jason William Sexton, 54, was outside the vehicle on Nashville's Cheshire Drive with a sword in hand when SWAT Officer Joshua Baney fired three shots, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. Sexton was taken to Skyline Medical Center, where he died.

The 26-year-old woman in the back seat of Sexton's Hyundai was not injured, police said.

The confrontation began hours earlier at a Shell market on Charlotte Avenue, police said. Sexton allegedly argued with a clerk over payment for coffee, drove away, then returned carrying a full-size sword.

RIDESHARE PASSENGER HELD HOSTAGE FOR EIGHT HOURS DURING ARMED STANDOFF WITH POLICE IN SWANKY NEIGHBORHOOD

The clerk locked the doors before Sexton could get inside, police said. Sexton then allegedly yelled, "Come outside now, I’ll kill you." Officers later obtained a felony aggravated assault warrant against him.

About an hour later, a female relative called 911 and told police Sexton was armed with a sword, had posted Instagram videos displaying it and was a danger to others, according to the department.

A police helicopter spotted Sexton's Hyundai at a Dickerson Pike carwash and tracked it as it traveled to Cheshire Drive, police said. Ground units moved in behind the car after it stopped.

Sexton got out carrying the sword and began yelling at officers while the woman remained inside, authorities said.

NYPD OFFICERS FATALLY SHOOT MAN ARMED WITH BUTCHER KNIFE AFTER HE ADVANCED TOWARD COPS: POLICE

Patrol officers spent more than an hour trying to persuade Sexton to surrender, police said. During the standoff, the woman in the car told officers she was being held against her will.

SWAT officers were called as the standoff dragged on and were developing a plan to take Sexton into custody. Baney, a 12-year Metro Nashville police veteran, was initially told to help block the Hyundai with his police truck, police said.

Baney then got out, took a position at the rear of a patrol vehicle and fired three times at Sexton as he held the sword, according to police.

BODYCAM SHOWS NYPD OFFICER SHOOTING MAN WITH KNIFE AS MAMDANI CALLS FOR NO CRIMINAL CHARGES

In the aftermath of the shooting, Metro Nashville Police Chief John Drake directed that Baney be decommissioned and relieved of all police authority while the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation examines the case on behalf of District Attorney General Glenn Funk.

The Metro Nashville Police Department is conducting a separate administrative investigation into Baney's use of force.

Officers had also been trying to arrest Sexton since Friday on outstanding warrants accusing him of violating an order of protection and criminal trespassing, police said. He allegedly sped away from officers and evaded arrest on Murfreesboro Pike around midday Friday.

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The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation is leading the investigation into the shooting, police said.

Officials have not released any further details at this time.

Abdul El-Sayed peppered with questions on Hasan Piker link, fracture with Jewish Dems at Michigan convention

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:35:48 -0400

LANSING, Mich. — Socialist-adjacent Michigan U.S. Senate nominee Abdul El-Sayed addressed the media during Saturday's state Democratic Party Nominating Convention, where he was dogged by many of the same questions that have plagued his campaign for months.

Surrounded by media in a hallway at the Lansing Center, where the convention took place, El-Sayed was peppered with questions from the press about his relationship with far-left online personality Hasan Piker, along with his stance on Israel and Gaza, which has driven a wedge between his campaign and some Democrats, especially Jewish ones.

"We’re in the state of Michigan. If you want to make this race about a streamer in California, I just think you’re missing the boat," El-Sayed told reporters. "This is about affordability in Michigan. This is about seeing a doctor in Michigan. This is about Donald Trump’s disastrous policies in Michigan. That’s what I’m focused on right now."

ABDUL EL-SAYED PLAYS DOWN HASAN PIKER TIES AFTER STREAMER’S VIRAL ANTISEMITISM FIRESTORM

Four different reporters asked El-Sayed about Piker, with whom he campaigned and partied during his primary race. He dodged all of them, falling back on describing the polarizing streamer as "a streamer from California" who is irrelevant to his race in Michigan.

"I am not interested in a conversation about a social media person in California. And to folks who want to make this about a social media person in California, let’s not forget what actually matters in our politics, what our politics are really about," he said. "I don’t ever want my comments to hurt anybody’s feelings. It’s important to me that people understand that I take serious the pain of all communities in this state. But I don’t want to have a conversation about a Twitch streamer in California. This is not a serious conversation."

EL-SAYED DISTANCES HIMSELF FROM HASAN PIKER AFTER DISTURBING REMARKS ABOUT JEWISH AMERICANS

Piker is known for saying "America deserved 9/11," praising Mao Zedong and Communist China, arguing that capitalists should be murdered in the streets and making a litany of antisemitic comments.

Fox News Digital asked El-Sayed about a recent controversy stemming from comments he made in March in response to an attack on a Michigan synagogue, when federal investigators say a gunman inspired and radicalized by Hezbollah crashed into the place of worship seeking to kill as many Jewish people as he could.

"Hurt people, hurt people," he said in response to the attack. He has been criticized by members of his own Party, including Michigan Secretary of State Dana Nessel, who discussed the comments in a recent interview with The Atlantic, and declined to attend Saturday's convention partly over concerns of anti-Semitism in the Democratic Party.

JEWISH DEM DEFECTIONS THREATEN EL-SAYED IN MICHIGAN SENATE RACE DECIDED BY RAZOR-THIN MARGINS

El-Sayed told Fox News Digital his comments "might have been misconstrued to be justifying something I did not intend to justify," but then offered an apology.

"To anybody who feels like my comments may have been hurtful, I’m really sorry. That was not my intention. We condemned that terrorist attack. We condemned it outright," El-Sayed told Fox News Digital. "What I was trying to do was offer context for why it happened, but it wasn’t the time for context and you don’t ever want to trample somebody’s pain."

El-Sayed met Saturday in Lansing with the Democratic Jewish Caucus.

"He just had a very good meeting with us," Daniel Rivkin, a convention delegate and member of the caucus, told Fox News Digital, as he referred to El-Sayed. "We're having real conversations."

But hours earlier, some Jewish leaders in Michigan went public with an open letter urging Jewish Democrats and independents in the state to sign their names in support of former Rep. Mike Rogers, the GOP Senate nominee.

"Many of us have been fiercely supportive of Democratic candidates and principles. All of us have felt threatened and alienated by the politics and allies embraced by Abdul El-Sayed, which has included demonization of Jews, equivocation on terrorism, exclusion of Jewish Americans from public life, and expression of implacable hatred of the world’s only Jewish nation," the letter stated.

Rogers, in a statement highlighting the letter, claimed that "Abdul El-Sayed fans the flames of antisemitism. We’re fighting to extinguish it."

JEWISH AG’S CONVENTION BOYCOTT EXPOSES DEEPENING ISRAEL FAULT LINE AMONG MICHIGAN DEMOCRATS

El-Sayed, speaking to reporters, said his message to Jewish voters in Michigan is, "We may not agree on everything when it comes to foreign policy... I'm not going to stop fighting for Palestinian self-determination... but that does not mean that I will not stand up… for safety for all communities and I believe in the safety and dignity of Jewish kids like I believe in the safety and dignity of my own kids."

He also said it was the responsibility of the Democratic Party to come together.

Michigan Democrats swarmed the convention center Saturday afternoon, where the theme was "unity" amid the controversies faced by the state's highest-profile candidate for elected office.

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Other statewide candidates took the stage to rally attendees, and presented a united front, often invoking their opposition to President Donald Trump as a point of common interest.

James Carville predicts a 2028 'reckoning' as socialist candidates eye the Democratic ticket

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:30:14 -0400

Veteran Democratic strategist James Carville said the Democratic Party faces an ideological "reckoning" in 2028 but rejected the idea that primary voters will choose a democratic socialist presidential nominee.

Speaking on "Saturday in America," Carville offered his prediction of how Democratic voters will approach the party's 2028 presidential primary.

"The reckoning will be in a nominating process for the nominee of the Democratic Party in 2028. This has to be taken to Democratic voters," Carville said while discussing recent victories by candidates backed by the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA).

JAMES CARVILLE PREDICTS 2028 DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY WILL TEST TRUE STRENGTH OF PARTY'S SOCIALIST WING

As DSA-backed candidates have won races across the country, some centrist Democrats have raised concerns about the group's growing influence. Carville argued that Democratic voters won't nominate a DSA-aligned presidential candidate in 2028.

"Let me assure you that Democratic voters are not going to nominate the DSA or anybody close to the DSA. The Democrats have never nominated the most liberal candidate, and they're not [going to] do it in 2028," he said.

CARVILLE SAYS ONE DEMOCRATIC SOCIALIST'S 'LUNACY OF THE HIGHEST LEVEL' POLICY COULD HAUNT SWING-STATE DEMS

Despite Carville's prediction about 2028, several DSA-backed candidates have secured primary victories this year, with notable wins in New York and Colorado. High-profile elected officials, including New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani, are also affiliated with the group.

Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., recently renewed her DSA membership after a seven-year lapse and has been discussed as a potential 2028 presidential contender.

2028 BATTLEGROUND POLL SCRAMBLES DEMOCRATS' FUTURE AS INSURGENT SOCIALIST SEIZES LEAD

"First of all, she has more talent than most of the people on the left put together. And I put her in an entirely different category," Carville said of Ocasio-Cortez.

"She's a very talented, very articulate person," he said, adding that the DSA is going to "run somebody for president in 2028, and they're not going to get out of the first two primaries."

Carville said the party will "move forward" but concluded that the DSA is a "minor part of the Democratic coalition."

AOC BLASTED AS TOO MODERATE BY MAOIST DSA FACTION AS 2028 BUZZ GROWS

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The DSA confirmed Ocasio-Cortez's renewed membership in a statement shared with City & State New York.

"Democratic Socialists of America confirms Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a member in good standing of our organization, having recently rejoined in August 2026," the DSA wrote.

Fox News Digital reached out to the DSA for comment but did not immediately hear back.

NYC parolee accused of killing 2 during 48-hour robbery spree hauled in after manhunt, cops say

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:15:14 -0400

A parolee accused of killing two New Yorkers during a 48-hour robbery spree was taken into custody Friday after an FBI-backed manhunt, police said.

Jesus Acosta, 31, was arrested Friday morning after the FBI offered a reward of up to $25,000 for information leading to his location and apprehension.

"Thank you to our cops, detectives, and New Yorkers for their work on locating him," the NYPD wrote in a social media post announcing the arrest.

VENEZUELAN GANG MEMBERS WHO ENTERED US ILLEGALLY PLEAD GUILTY TO GUNNING DOWN TWO UNARMED AMERICANS

Acosta was sought in two deadly shootings days apart, including a Bronx deli robbery early Tuesday, police previously told Fox News Digital.

The gunman approached a 33-year-old man at about 12:16 a.m. inside 149 Grill & Deli at 143 E. 149th St. and opened fire, striking him multiple times in the chest, according to police.

The suspect then allegedly grabbed an undisclosed amount of cash from behind the register and fled.

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The 33-year-old victim was taken to Lincoln Hospital in stable condition but later died of his injuries, police said. A fundraiser created by the victim’s sister identified him as Tayvon Shuler, known to loved ones as "Plucky."

The other shooting unfolded shortly after midnight Sunday at American Best Wings & Pizza at 842 Rockaway Ave. in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Police responding to a 911 call found a 44-year-old man shot in the head and a 39-year-old man shot in the leg.

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The 44-year-old was pronounced dead at a hospital, while the surviving victim was listed in stable condition, police said.

A GoFundMe identified the slain restaurant worker as MD Yousuf, a husband, father of two and the sole income earner for his family. The fundraiser said Yousuf’s family is trying to raise money to send his body back to Bangladesh for burial, cover funeral expenses and support his wife, mother and daughters, ages 12 and 3.

"MD Yousuf was a hardworking, kind man who supported his family and showed up for his coworkers every day," the fundraiser stated.

Shuler’s sister, Tanasha Neal, said in a public Facebook post that her "little brother was murdered" Aug. 25.

"I am still mentally trying to grapple with it," Neal wrote, saying she set up a fundraiser for his memorial service so he could have "a nice send off into the after life."

Before Friday’s arrest, the NYPD issued surveillance images and said Acosta had "Bronx" tattooed on his hand and "Bobby" tattooed on his left forearm. He was described as 5 feet, 11 inches tall and about 175 pounds, with short brown hair and brown eyes.

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Acosta had been on parole since April after serving 10 years in state prison for assault and criminal weapon possession, according to state prison records reported by the New York Post.

In a statement to Fox 5 New York Saturday, United Bodegas of America thanked the NYPD for taking Acosta into custody but blasted the justice system over his prior record.

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"We are relieved that this dangerous man is off our streets, but we are outraged that someone with 13 prior arrests was released on parole after serving approximately 10 years for assault and illegal gun possession," the group said. "The justice system failed these victims, their families and our communities."

United Bodegas of America spokesman Fernando Mateo said the case underscored the need for changes intended to curb gun violence and improve bodega safety.

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"Governor Hochul must support three to five years in prison for carrying an illegal gun, Mayor Mamdani must bring back bodega panic buttons and Commissioner Tisch must expedite gun permits for trained, law-abiding bodega owners," Mateo said.

The NYPD did not immediately release additional details about Acosta’s arrest, including where he was taken into custody or the charges he faces.

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Fox News Digital reached out to the NYPD and United Bodegas of America for additional comment.

Fox News Digital's Sophia Compton contributed to this report.

Packers' Jordan Love calls offensive plays in the second half of preseason game, sparks late comeback

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:10:31 -0400

Green Bay Packers play-caller Jordan Love? That was the star quarterback’s role in the team's final preseason game, and he excelled at it.

Love called the offensive plays in the second half of the Packers’ 42-38 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Friday night. Head coach Matt LaFleur said he approached Love about it on the field before the game.

"I just went up to him. It’s not like he had time to prep. I was just like, ‘Hey, you want to call the second half?’" LaFleur said. "He said, ‘Sure. Yeah, I’ll do it.’ And he did it and he did an outstanding job."

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Love apparently had some sort of magic touch, as the Packers erased an 11-point deficit in the final 3 1/2 minutes to come back and get the win. Love’s poise impressed his head coach.

"(Offensive coordinator Adam Stenavich) called the first half, did an outstanding job, and then we had J-Love call the second half," LaFleur said. "That was pretty cool, to hear his demeanor on the headset and how calm, cool and collected he was throughout the entire game, especially during those critical moments. That’s not a surprise to me because that’s what we see on the field, too."

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Packers third-string quarterback Kyle McCord played the entire game as Love and backup Tyrod Taylor rested, and he took advantage of the opportunity. McCord completed 22 of his 35 passes for 226 yards and four touchdowns.

McCord, who was a 2025 sixth-round pick and spent all of last season on the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad, hoped his performance was enough to help him make the final 53-man roster.

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"It's out of my control at this point," McCord said. "I did everything that I could've to make a case for myself. And so now we just wait and see."

With Love calling the plays, McCord certainly looked like someone who should earn a spot on the 53-man roster.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

How guaranteed income advocates strive to turn cash assistance into policy after COVID relief funds dried up

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 17:00:00 -0400

Guaranteed income advocates hope to transform pandemic-era cash assistance programs into permanent government policy now that federal COVID-19 relief funds are expiring.

In a report published Aug. 12 and titled "Right on Time: How Cash Helps Families Move Through Life’s Transitions," Economic Security Project (ESP) researchers Shafeka Hashash, Maya Tellman and Rayan Semery-Palumbo made the case for institutionalizing "no-strings-attached" cash assistance.

The push comes as city leaders across the nation face a financial cliff. Dozens of municipal mayors are scrambling to maintain local cash-handout experiments as the federal pandemic aid that funded them nears its final spending deadline.

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Under federal law, local governments had until Dec. 31, 2024, to legally obligate their American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and most obligated funds must be fully spent by Dec. 31, 2026.

In the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, municipal officials recently announced an expansion of the city's guaranteed income program using the remainder of previously allocated ARPA funds before the spending clock runs out.

Evanston is one of more than 100 U.S. municipalities that have launched universal basic income-style pilots since 2018. While many early experiments relied on a blend of private philanthropic dollars and emergency federal stimulus, those coffers are rapidly hitting zero. The looming shortfalls are driving local officials to find alternative avenues to make cash handouts permanent, mirroring recent tax-funded budget maneuvers in neighboring Cook County, Illinois.

The report's authors build their case by citing "a wealth of data collected from over 250 cash and guaranteed-income pilots across 40 states and the District of Columbia," claiming the findings prove that direct cash transfers are a "legitimate policy tool."

They pointed to the COVID-19 pandemic as a prime model, calling direct government checks an example of "large-scale transfers" that reached "households at speed and scale."

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However, rather than pushing immediate, universal cash handouts nationwide, the authors suggest a tactical shift of tying direct payments to specific life events. Cash assistance works best during periods of personal or financial hardship, they argued, writing that "cash does its strongest work in moments of transition."

The report highlights life events such as having a child, housing relocation or post-incarceration reentry.

"In work disruption, job loss, or transition, cash is most effective when it bridges short gaps, giving people time to make strategic decisions rather than hurried ones," the authors wrote.

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They also argued that tying cash to major life changes makes the programs easier to sell to skeptical voters.

"Cash delivered at a moment of transition borrows a political logic that the public already accepts," the report states.

"Social Security proves that Americans will accept large-scale benefits when they are legible as earned — a worker paid in, a worker is owed. Unemployment insurance and paid family and medical leave extend that same contributory logic, but add a second condition: the benefit is only triggered by a verified, bounded disruption — a layoff, a birth — not simply by status or tenure."

The broader campaign for direct payments includes Mayors for a Guaranteed Income, led by former Stockton, California, Mayor Michael Tubbs. Tubbs, who launched one of the nation's early municipal cash experiments in Stockton, has long argued that federal tax dollars should fund income supplements to help lower-income Americans keep up with rising inflation, rent and groceries, claiming it's a viable policy to tackle affordability.

Advocates now face the challenge of turning these pilot initiatives into permanent taxpayer-backed line items. ESP authors contend that it is more practical for lawmakers to integrate cash checks into existing social safety net programs during "transitions" rather than trying to launch an "open-ended, widespread cash program all at once."

"Each of these moments, from the less visible cases, such as aging out of foster care or leaving an abusive relationship, to the more commonplace, such as attending college and seeking new employment, already commands public funds and public understanding," the authors wrote.

They further urged lawmakers to repurpose existing taxpayer budgets: "A natural place to start in seeking public funding is with dollars already committed."

"Many transitions sit within existing public streams, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), child welfare or workforce budgets, restrictive higher-education access funding, or disaster relief, to name a few, that may be redirected toward direct cash rather than requiring new appropriations," the report continues.

State affiliates are already moving forward. Economic Security California, an ESP arm, is laying groundwork for state-funded guaranteed income programs. California leads the country in pilot programs, hosting more than 60 cash initiatives to date.

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To sustain these efforts, ESP recommends that local and state governments look beyond donor funding and establish dedicated revenue streams from local taxes.

Founded in 2016, ESP originally launched with more than "100 entrepreneurs, activists, researchers, and philanthropists" advocating for direct cash payments.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Economic Security Project for comment but did not receive a response by press time.

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Report claims MLB suspended prospect over fake identity plot that even included a phony death

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:50:02 -0400

A wild new report claims that Major League Baseball has slapped a prospect out of the Dominican Republic with a suspension.

And why would that be?

Because of an alleged plot involving faking his identity and age, along with a death certificate complete with a faux tombstone.

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According to ESPN's Alden Gonzalez, the Cleveland Guardians agreed to a pre-deal with David Severino, a player they believed was just 13 or 14 years old.

The deal was worth $2.9 million and set to kick in when the switch-hitting infielder turned 17 years old.

However, the report claims that Severino is actually about two years older than previously believed, and his identity had been falsified by his former trainer.

The player's real name is Daury David Severino Damaso. It's alleged that his former trainer, Francisco Nieves, created the identity of a player named David Severino Damaso under the pretense that it was the actual Daury David Severino Damaso's younger brother.

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This was reportedly done with approval from his parents, and then a fake birth certificate and fake medical records were cooked up.

Then, two years after the phony birth certificate came into play, Gonzalez reports that a fake death certificate was made alleging that Daury had died of respiratory illness back in 2012.

To sell it even further, a fake tombstone was allegedly placed to keep the ruse going.

This meant Damaso was playing with 12- and 13-year-olds when, in reality, he should've been competing with older players.

Of course, an older kid will certainly stand out from a bunch of middle schoolers.

The suspension reportedly means that Damaso will have to wait an extra year before he is eligible to sign with a team as an international amateur.

The Guardians have told OutKick that they have no additional comments on the matter. Meanwhile, we have also reached out to Major League Baseball, but have yet to hear back.

What. A. Story.

This is one of those stories that will almost certainly be the basis for a movie or documentary in the next two to four years.

People have seen disputes about players’ ages in youth sports before, but allegations of tombstone shopping to further the ruse?

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Yeah, you don't see that every day.

Seneca Nation leader calls Trump's Lake America renaming 'unpresidential,' demands reversal

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 16:44:37 -0400

A day after President Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario "Lake America" amid a trade war with Canada, the leader of Seneca Nation of Indians asked him to reverse it.

Calling Trump's order "unpresidential," President J. Conrad Seneca on Friday wrote, "The President cannot assert ownership over our culture or erase it through irresponsible political action. His order should be rescinded, and the name Lake Ontario should be left as it is, reflective of the Seneca people, other Haudenosaunee nations and all Indigenous people surrounding the lake."

Seneca explained that the lake derived its name from indigenous roots.

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"In our traditional Seneca language, its name is sga:nyodai:yoh, meaning ‘beautiful lake,’" he wrote in a message shared in the nation’s newsletter.

"Long before the United States existed, and before settlers brought the English language to our lands, our Seneca and Haudenosaunee ancestors traveled Lake Ontario and surrounding waterways for many reasons, including diplomacy among our nations. Now, we are seeing the exact opposite of diplomacy."

He added that to the people of Seneca Nation, Lake America is not a "political pawn" but rather land that indigenous people have lived on for thousands of years.

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"The action that President Trump is taking is starkly un-presidential and demeaning to his office and his standing as the leader of the free world," Seneca argued. "His blatant disrespect toward the Seneca people, other Haudenosaunee nations, and all Indigenous people is unacceptable."

He noted that President George Washington signed a treaty with several nations, including the Seneca, in 1794 "promising to live in peace and friendship with one another."

"The United States also promised our people the free use and enjoyment of our lands forever," Seneca said. "President Trump’s aggression toward our culture with his Executive Order violates that peace, friendship and commitments of the Canandaigua treaty.

"This is the latest in a long history of willful attempts to disregard the United States’ commitments to the Seneca and other Haudenosaunee nations," he continued. "President Trump needs to be reminded of those commitments."

He added that Article 6 of the U.S. Constitution "clearly states that treaties are the ‘supreme Law of the Land,’ and need to always be honored as such."

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Seneca called on all native groups and federal, state and local representatives — "regardless of political party" — to stand against the name change.

"We will always call Lake Ontario by the name derived from the language of our ancestors — the name that, like the strength and influence of the Seneca people, will live on forever, long after the intrusive political tirades of individual men," he said.

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Trump announced the name change Thursday.

"The Lake of America was something I've been thinking about for a long time, actually," he told reporters while signing an executive order in the Oval Office.

"As you know, we took something called the Gulf of Mexico — we changed it — and now it's very routinely the Gulf of America."

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The president said he had directed Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and his department to update the Geographic Names Information System to reflect the name change.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the name change on X, writing, "The name is more than 400 years old, predating both the Confederation of Canada and the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America. We know that America is changing. Their trading relationships, their foreign policies, their national monuments, their hydronyms. Canadians also know that naming reality means calling it Lake Ontario — then, now and always."

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The move to rename the lake, which sits on the U.S.-Canada border, came amid a breakdown in trade between both nations, with Trump accusing Ottawa of unfair trade practices.

Trump floated renaming the lake hours before Carney's announcement of reciprocal tariffs on U.S. imports.

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The U.S. imposed new 50% tariffs on Canadian goods such as wine, furniture and dairy products, while Carney said U.S. trade demands proved Washington wanted to "destroy our major industries," including autos, steel and aluminum, FOX Business previously reported.

"Canada has been ripping us off for a long time on trade," Trump said Thursday. "Very sadly, even the military, you know, we defend Canada for nothing. We don't get anything. They don't pay us to defend Canada."

Trump also jokingly floated renaming the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.

"So, if you think about it, we have a gulf and we have a lake," he said. "Now, all we need is an ocean. So maybe we'll have to change the name of the Atlantic and or the Pacific. Maybe we'll change them both."

Trump previously used geographic names to make political statements, ordering the renaming of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.

Trump’s executive order has been criticized by several governors, including Democratic New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers and Republican Vermont Gov. Phil Scott.

"New York won’t be calling it that," Hochul wrote on X.

Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Mich., announced she plans to introduce House legislation that would nullify the change.

"Donald Trump can sign all the executive orders he wants, but it will always be Lake Ontario," she wrote in a press release. "Canada is not our enemy. It is our neighbor, our ally and one of Michigan’s most important economic partners. It is a friendship that no stroke of a pen can erase."

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Fox News Digital has reached out to the White House for comment.

Fox News Digital's Louis Casiano contributed to this report.