Fox News Latest Headlines
North Carolina warns mobile petting zoo visitors of rabies exposure after baby goats test positive
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.
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
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."
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.
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."
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
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."
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.
"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.
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
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.
"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!"
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
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.
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.
MASSACHUSETTS MAYOR CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD IN $1.5M COVID RELIEF SCHEME
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.
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
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.
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
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."
GET ENTERTAINMENT SCOOP DELIVERED RIGHT TO YOUR EMAIL BY CLICKING HERE
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."
LIKE WHAT YOU'RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
PUT YOUR ENTERTAINMENT KNOWLEDGE TO THE TEST AND SEE HOW YOU SCORE
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."
Division-II running back pronounced dead after medical emergency in team's season opener
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.
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON'T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
"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.
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
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."
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
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."
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."
Cloud scored 14 points earlier Saturday as the Sky lost to the Liberty, 85-66.