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Ancient palace discovery challenges the myth behind Sparta's rise to power
New historical research suggests that one of the most legendary cities in history did not start out as a conquering warrior state — poking a hole in its founding myth.
The study, which centered around Sparta, was recently published by historian Hans Beck in The Annual of the British School at Athens, Cover Media reported.
Sparta emerged in the 9th century B.C. and dominated much of the Peloponnese between roughly 700 and 371 B.C.
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In 371 B.C., the Spartans suffered a decisive defeat to the Thebans at the Battle of Leuctra, marking the beginning of their decline.
Though Sparta is often remembered as a warrior society forged through conquest, the historical picture appears to be far more complex.
Using archaeological discoveries at a site called Aghios Vasileios, Beck argues that Sparta emerged from an older Lakedaimonian cultural landscape, rather than being created from scratch by conquering warriors.
Lakedaimonians were the people associated with the region of Lakedaimon, or Laconia, the area around Sparta.
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At Aghios Vasileios, archaeologists uncovered the remains of a palace complex, frescoes, bronze swords and administrative records written in Linear B, the oldest written form of the Greek language.
Crucially, the study found that a major sanctuary called Amyklai remained active after the palace collapsed, and later became important to both Spartans and Lakedaimonians.
"The rise of Sparta deeply altered the picture," wrote Beck, a professor at the University of Münster.
"Yet Amyklai retained its quality as a prime location of Lakedaimonian legacies."
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The continuity of ritual activity there suggests older Lakedaimonian traditions survived into the period when Sparta was emerging, complicating the traditional story of conquest.
The study does not dispute Sparta's later reputation as a military power, but argues the city-state's origins were not just a simple story of conquest.
The findings come amid a wave of new discoveries shedding light on Ancient Greece.
Earlier in 2026, officials announced the discovery of what may be the oldest wooden tools, dating back hundreds of thousands of years.
The tools were found in the Megalopolis basin, a low-lying valley in southern Greece's Peloponnese peninsula.
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More recently, a German teenager stumbled across an ancient Greek coin, marking the first such find ever recorded in Berlin.
Blue Jays rally while Orioles' double-play attempt negated as umps rule infielder failed to try to tag runner
The replay system and the Automated Balls and Strikes system (ABS) may be a saving grace for some players and managers but the human element of baseball will always be a factor in the game as it was in a game between two American League East contenders.
The Toronto Blue Jays and second baseman Ernie Clement may have benefited the most from the human aspect of the game in the sixth inning on Sunday.
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Blue Jays catcher Brandon Valenzuela hit a chopper to Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson. Clement swerved to his right to avoid Henderson’s tag with the infielder throwing to first, thinking that the runner would be called out for being out of the baseline.
Instead, second base umpire Nic Lentz ruled Clement safe at second, saying that Clement was getting out of the way for Henderson to field the ball instead of trying to avoid the tag.
"The runner has the right to establish his base path, and so Clement had established his base path to avoid the fielder from potential interference," Lentz told a pool reporter. "Even though Henderson reached out for a tag, Clement’s base path was already established out there, going to the second base, so therefore it was not out of the baseline."
Henderson said the call was "super frustrating" and added that he felt like it was "not a great call."
Orioles manager Craig Albernaz argued on the field. He said the umpires told him that Henderson didn’t do enough to make a tag attempt.
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"I think when you stick your glove out to tag somebody, that’s an attempted tag," Albernaz said. "There’s no rule about how far you have to extend your arm to tag somebody."
Hunter Wendelstedt said Clement moving out of the path was a "very gentlemanly thing to do."
"He was getting out of the way to allow the fielder to make the play towards first base," he added.
Baltimore held a 4-2 lead with two outs after the Clement calamity. But the Jays would rally.
Orioles pitcher Shane Baz had more chances to get out of the inning. He allowed five runs – one earned – in 5 2/3 innings of work. He yelled at umpires as he walked to the dugout.
"The only reason I’m not going to talk about that play is because I will get fined," Baz said afterward. "That’s the only reason."
Toronto won the game, 6-4.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani says the Democratic Party 'lost its focus on working people'
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said that he thinks the Democratic Party "has lost its focus on working people."
Mamdani, during a June 1 interview with MS NOW's Eugene Daniels, said that people want to know what will be done about rent, housing, gas and groceries, noting, "We have to have answers to that. And that's what we're trying to show."
"Do you think the leadership of the Democratic Party understands that?" Daniels asked.
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"I think that the party as a whole has lost its focus on working people. And I'm hopeful that we start to develop that," Mamdani said.
"You know, you look at the four freedoms, you look at the real core of the New Deal, there was a moment when this party was unabashed about its focus on working people. And I'm excited to bring it back there," he said.
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Mamdani, who identifies as a democratic socialist, won the Big Apple's mayoral election last year while running as the Democratic candidate.
"I was elected as a democratic socialist and I will govern as a democratic socialist," he declared during his January 1, 2026 inauguration speech.
Why Trump picked Bill Pulte to lead US intelligence as critics question his qualifications
President Donald Trump's selection of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte to serve as acting director of National Intelligence elevates a housing finance regulator and former social media philanthropist to one of the government's most sensitive national security posts.
Before entering government, Pulte was best known as the grandson of the founder of homebuilding giant PulteGroup and for building a large following through social media philanthropy campaigns that distributed money to followers online. He later became a prominent figure in conservative social media circles before Trump tapped him to lead the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which regulates Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Trump announced the selection in a Truth Social post, praising Pulte's leadership of the housing finance system and his experience managing "the most sensitive matters in America."
The White House declined to tell Fox News Digital whether Trump is considering Pulte for the position on a permanent basis. But expectations for Pulte became clearer Friday when Trump told The Wall Street Journal that he wants the acting intelligence chief to begin reducing the size of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence.
TRUMP NAMES BILL PULTE ACTING DIRECTOR OF NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE
"I'd like to see it smaller. I think there are a lot of people in there that shouldn't be there," Trump told the newspaper, describing the agency as "unnecessary and/or too big." Asked whether he wants Pulte to fire employees, Trump said he wants him to "start the process."
Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Tom Cotton, R-Ark., quickly endorsed the effort, arguing that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence has expanded far beyond the mission Congress envisioned when it created the office after the Sept. 11 attacks.
"President Trump is right: the ODNI has grown far beyond its original mandate," Cotton wrote on X. "I've long advocated for downsizing, if not outright eliminating, this bureaucracy."
The appointment immediately generated pushback from lawmakers and former officials who argued that Pulte lacks the experience for the role.
But Trump allies, many of whom spent years railing against an intelligence "Deep State" they believed was working to undermine Trump insisted he would dutifully carry out the president’s agenda.
"There is still very much so - I would say - internally a battle between different intelligence agencies," Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., said. "Half the battle in these intelligence positions is the fact that you want someone that will not obstruct the declassification order but assist in locating documents, and that is something that Bill will do."
TRUMP'S DRASTIC NSC CUTS SPARK DEBATE: DOES FIGHTING THE 'DEEP STATE' PUT NATIONAL SECURITY AT RISK?
"Bill Pulte is a great American and Patriot who will always fight for President Trump and his agenda," White House communications director Steven Cheung wrote on X. "This is an important time in our country, and Bill has the required energy and focus to achieve great things in this new position."
Pulte's selection follows a period of public friction between Trump and outgoing director Tulsi Gabbard, who leaves the role on June 30.
Gabbard entered the role as a critic of the intelligence establishment, but her assessment that Iran was not building a nuclear weapon became a point of contention with the president as the administration moved toward military action against Tehran. Trump publicly rejected her assessment, saying "I don't care what she said" and later declaring that she was "wrong."
Neither Trump nor his allies have defended Pulte's selection by pointing to any intelligence or national security experience. Instead, supporters have emphasized his management experience, willingness to challenge bureaucracy and commitment to advancing administration priorities.
The White House declined to tell Fox News Digital whether Trump is considering Pulte for the position on a permanent basis. The distinction could prove significant, as acting officials can wield most of the authorities of Senate-confirmed officeholders while serving in a role intended to be temporary.
"Very few Senate-confirmable positions come with statutory eligibility requirements. There are good reasons why the Director of National Intelligence is one of them," former Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement.
"Anyone performing this role of such immense public trust must have the extensive national security experience required by statute, and no nominee who falls short of this requirement will earn my vote," McConnell added.
Senate Intelligence Committee Vice Chairman Mark Warner, D-Va., similarly argued that Pulte lacks the qualifications envisioned for the position.
"The concern is not only that Mr. Pulte lacks the 'extensive national security experience' required by statute," Warner said. "It is that he appears to have been selected precisely because the White House believes he will provide the narrative it wants, not the intelligence we need."
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., a former FBI agent who now chairs the House Intelligence Committee's CIA Subcommittee, was similarly blunt.
"He shouldn't be there," Fitzpatrick said. "He's got no background in intelligence."
Not all intelligence overseers were critical of the appointment, however. House Intelligence Committee Chairman Rick Crawford, R-Ark., defended Trump's selection and dismissed concerns about Pulte's résumé.
"Maybe you should think about something else," Crawford said. "This guy, whether anybody knows him or not, at least is not guilty of trying to orchestrate a coup against a sitting president."
Pulte did not respond to a request for comment.
Earlier in 2026, Pulte said the FHFA had referred alleged Chinese and North Korean nationals to the Justice Department after discovering they had been working at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while allegedly posing as other individuals.
Toledo police following 'multiple leads' as manhunt enters 3rd day after festival shooting
A manhunt for the gunmen who wounded a dozen victims near a street festival in Toledo, Ohio, over the weekend entered its third day without an arrest on Monday as police say investigators are tracking "multiple leads."
In a brief update posted to social media Sunday, Toledo police said investigators were continuing to make progress on the leads. Police have urged festivalgoers to come forward with any photos or videos that might have caught a glimpse of the suspects.
Officers responded around 5:37 p.m. Saturday to a report of a shooting near the popular Old West End Festival, an annual gathering where hundreds of people were enjoying live music, food vendors and home tours, and found multiple people with gunshot wounds.
Police said all 12 victims were reported to be in stable condition and continued to improve as of Sunday. The victims ranged in age from 14 to 61, with most of them in their early 20s.
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Toledo Deputy Chief Joseph Heffernan said during a news conference that investigators believe the shooting involved at least two gunmen who "were probably shooting at each other."
Authorities have not released descriptions of any suspects or identified a possible motive.
MANHUNT UNDERWAY FOR SUSPECT ACCUSED OF KILLING TWO PEOPLE OUTSIDE CHIPOTLE RESTAURANT
Lucas County Prosecutor Julia Bates vowed that "justice will be swift and strong."
"Those who were frightened, traumatized or harmed by this violence will remain at the forefront of our efforts," Bates said in a statement. "I’ve felt outrage before, but this is personal. This is my home. These are my friends and neighbors. It is not OK."
Authorities asked anyone with information to call or text Crime Stoppers at 419-255-1111, noting that tipsters may remain anonymous.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Why bettors should back the Phillies on the run line against Blue Jays despite a recent loss
A new week of baseball starts, and I need a new opportunity. The last few baseball picks that I've had crushed me, unfortunately. The good news is that with baseball we get chances every day to recapture those units the sportsbooks are borrowing from us.
Today, I'm looking to recapture one as the Philadelphia Phillies take on the Toronto Blue Jays.
The Phillies are proving that a manager can make a difference. Maybe this turnaround would've happened even if the team did nothing. After a disastrous start, the team changed leadership and they have run their record to 35-30. While that isn't the most impressive mark, it is strong. Philadelphia is still far behind in the divisional race, but that isn't important. Getting into the postseason is all that will matter, and they've at least positioned themselves to do that heading into the summer months.
I can't imagine anyone would want to face the Phillies in the postseason. The Dodgers, for example, are beatable, and I think the Phillies behind Zack Wheeler, and tonight's starter, Christopher Sanchez, would be a combo that can do it. Sanchez recently set the MLB record for scoreless innings by a left-hander.
He is first in the majors with a 1.46 ERA, second with 103 strikeouts, and a 1.09 WHIP, but that sits at 21st. His May month was ridiculous. He threw more innings (39) than he allowed hits and walks (28). He also struck out 45 hitters. He is as reliable as anyone to turn in six innings of one- or two-run ball. Blue Jays hitters are batting just .204 against him.
The Blue Jays are a team that still has some work to do if they want to get back to where they were last season. They are two games below .500 at the moment, which is still in a manageable situation for them. The problem really lies in the fact that the division is probably the hardest in baseball, so they will need to fight all of the other teams for a wild card spot. To the Blue Jays' credit, they are doing all of their work right now with multiple injuries to their pitching staff. If they can regain health, they should regain the form from last year that made them so successful.
One guy they took a flier on who has worked out for them so far is Patrick Corbin.
Once regarded as the worst contract in the league, Corbin has put together a decent year-and-a-half on the mound for the Rangers and now Blue Jays. Corbin is 2-2 with a 3.98 ERA and a 1.38 WHIP. Those aren't exactly numbers you're going to get excited about as a Toronto backer, but they also are at least acceptable for a fourth or fifth starter. He also had a solid May, but not on the same level as Sanchez, of course. He went 30 innings and allowed 12 earned runs on 35 hits and eight walks. Having been on the Washington Nationals for so long, the Phillies hitters are familiar with him, batting .335 off of Corbin.
When Chris Sale was on the mound the other day, I took him to beat the Blue Jays on the run line for a couple of units. It was a disaster as the Blue Jays won and Sale had one of his worst games of the season. That's sports betting, unfortunately. I don't think I necessarily had the wrong read; I just had the wrong outcome. In fact, I got the bet at plus money and it went live at -119.
Today, I'm going for the same bet. I'll take the Phillies on the run line. Sanchez is too good to pass up and the history of the Phillies against the Blue Jays' starter makes me think this should be a comfortable win for them.
It is baseball, so anything can happen. I think the best bet here is to take the run line through five innings and back the Phillies that way. We should get at least one or two runs from Philadelphia, and Sanchez should turn in his typically reliable performance.
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For more sports betting information and plays, follow David on X/Twitter: @futureprez2024
Study reveals hidden gut factor that may make some people more susceptible to sepsis
Potentially deadly sepsis may be more likely in certain patients due to problems in the gut.
Researchers from the Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology's Infectious Disease Research Center used female mouse models to investigate why sepsis outcomes can vary so dramatically.
The study, published in the journal Nature, looked at genetically similar mice with different gut microbiomes. The mice were infected with Acinetobacter baumannii — a highly resilient bacterium that can lead to sepsis.
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The researchers compared groups of mice with higher and lower survival rates, examining differences in their gut microbiomes, the amount of bacteria in their blood and organs, and other cellular markers, according to the study press release.
Although some mice were genetically similar, the more vulnerable mice had a higher concentration of Muribaculaceae bacteria in the gut. In one comparison, these bacteria made up about 28% of the microbiome in poor surviving mice, but only 0.15% in better surviving mice.
Mice with worse survival showed an early and strong inflammatory response, which later led to more bacteria in the blood, lungs and spleen. This suggests that the microbiome causes the immune system to be more reactive, according to the researchers.
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In the microbiome of mice with worse survival, the researchers also noticed that one strain of bacteria — Sangeribacter muris KT1-3 — was most prominent. The mice that typically survived at high rates fared much worse when housed with KTI-3 mice, with their survival falling to 10%.
This bacterial strain also appeared to worsen inflammation during certain infections, making sepsis more severe.
These findings suggest that the gut microbiome can signal how the immune system will react before an infection begins.
Andrew Fleming, MD, section chief of Infectious Diseases & Immunology at NYU Langone Hospital, Brooklyn, said it has been "known for years" that gut bacteria and bacterial toxins can be released into the bloodstream during sepsis.
This worsens the inflammatory response to the initial infection, according to Fleming, who was not involved in the study.
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"This process is particularly important in septic shock, where the intestinal wall becomes more permeable to translocation (or leaking) of bacterial products," Fleming said.
Interactions between the gut microbiome and the immune system are "complex and variable from person to person," the doctor described.
"But there is mounting evidence that a diverse and healthy gut microbiome – the community of bacteria that lives in a person's gut – is protective in some ways against severe sepsis," he went on. "And a dysregulated microbiome – for example, one severely altered by antibiotics – can impair or worsen the immune system's response during sepsis."
Scientists are starting to think of the gut microbiome "almost as a living organ," according to Fleming, much like the heart, kidneys or liver, all serving "multiple functions" to keep the body healthy.
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An unhealthy microbiome can have "detrimental effects across a range of health issues," he added – including how the body responds to infections.
"Compared to our other organs, we currently have fewer readily available tests in the doctor's office to measure the health of our microbiome," Fleming said. "However, this should not prevent us from thinking about our gut microbiome and how to keep it healthy."
The use of antibiotics has "major and long-lasting effects" on the microbiome, Fleming noted. Up to 80% of adults in the U.S. are prescribed an antibiotic every year, while 30% are estimated to be unnecessary, according to the CDC.
"Antibiotics deplete the diversity of the microbiome and create a void in the gut microbial community that can be filled by harmful bacteria from the environment," the doctor told Fox News Digital.
"We must begin to think much more critically about our antibiotic use and overuse, both to maintain our gut health and to reduce the spread of antibiotic resistance."
The study findings are an "intriguing starting point to further research," Fleming said, although there were some key limitations.
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"Sangeribacter muris is not typically found in humans, so the exact mechanism of this bacterial strain worsening sepsis that is demonstrated in this study cannot be directly extrapolated to people," he said. "Well-designed clinical trials should be conducted to explore how similar gut microbiome effects may play out in sepsis in humans."
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Despite these limitations, the doctor said he supports the hypothesis that maintaining a healthy gut microbiome can help keep the immune system well-regulated while reducing the risk of developing severe sepsis.
Susan Collins getting reelected is bigger concern than Graham Platner allegations, Texas Democrat claims
Rep. Veronica Escobar, D-Texas, claimed on Sunday that Republican Maine Sen. Susan Collins concerned her "at an even greater level" than Graham Platner while discussing the latest scandal he is facing.
Escobar joined a panel on CNN's "State of the Union" to discuss the allegations of rape fantasies, heavy drinking and violent episodes against Platner made by ex-girlfriends of his to the New York Times last week. As a member of Platner's party, Escobar admitted that the report "concerns" her but not as much as Collins retaining her seat.
"Of course it concerns me," Escobar said. "But I will also say what concerns me even at an even greater level is Susan Collins getting reelected. She has given cover and comfort to the most corrupt, incompetent president we've ever had. And, hopefully, the people of Maine will take away the seat from her, whoever the nominee is."
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Escobar went on to also use the report to attack Texas Attorney General and Republican Senate candidate Ken Paxton and his past controversies.
"And if folks are concerned about Mr. Platner, wait until they hear about the Senate candidate in my state, Ken Paxton. He is someone who I hope gets as much coverage as the Maine candidate is getting, because what we know in Texas about Ken Paxton is pretty horrifying, even people within his own party," Escobar said.
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Fox News Digital reached out to Collins and Paxton's respective offices for comment.
Platner continues to face backlash for several other past scandals, including a now-covered tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, several controversial Reddit posts attacking soldiers and several explicit messages sent to women while he was married.
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Despite the growing list of scandals, several Democrats have chosen to defend and stand by Platner ahead of Maine's primary election, where he is expected to become the presumptive nominee. One prominent example included California Rep. Ro Khanna.
"[H]e really grew as a person when he came back to Maine, and he was an oyster farmer," Khanna said in an interview with Fox News Digital. "And he found peace, and he is ashamed of that period. To me, that suggests someone taking accountability and improving their lives, and we need that redemption in this country. And I agree with a lot of his economic policies, that we should be taxing the billionaires, we should be focusing on the working class."
Critics mock the new White House ballroom, but modern security is no joke
This year’s White House Correspondents’ Dinner should have been the same as any other: a beloved, annual tradition that brings together the media, politicians, and administration officials to celebrate our free press, build relationships, and honor the First Amendment. Instead, the event served as a reminder of the urgent need to modernize and secure the White House complex.
The third assassination attempt of President Donald Trump proves these are no longer random acts. This is a pattern.
The reality is that our nation’s security has changed. Risks have evolved, and today’s threats are far more sophisticated than they were even a decade ago. Beyond politics, this is about the safety of modern democratic institutions and the people who work in and visit them every day.
Major events at the White House now require security protocols that often exceed the physical capabilities of the current complex.
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The White House Ballroom will address those challenges directly by creating a controlled, secure venue for official gatherings, mitigating unnecessary risk for everyone in attendance. Much as it would protect the president and heads of state, it would also improve safety for journalists, staff, and security personnel working and attending events as well. As threats to high-profile gatherings continue to evolve, so too must the infrastructure designed to prevent them.
Existing White House event and security spaces were designed for a different era, one in which cyber threats, drones, and coordinated security risks were not daily realities. While the White House Military Office and the United States Secret Service continue to adapt with professionalism and precision, physical infrastructure limitations remain. Today, increased national security concerns demand facilities capable of accommodating modern protective measures, including enhanced screening, secure access control, emergency response coordination, and advanced surveillance systems.
The limitations of the White House complex create unnecessary strain on security personnel and operational resources. Large-scale events often require extensive temporary security measures, road closures, and logistical workarounds that divert personnel and taxpayer resources. A purpose-built ballroom will provide a permanent, secure, and efficient solution that strengthens both operational readiness and public safety.
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A modern White House ballroom will also create opportunities to improve accessibility and functionality for official events. Better crowd management, greater screening capacity, and improved coordination between agencies would reduce vulnerabilities while allowing events to proceed more efficiently and safely.
Critics will continue to frame the ballroom as unnecessary or symbolic in nature, but that is a grave misunderstanding of the broader issue at stake. This is not about luxury or aesthetic achievement. It is about preparedness, continuity of government operations, and the protection of the people who serve our nation.
The stakes have never been higher. Threats facing public officials, and now journalists and attendees at high-profile events continue to grow in complexity and frequency. Political violence, foreign influence operations, cyber-enabled threats, and targeted attacks are no longer hypothetical concerns.
For generations, the White House has stood as both a symbol of American democracy and a functioning workplace at the center of global affairs. Ensuring that it is equipped to safely host modern events should not be a partisan take; it is practical.
Every administration has a responsibility to adapt to the realities of the moment. Investing in secure, modern infrastructure at the White House is an investment in national security, public safety, and the resilience of our institutions.
Future administrations and the American people deserve nothing less.
Caitlin Clark avoiding Fever teammate's high-five attempt sparks outrageous social media discourse
The Indiana Fever's team camaraderie has been hotly analyzed by all corners of the internet over the last week and it popped up again on Saturday night as the team lost to the New York Liberty.
A clip popped up on social media showing Clark leaving the bench to take the floor after a timeout in the action.
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One teammate, Tyasha Harris, tried to high five Clark as she walked back onto the floor. Clark, appearing to have her head down, walked past Harris. The guard then patted Clark on the shoulder.
Off the top, it appeared to be a trivial moment. Clark, obviously focused on the game, may not have seen Harris’ hand up in that moment and accidentally just walked past her. But it didn’t stop the slew of WNBA analysts from offering their takes on the five-second clip.
Clark and head coach Stephanie White were previously thrust into the social media fires at the end of May when the two had a heated sideline exchange. White was forced to address the moment last week, contrasting her interactions with women’s players than how things are seen in the men’s game.
"What happened in that moment is, I was challenging a player. It's coaching, is what it is," White told reporters. "I don't often think it becomes an issue if you're watching it in men's sports, most of the time."
White portrayed the moment as the natural result of two highly competitive personalities pushing each other.
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"She wants to be coached. I want her to help me be a better coach," White added. "We're both competitive. We're both stubborn. We're more alike than different. Hopefully, we continue to bring the best out of each other."
White also pushed back against the reaction surrounding the incident, arguing that Clark's enormous profile guarantees scrutiny.
"I think the narrative of people trying to make something that it's not is just taking sensationalism to try to get some clicks, and all the other stuff," White said.
Clark has yet to address the high-five moment, but scrutiny has become more pressing as Indiana sits at 5-5 with weeks to go before the All-Star break.
Clark had 10 points on 4-of-14 from the field against the Liberty. New York is 7-4 on the year.
Fox News’ Alejandro Avila contributed to this report.