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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 03:56:17 +0000

Health officials in North Carolina are warning people who came into contact with baby goats at a mobile petting zoo to contact their local health department after multiple animals tested positive for rabies and may have interacted with visitors while infectious.

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.

The petting zoo said the skunk was removed but that it did not realize 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.

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 03:56:17 +0000

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.

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

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.

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

"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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 03:51:52 +0000

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."

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 03:00:33 +0000

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.

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 02:55:12 +0000

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.

PRESIDENT TRUMP CELEBRATES BEDMINSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP, BRAGS LITTLE PRACTICE WAS NEEDED TO SCORE A 70

"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.

Venezuela's interim president says US energy deal will last 25 years

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 02:29:44 +0000

Hong Kong's independent bookstores, a refuge for Chinese readers, are under threat

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 02:17:04 +0000

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 01:58:48 +0000

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.

FORMER GAMBINO ASSOCIATE TURNED NEW JERSEY COUNCILMAN ACCUSED OF RUNNING LOANSHARKING RING WHILE IN OFFICE

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 01:50:42 +0000

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.

Icelanders vote on whether they want to join the EU

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 01:47:44 +0000

The final vote is expected to be extremely close, with ballot counting continuing through the night.

(Image credit: Marco Di Marco)

Baby goats with rabies at North Carolina mobile petting zoo prompt calls across multiple counties to contact health officials

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 01:31:31 +0000

A MAGA Uproar Ensued After a Bill Was Given a Nick Shirley Nickname

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:59:15 +0000

A privacy measure for immigration aid workers became a free speech cause for backers of Mr. Shirley, a right-wing YouTube star. Democrats say the furor is fueled by misinformation.

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:41:59 +0000

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 cuz 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, with Smyers adding, "He ended up staying at the house till like 3:00, 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 where 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 into 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."

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:41:59 +0000

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."

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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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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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."

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:18:21 +0000

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 Barnet 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 Barnet, 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."

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

According to the school's athletics site, Barnet 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.

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

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:14:04 +0000

A 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 on 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."

He added, "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 went on to say that 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 to be flown at half-staff for one week after her death at 80 years old on 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 said they were a veteran and first responder wrote that they were "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.

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

Sun, 30 Aug 2026 00:14:04 +0000

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’

"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

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:46:46 +0000

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."

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

El-Sayed Apologizes for March Comment About Michigan Synagogue Attack

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:28:45 +0000

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan, faced criticism from Jewish Democrats after remarking, “hurt people hurt people.”

Influencers Have a Lot to Say About Politics. Many Are Quietly Paid for It.

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:14:33 +0000

Their videos have proliferated on social media, but the payments are frequently hidden from viewers.

Influencers Have a Lot to Say About Politics. Many Are Quietly Paid for It.

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:14:32 +0000

Their videos have proliferated on social media, but the payments are frequently hidden from viewers.

Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians, Drawing Sharp Rebukes

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:13:14 +0000

The intensity of Saturday’s assault prompted condemnations from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel and other officials.

El-Sayed Apologizes for March Comment About Michigan Synagogue Attack

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:11:11 +0000

Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, the Democratic Senate nominee in Michigan, faced criticism from Jewish Democrats after remarking, “hurt people hurt people.”

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:10:16 +0000

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.

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.

Search Continues for 2,400 Missing in Nepal Floods Amid ‘Immense’ Devastation

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:06:06 +0000

As rescue efforts entered their fourth day, the scale of destruction came into focus, signaling a daunting recovery for the vulnerable nation.

They fell in love - then had to check they weren't brother and sister

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 23:03:56 +0000

Milo Yiannopoulos, Right-Wing Agitator, Deported Home to U.K.

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:47:27 +0000

Mr. Yiannopoulos, an early supporter of President Trump and vocal supporter of mass deportations, was himself sent back to his home country, part of a long fall from right-wing grace.

Trump’s Venezuelan Oil Deal Relies on a Powerful and Divisive Partner

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:47:18 +0000

The administration will work with a private Venezuelan oil company that has close ties to the country’s government.

‘A New Form of U.S. Colonialism’: Venezuelans Bristle at U.S. Oil Takeover

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:42:38 +0000

A deal giving the U.S. majority control of vast Venezuelan reserves strikes at the heart of national identity.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:35:26 +0000

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:

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.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:28:40 +0000

A respected drug treatment and mental health center in the Netherlands issued a warning against taking ecstasy pills that are 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-methoxymethamfetamine, 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, of which one was green on the front and one was yellow and 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 letter "NL" on the back.

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

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 that the pills had recently been handed in to some of their centers where they test drugs before people take them.

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

Milo Yiannopoulos, Right-Wing Agitator, Deported Home to U.K.

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:24:46 +0000

Mr. Yiannopoulos, an early supporter of President Trump and vocal supporter of mass deportations, was himself sent back to his home country, part of a long fall from right-wing grace.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:15:07 +0000

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.

"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 22:09:20 +0000

Then-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 following 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.

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.

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

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," he added.

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 already received a full trial and that Jones should apply the new standard solely to the existing record.

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.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:09:20 +0000

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.

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.

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

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

"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

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

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.

India’s ‘Cockroaches’ Are Fighting Back

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:03:19 +0000

Inside India’s viral political movement.

El-Sayed apologizes for comments he made responding to an attack on a Michigan synagogue

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:02:42 +0000

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 22:00:02 +0000

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 as 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, adding, "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 One’ is dead and we're never going back to that farcical time," Houck told Fox News Digital.

"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."

Israeli Settlers Attack Palestinians, Drawing Sharp Rebukes

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:54:49 +0000

The ferocity of Saturday’s assault prompted condemnations from Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials.

Finland's Stubb tells German newspaper Russia unlikely to risk attack on NATO

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:50:34 +0000

‘A New Form of U.S. Colonialism’: Venezuelans Bristle at U.S. Oil Takeover

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:50:30 +0000

A deal giving the U.S. majority control of vast Venezuelan reserves strikes at the heart of national identity.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:49:49 +0000

A sword-wielding man was fatally shot by police outside a Nashville sedan where a woman was reportedly being held against her will Saturday, authorities said.

The fatal officer-involved shooting unfolded on Cheshire Drive, where officers encountered a 54-year-old man outside his Hyundai sedan while he was armed with a sword, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department.

Police said a woman was inside the vehicle and was reportedly being held against her will. Authorities have not released her condition.

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

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

Officials have not released any further details about the confrontation, including what prompted the officer to open fire.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Metro Nashville Police Department for comment.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

37 Killed After Russian Strike on Weapons Depot as Ukraine Blames Negligence

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:47:52 +0000

The depot, which was in a civilian area near Kyiv, “definitely shouldn’t have been there,” President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

Warsh, After Talking Tough on Inflation, Faces a ‘No-Win Situation’ on Rates

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:47:19 +0000

Kevin M. Warsh, the chairman of the Federal Reserve, must soon decide whether to raise interest rates if inflation does not ease, even if it draws President Trump’s ire.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:35:48 +0000

LANSING, Mich. — Socialist-adjacent Michigan U.S. Senate candidate 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 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."

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

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.

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 21:30:14 +0000

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 for 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 following 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

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.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:30:14 +0000

Relative of Afghans Who Helped U.S. Military Is Deported to Africa

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:25:50 +0000

The Trump administration has deported thousands of immigrants to countries where they have no ties. Dozens were on the latest flight, to the Central African Republic.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:15:14 +0000

A parolee accused of leaving two New Yorkers dead in 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 connection with 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.

PARENTS IN BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD PLEAD FOR NYPD GUARD AS MAMDANI CUTS COPS, HALTS HIRES: 'HORRIBLE SITUATION'

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.

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO KILLED NASHVILLE RESTAURANT OWNER TO FACE ICE DEPORTATION AFTER PRISON

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" on 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.

NEW YORK BILLS COULD ABOLISH LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE FOR SERIAL KILLERS AND COP KILLERS, CRITICS WARN

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 on Saturday, United Bodegas of America thanked the NYPD for taking Acosta into custody but blasted the justice system over his prior record.

SENATOR TIM SHEEHY: SOFT-ON-CRIME JUDGES NEED CONSEQUENCES. THE JAIL ACT DELIVERS

"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.

FEDS DISMANTLE ALLEGED GUN TRAFFICKING RING THAT FUNNELED DOZENS OF FIREARMS FROM GEORGIA TO CHICAGO GANGS

"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.

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.

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

Sat, 29 Aug 2026 21:15:14 +0000

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.

PARENTS IN BRONX NEIGHBORHOOD PLEAD FOR NYPD GUARD AS MAMDANI CUTS COPS, HALTS HIRES: 'HORRIBLE SITUATION'

ILLEGAL IMMIGRANT WHO KILLED NASHVILLE RESTAURANT OWNER TO FACE ICE DEPORTATION AFTER PRISON

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

"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."

NEW YORK BILLS COULD ABOLISH LIFE WITHOUT PAROLE FOR SERIAL KILLERS AND COP KILLERS, CRITICS WARN

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.

SENATOR TIM SHEEHY: SOFT-ON-CRIME JUDGES NEED CONSEQUENCES. THE JAIL ACT DELIVERS

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

FEDS DISMANTLE ALLEGED GUN TRAFFICKING RING THAT FUNNELED DOZENS OF FIREARMS FROM GEORGIA TO CHICAGO GANGS

"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.

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.