Maine's trans athlete conflict reignited this week with residents taking action at school board meetings.During one meeting of the school board in the state's capital Augusta on Wednesday, two women undressed to protest the state's policies that allow biological males to compete in girls' sports and use girls' locker rooms.The stunt came while local parent Nick Blanchard delivered a monologue condemning the school board for enforcing the state's policies on the issue. Blanchard had spoken earlier in the meeting, but returned to the lectern at the end of the meeting with the protesting women behind him to carry out the act."I'm about to show you guys how uncomfortable it is for young girls," Blanchard declared to the board members. "You feel uncomfortable? Because that's what these young girls feel like when a boy walks into their locker room and starts unchanging in front of them. Yeah, you feel uncomfortable, right? That's what these young girls feel like every time a young boy changes in front of them!"CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe two women continued to remove garments as Blanchard's speech continued."This is Maine's capital! We should be setting an example for the rest of the state! You know what example you guys are setting? That we do not care about the young girls in the rest of the state!" he added.A similar stunt occurred at a California school board meeting when local women's rights activist Beth Bourne undressed during a speech at a Davis Joint Unified School Board meeting on Sept. 18. Bourne was also protesting policies that allow males in girls' locker rooms.Both California and Maine's state education agencies are being sued by the U.S. Department of Justice for their policies that allow trans athletes in girls' sports.MAINE GIRL INVOLVED IN TRANS ATHLETE BATTLE REVEALS HOW STATE'S POLICIES HURT HER CHILDHOOD AND SPORTS CAREERMultiple individual school districts in both states have passed their own resolutions to support compliance with President Donald Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order, while Democrat leadership in those states have refused to comply.Elswhere in Maine, the RSU 24 School Board adopted one such amendment this past week.Republican gubernatorial candidate David Jones spoke at the meeting in support of the resolution."I dont have anything against people who feel differently about what they are, but in my minds eye and according to God there is one man and one woman, not two different types of men, not two different types of women. Biology doesnt lie," Jones said."Dont let us go backwards. Lets do what we need to do to protect every single girl in the state of Maine and make sure that they are not hurt in any way shape or form."Maine has loosely allowed trans athletes to compete with girls since 2005, when the Maine Human Rights Act prohibited discrimination based on gender identity.The Maine Principals' Association (MPA) updated its policies in 2024 to explicitly allow transgender students to compete on teams matching their gender identity.The state, particularly its Democratic leadership led by Gov. Janet Mills, is doubling down to defy Trump and protect its trans athletes' rights to compete against girls and share girls' locker rooms.Many residents, and now school districts, have taken steps to oppose Mills. There have been multiple protests across the state, including two at the state Capitol in August, by activists looking to protect girls from trans competitors.A survey by the American Parents Coalition found that out of about 600 registered Maine voters, 63% said that school sports participation should be based on biological sex, and 66% agreed it is "only fair to restrict womens sports to biological women."The poll also found that 60% of residents would support a ballot measure limiting participation in womens and girls' sports to biological females. This included 64% of independents and 66% of parents with kids under age 18.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X, and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Brad Pitt and girlfriend Ines de Ramon have reportedly hit a new relationship milestone after three years together.The 61-year-old actor and the 32-year-old jewelry designer are "fully living together," according to a source who spoke with People magazine in a report published Friday."Brad is really including Ines in all his travel plans, and when they are home, they just relax together," the insider said. "They are really making their home into a home."Another source told the outlet the couple are "going really strong" and planning for the future.BRAD PITT, INES DE RAMON SPOTTED ON DOUBLE DATE WITH BRADLEY COOPER, GIGI HADID"They are happier than ever," the insider said."He's so happy and in love," the source added of Pitt.When reached by Fox News Digital for comment, Pitt's representative didn't confirm or deny People's report.According to People, the couple moved into a new house after Pitt sold his previous Los Angeles residence. The Real Deal reported that Pitt closed on an off-market deal in September after buying the Los Feliz property for $5.5 million in 2023.Pitt's former home was burglarized in June while the actor was away on the promotional tour for his film "F1: The Movie." Pitt purchased a $12 million Hollywood Hills home in August.Pitt and de Ramon began dating in 2022 after Pitt's divorce from ex-wife Angelina Jolie. Pitt and Jolie, who share six children, were declared legally single in 2019.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSDe Ramon was previously married to "Vampire Diaries" star Paul Wesley, 43. The two married in 2019 but announced their separation in September 2022. "The decision to separate is mutual and occurred five months ago," a representative told People at the time. The former couple, who do not share any children together, finalized their divorce in March 2024.De Ramon often joined Pitt on his press tour for "F1: The Movie," and the two marked their first public appearance at the 2024 British Grand Prix, a Formula 1 race.In a May interview with GQ, Pitt laughed off a question about whether he and de Ramon deliberately decided to make their first joint appearance at an F1 event as a strategic move to promote the actor's movie.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER"No, dude, its not that calculated," Pitt said with a laugh. "If youre living, oh my God, how exhausting would that be? If youre living with making those kinds of calculations? No, life just evolves. Relationships evolve."The couple made their red carpet debut during the Venice Film Festival in September 2024, when they attended the premiere of Pitt's movie "Wolfs," in which he co-starred with George Clooney. While on the red carpet, the pair posed for photos with Clooney and wife Amal Clooney.In June, Pitt made rare comments about his relationship with de Ramon while the couple enjoyed a date night at the London premiere for the actor's film "F1: The Movie."As Pitt stepped out on the red carpet, a reporter asked him how it felt to have his girlfriends support. Pitt replied to Access Hollywood with a big smile, "Well sure, of course you know, it takes two."According to People magazine, de Ramon was a major source of support for Pitt as he was grieving the loss of his mother, Jane Etta Pittt, who died at the age of 84 in August."She wants to be there for him, and Brad is very much letting her be that person," the insider told the outlet at the time.

A high school football game ended in chaos after police deployed pepper spray in an effort to defuse verbal and physical altercations.The Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School football team from St. Louis traveled nearly 500 miles to Massillon, Ohio, and it turned into a nightmare of a trip.Cardinal Ritter fell to Massillon High School 28-14 in what was said to be a chippy, physical game all night.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMTensions boiled over during the postgame handshake, when multiple players had to be separated, prompting the use of pepper spray.Police said the officers involved "operated within our policies and procedures.""Our task was to ensure the safety and security of all those who enter the stadium, which includes fans, students and athletes alike. Unfortunately, the conclusion of the game brought with it multiple physical altercations on the field between both teams," the police said in a release.The release then explained why the pepper spray was used."Team staff members, coaches and Massillon police officers were forced to intervene and separate players during the post-game hand-shake. Officers gave lawful orders on multiple occasions for Cardinal Ritter players to leave the field and head toward their locker room," the release continued.PHILADELPHIA SUFFERS MISERABLE SPORTS NIGHT IN CITY'S FIRST 'TRIPLE LOSS' IN OVER FOUR DECADES"The verbal commands were an attempt to de-escalate the pushing and shoving occurring. Those commands were ignored. At one point during the incident, a Massillon players facemask was grabbed; he was surrounded, and then chased by Cardinal Ritter players. Officers once again ordered the visiting team off the field. All of this was transpiring while the Massillon marching band and cheerleaders were now on the field for the ceremonial post-game playing of the schools alma mater. This factor concerned officers as they continued to order Ritter players off the field."The Ritter players again charged at Massillon players who were now near the band. This was an unfortunate and difficult situation for officers, who, during the entirety of the incident, attempted to restore order. Ultimately, two Massillon police officers deployed pepper spray, which was effective. We have thoroughly reviewed this incident and found they operated within our policies and procedures for the use-of-force action taken."Cardinal Ritter officials told Fox 8 in Cleveland they have contacted the Ohio High School Athletic Association to see what action they could take."We are aware of the incident that occurred at the Massillon, OH, football game last week, and we were very troubled by a video of what happened," Cardinal Ritters president Tamiko Armstead said in a statement.Current Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams attended Cardinal Ritter. Paul Brown, the co-founder of the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, also attended Massillon.Follow Fox News Digitalssports coverage on X,and subscribe tothe Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Maine Democratic Gov. Janet Mills appeared to announce the launch of her campaign for the Senate on X on Friday, but then quickly deleted the post.In a since-deleted announcement video, the 77-year-old Maine governor asked, "Folks, do you want Democrats to take back the Senate? Well, Im Gov. Janet Mills, and Im running to flip Maines Senate seat blue."In the video, Mills took aim at incumbent Sen. Susan Collins, a moderate Republican, saying she has "sold out Maine and bowed down to special interests and to Donald Trump, but that ends now."The video directed supporters to donate to an ActBlue page that has also since been deleted.On the donation page, Mills touted her bona fides, saying, "Ive spent my career standing up for Maine families as prosecutor, Attorney General, and Governor. Ive taken on Big Pharma, expanded health care access, and took Donald Trump to court and won."SUSAN COLLINS FIRES BACK AT SCHUMER-LINKED PAC ADS ACCUSING HER OF STOCK GREEDAfter the posts were deleted, reactions started to flood in online."In a now deleted tweet at 4:30pm on a Friday before a holiday weekend, Janet Mills confirms she is in fact running for Senate Some poor digital staffer is about to get fired!" posted National Republican Senatorial Committee staffer Joanna Rodriguez.A progressive political commentator named Jack Cocchiarella commented, "If you thought democratic politics was missing geriatric candidates with no charisma, wait until you meet 77 year old Janet Mills Chuck Schumers pick for Senate. She posted this launch video today then deleted it after two hours."Mills announcement has been long anticipated. She is seen as the favored candidate by Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.The top Democrat in the Senate urged Mills to run and sees her as the best candidate to defeat Collins, the only Republican senator up for re-election next year in a state the Democrats carried in the presidential election. A Collins defeat would be essential for the Democrats to have any chance of winning back the Senate majority.DEM GOVERNOR'S BURIED COCAINE INVESTIGATION DOCS HIT WITH OFFICIAL INQUIRY AS QUESTIONS SWIRL OVER SENATE RUNBut before she reaches the general election, Mills first has to navigate a likely competitive and divisive primary among a crowded field of contenders that includes a much younger rising star on the left who's backed by longtime progressive champion Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont.Mills, a former elected county district attorney and former state lawmaker, made history serving as Maine's first female attorney general.She later won election in 2018 as Maine's first female governor, and in 2022 comfortably defeated former Republican Gov. Paul LePage by double digits to win re-election.While she will be considered the frontrunner for the Democratic Senate nomination, thanks in part to her vast name recognition in blue-leaning Maine, she could face a serious challenge from 41-year-old Graham Platner, a U.S. Marine and Army veteran and oyster farmer who launched his campaign in August.Platner, who hauled in over $3 million in fundraising during the first six weeks after declaring his candidacy, is backed by Sanders, the two-time Democratic presidential nomination runner-up, who recently stopped in Maine to headline a campaign rally.In a warning to Mills, Sanders said on social media last week that "Graham Platner is a great working class candidate for Senate in Maine who will defeat Susan Collins."FOUR KEY SENATE SEATS THE GOP AIMS TO FLIP IN NEXT YEAR'S MIDTERM ELECTIONS"It's disappointing that some Democratic leaders are urging Governor Mills to run. We need to focus on winning that seat & not waste millions on an unnecessary & divisive primary," Sanders added.Other candidates vying for the Democratic Senate nomination include Dan Kleban, a co-founder of the Maine Beer Co., and former congressional staffer Jordan Wood, who raked in roughly $3 million during the July-September third quarter of fundraising.Phil Rench, a former senior engineer for Elon Musks SpaceX, is running as an independent candidate.Collins first won election to the Senate in 1996 and won comfortable double-digit re-elections in 2002, 2008, and 2014.HEAD HERE FOR THE LATEST FOX NEWS REPORTING ON THE 2025 ELECTIONSShe currently chairs the influential Senate Appropriations Committee.In her 2020 re-election, Collins faced off against Democratic State House Speaker Sara Gideon, in a hotly contested race that became the most expensive in Maine history. While polls indicated Collins trailing her Democratic challenger, she ended up winning the election by more than eight points.Fox News Digital reached out to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

The U.S. State Department issued a revised travel advisory pertaining to the Republic of the Maldives Oct. 7."Exercise increased caution in [the Maldives] due to terrorism," the Level 2 travel warning notes.The advisory indicates that "terrorist groups may attack with little or no warning."TOURISTS TOLD TO VISIT ICONIC DESTINATION 'ON DOCTOR'S ORDERS' AS PUSHBACK EMERGESTourist locations, transportation hubs, markets, shopping malls and local government facilities are listed as possible targets.Officials warn that attacks may also occur on remote islands, lengthening the response time of authorities in the event of an emergency.For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxnews.com/lifestyleTravelers who have trips planned are encouraged to monitor local and breaking news.While in the Maldives, visitors should stay aware of their surroundings and avoid demonstrations and crowds, officials said.Purchasing travel insurance is also strongly recommended.In 2024, over 2 million people visited the Maldives, according to that government's database.The island is in South Asia near the eastern Arabian Sea within the northern Indian Ocean.CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTERThe Maldives is made up of 1,192 islands only 200 are inhabited that stretch along a length of over 500 miles, according to the location's tourist site.

Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here's what's happening-First lady Melania Trump announces 8 Ukrainian children reunited with families after being taken into Russia-Pentagon agrees to host Qatari F-15 fighter jets and pilots at Idaho air base-Ivy League professor who mocked Charlie Kirk's death still employed despite public outcry and 'resignation'When asked whether Virginia attorney general candidate Jay Jones should drop out of the race following violent text messages coming to light, many Democrats have either been silent or defended Jones candidacy while condemning the messages.The situation raises questions about whether Democrats may be concerned about the idea of replacing Jones on the Democratic ticket against Republican incumbent Jason Miyares and whether it is even legally possible.Fox News Digital contacted the Commonwealth of Virginia as to exactly what could happen and whether Jones is locked on the ballot as his scandal unravelsREAD MORE.'COWARD' CAUGHT: Bondi announces arrest of 'coward' who allegedly threatened conservative influencer following Kirk's murder'CHAMPION OF PEACE': Nobel Peace Prize goes to Maria Corina Machado, despite calls for Trump to receive the awardPATRIOTS ANSWER CALL: EXCLUSIVE: USCIS sees massive surge in 'homeland defender' job applicationsICE COLD WAR: US turns to Finland to close Arctic icebreaker gap as Russia, China expand polar presenceTRADE WAR ERUPTS: Trump threatens 'massive' China tariffs, sees 'no reason' to meet with XiPEACE DIVIDEND: White House to begin work on new Abraham Accords 'very soon' after Gaza dealGUNBOAT DIPLOMACY: Washingtons shadow war: How strikes on cartels threaten to collapse Maduros regimePINK SLIPS: Sweeping layoffs 'have begun' as government shutdown drags onPRIVACY QUESTIONS: Hagerty presses Verizon over FBIs access to his phone records during Jack Smith probeLIGHTS OUT DC: Johnson raises stakes on Schumer as government shutdown barrels into week 3ENERGY UNDER SIEGE: Scalise leads GOP fight at SCOTUS to stop radical lefts war on American energyNO PAYDAY: Senate leaves Washington as government shutdown nears 3rd week, military pay at riskSHUTDOWN SHOWDOWN: GOP senators back Russ Vought's hardball shutdown strategy as standoff intensifiesGROUNDED IN GA: Georgias Mike Collins needles Ossoff in new ad over shutdowns toll on airports, workersHIGHWAY HAZARD: Blue state in the hot seat after ICE busts Illegal immigrant with 'NO NAME GIVEN' on licenseCATCHING UP: New poll reveals Mamdani's lead is shrinking as Cuomo gains ground in NYC showdownCIRCLING THE WAGONS: Allies stand by Katie Porter despite controversial videos sparking political firestorm in California campaign'CROSSES THE LINE': NJ Republican Ciattarelli threatens to sue Sherrill over opioid claimNO MORAL COURAGE: Spanberger excoriated online as a cowardfor refusal to ditch unhinged Jay JonesTRANSGENDER TENSION: Nude men in locker rooms: Earle-Sears blasts Spanberger over transgender locker room stance in heated debateALARM BELLS: Top Insurance CEO in the hot seat after scathing ad campaign exposes China tiesNO ANSWER GIVEN: Spanberger refuses to urge Jay Jones to exit race, dodges questions after two bullets textsOLD DOMINION CLASH: Earle-Sears comes out swinging in heated debate as Spanberger dodges Jay Jones questionsGet the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

President Donald Trumps use of the National Guard in Oregon and Illinois faced dual tests in court this week, as his administration argued the two Democrat-led states are obstructing federal immigration enforcement.Drawing on a well of constitutional provisions and court precedents, government lawyers have sought to justify deploying the National Guard in Portland and Chicago. Some legal experts say the president has the law on his side, while others worry Trump is threatening state sovereignty.Democratic leaders have responded with outrage and indignation to Trump's attempts to send federal troops to their jurisdictions. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson established "ICE-free zones" across Chicago to prevent federal agents from using any city-owned property in their ongoing operations. Conservative critics have compared this action and similar opposition to the Trump administration from Democratic leaders to attempts to nullify federal law, hearkening back to the 19th century."Illinois's own Abraham Lincoln had some ideas about how to deal with this John C. Calhoun-esque nullification," attorney and conservative commentator Josh Hammer wrote on X.PRITZKER SUES TRUMP TO BLOCK NATIONAL GUARD ACTION IN ILLINOISJoshua Blackman, South Texas College of Law professor, said the federal government does not need permission from states to defend federal facilities. The Trump administration's position is that it needs to deploy the National Guard to protect federal personnel and Immigration and Customs Enforcement buildings."This is a principle that goes back to the beginning of the Republic," Blackman told Fox News Digital, pointing to the landmark case McCulloch v. Maryland, which found that Maryland could not tax a national bank created by Congress.The high court said in that case that allowing a state to impose such a burden on a federal institution would violate the Constitution's supremacy clause, which says federal law trumps state law.During one set of oral arguments this week before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, a Trump administration lawyer argued that unrest in Portland, prompted by ICE activity, justified the deployment of about 200 National Guard soldiers."For months, the ICE facility in Portland and the federal law enforcement officers who work there have faced a steady stream of violence, threats of violence and harassment from violent agitators bent on impeding federal immigration enforcement," said Eric McArthur, arguing for the Justice Department.The rebellion statute that Trump is using to federalize the National Guard, which governors have shared authority over, can be invoked in those situations, McArthur argued.He also said it was the government's position that the courts had no say over Trump's assessment of the need for the military. Blackman made a similar point."The statute lets the president make the judgment over the need. It's not clear to me that a court can second-guess it," Blackman said.In court papers, the Trump administration has also cited a case from 1890, Neagle v. Cunningham, which established that the president has authority under the Constitutions take care clause to "take care" that federal laws be carried out, including by doing what is necessary to protect those executing immigration laws.In Neagle, a U.S. marshal shot and killed a person who attacked a Supreme Court justice, and the Supreme Court found that the State of California could not prosecute the marshal for murder since the marshal was protecting a federal officer.FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP'S NATIONAL GUARD DEPLOYMENT TO PORTLAND AMID CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGEBlackman said that states have for years been "frustrating" federal immigration enforcement and that these blue-state lawsuits trying to challenge the National Guards presence were an instance of that.He said the states' resistance did not "quite rise to the level of nullification," like when states in the South tried to block integration of segregated schools, but that it was "in the ballpark." If states were to defy court orders, that could escalate matters, Blackman said.The lawsuits, which could rise to the Supreme Court, especially if the circuit courts were to rule against Trump in the coming days, could help to sharpen the dividing line between state and federal authority over law enforcement.Like Oregon and Illinois, Matt Cavedon, a director at the CATO Institute, said the 10th Amendment is also in play in these cases and that it implies that the Trump administration cannot typically take over a state's law enforcement responsibilities.Cavedon also said it was unusual, in his view, that a Republican government would adopt a more expanded view of federal power."It's not usually conservatives who are arguing that there are just vast unenumerated federal powers belonging to the president, certainly in the domestic context," Cavedon told Fox News Digital.Cavedon said the events in the two states are "really core issues of public security and safety, which are at the heart of what a state's responsibilities are." Oregon and Illinois leaders have made similar claims that nothing extraordinary was playing out crime-wise to warrant National Guard intervention."I think the 10th Amendment answers a question: Any powers that are not conferred on the federal government are reserved to the states, respectively," Cavedon added.

Reba McEntire is firing back at the use of AI-generated images.The "Fancy" singer posted a message on her Instagram stories Thursday to slam the use of AI-generated images in support of fellow country music star Dolly Parton."You tell 'em, Dolly," McEntire wrote. "That AI mess has got us doing all kinds of crazy things. You're out there dying, I'm out here having a baby. Well, both of us know you're too young, and I'm too old for any of that kind of nonsense."McEntire was referring to AI-generated images that showed the star, 70, and fianc Rex Linn posing with an ultrasound photo as Linn cradles McEntire's pregnant stomach.DOLLY PARTON GIVES KELLY CLARKSON, REBA MCENTIRE ADVICE ON COPING WITH GRIEF AFTER BRANDON BLACKSTOCK'S DEATHAnother fake photo making the rounds online recently featured Parton lying in a hospital bed attached to a tube as McEntire sits at her bedside praying and wiping away tears from her eyes.Reps for McEntire did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment.The image of Parton on her "deathbed" began circulating after Parton announced last month that due to certain "health challenges," her scheduled six-night residency in Las Vegas would be postponed from December 2025 to September 2026.In response to the images, Parton posted a video on Instagram telling her followers, "If I was really dying, I dont think Reba would be the one at my death bed," adding she hopes McEntire "might come visit me earlier."The singer's sister, Frieda, further raised concerns about Parton's health when she asked fans to join her in prayer for the songstress.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS"Many of you know she hasnt been feeling her best lately," Frieda wrote on Facebook. "I truly believe in the power of prayer, and I have been lead to ask all of the world that loves her to be prayer warriors and pray with me."Parton took to Instagram earlier this week to dispel rumors she was dying, telling her fans, "I'm not ready to die yet.""I didn't take care of myself, so I let a lot of things go that I should have been taking care of," Parton explained. "When I got around to it, the doctor said we need to take care of this, we need to take care of that. Nothing major, but I did have to cancel some things so I could be closer to home, closer to Vanderbilt where I'm kind of having some treatments here and there."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERMcEntire also touched on the health concerns Parton alluded to in her recent Instagram story, letting her friend know, "You better know I'm praying for you. I love you with all my heart, and I can't wait to see you soon. Love you!"CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Secretary of War Pete Hegseth on Friday announced that the Department of War (DOW) is establishing a new counter-narcotics Joint Task Force in the Caribbean Sea.Hegseth said the task forces aim would be to "crush the cartels, stop the poison, and keep America safe. The message is clear: if you traffic drugs toward our shores, we will stop you cold."The task force is launching at the direction of President Donald Trump, he said, in the SOUTHCOM area, which covers the Caribbean and Latin America.US STRIKES ANOTHER ALLEGED DRUG-TRAFFICKING BOAT NEAR VENEZUELA, KILLING 4The U.S. Southern Command said in a release that the task force was being launched under the II Marine Expeditionary Force on Friday "to synchronize and augment counter-narcotics efforts across the Western Hemisphere.""Transnational criminal organizations threaten the security, prosperity, and health of our hemisphere," Admiral Alvin Holsey, the commander of SOUTHCOM, said in a statement. "By forming a JTF around II MEF headquarters, we enhance our ability to detect, disrupt, and dismantle illicit trafficking networks faster and at greater depth together with our U.S. and partner-nation counterparts."TRUMP ORDERS 'LETHAL KINETIC STRIKE' ON DRUG TRAFFICKING BOAT IN INTERNATIONAL WATERS, THREE KILLEDThis comes as the administration has begun strikes against boats in the Caribbean it says are linked to drug trafficking networks.The administration has conducted a series of fatal strikes against four small boats believed to be carrying drugs over the last few months.It said 21 people were killed in the strikes. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe attacks have alarmed Democratic lawmakers as the administration hasnt detailed what evidence it had against the targeted boats or their passengers.

President Donald Trump's administration's deadline for Minnesota to amend its transgender athlete laws to protect girls sports came and went Friday, and the state declined the ultimatum during the current government shutdown.Attorney General Keith Ellison's office sent a letter to the department's Office for Civil Rights and the Department of Health and Human Services' Office for Civil Rights Friday evening, saying it has no "substantive response" to the Trump administration's demands to keep biological males out of girls sports. Ellison's letter also cited the current government shutdown for its lack of response."The federal government is currently shut down and I understand employees in both Offices for Civil Rights are furloughed. As a result, the Minnesota Department of Education will not provide any substantive response at this time," part of the letter read.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMThe deadline was given to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) and Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) after a transgender softball pitcher led a girls high school team to a state championship in the spring. But the Trump administration also cited instances of trans athletes competing in girls Alpine skiing, girls Nordic skiing, girls lacrosse, girls track and field team and girls volleyball in Minnesota.The letter from Ellison's office also expressed that it was "disappointed that the Joint Letter includes sensitive information about minors in a public document." However, information about the trans softball pitcher has been public for months after the athlete did media interviews.Maine and California declined similar ultimatums over the issue from the Trump administration earlier this year. As a result, the Department of Justice launched lawsuits against both of the state's education agencies and school sports leagues.Ellison's office's lack of substantive response to the ultimatum comes despite the fact that hundreds of Minnesota school board members penned an open letter urging the state to comply with Trump and change its policies to keep males out of girls sports.As of Friday evening, 253 school board members from 105 Minnesota school boards signed the letter, citing concerns for girls' privacy and safety, as well as potential federal funding cuts in response to the state's noncompliance."As recipients of federal financial assistance, failure to correct these violations directly threatens our schools ability to serve our students and communities," the letter from the school board members said."Compliance with Title IX is not only a legal obligation but also essential to maintaining the integrity of our educational and athletic programs."Protecting fairness in womens sports is paramount. The federal determination highlights how permitting males to compete on female teams displaces female athletes from podiums, denies them advancement opportunities, and diminishes their visibility and recognition in competitions."Female students in our districts and across Minnesota deserve equal chances to excel in sports, free from unfair physical advantages that biological differences confer. By entering into the resolution agreement, MDE and MSHSL can ensure equal treatment and foster an environment where female athletes can thrive."Ellison has already filed his own lawsuit against Trump and the DOJ for trying to enforce its policies to protect girls sports in Minnesota. He has also bragged about "suing them first" over the issue.INSIDE GAVIN NEWSOM'S TRANSGENDER VOLLEYBALL CRISISMeanwhile, the situation involving the softball player has already prompted another lawsuit by three teenage girls who have had to compete against the trans pitcher.The lawsuit was filed by three anonymous female athletes against Ellison, Minnesota State High School League Executive Director Erich Martens, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero and Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett.One of the anonymous plaintiffs called out Ellison for supporting the policies that have allowed the trans pitcher to play against females."Its really upsetting to know that [Ellison] isnt taking the rights of girls and women seriously. He is allowing boys to compete with girls, and it is not safe and completely unfair," the player previously told Fox News Digital. "To know that AG Ellison is in complete support of letting boys and men take advantage of females in sports is absolutely disgusting and wrong."The trans athlete threw a complete-game shutout, allowing just three hits and striking out six in the championship game, capping off a run that saw the trans athlete pitch all 21 innings across three state tournament games, giving up just two runs. The junior allowed just two runs across 35 total innings in the postseason.One of the plaintiffs previously told Fox News Digital about what it was like playing against the trans athlete."Hitting against him is not only a physical challenge but a mental, too. Its a mental battle knowing that he has an advantage in the sport that I grew up playing, making it hard to even want to hit against him," the player said.Former White Bear Lake High School softball player Kendall Kotzmacher previously told Fox News Digital that losing to a trans pitcher in the state tournament left her in tears."How do you acknowledge that you lost to a biological male? How do you process those events that happened? And that was something that entire night. I still couldn't do it. We lost to a biological male in a female state tournament," Kotzmacher said.Kotzmacher also pointed out Gov. Tim Walz's history as a high school football coach and seeing the physical prowess of male high school athletes up close."As a coach, you should see the differences and the vast differences that there are between biological males and biological females," Kotzmacher told Fox News Digital.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.