California high school girls' track and field athletes will compete in the meet of their lives this weekend under the national spotlight at the state championship in Clovis.The meet will double as a battleground for the ongoing culture war over trans athletes in girls' sports, with a trans athlete set to compete in multiple girls' events. Protests and demonstrations are expected by spectators. Whether the athletes protest is yet to be seen.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMSeveral prominent former women's athletes who have been impacted by trans inclusion in their careers have expressed support for the girls competing to "stand up" against the California Interscholastic Federation during the event:Scanlan, a former UPenn swimmer, was forced to share a team and locker room with Lia Thomas during the 2021-22 women's swimming season. Scanland became the first UPenn women's swimmer to speak out against the school for allowing Thomas to compete with females, after the controversial season ended.Scanlan skewered California Governor Gavin Newsom for letting the situation in the state get to this point, and encouraged the girls involved to "stand up" on Saturday."Its make or break for California. This is no longer a bipartisan issue, and even democrats see that. Gavin Newsom couldnt be more out of touch with women. I am beyond grateful that the Trump administration is taking this issue so seriously and I encourage all female athletes to stand up against this. I support them and I know the majority of Americans do too," Scanlan told Fox News Digital.Turner made global headlines at the start of April when she refused to compete and knelt in protest of a trans opponent at a fencing match in Maryland.Turner says she would support the girls competing in Clovis to stand up for themselves as well this weekend."I fully support these young women standing up against males in the womens track and field events. CIF has stolen the precious high school competitive years from these young ladies and compromised their athletic and scholastic trajectories by allowing males in their category," Turner told Fox News Digital.Turner praised one young woman who has already spoken out, La Canada High School track and field star Katie McGuinness, who urged the CIF to "take action" in amending its policy after finishing second to the trans athlete at a sectional final on May 17."Katie McGuinness is right, this is a time-sensitive issue and CIF would do well to abandon all transgender policies immediately and comply with both the Presidents Executive Order and Title IX," Turner said."These women are extraordinarily brave to be speaking out at their age. This is not easy, but women and girls across the United States thank them for their stand!"McNabb suffered permanent brain injuries after she was spiked in the head by a trans opponent during a high school match in 2022. She has since become a leading ambassador for standing up against trans athletes in girls' and women's sports, and testified before congress alongside Turner at a recent DOGE hearing earlier this month.McNabb reminded girls competing in Clovis this weekend that they have the right to stand up or even "walk away" from the competition.CALIFORNIA TOWN RALLIES BEHIND TRUMP AS IT HOSTS TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIP AMID TRANS ATHLETE CONTROVERSY"To the girls competing in California I know exactly how it feels to lose to a male athlete. Its not fair, and its not right. Youve trained for years, and now youre being pushed aside because officials would rather protect feelings than protect girls.You dont owe silence to anyone," McNabb told Fox News Digital."If you want to speak up or walk out do it. Youre not alone, and youre not crazy for wanting fairness. Women have fought for decades to have equal opportunities in sports. Letting males take over isnt progress its going backwards.To California officials youre failing these girls. Youre letting biological males dominate their sports and take their spots. This isnt equality its erasure. And were done pretending its okay."Soule, a former high school track and field athlete herself in Connecticut, was one of the first young women to stand up against systems that allow biological males to compete against women in 2018.That year, as a four-time National Qualifier, she was forced out of a regional championship due to two trans athletes taking womens spots and who lost out on the chance to earn attention from college scouts and potential scholarships because of those snubs. Then she began to speak out in interviews with local news outlets."I understand exactly how all the girls competing in this upcoming championship meet feel as I was in the same situation for 4 years during high school," Soule told Fox News Digital.Soule wouldn't encourage the California athletes to refuse to compete this weekend, but she would support some sort of demonstration by them."Its easy for people to say that girls should take a stand and refuse to compete against a male athlete but its not easy to sit it out when youve dedicated long hours training and sacrificed things like parties or sleepovers with friends to qualify for this meet. Its a devastating and demoralizing choice these girls are facing and my heart breaks for them," she said."If I could say something to each girl in this competition it would be to compete and give it your best. You may have the chance to beat your personal best or break a school record. If youre robbed of the chance to get a higher place or just miss the podium, you could refuse to stand on the podium next to a male with unfair advantage during the awards ceremony and take your rightful place afterwards. I and the vast majority of this country have your back."Soule later sued the state of Connecticut over its gender eligibility policies, and the suit is ongoing.Some California girls' athletes have already taken steps to stand up against the CIF this track and field postseason.Crean Lutheran High Schooler Reese Hogan stepped up into the first-place stand on the medal podium for triple jump at a sectional final on May 17 after the first-place winner, trans athlete AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley High School, stepped off it. Footage of Hogan's stunt went viral and helped ignite awareness of the situation in California.Before that, during the Southern Sectional Prelims on May 10, several athletes wore shirts that read "Protect Girls Sports" and wielded picket signs that called out the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) for its policies, and some even spoke at a press conference that included activists opposing trans inclusion.However, Fox News Digital previously reported that CIF officials forced multiple girls wearing the shirts to remove them, and the CIF acknowledged the incidents occurred in a statement.Title IX expert Ryan Bangert senior vice president for strategic initiatives and special counsel to the president at the legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom told Fox News Digital that the girls have every right to peacefully protest during the weekend's competitions how they see fit. And any retaliation by the CIF against those who protest could be violations of the first amendment."California needs to be cautious because every sovereign entity and every government entity has an obligation to follow the commands of the first amendment, and California is no different," Bangert said, adding that the state is under even more scrutiny if it tramples on the first amendment in defense of the "failing ideology" of biological males competing in girls' sports.If CIF officials do try to prevent the girls from competing, Bangert suggested there are legal steps they could take in response."I think those girls would be well advised to consider all their legal rights and remedies in that situation," Bangert said about potential prevention or retaliation against girls who choose to protest this weekend.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. After more than two years behind bars, Julie Chrisley has returned home, and shes turning her full attention to what matters most: family.As she and her husband, Todd Chrisley, are looking to put that chapter behind them, their lawyer, Alex Little, shared with Fox News Digital an update on how Julie has been since she was released from prison on Wednesday."I saw Julie yesterday. I think she's doing well," Little shared. "I mean, you have to remember this is a family, and a family that's been separated for more than two years."TODD CHRISLEY OPENS UP ABOUT LIFE BEHIND BARS AND HIS FIRST MOMENTS OUT OF PRISONJulie and Todds release from federal prison came after the couple were pardoned by President Donald Trump on Wednesday.The "Chrisley Knows Best" stars served time on bank fraud and tax evasion charges. Their lawyer continued to share a glimpse of their family reunion after they'd been separated for two years."A huge part of being home is just getting family time and being together. And that's what she wanted to focus on today," he said."I think it's hard," Little pointed out. "You can imagine it's not as if you can sort of pick up immediately, but they've always stayed in contact Todd and Julie, they didn't get to speak on the phone, but they emailed every day I think they're doing that standard repair you do when you get back, and you're in the same place."WATCH: THE CHRISLEY FAMILY LAWYER SAYS JULIE CHRISLEY IS DOING WELLHe concluded, "A lot of people know Todd and Julie as celebrities and as reality TV stars, and I think it's really interesting for those who know them personally know how just generally good humans they are it's really wonderful to see them back together, back as family, and able to restart their lives."Their attorneys comments come after Julie was visibly absent from the Chrisley family press conference on Friday.LIKE WHAT YOURE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSThis marked the first time her husband, Todd, has spoken to the media since 2022. His daughter Savannah was also present at the press conference that was held in their home city of Nashville, Tennessee.The Chrisley patriarch also said during Friday's news conference that his wife remained resilient through her time in prison, and she is ecstatic to be reunited with her family, especially her children."Julie, who is a wonderful, decent, God-fearing woman and that I am blessed to have been married to and been with for over 30 years now an excellent mother," he said. "Shes at home with [adopted daughter] Chloe right now, and Chloe will not let her go."TRUMP PARDONS TODD, JULIE CHRISLEY: WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT REALITY TV STARSChloe is the biological daughter of Todds estranged son, Kyle. She became a star of the show, much to Kyle's dismay after he was kicked off the program following the first season due to his substance abuse and addiction issues.Chloe was adopted by the Chrisleys, and they were granted full custody of their granddaughter, after Kyles addiction came into the spotlight.Meanwhile, faith, family and fitness were the pillars that carried Todd through incarceration, he said. He credited speaking with his children Savannah, Chase and Grayson as a saving grace. He also kept in touch with his wife of 30 years, Julie, through daily emails."I talked to my daughter every day. To Chase, to Grayson. And I was able to email with Julie every day," he shared. "So I think that for me, I havent had the same effects that so many people leaving the prison system have had. So Im grateful for that."CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTERAs Julie prioritized her family, she was seen leaving a butcher shop in Nashville, just one day after being released from federal prison.The reality TV star was rocking her natural hair color while smiling outside the shop.Her son, Chase, opened up about his mothers new look and said she may not go back to her blonde appearance."My mother's an angel. She's still a beautiful woman," Chase previously told Entertainment Tonight. "Her hair's darker now. I'm like, 'Mama, we gotta go back platinum blonde.' And shes like, I'm not doing that.'"Todd and Julie were previously sentenced to 12 and seven years, respectively.The couple were convicted of conspiring to defraud community banks out of more than $30 million in fraudulent loans as well as tax evasion; their sentences were later reduced.Todd and Julie were initially indicted in August 2019, and a new indictment was later filed. They were found guilty in June 2022 of not only bank fraud and tax evasion, but also conspiring to defraud the IRS.

Two New York Police Department officers could find themselves in hot water over potential connections to a shocking case of torture in the stately SoHo district of Manhattan.The NYPD confirmed to Fox News Digital that its officers "were modified" and "the matter is under internal review."The issue involves two detectives, one of whom reportedly served on Mayor Eric Adams' security detail, the New York Post reported.The case at the heart of the scandal is tied to two men who allegedly tortured an Italian cryptocurrency millionaire in a New York City townhouse.CRYPTO INVESTOR ACCUSED OF SADISTICALLY TORTURING BIZ PARTNER IN NYC LUXURY TOWNHOUSEOne detective is suspected of driving the alleged victim, a 22-year-old Italian Bitcoin millionaire, from the airport to the townhouse where the savagery occurred on the day he arrived in New York, according to the Post. The other is accused of working with the man's alleged captors, John Woeltz and William Duplessie, in an "unauthorized capacity."Woeltz, 37, and Duplessie, 33, are accused of kidnapping the man, a former business partner, on May 6 and torturing him when he refused to reveal his Bitcoin password. A criminal complaint obtained by Fox News says the brutality lasted for nearly three weeks.The pair allegedly shocked the man with electric wires, bashed his head with a firearm, pointed a firearm at his head and threatened to kill him and his family, and hung him over a second-floor ledge.Eventually, the man escaped the residence and flagged down a traffic cop.Both suspects have now been charged with assault, kidnapping in the first degree, unlawful imprisonment in the first degree and criminal possession of a firearm.2ND SUSPECT DETAINED AFTER CRYPTO INVESTOR ACCUSED OF TORTURING BUSINESS PARTNER IN NYCWoeltz was arrested last Friday, just after the man escaped. Duplessie turned himself in on Tuesday.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPThe latter reportedly appeared in front of a judge in a Manhattan courtroom Friday, waiting to be officially indicted. He is being held without bail.Fox News' Michael Dorgan and Greg Norman contributed to this report.

After filming a music video on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, Miley Cyrus said she was recently hospitalized with a knee infection, prompting doctors to weigh in on how certain environments can expose people to harmful bacteria.On a Thursday episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live," Cyrus, 32, recalled the moment she filmed her "Something Beautiful" visual album and then landed in the ICU."I filmed this video in October [2024] by November at Thanksgiving, I was put in the ICU for a moment just for a moment," the singer said.WHEN 2-YEAR-OLD GOES INTO CARDIAC ARREST, PARENTS TAKE LIFE-SAVING ACTIONCyrus described rolling on the sidewalk as part of her shoot, and shortly after, she developed symptoms that required intensive medical attention."I caught something," she remarked. "My leg began to disintegrate ... around the kneecap area. And then the doctor goes, 'Do you have any idea why you would have such a brutal infection on your kneecap?"While the singer did not disclose a specific diagnosis, medical experts say her case is a reminder of how everyday public spaces can present hidden health hazards.Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and Fox News senior medical analyst, noted that extremely aggressive bacteria are not common in urban settings."Flesh-eating bacteria on city streets is very rare," Siegel, who did not treat Cyrus, told Fox News Digital. "Rat urine can cause leptospirosis, a bacteria that causes flu-like symptoms."The doctor said he believes the likely cause was a more typical bacterial infection rather than something exotic, although common bacteria can cause serious skin reactions."Strep or staph bacteria are common causes of skin infection like cellulitis," said Siegel. "Bacteria can be found [on streets], like E. coli, shigella and enterococci, which are from fecal matter, and may get onto the bottoms of shoes," he added.HODA KOTB REVEALS DAUGHTER'S CONCERNING DIAGNOSIS INFLUENCED HER EXIT FROM 'TODAY'These infections do not typically originate from the street itself, the doctor said, but can develop when skin comes in contact with bacteria, which can happen during close exposure to surfaces like sidewalks.The risk of infection often increases when the skin is broken or irritated, allowing bacteria to enter the body more easily.Even minor cuts and scrapes can become gateways for infection when exposed to contaminated surfaces, according to Dr. Ken Perry, an emergency medicine physician in Charleston, South Carolina."For most patients, these infections are contracted from open wounds in the skin or some other breach in the skin barrier," Perry, who also did not treat Cyrus, told Fox News Digital.Such infections are usually easily treated with common antibiotics, according to the doctor.Cyrus shoot put her in close contact with one of the busiest sidewalks in the country, which doctors say can heighten the danger."In the case of Miley Cyrus, she states that she contracted this after rolling around on the ground during the filming of her music video," said Perry.AMERICAN HONEYMOON HOTSPOT HIT BY HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS ILLNESS, HEALTH OFFICIALS WARN"The foot traffic could easily contaminate the area with bacteria from animal or even human sources," he hypothesized."For the majority of the population, rolling around on the Hollywood Walk of Fame is not common behavior, but even casual interaction could put an individual in contact with harmful bacteria," Perry added.Doctors agree that basic hygiene is one of the best ways to avoid infection, especially in public spaces."The best way to keep this from happening is to be fastidious with hygiene," said Perry."We know to wash our hands after being in public to keep from possibly transferring bacteria to the mucus membranes of our eyes, or even ingesting bacteria."Experts recommend covering wounds and washing them as soon as possible if exposed to public environments."If the cut or scrape occurs while out in public, make sure to wash with soap and water," Perry advised. "If an individual has a cut or some break in the skin, it is best to keep it covered, especially when out in public."For more Health articles, visitwww.foxnews.com/healthIt is important to seek medical care if there are signs of redness, swelling or drainage, as these could be signs of a worsening bacterial infection, the doctor cautioned.

A South Carolina man on death row who had been considering death by firing squad opted Friday for lethal injection instead after another inmate appeared to linger before dying when bullets apparently missed his heart.Stephen Stankos attorneys told him that lethal injection would feel like drowning when a lethal dose of pentobarbital is injected into the inmates veins and theres a rush of fluid into the lungs.Medical experts hired by the state have said the drugs render an inmate unconscious before the inmate feels any pain, but experts hired by inmates have said the rush of fluid can feel like drowning.The U.S. Supreme Court denied a delay to his June 13 execution Wednesday that was requested so he could learn more about his options.SOUTH CAROLINA SCHEDULING EXECUTIONS AGAIN AFTER A PAUSE FOR THE HOLIDAYSIn addition to lethal injection and firing squad, the convicted double murderer could have also chosen the electric chair.An autopsy on Mikal Mahdi, the killer of an off-duty police officer executed by firing squad in April, showed the inmate may have been in excruciating pain for up to a minute, much longer than the expected 15 seconds to lose consciousness, after all the bullets missed his heart, his lawyers said, calling it "botched."JUDGE REJECTS REQUEST FROM GEORGIA DEATH ROW INMATE TO BE EXECUTED BY FIRING SQUADStanko had been sentenced to death twice for two separate murders.In April 2006, Stanko, 57, beat and strangled girlfriend Laura Ling to death and raped her teenage daughter and slit her throat. The daughter survived and testified against him at his trial.Hours after the murder, he went to his 74-year-old friend Henry Turners home, shot him to death and stole his truck.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPSouth Carolina resumed executions in September after a 13-year break after it ran out of lethal injection drugs and pharmacies refused to provide more unless a new secrecy law protected their privacy.The Associated Press contributed to this report.

The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) is suing the Trump administration over its efforts to cut the network's federal funding, calling the move "unconstitutional.""[In] an Executive Order issued on May 1, 2025, the President declared that government funding of private sources of non-commercial media is corrosive, and singled out PBS (alongside National Public Radio) as failing to provide 'fair, accurate, unbiased, and nonpartisan news,'" the court filing obtained by Fox News Digital reads."PBS disputes those charged assertions in the strongest possible terms. But regardless of any policy disagreements over the role of public television, our Constitution and laws forbid the President from serving as the arbiter of the content of PBSs programming, including by attempting to defund PBS," it continued.The lawsuit, filed in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, names Northern Minnesota Public Television as a co-plaintiff, and lists several defendants, including President Donald Trump, Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessett, Education Secretary Linda McMahon and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.NPR SUES TRUMP WHITE HOUSE OVER EXECUTIVE ORDER TARGETING PUBLIC MEDIABOISE STATE PUBLIC RADIO CHIEF FEARS SERVICE CUTS IF TRUMP FUNDING BAN SUCCEEDS"Indeed, since Congress laid the foundations for the growth of public television over 50 years ago, it has repeatedly protected the flow of federal funds from political interference by filtering them through a non-federal, non-profit, and non-partisan entitythe Corporation for Public Broadcasting ('CPB')and by providing for long-term appropriations," it said. "Lest there be any doubt that the Executive Branch should have no power to influence CPBs decision-making, Congress enacted a specific [p]rohibition: no department, agency, officer, or employee of the United States may 'exercise any direction, supervision, or control over public telecommunications, or over [CPB] or any of its grantees'including with respect to 'the content or distribution of public telecommunications programs and services.'""The EO violates not only those straightforward statutory restrictions but also the First Amendment. The EO makes no attempt to hide the fact that it is cutting off the flow of funds to PBS because of the content of PBS programming and out of a desire to alter the content of speech. That is blatant viewpoint discrimination and an infringement of PBS and PBS Member Stations private editorial discretion," the filing continues."The EO also seeks to impose an unconstitutional condition on PBS Member Stations receipt of federal funds by prohibiting them from using federal funds to access PBS programming and services. And the EO smacks of retaliation for, among other things, perceived political slights in news coverage. That all transgresses the First Amendments protection of both speech and freedom of the press."In a statement to Fox News Digital, a PBS spokesperson said, "After careful deliberation, PBS reached the conclusion that it was necessary to take legal action to safeguard public televisions editorial independence, and to protect the autonomy of PBS member stations.""The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) iscreating media to support a particular political party on the taxpayers dime," a White House spokesperson told Fox News Digital. "Therefore, the President is exercising his lawful authority to limit funding to NPR and PBS. The President was elected with a mandate to ensure efficient use of taxpayer dollars, and he will continue to use his lawful authority to achieve that objective."PBS CHIEF WARNS CUTTING FEDERAL MONEY WILL 'DEVASTATE' LOCAL STATIONS AS WHITE HOUSE SEEKS TO PULL FUNDINGEarlier this week, National Public Radio (NPR) and a trio of Colorado public radio stations similarly filed a lawsuit against Trump's executive order."The Executive Order is a clear violation of the Constitution and the First Amendment's protections for freedom of speech and association, and freedom of the press. It is an affront to the rights of NPR and NPR's 246 Member stations, which are locally owned, nonprofit, noncommercial media organizations serving all 50 states and territories. Today, we challenge its constitutionality in the nation's independent courts," NPR CEO Katherine Maher said in a lengthy statement.Fox News' Brian Flood contributed to this report.

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 happeningThe Supreme Court on Friday stayed a lower court order that blocked the Trump administration from deporting roughly 500,000 migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. The decision is a near-term victory for President Donald Trump as he moves to crack down on border security and immigration priorities in his second term.The order stays, for now, a lower court ruling that halted Trump's plans to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for some migrants living in the U.S., which allows individuals to live and work in the U.S. legally if they cannot work safely in their home country due to a disaster, armed conflict or other "extraordinary and temporary conditions."The stay, like many emergency orders handed down by the high court, was unsigned, and did not provide an explanation for the justices' thinkingREAD MOREOUT AND ABOUT: Obamas seen together for first time in six months as analyst sees no love lost amid divorce murmursIMPOSTER AT LARGE: Alleged attempt to impersonate White House chief of staff under federal investigation'SCRIPTED' PRESIDENT: New book exposes Biden's 'scripted' Cabinet meetings amid alleged cognitive decline cover-upCAMPUS SPIES: Spy surge sparks Trump visa crackdown on Chinese studentsFULL 'MAGA' AHEAD: All aboard the WMAGA? Florida congressman wants to rename DC transit for TrumpMISSION OVER: Elon Musks official role at Trumps DOGE ends, but his political impact lingers ahead of midtermsDOGE'S BARK AND BITE: The budget cuts Musk couldnt complete and whats next for DOGEELON EXODUS: Elon Musk's DOGE departure divides Capitol HillOLD GUARD CHALLENGED: Two longtime House Democrats face primary challenges from younger opponentsMIDNIGHT MANEUVERS: Inside the late-night drama that led to Trump's tax bill passing by one voteSANCTUARY SHOWDOWN: Top congressional committees launch probe into Nashville mayor accused of blocking ICEAFTER THE FALL: Since Floyd riots culled monuments 5 years ago, leaders in ex-Confederate capital lament st didnt change'FEWER, FASTER, GONE: CBP ends use of temporary migrant processing sites as apprehensions plummet'UGLY' INDICTMENT: Wisconsin judge claims 'absolute immunity,' calls DOJ indictment an 'ugly innovation''PARTY LEFT ME': Kentucky Senate Democrat switches to GOP in major blow to Dem gov Andy BeshearCAMPUS CLASH: Harvard DHS lawsuit revives Supreme Court conflict of interest questionsOFF THE STREETS: ICE agents in Boston arrest migrant murderer, child rapists as Fox News rides alongSANCTUARY SHOWDOWN: Dem county executive dings Trump admin over sanctuary jurisdiction designationGet the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.

The rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese continues to ignite the sports world.Clark committed a flagrant foul against Reese earlier this month during the Indiana Fever's first 2025 matchup with the Chicago Sky. The on-court feud between the two basketball stars dates back to their time at the college basketball level.Over the past couple of years, countless sports figures have debated whether the rivalry is beneficial. Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac said he ultimately believes it helps bring attention to women's basketball.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM"I think it's truly great for basketball. Obviously, the reason it's being pitted like this is because it's great for TV. It sells tickets," Isaac told Fox News Digital on behalf of his Christian apparel brand UNITUS.According to the company's official website, UNITUS' mission "is to inspire and empower people to live in greater unity, freedom, strength, and purpose."Isaac acknowledged the outside factors that are often associated with the Clark-Reese rivalry, but he said it all boils down to what takes place on the basketball court."Some things I do think get out of hand with some of the commentary on the white vs. the black. I understand there's nuance to that and there's a reality to that as well. But, I think at the basic level it's basketball and rivalries are good for basketball. I think it's been amazing for women's sports. Because of the rivalry, because of Angel Reese, because of Caitlin Clark [there's been an uptick in the] interest in women's basketball that wasn't completely there before. I'm happy for that. I want to see it play out. I want to see them continue to grow their careers and be the best female basketball players they can be."Reese set the WNBA record for consecutive games with a double-double last season. Clark received WNBA rookie of the year honors last season after averaging 19.2 per contest and appearing in all 40 regular season games.The Fever's game against the Washington Mystics on Wednesday marked the first time in Clark's WNBA that she was listed as inactive. Clark watched the Fever's 83-77 loss from the bench. She is expected to miss the next two weeks due to a left quadriceps strain, the team said.Isaac is familiar with overcoming injuries. He tore his left ACL in Aug. 2020. In March 2023, he had surgery to repair a torn left adductor muscle. He was then forced to sit out for the remainder of 2022-23 season.Isaac was ultimately able to bounce back and appeared in 71 games this past season.JONATHAN ISAAC DETAILS DECISION TO STAND DURING NATIONAL ANTHEM IN NBA'S ORLANDO BUBBLE'Isaac said he's dealt with an onslaught of injuries throughout his NBA career. "The ACL injury was supposed to be a one-year (setback). But one, I had complications. Once everything got patched up, for some reason my hamstring there's a muscle called the biceps femoris and I tore that and for some reason my hamstring wasn't getting stronger, but my knee was and my quad was. And then in the midst of that I tore my right hamstring while I was sprinting, because I was overcompensating. I came back to the league for 11 games and then tore my groin.Isaac credited his faith, family, and support system for helping get past the string of injuries."(I) was able to get through it. My faith is a huge part of that, the people I have around me my wife, my church family, just everyone encouraging me to just stick with it. And this past season I was able to play in 70 games."Isaac, who famously stood for the national anthem while his other colleagues knelt before a game in the bubble in 2020, reportedly agreed to a contract extension in July 2024.Isaac and the Magic agreed to a five-year, $84 million contract extension, ESPN reported at the time. The deal ties the forward with the Magic through the 2028-29 season.Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

A high school softball team in Minnesota is deep in the state playoffs and the political news cycle, both thanks to its dominant transgender pitcher.Champlin Park High School in Minnesota defeated the defending state champions, Rogers High School, in the sectional final on Thursday by a score of 1-0. The trans pitcher threw 14 shutout innings, bringing the athlete's season ERA down to 0.88.Three anonymous players who claim to have faced the pitcher filed a lawsuit against the state on May 20 for allowing the athlete to compete against female players. The situation has prompted national scrutiny amid the ongoing political divide over biological males in girls' and women's sports.CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COMChamplin Park's school district provided a statement to Fox News Digital defending the decision to allow the athlete to compete on the softball team."Throughout the entire season, and as the Rebels advance to the state tournament, it is important to note that all of the student athletes participating for the Champlin Park Softball team are eligible to compete in compliance with Minnesota State High School League rules and applicable state law. Due to data privacy laws, the District is not able to provide public comment regarding a specific student athlete," a statement from the Anoka-Hennepin School District stated."In addition, the District is named in an active lawsuit which limits what information can be shared."The pitcher will now lead Champlin Park into the state tournament next week for the first time in program history.The lawsuit against Minnesota was filed by the religious law firm Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). The defendants are Attorney General Keith Ellison, the Minnesota State High School League Executive Director Erich Martens, Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero and Minnesota Commissioner of Education Willie Jett."Minnesota is failing its female athletes. The state is putting the rights of males ahead of females, telling girls their hard work may never be enough to win and that they dont deserve fairness and safety," Alliance Defending Freedom Legal Counsel Suzanne Beecher told Fox News Digital."By sacrificing protection for female athletes, Minnesota fails to offer girls equal treatment and opportunity, violating Title IXs provisions. Our client, Female Athletes United, is right to stand up for its members by challenging the states discriminatory policy and advocate for true equality in sports."HOW TRANSGENDERISM IN SPORTS SHIFTED THE 2024 ELECTION AND IGNITED A NATIONAL COUNTERCULTUREEllison's office has responded to the lawsuit in a statement to Fox News Digital."In addition to getting exercise and the fun of competition, playing sports comes with so many benefits for young people. You build friendships that can last a lifetime, you learn how to work as part of a team, and you get to feel like you belong," the statement read. "I believe it is wrong to single out one group of students, who already face higher levels of bullying and harassment, and tell these kids they cannot be on the team because of who they are. I will continue to defend the rights of all students to play sports with their friends and peers."Ellison is also suing President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice to ensure transgender athletes can continue participating in girls' sports in the state.After Trump signed the "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order, the Minnesota State High School League announced it would defy federal law by allowing transgender athletes to continue playing in women's sports. Ellison then claimed at a press conference on April 22 that he received notice from the Department of Justice threatening legal action if the state did not follow the executive order, so the AG decided to sue first.The White House later responded to the lawsuit, condemning Ellison for taking legal action to enable trans inclusion."Why would a grown man sue the Trump administration to allow other biological males to participate in womens sports? This is creepy and anti-woman," White House spokesperson Harrison Fields told Fox News Digital.Minnesota's state legislature failed to pass the "Preserving Girls Sports Act" in early March, which would have stated that "only female students may participate in an elementary or secondary school level athletic team or sport that an educational institution has restricted to women and girls."Follow Fox News Digitals sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) penned a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan Thursday, thanking the Trump administration for its ban on Navy-funded dog and cat experiments announced this week and requesting a broader ban on all animal testing in all military branches.Phelan on Tuesday terminated all Department of the Navy testing on cats and dogs, saving taxpayer dollars and ending these inhumane studies."This is long overdue," Phelan said in a video posted to X. "In addition to this termination, I'm directing the surgeon general of the Navy to conduct a comprehensive review of all medical research programs to ensure they align with ethical guidelines, scientific necessity, and our core values of integrity and readiness."PETA on Thursday further urged the Department of Defense to conduct a similar comprehensive, agency-wide audit aimed at rooting out waste, fraud and abuse in cruel and outdated animal experimentation.NIH CLOSES EXPERIMENTATION LABS ACCUSED OF BRUTALLY KILLING THOUSANDS OF BEAGLES FOR 40+ YEARSSpecifically, the international organization requested the Department of Defense (DOD) ban the use of animals in Navy decompression sickness and oxygen toxicity tests and prohibit the use of dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, marine animals and other animals currently permitted in Army weapon-wounding tests.The weapon-wounding tests, which were banned during the Reagan administration, were reintroduced in 2020 when the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC) issued a policy allowing for the purchase of "dogs, cats, nonhuman primates, or marine mammals to inflict wounds upon using a weapon for the purpose of conducting medical research, development, testing, or evaluation."The Army in 2023, with encouragement from PETA, cut $750,000 in taxpayer funding for a brain-damaging weapon-wounding experiment on ferrets at Wayne State University in Michigan.While reviewing other branches, PETA obtained public records showing decompression sickness experiments at the Naval Medical Research Command sliced open baby pigs, implanted devices and locked them in high-pressure chambers for up to eight days before killing them.Researchers are also accused of administering a drug to a pig and inducing a severe escalation in body temperature and muscle contractions before killing the animal. Officials said potentially faulty sedatives may have prolonged the pigs suffering.PETA, ANIMAL RIGHTS GROUPS PRAISE TRUMP ADMIN FOR PHASING OUT 'CRUEL TESTS ON DOGS' AND OTHER ANIMALSIn another incident, a rat suffocated to death after an equipment malfunction, and the researcher failed to report the incident for 23 days, according to PETA.The organization alleged the Navy has wasted more than $5.1 million in federal funding since 2020 for decompression sickness and oxygen toxicity tests on thousands of animals at Duke University, the University of Maryland in Baltimore, the University of California in San Diego and the University of South Florida."Pigs, rats and other animals feel pain and fear just as dogs and cats do, and their torment in gruesome military experiments must end," PETA Vice President Shalin Gala wrote in a statement."PETA appreciates the Trump administrations decision to stop the Navys torture tests on dogs and cats, and we urge a broader ban across the Pentagon to end the use of animals in Navy-funded decompression sickness and oxygen toxicity tests, Army-funded weapon-wounding tests and DOD-funded foreign experiments."TRUMP ADMIN CUTS ADDITIONAL $1M IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR 'TRANSGENDER ANIMAL' EXPERIMENTSPETA also requested in the letter that Defense Department officials prohibit funding of tests on animals at foreign institutions.In one experiment in Canada, which is receiving $429,347 in DOD funding,a University of Alberta experimenter is using dogs as "models" of a muscle wasting disease.In another ongoing DOD-funded foreign experiment in Australia, which is receiving $599,984, a James Cook University researcher is burning 30% of rats body surface with scalding water and into their livers, inflicting an "[u]ncontrolled hemorrhage."The Department of Defense, Secretary of the Navy's office and Navy Office of Information did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's requests for comment.