The Weekly Scramble

Former NBA center Enes Kanter Freedom said Friday he is declaring for the 2027 WNBA Draft, saying he has examined the league’s eligibility rules and believes they make him eligible — a claim that is not supported by the WNBA’s published rules.
In a video posted to X, Mr. Freedom, wearing an orange WNBA-branded sweatshirt, said his team had “carefully examined the WNBA’s eligibility criteria and governing framework surrounding self-identification and inclusion.”
“Based on the current guidelines, I can and am officially declaring my eligibility for the upcoming WNBA draft in April 2027,” he said.
The WNBA’s collective bargaining agreement does not contain a self-identification standard. Article XIII, Section 1(a) of the 409-page agreement states only that “only players who are women are eligible to play in the WNBA,” and does not define “woman” or address gender identity anywhere in the document, according to an OutKick report. Neither the WNBA nor the players’ union has publicly clarified how eligibility would be determined for a transgender or self-identified player, the outlet reported.
Freedom, an 11-year NBA veteran and the third overall pick of the 2011 draft, said he was not trying to mock anyone.
“I am definitely not here to mock, make fun of, or disrespect any community or personal choices,” he said, adding that he wants the WNBA’s rules “applied equally, consistently, and without exception.”
The post is capitalizing on controversy surrounding remarks from Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, who said in a July ESPN profile that she wants to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldn’t have to compete against biological men, while maintaining she does not “hate trans” people. The remarks have prompted rallies and counter-rallies outside WNBA arenas, and Cunningham addressed the fallout again this week, telling a USA Network broadcast that she wants “love and respect” to remain even amid disagreement, while lamenting that the debate has overshadowed the basketball itself, according to an OutKick report.
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President Donald Trump has created a way for Wall Street to pay to win. Trump Media & Technology Group’s premium data product released its new subscription service for earlier access to Truth Social posts for $100,000 a month. According to reports, five Wall Street firms have already signed up for the service, gaining access to Truth Social posts milliseconds before the general public.
Senator Amy Klobuchar says she is strong on US border security at Farm Fest. The crowd laughs out loud in her face and she and the moderator shush the crowd afterwards.
Phillies fan wins auction to broadcast game — and ‘nothing can prepare you for how his voice sounds’

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The WNBA has a major marketing problem making Sophie Cunningham the villain in the trans movement.
Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham sparked a major WNBA controversy by stating she believes transgender women and girls should be barred from female sports categories to protect biological females and fairness. Her remarks generated intense public debate, on-site fan rallies, and opposing demonstrations outside arenas.
The Remarks: Sophie Cunningham stated in a media profile published in July 2026 that her stance is focused on safety, fairness, and preserving opportunities for young girls rather than malice toward the transgender community. [1, 2]
Arena Protests: Consecutive Indiana Fever away games—including matchups in Portland and against the Minnesota Lynx—drew organized groups of both critics and supporters holding demonstrations outside and inside the venues. [1, 2]
League Responses: Figures across the league responded diversely, with Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve wearing a "Trans kids belong" shirt, while teammate Caitlin Clark emphasized that the team's primary focus remains strictly on basketball
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Dr. Anthony Fauci will face a contempt of Congress vote next week
Dr. Anthony Fauci will face a contempt of Congress vote in a Senate committee next week after he invoked the Fifth Amendment in a hearing about his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic and its origins.
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul led the charge to have the now-retired infectious disease expert testify.
But Fauci declined to answer dozens of questions from senators.
"Any reasonable person who has followed his unhinged obsession with me would readily come to the same conclusion," said Fauci.
"Therefore, although it pains me to do so because of the respect I have for the legislative branch of government and my decades-long record of cooperating with Congress, under the advice of my attorneys, I will invoke my right under the Fifth Amendment of the Constitution to refrain from answering your questions. Thank you."
Paul told CBS News he believes Fauci could be prosecuted for not answering questions during the hearing.
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Mamdani: Today, I am proud to announce a collection of essential staples that will be predictably 30% cheaper at all five of our city-run grocery stores. This core set of goods will include all fresh produce, meat, and seafood, along with 20 other essential items like cheese, milk, and bread.
Here's how it will work. Once a month, our five city-run grocery stores will set prices for this core set of goods at 30% below typical retail prices. No exceptions, no gimmicks. The savings will last for the entire month. That means no weekly fluctuations or sticker shock at the checkout line—not for our seniors living on fixed incomes, nor for the parents who rely on a regular supply of apple slices to keep toddler tantrums at bay.
Also:
45 restaurants that shaped Twin Cities dining courtesy of The Star Tribune

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