Veronica Garcia, a transgender high school runner in Washington, competed in the girls 400-meter dash Saturday.
Garcia won the event and became the Washington girls 400-meter dash state champion.
Garcia ran the race in 55.75 seconds, which was one second better than the second-place finisher’s time of 56.75, according to the Pacific Northwest Track and Field Officials’ track scoreboard.
The second- and third-place winners in the race appeared to participate in the post-race podium ceremony.
According to Washington Interscholastic Activities Association policy, every athlete will compete in programs “consistent with their gender identity or the gender most consistently expressed.
Medical or legal requirements were not listed. However, if questions about eligibility arise, a student does have the right to appeal, according to WIAA’s policy. Legislation for transgender girls participating in girls and women’s sports has been introduced in the state but has not passed.
In 2021, the British Journal of Sports Medicine published a study saying transgender women maintain an advantage over biological women even after a year of hormone therapy treatment.
“For the Olympic level, the elite level, I’d say probably two years is more realistic than one year,” Dr. Timothy Roberts, director of the adolescent medicine training program at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri, told NBC News at the time. “At one year, the trans women, on average, still have an advantage over the cis women.
Earlier this month, five middle school girls in West Virginia were barred from competing in a track and field event after protesting and refusing to participate in an event due to a transgender athlete’s inclusion in the meet.
Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis is appealing a judge’s decision to dismiss some of the charges against former President Donald Trump and others in the Georgia election interference case.
Willis filed a notice of appeal regarding the dismissal of six of the counts back in March.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee had written in an order that six of the counts in the indictment must be quashed, including three against Trump. But the order leaves intact other charges, and the judge wrote that prosecutors could seek a new indictment on the charges he dismissed, according to The Associated Press.
One of the dismissed counts regarded the phone call Trump made to Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger on Jan. 2, 2021. Trump had allegedly told the secretary to “find 11,780 votes,” the Washington Examiner said.
Willis’ action came after the appeals court already agreed to take up Trump and his co-defendants’ appeal over their efforts to disqualify Willis from the case, ABC News reported.
Trump and 18 others pleaded not guilty last August to all charges in an indictment for alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election in Georgia, the news outlet reported. Four of the defendants have accepted plea deals in exchange for agreeing to testify against other defendants.
One day after video was released that appeared to show Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs beating his then-girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel, the music mogul took responsibility, saying he’s “disgusted” with himself.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you got to do that. I was f—ed up. I mean I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” he said in a self-recorded message beneath a rattan roof posted to Instagram.
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he added.
One day after video was released that appeared to show Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs beating his then-girlfriend Cassie in a Los Angeles hotel, the music mogul took responsibility, saying he’s “disgusted” with himself.
“It’s so difficult to reflect on the darkest times in your life. Sometimes you got to do that. I was f—ed up. I mean I hit rock bottom. But I make no excuses. My behavior on that video is inexcusable,” he said in a self-recorded message beneath a rattan roof posted to Instagram.
“I take full responsibility for my actions in that video. I’m disgusted. I was disgusted then when I did it. I’m disgusted now,” he added.
“Had to ask God for his mercy and grace.”
“I’m so sorry. But I’m committed to [being] a better man each and every day. I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m truly sorry.
Combs did not reference Cassie, whose legal name is Cassandra Ventura, in his apology.
The alarming video, obtained exclusively by CNN, shows the rapper running down a hallway only wearing a towel around his waist and socks. When he reaches the elevators, he can be seen throwing a woman, presumably Ventura, to the ground. He kicks her twice before dragging her out of the camera’s view.
The incident seems to directly corroborate an incident described in depth in Ventura’s lawsuit that she filed against Combs in November 2023 where she accused him of physical and sexual abuse. The lawsuit was dropped the following day, and an undisclosed settlement was reached.
At the time of the filing, Combs’ lawyer issued a statement saying in part, “Mr. Combs vehemently denies these offensive and outrageous allegations. Ms. Ventura’s demand of $30 million, under the threat of writing a damaging book about their relationship, was unequivocally rejected as blatant blackmail. Despite withdrawing her initial threat, Ms. Ventura has now resorted to filing a lawsuit riddled with baseless and outrageous lies, aiming to tarnish Mr. Combs’ reputation, and seeking a pay day.”
Following the settlement, Combs said, “We have decided to resolve this matter amicably. I wish Cassie and her family all the best. Love.”
Following the video’s release, Ventura’s lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, told Fox News Digital, “The gut-wrenching video has only further confirmed the disturbing and predatory behavior of Mr. Combs. Words cannot express the courage and fortitude that Ms. Ventura has shown in coming forward to bring this to light
The LA District Attorney’s office issued a statement on Saturday confirming that Combs cannot be prosecuted based on these allegations due to the statute of limitations.
Mother’s Day is a special occasion dedicated to celebrating the incredible women in our lives who have nurtured, loved, and guided us through every step of our journey. Finding the perfect gift to express appreciation for all they do can sometimes be challenging. However, with a bit of thoughtfulness and creativity, you can find a gift that truly speaks to your mother’s heart. Here are some of the best ideas for Mother’s Day gifts to make her day extra special
1. Personalized Gifts:
Personalized jewelry: A necklace, bracelet, or ring engraved with her initials, birthstone, or a meaningful date.
Customized photo album: Compile cherished memories in a beautifully designed album.
Customized wall art: Have a piece of art created with family names, significant dates, or a heartfelt message.
2. Spa and Relaxation Gifts
Spa gift basket: Fill a basket with luxurious bath salts, lotions, candles, and a plush robe.
Massage or spa day: Treat her to a relaxing massage or a day at the spa for pampering.
Aromatherapy diffuser: Gift her a diffuser with essential oils to create a calming atmosphere at home.
3. Experiential Gifts
Cooking or art class: Enroll her in a class she’s always wanted to try, whether it’s cooking, painting, pottery, or photography.
Wine tasting tour: Plan a day out at a local winery for a tasting experience she’ll remember.
Tickets to a show or concert: Surprise her with tickets to see her favorite band, a play, or a musical.
4. Subscription Services
Monthly flower delivery: Sign her up for a subscription service that delivers fresh flowers to her doorstep every month.
Book club subscription: If she loves to read, gift her a subscription to a book club tailored to her preferences.
Gourmet food or wine club: Treat her to a monthly delivery of gourmet foods, chocolates, or fine wines.
5. Tech Gadgets
E-reader: For the book-loving mom, an e-reader allows her to carry her favorite books everywhere.
Smartwatch or fitness tracker: Help her stay connected and track her health and fitness goals.
Digital photo frame: Load it with family photos so she can enjoy them rotating throughout the day.
6. DIY Gifts
Handmade crafts: Get creative with DIY projects like hand-painted pottery, knitted scarves, or homemade candles.
Recipe book: Compile her favorite family recipes into a personalized cookbook.
Memory jar: Fill a jar with handwritten notes of cherished memories and reasons why she’s loved.
7. Outdoor and Gardening Gifts
Gardening kit: Equip her with tools, seeds, and gardening accessories for her green thumb.
Hammock or outdoor lounge chair: Provide her with a cozy spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
Bird feeder or birdhouse: Bring a touch of nature to her backyard with a bird feeder or charming birdhouse.
8. Wellness and Fitness Gifts
Yoga mat and accessories: Encourage her wellness journey with a quality yoga mat, blocks, and straps.
Fitness tracker: Help her stay motivated and track her workouts with a fitness tracker.
Healthy cooking appliances: Upgrade her kitchen with appliances like an air fryer, juicer, or blender for nutritious meals.
9. Sentimental Gifts
Handwritten letter or poem: Express your love and gratitude in a heartfelt letter or poem.
Memory book: Create a scrapbook filled with photos, ticket stubs, and mementos of special moments shared together.
Family tree artwork: Commission a personalized family tree illustration showcasing her heritage and loved ones.
10. Time Together
Plan a special outing: Whether it’s a picnic in the park, a hike in the mountains, or a day at the beach, spend quality time together.
Cook a meal together: Share laughs and stories while cooking her favorite meal together at home.
