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Trans athlete qualifies for California girls' track and field state championship amid federal investigation

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2025

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Trans athlete qualifies for California girls' track and field state championship amid federal investigation

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A biologically male trans athlete will compete for the girls’ long jump and triple jump state championship in California next week.

The trans athlete finished in first place in both events at Saturday’s California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Track Championship Masters Qualifiers.

In triple jump, the athlete won with a distance of 40-04.75, while the runner up only reached 39-06.00. In long jump, the trans athlete’s margin of victory was shorter, reaching 19-03.50 while the runner-up managed 19-00.75.

During the long jump medal ceremony, the athlete who finished in third place did not show up and accept the third place medal next to the trans athlete. No reason has been given. The second-place finisher received a noticeably vocal applause.

Tracy Howton, a local parent of an athlete who competes in track and field, attended the event Saturday and had to witness what is becoming a regular site for her and others in the community.

“As the parent of a female jumper, we have watched this happen at the last three track meets. Today we watched incredible female athletes lose their opportunities to go to states to a biological male. I can’t imagine how devastating it would feel to work so hard and then be unfairly stripped of your opportunity to compete at states. It’s heartbreaking,” Howton told Fox News Digital.

“Governor Newsom, our California elected officials and the CIF are failing our girls. It’s that simple. They owe the competitive female athletes of California representation. They owe them responsible decisions based on science and fundamental truth. For our family, this experience has reinforced just how important it is to use your voice to stand up for truth, remembering that bad decisions can be corrected.”

The CIF has been at the center of a national controversy in recent weeks as the trans athlete has dominated the girls’ track and field postseason.

The situation has become so volatile that President Donald Trump’s administration sent a warning to the CIF and the athlete’s high school, Jurupa Valley High School, of consequences for allowing the situation to continue.

CIF is already under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education for defying Trump’s “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” executive order. The federation came under additional scrutiny when its officials allegedly forced athletes to remove shirts that read “Protect Girls Sports” at the Southern Sectional prelims on May 10.

“CIF’s and Jurupa Valley High School’s apparent flouting of federal civil rights law by allowing a male athlete to compete in a female California track and field [Southern Sectional Division 3 final] this Saturday, and the alleged retaliation against the girls who are protesting this, is indefensible,” Julie Hartman, a Department of Education spokesperson, previously told Fox News Digital.

“We will not allow institutions to trample upon women’s civil rights. OCR’s (Office of Civil Rights) investigation into CIF continues with vigor.”

CALIFORNIA GIRLS’ TRACK ATHLETE OPENS UP ON LOSING 1ST-PLACE TITLE TO TRANS COMPETITOR

The Jurupa Unified School District (JUSD) has responded to the controversy in a previous statement to Fox News Digital.

“JUSD continues to follow both California law and CIF policy regarding school athletics. Both state law and CIF policy currently require that students be permitted to participate in athletic teams and competitions consistent with their gender identity, irrespective of the gender listed on the pupil’s records. JUSD remains committed to protecting the rights and safety of the students we serve, in accordance with applicable state and federal laws,” the statement reads.

The situation is set to come to a head next Saturday when the athlete will look to cap off a dominant postseason run with a pair of state titles.

The event will take place at Veterans Memorial Stadium at Buchanan High School in Clovis, California, and will feature a rematch between the trans athlete and a female athlete who has spoken out against her trans opponent’s inclusion.

In long jump, the athlete will face off against Katie McGuiness, who came in second place behind the athlete at last weekend’s sectional final. McGuiness earned an automatic state championship qualification this Saturday with a distance of 18-05.50.

“I ran down the runway, and I landed, and I watched them measure my mark, and it was 18.9,” McGuiness said in an interview on Fox News’ “America Reports.” “And I just remember thinking that there was nothing else that I could do. That was it. And I was honestly very discouraged, and I’m a high school senior and winning CIF has always been a goal of mine, and I wasn’t able to compete with someone who was genetically different than me.”

McGuinness made her overall stance on the issue clear.

“There are just certain genetic advantages that biological males have that biological girls don’t,” she said. “Frankly, I just can’t stand for that.”

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Hawaii

Red Lobster exits Hawaii with closure of Waikiki location | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Published

2 minutes ago

June 24, 2026

Press Room

Red Lobster exits Hawaii with closure of Waikiki location | Honolulu Star-Advertiser

GEORGE F. LEE / GLEE@STARADVERTISER.COM

The dining room of the Red Lobster was dark and empty Tuesday after the restaurant on the ground floor of Ilikai Marina condos at 1765 Ala Moana Boulevard, closed on Sunday. The restaurant’s red lettering has been removed.

The Red Lobster in Waikiki has closed its doors for good after more than 30 years in operation.

The restaurant, which was located on the ground floor of Ilikai Marina condos at 1765 Ala Moana Boulevard, officially closed on Sunday, according to a statement from corporate headquarters in Florida.

“As part of our normal course of business, Red Lobster continuously evaluates individual restaurant performance and lease terms and may, from time to time, choose to close select restaurants,” said Red Lobster in the statement. “This closure reflected specific decisions tied to the unique operating conditions at this restaurant.”

On Tuesday, the red letters spelling out the restaurant name had already been taken down from the building’s exterior, while employees appeared to be removing items from the restaurant.

A paper sign taped to the glass on the front door said, “We have officially closed. Thank you for the 32 years of memories. Your Red Lobster Family.”

With the Waikiki closure, Red Lobster no longer has a presence in Hawaii.

The casual seafood restaurant chain, which filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2024 in Florida, has since closed more than 100 locations across the U.S.

According to Reuters, the company has blamed its bankruptcy on high inflation, unsustainable rent costs, and poor management decisions, including an “endless shrimp” promotion that caused $11 million in losses.

In April, the company brought back its endless shrimp due to thousands of social media mentions, but for a limited time only. Red Lobster is also known for its “Cheddar Bay” biscuits, which are served for free to in-restaurant diners.

Red Lobster did not say how many employees were affected by the permanent restaurant closure in Waikiki.

There was no notice posted with the Hawaii Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, which is required for closing businesses with 50 or more employees in the state. The requirement does not cover part-time employees who work fewer than 20 hours per week.

“We remain committed to making thoughtful decisions that position Red Lobster for long-term success, stability and growth,” said the company in its statement. “Honolulu has been a meaningful part of our story, and we truly appreciate the guests and team members who have made this restaurant special over the years.”

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