Northeast
Blue states called out by women's group for ignoring risks posed by transgender inmates
FIRST ON FOX — A new study is sounding the alarm on female-identifying, biologically male felons being incarcerated at female-only prisons, saying those inmates pose physical and psychological risks to biological women.
The report from Independent Women, a nonprofit, released Thursday and shared exclusively with Fox News Digital, says “male inmates identifying as women are disproportionately likely to have committed sexual offenses, and incarcerated women face heightened risks of harassment and assault under these policies.
“Placing trans-identifying males, especially those with fully intact male genitalia or a history of violent sex crimes, in close quarters with female inmates risks a serious deprivation of the female’s rights,” the report states. “These risks — and the consequences that have already manifested for women subjected to mixed-sex prison environments — are known, but are being deliberately ignored in deference to laws and policies that marginalize incarcerated women and silence concerns about their safety.”
Amie Ichikawa spent five years in a California state prison after she was convicted of making terroristic threats with a gun. After her release, she began advocating for female inmates concerned about being housed with biological males.
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Amie Ichikawa spent five years in a California state prison after she was convicted of making terroristic threats with a gun. After her release, she began advocating for female inmates concerned about being housed with biological males. (Independent Women)
“It’s because the laws are based on self-identification. The only requirement is for someone to state that they are a female,” Ichikawa told Fox News Digital. “You can’t base your denials on physical attributes, including retention of a penis. You can’t deny somebody a transfer based on criminal history.”
Male inmates who identify as female will often sit before a review board to have cases heard and argue that sex-based prisons violate Equal Protection laws or claim they are being discriminated against on the basis of sex.
Transgender, biological male inmates will also argue that their housing conditions in male-only prisons violate the Eighth Amendment’s prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, according to the Independent Women report.
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In four states, biological male inmates who identify as female can be placed in female-only prisons.
States that allow housing of trans-identifying inmates based on gender identity. (Independent Women)
Those states include California, Connecticut, Maine and New Jersey. Two states — Utah and Louisiana — prohibit men in women’s prisons, while all others operate on a case-by-case basis.
As of October 2024, there were 1,487 incarcerated men identifying as women in federal prisons — only some of whom are housed in female prisons, according to the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP).
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People wave a Transgender Pride flag at the 2023 LA Pride Parade June 11, 2023, in Hollywood, Calif. (Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images)
Nearly half of trans-identifying male prisoners have sex convictions, compared to less than 12% of the general male prison population nationwide, according to BOP statistics cited in the Independent Women report.
“Women do not deserve to be housed in locked prisons with violent criminal males, period,” said May Mailman, legal director at Independent Women. “During the [2024 presidential] campaign, Kamala Harris, unashamed of her overt backing of trans-identifying men in women’s prisons, tried to indicate the law required such insanity.
“She was wrong. ‘Cruel and Unusual Punishment: Stopping the Dangerous Policies Putting Men in Women’s Prisons’ makes clear that policy leaders hold clear authority to protect women and enforce sanity. This is a must-read for politicians and their staff trying to end the predations of gender ideology.”
Transgender policy advocates say housing female-identifying inmates in female-only prisons allows them to live in a safer environment because transgender women face sexual abuse in male-only prisons.
“Prisons and jails routinely subject transgender people in their care to abusive conditions, including denial of medical care, extended periods of solitary confinement, and harassment, sexual assault, and violence at the hands of guards and other people with whom they are incarcerated,” the Transgender Law Center states on its website. “Recent studies show that transgender women are 13 times more likely to be sexually assaulted in prison than others.”
But female inmates have also faced sexual abuse at the hands of transgender inmates who are biologically male, and they feel their concerns are not being addressed.
Female inmate Dana Gray told Independent Women she was sexually assaulted by a transgender woman “that was physically intact” in January 2023.
Female inmate Dana Gray told Independent Women she was sexually assaulted by a transgender woman “that was physically intact” in January 2023. (Independent Women)
“It was terrifying and disgusting because I knew there was nothing I could do,” Gray said.
“This is a perfect Trojan horse into the biggest victim pool anyone could ever hope and dream of.”
“The trans community has been hijacked as a hiding place for very mentally unwell sex criminals,” Ichikawa said. “This is a perfect Trojan horse into the biggest victim pool anyone could ever hope and dream of. There [are] trans women that I speak to in men’s prisons that want nothing to do with this and are horrified at the people that the states and federal institutions are allowing to transfer over [to female prisons].”
Further, those against housing transgender inmates in female-only prisons also trigger traumatic events for some women.
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Child sex trafficking survivor Alissa Kamholz had to share a cell with a female-identifying man affiliated with the same gang as her childhood abusers, according to the report.
Child sex trafficking survivor Alissa Kamholz had to share a cell with a female-identifying man affiliated with the same gang as her childhood abusers, according to the report. (Alissa Kamholz)
Ichikawa believes there are some men who identify as female to rig the system and be sent to a women’s prison to have more power than they would in a men’s prison.
The topic of housing transgender inmates in female-only prisons has prompted lawsuits and jarring news headlines across the country.
Last year, a man posing as a transgender female inmate at Riker’s Island raped a female inmate, according to a lawsuit filed by the victim. Also, last year, Tremaine Deon Carroll, a biological male California inmate who identifies as female was charged with two counts of forcible rape and one of “dissuading a witness from testifying” after allegedly attacking a woman at Central California Women’s Facility, according to a criminal complaint first obtained by the website 4W and later reported by Reduxx.
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Tremaine “Tremayne” Deon Carroll, 52, a violent offender incarcerated in California, was charged with rape in Madera County. A transgender person, Carroll was housed in a women’s prison by request and transferred to a men’s prison after an indictment for rape. (CDCR)
Demi Minor, a New Jersey transgender inmate, impregnated two female inmates in 2022. Moore later expressed fear after being transferred out of the female-only prison in an interview with NJ.com. An Indiana judge ruled last year that a female-identifying, biological male convicted of killing a baby could get state-funded transgender surgery.
Hannah Tubbs is a transgender California inmate who, at 17 years old, was convicted of molesting a young girl in a Denny’s bathroom in 2017. Under former District Attorney George Gascon’s mandates for suspects under 18, Tubbs, who was 26 when the case was eventually tried, received a softball sentence of two years in a juvenile facility for girls because the date of the offense was just days before Tubbs’ 18th birthday.
Hannah Tubbs began identifying as female after being arrested in a 2014 child molestation case in Los Angeles County. (Los Angeles County)
Before he could complete the sentence, however, a 27-year-old Tubbs was charged in Kern County with first-degree murder, threatening a witness, robbery and assault. Tubbs pleaded guilty to manslaughter and lesser charges in exchange for a 15-year prison sentence in November 2023.
IWF’s new documentary series, “Cruel & Unusual Punishment: The Male Takeover of Female Prisons,” shares stories of abuse and retaliation for voicing their concerns about the issue.
The IWF report is calling for solutions, including amending the Prison Rape Elimination Act to “prevent gender identity-based transfers to women’s prisons,” clarifying that the Americans with Disabilities Act “does not mandate ‘transition’ services or mixed-sex housing,” protecting female inmates’ rights to report abuse without retaliation, “eliminating reliance on activist medical guidelines” and “tying federal prison funding to policies that prioritize safety for female inmates.”
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Boston, MA
World Cup 2026 stadium guides: Welcome to Boston Stadium, which… isn’t really in Boston at all
This article is part of our World Cup Stadium Guides series, in which we look at the 16 venues that will host matches at the 2026 tournament.
Rooted in a past that helped shape a nation, Boston is a region with plenty of history.
It is where key moments in the United States’ past took place, including the Boston Tea Party and the opening clashes of the American Revolutionary War.
In sports, championship-winning teams for the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox and Boston Bruins have helped define a legacy of success.
And, just outside the capital of Massachusetts, Boston Stadium (as it will be known for the World Cup) has been central to that sporting reputation.
That is in no small part thanks to the dominance of NFL side the New England Patriots, while Major League Soccer outfit the New England Revolution also call the stadium home. As interest in the beautiful game Stateside continues to grow, it will now take centre stage this summer.
Here’s what you need to know about Boston Stadium ahead of the World Cup.
What is it normally called? And what will it be called at the World Cup?
The stadium is usually known as Gillette Stadium, after the shaving brand that holds the naming rights.
Due to FIFA’s commercial regulations, it will be referred to as Boston Stadium during the 2026 World Cup — and all the usual stadium signage must be covered up.
Despite the name, the venue is not located directly in Boston — it sits almost 30 miles southwest in Foxboro, Massachusetts. It was at the centre of a dispute as Foxboro did not want to pay the $7.8million (£5.8m) security costs associated with the World Cup, before an “understanding” was reached with the stadium owner Kraft Sports & Entertainment (KSE) and the Boston host committee in March.
When did it open, how much did it cost, and who plays there?
The stadium opened in 2002, replacing the former Foxboro Stadium.
Built at a cost of approximately $325million, it was designed as a modern, multi-purpose venue capable of hosting both American football and soccer at the highest level.
As the home of the New England Patriots and New England Revolution, it is one of the few stadiums in the U.S. regularly used for both sports.
The statue of former New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady outside the stadium (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The first NFL regular season game held there was against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in September 2002.
The stadium has since been through a $250million renovation that was completed in 2023, marking the largest upgrade process since its opening.
What are the most famous moments that have happened there?
Unsurprisingly, many of the most iconic moments belong to the Patriots, a team that has long dominated the NFL.
During the eras of legendary former quarterback Tom Brady and longtime head coach Bill Belichick, they built a dynasty that helped define a generation. Their Super Bowl victories were played elsewhere, but this is where the foundations of their success were built.
Among the significant moments are the 2003 AFC Championship Game against the Indianapolis Colts, and a 2007 win against the San Diego Chargers that helped the Patriots complete a perfect regular season.
The 2017 AFC Championship Game win against the Pittsburgh Steelers was another memorable moment, as was the comeback victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2018 AFC Championship Game. The 2014 comeback win against the Baltimore Ravens was also notable.
In soccer, the Revolution produced a historic season in 2021, winning the Supporters’ Shield. The stadium has hosted international fixtures and was one of the venues for the 2003 Women’s World Cup. The 2016 NHL Winter Classic was hosted here, too.
Beyond sport, the stadium has hosted global superstars including Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran and Beyoncé.
How many fans can it hold? Will it be full for the World Cup?
The stadium has a standard capacity of around 65,000, but it can expand to more than 68,000 for some events. For the World Cup, it is expected to be close to full capacity for all matches.
A recent friendly match between France and Brazil drew a crowd of 66,215 — the second-largest gate for a soccer game here, behind a 2007 friendly between Brazil and Mexico that brought in 67,584 fans.
France’s friendly against Brazil drew in 66,215 fans (Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
The highest attendance for any event is held by singer Ed Sheeran. His concert in 2023 attracted a crowd of 71,723.
What kind of pitch does it use?
It typically uses a FieldTurf artificial surface, which is standard for NFL competition.
For the World Cup, however, FIFA regulations require natural grass and a temporary grass pitch has been installed specifically for the tournament.
It has already undergone matchday testing. The process of replacing the field began in February and a grass pitch was in place for the Brazil-France game.
Special irrigation and ventilation techniques are being used to maintain surface quality.
There is no roof on the stadium, unlike some others across America.
What will the weather be like?
In the Boston and Foxboro area, June and July generally bring warm and humid conditions.
Temperatures typically range from 68°F (20C) and 86°F (30C), with occasional rain or thunderstorms possible.
Are there other changes for the World Cup?
As with all World Cup venues, several temporary adjustments are required.
Beyond the installation of a natural grass pitch, Boston Stadium must remove sponsor branding in line with FIFA regulations. Upgrades to seating, media facilities, security and hospitality areas are also going ahead.
How do you get there?
Getting to the stadium requires some planning, as it is located outside central Boston.
Special train services will run between South Station and Boston Stadium at a cost of $80, sold on the mTicket site.
For those driving, the stadium is accessible via major highways, but traffic can be heavy during big events.
There will only be 5,000 parking spots available for fans at Boston Stadium this summer (Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
Twenty-thousand parking spots are usually available around the stadium during New England Patriots games, but there will only be 5,000 spots for fans parking at the World Cup, due to a new safety perimeter around the stadium.
Shuttle services are common, but fans are advised to allow extra time. Rideshare options are available and the stadium has a designated drop-off spot.
What can fans expect?
Inside the stadium, fans can expect a modern venue with strong sightlines and an atmosphere that is usually intense.
There is also a stunning video display board measuring 60ft high by 370ft wide, situated in the north end.
A view of the 60ft by 370ft video display board at Boston Stadium (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Beyond the stadium itself, the surrounding Patriot Place offers a full matchday experience — with restaurants, bars and fan areas creating a lively build-up to games right alongside the main venue.
Anything else I should know?
One of the stadium’s standout additions is impossible to miss: a 22-story lighthouse towering above the north end zone.
At the top sits a 360-degree observation deck offering views of the stadium and beyond.
The design is a nod to New England’s maritime identity — a region shaped by the sea and dotted with more than 100 historic lighthouses.
Which games will be played there?
There will be five group games and two knockout games played at Boston Stadium.
June 13, Group C: Haiti v Scotland, 9pm local time, 2am BST (+1)
June 16, Group I: Iraq v Norway, 6pm local time, 11pm BST
June 19, Group C: Scotland v Morocco, 6pm local time, 11pm BST
June 23, Group L: England v Ghana, 4pm local time, 9pm BST
June 26, Group I: Norway v France, 3pm local time, 8pm BST
June 29, Round of 32 game: 4.30pm local time, 9.30pm BST
July 9, Quarterfinal game: 4pm local time, 9pm BST
The Stadium Guides series is part of a partnership with StubHub.
The Athletic maintains full editorial independence. Partners have no control over or input into the reporting or editing process and do not review stories before publication.
Ross Township leaders honored two civilians Monday night for their actions last month helping a police detective while they were making an arrest.
Last month, police said that a detective was involved in a fight at the intersection of Columbia Avenue and Center Avenue in West View and needed help from additional officers.
While the fight was taking place, two bystanders jumped into action.
Former police officer Johnathan Ponce offered his help to the detective while Justin Gavasto got on the detective’s radio to alert dispatch of the ongoing situation.
Ponce and Gastavo were both honored Monday evening at the Ross Township Board of Commissioners meeting.
“I’m very thankful,” said Ross Township Police Department Detective Michael Orsino. “Eventually, I think you know, my partners would all have gotten there, but just the fact that it took a little bit longer because I wasn’t sure I could get out on my radio. It was great that these guys came and gave me a hand.
“Honestly, I don’t feel like I did anything special,” Gavasto said. “I really don’t. I would hope that anyone driving by and saw an officer in distress or anyone in distress would pull over to help. Help out where you can. Help those that need it. That’s really the take away I got from all this.”
Gavasto said it took him a little bit of time to find the radio that was in Det. Orsino’s police cruiser, then using the radio to identify himself as a civilian and notifying dispatch that additional backup resources were needed.
“Due to the actions of both men, including Mr. Gavasto communicating to dispatch, myself and the West View police officer were able to place the suspect under arrest without anyone suffering any serious injuries,” Det. Orsino said.
HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — With a nearly party-line vote, the Connecticut State Senate gave final approval to a bill introducing new regulations on homeschooling families.
Twenty-two Democrats voted in favor, with three others joining the entire 11-member Republican caucus in opposition.
The bill that was put before senators for debate is a modified version of one that was first introduced in March, drawing a sizable protest of homeschooling families who viewed the attempt at new regulations as an afront to their autonomy.
The original legislation would have required homeschooling parents to annually provide proof that their curriculum aligned with a general set of state-mandated topics. It also included a provision requiring that parents seeking to remove their child from the public school system first be subjected to a background check of sorts in which school officials would consult the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to see if anyone in the child’s household had a history of abuse.
The legislation was introduced amidst a string of alarming headlines documenting cases of alleged child abuse and, in two cases, the deaths of children who had been removed from the public school system.
The Democrats backing the bill have pointed to these cases as illustrating the need for reform. They have also repeatedly cited a 2018 report compiled by the state’s Office of the Child Advocate which surveyed six school districts and found “that over a span of three academic years, 2013 through 2016, there were 380 students withdrawn from the six districts to be homeschooled, and that 138 of these children (36%) lived in families that were the subject of at least one prior accepted report to DCF for suspected abuse or neglect.”
Republicans largely sided with the sentiments of the homeschooling parents, who felt they were being unfairly scapegoated. They also questioned the effectiveness of the measures introduced by Democrats, arguing some of them, like the requirement to provide proof of instruction, were burdensome, while not directly addressing the issue of abuse.
In the weeks following the public hearing, Democratic leadership in the House also registered discontent with certain sections among their own ranks.
The fierce Republican opposition, paired with scattered Democratic dissent, caused House leadership to remove the curriculum portion while maintaining a DCF check before removal from public schools and a requirement that homeschooling parents annually register themselves online.
A spokesperson for Gov. Ned Lamont said Monday that the governor is likely to sign the legislation.
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