Liberal Judges Rule Powerlifting Ban on Male Athletes in Women’s Division ‘Discriminatory’

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In a decision drawing sharp criticism from conservatives and women’s sports advocates, the Minnesota Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that USA Powerlifting discriminated against a biological male athlete identifying as female by barring him from competing in the women’s division.

The unanimous ruling — issued by a seven-member bench composed entirely of Democrat-appointed justices — sided with transgender athlete JayCee Cooper, who sued USA Powerlifting in 2021 under Minnesota’s Human Rights Act after being rejected from women’s competition in 2018.

The decision reignites the national debate over whether biological males should be allowed to compete in women’s sports, with critics saying the ruling undermines decades of progress in protecting fair competition for female athletes.

“At some point, we are going to have to defend the biology and stand on women being a protected class, and it might as well start in Minnesota,”
— Former USA Powerlifting President Larry Maile

USA Powerlifting has long maintained that male physiology provides an undeniable strength advantage in powerlifting, where muscle mass, testosterone levels, and bone density are directly tied to athletic performance. Despite this, the Minnesota court declared the organization’s exclusion of Cooper “discriminatory,” though it sent the case back to a lower court to determine whether “fair competition” constitutes a legitimate business defense.

Cooper’s attorneys at the activist group Gender Justice celebrated the ruling as a “historic victory.”

“This ruling sends a clear and powerful message: transgender people have a right to enjoy public spaces in Minnesota like sporting events,” said Jess Braverman, legal director at Gender Justice.

Their message comes at the expense of biological women, whose opportunities and records are being eroded by the inclusion of male competitors.

Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth blasted the ruling as “another setback in the fight to protect girls’ sports,” vowing that GOP lawmakers will move to amend the state’s human rights laws in 2026 to clarify gender-based athletic protections.

Meanwhile, USA Powerlifting’s legal team says it will continue fighting to preserve fair competition based on biological sex, not gender identity.

“We have a compelling case to make on our inability to provide fair competition for our women athletes if USAPL is forced to include those born with male physiology,” said USA Powerlifting attorney Ansis Viksnins.

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Ranchers Blast Trump’s Argentina Beef Deal: ‘This Is Going to Hurt Us’

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American cattle ranchers are now pushing back hard against the president’s new beef import deal with Argentina, warning it could devastate an industry already struggling with record costs, shrinking herds, and unpredictable trade policies.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) blasted Trump’s plan this week, saying that importing Argentine beef to lower U.S. meat prices “only creates chaos at a critical time of the year for American cattle producers.” NCBA CEO Colin Woodall argued the deal would undercut U.S. ranchers who are just beginning to recover from years of market instability.

“I’m appalled President Trump, who campaigned on how he loved farmers, is putting America’s farmers out of business by helping Argentina farmers first,” said John Boyd, founder of the National Black Farmers Association.

While the administration defends the move as a way to bring down historically high beef prices for consumers, the political backlash from rural America — a key bloc in Trump’s base — has been swift. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE), who represents one of the nation’s top cattle-producing states, urged Trump to reconsider, saying ranchers “cannot afford to have the rug pulled out from under them when they’re just getting ahead or simply breaking even.”

The tensions come as the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee voted 19–5 this week to advance the Fix Our Forests Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at overhauling forest management and reducing wildfire risks — another issue central to western ranchers.

The NCBA strongly supports the measure, calling it a step toward “unleashing the conservation prowess of ranchers” by expanding the use of livestock grazing as a wildfire mitigation strategy and reducing government red tape. “The federal government must better utilize grazing to combat the wildfire crisis,” said Kaitlynn Glover, NCBA’s executive director of natural resources.

But while ranchers broadly back the wildfire legislation, their optimism about domestic policy has been overshadowed by frustration over Trump’s Argentina beef deal and his foreign aid strategy.

Beef prices have soared to record highs this year as American cattle herds reach their lowest levels in decades, and imports from major producers like Brazil have plummeted under Trump’s 50 percent tariff policy. Ranchers say that instead of opening the door to Argentine imports, the administration should focus on investing in domestic production and rural infrastructure.

As one Kansas rancher told local media, “We don’t need foreign competition and flashy trade deals — we need fair prices and a president who keeps his word to American farmers.”

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Book: Prince Andrew’s Secret Network to ‘Arrange Girls’ for Sex Exposed

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Disgraced royal Prince Andrew allegedly relied on a vast network of staff, security, and social connections to “arrange girls” for sex — all while maintaining close ties to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, according to shocking new claims from royal biographer Andrew Lownie.

In his upcoming book, Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York, Lownie reveals that Andrew, long known for his controversial behavior, often pressured aides and friends to find him women — specifically blondes and ballerinas. The revelations come just days after the prince surrendered his remaining royal titles amid renewed scrutiny tied to the Epstein scandal.

Lownie claims Andrew’s obsession with women was an “open secret” among palace insiders. “He would spy out an attractive ballerina at the Royal Ballet and then send his protection officer to invite her to meet the prince,” the author writes. Other accounts describe aides approaching women at nightclubs or inviting them to the prince’s private hotel suites while traveling abroad.

One British diplomat reportedly snapped after receiving such requests, saying, “I’m a diplomat, not a pimp.”

According to the book, even taxpayer-funded personal protection officers were occasionally drawn into Andrew’s pursuits — helping to arrange encounters that sometimes involved women he “didn’t realize were prostitutes.”

Lownie also details how Andrew exploited his royal role, especially his position as patron of the English National Ballet, where staff believed he used the post to meet dancers rather than promote the arts. “His main interest was in the dancers rather than ballet itself,” one official said.

The scandal has only deepened following the posthumous release of Virginia Giuffre’s memoir, in which she reaffirmed that she was forced to have sex with Andrew on three occasions as part of Epstein’s trafficking network. Andrew settled Giuffre’s civil suit in 2022 for millions but has continued to deny all allegations.

Giuffre, who was found dead earlier this year at age 41, had long been one of the most outspoken Epstein survivors. Her sudden death has reignited public outrage — and renewed focus on Andrew’s past connections to Epstein and Maxwell, both of whom were convicted or accused of trafficking minors.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump has attempted to downplay the growing scandal surrounding the unsealed Epstein documents, calling them a “Democrat hoax” designed to smear political rivals and public figures. Trump, who himself had a history of socializing with Epstein before distancing himself, has denied any wrongdoing or involvement in the disgraced financier’s crimes.

Despite Trump’s denials, the Epstein network continues to ensnare powerful figures across politics, finance, and royalty — and Andrew’s downfall stands as one of its most visible casualties.

The prince’s decision to relinquish his royal titles last week — including the Duke of York designation — underscores the mounting pressure from Buckingham Palace to protect the monarchy’s image. In a statement, Andrew said he was stepping back because “continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family.”

Jack Dorsey Backs GOP Rep. Thomas Massie for President in Surprise X Post

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By New York Post. Jack Dorsey endorsed Kentucky congressman Thomas Massie for president — a surprise nod that lit up social media and showed the billionaire’s growing embrace of anti-establishment politics.

The Twitter co-founder and Block CEO posted a six-word message on X on Sunday night: “@RepThomasMassie for president.”

The post racked up millions of views within hours and drew a wave of reactions from across the political spectrum — from libertarian fans to Trump loyalists to progressives puzzled by Dorsey’s latest move.

Massie, the Republican lawmaker known for his maverick streak and frequent clashes with party leadership, quickly acknowledged the endorsement.

“I doubt I’ll run for POTUS, but I appreciate the support @jack,” Massie wrote in reply.

“I’d be happy if we could just get 4 or 5 more voices in Congress who don’t always just do what their party tells them.” (Read more from “Jack Dorsey Backs GOP Rep. Thomas Massie for President in Surprise X Post” HERE)

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Ron Paul knocks ‘hysterical’ Trump ‘rant’ criticizing Rand Paul

By Yahoo News. Ron Paul, a former House of Representatives member and presidential candidate, hammered President Trump on Monday over a post calling his son, Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), a “nasty liddle guy.”

“In an hysterical rant over the weekend, President Trump has blasted Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) and Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) as a couple of ‘wackos’ who refuse to vote with the Republican Party,” Ron Paul, a Libertarian and former Republican who represented Texas in the House and thrice ran for president, wrote in a social media post.

“Meanwhile, President Trump has just announced that his first in-person fundraiser of the election cycle will be for…Lindsey Graham! Also today, Israel breaks ceasefire and kills dozens more Palestinians in Gaza,” he added.

The president has frequently slammed Rand Paul and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) as RINOs, meaning Republicans in name only, for breaking with the GOP on key legislative votes.

The Kentucky senator notably voted against Trump’s summer spending package dubbed the “one, big beautiful bill.” (Read more from “Ron Paul knocks ‘hysterical’ Trump ‘rant’ criticizing Rand Paul” HERE)

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Rand Paul says Trump didn’t invite him to GOP lunch

By The Hill. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) said Tuesday he was not invited to lunch at the White House with other Republican senators, after President Trump noted his absence.

“I actually wasn’t invited to the White House lunch today, but that’s ok,” Paul posted on social media.

Instead, Paul said he was having a “Liberty Caucus” lunch with Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.), who has also drawn Trump’s ire.

Trump hosted Republican senators in the Rose Garden on Tuesday to express his appreciation after the upper chamber advanced dozens of nominees, and to present a united front as the government shutdown drags into its fourth week.

At one point, Trump marveled at the attendance, noting only one senator was not there, without naming them. (Read more from “Rand Paul says Trump didn’t invite him to GOP lunch” HERE)

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Cracker Barrel CEO Makes Admission to Investors About the Logo Change

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Cracker Barrel CEO Julie Felss Masino told an investing conference on Tuesday that the company updated its logo so that it was more visible on highway billboards.

She noted that the move wasn’t meant to be ideological, according to The Wall Street Journal.

“Part of this transformation is setting up success for the long term,” Masino said during the 13D Monitor Active-Passive Investor Summit in New York City on Tuesday.

Those plans quickly came to a halt after public outcry forced the company to reverse the move.

In mid-August, Cracker Barrel introduced a new logo, replacing the familiar illustration of “Uncle Herschel” with a modern design featuring only the company’s name. It faced an onslaught of backlash, including from President Donald Trump, who posted on Truth Social that the company should admit it made a mistake and “manage the company better.” (Read more from “Cracker Barrel CEO Makes Admission to Investors About the Logo Change” HERE)

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Family of Congressional Aide Who Lit Herself on Fire Speaks Out About Claims They Were Having an Affair

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The grieving mom of a congressional aide who died after setting herself on fire last month denied claims her daughter was having an affair with her married boss, Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas).

Regina Santos-Aviles’s mother, Nora Gonzales, shot down a Daily Mail report on Monday that Santos-Aviles had separated from her husband and had an affair with Gonzales before her death at her Uvalde, Texas, home on Sept. 13.

“I don’t think it has any merit,” Nora Gonzales told The Post, adding that the claims are “completely false.”

Nora Gonzales said she believes the report was “completely false.”

Nora found her daughter badly burned after Santos-Aviles doused herself in gasoline before igniting in the backyard of her home, according to cops and surveillance footage.

Santos-Aviles begged her for water and was later rushed to a nearby hospital, where she died. Nora told The Post she is unsure why her daughter doused herself in gasoline. (Read more from “Family of Congressional Aide Who Lit Herself on Fire Speaks Out About Claims They Were Having an Affair” HERE)

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Report: Transgender Americans to ‘Flee the Country’ as Trump Declared ‘Most Anti-LGBTQ+ President in History’

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Transgender Americans are preparing to leave the United States of America, believing that President Donald Trump is the “most anti-LGBTQ+ president in history.”

Vox reported that during Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, the rhetoric against “radical gender ideology” and “transgender insanity” grew “more hostile.”

The outlet noted, “A frequently-run Trump television ad claimed that ‘Kamala is for they/them. Trump is for you.’ And as his second term has progressed, Trump’s attacks on transgender rights have become increasingly virulent.”

Katie Sosin, who reports on LGBTQ+ issues for The 19th, spoke to Vox about the Trump administration’s policies:

Trump is generally viewed as the most anti-LGBTQ+ president in history, and a lot of that has to do with his approach to transgender rights. When he first got into office in 2017, there were still some questions about how he was going to approach LGBTQ+ issues, and he made a number of anti-trans moves in his first term. But this time, he really campaigned on anti-trans issues, and he’s made them a staple of his administration.
…

We have him limiting health care access specifically for trans youth and revoking federal funding for medical providers that offer it. We have the reinstatement of the transgender military ban. And then, denying transgender people passports.

(Read more from “Report: Transgender Americans to ‘Flee the Country’ as Trump Declared ‘Most Anti-LGBTQ+ President in History’” HERE)

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White House Agrees to Cancel Student Debt for Millions of Borrowers

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The Trump administration says it is cancelling student debt for millions of borrowers — a pivot from its previous moves to block some loan forgiveness plans.

In an agreement with the American Federation of Teachers, the White House will again start processing student loan forgiveness for eligible borrowers in two income-driven repayment plans – Income-Contingent Repayment and Pay as You Earn – until they expire.

President Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” is slated to phase out those two programs by July 1, 2028. They have over 2.5 million enrollees total, a higher ed expert estimated.

“This is a tremendous win for borrowers. With today’s filing, borrowers can rest a little easier,” said Winston Berkman-Breen, legal director for Protect Borrowers, which acted as counsel for the teachers’ union.

“The US Department of Education has agreed to follow the law and deliver Congressionally mandated affordable payments and debt relief to hard-working public service workers across the country, and will do so under court supervision. We fully intend to hold them to their word.” (Read more from “White House Agrees to Cancel Student Debt for Millions of Borrowers” HERE)

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The Alarming Reality Exposed by the Global Internet Meltdown… And Why Amazon’s Crash Is Only the Beginning

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. . .United Airlines and Delta found their passengers could not use online services. Commuters accustomed to scanning the New York Times’ morning newsletter went without. Snapchatters fell silent; Reddit forums were hushed.

One third of all online users worldwide interact with Amazon Web Services (AWS) daily, according to DeepField Networks: companies ranging from Venmo to Reddit to Ring all rely on AWS servers. And, on Monday morning, the system was down – crashing a significant portion of the internet.

The fact such an outage could happen at all is ‘surprising,’ said cybersecurity expert James Knight, senior principal at Digital Warfare, which helps companies identify and shore up online vulnerabilities. It is also a troubling indicator of a new brand of chaos from which none of us are immune.

Knight told the Daily Mail: ‘My first thought was wondering how it could occur. Apparently, some sort of database went down.

‘It’s surprising that one thing affected their network, because usually there’s backup, and redundant systems all running at the same time. One particular system going down is very, very surprising.’ (Read more from The Alarming Reality Exposed by the Global Internet Meltdown… And Why Amazon’s Crash Is Only the Beginning” HERE)

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Accountant Arrested After ‘Opening Fire on MAGA Supporter’ in Dispute Over Trump Sign… As Victim Recalls Bullets Whizzing Past His Head

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A 38-year-old accountant has been arrested after allegedly opening fire on a MAGA supporter who had a Trump flag in his yard.

Benjamin Michael Campbell is charged with firing shots at the home of Mark Thomas, 62, in Nantahala Gorge, North Carolina, on September 6.

Thomas, who owns a river rafting business in the picturesque area, caught the moment on camera the gunman was seen raising a pistol from the sunroof of his vehicle and firing several rounds.

Records seen by the Daily Mail indicate that Campbell is a married accountant living in Cobb County, Atlanta, which is around 160 miles south of Thomas’s home. It’s unclear what Campbell was doing in the rural area.

Thomas said that Campbell first caught his eye as he drove down his road at around 55 miles per hour before coming to a sudden, screeching halt. (Read more from “Accountant Arrested After ‘Opening Fire on MAGA Supporter’ in Dispute Over Trump Sign… As Victim Recalls Bullets Whizzing Past His Head” HERE)