Social Media

Illinois state lawmakers get hostile during debates on trans athletes in girls' sports

Published

7 months ago

May 22, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Illinois state lawmakers get hostile during debates on trans athletes in girls' sports

Join Fox News for access to this content

Plus special access to select articles and other premium content with your account – free of charge.

By entering your email and pushing continue, you are agreeing to Fox News’ Terms of Use and Privacy Policy, which includes our Notice of Financial Incentive.

Please enter a valid email address.

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

As Illinois faces a growing political divide over the issue of trans athletes in girls’ sports, the state’s lawmakers addressed the topic in a heated back-and-forth on the floor of the state capital on Wednesday.

The state’s General Assembly members broke out into aggressive arguments over the issue during the session. One Democrat member even made the unsubstantiated argument that laws to keep trans athletes out of girls’ sports would result in genital inspections of children. That argument was initially used by U.S. House Democrats who voted against the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act in January.

The Illinois lawmaker to repeat the unsubstantiated claim was Rep. Kelly Cassidy of Chicago, who accused GOP colleagues of being “obsessed with children’s genitalia.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

“My colleagues on the other side of the aisle feel the need to share their obsession with children’s genitalia once again,” Cassidy said. “We are grown adults, and we are picking on kids because you are obsessed with children’s genitalia.”

Cassidy’s statement was then pushed back upon by Republican Rep. Blaine Wilhour of Southern Illinois. Wilhour called out the state’s Democrats as a whole for supporting gender transitions for minors and pointed out a recent track meet in Naperville, Illinois, that sparked national outrage after a biological male won a girls’ race.

“These folks up here accuse people of being obsessed with kids’ genitalia because they have the audacity to believe that boys should not be competing in girls’ sports. But I just want to point out here that there is only one party, the Democrat Party, that is supporting and encouraging minor children to use life-altering and often unreversable hormone blockers,” Wilhour said.

“What we’ve seen in Naperville, that’s not fair competition. Not only that, it’s abusive to these young girls and it’s a clear violation of Title IX.”

The recent Naperville incident has put the community and state under a national microscope in recent days. The controversy even prompted a series of heated debates, which went viral on social media, at the Naperville 203 Community School District Board meeting on Monday.

Democrat state Rep. Anna Stava-Murray, who represents Naperville, defended the trans student who won the race.

“I find it disgusting when adults try to bully children, and that’s what’s happening right now,” Stava-Murray said.

“We have adults, including adults on the House floor, who want to take a moment that that child trained for and use it as a political talking point, that’s disgusting, you should be ashamed of yourselves. That child did not ask to be in national media. That child’s parents didn’t consent to that.”

ILLINOIS TRANS ATHLETE CONFLICT GROWS AFTER TENSE TRACK MEET AS STATE REPUBLICANS CALL FOR TRUMP’S HELP

Republican state Rep. Adam Niemerg then chimed in to condemn the Democrats for allowing the issue to continue in Illinois, warning of potential cuts to federal funding by President Donald Trump’s administration for defying an executive order to keep trans athletes out of girls’ sports.

“To think parents and kids still have to be dealing with this astounds me, after all, there is an executive order banning this kind of thing from happening. Folks, this nonsense has to stop. This insanity is leaving a trail of tears heartache and oppression of girls and women everywhere,” Niemberg said.

“You want federal dollars? Then stop embracing policies that 90 or 95% of the people oppose! Stop letting boys compete in girls’ sports! What is so hard about that to understand? I will not stay silent on this issue and neither will parents.”

Niemerg also called out the mainstream media over coverage of the issue.

“The media needs to do their job and stop acting like this is not happening. Ask the governor directly, press him on this issue, do your jobs, and stop lying about what is going on here in Illinois,” he said.

MAINE TEENS BATTLING STATE DEMOCRATS ON GIRLS’ SPORTS BILL AFTER ENDURING TRANS ATHLETE CHAOS IN HIGH SCHOOL

Tension over the issue in Illinois has mounted in recent months before coming to a head in the aftermath of the Naperville incident over the last week.

There is already one federal Title IX probe in Illinois regarding transgenders impeding on female spaces, but it is only against one school, that was launched back in March.

Deerfield Public Schools District 109 is facing a probe by the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights after middle school girls were allegedly forced by school administrators to change in front of a trans student in the girls’ locker room.

Back in April, the the Illinois High School Association announced in a public letter that Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and the Illinois Department of Human Rights have declared that state law requires that transgender athletes be allowed to participate based on gender identity. So it is continuing to allow biological males to compete with girls, as it has since 2006.

U.S. Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., has addressed two letters to the U.S. Department of Education and Department of Justice asking for federal intervention into the issue. Miller previously sent a letter in April and is now doubling-down on her pleas for the Trump administration to step in.

Miller’s latest letter asks U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Education Secretary Linda McMahon to specifically look into the Naperville incident and consider pulling federal funding from the state, as seen in a copy obtained by Fox News Digital.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

Even Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher has spoken out on the issue while his home state is ravaged by controversy.

“It’s just different because we are men, there are certain things we do better than women, and it’s just, number one, it’s not fair, and if I had a daughter who had to be forced to play against a man, I would not be okay with it and I would raise hell about it,” Urlacher said during an interview on the “Global View” podcast on May 9. “I just don’t get it, it’s a common sense thing, I just don’t see how you can push this and make someone thing they’re a different sex.”

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Social Media

Top China athlete praised for looks and talent concedes that she embodies strength, beauty

Published

4 months ago

September 5, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Top China athlete praised for looks and talent concedes that she embodies strength, beauty

Rising Chinese high jump star, Shao Yuqi, has gone viral for her athletic performance and striking appearance.

The athlete has also attracted attention and praise for challenging traditional beauty stereotypes in sport.

On August 1, Shao, 23, from the Hubei provincial track and field team based in central China, claimed the women’s high jump title at the 2025 Chinese National Athletics Championships with a leap of 1.90 metres.

Up and coming star, Shao Yuqi, soars above the high-jump bar at an athletics meet. Photo: Baidu

Following her victory, Shao went viral on mainland social media for both her performance and her striking looks.

One of her videos on social media showcasing the competition got more than 3 million likes.

Shao was introduced to the high jump at primary school, where her athletic potential was quickly recognised after she effortlessly cleared a one-metre bar during a tryout.

“There were so many stereotypes in primary school. People assumed that if I went into sports, I would waste my life, maybe end up at a sports school at best,” Shao told Jiupai News.

Social Media

Players Pass with Abby Jasmine

Published

4 months ago

September 4, 2025

Your Sports Nation

From virality to duality, Abby can do it all, from singing to rapping and laying everything on the line.

Photo courtesy of Abby Jasmine.

Additional reporting by Michael Mais Jr.

Staten Island doesn’t always get the spotlight in New York-based hip-hop but when it does it tends to produce something legendary, like a certain nine-member rap group. And in a time where attention spans are short and trends move even faster, one artist is making sure her name sticks: Abby Jasmine.

Long before viral buzz and algorithm-charged exposure, Abby was sharpening her skills in one of the most organic places imaginable: the church. With a father rooted deeply in gospel and musical tradition, she grew up surrounded by melody and message. It was there, among choirs and sermons, that Abby found both her first stage and first audience.

As a youth, that foundation became fuel, and with a few friends and a lot of ambition, she formed a church rap group. Mixing harmonies and hard-hitting bars, what started as a simple creative outlet quickly gained momentum. By the late 2010s, Abby would tap into viral moments that introduced her style and sound to audiences beyond Shaolin.

However, Abby’s rise is not rooted in luck, but in pure skill that has been sharpened by life, faith, and a relentless drive to be heard. Her lyrics carry clarity, confidence, and depth, standing out in a digital era flooded with noise. Rather than chase co-signs or shortcuts, Abby is building a legacy on her own terms while doing it with grace, grit, and bars that hit.

In her Players Pass interview with Okayplayer, we step into Abby’s world as she opens up about her creative process, inspiration, and what it really takes to make timeless music in her favorite spot, the Cash Only Deli. “I grew up very community-based,” Abby shares. “But that also goes into how I like to make my music. I like to make a community with the producers, the songwriters, and just work with the same people.” Her approach to collaboration is rooted in trust and synergy, a sharp contrast to an internet-rooted culture of disunity that is prevalent in the music industry today.

When asked about her musical inspirations, Abby reflects on growth and perspective, pointing at SZA’s 2017 debut album as a blueprint of her own artistry. “I didn’t really understand Ctrl when it first came out,” she admits. “But now that I am older, I can really appreciate it.” finding new meaning in music once overlooked is a sign of evolution, not just as an artist, but as a woman navigating the world in real-time. That is evident in her song “Caught Up.”

[embedded content]

Her creative process is one that is intentional. “When I get my own ideas, I have my own setup and crib when I go home,” Abby says. That sense of independence has become central to her artistry and allows her to carve out space to create on her own terms, without noise or pressure.

“My studio essentials are vibes, silence, and I don’t like so many people in the session,” she continues. For Abby, music is as much about space, energy, and staying tapped into something that is real as it is the sound.

Abby Jasmine is part of a new generation of artists who no longer need to wait for permission. She’s blending her past with her present, building a future where authenticity is louder than hype. And whether she’s going viral or staying lowkey, one thing’s for certain: she is here to stay.

Social Media

Medical Clinic Workers Fired After TikTok Video Mocking Patients Goes Viral

Published

4 months ago

September 4, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Medical Clinic Workers Fired After TikTok Video Mocking Patients Goes Viral

Several healthcare workers at Sansum Clinic in Santa Barbara, California, were fired after a TikTok video surfaced showing them mocking patients in an exam room. The video, originally posted by a former employee, depicted staff posing with patients’ bodily fluids on exam tables, with captions like “Are patients allowed to leave you guys gifts?” and “Make sure you leave your healthcare workers sweet gifts like these.” The video quickly went viral, sparking outrage online and prompting Sutter Health, which operates the clinic, to take swift action.

Sutter Health confirmed that all employees involved in the video were terminated, emphasizing that the behavior violated their policies and disrespected patients. The health system stated, “Protecting the trust of those we serve is our highest priority, and when that trust is violated, we take swift action.”

The incident drew widespread condemnation on social media platforms like Reddit and Instagram, where users criticized the workers for their unprofessional conduct. One commenter on Reddit remarked, “No place for shaming the patient in medicine,” while another questioned the clinic’s culture that allowed such behavior.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Sansum Clinic was notified of the video by concerned patients and conducted a review, placing the employees on administrative leave within 24 hours and terminating them shortly after. Sutter Health reiterated their commitment to patient privacy and dignity, using the incident to reinforce their policies with all team members.

The Santa Barbara Independent noted that the video gained traction over Labor Day weekend, leading to a wave of negative reviews on the clinic’s Yelp page. Sutter Health stated that they are conducting a full investigation and that any staff associated with the content are on administrative leave pending the outcome.

Social Media

How SaunaBox Went Viral

Published

4 months ago

September 4, 2025

Your Sports Nation

USC grads Nolan Kahal and Sean Morrissey reveal how they built SaunaBox, the Huntington Beach wellness startup endorsed by pro athletes.

Nolan Kahal and Sean Morrissey are the co-founders of SaunaBox, the Huntington Beach-based viral wellness startup that’s bringing the luxury of a steam room into your home. The young entrepreneurs are USC graduates and former NCAA athletes who started their company at just 25 years old and have created a brand that’s endorsed by professional athletes. In today’s episode, Kahal and Morrissey discuss how they came up with the brand, their biggest hurdles and highlights, and more.
Listen and watch every Thursday here.

Social Media

Aryna Sabalenka's Coach Makes Stance On Transgender Athletes Clear During US Open

Published

4 months ago

September 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Aryna Sabalenka's Coach Makes Stance On Transgender Athletes Clear During US Open

Aryna Sabalenka put on a clinic during Tuesday night’s match against Qinwen Zheng, winning in straight sets to advance to the semifinals of the US Open.

One of Sabalenka’s coaches, Jason Stacy, went viral during Tuesday night’s match because he was wearing an “XX-XY” hat at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

This hat was made by the XX-XY Athletics brand. Their goal is to protect women’s sports.

“It is simply undeniable that sex matters, especially in sport. It is the single biggest determinant of athletic performance,” the brand’s mission statement reads. “Men and women are different. It’s just a fact. Men have XY chromosomes and more testosterone which makes them stronger and faster.”

While some people support XX-XY Athletics, others believe Sabalenka’s coach is sending a bad message at the US Open, particularly towards the transgender community.

“So what’s up with sabalenka’s coach’s transphobic hat,” one person said.

Another person tweeted, “Is nobody really going to ask @SabalenkaA about her loser physio wearing that disgusting hat?”

“I love that Sabalenka’s coach is wearing that hat,” a third person wrote.

It’s unlikely Sabalenka’s coach addresses all this backlash in the middle of the US Open. Perhaps he’ll field some questions after the tournament comes to an end.

Sabalenka will be back in action at Arthur Ashe Stadium on Thursday night against Emma Navarro.

Social Media

Christian Football Players in the NFL

Published

4 months ago

September 2, 2025

Your Sports Nation

Fans of pro football—and fans of Jesus—likely know about big-name players who profess faith in Christ. But not all Christians in the NFL are household names…yet.

So in addition to high-profile Christian athletes who get lots of press? Let’s look at other football players who glorify God, both on and off the field.

Note: Last week, NFL teams had to cut their rosters to 53 players. So the careers of some of these athletes are now in flux.

9 More NFL Players Who Are Christians

1. Tyson Bagent (Chicago Bears)

Tyson Bagent, an undrafted quarterback from a Division II college, started four games his rookie year, after Justin Fields was injured. Bagent is known for his hard work, preparation, and strong faith in Jesus. Tyler Haines, who coached Bagent at Shepherd University, told CBS Sports the QB is “a faithful Christian churchgoer,” which “helps make him who he is.”

Bagent had limited playing time in 2024 as a backup. But the Bears recently rewarded him with a two-year, $10 million contract extension. That deal, which could stretch to $16 million with incentives, is life-changing, according to Bagent, 25.

Video went viral of the athlete telling reporters, “My dad is my right-hand man. He didn’t have running water until high school, so there’s definitely a lot of people I can certainly help with this gift I’ve been blessed with.” The West Virginia native added, “It’s certainly a weight off my shoulders and my family’s shoulders.”