The latest news from local authors
On June 27, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a landmark decision in Mahmoud v. Taylor, ruling 6-3 that public schools must allow parents to opt their children out of lessons involving LGBTQ-themed storybooks if those parents object based on religious grounds. This ruling stems from a heated case in Montgomery County, Maryland, where a […]
Supreme Court Upholds Tennessee’s Ban on Gender-Affirming Care for MinorsThree years after overturning Roe v. Wade, the Supreme Court has again allowed states to restrict a controversial form of healthcare. In a 6-3 decision in United States v. Skrmetti on Wednesday, the Court upheld Tennessee’s ban on gender-affirming medical treatments like puberty blockers and hormone
In recent years, the global LGBTQ+ community has experienced a painful paradox—legal progress in some areas coupled with a growing wave of regression in others. From military orders in the United States to violent hate crimes in Australia, LGBTQ+ individuals are once again finding themselves on the frontline of political and social conflict. One of
At the heart of Veteran’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday, 16-year-old AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley High School stood among her peers, a California track and field champion. Her presence on the podium, however, was framed by a national debate that sought to define her by her transgender identity, rather than her athletic prowess. In the
AB Hernandez, a 16-year-old transgender junior from Jurupa Valley High, excelled at the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships in Clovis, winning gold in girls’ triple jump and high jump, and silver in long jump. Her participation occurred despite intense pressure from President Trump, who had ordered state officials to block her and threatened
A small group of protesters clashed as AB Hernandez took the field “We need to support all athletes, and this is truly taking away from the point of the weekend, which is to celebrate athletic achievement,” said Stetler Brown, an LGBTQ+ advocate. Outside the stadium, tensions boiled over, with a 19-year-old being arrested. Police say
The mother of AB Hernandez, an athlete who is set to compete in the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) State Track and Field championships Friday and Saturday, is calling out President Donald Trump and others who are criticizing her daughter for being allowed to compete in girls sports. “As a mother, my heart breaks every time
If you choose to attend, please read and respect the family’s wishes (below). You can also make a meaningful impact by donating to their travel and legal fund. Additionally, consider volunteering with or supporting your favorite LGBTQ organization(s). From the family of the athlete competing this weekend in Clovis:Come and cheer for AB during her
Clovis Mayor Pro Tem Diane Pearce, California Assemblyman David Tangipa, Fresno County Supervisor Nathan Magsig, Fresno County Supervisor Garry Bredefeld, and Clovis Unified Trustee Tiffany Stoker-Madsen spoke in opposition to inclusive girls’ sports. Other’s who signed on to this message: Congressman Vince Fong, Shannon Grove, Nathan Magsig, Garry Bredefeld, Drew Bessinger, Vong Mouanoutoua, Ray Appleton,
The Justice Department has launched an investigation into whether California’s law allowing transgender student athletes in girls’ sports violates Title IX, which bans sex-based discrimination. The DOJ sent legal notices to Attorney General Rob Bonta, State Superintendent Tony Thurmond, the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF), and the Jurupa Unified School District. The CIF oversees high school
