Latest news with #Pearce
Fox News
3 days ago
- General
- Fox News
California town rallies behind Trump as it hosts track and field championship amid trans athlete controversy
Clovis, California, will be the epicenter in the political battle over trans athletes in girls' sports this weekend. The town is set to host the state track and field championships, which has been thrust into the national spotlight amid a trans athlete competing in the girls' category after President Donald Trump called out the situation on Truth Social this week. Dianne Pearce, the town's mayor pro tem, told Fox News Digital she has been actively lobbying to make Trump aware of the situation for weeks and got her fellow local officials involved. "I've been in touch with the White House legislative affairs office to kind of see what would be needed from this community, from the Clovis area to show our support for the Trump administration's efforts to get California to comply with Title IX and his ["Keeping Men out of Women's Sports"] executive order," Pearce said. Pearce said her path to getting the White House involved was to "amplify the voices" of the town's residents, who only support female athletes competing in girls' sports. Pearce succeeded in that goal, which culminated in a press conference involving state and local leaders speaking out in support of Trump's executive order and against Democrats for enabling trans athletes to play in California girls' sports ahead of the championship meet. Pearce says Trump's post was a driving factor in driving enthusiasm for the cause. The press conference featured statements from Pearce, Clovis Unified School District board trustee Tiffany Stoker Madsen, state Assemblyman David Tangipa, who represents the district where Clovis is based, U.S. House Rep. Vince Fong, who also represents the district where Clovis is based, and Fresno County supervisors Gary Bredefeld and Nathan Maxson, all speaking in support of Trump's agenda on the issue. "We must stand for what is true and what is fair, especially in areas where biological differences make a difference," said Stoker Madsen. "What is happening in women's sports is wrong. These female athletes deserve a level playing field… I urge Governor Newsom and our California state legislatures to protect the women of California." Other residents and local officials, including Mayor Vong Mouanoutoua, stood behind the speakers in solidarity with the pro-Trump stance. While Mouanoutoua and Pearce are both Republicans, Clovis as a town has leaned left in recent years, albeit less left than other parts of the deep-blue state. The town's county of Fresno voted in favor of Trump in the 2024 election by a margin of 50.9% to 46.5%. However, the county voted Democrat in every prior presidential election dating back to 2008. Now, the issue of trans athletes appears to be potentially pushing the town, or at least its leadership, even further into Trump's corner. And residents will get an up-close look at the impact of the issue at this weekend's title meet. The state title meet will take place at Buchanan High School's Veterans Memorial Stadium, with the preliminary round on Friday and the finals on Saturday. The event is expected to feature protesters and security. In Trump's Tuesday Truth Social post, he claimed he would be "ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals." Pearce said she has no knowledge of this being communicated to the town's police force. "As far as I know that has not occurred," she said. A Clovis Unified Police Department spokesperson told Fox News Digital that they are also unaware of any communication with Trump involving security procedures for the event. Still, Pearce is expecting a vigilante police presence at the event. "They are prepared to make sure that this weekend's state championships are a safe environment for our athletes and their families and those who choose to come out and support them this weekend," Pearce said. Once the competition begins, all eyes will be on the trans athlete, AB Hernandez of Jurupa Valley High School. Hernandez has dominated in girls' long jump and triple jump this postseason, taking first place in both events at the Southern Sectional finals on May 17 and the state qualifiers on May 24. Hernandez has garnered scrutiny during the athlete's dominant postseason run, often getting heckled by spectators at the meets. Pearce hopes that spectators treat Hernandez with respect during the events on Friday and Saturday. "I expect people to treat this athlete with compassion. I think, unfortunately, the failures of the adults who set this policy created this situation. They have allowed this particular athlete to be in a position where controversy surrounds him wherever he goes, and I think that's unfortunate," Pearce said. "I don't think anybody should do anything to make him unsafe while he's here in Clovis competing, but again, it's unfair for him to be in the girls' division." Pearce said her "worst-case scenario" for this weekend's meet would be a lack of respect and security for any of the competitors involved. "If there is anything that isn't respectful and challenges the safety and security of the environment and the atmosphere, that would be terrible," Pearce said. "These kids deserve better than that. They've been failed by the adults already at the legislative level and the policy level by the CIF, I hope those attendants don't fail them as well." What Pearce does hope to see is the female athletes emerge victorious in their respective events. However, she is also prepared for more potential fallout from the meet after helping to summon Trump's attention to the situation. Trump's insistence on enforcing his executive order has already resulted in a months-long feud between his administration and the Democrat-controlled state of Maine. The feud has resulted in multiple funding freezes, which have already been reversed, and a lawsuit against the state by the U.S. Department of Justice. With the Justice Department launching an investigation against California this week after Trump's post, Pearce knows that her state could very well be next in line for funding cuts on the issue. Additionally, as a public employee, she knows that it could affect her and her colleagues, but Pearce would fully support any funding cuts to her state over the issue anyway. To her, it is not a hard decision to support. "It's not a hard decision to come to, because more important to me is that our girls and that their spaces are respected and protected," Pearce said. "If they have to threaten that type action against CIF, Governor Newsom and state legislature that they would pull federal funding from the state, again, the decision rests with those leaders. They can do the right thing and we don't even have to talk about this." Follow Fox News Digital's sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
The Advertiser
3 days ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
Tragic death of baby remains a mystery after inquest
How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said. How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Health
- Perth Now
Tragic death of baby remains a mystery after inquest
How an apparently "thriving" three-month-old baby died remains unknown following an inquest. "It is tragic, but we simply don't know what happened to KP," NSW Deputy State Coroner Kasey Pearce said on Friday. The infant KP was found dead at his mother's home in Corowa in the NSW Riverina region in January 2022. The inquest revealed possible causes of death including drowning, suffocation and inadequate nutrition, Ms Pearce said. But there was insufficient evidence in support for any of these. She said the available evidence from the inquest did not allow her to find cause, place or manner of KP's death. Ms Pearce also rejected the account his mother gave police after KP's death, which included leaving her baby in the care of an unidentified man. "It is implausible and inconsistent," she said. "Unfortunately, the result is there is no evidence leading up to the death of KP." Ms Pearce said the Coroners Court knows nothing about KP's emerging personality, but the baby was loved by his family. "Until his premature death he seemed to be thriving," she said. The inquest examined the actions of those involved in the care of KP and his mother before his death. These included services from the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ), Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Albury Wodonga Health. There were shortcomings in the actions of the organisations, but Ms Pearce said her findings did not suggest that KP's death could have been avoided. "On the contrary I was impressed with the care and professionalism of all who cared for KP," she said. ""It appeared to those who saw KP with his mother that KP was safe in her care." In the lead-up to his birth, DCJ completed a safety assessment where potential dangers were noted including his mother's mental health and drug abuse. But KP was deemed as "safe with a plan", provided the involvement of social workers, and the support of family and community services. In retrospect, Ms Pearce said there were signs of increasing risk for KP after his birth. His mother missed appointments including for a dietician and lactation consultant, and did not always answer the door to social workers. "Even on days when she was clearly aware they would be visiting," Ms Pearce said. In her recommendations, Ms Pearce said the NSW Health SAFE START program should formalise its administration and governance, including the clear allocation of roles and expectations. The program offers care and early intervention programs for pregnant women and their infants, and was responsible for providing services to KP and his mother. On January 12, 2022 a family member attended the granny flat where KP lived with his mother, and heard baby cooing sounds, Ms Pearce said. "It is the latest point in which we can establish that KP was alive," she said.
Perth Now
3 days ago
- Sport
- Perth Now
Eagles rewarded for improvement with blockbuster opener
West Coast have been rewarded for their stunning improvement under Daisy Pearce with a bumper opening-night fixture against Gold Coast to start the AFLW season. The fixtures for the new AFLW season were released on Friday morning after a delay, before the season's launch in the middle of August. And the Eagles will use Leederville Oval to launch their season, against the Suns on August 14, after the success of last year's western derby at the venue. That game will be played immediately after the season-opener between Carlton and Collingwood, which opens the 10th anniversary season as a nod to the competition's first-ever game. Fremantle will start their season with a tough slate, with a trip to Port Adelaide (sixth last year) to start their campaign immediately followed by hosting Brisbane (third) and reigning premiers North Melbourne. Pearce's Eagles head to Windy Hill to take on Essendon in their second game of the season and will stay in Melbourne to take on St Kilda the following week, before they return to their Mineral Resources Park base to host Port Adelaide. It is Fremantle's turn to host the derby at Fremantle Oval on September 14, which is a Sunday evening. Emma O'Driscoll post-Fremantle's AFLW finals win last season. Credit: Paul Kane/AFL Photos / via Getty Images The Dockers will also feature in a showpiece clash with Carlton at Ikon Park on the eve of the AFL grand final, one of four games across Melbourne on Victoria's public holiday. Lisa Webb's side will then stay in Melbourne to play a Thursday night primetime clash with Hawthorn the following week. The double-ups in Victoria is a significant win for both West Australian clubs and will be a significant reduction in their travel. Fremantle will be happy with where they start their campaign season; after their opening round game of the season away to Port Adelaide, four of their next five games will be held in Fremantle, while the Eagles also have a five-game stretch which features four games in WA. Travel concerns look to have been somewhat mitigated for both sides, with Fremantle due to travel five times this season and the Eagles just four. Neither the Eagles or the Dockers face Western Bulldogs, who finished 12th last season. In addition to their season opener, West Coast will host two more games at Leederville Oval, against Geelong and Carlton at the back-end of the campaign. Last season, Fremantle finished fifth and beat Essendon in front of a packed crowd at Fremantle Oval in their first final, before ultimately succumbing to Adelaide a week later. West Coast finished with a 4-7 record last year — their highest number of wins in a season in their shot history — and finished in 13th spot last year. Fremantle 2025 AFLW fixtures Sunday August 17 — Port Adelaide vs Fremantle at Alberton Oval Saturday August 23 — Fremantle vs Brisbane at Fremantle Oval Sunday August 31 — Fremantle vs North Melbourne at Fremantle Oval Sunday September 7 — Sydney vs Fremantle at Henson Park Sunday September 14 — Fremantle vs West Coast Eagles at Fremantle Oval Saturday September 20 — Fremantle vs Essendon at Fremantle Oval Friday September 26 — Carlton vs Fremantle at Ikon Park Thursday October 2 — Hawthorn vs Fremantle at Frankston Oval Sunday October 12 — Fremantle vs Melbourne at Fremantle Oval Saturday October 18 — GWS vs Fremantle at Henson Park Saturday October 25 — Fremantle vs Richmond at Fremantle Oval TBC — Adelaide vs Fremantle at Norwood Oval West Coast Eagles 2025 AFLW fixtures Thursday August 14 — West Coast vs Gold Coast at Sullivan Logistics Oval Sunday August 24 — Essendon vs West Coast at Windy Hill Saturday August 30 — St Kilda vs West Coast at RSEA Park Sunday September 7 — West Coast vs Port Adelaide at Mineral Resources Park Sunday September 14 — Fremantle vs West Coast at Fremantle Oval Sunday September 21 — Melbourne vs West Coast at Casey Fields Sunday September 28 — West Coast vs GWS at Mineral Resources Park Sunday October 5 — West Coast vs Collingwood at Mineral Resources Park Saturday October 11 — Adelaide vs West Coast at Norwood Oval Friday October 17 — West Coast vs Geelong at Sullivan Logistics Oval Saturday October 25 — Sydney vs West Coast at Henson Park TBC — West Coast vs Carlton at Sullivan Logistics Oval
West Australian
4 days ago
- Sport
- West Australian
Fremantle Dockers recall Nat Fyfe among three changes for road clash with Gold Coast Suns
Nat Fyfe has been inserted directly into Fremantle's AFL side for his first taste of footy in seven weeks, with the two-time Brownlow medallist among three inclusions for the Dockers against Gold Coast. It comes as coach Justin Longmuir put his faith in Sean Darcy to resume his ruck partnership with Luke Jackson, while dealing with the unexpected loss of Alex Pearce through injury. SCROLL DOWN TO SEE THE FULL FREO LINE-UP Pearce has suffered a stress injury in his shin, with the club set to take a cautious approach with the 29-year-old who only days earlier overcoming his three-match suspension at the AFL Tribunal. 'On Tuesday, Pearce advised the club that he had some lingering pain in his lower leg following Saturday night's win over Port Adelaide,' the Dockers said in a statement. 'Pearce had sustained an impact injury earlier in the season, though investigations did not find any abnormalities. Further investigation after a scan on Wednesday revealed a stress response in his left shin. 'Pearce will now undergo a deloading period and complete an off legs program. He will be reassessed after the club's bye when Fremantle will be able to provide a further update.' Fyfe hasn't played at AFL level since Fremantle's final home-and-away game of last season, with the 240-game veteran's 2025 campaign disrupted by a string of injuries. The 33-year-old suffered a hamstring setback playing for the Dockers' affiliate side Peel at WAFL level in April, having had minor knee surgery earlier in the year. Fyfe looms as a potential substitute option and will become the first 200-gamer to feature in a game for Fremantle this year, with the former skipper's inclusion a boost to the side's leadership in the absence of Pearce. Josh Draper returns as a like-for-like replacement for Pearce in defence, while Darcy will be desperate for a clean run of health after being inserted to help nullify the influence of Jarrod Witts. Isaiah Dudley was ruled out earlier on Thursday with a personal issue, with Cooper Simpson (shoulder) the other absentee from last week's win over Port Adelaide. James Aish travelled as an emergency, while Andrew Brayshaw will captain the side in Pearce's absence. The Suns recalled Ned Moyle to partner Witts in the ruck against Freo's twin towers, with Leo Lombard to make his long-awaited debut. Malcolm Rosas and Ethan Read have both been dropped. Gold Coast are yet to lose a home fixture this season, which includes two matches at their People First Stadium base at Carrara and two at their home-away-from-home at Darwin's TIO Stadium. B: L Ryan, J Draper, B Cox HB: H Chapman, K Worner, J Clark C: J Sharp, S Bolton, M Johnson HF: M Frederick, S Switkowski, M Reid F: P Voss, J Treacy, J Amiss R: L Jackson, C Serong, A Brayshaw IC: N Fyfe, N Erasmus, C Wagner, S Darcy, B Banfield EMG: H Davies, J Aish, N O'Driscoll
