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USA Fencing changes transgender policy, cites new guidance from US Olympic Committee
USA Fencing changes transgender policy, cites new guidance from US Olympic Committee

Fox News

time19 hours ago

  • Sport
  • Fox News

USA Fencing changes transgender policy, cites new guidance from US Olympic Committee

NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! USA Fencing has updated its gender eligibility policy after months of criticism for allowing biological males to compete in the women's category. The organization appeared to update its policy last week to include the following requirements for competing in domestic women's competitions: "Athletes who are of the female sex, provided all other entry criteria have been met." The new policy will go into effect beginning next month. CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON The previous policy stated: "To participate in a USA Fencing-sanctioned event, athletes are to register with USA Fencing as the gender in which they identify," adding that biological males "may only compete in women's events after completing one calendar year (12 months) of testosterone suppression treatment." USA Fencing announced in late April that it was preparing to change its gender-eligibility policy to ensure that the women's category would be "open exclusively to athletes of the female sex." The new official policy does not include the "exclusively" language that was used in April's proposal. USA Fencing has declined to clarify to Fox News Digital if the new policy explicitly prevents all biological males from competing in women's events. USA Fencing also declined to specify how it will enforce the new policy, whether mandatory sex testing will be implemented or whether it will accept amended birth certificates as proof of birth sex. USA Fencing addressed the new policy in a public statement, claiming that the change came in response to new guidelines released by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). "On July 18, 2025, the USOPC released new athlete-safety guidelines that all national governing bodies must follow under a federal executive order issued by the president earlier this year. In response, USA Fencing will implement the updated Transgender & Non Binary Participation Policy that was first published and shared with the fencing community on April 15, 2025. This policy will be effective Aug. 1, 2025, for every sanctioned competition," the statement reads. "We remain firmly committed to respect, fairness and athlete well-being. This update, mandated by the USOPC, aligns our sport with current national standards while keeping community support at the forefront." WHO IS STEPHANIE TURNER? WOMEN'S FENCER WHO KNELT TO PROTEST TRANS OPPONENT AND IGNITED GLOBAL AWARENESS Fox News Digital has reached out to the USOPC for a response to USA Fencing's statement. The USOPC's transgender eligibility policy page now includes a note that reads, "As of July 21, 2025, please refer to the USOPC athlete safety policy." That policy does not lay out any clear guidelines regarding trans inclusion in women's sports. However, it does include one paragraph that directly cites President Donald Trump's "Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" executive order. "USOPC will continue to collaborate with various stakeholders with oversight responsibilities… to ensure that women have a fair and safe competition environment consistent with Executive Order 14201," the policy reads. USA Fencing has been under a national microscope for its gender eligibility policy since April 2, when footage of women's fencer Stephanie Turner kneeling to protest a trans opponent at a competition in Maryland went viral. Turner was disqualified and given a black card for her refusal to face the trans opponent, prompting mass backlash against USA Fencing. The controversy was then the subject of a federal hearing on May 7. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) Subcommittee's "Unfair Play: Keeping Men Out of Women's Sports" saw Turner testify against USA Fencing chair Damien Lehfeldt. In early June, USA Fencing's board of directors voted to amend its previous policy that prioritized states with LGBTQ-friendly laws for host sites for competitions and a policy that may have prevented the playing of the national anthem at some events. Both of those policies were also highly criticized in the aftermath of Turner's viral protest. Then, the very next week, two USA Fencing board of directors members filed a lawsuit against the other six at-large members, alleging Lehfeldt made false statements to Congress at the May 7 hearing. The plaintiffs, Andrey Geva and Abdel Salem, each have long ties to the sport and organization, previously coaching or competing for Team USA. USA Fencing acknowledged the lawsuit in a statement to Fox News Digital. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP "USA Fencing proudly serves its members – athletes, coaches, referees and clubs – across our community with absolute transparency and integrity. This derivative lawsuit misrepresents our organization, and we will vigorously defend the organization in court; any attempt to disparage them will be addressed appropriately," the statement read. "Because litigation is ongoing, we cannot discuss details. Our focus remains unwavering: advancing fencing nationwide, supporting every member's success, and upholding the values of the Olympic and Paralympic movement."

Tony's Fencing Builds Durable Farm Fences, Cow Fencing, and Custom Gates Across Louisiana
Tony's Fencing Builds Durable Farm Fences, Cow Fencing, and Custom Gates Across Louisiana

Associated Press

time2 days ago

  • Business
  • Associated Press

Tony's Fencing Builds Durable Farm Fences, Cow Fencing, and Custom Gates Across Louisiana

Serving Southeast Louisiana, Tony's Fencing specializes in durable cow fencing, farm enclosures, and custom ranch gates built to last. 'Quality fencing protects your farm investment and ensures the safety of your livestock through every season in Covington, Louisiana.'— Tony Ostrowski COVINGTON, LA, UNITED STATES, July 21, 2025 / / -- Louisiana's farmers know that a good fence isn't just about appearances—it's about protection, productivity, and peace of mind. For over 30 years, Tony's Fencing and Iron Works has helped local landowners secure their agricultural property with durable farm fencing, cow fencing, and custom ranch gates built to endure the challenges of rural life. Whether you're raising cattle, managing pastureland, or creating a safe enclosure for goats or horses, the team at Tony's brings craftsmanship and care to every post they drive into the ground. 'A fence is one of the most important investments a farmer can make,' says Tony Ostrowski, the company's founder and lead contractor. 'It keeps animals safe, keeps boundaries respected, and protects your livelihood. We take that seriously.' Built for the Demands of the Land The needs of a working farm or ranch go well beyond simply keeping animals in—or people out. That's why Tony's Fencing takes a thoughtful, hands-on approach to each project, ensuring the design fits the land, the animals, and the day-to-day operation of the farm. For cattle enclosures, they often recommend heavy-duty woven wire or barbed wire systems—built strong enough to contain large livestock and withstand high pressure from active animals. In some cases, steel pipe fencing is used for bull pens or areas with heavy traffic, providing unmatched durability. When fencing in goats or sheep, the challenge is keeping smaller animals secure without allowing them to slip through. That's where tighter mesh fencing with smaller gauge materials comes in, designed to both contain and protect these more agile animals. Horse fencing requires a different kind of care. Horses are fast-moving and highly sensitive to injury, so Tony's team uses smooth wire, vinyl rail systems, or wood fencing with high visibility. These fences are strong enough to keep the animals safe while reducing the risk of scrapes, cuts, or entanglement. For farms raising poultry, Tony's Fencing creates safe, breathable chicken and poultry enclosures using galvanized netting and predator-proof frames. These structures allow hens and other birds the freedom to move while shielding them from common threats like raccoons, foxes, and stray dogs. In larger operations or rotational grazing systems, corral and paddock fencing plays a key role. Using steel-panel enclosures, the team can build sorting pens, working corrals, or dedicated feeding areas that improve both livestock management and operational flow. Lastly, for those looking to define property boundaries or protect gardens and crops, perimeter fencing offers a critical line of defense. These fences help deter human trespassers and keep out unwanted wildlife, all while establishing clear property lines and increasing the land's value. Custom Gates That Work as Hard as You Do A fence is only as good as the gate that opens it. That's why Tony's Fencing builds custom ranch gates to match the specific access needs of each property. Whether it's a manually operated gate for a quiet back pasture or an automatic farm gate with remote access for a busy ranch entrance, the team makes sure the solution is seamless. These gates are designed to withstand daily use by trucks, tractors, livestock trailers, and foot traffic. Options include swing gates, sliding gates, and split pasture gates that can be adjusted depending on livestock flow and equipment access. Materials That Withstand Louisiana's Toughest Conditions Louisiana's climate isn't gentle on outdoor structures. Heavy rains, intense humidity, heat, and high winds can quickly wear down low-quality fences. That's why Tony's Fencing only uses materials that are proven to last—like pressure-treated wood, galvanized steel, rust-resistant fasteners, and concrete-set posts. Every installation is built with longevity in mind. And if a storm or falling tree ever causes damage, Tony's team is just a call away with repair and reinforcement services. A Legacy of Trust in Rural Louisiana Over the past three decades, Tony's Fencing and Iron Works has become a familiar name in Covington and throughout Southeast Louisiana, serving farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners who need more than just a fence—they need a partner they can trust. From the first site visit to the final inspection, Tony and his crew offer honest advice, clear pricing, and craftsmanship that's easy to spot in the finished product. Their work can be seen across the region—enclosing cattle pastures, lining driveways, and securing everything from chicken coops to crop fields. If you're looking to protect your land, contain your animals, and upgrade your property's functionality and value, it's time to talk to the experts. 📍 Located in Covington, Louisiana 📞 Call 985-703-0595 🌐 Visit 🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (For SEO) What's the best fencing for cattle in Louisiana? Barbed wire and woven wire fencing with galvanized steel posts are ideal for cattle. They're affordable, durable, and hold up well in Louisiana's wet climate. Can you install automatic gates for farms? Yes. Tony's Fencing builds and installs automatic ranch gates, complete with remotes, keypads, and solar-powered systems. How much does farm fencing cost? Costs vary based on terrain, materials, and acreage, but Tony's Fencing offers free on-site quotes to give you an accurate estimate with no obligation. Do you offer fencing for goats, horses, and chickens? Absolutely. They install species-specific fencing systems designed to keep animals safe and secure while withstanding predators and weather damage. What areas do you serve? Tony's Fencing serves Covington, Mandeville, Hammond, Ponchatoula, Slidell, and surrounding parts of Southeast Louisiana. About Tony's Fencing and Iron Works Tony's Fencing and Iron Works has provided farm fencing, cow fencing, and ornamental gate installation services across Southeast Louisiana for over 30 years. Known for personalized service, quality materials, and long-lasting results, the company works on residential, commercial, and agricultural fencing projects of all sizes. Media Contact: Tony Ostrowski Phone: 985-703-0595 Website: Gwen M. Designs For You email us here Visit us on social media: Facebook Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.

I knew something was off about a builder but I desperately needed the work… what they did next is a frustrating problem in the construction industry
I knew something was off about a builder but I desperately needed the work… what they did next is a frustrating problem in the construction industry

Daily Mail​

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Daily Mail​

I knew something was off about a builder but I desperately needed the work… what they did next is a frustrating problem in the construction industry

The owner of a fencing company has vented his frustration after he was left $100,000 out of pocket when a builder suddenly collapsed. AH Fencing director Adam Hall said he noticed the builder had previously been late with payments, but he kept taking on work because he needed the money. He said the company then fell into liquidation in 2021 and its $300,000 in assets were sent to the Australian Taxation Office because it was owed about $3million. Mr Hall's money simply 'vanished' with the business owner admitting it isn't the first time a builder hasn't paid him for his work. 'While I'd love to sit here and blame the system and the builder, and I am p***ed off at them, we didn't lose that $100,000 all in one hit,' he said in a TikTok video in June. 'We lost that $100,000 one red flag at a time.' Mr Hall said the builder had been late with payments since the beginning of their contract, but he kept taking on work. 'They missed a payment and they promised us that we were going to get paid, so we continued to work, and then they missed that payment,' he said. @the_adamhall One of our builders went bust and took $100K with them. I'd love to sit here and play the victim. Blame them. Say it wasn't our fault. But the truth is — we lost that $100K one red flag at a time. They paid us late for months. Then they missed a few payments. And we kept showing up. Why? Because we didn't value ourselves. Because our pipeline was light. Because we ignored the signs. Looking back, it feels stupid — but it taught us a powerful lesson: Be proactive, not reactive. We don't work for builders who don't pay. We don't rely on one or two jobs to keep us afloat. We've built systems. We've built standards. We've built a pipeline that lets us walk away when it's not right. Another scar. Another win. Onwards. ♬ original sound - Adam Hall 'We were a little bit low on work, and so we just kept doing it. Looking back, it's obviously so stupid.' He said the missed payday was 'a kick in the teeth', as his own business was struggling. 'Since then, a bunch of builders we've worked for have gone under. Fortunately, they haven't owed us a lot of money,' Mr Hall said. 'These builders hold no assets and they have s***loads of ATO debt. So the chance the liquidators are ever going to give you any money is so close to nil.' He urged other trades and subcontractors to implement strong protections. Mr Hall warned they should stop work as soon as payments are missed and look into options like trade credit insurance. 'As much as I'd love to sit here and be the victim and blame this builder for going under, ultimately, there's a lot of things that we could have done about it to avoid it, and that's what we do now, and that's why we have no late payers anymore,' he said. Other builders who saw the video said they had also learned to be tougher after similar experiences. 'Been here too mate. Got done for $75,000 last year by a builder that went under,' one said. 'I asked my insurer about some sort of insurance to protect us, but he hadn't heard of it. Now I know it's called 'Trade credit insurance' I'll definitely look at getting it.' 'The system needs to change. The person who's building the house pays every sector,' another suggested. 'Soon as they are late you stop work,' another advised. 'No work is better than lost materials and labour costs. Also needs better contracts - if they shy away from signing, walk away.'

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