ESPN hosts jump in the foxhole with Riley Gaines, blast Biden administration's push to invade women's sports with men



ESPN hosts Sage Steele and Samantha Ponder are both mothers of three children, and both have daughters. This week, they utilized their celebrity to help ensure that their daughters and other American girls may once again be able to enjoy fair athletic competitions.

Steele, a co-host of "SportsCenter," and Ponder, the host of "Sunday NFL Countdown," joined All-American swim star Riley Gaines in voicing opposition to the Biden administration's proposed requirement that males be permitted to participate in women's sports.

What's the background?

The Department of Education proposed a change to Title IX on April 6 such that federally funded schools and universities would be prohibited from segregating sports across the board based on biological sex.

The Biden administration's proposal establishing "that policies violate Title IX when they categorically ban transgender students from participating on sports teams consistent with their gender identity" would "apply to public K-12 schools, as well as colleges, universities, and other institutions that receive federal funding."

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona stated, "Every student should be able to have the full experience of attending school in America, including participating in athletics, free from discrimination. Being on a sports team is an important part of the school experience for students of all ages."

TheBlaze previously reported that trans athlete Lia Thomas, formerly William Thomas, came out in support of the proposed change in a recent video, saying, "I started swimming when I was five years old and it has taught me so much. It has given me so many opportunities to learn, grow, and develop ... opportunities that I wouldn't have gotten if I didn't have access to athletics."

Thomas — a middling performer on the University of Pennsylvania men's swimming team until he starting taking hormones in 2019 and competing against women — continued, saying, "That's why it breaks my heart to see trans kids across the country lose out on these opportunities."

The former male athlete added in his video that the proposed rule "is a good start" but "not enough," suggesting that as it is presently framed, there will remain exceptions to the rule "under the guise of competitive fairness."

On Monday, Riley Gaines responded to Thomas' video, zeroing in on his suggestion that same-sex competition requirements amounted to discrimination advanced "under the guise of competitive fairness."

Gaines added in her critique of Thomas' video, "Does it not break your heart to see women lose out on these opportunities?"

The female All-American underscored that the proposed regulation "denies science, truth, and common sense" in a follow-up tweet.

"This take is selfish and shows an utter disregard for women. The Biden Administration is actively and aggressively working to pass laws that erase decent and fair treatment for women in sports."

Steely resolve

Sage Steele retweeted Gaines' remarks on Tuesday, claiming the proposed Title IX changes and their defense are "heartbreaking, maddening, and really difficult to watch."

"I keep thinking I'm going to wake up and be relieved that this was all just a ridiculous, comical, nonsensical dream," wrote Steele, adding "#IStandWithRileyGaines #savewomensports."

Kim Shasby Jones, the co-founder of the Independent Council on Women's Sports, responded to Steele, writing, "It is a dark, twisted cruel world we are creating for women. Every time a woman wakes up to this it feels so entirely lonely - like how can we be here? How are people supporting this? How does this movement have so much power?"

"It’s really time we all understand just what groundwork has been laid and fight our way back from the madness - loudly," said Jones.

Earlier this month, Steele responded to Gaines' reported attack by a transvestite after giving a pro-woman speech at San Francisco State University.

Steele wrote, "Are there any other women with public platforms willing to stand up for [Gaines] & the millions of female athletes? Or do we only stand up for those who fit certain narratives?? LADIES, WHERE ARE YOU? Media...Hollywood...hello?!?! We MUST come together on this!!"

\u201cAre there any other women with public platforms willing to stand up for @Riley_Gaines_ & the millions of female athletes?? Or do we only stand up for those who fit certain narratives?? \nLADIES, WHERE ARE YOU? \nMedia...Hollywood...hello?!?! We MUST come together on this!!\u201d
— Sage Steele (@Sage Steele) 1680881548

Steel underscored that the "silence really is deafening. ... I understand the fear in standing up. I get it in more ways than anyone will ever know! But I always remind myself & my kids that if we CHOOSE to stay silent, we better be ready to accept the consequences. I'm not willing to do that."

Ponder pitches in

Steele is apparently not the only independent thinker left at ESPN.

The ESPN host also retweeted Gaines' critique of Thomas' video, noting that the Biden administration's proposed change "would take away so many opportunities for biological women and girls in sports."

"It is a shame that we are needing to fight for the integrity of Title IX in 2023 and the reason it was needed in the first place."

Title IX was originally intended to ensure women got a fair shake in educational settings, including in student athletic programs.

\u201cThis would take away so many opportunities for biological women and girls in sports. It is a shame that we are needing to fight for the integrity of Title IX in 2023 and the reason it was needed in the first place. #savewomensports\u201d
— Samantha Steele Ponder (@Samantha Steele Ponder) 1681922229

Steele thanked Ponder on Wednesday for her remarks.

The risk of independent thought at ESPN

The Daily Mail indicated that these types of remarks amount to a significant professional risk, given ESPN's apparent willingness to punish free thinkers, particularly those who run afoul of the LGBT community or criticize the transgender agenda.

ESPN fired Curt Schilling, a former All-Star pitcher and esteemed baseball analyst, in April 2016 after the sports legend posted a controversial meme about the "basic functionality of mens and womens restrooms" on Facebook. He had worked for the network since 2010.

The network released a statement at the time of Schilling's termination, stressing it was "an inclusive company."

"ESPN is an inclusive company. Curt Schilling has been advised that his conduct was unacceptable and his employment with ESPN has been terminated," the statement read.

Schilling's post, which had offended his employer's sensibilities, showed a man masquerading as a woman with the caption, "Let him into the restroom with your daughter or else you’re a narrow-minded, judgmental, unloving racist bigot who needs to die!!!"

According to the New York Times, Schilling had also written, "A man is a man no matter what they call themselves. I don’t care what they are, who they sleep with, men’s room was designed for the penis, women’s not so much. Now you need laws telling us differently? Pathetic."

Celebrated journalist and BlazeTV's "Fearless" host Jason Whitlock indicated that ESPN similarly let him go because "men with balls aren’t welcome."

Whitlock intimated the network didn't want independent thinkers, but intellectual pushovers.
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LSU's Olivia Dunne assigned bodyguard after horde of rowdy boys mobs another gymnastics meet



Louisiana State University is stepping up its security to ensure that its star gymnast, Olivia Dunne, will escape future competitions unscathed.

What's the background?

Olivia Dunne has attracted a great deal of attention on and off the bars.

Dunne, a WCGA All-American in the uneven bars, boasts over 6.7 million followers on TikTok and nearly 3 million followers on Instagram.

Since the NCAA dropped its policy prohibiting college athletes from profiting off their internet fame in 2021, the 20-year-old college junior has become America's top-paid female college athlete.

On3 reported that the 20-year-old has signed deals with various big brands including American Eagle, Plant Fuel, and Bartleby, bringing in over $2 million. Dunne frequently showcases her sponsors' products in the videos she posts to social media.

Dunne told the New York Times in November that she is proud of her resultant seven-figure earnings, "Especially since I'm a woman in college sports."

While her notoriety has proven lucrative, it can be discomfiting at times.

Nola.com reported that when Dunne's gymnastics team competed against the University of Utah in Salt Lake City on Jan. 6, fans packed the stands and stalked the exits of the building in hopes of snagging a selfie with the gymnast, some chanting, "We want her."

Dunne was not even competing last week, having been sidelined with an injury.

Olympic medalist and broadcaster Samantha Peszek posted a video of some of Dunne's predominantly male fans with the caption, "This is actually so scary and disturbing and cringey. I'm embarrassed for them."

\u201cThis is actually so scary and disturbing and cringey. I\u2019m embarrassed for them\u2026\u201d
— Samantha Peszek (@Samantha Peszek) 1673149010

KSL.com sports reporter Josh Furlong indicated that LSU was forced to move its team bus to avoid Dunne's fans and that police had to be stationed to prevent the boys from getting in.

Furlong tweeted, "There’s literally a line outside of the Huntsman Center of teenage boys that keep asking if Livvy is coming out. I’ve never seen anything like this."

\u201cThere\u2019s literally a line outside of the Huntsman Center of teenage boys that keep asking if Livvy is coming out. I\u2019ve never seen anything like this.\u201d
— Josh Furlong (@Josh Furlong) 1673064403

The mother of a Utah gymnast suggested that the fans, keen on seeing and meeting Dunne, were "rude and disrespectful" to other athletes.

The New York Post reported that the rowdy mob disrupted other athletes' routines.

Dunne's mother underscored that it was inappropriate to blame the fans' behavior on the gymnast:

\u201cIt is not ok to blame any athlete/celebrity when fan behavior crosses the line. In a sport where all the girls wear nothing but leotards stop suggesting that how Livvy dresses means she deserves this in any way. Stop shaming girls for the behavior of boys.\u201d
— Katherine Dunne (@Katherine Dunne) 1673193135

Over the weekend, Dunne responded, tweeting, "I will always appreciate and love the support from you guys, but if you come to a meet, I want to ask you to please be respectful of the other gymnasts and the gymnastics community as we are just doing our job."

Safe landing

Jay Clark, Dunne's coach, indicated he has previously "run people off," and there has been at least one instance where LSU police had to intervene.

Moving forward, a security officer will stand guard outside the LSU team's locker room and hotels when they travel to competitions across the country for the remainder of the year.

Clark told the Advocate/Times-Picayune, "That person will be in our hotel and outside our locker room and getting us to and from the bus at the venue. ... (The officer) will be there to create a perimeter that keeps everybody safe."

"We want to be accessible to our fans with autographs and kids, but we also don't want to bury our heads in the sand. We want to make sure everybody is safe at all times," said Clark.

Dunne's coach suggested that things have to change; that student athletes cannot be left exposed to the mob, especially as this trend accelerates.

Extra to the security guard, moving forward, LSU athletes will not be permitted to go into the stands immediately following a meet.

\u201c"It was a little bit disconcerting, the level of intensity that went with it. There was a moblike kind of feel to that out there."\n\n@LSUgym Jay Clark shares his thoughts on some of rabid @livvydunne fans that attended the Tigers' meet in Utah. #LSU\u201d
— Jacques Doucet (@Jacques Doucet) 1673466685

Concerning the incident in Utah, Dunne admitted that "things got out of control."

"We wanted to get ahead of it, but we didn't see what happened last week coming as big as it's been. It's been bubbling under the surface for a year now," he added.

"Probably 99 percent of the people there were seeking autographs, but you never know when you get a crowd like that. We'll do the best we can to protect them," said the coach. "It's at the forefront of my mind as a father and coach of these young women. We take very seriously the responsibility to keep them safe."

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Crazed leftist agitators try (and fail) to stop Houston screening of Matt Walsh's 'What Is a Woman?'



Despite having their event listing removed from Eventbrite earlier this week, the Young Conservatives of Texas at the University of Houston remained determined to host Matt Walsh on Thursday night and screen his "What Is a Woman?" documentary. The film examines the incoherence and perniciousness of leftist gender ideology. Although the conservative student group ultimately prevailed, they first had to deal with the mob of agitators that swarmed the venue, keen on achieving what Eventbrite was unable to do: shutting down the event.

Ahead of the screening, liberals on campus reportedly tore down posters advertising the event, while Antifa and other radical leftist groups disseminated flyers inciting others to mobilize "in protest against virulent transphobe Matt Walsh on Campus."

Echoing accusations made elsewhere, groups like the Space City Anarchist Organization called Walsh, a father of four, a "bigot" and suggested his film is "transphobic."

\u201cOn Thursday, October 13th, University of Houston students are mobilizing in protest against virulent transphobe Matt Walsh on Campus. Join in solidarity with University of Houston students as they stand against transphobia!\n\nPlease share widely!\u201d
— Space City Anarchist Organization (@Space City Anarchist Organization) 1665440872

Accusations of "transphobia" were repeated on Thursday by the transsexuality activists, leftists, and students gathered outside the venue. "Transphobia has go to go" and "trans rights are human rights" figured prominently in their chants, along with accusations of fascism, leveled at those trying to peacefully enter the building.

In June, Rolling Stone magazine similarly contended that "What Is a Woman?" is "transphobic," calling it an "attempt to belittle an already targeted group of people."

According to the Daily Wire, the film's distributor, the chief concerns raised in Walsh's documentary are reportedly:

  • the destruction of women's sports by men claiming to be women;
  • the exploitation of transsexuality claims by sexual offenders to prey upon women;
  • the left's use of censorship to advance a radical agenda, free from critique or analysis;
  • the denigration of women with neologisms like "birthing persons";
  • the left's attack on science with claims such as "having a penis doesn't make one male"; and
  • the mutilation and sterilization of children by bad actors.
\u201cOne of the surgeons in our documentary confesses to having mutilated the genitals of a 16 year old boy. The Left says this isn't happening. They're lying, as always. \n\nFull film premieres tonight at https://t.co/xibkNa4oHW\u201d
— Matt Walsh (@Matt Walsh) 1654103463

Walsh previously indicated that the left "will do whatever they can to make sure no one sees this movie. ... They know their ideology is based on lies and their logic is hollow and premiering the movie to a massive online audience will not only be an utter embarrassment to them but will send a message that they will not win this battle."

In the context of Walsh's broader "battle," Thursday night's screening may have been only a skirmish, but both sides came out in full force.

The line of attendees waiting to watch the documentary was long, stretching down the block.

\u201cHuge turnout for Matt Walsh at @UHouston tonight. So far they\u2019re outnumbering the protesters.\u201d
— Samantha Ketterer (@Samantha Ketterer) 1665702633

While attendees waited in line, members of the Houston Police Department took necessary precautions, anticipating leftist violence of the kind seen at past campus events.

Police removed loose bricks around the venue.

\u201cOutside of @MattWalshBlog\u2019s screening of \u2018What Is A Woman\u2019\u2014\n\nAn Officer with Houston PD just removed bricks from the protesters side of the barrier to prevent any violence.\u201d
— Tayler Hansen (@Tayler Hansen) 1665706412

One masked agitator was apprehended inside the venue by police.

\u201cWATCH: Masked protestor tackled by police at @mattwalshblog's event in Houston\u201d
— YAF (@YAF) 1665705575

Mikel Moore, chapter chairman of the Young Conservatives of Texas, told KRIV that his group thought it important "to continue to bring conservative content, conservative messaging, to the University of Houston."

"This is an opportunity for students and members of the community to get a chance to see the movie, to understand it," said Moore. "We believe this event, too, will ignite conversations around gender, around how we look at the issue, and can lead to some good dialogue."

Masked agitators outside the venue sought to stifle that debate, going so far as trying to prevent attendees from entering the venue.

\u201cWas just forcefully removed by ANTIFA and Protesters outside of @MattWalshBlog\u2019s movie screening as they interlocked their hands and surrounded me. \n\nApparently Media is only acceptable if you support their beliefs.\u201d
— Tayler Hansen (@Tayler Hansen) 1665712077

Despite the efforts of the mob, the venue was packed in time for the event. An estimated 400 people were in attendance.

\u201cDespite all the protests, we have a packed room for @mattwalshblog's screening of #WhatIsAWoman!\u201d
— YAF (@YAF) 1665710426

Outside, protesters and counter-protesters exchanged verbal volleys.

Amid chants advocating transsexuality and condemning the event, some counter-protesters took to prayer. A handful of leftists appeared to shield themselves with umbrellas.

\u201cLeftist protestors use umbrellas to shield themselves from the prayers of @MattWalshBlog supporters.\n\nFootage by TPM\u2019s Beth Baisch @PuffinsPictures\u201d
— The Post Millennial (@The Post Millennial) 1665710840

After the event, Houston police worked to ensure that attendees could safely leave the premises.

\u201cPolice have moved in to clear a path for people exiting the screening of #WhatIsAWoman\u201d
— YAF (@YAF) 1665711562

Here is a trailer for the documentary:

OFFICIAL TRAILER: "WHAT IS A WOMAN?" youtu.be

COO of vegan food company Beyond Meat arrested for CHOMPING down on man's face



A top executive at Beyond Meat, a plant-based food company, was arrested for reportedly biting a man’s nose in a parking garage near Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Arkansas, last weekend.

Chief Operating Officer Doug Ramsey faces charges of terroristic threatening and third-degree battery after allegedly chomping down on a man's face and "ripping the flesh on the tip of the nose" during an altercation following the University of Arkansas football team’s victory over Missouri State.

According to reports, Ramsey was attempting to leave the parking garage in his Ford Bronco when a Subaru “inched his way” in front of him and made contact with his front passenger’s side tire. Ramsey allegedly “punched through the back windshield of the Subaru” before attacking the Subaru driver with both fists and teeth.

Ramsey “pulled [the Subaru driver] in close and started punching his body,” then “bit the owner’s nose, ripping the flesh on the tip of the nose,” according to reports.

The irony of a vegan food executive trying to make a meal of a human being's face was not missed by those jokesters on Twitter.

\u201cWhen you finally get sick of eating plant based meat: \n https://t.co/qOK2OZzqYt\u201d
— High Yield Harry (@High Yield Harry) 1663620263
\u201cI don\u2019t think I\u2019ve heard of anything more ironic than the COO of Beyond Meat attempting to bite a man\u2019s nose off.\u201d
— Samantha Marika (@Samantha Marika) 1663632407
\u201cNo one: \n\nCEO of Beyond Meat:\u201d
— wizard. (@wizard.) 1663626954
\u201cI was gonna joke that doesn\u2019t count as \u201cbeyond meat\u201d but it was\u2026 a bit on the nose\u201d
— Arlen Parsa (@Arlen Parsa) 1663675327
\u201cAll of us when we see why Beyond Meat is trending:\u201d
— Pizza Dad (@Pizza Dad) 1663626808
\u201cCOO Beyond Meat says it tastes like chicken \nbut smells like nose\u201d
— Apologetic Canadian (@Apologetic Canadian) 1663655283

BlazeTV host Stu Burguiere is a vegetarian and also just happens to be the executive producer of the Glenn Beck radio program. Glenn joined "Stu Does America" to do a taste test of the plant-based "McPlant" burger, a Beyond Meat product, to see how it fares against the competition. In case you missed it, this was without a doubt the most ridiculous (but hilarious) plant-based food review so far.

Watch the video clip below. Can't watch? Download the podcast here.


Want more from Stu?

To enjoy more of Stu's lethal wit, wisdom, and mockery, subscribe to BlazeTV — the largest multi-platform network of voices who love America, defend the Constitution, and live the American dream.

Despite migrants relocated, GoFundMe campaign raised $42,000 for 50 illegal immigrants, but money will go to Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation that has $14 million in assets



In response to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis sending 50 illegal immigrants to Martha's Vineyard, a GoFundMe campaign was launched. In less than 48 hours of their arrival to Martha's Vineyard, the migrants were being shipped off to Joint Base Cape Cod. Despite the illegal aliens having been removed from the swanky liberal enclave, the GoFundMe campaign continued to accept donations for hours after the migrants had been removed from the island.

\u201cBuses have arrived in Edgartown to transport migrants from St. Andrew\u2019s Parish House.\n\nThere is one big bus and two shorter buses to transport folks off the island. People with bags are taking selfies and hugging volunteers goodbye\u201d
— Samantha J. Gross (@Samantha J. Gross) 1663336246

Some liberals reacted to 50 migrants being sent to Martha's Vineyard by comparing DeSantis to Adolf Hitler and the Nazis. Some accused DeSantis of "kidnapping" and "human trafficking."

One individual created a campaign on the crowdfunding website GoFundMe to supposedly assist the illegal immigrants who were sent to Martha's Vineyard.

The GoFundMe campaign is labeled: "Urgent plea to help Martha's Vineyard migrants."

MassLive reported, "A GoFundMe account has raised thousands of dollars for the Venezuelan immigrants placed on the island. The account which was organized by Sarah Goulet will donate all proceeds toward the Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation."

Goulet wrote, "By now, you have probably seen the shocking news that Florida Governor Ron DeSantis arranged to send two planeloads of migrants, mostly from Venezuela, to the island of Martha’s Vineyard."

"Officials and volunteers on the island have sprung into action to provide emergency services, shelter, food, and clothing," she continued. "Martha's Vineyard is a community of open-hearted individuals that view these migrants as people, not political pawns."

"However, the island is a resort community with only 20,000 year-round residents, and it already faces a shortage of affordable housing and off-season jobs," the GoFundMe listing stated. "Please join me in donating to the Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation, which can quickly distribute funds to the neediest organizations."

Goulet added, "This action by DeSantis is a cruel ruse that manipulates families seeking a better life — but we can help to provide support."

Goulet noted that "Martha's Vineyard is a very special place for my family and me," and that her parents have a home on the island.

According to Townhall reporter Mia Cathell, "The organizer is an Ivy League alum from an affluent family and New York comms exec who donated 6x to Kamala Harris. Her wedding on Martha's Vineyard was featured by NYT and her family's $1.6 million+ home there sits near a private association beach."

"The GoFundMe donations are going to Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation, which has assets under management of $14 million+," Cathell wrote on Twitter. "MVCF is also seeking money via a Migrant Relief Fund since residents are 'concerned about the well being of the migrants...on our Island.'"

Nonprofit database GuideStar revealed that the Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation has assets of $14,387,890

\u201cThe GoFundMe donations are going to Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation, which has assets under management of $14 million+. MVCF is also seeking money via a Migrant Relief Fund since residents are "concerned about the well being of the migrants...on our Island."\u201d
— Mia Cathell (@Mia Cathell) 1663338884

Despite the migrants being relocated off Martha's Vineyard around 10 a.m., the crowdfunding campaign continued.

Goulet posted an update at 11 a.m. on Friday: "The migrants left Martha's Vineyard for the Cape this morning."

With the migrants having already been hauled off Martha's Vineyard, Goulet said the donations "will go to shoring up the organizations that provided assistance over the past few days and to building up a reserve to assist situations like this in the future, rather than directly helping this group of migrants and their situation."

Goulet wrote at 4 p.m., "All funds raised went directly to the MV Community Foundation, to distribute to the organizations with the most need."

The GoFundMe campaign raised a total of $42,516.

Trio of pro-choice groups plans to shell out $150 million during midterm election cycle



Three pro-choice groups are planning to collectively shell out a whopping $150 million during the 2022 election cycle, according to a press release on the NARAL Pro-Choice America website, which named Planned Parenthood Action Fund and EMILY’s List as the other two entities.

"While each will run its own electoral programs with their own advocacy and political organizations, today’s announcement represents a united effort to aggressively respond to the unprecedented attacks on sexual and reproductive rights and abortion rights across the country and raise voters' awareness of the lawmakers who are to blame," the press release noted.

"The collective investment will be used by Planned Parenthood advocacy and political organizations, NARAL Pro-Choice America, and EMILY’s List in a variety of tactics, including, where legally appropriate, voter outreach, paid advertising, message research, mobilization efforts, polling, PAC contributions to candidates, trainings and communications guidance to support the abortion access movement, and in-person actions at state capitals and in Washington, D.C. These efforts are in addition to the robust investments made in collaboration with local and state partners, reproductive justice organizations, and other allies to mobilize supporters and push back against abortion restrictions," the press release stated.

Abortion remains a critical issue of cultural contention within the U.S., and an issue that is very important to some voters — while pro-life advocates push to protect the lives of unborn children, pro-choice proponents insist that women should have the option to terminate pregnancies.

Catholics for Choice recently tweeted, "If straight, white, cisgender men could get pregnant, abortion would be a sacrament."

The comment sparked pushback on Twitter.

"No. Killing a baby is killing a baby, no matter who has the abortion," one person wrote in response to the tweet.

"If straight, white, cis men could get pregnant, abortion would still kill a living human, and we’d still oppose it," someone else noted.

"Pro-lifer here. I and other pro-lifers like myself don't oppose abortion because women are the ones who get pregnant. If we're right that abortion kills an innocent human being, no one should be allowed to get one. So, if men could get pregnant, abortion would still be wrong," another tweet declared.

Pro-lifer here. I and other pro-lifers like myself don't oppose abortion because women are the ones who get pregnant. If we're right that abortion kills an innocent human being, no one should be allowed to get one. \n\nSo, if men could get pregnant, abortion would still be wrong.
— Samantha Kamman (@Samantha Kamman) 1651447052

J.D. Vance and Mike Gibbons exchange blows over abortion as the Ohio Senate primary intensifies



The Ohio GOP Senate primary continues to intensify as J.D. Vance’s campaign attacked Mike Gibbons as “squishy,” Fox News reported.

An article published by the Associated Press in 2017, when Mr. Gibbons last ran for the United States Senate, indicated that Gibbons might not be as staunchly pro-life as his campaign at the time indicated. The Associated Press reported that Gibbons said he “personally opposes abortion, but politically, he’s ‘not a woman’ so wouldn’t choose for them. He said he wasn’t ‘pro-choice,’ though, but ‘pro-people.’”

On Thursday, Vance raked Gibbons over the coals for his ostensible lack of commitment to the pro-life movement during a town hall event.

Vance said, “If you’re not willing to stand up for unborn babies in this country, then what else are you going to cut tail and run on when the going gets tough. If you’re not willing to stand on that issue, I think it indicates your character is weak, and you don’t have the fortitude to actually serve the interests of our voters.”

Noting that he was proud to be outspoken in support of the pro-life movement, Vance continued, “I’ve had the left attack me for a long time for having the courage of my convictions. And, you know what, when Mike Gibbons, they asked him whether he was pro-life, he said, no I wouldn’t call myself pro-life I think ultimately it should go to the woman’s choice.”

Condemning Gibbons’ apparent noncommitment to the pro-life cause, Vance added that his unclear stance “is the language of pro-abortion.”

OH SENATE: @JDVance1 rips fellow candidate @MikeGibbonsOH at a Townhall yesterday for comments Gibbons made in 2018 where he rejected the pro-life label, in favor of calling himself "pro-people" & said that since he's "not a woman," he can\u2019t make the choice on abortion for them.pic.twitter.com/mg6XWwl2xz
— Henry Rodgers (@Henry Rodgers) 1645199685

Responding on Twitter, Mike Gibbon’s spokeswoman Samantha Cotten said that Vance “is lying, and he knows it.”

She added that it was “sad that he has resorted to pushing fake news.”

.@JDVance1 is lying and he knows it. Sad that he has resorted to pushing fake news. Mike Gibbons is and has always been 100% pro-life. He's been active with crisis pregnancy centers and pro-life causes for decades.https://twitter.com/JDVance1/status/1494704525059502086\u00a0\u2026
— Samantha Cotten (@Samantha Cotten) 1645200707

Ms. Cotten told TheBlaze that “Mike Gibbons is 100% pro-life. This spin was debunked in the 2018 election cycle. This attack is a desperate attempt by JD Vance to deflect the narrative away from his sinking campaign and his past comments attacking President Trump.”

The Vance Campaign’s press secretary, Taylor Van Kirk, told TheBlaze that “Using pro-abortion language and being squishy on the issue tells conservatives who you really are. Trying to walk it back after you realize its political weakness makes you a coward. JD is proud to be 100% pro-life and will fight to end abortion in America.”

Recent polling indicates that Vance and Gibbons are within striking distance of each other.

David Ryder/Getty Images

Riots in the streets of Philly



Viral videos captured the mayhem taking place against Philadelphia police on Monday night after the police shooting of 27-year-old Walter Wallace Jr.

Authorities fatally shot Wallace, who was reportedly armed with a knife as police responded to a scene of a domestic incident. During the incident, Wallace reportedly strode toward officers and refused to drop his knife.

You can read more on Wallace's killing here, which was captured on bodycam footage.

What are the details?

According to Newsweek, many videos emerged across Twitter on Monday night, showing attacks on police officers.

In some of the videos, officers can be seen running for cover as rioters attack.

Citizens in #Philadelphia have police retreating and running for cover tonight, in retaliation of the unjust execut… https://t.co/nRtV8BQQ7Y
— Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸 (@Tariq Nasheed 🇺🇸)1603778339.0
Traffic cones, water bottles, fireworks being thrown toward a line of police with riot gear as they push down Pine… https://t.co/XvMbemkTQc
— Samantha Melamed (@Samantha Melamed)1603769533.0

The outlet added, "One video also appears to show an officer being struck by a pickup truck near 52nd and Walnut. The officer is reported to be a 56-year-old female sergeant who suffered a broken leg after being hit by the vehicle."

Journalist Andy Ngo shared footage of what appeared to be the incident in question.

He captioned the tweet, "At the Philadelphia BLM riot, a cop got hit or run over by a speeding vehicle."

At the Philadelphia BLM riot, a cop got hit or run over by a speeding vehicle. https://t.co/S12XuEoNAi
— Andy Ngô (@Andy Ngô)1603774843.0

The unnamed female officer reportedly wasn't the only officer to suffer injuries in connection to Monday night's riots.

WCAU-TV reported that at least 30 police officers were injured in the line of duty as violent protesters smashed windows, looted, and set vehicles on fire.

"All the officers, except for the one struck by the truck, had been treated and released as of early Tuesday," WCAU reported.

"Police cars and dumpsters were set on fire as police struggled to contain the crowds," the station's report continued. "More than a dozen officers, many with batons in hand, formed a line as they ran down 52nd Street chasing protesters away from the main thoroughfare. The crowd largely dispersed then."

Authorities also said that at least five police vehicles and one fire department vehicle were vandalized.

At least 30 people were arrested in connection with the riots and looting.

#Philly looting - Philadelphia, PA https://t.co/H7SgGSqOQY https://t.co/mnAgyQ91l1
— Kitty Shackleford (@Kitty Shackleford)1603774005.0
A police SUV is on fire at 52nd and market, surrounded by a crowd of a couple hundred https://t.co/dwSFbNoMgs
— Anna Orso (@Anna Orso)1603770496.0

What else?

Newsweek reported that Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw said that the shooting, and the subsequent video, "raises many questions" and announced an investigation into the incident.

"Residents have my assurance that those questions will be fully addressed by the investigation," Outlaw said. "While at the scene this evening, I heard and felt the anger of the community. Everyone involved will forever be impacted. I will be leaning on what the investigation gleans to answer the many unanswered questions that exist."

"I also plan to join the Mayor in meeting with members of the community and members of Mr. Wallace's family to hear their concerns as soon as it can be scheduled," she added.

University of Chicago English department to accept only grad students interested in 'Black Studies' this year



The English department at the University of Chicago announced that it will be accepting only graduate student applicants who are interested in pursuing Black Studies in the upcoming admissions cycle.

In a faculty statement posted on the department's website in July, the English department expressed remorse about the university's role in perpetuating inequality and committed to emphasizing and amplifying black voices more strongly. From a highlighted portion of the statement:

The English department at the University of Chicago believes that Black Lives Matter, and that the lives of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Tony McDade, and Rayshard Brooks matter, as do thousands of others named and unnamed who have been subject to police violence. As literary scholars, we attend to the histories, atmospheres, and scenes of anti-Black racism and racial violence in the United States and across the world. We are committed to the struggle of Black and Indigenous people, and all racialized and dispossessed people, against inequality and brutality.
For the 2020-2021 graduate admissions cycle, the University of Chicago English Department is accepting only applicants interested in working in and with Black Studies. We understand Black Studies to be a capacious intellectual project that spans a variety of methodological approaches, fields, geographical areas, languages, and time periods. For more information on faculty and current graduate students in this area, please visit our Black Studies page.
OMG... statement from the English department at @UChicago. https://t.co/WiUWnnMppT
— Samantha Harris (@Samantha Harris)1600095410.0

There will be seven courses offered in the Black Studies field in 2020-2021: Hemispheric Studies; Toni Morrison, beloved and a mercy; Readings in Exile; Jamaica Kincaid and Naipaul; Black Shakespeare; and Uneasy Intimacies: Interracial Modernism.

"English as a discipline has a long history of providing aesthetic rationalizations for colonization, exploitation, extraction, and anti-Blackness," the statement said. "Our discipline is responsible for developing hierarchies of cultural production that have contributed directly to social and systemic determinations of whose lives matter and why. And while inroads have been made in terms of acknowledging the centrality of both individual literary works and collective histories of racialized and colonized people, there is still much to do as a discipline and as a department to build a more inclusive and equitable field for describing, studying, and teaching the relationship between aesthetics, representation, inequality, and power."

The University of Chicago recently experienced protests, including an "occupation" of the block on which the provost lives, as students pushed for the disbanding of the campus police department and a reallocation of the funds to other initiatives, such as a Critical Race and Ethnic Studies Department.