Female swimmer claims grievance filed for calling trans athlete a man

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A U.S. Masters Swimming (USMS) female competitor, Angie Griffin, told Fox News Digital that a grievance has been filed against her for calling a trans athlete “a man” on a league community forum. 

USMS has confirmed that a grievance has been filed by a competitor. 

“U.S. Masters Swimming does not comment on individual member matters, including complaints or disciplinary processes,” the organization said in a statement to Fox News Digital. “We can confirm that a grievance has been filed by an individual member, not by U.S. Masters Swimming, related to the USMS Code of Conduct. As with all such matters, it is being handled in accordance with our established review processes.”

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Griffin has been outspoken about competing in USMS against a biological male trans athlete dating back to May 2025, when she told Fox News Digital she faced a trans competitor at a meet in San Antonio, but didn’t even find out the athlete’s birth sex until after the event. 

Now, she claims the grievance could cost her all of her USMS records. 

“They can possibly remove all my times, any sort of recognition I’ve had and possibly just delete me from U.S. Masters, for speaking an opinion, and honestly, speaking fact,” Griffin told Fox News Digital this week.

CALIFORNIA’S GIRLS’ SPORTS CULTURE WAR AMPS UP WITH MASSIVE PROTEST, OUTRAGE OVER RECENT TRACK AND FIELD TITLE

Griffin said she has now hired representation as she attempts to fight the grievance. 

“I tried to file a motion to dismiss it, giving evidence that I had not been bullying anyone online, that I had just merely posted facts that were available for anyone to find,” she added. 

After USMS updated its gender eligibility policy last June to restrict biological males from competing in women’s events, the organization updated its policy again this February to comply with state and local nondiscrimination laws, mostly addressing the men/open category, which is open to all competitors regardless of birth sex.

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Stefanie Capizzi

A swimmer competes in the Women’s 200m Breaststroke during the 15th FINA World Masters Championships at Parc Jean-Drapeau on Aug. 8, 2014, in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. (Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

“All members who select the men’s/open category are eligible for National Recognition Programs in the men’s/open category, regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity/expression,” the new policy states. 

“All members who select the men’s/open category are eligible for Local Recognition Programs in the men’s/open category, regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity/expression.”

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Will Europe be pulled into the Iran war? | News

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Europe is under pressure as Trump pushes allies to support the Iran war. How are they responding?

As US President Donald Trump pushes deeper into war with Iran, Europe is keeping its distance, calling it “not our war”. But as strikes on Gulf energy facilities send oil and gas prices soaring, that distance is being tested. In a rare joint move, leaders from across Europe and Japan have pledged to help stabilize energy markets and ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Can Europe stay out of the fighting while being pulled in by its economic consequences?

In this episode: 

  • Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff, Former EU Diplomat

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by David Enders and Chloe K. Li, with Spencer Cline, Sonia Baghat, Tuleen Barakat, Catherine Nouhan and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Sarí el-Khalili. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan.  Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube



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MRC urges FTC to investigate Apple News over alleged conservative bias

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FIRST ON FOX — The Media Research Center (MRC) urged the Federal Trade Commission to open a formal investigation into “potential unfair and deceptive trade practices and anticompetitive behavior” by Apple News. 

Apple News, a news aggregator that comes pre-installed on Apple devices, has been widely accused of favoring liberal publications and ignoring conservative outlets. 

The MRC, a conservative watchdog group, recently examined the content featured on Apple News throughout January. Of 620 stories shared between Jan. 1 and Jan. 31, 440 originated from outlets rated as left-leaning, while 180 originated from centrist outlets. Zero originated from right-leaning outlets, according to the study.

The study caught the attention of FTC Chairman Andrew Ferguson, who responded by sending a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook warning that Apple News could be in violation of Section 5 of the FTC Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices.

THE ALLEGED BIAS OF APPLE NEWS: EX-LIBERAL MAG EDITOR TASKED TO HANDPICK STORIES FOR MILLIONS OF IPHONE USERS

Apple News on iPhone

The Apple News application pre-installed on all iPhones. (Gabby Jones/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Now, MRC President David Bozell has sent a letter to Ferguson asking for a probe of the news aggregator. 

“This request is based on evidence suggesting that Apple has made materially misleading representations to both consumers and news publishers regarding key features and policies governing its news app, Apple News,” Bozell wrote in the letter obtained by Fox News Digital

Bozell said representations concern “whether users are able to block specific media outlets from appearing in their Apple News feeds,” “whether outside publishers may apply for inclusion in the Apple News application,” “whether Apple creates confusion for consumers about the diversity of viewpoints reflected in the app” and “whether Apple violated federal competition law, including potential tying or exclusionary practices, in preferencing Apple News on Apple devices.”

Bozell then explained that evidence had “come to light” since Ferguson sent a letter to Cook. 

APPLE NEWS BOOSTS LEFT-LEANING NEWS OUTLETS, SHUTS OUT CONSERVATIVE SOURCES: WATCHDOG

Apple

The Media Research Center (MRC) urged the Federal Trade Commission to open a formal investigation into “potential unfair and deceptive trade practices and anticompetitive behavior” by Apple News.  (Cheng Xin/Getty Images)

“First, in response to MRC’s investigative reporting concerning content selection practices on Apple News, Apple issued a statement asserting that users ‘can tailor the app to their interests by choosing to follow or block specific publications or topics.’ MRC’s subsequent investigation revealed that this claim is inaccurate,” Bozell wrote. 

“Evidence established by MRC shows that Apple is not only aware that users cannot block outlets, but that this restriction is actually a design feature,” he continued. “Second, Apple continues to encourage news organizations to apply for inclusion in Apple News.”

Bozell said the MRC’s NewsBusters was shut out from consideration while it “continues to inaccurately claim that publishers may apply to Apple News.”

“This discrepancy raises questions as to whether Apple’s public-facing materials are designed to mislead right-leaning publishers regarding the scope, openness, and ideological diversity of Apple News. After all, Apple News chose not to publish a single right-leaning outlet for 99 days in a row, while publishing 1,369 left-leaning outlets during that same time period,” Bozell wrote.

Bozell also wrote, “MRC’s ongoing monitoring of Apple News content selection has identified patterns that strongly suggest that Apple is intentionally creating confusion for consumers about the diversity of viewpoints available on the app.”

TRUMP FTC SENDS LETTER TO APPLE ABOUT ALLEGED POLITICAL BIAS ON ITS NEWS APP

Andrew Ferguson speaks at event

Chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Andrew Ferguson speaks during the Semafor World Economy Summit 2025 at Conrad Washington on April 23, 2025. (Kayla Bartkowski/Getty Images)

Bozell said the MRC is “concerned that Apple has engaged in anticompetitive trade restraints to harm its competitors.” 

“Because over 58% of smartphones used in America are manufactured by Apple and come preinstalled with its news app, Apple News often appears for users unprompted, and is always preferenced over competitor news apps. When consumers manually attempt to change their settings so Apple News is not preferenced, Apple devices often silently overrule this selection. In combination, these actions may constitute an illegal tying arrangement under federal competition law,” he wrote. 

“Apple’s representations to users and publishers have a profound influence on consumer expectations,” he continued. “Consequently, Apple’s statements and conduct warrant additional review under applicable consumer protection standards.”

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Bozell asked the Commission to investigate whether Apple has “made materially misleading representations regarding users’ ability to control or block content within the app,” “maintained or disseminated public statements that inaccurately describe opportunities for publisher participation on the app” or “engaged in conduct relating to the integration or preferential placement of Apple News on Apple devices that may raise concerns under federal competition law, including potential tying or exclusionary practices.”

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Fox News Digital’s Joseph A. Wulfsohn contributed to this report.



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‘The situation remains the same’: Abbas Araghchi takes aim at America, mentions Vietnam War and Five O’clock Follies – Abbas Araghchi Takes Aim On Us Mention Vietnam War Five O’clock Follies Says Situation Remains Same Iran War

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The conflict in West Asia is deepening with every passing day. Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has made sharp remarks citing the example of Vietnam War amidst the ongoing tension with America. He said that just as the American leadership used to give statements that were different from the ground reality during the Vietnam War, a similar situation is being seen today with Iran also.



In his statement, Abbas Araghchi referred to the Five O’Clock Follies, which was the name given to the US military’s daily press briefings in Saigon in the 1960s. In these briefings, victory in the war was claimed, whereas the actual situation was the opposite. More than 50 thousand American soldiers were killed in the Vietnam War and overall about 3 million people lost their lives.

Also read: West Asia Crisis: Mojtaba Khamenei claims victory over America-Israel; Pejeshkian spoke on nuclear weapons

What did the Iranian Foreign Minister say on Vietnam War?
The Iranian Foreign Minister said that even at that time, American General William Westmoreland had returned to the country and assured that the war was progressing and victory was near. But this perception was completely shattered after the Tet Offensive in January 1968, when North Vietnam and the Vietcong simultaneously attacked more than 100 cities.

Comparing the current situation, Araghchi said that even today a difference is visible between the American government and the ground reality. He claimed that while America is talking about the destruction of Iran’s air defense system, an F-35 fighter plane had to make an emergency landing after the Iranian attack.

What did America say on F 35 fighter plane?
On this incident, US Central Command spokesperson Captain Tim Hawkins said that an F-35 aircraft has made a safe landing at a regional airbase after a mission over Iran and the matter is being investigated.

Araghchi also said that contrary to claims about the deployment of US warships, aircraft carriers such as USS Gerald R Ford and USS Abraham Lincoln have withdrawn from their forward positions. However, according to the information, after the fire in USS Gerald R Ford, it is being taken to the island of Crete in Greece for repairs. It is being said that this incident was not related to the war.

Also read: West Asia Crisis: ‘Cowards we will remember this’, Trump again angry at NATO countries for not joining Iran war

What claim does Iran make on American losses?
Iran claims that so far 13 American soldiers have died and about 200 have been injured in the current conflict. Whereas in Iran, more than 1400 people have lost their lives and 18000 people have been injured. According to the report, the US has also lost 12 MQ9 Reaper drones in this conflict and four other manned aircraft have also crashed in the month of March.

Vietnam War and Tet Offensive
This war fought between North Vietnam (leftist) and South Vietnam (supported by America) was related to the politics of the Cold War. In this, America intervened to stop the spread of leftism, while the Soviet Union and China supported North Vietnam. This war lasted from 1955 to 1975 and North Vietnam ultimately won.

Millions of people lost their lives in this war and America suffered huge losses militarily, economically and politically. At the same time, the Tet Offensive is considered to be the turning point of the Vietnam War, which decided the direction of America’s withdrawal. In 1968, a major military operation took place, which was called Tet Offensive.

In this, North Vietnam and the Vietcong suddenly launched widespread attacks on South Vietnam and American bases during the Tet festival. Although the US and South Vietnam foiled these attacks militarily, the psychological impact of the incident was profound. This shook the American public’s confidence in the war and made it clear that winning the Vietnam War was not easy.

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Fox News True Crime Newsletter: Jimmy Gracey disappearance, Kouri Richins trial

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MURKY WATERS: Jimmy Gracey’s death deemed accidental after vanishing on spring break in Barcelona, police say

FLIPPED SCRIPT: Juror says Kouri Richins sympathy vanished after trial exposed kids’ book author’s plot to kill husband

LISTEN: IS ALEX MURDAUGH GETTING A NEW TRIAL?

Kouri Richins seated at a table, looking forward during her murder trial.

Kouri Richins looks on during her murder trial at the Summit County Courthouse in Park City, Utah, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. (Spenser Heaps/AP Photo, Pool)

‘MISSING PIECE’: Realtor’s cold case murder finally solved after 15 years, police say

FAMILY TERROR: Masked suspect seen at Nancy Guthrie’s home three weeks before her abduction, sources say

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Luigi Mangione appears in court for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson

Luigi Mangione, charged with the murder of Brian Thompson, the CEO of United Healthcare, appears in State Supreme Court in Manhattan during an evidence suppression hearing in his case on Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. (Curtis Means for Daily Mail via Pool)

COURTROOM CLASH: Luigi Mangione could lose a lawyer after winning fight against death penalty

FINAL ACT DRAMA: Comedy club owner with terminal cancer guns down ex-in-law, hunts ex-wife before turning up dead

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Nancy Guthrie and Savannah Guthrie

Nancy Guthrie disappeared from her Tucson home in the early morning hours of Feb. 1, with investigators treating the case as an apparent abduction.   (Fox Flight Team; Courtesy of NBC)

HAUNTING PAST: Man once eyed in disappearance of missing California teen now charged with murder

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BEHIND BARS: Fox Nation documentary examines Chris Watts’ Colorado family murder case



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FBI, CISA issue PSA on Russian intelligence campaign to target messaging apps

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Russian intelligence-affiliated hackers have gained access to thousands of users’ messaging apps with a global phishing campaign, the FBI and the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency warned in a public service announcement on Friday.

The high-value targets they’re pursuing include current and former U.S. government officials, political figures, military personnel and journalists, the two agencies said in the joint PSA about the hackers’ attempts to infiltrate commercial messaging applications (CMAs).

The U.S. alert comes on the heels of an earlier warning from Dutch authorities, who said last week that Russian hackers were “engaged in a large-scale global attempt” to take over WhatsApp and Signal accounts. The Dutch warning likewise followed a similar warning from Germany in February.

The U.S. agencies emphasized that the hackers had not been able to bypass end-to-end encryption, instead manipulating users into giving up access. The scheme involves hackers posing as Signal help personnel, then inviting them to click a link or provide verification codes or account personal identification number.

“After compromising an account, malicious actors can view the victims’ messages and contact lists, send messages, and conduct additional phishing against other CMA accounts,” the PSA explains. “(Note: reporting shows that the threat actors specifically target Signal accounts but can apply similar methods against other CMAs).”

However, “CMA users who strengthen their personal cybersecurity and defend against social engineering attempts can reduce the risk of account compromise and limit the effectiveness of the threat actors’ current tactics, techniques, and procedures,” the agencies said.

The Russian campaign is just the latest to seek to bypass the protections commercial messaging apps offer. CISA in November warned about spyware targeting of messaging apps. 

There sometimes has been a Russian intelligence nexus to the recent targeting. Google Threat Intelligence Group shined a spotlight last year on Russian attempts to target Signal users in Ukraine.

‘We anticipate the tactics and methods used to target Signal will grow in prevalence in the near-term and proliferate to additional threat actors and regions outside the Ukrainian theater of war,” the company said.

Tim Starks

Written by Tim Starks

Tim Starks is senior reporter at CyberScoop. His previous stops include working at The Washington Post, POLITICO and Congressional Quarterly. An Evansville, Ind. native, he’s covered cybersecurity since 2003. Email Tim here: tim.starks@cyberscoop.com.


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Sri Lanka says it denied US request to land two aircraft at Mattala airport | US-Israel war on Iran News

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President Anura Kumara Dissanayake says request made on February 26, two days before US and Israel launched war on Iran.

Sri Lanka’s president says his government turned down a request from the United States to land two US combat aircraft at a civilian airport earlier this month.

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told Sri Lanka’s parliament on Friday that Washington had requested permission for the aircraft to land at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in southern Sri Lanka from March 4 to 8.

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The request was made on February 26, two days before the US and Israel launched their military offensive against Iran.

“They wanted to bring two warplanes armed with eight antiship missiles from a base in Djibouti”, Dissanayake told lawmakers. “We turned down the request to maintain Sri Lanka’s neutrality”, he added to applause.

The US-Israeli war on Iran has sparked widespread concern globally, as Iranian missile and drone attacks across the wider Middle East have sent energy prices soaring and fuelled fears of a widening conflict.

US President Donald Trump has also been pressuring Washington’s allies to show more support for the war, slamming NATO countries as “cowards” for refusing to help secure the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has essentially shuttered the critical Gulf waterway amid the war, forcing leaders around the world to scramble to try to offset the effects on their economies and energy supplies.

Amid the turmoil, many countries have refused to get directly involved in the war while calling for urgent de-escalation.

On Friday, Switzerland announced that it would halt any weapons exports to the US that could be used in military operations against Iran, citing its longstanding policy of neutrality.

“The export of war materiel to countries involved ⁠in the international armed conflict with Iran cannot be authorised for the duration of the conflict”, the Swiss government said.

Sri Lanka’s president also cited his country’s neutrality in the decision to deny the US request to land the two aircraft at Matalla airport earlier this month.

Dissanayake said he had received another request that same day, on February 26, from Iran to seek permission for three naval vessels to make a goodwill visit to Sri Lanka.

“With two requests before us, the decision was clear,” he said, noting that the government denied both to avoid taking sides as signs of escalating conflict emerged.

“Had we said ‘yes’ to Iran, we would have had to say ‘yes’ to the US, as well”, Dissanayake added.

In early March, Sri Lanka’s navy rescued 32 Iranian crew off IRIS Dena after it was torpedoed by a US submarine off the country’s coast, killing at least 84 people.

Days later, Sri Lanka evacuated more than 200 crew members from a second Iranian vessel, IRIS Bushehr, after the ship requested assistance from Colombo.



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4 best online rug stores worth your money right now — and what to buy from each

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If a room feels unfinished, the right rug can pull it together. The right size and color can open up a space, add warmth and anchor your furniture. From large area rugs to washable styles, options from AmazonRugs.comRugs USA and Wayfair show you don’t have to spend a lot to make a big impact.

How do I choose the right rug size?

In living rooms, place rugs under the front legs of your furniture, or go large enough to fit all legs. For dining areas, choose a rug big enough for chairs to stay on it when pulled out. In bedrooms, rugs should extend beyond the sides and foot of the bed for a softer landing. For kitchens and hallways, go with runners to add warmth while protecting high-traffic areas.

What pile height is best for my space?

Pile height matters. Low-pile rugs are easier to clean and better for high-traffic areas like living rooms and dining spaces. High-pile rugs feel softer underfoot and are best suited for bedrooms.

Amazon

Amazon has rugs for every room. Shop affordable options in a range of sizes and washable designs.

This rug works in plenty of places throughout your home. (Amazon)

This blue and gray area rug works in both small and large living rooms. Use it to anchor all your furniture in a smaller space or place just the front legs on it in a larger one. The 9-by-12-foot size is priced under $120. 

Original price: $19.99

The higher pile makes this a comfortable rug for bare feet. (Amazon)

With its high pile, this rug adds a soft, plush feel that works well in bedrooms or nurseries. The 4-by-5-foot-9-inch size comes in solid shades and is machine washable.

Original price: $39.99

The water-repellent surface means you don’t have to worry about spilled drinks. (Amazon)

This 5-by-7-foot medallion rug adds warmth to smaller spaces with a faded mix of brick red, brown and orange. It features a non-slip backing, a water-repellent surface and is machine washable.

READ MORE: 13 easy upgrades to get your home spring-ready — all under $100

Rugs.com

Rugs.com deals make it easy to find affordable rugs in classic and everyday styles.

Original price: $605

This square-shaped rug can be used indoors or outdoors. (Rugs.com)

This 7-foot-10-inch by 7-foot-10-inch modern rug helps make smaller spaces feel more open. The unique shape stands out, while flecks of red, blue, white and gold add subtle color. The low-pile design is durable enough for indoor or outdoor use.

Original price: $875

Add vibrant colors to your living space. (Rugs.com)

This 10-foot-6-inch by 14-foot floral medallion rug in multi-fuchsia brings bold color to your space. The rich tones create depth, while the low-pile chenille is soft and easy to maintain. It’s also machine washable.

Rugs USA rugs

If you want a rug that stands out, Rugs USA offers bold patterns, large sizes and strong discounts.

Original price: $89.99

Transform your kitchen with a washable rug. (Rugs USA)

This 2-foot-8-inch by 6-foot runner is ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens and hallways. The diamond pattern adds subtle style, and you can toss it in the wash when it needs cleaning.

Original price: $629.99

If you are going beige, make sure it’s spill-proof and machine washable. (Rugs USA)

This 8-by-10-foot rug has a distressed beige look that feels vintage but is built for everyday use. It’s spill-proof, machine washable and durable enough for busy spots around the house.

READ MORE: Wayfair Spring Cyber Week sale: Save up to 90% on mattresses, patio furniture and more

Wayfair

Wayfair rug deals cover every style, from bold patterns to neutrals, all at discounted prices.

Original price: $438

This vibrant rug creates a focal point in bare rooms. (Wayfair)

Add warmth and color to outdoor spaces with this 7-foot-10-inch by 10-foot indoor-outdoor rug. The patterned design adds personality, while the backing helps keep it in place.

Original price: $206

Liven up a room with this unique rug. (Wayfair)

Liven up your space with this blue and white geometric rug. The medium-pile design is durable for busy areas, and it’s weather- and stain-resistant for indoor or outdoor use.

For more deals, visit www.foxnews.com/deals 

Original price: $480

This rug covers a large area. (Wayfair)

Transform your space with this large Oriental-style rug. Faded tones of blue, red and yellow add warmth, while the stain-resistant material helps handle spills. The 7-foot-10-inch by 10-foot-3-inch size offers plenty of coverage.

If you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can get these items sent to your door ASAP. You can join or start a 30-day free trial to start your shopping today.



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What are the risks of turning energy sites into battlefields? | US-Israel war on Iran News

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Oil and gas facilities in the Gulf have been attacked since early in the war on Iran.

The war in the Middle East took a serious turn when Israel bombed Iran’s energy facilities, pushing Iran to step up attacks on its Gulf neighbours.

The damage has been significant and will take years to repair. It also has long-term consequences, with Qatar already warning of a reduction in exports.

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The escalation is dangerous, experts say, as energy exports from the Gulf region account for a fifth of global output.

So, what are the risks of turning energy facilities into battlefields?

Presenter: Imran Khan

Guests:

Mohsen Baharvand – Former Iranian ambassador to the United Kingdom

Jim Walsh – Research associate in MIT’s security studies programme

John Sfakianakis – Chief economist at the Gulf Research Center



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Teen with rare blood disorder urgently needs bone marrow donor

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A New York City father is desperately seeking a donor to save his teenage son’s life.

Max Uribe, now 15 and a high-school freshman, has just weeks until he will need to be hospitalized with a rare blood disorder that could lead to a deadly cancer.

“Max was just 6 when we first noticed there was something wrong with his blood counts,” his father, Juan Uribe, told Fox News Digital. “At the time, we thought it was due to a viral infection, but they never fully recovered back to their normal level.”

RFK JR. ANNOUNCES ‘HISTORIC CRACKDOWN’ ON ‘BROKEN’ ORGAN DONATION SYSTEM

In December 2024, Max’s condition grew worse, and he was diagnosed with clonal cytopenia, a condition involving the blood and bone marrow.

“All three of his blood counts are low — red, white and platelets,” Uribe said. 

Uribe Family on a dock

Max Uribe, pictured with his parents and sister, is in urgent need of a stem cell transplant to save his life. (Uribe Family)

In August 2025, another bone marrow biopsy revealed that Max is on a path to bone marrow failure, creating an urgent need for a stem cell transplant.

“The disease has continued to progress, as his blood counts continue to drop, and therefore, we have to take him to transplant in May of this year,” Uribe said.

MOM WITH NO SYMPTOMS HAD STAGE 4 COLORECTAL CANCER — AND A RARE SURGERY SAVED HER LIFE

If left untreated, Max’s condition could lead to MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome), a type of blood cancer, and from there possibly into acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

A bone marrow match must have a specific type of HLA (human leukocyte antigen), which are proteins found on the surface of most cells in the body, according to the National Marrow Donor Program (NMDP).

Max Uribe and his parents

Max Uribe, pictured with his parents, will be hospitalized for a transplant in May, as his blood count has been steadily decreasing. (Uribe Family)

The closer the donor’s HLA markers are to the patient’s, the more likely the body will accept the new cells without a high risk of complications.

People from the same ethnic background are more likely to share similar HLA types, meaning a patient is most likely to find a compatible donor among individuals with similar ancestry, per the NMDP.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE HEALTH STORIES

Non-Hispanic White patients have a 79% chance of a perfect match. That drops to 49% for Hispanic/Latino patients, 29% for Black patients and even lower for mixed ancestries, the NMDP reports.

Because Max is a “very rare combination” of half-Colombian from his father and a mix of Italian, British and German from his mother, his path to a perfect match is proving much more difficult, Uribe noted.

“For a kid like Max, with complex, mixed heritage, the math is devastating.”

“For a kid like Max, with complex, mixed heritage, the math is devastating,” he said. “The thinking is, we need large numbers if we’re going to have that perfect match for my son.”

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Max, who participates in competitive tennis and varsity wrestling, just had additional blood work done on Friday, which revealed that his counts continue to plummet.

“We’re at the point where this is beginning to manifest a bit more, which is why the urgency is so critical,” Uribe said.

Max Uribe pictured with family

Because Max is a “very rare combination” of half-Colombian from his father and a mix of Italian, British and German from his mother, his path to a perfect match is proving much more difficult. (Uribe Family)

If a donor is not secured by Max’s hospitalization in May, the medical team will have to proceed with a partial match, which is not ideal for a number of reasons.

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“The survival rate is meaningfully lower with a partial match, and there’s more risk of graft versus host disease (GVHD), which could lead to complications in the process,” Uribe said. With GVHD, the donor cells begin to attack the body.

Uribe siblings playing soccer

Max Uribe, an active athlete, is on a path to bone marrow failure, requiring a stem cell transplant. (Uribe Family)

To help prevent this with a partial match, Max would likely need chemotherapy and immunosuppressants for a longer period of time, which could weaken his immune system.

TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ

Anyone interested in donating can order a free test kit on the Team Max website. The kit includes a quick cheek swab that is sent back to the lab to determine whether someone is a match.



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