Latest news with #Case
Time of India
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Time of India
"I wasn't expecting that": Veteran ultrarunner Stephanie Case conquers 100km ultramarathon while nursing
Stephanie Case (via Getty Images) Ultramarathon runner Stephanie Case didn't come to the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia 100-kilometer ultramarathon in North Wales with a goal of victory. Six months after giving birth and still nursing her daughter, Pepper, Stephanie Case was merely seeking to cross the finish line with strength—and to keep her infant well-fed in the process. But after having stopped several times to breastfeed throughout the punishing mountain race, Stephanie Case shocked the competition by taking the women's division finish line lead in Wales. Stephanie Case balances elite-level ultrarunning and new motherhood with victory in Wales Stephanie Case's account at the Ultra-Trail Snowdonia by UTMB is not one of just reaching the finish line—it's a strong message about motherhood, resilience, and identity. Running the race a mere six months post-birth and still nursing, Case was afforded a special break at the 50-kilometer point to breastfeed her daughter. She had prepared for nursing at 20 km and 80 km checkpoints, but the extra permission enabled her to go on with the race without neglecting the needs of her child. Stephanie Case is a Canadian human rights lawyer, ultramarathon runner, and founder of the women's running advocacy organization Free to Run. She also worked for the United Nations in Afghanistan, Gaza, and South Sudan. Stephanie Case won a 100k ultramarathon 6 months postpartum and breastfeeding | DW Shorts Even after beginning in the third wave of runners because of a three-year break from competitive racing, Stephanie Case was making her way consistently up the field. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo The irony? She wasn't even aware she had won until after the race was over. Her victory has since become a viral sensation, prompting universal acclaim—and some backlash. Case has been inundated with encouraging comments from women praising her for bucking attitudes towards motherhood. But not every reaction was favorable. Some criticized her decisions, suggesting new mothers need to stay at home, not venture out to conquer 100 km trail runs. 'That was a huge shock. I wasn't expecting that. It wasn't even on my radar that that could have happened,' Case told CNN Sports. 'It wasn't something I kind of strategized or planned ahead of time, but what it tells me is that we really aren't telling enough stories about new moms kind of doing all sorts of things, living full and complete, multi-dimensional lives.' Stephanie Case, who turns 43 this year, has run on six continents, but this victory, she says, is especially personal. Having overcome uncertainty, her return to the trails was not just a physical battle. It was a recovery of self. 'We all have mom guilt, but it's important for new moms to know that it's okay to prioritize the things that make them full and complete human beings because that will make them better parents in the long run because we are multidimensional," she added to CNN. 'Becoming a mom, it's one of the most physical and emotional transformations you can go through in your entire life. And so if there are things that you can hold on to—for me, it's running—that kind of remind you that everything that has changed, there are some things that remain constant, there are some parts of your identity that you haven't lost.' Also read: LeBron James is very 'intrigued' by different goaltending rules in basketball As Stephanie Case prepares to face her next test, the Hardrock 100 in Colorado, she continues to fuel a worldwide debate about what can happen when women are free to do it their way. Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
USA Today
3 days ago
- General
- USA Today
LGBTQ+ students seek social networks, safety in fraternities and sororities
LGBTQ+ students seek social networks, safety in fraternities and sororities When Dylan Mason was an incoming freshman at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan, his mom dropped him off at his dormitory with three earnest admonitions. 'She told me: Don't get a tattoo, don't get your ears pierced and don't join a fraternity,' chuckles Mason, 20, who recently finished his second year of college and his first year as a member of the fraternity Phi Kappa Tau. Mason, who identifies as gay, had never planned to join a fraternity. He changed his mind when he overhead members of another frat laughing at him. 'During winter recruitment, I was walking through the student center and heard a comment about me rushing. They thought it was funny. At the time, that really affected me,' Mason says. 'I wanted to prove them wrong. So, I made it my goal to join Greek life.' From that initial spite came genuine fellowship. 'My fraternity brothers are people who probably wouldn't have hung out with me in high school, but now they're some of my best friends,' says Mason, who is vice president of his fraternity. 'That's the beauty of diversity … even though I'm so different, I'm part of this community now — this brotherhood — and that's something I think a lot of gay people are lacking.' Greek inclusion growing Although fraternities and sororities have a history of homophobia, Greek life today is more diverse and inclusive than ever, observes Douglas N. Case, former coordinator of fraternity and sorority life at San Diego State University and an initiate of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. In studies of Greek life that he published in 1996 and 2007, Case observed a 'remarkable' shift in LGBTQ+ representation: In 1996, just 25% and 19% of LGBTQ+ men and women, respectively, said they were out to their Greek brothers and sisters. By 2007, 79% of LGBTQ+ participants in Greek life said they were out. 'Now it's 2025, and things have continued to evolve,' Case says Although she's careful to note her small sample size, Chana Etengoff found similar evidence of inclusion in a 2022 study of 50 LGBTQ+ students: 66% of LGBTQ+ participants in Greek life said their Greek experience was positive and 88% said Greek life contributed positively to their overall college experience, she reported. 'It was different than I would have expected,' says Etengoff, an associate professor of psychology at New York's Adelphi University. 'To me, the takeaway is that LGBTQ+ individuals are more complex than just their sexual or gender identities … just because you're LGBTQ+ doesn't mean you can't also be motivated to participate in Greek life.' 'A built-in community of lifelong friendships' A fraternity that perfectly embodies the benefits of Greek life for LGBTQ+ students is Delta Lambda Phi (DLP), which describes itself as a 'Greek organization started by gay men for all men.' Inclusive by design, founder Vernon L. Strickland III established it in 1987 to create an alternative social space for Queer men whose relationships were often predicated on sex. 'In the gay world, bars and hookup culture are very pervasive. And that's not a bad thing, but sometimes people want a little bit more,' says Brosnan Rhodes, who joined DLP in 2017 and currently serves as its trustee. 'Delta Lambda Phi offers a built-in community of lifelong friendships and bonds that you can plug into at any time in your life, anywhere you go.' And because DLP is Queer, the relationships its members create — for purposes of friendship, mentoring or professional networking — are inherently benign. 'In our community, it can be hard to get close to people because we don't always know who is safe,' Rhodes says. 'I love the fact that within our brotherhood, we can form bonds and connections without worrying whether a space is safe. Because we have a shared experience, I know that my brothers in every situation are going to treat me with the same kindness and respect that I'm going to give them.' Nearly 40 years after DLP's founding, other fraternities and sororities are carrying its torch of inclusion. At Indiana's DePauw University, for example, the Interfraternity Council and Panhellenic Association recently drafted a joint statement of inclusion to which all fraternities and sororities have committed themselves, says Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students John Mark Day. The statement reads: 'The best version of Greek life is a community where everyone feels not just tolerated but welcomed to exist as their authentic self.' 'This is deeply personal for me,' Day says. 'As someone who is both gay and a member of a fraternity, I know that these spaces can be welcoming of students who are both figuring out and fully living their LGBTQ+ identities … I also know there's a business case for this. As students become more diverse and inclusive, the organizations that will thrive will be the ones that truly live their values of brotherhood and sisterhood.' DePauw's inclusion statement is a sign of progress across the Greek system. 'It used to be the case that maybe you had a gay-friendly chapter of a fraternity or sorority that folks would gravitate to. Now, inclusion is becoming more of a priority throughout the Greek community,' Day says. For pioneers like DLP, that progress is a 'double-edged sword,' according to Rhodes, who says DLP has only eight active chapters in 2025 along with three groups currently seeking chapter status as prospective brothers find acceptance in other, larger fraternities where they previously weren't welcome. 'When Delta Lambda Phi was formed, it was because gay men could not join traditional fraternities,' says Case, an honorary DLP member. 'That's not true anymore.' What about trans and nonbinary students? Clearly, organizations like DLP are no longer necessary for some LGBTQ+ students. For others, however, they're more relevant than ever. 'More organizations are accepting, but they may not be wholly accepting,' notes Rhodes, who says DLP membership among individuals who are gender-nonconforming, nonbinary and trans has 'dramatically increased' in recent years. 'There are many parts of our community that are still underrepresented in Greek life because they aren't the 'typical' gay person. But at DLP, we're still a safe space for those people. Given the high rates of suicide among transgender and nonbinary youth, safe spaces in the Greek system can be 'lifesaving,' according to Case. 'Homophobia, heterosexism and transphobia still exist, and they're even more prevalent in single-sex organizations. So, there's still work to be done,' he says. 'But we've come a long way, and I find that to be reassuring.' Progress is evident in individuals like D. Perez-Sornia, who was one of the first trans nonbinary members of the sorority Delta Phi Epsilon when they joined it in 2019 as a junior at Cal Poly Humboldt, in Arcata, California. 'Our core values as a sorority were justice, sisterhood and love. So being in a sorority exposed me to a group of women who were into the same things I was into and had the same values I had, and that gave me an opportunity for self-growth and identity formation that I really needed at that time,' explains Perez-Sornia, who says Greek life can be rewarding for people of all gender and sexual identities when they're fortunate enough to have inclusive brothers and sisters. 'You have to be smart and do your research to find out where you'll be accepted. But if I could join a sorority as a girl with a mustache, I think anybody can.'
Global News
4 days ago
- Global News
Best packing cubes that are worth the hype
The Curator independently decides what topics and products we feature. When you purchase an item through our links, we may earn a commission. Promotions and products are subject to availability and retailer terms. If you thought packing cubes were all the same – think again. With the right set, you'll save space and accelerate your packing time – all with the fabric and personality to meet your needs. The best packing cubes don't just keep your clothes tidy – they turn chaotic travel into organized heaven. No matter the type of getaway, we've got you! Read on for jetsetter faves from brands like Lojel and Beis that will change the way you pack forever. Bon voyage! 8 Set Packing Cubes Luggage These bestselling packing cubes are a customer favourite, trusted by thousands of travellers for their smart design and reliable durability. Made from premium water-repellent nylon. $24.99 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement The Compression Packing Cubes 6 pc No need to worry about wrinkling your fresh vacation clothes with these compression packing cubes from Beis. High-quality and chic, plus, it's a buildable purchase where you can always come back for the matching luggage in this dreamy baby pink. $100.00 at Beis Compression Packing Cubes These compression packing cubes are designed to simplify your travel routine – lightweight and space-saving, they compress contents by up to 60 per cent! $32.99 on Amazon Packing / Storage Kit (Set of 4) From suitcase chaos to tidy bliss – the Lojel Packing / Storage Kit (Set of 4) makes staying organized feel like a little luxury. $65 at Lojel Story continues below advertisement 8 Set Packing Cubes How cute are these strawberry packing cubes? Gear up for travel with this adorable water-resistant, foldable 8-piece set. $27.92 on Amazon (was $29.55) You may also like: tomtoc Electronic Organizer Travel Case – $35 WANDF Carry-On Foldable Duffel Bag – $18 Story continues below advertisement Neutrogena All-in-One Makeup Removing Cleansing Wipe – $10 SEAFEW Underseat Travel Backpack – $43 Time and Tru Women's Sandals – $25 6 Pack Large Clear Travel Packing Cubes Shrink the time it takes you to rummage around for that runaway item with clear packing cubes. Genuis! $29.99 on Amazon (was $31.99) Thule Compression Cube Smart compression, subtle visibility and a wide-open design – this cube is the quiet overachiever your luggage has been waiting for. $29.95 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement BAGAIL 4 Set/6 Set Compression Packing Cubes A smart, travel-friendly solution that keeps your suitcase tidy and stress-free. These compression packing cubes are crafted from durable fabric to resist wrinkles, stains and wear. $33.99 on Amazon 6 Set Packing Cubes This 6-piece packing cube set is designed to take the stress out of every trip, helping you sort, organize and locate your items in seconds. The breathable mesh tops let you see what's inside without unpacking, while the fabric and smooth zippers are made to last. Travel smarter, not harder! $45.99 on Amazon Samsonite Unisex-Adult 4-In-1 Packing Cubes We love a Samsonite find! This 4-in-1 set folds neatly into one compact pouch, making your travel organization ultra-packable. $30.87 on Amazon Story continues below advertisement You may also like: Apear 16-in-1 Compact Travel Blanket – $92 Lojel Voja Small Carry-On – $350 No Boundaries Women's Tiered Cover-Up – $24 RFID Blocking Passport Holder – $15
Boston Globe
6 days ago
- Sport
- Boston Globe
With bat and glove, freshman Alyana DeJesus seals a Division 4 three-peat for Joseph Case softball
Then, with two outs and the tying run on second in the top of the seventh, DeJesus secured the final out at shortstop to seal Case's 7-6 win in the Division 4 softball championship game at Worcester State. For a third-straight season, Joseph Case was hoisting a trophy. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe The win gave the Cardinals (19-6) their third consecutive state championship, and marked their second-straight year topping Tyngsborough in the final. 'This definitely was the hardest of the three [to win],' said Case coach Shannon Silva. 'This entire season was a grind. We had some young players fill some important roles this year, and it took a little bit to figure it out . . . today's game, with a freshman coming up with a game-winning home run, it's just a testament to them never giving up.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up D4 FINAL: Joseph Case 7, Tyngsborough 6. After Tyngsborough plated one run in top of the 7th, Syndney Haslam grounds out with the tying run in scoring position to end it. In an absolute thriller, Case has won their third consecutive D4 state championship. — Matty Wasserman (@Matty_Wasserman) Advertisement Fresh off a one-hit gem in Thursday's semifinal win over Hampshire, Case sophomore Lila Alvarez allowed four earned runs and stuck out 12 against the talented Tigers (20-5). Tyngsborough opened the scoring in the second on junior Kaelyn DiMento's two-out, two-RBI single, and went back in front 3-2 in the fourth on sophomore Carly Smith's solo home run. But each time the Tigers punched, the Case offense answered against Hogan, a junior committed to Boston University. Related : Advertisement With two outs in the fourth, Cardinals senior Breanna Fontes gave Case a 4-3 lead with a two-run single to center. Two pitches later, junior Meghan Pereira doubled to bring Fontes home and put the Cardinals ahead, 5-3. 'The thing about our team that is so extremely special, is we are never down,' Fontes said. 'You can never count us out, no matter how bad we are playing or how bad you think we are. We are always about to come back.' Joseph Case center fielder Meghan Pereira was fired up after her second diving catch of the game. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Down by two runs in the seventh, Tyngsborough freshman Adrianna Arsenault narrowed the gap with a two-out RBI to make it 7-6. But with the championship hanging in the balance, Alvarez induced a groundout to DeJesus at shortstop to end it with a runner in scoring position. 'It felt great to come through for my team and pick them up throughout the game,' DeJesus said. 'We just all worked so hard for this.' Sophomore Lila Alvarez struck out 12 for Joseph Case. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Joseph Case center fielder Meghan Pereira (right) celebrates an inning-ending diving catch with teammate Skye Dupre. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Joseph Case's Alyana DeJesus watches her go-ahead home run leave the field at Worcester State. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Kiley Hogan, who is committed to Boston University, took the loss for Tyngsborough. Ken McGagh for The Boston Globe Matty Wasserman can be reached at
New Paper
7 days ago
- Business
- New Paper
Jetstar Asia passengers struggle to get refunds for cancelled flights
One day after Jetstar Asia announced that it would soon close, the low-cost carrier's passengers say they continue to struggle with rejected refund requests, congested helplines and disrupted travel plans. Some of the airline's passengers told The Straits Times they received notifications that they were "not eligible for a monetary refund" after submitting requests to get their money back for cancelled flights, while others said they received links that did not work. On June 11, the Singapore-based airline made a surprise announcement that it would close on July 31, citing rising costs and growing regional competition. Since then, its customers have been gradually notified via e-mail to either apply for a refund or reschedule their flights. Mr David Shuttleworth's June 14 flight to Penang was cancelled, but when he applied to get his money back, he was told that he was "not eligible for a monetary refund". The 70-year-old consultant said he has been unable to speak to Jetstar Asia staff about his case because of congested chat lines. Mr Wen Long also received a similar message after applying for a refund of about $50 for his flight to Penang. The 38-year-old accountant spent 45 minutes on the airline's online chat service before being told that he would be refunded and sent a confirmation e-mail within seven business days. Ms Atiqah A.R., 32, said the e-mail she received contained a broken link that directed her to Jetstar Asia's homepage, instead of a refund request form. The tax consultant later found the form on the website, but felt the process is troublesome. She had paid $88 for a July 19 flight to Kuala Lumpur. She also said she received an Instagram "follow" request from what she believes to be a fraudulent account called "@jetstarclaimresponse" on June 12. "I almost fell for it. This is what happens when (Jetstar Asia) is not as responsive as they should be," she added. "People are desperate to get any sort of (response) and might fall prey to these scammers." Other customers have found themselves stuck with travel expenses that they cannot get refunds for. Ms Jazz Anana, 38, had her flight to Okinawa in October cancelled. It also means she will not be able to make a subsequent ANA flight from Okinawa to Tokyo that cost her $800. The homemaker has been told by ANA that her ticket is non-refundable. "I didn't get travel insurance for this trip yet, I deeply regret not buying it earlier," she said. The Consumers Association of Singapore (Case) said it received three complaints on June 11 and 12 from customers having issues getting refunds from Jetstar Asia, due to either navigation issues on the airline's website or a lack of clarity on who to contact. Case president Melvin Yong said the consumer watchdog is working with Jetstar Asia on how it intends to process refund requests and reschedule flights. Asked about the issues passengers are facing, a Jetstar Asia spokeswoman said all passengers are entitled to monetary refunds. "By today (June 12), all customers will be contacted with details of alternative flight options where possible or offered a full refund. We ask customers to check the e-mail used at the time of booking for details," she said. The spokeswoman also said that customers who have made "non-refundable deposits" for other travel expenses such as hotels and car rentals should contact the airline, and requests for refunds would be considered on a case-by-case basis. A screenshot of a flight cancellation e-mail from Jetstar Airways to a passenger. ST PHOTO: GIN TAY Meanwhile, Jetstar Asia's passengers continue to have to deal with cancelled flights at Changi Airport. Ms Aisyah Matsuni, 33, who works at an active ageing centre, was supposed to leave for Bangkok with her family at 7am on June 11, but had her flight cancelled twice. She was put on a Singapore Airlines (SIA) flight to Bangkok on June 12 instead. SIA Group said it is working with Jetstar Asia to accommodate Jetstar passengers on SIA and Scoot flights if seats are available. It has set up a counter at Changi Airport Terminal 2 to assist these passengers. "All of us are very angry. Especially the kids - they're very excited for it, and you (the airline) cancel last minute without any notification," Ms Aisyah said, adding that she was worried her return flight on June 15 would also be cancelled. Travel agencies are also dealing with the fallout. Chan Brothers Travel's senior marketing communications executive Trista Foo said Jetstar Asia's closure has affected its tour packages to Okinawa in Japan and Broome in Australia. The airline is the only carrier offering direct flights to these places. Customers who had bought tour packages to Okinawa are being provided with non-direct flights with transfers from carriers such as Cathay Pacific or China Airlines, said Ms Foo, which will take about 2½ hours longer than a direct flight. Alternative flights to Broome could extend journeys by up to 10 hours, including layover times, she said. Customers will receive a full refund if they cancel their bookings and do not take up the alternative arrangements offered by the agency, she added. CTC Travel's deputy manager Diana Tan said it is working with alternative airlines for its group tours affected by Jetstar Asia's closure. Ms Tan said the agency has not had any cancellations so far. Meanwhile, Income Insurance said in a statement that it would cover eligible customers of its travel insurance who have suffered losses from non-refundable travel expenses. It said that it was doing so as a gesture of goodwill even though airline closure is not covered under its policies. The insurer said affected customers would be able to claim for expenses including accommodation, travel packages, amusement park tickets and transport bookings.
