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Nike criticized for walking back Boston Marathon ad following ‘pace shaming’ backlash

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Nike is facing backlash after a now-viral Boston Marathon ad reading “Runners welcome. Walkers tolerated.” drew criticism online for allegedly “pace-shaming” slower participants and those with disabilities.

“This is not OK. We should be building a more inclusive community, not isolating and belittling people that are a part of it,” running coach Amy Gougler said in a TikTok post.

“As a run-walk runner, this is offensive,” she added.

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“If I’m honest, [the ad] left me feeling uneasy…” wrote Boston-based Instagram user Dr. Hussain Al-Zubaidi.

“Many people taking on the marathon next week will walk all or part of it. For them, what does a message like this say? Does it inspire, or does it exclude?”

The sportswear giant responded to the backlash by emphasizing inclusivity, saying it wants more people to “feel welcome in running,” regardless of “pace, experience or the distance.”

“During race week in Boston, we put up a series of signs to encourage runners. One of them missed the mark,” the company said.

“We took it down, and we’ll use this moment to do better and continue showing up for all runners.”

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The controversy quickly spilled into the news cycle and became a flashpoint on Monday’s episode of “Gutfeld!,” where panelists dismissed the backlash and criticized Nike for backing down.

“The only mistake Nike have made here is apologizing and climbing down,” said Piers Morgan, host of “Piers Morgan Uncensored.”

Morgan argued marathons are, by definition, for runners.

“If you’re in a marathon, you should do what it says on the tin. You should run,” he added.

Others echoed Morgan’s view, with comedian Jeff Dye saying the backlash is overblown.

“I support people that walk in marathons. I think that’s fine,” he said.

“The outrage is insane. It’s insane they apologized…”

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Co-host Kat Timpf questioned the legitimacy of the outrage.

“I just am trying to decide if the offense at this is real. It could not possibly be real,” she said, adding, “That’s what the shoes are for [running]. Can you not describe the shoes?”

X users similarly sounded off on the decision to pull the ad, with some arguing Nike shouldn’t have backed down.

Will Ahmed, founder of wearable tech company WHOOP, said he would have stood by the ad.

“Nike’s DNA is winning and competition. It’s an ad for the Boston Marathon which is a RACE that is very hard to qualify for in a city that has a winning sports culture. Those details matter,” he wrote.

“The line was good in that it ‘cut through’ and got people talking about Nike. That’s the point of marketing. And I can guarantee you there’s a whole group of people in Boston who are runners and walkers alike that read it and loved it…”

Others struck a similar tone.

“People gotta lighten up,” wrote former Forbes contributor and Ideasicle X founder Will Burns.

“That was a great ad coming from Nike. And I can’t believe Nike backed down. Maybe their tagline should be updated to ‘Just do it (unless it offends someone).'”

Nike has since replaced the ad with a more inclusive message: “Boston will always remind you, movement is what matters.”

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Amtrak riders trapped for nearly 24 hours with overflowing bathrooms amid raging wildfires

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Hundreds of passengers on an Amtrak train in Florida were left stranded for nearly 24 hours after wildfires broke out near the tracks — disrupting service, halting travel and leading to countless complaints.

The delays on Monday were caused by two brush fires near the Clay County-Putnam County line in northern Florida.

Train 98, part of the Silver Meteor route between Miami and New York, was forced to stop near Jacksonville, leaving some passengers stuck onboard for extended periods.

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Amtrak confirmed the incident and details in a statement shared with Fox News Digital.

“For the safety of our passengers, train 98 returned to Miami yesterday with 232 passengers onboard after being delayed in Deland, Fla,” the company said. “Customers who traveled on this train will receive a full refund and Amtrak travel vouchers.”

Amtrak said most service in the area has since resumed — though two trains remain affected as crews continue to monitor wildfire conditions.

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Some passengers took to social media, describing long delays, limited updates and worsening conditions onboard as the situation unfolded.

“We’ve now been sitting on the tracks for about 10 more hours with little to no clear updates,” one traveler commented on Reddit during the incident.

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“The bathrooms are overflowing and unusable,” the traveler added.

Some also raised concerns about access to food and other necessities during the extended wait.

“I’m starving and really have to use the bathroom, and can’t,” a traveler said.

Passengers on Train 98, however, were given snacks, drinks and food from the lounge car during the delay, FOX 35 reported, with additional food provided once the train reached Orlando.

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The disruption on Monday also left some passengers scrambling to adjust travel plans, as cancellations and delays affected multiple routes and connections across the region.

Much of Florida is currently under drought conditions, which officials say contribute to increased wildfire risks, according to Fox Weather.

Fire weather warnings have also been issued across large parts of the state, including areas from the Panhandle through central and southwest Florida.

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Candace Cameron Bure praises Bible event uniting Americans: ‘Such an exciting time in history’

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Actress Candace Cameron Bure, known for her role as D.J. Tanner on the classic sitcom “Full House,” told Fox News that God brings people peace as “America Reads the Bible” takes place in Washington, D.C. 

The event, which has brought hundreds of people together, features more than 495 Christian leaders who gather to read the Bible aloud from cover to cover. 

The seven-day event, held at the Museum of the Bible, commemorates America’s 250th birthday, and President Donald Trump participated Tuesday by reading 2 Chronicles 7:11-22.

“It is such an exciting time in history,” Bure told “The Story” on Tuesday. “Never has this been done, to read the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, in such a public platform, to join all Americans together. You said it, from entertainers to government officials, to pastors, to moms and dads, to educators, nurses — it’s American people reminding ourselves of who God is in our life.” 

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Bure said it felt “honoring” to read the “holy words” of God and explained that the event is not about a bunch of perfect people coming together to read Scripture, but just the opposite. 

“We’re a bunch of imperfect people reminding ourselves that we need to be humble, and God is a God above all else,” she said.  

The actress told Fox News that Gen Z is “going back to the basics” and pondering where they can find true peace and joy. 

“God gives us that peace overall when we follow His ways,” Bure explained. “And so, more young people are realizing that. They are having encounters with God, and it is so exciting to see.” 

Bure encouraged believers that God is a “patient” God and waits for His children with open arms. 

“When you read the Bible in chronological order, it is the greatest love story you’ll ever read in a book because He is so patient throughout the ages, throughout the years, and He’s still patient with each and every one of us today, just waiting with open arms,” she said. “So, He calls every one of us and all you have to do is call back to His name, and He’s there.” 

Fox News Digital’s Jasmine Baehr contributed to this report. 

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Gates Foundation plans to cut up to 500 jobs while undergoing review of Jeffrey Epstein ties

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The Gates Foundation plans to cut up to 500 jobs, or about 20% of its staff, in the coming years as part of a long-term restructuring as the foundation also undergoes an external review of its ties to late financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Following a Wall Street Journal report that a memo was sent to employees Tuesday, a Gates Foundation spokesperson told Fox News Digital the review was first announced in a foundation-wide email last month and was agreed upon by the board and Bill Gates. The foundation did not indicate whether the planned job cuts are tied to the review.

The job cuts were disclosed earlier this year as part of the foundation’s budget planning. The review, however, has drawn renewed scrutiny regarding the foundation’s past interactions with Epstein and its policies for vetting partnerships, raising broader questions about governance at one of the world’s largest philanthropic organizations.

“Early this year, Gates Foundation CEO Mark Suzman commissioned an external review to assess past foundation engagement with Epstein, and our current policies for vetting and developing new philanthropic partnerships,” a statement said. “That review is underway, and we expect the board and management will receive an update this summer.”

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The organization also said employees were informed about the job cuts during discussions of its 2026 budget in a January press release.

“This cap will reduce the foundation’s current headcount target of 2,375 positions by up to 500 positions by 2030, with targets and timelines to be calibrated on an annual basis,” the press release said.

The Gates Foundation was founded by Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and his ex-wife, Melinda Gates.

The review comes as renewed attention has been placed on Epstein’s connections. In February, the Department of Justice released more than 3 million of Epstein’s investigative records, including personal emails. Bill Gates’ name appeared in the emails, which reportedly indicated he had affairs while married to Melinda Gates and sought medication to treat a sexually transmitted infection without her knowledge.

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Gates later reportedly acknowledged having two affairs that Epstein was aware of but said neither involved Epstein’s victims.

“I did nothing illicit. I saw nothing illicit,” Gates said, according to a town hall recording reviewed by The Wall Street Journal.

Bill Gates is scheduled to appear before the House Oversight Committee June 10 for a transcribed interview as part of its ongoing investigation into Epstein.

Fox News Digital’s Bonny Chu contributed to this report.

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