Judge allows lawsuit that challenges Idaho’s broad abortion ban to move forward

Judge allows lawsuit that challenges Idaho’s broad abortion ban to move forward

An Idaho judge on Friday denied a request by the state’s top legal chief to throw out a lawsuit seeking to clarify the exemptions tucked inside the state’s broad abortion ban. Instead, 4th District Judge Jason Scott narrowed the case to focus only on the circumstances where an abortion would be allowed and whether abortion … Read more

As U.S. states bar Trump from the 2024 ballot, will any rulings stick? – National

As U.S. states bar Trump from the 2024 ballot, will any rulings stick? – National

Is Donald Trump eligible to run for U.S. president again? What is the role for courts and state election officials in making that determination, and what legal standard should apply if a political candidate is accused of insurrection? These are the questions experts say are likely to be weighed quickly by the U.S. Supreme Court … Read more

West Virginia starts distributing funds from the settlement of opioid lawsuits

West Virginia starts distributing funds from the settlement of opioid lawsuits

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — West Virginia is issuing the first checks from a fund established by the settlement of opioid lawsuits in the state, which has by far the nation’s highest drug overdose death rate. The Kanawha County Commission said Thursday it received a $2.9 million check and plans to discuss how it will be spent … Read more

Air in Times Square filled with colored paper as organizers test New Year’s Eve confetti

Air in Times Square filled with colored paper as organizers test New Year’s Eve confetti

NEW YORK — Visitors to Times Square got a small preview of New York City’s famed New Year’s Eve party on Friday, as the event’s organizers heaved handfuls of colored paper skyward in a promotional event to test their confetti. With crowds of celebrants expected to pack into Times Square for the festivities, even the … Read more

Kathy Griffin files for divorce ahead of her fourth wedding anniversary

Kathy Griffin files for divorce ahead of her fourth wedding anniversary

LOS ANGELES — Comedian Kathy Griffin has filed for divorce from longtime partner Randy Bick just shy of the couple’s fourth wedding anniversary. Los Angeles Superior Court records show Griffin filed for divorce Thursday, citing irreconcilable differences. The pair dated for several years before marrying on New Year’s Day 2020. They have no children together, … Read more

Alabama, Michigan both restrict game film viewing on tablets due to fears of hacking, sign-stealing

Alabama, Michigan both restrict game film viewing on tablets due to fears of hacking, sign-stealing

LOS ANGELES — The Alabama Crimson Tide caused a stir at the Rose Bowl when they revealed they’ve restricted their players’ game film viewing on iPads heading into the College Football Playoff semifinal against Michigan because of concerns about hacking. As it turns out, Michigan is also taking precautions. The Wolverines also have stopped watching … Read more

Column: The Newby Awards sends out an invitation to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

Column: The Newby Awards sends out an invitation to Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce

In a year when “Everything Everywhere All at Once” dominated the Oscars, Taylor Swift took that theme to a whole new level before 2023 was done. We’re not even talking about the mammoth tour or the blockbuster movie or the overwrought fan base. This was The Year of Traylor. When Swift hooked up with Kansas … Read more

Ohio’s GOP governor vetoes ban on gender-affirming care, transgender athletes in girls sports

Ohio’s GOP governor vetoes ban on gender-affirming care, transgender athletes in girls sports

COLUMBUS, Ohio — Republican Gov. Mike DeWine vetoed a measure Friday that would have banned gender-affirming care for minors and transgender athletes’ participation in girls and women’s sports, in a break from members of his party who championed the legislation. GOP lawmakers hold enough seats to override DeWine’s veto, but if or when they would … Read more

For transgender youth in crisis, hospitals sometimes compound the trauma

For transgender youth in crisis, hospitals sometimes compound the trauma

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Four days of waiting in UNC Hospitals’ psychiatric emergency room left Callum Bradford desperate for an answer to one key question. With knots in his stomach, the transgender teen asked: “Will I be placed in a girls’ unit?” Yes. The answer provoked one of the worst anxiety attacks Callum had ever … Read more

For transgender youth in crisis, hospitals sometimes compound the trauma

For transgender youth in crisis, hospitals sometimes compound the trauma

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. — Four days of waiting under the flickering fluorescent lights of UNC Hospitals’ emergency room left Callum Bradford desperate for an answer to one key question. The transgender teen from Chapel Hill needed mental health care after overdosing on prescription drugs. He was about to be transferred to another hospital because the … Read more