Jan 17 Transgender health restrictions up for debate in South Carolina as Missouri sees similar bills By James Pollard, Summer Ballentine, Associated Press The measures' consideration in the two GOP strongholds highlights the continued interest among conservative lawmakers in targeting issues impacting LGBTQ+ residents after last year's wave of high-profile bills. Continue reading
Jan 16 Disputes over viability are dividing abortion-rights groups and complicating ballot measure efforts By Christine Fernando, Summer Ballentine, Associated Press A divide between abortion-rights activists over whether to include restrictions regarding the viability of the fetus on planned state ballot measures is roiling the movement. Continue reading
Jan 16 Trans youth 'terrified' of what Louisiana's new health care ban will mean By Roby Chavez A new law banning gender-affirming care for minors in Louisiana took effect at the start of the year. Since the legislation was passed last summer, parents have been scrambling for help. Continue reading
Jan 14 Watch 9:09 How rural communities are tackling a suicide and depression crisis among farmers By Megan Thompson, Melanie Saltzman More than 50,000 Americans took their own lives in 2023, the nation’s highest yearly rate of suicide on record. Farmers are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than the general population, according to the National Rural Health Association. Continue watching
Jan 12 Watch 6:55 Why experts are concerned about the JN.1 variant responsible for latest COVID wave By John Yang, Dorothy Hastings The U.S. and other parts of the world are in the midst of another COVID-19 wave. Infections and hospitalizations are on the rise this winter and a new variant is responsible for most of those cases. John Yang discussed these… Continue watching
Jan 11 Efforts to restrict transgender health care endure in 2024, with more adults targeted By Andrew DeMillo, Hannah Schoenbaum, Associated Press Advocates for transgender rights say most of the states inclined to pass gender-affirming care bans have done so. They now expect those states to build upon those restrictions and expand them to adults. Continue reading
Jan 11 Alabama can enforce a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender minors, appeals court rules By Kim Chandler, Associated Press A federal appeals court has ruled that Alabama can begin enforcing a ban outlawing the use of puberty blockers and hormones to treat transgender children. Continue reading
Jan 10 Program aims to provide cash for pregnant women and families with newborns in Flint, Michigan By Associated Press The program has no restrictions on income. The $1,500 can be used on food, prenatal care, rent, cribs or other needs. The $500 monthly stipend can be spent on formula, diapers or childcare. Continue reading
Jan 10 Holiday gatherings and a new variant have driven up COVID cases globally, WHO says By Associated Press Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says nearly 10,000 deaths were reported in December, while hospital admissions during the month jumped 42 percent in nearly 50 countries — mostly in Europe and the Americas — that shared such trend information. Continue reading
Jan 08 LGBTQ+ advocates' lawsuit says Louisiana transgender care ban violates the state constitution By Kevin McGill, Associated Press The lawsuit was prepared by Lamda Legal and other advocates on behalf of five Louisiana minors and their parents, identified in the lawsuit by pseudonyms. Continue reading