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Washington, Minnesota become trans refuges, shield abortions

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

SEATTLE (AP) — Democratic governors in Washington state and Minnesota on Thursday signed into law legal protections for people who travel to those states seeking reproductive and gender-affirming procedures and treatment.They are the latest blue states to enact safeguards against bans or limits on transgender and abortion healthcare in Republican states.In Seattle, Gov. Jay Inslee wore a pink tie as he signed a bill that bans other states from using Washington state courts or judicial processes to enforce their bans on abortion and gender-affirming health care. The law blocks related warrants, subpoenas, extradition requests and court orders from other states related to those out-of-state patients.“Freedom of choice is a health care issue. We are protecting access to health care,” Inslee said. Halfway across the country, Gov. Tim Walz made Minnesota a refuge for young people coming from other states for gender-affirming care. Numerous other states are rushing to impose restrictions ...

Farewell to a beloved elder: Activists reflect on Belafonte

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

NEW YORK (AP) — Carmen Berkley, a strategist with a Seattle-based foundation advocating equity and racial justice, remembers meeting Harry Belafonte a decade ago when she was a youth activist.She’d gone to Florida to attend a sit-in protest that other young Black activists had staged at the Capitol in Tallahassee over the death of Trayvon Martin, a Black teenager fatally shot in 2012 by a resident of a gated community who decided Martin looked suspicious. Berkley recalls “this magical moment” when Belafonte showed up to encourage the Capitol demonstrators.“He gave us hope. He reminded us that we are important, that we are powerful and we deserved freedom and Justice in our lifetimes,” said Berkley, vice president of strategy and impact at Inatai Foundation. “There is no one like Mr. B,” she added. “Humble and kind, generous and focused, and a true advocate for artists, advocates and all of the communities who want to get free.”Belafonte, who died Tuesday at age 96, was a close frien...

Huntley High School student charged after 'racially-motivated messages'

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

HUNTLEY, Ill. — A Huntley High School student is facing charges following reports of "racially-motivated messages."According to Huntley police, last week the school's administration and the resource officer received reports of the messages from a single student which had been shared throughout the school.Following an investigation, police said the "racially-motivated" messages were originally sent earlier in the year and were recirculated last week. CPS looking to hire more nutritional staff Police stressed while the investigation is ongoing, felony charges were approved for one student, who is a juvenile. The specific charges were not released."The Huntley Police Department takes these matters seriously and those participating in such conduct will be held accountable. We will continue to work closely with school officials on issues that impact the safety of all students and staff within the Village of Huntley," the department said in a statement.

Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson attends last meeting as Cook County commissioner

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

CHICAGO — Chicago's Mayor-elect Brandon Johnson attended his last meeting as Cook County commissioner Thursday.Johnson's mayoral inauguration is slated for May 17.Before he had the opportunity to speak before the county board, each member took the time to offer their gratitude and well wishes as he prepares to take office.In those comments, several board commissioners also hinted at challenges and barriers they've faced with fifth-floor administration. Some saying this is an opportunity to open a door for good and to work collaboratively with the mayor's office — something President Toni Preckwinkle says has been difficult, but not naming an administration specifically.Hours before the meeting, the mayor-elect announced the formation of the "Chicago For The People Transition Committee" and 11 subcommittees. The committee and subcommittees are made up of people from different sectors, including Chicago's business, activists and government communities. ‘Pressure’s a privilege:’ Why...

Dwyane Wade says his family left Florida because they 'would not be accepted' there

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

(The Hill) -- NBA legend Dwyane Wade says he and his family moved away from Florida because of the recent wave of anti-LGBTQ laws being passed there, saying his family “would not be accepted” in the state. During an interview on Showtime’s “Headliners,” Wade explained to host Rachel Nichols that the reason he doesn’t live in Florida anymore is because of the push from state lawmakers to implement anti-LGBTQ laws in the state. "A lot of people don't know that. I have to make decisions for my family, not just personal, individual decisions," Wade told Nichols during the sit-down interview, which is set to air Thursday. Wade, a three-time NBA champion with the Miami Heat, is the father to 15-year-old Zaya Wade, who came out as transgender in 2020."I mean, obviously, the tax [situation] is great. Having Wade County is great. But my family would not be accepted or feel comfortable there. And so that's one of the reasons why I don't live there,” Wade told Nichols.  ...

18-year-old woman killed in Matteson double shooting

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

MATTESON, Ill. — An 18-year-old woman was killed following a double shooting Wednesday night in Matteson.Just before 9:55 p.m., Matteson police were dispatched to the 3700 block of 214th Place on the report of shots fired.When they arrived, police said they discovered a 21-year-old man in front of a residence with a gunshot wound to the leg. The man was transported to St. James Hospital after a tourniquet was applied.Inside a vehicle parked at the residence, an 18-year-old woman was discovered suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. She was pronounced dead a short time later.Neither victim was a resident of Matteson, police said. Man shot while inside vehicle in Joliet; critical condition Police believe the shooting was isolated and no suspects are in custody. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 708-503-3130.

Texas House passes bill reducing penalties for low-level marijuana possession

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

Editor’s Note: The video above shows KXAN News Today’s top headlines for April 27, 2023.AUSTIN (KXAN) – On Thursday, the Texas House of Representatives passed a bill that would reduce the penalty for possession of small amounts of marijuana.In addition to marijuana, House Bill 218 also relates to the possession of certain tetrahydrocannabinols (THC), certain synthetic cannabinoids and drug paraphernalia.The bill would reclassify the possession of up to one ounce of marijuana or cannabis concentrate as a Class C misdemeanor, which is a citable offense, but it is not subject to an arrest. There could, however, be a fine of up to $500.HB 218 was approved after a third reading by members of the House Thursday. The bill now heads to the Texas Senate for review.

Harm reduction group clashes with Texas lawmakers over fentanyl legislation

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

AUSTIN (Nexstar) — Crammed into Texas Sen. Joan Huffman's office chanting "shame," a group of Texans confronted staffers on Thursday, demanding the senator uses her leadership role to take action on legislation related to addressing the fentanyl crisis.The Texas Harm Reduction Alliance is calling on Huffman — who chairs the Criminal Justice Committee — to advance several bills that aim to decriminalize the use of fentanyl testing strips. Currently, under the Texas Controlled Substances Act drug testing equipment such as these strips are classified as drug paraphernalia, making it illegal for people to recreationally test.The test strips cost roughly a dollar and can be used to test drugs, powders and pills for the presence of fentanyl, which is significantly more powerful than other drugs and can be fatal. Earlier this month, the Texas representatives overwhelmingly passed House Bill 362, which would allow people to safely test their drugs for fentanyl "without the risk of pros...

UT researchers create e-tattoo that could help detect heart disease

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- An electronic tattoo could help save your heart. Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed an ultrathin, lightweight electronic tattoo, or e-tattoo, that attaches to the chest for continuous, mobile heart monitoring outside of a clinical setting. It's a continuation of an earlier chest e-tattoo project, according to a release from UT. It's wireless and mobile and is enabled by a series of small active circuits and sensors carefully arranged and linked by stretchable interconnections and conforms to the chest via a medical dressing, the release said. The clear devices are less intrusive than other monitoring systems and more comfortable for patients. Related: UT, Texas A&M researchers make e-tattoos to show if someone is stressed The e-tattoo includes two sensors that together provide a clear picture of heart health, giving clinicians a better chance to catch red flags for heart disease early.UT researchers create e-tattoo that could help ...

New Project Connect renderings feature light rail buildout opportunities in the future

Published Fri, 21 Feb 2025 15:34:24 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- After debuting five light rail design options last month, Austin's Project Connect leaders have released new renderings that highlight future expansion and light rail buildout opportunities under each proposal.Austin Transit Partnership, CapMetro and city leaders shared the updated renderings during the city's Housing and Planning Committee meeting Tuesday. All three entities are currently gathering public feedback on the options through May 2, with a final version set to be announced in June. PREVIOUS REPORTING: Project Connect debuts 5 scaled down light rail options "The full vision is there, and will be completed," said Annick Beaudet with the City of Austin's Project Connect office. "We're committed to that. It's just, because of funding constraints we've talked about extensively over the past year, we're building a core system as an initial investment."Both Austin Mayor Pro-Tem Paige Ellis and Austin City Council Member José “Chito” Vela have requested more c...