
Daywatch: Advocates condemn court decision on gender-affirming care ban
Good morning, Chicago.
Chicago-area trans and LGBTQ+ community groups responded with disappointment and anger to the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to uphold Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care.
In the case, U.S. v. Skrmetti, three families with transgender children and a health care provider challenged Tennessee's law banning puberty blockers and hormone treatment for trans minors. The state has kept those drugs legally available for other purposes. Plaintiffs argued the ban violates their constitutional right to equal protection under the law, while Tennessee contended it is necessary to protect children.
Chicago trans rights advocates said they're worried the ruling could push trans youth in other states to more dangerous, unsupervised sources of gender affirming care in states with bans similar to Tennessee.
Despite the Supreme Court's decision, advocates stressed that Illinois continues to be a sanctuary state for young people and families seeking gender affirming care.
Read the full story here.
And here are the top stories you need to know to start your day, including the latest in the debate on teen curfews in Chicago, layoffs announced at Columbia College Chicago and what to do this weekend in Chicago.
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Mayor Brandon Johnson announced he will issue a rare mayoral veto after aldermen granted Chicago's police superintendent the power yesterday to declare a teen curfew anytime, anywhere in the city.
The highly contentious ordinance faced months of City Council debate before passing in a 27-to-22 vote. After the vote, Johnson, who had blasted it as 'lazy governance' and unnecessary, said he will issue the first mayoral veto in decades in a bid to kill the ordinance.
Johnson called the measure 'counterproductive to the progress that we have made in reducing crime and violence' and said it will elicit costly lawsuits against the city.
Mayor Brandon Johnson faced stiff criticism from a City Council opponent yesterday as he introduced an ordinance to implement a grocery tax at the city level.
Johnson's administration has argued the 1% city grocery tax is necessary as a state grocery tax that sent revenue to municipalities ends. But Ald. Brendan Reilly accused Johnson of sneaking the ordinance's introduction during a meeting to avoid legislative pushback, in what he characterized as a violation of the Open Meetings Act.
Iran's supreme leader rejected U.S. calls for surrender in the face of more Israeli strikes yesterday and warned that any military involvement by the Americans would cause 'irreparable damage to them.' European diplomats prepared to hold talks with Iran tomorrow.
The U.S. State Department said yesterday it is restarting the suspended process for foreigners applying for student visas but all applicants will now be required to unlock their social media accounts for government review.
What Jamal Williams remembers from Plano's Juneteenth celebration three years ago isn't just its record attendance — the organizer and former alderman said about 1,100 people showed up. Between the live band and fireworks, he was proud that residents of all races and political affiliations celebrated together.
'It was overwhelming. There was no negativity there,' he said. 'The police were getting along with people. People were parking, people were grilling, kids were jumping around.'
Plano, a town near Aurora in Kendall County that's home to about 12,000, made history in February 2021 when it became the first municipality in Illinois to recognize Juneteenth as a holiday, officials there say. It has held annual celebrations ever since, until this year.
Due to dwindling attendance and derogatory comments on social media, this year's festivities were initially canceled, Williams said. But some residents wanted the show to go on. So organizers decided to move the Thursday event to a church in Yorkville, just a few miles away.
Columbia College Chicago laid off 20 full-time faculty members as part of planned cuts to academic programming, the school announced this week.
Columbia has been plagued by financial troubles for years, with a budget deficit once expected to surge to nearly $40 million. The school's cost-cutting initiatives in December reduced the number of undergraduate degrees offered from 58 to 33.
A nonprofit civil rights advocacy group called for hate crime charges to be brought against a woman accused of attacking another woman, who caught her defacing a painting of a Palestinian man on a mural in the Pilsen neighborhood.
An auction that seeks to find a possible buyer for Pope Leo XIV's childhood home in Dolton has been extended a month while a federal judge declined to block the village from its own attempt to acquire the property.
As state and local governments look to transition to clean energy, some Winnetka residents were disappointed the Village Council voted to extend by 20 years the village's contract with an energy provider supplied largely by a downstate coal plant.
Whether Ryan Donato ever leads the Chicago Blackhawks again in goals won't matter.
The scrappy forward is sticking around for the long haul, agreeing to terms Wednesday on a four-year, $16 million contract through the 2028-29 season. He will have an annual salary-cap hit of $4 million.
The right sports movie can really do a number on you. It can maneuver around cliches, resistance points and aversions to string-pulling to win the big race against your more skeptical instincts. But it's usually not immediate. Movies tend to roll around in your head, half-remembered, for decades. And then it's there again, when you need it.
Last weekend, for example. Last weekend, the 1979 charmer 'Breaking Away,' nominally about cycling but about much more, glided out of the mists of time to push Tribune film critic Michael Phillips up another series of hills on the second day of a three-day, two-night bike-packing trip
Route 66 extends nearly 180 miles across the Texas Panhandle, starting in the ghost town of Glenrio, which straddles the border between Texas and New Mexico. About 20 miles east, the town of Adrian advertises itself as the route's midpoint, equidistant to Chicago and Los Angeles.
The road passes vast farm fields, undulating grasslands dotted with towering wind turbines and sprawling cattle ranches before entering Amarillo, the Panhandle's largest city. At its western edge sits one of Route 66's most photographed attractions: Cadillac Ranch.
Looking for something to do this weekend? We've got you covered with events in and around Chicago, from the 24th annual Chicago Pride Fest to Meltin' Margs and the Black Yacht Festival.
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Newsweek
22 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Ohio Bill Seeks to Ban and Criminalize Abortion: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Republican lawmakers in Ohio have introduced a bill that seeks to ban almost all abortions in the state and criminalize the procedure. State Representatives Levi Dean and Johnathan Newman introduced the Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act on Wednesday. The bill would grant legal protections from the moment of fertilization, meaning abortion would be treated as homicide, in a challenge to an abortion rights amendment to the State Constitution that voters approved in 2023. Newsweek reached out to Dean and Newman for comment via email. Why It Matters Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion activists have been pushing measures to enshrine the rights of fetuses in a bid to end abortion nationwide. Ohio voters enshrined abortion protections in 2023, prompting judges to strike down abortion bans in the state. Abortion is legal up to 20 weeks from fertilization in Ohio. While Republicans in Ohio have historically passed abortion restrictions and bans, legislation in the past has been aimed at penalizing abortion providers rather than the people who have them. But the new bill, if enacted, would change that. It could also affect in vitro fertilization (IVF) and some forms of contraception. Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices hear arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on December 1, 2021. Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices hear arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on December 1, To Know End Abortion Ohio, which collaborated with Dean and Newman to draft the bill, says the constitutional amendment approved in 2023 violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. Austin Beigel, the president of End Abortion Ohio, told Newsweek the bill is "a very, very simple piece of legislation" that "grants personhood to all human beings." The bill would ensure that "from the moment of fertilization, when you have a new, distinct living organism, you have personhood rights, and you have the equal protection of the law," he said. "So the same laws that protect a born infant will protect that same person inside their mother's womb." Beigel added that while the bill does not explicitly mention IVF, the "natural consequence of personhood rights for all human beings includes those currently living in petri dishes and cryochambers across our country and our state." Abortion rights advocates say the bill goes against the will of Ohio voters. "Ohioans spoke loud and clear that we want our access to reproductive healthcare protected, not attacked when we passed the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment in 2023," Kellie Copeland, the executive director of Abortion Forward, which worked to pass the amendment, said in a statement to Newsweek. Beigel said that his organization is not concerned about going against what voters want because "the will of the majority of voters was for something evil." "They were asking for the right to murder another so we are proud to stand against evil, even when evil is the majority," he added. Other groups that support abortion bans—Ohio Right to Life and Citizens for Christian—do not support the legislation, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. What People Are Saying Abortion Forward executive director Kellie Copeland, in a statement to Newsweek: "Voters in Ohio sent a clear message in 2023 we must be free to make our own decisions, define our own path in life, and safely care for our families and communities. Deciding if, when, or how to become a parent is one of the most important decisions we make. These decisions should be up to each individual Ohioan, not government. "These out-of-touch anti-abortion extremists want to give legal rights to fertilized eggs, embryos and fetuses. This would strip Ohioans' ability to make decisions for our lives, health, and well-being, including banning all abortion care, banning some types of birth control, and denying IVF treatment that helps people build their families. "Bills like this embolden law enforcement to surveil and investigate people for their actions during pregnancy – families and loved ones could be targeted by law enforcement for helping someone access an abortion, miscarriage care, or even IVF. Black people, other people of color and immigrants are most likely to be targeted, questioned, and harmed by policies like this." End Abortion Ohio, in a statement: "Ohio's pro-abortion constitutional amendment should be treated as null and void because it flagrantly violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by denying preborn persons the right to life. In appealing to the 14th Amendment, the Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act appeals to a higher law; the U.S. Constitution. "But even so, we appeal to the highest law; the law of God. In the Holy Scriptures, All men are created equal, being made in the image of God." Ohio Right to Life President Mike Gonidakis told The Cincinnati Enquirer: "We have never supported criminalizing a woman for having an abortion, and we never will. It's completely out of bounds and inappropriate." Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin, in a statement: "Mere days after an anti-abortion fanatic targeted and killed reproductive rights advocates, Republicans in the Ohio legislature have decided that women who receive abortions are the actual threat. Ohio Republicans intend to charge women who receive abortions with homicide, ban IVF, and even some forms of contraception, as they proudly go against the people of Ohio. Nearly three years ago, Donald Trump opened the door to these extreme anti-choice policies through the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Now, with Trump's blessing, the far-right has declared war on women's rights." What Happens Next Beigel said the legislation has garnered seven co-sponsors so far. But while Republicans control both chambers of the Ohio Legislature, it remains to be seen whether the bill will have enough support to pass. Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman told the Enquirer it's too early to know where House Republicans stand on the bill.
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
What UK involvement in Iran could look like – and the political questions it raises
At the time of writing, US President Donald Trump is deliberating over whether to join Israel's air campaign to destroy Iran's suspected nuclear weapons programme. This is already a contentious issue within Washington DC and the Trump administration. But if the president decides to take the US into a war with Iran, it will have significant implications for the US's allies, not least the UK. As the recent strategic defence review emphasises, the US is Britain's main ally, an essential partner in defence and intelligence. However, the Trump administration has made clear to its European allies that it no longer regards the defence of the continent as a US national security priority. And the president's commitment to Nato is uncertain. It is possible that Britain and other European allies could be publicly pressured by Trump to support any intervention on Israel's side. The US may expect this in return for the US's continued involvement in Nato and its readiness to honour article 5 (the collective defence principle, which obliges collective retaliation to aggression against one member) for its allies. Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK's latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Given the importance of American military power in deterring wider Russian aggression in Europe – and Trump's transactional character – this would present Keir Starmer with a particularly stark dilemma. A purely US air campaign against Iran is feasible. The US Navy will soon have two carrier strike groups in the Middle East region. And the US Air Force's B2 strategic bombers can launch raids across the globe from bases in the continental US. The US also has several military bases in the region. However, as was the case with the 1991 and 2003 wars with Iraq, Washington DC will need permission from Gulf Arab allies to use them. Nonetheless, the Trump administration could request authorisation from the UK's Labour government to use US airbases in the UK and its overseas territories to support an air campaign against Iran. This would not involve the UK deploying forces, but would require the UK to approve the use of the airbases. The Diego Garcia airbase in the Indian Ocean would be a useful asset in this case. But its employment would reopen the controversy over its establishment in the 1960s. It could also call into question the diplomatic deal the UK made with Mauritius last month to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands, while keeping this base open. The Mauritians are likely to oppose US airstrikes on Iran. Britain also has options for direct participation. RAF Typhoon jets stationed at Britain's airbase in Akrotiri, Cyprus provided air defence support for Israel during the Iranian missile and drone strikes in April and October 2024. They could conduct similar missions now. But from the Royal Navy's perspective, it would be difficult to divert the aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales from its deployment to the Indo-Pacific, partly because the task group it sails with is a multinational one. Given that the British armed forces are already overstretched, it is difficult to see whether the UK could provide more than basing rights and air support to the Israelis (if requested). A discreet commitment of UK special forces (the 22nd Special Air Service regiment and the Special Boat Service) on the ground is conceivable. This can be – and indeed has been – authorised by previous governments without parliamentary debate. But any further British military commitment is likely to cause a political row. The key question for Starmer and his ministers will not be whether Britain could back a US war against Iran but whether it should. After the debacle of the Iraq war and the ensuing Chilcot inquiry, it is difficult to see how any government – let alone a Labour one – can take Britain into a major interstate conflict on this scale without firm parliamentary support and a solid case in international law. To this end, the Attorney General Richard Hermer has reportedly questioned the legality of Israel's preemptive attack on Iran, and has argued that any British military intervention should be limited to the defence of its allies. We should not forget that Starmer was a human rights lawyer and the head of the Crown Prosecution Service before he became a politician. Another legacy of Iraq is that it is customary (though not a legal requirement) for prime ministers to seek parliamentary approval for any major military operation. David Cameron lost a vote in the House of Commons to approve airstrikes against Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria in August 2013. But he gained parliamentary support for Britain's commitment to the fight against Islamic State in 2015. A similar debate now is unlikely to lead to approval of British military intervention in this case. Within the Labour party, there is already widespread condemnation of Israeli tactics and Palestinian civilian casualties in Gaza. There is little popular appetite for sending British sailors and airmen into a war with Iran. And, given the US vice-president's own dismissive comments about the military experiences of European allies, the public is also entitled to ask why British servicemen should die or risk breaching international law for an administration that probably will not appreciate their sacrifice. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. Geraint Hughes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.


The Hill
27 minutes ago
- The Hill
Americans fleeing Israel on evacuation flights to Florida
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – Americans fleeing the deadly conflict between Israel and Iran are heading back to the U.S. thanks, in part, to Florida officials. Early Wednesday, a cruise ship transported roughly 1,500 people from Israel to Cyprus. From there, some boarded a plane bound for Tampa. Carrie Best-Lary, from Broward County, was one of those transported to Cyprus. She had traveled to Israel for a 10-day trip sponsored by the Birthright Israel Foundation, just ahead of her 50th birthday. Now, instead of reconnecting with her Jewish identity, she's fleeing back to the United States after barrages of Iranian missile strikes targeted Israel, following Israel's missile strikes on Iran. 'We saw explosions … we saw missiles,' she said. 'We heard sirens … we went to (the) shelter the minute we got that notification.' 'It's a very scary time,' she continued. Birthright Israel officials said Gov. Ron DeSantis helped coordinate four wide-body planes to fly all U.S. participants to Tampa. From there, they will be able to continue on to their respective hometowns. Tampa Jewish Community Relations Council Chair Jonathan Ellis said he's proud of the effort made by Florida's governor, as 1,500 Americans now have a path to escape the conflict and come back home. 'Florida has the resources to make sure that American citizens can get back to the U.S. that were stranded in Israel,' he said. 'You have to commend him for the actions he's taking.' 'Look, Gov. DeSantis has been a tremendous friend to the state of Israel,' he added. 'He has a commitment to, not only the state of Israel, but to the citizens of the state of Florida and to the American citizens.' Countries all over the world, meanwhile, are evacuating their nationals from Israel and Iran by air, land and sea as conflict rages between the bitter rivals. Days of attacks and reprisals by the two enemies have shuttered airspace across the Middle East, severely disrupting commercial flights and leaving people unable to get in or out of the region easily. Some governments are even using land borders to get their citizens out by road to countries where airports remain open. Thousands of foreigners have already left since the conflict started last Friday when Israel launched surprise missile strikes on Iran. The Associated Press contributed to this report.