Idaho Governor Brad Little has signed a bill into law that criminalizes gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors, including puberty blockers, hormone treatment, and gender-affirming surgeries. Opponents argue that the bill is an unnecessary and harmful restriction on the rights of transgender minors, while supporters argue that it is necessary to protect minors from making irreversible decisions about their health and wellbeing. The bill is set to go into effect on July 1, 2021, making Idaho the twelfth state to ban or restrict transition-related care for minors.
Posts published in “Politics”
State Rep. Tricia Cotham has changed her party affiliation from Democrat to Republican, giving the GOP a supermajority in the state House. This switch will give Republicans the ability to override any veto from Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, and Cotham is now open to restricting abortion care in North Carolina. This decision could have major implications for the state's political landscape.
NPR has denounced Twitter's decision to label them as "state-affiliated media", arguing that it is inaccurate and inappropriate. Twitter CEO Elon Musk appeared to endorse the designation, and the labeling system has been seen as an attempt to limit the reach of certain news outlets. NPR President and CEO John Lansing has said that the non-profit media organization will continue to provide unbiased coverage of news and events.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed grave concern over the detention of Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich in Russia on espionage charges, and has called for his immediate release. The Journal and Dow Jones have denied the unsubstantiated allegations and the U.S. government is closely monitoring the situation, with the safety and security of American citizens around the world a top priority.
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records in the first degree in a Manhattan court on Tuesday. In response, Trump urged Republicans in Congress to "defund" federal law enforcement, and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy accused Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg of seeking to interfere in the elections. If convicted, Trump could face up to four years in prison, with the trial expected to begin in the fall.
Janet Protasiewicz, Milwaukee County Judge, has won the Wisconsin Supreme Court election, defeating Dan Kelly by 11 points and potentially closing the door on an era of Republican dominance. Kelly expressed his disappointment in not being able to discuss the issues, and thanked his supporters for their efforts. This result marks a significant shift in the political landscape of Wisconsin, with implications for abortion rights, elections and maps.
Silvio Berlusconi, former Italian Prime Minister and billionaire media tycoon, was admitted to Milan's San Raffaele Hospital's intensive care ward on Wednesday due to heart problems. Berlusconi has suffered from ill-health in recent years, including contracting Covid-19 in 2020, and his current condition is unknown. His hospitalization is being closely monitored by the Italian public and political circles.
Former President Donald Trump is set to be arraigned in New York City on Tuesday on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records, and the outcome of the trial could have a major impact on the upcoming presidential election. Media organizations and polling outfits have conducted surveys about the indictment, and protesters have already gathered near the courthouse in anticipation. The trial is expected to be a highly publicized event, and its outcome could shape the election.