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Indiana’s appeals court hears arguments challenging abortion ban under a state religious freedom law

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Indiana’s Court of Appeals questioned attorneys this week on exceptions to the state’s abortion ban in a case involving residents who are suing on grounds that it violates a state religious freedom law. The class action lawsuit, filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of Indiana on behalf of five anonymous residents and the group Hoosier Jews for Choice, argues Indiana’s abortion ban violates the state’s Religious Freedom Restoration Act that was approved by Republican lawmakers in 2015. The suit was originally filed in September 2022 and a county judge sided with the residents last December. Indiana later appealed the decision. The court heard arguments Wednesday at the Indiana Statehouse, but did not indicate when it would rule on the appeal. The lawsuit argues the ban violates Jewish teachings that “a fetus attains the status of a living person only at birth” and that “Jewish law stresses the necessity of protecting the life and physical ...

Trump tells supporters, ‘Guard the vote.’ Here’s the phrase’s backstory and why it’s raising concern

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

Former President Donald Trump is urging supporters to “guard the vote” during next year’s election, a phrase that has set off alarm bells among pro-democracy advocates who say it signals permission to take extreme measures that could intimidate voters and threaten election workers.The phrase is a relatively novel one for Trump, though activists in the far-right movement have been setting the groundwork for it to be deployed more widely.Former national security adviser Michael Flynn has spent months repeating the phrase in posts, speeches and interviews. And Victor Mellor, a close Flynn associate, told The Associated Press he has been setting up a new group called “Guard the Vote” ahead of the 2024 elections. Mellor provided AP a video that showed the group’s new “command center” in a Florida building that houses Flynn’s offices.Trump employed the phrase in Ankeny, Iowa, on Saturday, saying his followers need to “guard the vote” because “we have all the votes we nee...

Oil and gas emissions cap coming Thursday, targets 2026 start date

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

OTTAWA — Canada is poised to outline a federal emissions cap on the oil and gas sector using a cap-and-trade system that would begin as early as 2026, says a federal government source.The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss matters not yet made public, tells The Canadian Press that a framework for the cap will be published Thursday.The target will not be as strict as the emissions cap estimated last year in the government’s emissions reduction plan.That plan suggested the oil and gas industry needs to cut emissions to 110 million tonnes by 2030 from more than 200 million tonnes in 2019.Oilsands companies say it would take them at least another five years beyond 2030 to get close to that.Draft regulations are now expected by mid-next year and the final regulations in early 2025, with some flexibility to allow companies to meet their targets using offset credits or paying into a decarbonization fund.This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec...

'Passenger disturbance' causes flight from Orlando to make emergency landing

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) -- The FBI is investigating reports of a threat after a flight from Orlando made an emergency landing in Jacksonville on Tuesday, WESH reported.The Federal Aviation Authority stated that around 6 p.m., Breeze Airways Flight 717 landed at the Jacksonville International Airport after a "passenger disturbance" was reported.According to WESH, the flight was headed to Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport from the Orlando International Airport. ‘It was a matter of time’: Residents heartbroken but not surprised by teen’s death at Lakeland intersection In a statement to WESH, Breeze Airways reported that there was an argument between two passengers that resulted in a "perceived security threat.""This evening, Breeze flight #717 from Orlando, FL to Providence, RI was diverted to Jacksonville, FL after an argument escalated between two guests onboard resulting in a perceived security threat. Local law enforcement met the plane and safely deplaned all guest...

Tired of seeing Taylor Swift during NFL games? Here's what she has to say

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (WDAF) -- If you're an avid football watcher or a Kansas City Chiefs fan, you may be feeling like you've seen slightly too much of Taylor Swift lately. She isn't showing up to games just to get more screen time, the pop star explained in a recent interview.Swift shared more details on her relationship, and her feelings about all the extra attention they've been getting, in an in-depth interview with Time magazine's Sam Lansky after Swift was named Person of the Year. It's no surprise that Swift earned Time magazine's annual honor. After all, as Lansky writes, "she became the main character of the world" this year. "If you’re skeptical, consider it: How many conversations did you have about Taylor Swift this year?" Lansky said. Kansas City Chiefs’ dietician reveals how much Patrick Mahomes eats In Time's new feature, she gave fans, better known as Swifties, even more details of her relationship with Kelce, setting the record straight on the rumors. Swift said it a...

Sean 'Diddy' Combs accused of gang-raping 17-year-old girl in latest lawsuit

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

NEW YORK (WPIX) — Music mogul Sean Combs is one of three men accused of gang-raping a Michigan teen after flying her to his studio in New York City 20 years ago, according to a new lawsuit. The alleged victim, identified as Jane Doe in court papers, claims she was brutally raped by Combs, Bad Boy Entertainment president Harve Pierre, and a third unidentified man in Combs' Manhattan studio in 2003 when she was 17, according to the civil suit filed in Manhattan Federal Court. Pierre initially met the teen at a Detroit lounge where he allegedly forced her to perform a sex act on him in the bathroom before they flew to New York City on a private jet, according to court papers. Combs, who was 34 at the time, convinced the girl to come to New York during a phone conversation, she claimed.After arriving at the studio, the teen was allegedly supplied with drugs and alcohol before Combs, the unidentified third man, and then Pierre took turns assaulting her, according to the filing. Combs all...

TIMELINE: How Tuesday's shooting spree in Austin, Bexar County unfolded

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Four people are dead and three others are injured, including two police officers, after a series of shootings in Austin Tuesday. Another two people were killed in Bexar County.The suspect, Shane James, 34, was arrested Tuesday night and booked into the Travis County Jail. He is charged with capital murder of multiple people, according to jail records.The string of violence appears to have started in San Antonio, before the suspect traveled to Austin and shot several people across multiple locations, according to police. ONGOING COVERAGE: Six people dead after shooting spree in Austin, double homicide in Bexar Co. Here's how the day unfolded, based on information from the Austin Police Department, the Austin Independent School District and the Bexar County Sheriff's Office.Austin ISD police officer shot10:40 a.m.: An AISD sergeant performing a daily check at Northeast Early College High School, at 7300 Berkman Drive, was shot in the leg.10:43 a.m.: The School Resour...

$8 million available for Austin rental assistance, eviction support

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

AUSTIN (KXAN) -- The City of Austin's Housing Department announced Tuesday it is now accepting applications for $8 million available to aid residents with rental assistance and eviction prevention support. The "I Belong in Austin" program is being administered by community organization El Buen Samaritano and "will provide financial assistance with rent, moving, and storage/relocation costs for tenants at risk of eviction," city officials said in a Tuesday release. Those interested in applying for assistance can do so online.El Buen Samaritano is poised to work alongside city leaders, the Texas RioGrande Legal Aid and Volunteer Legal Services to offer eviction prevention support, tenant relocation services and emergency rental dollars. The release added that those services will be available to community members in their preferred language. “[I Belong in Austin] is literally saving lives by ensuring safe spaces for children, elderly and adults. The dignity of being housed brings hope,...

Capital District YMCA hosts Winter Palooza

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

CLIFTON PARK, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- The Capital District YMCA is hosting a Winter Palooza at the Southern Saratoga branch on December 7. Guests are invited to sip on hot cocoa and learn about the programs and facilities the CDYMCA offers around the region. Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! Admission and activities offered specifically for Winter Palooza are free. There will be a bounce house for children and Olaf from Frozen will be at the door greeting visitors.There will also be a special offered for prospective members. The joiner fee will be waived for those who sign up for a CDYMCA membership during the Winter Palooza. The event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. at 1 Wall Street in Clifton Park. Reservations are not required but are appreciated.

Visit a Salvation Army Angel Tree at Planet Fitness

Published Mon, 24 Feb 2025 11:16:00 GMT

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) -- Planet Fitness and the Salvation Army are teaming up to bring holiday joy to local children in need. Planet Fitness locations throughout upstate New York have installed Salvation Army Angel Trees in their clubs that allow donors to adopt "angels". Get the latest news, weather, sports and entertainment delivered right to your inbox! “At Planet Fitness, we believe in the importance of giving back to the community,” said John Hrinda. Vice President of Field Operations at IGNITE Fitness Holdings, a Planet Fitness franchise. “We hope to see members of Planet Fitness and the larger New York community come out and fulfill the wishes of children in need this holiday season!”Donors can select a tag with the needs of a local child and purchase the item listed. The deadline for the Salvation Army Angel Trees is December 11. The following are Planet Fitness locations around the Capital Region:Albany: 161 Washington Ave. Ext., Albany, NY 12205Amsterdam:&...