Emergency rooms refused to treat pregnant women, leaving one to miscarry in a lobby restroom

WASHINGTON (AP) — One woman miscarried in the restroom lobby of a Texas emergency room as front desk staff refused to admit her. Another woman learned that her fetus had no heartbeat at a Florida hospital, the day after a security guard turned her away from the facility. And in North Carolina, a...

Voter ID took hold in the North Carolina primary. But challenges remain for the fall election

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — Nearly everyone who voted in person in last month's North Carolina's primary showed a qualifying photo identification, a top election official told legislators Wednesday. But it's unknown how many didn't bother trying to vote in person or by mail because they lacked an ID,...

Things to know as courts and legislatures act on transgender kids’ rights

Three court rulings across the U.S. this week delved into laws restricting the rights of transgender kids, including the first time the U.S. Supreme Court has gotten involved in a ban on gender-affirming care. Most Republican-controlled states have now banned gender-affirming health...

Supreme Court allows Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, reversing lower courts

WASHINGTON (AP) — Supreme Court allows Idaho to enforce its ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, reversing lower courts.

Using public funds or facilities for gender-affirming care banned by GOP-led Idaho Legislature

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — The GOP-led Idaho Legislature has passed a bill that would ban the use of any public funds for gender-affirming care, including for state employees using work health insurance and for adults covered by Medicaid. The Senate overwhelmingly approved the measure...

AP Decision Notes: What to expect in Idaho's GOP caucuses

WASHINGTON (AP) — When life cancels your primary, have a caucus. That’s what Idaho Republicans will do this Saturday when they gather in meetings across the state to help pick their party’s presidential nominee. State legislators originally hoped to save money by...

Idaho Republicans oust House majority leader amid dispute over budget process

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Republican state lawmakers in Idaho ousted a senior member of the Republican leadership Thursday in an escalation of a dispute over the way budgets for state agencies are passed. Rep. Megan Blanksma of Hammett was removed from her position as House majority...

More Republicans back spending on child care, saying it's an economic issue

Like a lot of mothers, North Dakota state Rep. Emily O'Brien struggled to find infant care when her daughter Lennon was born in 2019. So O'Brien, a Republican who represents the Grand Forks region, brought Lennon along to meetings with local leaders and constituents. O'Brien had her...