Supreme Court seems skeptical about state bans on ‘conversion therapy’ for LBGTQ+ kids

WASHINGTON (AP) — A majority of Supreme Court justices seem to be leaning in favor of a Christian counselor who is challenging bans on LGBTQ+ “conversion therapy” for kids as a violation of her First Amendment rights. Her lawyers argued Tuesday the laws passed in about half of U.S. states wrongly restrict voluntary, faith-based therapy. President Donald Trump’s administration is backing her challenge to Colorado’s law. The state argues the measure simply regulates licensed therapists by barring a practice that’s been scientifically discredited and linked to serious harm. But the conservative-majority court seemed unconvinced that states can restrict talk therapy aimed at changing feelings or behavior while allowing counseling that affirms kids identifying as gay or transgender.

Trump administration threatens no back pay for federal workers in shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump’s administration is warning of no guaranteed back pay for federal workers during a shutdown. That would be a reversal of what’s been long-standing policy for some 750,000 furloughed employees. Trump said some people “don’t deserve” to be taken care of during an event at the White House. A memo being circulated by the White House on Tuesday says legislation the Republican president signed into law in 2019 does not require back pay. The memo says it’s up to Congress to provide the funds. The move was widely seen as a negotiating tactic. But Democratic Sen. Patty Murray calls it a “scare” tactic since the law is clear that workers will be paid.

Truck driver sues Mark Sanchez and Fox after violent fight over parking space

(AP) — A truck driver has filed a lawsuit against former NFL quarterback Mark Sanchez and Fox Corporation following a bloody fight police say was started by Sanchez. The lawsuit, filed Monday in Indiana, accuses Sanchez of starting a fight outside a downtown Indianapolis hotel. The altercation left the 69-year-old truck driver, Perry Tole, with severe injuries. Tole also stabbed Sanchez during the fight. Prosecutors say the dispute began over parking. Sanchez faces a felony battery charge and several misdemeanors. Tole’s lawsuit seeks damages and attorney’s fees. Sanchez was in Indianapolis for Fox’s coverage of a football game. Fox Sports declined to comment on the lawsuit.

National Guard members from Texas are in Illinois

ELWOOD, Ill. (AP) — National Guard members from Texas were getting settled at an Army Reserve center in Illinois on Tuesday, the most visible sign yet of the Trump administration’s plan to send troops to the Chicago area despite a lawsuit and vigorous opposition from Democratic elected leaders. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, who has accused President Donald Trump of using troops as “political props” and “pawns,” said he didn’t get a heads-up from Washington. The Associated Press saw military personnel in uniforms with the Texas National Guard patch at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, 55 miles southwest of Chicago.