NEWS OF THE DAY
1 Discrimination law: Two transgender people and a lesbian law school professor filed a federal lawsuit Monday to challenge a new North Carolina law that blocks local governments from passing antidiscrimination rules and requiring transgender students to use bathrooms assigned to their biological sex. The three people, along with several civil liberties groups, wasted little time challenging the law, which was approved last week by the Legislature and signed by Republican Gov. Pat McCrory. The new law also prevents all cities and counties from extending protections covering sexual orientation and gender identity at restaurants, hotels and stores.
2 Blagojevich appeal: The Supreme Court on Monday rejected former Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s appeal of his corruption convictions that included his attempt to sell the vacant Senate seat once occupied by President Obama. The justices let stand an appeals court ruling that found Blagojevich crossed the line when he sought money in exchange for naming someone to fill the seat. Blagojevich, 59, is serving a 14- year sentence at a federal prison in Colorado.
3 Volcano eruption: A remote and active volcano on Alaska’s Aleutian Islands erupted, sending ash 20,000 feet into the air, scientists said. The U. S. Geological Survey says the Pavlof Volcano, which is about 600 miles southwest of Anchorage and roughly 40 miles from the nearest community, erupted Sunday at 4: 18 p. m. local time. Alaska State Troopers could not immediately say if there were any reports of injuries.
_ Calories on menus: The Food and Drug Administration said it will delay enforcement of menu labeling rules until next year. Passed as part of the health care overhaul in 2010, the rules will eventually require restaurants and other establishments that sell prepared foods and have 20 or more locations to post the calorie content of food on their menus, menu boards and displays. The years of delays have come as supermarkets, convenience stores and other retailers have fiercely lobbied against the rules. 5 White House Egg Roll: Calling the moment bittersweet, President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama welcomed thousands of children to the South Lawn of the White House Monday morning for the annual Easter Egg Roll. The egg rolling began in 1878. Now the event includes storytelling, musical performances and tips from professional athletes on how to play basketball, tennis and other sports.
6 Abortion anesthesia: The governor signed a bill Monday that makes Utah the first state to require doctors to give anesthesia to women having an abortion at 20 weeks of pregnancy or later. The bill signed by Republican Gov. Richard Herbert is based on the disputed premise that a fetus can feel pain at that point. Many doctors are concerned that the requirement could increase the health risks to women by giving them unnecessary heavy sedation in order to protect a fetus from pain that it may or may not feel.