VA. FILES TO DROP ABORTION RESTRICTIONS LAWSUIT

VA.» Attorney RICHMOND,

General Mark Herring, D, on Friday filed a motion to dismiss a federal lawsuit challenging a raft of state restrictions on abortion.

The lawsuit, filed in June by Planned Parenthood and like-minded groups, put Herring in a politically awkward spot as a vocal supporter of abortion rights and the statewide official tasked with defending Virginia in litigation.

In the motion, Herring seemed to walk a fine line — noting the plaintiffs’ “powerful arguments” against certain abortion restrictions while also contending that the place to challenge them is the legislature, not the courts.

Missouri governor signs law banning marriage of 15-year-olds. Missouri — long the easiest state in the nation for 15-year-olds to marry— has outlawed the practice.

Gov. Mike Parson signed a bill to raise the minimum marriage age to 16. Before, Missouri was one of 25 states with no minimum marriage age. And Missouri was the only state that allowed children age 15 to marry with only one parent’s approval, even if the other parent objected. Children younger than 15 needed a judge’s approval.

In March, The Kansas City Star published a series on child marriage showing that Missouri had possessed the dubious honor of the having most lenient law in the nation allowing 15-year-olds to marry.

Turtle researcher’s award rescinded over racy student photos.

ROCHESTER,

» A scientists’ group has rescinded an award to a turtle researcher who included pictures of scantily clad female students doing field research in his speech at a New York conference.

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reports longtime Brazilian turtle researcher Dick Vogt showed the racy slides Thursday during the Joint Meeting of Ichthyologists and Herpetologists in Rochester. Some slides were so risque that conference organizers added blue boxes to cover parts of the women’s bodies.

The uproar prompted the Herpetologists’ League to rescind Vogt’s award for distinguished herpetologist on Friday.

Florida beach closed after two shark bites in five minutes.

FERNANDINA FLA.» Officials said a

BEACH,

Florida beach was closed after two shark bites just five minutes apart.

Fernandina Beach, just northeast of Jacksonville, was closed to swimmers Friday afternoon.

Fernandina Beach Fire Chief Ty Silcox says a 30year-old man and a 17year-old boy were bitten on the feet. Neither victim got a clear look at what bit them.

Their injuries weren’t considered life-threatening.

Silcox says it’s been several years since any shark bites were reported in the area.

— Denver Post wire services