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Texas judge intervenes to allow woman whose fetus has trisomy 18 to terminate pregnancy

On Thursday, a Texas judge granted permission for a woman to terminate her pregnancy due to her fetus being diagnosed with what doctors describe as a ‘fatal disorder’ – despite the state’s strict abortion ban. Travis County District Judge Maya Guerra Gamble handed down the temporary restraining order on Thursday.

The Center for Reproductive Rights filed the historic, emergency lawsuit Tuesday on behalf of Kate Cox, a 31-year-old mother of two from the Dallas-area, who found out last week that her baby suffered from the chromosomal disorder trisomy 18, which usually results in either stillbirth or an early death of an infant. Cox’s doctors said continuing the nonviable pregnancy posed a risk to her health and future fertility.  Cox, who is 20 weeks pregnant, has been to three different emergency rooms in the past month, and her doctors have told her that early screening and ultrasound tests suggested her pregnancy is “unlikely to end with a healthy baby.” Due to Texas’ strict abortion bans, doctors told Cox their “hands are tied” and she would have to wait until the fetus dies inside her or carry the pregnancy to term.

The Texas Office of the Attorney General, which challenged Cox’s claims at Thursday’s hearing, may try to ask a higher court to intervene, issuing a statement saying the temporary restraining order “will not insulate hospitals, doctors, or anyone else, from civil and criminal liability for violating Texas’ abortion laws.” Paxton’s office also included a letter sent to several medical centers outlining action it will take against doctors who perform an abortion.

According to the Center for Reproductive Rights, Gamble’s decision – which only applies to Cox’s case – is believed to be the first time a judge has allowed a woman to legally get an abortion since the decision of Roe v. Wade in 1973. Texas has some of the strictest abortion laws in the country, and in 2021, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott signed into law SB8, which bans abortions after roughly six weeks of pregnancy. A “trigger ban” also went into effect following the Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling that made it a felony for doctors in the state to perform an abortion unless the life of the patient is in danger.

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Two professors, one faculty member identified as those killed in UNLV mass shooting

The victims of the mass shooting at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas on Wednesday were comprised of three faculty members who were killed, and one faculty member who was injured.

According to the Clark County coroner’s office, one of the victims was identified as Cha Jan Chang, 64, – known as “Jerry” – a UNLV business professor who lived in Henderson, Nevada. Chang was an assistant professor at UNLV from 2001 to 2007 and had been an associate professor since 2007, receiving both his masters and Ph.D. from the University of Pittsburgh. UNLV President Keith Whitfield said in a statement on X: “Dr. Chang was a longtime educator of management information systems, spending more than 20 years of his academic career teaching a generation of UNLV Lee Business School students.”

A second victim, Patricia Navarro Velez, 39, was an assistant professor in accounting at UNLV and lived in Las Vegas, according to the coroner. Velez had a Ph.D. from the University of Central Florida, with her UNLV biography stating: “Navarro’s current research focuses on cybersecurity disclosures and assurance, internal control weakness disclosure, and data analytics”. Whitfield said on X: “Dr. Navarro-Velez, an assistant professor of accounting, had devoted her career to educating the next generation of accountants. She joined UNLV nearly 5 years ago as a professor of accounting, where she focused on teaching accounting information systems.”

Clark County Sheriff Kevin McMahill identified the suspect as Anthony Polito. The suspect — who had applied for a college professorship at UNLV, but was not hired, according to sources — was killed in a shootout with responding officers about 10 minutes after shots were first reported at UNLV’s Beam Hall.

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Country Daypop

Miranda Lambert shares details of her star-studded 40th birthday party

Miranda Lambert shared details of her recently-celebrated 40th birthday, posting pictures alongside her husband, Brendan McLoughlin and many famous faces. The party took place three weeks ago on November 13, just three days after her actual birthday.

Lambert took to her socials to share a series of photos, from her birthday celebration, held at Billy Bob’s Texas, taken by photographer Tyler Conrad. The series of photos began with a picture of Lambert and McLoughlin in front of a balloon arch with pink, gold, and rose gold balloons, surrounding the illuminated number 40 : “My Billy Bob’s Texas boot scootin’ 40th💕 The absolute best birthday my Texas heart could ask for. Thanks @cameronruthm for putting it all together and for the prettiest balloon arches I’ve ever seen. And huge thanks to my pals and hero’s @adamhoodmusic @randyrogersband @wadebowen for over 20 years of friendship and for entertaining us all night. Thanks to my city mouse friend @telemitry for going country, for the late night jams, and even wearing fringe🤠. Thank you @tylerjconrad for capturing all the fun.”

The snapshots also shows Miranda with friends including Karen Fairchild of Little Big Town, songwriter Jessi Alexander, and members of Pistol Annies—Ashley Monroe and Angaleena Presley. Said Lambert: “I got to enter a new decade with dear friends and family at my favorite honky tonk @billybobstexa. There are so many pics full of joy and smile’s, so I’m going to keep on posting! That’s why it’s taken me 3 weeks to post these. I’ve just been overwhelmed with gratitude and love for everyone that came to scoot your boots with me. I love all of y’all so so so much ❤🤠 Cheers to 40!”

DJ Jesse Frasure, also known as Telemitry, served as the DJ for the party, with Dierks Bentley, Natalie Hemby, Waylon Payne, Caylee Hammack, Lainey Wilson, Terri Jo Box and more also shown celebrating Lambert’s milestone birthday. Lambert’s family, including her brother Luke Lambert, mother Beverly, and father Richard, were also in attendance for the special occasion.

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Entertainment Daypop

Chelsea Handler returning to host 2024 Critics Choice Awards

Chelsea Handler is set to return as the host of this year’s Critics Choice Awards, which will air live on the CW on Jan. 14, marking Handler’s second consecutive year hosting the ceremony.

Handler said in a statement: “I am very happy and excited to be hosting the Critics Choice Awards again this year, as last year was one of the most fun nights I’ve had. There is no greater reward than making fun of actors and then getting drunk with them afterward. It’s an honor.”  Added Critics Choice Association CEO Joey Berlin, “We are thrilled to have Chelsea Handler join us once again to host the Critics Choice Awards. After having her as our host last year, we couldn’t wait to have her back up on the stage again.”

The Critics Choice Awards celebrates the best in film and television. TV nominations were just announced, with the Apple TV+ series “The Morning Show” leading the television contenders with six nominations, and HBO’s “Succession” following with five nominations. Film nominations will be revealed on Dec. 13.

The 29th annual Critics Choice Awards, taking place at the Fairmont Century Plaza in Los Angeles, will air live on the CW on Jan. 14 at 7 p.m. ET.

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Entertainment Daypop

Kim Kardashian to star in Netflix comedy film ‘The Fifth Wheel’

Kim Kardashian is set to produce and star in the new comedy movie for Netflix, The Fifth Wheel.  Kim will co-produce and star in an all-new comedy from producer and writer Paula Pell (SNL, Sisters) and writer Janine Brito (Girls5eva).

Netflix shared on X:  “Kim Kardashian is about to be The Fifth Wheel. Kim will co-produce and star in an all-new comedy from producer and writer Paula Pell (SNL, Sisters) and writer Janine Brito (Girls5eva) — coming soon to Netflix! Paula Pell and Janine Brito are writing the film. Pell is also a producer on the project.”

Kardashian can currently be seen in the latest American Horror Story season, ‘Delicate,’  She has also lent her voice to animated features like the PAW Patrol film and its sequel The Mighty Movie.

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Country Daypop

Lana Del Rey covers John Denver’s ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’

Lana Del Rey has released a cover of country-folk singer John Denver’s classic hit song, “Take Me Home, Country Roads”. Del Rey’s cover, produced by Zachary Dawes, swaps out Denver’s original acoustic guitar for piano as she sings the song solo until the end, when a choir of background singers join in for the final chorus.

The 38-year-old singer-songwriter has previously included nods to Denver in her own music, notably in her song “The Grants” from her album Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.   A lyric in that song reads “My pastor told me, ‘When you leave, all you take is your memories’ … I’m gonna take mine of you with me/ Like ‘Rocky Mountain High’ the way John Denver sings,” referencing Denver’s 1972 smash.

Denver, who died at age 53 in 1997, released the original “Take Me Home, Country Roads” in 1971. It has become synonymous with West Virginia, peaking at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. The legendary songwriter went on to top the chart four times: in 1974 for “Sunshine on My Shoulders” and “Annie’s Song”; and in 1975 for “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” and “I’m Sorry.”

Take listen to Del Rey’s version of “Take Me Home, Country Roads” – here.

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Rep. Kevin McCarthy, ousted Speaker of the House, announces he’s leaving Congress

Ousted Speaker of the House, Rep. Kevin McCarthy, announced on Wednesday he will resign from office at the end of this month. McCarthy has not gone into detail about what his next move will be after his resignation takes effect.

McCarthy, R-Calif., wrote about his resignation in an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal, stating: “No matter the odds, or personal cost, we did the right thing. That may seem out of fashion in Washington these days, but delivering results for the American people is still celebrated across the country. It is in this spirit that I have decided to depart the House at the end of this year to serve America in new ways. I know my work is only getting started. I will continue to recruit our country’s best and brightest to run for elected office. The Republican Party is expanding every day, and I am committed to lending my experience to support the next generation of leaders.”

McCarthy also posted about his retirement announcement with a video on X, with the caption: “As the son of a firefighter from Bakersfield, my story is the story of America. For me, every moment came with a great deal of devotion and responsibility. Serving you in Congress and as the 55th Speaker of the House has been my greatest honor.” McCarthy cites a list of achievements that he’s proud of in the video on social media: “Today I sit here having served as your whip, leader and as the 55th speaker of the House. We kept our government operating and our troops paid while wars broke out around the world. … I have faith in this country. Now, it is time to pursue my passion in a new arena.”

McCarthy was ousted as speaker on Oct. 3, by eight Republicans, led by Rep. Matt Gaetz, R-Fla., who forced out the speaker midsession for the first time in history.

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Suspect in custody after Texas shooting spree that left 6 dead, 3 injured

Police in Texas said that a suspect was taken into custody after 6 were killed and 3 injured in a series of homicides and shootings across two Texas communities.  Four people were killed and two police officers shot in Austin on Tuesday, and the suspect, identified on Wednesday as Shane James, was also linked to the deaths of two people near San Antonio. Authorities said that James will be charged with capital murder.

Interim Austin Police Chief Robin Henderson told reporters that the “series of violent incidents” began on Tuesday morning “and extended into the evening,” adding that her department “and other law enforcement had not determined these incidents were connected to the last incident that occurred tonight when the male suspect was taken into custody.”  James was arrested after he crashed his vehicle while speeding away from a shootout with a police officer that left them with “multiple gunshot wounds.” Bexar County Sheriff Javier Salazar said at a separate news conference that the deaths of two more people were being investigated in connection with the shootings in Austin, and that the suspect was linked to a residence near San Antonio where authorities found “two apparent victims,” both “believed to be in their 50s.”

José Garza of the Travis County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement: “Our hearts break for the shooting victims, injured officers, their families, and our communities impacted by yesterday’s senseless and tragic gun violence.”  Garza adde that it is expected that the suspect will remain in custody pending trial.

Gov. Greg Abbott thanked law enforcement on social media, and said that “violence will never be tolerated …Texans grieve for the loved ones of the six Texans who were murdered by a hardened criminal who must never see the light of day again. The State of Texas will provide all resources necessary to impose the full weight of law on this criminal for his despicable crimes.”

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Country Daypop

2024 ‘Under the Big Sky’ Festival to feature Miranda Lambert, Turnpike Troubadours

Miranda Lambert, bluegrass musician Billy Strings and then Turnpike Troubadours will headline the 2024 Under the Big Sky music festival, set to take place July 12-14, 2024 at Big Mountain Ranch in Whitefish, Montana.

The fest posted on its socials: “We’re back for a three-day weekend with the legendary Miranda Lambert (@mirandalambert), plus the return of Oklahoma six-piece Turnpike Troubadours (@turnpiketroubadours), and the GRAMMY award-winning bluegrass musician Billy Strings (@billystrings). This July 12th, 13th, and 14th it’ll be a full rodeo and roundup alongside @brothersosborne, @mtjoyband, @therevivalists, @thetanyatucker, @sierraelizabethferrell, @paulcauthen, @charleswgodwin, @cityandcolour_official and dozens of others for another spectacular get-together Big Mountain Ranch style. 3-Day GA & VIP Tickets go on sale FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8TH at 12PM MT! If you haven’t already, text “YEEHAW” to (888) 305-2637 to get the ticket link straight to your phone once they go on sale. See you soon 🤠

According to a release from festival organizers, the fest showcases a diverse roster of star-studded performances across Americana, including outlaw country, rock, indie-folk, and bluegrass music. Other performers set to take the stage this year include Tanya Tucker; Brothers Osborne; Sierra Ferrell; Paul Cauthen; Charles Wesley Godwin, City and Colour, Mt. Joy, and many more.

Tickets go on sale Friday, Dec. 8 at noon Mountain Standard Time. For tickets and further information, visit UnderTheBigSkyFest.com.

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Country Daypop

Kentucky’s Railbird Music Festival to feature headliners Chris Stapleton, Noah Kahan

Chris Stapleton and Noah Kahan will serve as headliners for the 2024 Railbird Music Festival in Lexington, Kentucky, set to take place on June 1 and 2 at The Infield at Red Mile.

Over 30 different artists across three stages at the race track grounds will perform at the two-day festival, comprised of world-class music, curated bourbon, equine experiences, and more.

Two-day and one-day general admission, general admission+, VIP, and platinum presale tickets, will be available starting Thursday, December 7, at 12 p.m. ET.  To secure a presale passcode, head here.

For a full list of available tickets and additional information, head to the fest’s official website.

Chris Stapleton, Noah Kahan to headline Railbird Music Festival 2024

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