Obama administration to issue letter on transgender students' bathroom rights
The U.S. Department of Education plans to release a "dear colleague" letter on Friday telling schools to let transgender students use bathrooms and locker rooms that are "consistent with their gender identity." The letter, coming nearly a month after a federal court overturned a Virginia school's bathroom rule, states that requiring transgender students to use same-sex facilities violates Title IX, the 1972 law that prohibits discrimination based on sex. The guidance does not have the force of law, but because Title IX is directly tied to federal education funding, the guidance carries an implied threat: follow the federal guidelines or risk losing those funds.
Charles Keating IV to be honored in memorial
Charles Keating IV, the U.S. Navy SEAL who was shot dead by Islamic State militants in Iraq, will be honored in a public procession Friday in Coronado, Calif.
The special warfare operatorand grandson of the Phoenix savings-and-loan financieris also being posthumously promoted to the rank of chief petty officer Friday. The promotion will not affect pay or benefits, but he will be buried wearing his new rank.
'Live' says goodbye to Michael Strahan
Michael Strahan wasn't going to leave Live With Kelly and Michael until September, but his co-host told bosses at ABC and Disney to move things along. Friday will be Strahan's last show. Kelly Ripa said they need to start looking for a co-host now if they want to have a solid list of replacements by the fall. This news came after Ripa took a few days off after learning of Strahan's departure moments before the news went public.
White House kick-starts research on 'good bugs'
The White House will announce a new initiative Friday to advance research into the human microbiome, the collection of roughly 10 trillion bacteria, yeast and fungi that live in and on the human body. These bacteria help us do everything from digesting food to synthesizing vitamins and fighting infections. While some of these bacteria can make us sick if they get out of control, 99% are benign or even protect us from harm. The National Microbiome Initiative aims to help scientists better understand the human microbiome's role in health.
Meghan Trainor says 'Thank You' in new album
Once pegged as a one-hit wonder with her 2014 juggernaut All About That Bass, Meghan Trainor upended expectations on her debut album Title, which added the doo-wop hits Lips Are Movin and Dear Future Husband. She followed up with a Grammy for best new artist and the smash hip-hop girl-power anthem No. Trainor overhauls her sound again on her sophomore effort Thank You (** out of four stars), out Friday. Read more about Trainor's struggles with success and vocal cord surgery, and how rejection helped inspire her latest effort.
Bonus: If you suffer from paraskevidekatriaphobia (the official name for fear of Friday the 13th), there's good news: Today is the only Friday the 13th in 2016. Last year there were three. (Put a big black circle around Jan. 13, 2017.)
And the essentials:
Weather: A pair of cold fronts will bring rain and thunderstorms to both the East Coast and Midwest on Friday.
Stocks: U.S. stock futures were lower Friday.
TV Tonight: Wondering what to watch tonight? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at finales for The Simpsons and The Family.
Be inspired: This cheer squad brings together girls of all abilities.
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