WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court agreed Thursday to hear a case over state restrictions on which school sports teams transgender students can join.

Just two weeks after upholding a ban on gender-affirming care for transgender youth, the justices said they will review lower court rulings in favor of transgender athletes in Idaho and West Virginia.

The nationwide battle over the participation of transgender girls on girls sports teams has played out at both the state and federal levels as Republicans have leveraged the issue as a fight for athletic fairness for women and girls.

More than two dozen states have enacted laws barring transgender women and girls from participating in certain sports competitions. Some policies have been blocked in court.

At the federal level, the Trump administration has filed lawsuits and launched investigations over state and school policies that have allowed transgender athletes to compete freely. This week, the University of Pennsylvania modified a trio of school records set by transgender swimmer Lia Thomas and said it would apologize to female athletes “disadvantaged” by her participation on the women’s swimming team, part of a resolution of a federal civil rights case.

Republican President Donald Trump also has acted aggressively in other areas involving transgender people, including removing transgender troops from military service. In May, the Supreme Court allowed the ouster of transgender service members to proceed, reversing lower courts that had blocked it.

The new case will be argued in the fall.

West Virginia is appealing a lower-court ruling that found the ban violates the rights of Becky Pepper-Jackson, who has been taking puberty-blocking medication and has publicly identified as a girl since she was in the third grade. Pepper-Jackson sued the state when she in was middle school because she wanted to compete on the cross country and track teams.

This past school year, Pepper-Jackson qualified for the West Virginia girls high school state track meet, finishing third in the discus throw and eighth in the shot put in the Class AAA division.

The 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled for Pepper-Jackson in two areas, under the Constitution’s equal protection clause and the landmark federal law known as Title IX that forbids sex discrimination in education.

Idaho in 2020 became the first state in the nation to ban transgender women and girls from playing on women’s sports teams sponsored by public schools, colleges and universities.

The American Civil Liberties Union and the women’s rights group Legal Voice sued Idaho on behalf of Lindsay Hecox, who hoped to run for Boise State University.

The state asked for Supreme Court review after lower courts blocked the state’s ban while the lawsuit continues.

The justices did not act on a third case from Arizona that raises the same issue.

Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

Molina Healthcare of California recently recognized three community leaders, including one from Barstow, for their dedication to addressing social health issues. 

By Jalen Maki
Tomahawk Leader Editor

TOMAHAWK – A local organization has launched a fundraising campaign to upgrade and revitalize a Tomahawk facility used for a variety of purposes.

Wa Wui Ltd. is a volunteer group that oversees the operations of SARA Park, which for years has served as a hub for community recreation and events. The group is currently working to raise $5 million to give the facility a facelift.

The group’s “Bacon and Beer Bash” will kick off the fundraising campaign. The event will be held at SARA Park, 900 W. Somo Ave., Tomahawk, on Saturday, Oct. 4.

In a release, Wa Wui Ltd. said the Bacon and Beer Bash will be a “celebration of local flavor, fun and philanthropy, offering attendees a unique experience featuring craft beer tastings, bacon-inspired dishes, live music, open skate, raffles and more – all in support of a facility that hosts thousands of individuals each year.”

“We’re incredibly proud to launch this campaign with an event that brings the community together in the same way SARA Park has for decades,” said Chris Bembinster, President of the Wa Wui Board. “This is more than just a fundraiser – it’s an investment in the future of youth sports, local events and a place where our community connects.”

Wa Wui Ltd. said the $5 million campaign will fund critical upgrades and improvements, including modernizing electrical systems, installing a new energy-efficient ice plant, replacing aging bleachers and much more to improve accessibility, efficiency and comfort throughout the building.

“SARA Park Arena is home to the current Division 2 High School Hockey State Champions, more than eight youth hockey teams, a figure skating club and a pickleball group,” Wa Wui Ltd. stated. “They continually host bingo, open skate, baseball and softball concessions, as well as rent the facility out year-round for events.”

Wa Wui Ltd. said its 100% volunteer board is “committed to preserving the facility’s legacy while preparing it for the future.”

To learn more about the fundraising initiative, become a sponsor or make a donation, contact the board at saraparkarena@gmail.com.

Donald Wesley Burrows, age 84, of Erie, passed away Monday, June 30, 2025. He was born in Erie on June 5, 1941, son of the late Seward and Lydia Schweitzer Burrows.

Don was a veteran of the US Army and was stationed in Nuremberg, Germany for two years. He worked as a machinist at Skinner Engine for 25 years and was the president of the UAW for many years. Don was an avid softball player and bowler and coached adult and youth sports, specifically softball and soccer. He was a Pittsburgh Steelers fan and enjoyed watching golf. Don liked playing cards, taking people for drives and was the designated driver for many wine trips with his girls. He had many nicknames, such as Bozo and Mr. Fun, for his loud and funny personality. Above all, Don loved his grandkids. He would often be found at their sporting events, cheering enthusiastically. Many summers were spent watching his grandkids at Donnie’s Daycare, which brought him lots of joy.

Don is survived by his wife, Patricia A. Grabowski Burrows; two daughters, Jennifer Pronko (Nick) and Jessica Folmar (Mike); one son, Jim Pederson (Holly); five grandchildren, Ryan and Mason Pronko, Lucas and Madison Folmar and Ryan Pederson; one brother, James Burrows (Nancy); two sisters-in-law, Donna Sandusky and Diane Bell; one brother-in-law, Joe Grabowski; and many nieces and nephews.

Private arrangements are being handled by the Dusckas Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 2607 Buffalo Rd. Donations in Don’s name may be made to UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 2500 West 12th Street, Erie, PA 16505. Condolences may be sent to www.dusckasfuneralhomes.com.