Supreme Court hears abortion arguments; motive sought for Michigan high school shooting; plus other top news
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Today is Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021. Let’s get caught up.
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Abortion rights at stake in historic Supreme Court arguments
Abortion rights are on the line at the Supreme Court in historic arguments over the landmark ruling nearly 50 years ago that declared a nationwide right to end a pregnancy.
The justices on Wednesday will weigh whether to uphold a Mississippi law that bans abortion after 15 weeks and overrule the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.
Mississippi also is asking the court to overrule the 1992 ruling in Planned Parenthood v. Casey, which reaffirmed Roe. The arguments can be heard live on the court’s website, starting at 10 a.m. EST.
The case comes to a court with a 6-3 conservative majority that has been transformed by three appointees of President Donald Trump, who had pledged to appoint justices he said would oppose abortion rights.
The court had never agreed to hear a case over an abortion ban so early in pregnancy until all three Trump appointees — Justices Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett — were on board.
The Mississippi case poses questions central to the abortion right. Some of the debate Wednesday is likely to be over whether the court should abandon its long-held rule that states cannot ban abortion before the point of viability, at roughly 24 weeks.
More than 90% of abortions are performed in the first 13 weeks of pregnancy, well before viability, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Authorities look for possible motive for Michigan high school shooting
Jake May
School bells were replaced by police sirens Tuesday after a mass shooting at Oxford High School in Oxford, Michigan, left three students dead, officials said.
Seven additional students and a teacher were wounded by gunfire and a 15-year-old suspect is in custody.
Vigils were held Tuesday night as the community, located about 42 miles north of Detroit, processed the trauma of a deadly shooting that forced terrified students to barricade themselves into classrooms, unsure whether they would emerge unscathed.
Here’s what’s known about how the incident unfolded and what we know about the victims so far.
Click on the links below for full version of today’s top stories. Keep scrolling for a look back at this day in history and today’s celebrity birthdays:
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In 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus; the incident sparked a year-long boycott of the buses by Blacks.
APIn 1955, Rosa Parks, a Black seamstress, was arrested after refusing to give up her seat to a white man on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus; the incident sparked a year-long boycott of the buses by Blacks.
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In 1969, the U.S. government held its first draft lottery since World War II.
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In 1973, David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first prime minister, died in Tel Aviv at age 87.
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In 1974, TWA Flight 514, a Washington-bound Boeing 727, crashed in Virginia after being diverted from National Airport to Dulles International Airport; all 92 people on board were killed.
APIn 1974, TWA Flight 514, a Washington-bound Boeing 727, crashed in Virginia after being diverted from National Airport to Dulles International Airport; all 92 people on board were killed.
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In 1990, British and French workers digging the Channel Tunnel between their countries finally met after knocking out a passage in a service tunnel.
APIn 1990, British and French workers digging the Channel Tunnel between their countries finally met after knocking out a passage in a service tunnel.
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In 1991, Ukrainians voted overwhelmingly for independence from the Soviet Union.
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In 2009, President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 more U.S. troops into the war in Afghanistan but promised during a speech to cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to begin withdrawals in 18 months.
APIn 2009, President Barack Obama ordered 30,000 more U.S. troops into the war in Afghanistan but promised during a speech to cadets at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to begin withdrawals in 18 months.
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Ten years ago: Bobby Valentine was named the 45th manager of the Boston Red Sox. (He would be fired after one season.)
APTen years ago: Bobby Valentine was named the 45th manager of the Boston Red Sox. (He would be fired after one season.)
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Ten years ago: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with opposition leader and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi (ahng sahn soo chee) during a visit to Myanmar.
APTen years ago: Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton met with opposition leader and Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi (ahng sahn soo chee) during a visit to Myanmar.
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Five years ago: During the first stop of a “Thank you” tour, President-elect Donald Trump made a surprise announcement from the stage in Cincinnati, saying he had decided to offer the post of defense secretary to retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis.
APFive years ago: During the first stop of a “Thank you” tour, President-elect Donald Trump made a surprise announcement from the stage in Cincinnati, saying he had decided to offer the post of defense secretary to retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis.
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1956 — The United States beats the Soviet Union 89-55 to win the gold medal in men’s basketball at the Melbourne Olympics. Bob Jeangerard (16), K.C. Jones (15), Jim Walsh (14) and Bill Russell (13) each score double-digits.
U.S. basketball star Bill Russell (6) easily out jumps Algirdas Lauritenas of Russia to take a rebound in the U.S-Russia Olympic final game in Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 1, 1956. The U.S. won, 89-55. (AP Photo)
AP FILE1956 — The United States beats the Soviet Union 89-55 to win the gold medal in men’s basketball at the Melbourne Olympics. Bob Jeangerard (16), K.C. Jones (15), Jim Walsh (14) and Bill Russell (13) each score double-digits.
U.S. basketball star Bill Russell (6) easily out jumps Algirdas Lauritenas of Russia to take a rebound in the U.S-Russia Olympic final game in Melbourne, Australia, Dec. 1, 1956. The U.S. won, 89-55. (AP Photo)
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1959 — Louisiana State halfback Billy Cannon wins Heisman Trophy.
In this Dec. 8, 1959 file photo, Billy Cannon poses with the Heisman Trophy in New York. (AP Photo/Jacob Harris, File)
AP FILE1959 — Louisiana State halfback Billy Cannon wins Heisman Trophy.
In this Dec. 8, 1959 file photo, Billy Cannon poses with the Heisman Trophy in New York. (AP Photo/Jacob Harris, File)
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1973 — Jack Nicklaus wins the Disney World Open to become the first professional golfer to surpass $2 million in career earnings.
Jack Nicklaus watches as the ball goes in the cup on the fourth hole for an eagle during final play of the Walt Disney World Golf Classic in Lake Vista, Fla., Dec. 1, 1973. (AP Photo/George Brich)
AP FILE1973 — Jack Nicklaus wins the Disney World Open to become the first professional golfer to surpass $2 million in career earnings.
Jack Nicklaus watches as the ball goes in the cup on the fourth hole for an eagle during final play of the Walt Disney World Golf Classic in Lake Vista, Fla., Dec. 1, 1973. (AP Photo/George Brich)
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1980 — South Carolina running back George Rogers is named the Heisman Trophy winner.
George Rogers of the University of South Carolina embraces the Heisman Trophy awarded him at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City, Dec. 1, 1980. Rogers, of Duluth, Ga., leads the nation in rushing this season. (AP Photo/Dave Pickoff)
AP FILE1980 — South Carolina running back George Rogers is named the Heisman Trophy winner.
George Rogers of the University of South Carolina embraces the Heisman Trophy awarded him at the Downtown Athletic Club in New York City, Dec. 1, 1980. Rogers, of Duluth, Ga., leads the nation in rushing this season. (AP Photo/Dave Pickoff)
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1984 — Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie is named the 50th Heisman Trophy winner.
Doug Flutie, senior quarterback at Boston College, poses with the Heisman trophy, Dec. 3, 1984 at the Downtown Athletic Club of New York after receiving the award. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
AP FILE1984 — Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie is named the 50th Heisman Trophy winner.
Doug Flutie, senior quarterback at Boston College, poses with the Heisman trophy, Dec. 3, 1984 at the Downtown Athletic Club of New York after receiving the award. (AP Photo/Ray Stubblebine)
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1990 — Ty Detmer of Brigham Young wins the Heisman Trophy. Detmer, who had set or tied 25 NCAA passing and total offense records, becomes the first BYU winner and third consecutive junior winner.
Ty Detmer, shown here with the Heisman Trophy he won earlier this year, was named the winner of the Maxwell Club Award in Philadelphia Dec. 13, 1990, as the nation's outstanding college football player. Detmer, a junior at Brigham Young University broke 21 school passing records as quarterback. (AP Photo)
AP FILE1990 — Ty Detmer of Brigham Young wins the Heisman Trophy. Detmer, who had set or tied 25 NCAA passing and total offense records, becomes the first BYU winner and third consecutive junior winner.
Ty Detmer, shown here with the Heisman Trophy he won earlier this year, was named the winner of the Maxwell Club Award in Philadelphia Dec. 13, 1990, as the nation's outstanding college football player. Detmer, a junior at Brigham Young University broke 21 school passing records as quarterback. (AP Photo)
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2003 — Sylvester Croom becomes the Southeastern Conference’s first black head football coach, accepting an offer to take over troubled Mississippi State.
Newly-hired Mississippi State head football coach Sylvester Croom laughs during a news conference, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis)
AP FILE2003 — Sylvester Croom becomes the Southeastern Conference’s first black head football coach, accepting an offer to take over troubled Mississippi State.
Newly-hired Mississippi State head football coach Sylvester Croom laughs during a news conference, Tuesday, Dec. 2, 2003, in Starkville, Miss. (AP Photo/Rogelio Solis)
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2004 — McKendree College coach Harry Statham tops Dean Smith with his 880th career victory, an 83-72 win over Maryville. Smith, with 879 wins, still holds the NCAA record for career victories because all of Statham’s wins are at the NAIA level.
In this Dec. 1, 2004, file photo, McKendree College men's basketball coach Harry Statham raises a basketball over his head after his 880th career coaching victory in Lebanon, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
AP FILE2004 — McKendree College coach Harry Statham tops Dean Smith with his 880th career victory, an 83-72 win over Maryville. Smith, with 879 wins, still holds the NCAA record for career victories because all of Statham’s wins are at the NAIA level.
In this Dec. 1, 2004, file photo, McKendree College men's basketball coach Harry Statham raises a basketball over his head after his 880th career coaching victory in Lebanon, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File)
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2009 — Brent Seabrook scores in the 11th round of a shootout and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 to give coach Joel Quenneville his 500th career victory.
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook, right, shoots and scores the winning goal past Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason during an overtime shootout of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 4-3. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
AP FILE2009 — Brent Seabrook scores in the 11th round of a shootout and the Chicago Blackhawks beat the Columbus Blue Jackets 4-3 to give coach Joel Quenneville his 500th career victory.
Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Brent Seabrook, right, shoots and scores the winning goal past Columbus Blue Jackets goalie Steve Mason during an overtime shootout of an NHL hockey game Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2009 in Chicago. The Blackhawks won 4-3. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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2012 — Landon Donovan scores the tiebreaking goal on a penalty kick in the 65th minute, and David Beckham leaves the MLS as a two-time champion with the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup.
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan, left, and midfielder David Beckham congratulate each other during the second half of their MLS Cup soccer match against the Houston Dynamo, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 3-1. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
AP FILE2012 — Landon Donovan scores the tiebreaking goal on a penalty kick in the 65th minute, and David Beckham leaves the MLS as a two-time champion with the Los Angeles Galaxy’s 3-1 victory over the Houston Dynamo in the MLS Cup.
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan, left, and midfielder David Beckham congratulate each other during the second half of their MLS Cup soccer match against the Houston Dynamo, Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, in Carson, Calif. The Galaxy won 3-1. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
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2013 — Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson rushes for 211 yards in a 23-20 overtime win over Chicago. He surpasses 10,000 yards for his career in just 101 games, needing the third-fewest games behind Eric Dickerson and Jim Brown.
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) tries to break a tackle by Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte (47) during overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 23-20. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
AP FILE2013 — Minnesota’s Adrian Peterson rushes for 211 yards in a 23-20 overtime win over Chicago. He surpasses 10,000 yards for his career in just 101 games, needing the third-fewest games behind Eric Dickerson and Jim Brown.
Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) tries to break a tackle by Chicago Bears free safety Chris Conte (47) during overtime of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 23-20. (AP Photo/Ann Heisenfelt)
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2013 — Josh Gordon has 10 catches for 261 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland’s 32-20 loss to Jacksonville. He becomes the first player in NFL history to record 200 yards receiving in consecutive games.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) celebrates a touchdown pass with wide receiver Josh Gordon during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Cleveland. Jacksonville won 32-28. (AP Photo/David Richard)
AP FILE2013 — Josh Gordon has 10 catches for 261 yards and two touchdowns in Cleveland’s 32-20 loss to Jacksonville. He becomes the first player in NFL history to record 200 yards receiving in consecutive games.
Cleveland Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden (3) celebrates a touchdown pass with wide receiver Josh Gordon during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 1, 2013, in Cleveland. Jacksonville won 32-28. (AP Photo/David Richard)
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2015 — The Philadelphia 76ers end the longest losing streak in the history of major professional sports in the United States, topping the Los Angeles Lakers 103-91 to snap a 28-game skid. The Sixers had lost their first 18 games this season, matching the record for worst start in NBA history. They had dropped 28 straight dating to last season, setting the mark for longest losing streak among the four major U.S. sports leagues.
Philadelphia 76ers' Jerami Grant in action during an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
AP FILE2015 — The Philadelphia 76ers end the longest losing streak in the history of major professional sports in the United States, topping the Los Angeles Lakers 103-91 to snap a 28-game skid. The Sixers had lost their first 18 games this season, matching the record for worst start in NBA history. They had dropped 28 straight dating to last season, setting the mark for longest losing streak among the four major U.S. sports leagues.
Philadelphia 76ers' Jerami Grant in action during an NBA basketball game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Tuesday, Dec. 1, 2015, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
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Contemporary Christian singer Bart Millard (MIL’-urd) is 49.
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Actor-singer Bette Midler is 76.
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Rock musician Brad Delson (Linkin Park) is 44.
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Actor-model Carol Alt is 61.
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Actor Charles Michael Davis is 37.
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Actor-writer-producer David Hornsby is 46.
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Rock singer-musician Eric Bloom (Blue Oyster Cult) is 77.
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Actor Golden Brooks is 51.
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Actor Ilfenesh Hadera is 36.
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R&B singer-actor Janelle Monae is 36.
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Rock musician John Densmore (The Doors) is 77.
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World Golf Hall of Famer Lee Trevino is 82.
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Actor Nestor Carbonell is 54.
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Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., is 69.
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Actor Riz Ahmed is 39.
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Actor-comedian Sarah Silverman is 51.
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Actor Treat Williams is 70.
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Pop-rock-rap singer Tyler Joseph (Twenty One Pilots) is 33.
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Actor-director Woody Allen is 86.
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Actor Zoe Kravitz is 33.
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