(  )  British prosecutors have decided that Irish TV comedy writer Graham Linehan (LYE-nuh-han) will not face charges after his arrest over social media posts critical of transgender people.  Linehan, known for co-creating “Father Ted” and “The IT Crowd,” was arrested last month at Heathrow Airport.  His arrest sparked a debate about freedom of speech. Supporters, including “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling, argued that U.K. laws stifle legitimate comment.  London police say that as a result of the case they will no longer investigate non-crime hate incidents.  Linehan has repeatedly stated that men cannot become women.

(  )  New York City schools are suing over the U.S. Education Department’s decision to discontinue grants worth millions of dollars because of school policies supporting transgenderism.  City officials argue that the department acted without the required notice or hearing.  The Trump administration says policies allowing boys to play sports and use facilities set aside for girls violate Title Nine.  In a related development, New York State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa has ordered a school district in the suburbs of New York City to temporarily halt a new rule barring males from using female restrooms.

(  )  Jews in Israel are arguing over the potential end of an exemption for religious students from compulsory service in the military.  The growing dispute follows a ruling last year by the Israeli Supreme Court that ordered the government to begin drafting ultra-Orthodox Jewish men into the military.  There had been a longstanding enlistment exemption.  And the debate isn’t limited to Israel.  Last weekend thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews packed the streets and sidewalks for blocks around the Israeli consulate in New York City to protest. The Central Rabbinical Congress of the U.S.A. organized the demonstration.

(  )  Virginia is the last Southern state that has not passed a pro-life law since the Supreme Court struck down Roe versus Wade.  But abortion could shape Virginia’s 2025 gubernatorial election and legislative control in Richmond.  Democrat Abigail Spanberger is pro-abortion while Republican Winsome Earle-Sears opposes it.  Each candidate is trying to cast the other as an extremist.  Meanwhile, Virginia lawmakers are considering a state constitutional amendment that would enshrine abortion.  Amendment supporters have just a one-seat majority in the state House of Delegates. Both national parties are watching Virginia closely.