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Surrogate McKenna West Seeks Supreme Court Intervention to Prevent Baby's Removal from Texas Amid Custody Dispute

Surrogate McKenna West Seeks Supreme Court Intervention to Prevent Baby's Removal from Texas Amid Custody Dispute

McKenna West, a surrogate mother, has filed a motion with the U.S. Supreme Court to prevent the baby she carried from being moved out of Texas. West refused to terminate her pregnancy, defying the wishes of the biological parents, Nasheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed, after the baby was diagnosed with a serious heart defect. The baby, born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, requires immediate and ongoing medical care. West's lawyers filed an updated brief with the Supreme Court, emphasizing the urgency of an administrative stay to preserve the child's life, as there are fears the biological parents might attempt to remove the baby from a Dallas hospital. California and Texas courts have previously recognized Gilkar and Ahmed as the baby's parents, limiting West's decision-making authority regarding the child's treatment and care. West is seeking full custody or conservatorship, believing the biological parents will not provide necessary life-saving care.
USA TodayUSA Today
Her daughter was born via surrogacy. For 2 years, the state didn’t recognize her as a mom

Her daughter was born via surrogacy. For 2 years, the state didn’t recognize her as a mom

Rachael Lang, 34, had her daughter via surrogacy after battling breast cancer. It took two years for the state to recognize her daughter as hers.
Rochester Democrat and ChronicleRochester Democrat and Chronicle
NY ranks sixth nationwide for estimated Trump tariff costs, report finds

NY ranks sixth nationwide for estimated Trump tariff costs, report finds

A National Taxpayers Union Foundation report estimates New York's cost from tariffs imposed through presidential executive action at $15 billion since January 2025.
Springfield News-LeaderSpringfield News-Leader
How much are tariffs costing Missouri? See where the state ranks

How much are tariffs costing Missouri? See where the state ranks

A new report highlights how tariffs are affecting Missouri businesses, including which imported goods are generating the highest costs.
TrendlineTrendline
Texas Landowners Awarded $7 Million in Pipeline Easement Dispute

Texas Landowners Awarded $7 Million in Pipeline Easement Dispute

Texas Landowners Awarded $7 Million in Pipeline Easement Dispute
Asheville Citizen-TimesAsheville Citizen-Times
Gas prices jump in North Carolina. More increases expected to come

Gas prices jump in North Carolina. More increases expected to come

AAA reported that gas prices are climbing this September amidst volatility in the Strait of Hormuz. North Carolina surpasses a $4 average per gallon.
The Knoxville News-SentinelThe Knoxville News-Sentinel
This is what Tennessee teachers love and hate about their jobs

This is what Tennessee teachers love and hate about their jobs

Nearly 6,000 educators were surveyed by the national K-12 news outlet last fall to understand how teachers are feeling. Here's what they said.
Westchester County Journal NewsWestchester County Journal News
How much are Trump's tariffs costing New York? See the estimate

How much are Trump's tariffs costing New York? See the estimate

A new analysis estimates New York has incurred $15 billion in costs from tariffs imposed through presidential executive action since January 2025.
USA TodayUSA Today
Trump lost on mail ballots. Is the Supreme Court rejecting him?

Trump lost on mail ballots. Is the Supreme Court rejecting him?

The Trump administration lost a mail ballot case at the Supreme Court but won most election cases about redistricting and campaign spending.
Rapid ReadRapid Read
Supreme Court Justice Kagan Signals No Immediate Relief in Surrogate Custody Battle Over Critically Ill Baby

Supreme Court Justice Kagan Signals No Immediate Relief in Surrogate Custody Battle Over Critically Ill Baby

Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan has indicated that the high court will not grant urgent relief in an emergency appeal filed by McKenna West, a surrogate mother involved in a custody dispute over a newborn with a severe heart defect. West is seeking to block a California ruling, upheld by a Texas court, that grants custody of the baby to the biological parents, Nausheen Gilkar and Omar Ahmed. Justice Kagan, who handles emergency litigation from California, has requested the opposing side to respond to the application by 4 p.m. ET on September 18. The Supreme Court is not expected to act on the application until after this response is received. The baby, born on August 12 in Texas, has hypoplastic left heart syndrome, a rare congenital heart condition. West alleges that the biological parents pressured her to abort the fetus after the diagnosis and that she should have final custody to ensure the baby receives life-saving care. The biological parents, Gilkar and Ahmed, maintain that West is attempting to t...
The Columbus DispatchThe Columbus Dispatch
Hawaii is the happiest state in America, according to WalletHub. Where is Ohio?

Hawaii is the happiest state in America, according to WalletHub. Where is Ohio?

A new report from WalletHub has ranked all 50 states for happiness. Where did Ohio rank?
Rolling StoneRolling Stone
Fear and Delusion in Dallas: Inside Trump’s Midterm Convention Flop

Fear and Delusion in Dallas: Inside Trump’s Midterm Convention Flop

Republicans spent two days celebrating the president in Texas. It's unlikely to have helped the party's chances in November