Pentagon transgender policy, New Zealand gun ban, Samsung's Galaxy Fold: 5 things to know Friday

Pentagon's controversial transgender policy takes effect

A Pentagon policy set to go into effect Friday bars from service anyone requiring treatment for dissatisfaction with their gender identity. Implementation of the policy concerning the medical condition known as gender dysphoria was pushed by President Donald Trump and blasted by Democrats including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who said the policy "had no place in our country." It had been delayed by court challenges. Currently serving troops who have been treated will be allowed to continue serving. Transgender troops must serve in their sex at birth, and must file for waivers for use of showers, bathrooms, physical fitness and other standards, according to the policy.

Military-style weapons now illegal in New Zealand

Sweeping gun laws that outlaw military-style weapons took effect in New Zealand on Friday in the wake of mass shootings at two mosques last month that left 50 people dead and dozens wounded. By a vote of 199-1, New Zealand's Parliament on Wednesday passed a bill outlawing most automatic and semi-automatic weapons and banning components that modify existing weapons. The law includes a buyback scheme under which owners of outlawed weapons can be compensated for surrendering them. Anyone possessing a banned weapon after Friday faces a penalty of up to five years in prison.

Swedish prosecutors consider request to reopen Julian Assange rape case

Prosecutors in Sweden were on Friday considering reopening an investigation into a rape allegation against WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, who was dramatically arrested Thursday in London’s Ecuadorian Embassy, where he had been holed up since 2012. The Australian national, who denies the rape allegation, faces an extradition battle to the United States on a charge that he conspired to hack military computers. U.S. authorities say Assange conspired with former Army intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning to steal and publish huge troves of classified documents. WikiLeaks said in a Thursday tweet that "Powerful actors, including CIA, are engaged in a sophisticated effort to dehumanize, delegitimize and imprison him."

Reservations begin for Samsung's nearly $2,000 Galaxy Fold phone

Dying to buy Samsung's new Galaxy Fold phone? Get in line. Starting Friday, Samsung will be sending out invitations to those who have signed up on its website expressing interest in the Fold. After receiving the invitations, those interested in purchasing one of the foldable phones will be able to reserve their place in a virtual line, granting them the ability to be one of the first to buy the phone/tablet hybrid when the actual pre-order begins April 15. The Galaxy Fold, which will be available for $1,980 for a 4G LTE version with 512GB of storage, becomes available April 26.

Black Lives Matter flag is going up for 400 days at Vermont high school

Vermont's Rutland High School is set to raise a Black Lives Matter flag Friday after students sought permission. It won't just be for a few weeks, either: The school is going to keep it up for 400 days. Rutland High is the latest in a number of educational institutions that have sought to raise the flag in the Green Mountain State. The flag and the movement it represents have been a source of conflict, however. Supporters say Black Lives Matter seeks to draw attention to systemic racism and violence against black people. Opponents say the movement is antagonistic toward police. 

Prefer to listen? Check out the 5 things podcast below and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts: