5 things you need to know Friday

Editors

USA TODAY

Opponents of the Obama administration's 'contraceptive mandate' protest outside the Supreme Court in March 2014, when the justices considered a case brought by Hobby Lobby.

New challenge to Obamacare's 'contraceptive mandate'

The Supreme Court is about to climb back into Americans' bedrooms. Sixteen months after ruling that companies with religious objections cannot be forced to pay for workers' contraceptives, the court faces a push from religious charities, schools and hospitals seeking to get out of the birth control business altogether. On Friday, the justices are scheduled to review petitions asking them to overturn court decisions that would force the non-profits to opt out of the "contraceptive mandate" included in the Affordable Care Act, rather than receiving the blanket exclusion granted churches and other religious institutions. The religious non-profits say even writing a letter or filling out a form to opt out of coverage makes them complicit in it.

Nuns from the Little Sisters of the Poor, here preparing for Pope Francis' recent visit, are at the center of a Supreme Court battle over the Obama administration's 'contraceptive mandate.'

Iran joining talks to end Syrian civil war

For the first time, Iran will join international talks on Friday seeking an end to the four-year Syrian civil war. About a dozen countries are participating, including Russia, which together with Iran is the main ally of embattled Syrian President Bashar Assad. Other countries include the U.S., Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, which have been supporting Syrian rebel forces. Iran’s participation is controversial because the Islamic Republic supports terrorists and insurgents across the region. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry hopes that Iran, as Assad’s main backer, might play a crucial role in finding a political solution that leads to Assad’s departure and an end to the war.

Apple TV aims to redefine your TV experience

The future of television (according to Apple) can be yours starting Friday when a revamped Apple TV begins hitting stores. The new Apple TV includes Siri helping you find stuff to watch, with a slick new touch-capable remote control and the inclusion of games and other new apps. But it's not flawless, says USA TODAY's Ed Baig. And where's the standout 4K resolution? Users will find the usual entertainment apps (iTunes, Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.)and some new additions like Periscope, but won't yet see Facebook and Twitter. Apple says developers will be adding many more apps in the coming weeks. The revamped Apple TV starts at $149.

More of Clinton's emails will be released

The State Department will release another batch of Hillary Clinton's personal emails Friday, the first since her 10-hour testimony before the House Benghazi panel last week. Like earlier downloads, it's unlikely the emails will show much beyond the minutiae of her daily interactions with staff, lawmakers and outside supporters. Clinton’s standing in the Democratic primary has dramatically improved since the State Department’s last email release in September. The monthly releases will continue until January of 2016 in response to a Freedom of Information Act lawsuit.

Hillary Clinton testifies before the House Select Committee on Benghazi on Oct. 22, 2015, on Capitol Hill in Washington.

Soldier missing since Korean War to be buried in California

A U.S. soldier is scheduled to be buried Friday in California nearly 65 years after he is thought to have died. The remains of Army Cpl. Robert V. Witt, who had been missing since the Korean War, were returned from North Korea earlier this week to his sister in Huntington Beach, Calif. In 1953, during prisoner of war exchanges, repatriated U.S. soldiers told officials that Witt had been captured during battle and died from malnutrition. It's believed he died on Jan. 31, 1951. Witt will be buried with full military honors at Rose Hills Memorial Park in Whittier, Calif.

Army Cpl. Robert V. Witt, 20, of Bellflower, went missing in the Korean War. His remains have recently been returned to his family.

And the essentials:

Weather: The USA's two soggy spots Friday will be the southern Plains and the Northwest, while the eastern U.S. enjoys a clear fall day.

Stocks: Asian stocks were muted Friday, while Wall Street was pointing slightly higher.

TV tonight: Wondering what to watch this weekend? TV critic Robert Bianco looks at Grimm, The Good Wife and Project Greenlight.

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