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☆ Mercedes-Benz Workers in Alabama Ask for Unionization Vote
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-05 | by ( Jack Ewing | More About Jack Ewing | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Workers at a Mercedes-Benz factory in Alabama have petitioned federal officials to hold a vote on whether to join the United Automobile Workers, the union said on Friday, a step forward for its drive to organize workers at car factories in the South. is also trying to organize workers at a Volkswagen factory in Tennessee and a Hyundai factory in Alabama, establishing a bigger presence in states that have drawn much of the new investment in automobile manufacturing in recent decades. A vote at the Volkswagen plant is scheduled for April 17 to 19. The drive has taken on added importance as Southern states like South Carolina and Georgia attract billions of dollars in investment in electric vehicle and battery manufacturing. is trying to ensure that jobs created by electric vehicles do not pay less than jobs at traditional auto factories.

Organizations: Benz, United Automobile Workers, Ford Motor, General Motors, Detroit, Volkswagen, Hyundai Locations: Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, Georgia

☆ How Trump’s greatest policy triumph could derail his bid to win back the White House
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-02 | by ( Stephen Collinson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +10 min

The Florida Supreme Court issued a separate ruling on Monday that could energize Democrats’ efforts to hold Trump to account on abortion. The ex-president has long been wary of taking a definitive stand against abortion rights. But some Republicans are infringing the spirit of the Supreme Court ruling – which sent the issue back to individual states – by pushing for a national ban. And Democrats believe they have an issue, in abortion rights, that could thwart him – despite Biden’s own unpopularity. Democrats are delighted since they have had considerable success in using ballot initiatives to protect abortion rights or reject further restrictions.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Trump, Roe, Wade, Ron DeSantis, ”, it’ll, Joe Biden –, –, he’d, “ What’s, ” Trump, “ You’re, ’, He’s, Biden, we’ve, Julie Chavez Rodriguez, DeSantis, There’s, Florida Republican Sen, Rick Scott, Scott, Democratic Sen, Bill Nelson, he’s, Debbie Mucarsel, Powell Organizations: CNN, Republican, Florida’s, Gov, Biden, Florida Supreme, Trump, GOP, Democratic, Republicans, Sunshine State, Florida Republican Locations: Florida, Trump’s, Kansas, Ohio, Alabama, United States, Michigan , Montana , California, Kentucky, Republican Ohio

Nigel was gay, Shelby said, but she never knew the impact that had on his life at school. ‘Solutions in search of a problem’HB130 – dubbed a “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics – is one of the bills currently working through the state legislature. For Neil Rafferty, a husband, combat veteran and the only Alabama state lawmaker who identifies as gay, the changes could once again trigger unintended consequences for the state. After his death, Shelby started The Nigel Shelby Foundation to help youth who may not have a support system, provide scholarships for students and help families with LGBTQ children. Camika and Nigel Shelby Courtesy Shelby familyIn a letter to his mother before his death, Nigel asked her to forgive him and keep living, Shelby said.

Persons: Huntsville , Alabama CNN — Camika Shelby, “, ” Shelby, Nigel, Shelby, ”, Nigel Shelby, –, HB130, Neil Rafferty, ” Rafferty, Amelia Earhart, Rafferty, Neil Rafferty Devon Sayers, Mack Butler, ” Butler, AL.com, Butler, It’s, ” Adele Kimmel, Kimmel, ” Kimmel, Camika, ‘ Mama, there’s Organizations: International Association for Suicide Prevention, Befrienders, Huntsville , Alabama CNN, CNN, Huntsville City, of Education, Democrat, Republican, HB130, Public Religion Research, Public, Civil Rights, Human Rights, Nigel, Nigel Shelby Foundation Locations: Huntsville , Alabama, Huntsville, Alabama, Shelby, Florida

☆ Kamala Harris Pushes the Envelope as Biden Struggles With Some Democrats
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-29 | by ( March | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +7 min

Harris' evolving role comes as progressive Democrats target Biden over his pro-Israel stance, polls show him in a tight race against Republican rival Donald Trump. While some have knocked Harris's performance as vice president and value to the reelection campaign in the past, she's moved into a starring role. Current and former Harris aides disputed the idea of any difference in policy between Biden, characterizing their efforts as a difference in tone and emphasis. Biden cannot emphasize divisive cultural issues without alienating more conservative voters he needs to win, current and former aides said. If Trump wins white voters, the largest U.S. racial group, for the third election in a row, Biden needs a dominant showing among a diverse set of groups that typically favor Democrats.

Persons: Trevor Hunnicutt, Joe, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Harris, Biden, Donald Trump ., she's, Abbas Alawieh, She's, Dave Cavell, HARRIS Biden, Trump, Read, Arlene Eiras, Nandita Bose, Heather Timmons, Deepa Babington, Chizu Organizations: White, U.S, Republican, Trump, Hamas, Democratic, Freedoms, Reuters, Puerto Rican, Biden, Harris, Read Reuters Locations: Gaza, Selma, Alabama, Parkland , Florida, Israel, Minneapolis, Wisconsin , Michigan, Pennsylvania, U.S, San Juan, United States, Caribbean, Washington

☆ 5 Black Country Artists on Beyoncé's 'Cowboy Carter'
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-28 | by ( Callie Ahlgrim | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +16 min

Just one week later, it topped the Hot 100, even though some country radio stations initially refused to play it. Many Black artists creating country music have already seen major boosts in streaming numbers. "There are a lot of Black people who love country music, that have been afraid to say that they love country music, even afraid to make country music." Ice breakers: In the six weeks since Beyoncé dropped the two lead singles from "Cowboy Carter," Shaboozey has felt a palpable uptick in attention surrounding Black country artists. Listen to a roundup of key tracks by Black country artists on Business Insider's Spotify.

Persons: Lil Nas, Beyoncé, Carter, It's, she's, Pablo, Don, gatekeepers, Billboard's Kyle Denis, Cowboy Carter, Tanner Adell, Chase Foster, Tanner, Adell, Josh Turner, Shania Twain, Texas, doesn't, Queen Bey, Buckle, Luke Combs, Daniel Prakopcyk, Shaboozey, Collins Chibueze, Southern, Marty Robbins, Woody Guthrie, I've, Kashus Culpepper, Buffalo Kin, Valerie June, Brittany Howard, Breland, Henry Ammann, Nelly, Tim McGraw, Daniel Gerard Breland, Nashville darlings, Thomas Rhett, Keith Urban, Blanco Brown, Blanco, Brown, Tim McGraw's, he's, He's, Tiera Kennedy, Alexa Campbell, Tiera, Kennedy, Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, who've Organizations: Chicks, Business, Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo, BI, Nashville, LaFace Records, Buffalo Wild Wings, Spotify Locations: Texas, Houston, Nashville, Kentucky, California, Wyoming, Church, Star Valley , Wyoming, Plano, Beverly, Virginia, America, New Jersey, Atlanta, Butler , Georgia, Alabama

watch nowNearly half of Americans are concerned enough about TikTok being a threat to national security that they support banning the social media service or forcing a sale to a non-Chinese company, according to the latest CNBC All-America Economic Survey. The nationwide survey of 1,001 Americans revealed that 20% of participants said TikTok should be banned no matter what. Of survey participants who are also daily TikTok users, about two-thirds think the government should not prohibit the social media app. Known as "shoelover99" on the social media app, Nichols boasts more than 12.5 million followers. Differences among political linesAmong survey participants, 40% of Democrats were in favor of a ban or forced sale, while 38% were opposed.

Persons: it's, ByteDance, Shou Zi Chew, Ophelia Nichols, Nichols, TikTok didn't, Donald Trump Organizations: CNBC, America Economic Survey, Senate, U.S . Capitol, Capitol Locations: American, It's, Alabama

Marilyn Lands, a Democrat, won a special election Tuesday for a State House seat in Alabama after campaigning on access to abortion and in vitro fertilization, underscoring the continued political potency of reproductive rights. Ms. Lands defeated her Republican opponent, Teddy Powell, by about 25 percentage points — an extraordinary margin in a swing district where she lost by seven points in 2022. The special election was called when David Cole, the Republican who had held the seat, resigned and pleaded guilty to voter fraud. “Today, Alabama women and families sent a clear message that will be heard in Montgomery and across the nation,” Ms. Lands, a licensed counselor, said Tuesday night. And last month, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos were people with rights — upending I.V.F.

Persons: Marilyn Lands, Teddy Powell, David Cole, ”, Roe, Wade, — upending, Kay Ivey, Powell, Heather Williams, ” Ms, Williams, Biden’s, Donald J, Trump, Mr, Julie Chavez Rodriguez Organizations: Democrat, House, Lands, Republican, Republicans, Alabama Legislature, Democratic Legislative, Committee, “ Locations: Alabama, Montgomery, “

The canary in the coal mine for Republicans on the issue of abortion is becoming a full symphony in this cycle's elections. In a stunning turn, a Democrat handily won an Alabama race in a blowout Tuesday night after campaigning almost entirely on reproductive rights. Marilyn Lands, a licensed mental health counselor, emerged from the special election for a state legislative seat with 62% of the vote, compared with 37% for Republican Teddy Powell. Typically with IVF, multiple embryos are created to improve the chances of conception, and unused ones can be destroyed. After the IVF ruling, Alabama lawmakers moved quickly to protect patients and doctors from legal liability for destruction of embryos.

Persons: Marilyn Lands, Republican Teddy Powell, Republican David Cole, doesn't, Trump, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Powell, Kay Ivey, Roe, Wade Organizations: Republicans, Democrat, Alabama, Republican, Republican Gov, U.S, Supreme Locations: Alabama, Montgomery, California, Michigan, Vermont, Kansas , Kentucky, Montana and Ohio

☆ A controversial Supreme Court decision could hurt Biden in November
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( John Blake | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +11 min

CNN —A Supreme Court decision related to the election could determine the presidential victor this November, but it has nothing to do with former President Donald Trump. The study also said the “narrow” racial-turnout disparity that the high court heavily relied upon in its Shelby decision was based in part on the 2012 presidential election. Yet the study’s conclusion bolsters critics of the Shelby decision. They ignored it although they knew their decision would hurt Black voters, who tend to vote for the Democratic Party, he says. The bloody history behind the Voting Rights ActThe law was passed in 1965 after King led an epic voting rights campaign in Selma, Alabama.

Persons: CNN —, Donald Trump, Brennan, —, Holder, John Roberts, Barack Obama, Shelby, Jim Crow, Alabama —, Lawrence Goldstone, ” Goldstone, Sonia Sotomayor, Joe Biden, Shawn Thew, Biden, Goldstone, Black, George W, Bush, preclearance, “, ”, Elijah Nouvelage, Horace Cooper, Martin Luther King Jr, Cooper, “ That’s, Martin Luther King, that’s, ” Cooper, King, Edmund Pettus, Obama, Lyndon B, Johnson, Jr, Ralph Abernathy, Clarence Mitchell, Corbis, Roberts, Reagan, Brett Kavanaugh, tortuously, it’s, John Blake Organizations: CNN, Brennan Center for Justice, Supreme Court, Southern GOP, GOP, State of, Getty, Black, Democratic Party, George Mason University in, US Justice Department, Edmund, White, Congress, Black voters, North Carolina — Locations: Shelby, Southern, America, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina, State, Washington, Alabama’s Shelby County, Atlanta , Georgia, AFP, George Mason University in Virginia, Selma , Alabama, White Alabama, “ Shelby

The largest global industrial wood pellet supplier filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Wednesday, announcing its intention to cut about $1 billion of debt by restructuring agreements with creditors, including those who have invested heavily in new facilities. The announcement came two months after Fitch Ratings downgraded Enviva’s default rating following a missed interest payment of $24.4 million. Construction will continue at its location in Epes, Alabama, Enviva said in a March 12 statement. The Dogwood Alliance urged the Biden Administration this fall to prevent wood pellet producers from accessing a tax credit that received additional funding under the Inflation Reduction Act, which marked the most substantial federal investment to date in the fight against climate change. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Persons: Enviva, ”, ” Glenn Nunziata, Danna Smith, Smith, ” Smith, ” ___ Pollard Organizations: Fitch, Dogwood Alliance, Biden, Associated Press, America Statehouse News Initiative, America Locations: Maryland, Delaware, Mississippi, Alabama, U.S, Epes , Alabama, Bond

☆ These 4 GOP senators voted to rip away millions of dollars in federal funding that they had secured for their home states
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-09 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Seventeen GOP senators had secured funding for specific projects in their home states in the bill. Four of them voted to strip all those projects out, and Sen. Tuberville voted against the entire bill. AdvertisementFour GOP senators voted for a provision on Friday that would have ripped away millions of dollars in federal funding that they had worked to secure for their home states. Known colloquially as "earmarks," the CDS process allows lawmakers to request federal funding for individual projects in their home states. Forty House Republicans did the same thing on Wednesday, voting against the government funding bill despite the fact it secured millions in earmarks funding for their districts.

Persons: Sen, Tuberville, —, Joe Biden, Republican Sen, Rick Scott, Scott, Deb Fischer, Nebraska John Thune of, Nebraska John Thune of South Dakota Thom Tillis, North Carolina Tommy Tuberville, Alabama Fischer, Thune, Tillis, nonbinding, Democratic Sen, Chris Murphy of Connecticut, — Chris Murphy 🟧, ake, hough Organizations: GOP, Service, Republican, CDS, Republicans, Nebraska John Thune of South Dakota, North, Democratic, ust Locations: Florida, Nebraska John Thune of South, North Carolina

☆ Opinion | How America’s Two Abortion Realities Are Clashing
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( The Ezra Klein Show | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +65 min

mary zieglerWell, I think it’s much easier to ban abortion than it is to enforce a criminal law against abortion. mary zieglerNo, I think that’s right. If our abortion politics don’t reflect our abortion views, what does that tell us about the health of the democracy? We’ve seen upwards of 10 states — I think it’s 14 or 15 that have changed their definition of abortion in abortion restrictive states since Dobbs. So, the idea is that abortions that are presented as life saving either are not abortions or are simply pretexts for abortion that’s elective.

Persons: ezra klein, Ezra Klein, ”, overturns Roe, Wade, we’ve, Dobbs, Mary Ziegler, mary ziegler, Roe, they’ve, they’re, didn’t, isn’t, —, We’ve, ezra klein Let’s, mifepristone, Z, They’re, mary ziegler That’s, Comstock, hasn’t, it’s, ezra klein There’s, Kate Cox, kate cox, mary ziegler —, she’d, there’s, you’ll, don’t, you’re, You’re, That’s, I’ve, I’m, they’ll, Ezra, you’ve, that’s, There’s, what’s, Joe Biden, Bill Clinton, You’ve, It’s, Lindsey Graham, Chuck Schumer, Hakeem Jeffries, Trump, mary ziegler There’s, Glenn Youngkin, Glenn Youngkin’s, mary ziegler It’s, we’re, Donald Trump, Roger Severino, Gene Hamilton, Hamilton isn’t, He’s, Stephen Miller’s, Jonathan Mitchell, Biden, — there’s, Josh Prager’s, Jennifer Holland, Daniel K, Williams, Wade ”, Linda Greenhouse, Reva Siegel, ezra klein Mary Ziegler Organizations: New York, Alabama, Republican, U.S, Supreme, for Life, Environmental Protection Agency, mifepristone, and Drug Administration, Republicans, State, Washington State Patrol, Democratic, Catholic Democrat, Wall Street, Act, Virginia Republicans, Republican Party, Leadership, Heritage Foundation, Health, Human Services Department, Trump, Washington Post, New York Times, HHS, Human Services, Department of Justice, Court Locations: Alabama, America, St, Louis , Missouri, East St, Louis , Illinois, Dobbs, Ohio, United States, Texas, mary ziegler — Texas, Kansas, Austin, Houston, Dallas, Florida, Miami, Jacksonville, Tampa, New York, California, Vermont, New Jersey, Missouri, Idaho, Virginia, Colorado, Roe

☆ How 2 entrepreneurs are tackling diversity challenges with their small businesses
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-06 | by ( Tim Paradis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

This article is part of "Talent Insider," a series containing expert advice to help business owners tackle a variety of hiring challenges. And so what we look at for diversity, equity, and inclusion is to really help people understand the points of commonality. I think that's what makes us different. I think you can never effectively make change if you're only trying to communicate with someone from a digital-marketing campaign. I mean, we all know people have different experiences and different messaging and different types of insights ultimately inform their belief system.

Persons: Brothers John, Mike Burns, Tim Paradis, John, George Floyd, Burns, it's, we're, John Burns, we've, —, I've, you've Organizations: Fortune, Burns Locations: Washington ,, Nairobi, Kenya, America, Washington, Alabama

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — Alabama lawmakers facing public pressure to restart in vitro fertilization services in the state advanced legislation to shield providers from the fallout of a court ruling that equated frozen embryos to children. Committees in the state Senate and House on Tuesday approved identical bills that would protect providers from lawsuits and criminal prosecution for the “damage or death of an embryo” during IVF services. The state's three major IVF providers paused services after the Alabama Supreme Court's ruling last month because of the sweeping liability concerns it raised. The court decision received immediate backlash as groups across the country raised concerns about a ruling recognizing embryos as children. The American Society for Reproductive Medicine, a group representing IVF providers across the country, said the legislation does not go far enough.

Persons: Court's, Kay Ivey, ”, Terri Collins, Beth, Joshua Davis, Dillard, “ We’ve, ” Beth Davis, “, ” Beth David, Michael C, “ There's, ” Allemand, Sean Tipton, Roe, Wade, Collins, doesn't Organizations: —, House, Alabama, Gov, Alabama Fertility, American Society for Reproductive, ”, Democrats, Republicans, State Republicans Locations: MONTGOMERY, Ala, — Alabama, Alabama, New York, Louisiana

"Donald Trump is going to be the recipient of a [large] delegate number tonight. Trump won Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, with results from Alaska and Utah yet to come. “If Donald Trump returns to the White House, all of this progress is at risk. In Virginia, Haley got 35% of the GOP primary vote and posted similar numbers in Massachusetts. Haley had strong fundraising numbers in January and February, but it's possible the money will dry up after Trump's Super Tuesday wins.

Persons: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Trump, Nikki Haley, Haley, wasn't, David Plouffe, Barack Obama's, Plouffe, revel, Biden, ” Biden, –, implode, Lara Trump Organizations: South Carolina, Trump, MSNBC, Hawkeye State, Republican, Alabama, White, GOP, Oklahoma, Biden, Massachusetts, Old Dominion, Trump's Super, Republican National Committee Locations: Vermont, Iowa, Hawkeye, Arkansas , California , Colorado , Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, North Carolina , Oklahoma , Tennessee , Texas, Virginia, Alaska, Utah, Lago, Alabama , Arkansas , California , Colorado , Iowa , Massachusetts, North Carolina , Oklahoma , Tennessee , Texas , Utah, California, Massachusetts, Gaza, North Carolina, Old

☆ What to watch for on Super Tuesday
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-05 | by ( Gregory Krieg | Eric Bradner | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +15 min

Here are 9 things to watch for:The night the lights go out on HaleyBarring a stunning upset – actually, multiple stunning upsets across the country – Super Tuesday is looking like the end of the road for Haley. While Haley has said she would stay in the race through at least Super Tuesday, she has not hinted at an exit. A North Carolina governor’s race with implications up and down the ballotOn a Super Tuesday with an unusual lack of spice, the North Carolina gubernatorial primary is a rare exception. Mark Robinson and Democratic state Attorney General Josh Stein are expected to coast to their parties’ respective nominations. Down-ballot in Texas, there’s more to watch, starting with the payback campaign of Attorney General Ken Paxton.

Persons: Joe Biden, Donald Trump, Biden, Trump, Nikki Haley, Trump’s, Dianne Feinstein, Haley, –, Liz Cheney, she’s, “, specter, MAGA, Barack Obama, Mark Robinson, Josh Stein, Robinson, Stein, Roy Cooper, Beto O’Rourke’s, Republican Sen, Ted Cruz, Colin Allred, Cruz, Sen, Roland Gutierrez —, Allred, ’, outraising Cruz, Ken Paxton, Paxton, Dade Phelan, He’s, Dianne Feinstein —, Laphonza Butler, Steve Garvey, Adam Schiff, Schiff, Katie Porter, Barbara Lee, Garvey hasn’t, Garvey, Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Moore, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Carl, Steve Scalise, It’s, Terri Sewell, David Valadao, Michelle Steel, Young Kim, Ken Calvert’s, Katie Porter’s, Scott Baugh, Josh Harder’s, Mike Levin’s, London Breed, George Gascon, CNN’s Simone Pathe, Fredreka Schouten Organizations: CNN, South Carolina Gov, Trump, California Senate, Democrats, Haley, Trump Republicans, Wyoming, GOP, Democratic, MAGA Republicans, Virginia, North, North Carolina Republicans, Carolina governor’s, North Carolina, Republican, Gov, Texas Democrats, Cruz, NFL, Affordable, Texas Legislature, Senate, Democrat, Alabama, showdowns, 2nd, Caucus, Georgia, Louisiana Rep, Chamber of Commerce, California House, Rep, London, Supervisors, District Locations: Alaska, California, Colorado , Minnesota, North Carolina, Alabama, Gaza, Minnesota, South Carolina, Virginia, Carolina, Texas, San Antonio, Uvalde, Tuesday’s, Florida, Montana , Ohio, West Virginia, Arizona, Michigan, Nevada , Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Orange County, Francisco, Los Angeles

☆ Why ‘Fetal Personhood’ Is Roiling the Right
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Emily Bazelon | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The procedure offers a chance to make a baby, with eggs that are fertilized and develop into embryos in a lab. came to a sudden halt because of a State Supreme Court ruling that achieved a central goal of the anti-abortion movement. The ruling vaulted the question of “fetal personhood” to the center of the debate that has followed the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade. The Alabama court decision made clear that this stance on the definition of life can broadly rewrite reproductive rights and send states, and perhaps the country, down unpredictable paths. In response, Alabama legislators, led by Republicans who have opposed abortion, rushed to pass bills last week so that I.V.F.

Persons: Roe, Wade Organizations: Court, Republicans Locations: Alabama, U.S .

Harris also echoed calls by President Joe Biden for a six-week ceasefire — a proposal that would allow for the release of hostages held by Hamas and a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Months after the brutality, the Voting Rights Act was signed into law. The vice president also said that “the fight for freedom is not over,” pointing to efforts to curb voting rights, reproductive rights and the ability to live free of gun violence. Harris’ visit to Selma marked the fifth time she has participated in the annual civil rights pilgrimage. She attended as a senator in 2018, as a presidential candidate in 2020, and as vice president in 2022.

Persons: Kamala Harris, Harris –, ” Harris, Benny Gantz, ”, Harris, Joe Biden, Let’s, Biden, “ Selma, Edmund Pettus Bridge, billy, Harris ’ Organizations: CNN, Hamas, Sunday, Republican Locations: Gaza, Israel, Selma , Alabama, Washington, United States, Selma, Montgomery, Alabama

☆ The I.V.F. Ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court Should Not Be a Surprise - The New York Times
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Linda Greenhouse | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +2 min

I never thought I’d be grateful to the Alabama Supreme Court for anything, but now I am. With its decision deeming frozen embryos to be children under state law, that all-Republican court has done the impossible. It has awakened the American public, finally, to the peril of the theocratic future toward which the country has been hurtling. The fact that religious doctrine lay at the heart of Justice Samuel Alito’s majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization was perfectly clear, as I observed then. But there’s no avoiding the theological basis of the Alabama court’s solicitude for “extrauterine children,” to use the majority opinion’s phrase.

Persons: I’d, Samuel Alito’s, Dobbs, “, ” Tom Parker, Alabama’s, Jeremiah, ’ Organizations: U.S, Jackson, Health Organization, Alabama Locations: Alabama, Dobbs v

☆ Alabama Lawmakers Advance Bills in a Race to Protect I.V.F.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-29 | by ( Emily Cochrane | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

Alabama lawmakers overwhelmingly advanced legislation on Thursday that would shield doctors, clinics and hospitals offering in vitro fertilization treatment, clearing a major hurdle in their race to enshrine protections for reproductive medicine into law. The scramble comes after a State Supreme Court ruling this month found that, under Alabama law, frozen embryos should be considered children, upending I.V.F. treatment across the state and leading multiple clinics to stop offering the treatments to avoid possible liability. The Senate unanimously passed its version of the measure, while the House approved its bill on a 94-to-6 margin, with a few lawmakers abstaining. The quick pace of the legislation underscores how most Republicans in Alabama are anxious to show their constituents that they are not standing in the way of the many families who turn to I.V.F.

Persons: upending, Kay Ivey Organizations: Court, Gov, Republican Locations: Alabama

☆ Alabama IVF ruling: Here’s what could happen next
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-28 | by ( Lauren Mascarenhas | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +9 min

At least three providers in Alabama, including the state’s largest health system, have halted some in vitro fertilization services since the court’s ruling. Republicans hold a majority in both the Alabama House and Senate. “Any legislation that gets passed is ultimately up to interpretation by the Alabama Supreme Court,” O’Conner said. A trial court initially dismissed the claims, but the state Supreme Court ruling reversed that decision. The clinic involved in the lawsuit, The Center for Reproductive Medicine in Mobile, is among those that have halted some IVF services.

Persons: Steve Marshall, Katie O’Connor, ” O’Conner, Anthony Daniels, Kay Ivey’s, Daniels, Bill, Republican Terri Collins, Tim Melson, “ I’m, ”, Democratic Sen, Tammy Duckworth, Savannah Koplon, Butch Dill, ” Dr, Janet McLaren Bouknight, Katherine Kraschel, “, ” Kraschel, Greg Abbott, Trump, ” Abbott, CNN’s Dana, Abbott, Richard Drew, ” O’Connor, Sen, Erin Grall, Kraschel, Trip Smalley, Smalley Organizations: CNN, Republican, National Women’s Law, Alabama, Democratic, Alabama House, Gov, Alabama Republicans, Senate, Republicans, Alabama Supreme, University of Alabama, Alabama Legislature, The University of Alabama, Birmingham, Infant Center, Alabama Fertility Specialists, Facebook, “, Alabama Fertility, Northeastern University School of Law, Texas Gov, Union, AP Lawmakers, Tampa Bay Times, Center, Reproductive Medicine Locations: Alabama, Montgomery, state’s, House, Birmingham, Birmingham , Alabama, Texas, “ State, Florida, Republican Florida, Mobile, ”

☆ More employers are offering fertility benefits. Could Alabama’s embryo ruling change that?
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Tami Luhby | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

That’s because more employers are providing fertility benefits to their workers, opening up the costly procedure to many more Americans. However, most employers place limits on IVF coverage. The share of employers providing fertility benefits has likely increased since 2022 for several reasons, said Julie Stich, the foundation’s vice president of educational content. Some employers are providing fertility coverage to prevent these situations. Alabama decisionDespite the Alabama ruling, employers are not likely to drop their fertility benefits since they are important for talent acquisition and retention, said Kate Ryder, founder and CEO of Maven Clinic, which works with employers and health plans to provide fertility and family building programs, among other services.

Persons: CNN —, it’s, Mercer, Julie Stich, “ There’s, ”, Stich, Kate Ryder, there’s, ” Ryder, Harvey Cotton Organizations: CNN, CNN — Alabama’s, International Foundation of Employee, of Columbia, Maven Clinic, Ropes & Gray Locations: Alabama

☆ How the GOP’s rightward shift on immigration helps explain Trump’s primary success
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Ron Brownstein | Analysis Ronald Brownstein | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +17 min

Amid widespread discontent over President Joe Biden’s management of the border, the overall electorate is moving rightward on immigration too, polls show. For now, there’s no question that hardening GOP attitudes on immigration have been critical to Trump’s strong performance through the early primaries. Then, 56% of GOP primary voters said undocumented immigrants should be offered legal status; in last month’s primary, 55% said they should be deported. Immigration ranked as the most important issue for most GOP primary voters in South Carolina, and finished close behind the economy in both Iowa and New Hampshire. McLaughlin said Trump’s dominance among the GOP primary voters most concerned about immigration encapsulates a broader reason for his early success: widespread satisfaction among Republicans about his record in office.

Persons: Donald Trump’s, Joe Biden’s, Trump, What’s, “, Donald Trump, ”, Jim McLaughlin, Joe Biden, ’, Nikki Haley, Trump’s, Haley, Leah Askarinam, McLaughlin, Robert P, Jones, Charles Franklin, Adolf Hitler, ” Biden, Biden, Stephen Miller, Charlie Kirk, Miller, Dwight D, Eisenhower, Matt Barreto, Barreto, Democratic pollster, ” Barreto, Maria Cardona, Tom Suozzi, George Santos, Suozzi, Bill Clinton Organizations: CNN, GOP, Republican, Trump, Biden, Edison Research, Immigration, Former South Carolina Gov, Quinnipiac University, Survey, Religion Research Institute, Marquette Law School, Marquette, Gallup, Republicans, CBS, National Guard, Democratic, UCLA, New, Republican Rep, White, House Republicans Locations: Alabama, Mississippi, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Iowa, New York, Wisconsin, Mexico, United States, American, Trump, Marquette, America, Texas, Celinda, Arizona, Nevada, Mexico ”, week’s State, Brownsville

☆ GOP politicians are saying they've always cared about IVF. Bills they've supported indicate otherwise.
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Republicans are rallying around IVF access after a controversial Alabama Supreme Court ruling. The issue has been further fueled by a House bill to recognize human life at fertilization. Democratic candidate Elissa Slotkin, who is running against Rogers for Senate, pointed out that Rogers has co-sponsored four bills with similar language to the House bill while in Congress. President Joe Biden's campaign and Vice President Kamala Harris have also lobbed criticism regarding the Alabama Supreme Court decision, specifically calling out Trump. What’s happening in Alabama is a direct result of Donald Trump’s Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade.

Persons: —, Michelle Steel, Steel, Ashley Hinson, — Ashley Hinson, Hinson, Nancy Mace, @RepNancyMace, Mace, Axios, Mike Rogers, Elissa Slotkin, Rogers, Slotkin, Mike, Jim Jordan, don’t, jg0tf0scGV — Elissa Slotkin, Donald Trump, Karoline Leavitt, Joe Biden's, Kamala Harris, Trump, Harris, Donald Trump's, Roe, Wade, Donald Trump’s, CWOZ1IWpY3 — Kamala Harris, Crooked Joe Biden, Steven Cheung, Biden, Dobbs, Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, Neil Gorsuch — Organizations: Service, The Alabama, GOP, —, 125, Republicans, Steel, Business Insider, South Carolina Rep, Democratic, Rogers, Senate, Alabama, ABC, Jackson, Health Organization Locations: Alabama, California, Michigan, @KamalaHarris

☆ Nancy Mace is introducing a resolution expressing support for IVF — but it doesn't do anything to actually protect the procedure
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-27 | by ( Bryan Metzger | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

GOP Rep. Nancy Mace is introducing a resolution supporting IVF in the wake of the Alabama ruling. Business Insider obtained a copy of the resolution, which doesn't actually protect the procedure. Mace once cosponsored the Life at Conception Act, which potentially threatens IVF. AdvertisementRep. Nancy Mace is set to introduce a resolution this week expressing support for in vitro fertilization (IVF) in the wake of an Alabama Supreme Court ruling that has put the procedure at risk in the state. "That is why I support IVF treatment, which has been a blessing for many moms and dads who have struggled with fertility."

Persons: Nancy Mace, Mace, —, Roe, Wade, Mike Johnson, Johnson, OTYCUbbrV7 —, @RepNancyMace, Sen, Tammy Duckworth of Organizations: Business, Service, Alabama Supreme, Alabama, Senate Locations: Alabama, The, Carolina

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