Kate Cox left Texas to get an abortion.

Abortion

The Story

Kate Cox left Texas to get an abortion.

Kate Cox?

The woman at the center of one of the biggest challenges to a state’s abortion law since Roe v. Wade. Last week, a lower court overruled Texas law — which bars abortion at six weeks — to grant Cox an exception for the procedure. That’s because Cox, who is 20 weeks pregnant, has a fetus with a fatal chromosomal condition, and the pregnancy poses a threat to her health. Texas AG Ken Paxton (R) appealed the case to the Texas Supreme Court, which then blocked her abortion in the state. Yesterday, Cox's attorneys said she left Texas to get the procedure, calling the past week “hellish.”

What happens now?

The Texas Supreme Court weighed in yesterday, officially ruling against Cox. It said her doctor didn’t assert that she has a “life-threatening physical condition” and that the lower court’s ruling was a mistake. However, it’s not the only abortion case for one of the country’s most populous states: The conservative-leaning court is also hearing another legal challenge looking to clarify what’s considered a medical exception in the state's abortion laws. Before Texas's restrictions took effect, the state recorded about 50,000 abortion procedures a year. In the first nine months of 2023, there have reportedly been 34.

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Cox’s case highlights the legal hoops women have to jump through in states where abortion is restricted. Now, Texas's latest decision points to how narrow the exceptions in the state's law actually are for many — even if the procedure could mean saving their lives or fertility.

The Latest

Yesterday, the Washington Post released an analysis that says it found evidence of Israel using US-supplied white phosphorus in southern Lebanon in October. White phosphorus ignites when it makes contact with oxygen and can cause deep burns. International law doesn't ban the substance, but experts consider its use against civilians to be illegal. Israel reportedly said it used it to create a smokescreen. Still, the US said it is “concerned” by the report.

Meanwhile, Zara has pulled a controversial ad campaign following backlash. The images showed a model carrying a mannequin wrapped in white fabric and statues with missing limbs. Critics said it resembled photos of corpses in Gaza wrapped in white cloth. The company said the launch was inspired by men’s tailoring from past centuries and that the photos were taken before the outbreak of violence in October.

…Oh and pressure is mounting on Harvard University president Claudine Gay to step down. Some criticized Gay, like UPenn President Liz Magill, for her refusal to unequivocally condemn calls for genocide of Jews on campus. Still, more than 700 Harvard faculty members have signed a letter backing her. Gay is expected to hear a decision on her position today.

What's being asked for its opinion...

The Supreme Court. Yesterday, special counsel Jack Smith asked the high court to decide whether former President Trump is immune from prosecution. The former president is facing trial on four felony charges over efforts to overturn the 2020 election. A lower court had already ruled that Trump doesn’t have immunity, but the former president appealed the decision and wants the case dismissed. Now, Smith is bypassing the appeals court and asking the Supremes to give its opinion ASAP so that Trump’s trial goes on as scheduled in March. Hours after Smith’s request, the Supremes said they’d decide quickly on whether to take up the case. It wouldn’t be the first time the high court’s weighed in on presidential-related cases (see: Watergate and the 2000 election). As for Trump, his campaign says “there is absolutely no reason to rush this sham to trial.”

What’s got some countries up in arms…

COP28. Yesterday, climate advocates and delegates attending the UN climate summit criticized a draft deal suggesting that fossil fuels “could” be phased out. Climate experts say the “could” language makes it optional for countries to cut fossil fuel use. It comes as the Guardian reported at least 166 climate deniers gained access to the summit. The European Union said the draft is “unacceptable.” The US said the draft's bit about fossil fuels “needs to be substantially strengthened.” The summit is scheduled to wrap up today, but it could keep going as countries try to reach a deal.

Who people are asking about...

Alexei Navalny. Yesterday, the Russian opposition leader’s lawyers said they don’t know where he is and are no longer in contact with him. Earlier this year, Navalny was sentenced to 19 years at a penal colony for extremism charges, on top of more than 11 years for fraud and other charges. Navalny was set to be transferred to a “special security” penal colony, but his lawyers say it's been about a week since they’ve been in touch and that they haven’t been told where he’s going. The US said it was “deeply concerned.”

What might need a refresh...

Google. Yesterday, a San Francisco jury ruled the tech giant violated antitrust laws with its mobile app store. The decision is a victory for Epic Games — maker of Fornite — which sued Google in 2020, accusing its app store of a monopoly. Now, it’s up to the judge to decide what updates Google has to make to its business practices. Google said it'll appeal the verdict. 

While “Barbie” is leading the pack…

Hasbro isn’t. Yesterday, the toy maker announced it's cutting about 1,100 jobs as it struggles with weak sales amid the holiday season. It comes as inflation has people cutting back on buying things like toys.

Who's coming to the little screen...

Tucker Carlson.

Who has offloaded Offset...

Cardi B.

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