The law bans abortions after cardiac activity is detected, usually about six weeks into pregnancy and well before many people even know they are pregnant. The ruling is at odds with court precedents.
The law also allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone else who helps a woman obtain an abortion, including those who give a woman a ride to a clinic.
The Republican Texas governor, who has been fully vaccinated and has no symptoms, "will isolate in the Governor's Mansion and continue to test daily," his office announced.
Mexican fishermen are illegally plundering tons of red snapper from the lower Texas Gulf, raising the ire of the U.S. Coast Guard, Texas fishermen, marine biologists and the federal government.
One Black geocacher writes about harrowing encounters, such as being called "boy" and finding a cache hidden inside a flagpole flying the Confederate flag.
Chef Chris Williams from the Houston restaurant Lucille's talks about how he started the restaurant, the nonprofit that grew from it, and his mixed feelings about Juneteenth.
Republican Gov. Greg Abbott says on Twitter that he will veto funding for the state Legislature after Democratic lawmakers walked out, blocking passage of new voting restrictions.
Tuesday on Political Rewind: Many of Georgia’s COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted. An executive order from Gov. Brian Kemp relaxed public health rules in many spaces including restaurants, bars, and child care facilities yesterday. And while the order attempts to discourage public schools from enforcing their own mask mandates, it falls short of a ban on local mask rules.
The new law prohibits abortion the moment a fetal heartbeat has been detected, before many women are even aware that they are pregnant. Enforcement of the law relies on private citizens.
The legislation was criticized by Democrats, progressive groups and voting rights advocates as "voter suppression." Republicans view it as "sensible election integrity legislation."
Monday on Political Rewind: Recent data shows the spread of the virus is slowing in many state, for now. In Georgia, Gov. Brian Kemp lifted many of the remaining pandemic restrictions placed on Georgia businesses such as gyms, bars and restaurants. Across the state, colleges and universities across the state have yet to announce their plans for the fall semester.
"If we get to a point in any case, no matter who the defendant is ... that we feel there is insufficient probable cause, we have to alert the defense and alert the court," prosecutors said Wednesday.
