State Politics
The plan to save IVF in Alabama
A recent ruling in the Alabama Supreme Court caused IVF clinics across Alabama to shut down, as embryos were classified as “extrauterine children”. The decision has been incredibly controversial, with Republicans scrambling to disavow the ruling. The NRSC released a statement reaffirming its support for IVF, and recommending that their candidates take the same party line position to avoid electoral blowback. Even Donald Trump has clarified his stance on the issue, saying on Truth Social that he supported the creation of American families through IVF.
This has put Alabama Republicans in a tough position, as the ruling is unpopular even in the deep red state. However some legislators believe there is a chance to turn this into a victory, by passing a bill that would support IVF and give doctor’s immunity from the crimes they would be committing under the current interpretation of the law in Alabama.
The recently introduced S.B. 159 was primarily authored by Tim Melson of SD-001, but appears to have the support of at least 9 other Alabama State Senators. The bill reads, “no action, suit, or criminal prosecution shall be brought or maintained against any individual or entity providing goods or services related to in vitro fertilization except for an act or omission that is both intentional and not arising from or related to IVF services.”
It also includes an important clarification that the act would apply retroactively as well, meaning Doctor’s do not need to fear legal retribution for providing IVF. It also will end on April 1st, 2025, meaning that the bill is likely a stopgap measure. Following its passage, the Alabama GOP could negotiate a more permanent law, or go through the legal system to achieve a fix.
The bill has also gained the support of Governor Kay Ivey, who wants the bill fast-tracked to her desk after passing the Senate and the House. The Senate Healthcare Committee will meet tomorrow, while the House will bring the bill to the floor on Thursday.
In a surprise move by the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Committee, Oklahoma City has been named the host of two events for the Olympic Games. Come Olympic season, OKC will be hosting the Olympic Canoe Slalom and Softball events, as Los Angeles does not have the necessary facilities locally.
LA28 stressed that the Oklahoma facilities were “built to international competition standards,” and that this move allowed the City of Los Angeles to save money on venues they would not continue to use after the Olympics.
Softball has a long tradition in Oklahoma City, which has hosted the Women’s College World Series every year except 1990. They already have these world class facilities in place, as well as an in-built and enthusiastic audience for the sport.
Oklahoma City also recently completed construction on Riversport Rapids, a world class canoeing and kayaking facility, in 2016. They currently offer consumer rafting experiences as well as training facilities for athletes. In preparation for the Olympics, they will also use it to host the Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2026.
While the plan is still awaiting approval from Los Angeles, LA28 has received approval from all relevant international bodies for the move. However it is unlikely that LA will deny the request considering the cost benefits laid out under the plan.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams announced on Tuesday that the infamous Rikers Island prison is “ready” to receive Former President Donald Trump. Trump is currently facing potential temporary incarceration following repeated violations of his gag order.
The judge overseeing Trump’s hush money trial, Judge Juan Merchan, made it clear on Monday that if the Former President continued to violate his gag order, he could be placed in jail. He called Trump’s repeated violations a “direct attack on the rule of law.”
Putting the Former President in jail could prove difficult for the New York City Department of Connection. Due to the high security required for his incarceration, the options could be very limited.
Despite Rikers Island’s poor reputation, city officials could be of the mind that they are best equipped to handle a prisoner of Donald Trump’s stature. Eric Adams told the media that “they’re professionals, they’ll be ready.”
Off the coast of Boca Raton, Florida, two teenagers were caught throwing heaps of trash into the ocean from their boat. The teenagers were partying on their speeding boat with their friends when they committed the offense. Wavy Boats, a social media account, first uploaded the viral video on April 30.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) led the investigation, which the Coast Guard and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection were also involved in. The FWC wanted to send a message that the state of Florida “doesn’t tolerate this” and wants to “protect [their] environment.”
According to a South Florida newspaper, after turning themselves in on Friday, the two teenagers (unnamed) face “felony third-degree charges of causing pollution so as to harm or injure human health or welfare, animal, plant, aquatic life or property, which amounts to $50,000 in fines or up to five years in prison.”