Two Arizona state House lawmakers have been removed from key committees following the chamber’s vote to repeal the state’s 1864 abortion ban. Arizona state House Rep. Matt Gress (R) was removed from the Appropriations Committee, while Rep. Oscar De Los Santos (D) was removed from both the Appropriations Committee and Rules Committee.
In the wake of the Arizona Supreme Court reinstating an 1864 abortion ban, abortion clinics remain operational while the political debate rages. The ruling has sparked protests, media attention, and uncertainty for patients and providers. Despite the tumultuous environment, clinics like Camelback Family Planning continue to provide abortion services, adapting to legal changes and offering support to patients facing difficult decisions. Anti-abortion activists express optimism about the law’s potential impact but acknowledge the need for societal changes. Amidst the ongoing legal and political battles, the future of abortion access in Arizona remains uncertain.
Former President Donald Trump has launched a new attack on New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman, calling her a “maggot” and falsely claiming that thousands of supporters were blocked from gathering outside the courthouse where his hush money trial is taking place. Trump’s claims have been debunked by reporters at the scene. The former president also criticized the judge overseeing the case and suggested that the prosecution is a “scam” and a “hit job.”
In a lengthy post on Truth Social, Trump accused Haberman of falsely reporting that he was disappointed with the crowds outside the courthouse. He also claimed that the streets were closed off by police, preventing supporters from gathering. However, video footage shows that the streets were open to traffic and there were barely any demonstrators in support of Trump.
Trump’s latest outburst is the latest in a series of attacks on Haberman, who has long enjoyed close access to the former president. However, their relationship has soured as Haberman has covered Trump’s behavior in the courtroom, including his inability to stay awake.
Trump also claimed that huge crowds of his supporters turned up to rally for him in Manhattan and were turned away by police, but this claim also appears not to be true. NBC News video footage shows the streets around the courthouse open to traffic, with barely anyone demonstrating in support of the former president.
Haberman herself has also debunked the idea that local streets were closed off during the trial, a point that has further enraged Trump.
President Biden will address reproductive rights in Tampa, Florida, on Tuesday, highlighting the issue ahead of the state’s restrictive abortion ban taking effect. Biden is expected to criticize former President Trump for his role in appointing justices who overturned Roe v. Wade, leading to the current abortion restrictions. The Biden administration has made abortion rights a key issue, featuring testimonies from women affected by the bans and speaking out against Republican efforts to limit access.
