A Texas court ordered New York doctor Margaret Carpenter to pay $113,000 for allegedly violating Texas abortion laws via telemedicine. The Texas Attorney General subsequently attempted to enforce the judgment in New York, but the Ulster County clerk refused, citing New York’s shield law protecting abortion providers. This refusal has prompted outrage from Texas officials and underscores the conflict between states with differing abortion laws. The incident highlights the increasing tension surrounding telemedicine abortion access and the legal battles arising from it.
Read More
The political landscape in the United States has become increasingly polarized, with blue states pushing back against the policies of the federal government under Trump. The recent focus on “states’ rights” has become a double-edged sword, with blue states now seeking to leverage this concept to protect their residents from federal overreach.
Many blue states, particularly those in the Northeast and West Coast, are actively exploring ways to counter Trump’s agenda. One key strategy is to codify protections like those offered by the Affordable Care Act (ACA) at the state level. This move, initially spearheaded by Illinois and Colorado, has been met with support from other states like Washington, Oregon, and California, as well as Hawaii.… Continue reading
California Governor Gavin Newsom has called for a special legislative session to protect progressive policies on climate change, reproductive rights, and immigration in anticipation of a second Trump presidency. The governor, who is seen as a potential presidential candidate in 2028, aims to “Trump-proof” California by increasing funding for the attorney general’s office to combat potential federal challenges. This move reflects a growing nationwide trend among Democratic states seeking to shield policies that face threats under a Trump administration, with other states like New York and Massachusetts also taking proactive measures. Newsom’s actions are part of a renewed resistance movement, with California positioned as a key stronghold for progressive policies and a symbol of opposition to Trump’s conservative agenda.
Read More
Texas Gov. Greg Abbott recently released a statement outlining states’ rights to constitutional self-defense when dealing with a “lawless president.” As a Texan and a loyal American, this statement has left me both deeply concerned and frustrated. It seems that Abbott is using this issue as a political ploy, rather than genuinely addressing the challenges at hand.
First and foremost, it is important to acknowledge that immigration is a complex issue that affects numerous states, not just Texas. So, why is Abbott the only governor making such a fuss? Migrants cross into New Mexico, Arizona, and California as well, yet they are not engaging in the same level of theatrics.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood