News Information and Media Site: Texas’s new abortion law is already impacting people

THE BIG STORY

Understanding Texas's abortion ban

The Supreme Court officially refused to stop Texas's new abortion ban. In a 5–4 order issued late Wednesday night, the US Supreme Court confirmed it wouldn't halt the ban as a legal challenge unfolds in the lower courts. Justices Stephen Breyer, Sonia Sotomayor, and Elena Kagan dissented, as did Chief Justice John Roberts Jr., breaking with the rest of the court's conservative wing.

SB 8, which took effect at midnight Texas time on Wednesday, bans nearly all abortions across the state once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, which usually happens in the 6th week of pregnancy.

The court's order doesn't end the constitutional fight over SB 8. The case now will go back to the 5th Circuit to address issues raised by lower court defendants. Depending on what those judges decide, it could still go back to the federal district judge in Austin to resume handling the case on its normal trajectory, or make its way up to the Supreme Court again.

"It's just unbelievably cruel": Texas's new abortion law is already impacting people. The Supreme Court's refusal to stop the Texas ban has left state abortion rights in limbo.

Advocates told BuzzFeed News that the latest restriction will send more people out of state for abortions. But realistically, that option is simply out of reach for many people who do not have the resources to travel, and many fear that the law will have a chilling effect on Texans who want an abortion.

In the hours and, in some cases, minutes before the law took effect, abortion providers raced to serve patients; Amy Hagstrom Miller, CEO of Whole Woman's Health, which operates four clinics in Texas, told reporters that they performed their final abortion procedure at 11:56 p.m. Tuesday.

Texans now have a lucrative reason to sue abortion providers. The ban provides a risk-free financial incentive for any private citizen to haul doctors, abortion rights advocates, and anyone else suspected of helping people get access to abortion into court.

It's a novel approach to anti-abortion legislating, and reproductive rights activists worry it opens the door to all sorts of legal interpretations as grounds to take people to court.

STAYING ON TOP OF THIS

Three officers and two paramedics have been charged in Elijah McClain's death.

A demonstrator holds a placard with McClain's picture during a march outside the police department in Aurora, Colorado, in June 2020. (David Zalubowski/AP)

Colorado police officers Randy Roedema and Nathan Woodyard, former police officer Jason Rosenblatt, and paramedics Jeremy Cooper and Peter Cichuniec face one count of manslaughter and one count of criminally negligent homicide.

The five were involved with the 2019 death of Elijah McClain, a 23-year-old Black man who was killed after being placed in a chokehold and injected with ketamine while being arrested. Roedema and Rosenblatt also face one count of second-degree assault with intent to cause bodily injury and caused serious bodily injury, as well as one count of a crime of violence related to the second-degree assault charge.

"Our goal is to seek justice for Elijah McClain, for his family and friends, and for our state," said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser on Wednesday. "We're here today because Elijah McClain is not here, and he should be."

SNAPSHOTS

Olivia Rodrigo has reportedly given up millions of dollars in royalties to Taylor Swift and Hayley Williams after being accused of copying their songs. Billboard claims that Paramore's Williams and Joshua Farro could be receiving around $1.2 million following the success of "Good 4 U," while Taylor Swift and her writing team could also be cashing in.

Britney Spears won't be charged with battery after a dispute with her housekeeper. Spears was accused of getting into an argument with her housekeeper related to veterinary care for the singer's dog. Prosecutors declined to file charges "based on insufficient evidence that a crime had occurred."

Why the new Candyman isn't very good. The movie had lots of potential, says Niela Orr. But instead of dialogue that inspires fright, viewers of this new Candyman get overblown discourse.

THE R. KELLY TRIAL CONTINUES

The minister who married R. Kelly and Aaliyah described their secret wedding for the first time.

For years, the story of R. Kelly's marriage to 15-year-old Aaliyah Haughton was shrouded in mystery. The two denied it had taken place, even after the marriage license was published by the media.

But during Kelly's federal racketeering and sex trafficking trial on Wednesday, the minister who married the two singers on Aug. 31, 1994, spoke publicly for the very first time. His testimony occurred the same day that a sixth alleged victim said Kelly infected her with herpes and filmed her during sex without her knowledge. (This story contains descriptions of sexual abuse and coercion.)

HAPPILY EVER AFTER, RETOLD FOR 2021

Amazon's Cinderella is a refreshing take on a classic.

Camilla Cabello as Cinderella and writer and director Kay Cannon (Kerry Brown/Courtesy of Amazon Studios)

It's such an immensely satisfying feeling to watch something you had assumed would be disastrous but instead turns out to be an absolute freakin' delight, says culture reporter Michael Blackmon. And against many, many odds the new Cinderella starring Camila Cabello delivers.

"The 2021 version of Cinderella is like a mashup of Hamilton and Glee, and I mean that in the best way," writes Blackmon. "Of course, there are some expected moments — such as the glass slippers, the handsome prince, the evil stepmother, and the grand ball — but this new take feels unique and, most importantly, fun."

Look, life is short. The world is full of uncertainties, and moments of joy are fleeting and intangible. Don't shy away from an opportunity to watch Cabello, Billy Porter, and Idina Menzel dance their way through a colorful tale as old as time.

Run toward the things that make you feel safe and cared for,

Alexa

📝 This letter was edited and brought to you by Alexa Lee and BuzzFeed News. You can always reach us here.

👉 Your support of BuzzFeed's journalism does not constitute a charitable donation, and your contribution is not eligible for a tax-deduction. This is part of an effort to explore a deeper relationship with our most active supporters.

🔔 Want to be notified as soon as news breaks? Download the BuzzFeed News app for iOS and Android (available in Canadian, UK, Australian, and US app stores).

💌 Did a friend forward you this email? Sign up to get BuzzFeed News in your inbox!