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finish the data (census) survey and then:

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finish the data (census) survey and then:

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https://apnews.com/article/texas-courts-us-supreme-court-32ee7ae7eeec9bdfd1471a848c163321

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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden on Thursday blasted the Supreme Court's decision not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state and directed federal agencies to do what they can to "insulate women and providers" from the impact.

Hours earlier, in the middle of the night, a deeply divided high court allowed the law to remain in force. It is the nation's biggest curb to abortion rights since the court announced in its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that women have a constitutional right to abortion.

The court voted 5-4 to deny an emergency appeal from abortion providers and others but also suggested that their order likely wasn't the last word and other challenges can be brought.

Biden said in a statement that his administration will launch a "whole-of-government effort to respond to this decision" and look at "what steps the federal government can take to ensure that women in Texas have access to safe and legal abortions as protected by Roe."

Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the Justice Department was "deeply concerned" about the Texas law and "evaluating all options to protect the constitutional rights of women, including access to an abortion."

Biden, who has come under pressure from Democrats to expand the size of the Supreme Court, has ordered a review of the court that is due next month.

The Texas law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May, prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks and before many women know they're pregnant.

The law is part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion. At least 12 other states have enacted bans early in pregnancy, but all have been blocked from going into effect.

The high court's order declining to halt the Texas law came just before midnight Wednesday. The majority said those bringing the case had not met the high burden required for a stay of the law.

"In reaching this conclusion, we stress that we do not purport to resolve definitively any jurisdictional or substantive claim in the applicants' lawsuit. In particular, this order is not based on any conclusion about the constitutionality of Texas's law, and in no way limits other procedurally proper challenges to the Texas law, including in Texas state courts," the unsigned order said.

Chief Justice John Roberts dissented along with the court's three liberal justices. Each of the four wrote a statement expressing disagreement with the majority.

Roberts noted that while the majority denied the request for emergency relief "the court's order is emphatic in making clear that it cannot be understood as sustaining the constitutionality of the law at issue."

Separately, the justices are planning to tackle the issue in a major case when they begin hearing arguments again in the fall. That case involves the state of Mississippi, which is asking to be allowed to enforce an abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The vote in the Texas case underscores the impact of the death of the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last year and then-president Donald Trump's replacement of her with conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Had Ginsburg remained on the court there would have been five votes to halt the Texas law.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor called her conservative colleagues' decision "stunning."

"Presented with an application to enjoin a flagrantly unconstitutional law engineered to prohibit women from exercising their constitutional rights and evade judicial scrutiny, a majority of Justices have opted to bury their heads in the sand," she wrote.

Texas lawmakers wrote the law to evade federal court review by allowing private citizens to bring lawsuits in state court against anyone involved in an abortion, other than the patient. Other abortion laws are enforced by state and local officials, with criminal sanctions possible.

In contrast, Texas' law allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone involved in facilitating abortions. Among other situations, that could include anyone who drives a woman to a clinic to get an abortion. Under the law, anyone who successfully sues another person would be entitled to at least $10,000.

Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the law was "patently unconstitutional," and Justice Stephen Breyer said a "woman has a federal constitutional right to obtain an abortion during" the first stage of pregnancy.

However, anti-abortion groups cheered the court's action.

"This is the most significant accomplishment for the pro-life movement in Texas since Roe v. Wade," said John Seago, legislative director for Texas Right to Life, the state's largest anti-abortion group. "We had the Supreme Court that is allowing the strongest bill we've ever passed to go into effect. And that is unheard of."

Kristan Hawkins, the president of Students for Life of America, said in a statement that her group was "celebrating this decision for what it is, baby steps in the right direction toward the obvious conclusion that Roe is fatally flawed and must go."

But Nancy Northup, the head of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents abortion providers challenging the law, vowed to keep fighting it.

"Right now, people seeking abortion across Texas are panicking - they have no idea where or when they will be able to get an abortion, if ever," she said.

Texas has long had some of the nation's toughest abortion restrictions, including a sweeping law passed in 2013. The Supreme Court eventually struck down that law, but not before more than half of the state's 40-plus clinics closed.

___

Associated Press writer Paul J. Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.

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Biden blasts high court failure to block Texas abortion curb | AP News

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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden on Thursday blasted the Supreme Court's decision not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state and directed federal agencies to do what they can to "insulate women and providers" from the impact.

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Four days after Hurricane Ida struck, the storm's aftermath and progress in recovering from it are being felt unevenly across Louisiana. In New Orleans, power was restored Wednesday to a small number of homes and businesses, city crews had some streets almost completely cleared of fallen trees and debris and a few corner stores reopened. Power outage information: Power outages across New Orleans Where to get gas in Louisiana: Click here to find gas near you A revamped levee system protected New Orleans from catastrophic flooding after Ida struck on Sunday with 150 mph winds. Outside New Orleans, neighborhoods remained flooded and residents were still reeling from damage to their homes and property.Many residents who wanted to flee from Hurricane Ida were left to fend for themselves as the hurricane ravaged Louisiana. That was despite mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders in many parishes. Those affected include people who are homeless, those on fixed or low incomes, and others in vulnerable groups. WATCH: Live coverage of Hurricane Ida here:Experts have long warned of the risks from hurricanes and evacuations to people of lower means. Some people say staying behind was the only choice. Some had no cars, gas or cash. They couldn't get hotel rooms. Some could afford to leave for just a few nights. Now, they return to damaged homes without power. They said they may never get back on their feet.Power outages: Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said 25,000 utility workers were in the state to help restore electricity, with more on the way. Edwards said there have been two deaths reported in southeast Louisiana related to the hurricane, however, he expects that number to rise. He urges residents who have evacuated to not return home to southeast Louisiana before emergency officials confirm it's OK to do so. Edwards' office described damage to the power grid as "catastrophic," and power officials said it could be weeks before electricity is restored in some spots. Fatalities: The first storm-related death was reported late Sunday in Ascension Parish after authorities said a tree fell on a home. During a Monday news conference, Edwards identified the person as a 60-year-old man. A second storm-related death was reported by the Louisiana Department of Health Monday evening. A man drowned after his vehicle appeared to have attempted to go through floodwater near Interstate 10 and West End Boulevard in Lakeview, the department said in a tweet. A third presumed death that is being investigated as a possible storm death involves a man who was attacked by an alligator in Slidell. A fourth death was reported in St. James Parish. Few details were provided on the death. A fifth death was reported in St. John the Baptist Parish due to an apparent generator accident. Two linemen were killed working on a power line in Alabama, and eight people in New York died from Ida impacts. Hurricane Ida knocked out power to all of New Orleans and inundated coastal Louisiana communities on a deadly path through the Gulf Coast that is still unfolding and promises more destruction. Damage: Grand Isle was one of the areas devastated by Ida. The president of Jefferson Parish said the island of Grand Isle is uninhabitable. There is currently no means of communication on the island, and there is an odor of strong natural gas. Ida made landfall on the same day 16 years earlier that Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi. Its 150 mph winds tied it for the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever hit the mainland. With more than 1 million customers in Louisiana and Mississippi having lost power, Hurricane Ida is sure to take a toll on the energy, chemical and shipping industries that have major hubs along the Gulf Coast. But the impact on the overall U.S. economy will likely be modest so long as damage estimates don't rise sharply and refinery shutdowns are not prolonged, economists say. The hurricane is expected to inflict a less severe financial impact than Hurricane Katrina did 16 years ago, thanks to a lower storm surge and New Orleans' improved levee system, which is better able to withstand storm surges. Main Street in the Louisiana town of Houma resembles a canyon of rubble after Hurricane Ida. Metal roofs peeled off buildings covered the sidewalks Tuesday and red bricks from a collapsed building mingled with broken glass on a corner. A once shady square a block away was strewn with broken limbs from giant oaks. Houma resident Michael Cobb said the town thoroughfare had been "such a pretty place." Houma has seen its share of hurricanes since its founding in 1832. It's a working-class town of about 33,000 people who make their living off the Gulf. Cobb said people in the town will rebuild and endure.Those in need of assistance can contact FEMA by clicking here to visit the website or calling 800-621-3362. Remaining weather warnings: Click here to see the latest weather alerts in your areaMore from WDSU Latest on power outagesRoad closures across Southeast Louisiana AT&T latest on massive phone outagePHOTOS: Aftermath of Hurricane IdaHow to watch WDSU News if you do not have power School closure listCurfews by parish

Four days after Hurricane Ida struck, the storm's aftermath and progress in recovering from it are being felt unevenly across Louisiana.

In New Orleans, power was restored Wednesday to a small number of homes and businesses, city crews had some streets almost completely cleared of fallen trees and debris and a few corner stores reopened.
Power outage information: Power outages across New Orleans
Where to get gas in Louisiana: Click here to find gas near you

A revamped levee system protected New Orleans from catastrophic flooding after Ida struck on Sunday with 150 mph winds.

Outside New Orleans, neighborhoods remained flooded and residents were still reeling from damage to their homes and property.

Many residents who wanted to flee from Hurricane Ida were left to fend for themselves as the hurricane ravaged Louisiana.

That was despite mandatory and voluntary evacuation orders in many parishes.

Those affected include people who are homeless, those on fixed or low incomes, and others in vulnerable groups.
WATCH: Live coverage of Hurricane Ida here:
Experts have long warned of the risks from hurricanes and evacuations to people of lower means.

Some people say staying behind was the only choice. Some had no cars, gas or cash. They couldn't get hotel rooms.

Some could afford to leave for just a few nights.

Now, they return to damaged homes without power. They said they may never get back on their feet.

Power outages:

Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards said 25,000 utility workers were in the state to help restore electricity, with more on the way.

Edwards said there have been two deaths reported in southeast Louisiana related to the hurricane, however, he expects that number to rise. He urges residents who have evacuated to not return home to southeast Louisiana before emergency officials confirm it's OK to do so.

Edwards' office described damage to the power grid as "catastrophic," and power officials said it could be weeks before electricity is restored in some spots.
Fatalities:
The first storm-related death was reported late Sunday in Ascension Parish after authorities said a tree fell on a home. During a Monday news conference, Edwards identified the person as a 60-year-old man.

A second storm-related death was reported by the Louisiana Department of Health Monday evening. A man drowned after his vehicle appeared to have attempted to go through floodwater near Interstate 10 and West End Boulevard in Lakeview, the department said in a tweet.

A third presumed death that is being investigated as a possible storm death involves a man who was attacked by an alligator in Slidell.

A fourth death was reported in St. James Parish. Few details were provided on the death.

A fifth death was reported in St. John the Baptist Parish due to an apparent generator accident.

Two linemen were killed working on a power line in Alabama, and eight people in New York died from Ida impacts.

Hurricane Ida knocked out power to all of New Orleans and inundated coastal Louisiana communities on a deadly path through the Gulf Coast that is still unfolding and promises more destruction.
Damage:
Grand Isle was one of the areas devastated by Ida. The president of Jefferson Parish said the island of Grand Isle is uninhabitable.

There is currently no means of communication on the island, and there is an odor of strong natural gas.

Ida made landfall on the same day 16 years earlier that Hurricane Katrina ravaged Louisiana and Mississippi. Its 150 mph winds tied it for the fifth-strongest hurricane to ever hit the mainland.

With more than 1 million customers in Louisiana and Mississippi having lost power, Hurricane Ida is sure to take a toll on the energy, chemical and shipping industries that have major hubs along the Gulf Coast.

But the impact on the overall U.S. economy will likely be modest so long as damage estimates don't rise sharply and refinery shutdowns are not prolonged, economists say.

The hurricane is expected to inflict a less severe financial impact than Hurricane Katrina did 16 years ago, thanks to a lower storm surge and New Orleans' improved levee system, which is better able to withstand storm surges.

Main Street in the Louisiana town of Houma resembles a canyon of rubble after Hurricane Ida. Metal roofs peeled off buildings covered the sidewalks Tuesday and red bricks from a collapsed building mingled with broken glass on a corner.

A once shady square a block away was strewn with broken limbs from giant oaks. Houma resident Michael Cobb said the town thoroughfare had been "such a pretty place." Houma has seen its share of hurricanes since its founding in 1832.

It's a working-class town of about 33,000 people who make their living off the Gulf.

Cobb said people in the town will rebuild and endure.

Those in need of assistance can contact FEMA by clicking here to visit the website or calling 800-621-3362.
Remaining weather warnings: Click here to see the latest weather alerts in your area
More from WDSU

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Some power restored, food and water search continues

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Four days after Hurricane Ida struck, the storm's aftermath and progress in recovering from it are being felt unevenly across Louisiana. In New Orleans, power was restored Wednesday to a small number of homes and businesses, city crews had some streets almost completely cleared of fallen trees and debris and a few corner stores reopened.

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Supreme Court, Breaking Silence, Won’t Block Texas Abortion Law (Published 2021)

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The law, which prohibits most abortions after six weeks and went into effect on Wednesday, was drafted by Texas lawmakers with the goal of frustrating efforts to challenge it in federal court.

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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden on Thursday blasted the Supreme Court's decision not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state and directed federal agencies to do what they can to "insulate women and providers" from the impact.

Hours earlier, in the middle of the night, a deeply divided high court allowed the law to remain in force. It is the nation's biggest curb to abortion rights since the court announced in its landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that women have a constitutional right to abortion.

The court voted 5-4 to deny an emergency appeal from abortion providers and others but also suggested that their order likely wasn't the last word and other challenges can be brought.

Biden said in a statement that his administration will launch a "whole-of-government effort to respond to this decision" and look at "what steps the federal government can take to ensure that women in Texas have access to safe and legal abortions as protected by Roe."

Attorney General Merrick Garland said in a statement that the Justice Department was "deeply concerned" about the Texas law and "evaluating all options to protect the constitutional rights of women, including access to an abortion."

Biden, who has come under pressure from Democrats to expand the size of the Supreme Court, has ordered a review of the court that is due next month.

The Texas law, signed by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott in May, prohibits abortions once medical professionals can detect cardiac activity, usually around six weeks and before many women know they're pregnant.

The law is part of a broader push by Republicans nationwide to impose new restrictions on abortion. At least 12 other states have enacted bans early in pregnancy, but all have been blocked from going into effect.

The high court's order declining to halt the Texas law came just before midnight Wednesday. The majority said those bringing the case had not met the high burden required for a stay of the law.

"In reaching this conclusion, we stress that we do not purport to resolve definitively any jurisdictional or substantive claim in the applicants' lawsuit. In particular, this order is not based on any conclusion about the constitutionality of Texas's law, and in no way limits other procedurally proper challenges to the Texas law, including in Texas state courts," the unsigned order said.

Chief Justice John Roberts dissented along with the court's three liberal justices. Each of the four wrote a statement expressing disagreement with the majority.

Roberts noted that while the majority denied the request for emergency relief "the court's order is emphatic in making clear that it cannot be understood as sustaining the constitutionality of the law at issue."

Separately, the justices are planning to tackle the issue in a major case when they begin hearing arguments again in the fall. That case involves the state of Mississippi, which is asking to be allowed to enforce an abortion ban after 15 weeks of pregnancy.

The vote in the Texas case underscores the impact of the death of the liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg last year and then-president Donald Trump's replacement of her with conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett. Had Ginsburg remained on the court there would have been five votes to halt the Texas law.

Justice Sonia Sotomayor called her conservative colleagues' decision "stunning."

"Presented with an application to enjoin a flagrantly unconstitutional law engineered to prohibit women from exercising their constitutional rights and evade judicial scrutiny, a majority of Justices have opted to bury their heads in the sand," she wrote.

Texas lawmakers wrote the law to evade federal court review by allowing private citizens to bring lawsuits in state court against anyone involved in an abortion, other than the patient. Other abortion laws are enforced by state and local officials, with criminal sanctions possible.

In contrast, Texas' law allows private citizens to sue abortion providers and anyone involved in facilitating abortions. Among other situations, that could include anyone who drives a woman to a clinic to get an abortion. Under the law, anyone who successfully sues another person would be entitled to at least $10,000.

Justice Elena Kagan wrote that the law was "patently unconstitutional," and Justice Stephen Breyer said a "woman has a federal constitutional right to obtain an abortion during" the first stage of pregnancy.

However, anti-abortion groups cheered the court's action.

"This is the most significant accomplishment for the pro-life movement in Texas since Roe v. Wade," said John Seago, legislative director for Texas Right to Life, the state's largest anti-abortion group. "We had the Supreme Court that is allowing the strongest bill we've ever passed to go into effect. And that is unheard of."

Kristan Hawkins, the president of Students for Life of America, said in a statement that her group was "celebrating this decision for what it is, baby steps in the right direction toward the obvious conclusion that Roe is fatally flawed and must go."

But Nancy Northup, the head of the Center for Reproductive Rights, which represents abortion providers challenging the law, vowed to keep fighting it.

"Right now, people seeking abortion across Texas are panicking - they have no idea where or when they will be able to get an abortion, if ever," she said.

Texas has long had some of the nation's toughest abortion restrictions, including a sweeping law passed in 2013. The Supreme Court eventually struck down that law, but not before more than half of the state's 40-plus clinics closed.

___

Associated Press writer Paul J. Weber in Austin, Texas, contributed to this report.

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Biden blasts high court failure to block Texas abortion curb | AP News

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WASHINGTON (AP) - President Joe Biden on Thursday blasted the Supreme Court's decision not to block a new Texas law banning most abortions in the state and directed federal agencies to do what they can to "insulate women and providers" from the impact.

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https://www.nytimes.com/2021/09/01/us/supreme-court-texas-abortion.html

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Supreme Court, Breaking Silence, Won’t Block Texas Abortion Law (Published 2021)

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The law, which prohibits most abortions after six weeks and went into effect on Wednesday, was drafted by Texas lawmakers with the goal of frustrating efforts to challenge it in federal court.