Will Groves
Contributing Writer
wgroves@murraystate.edu
Planned Parenthood Files Lawsuit Against HB 3 in Kentucky
House Bill 3, which was passed two weeks ago on April 13, bans all abortions after the 15th week of pregnancy. Planned Parenthood, joined by the American Civil Liberties Union, received a temporary restraining order from the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky. The reasoning for the restraining order was the law did not provide enough time for clinics to comply with the stricter regulations.
“This law is constitutional, and we look forward to continuing to defend it,” said Attorney General of Kentucky Daniel Cameron.
Marjorie Taylor Greene Candidacy Challenged for 2022 Midterm Elections
House Member Marjorie Greene was challenged by a group of Georgia voters in response to her actions involving the January 6 Capitol insurrection.
Their challenge is based on the Fourteenth Amendment provision that states no person may hold office in the United States if they have “engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the same,” according to the Constitution. The trial is ongoing, but a decision from the judge is expected within the next few weeks. The final decision will lie with the Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger and the Georgia Supreme Court. If she is found to have involvement in the insurrection, she will be ineligible for re-election.
Gov. Andy Beshear Seeks to Introduce Medical Marijuana to the State
Gov. Andy Beshear announced a four-step plan to gauge public opinion on medical marijuana and its legalization. This would involve a general counsel to decide on executive action for the usage of medical marijuana and the creation of the Governor’s Medical Cannabis Advisory Team. Around 90% of all Kentuckians support the passing of medical marijuana legislation, according to a Kentucky Health Issues Poll conducted in 2020.
Murray State Hosts Town Hall to Discuss Budget
Following the passing of the Kentucky state education budget, also known as HB 1, the Budget Advisory Committee for the University met on Monday, April 25 to discuss and look over the proposed budget. They will be hosting a campus-wide today at 3 p.m. in the Curris Center Theater to present the budget A Zoom link is available at murraystate.edu/streaming.
President Joe Biden Signs Executive Order Protecting Old-Growth Forests
Following Earth Day on Friday, April 22, President Joe Biden signed an Executive Order requiring federal agencies to support economic growth while also protecting natural resources amid a climate emergency. Supporters of Biden see this as one of the first moves toward meaningful anti-climate change efforts for the United States following the Leaders Summit on Climate Change in November 2021.