OnPolitics: Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to retire

Good Afternoon, OnPolitics readers!

Lots of news coming from the Supreme Court today; so, let’s dive in. 

First, a Texas law that relies on private citizens to enforce a ban on most abortions inspired copycat proposals as state lawmakers draft similar enforcement methods to affect gun ownership, education and transgender rights.

In Florida and Missouri, for example, lawmakers are considering bills that would permit residents to sue schools for teaching about institutional racism. California and Illinois are weighing legislation that could make it easier to sue gun manufacturers.

A domino effect: The Supreme Court ruled Dec. 10 that the Texas abortion law would remain in place while litigation over its constitutionality continues in lower courts.

Below the surface of the abortion fight is a debate about the law’s enforcement. Critics of the abortion ban, known as SB 8, predict it will create headaches for both liberals and conservatives by making it easier for people to sue over almost any policy they dislike, even when judges have ruled those policies are constitutional.

It’s Amy and Chelsey with today’s top stories out of Washington.

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to step down 

 Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is planning to step down by the end of this term after nearly three decades on the high court, a source with knowledge of his plans told USA TODAY on Wednesday, handing President Joe Biden his first opportunity to nominate a jurist whose influence could be felt for decades.

to name a Black woman to the Supreme Court for the first time in American history.a pragmatist, an optimist and an institutionalist who believed in giving deference to the legislative branch and who was skeptical of executive overreach. A prolific writer, Breyer authored significant majority opinions striking down anti-abortion laws in Nebraska and Louisiana and is also known for scathing dissents, including in several death penalty cases.and then in the full Senate.

Real Quick: stories you’ll want to read

• Pelosi persists: Amid a spate of retirement announcements from members of her party, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., the only woman to lead the chamber, has announced her congressional reelection campaign.
• Fringe politics going mainstream: Recent studies and experts reveal political candidates and sitting politicians across the country are embracing extremist talking points and promoting conspiracy theories.
• Trump vs. DeSantis: Former President Donald Trump and Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis may prove potentially formidable rivals for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination.
• North Korea test-fires missiles: North Korea test-fired two suspected cruise missiles Tuesday — its fifth round of weapons launches this month, according to South Korean military officials.

Blinken responds to Russia’s demands on Ukraine

Secretary of State Antony Blinken sent a written reply Wednesday to the Kremlin outlining the U.S. response to Russia’s demands.

Blinken said the letter “states very clearly the principles that we’re committed to and that we will defend, one way or another.” It also includes ways the Biden administration believes the North Atlantic Treaty Organization can collaborate with Russia on national security if the country “is serious,” according to Blinken.

John Kirby said U.S. troops could be part of a rapid response NATO force of 40,000 or used  “if other situations develop” with Russian troops deployed near Ukraine over the threat on an invasion.

Want to know more?:Ukrainians are on high alert, plan to endure possible Russian invasion.

Have you gotten your free N95 mask yet? Here’s where to pick one up. — Amy and Chelsey

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