Arizona Supreme Court rules 1864 near-total abortion ban can be enforced

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled a Civil War-era law banning nearly all abortions can be enforced. Toyota announced a major change to its 4Runner SUV. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Arizona Supreme Court rules near-total abortion ban is enforceable

The Arizona State Supreme Court has upheld an 1864 law banning abortion at all stages of pregnancy. The court’s 4-2 decision on Tuesday, April 9, makes all abortions illegal except when necessary to save a woman’s life.

The ruling subjects doctors or anyone assisting in an abortion to two to five years in prison, with additional sanctions possible for abortions performed after 15 weeks. Notably, the law lacks exceptions for rape or incest.

The Arizona Supreme Court has delayed the decision’s implementation for 14 days to allow a lower court to address “additional constitutional challenges.”

Arizona abortion ban: State Supreme Court upholds 160-year-old law https://t.co/Di6r7v2syv

— News19 WLTX (@WLTX) April 10, 2024

The decision has drawn sharp criticism from Democrats, including Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes, who vowed not to enforce the law, and President Joe Biden, who labeled the ban “cruel.” Vice President Kamala Harris plans to visit Arizona on Friday, April 12. Following the ruling, a spokesperson for former President Donald Trump, the presumptive Republican nominee for the 2024 election, reiterated Trump’s stance that abortion decisions should be left to the states.

Missouri man executed despite calls for clemency

Missouri executed a man Tuesday, April 9, for a nearly two-decade-old double murder, sparking debate over the state’s anesthetic-free execution method.

Brian Dorsey, dubbed a “model inmate” by prison staff, was Missouri’s first execution this year, despite the Supreme Court rejecting his appeals. Concerns about Dorsey’s health potentially complicating the execution led to a settlement to mitigate severe pain, though specifics weren’t disclosed.

Around 85 protesters rallied outside the prison in support of Dorsey. A Missouri Department of Corrections spokesperson confirmed the execution proceeded smoothly without the need for a cutdown procedure.

Biden calls Netanyahu’s approach to war in Gaza a ‘mistake’

In a recent interview with Univision, President Joe Biden criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s approach to the conflict in Gaza, labeling it a “mistake.” The interview, conducted last week, came days after an Israeli strike killed seven World Central Kitchen workers providing aid in Gaza.

Biden described the attack on humanitarian vehicles as “outrageous” and advocated for a ceasefire to allow unhindered access to food and medicine for Gaza residents. Biden has previously described Israel’s actions as “over the top” and hinted at a potential shift in U.S. policy toward Israel if Israel does not minimize civilian harm in Gaza.

Following an internal review of the strike that killed aid workers, Israel acknowledged serious military errors, leading to the dismissal of two senior officers. World Central Kitchen has demanded an independent investigation into the incident.

Biden, Kishida hold summit to boost cross country alliance

Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida are expected to announce an expanded defense and intelligence partnership this week, marking a significant step in military cooperation between the two nations.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Japanese counterpart will detail the enhanced alliance in the upcoming months, with Japan anticipated to play a larger role in military and defense manufacturing.

The plan includes modernizing military bases in Japan for improved collaborative operations. Currently, Japan hosts about 50,000 U.S. troops, with the Japanese Self Defense Force moving toward a unified command for its services by March 2025.

Additionally, the U.S., Japan and the Philippines will underscore global solidarity against China’s increasing assertiveness in the Pacific through a tri-nation summit on Thursday, April 11.

Toyota selling 4Runner SUV with hybrid engine for first time

Toyota is revamping its 4Runner SUV for the first time in nearly 15 years and introducing a hybrid engine option for the first time ever. The 2025 model’s hybrid option reflects the growing popularity of hybrids, with their market share nearly doubling to almost 10% at the end of 2023, according to Edmunds.com.