A federal judge ruled Monday that Alabama cannot prosecute abortion funds that illegally promote abortions in Alabama where they arrange for state residents to travel out of state for abortions. The ruling is a blow to the state’s attempt to fully enforce its abortion ban.
U.S. District Judge Myron Thompson sided with the pro-abortion Yellowhammer Fund and pro-abortion groups, including the West Alabama Women’s Center and Alabama Women’s Center, in their lawsuits against Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall. The groups had challenged Marshall’s threats to use conspiracy laws against those assisting women in arranging out-of-state abortions, arguing it supposedly violated their free speech and interstate travel rights.
Thompson’s 131-page decision declared that such prosecutions infringe on constitutional protections.
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“Alabama can no more restrict people from going to, say, California to engage in what is lawful there than California can restrict people from coming to Alabama to do what is lawful here,” he wrote, emphasizing the right to travel as “one of our most fundamental constitutional rights.”
The ruling stems from a legal battle sparked in 2023, when Marshall suggested on a radio program that helping Alabama women access abortions elsewhere could constitute a “criminal conspiracy.” The Yellowhammer Fund, which once provided financial aid for abortion travel, halted its assistance out of fear of prosecution for helping kill babies.
Marshall doubled down in an August 2023 court filing, asserting that Alabama could punish “conspiracy” even if the abortions occurred outside its jurisdiction.
“The conspiracy is what is being punished, even if the final conduct never occurs,” he argued.
Alabama’s law prohibits killing babies in an abortion at all stages of pregnancy.
LifeNews.com reported in August 2024 that Alabama Right to Life supported Marshall’s stance, arguing that facilitating out-of-state abortions undermines the state’s pro-life laws.
“Abortion funds shouldn’t be allowed to promote illegal abortions and get away with it,” the group stated.
Marshall’s office said it is reviewing the ruling to determine next steps, with an appeal to the conservative-leaning 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals a likely option.
THE Gladiators semi-final turned nasty tonight as two of the show’s stars turned on one another and had to be held apart.
The BBC series aired one of it’s most drama-filled episodes yet as four contestants fought it out for the last two spots in next week’s final.
Two Gladiators clashed during the semi-finalLegend took aim at his team mates after contestant Mus succeeded in GauntletViper hit out at Legend, who then tripped him up
But as the two men and two women went head-to-head in a friendly rivalry, the same could not be said for the Gladiators themselves.
After a round of Gauntlet, hosts Barney and Bradley Walsh spoke to the male Gladiators about their performance.
Legend, who has no qualms about rating his abilities above his team mates, pulled no punches in his reply.
He told Bradley: “Listen, there’s only so much I can do by myself.
“They say team work makes the dream work. Wrong. I make the dream work. I am the dream.”
But his words did not go down well with Viper, who is known for saying very little and grunting and ripping up fans’ signs instead.
He grabbed the mic from Legend and said: “Shut your hole, you donkey.”
He then turned to walk away but Legend stuck his foot out and tripped him up.
Viper was furious and lunged at his colleague, causing the other Gladiators and referees to step in and grappled to keep the two men apart.
Gladiators viewers found the dramatic moment hilarious though, with one writing on X: “Legend done viper like a kipper! That trip was comic gold!”
Hammer makes his debut performance in The Gladiators
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Another added: “As fake as that fight was between Legend and Viper I absolutely bloody loved it.”
A third tweeted: “Oh my god-Legend and Viperare brawling!”
Meanwhile a fourth commented: “That’s the most Viper’s ever said!”
Actor, presenter and comedian Bradley Walsh has been involved with multiple hit programmes throughout his career. Let's take a look at some of the star's memorable appearances over the years.
Wheel of Fortune (1997): Bradley became the second host of the popular game show, succeeding Nicky Campbell who’d left after eight years. His tenure on this programme lasted just one year.
Night and Day (2002-2003): A recurring role on this mystery soap opera for ITV saw Bradley play Woody Dexter, brother to Danny Dexter (Shane Richie).
Coronation Street (2004-2006): An expansion of Corrie’s Baldwin family in 2006 saw Bradley arrive as Danny Baldwin, son to Mike (Johnny Briggs). He exited the ITV soap after two years in the role.
Law & Order: UK (2009-2014): An iteration of Dick Wolf’s popular US “Law and Order” franchise, Bradley starred as DS Ronnie Brooks throughout the entire run.
The Chase/Beat the Chasers: (2009/2020 – present): A move back into game show hosting has seen Bradley front hit show The Chase since 2009. Members of the public take on high-level professional quizzers in a bid to win thousands of pounds. A spin-off, “Beat the Chasers” began in 2020.
Cash Trapped (2016-2019): This game show was not only presented by Bradley, but based on his idea. 65 episodes aired across three series.
Doctor Who (2018-2022): Bradley played the role of Graham O’Brien, companion to the Thirteenth Doctor (Jodie Whittaker) in the long-running BBC sci-fi series. He has appeared in one episode as a guest since departing the regular cast.
Blankety Blank (2020 – present): The star began hosting a revival series of the beloved game show for the BBC in 2020. Three series and a Christmas special have aired to date.
The Larkins (2021-2022): An adaptation of H.E. Bates’ novel The Darling Buds of May, Bradley starred as “Pop” Larkin. The show lasted two series.
Gladiators (2024 – present): Bradley co-presents the BBC’s revival of the classic game show with his son Barney. It is the third iteration of the format to air on British TV.
She decided to push on through the Gauntlet and couldn’t hide her pain as she climbed the rope ladder during the Eliminator.
Somehow, she crossed the finish line first and made it to the final, but after the episode aired, it was revealed her injury was so bad that she wouldn’t be able to compete in the final after all.
Instead, her semi-final rival Aneila Afsar will take her place in the final.
The two men went for each other and had to be held back by their fellow Gladiators, Bradley Walsh and the referees
Gladiators airs Saturdays on BBC One and is available on BBC iPlayer.
It's actually happening, everybody stay calm: Silksong properly confirmed for a 2025 release date at the Nintendo Direct with a whole 3 seconds of footage
