“We hold that our state constitutional right to privacy extends to a woman’s decision to have an abortion.”

Lynda Gledhill, executive officer of the California Victims’ Compensation Board, regarding the state’s program to provide reparations to people who were sterilized by the state government either against their will or without their knowledge. Those eligible will receive payments of at least $15,000, but finding the people who qualify for the money has proven difficult. The state has approved just 51 people for payments out of 310 applications; about 600 people are estimated to be eligible. (Associated Press — Jan. 4, 2023)

Miami Beach, Fla., City Commissioner Alex Fernandez, regarding the city’s decision to implement a smoking ban at all municipal parks and public beaches. A person can be fined $100 and spend up to 60 days in jail for a first-time violation under the new measure. (Associated Press — Dec. 30, 2022)

Samuel Jordan, president of the Baltimore Transit Equity Coalition, regarding a train linking east and west Baltimore called the Red Line and transit advocates’ hopes that Maryland’s new administration will make progress on the revived project and help assure local jurisdictions aren’t shut out of future planning decisions. (Governing — Dec. 23, 2022)

Fox News star Sean Hannity, testifying under oath that he never believed the lie that Trump was cheated of victory in the 2020 election. Colorado-based Dominion Voting Systems was accused by Trump, his campaign lawyers and surrogates, of stealing the election win from him, and Fox News shows, hosts, stars and guests all amplified the false claims. (NPR — Dec. 22, 2022)