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Abby Johnston

@abbyjohnston.bsky.social
1.7K followers 183 following 46 posts

Editorial director at 19thnews.org. Before: Texas Monthly, Frontline, Texas Observer. (she/her)

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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Orion Rummler @oriion.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
the great @abbyjohnston.bsky.social grew up with Dolly, and explores her legacy through her songs:
19thnews.org
Dolly Parton told us who she was, one song at a time
Parton shared her life story through music. We explore five songs that help us understand her and the values she held closest.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
The last time I saw Dolly Parton live was in 2022. And for all of the incredible aspects of her artistry, we don't talk enough about how funny she was. Someone in the crowd yelled, "I love you, Dolly!" She fired back instantly: "I love you, too, but I told you to wait in the car." RIP to a legend.
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19thnews @19thnews.org · 16/07/2026
Ken Paxton’s record indicates that, if elected, he could be one of the nation’s most anti-abortion senators — and groups that both oppose and support reproductive rights intend to call attention to that. bit.ly/44x8CoI
19thnews.org
Why everyone will bring Ken Paxton’s abortion record up in his Senate race
Neither Senate candidate in Texas is emphasizing abortion on the campaign trail. But their staunch stances could influence the close race.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 04/07/2026
Under duress I am watching the hot dog eating contest, and the announcer said, I shit you not, “I just keep thinking of George Washington and his wooden teeth.”
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
UPDATE: They issued a stay about 30 minutes after — mifepristone can continue to be mailed nationwide for now.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 14/05/2026
BREAKING: The Supreme Court allows ban on getting an abortion pill by mail to take effect. @shefali.bsky.social breaks down what you need to know. 19thnews.org/2026/05/supr...
19thnews.org
Supreme Court allows ban on getting an abortion pill by mail to take effect
Mailed prescriptions have allowed people living in states with bans to continue getting abortions, contributing to an increase in abortions since the fall of Roe.
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
19thnews @19thnews.org · 14/05/2026
Doctors accused of inseminating their patients with their own sperm — without consent — rarely face legal consequences. While dozens of cases have become public across the U.S., few perpetrators have faced criminal charges or were forced to stop practicing. From @civilbeat.bsky.social:
19thnews.org
A doctor was accused of fertility fraud. In Hawaiʻi, no law prevents it.
The allegations expose a lack of accountability mechanisms in this state for doctors who use their sperm to artificially inseminate unwitting fertility patients.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 12/05/2026
Marty Makary's exit as FDA commissioner creates an opportunity for anti-abortion groups to push their agenda — in particular limiting the availability of mifepristone. @bcrodriguez.bsky.social @shefali.bsky.social 19thnews.org/2026/05/fda-...
19thnews.org
The exit of this Trump administration official could threaten abortion access nationwide
Marty Makary, who anti-abortion groups has criticized for not pushing their agenda, plans to resign from his post as FDA commissioner.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 08/05/2026
Here is a real question that a real poll asked: Who do you think would win in a physical fight between you and Donald Trump? One factor that makes people more likely to say they would lose: being Republican. 19thnews.org/2026/05/trum...
19thnews.org
Who do you think would win in a physical fight between you and Donald Trump?
YouGov asked Americans that question after Trump asked an 8-year-old if he could take him in a fight.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
BREAKING from @shefali.bsky.social: The 5th Circuit blocked a policy allowing abortion pill prescriptions through telehealth. If upheld, the injunction could end access to abortion for people in states with bans. 19thnews.org/2026/05/cour...
19thnews.org
Court blocks access to abortion pills prescribed through telehealth
Telehealth has become a key option for people living in states with abortion bans. If upheld, the ruling could upend how abortions are provided in the United States.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 01/05/2026
Though they see SCOTUS' gerrymander ruling as a blow, Black women members of Congress who spoke to @gracepanetta.bsky.social noted the success of Black politicians in being elected to non-majority-Black seats. “Black women know how to win all over.” 19thnews.org/2026/05/blac...
19thnews.org
‘We’re gonna hang strong’: Black women in Congress face the next voting rights fight
They see the Supreme Court’s gerrymandering ruling as a devastating blow to Black voters — but are ready to win anyway.
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
19thnews @19thnews.org · 30/04/2026
Felix, the most decorated woman Olympian in track, would be the first U.S. sprinter over 40 to compete in the Olympics. If she qualifies she’d be 43 at the time of the games, which will be held in her hometown of Los Angeles. She retired in 2022. bit.ly/4tHVojA
This image shows a person with braided hair in a profile view, looking pensive. The text reads: "The 19th* Allyson Felix is mounting a comeback for the 2028 Olympics. If successful, the mother of two will be the first U.S. sprinter over 40 to compete in the Games."A person holding a medal smiles while another person, a child, holds the medal's ribbon. The quote on the image reads: "You know, at this age, I should probably be staying home and taking care of my kids, doing all that. And just, why not? Let's flip it on its head. Let's go after the thing." The text attributes the quote to Allyson Felix in an interview with TIME.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 24/04/2026
Separating health care and child care was a core part of my existence. Now I have to get a whole new identity.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 31/12/2025
Be like Stephen Colbert and support The 19th!
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Jessica Kutz @jkutzie.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Congrats to one of the best @joanmeiners.bsky.social and the other best @abbyjohnston.bsky.social!
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 18/09/2025
Congratulations to Joan for all of the great work she did on this, and to @jazzmyth.bsky.social for the excellent viz. I loved working on this collaboration with y'all!
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Barbara Rodriguez @bcrodriguez.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
I saw a lot of headlines about Florida getting rid of all its vaccine mandates for schoolchildren. So @nadrakn.bsky.social and I wanted to add a little context and clarity about what that means and what might happen next. Our latest for @19thnews.org: 19thnews.org/2025/09/flor...
19thnews.org
Florida officials say they want to eliminate school vaccine mandates. It won’t be that simple.
Many of the reversals will require action from lawmakers. Public health experts and educators warn that dropped mandates could worsen disease outbreaks and add to a teacher shortage
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Unless I missed something in the audio, the on-court interviewer called Coco Gauff “Simone” as she spoke to her post-match. Simone Biles was in the U.S. Open audience to watch Gauff.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 25/06/2025
Grab tissues before you watch this, moms. www.nytimes.com/2025/06/25/o...
nytimes.com
Opinion | ‘Motherhood Should Come With a Warning Label’
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
19thnews @19thnews.org · 17/06/2025
1/ As divorce rates soared in the late 1970s, there was a consensus, supported by limited data, that fathers who had lost custody of their children were kidnapping them and hiding them abroad, leaving mothers with no means of redress.
bit.ly
Nowhere in the world to run: The international law ripping children from their mothers
The Hague Abduction Convention was meant to reunite mothers and children. Instead, it's often used by allegedly abusive fathers to tear them apart.
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Type Investigations @typeinvestigations.org · 17/06/2025
The Hague Abduction Convention was meant to reunite mothers and children. Instead, it's often used by allegedly abusive fathers to tear them apart. Olivia Gentile reports in partnership with @19thnews.org: www.typeinvestigations.org/investigatio...
typeinvestigations.org
The international law ripping children from their mothers - Type Investigations
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Emily Ramshaw @eramshaw.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
So incredibly proud of @abbyjohnston.bsky.social for seeing this story to fruition. It was a massive undertaking — 16 months in the making, in partnership with Type Investigations. Such an important story that I am grateful @19thnews.org was able to tell. 19thnews.org/2025/06/hagu...
19thnews.org
Nowhere in the world to run: The international law ripping children from their mothers
The Hague Abduction Convention was meant to reunite mothers and children. Instead, it's often used by allegedly abusive fathers to tear them apart.
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Laurence H. Tribe @tribelaw.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
A vital new report that you must read: 19thnews.org/2025/06/hagu...
19thnews.org
Nowhere in the world to run: The international law ripping children from their mothers
The Hague Abduction Convention was meant to reunite mothers and children. Instead, it's often used by allegedly abusive fathers to tear them apart.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
Coco Gauff quoted an edited version of Tyler the Creator in her speech: “I never had a doubt inside me. And if I told you I did, I was lying.”
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
The first American to win the French Open since Serena Williams in 2015.
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Justin Baragona @justinbaragona.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
The New York Times has found at least two more fake citations in the MAHA report. www.nytimes.com/2025/05/29/w...
nytimes.com
White House Health Report Included Fake Citations
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
In a shocking turn of events, Texas' abortion medication bill is dead, @shefali.bsky.social reports. This is a big deal: The anti-abortion movement was looking at this as a potential blueprint for blocking an extremely common abortion method. 19thnews.org/2025/05/texa...
19thnews.org
A Texas bill to block abortion pills has died for now
Senate Bill 2880, which supporters hoped could halt a key source of abortion, will likely not get a vote before the end of the session.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
I do not find a woman going into labor and continuing to anchor the news cute. I shudder to think why she felt like she needed to do that. cbs6albany.com/news/local/b...
cbs6albany.com
Meet Baby Quincy: making his debut after Olivia's viral labor
It was the birth heard 'round the world this week, our own Olivia Jaquith anchoring the morning show while in labor, and now a look at the beautiful baby boy!
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Hector Diaz @iamhectordiaz.com · 08/05/2025
A Chicago Pope implies the existence of an MLA Pope and APA Pope
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Julia Métraux @juliametraux.bsky.social · 22/04/2025
I'm looking for ideas for me as a journalist to do for a solutions story at @motherjones.com on how aging people (60+) are staying connected to each other through a cool activity (think slightly quirky). If you have any examples, please get in touch at jmetraux@motherjones.com
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 17/04/2025
Send me, I’ll check it out. www.nytimes.com/2025/04/16/s...
nytimes.com
Astronomers Detect a Signature of Life on a Distant Planet
Further studies are needed to determine whether K2-18b, which orbits a star 120 light-years away, is inhabited, or even habitable.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 09/04/2025
Scooplet from @19thnews.org!
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
19thnews @19thnews.org · 08/04/2025
Medical experts say that while the health secretary is showing more direct support for the measles vaccine following the death of a second unvaccinated child, he’s also sharing information about debunked remedies.
19thnews.org
Parents are receiving mixed messages about measles from RFK Jr.
Medical experts say that while Kennedy is showing more direct support for the measles vaccine, he’s also sharing information about debunked remedies.
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Kate Sosin @shoeleatherkate.bsky.social · 03/02/2025
Trans folks, if any of these new orders are impacting your life, we at @19thnews.org want to know. DM me. Tell me if your medical appointments are canceled. If your documents are seized. Help us find the news
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 31/01/2025
These are the first criminal charges against a doctor for mailing abortion pills to a state with a ban. apnews.com/article/abor...
apnews.com
New York doctor indicted for prescribing abortion pill in Louisiana
A New York doctor has been indicted by a Lousiana grand jury for allegedly prescribing an abortion pill online in the Deep South state, which has one of the strictest near-total abortion bans in the c...
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Grace Panetta @gracepanetta.bsky.social · 28/01/2025
Yesterday, Sen. Tammy Duckworth reintroduced a bipartisan bill that aims to make air travel easier for breastfeeding parents. The BABES Enhancement Act passed the Senate by unanimous consent last Congress but wasn't taken up in the House 19thnews.org/2025/01/tsa-...
19thnews.org
Senators are trying — again — to make air travel easier for breastfeeding parents
Sen. Tammy Duckworth of Illinois is reintroducing the BABES Enhancement Act to clarify TSA guidance on flying with breast milk.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Cecile Richards, one of the country's most prominent abortion rights activists, has died at 67. She and her mother were both taken from us way too soon. RIP. 19thnews.org/2025/01/ceci...
19thnews.org
Cecile Richards, former Planned Parenthood president and feminist activist, has died
Richards died Monday of an aggressive brain cancer. She was 67.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Every holiday is a firework holiday when you live in Texas.
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Orion Rummler @oriion.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
This bill, the first federal anti-trans law brought to a vote in a newly GOP-controlled Congress, is Democrats’ first test on whether they will fight an expected wave of proposed anti-trans laws under Trump. Two House Democrats voted in favor: Texas Reps. Henry Cuellar and Vicente Gonzalez
19thnews.org
House votes to ban trans girls from women’s sports in schools
If passed into law, the legislation would change Title IX and revoke federal funding for schools that allow trans girls in women’s sports.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 14/01/2025
The @gracepanetta.bsky.social and Mariel Padilla spoke to all of the Dem women on the Senate Armed Services Committee about Pete Hegseth's confirmation hearing. The hearing will spotlight allegations against him, and sexual assault and gender equity in the armed forces. 19thnews.org/2025/01/wome...
19thnews.org
How Democratic women senators are preparing to question Pete Hegseth
The 19th spoke to all of the Democratic women senators on the Senate Armed Services Committee about how they plan to press Trump's defense secretary pick.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 01/01/2025
I will kindly ask the Longhorns to never, ever put me through something like that ever again. HOOK ‘EM.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 29/12/2024
I was just starting to get bummed out about how many college bowl games there are, and then I saw the annual Pop-Tart sacrifice and I am back on board.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
Me for the next several hours:
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 07/12/2024
I just visited the new South Austin HEB, and have we ever considered how much better life would be if we could live inside HEB?
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Shefali Luthra @shefali.bsky.social · 04/12/2024
Really striking to hear Kavanaugh ask about the fertility impacts of HRT when we have seen abortion bans — made possible by Dobbs, an opinion he agreed with — mean actual medical care denials that jeopardize people's fertility 19thnews.org/2024/08/texa...
19thnews.org
Two women say Texas hospitals wouldn’t treat their ectopic pregnancies. Each lost a fallopian tube as a result.
Two women filed complaints against the hospitals, citing federal law that says hospitals must provide abortions in medical emergencies.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 01/12/2024
The indescribable joy of beating Aggies is back for the first time since 2012. HOOK ‘EM.
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19thnews @19thnews.org · 20/11/2024
House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, announced Wednesday that transgender women would not be allowed to access women’s restrooms and facilities in the Capitol and House buildings. The ban comes a day after Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a bill proposing these restrictions.
19thnews.org
Congress has always been hostile to women trying to use the bathroom
Nancy Mace’s proposal to cut bathroom access for trans women in the Capitol is the latest in the building’s long history of excluding women lawmakers.
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Reposted by Abby Johnston
Shefali Luthra @shefali.bsky.social · 19/11/2024
In addition to opposing abortion, Dr. Oz has a history of making degrading remarks toward women – like the time he asked Martha Stewart what sex was like "at [her] age." 19thnews.org/2024/11/trum...
19thnews.org
Trump picks Dr. Oz, the celebrity TV doctor, to run Medicare and Medicaid
Oz, who has a history of making degrading remarks about women, has no government experience. As a candidate for Senate in 2022, he expressed opposition to abortion at any point in pregnancy.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 11/10/2023
Please read this stunning piece of reporting. Rarely has the emotional toll of an abortion ban been captured so starkly as the story of this woman, who had to carry two babies fated to die to term in Texas. 19thnews.org/2023/10/texa...
19thnews.org
She was told her twin sons wouldn’t survive. Texas law made her give birth anyway.
Miranda Michel, 26, couldn’t leave the state for an abortion. But she also couldn’t bear the idea of carrying a nonviable pregnancy to term.
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Abby Johnston @abbyjohnston.bsky.social · 05/09/2023
In 2020, COVID caused the first women's recession. Economists expected it would set women back decades in the workforce. Women's employment overall has surged back. But as @chabeli.bsky.social reports, not everyone has recovered equally. 19thnews.org/2023/09/wome...
19thnews.org
The women’s recession is officially over — but not everyone has recovered equally
In just three years, women have recovered the job loss they experienced in early 2020. In the process, they may have made the workforce better for themselves in the long haul.
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