Where abortion access is seeing more restrictions…Florida. Yesterday, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) signed a bill into law that would ban most abortions after six weeks (before most women know they are pregnant). The measure includes exceptions for cases of rape, incest, or human trafficking for up to 15 weeks of pregnancy. However, individuals must provide a restraining order, police report, or medical record in order to be able to get an abortion. The legislation also blocks doctors from prescribing abortion pills via telehealth and sending them through the mail. Now, even though DeSantis signed the bill, the six-week ban will be on hold until the state's Supreme Court weighs in on a challenge to Florida's 15-week abortion ban. If it’s upheld, the new law would go into effect. This legislation could make Florida one of the most difficult states in the US to get an abortion. The state Democratic House Minority Leader said legislators don’t want women to have a choice. However, Republicans maintain the measure is about saving lives. …Oh and speaking of abortion access, yesterday, the DOJ announced that it’ll ask the Supreme Court to step in on the legal fight over the abortion pill. It comes after a federal appeals court allowed mifepristone to stay on the market with limitations. The court said it’s working quickly to schedule oral arguments. Who might be getting more options…DACA recipients. Yesterday, the Biden admin said it'll propose a new rule to expand healthcare coverage for DACA recipients. DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) is an Obama-era policy that protects nearly 600,000 young undocumented immigrants — known as “Dreamers” — from being deported. It also gives them ways to legally study and work in the US. However, due to their status, they have limited access to health insurance coverage. Now, the Department of Health and Human Services is drafting an expanded definition of “lawful presence” to also include DACA. If approved, the rule would allow Dreamers to apply for coverage through Medicaid or Affordable Care Act marketplaces. The White House said it aims to have a proposal together by the end of the month. In a video released on Twitter, President Biden said the rule is needed in order to “give Dreamers the opportunities and support they deserve.” But Republicans criticized the plan, with one lawmaker saying the Biden admin would be “rewarding illegal immigration.” In limbo: In the meantime, hundreds of thousands of Dreamers are still in a state of uncertainty about their status. A Texas judge is reviewing a policy update from the Biden admin that would maintain the program. Without a clear path to citizenship, current Dreamers can apply for renewal but the gov can’t accept new applications. What seems to be going two steps forward, one step back…Society. Yesterday, new research found that, for the first time, some women earn as much money as men in about 30% of marriages. The Pew Research Center said the number of wives making as much as or more than their husbands has nearly tripled over the last 50 years. But of course, there are some drawbacks. The study also found that although more women are getting bigger paychecks, they are still picking up most of the slack at home. As for husbands, they're spending an average of more than three hours a week socializing and on leisurely activities compared to their wives. All in a day's work. Where there are updates…San Francisco. Yesterday, police said they made an arrest in the murder of Cash App founder Bob Lee. Officials said the 38-year-old suspect knew Lee and is said to be a tech entrepreneur. Who's pulling out her black choker...Kristin Cavallari. While Doja Cat's teaming up with SZA…She's also influencing with Jennifer Coolidge and Pedro Pascal. While all of the influencers are rushing to Coachella…You can live stream it here and skip their IG stories. |