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Forbes
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Forbes
Abortion and the 2026 Elections
On the third anniversary of the Supreme Court Dobbs' decision that returned abortion to the states, news outlets provided summaries of new developments, and Gallup, among other pollsters, helpfully updated its attitudinal trends. Much of the coverage was muted and missed a salient point. But first, let's look at what has changed since the decision was handed down in June 2022. According to a new #WeCount report, the number of abortions was higher in 2024 than 2023 or 2022. One in four of these was provided through telehealth services. Many state ballot measures protecting or enshrining abortion legality in state constitutions have passed, but there have been exceptions. In 2024, broadening abortion rights did not meet the high 60% threshold for passage in Florida, and in two other states, Nebraska and South Dakota, these measures failed. In 31 states and Washington, DC, abortion is broadly legal. Abortion is not the top issue in recent major polls, lagging significantly behind people's concerns about the economy, foreign policy, and the Trump presidency. Democrats themselves, who generally strongly support abortion rights, are also placing other issues than abortion at the forefront. Recent critical New York Times and Wall Street Journal pieces on troubling internal politics at Planned Parenthood may diminish the support of a reliable election ally for Democrats. Court cases challenging Medicaid-related cuts to Planned Parenthood clinics are also unlikely to generate significant national interest. Attitudes at the state level significantly vary, as PRRI (formerly the Public Religion Research Institute) found. Eighty percent in Vermont, for example, said abortion should be legal in all or most cases, while only 43% in Louisiana echoed that response. Opinion on abortion rights expansion is generally supportive but far from unanimous, as Gallup shows in its recent updates on abortion attitudes. It is also politically important that Donald Trump has muddied the waters on abortion nationally with his ambivalent and sometimes contradictory positions. Taken together, these factors suggest that abortion won't be a top-tier national issue next year. The highly regarded Democratic pollster Celinda Lake hinted at what I think was missing in much of the coverage of the Dobbs anniversary when she told the Washington Post: 'Despite a lot of efforts, the economy became nationalized and abortion became localized, and that was a bad situation for the Democrats.' Lake and other pollsters know that it is difficult to sustain the intensity that an issue like abortion had immediately after the Court's Dobbs' is especially true when issues such as the economy take center stage. When an issue is 'localized' as Lake suggests, it gets significant local coverage, but absent broader developments, it is unlikely to animate the whole country. The issue recedes as a national flashpoint. This is federalism at work. Recent abortion policy cases in South Carolina and West Virginia and several other states are unlikely to capture national attention. The FDA's review of the latest data on mifepristone may become a potential national flashpoint, but most other cases have more of a local impact. So what does this mean for 2026 and beyond? The margin in the House of Representatives is very narrow and the Democrats could take control. Abortion will no doubt play a role in some races, especially in states with measures on the ballot. At this early point, Ballotpedia finds that there are two on the ballot (Missouri and Nevada). Women are more likely than men to be engaged on the issue, but it is too early to tell how important it will be for most of them. In Gallup's May survey, 61% of women compared to 41% of men identify themselves as pro-choice and 56% of them compared to 41% of men say it should be legal in any or most circumstances. Partisanship plays a strong role here, too. Far more Democrats, 81%, believe abortion should be legal in any or most circumstances compared to 20% of Republicans. As Gallup noted, the groups that were most supportive of abortion legality before Dobbs are even more supportive today. As we get closer to the election next year, pollsters will likely update a question that asks people whether abortion will be the most important issue in casting their vote, one of many important issues, or not central to their vote. The 'most important' response has risen in Gallup's data from 13% in 1992 to 32% in 2024 among registered voters. These responses indicate people's feelings about the issue, and they don't necessarily translate into a vote decision. The action in 2026 will be in the states, and the issue will be muted nationally.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Rams training camp preview: Will LA's secondary be a strength or weakness?
Depth isn't a concern but top-end talent might be lacking in LA's secondary The Los Angeles Rams' secondary got off to a terrible start last season but by the end of the year, it was excelling against even the top receivers in the league – including Justin Jefferson and A.J. Brown in the postseason. That turnaround in coverage helped the Rams make a run in the playoffs but they can't afford to get off to such a slow start in 2025. With many of the same defensive backs on the roster still, the Rams are counting on their incumbent starters to take positive steps this season. The question is, will they? From Darious Williams and Ahkello Witherspoon at cornerback to Kamren Curl and Kamren Kinchens at safety, the Rams have talent in the secondary. They just need to play better as a cohesive unit. Here's a look at how the secondary stands with training camp getting underway. Roster locks All six of these players are going to make the team and they'll all play major roles on defense, too. Williams, Witherspoon and Durant are the top pure cornerbacks, but Lake is as versatile as anyone and is essentially a slot cornerback who can also play safety. Curl and Kinchens gave the Rams a dynamic new safety tandem last season in their first year with the team, as Kinchens tied for the team lead with four interceptions. Kinchens should see even more playing time in Year 2 now that he's gained some comfort on defense. Likely to make it McCollough is almost certain to make the 53-man roster but as a former undrafted rookie, the Rams don't have big financial ties to him. Plus, he needs to show that his strong rookie season in 2024 wasn't a fluke after picking off four passes, returning one for a touchdown. He's a great backup to have on the roster with his ability to play deep or cover the slot. On the bubble This is where things get very complicated and unpredictable. The Rams are likely to keep at least eight defensive backs, potentially even going as high as 10 DBs. That means anywhere from one to three of the players listed here will make the 53-man roster. All of them likely breathed a sigh of relief when the Rams chose not to trade for Jalen Ramsey or Jaire Alexander, giving them a much better shot to make the team. Now the real work begins in training camp as they attempt to show the coaching staff that they deserve to stick around into September. Forbes is perhaps the most intriguing name on the list because of his pedigree of being a former first-round pick. Kendrick missed all of 2024 with a torn ACL but he's back this year and attempting to reclaim a starting spot in the secondary. Dixon-Williams and Valcarcel are two undrafted rookies with a lot to prove and given the Rams' knack for finding talented safeties late in the draft or in free agency, one of them could be the next gem. Position battle to watch If not for Lake, these three players would likely be the top cornerbacks in nickel packages. However, Lake's ability to play in the slot complicates things for Williams, Witherspoon and Durant. Lake plays every snap, which means Williams, Witherspoon and Durant could be competing for the two outside cornerback spots. The Rams will rotate their corners a bit depending on the opponent and individual matchup, but only two of them are likely to be full-time players. That competition could be sorted out in training camp. Potential sleeper While not a sleeper by name as a former first-rounder, Forbes is someone to watch. He barely played after being claimed by the Rams last season but with a full offseason of training in Los Angeles, his stock is on the rise. He received high praise from his coaches during the offseason workout program, too, even bulking up this spring in an attempt to get better in his third NFL season. It's not out of the question for him to play a lot of snaps for the Rams this season. Follow Rams Wire on X, Facebook and Threads for more coverage!
Yahoo
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
French Quarter residents support IV Waste ahead of special council meeting
NEW ORLEANS (WGNO) — The battle for trash pickup continues in the French Quarter, as residents want a voice in who takes over the contract. 'The French Quarter is the nicest it's been since I've lived here. Sixteen years,' said French Quarter resident Billy Lake. Those like Lake say that, before IV Waste came along, the previous company left them with an unbearable smell. UFC fan experience sees packed crowds ahead of Dustin Poirier's final fight in New Orleans Signs supporting IV Waste are plastered throughout the French Quarter for everyone to see. Recently, the New Orleans City Council voted to override the mayor's emergency trash declaration, which would replace IV Waste with Henry Consulting. The mayor's office fired back, stating, 'The emergency declaration issued by Mayor Cantrell was a necessary step to prevent a disruption in sanitation services in the French Quarter and downtown development district.' Via social media, Councilwoman Helena Moreno said that voiding IV Waste's current trash contract and replacing it with Henry Consulting is costing an additional $3 million. French Quarter vendor Michael Barry believes everyone needs to be at the meeting to voice their concerns. 'The city government never does anything without the participation and voice of the people. I lay it on the people who show up at the city council meetings to voice their particular concerns. That's the only way the politicians are ever going to learn,' said Barry. The meeting is set to start around 11:00 a.m. or when the 10:00 a.m. utilities committee adjourns. People are asked to come in person and voice their concerns or tune in via the online Posts Morgan Wallen, Luke Bryan joke about Coldplay jumbotron drama at concerts Abrego Garcia lawyers again ask for delay in release from jail, citing deportation threat October election candidates set to appear in New Orleans Civil District Court Passenger plane avoids midair collision with B-52 military jet over North Dakota: 'Aggressive maneuver' Father of 9-year-old girl found dead after AMBER Alert charged with murder Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Ex-Voice of America employee allegedly threatened to murder Marjorie Taylor Greene and her family
Print Close By Alexandra Koch Published July 17, 2025 A former Voice of America employee and reserve police officer was arrested Thursday after allegedly making continuous threats to murder Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., and her family over a span of nearly two years. Seth Jason, 64, of Maryland, was arrested by the United States Capitol Police (USCP) and is facing a four-count indictment for allegedly influencing a federal official by threatening a family member, influencing a federal official by threat, interstate communications with a threat to kidnap or injure and anonymous telecommunications harassment. Police also seized a laptop, several telephones, an iPad and multiple thumb drives. During a news conference on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro said the threats were made "repeatedly and continuously" from October 2023 through the end of January this year. AFTER MINNESOTA KILLINGS, CAPITOL HILL REPRESENTATIVES FACE STARK REALITY ABOUT FAMILY SAFETY Pirro said Jason was accused of making statements including, "I'm looking forward to your book signing. We are all armed and ready to take care of you. We're coming after you and your staff, and we are locked and loaded. We're going to take you all out. We've got our AK-47s. You're going to get one between the eyes. Bam, bam, bam." Staff members at Greene's offices were also threatened, including the staff members' families, according to Pirro. GEORGIA MAN INDICTED FOR MAKING ALLEGED THREATS AGAINST SENATORS CRUZ, FISCHER IN DISTURBING VOICEMAILS Making the case even more egregious, Pirro said Jason was a "rogue" former full-time federal government employee at Voice of America. She said he used phones in the control rooms where broadcasters were reporting to make the threats. He is currently unemployed after retiring from Voice of America a few months ago. The retirement came as President Donald Trump ordered the dismantling of the U.S.'s state-funded media outlet, with a federal judge later restoring the agency. "Through the leadership of President Trump, this sprawling federal bureaucracy is being held accountable, including through the work of Kari Lake, who is senior advisor to the U.S. Agency for Global Media, which oversees Voice of America." Lake took to social media to thank Pirro for "taking these threats seriously." "I am sickened by what Congresswoman @RepMTG, her staff and their families had to go through as the threats persisted for 15 months! It angers me that a taxpayer-funded VOA employee would use taxpayer-funded equipment in a depraved way to threaten the lives of people, including an elected official," Lake wrote in a post on X. "If he is found guilty, I hope he is sentenced to the maximum amount of time behind bars." Lake also said it's time to shut Voice of America down. Meanwhile, Pirro vowed to hold government employees to the highest standards. "No one should have to live their life looking over their shoulder every day and wondering if those threats are about to be fulfilled… The threat to have your family murdered as well as yourself, is debilitating." "My message today should be loud and clear: This behavior is a crime," she added. "You threaten a public official, and you'll face the full force of the law crushing down on you. There will be no mercy and no excuses." MACE DELIVERS BLISTERING IMPACT STATEMENT, SHAKES HAND OF TRANS THREAT SUSPECT'S FATHER AFTER BOND IS DENIED U.S. Capitol Police Chief Mike Sullivan said the view of threats against lawmakers has changed since former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were killed in their Minnesota home. The suspect in the Hortman murders, Vance Boelter, also allegedly shot Minnesota state senator John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette, on the same morning. "We are going to work very, very hard to hold you accountable if you make these threats," Sullivan said. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP Jason, who was a volunteer reserve officer with the Anne Arundel County Police Department, is no longer associated with the agency, a spokesperson told Fox News Digital. Pirro said there is no reason to believe Jason was involved in prior swatting incidents reported by Greene. Greene's office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment. Print Close URL
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Corgi's Attempt To Find His ‘Water Legs' While Paddle Boarding With Dad Is Total Cuteness Overload
Corgi's Attempt To Find His 'Water Legs' While Paddle Boarding With Dad Is Total Cuteness Overload originally appeared on PetHelpful. Some corgis can do it all. Or at least they try to. That's the case with Winston. Recently, this affable, chonky guy decided to go paddleboarding with his human dad, and while finding his water legs wasn't exactly easy, it sure was memorable! Now, you're probably wondering, are corgis water dogs? Well, there is no simple answer to that question. Winston was certainly game to get out on the water; however, staying on the paddleboard with his dad did prove to be a bit of a challenge, LOL. At first, everything is going just grand. Winston's dad places him on the board, and the chonky little guy just looks as happy as a clam. He is also as adorable as can be in his life jacket and special hat! Now, at first, Winston was actually doing pretty well, his dad was paddling away, and Winston had a comfy spot on the board, right in the middle, and was lying down, nice and relaxed and enjoying the view. He even sat up at one point so that he could seemingly get a better look at the horizon, although he is on a paddleboard in the middle of a lake, so it's not like there was anything around him blocking his view, sitting up a few times, Winston got more comfortable and decided that it was time for him to stand on the paddleboard. However, at that moment, the water started to get a little rockier, and that's when Winston, who clearly doesn't have his water legs yet, took a tumble into the lake. But don't worry, his human dad got him out of the water very quick, and he had his life jacket on, so he was okay. Also, his special hat was properly secured to his head so it didn't fall off in the water, thank goodness! As this other video shows, Winston has also enjoyed some fun adventures in the swimming pool. This time, his human dad pulled him along on a boogie board, which Winston had an easier time balancing on than the paddleboard. Perhaps the buggy board was easier for the balance because there were no waves in the pool? He did end up in the water in this video, too, though. Towards the end, he just decided that he wanted to go for a swim and hopped right in. And we must say, Winston proved himself to be an excellent doggy paddler! Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video, and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Corgi's Attempt To Find His 'Water Legs' While Paddle Boarding With Dad Is Total Cuteness Overload first appeared on PetHelpful on Jul 16, 2025 This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Jul 16, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
