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Ohio’s vote yesterday kept the door open to codify abortion protections.
Explain.
Yesterday, Ohioans turned out to vote on Issue 1. The ballot initiative asked voters if they wanted to raise the threshold for amending the state constitution from a simple majority (50% plus one vote) to 60%. This isn’t explicitly about abortion rights. But this November, Ohioans are scheduled to vote on an amendment that could protect abortion. If yesterday’s ballot initiative had passed, the bar to enshrine abortion rights would’ve been even higher.
So what happened?
In a state where a six-week abortion ban is tied up in the courts, 57% of more than 2 million voters rejected the Republican initiative. Many are seeing it could be a sign of what the fall vote will look like, with one poll saying 58% of Ohioans support the proposal to enshrine abortion protections. If that happens, Ohio could become the largest GOP-led state to protect abortion under state law.
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Ohio’s Secretary of State Frank LaRose (R) said the referendum is “100% about keeping a radical pro-abortion amendment” out of the state’s constitution. If that was the case, yesterday’s vote was a clear-cut loss for anti-abortion activists — and follows similar failures in states like Kentucky and Montana.
and also...this
What’s giving folding chairs a new use…
The riverfront brawl. Yesterday, Montgomery police said they charged three white men with assault after this weekend’s viral fight. It all started when white men on a private boat refused to move out of the riverboat’s dock spot. One man charged at the riverboat’s Black co-captain. A white mob erupted. After the victim tossed up his hat, and the violence escalated, Black witnesses rushed to his defense. One teen is being called “Black Aquaman” after swimming from the riverboat to the dock. Another attacked a white person with a folding chair. The footage has been trending over social media — and has renewed attention on the city’s racial history. Montgomery’s first-ever elected Black mayor said, “This is not indicative of who we are.”
What’s got conservative justices whispering ‘switching sides’…
Ghost guns. Yesterday, SCOTUS ruled in favor of keeping the Biden admin’s regulations on ghost guns. Those are the firearm-making kits that people can buy online and DIY at home with no way to be able to trace them back to the owner. Last month, a federal judge in Texas ruled against the regulations, saying the gov exceeded its authority. Now, with Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Amy Coney Barrett joining the liberals, SCOTUS ruled 5-4 that ghost guns fit under the definition of “firearm” and can be regulated as such. Still, the ruling isn’t final since SCOTUS can still hear the full case in the future and vote differently.
Who’s facing the music…
Tory Lanez. Yesterday, the rapper was sentenced to 10 years in prison for shooting Megan Thee Stallion in 2020. It marks an end to a lengthy legal battle that exposed Megan to harassment, sexism, and racism. Before sentencing, Lanez said he took full responsibility for “everything I did wrong that night.”
What might get even more popular…
Wegovy. Yesterday, the drug’s maker said the weight loss injection can cut risks of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiovascular deaths by 20%. This study is the first to show that obesity drugs can bring heart health to those who do not have diabetes. It may also add another spike of popularity to a drug that skyrocketed after others like Ozempic were used off-label for weight loss.
Who’s calling not just her daddy but a roster of friends...
Alex Cooper. Yesterday, the podcast host launched a new talent network she’s calling “The Unwell Network.” First up on the roster: Alix Earle and Madeline Argy. Time to GRWThem.
What's dropping today...
While no one is over Steph Curry and Paramore…
Megan Fox is taking a page out of Drake’s book.
While Lizzo won't be performing at the “Made in America” Festival...
Speaking of mics, dropped: Cardi B’s sold for nearly $100K.
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