Abortions across the country are on the rise.

Abortions in the US

The Story

Abortions across the country are on the rise.

Explain.

Yesterday, a new study found that there was about a 10% increase in abortions in the first six months of 2023 compared to the first half of 2020. The report by a pro-abortion rights group also found that there were about 511,000 abortions across 36 states this year — up 46,000 in three years. The sharpest increase was in states that bordered those with abortion bans (like Colorado, Illinois, and South Carolina). 

Why is that happening?

Abortion had already been on the rise for years. For the states that saw a larger increase, it could be because of travel from states where abortion was banned. It could also be because of great economic growth and telehealth access. The data involves estimates and there may be inaccuracies. Experts say it may take years to get a fuller picture.

theSkimm

Since SCOTUS reversed Roe v. Wade, 22 states have enacted bans and several more have severely restricted access, impacting about 25 million women of childbearing age. Now, this study shows that many of these women are still finding ways to have abortions — including traveling across state lines.

Which Jimmy has a reason to stay up late tonight…

Fallon. Yesterday, more than a dozen current and former employees accused him of creating a toxic work environment. According to a Rolling Stone report, Fallon has acted erratically, snapped at crew members, and belittled staffers out of frustration. Employees said they often signaled to each other when Fallon was “not having a good day.” Seven former employees said working at the show impacted their mental health and that people often joked about “wanting to kill themselves.” NBC defended the program and said they’ve “investigated” and taken action “where appropriate.” Following the report, Jimmy Fallon apologized to staffers in a Zoom call for having “embarrassed you and your family and friends.” As he put it, “I feel so bad I can’t even tell you.”

Who is facing criminal charges...

Peter Navarro. Yesterday, a jury found former President Trump's trade advisor guilty of contempt of Congress. Last year, Navarro refused to testify before the Democratic-led Jan. 6 committee and hand over subpoenaed documents. He said he didn’t appear at the deposition because Trump told him to assert executive privilege — a legal principle that allows some White House communications to remain withheld. Last week, a district judge rejected that argument. Now, he faces up to two years in prison and a maximum fine of $100,000. His sentencing is scheduled for January. Navarro, who plans to appeal the conviction, is the second Trump aide to be convicted in relation to the Jan. 6 committee inquiry. 

Where there’s a storm brewing…

The Atlantic Ocean. This morning, Hurricane Lee rapidly strengthened into a Category 5 hurricane and doubled in speed in the last 24 hours. Experts say the hurricane will go “well north” of the US and British Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico, either over the weekend or early next week. It’s uncertain if the storm will cause damage in the East Coast, but officials are advising people to steer clear of the water due to “life threatening” rip currents affecting most of the Caribbean and the East Coast. You can track the storm here.

Who’s in trouble…

Danny Masterson. Yesterday, the “That ‘70s Show” and “The Ranch” actor was sentenced to 30 years to life in prison for raping two women in the early 2000s. One of the women said the actor “has not shown an ounce of remorse for the pain he caused.” Masterson waived his right to speak.

What's rare like a comet in the sky...

Red Velvet Oreos.

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