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Iowa’s Six-Week Abortion Ban Enforced Following Court Ruling
A law in Iowa banning nearly all abortions after six weeks of pregnancy has officially taken effect, marking one of the most restrictive abortion policies in the United States. The legislation permits the procedure only until early cardiac activity is detectable in a fetus or embryo, with exceptions in cases of rape, incest, fetal abnormalities, and when the mother’s life is in danger.
Initially passed by Republicans last year, the ban was temporarily blocked but was upheld by the state’s highest court last month. This makes Iowa one of several Midwestern states, including Missouri and South Dakota, to enforce stricter abortion laws following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which had guaranteed abortion rights until fetal viability (usually between 24 and 28 weeks).
Before this week, Iowa allowed abortions up to the 20th week of pregnancy. With the new law in place, residents may now have to seek care in neighboring Democrat-led states like Illinois and Minnesota, which have taken steps to maintain or expand abortion access since Roe’s repeal, increasing pressure on providers in those states.
The controversial legislation is based on what lawmakers describe as a “detectable fetal heartbeat,” although medical experts note that this term mischaracterizes the early electronic impulses that indicate cardiac development. Following its passage, the ban was temporarily blocked by a lower court after providers argued it violated Iowans’ constitutional rights. However, the Iowa Supreme Court dismissed this challenge last month in a narrow 4-3 decision.
Republican Governor Kim Reynolds, who signed the bill into law, celebrated the court’s ruling as “a victory for life,” stating, “There is nothing more sacred and no cause more worthy than protecting innocent unborn lives.”
In contrast, Vice-President Kamala Harris expressed her concern over the restriction, tweeting, “This morning, more than 1.5 million women in Iowa woke up with fewer rights than they had last night because of another Trump Abortion Ban.” She has pledged to restore reproductive rights nationwide.
Former President Donald Trump has taken credit for the end of Roe, emphasizing that abortion legislation should be determined by individual states, reflecting the ongoing national debate over reproductive rights.
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Over 60 Injured in Drone Strike on Northern Israel
More than 60 people have been injured following a drone strike in northern Israel’s Binyamina region, according to emergency response organization United Hatzalah. The attack, claimed by Hezbollah, targeted a training camp of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) Golani Brigade, located between Tel Aviv and Haifa.
The victims, whose conditions range from critical to mild, were evacuated to five regional hospitals via ambulances and helicopters. Israeli media reported that 67 people were injured in total, with four in critical condition and five others seriously wounded.
Hezbollah’s media office said the strike was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and Beirut earlier this week. The group used a “swarm of drones” in the attack, and reports suggest the low-level drones launched from Lebanon did not trigger Israel’s early warning alarms.
Footage showed wounded individuals being rushed into emergency vehicles, including helicopters, as medical teams worked swiftly to provide care. The injured were taken to hospitals in Hadera, Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya, where medical teams are working to stabilize those in critical condition.
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Officials Urge Caution in Aftermath of Hurricane Milton: ‘Don’t Go Sightseeing’
Although Hurricane Milton has passed, officials are warning residents across Florida to remain cautious as the storm’s lingering effects, including severe flooding, continue to pose risks. In Hillsborough County, where Tampa is located, rescue teams have been hard at work after the river overflowed, causing over 6 feet (1.8 meters) of flooding. The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, traveling by boat, has been ensuring the safety of residents in the flood-affected areas.
While multiple Florida ports have reopened, including Key West, Port Everglades, and Miami, several remain closed, such as those in St. Petersburg, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville. Georgia and South Carolina have also seen some port reopenings, but many areas still face closures and flooding risks.
President Biden provided an update on the storm’s damage, estimating the total cost to be around $50 billion. He emphasized that more financial aid would be necessary and called on Congress to approve additional funds as the true extent of the damage is assessed.
Officials are also urging people to stay off the roads and avoid “sightseeing” in affected areas to prevent further accidents or fatalities. “We’re going to need a lot of help,” Biden said, stressing the long recovery ahead after Milton and Hurricane Helene, which struck the region just weeks earlier.
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Florida Reels as Hurricane Milton Leaves Six Dead and Destruction in its Wake
At least six people have died after Hurricane Milton tore through Florida, leaving behind a trail of destruction. As emergency responders navigate floodwaters and clear debris from fallen trees and power lines, the full extent of the storm’s toll remains unclear.
In St. Lucie County, four people lost their lives after multiple tornadoes struck the region. In central Florida’s St. Petersburg, police chief Anthony Halloway confirmed two more deaths.
President Joe Biden addressed the nation, acknowledging the uncertain scope of the damage and the dangers that remain. He emphasized that while the storm has passed, the aftermath can often bring additional fatalities. “There’s still very dangerous conditions in the state,” Biden warned.
He also stressed the need for substantial financial aid to support the state’s recovery. Biden called on Congress, currently in recess, to return and address the urgent emergency funding needs, underscoring that Florida’s recovery will be a “long haul” requiring billions of dollars in aid.
The president assured that immediate relief efforts are underway, ensuring that residents affected by the storm receive the support they need.
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