Former President Donald Trump stated that abortion should be decided by states, while the Vatican released a document denouncing abortion, surrogacy, and gender theory. Missouri Governor Mike Parson plans to execute Brain Dorsey despite opposition, and Asian Americans and Latinos face challenges in voter registration. Additionally, a total solar eclipse captivated the U.S., and indigenous leaders in New Zealand granted whales legal personhood.
California's population has dropped to an estimated 38.9 million, down by 573,000 from its peak in 2020, with people leaving the state due to high housing costs, regulatory issues, and remote work opportunities. Factors contributing to the exodus include a declining birth rate, pandemic-related deaths, and reduced immigration. Governor Newsom's policies and the state's liberal politics have also prompted some conservatives to leave. The population loss may lead to less congestion but also reduced tax revenue and political influence, with potential solutions including offering free tuition at public universities for California residents.
Thailand's parliament overwhelmingly approved a marriage equality bill, recognizing marriage between two people regardless of gender, with only 10 lawmakers voting against it. The bill, which still requires approval from the Senate and endorsement from the king, could see Thailand join Taiwan and Nepal in legalizing same-sex unions. While the legislation marks a significant step towards equality, some unresolved issues remain, as LGBT advocates had unsuccessfully pushed for gender-neutral terms in references to the family unit.
The US government is revising its race and ethnicity categories for the first time in 27 years, allowing respondents to select multiple categories and adding a Middle Eastern and North African category. The changes aim to more accurately count residents who identify as Hispanic and of Middle Eastern and North African heritage. The revisions also remove pejorative terms and encourage detailed data collection. While some see the changes as meaningful representation, others, such as Afro Latinos, express concerns about potential reduction in their numbers and representation in the data.
The Department of Veteran Affairs has reversed a memo that initially banned the iconic VJ Day in Times Square photograph from its facilities, following swift backlash. The photograph, depicting a sailor kissing a woman, was deemed non-consensual and in violation of the agency's policy on sexual harassment and assault. However, the VA secretary announced that the image will not be banned from VA facilities, and it remains on display. The photograph, taken on the day Japan surrendered to the United States in 1945, has sparked debate over its historical significance and the context of the kiss.
Greece is on the verge of legalizing same-sex marriage, with a parliamentary vote scheduled for this week. The bill, introduced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, faces opposition from members of his own party and the powerful Greek Orthodox Church. If passed, Greece would become the first Christian Orthodox-majority country in Europe to have marriage equality. Same-sex couples would also be allowed to adopt children, but surrogacy would remain restricted to heterosexual couples. The proposed legislation has sparked a societal divide, with supporters advocating for equal rights and opponents expressing concerns about traditional family values.
The Associated Press examines the role of conspiracy theories in American politics and society, noting their long history and their impact on mental health, politics, and society. The investigation reveals that conspiracy theories have reflected social tensions throughout history and are fueled by a thirst for understanding and control. Interviews with current and former conspiracy theory believers shed light on their motivations, including a sense of community and answers to feelings of distrust. The spread of disinformation through conspiracy theories has led to violence and social isolation, with adversaries like Russia and China amplifying these theories to destabilize democracy. Additionally, the internet and social media have accelerated the spread of false claims and distrust of traditional institutions, leading to a booming business in selling products and treatments based on conspiracy theories.
With the absence of Roe v. Wade, abortion bans are forcing women to stay pregnant, leading to devastating consequences such as untimely deaths and health complications. Research estimates over 64,000 women and girls in 14 states became pregnant as a result of rape after Roe. Abortion bans are a tool of abuse and a crime of power, denying justice to those who have been raped and become pregnant. Additionally, abortion bans can hinder domestic abuse survivors from seeking help and limit their reproductive choices, perpetuating violence against women.
The upcoming opening of a grand Hindu temple in Ayodhya, India, is sparking an economic boom in the city, with hotels and real estate firms investing heavily in anticipation of increased tourism. However, some locals, particularly Muslims and the poor, feel neglected and left out of the development. Land prices have soared, displacing residents and offering scant compensation. The Muslim community, which was promised suitable land for a new mosque, feels excluded from the downtown development. Despite this, hospitality groups and property developers see significant opportunities in Ayodhya, which is expected to become a pilgrimage destination for India's Hindu population.
