Politics and Current
Abortion Rights on the Ballot: Seven States Vote to Expand Access, Three Maintain Restrictions – The Gist

Hannah Beier/GETTY
Measures to protect access to abortion they passed the test in seven states but failed in three where it was on the ballot on this election, marking a key moment in the ongoing national debate on reproductive rights.
Arizona, Colorado, New York, Maryland, Missouri, Montana and Nevada voted to protect a lady’s right to select. However, the states of Florida, South Dakota and Nebraska have decided to maintain or impose more stringent restrictions on abortion access. The results highlight a growing patchwork of abortion policies, with some states expanding access while others seek to limit or outright limit it.
This wave of ballot initiatives follows the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2022 decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which ended federal abortion protections and left regulation up to individual states. In response, abortion rights advocates are increasingly turning to ballot initiatives, allowing voters to have a direct say on the issue and bypass legislative hurdles. This approach reflects a shift toward grassroots efforts to secure or restore access to abortion in an evolving and polarized legal landscape.
Here’s how voters took the reins on this critical issue while it was on the page voting in 10 states.

New York
New York voters expressed strong support for measures to protect abortion access by approving amendments to the state structure. One such means Proposal 1appeared on the ballot without directly mentioning abortion, however it effectively secured the right to abortion. Abortion stays legal in New York until the twenty fourth week of pregnancy.
Arizona
In Arizona, voters passed a bill that might repeal the state’s current ban on abortion after the fifteenth week of pregnancy. The move significantly expands reproductive rights, marking a fundamental shift in the abortion landscape in the state. The measure, a victory for abortion rights supporters in the presidential battleground state, establishes a “fundamental right” to abortion in the Arizona structure. It prohibits the state from restricting or prohibiting abortion before fetal viability, normally around 24 weeks of pregnancy. Until now, Arizona law prohibited abortion after the fifteenth week of pregnancy.
Colorado
Colorado voters approved a move to strengthen existing abortion rights, continuing the state’s history of supporting reproductive access. Because abortion is already legal to the point where it is possible, the amendment secures existing protections and strengthens Colorado’s position on reproductive rights. Moreover, this solution repeals the constitutional provision that previously prohibited public financing of abortion. Colorado stays without restrictions on access to abortion while pregnant.
Maryland
Maryland voters approved a constitutional amendment protecting access to abortion and affirming the right to reproductive freedom. The solution preserves existing abortion rights, including the ability to make decisions about pregnancy, and embeds these protections in the state structure. Maryland has no restrictions on abortion while pregnant, strengthening reproductive rights in the state.

Montana
Montana voters approved a measure protecting abortion access, strengthening the state’s existing reproductive rights. The amendment guarantees the right to make decisions regarding pregnancy, including abortion, up to the viability of the fetus and beyond, so as to protect the life or health of the patient. Abortion has been legal in Montana since a 1999 state Supreme Court ruling.
Nevada
Nevada voters passed a measure protecting abortion rights, ensuring the state’s legal framework continues to support reproductive access. The amendment to the Nevada state structure guarantees the right to abortion until the viability of the fetus and thereafter when it’s essential to protect the health or lifetime of the patient. Although the amendment has already been approved, it can require voter approval again in 2026 to fully amend the state structure.
Missouri
Missouri voters overturned the state’s nearly complete ban on abortion, significantly expanding access to abortion. Abortion is currently banned in Missouri, with no exceptions for rape and incest. The newly approved amendment is a fundamental change in state policy that is predicted to significantly expand access to abortion services.
Florida
Florida voters rejected a measure to enshrine abortion rights in the state structure, a setback for supporters who want to restore broader access. The proposal, which might allow abortion until viability, received 57% of the vote but fell wanting the 60% threshold required for approval. Florida currently bans most abortions after six weeks. The defeat ends a string of victories for abortion rights groups in state elections since the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision that overturned Roe v. Wade.
South Dakota
South Dakota voters rejected an initiative that might have legalized abortion with provisions applicable during the first and second trimesters of pregnancy. As a result, the almost complete ban on abortion, which allows for exceptions only to save the lifetime of the mother, will remain in force. The proposal, which included exceptions for rape and incest, was narrowly defeated, reflecting the divided and sophisticated position of voters.
Nebraska
Nebraska voters faced two competing votes on abortion. One, which was not adopted, sought to guarantee the right to abortion up to the viability of the fetus. The second, which passed, upheld the state’s 12-week abortion ban, allowing exceptions for sexual assault, incest and medical emergencies. If each solutions were adopted, the one which received the most votes would change into effective. Nebraska law currently allows abortions up to 12 weeks.
The results mark the end of a winning streak for abortion rights supporters, underscoring that reproductive health stays a key issue for voters. According to Press Associationin a survey of greater than 110,000 voters nationwide, a few quarter of respondents said abortion policy was the most significant think about their vote, while almost half considered it essential but not the most significant factor. Just over 1 in 10 people said it was a secondary factor.
Politics and Current
Default student loans Spike – Black borrowers hit the most difficult

Student loans increased, in accordance with the latest household debt report in New York, published on May 13, after the Trump administration decision to finish the break from the Biden era regarding the notification of failed payments.
According to the Fed, a serious federal crime of a student loan occurs when the borrower skips payments for 90 days or longer. This rate increased from 1% in the first quarter of 2024 to almost 8% in the same period 2025, which coincides with the resumption of crime reporting.
Daniel Mangrum, research economist at New York FedHe noticed the growth In their comments to the report in a press release.
“The transition rates to serious crime have equalized in the case of credit loans and car loans over the past year,” said Mangrum. “However, the first party from previous student loans was reported in the first quarter of 2025, which caused a large jump in serious borrowers.”
During the growth of the pandemic in 2020, student loans and crime tracking were detained, and the borrowers received the annual transition period after resuming the payment at the end of 2023, which offered them some protection, but the renewal of reporting from student loans helped to acquire a consumer debt to the highest level in five years.
Black who’re guilty of the debt of the student loan are superpressed in relation to their participation in the population.
According to the education initiative, Black College graduates are on average USD 25,000 greater than white university graduates; Four years after graduation, black students are guilty of a mean of 188% more in the debts of a student loan than white graduates; Black borrowers of black student loans are most likely financially fighting due to the debt of the student loan, because their average payments are USD 258 monthly.
In addition, half of all borrowers of black student loans indicated that their debt loan’s debt exceeds their net value, while 52% of Asian and white borrowers reported the reverse of this relationship, one other number that indicates socio -economic conditions that color every discussion on funds and wealth in the United States of America.
According to Donna Rasmussen, executive director of the Consumer Credit Advisory Service in northern Illinois, the average amount of the federal debt of a student loan, including each private and federal student loans, is around USD 38,500.
Rasmussen also pointed to competitive increases in the cost of living For many explanation why they decided to stop repayment of student loans.
“I think that at that time they prioritized various important elements. Renches increased to a crazy amount. Car insurance, all things increased,” said Rasmussen. “We hear a lot from people who say:” We would like to be indebted than homeless. ” So they prioritize their food, they will not lose their home.
Rasmussen continued, describing intimately what is generally happening when the borrower is officially considered in the non -fulfillment of the student loan: “Well, if you may have not made a payment inside 90 days, it is best to probably know that you simply are in the default. You get a notification that you may have a mail or we -we -in, supplying you with options about what to do. Required to go to court that you may have a notification that your wages.
According to this result, the borrowers are encouraged to contact the Undersetetable Department of Education Solving a monthly payment to make a monthly payment, to enroll in a repayment plan based on income or join for the rehabilitation of the loan. However, on account of accidental budget cuts of the Trump administration, Some have difficulties with access to the education department to assist.
Despite the reduction of employment in the education department, which currently affect the borrowers of student loans, the education department still warns society to contemplate fraudsters who will attempt to feed on desperation and get in touch with loan entities for help.
“If the company contacts you, asking you to pay” registration “,” subscription “or” maintenance “that will help you get out of non -performance of the commitment,” says the Education Department in your website, “you should leave. Your loan holder will help you with a default loan for free.”
(Tagstotransate) New York Fed (T) Education Data Initiative (T) Consumer debt
Politics and Current
Donald Trump is facing the unprecedented opposition of loyalists over the donation of “Flying Palace” from Qatar

Donald Trump, whose loyalists got stuck with him for good and bad times, could finally go too far, accepting the “great gesture” of the luxury runny nose jet.
Some of the most famous supporters of the president, including web media data, corresponding to Ben Shapiro and Laura Loomer, broke with Trump in relation to an aircraft price $ 400 million from the royal family of Qatar, the regime critics claims that he is supporting terror and sanctioned the murder of American residents.

“I hope it’s not true,” loom he said Politico on Monday. “If the initial reports are actual, I think it’s disturbing.”
“Qatar is not our friend,” she said, adding that she believes that America under Trump has develop into too cozy with oil -rich country from Western Asia.
Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, said that the jet doesn’t pass the test or smell.
“There are only many decisions regarding foreign policy and I think people will think that this can affect the decision-making process,” said Paul.
The president doesn’t see what this confusion is about. When asked about it on Monday during the signing ceremony of the White House, Trump laughed at the reporter from ABC News, who asked the query.
“You should be ashamed, he asks this question,” said Trump. “They give us a free jet. I could say” no “, no, I want to pay you a billion, $ 400 million or whatever it is. Or I can say “Thank you very much”.
Trump insisted that the jet wouldn’t be a present for him, but for the US Department of Defense. According to ABC NewsThe royal family of Qatar offered Jumbo Jumbo Jumbo a jet who replaced Air Force One, which could be handed over to the Trump Presidential Library Foundation for its use after leaving the office.
For many, bribery stinks. Trump blamed the American defense contractor for “as long as to build new air force.”
“I think it’s a great gesture of runny nose,” he said. “I appreciate it very much. I would never be one to reject such an offer.”
Perhaps no commentator was harder Under the decision of Trump to simply accept a nose jet than the founder of Daily Wire, Ben Shapiro, who characterised the president’s behavior as “suspicious”, saying that “undermines his program and credibility.”
“Even if it is not a crime, it’s a bad optics,” Shapiro said, adding that movement is a “political poison.”
He noticed that the indignation that will follow if Hunter and Joe Biden were involved as a substitute of Trumps: “Conservatives would shout,” said Shapiro.
CNN media analyst, Brian Stoter Reported The controversy regarding the jet is the best schism between Trump and his supporters during the second term of the president.
“This is the biggest break I saw in the first four months of Trump’s return to the office between his pro-Trump Propaganda Machine, those professional stars that always support him, and the president,” said Stoter on Tuesday.
Loomer said that she is nice for the president who doesn’t need to charge taxpayers at the expense of a brand new air force.
“But this will complicate the foreign policy regarding the appointment of the Muslim fraction as a terrorist organization, which was promised and not in the first Trump administration,” she said. “This is a kind of elephant in a room when Trump goes to the Middle East.”
But do personalities like Loomer and Shapiro say on behalf of the magician? The indignation of the every day supporter of Trump has not yet manifested.
“Not so that they are the owners of Donald just because they give him Boeing” wrote One Trump fan on X. “Let a man earn in a nice gesture.”
(Tagstotransate) Donald Trump
Politics and Current
The White House responds to the rumors of the pardon of Trump Derek Chauvin among the renovated connection Marjorie Taylor Greene

Despite the earlier releases of President Donald Trump and the White Federal House of Pardoning for Derek Chaubin, a former police officer in Minneapolis sentenced to the murder of George Floyd, rumors with potential pardon were renovated.
When this month this month is approaching the fifth anniversary of Floyd’s murder, Governor of Minnesota Tim Walz and Minneapolis officials indicated that they were preparing for the possibility of presidential pardon for Chauvin and later anxieties in the city.
“I think we are prepared for it. Thanks to this presidency, it looks like it could be something they would do” – according to reporters, the Governor Walz recently told journalists Minnesota Star Tribune.
Walz, who was against Trump as the vp of Kamali Harris in the 2024 election, said that his office received “without an indication” whether the White House would give a pardon to Chauvin, who was convicted Up to 21 years after admitting federal allegations for violating Floyd and a youngster in a separate incident. Chauvin was too convicted Up to 22.5 years in prison for the second -cycle murder at the state level.
“If Donald Trump exercises his constitutional law, whether I agree-and I definitely disagree with him-if it seems pardon, we will simply transfer Derek Chauvin to take his 22 and a half years in prison in Minnesota,” Walz said.
Commissioner for the Security of the Community Minneapolis Todick Barnette admitted that city officials heard rumors about potential pardon; Similarly, nonetheless, he emphasized: “Derek Chauvin would remain behind bars, having a state sentence, even if his federal allegations are pardoned.”
He said in an announcement that “there is no reliable intelligence about any pardon or planned interference here in Minneapolis.”
Discussions about Trump potentially pardoning chauvins have been consistent since he returned to the White House in January. Conservatives are continually calling the president to pardon the disgraced officer. Republican US representative Marjorie Taylor Greene renovated the public campaign to pardon Chauvin on Wednesday, writing On X: “I definitely support the pardon of Derek Chauvin and release from prison.”

The conservative fire brand also falsely claimed that Floyd “died of drug overdose”, despite two medical examinations, determining that he died by murder. Chauvin especially held his knee around Floyd’s neck for over 9 minutes until Floyd’s death, despite the multiple black man “I can’t breathe”.
In March, the press secretary of the White House Karoline Leavitt told journalists about the possible forgiveness: “The president was asked and answered this question. He said that he was not considering it at that time.”

The president undertaking such an motion could be in the position he took in 2020 as a president when Floyd was murdered.
“It’s a terrible thing,” Trump he said In the White House in 2020, “we all saw what we saw. It’s hard to come up with something other than what we saw. It should never happen.”
The Prosecutor General in Minnesota Keith Ellison, who managed the prosecution of the State Criminal Case Chauvin, said in an announcement that President Trump has no right to forgive the state belief of Chauvin, “and” the only possible goal could be to express even greater disrespect for George Floyd.
He said clearly: “Derek Chauvin murdered George Floyd in front of the whole world.”
(Tagstranslate) Donald Trump (T) Trump administration (T) George Floyd
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