Latest from Newsweek
Newsweek
7 minutes ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Ohio Bill Seeks to Ban and Criminalize Abortion: What We Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Republican lawmakers in Ohio have introduced a bill that seeks to ban almost all abortions in the state and criminalize the procedure. State Representatives Levi Dean and Johnathan Newman introduced the Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act on Wednesday. The bill would grant legal protections from the moment of fertilization, meaning abortion would be treated as homicide, in a challenge to an abortion rights amendment to the State Constitution that voters approved in 2023. Newsweek reached out to Dean and Newman for comment via email. Why It Matters Since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, anti-abortion activists have been pushing measures to enshrine the rights of fetuses in a bid to end abortion nationwide. Ohio voters enshrined abortion protections in 2023, prompting judges to strike down abortion bans in the state. Abortion is legal up to 20 weeks from fertilization in Ohio. While Republicans in Ohio have historically passed abortion restrictions and bans, legislation in the past has been aimed at penalizing abortion providers rather than the people who have them. But the new bill, if enacted, would change that. It could also affect in vitro fertilization (IVF) and some forms of contraception. Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices hear arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on December 1, 2021. Demonstrators gather in front of the U.S. Supreme Court as the justices hear arguments in Dobbs v. Jackson Women's Health on December 1, To Know End Abortion Ohio, which collaborated with Dean and Newman to draft the bill, says the constitutional amendment approved in 2023 violates the U.S. Constitution's Equal Protection Clause. Austin Beigel, the president of End Abortion Ohio, told Newsweek the bill is "a very, very simple piece of legislation" that "grants personhood to all human beings." The bill would ensure that "from the moment of fertilization, when you have a new, distinct living organism, you have personhood rights, and you have the equal protection of the law," he said. "So the same laws that protect a born infant will protect that same person inside their mother's womb." Beigel added that while the bill does not explicitly mention IVF, the "natural consequence of personhood rights for all human beings includes those currently living in petri dishes and cryochambers across our country and our state." Abortion rights advocates say the bill goes against the will of Ohio voters. "Ohioans spoke loud and clear that we want our access to reproductive healthcare protected, not attacked when we passed the Ohio Reproductive Freedom Amendment in 2023," Kellie Copeland, the executive director of Abortion Forward, which worked to pass the amendment, said in a statement to Newsweek. Beigel said that his organization is not concerned about going against what voters want because "the will of the majority of voters was for something evil." "They were asking for the right to murder another so we are proud to stand against evil, even when evil is the majority," he added. Other groups that support abortion bans—Ohio Right to Life and Citizens for Christian—do not support the legislation, according to The Cincinnati Enquirer. What People Are Saying Abortion Forward executive director Kellie Copeland, in a statement to Newsweek: "Voters in Ohio sent a clear message in 2023 we must be free to make our own decisions, define our own path in life, and safely care for our families and communities. Deciding if, when, or how to become a parent is one of the most important decisions we make. These decisions should be up to each individual Ohioan, not government. "These out-of-touch anti-abortion extremists want to give legal rights to fertilized eggs, embryos and fetuses. This would strip Ohioans' ability to make decisions for our lives, health, and well-being, including banning all abortion care, banning some types of birth control, and denying IVF treatment that helps people build their families. "Bills like this embolden law enforcement to surveil and investigate people for their actions during pregnancy – families and loved ones could be targeted by law enforcement for helping someone access an abortion, miscarriage care, or even IVF. Black people, other people of color and immigrants are most likely to be targeted, questioned, and harmed by policies like this." End Abortion Ohio, in a statement: "Ohio's pro-abortion constitutional amendment should be treated as null and void because it flagrantly violates the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution by denying preborn persons the right to life. In appealing to the 14th Amendment, the Ohio Prenatal Equal Protection Act appeals to a higher law; the U.S. Constitution. "But even so, we appeal to the highest law; the law of God. In the Holy Scriptures, All men are created equal, being made in the image of God." Ohio Right to Life President Mike Gonidakis told The Cincinnati Enquirer: "We have never supported criminalizing a woman for having an abortion, and we never will. It's completely out of bounds and inappropriate." Democratic National Committee chair Ken Martin, in a statement: "Mere days after an anti-abortion fanatic targeted and killed reproductive rights advocates, Republicans in the Ohio legislature have decided that women who receive abortions are the actual threat. Ohio Republicans intend to charge women who receive abortions with homicide, ban IVF, and even some forms of contraception, as they proudly go against the people of Ohio. Nearly three years ago, Donald Trump opened the door to these extreme anti-choice policies through the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Now, with Trump's blessing, the far-right has declared war on women's rights." What Happens Next Beigel said the legislation has garnered seven co-sponsors so far. But while Republicans control both chambers of the Ohio Legislature, it remains to be seen whether the bill will have enough support to pass. Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman told the Enquirer it's too early to know where House Republicans stand on the bill.
Newsweek
7 minutes ago
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
Former WWE Superstar May Be Returning: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Wrestling legend Gail Kim has been backstage at recent WWE NXT tapings, fueling speculation about her future. The TNA Hall of Famer is one of the industry's most sought-after free agents. According to a new report from Fightful Select, this week was not the first time she has been at the WWE Performance Center lately. Her visits have been kept very quiet. WWE's Interest In Gail Kim The Fightful report notes that when WWE sources were asked about her status, they confirmed she is not officially with the company "as of this moment." However, they did not deny her presence. The report adds that WWE has been interested in bringing Kim on board since she became available. This suggests that ongoing discussions could be taking place. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation Gail Kim Becomes A Top Free Agent After TNA Departure Gail Kim became a free agent earlier this year. She was fired from her longtime backstage role as a producer and the head of the Knockouts division for TNA Wrestling. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Sami Zayn talks to the crowd after winning his match during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 11: Sami Zayn talks to the crowd after winning his match during WWE Monday Night RAW at Toyota Center on March 11, 2024 in Houston, Texas. Alex BierensHer departure immediately made her a top name on the open market. It was widely expected that both WWE and AEW would have interest in hiring her for a similar leadership role. Kim's time in WWE is defined by two distinct, and very different, runs with the company. While she found immense success elsewhere, her WWE career was marked by a historic debut and a controversial exit. Kim's first run began on the June 30, 2003, episode of Monday Night Raw. In a rare feat, she won the WWE Women's Championship in her debut match, a seven-woman battle royal. However, her reign lasted only four weeks before she lost the title to Molly Holly, and she was released from the company in 2004. After becoming the cornerstone of the TNA/Impact Wrestling Knockouts division for several years, she returned to WWE in 2009. This second run was largely underwhelming, with Kim being underutilized and expressing frustration with the "Diva" focus of the women's division at the time. Her exit in 2011 became infamous: during a battle royal on Raw, she intentionally eliminated herself in the opening seconds and quit the company. The Legacy Of Gail Kim Gail Kim is a trailblazer in modern women's wrestling. She is a former WWE Women's Champion but is most celebrated for her legendary career in TNA. As a multi-time Knockouts Champion, she is considered by many to be the greatest competitor in the history of that division. Her experience and respected mind for wrestling make her a valuable asset for any company. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
17 minutes ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iranian Jewish Leader Denounces Israel's 'Savage' Attacks on Iran
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. An Iranian Jewish leader denounced Israel's "savage" attacks against Iran as tensions remain high in the region this week. Newsweek reached out to the Israeli Foreign Affairs Ministry for comment via email. Why It Matters The Iran-Israel conflict has continued to escalate after Israel launched strikes at Iran last week with the goal of diminishing its nuclear capabilities amid concerns that Tehran was working to build a nuclear weapon. Israel and Iran have since fired strikes back-and-forth over recent days as President Donald Trump weighs whether the U.S. should become involved to help Israel. The conflict could reshape affairs in the region and across the globe for years to come. What To Know Khodadad Goharian, a leader of a small Jewish community in Yazd, Iran, condemned Israel's attacks as "savage deeds" that have "deeply wounded the hearts of all Iranians," reported The Jerusalem Post, citing local media. Goharian raised concerns that the strikes have killed civilians, including children. He also backed Iran's call for a military response to the strikes, according to the outlet. Lior Sternfeld, associate professor of history and Jewish studies at Penn State University, told Newsweek the statement is not surprising. "They live in Iran, and they are part of the Iranian society. There is, of course, some level of expectation from them to issue such a statement, but we shouldn't assume that they do it under pressure. The Israeli attacks affect them, too. They live in those same spaces. Who wouldn't go against foreign powers bombing their homes?" Sternfeld said. Smoke billows over Tehran, Iran, amid Israeli attacks on June 17, 2025. Smoke billows over Tehran, Iran, amid Israeli attacks on June 17, 2025. ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images Approximately 9,000 Jewish people live in Iran, primarily concentrated in major cities such as Tehran and Shiraz, according to the Jewish News Syndicate (JNS) earlier this year. Prior to the 1979 Islamic Revolution, up to 100,000 Jewish Iranians were living in the country. Judaism is one of four religions recognized in Iran, and there are dozens of synagogues in the country, according to JNS. The Iranian Jewish community has a "complicated" relationship with Israel, Sternfeld said. "Of course, supporting Israel openly is not an option. It is perilous for anyone to support Israel publicly, especially while being Jewish, and especially now," he said. Tensions between the two nations remained high on Thursday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday condemned an Iranian strike that damaged Soroka Hospital in Beersheba. The Israel Defense Forces reported a new launch of ballistic missiles from Iran. Meanwhile, Israel launched airstrikes on Iran's Arak heavy water reactor, a facility linked to plutonium production. The International Atomic Energy Agency confirmed the site was inactive and contained no nuclear material, but Israel said the strike was aimed at preventing future weapons development. Trump continued to consider U.S. involvement, stating, "I may do it, I may not do it." He has said he believes Iran cannot have a nuclear weapon. What People Are Saying The Jewish Association and Community of Isfahan wrote in a statement reported by The Jerusalem Post: "The Zionists' brutality, which is far from any human morality and has caused the martyrdom of a number of our beloved compatriots, including innocent children, has hurt all of our hearts." Homayoun Sameh, the Jewish representative in Iran's parliament, said, per Ynet: "Israel is committing war crimes — crimes against humanity. Iranian Jews are part of the Iranian people. I offer condolences to the families of the victims." Israeli Health Minister Uriel Busso told The Jerusalem Post following the strike on a hospital: "This is a terrorist act...a red line." What Happens Next Busso told The Jerusalem Post that Israel will exact a heavy price for the latest attack on the Israeli hospital. Meanwhile, debate continues about whether the U.S. should join the conflict. While some have argued it is strategic to ensure Iran does not develop a nuclear weapon, others have said the U.S. should not get involved in a war on Israel's behalf. Members of Congress are pushing to limit Trump's ability to join the conflict without their authorization.
Newsweek
27 minutes ago
- Politics
- Newsweek
Iran Issues New Warning to US— 'All Necessary Options on The Table'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi warned in Thursday comments that "all necessary options are on the table" to respond to a potential strike by the United States. The warning came as President Donald Trump has reportedly been warming up to the idea of striking Iran directly, while the U.S. already has been providing military support to Israel amid the heightened conflict with Tehran. "If the U.S. wants to actively intervene in support of Israel, Iran will have no other option but to use its tools to teach aggressors a lesson and defend itself," Gharibabadi said, Russia's Tass news agency reported, cited Iranian media. "Our military decision-makers have all necessary options on the table," he said. "Our recommendation to the US is to at least stand by if they do not wish to stop Israel's aggression," the Iranian diplomat said. This is a developing news story and will be updated with additional comment.
Newsweek
32 minutes ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Rockets Make Massive Ime Udoka Decision After Knicks Denial
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Houston Rockets have agreed to a long-term contract extension with head coach Ime Udoka. This new deal will make Udoka one of the highest-paid coaches in the league today. ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania reported the news on social media. Houston Rockets head coach Ime Udoka has agreed to a long-term contract extension with the franchise that makes him one of the highest paid NBA coaches, after a 52-win season and top-2 seed for the first time in seven years, sources tell ESPN. — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 19, 2025 This article will be updated...
