A NEAR-TOTAL ban on abortions has been passed by the Oklahoma legislature (Shutterstock).

A law that would ban nearly all abortions was passed by Oklahoma state legislature on Tuesday by a vote of 70-14 by that state’s House of Representatives.

The only exception would be to “save the life of a pregnant woman in a medical emergency,” according to The New York Times. The new law, which would take effect on Aug. 26, makes abortion a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.

A legal challenge in court is expected, as the new law would be in contradiction to Roe v. Wade, a 1973 Supreme Court case that legalized abortion nationwide.

This is the latest of several strict laws on terminating pregnancies being passed in anticipation of a 6-3 conservative majority overturning the Roe decision.

Zelenskyy calls for reform of UN

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the United Nations Security Council and called on that body to either expel Russia or reform or dissolve the UN and create a new “world security system.”

His address came against the background of more evidence of atrocities committed by Russian forces in their invasion of his nation, accusations of human rights violations which are being denied by Moscow.

As one of five permanent members of the council – the others are the U.S., China, France and Great Britain – Russia can veto any action that would be aimed at punishing it, according to the Associated Press.

Sports: Throwing a flag on football

FLAG FOOTBALL at the Olympics?

Flag football, a version of gridiron action in which tackling gives way to ripping a flag from the belt of the ball carrier, may be getting out of the shadow of its more violent relative.

Sports Illustrated is reporting that the NFL is pushing to have the flag variety installed as a demonstration sport at the 2028 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles. The goal is to broaden the popularity of American football worldwide.

According to reports, such contests would include men and women, and there was even a flag football contest between the U.S and Mexico at the 2022 Super Bowl.

Weather: The heat is on, for a while

The high heat forecast for the West Orange County area is expected to commence on Wednesday with a daytime high of 90 (overnight low of 58), rising to 98 on Thursday before declining to 93 on Friday. Clouds will move in on Saturday and the daytime high will drop to 78 (57).

Business: More blows to Russian economy

The U.S. Treasury Department has blocked Russia from making bond payments utilizing bank accounts based in America, according to BusinessInsider.com.

It makes it more difficult for Russia to borrow money or pay its debts. There is a 30-day grace period, but default on bonds could have a long-lasting affect on that nation’s ability to work in world markets.