AN 1864 law that outlawed almost all abortions in Arizona had been repealed.
The old law, passed before Arizona became a state, threatened to become a political issue in the upcoming 2024 presidential election in Arizona, which is considered a “swing state.”
Arizona went narrowly for Joe Biden in 2020, and Democrats are hoping to make reproductive rights an issue. In the aftermath of the Dobbs decision, which overturned the 1973 Roe vs. Wade ruling that created a national right to abortion, every state that has contested the issue at the ballot box has seen the pro-choice side win.
Russian forces press on in Ukraine
FLAG OF UKRAINE
An offensive by Russian forces into Ukraine is making some progress, capturing several villages in the Donetsk area and – apparently – assembling forces for an assault on the main Ukrainian lines of defense.
The Russians are said to be attacking along the length of the line and defenders are short on both troops and ammunition.
The six-month delay in Congress on additional aid to Ukraine – worth $62 billion – may have affected Russian plans and the U.S. Defense Department is now rushing to send ammunition and defense systems such as anti-missile and anti-aircraft devices.
Sports: A night off for the fans
All three local pro sports teams have today (Thursday) off. Back in action on Friday the Los Angeles Dodgers will host the Atlanta Braves, while the Los Angeles Angels will be visiting the Guardians in Cleveland.
The Los Angeles Clippers will try to stay alive Friday in their NBA Western Conference playoff series in Dallas. The Clips trail in the series three games to two after a 123-93 loss to the Mavericks on Wednesday.
Weather: Sun is on the way
If you can last through cooling temperatures in our West Orange County, there’s sunshine later in the forecast. Friday should have partly cloudy skies with a daytime high of 71 with an overnight low of 58. Saturday saw the thermometer slip to 67 (56) with mostly sunny skies. Sunday is expected to be similar at 67 (55) with mostly cloudy conditions. However, the sun should break through on Monday with a high of 72 (54).