Missouri Senate passes bill to ban abortions at 8 weeks of pregnancy

An anti-abortion rally in Washington, D.C. Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Image

The Missouri Senate passed a bill early Thursday 24-10 to outlaw abortions at 8 weeks of pregnancy, AP reports.

Details: The bill needs at least another vote of approval in the Republican-led House before it can go to Gov. Mike Parson (R), per Fox News. Parson has expressed his support for the measure, which includes exceptions for medical emergencies, but not for pregnancies caused by rape or incest.

The big picture: Missouri is the latest conservative state to move to restrict abortions. On Wednesday, Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey announced she'd signed a into law a ban restricting all abortions except for women whose lives are in danger.

Go deeper: Red America's anti-abortion surge

Go deeper

Bryan Walsh, Alison Snyder
19 mins ago - Science

What the 2020 election means for science

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

The 2020 presidential election presents two stark paths for the direction of future-focused scientific research.

Why it matters: Science is a long game, with today's breakthroughs often stemming from research carried out decades ago, often with government help. That means the person who occupies the White House over the next four years will help shape the state of technology for decades into the future.

Go deeper (3 min. read)Arrow
Rebecca Falconer, Laurin-Whitney Gottbrath
Updated 52 mins ago - Science

Zeta, now a Category 2 Hurricane, makes landfall on Louisiana coast

The probable path of Zeta, per the National Hurricane Center. Photo: NHC/NOAA

Zeta, classified as a "significant" Category 2 hurricane, made landfall along the southeastern coast of Louisiana on Wednesday evening, according to the National Hurricane Center.

The state of play: Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards (D) requested a pre-landfall Emergency Declaration in a letter to President Trump on Tuesday. The hurricane is producing 110-mph maximum sustained winds and stronger gusts. The core of Zeta — including its destructive eyewall — moved ashore near Cocodrie.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Axios
53 mins ago - Politics & Policy

Supreme Court won't expedite Pennsylvania GOP's request to block mail-in ballot extension

Amy Coney Barrett being sworn in by Chief Justice John Roberts. Photo: Fred Schilling/Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States via Getty Images

The Supreme Court voted 5-3 on Wednesday to deny a bid from Pennsylvania Republicans to expedite their request to shorten the deadline for receiving mail-in ballots. Newly confirmed Justice Amy Coney Barrett did not participate in the decision.

Why it matters: A lower court ruling allowing ballots to be counted until 5pm on Nov. 6, as long as they are postmarked by Election Day, will remain in place for now.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow