DeepSummary
The Arizona Supreme Court upheld an abortion law from 1864 that bans abortion in nearly all cases except when the mother's life is at risk. This ruling puts abortion back into national politics ahead of the November elections, when voters in Arizona will have a chance to vote on an amendment that would protect abortion rights. Abortion is also expected to be a key issue in Arizona's Senate race.
For the first time, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is setting limits on six types of chemicals known as PFAS or "forever chemicals" in drinking water. These chemicals have been linked to health issues like cancer and high cholesterol, and do not break down easily in the environment. The EPA estimates it will cost water utilities $1.5 billion per year to comply with the new regulations.
President Biden will welcome Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit, but tensions over a proposed acquisition of U.S. Steel by a Japanese company could overshadow the meetings. Biden has said he opposes the deal, prompting concerns that it could discourage foreign investment and contradict the idea that the U.S. is open for business.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- The Arizona Supreme Court upheld a 160-year-old law banning abortion in nearly all cases, reigniting the abortion debate ahead of November's elections in the state.
- The EPA introduced its first regulations limiting toxic 'forever chemicals' in drinking water, a move estimated to cost utilities $1.5 billion per year.
- Biden's opposition to a Japanese company's bid to acquire U.S. Steel has sparked concerns about discouraging foreign investment and contradicting openness to global business.
- Abortion and Biden's economic stance towards allies like Japan are likely to be major political issues in the 2024 elections.
- The EPA drinking water regulations aim to mitigate health risks from toxic chemicals that do not naturally break down.
- The Arizona abortion ruling could face a ballot measure challenge from pro-choice groups in November.
- The tensions over the U.S. Steel deal could overshadow diplomatic talks during the Japanese PM's upcoming state visit.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “There's no doubt that these chemicals have been important for certain industries and consumer uses, but there's also no doubt that many of these chemicals can be harmful to our health and our environment.“ by Michael Regan
- “That really sends a bad signal not just to Japan, but to the world that economics is not driving the bus.“ by Scott Lensekum
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Episode Information
Up First
NPR
4/10/24
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Today's episode of Up First was edited by Megan Pratz, Scott Hensley, Roberta Rampton, Lisa Thomson and Ben Adler. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Ben Abrams and Nina Kravinsky. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott, and our technical director is Josephine Nyounai.
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