Florida abortion rights group ‘confident’ it has enough signatures for 2024 ballot

The group that is supporting a constitutional amendment to protect abortion access in Florida is confident that it has gathered enough signatures to qualify for the 2024 ballot. 

However, the fate of the ballot measure still depends on the state's conservative Supreme Court, even if the required 891,523 verified petitions are collected by the Feb. 1, 2024, deadline. 

According to the Department of State, as of Tuesday, election officials have confirmed 753,771 of the petitions submitted by Floridians Protecting Freedom, and more are still being verified. The group plans to submit 1.4 million petitions by the end of this month.

"Mixed Signals in U.S. Life Expectancy Rebound

The latest CDC report reveals a partial rebound in U.S. life expectancy, rising to 77.5 years in 2022, with COVID-19 deaths contributing to the positive trend. However, experts express concerns, noting a slower recovery than peer nations. 

The Washington Post reports that chronic illnesses, including heart disease and obesity, continue to impact longevity. The report highlights a decade of stagnation since 2010, emphasizing the need for comprehensive health initiatives. Racial and ethnic disparities persist, underscoring the ongoing challenges. While the increase is a positive step, the U.S. faces a complex path to fully overcoming the impacts of the pandemic and addressing underlying health issues.