Women's News Wrap

Good morning! Some fun news before we dive in—The Rise’s readership has grown by 137% this month. Thank you all so much for being here, reading women’s stories, and passing this newsletter along to others.

Here’s what’s happening this week:

U.S.

• New York’s highest court overturned Harvey Weinstein’s rape conviction, claiming the judge unfairly allowed witnesses that weren’t directly related to the case.

  • Weinstein will stay in jail because of a separate conviction in Los Angeles, but New York’s reversal opens the door for a retrial.

  • Victims were quick to express shock and outrage. At a news conference on Thursday, actress and survivor Ashley Judd called the ruling “unfair to survivors.” 

• The Justice Department agreed to a $138.7 million settlement over the FBI’s mishandling of sexual assault allegations against former gymnastics coach Larry Nassar.

World

• The Italian Parliament passed a law allowing anti-abortion groups to advocate against the procedure inside family counseling and support centers. 

• Iran is cracking down on dress codes for women, announcing a new initiative that gives police more power to “legally deal” with those who don’t cover their hair and wear loose clothing in public.

Business and Tech

• President Biden signed a bill that gives TikTok’s parent company a year to sell the app or be shut down in the U.S., leaving the platform’s influencers and creators (74% of whom are women) nervous about their livelihoods.

• Gender diversity in K-12 Computer Science education has increased, according to Stanford’s annual AI Index Report. In 2022, 31% of AP exams in the subject were taken by female students, compared to 17% in 2007.

• Midi Health, a startup offering virtual care to women going through menopause, raised $60 million in funding. Overall, investments in menopause companies grew 22% last year.

Politics

• Does Donald Trump respect women? According to a new poll, it depends on who you ask. 54% of male respondents believe Trump respects women either “a lot” or “some,” compared to just 31% of women who feel that way.

Healthcare

• The Arizona House of Representatives voted to repeal the state’s near-total abortion ban. The issue will head to the state Senate next, and if approved, abortions will be allowed up to 15 weeks.

• The Supreme Court heard a case challenging Idaho’s lack of emergency abortion access, and justices were divided on the matter. A ruling is expected in June. 

• A new study found that hospitalized women are less likely to die or be readmitted when treated by female doctors.

Sports

• A new audio platform will be dedicated entirely to women’s sports. iHeartMedia and Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment are teaming up to launch the Women's Sports Audio Network, which will provide coverage through radio, podcasts, and more.

• Olympian figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi is getting her own Barbie, a tribute to Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month.

Further Reading