More Americans are stockpiling abortion pills in case they need them in the future, according to new research published Tuesday.

The relatively new practice of requesting a prescription for abortion pills before potentially needing them—known as advance provision—has spiked during two periods of recent uncertainty about the future of abortion access, the study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found. Those periods included two critical moments: the weeks following the May 2, 2022 leak of the Supreme Court’s draft decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization and amid conflicting rulings last April about the FDA’s approval of mifepristone, the first pill in the two-pill regimen that comprises medication abortion.

Studying data from the nonprofit organization Aid Access, whose doctors prescribe and mail abortion pills to people in all 50 states, researchers found that the average number of daily requests for advance provision increased nearly tenfold—to about 247 a day—in the seven weeks between the leak of the Dobbs draft and when the Supreme Court issued its final decision. Once the Supreme Court issued its final ruling in June 2022, requests decreased to about 89 per day—but then they spiked again last April when conflicting rulings about the FDA approval of mifepristone thrust abortion pills back into the headlines, leading to an average of about 172 daily requests for advance provision of the pills. (While a lawsuit challenging the FDA approval brought by anti-abortion activists is currently pending before the Supreme Court, abortion pills remain available by mail.)

“I think it shows people are paying attention” to threats to access, Abigail Aiken, the study’s lead author and associate professor of public affairs at the University of Texas-Austin, said, emphasizing that nearly three-quarters of participants cited wanting “to ensure personal health and choice” and “to prepare for possible abortion restrictions” as their reasons for requesting advance provision.

“I think one of the perhaps unintended consequences of abortion bans, or of the Dobbs decision, is that it really does shine a light on medication abortion, and probably made it more visible to a lot of people out there,” she added.

Florida authorities are trying to determine whether Christian Ziegler, the embattled head of the Florida Republican Party, engaged in “video voyeurism” by filming a sexual encounter with a woman without her consent.

The new investigation, which was undertaken based on a police affidavit unsealed earlier this week and obtained by the Florida Trident, is the latest chapter in the ongoing sex scandal roiling the Florida Republican Party. At its center are Christian Ziegler; his wife, Moms for Liberty co-founder and crusading Sarasota School Board member Bridget Ziegler; and an unnamed woman who has accused Christian Ziegler of raping her in October, and with whom the couple had engaged in a previous sexual encounter. So far, no criminal charges have been filed against Christian Ziegler, and he has denied the claims made by the accuser.

According to the Florida Trident:

In a police interview on Nov. 2, Ziegler claimed the encounter was consensual and showed detectives a two-and-a-half minute video of the sex act he’d taken on his iPhone, according to the new affidavit. 

Ziegler’s attorney, Derek Byrd, told police during the same interview the woman sent an Instagram message to Ziegler shortly after the sexual encounter asking him if he’d shown the video to Bridget Ziegler. Byrd said the message was sent in “vanish mode.” 

Wayne Rooney lasted longer than the cabbage. And at least he didn’t have one thrown at him like Steve Bruce.

Marcus, Luke, Andy and Vish discuss the exit of Luke Littler’s younger brother from Birmingham City and just why useful-FIFA-Committee-idiot-in-waiting Garry Cook appointed him in the first place.

We also ponder West Ham fans’ split on Davide Moyes and – in totally normal news – Gianluigi Buffon wants goals to be made bigger and the Argentina FA retire the men’s national team number 10 shirt. Is that… Diego Maradona with an air rifle?

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Festive football has almost drawn to a close and the highlight is most definitely Noni Madueke calling friend of the Ramble Jules Breach “bro”. Marcus, Andy, Jim and Vish react to that and share their displeasure that Liverpool vs Newcastle didn’t end 4-3. Just for old times’ sake.

Elsewhere, Marcus makes his case for why Arsenal need a Tom Cairney in midfield and Vish explains why he isn’t surprised a goalkeeper scored a worldie for Arbroath. Plus, we hear the new Roy Hodgson “let’s not take the piss here” extended cut!

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Football’s great - but it’s not perfect. As a new year rolls around, we thought it was a perfect time to decide on some resolutions that football should definitely adopt. All of them. Even the ridiculous ones.

Marcus, Jim, Luke and Vish bring some idea of their own, from shot clocks and sartorial guidance to fundamentally destroying the fabric of the game. Plus, we sift through a boatload of suggestions from you lovely lot, which mainly focus on spanking and Gary Neville’s goalgasm.

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Looking for a new podcast in 2024? This is what we’re all about! Hit subscribe for five episodes a week from the most entertaining football podcast out there.

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Marcus, Andy and Jim are back to answer more of your questions, and we’re kicking off with one that’s dominated English football discourse for years: why doesn't England produce many elite coaches?

Whether it’s a lack of intelligent football discussion (guilty), the FA resting on their laurels or dwindling opportunities in the Premier League, there’s loads to get stuck into. We then undo all our cutting insight by dreaming up some footballers’ appearances on celebrity cooking shows. Who would Jose Mourinho poison an unsuspecting victim with a pufferfish? And would Big Sam know his way around a Massaman curry?

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If you’re going to make one New Year’s resolution, make it this: watch the Indian national team at the Asian Cup. Why, you ask? Trevor Sinclair has just been made their overhead kick coach.

Marcus, Andy and Jim look back on a bitterly disappointing night for Arsenal and Konstantinos Mavropanos, who had to go through the Scott Sinclair Moral Maze™ of scoring against a club he barely played for.

Plus, Roberto De Zerbi harnesses yet more chaotic energy, Phil Foden gets praise from a different bald fraud, and Jim explains how Jose Mourinho played mind games with his family on Christmas Day…

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We’re back with more fond reminisces! On today’s episode, we return to a difficult day for VAR and an even more difficult day for Pete Donaldson’s Twitter mentions. Plus, some of the worst stadium trivia you will ever hear in Jack’s Encyclopaedia and an update on Andy Carroll’s French renaissance!

If you missed it, catch Part 1 of our 2023 throwback which came out on Boxing Day!

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Boxing Day, you never disappoint. Marcus, Andy and Luke are here and full of the joys of Christmas! And Luke can confirm that one Gosport Borough fan definitely was too…

We discuss Man United’s Christmas miracle and everything you need to know about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal (translation: we talk about his haunted pub). After another defeat for Newcastle, are reports that Eddie Howe is in trouble absolutely out of the question?

Plus, a detour to Egypt for our two new favourite football club names and what’s that coming over the hill… it’s Felipe Melo on all fours!

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Today, we’re throwing it back to the start of 2023 and reliving some of our favourite Ramble moments!

The final stretch of the 2022/23 season saw some “proper gubbings", including Liverpool's seven-goal demolition of Man United. Oh, and don't forget the poor bloke who went to fill up his car and returned to his radio to find Spurs 5-0 down to Newcastle. The first half of 2023 of course also featured Andy losing his head at Luke during a game of Jack’s Encyclopaedia and our glorious trip to Wembley! And remember, Vish will never be a better bloke than Bukayo Saka…

Make sure to join us for Part 2 on Thursday!

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Gary Neville expressed his belief that David Raya was outstanding against Liverpool this evening and is emerging victorious in the debate over who the best goalkeeper at Arsenal is.

The Spaniard, who joined the Gunners in the summer, has been under scrutiny for much of the first half of the season due to some shaky performances. Despite expectations, Raya claimed the number one shirt from Aaron Ramsdale.

Ramsdale, known for his amiable personality, has made it a challenging task for Raya to convince fans that he is the right choice for the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta, however, has voiced his confidence in Raya, asserting that the Spaniard is the best goalkeeper at the club. Raya’s performance against Liverpool likely added weight to Arteta’s endorsement.

Neville thought he did very well and said on Sky Sports:

Jamie Carragher believes that Arsenal’s draw against Liverpool this evening was the ideal outcome for Manchester City. Both teams have outperformed the defending champions this season, and a victory for either side could have widened the gap between them and City.

With City not playing this weekend due to their commitments at the Club World Cup, they aim to secure a fourth consecutive Premier League title and need to stay in close contention with the top teams.

While City celebrates their status as world champions, they will be pleased with the weekend’s results as Liverpool, Arsenal, and Aston Villa all dropped two points each, keeping City within striking distance at the top of the table.

While on punditry duty for the Arsenal game, Carragher said via the BBC:

“At the moment, this is a fantastic result for Manchester City.”

Jim Campbell is happy with a point at Anfield. However, he’s not so happy with Zinchenko attempting to do the Stanky Legg when faced up against Mohamed Salah in the box.

He and Luke tuck into the festive feast served up by Liverpool and Arsenal, before enjoying Robbie Fowler sticking the boot into Michael Owen for dessert. Plus, Jim admits he would move in with Peter Drury for the rest of the year if it meant Arsenal win the league.

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In their visit to Liverpool this evening, Arsenal secured a hard-fought 1-1 draw, delivering a thrilling encounter at Anfield.

Traditionally, Mikel Arteta’s side has faced challenges at Anfield, often being overpowered. Still, this match provided them with another opportunity to demonstrate their status as one of the top clubs in the country.

Currently vying for the Premier League title, much like the previous season, the Gunners consider Liverpool their primary contender for the championship, at this moment in time.

Having dropped points against Manchester United in their recent home league game, Liverpool aimed to regain the top spot with a victory over Arsenal. Nevertheless, Arteta’s side presented a formidable challenge, proving resilient for the home team.

Ultimately, both teams shared the spoils after a competitive 90 minutes, and according to pundit Stephen Warnock, it was the right and deserved result.

Although an Arsenal victory against Liverpool at Anfield did not materialise today, there’s a prevailing feeling that the pendulum is swinging Arsenal’s way.d.

Under Mikel Arteta’s guidance, the Gunners navigated their way through one of the most formidable venues for any visiting side in their pursuit of maintaining their position at the summit of the Premier League table.

Recognising the Reds as their primary contenders for the Premier League title this season, the Gunners seem to be witnessing the emergence of a new rivalry between the two clubs.

The match unfolded as an intense, back-and-forth encounter, with Liverpool determined not to relinquish four points in two home games against both Manchester United and the Gunners.

Mikel Arteta’s squad initiated the game strongly, looking like potential champions and securing the opening goal.

This is the big one, the winner today will be league leaders at Christmas and in fact, a draw will be enough for Arsenal to stay top over the festive period and this is the team that Mikel Arteta has selected.

𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎

Saliba at the back
Rice in the middle
Jesus leads the line

Let's go, Gunners pic.twitter.com/3PIWqD80aY

— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 23, 2023

When you look at Arsenal being at the top of the league standings, you have to admit they have had a good season thus far. There are several reasons why Arsenal has been stable and able to pick up results after results. One of the reasons for this is that they had a fantastic summer transfer business, such as bringing in Declan Rice and David Raya (who have both come in and played vital roles), which has seen them empowered enough to have a say in the title race.

Though that may be the strongest justification for why Arsenal has been able to compete this season, Trent Alexander Arnold believes the lessons learned from last season’s failed title bid have made the Gunners a better club; it has made them consistent.

“They are a young, exciting team who last year probably lacked experience winning, more than anything,” Trent said ahead of the Gunners’ visit to Anfield. “That’s quite similar to what we were in that season when we were nipped to it by City by one point. Those experiences teach you a lot. It teaches you how to win. They will be bringing that from last season, and it is showing in their consistency. They deserve to be near the top. So do we.

“They’re very consistent, and they are winning in a controlled manner. It is different to how we are winning a lot of games. A couple of our games have been last-minute, or down to ten men, winning in different ways.”

That being said, I hope that each time the Gunners play, they reflect on what they can do better to make this season a success. This was a season for redemption, and they needed to do everything they could to satisfy their fans’ yearning for league glory.

According to Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, there’s one thing everyone needs to know about Arsenal, and that is that they are a better team than they were last season.

Different factors have made them this consistent and determined, but Klopp notes that Mikel Arteta’s brilliant summer activity has really improved Arsenal.

According to the German, Declan Rice, Kai Havertz and David Raya have really been a big plus to what Arteta is trying to do at the Emirates.

Klopp made these claims ahead of his team clash with Arsenal, in a game that could decide who tops the league on Christmas day.

About Arsenal’s progression and the task at hand at Anfield on Saturday evening, Klopp said on Liverpoolfc.com: “We play a super-strong team, a team who played exceptional last season and coming back, are even better than last season.

Arsenal are headed to Anfield full of confidence that they can finally beat the Reds after years of trying and failing to get an away win over them. Even so, Mikel Arteta understands Liverpool will be dangerous, and he knows how, as he stated in his pre-game press conference.

Arsenal now leads the Premier League with 39 points, although they are only one point ahead of Liverpool. Having said that, it is apparent that this game will be difficult for both teams, with consequences that could cost either team the Premier League title.

Arsenal have not won at Anfield since 2012, not even last season when they were at their best. In April, after going two goals ahead at Anfield by the 28th minute (goals by Gabriel Martinelli and Gabriel Jesus), Arsenal couldn’t keep their lead and conceded two goals, one before halftime and one in the 87th minute, to draw the game 2-2.

Reflecting on that game and anticipating the one on Saturday night, Arteta urges his squad not to allow Klopp’s side to make the runs, not to give them room to breathe in order to get momentum, and to be clinical in order to capitalise on any chance thrown their way.

“There are certain things that we didn’t manage very well,” said the Spanish coach via Football London about his team’s last trip to Anfield. “The way we allowed them to run, especially, that we need to correct and be much better at because when they have that momentum and space, they are a really dangerous team.