The Senate Judiciary Committee has announced plans to hold a hearing in the coming days to address the need to restore public confidence in the Supreme Court's ethical standards, following ProPublica's reporting that Justice Clarence Thomas accepted luxury travel from a billionaire without disclosing it. The 11 Democratic members of the Committee have urged Chief Justice John Roberts to open an investigation into Thomas' conduct, believing that the public has a right to know about the trips and that the Supreme Court should be held to the highest ethical standards. The hearing will be an important step in restoring public confidence in the Supreme Court.
News Mash
Deja Taylor, the mother of a 6-year-old boy accused of shooting his teacher at a Virginia elementary school in January, has been indicted on two charges of felony child neglect and recklessly leaving a firearm that endangered a child. James Ellenson, one of the attorneys for the family, said that Taylor is “devastated” by the charges and that the investigation into the shooting continues. Newport News Commonwealth’s Attorney Howard Gwynn said that the charges “are not intended to be a substitute for any civil remedies that may be available to the victim or her family.”
The US State Department has officially declared Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich wrongfully detained by Russia, empowering the Biden administration to explore avenues such as a prisoner swap to try to secure his release. The Wall Street Journal has called for Gershkovich’s immediate release, saying the espionage charges against him are “absurd” and “unfounded”. It is unclear when he will be released, but the State Department’s designation gives the Biden administration additional resources to secure his freedom.
A mother in Newport News, Virginia is facing criminal charges in connection with a January 6th shooting that left a first-grade teacher seriously wounded. Deja Taylor is being charged with felony child neglect and a misdemeanor count of recklessly leaving a loaded firearm so as to endanger a child. Abigail Zwerner, the teacher who was shot, is still recovering from her injuries, and the investigation into the shooting is ongoing. The incident has sparked a debate about gun safety and the need for better security measures in schools.
Tupperware, the iconic kitchenware brand, is warning of potential bankruptcy as it struggles to stay afloat amid the pandemic. The company is exploring potential layoffs, as well as reviewing its real estate portfolio for potential money-saving efforts. Shares of the direct marketing company plunged 50% after the securities filing, and Tupperware is now in a race against time to secure additional financing and avoid bankruptcy.
A U.S. District Court judge in Texas ruled that the FDA's approval of mifepristone was illegal, sparking a debate over the future of abortion access in the United States. Democrats have called on the Biden administration to ignore the ruling, but the administration has yet to announce what action it will take. The FDA is expected to make a statement soon.
Former President Donald Trump has filed an appeal in federal court in Washington, DC, seeking to block former Vice President Mike Pence from testifying before a grand jury investigating Trump's role in the efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The Biden administration has said it is committed to transparency and accountability, and that it will cooperate with any investigations into the Trump administration. It is unclear how the appeal will affect the investigation.
Fox News has settled a defamation lawsuit with Venezuelan businessman Majed Khalil, after former Fox Business host Lou Dobbs accused him of playing a role in rigging the 2020 election. The two sides have now settled the case amicably, with Fox News declining further comment. The case serves as a reminder of the importance of fact-checking and accuracy in reporting.