Fourteen Democratic governors have called on major pharmacy retail companies to clarify their plans to dispense mifepristone, a drug used for medication abortion, in response to recent media reports. This call has been met with opposition from a coalition of anti-abortion groups, who have requested a preliminary injunction to take mifepristone off the market nationwide. If access to mifepristone is halted, it could affect millions of individuals in states where medication abortion is lawfully dispensed. The issue of access to abortion medication has become increasingly politicized, and it remains to be seen how the pharmacy retail companies will respond.
Posts tagged as “Massachusetts”
A major winter storm has caused disruption across the Northeast and California, with more than a foot of snow reported in parts of Worcester County, Massachusetts and an atmospheric river inundating cities in California. Power outages have been reported in both regions, and residents are advised to take precautions to stay safe during the storm.
After more than four decades of searching, investigators in Massachusetts have identified the remains of Patricia Ann Tucker, 28, found in Granby in 1978 as "Granby Girl". DNA samples from Tucker's son, who was only five years old when she died, helped in the identification. The case of "Granby Girl" has been solved, providing closure to the family and demonstrating how technology can help solve cold cases.
Danielle Miller, a 32-year-old Miami social media influencer, has pleaded guilty to five federal charges related to a $1.5 million COVID relief fraud scheme. She used stolen identities and fake business names to access pandemic-related financial assistance, which she then used to fund her own personal expenses. Miller faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000, as well as restitution to the victims.
Francisco Severo Torres, 33, was arrested and charged with federal crimes after allegedly attempting to open an emergency exit door and attacking a flight attendant on a United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Boston. Torres allegedly attacked the flight attendant with a broken metal spoon, attempting to stab the neck three times, but the flight attendant was able to fend off the attack and restrain Torres until the plane landed. The U.S. Attorney's Office is continuing to investigate the incident and urging anyone with information to contact them.
The Supreme Court has agreed to review a case that could have a major impact on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The case centers around the Appropriations Clause of the Constitution, which states that "no money shall be drawn from the Treasury, but in consequence of appropriations made by law." The CFPB was created in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis and its regulations are now at risk of being overturned by the Supreme Court. The court is expected to hear the case in the spring of 2021.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) has been met with a lawsuit alleging that the state misled dozens of migrants, but this has not stopped the passing of a bill that expands a program used to fly migrants to Democratic-led cities and states. The bill grants the state authority to move asylum seekers around the country with little oversight, and has been met with criticism from Democrats who argue it is a political stunt. The bill is now awaiting DeSantis' signature, and if signed, will go into effect July 1.
A powerful winter storm has descended upon New England, bringing with it extreme cold temperatures, dangerous winds, blizzards, snow squalls and hurricane-force winds. Tragically, a 23-year-old mother sustained serious injuries and her infant was killed when a tree was knocked down by the winds. The National Weather Service has warned of “once-in-a-generation” wind chills and advised people to stay indoors and dress in layers to protect against frostbite and hypothermia.