🗞️ #054 | Supreme Court Evaluates Legal Standing in High-Stakes Abortion Pill Mifepristone Case
All of the above the fold 📰 stories of the week to keep you in the know
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Jump ahead to this week’s stories:
Supreme Court Evaluates Legal Standing in High-Stakes Abortion Pill Mifepristone Case
NBC's Reversal on Ronna McDaniel: A Symptom of Media's Deepening Divide
Tragedy Strikes Baltimore: Cargo Ship Collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge, Causing Collapse
Biden Vows to Seek Repeal of Ban on Pride Flags at U.S. Embassies
🗞️ Supreme Court Evaluates Legal Standing in High-Stakes Abortion Pill Mifepristone Case
This Tuesday, the Supreme Court heard oral argument on the issue of the abortion pill mifepristone, an increasingly popular drug used in over half of abortions in the United States. The heart of the debate? Whether to reinstate FDA restrictions on the drug following a lawsuit from pro-life physicians under the Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine. They argue that the Biden administration's easing of regulations on the mailing and prescribing of abortion pills undermines women's safety, an assertion the administration contests.
The Alliance for Hippocratic Medicine, backed by the Alliance Defending Freedom, contends that loosening mifepristone regulations jeopardizes women's health. They highlight FDA data suggesting a non-negligible risk of emergency room visits following the drug's use. On the flip side, the Biden administration, represented by Solicitor General Elizabeth Prelogar, defends the safety of prescribing mifepristone remotely and focuses on women's access to "reproductive healthcare."
However, the Supreme Court was particularly concerned about the concept of standing. In legal terms, standing is about who has the right to bring a case to court. Prelogar argued that the pro-life doctors lack standing, meaning they shouldn't be able to sue over the FDA's abortion pill guidelines. However, the justices, notably Justice Samuel Alito, pressed on this issue, suggesting that if someone must be able to challenge the FDA's actions, who then, if not these physicians?
It's important to clarify that the doctors aren't advocating for a ban on mifepristone, contrary to what some pro-abortion supporters have suggested. Their main worry is the FDA's reckless relaxation of its own safety protocols, which could endanger women's health.
"The FDA's decision to weaken commonsense safeguards, removing doctors from the process, shows they prioritize ending unborn life over the health and safety of women," said Dr. Ingrid Skop of the Charlotte Lozier Institute. "Their stories must be heard, but abortion advocates, working with corporate media, have gaslighted them into silence. I hope the Supreme Court holds the FDA accountable for their reckless actions."
For instance, in 2021 and 2016, the FDA eliminated the requirement for three doctors' visits when a woman is prescribed mifepristone for abortion. This change means that women are no longer required to see a healthcare provider before or after receiving the abortion pill. Consequently, this has resulted in cases where ectopic pregnancies go undetected, and some women develop infections or sepsis due to retained fetal or placental tissue.
Activists from both sides of the abortion debate staged demonstrations outside the Supreme Court, highlighting the high stakes involved. Inside, the justices grappled with the legal nuances of standing and broader concerns about drug safety, women's health, and the bounds of federal regulatory power.
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News of the Week
🗞️ Women are Being Sucker-Punched at Random in NYC
This week in New York City, numerous women have shared on TikTok that they had experienced sudden, unprovoked attacks while walking through the streets of New York.
One such incident involved Halley Kate, a TikTok influencer with a substantial following, who shared her attack. "I was literally just walking, and a man came up and punched me in the face," she shared through tears. This attack left her with a significant goose egg on her forehead and in distress. Halley's tale is just one of several troubling series of attacks where young women, often engrossed in their phones, find themselves targeted by an assailant.
The New York Post reported the allegedly responsible assailant as Skiboky Stora, 40, of East New York. Interestingly Stora is a "perennial down-ballot political candidate who ran for mayor, governor, and City Council in the past three years."
Stora also has a record of similar aggressive encounters. Videos circulating on social media platforms show Stora engaging in concerning behavior, including verbal harassment and physical aggression towards women, city workers, and even police officers.
It is important to note that authorities still do not know if all these incidents are connected. The NYPD has confirmed that it is investigating several of these attacks. For those living in or visiting New York City, these events are a reminder to remain vigilant, be aware of your surroundings, and prioritize personal safety at all times.
🗞️ NBC's Reversal on Ronna McDaniel: A Symptom of Media's Deepening Divide
In a surprising twist that has sparked wide-ranging debates about media bias, journalistic integrity, and the ever-widening divide of American political discourse, NBC News found itself at the center of controversy this past week. The heart of the matter? The network's decision to hire, and then abruptly terminate, former Republican National Committee (RNC) Chair Ronna McDaniel.
On Friday, NBC made headlines with the announcement of McDaniel's hiring, a move that seemed to many as a surprising but solid addition to the network's panelist roster, given her prominent political background. However, over the weekend, a wave of criticism from NBC and MSNBC's on-air talent, such as Chuck Todd and Rachel Maddow, began to surface, vocally opposing McDaniel's addition. By Tuesday, NBC had reversed its decision, citing the need for a "cohesive and aligned newsroom," as per NBC News Group chair Cesar Condé, though avoiding direct mention of the underlying controversies.
Why such an uproar over McDaniel's hiring? The on-air talent claimed that it wasn't because of her Republican affiliation per se but rather her association with the 2020 election's contentious aftermath. High-profile NBC figures, including Chuck Todd and Rachel Maddow, framed the issue as one of truth and integrity, pointing to McDaniel's alleged role in election denial efforts. This public airing of internal dissent is notable. It exposes a double standard within NBC, given its history of platforming figures from across the political spectrum who have also questioned election outcomes. Not to mention that Jen Psaki, the current president's former press secretary, has her show, but we are supposed to believe that this was an issue about the journalistic integrity of NBC.
The fallout from this extends beyond McDaniel and NBC. The decision has ignited accusations of media bias and inconsistency, further entrenching the distrust between significant portions of the American public and major news outlets. Conservative commentator and ex-NBC host Hugh Hewitt pointed out that the 74 million people, were really about half the country who voted for Donald Trump, are now very unlikely to trust or watch NBC News following this, potentially exacerbating the media's siloing effect.
The implications for McDaniel's career are also significant. With a major talent agency dropping her and the loss of the NBC deal, there's a palpable shift in how political figures navigate within the media landscape. This situation further exposes the power of legacy media and its influence on public discourse.
🗞️ Florida Governor Desantis Signs Landmark Legislation Restricting Minors' Access to Social Media and Explicit Content
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed legislation setting new boundaries for children's access to social media and sexually explicit websites. This law will take effect on January 1, 2025, drawing a firm line in the sand against the unregulated digital exposure of minors.
The law explicitly forbids minors under 14 from holding social media accounts, reflecting growing concerns over the impact of digital platforms on society's youngest members. For minors aged 14 and 15, a parental green light is now a prerequisite for maintaining or opening new social media accounts. This decision empowers parents, giving them a pivotal role in moderating their children's digital lives.
Governor DeSantis articulated the rationale behind the law, emphasizing the detrimental effects of excessive screen time on children's development and wellbeing. "Being buried in those devices all day is not the best way to grow up—it's not the best way to get a good education," DeSantis remarked, highlighting the necessity of the new regulations for fostering healthier childhoods.
The legislation doesn't single out specific platforms. Still, it targets the broader social media ecosystem, particularly those sites employing mechanisms like notification alerts and autoplay videos that contribute to compulsive usage patterns. This approach acknowledges the sophisticated design of these platforms to captivate and retain young users' attention, often at the cost of their mental health.
Supporters of the law, including Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, point to a body of research linking social media use among adolescents to elevated risks of depression and mental health challenges. The law also addresses the vulnerability of minors to online bullying and predatory behavior, underscoring the state's commitment to protecting its youngest residents from digital harms.
In response to the legislation, social media giants like TikTok have reaffirmed their commitment to teen safety, stressing their ongoing efforts to create a secure platform environment. However, the law has not been without its critics. NetChoice, a tech industry trade association, has voiced concerns over privacy implications, suggesting that the age-verification requirements could infringe on Floridians' rights to free speech and access to information.
Despite these criticisms, state officials remain firm in their belief in the law's legality and necessity, prepared to defend it against anticipated legal challenges. This law is part of a growing trend across states to impose stricter regulations on digital content accessible to minors, reflecting a broader societal reckoning with the impacts of technology on youth.
🗞️ Tragedy Strikes Baltimore: Cargo Ship Collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge, Causing Collapse
In the early hours of Tuesday morning, tragedy struck Baltimore when a cargo ship, the Singapore-flagged ship Grace Ocean Pte Ltd, suffered a critical power failure and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge. This disaster resulted in the collapse of the bridge, a key artery for the city of Baltimore.
At the time of the crash, a construction crew was fixing potholes on the bridge, and eight people fell 185 feet (56 meters) into the river, where the water temperature was 47 degrees Fahrenheit (8 degrees Celsius). Two workers were rescued, one unharmed and one injured. The remainder of the crew is reported missing and presumed dead in the aftermath. The search for these workers has since shifted sadly from rescue to recovery.
The crew of the cargo ship sent a mayday call before the vessel, which had lost power, collided with a bridge support in Baltimore, potentially saving many lives, according to Maryland Governor Wes Moore.
At a news conference on Tuesday morning, Governor Moore explained that the crew's distress signal before the Dali cargo ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge enabled authorities to quickly shut down traffic in both directions on the bridge.
The timely communication of the powerless ship's predicament allowed for immediate action, preventing cars from crossing at the time of the incident and likely averting further casualties.
"Literally by being able to stop cars from coming over the bridge, these people are heroes," Moore said. "They saved lives last night."
The bridge, named after the author of the United States national anthem, is a pivotal route for over 11.3 million vehicles annually, but it now lies in ruins.
Following the collapse, President Biden pledged federal support to rebuild the bridge. The bridge, an essential conduit for East Coast shipping, now represents a gaping void in the nation's infrastructure, its absence felt by millions.
The rebuilding of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will be a significant undertaking, both in terms of cost and time, with initial estimates suggesting a figure in the hundreds of millions.
🗞️ Biden Vows to Seek Repeal of Ban on Pride Flags at U.S. Embassies
In a move that has sparked conversation and controversy, President Biden's recent $1.2 trillion spending package includes a provision that has caught the eye of many, especially those critical of the administration's stance on certain social issues. At the heart of this debate is a ban that prohibits U.S. embassies around the world from flying LGBTQ pride flags alongside the American flag.
President Biden, who has positioned himself as an advocate for LGBTQ rights, expressed dissatisfaction with this element of the budget bill. Despite signing the legislation to avoid a government shutdown, Biden and his administration have been vocal about their intentions to work with Congress to repeal the ban, which they view as a policy targeting LGBTQ Americans. The provision, criticized by LGBTQ advocates, was seen as a significant backtrack on the administration's commitment to LGBTQ communities.
The ban does not stand alone; it's part of a broader tug-of-war in the political arena over the symbols and messages represented on government property. Proponents of the Right argue that only the American flag should fly over U.S. embassies abroad, emphasizing national unity and identity over individual group representation. This stance reflects a growing sentiment among some circles that the focus should remain on what unites the country rather than what differentiates its citizens.
This legislative move has reignited a longstanding debate over the appropriateness and implications of flying pride flags at government facilities. Initially permitted during President Obama's administration, the practice was halted under President Trump in 2019, only to be reinstated by Biden in 2021.
A White House statement to the news outlet The Hill reiterated President Biden's commitment to LGBTQ Americans, affirming that the administration "fought against the inclusion of this policy" and will "continue to work with members of Congress to find an opportunity to repeal it." The statement also highlighted efforts to defeat over fifty other policy riders, which the administration saw as attacking the LGBTQ community, which were proposed during the legislative process.
Critics of the ban argue that it symbolizes a step backward in the fight for equality and recognition of LGBTQ rights on a global stage. Supporters of the provision, however, see it as a necessary reaffirmation of American values and identity, emphasizing the primacy of the national flag.
With the Biden administration promising to seek ways to repeal the ban, the issue is set to remain a contentious point of discussion in the culture wars.
Honorable Mention
FTX CEO Sam Bankman Fried was sentenced to 25 years in prison by a judge on Thursday for stealing $8 billion from customers of the now-bankrupt FTX cryptocurrency exchange he founded.