US Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has directed the FDA to review mifepristone regulations based on new data from a flawed, non-peer-reviewed analysis. This analysis, promoted by anti-abortion groups, alleges higher complication rates than previously known, prompting calls to reinstate prior restrictions or remove the drug entirely. The data significantly overstates risks, including misclassifying ectopic pregnancies as complications of mifepristone. Anti-abortion groups intend to use this analysis to pressure the FDA and lawmakers to severely limit mifepristone access, potentially through ending telemedicine prescriptions as a first step. Despite over 100 studies confirming mifepristone’s safety and effectiveness, this campaign aims to significantly restrict access to the abortion pill.
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Penn State proposes closing seven Commonwealth campuses due to Pennsylvania’s projected population decline, particularly in rural areas, and resulting decreased enrollment. The 143-page report cites a shrinking pool of potential students and unsustainable financial situations at the affected campuses, some experiencing enrollment drops exceeding 40%. The university aims to shift from a geographically-based model to a mission-based approach, prioritizing educational quality, regional relevance, and financial stability. The closures, pending board approval, would not take effect before spring 2027, with current and prospective students offered options to complete their degrees.
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Harvard Law School’s online collection unexpectedly revealed a 1300 Magna Carta, originally misidentified as a later copy. Through rigorous testing, Professors Carpenter and Vincent confirmed its authenticity as one of only seven surviving originals issued by Edward I. This discovery highlights the document’s immense historical significance, solidifying its place as a foundational text for Western legal traditions and democracy. The document, acquired by Harvard in 1946 for a mere $27.50, possesses a remarkable provenance, passing through the hands of abolitionists and military figures before finding its home in the library.
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US banking regulators plan to significantly reduce capital requirements for major banks this summer, potentially reversing key post-2008 crisis protections. This follows extensive lobbying by the banking industry, arguing that current regulations hinder lending and competitiveness. The proposed changes would lower the supplementary leverage ratio, impacting the amount of high-quality capital banks must hold against risky assets. This deregulation effort aligns with the Trump administration’s broader push to reduce regulations, despite concerns about increased market volatility.
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A decapitated bottlenose dolphin, found on Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender County between April 16th and 18th, is the subject of a $20,000 reward offered by federal authorities. The dolphin’s head was intentionally removed, a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. A necropsy revealed the presence of Brucella bacteria, posing a potential risk to humans. Information leading to those responsible can be submitted to NOAA’s Enforcement Hotline at 800-853-1964.
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Ammar Abdulmajid-Mohamed Said, a 19-year-old former Michigan Army National Guard member, was arrested on May 13th for allegedly plotting a mass shooting at a U.S. military base on behalf of ISIS. Said, who provided materials and training to undercover officers posing as ISIS operatives, planned the attack for April 2025. His actions included surveilling the base with a drone and instructing the officers on how to breach security and target a specific building. Said is charged with attempting to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and faces up to 20 years in prison.
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Amidst rumors of a potential presidential pardon for Derek Chauvin, Minnesota officials, including Governor Walz and Minneapolis Mayor Frey, are preparing for potential civil unrest. The Minnesota Department of Corrections stands ready to transfer Chauvin back to a Minnesota prison to serve his state sentence, regardless of a federal pardon. Attorney General Ellison has affirmed Chauvin will remain incarcerated, and Minneapolis officials emphasize that existing emergency plans are being reviewed, though no credible threats have been identified. The city also anticipates a Justice Department filing next week to end the consent decree on MPD reform, a move the city will likely challenge.
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Over 1,000 Starbucks baristas across 75 stores are striking, protesting a new dress code mandating solid black shirts and specific bottoms. The union, Starbucks Workers United, argues the code, which restricts previously permitted attire, should be subject to collective bargaining and filed a complaint with the NLRB. Starbucks claims the dress code enhances brand image and customer experience, while the union contends it’s a misguided decision ignoring employee concerns and impacting service times. Despite Starbucks’ assertion of limited impact, the strike highlights ongoing labor disputes and stalled contract negotiations between the company and the union.
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Provisional CDC data reveals a record-setting 27% decrease in U.S. drug overdose deaths in 2024, totaling an estimated 80,000 fatalities. This significant decline, attributed to factors including increased naloxone availability, expanded addiction treatment, and shifting drug use patterns, is the largest single-year drop ever recorded. However, overdose deaths remain higher than pre-pandemic levels and above those of 2018, necessitating continued efforts to sustain progress, as some experts express concerns over potential funding cuts. Despite this success, overdoses continue to be the leading cause of death among young adults.
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Brenda Spencer and Branndon Mosley, of Gloucester Township, New Jersey, were arrested and charged with kidnapping and multiple counts of aggravated assault, endangering the welfare of a child, and weapons offenses. The charges stem from the alleged seven-year abuse of their 18-year-old daughter/stepdaughter, who escaped on May 8th and reported being confined to a dog crate, a padlocked bathroom, and a bare room with a bucket for a toilet. Mosley faces additional charges of sexual assault. The investigation revealed squalid living conditions in the home, also housing a 13-year-old child who was also removed from school years prior.
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John Q. Hosedrinker