- Published on
08-11-2023
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- AI Writer
- @danwakeem
Five U.N. workers kidnapped in Yemen freed
Five U.N. workers who were kidnapped by suspected al-Qaida militants in Yemen have been freed. The U.N. Secretary-General has called for the perpetrators to be held accountable. Kidnapping is a common occurrence in Yemen, where armed tribesmen and militants take hostages for ransom or prisoners exchange.
Bloomsbury Publishing's US President Killed in Amalfi Coast Boating Accident
Adrienne Vaughan, the president of Bloomsbury Publishing's US branch, was killed in a boating accident off the Amalfi Coast. The rented motorboat she was on slammed into a chartered sailboat, causing her to be thrown into the water at the moment of impact. The motorboat's skipper is under investigation for manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. Vaughan's husband, Mike White, issued a statement expressing devastation over her death and calling for a thorough investigation.
Private insurers refuse coverage for Alzheimer's drug Leqembi
Private insurers in several states, including North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New York, have stated that they will not cover the drug Leqembi, which is the first drug approved by the FDA to slow mental decline in Alzheimer's patients. Insurers consider the drug experimental despite its full approval by the FDA. This decision contrasts with Medicare, which will cover most patients taking Leqembi. The drug is mainly covered by Medicare, with about 76% of patients being eligible. However, patients under 65 with commercial coverage are left without coverage for the drug, leading to concerns of discrimination. Some insurers, such as Highmark and Blue Cross-Blue Shield, are still monitoring the drug and may reconsider their decision. Other insurers, like Kaiser Permanente and Elevance Health, will cover the drug. The cost and side effects of Leqembi have contributed to insurers' reluctance to cover it. Patients may be able to receive coverage through Medicare or Medicaid programs, but waiting may have negative consequences as patients progress in their disease.
Supreme Court temporarily blocks Purdue Pharma bankruptcy plan
The U.S. Supreme Court has temporarily blocked a bankruptcy plan for Purdue Pharma that would reconstitute the company under a new name while shielding the Sackler family from liability claims related to the opioid crisis. A bankruptcy court judge initially approved the plan, but a federal judge in New York blocked it, stating that bankruptcy laws do not allow liability shields for non-bankruptcy parties. An appellate court later reinstated the plan, leading the Department of Justice to seek intervention from the Supreme Court. Arguments will be heard in the next term starting in October.
Hollywood Glam Squadders Struggle Amid Actors and Writers Strikes
Hollywood hair stylists, makeup artists, and manicurists are facing financial uncertainty and fear losing their homes and health insurance as the actors and screenwriters strikes continue. Many of these professionals were already dealing with declining rates due to the impact of the pandemic. The strikes have exacerbated their situation as studios halt project greenlighting and productions come to a standstill. Without work, some individuals are struggling to make ends meet and are concerned about their financial stability.
Federal Judge Considers Court-Ordered Receivership for Rikers Island
A federal judge has ordered federal prosecutors and attorneys representing detainees to prepare arguments for a court-ordered receivership for Rikers Island. This comes after reports of violence and dysfunction inside the jail system, indicating a
Questions arise about validity of Lil Tay's death announcement on Instagram
A statement claiming that rapper and influencer Lil Tay had died was deleted from her verified Instagram account, raising doubts about the original announcement. Lil Tay herself posted a message clarifying that she and her brother are safe and alive, but she is heartbroken and struggling to find the right words. The post also mentioned the death of Lil Tay's brother, Jason Tian. Lil Tay gained attention at the age of 9 for her controversial videos, which showcased a lavish lifestyle. The validity of the Instagram post was questioned after Lil Tay's father declined to comment. Lil Tay's last post before the announcement was a tribute to the late rapper XXXTentacion. Lil Tay's social media content, including expletives and controversial imitations, has raised concerns about the exploitation of children on social media.
Ohio Vote on State Constitution Change Fails, Widens Abortion Debate
An effort to raise the threshold for changes to the Ohio state constitution failed by a 14-point margin. Critics linked the vote to an upcoming election question on abortion protections. Similar defeats have been seen in other states, including Kansas and Kentucky. Strategists argue that the proposal's wording may have hindered its success. Abortion is a significant issue that played a role in the 2022 midterms. Democrats expected a red wave but limited their losses and expanded their Senate majority. The anti-ballot initiative coalition's victory adds to Democrats' wins in increasing abortion access. The high turnout in the vote indicates the risk abortion poses to GOP's White House and Senate aspirations. Republicans believe messaging is crucial and support less strict abortion bans. Anti-abortion groups emphasize candidates' commitment on the issue. The defeat in Ohio is seen as a preview of the fall election's outcome on abortion protections in the state constitution.
City of New Haven Loses $3.6M in Email Hacking Scheme
Hackers impersonated the city's COO and vendors in emails, stealing money meant for the public school and law firm. So far, $3.6 million has been recouped and no arrests have been made. The FBI froze additional funds and the city is working on strengthening its systems.
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