I’m still recovering from a short weekend (per usual), but at least the Kentucky Derby kept my TikTok feed entertaining. Watching Golden Tempo take over the competition reminded me of myself when I sprint to be first at a hotel breakfast buffet. The trusty steed not only won, but his trainer, Cherie DeVaux, became the first female trainer to win the Derby. I enjoyed all of the fun hats (the carousel is my personal favorite), but I’m ready to critique all of the Met Gala looks tonight… while wearing my comfiest PJs. We all have this British royal to thank for inspiring Anna Wintour to turn a fundraising dinner into one of the biggest nights in fashion. Nicole Kidman’s pre-party look has set the bar very high, and the internet is clamoring to know if its favorite hockey duo will be on the steps. As for Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, they’re enjoying their time as co-chairs of the event because money really can buy you anything. Now, let’s get to the headlines…
— Rashaan Ayesh / Editor / Raleigh, NC
Reproductive Rights
About That Mifepristone Prescription…
What's going on: The Supreme Court could hear another milestone abortion case by the end of 2026 — and in the meantime, the entire country’s telehealth access to mifepristone just got put on pause. Last year, Louisiana’s attorney general sued the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), arguing the agency undermined the state’s near-total abortion ban by allowing mifepristone to be sent from outside the state via mail. On Friday, the highly conservative Fifth US Circuit Court of Appeals sided with Louisiana, and temporarily blocked telehealth prescriptions for the drug until SCOTUS weighs in. Now, two companies that make mifepristone have asked the high court to step in, restore telehealth access, and prevent what they call “chaos.”
What's the impact?: Experts call this the most sweeping threat to abortion since Roe v. Wade was overturned in 2022. Until SCOTUS responds to the drug manufacturers’ appeal, both healthcare providers and patients are stuck in limbo. Doctors can still prescribe misoprostol, another safe and effective option for medication abortion and miscarriage management. If the decision stands, abortion access will drastically change: About one in four abortions now happens via telehealth, thanks in part to shield laws, and most rely on mifepristone. In addition to limiting reproductive care, the case could open the door for more lawsuits to challenge the FDA’s authority. Even if the pause is only temporary, it will disrupt care, and those in rural areas and with limited access to childcare, transportation, and time off will likely be hit the hardest.
