Transcript
A (0:01)
Live from NPR News in Washington, I'm Louise Schiavone. The makers of the abortion pill mifepristone have directly asked the US Supreme Court to allow the drug to remain available through telemedicine. A federal appeals court in Louisiana ruled yesterday that it must be prescribed in person. As NPR Selena Simmons Duffin reports. This is a first since Roe v. Wade was overturned.
B (0:23)
Louisiana challenged the Food and Drug Administration over a rule that allows patients to be prescribed mifepristone through telemedicine. The state argued that remote access undermined their abortion ban. The fifth Circuit Court of Appeals agreed and issued a ruling to immediately put back a requirement that people go in person for the medication. That affects people all over the country, including in states that protect abortion access. The Reproductive Freedom Alliance, a coalition of 23 governors, wrote in a statement, quote, we are taking immediate action to protect patients and providers in our states, and we will pursue every legislative, executive and legal avenue available, unquote. Selena Simmons, Duffen, NPR News.
A (1:06)
Spirit Airlines customers arriving at airports today have tickets to planes that are no longer in operation and no working ticket counters to appeal to. After 34 years, many battling financial setbacks, the budget airline officially has folded. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says Spirit ticket holders should contact other airlines.
C (1:27)
If you're a Spirit passenger, you have an airline that ceased operation, so you have to book a ticket in the next day or two. And so the the other airlines are responding to that by providing beneficial booking opportunities and pricing opportunities. But again, you have to you have to do it sooner rather than later. Have your have your confirmation number ready and your proof of payment, and the airlines will step up and give you better pricing.
A (1:55)
The airline has struggled with higher costs and mounting debt since the COVID pandemic. With today's skyrocketing jet fuel costs since the start of the war with Iran, the now insurmountable NATO has issued a brief response on social media to President Trump's announcement of a drawdown of 14% of US forces in Germany. Terry Schultz has more.
D (2:17)
NATO spokesperson Alison Hart says the alliance is, quote, working with the US to understand the details of their decision on force posture in Germany. Besides the withdrawal of 5,000 soldiers, the US is also canceling the planned deployment of a battalion providing long range strike capabilities. Hart adds that the U.S. adjustment reinforces action already underway for Europe to take on a greater share of the responsibility for NATO's shared security, including spending more on their militaries. She says the alliance, quote, remains confident in our ability to provide for our deterrence and defense as this shift toward a stronger Europe and a stronger NATO continues. For NPR News, I'm Terry Schultz.