Who’s laying down the law…

A Texas Judge. Yesterday, a federal judge ruled that employers aren’t required to cover some free preventive services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since the law passed in 2010, a volunteer task force has been in charge of setting preventive coverage requirements. But a group of conservatives sued, saying the task force was illegal and that covering things like HIV prevention violated their religious beliefs. Now, the judge has agreed and issued a nationwide injunction. The decision affects more than 150 million people who could lose access to free preventive services, including HIV screenings, colonoscopies, mammograms, and other cancer screenings. The good news: Most insurance contracts are written through the end of the year, so policies aren’t likely to change anytime soon. The Biden admin is expected to appeal and may ask for a pause on the injunction.

What's raising alarms…

Russia. Yesterday, the White House called for all Americans to leave Moscow “immediately.” The announcement comes after Russian authorities arrested The Wall Street Journal’s Evan Gershkovich on espionage charges. It's the first time an American journalist has been detained on spying accusations since the Cold War — a move that could raise tensions between Washington and Moscow. The WSJ denied the spying allegations and called for the release of their “trusted and dedicated reporter.” The White House said the State Department is working to get Gershkovich back home. If convicted, Gershkovich faces up to 20 years in prison.

…Oh and speaking of Russia’s frenemies, Turkey approved Finland’s NATO membership. ​​Now, Finland's one step closer to becoming the bloc’s 31st member.

Where there's a shakeup…

San Jose, CA. Earlier this week, federal officials charged the executive director of the San Jose police union with importing synthetic opioids and distributing them in the US. According to federal officials, Joanne Marian Segovia imported fentanyl and other synthetic opioids worth thousands of dollars from places like Hong Kong, Hungary, India, and Singapore. She ordered at least 61 shipments over the course of about eight years that were labeled as “Wedding Party Favors,” “Gift Makeup,” or “Chocolate and Sweets.” Segovia has since been put on leave. If convicted, she faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

What’s taking the Kingdom part very seriously…

Disney.

While Miley Cyrus is being a Happy Hippie..

Lizzo is championing for inclusivity.

Who’s skiing away scot-free…

Gwyneth Paltrow.