Actress Annabella Sciorra to testify in Harvey Weinstein trial
According to Manhattan prosecutors, Annabella Sciorra, an actress who publicly accused Weinstein of sexually assaulting her in her Gramercy Park apartment in 1993, will now be allowed to testify in court about her contention. Because the incident occurred too long ago for it to be prosecuted under state law, the testimony will be permitted in court only to support charges of predatory sexual assault, not to contest her own rape. Harvey Weinstein, an influential Hollywood producer, pleaded not guilty last Monday to the new State Supreme Court indictment, claiming that his interactions with Sciorra as well as two other women were consensual. The trial is scheduled to take place Jan. 6 allowing Weinstien time to respond to the newest allegation.
Michigan State to pay record fine after Nassar scandal
Education Secretary Betsy DeVos announced on Thursday that Michigan State University will pay a record $4.5 million in fines for failing to protect students against sexual abuse by convicted sex criminal, Lawrence G. Nassar, the former doctor for the American Gymnastics Team. An extensive investigation was done after the university’s response to sexual abuse allegations against Nassar. According to the NY Times, “that investigation found that the university did not adequately respond to complaints against Mr. Nassar and Mr. Strampel, had subjected students to a sexually hostile environment, and had repeatedly failed to take appropriate and prompt action when notified of complaints.”
San Francisco Board of Supervisors declares the N.R.A. a ‘Domestic Terrorist Organization’
A resolution to declare the National Rifle Association (N.R.A) a domestic terrorist organization was passed unanimously by the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in response to concerns caused by recent mass shootings. The resolution was introduced by supervisor Catherine Stefani after three people were killed and 12 injured in a shooting at a garlic festival in Gilroy, California. According to an article in the NY Times, Stefani shared her thoughts when she said “the N.R.A. exists to spread pro-gun propaganda and put weapons in the hands of those who would harm and terrorize us.” The N.R.A. responded online via Twitter, defending their actions.
Another death linked to vaping
In Oregon, a second death has been attributed to a severe lung disease which developed after vaping. Only one other death has been recorded to have been linked with vaping, but the second case underscores the widespread concern over the increase in vaping-related illnesses. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200 cases in 25 states of severe lung disease contain possible links to vaping, and the numbers continue to increase.
