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5 min readA federal appeals court ruling has ended telemedicine access to the abortion pill mifepristone nationwide, Spirit Airlines has gone out of business after 34 years, and the UK’s prime minister is reaffirming he will not join a U.S.-led offensive on Iran. These are among the major developments in the Friday, May 2, 2026, afternoon broadcast of NPR News Now.
Court Ends Telemedicine Access to Abortion Pill
The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in Louisiana issued a ruling that immediately reinstates a requirement for patients to obtain the abortion medication mifepristone in person, ending telemedicine access to the drug across the entire country. The case stems from a challenge by Louisiana against a Food and Drug Administration rule that allowed remote prescribing. The state argued that telemedicine access undermined its abortion ban. The appeals court agreed, and the ruling affects people in all states, including those that protect abortion access. The Reproductive Freedom Alliance, a coalition of 23 governors, responded to the decision. NPR’s Selena Simmons Duffin reported the details.
Spirit Airlines Ceases Operations
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What you'll learn
- 1 (00:04) **Federal Appeals Court Ends Telemedicine Access to Abortion Pill** - The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals rules that in-person requirements for Mifepristone must be reinstated nationwide.
- 2 (01:07) **Spirit Airlines Goes Out of Business After 34 Years** - The budget airline cancels all flights and ceases operations early this morning.
- 3 (02:05) **UK Prime Minister Refuses to Join US-Israeli Offensive on Iran** - Keir Starmer reaffirms the UK will not play an offensive role in the conflict despite US pressure.
- 4 (03:01) **Pentagon to Withdraw 14% of US Troops from Germany** - The withdrawal will occur within the year, following German Chancellor Friedrich Meyers' criticism of the US war in Iran.
- 5 (03:16) **Alabama Governor Calls Special Session to Redraw Congressional Districts** - This follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down Louisiana's majority-Black district as unconstitutional.
- 6 (03:42) **Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs** - Thousands of spectators arrive for the 152nd running of the first leg of the Triple Crown.
- 7 Standout Quotes
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