The results of the second semi-final of Eurovision 2026 are in the history, with the final line-up for the Grand Final confirmed just days before a new champion is crowned.
This year’s edition of the annual song competition is being held in the city of Vienna. Austria won the right to host the Eurovision for the third time after singer JJ won last year’s event in one of the tensest finals of recent memory.
Heading into the week, 35 counties turned up at the Wiener Stadthalle seeking to book their spot in the final. This year’s final is scheduled to take place on Saturday night (May 16).
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Due to only 25 countries competing in the final, a number of iconic Eurovision nations have departed before one of the most watched TV events of the year.
On Tuesday night (May 12), viewers saw Belgium, Croatia, Finland, Greece, Israel, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Serbia, and Sweden book their spot in the final.
The second semi-final was held on Thursday night (May 14). On presenting duties once again was Austrian stars Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, with the pair showcasing their banter.
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What made the second semi-final interesting for UK viewers was that they got to vote for their favourite acts. On top of this, UK entrant Look Mum No Computer performed their song Eins, Zwei, Drei.
As is tradition, the UK got sent through to the final automatically due to being part of the ‘Big Four’ with Germany, France and Italy. Spain is normally part of this group, but chose not to compete in this year’s Eurovision in protest against Israel’s inclusion.
Full list of countries and songs in the second semi-final
France: Monroe – “Regarde!” (Big Four)
Austria: Cosmo- “Tanzschein” (Hosts)
United Kingdom: Look Mum No Computer – “Eins, Zwei, Drei” (Big Four)
Bulgaria: DARA – “Bangaranga”
Ukraine: Leléka – “Ridnym”
Norway: Jonas Lovv – “YA YA YA”
Australia: Delta Goodrem – “Eclipse”
Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu – “Choke Me”
Malta: Aidan – “Bella”
Cyprus: Antigoni – “JALLA”
Albania: Alis – “Nân”
Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund – “Før Vi Går Hjem”
Czechia: Daniel Zizka – “CROSSROADS”
It means Azerbaijan, Luxembourg, Armenia, Switzerland, and Latvia did not qualify for the final.
Mark Wright was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by business owners who have directly benefited from the guidance, expertise and commitment of Business Gateway’s dedicated advisers.
A Lanarkshire business adviser has been chosen to receive a Business Gateway Impact Award for the second year running.
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The Impact Awards, which took place at Business Gateway’s recent all-staff conference in Edinburgh, celebrated the exemplary service, commitment and impact made by Business Gateway’s local staff in supporting business owners across the country.
Mark Wright was selected from a competitive pool of nominees submitted by business owners who have directly benefited from the guidance, expertise and commitment of Business Gateway’s dedicated advisers.
Business owners praised Mark for “consistently going above and beyond with practical, knowledgeable and patient support”, with several people saying he had helped them secure funding, navigate complex processes and build confidence from start-up through growth.
Councillor Gail Macgregor, COSLA Spokesperson for the Environment & Economy and Chair of the Business Gateway board, said: “The Impact Awards were designed to shine a light on those who empower the local business community in Scotland, helping individuals and organisations to navigate challenges, reach new milestones and achieve lasting success.
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“I’d like to offer my congratulations to Mark on receiving an Impact Award. Mark and the rest of the Business Gateway network go above and beyond every day to help businesses thrive, and these awards are a testament to their dedication and the tangible difference they make.
“We’re delighted to have been able to recognise and celebrate their achievements.”
With around 350 staff located around the country, Business Gateway’s teams are the backbone of Scotland’s business support system.
Available free of charge to anyone looking to turn their idea into reality or grow their business, Business Gateway offers online and in-person support on everything from building the foundations of a strategy to setting up an e-commerce website, to help with marketing and budgeting.
In 2025-26, Business Gateway supported over 50,000 customers, managed over 30,000 enquiries and celebrated the launch of over 7,200 new businesses.
For more information on Business Gateway and its services, please visit https://bgateway.com.
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Which? found Waitrose to be the cheapest for several of the products included in the analysis, including Dolmio Bolognese Sauce Onion And Garlic 450g, which was £1.50 on average in Waitrose compared with £2.60 at most other supermarkets, including Morrisons, Sainsbury’s and Tesco for those without a loyalty card – a difference of 73%.
A rare strain of hantavirus broke out on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius as it sailed from Argentina to Cape Verde.
20:30, 14 May 2026Updated 20:40, 14 May 2026
A small number of people in Scotland have been linked to the hantavirus outbreak, according to Public Health Scotland (PHS).
A rare strain of hantavirus broke out on the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius as it sailed from Argentina to Cape Verde.
The national public health body said it will remain in close contact with those who have been exposed to the virus and will continue precautionary testing, as well as ongoing care and support.
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Health bosses added that there are currently no known cases of hantavirus in Scotland and the risk to the general public is very low.
Three people died on the voyage and nine cases confirmed by tests have been identified. The health body said it is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and NHS boards in Scotland to “take appropriate action”.
Samples from those who have been contacted by health authorities will be sent to a high security lab in Glasgow for analysis.
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A PHS statement read: “Public Health Scotland (PHS) is working with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), and colleagues across the UK, to respond to the hantavirus cruise ship outbreak and take appropriate action. This includes well established protocols around contact tracing and isolation measures where necessary.
“PHS and NHS boards in Scotland are working to follow up with a small number of individuals who had potential contact with cases and will remain in close contact with these individuals for up to 45 days from the last potential exposure. Contacts will continue to receive precautionary testing as required, as well as ongoing care and support. There are currently no known cases of hantavirus in Scotland and the risk to the general public is very low.”
Scientists at the Centre for Virus Research (CVR) have already received samples from about 20 people who were on the ship, with the team now looking into how the virus has spread as well as potential treatments.
Centre director Prof Emma Thomson said: “The symptoms are classically of respiratory illness, rather like a severe influenza infection or Covid-19 – people get very breathless.
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“Unfortunately, the consequences of the Andes strain can be very severe, and one in three people might be expected to die.
“So that makes it a very serious infection and that’s why we need ongoing research to look for new treatments and vaccines.”
Six people evacuated to the UK on Wednesday were able to return home or to suitable accommodation to complete a 45-day isolation period.
They had already isolated at Arrowe Park Hospital in Wirral, Merseyside, for 72 hours and tested negative for the virus.
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In total, 22 passengers and crew had been isolating at the hospital – the rest will remain but are asymptomatic and have tested negative for the virus. It has not been revealed for how long the remaining patients will stay in hospital.
Two Brits with confirmed cases are being treated in the Netherlands and South Africa. The head of the UN health agency previously said there was “no sign” of a larger hantavirus outbreak.
Researchers at the CVR are now looking at blood and nasal samples from passengers, crew and traced contacts.
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Thomson said the main aim is to investigate potential treatments and a vaccine.
She added: “We are working on improving our understanding of how the virus divides, transmits, and thinking about how current antiviral treatments can be used as a new treatment.
“For example, some vaccines that have been designed to fight against other types of hantavirus might also work against the Andes strain.”
A number of cases have been seen in Scotland in the past, involving a different type of hantavirus which can only be transmitted from rodents.
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The consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, is available on the Scottish Sentencing Council website and organisations and people from all backgrounds, legal or otherwise, are encouraged to have their say on the guideline to help ensure it is fit for purpose.
The Scottish Sentencing Council has launched a public consultation to seek views on a draft sentencing guideline for domestic abuse offences.
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The consultation, which will run for 12 weeks, is available on the Council website and organisations and people from all backgrounds, legal or otherwise, are encouraged to have their say on the guideline to help ensure it is fit for purpose.
Domestic abuse is an area of great concern to the public and accounts for a significant number of cases across courts in Scotland.
The sentencing of such cases is complex and can prove challenging for judges, particularly due to the broad range of circumstances involved in domestic offending and the need to give careful consideration to the protection of victims.
Research also shows that victims want greater clarity on the processes and reasons behind court decisions.
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The guideline is designed to be of use to the courts and court users, as well as the general public, by clearly setting out the information which should be considered by judges in deciding sentences.
Lord Beckett, Lord Justice Clerk and Chair of the Council, said: “This guideline will assist the court in selecting what can sometimes be challenging sentencing decisions, thereby enhancing consistency.
“It will also aid public awareness by helping people better understand what domestic abuse can involve, and what is considered by the courts when reaching a sentence.
“The public consultation is a vital stage in developing a sentencing guideline. In order for it to be useful to the court, court users and the public, we are seeking as wide a range of views as possible and I encourage everyone to take the time to respond to the consultation.
“Every response will be carefully considered by the Council before the guideline is finalised.”
The draft guideline makes clear that these offences can cause particularly damaging harm to those impacted by abuse, including children, and can inflict lasting trauma.
It sets out some of the behaviours domestic abuse can entail, such as coercive control like isolating a victim from family or friends, as well as economic abuse or physical or sexual abuse.
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A list of factors which can make offences more serious, and may lead to a more severe sentence, are also detailed in the guideline – for example, using a child to direct offending behaviour at a victim or preventing a victim from obtaining assistance.
The draft guideline also includes a section explaining the legislation on non-harassment orders.
The deadline for responding to the consultation is August 6. All responses will be carefully considered before the guideline is finalised and submitted to the High Court for approval.
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As the US President has headed to China for a key summit chaos has erupted behind the scene, with a US staffer trampled and members of Trump’s Secret Service involved in a standoff
Behind the scenes of the high-stakes China summit, tensions are reportedly erupting as all eyes are on the US and China leaders.
With a reported ‘standoff’ and one US staffer trampled by a horde of Chinese journalists backstage of the trip has been labelled a “s***show”.
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The first incident occurred on Thursday morning when a group from the Chinese press reportedly stormed into Trump’s meeting with President Xi, knocking over and stepping on a White House staffer.
As the aide was knocked over Americans protested at the actions, but thankfully they were not seriously injured.
Members of Trump’s Secret Service also reportedly had confrontation with Chinese officials after being barred from entering a historic Beijing temple due to one of the agents possessing a firearm.
A journalist claimed the “intense” standoff took place during Trump’s first full day of the state visit which caused delays.
According to the White House press pool, the agent accompanying reporters was stopped by Chinese security and refused entry to the temple’s compound due to his firearm.
This dispute between US and Chinese officials led to a delay in the press corps entering the temple complex with press officials briefly held while US and Chinese officials engaged in a heated debate about whether they could proceed.
As they were held in the holding room, one American reporter shouted “We have to go!”
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Chinese officials the reportedly chased the US delegation as they ran across the square to reach Trump’s convoy of cars.
The unseen dramas of the trip have thus far contrasted the majority of the interactions between the two leaders, with the standoff taking place as a peaceful tour of the historic temple was taken by Xi and Trump.
However, discussing tense issues between the nations Xi warned that the countries could “come into conflict” in a two hour showdown earlier on Thursday.
The Chinese leader said: “If handled properly, bilateral relations can remain generally stable.
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“If handled poorly, the two countries will clash or even come into conflict, pushing the entire China-US relationship into a highly dangerous situation.”
As you age, your go-to sex positions might not age as gracefully alongside you. After decades of showing off your flexibility in bed, you may notice as you enter your 70s that your joints ache, your back hurts and you maybe can’t bend as easily as before.
Arthritis and other age-related conditions may also come into play – issues that likely didn’t affect you when you were younger. Not to mention there’s the age-old (no pun intended) myth that your sex life somehow “ends” after a certain age.
“Body image shifts, loss of a long-term partner and deeply internalised ageism are among the biggest barriers to intimacy after 70,” Alicia Sinclair, sex educator, founder and CEO of Le Wand, told HuffPost.
“Sexual desire doesn’t have an expiration date, and neither does the need for connection and pleasure. Open communication with a partner – being explicit about what feels good and what doesn’t – often leads to greater intimacy than couples experienced in earlier years.”
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Arthritis and other conditions may affect sex as you age.
Which means sex isn’t off the table after 70. Instead, it simply requires more adaptability and a better understanding of what works and what doesn’t.
Below is a list of sex positions that can become risky or uncomfortable after 70, – and expert-backed advice for what to try instead.
Traditional missionary (particularly for the bottom partner)
“This one catches people off guard,” according to Annette Benedetti, sex and intimacy coach and host of the podcast Talk Sex With Annette.
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“Seventy-five percent of hip fractures happen in women, and bone density takes a nosedive after menopause. [The top partner’s] weight pressing down on [the bottom partner’s] hips and pelvis during missionary is exactly the kind of sustained force that can snap a fragile femur. Add vaginal atrophy and deep thrusting from above, and you’re also looking at vaginal tears and bleeding.”
Adds Sinclair: “Lying flat with a partner’s weight on top can compress the spine and make it difficult to breathe, especially for anyone with osteoporosis, spinal stenosis or limited hip mobility.”
Instead, Sinclair recommends using a wedge or positioning pillow under the hips to reduce lumbar strain or shifting to a side-lying position that keeps the spine in a neutral position.
Benedetti suggests flipping the dynamic with a modified cowgirl position, with the receiving partner on top, sitting upright on their partner’s lap or kneeling. “[The kneeling position] is what orthopaedic specialists recommend for women with osteoporosis. She controls the depth, the pace, and the pressure goes through his body, not hers.”
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Doggy style (kneeling)
“Sustained kneeling puts significant pressure on the knees and wrists, and the position can destabilise the lower back,” Sinclair said. “For anyone with knee replacements, arthritis or balance issues, it’s a real injury risk.”
Benedetti adds that rear-entry positions with deep thrusting may also become uncomfortable over time. “With age – especially after menopause or other hormonal changes – internal tissues can become shorter, thinner and more sensitive. What once felt pleasurable can start to feel uncomfortable or even painful, with a higher risk of irritation or small tears.”
As an alternative, Sinclair recommends a supported standing variation, where one partner leans over a bed or cushioned surface, keeping weight off the knees entirely.
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Another option is spooning. “You get a similar rear-entry angle and sense of closeness, but the receiving partner can control depth by adjusting their leg position,” Benedetti said. “It also removes pressure from the knees, wrists and shoulders, making it a much more comfortable choice overall.”
Halfpoint Images via Getty Images
Adapting your favorite sex positions to your body and your comfort is the right choice at every age.
Legs up over shoulders positions
“This position demands hip flexion that older joints often can’t handle safely, especially for people with hip replacements or conditions like arthritis,” Benedetti said. “It can also create very deep penetration at a time when tissues may be more sensitive. That’s a challenging combination.”
The better option? Reclining with a pillow wedge under the hips. Keep the knees bent and slightly apart, with the hips gently elevated to achieve a similar angle — without putting excess strain on the joints. This allows for better alignment and comfort while reducing orthopaedic risk.
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Cowgirl / reverse cowgirl (on top)
“This requires quad strength, hip flexibility and balance – all of which decline with age,” Sinclair said. “A fall or sudden movement can cause hip fractures or knee injuries, which are among the most serious fall-related injuries in older adults.”
If you’re keen on doing the position, Sinclair recommends using a supported seated straddle – sitting face-to-face in a sturdy chair or using a dedicated intimate machine like The Cowgirl with a low, stable platform, which distributes weight differently and reduces fall risk dramatically.
Standing sex
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“Balance and bone density both decline after 70, and the one-year mortality rate after a hip fracture sits around 25%,” Benedetti said. “A fall during sex isn’t a punchline; it’s a serious event.”
What can you do instead? Benedetti suggests using a sturdy armchair. One partner sits while the other straddles. Face-to-face, full-body contact – all the closeness without the risk of a fall.
Sex might look and feel different in your 70s than it did in previous decades, but it doesn’t mean it has to feel less pleasurable. With a better understanding of the body’s changing needs, couples can adapt their sex life rather than give up on it.
Armagh had 28 points to spare over Down in the Ulster semi-final while Monaghan have lost one of their starting players from the extra-time win over Derry
22:36, 14 May 2026Updated 22:39, 14 May 2026
Kieran McGeeney has, unsurprisingly, named an unchanged starting 15 for Sunday’s Ulster final clash with Monaghan on Sunday.
All-Ireland winning captain Aidan Forker is also among the substitutes after tearing his calf ahead of the preliminary round win over Tyrone last month.
Meanwhile, Monaghan have suffered a blow on the eve of the Ulster final with midfielder Louis Kelly ruled out with an Achilles injury.
Darragh McElearney, who was listed to start against Derry comes in to the team with Karl Gallagher moving to midfield.
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Gary Mohan and Ryan Wylie have also been added to the match-day squad as has U20 star Max Maguire.
Armagh: Blaine Hughes; Peter McGrane, Aaron Mckay, Paddy Burns; Greg McCabe, Tiernan Kelly, Jarly Óg Burns; Joe McElroy, Jason Duffy; Darragh McMullen, Conor Turbitt, Tomás McCormack; Cian McConville, Andrew Murnin, Oisin Conaty.
Subs: Ethan Rafferty, Gareth Murphy, Oisin O’Neill, Ross McQuillan, Daniel Magee, Ciaran Mackin, Barry McCambridge, Ryan Duffy, Aidan Forker, Tomás Galvin, Rory Grugan.
Monaghan : Rory Beggan; Darragh McElearney, Ryan O’Toole, Dylan Byrne; Cameron Dowd, Killian Lavelle, Dessie Ward; Micheál McCarville, Karl Gallagher; Aaron Carey, Mícheál Bannigan, Stephen O’Hanlon; Conor McCarthy, Andrew Woods, Stephen Mooney
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Subs: Kian Mulligan, David Garland, Robbie Hanratty, Bobby McCaul, Gary Mohan, Max Maguire, Ryan McAnespie, Shane Hanratty, Oisin McGorman, Jack McCarron, Ryan Wylie.
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A woman in her 60s has been arrested in connection with the 2008 murder of Strabane man Andrew Burns, who was shot dead near Donnyloop Church in Co Donegal
Peter Hennessy UK & World News Editor and Paul Healy
00:26, 15 May 2026
A woman has been detained in connection with the fatal shooting of Andrew Burns in Co Donegal.
Mr Burns, originally from Strabane, was killed by Óglaigh na hÉireann in a dissident-linked killing in which gardaí suspect multiple individuals were involved, reports the Irish Mirror.
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The woman, in her 60s, was apprehended in relation to the murder inquiry on Thursday and is currently being detained at a Garda station in the North West region.
The victim was shot twice in the back on a roadway near Donnyloop Church on 12 February 2008.
Martin Kelly, who had connections to the Óglaigh na hÉireann organisation, was found guilty and given a life sentence for Mr Burns’ murder in 2012.
His trial revealed how he had been instructed to transport Mr Burns from his residence in Strabane to Donnyloop in Donegal for a punishment shooting. He drove the victim to the church car park where three individuals were lying in wait in a hedge.
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A gunman opened fire on Mr Burns, who attempted to flee but was struck by a second shot which proved fatal. All three climbed into Kelly’s vehicle and he transported them back across the border, pausing to conceal the weapon in a hedge.
Kelly was questioned by gardaí and the PSNI at a hotel in Northern Ireland where he confessed to his involvement.
In a significant development on Thursday evening, gardaí confirmed that the woman had been arrested in connection with the murder investigation and that she is being detained pursuant to Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act 1939.
A garda spokesperson stated: “An Garda Síochána continues to appeal to anyone with any information to come forward, in particular, the occupant or occupants of a red van that it is believed to have been in the area of Donnyloop, Castlefin, Co. Donegal, at around 7pm on the evening of Tuesday 12th February 2008.
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“Anyone with information is asked to contact Letterkenny Garda Station on 074 9167100, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
Here’s what the stars have in store for your day (Picture: Metro.co.uk)
The Moon in Gemini and Mars in Taurus creates a complex blend of drive and gentleness. Big moves don’t have to mean loud ones.
Virgo, Leo and Cancer, today is an opportunity to look at your life and decide what you want to leave behind. Being selective with your energy is not giving up.
There will be subtle yet powerful shifts today. Make some waves, and don’t be afraid to do it solo.
Ahead, you’ll find all star signs’ horoscopes for today: Friday May 15, 2026.
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Aries
March 21 to April 20
You are a very proud zodiac sign, Aries, and much of that comes because of your passionate nature and need to feel heard and respected. Whilst not unique to you, taking a leading role or having a direct impact gives you more motivation, rather than just making up the numbers. And if you do feel someone is not allowing the space to shine, this could come up now.
The reactive Mars has been moving through a tender part of your situation since early last month. And whilst this is a week when your talents have a fabulous chance to burn radiantly, his location in your 12th House can still have an impact on your past experiences, and the memories these created within you, when even a random comment can hit home harder.
The Moon is moving through its final phase in your situation, which can evoke nostalgia, tenderness, or greater sensitivity. Yet with the strident Mars in the friendliest part of your situation, part of you may want to retreat, another to accept any invites and dive into the social milieu with relish. Spending time with friends you can trust and rely on is key.
Your mind has been spinning with all your options, but particularly around your long-term hopes and connections to others. Strong Mars is supportive of pursuing more worldly options, and as this is a planet that can be much to do with our identity, if you get a lot of yours from your job, it may feel testing to consider relinquishing what you have for something more aligned.
Someone you encounter now really could be a wise sage. Whether you will be open to their words of wisdom is really down to your unique circumstances. However, they may have insights about your career or worldly hopes which could prove really beneficial – if you are not too proud to let these in. Then again, you may inspire someone with your knowledge.
If you are contemplating breaking away from a close personal relationship, might it be because it is testing you to open yourself up to the next level of connection or intimacy? Whilst getting some temporary space may be what you need now, if you completely and permanently detach because you’re unsure or fearful, it may be a missed opportunity.
Cosmic messages for Cosmic messages for Virgo today
Libra
September 24 to October 23
The great thing about fiery Mars’ developing connection to the so-called wounded healer, Chiron, is that he can help you to be alert to anyone starting to make assumptions about what you will or won’t agree to. Over recent years, being too availing to other people’s needs may have perpetuated harmony for you but postponed the true potential of deeper mutual respect.
Taking a proactive approach to your physical well-being can be just what you need now. Ask yourself, though, are you changing some lifestyle choices but not really tackling the more entrenched, less virtuous ones? Try not to kid yourself that you are being “good” when you are putting off doing a lot more. Your traditional ruler, Mars, can just give a nudge to work harder now.
Sometimes, to really ignite pleasure and joy in our lives, we have to make ourselves more available and step outside our comfort zone. And therefore allow ourselves to be more vulnerable. Daily routines and practicalities may be consuming a lot of your time this week, but if you have a yearning to bring more sociability or fun, let yourself be open to this.
Not everyone’s early life experiences are comfortable and supportive. And this can be just as true for people who may have had physical security but less emotional nurture and encouragement. If this chimes with you, you might find that over the next day or so, the roots and memories of these situations just seem to resonate more powerfully for you.
Is there a universal type of Aquarian? I think what we can safely say is that each Water Bearer can be uniquely themselves, but that’s really good. However, there can be commonalities, not least an ability to speak up and against the prevailing view or trend, which can be refreshing. However, the next few days may see you feel more exposed if you do.
If your sense of self can be fragile at times, more recently, the fervent energies of Mars have been pushing you to be more passionate about standing your ground and identifying with the values you hold dear. Over the next couple of days, don’t let your financial circumstances – whatever they currently may be – define your value or worth. This goes beyond your bank balance
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The court’s order allows women seeking abortions to continue obtaining the drug, mifepristone, at pharmacies or through the mail, without an in-person visit to a doctor. Access is likely to remain uninterrupted at least until into next year as the case plays out, including a potential appeal to the high court.
The justices granted emergency requests from makers of mifepristone, who are appealing a federal appeals court ruling that would require women to see a doctor in person and halt delivery of mifepristone through the mail. The federal Food and Drug Administration, which first approved mifepristone for use in abortion in 2000, stopped requiring in-person visits five years ago.
Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito dissented, with Thomas writing that the two companies, Danco Laboratories and GenBioPro, are not entitled to the court’s action to spare them “lost profits from their criminal enterprise.”
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Anti-abortion groups, frustrated with President Donald Trump’s administration, are pushing the FDA to move faster with a review that they hope will result in restrictions on mifepristone, including blocking its prescribing via telehealth platforms. The Republican administration says the work takes time.
Earlier this week, FDA Commissioner Marty Makary resigned after months of criticism from Trump’s political allies, including abortion opponents.
Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America and similarly aligned groups had called on Trump to fire Makary over the slow pace of the mifepristone review.
The court is dealing with its latest abortion controversy four years after its conservative majority overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed more than a dozen states to effectively ban abortion outright.
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The case before the court stems from a lawsuit Louisiana filed to roll back the Food and Drug Administration’s rules on how mifepristone can be prescribed. The state claims that the policy undermines the ban there, and it questions the safety of the drug, which has repeatedly been deemed safe and effective by FDA scientists.
Alito, who wrote the opinion overturning Roe, agreed that the state’s efforts have been thwarted by medical providers and private organizations that mail the pills to women in Louisiana, despite the abortion ban. Danco and GenBioPro “are obviously aware of what is going on yet nevertheless supply the drug and reap profits from its felonious use in Louisiana,” he wrote.
Thomas said those who mail the pills are in violation of the Comstock Act, a 19th-century law that has long gone unenforced and bans mailing any “article, instrument, substance, drug, medicine, or thing which is advertised or described in a manner calculated to lead another to use or apply it for producing abortion.”
Lower courts concluded that Louisiana is likely to prevail, and a three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mail access and telehealth visits should be suspended while the case plays out.
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The drug is most often used for abortion in combination with another drug, misoprostol. Medication abortions accounted for nearly two-thirds of all abortions in the U.S. in 2023, the last year for which statistics are available.
Telehealth prescribers were prepared to switch to sending abortion patients a regimen that uses only misoprostol.
While Thursday’s ruling keeps the status quo in place for now, abortion-rights advocates warn that the case isn’t settled forever.
“We are relieved that access to mifepristone remains protected for now, but this should never have been on the table in the first place,” Serra Sippel, executive director of The Brigid Alliance, which helps coordinate and fund travel and other logistics to assist women traveling for abortion, said in a statement. “Patients and providers should not be forced to wait on court rulings to know whether people can access critical health care.”
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The decision is “extremely disappointing” but not a defeat, said Gavin Oxley, a spokesperson for the anti-abortion advocacy group Americans United for Life. “The Supreme Court still has the opportunity to hear the case in full and bring justice to Louisiana,” he said.
The current dispute is similar to one that reached the court three years ago, when the justices blocked a 5th Circuit ruling in a suit filed by anti-abortion doctors and kept mifepristone widely available, over dissents from Alito and Thomas.
Then, in 2024, the high court unanimously dismissed the doctors’ suit, reasoning they did not have the legal right, or standing, to sue.
In the current dispute, mainstream medical groups, the pharmaceutical industry and Democratic members of Congress have weighed in cautioning the court against limiting access to the drug. Pharmaceutical companies said a ruling for abortion opponents would upend the drug approval process.
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Debate over the safety of mifepristone has churned for more than 25 years. The FDA has eased a number of restrictions initially placed on the drug, including who can prescribe it, how it is dispensed and what kinds of safety complications must be reported.
Despite those determinations, anti-abortion groups have filed a series of petitions and lawsuits against the agency, generally alleging that it violated federal law by overlooking safety issues with the pill.
Trump’s administration has been unusually quiet at the Supreme Court. It declined to file a written brief recommending what the court should do, even though federal regulations are at issue.
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