Digest

This podcast episode begins with a summary of current news headlines, including the presidential campaigns, the situation in Gaza, and the White House's push for insurance coverage of over-the-counter contraception. The episode then delves into the Biden administration's proposal to require health insurance to cover over-the-counter birth control pills, including the O pill, spermicide, Plan B, and condoms. This rule, if implemented, would likely not take effect until at least 2025. The episode then shifts to Moldova, where citizens narrowly voted to change the constitution to enshrine future membership in the European Union. The vote was close, with the final result determined by the pro-EU attitudes of Moldovans voting from abroad. This decision comes amid Russian interference and intimidation aimed at destabilizing the democratic process. Finally, the episode discusses the impact of Hurricane Oscar on Cuba. The hurricane has made landfall in Cuba, causing a nationwide power outage. The island's main energy plant failed on Friday, cutting off electricity to millions of people. The government has ordered non-essential workers to stay home to safeguard the electricity supply.

Outlines

00:00:00

Current Events and Policy Updates

This segment covers a range of current events, including the Biden administration's proposal for over-the-counter contraception coverage, Moldova's vote for EU membership, and the impact of Hurricane Oscar on Cuba.

00:02:07

Over-the-Counter Contraception Coverage

The Biden administration proposes a new rule requiring health insurance to cover over-the-counter birth control pills, including the O pill, spermicide, Plan B, and condoms. This rule, if implemented, would likely not take effect until at least 2025.

00:02:59

Moldova Votes for EU Membership

Moldovan citizens narrowly voted to change the constitution to enshrine future membership in the European Union. The vote was close, with the final result determined by the pro-EU attitudes of Moldovans voting from abroad.

00:04:05

Hurricane Oscar Impacts Cuba

Hurricane Oscar has made landfall in Cuba, causing a nationwide power outage. The island's main energy plant failed on Friday, cutting off electricity to millions of people. The government has ordered non-essential workers to stay home to safeguard the electricity supply.

Keywords

Q&A

• What is the Biden administration's stance on over-the-counter contraception coverage?

  The Biden administration is proposing a new rule that would require health insurance to cover over-the-counter birth control pills, including the O pill, spermicide, Plan B, and condoms. This rule, if implemented, would likely not take effect until at least 2025.

• What was the outcome of the referendum on Moldova's EU membership?

  Moldovan citizens narrowly voted to change the constitution to enshrine future membership in the European Union. The vote was close, with the final result determined by the pro-EU attitudes of Moldovans voting from abroad.

• What are the current challenges facing Cuba in the wake of Hurricane Oscar?

  Hurricane Oscar has caused a nationwide power outage in Cuba, leaving millions of people without electricity. The island's main energy plant has failed, and the government has ordered non-essential workers to stay home to safeguard the electricity supply.

Show Notes