96-year-old federal judge suspended from hearing cases after concerns about her fitness
CBSN
Washington — A 96-year-old judge on Wednesday was suspended from hearing cases for one year after she refused to undergo medical examinations and turn over medical records sought in response to concerns raised by her fellow judges and staff about her fitness to continue her work.
The order from the Judicial Council of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit, located in Washington, D.C., is the latest marker in the ongoing dispute over Judge Pauline Newman's ability to continue serving as an active judge, a role she has held for nearly 40 years.
Established in 1982, the Federal Circuit is one of 13 courts of appeals and hears disputes involving international trade, patents, trademarks, veterans' benefits and money claims against the U.S. government. Newman was appointed to the Federal Circuit by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.
The Food and Drug Administration said Wednesday that the U.S. food supply is still "one of the safest in the world," in the wake of a number of foodborne disease outbreaks affecting items ranging from organic carrots to deli meats to McDonald's Quarter Pounders. E. coli, listeria and other contaminants have sickened thousands of people and forced a number of recalls in recent months.
We just had another election with a clear and verifiable victor, overseen by hundreds of thousands of election officials. Those public servants have suffered years of harassment, and despite their successes, are still being accused of taking part in a massive and impossible conspiracy — a conspiracy led by the party out of power to steal an election and cover up all evidence.
Washington — Former Republican Rep. Matt Gaetz is meeting with senators on Capitol Hill on Wednesday as he seeks to shore up support for his nomination for attorney general amid calls for the House Ethics Committee to release a report on allegations he engaged in sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.