Snapshot of Key US Domestic News Updates

This digest covers significant US domestic news. Highlights include legal issues surrounding Matthew Perry's death, a lawsuit involving Rudy Giuliani, the new Boeing CEO's meeting with the FAA, and various protests and public health concerns like bird flu. Other stories include a significant opioid settlement, abortion rights in Florida, and NHL player Johnny Gaudreau's tragic death.

Following is a summary of current US domestic news briefs.

Doctor charged in death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry 'incredibly remorseful'

One of two doctors who are among the five people charged in the ketamine overdose death of 'Friends' star Matthew Perry was barred by a federal judge on Friday from practicing medicine and through his lawyer afterward expressed remorse. Dr. Mark Chavez appeared in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles for a brief arraignment on a single felony count of conspiracy to illegally distribute ketamine and was permitted to remain free on $50,000 bond.

Giuliani sued over luxury condo by Georgia election workers who won $148 million judgment

The two former Georgia election workers who won a $148 million judgment against Rudolph Giuliani filed a civil lawsuit against the onetime personal lawyer to Donald Trump, accusing him of trying to put his Florida luxury condominium beyond their reach. In a complaint on Friday, Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea' 'Shaye' Moss challenged Giuliani's July 13 declaration that the Palm Beach condominium was his new primary residence.

New Boeing CEO holds first meeting with FAA chief

New Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg met this week with the head of the Federal Aviation Administration as the planemaker faces numerous regulatory issues and increased scrutiny, an agency official confirmed. Ortberg told employees on Friday in an email he had met with the FAA this week and discussed the company's safety and quality plan. FAA administrator Mike Whitaker in January barred Boeing from boosting production of its best-selling 737 MAX after a door panel blew out during a Jan. 5 flight on a new Alaska Airlines jetliner.

Pro-Palestinian groups to protest Harris campaign stops, Trump debate

Kamala Harris' strong support for Israel as it continues its war in Gaza is fueling calls for a fresh round of protests at campaign stops, universities and public events in the weeks ahead, activists told Reuters, describing what they said was her failure to listen to pro-Palestinian voices. Arab Americans, Muslims, and their allies, shut out of a Democratic National Convention speaking slot in Chicago, plan to show up in force during Harris' debate against Donald Trump in Philadelphia on Sept. 10 and in major cities and college campuses on the Oct. 7 anniversary of the Hamas attack.

Fake cows ready for milking at US state fairs as bird flu threat looms

In Michigan this year, where dairy workers and herds have fallen ill from bird flu, a pair of unlikely prized cows are being prepped to take the state fair stage. State fair organizers are this year featuring Milkshake and Buttercup, two life-sized fiberglass cows complete with rubber teats and water-filled udders, for a popular milking demo.

Drug distributors strike $300 million opioid settlement with US health plans

The three largest U.S. drug distributors have agreed to pay $300 million to resolve claims by health insurers and benefit plans that they helped fuel the deadly U.S. opioid epidemic, according to court papers filed on Friday. The proposed class action settlement with McKesson Corp, Cencora Inc, and Cardinal Health Inc was disclosed in a filing in federal court in Cleveland, Ohio, and requires a judge's approval.

Trump says he will vote against Florida amendment enshrining abortion rights

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Friday he would vote against an amendment in his home state of Florida that would enshrine abortion rights in the state's constitution and overturn a current six-week abortion ban. Trump made the comments to Fox News, a day after he caused confusion when he seemed to suggest in an interview with NBC News that he would vote in favor of the amendment.

Bird flu infects California dairy cows, widening US outbreak

Cows at three dairy farms in California, the top U.S. milk-producing state, tested positive for bird flu, the state's agriculture department said on Friday. The infections expand a U.S. outbreak of the H5N1 virus in dairy cattle to a 14th state. More than 190 herds have been infected nationally since March, along with 13 dairy and poultry farm workers, according to federal data.

NHL-Blue Jackets' Gaudreau dead at 31 after being struck by vehicle

Columbus Blue Jackets standout Johnny Gaudreau and his younger brother have died after being struck by a vehicle while riding bikes in New Jersey, the team and National Hockey League (NHL) announced on Friday. Gaudreau, 31, spent 11 seasons as a forward in the NHL with the Calgary Flames and Blue Jackets and earned the nickname 'Johnny Hockey' due to his infectious spirit for the game and electrifying talent on the ice.

Pennsylvania court says counties cannot throw out misdated mail-in votes

The two most populous counties of the battleground state of Pennsylvania will not be able to throw out mail-in votes over incorrect envelope dates, according to a Friday decision by a state court. The ruling in the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania applied to the Philadelphia and Allegheny Counties.

(With inputs from agencies.)