Skimm This: Opioid Rulings, Epstein, and Rescuing Rhinos

It’s August 27th. Today, we Skimm’d This: 

• A state judge in Oklahoma ruled Johnson & Johnson must pay the state $572 million for its role in the opioid crisis. Around 2,000 similar lawsuits are being brought by states, towns and tribal governments around the US, and the first federal trial begins in October. 

• Jeffrey Epstein’s accusers finally got a chance to tell their stories in a New York court today. Although the case against Epstein may be dismissed, federal prosecutors could still go after co-conspirators. 

• Bangladesh’s high court has ruled that women shouldn’t have to say whether or not they are a virgin on marriage certificates. Advocacy groups had argued for years the question was humiliating and discriminatory.

• The northern white rhino is nearly extinct – there are only two females left in the world. Scientists are trying to save the species by artificially fertilizing their eggs.

theSkimm: Johnson & Johnson was hit with a $572 million penalty for its role in fueling the opioid crisis in Oklahoma. The drug company says it will appeal. We’ll discuss how the judgment was reached, and how it could affect similar cases throughout the country. Then: Jeffrey Epstein’s victims were given a day in court in Manhattan, as prosecutors asked the judge to formally drop the charges against him following his suicide. Also on the show: women’s rights advocates scored a victory in Bangladesh, and scientists make a last ditch effort to save the northern white rhino from extinction.