Benjamin Carroll

Happening Today: Martin Shkreli, Airlines, Vatican, Health Care, ‘Star Wars'

What to Know

  • "Pharma Bro" Martin Shkreli is either a con man who scammed hedge fund investors of millions or a nerdy genius who made them even richer
  • Health care premiums could rise 74 percent for the average customer under the Republican Senate health care bill, according to a new report
  • An R2-D2 droid that was used in several "Star Wars" films has sold at auction for nearly $3 million

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Ex-Pharmaceutical CEO Accused at Trial of Cheating Investors

"Pharma Bro" Martin Shkreli is either a con man who scammed hedge fund investors of millions or a nerdy genius who made them even richer. The conflicting portraits were offered at opening statements of Shkreli's securities fraud trial, a case colored by the ex-pharmaceutical CEO's antics on social media that, despite the urging of his lawyers to lay low, have never subsided. In his opening, Assistant U.S. Attorney Karthik Srinivasan accused Shkreli of building a bogus hedge fund empire by telling "lies on top of lies on top of lies." Though he portrayed himself as a Wall Street wizard, "In reality, he was just a con man," the prosecutor said. The defendant, who often slumped in his chair and looked bored during jury selection, listened intently and took notes during the government's opening. As his lawyer spoke, he beamed at times. Shkreli, 34, became a pariah in 2015 after a drug company he founded, Turing Pharmaceuticals, spent $55 million for the U.S. rights to sell a life-saving medicine called Daraprim and promptly raised the price from $13.50 to $750 per pill.

U.S. Demands More Security on International Flights to U.S.

The Homeland Security Department is demanding that airlines around the world step up security measures for international flights bound for the United States or face the possibility of a total electronics ban for planes. Compliance with the new rules could lead to the lifting of a ban on laptops and other large electronics already in place for airlines flying to the United States from 10 airports in the Middle East and Africa. It could also stave off a much-discussed expansion of the ban to flights from Europe. Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly announced the rollout of the new rules. The changes will be phased in over time and include enhanced passenger vetting, explosives detection and efforts to root out insider threats to airlines.

Cardinal Takes Leave From Vatican After Sex Assault Charges

Cardinal George Pell, one of Pope Francis' top advisers, took a leave of absence as the Vatican's financial czar to face multiple criminal charges in his native Australia that allege he committed sexual assault years ago. Pell appeared before reporters in the Vatican press office to forcefully deny the accusations, denounce what he called a "relentless character assassination" in the media and announce he would return to Australia to clear his name. "I repeat that I am innocent of these charges. They are false. The whole idea of sexual abuse is abhorrent to me," Pell said. The Vatican said the leave took effect immediately and that Pell would not participate in any public liturgical event while it was in effect. Pell said he intended to eventually return to Rome to resume his work as prefect of the Vatican's economy ministry. Pell, 76, is the highest-ranking Vatican official to ever be charged in the church's long-running sexual abuse scandal, and the developments posed a major new obstacle for Francis as he works to reform the Vatican.

Premiums Could Rise 74 Percent Under GOP Health Care Bill, Study Shows

Health care premiums could rise 74 percent for the average customer under the Republican Senate health care bill, according to a new report. Older and low-income Americans could face the highest increases for coverage, with Americans between ages 55 and 64 with lower incomes seeing a 294 percent increase in premiums. NBC News reported the study by the nonpartisan Kaiser Family Foundation factored in the price of insurance and the amount of subsidies people would receive. The Senate bill, supported by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., encourages customers to purchase plans with higher deductibles. The subsidies would cover an average of 58 percent of costs, compared to Obamacare’s 70 percent. In its analysis, the Congressional Budget Office said that premiums and deductibles could be too high for many low-income customers to buy coverage.

R2-D2 Droid Used in Star Wars Films Sells for $2.76M

An R2-D2 droid that was used in several "Star Wars" films has sold at auction for nearly $3 million. The auction house Profiles in History said the 43-inch tall unit that was compiled from parts used throughout filming of the original trilogy sold for $2.76 million at an auction. There was no information about who purchased the droid, which was the most expensive item offered in a movie memorabilia auction that included numerous props from the "Star Wars" franchise. Other items up for sale included Luke Skywalker's lightsaber from the first two films, which sold for $450,000 and Darth Vader's helmet from the original film sold for $96,000. The Calabasas, California-based Profiles in History had estimated the droid could fetch up to $2 million before the sale.

LeBron James Teaming With Showtime on NBA Documentary

LeBron James will help tell a story he's still shaping. The Cavaliers superstar is teaming with Showtime on a documentary that will examine the modern NBA and the league's impact on popular culture. James, who has been producing TV and movie projects for several years, will serve as an executive producer with long-time business partner Maverick Carter. The three-part documentary will be directed by filmmaker Gotham Chopra and premiere in 2018. James has become one of the game's most transcendent players. The 32-year-old recently led Cleveland to its third straight Finals — his seventh consecutive trip. The three-time champion continues to play at an amazingly high level after 14 pro seasons.

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