Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
FBI Raids Office, Homes Of Baltimore Mayor Amid 'Healthy Holly' Book Scandal
The New York Times: F.B.I. Raids Baltimore City Hall And Mayor Catherine Pugh’s Homes
What began with questions about bulk sales of an obscure children’s book series erupted on Thursday into a full-blown political scandal in Baltimore, where federal agents raided City Hall and two houses belonging to Mayor Catherine Pugh, the author of the books. Critics of the mayor renewed calls for her to resign. Local news stations aired images of agents from the F.B.I. and the Internal Revenue Service carrying out box after box of documents and other items seized from at least six locations, including Mayor Pugh’s second-floor office in City Hall and her two homes in northwestern Baltimore. The coordinated raids sought financial records related to the children’s books. (Williams, 4/25)
The Associated Press: Lawyer: Baltimore Mayor To Decide Future Once She's 'Lucid'
The strongest voice calling for Mayor Catherine Pugh's immediate resignation is Republican Gov. Larry Hogan, who didn't mince words after the early Thursday raids: "Mayor Pugh has lost the public trust. She is clearly not fit to lead." Many Democrats, including those on Baltimore's demoralized City Council and state lawmakers, demanded that the first-term mayor put the interests of citizens above her own self-preservation after weeks of mounting scandal. (4/26)
The Wall Street Journal: FBI Raids Baltimore Mayor’s Homes, Office Amid Scrutiny Over ‘Healthy Holly’ Book Deals
Agents also went to the downtown law office of Ms. Pugh’s personal lawyer, Steven Silverman, and served a limited subpoena for original financial records belonging to Ms. Pugh that the firm had kept in a sequestered area, according to Mr. Silverman. He said in a statement that the firm complied with the subpoena. (Calvert and Viswanatha, 4/25)
The Hill: Baltimore Mayor In Poor Health, Not 'Lucid' After FBI, IRS Raids Her Home: Attorney
Baltimore Mayor Catherine Pugh (D) is in poor health and is not "lucid" enough to make a decision on whether or not to resign amid a scandal over her business dealings, her attorneys said Thursday. Pugh's attorney Steve Silverman made the comment following FBI raids on her homes and offices. (Bowden, 4/25)
