Latest news with #SandraLewis
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Regina Hill's team wants key witness barred from testifying
Attorneys for suspended Orlando Commissioner Regina Hill have asked a judge to bar a key witness from testifying against her, saying she has exhibited a pattern of dishonest behavior as the attorneys gear up for trial. Sandra Lewis, a notary whose stamp and signature appear on a mortgage application Hill filed several years ago, gave evasive, contradictory, and sometimes false answers to questions Hill's attorneys threw her way, they claimed. The filing said Lewis feigned a lack of memory when answering basic background questions and tried to obscure the work she did for Shan Rose, a political opponent of Hill's, and Andrew Bain, who served as state attorney when Hill was arrested and charged. The document also stated Lewis was paid for political activities through her beauty school, which she failed to answer questions about. 'The notion that the State would proceed with this witness is disturbing,' attorneys wrote. 'She had two opportunities to provide truthful sworn testimony with an intervening period to consult with the State and a lawyer. Yet, she consistently engaged in deception and obstruction.' Lewis's, testimony would help prosecutors prove their accusations that Hill committed mortgage fraud when she applied for a loan in the name of a 96-year-old constituent without the woman's consent. WFTV interviewed Lewis shortly after the accusations against Hill became public last year. She admitted her stamp was on the document but pointed to several inconsistencies with the application and suggested the document had been altered. Lewis did not immediately return a request for comment Saturday. Hill is facing a maximum 180 years in prison if convicted, though she'd likely be sentenced to significantly less time. She said all accusations against her are false, and she had permission to apply for the mortgage, live in one of the woman's houses and spend the woman's money. Her trial is expected to take place in the fall. It's not clear if it will happen before or after she faces Rose in her fight to regain her commission seat in Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Int'l Business Times
5 days ago
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
CVS to close 270 stores in 2025 Is your local branch on the list? Find out what this means for your prescriptions and healthcare access.
CVS Health has confirmed plans to close 270 shops across the United States in 2025. This marks the final stage of a broader initiative to shut down 900 locations over a three-year period. The move is part of the company's strategy to modernise services and meet the growing demand for digital and streamlined healthcare delivery. According to CVS,the closures will primarily affect areas with multiple shops or those experiencing a decline in footfall. While the company maintains that 85% of Americans will still live within 10 miles of a CVS pharmacy, the closures raise concerns about access, particularly in rural and low-income communities. Why Is CVS Closing These Stores? CVS states that the decision is based on three major factors: Changes in consumer behaviour, with more people using online services for prescriptions. Overlapping shop locations, leading to inefficiencies. A shift towards healthcare-focused branches, such as its HealthHUB model. In a company statement, CVS explained: 'We are evolving to deliver a more personalised and connected healthcare experience that is accessible digitally and in person.' This strategy includes expanding digital platforms, growing telehealth services, and opening smaller branches focused on wellness and treatment rather than retail. Entire State Could Lose Access: Arkansas at Risk One of the most striking cases involves Arkansas, where all 23 CVS locations could close. The threat arises from a new state law that bans pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) from owning pharmacies. CVS owns Caremark, one of the largest PBMs in the U.S. Per reports from Newsweek, CVS claims the law may force its complete exit from the state, disrupting services for thousands. 'If my local branch shuts, I'll have to drive nearly 40 minutes,' said Little Rock resident Sandra Lewis. 'That's simply not practical for collecting medication.' The company warns the law could reduce competition and increase the cost of prescriptions. How to Know If Your Local CVS Is Closing CVS has not released a full list of affected locations. However, customers can take steps now to stay informed: Check the CVS Store Locator regularly for updates. Call your local branch to enquire whether it is on the closure list. Monitor local news and council notices for developments. Staff at some branches have already been informed, so local pharmacists may be able to provide early confirmation. What CVS's New Direction Means for You Rather than disappearing, CVS is transforming. The company is investing in clinics within Target shops, launching digital prescription tools, and scaling back general retail items. Expect fewer greeting cards and snacks, and more healthcare services, such as flu jabs, diabetes screenings, and mental health support. CVS says 900 closures by the end of 2025 will help streamline operations and improve service in remaining locations. By the Numbers: What the Closures Mean 270 shops will close in 2025. 900 locations total closing between 2022 and 2025. 23 Arkansas shops may close due to legal changes. 85% of Americans will still live within 10 miles of a CVS. What to Do Now to Prepare To avoid disruption in your healthcare routine: Set up online prescription access through Speak to your pharmacist about home delivery or nearby alternatives. Consider using CVS pharmacies located in Target shops for continued care. Originally published on IBTimes UK
