$1.7 Trillion Federal Spending Bill May Make Millions of Americans Ineligible for Medicaid
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$1.7 Trillion Federal Spending Bill May Make Millions of Americans Ineligible for Medicaid
$1.7 Trillion Federal Spending Bill , May Make Millions of Americans , Ineligible for Medicaid.
NBC reports that millions of Americans
who enrolled in Medicaid amid the COVID
pandemic could lose their coverage in spring.
.
During the pandemic, Congress barred states from
kicking people out of the program for as long as the
federal public health emergency remained in effect.
According to a recent $1.7 trillion bill meant to fund
the government through September, Medicaid
coverage protections could be eliminated in April 2023.
As of April 1, Medicaid agencies
conducting redeterminations for people
enrolled in the program can result in
a termination of Medicaid coverage.
, Jack Rollins, director of federal policy at the National
Association of Medicaid Directors, via NBC.
Whereas right now since the COVID-19 public
health emergency started, states were not
allowed to terminate Medicaid coverage, Jack Rollins, director of federal policy at the National
Association of Medicaid Directors, via NBC.
NBC reports that Congress has to pass
the 4,000-page bill by December 23 in order
to avoid a looming government shutdown.
According to the Health and Human Services (HHS)
Department, about 15 million Americans could lose Medicaid
coverage once enrollment protections are rescinded.
According to the Health and Human Services (HHS)
Department, about 15 million Americans could lose Medicaid
coverage once enrollment protections are rescinded.
NBC reports that many people will
have to look to Affordable Care Act
marketplaces to get new coverage.
According to HHS estimates, about one-third
of people losing Medicaid coverage will be
eligible for tax credits for marketplace insurance
March Retail Sales , Exceeded Expectations.
New Commerce Department data surprised
some analysts on April 15, 'The Hill' reports. .
The agency's latest estimates indicate
that March retail sales increased by 0.7%.
They were only expected
to rise 0.3% last month.
While sales exceeded estimates for March, the jump
was still below the 0.9% increase in February.
Compared to the same time last year, total sales
for the first three months of 2024 were up 2.1%.
On April 10, the Labor Department released data showing that inflation rose last month. .
The consumer price index (CPI)
increased 0.4% in March and 3.5% annually.
In February, consumer prices
increased 3.2% year-over-year. .
Still, the newest Commerce Department data suggests that Americans continue to spend despite prolonged inflation, 'The Hill' reports.
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Fears of Potential Iranian Attack , Drive US Stocks Down , Nearly 500 Points.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
CNN reports that United States stocks dropped on
April 12 amid rising tensions in the Middle East pushing
traders to seek safe havens like gold and bonds.
By mid-afternoon, the Dow had fallen
1.4%, the S&P 500 went down 1.6%,
and the Nasdaq dropped 1.8%.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The dip came after the White House announced
that both the U.S. and Israel are on alert for
a potential attack by Iran or its allies.
The warning comes after Iran
accused Israel of a deadly airstrike
on a consulate in Damascus, Syria. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
The news also sent oil prices up amid
fears of regional tensions escalating
as a result of the ongoing war in Gaza. .
Brent crude futures jumped up to $90.42
a barrel, and West Texas Intermediate crude
futures increased to $86.65 a barrel.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
Those geopolitical concerns and subsequent
rising oil prices sent investors to safe havens like
gold futures, which rose to $2,379 a troy ounce.
CNN reports that Americans' opinions of
the economy have dipped in the past few
months amid persistently high inflation.
The geopolitical fears come as investors are already
contending with concerns that the Federal Reserve could
wait to bring interest rates down from a 23-year high.
Officials at the Fed have signaled that further rate
hikes could still be on the way if the central
bank's efforts to fight inflation stall.
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Federal Benefit Helping , Low-Income Households , Afford Internet Coming to an End.
CNN reports that next month, low-income
Americans face a crisis that threatens millions
of households with economic distress.
The United States government says that
it can only pay about half of what it owes
on a popular federal benefits program.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announcement
represents the first tangible impact of Congress' failure
to extend the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The pandemic-era benefit provides
monthly discounts on internet service
for over 23 million households in the U.S.
As a result of dwindling funds,
April will be the last month
households can receive full benefits. .
In May, ACP will only be able to
provide 46% of the normal benefit
payments before ending entirely in June.
The end of the program means that millions of
people will have to choose between paying
for internet, housing and food.
According to the FCC, Internet service providers (ISPs)
could decide to close the gap for millions of households
that will be impacted by the program coming to an end.
We encourage providers to
take efforts to keep consumers
connected at this critical time, FCC statement, via CNN.
The FCC went on to add that ISPs could offer discounts, low-cost
internet plans or take other measures to ensure that service is
not interrupted for millions of low-income Americans.
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White House Issues New Rules , on How Government Can Use AI.
White House Issues New Rules , on How Government Can Use AI.
The policy was released by the White House on March 28, 'The Hill' reports. .
It is intended to reduce AI risks
within the government.
According to a White House memo, federal agencies must now appoint a chief AI officer, add safeguards and issue reports about how AI is being used. .
Those reports will also be made public, according to 'The Hill.'.
However, some AI uses, such as those
employed by the Department of Defense, do not require reports because they would be "inconsistent with applicable law and government policy.".
Agencies will have 60 days
to appoint a chief AI officer.
Safeguards to protect Americans' rights and safety must be implemented by December.
Vice President Kamala Harris
weighed in on the development.
I believe that all leaders
from governments, civil society
and the private sector have a
moral, ethical and societal duty... , Vice President Kamala Harris, via call with reporters.
... to make sure that artificial
intelligence is adopted and advanced
in a way that protects the public from
potential harm, while ensuring everyone
is able to enjoy its full benefits, Vice President Kamala Harris, via call with reporters
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Olympic Break-Dancing , Is Making Its First Appearance , at the Paris Games.
NBC reports that break-dancing will
make its debut as an official Olympic
sport at the upcoming Paris Games.
Also known as breaking, the sport
features headspins, windmills, various
"freeze" moves and will be set to music.
According to the Paris Olympics, the sport is , "characterized by acrobatic movements, stylized
footwork and the key role played by the DJ and
the MC (master of ceremonies) during battles.".
The sport first made an appearance
at the 2018 Youth Olympics
in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
According to NBC Olympics, the event
garnered over one million viewers,
a much wider audience than many other sports.
According to NBC Olympics, the event
garnered over one million viewers,
a much wider audience than many other sports.
Breaking joins a number of other new sports, including
three that were debuted at the 2020 Tokyo Games: , surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing.
Breaking joins a number of other new sports, including
three that were debuted at the 2020 Tokyo Games: , surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing.
Breaking joins a number of other new sports, including
three that were debuted at the 2020 Tokyo Games: , surfing, skateboarding and sport climbing.
NBC reports that the new sports represent an effort
by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
to draw in younger viewers and athletes. .
NBC reports that the new sports represent an effort
by the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
to draw in younger viewers and athletes. .
The Paris Olympics breaking competition
will be split into two events on August 9
and 10 at La Concorde Urban Park.
According to the Paris Olympics, the event
will see a total of 16 B-boys or 16 B-girls , "go face to face in spectacular solo battles.".
According to the Paris Olympics, the event
will see a total of 16 B-boys or 16 B-girls , "go face to face in spectacular solo battles."
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Carl Erskine, , 1950s Dodgers Pitcher, , Dead at 97.
NBC reports that the baseball legend
died at Community Hospital Anderson in Indiana.
He was one of the last surviving members of the
celebrated Brooklyn teams from the 1950s, having
spent his entire career playing for the Dodgers.
He was one of the last surviving members of the
celebrated Brooklyn teams from the 1950s, having
spent his entire career playing for the Dodgers.
Between 1948 and 1959,
Erskine and the Dodgers took home
five National League pennants.
Between 1948 and 1959,
Erskine and the Dodgers took home
five National League pennants.
The right-handed pitcher had a career record of 122-78 with 981 strikeouts and an ERA of 4.00.
Erskine's best season came in 1953
when he led the National League
with a record of 20-6.
In 1954, Erskine had another
All-Star season, winning 18 games.
Out of his five World Series appearances,
the Dodgers beat the Yankees
in 1955 to win their only championship.
Out of his five World Series appearances,
the Dodgers beat the Yankees
in 1955 to win their only championship.
With Erskine's passing, 88-year-old
Sandy Koufax becomes the lone surviving
Dodgers player from that 1955 World Series team.
With Erskine's passing, 88-year-old
Sandy Koufax becomes the lone surviving
Dodgers player from that 1955 World Series team.
In July of 2023, the Baseball Hall of Fame's
board of directors awarded Erskine with
the Buck O'Neil lifetime achievement award.
In July of 2023, the Baseball Hall of Fame's
board of directors awarded Erskine with
the Buck O'Neil lifetime achievement award.
For millions of fans, he was
a baseball hero. For his family
and thousands of Special Olympians,
Carl was someone who always
believed everything was possible. , Jane Forbes Clark, Baseball Hall of Fame chairman, via NBC.
His legacy is one
of deep compassion
and encouragement
of the human spirit, Jane Forbes Clark, Baseball Hall of Fame chairman, via NBC
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Harry and Meghan , Are Bringing 2 New Shows to Netflix.
Harry and Meghan , Are Bringing 2 New Shows to Netflix.
NBC reports that Prince Harry and his wife,
Meghan, have announced a new partnership between
their Archewell Productions company and Netflix.
NBC reports that Prince Harry and his wife,
Meghan, have announced a new partnership between
their Archewell Productions company and Netflix.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex
will produce two separate TV shows
about cooking and polo.
According to a press release
from Archewell, both shows are
still in an early stage of production.
The press release added that titles
and release dates will be revealed , "in the coming months.".
According to the press release,
the first of the two new shows will , "celebrate the joys of cooking and
gardening, entertaining and friendship.".
The second series will reportedly
center on the world of polo, a sport
associated with aristocratic British culture. .
Known primarily for its aesthetic
and social scene, the series will
pull the curtain back on the grit
and passion of the sport,
capturing players and all it takes
to compete at the highest level, Archewell Productions press release, via NBC.
Known primarily for its aesthetic
and social scene, the series will
pull the curtain back on the grit
and passion of the sport,
capturing players and all it takes
to compete at the highest level, Archewell Productions press release, via NBC.
The upcoming shows are part of
a multi-year deal that Archewell
signed with Netflix after forming in 2020. .
In 2022, the couple released a documentary series
on Netflix which centered on Harry's rift with senior
royals and his departure from official royal duties.
In 2023, Harry's memoir, 'Spare,'
detailing his perspective on his bitter split
with the royal family, became a bestseller.
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
Ex-Ohtani Interpreter , Likely to Face Federal Charges, Sources Say.
NBC reports that Shohei Ohtani's former interpreter
may face federal charges in connection with a
gambling investigation into a California bookie. .
According to sources, Ohtani has
been assisting with the investigation.
The news from NBC follows a similar report by TMZ
that Ippei Mizuhara, the former Ohtani interpreter,
will be facing charges by federal authorities.
On March 21, Mizuhara was fired by the L.A. Dodgers
after attorneys representing Ohtani alleged
"massive theft" had occurred related to sports gambling.
On March 21, Mizuhara was fired by the L.A. Dodgers
after attorneys representing Ohtani alleged
"massive theft" had occurred related to sports gambling.
In response, Major League Baseball , opened an investigation. .
On March 25, Ohtani made his first public comments on
the matter, saying that he had been betrayed and lied to,
while denying any involvement in gambling.
I’m very saddened and
shocked that someone
who I trusted has done this, Shohei Ohtani, via NBC.
Ippei has been stealing
money from my account
and has told lies, Shohei Ohtani, via NBC.
NBC reports that Mizuhara is both Ohtani's
interpreter and long-time friend who has had
a constant presence beside the baseball phenom.
The scandal, involving over $4.5 million in wire transfers
from Ohtani's account, was brought to light
following reports by ESPN and the 'Los Angeles Times.'
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:30Published
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Drug Shortages Reach , All-Time High in US, , Pharmacists Say.
According to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) and
the Utah Drug Information Service.
the first quarter of 2024 saw
323 active drug shortages, Fox News reports.
The previous record of
320 shortages was set in 2014.
ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz said,
"some of the most worrying shortages involve generic sterile injectable medications," .
... "including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications stored in hospital crash carts and procedural areas." .
... "including cancer chemotherapy drugs and emergency medications stored in hospital crash carts and procedural areas." .
Abramowitz went on to say that the
"ongoing national shortages of therapies for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder also remain
a serious challenge for clinicians and patients.".
A separate ASHP report said that "the most severe and persistent shortages are driven by economic factors that undermine investment in manufacturing capacity, manufacturing quality and supply chain reliability.".
These economic challenges are
driven by extreme price competition
among generic manufacturers, ASHP, via report.
ASHP will continue to engage
with policymakers regularly as we guide
efforts to draft and pass new legislation
to address drug shortages and continue
to strongly advocate on behalf of our
members for solutions that work, ASHP CEO Paul Abramowitz, via statement.
Last week, the Department of Health and Human Services issued a white paper recommending tactics for Congress to help.
With today’s white paper,
HHS offers solutions and stands
ready to work with Congress to
ensure no patient faces the devastating
consequences of drug shortages or
goes without needed medicines, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, via press release
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
Senate Passes Massive, Spending Bill, Avoids Shutdown.
On December 22, the Senate voted 68-29 to
pass a $1.7 trillion spending bill to finance
federal agencies through September.
'The Independent'..
Credit: Wibbitz Top Stories Duration: 01:31Published
AFPI’s Chief Economist Michael Faulkender says the omnibus spending bill is a continuation of the policies that created the 40-year high inflation that’s hurting Americans.