Fight over US healthcare subsides stuck on familiar snag: abortion

Republicans refuse to move forward without further restrictions on abortion coverage – Democrats say that’s a non-starter

When subsidies for US healthcare plans expired at the end of last year, millions of Americans saw their monthly premiums suddenly hit eye-watering, unaffordable levels. But the congressional fight over reviving the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies has gotten stuck on a familiar snag in US politics: abortion.

Congressional leaders said on Thursday they had...

Judge issues injunction to curb federal agents’ tactics against protesters in Minnesota – as it happened

This live blog is now closed.

  • US justice agency to inquire into Minnesota leaders for alleged conspiracy to obstruct ICE

  • Incident reports provide details of emergency response after fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis

Trump began his remarks today by undermining the Affordable Care Act, and touted his newly unveiled “Great Healthcare Plan”.

A reminder that Affordable Care Act subsidies, that were extended during the Covid pandemic, expired a...

US military says it carried out lethal strike on vessel in Pacific, killing four, as Trump addresses country – live

Pete Hegseth says no US military harmed as US Southern Command says it hit three vessels in international waters

  • Four Republicans join Democrats to force vote on bill that would extend Obamacare subsidies

The Donald Trump-appointed chair of the Federal Communications Commission, Brendan Carr, will soon make his first appearance before Congress since sparking an uproar with comments seen as pressuring ABC to temporarily pull co...

Democrats sift through shutdown’s ashes after resistance finally breached

After 42-day standoff, government is back open – and minority party won no concessions from party in power

More than 42 days ago, beleaguered congressional Democrats employed a tactic they were not known for using – refusing to fund the government unless their demands, in this case, an extension of tax credits that lowered costs for Affordable Care Act health plans, were met.

Fast forward to Wednesday evening, and the federal government is back open, the Democrats’ resistance b...

Trump signs funding bill to end longest US government shutdown

President signs legislation to restart federal operations after House passes measure in 222-209 vote

The longest US government shutdown in history ended on Wednesday after more than 42 days, following the House of Representative’s passage of a bill negotiated by Republicans and a splinter group of Democrat-aligned senators.

The compromise sets the stage for government operations to return to normal through January, while leaving unresolved the issue of expiring tax credits for ...

Trump shares false claim Obama earned $40m in ‘royalties’ from Obamacare

US president promoted fictional claim from satirical website that has been debunked repeatedly since 2017

Donald Trump promoted the false claim that Barack Obama has earned $40m in “royalties linked to Obamacare” in a post to his 11 million followers on Truth Social on Sunday.

The fictional claim that the former US president receives royalty payments for the use of his name to refer to the Affordable Care Act, which he signed into law in 2010, has been repeatedly debunked since...

Top Senate Democrat blames ‘heartless’ Trump for food aid being cut off – US politics live

Chuck Schumer condemns president for stopping Snap benefits for millions as overall cost of shutdown to US economy could reach $14bn

On X, Adam Schiff, one of California’s Democratic senators, criticized acting US attorney Bill Essayli, after a judge found that he was in the Los Angeles-based position illegally.

Schiff wrote:

“Unlawfully serving” in his role. Acting illegally. But left in place? While this Administration continues to replace career professionals with illegitimate political allies eager to do Trump’s bidding, Californians need better relief than this.

I do the American People’s bidding at the direction of their duly elected President. That’s how our Constitution works. Try reading and abiding by it sometime.

Continue reading...

‘It’s harsh. I mean, brutal’: Trump bill to cause most harm to America’s poorest

President embraces Robin-Hood-in-reverse policies to benefit wealthiest and hurt those earning under $50,000

Last November, Donald Trump made a solemn vow to all Americans: “Every citizen, I will fight for you, your family and your future every single day.” Eight months later, Trump is vigorously backing many policies that will mean pain for millions.

Trump has pushed to enact the Republican budget bill, which would make significant cuts to Medicaid, Obamacare, and food assistance, and would do the greatest damage to those Americans struggling hardest to make ends meet – the 30% of the US population that lives in households earning under $50,000 a year.

Continue reading...

US supreme court ruling sets stage for more politicized science under RFK Jr

Experts call decision that found health secretary has power to convene key panel ‘classic good news, bad news’

A US supreme court decision affirming the constitutionality of Obamacare sets the stage for more politicized science in the future, health law experts said about the court’s decision.

The court’s majority opinion in Kennedy v Braidwood Management found that an expert panel – the preventive services taskforce – convened under the Affordable Care Act is under the direct oversight of the health secretary.

Continue reading...

US supreme court ruling sets stage for more politicized science under RFK Jr

Experts call decision that found health secretary has power to convene key panel ‘classic good news, bad news’

A US supreme court decision affirming the constitutionality of Obamacare sets the stage for more politicized science in the future, health law experts said about the court’s decision.

The court’s majority opinion in Kennedy v Braidwood Management found that an expert panel – the preventive services taskforce – convened under the Affordable Care Act is under the direct oversight of the health secretary.

Continue reading...