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Time of India
a day ago
- Business
- Time of India
'Chinese uses encrypted WeChat...': Ruben drops bombshell on drug cartel money laundering
Read more on During a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Wednesday, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-VA) asked Retired Drug Enforcement Agency Assistant Special Agent in Charge Christopher Urben about money laundering. 'Chinese uses encrypted WeChat...': Ruben drops bombshell on drug cartel money laundering Exclusive Offer For You!
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
America might finally make childbirth free—and moms could be the biggest winners
'This is how much it costs to give birth in America: $44,318.41.' That was the now-viral TikTok from a mom just days postpartum, scrolling through the itemized bill at home. Her insurance only covered $20,353.62—despite paying $2,500 a month for coverage for her family of five. This mom's story isn't an outlier. According to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker, privately insured families in the U.S. pay an average of $3,000 out-of-pocket for childbirth on average—just for having a baby. By 'choosing' to have a baby with a midwife in a birth center, I personally had to pay a $10k fee upfront. (Wanting midwifery care in a calm setting for my super fast labors didn't feel like a choice, but in America, it is.) Moms bear so many burdens for having babies. And one devastating cost that sets so many families back financially when they're just beginning life together is the price of childbirth, even with insurance. We're talking million-dollar NICU bills. $50k c-section charges. A financial punishment for doing the most critical work in a country: bringing the next generation of citizens into the world. But that may soon change. A bipartisan group of senators has introduced a bill that could be a game-changer for millions of American families. The Supporting Healthy Moms and Babies Act (S.1834) was announced on May 21, 2025, and aims to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs related to prenatal care, childbirth, and postpartum services for those with private health insurance. The bill's sponsors—Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Josh Hawley (R-MO), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)—say the legislation is about protecting families from being buried in medical debt at one of the most vulnerable times in life. 'Bringing a child into the world is costly enough without piling on cost-share fees that saddle many mothers and families with debt,' Sen. Hyde-Smith said in a statement announcing the legislation. 'By relieving financial stresses associated with pregnancy and childbirth, hopefully more families will be encouraged to embrace the beautiful gift and responsibility of parenthood.' A companion bill is expected in the House, led by Rep. Jared Golden (D-ME), who told Vox, 'This idea is simple and powerful: Pregnancy and childbirth are normal parts of family life. So, insurance companies should treat it like the routine care it is and cover the cost—not stick people with huge medical bills.' While the average out-of-pocket cost is around $3,000, the financial burden can be far worse for many: 17% of privately insured moms face bills over $5,000 1% are hit with bills exceeding $10,000 17.5% of women with private insurance report problems paying medical bills Nearly 9% say they couldn't pay them at all These numbers are not just statistics—they represent real parents delaying care, going into debt, or struggling to recover financially in the fragile weeks after childbirth. If passed, the bill would expand the list of 'essential health benefits' under the Affordable Care Act to include full-spectrum maternity care. Medicaid already covers these services in full, and that's how 41% of births in the U.S. are paid for. But for the 178 million people on private insurance plans? Birth is still a budget-buster. The new legislation would require private insurers to pick up the tab. That means: Prenatal care (including appointments and ultrasounds) Labor and delivery Hospital stays Postpartum recovery and mental health care Neonatal and perinatal services Lactation support The estimated premium hike to cover it all? About $30 per year, according to Lawson Mansell, policy analyst at the Niskanen Center, who conducted the cost modeling for the bill. Mansell told Vox this proposal is the simplest way, on an administrative level, to make birth free. Related: Too many U.S. moms are in debt from giving birth. They deserve better. Beyond the financial relief, this bill has the potential to improve health outcomes for moms and babies. Research backs this up: A report by the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner found that eliminating cost-sharing for prenatal services is associated with improved maternal and infant outcomes, including fewer preterm births and higher birth weights. So in addition to relieving the stress families face, covering prenatal care fully makes it more likely that moms actually get it. Another study published in BMC Public Health linked removing financial barriers under the Affordable Care Act to increased use of preventive care, such as mammography and Pap tests. While the study focused on these services, the findings suggest that eliminating financial barriers can encourage timely and consistent healthcare utilization. The bill's sponsors come from across the political spectrum—and so do its supporters. Everyone from the American Medical Association and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists to anti-abortion groups like Americans United for Life and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America have voiced support. Even Planned Parenthood Action Fund commented they 'generally supports legislation to make the cost of maternal health care and parenting more affordable.' Related: The cost of giving birth is getting more expensive—and some families are getting hit with childbirth debt If the bill becomes law, the financial landscape of pregnancy would change dramatically—especially for those in the 'missing middle': families who earn too much for Medicaid but not enough to easily afford thousands in delivery fees. It would also offer immediate relief for parents managing multiple financial burdens at once: high rent, unpaid leave, child care costs, student loans. You know, new motherhood. Call your representatives. Especially if you have private insurance and have ever been slammed with a delivery bill. You can find contact info at and Share your story. Lawmakers have said constituent birth bill stories played a big role in shaping this legislation. Talk about it on social. If your childbirth costs shocked you, say so. Use hashtags like #MakeBirthFree and tag your reps. This moment is historic not just because it's bipartisan, but because it signals a new kind of family policy thinking: one where moms aren't expected to 'figure it out' in isolation, one giant bill at a time. As Yuval Levin of the American Enterprise Institute put it in a policy brief, 'Substantively and symbolically, bringing the out-of-pocket health care costs of childbirth to zero is an ambitious but achievable starting point for the next generation of pro-family policies.' Whether you're pregnant now or years past it, you probably remember your hospital bill—and you definitely remember how it made you feel. Exhausted. Angry. Maybe even ashamed. This new bill says: No more. And moms deserve that. Sources: Family-Friendly Policies for the 119th Congress. February 2025. AEI. Family-Friendly Policies for the 119th Congress. America might finally make childbirth free. May 2025. Vox. America might finally make childbirth free. Americans United for Life Applauds Bipartisan Innovative Policy Proposal. May 2025. America United for Life. Americans United for Life Applauds Bipartisan Innovative Policy Proposal to Make Maternal Healthcare More Affordable. AMA advocacy to improve maternal health. May 2025. AMA. AMA advocacy to improve maternal health. Impact of removing cost sharing. 2019. BMC Public Health. Impact of removing cost sharing under the affordable care act (ACA) on mammography and pap test use. New bipartisan proposal would remove childbirth costs. May 2025. Niskanen Center. New bipartisan proposal would remove childbirth costs and confusion for parents. Characteristics of Mothers by Source of Payment for the Delivery. May 2023. CDC. Characteristics of Mothers by Source of Payment for the Delivery: United States, 2021. About the Affordable Care Act. Us Department of Health an Human Services. About the Affordable Care Act. Out-of-pocket medical bills childbirth. National Library of Medicine. Out-of-pocket medical bills from first childbirth and subsequent childbearing. The Association of Childbirth with Medical Debt. National Library of Medicine. The Association of Childbirth with Medical Debt in the USA, 2019–2020. Sentators introduce bill to ease financial burden of pregnancy. Cindy Hyde-Smith. SENATORS INTRODUCE BIPARTISAN BILL TO EASE THE FINANCIAL BURDEN OF PREGNANCY, CHILDBIRTH. Women who Give Birth Incur Nearly $19,000 in Additional Health Costs. KFF. Women who Give Birth Incur Nearly $19,000 in Additional Health Costs, Including $2,854 More that They Pay Out of Pocket.
Daily Tribune
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Daily Tribune
Trump Reinstates Travel Ban on Nationals from 12 Countries
U.S. President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping executive order banning travel to the United States from nationals of 12 countries, citing national security risks. The measure, announced by the White House, marks the second time Trump has enacted such restrictions during his presidency. According to the proclamation, an additional seven countries will be subject to partial travel restrictions. The new order is set to take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Monday and will be reviewed periodically. No specific end date has been given. Countries Affected by the Ban The 12 countries facing full travel bans include: Seven other countries will face partial restrictions: Burundi Cuba Laos Sierra Leone Togo Turkmenistan Venezuela Security Justifications and Context The White House stated the bans are 'common-sense restrictions' intended to protect Americans from 'dangerous foreign actors.' The move comes just days after an alleged terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, where an Egyptian national injured 12 people during a rally in support of Israeli hostages. In a video posted to his Truth Social platform, Trump said the attack underscored the threat posed by individuals who had not been 'properly vetted.' Notably, Egypt is not among the countries listed in the new order. Trump has previously described Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi as his 'favourite dictator.' Exemptions The order includes specific exemptions for certain individuals, including: In addition, the Secretary of State may approve individual exemptions on a case-by-case basis if deemed in the national interest. Reactions and Legal Outlook The order has sparked swift criticism both domestically and internationally. Somalia's ambassador to the U.S., Dahir Hassan Abdi, reaffirmed his country's commitment to collaborating with the U.S. on security matters. Meanwhile, Venezuela's Interior Minister, Diosdado Cabello, warned that 'being in the United States is a great risk for anyone, not just for Venezuelans.' U.S. Democrats also strongly condemned the decision. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA) called it 'an expansion of Trump's Muslim ban' that further isolates the U.S. on the global stage. Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) accused Trump of betraying the ideals of America's founders. Human rights organizations echoed these concerns. Amnesty International USA labeled the move 'discriminatory, racist, and downright cruel,' while Human Rights First called it 'another anti-immigrant and punitive action.' A Familiar Policy Revived Trump's original travel ban, issued in 2017, targeted several Muslim-majority countries and faced immediate legal challenges. After a series of revisions—including the addition of non-Muslim-majority nations such as North Korea and Venezuela—the ban was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2018. Former President Joe Biden rescinded the ban in 2021, referring to it as 'a stain on our national conscience.' Trump's new order, while likely to face legal scrutiny, signals a return to one of the most controversial policies of his first term as he seeks re-election.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
How Many Democrats Have Died In Office This Session?
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The death of Representative Gerry Connolly on Wednesday marks the third death of a Democratic lawmaker since November's elections. Two experts spoke to Newsweek about the future generations of Democratic leaders. Why It Matters Democrats were already the minority in the House of Representatives following Donald Trump's presidential victory, which helped down-ballot candidates. The multiple deaths since then now give Republicans 220 seats in the chamber compared to 212 for Democrats, with the three vacancies still requiring special elections. What To Know Connolly's family announced Wednesday morning that the longtime legislator, 75, died. He had represented northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, since 2009. Last year, the congressman announced he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) speaks at a press conference outside of USAID headquarters on February 03, 2025, in Washington, D.C. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) speaks at a press conference outside of USAID headquarters on February 03, 2025, in Washington, amid concerns regarding his age and health, Connolly ran for a top-ranking position on the House Oversight Committee—one of Congress' most prominent committees—in December and was victorious against 35-year-old New York Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez by a 131-84 margin. Connolly was backed by former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi. In April, Connolly stepped down from his role on the committee and stated he would not seek reelection in 2026. "When I announced my diagnosis six months ago, I promised transparency," Connolly said at the time. "After grueling treatments, we've learned that the cancer, while initially beaten back, has now returned. I'll do everything possible to continue to represent you and thank you for your grace." Ocasio-Cortez said earlier this month that she had no intent to again seek a top spot on the committee. Sylvester Turner Representative Sylvester Turner, the former mayor of Houston, died in March at age 70. He was just two months into his first congressional term after being elected in November to represent Texas's 18th district. After serving as Houston's mayor for eight years, Turner successfully ran to fill the seat of the late Representative Sheila Jackson Lee, who died in July 2024 from pancreatic cancer. Raúl Grijalva About one week following Turner's death, Arizona Representative Raúl Grijalva died at the age of 77 due to complications from cancer treatments. Grijalva was the dean of Arizona's congressional delegation, first elected in 2002, and at one point served as a co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus. He chaired the House Natural Resources Committee from 2019 to 2023. Between 2010 and 2020, a total of 12 sitting congressional members died. What People Are Saying Larry Sabato, founder and director of the Center for Politics in Virginia, to Newsweek: "Gerry had enormous energy, passion, and persistence. Democrats today need those qualities more than ever, so his death is a significant loss for the party and Congress. Every vote counts in this closely divided Congress. The three Democratic deaths mean Republicans have an easier time passing Trump's agenda. Easier, not easy. "The image of the Democrats today is geriatric. Their backing from the youngest voters weakened in 2024 (Catalist). The party needs not just to recruit younger candidates. Democrats must push them to the front, to the TV cameras, to lead the charge." Patricia Crouse, political scientist in residence at the University of New Haven, to Newsweek on Wednesday: "I think an aging Congress is an issue for both parties. The underlying issue is that incumbents are reelected at a rate of 95-98 percent. I am not sure that is more of a problem with the parties or the American electorate, but as long as that continues, Congress will continue to age. "Having said that, you can look at how David Hogg has been treated by the DNC and see that they are not ready for the younger generation to take the reins of the party." What Happens Next Special elections will fill the vacant seats, but the lack of urgency could hurt Democrats as Trump attempts to pass frameworks of his agenda—including the currently deliberated "Big Beautiful Bill" making its way through Congress. Texas Governor Greg Abbott set November 4 as the special election date to fill Turner's congressional seat.
Newsweek
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Rep. Gerry Connolly Dies Aged 75
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-VA) has died, the congressman's family said in a statement. He was 75. The Connolly family described him as "our devoted and loving father, husband, brother, friend, and public servant". They said he passed away "peacefully at his home this morning surrounded by family." Connolly had announced late last year that he had been diagnosed with esophageal cancer and would undergo chemotherapy and immunotherapy. He stepped down from the House Oversight Committee in April and said he would not seek reelection in 2026 after his cancer returned. The Democrat said at the time that "the sun is setting on my time in public service". This is a breaking news story and more information will be available soon.
