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New York Times
a day ago
- Business
- New York Times
Trump's Budget: Supercharged ICE, Vouchers and a Warming Planet
A few months ago, it seemed obvious that the biggest story of Donald Trump's second term as president was Elon Musk becoming his co-pilot, steering what was often called the DOGE blitzkrieg. Last week — yes, it was just last week — it was tempting to see the biggest story as the end of that partnership, with Musk's initiative yielding trivial budget savings and significant legal challenges and then ultimately a messily personal (if perhaps temporary) political divorce. That it was all such good theater meant that it was possible to miss — below claims about 'the Epstein files' and innuendo about drug-fueled psychosis and arguments over who was most responsible for the 2024 victory — some actual, substantive beef. That is, Trump's big policy bill — the only major piece of legislation the Republican Congress has even tried to advance, in its first six months, probably its best chance at a major policy achievement before next year's midterms and a road map for the near American future that deserves considerably more public scrutiny than it's gotten to this point. At a topline glance, the bill is an outrage: large tax cuts for the rich and millions kicked off health insurance, almost a parody of what an apparently fragile coalition of contemporary conservatives might abide (if also a bill that raised the eyebrows of a few debt scolds, including Musk). But because it is also a one-stop legislative omnibus, rushed so quickly through the House that Republican representatives are now protesting they didn't even know what was in it, there is also an awful lot buried beneath those top-lines worth scrutinizing. Today, I want to highlight three particular priorities, each distinct in its destructive cruelty but together pointing toward something a bit more systematic — a hostility toward collective investment in the common good and our shared future. The 'green dream' was fun while it lasted The first is on clean energy, where the bill looks like not just a repeal of the landmark Inflation Reduction Act but an indictment of the theory of politics that gave rise to it. As Tim Sahay of the Net Zero Industrial Policy Lab recently put it, the political project of that climate act was built on two principles. First, 'deliverism' — that in the Obama years policy wonks had erred in not highlighting the value of legislation to voters, and that making a green-industrial boom very visible would also make it very popular. Second, and related, was the principle of political 'lock-in,' that showering green money on purple and even red districts would mean that Republicans would, by and large, abandon their opposition and embrace clean-energy pork. Perhaps faster rollout, and more immediate permitting reform, might have helped vindicate those principles and protect hundreds of billions in clean-energy tax credits. But the apparent demise of the I.R.A. looks like a case study in post-material politics, the thermostatic law of public opinion and the principle that whenever the G.O.P. has to choose between anything at all and tax cuts — in this case, tax credits for the green transition and tax cuts that could be partly paid for through their repeal — it's never really a choice at all. Republican support for more solar power has fallen to 61 percent today from 84 percent in 2020, according to Pew. Back then, nearly two-thirds of Republicans wanted to prioritize renewable buildout. Today, it's fallen to one-third. A new immigration police state The second is on immigration, where the policy bill promises to allocate $155 billion in funding for border control — five times the amount allocated to the border overall in 2025, even though cross-border flows have recently fallen by more than 90 percent since surging in 2023. Since Inauguration Day, Trump's border policy has been horrifying and brutal, and over the weekend in Los Angeles, the raids looked like provocations designed to produce a pretext for further crackdowns — by the National Guard and potentially U.S. Marines. But although the images are appalling, the numbers have not been especially large — particularly compared to promises from Trump on the campaign trail to deport tens of millions if elected. Boosting border security spending by more than a hundred billion as illegal border crossings collapse is one big logistical step toward actually pursuing that goal at scale, rather than just performing I.C.E. cruelty as a kind of political consolation school choice Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jefferies Initiates Coverage of Steris (STE) with ‘Hold' Rating and $263 Price Target
Jefferies initiated coverage of Steris PLC (NYSE:STE) on May 28 with a 'Hold' rating and a $263 price target. The research firm reiterated that the company could come under pressure due to the risk of over 14 million Medicaid and Health Insurance individuals losing coverage. A medical technician using surgical robotics to perform minimally-invasive urologic surgery in an operating room. Jefferies expects STERIS to grow revenue by 8% in 2026, boosted by a 110 basis points foreign exchange tailwind, surpassing the 6% consensus estimate. For 2027, however, Jefferies forecasts a more cautious 3% growth, below the consensus 6% estimate. The firm maintains a Hold rating, citing healthcare policy uncertainties and economic risks as reasons for limited optimism despite STERIS' strong business model. With a $263 price target, Jefferies sees little upside potential for the stock at its current level. The company delivered solid fourth-quarter fiscal 2025 results with earnings per share of $2.74, better than the $2.60 analysts expected. Revenue met expectations at $1.48 billion. The results were better than expected as Steris benefited from effective execution in pricing, product mix, and productivity improvements. It also shrugged off challenges such as rising input costs and the impact of dental segment divestment. STERIS plc provides infection prevention solutions worldwide through Healthcare, Applied Sterilization Technologies (AST), and Life Sciences segments. It offers cleaning products, sterilizers, surgical equipment, and maintenance services for healthcare providers, along with contract sterilization and testing for medical device and pharmaceutical companies. The Life Sciences segment supplies disinfectants, sterilants, and decontamination systems while also providing installation, repair, and maintenance services to hospitals and pharmaceutical manufacturers. While we acknowledge the potential of Steris PLC (NYSE:STE) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than STE and that has 100x upside potential, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock. READ NEXT: and. Disclosure: None. Sign in to access your portfolio
Globe and Mail
16-05-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Why UnitedHealth Stock Is Crashing This Week
Shares of UnitedHealth Group (NYSE: UNH) are plummeting this week. The company's stock is down 27.4% as of 12:29 p.m. ET. The collapse comes as the S&P 500 (SNPINDEX: ^GSPC) gained 4.7% and the Nasdaq-100 gained 6.4%. It was reported this week that the troubled health insurance giant is facing a criminal investigation from the Department of Justice (DOJ). The report came just days after its CEO stepped down unexpectedly and the company pulled its full-year earnings guidance. Where to invest $1,000 right now? Our analyst team just revealed what they believe are the 10 best stocks to buy right now. Continue » UnitedHealth is facing another DOJ probe The Wall Street Journal reported late Wednesday that the DOJ's Health Care Fraud Unit is conducting a criminal investigation into the company for possible Medicare fraud. According to the report, the investigation has been ongoing since at least last summer. This isn't the first, however. The DOJ is already investigating the company's Medicare unit in a civil case. UnitedHealth's CEO abruptly exits as the company pulls guidance Earlier in the week, CEO Andrew Witty said he would step down for "personal reasons." On the same day, the company announced it was suspending its annual earnings forecast, citing rising medical costs. In a call for investors, chairman and now CEO Stephen Hemsley apologized: "I'm deeply disappointed in and apologize for the performance setbacks we have encountered from both external and internal challenges." The suspension follows an already lowered forecast and earnings miss revealed in April. All of this has shaken investor confidence in the healthcare giant, and its shares have plummeted 50% in just 23 trading days, marking the most severe drop for an S&P 100 company since Netflix fell 54% in May 2022, according to Dow Jones Market Data. There are just too many issues facing UnitedHealth at the moment, and this once seemingly stable investment looks far from it at the moment. I would stay away from UnitedHealth stock. Should you invest $1,000 in UnitedHealth Group right now? Before you buy stock in UnitedHealth Group, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and UnitedHealth Group wasn't one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Consider when Netflix made this list on December 17, 2004... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $635,275!* Or when Nvidia made this list on April 15, 2005... if you invested $1,000 at the time of our recommendation, you'd have $826,385!* Now, it's worth noting Stock Advisor 's total average return is967% — a market-crushing outperformance compared to171%for the S&P 500. Don't miss out on the latest top 10 list, available when you join Stock Advisor. See the 10 stocks » *Stock Advisor returns as of May 12, 2025
The Guardian
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Josh Hawley warns against Medicaid cuts and says Republicans are in ‘identity crisis'
Josh Hawley, the influential US senator from Missouri, has warned that his Republican party is suffering from an 'identity crisis' over whether it stands for working Americans or rich corporate executives, signaling a worsening split among Donald Trump's congressional troops over the president's plans for deep Medicaid cuts. In an opinion piece in the New York Times published on Monday, Hawley warned his fellow Republicans it would be 'politically suicidal' to concede to huge cuts in the federal program that provides health insurance to more than 70 million low-income Americans. He derided what he called the 'Wall Street wing' of his own party that he said favoured corporate giveaways at the price of 'slashing health insurance for the working poor'. Hawley's pointed attack on his Republican colleagues highlights the intensifying clash within his party over how to deliver Trump's desire to extend his 2017 tax cuts. To pay for the extension, the House energy and commerce committee has been charged with finding $880bn in federal spending cuts over a decade – much of which is likely to come from Medicaid. Late on Sunday, the committee released its latest iteration of its proposals. The plan would strip almost 9 million low-income Americans of their health insurance mainly by trimming Medicaid, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The latest draft proposals would also require millions of low-income Americans who earn above the federal poverty level to contribute co-payments for medical services. The plans for Medicaid cuts would require approval from both the House and the narrowly divided Senate. Hawley is one of a few Republican senators, including Susan Collins from Maine, who are putting up staunch resistance. In his Times op-ed, Hawley expresses his opposition to deep Medicaid cuts in existential terms. He suggests that the Republican party under Trump is facing a blunt choice – does it represent the majority of working Americans? Or, using a term referring to the top executives at companies, will it become a permanent minority party 'speaking only for the C-suite'? Hawley's strongly worded intervention carries the weight of a devoted Trump loyalist who has backed some of the most controversial aspects of the US president's Make America Great Again (Maga) movement. He was a leading figure in efforts within the Senate to block the certification of Joe Biden's victory over Trump in the 2020 election. And he notoriously presented a clenched fist to the Trump supporters outside the Capitol building on 6 January 2021 before they attacked Congress that day. Hawley was later captured on video running from the mob through the hallway of the building, prompting a deluge of derisive memes. His claims in his opinion piece to be a champion of working Americans should carry caveats. He has opposed raising the minimum wage in Missouri and has enthusiastically backed efforts to undermine public-sector trade unions.
Business Upturn
09-05-2025
- Health
- Business Upturn
Family Health Insurance Plans That Truly Care – Secure Your Loved Ones Today
In today's unpredictable world, securing your family's well-being should be a top priority. While lifestyle choices and routine check-ups help in prevention, financial protection is equally important. That's where family health insurance steps in—not merely as a backup, but as a proactive shield against the rising costs of medical treatment. A well-designed health insurance plan for your family ensures access to quality healthcare while safeguarding your hard-earned savings. Many families assume good health today guarantees peace tomorrow. However, a sudden illness, injury, or diagnosis can drain finances and unsettle the household. With medical inflation on the rise and healthcare becoming increasingly specialised, a family floater policy can provide comprehensive protection at a reasonable cost. Why opt for a Family Health Insurance Plan? Unlike individual plans, which cover only one person, a family health insurance plan covers multiple members under a single sum insured. Most commonly, these plans include spouses, children, and sometimes dependent parents. Key benefits of family health insurance plans include: Cost-effective protection for the whole family A family floater policy is often more affordable than purchasing individual policies for each member. Since the premium is based on the age of the eldest family member, younger families particularly benefit from this model. Shared sum insured The entire sum insured can be used by any covered family member. For instance, if one member incurs a significant hospitalisation expense, the full amount can be utilised—providing more flexibility in emergencies. Hassle-free renewals and paperwork Managing a single policy is easier than tracking multiple plans with different renewal dates. A unified health insurance plan for the family simplifies documentation, premium payments, and policy management. Value-added features Most insurers now offer additional benefits such as free annual health check-ups, no-claim bonuses, wellness rewards, teleconsultations, and discounts for healthy habits—making the plan more than just financial cover. Choosing a plan that truly cares A good family health insurance policy goes beyond the basics. It is designed with real-life healthcare needs in mind—accounting for emergencies, chronic illness management, daycare procedures, and even preventive healthcare. Here's what to look for in a family health insurance plan: Adequate sum insured Given the rising costs of quality treatment, particularly in private hospitals, it is advisable to opt for a sum insured of at least Rs. 10–20 lakh, depending on the number of members and their health profiles. Cashless network hospitals The convenience of availing treatment without paying upfront cannot be overstated. Choose a provider with a wide and reputed network of cashless hospitals, especially in your area. Coverage for daycare and home treatments Modern health insurance policies are evolving to include daycare procedures that don't require 24-hour hospitalisation, and even home-based treatments where necessary. Maternity and newborn coverage If you're planning to start or expand your family, choose a plan that includes maternity benefits, delivery costs, and newborn care from day one. Shorter waiting periods for pre-existing conditions Some plans come with a 2-year waiting period for chronic conditions, while others require up to 4 years. It's important to compare this aspect closely, especially if any family member has existing ailments. The human side of insurance What sets apart family health insurance plans that 'truly care' is the emphasis on emotional and logistical support alongside financial coverage. Some insurers now offer: 24/7 medical helplines for guidance in emergencies Second opinion services for critical illnesses Health coaching and personalised diet plans Mental wellness support via consultations with psychologists or therapists Such initiatives ensure that families are not just covered but cared for—emotionally, physically, and financially. These benefits are especially valuable when considering parents health insurance, as older family members often need more holistic and continuous care. Smart financial planning with tax benefits Investing in a health insurance plan for the family not only secures their medical future but also provides tax benefits. Under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, policyholders can claim deductions of up to: 25,000 for premiums paid for self, spouse, and children An additional Rs. 25,000 (or Rs. 50,000 if senior citizens) for parents Including parents health insurance in your plan not only enhances protection but also maximises your eligible tax deductions—making it a financially wise decision. Real-life example Consider the case of a 35-year-old professional with a spouse and two children. A comprehensive family floater plan with Rs. 20 lakh cover could cost between Rs. 20,000–Rs. 30,000 annually. In comparison, a single hospitalisation for surgery or specialised treatment could exceed Rs. 2–3 lakh. Thus, even if used once in several years, the value far outweighs the premium paid. Now factor in regular health check-ups, telemedicine access, and lifestyle counselling—often included for free—and the long-term value becomes even more evident, particularly when covering elderly members through parents health insurance. How to buy the right plan Evaluate family health needs Age, existing conditions, lifestyle habits—including those of ageing parents—should guide your decision when considering parents health insurance as part of your overall plan. Compare policies online Use aggregator platforms to review features, exclusions, and premium costs. Check reviews and claim settlement ratio A high claim settlement ratio ensures peace of mind during emergencies. Read the policy document thoroughly Focus on waiting periods, co-pay clauses, sub-limits, and exclusions. Conclusion In a time where health uncertainties loom large, family health insurance provides the safety net every household needs. It allows families to focus on recovery rather than costs and offers peace of mind that loved ones will receive the best care when it matters most. A health insurance plan that truly cares goes beyond reimbursement—it stands by you as a reliable partner in your wellness journey. Secure your family today with a plan that understands, protects, and truly cares. Don't overlook the importance of parents health insurance—because safeguarding your elders' health is just as vital as protecting your own. When it comes to health, it's always better to prepare than to repair.
