Latest news with #Kaine
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Virginia's federal lawmakers want to make childbirth free
(Photo by Getty Images) Childbirth can cost thousands of dollars, with certain conditions also posing extra costs for parents-to-be who have private health insurance. New legislation proposed by Virginia's Capitol Hill lawmakers and their colleagues could prevent cost-sharing for prenatal, childbirth, neonatal, perinatal and postpartum care, keeping families from being saddled with big bills after birth. U.S. Rep. Jennifer McClellan, D-Richmond, remembers the stress and fear of dealing with placenta previa, a life-threatening maternal condition, when carrying her second child, Samantha. Her placenta wasn't in the right position, placing her and her fetus at risk and spurring a cesarean section birth and neonatal intensive care unit stay for the baby once it was born. She also remembers the extra medical costs that were associated with managing the condition to keep both herself and her daughter alive. The condition is rare but tricky if it develops later in pregnancy as McClellan's did, and exemplifies how costly maternal care can be, especially if there are complications or emergencies. Bipartisan and bicameral legislation she helped create would provide birth-related benefits similar to the ones offered by Medicaid to Americans who are covered by private health insurance. Reducing out-of-pocket costs like copays can help more families stay on top of monitoring conditions to prevent crises and be better able to respond when they do arise, McClellan said. 'The idea here is this will help get more people in for prenatal and preventative care so that hopefully you will have fewer emergencies,' McClellan explained. U.S. Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Virginia, said if the measure becomes law, it would represent a big shift in maternal health care for the country. 'Childbirth should be free in the United States, and that's a big idea,' Kaine said , who is a co-patron of the Senate version of the bill. That's already the case in some countries, while in others like Finland, France and Great Britain, costs are curbed for expecting families and efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates have proven successful. Applying the concept to America is something that Vice President J.D. Vance (who also serves as president of the Senate) has previously been on board with, Kaine said. Last year, Kaine workshopped the idea with then-Sen. Vance before he was tapped to be President Donald Trump's running mate. Kaine then connected with Sens. Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Mississippi, Josh Hawley, R-Missouri, and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-New York, to introduce the bill this year. 'Bringing a child into the world is costly enough without piling on cost-share fees that saddle many mothers and families with debt,' 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.' The House and Senate versions of the bill can unify the 'left and the right, the 'pro-choice' and the 'pro-life,'' Kaine said, adding that the measures could fare well in the nation's legislative branch and end up on Trump's desk. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Sens. Warner, Kaine say DoD needs to learn from successful Ukraine drone attacks
WASHINGTON (WAVY) — A successful attack over the weekend by Ukraine on Russian Air Force assets, planned for 18 months and using inexpensive drones, is an cautionary example for the U.S. military, say Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Tim Kaine (D-Va.). Known as 'Operation Spiderweb', Ukraine coordinated swarms of drone attacks on five Russian bases, some of which were more than 3,000 miles from Ukraine's border. Ukraine's drone attack on Russian warplanes was a serious blow to the Kremlin's strategic arsenal It called to mind the time in late 2023 when mystery drones flew over Langley Air Force Base for nearly three weeks. To this day, defense officials still have no explanation. Report: Mystery drones fly over Langley for 17 days, now DOD is looking to protect aircraft 'It was 18 nights in a row,' Kaine said in a Wednesday conference call with reporters. 'If it's night after night after night, you should be able to follow them and tell where they're coming from, so I'm not satisfied with the pace [of getting information].' It proved that drones can penetrate sensitive air space. 'We didn't have appropriate protocols in place on how you can take those drones down,' Warner said. 'We have to increase our security [at Langley AFB].' You can counteract a typical drone by jamming its navigation signal, but the Ukrainian drones had technology that could thwart countermeasures. 'They're on fiber-optic cable but it looks like somebody's got them on a fishing line,' Kaine said. 'You can get information to the drone that can't be jammed in traditional ways.' The Ukrainian operation showed budget-conscious ingenuity.'We are still buying drones that cost $20,000, $30,000, $40,000,' Warner said. But the drones that destroyed Russian aircraft 'cost of a couple hundred dollars a piece. Our constant investment in a lot of these legacy platforms is just not smart.' While the drones that flew over Langley in 2023 have never been fully explained, — The US Northern Command — is leading the investigation. Verdict is still out for origin of unauthorized drones flown over military base in Hampton, Pentagon press secretary says Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Global News
25-05-2025
- Business
- Global News
U.S. senators urge Canada to ‘give us another chance' on trade, tourism
Members of a bipartisan group of U.S. senators who visited Ottawa this past weekend say they want to bolster the Canada-U.S. relationship despite U.S. President Donald Trump's recent attacks, with the lone Republican urging Canadians to 'give us another chance.' The five senators met Friday with Prime Minister Mark Carney, who has vowed to pursue a new economic and security partnership with the U.S. while acknowledging that the trend of 'deep integration' between the two countries is over. The American lawmakers say that long-standing relationship must continue, with trade, tourism and defence partnerships among the key areas where collaboration is critical. 'We have to do this stuff together,' Republican Sen. Kevin Cramer of North Dakota told Mercedes Stephenson in an interview that aired Sunday on The West Block. 'We'll be better at it if we're friends than if we're just tolerating one another…. I'm just here (in Ottawa) to say thank you, and then to encourage Canadians to take another look and give us another chance.' Story continues below advertisement 1:49 Carney meets with U.S. delegation in Ottawa Canadians, along with various levels of government, have turned their backs on the U.S. since Trump imposed sweeping tariffs on Canadian goods and voiced his desire to make Canada the '51st state.' Statistics Canada has reported four straight months of steep year-over-year declines of return trips to Canada from the U.S., and some states such as California have launched ad campaigns to try to lure Canadian tourists back. 'Bookings of Canadians to come to Virginia Beach are down significantly, and colleagues of mine in other states are saying the same thing about tourism,' Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia told Stephenson. 'So we're definitely seeing it. 'We were aware, because we all have great friends in Canada, that there was a lot of anxiety about, well, gosh, what do Americans think of us?' he said in explaining what spurred the senators' visit. 'The five of us wanted to come to say, 'Look, we love Canada.'' Story continues below advertisement Canada is the top trading partner for a majority of U.S. states, including the ones represented by the senators who travelled to Ottawa. Democrats Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota and Peter Welch of Vermont joined Kaine and Cramer on the trip. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The senators also met with the ministers of foreign affairs, national defence and industry, as well as the Business Council of Canada. 0:41 Carney says US senators discussed tariffs, security during Ottawa visit Both Cramer and Kaine said the election of Carney represents a 'new chapter' for the Canada-U.S. relationship, particularly after Trump's tensions with former prime minister Justin Trudeau. Cramer specifically cited defence spending and Carney's commitment to reach NATO's target of two per cent of GDP by 2030 — two years earlier than what Trudeau vowed — as an example of a new approach from Ottawa. Story continues below advertisement 'I couldn't get your previous prime minister to even talk about a contribution to NATO that was more significant,' he said. 'I sent him a nasty-gram or two and met with him once, and he just doesn't want to talk about it. This prime minister is leaning in in a big way, and so it's all encouragement to me.' Canada a 'logical' partner on 'Golden Dome' missile defence plan Cramer was also in the Oval Office when Trump announced his plan for an advanced space-based missile defence system, dubbed the 'Golden Dome,' that Carney has confirmed Canada could be a part of. North Dakota is home to a U.S. Space Force base that monitors for potential missile launches against the U.S. Carney has not said how much money Canada would be willing to contribute to the expected US$175-billion concept, but has previously committed to boosting Arctic security. He announced a $6-billion purchase of over-the-horizon radar systems from Australia in March as part of the government's ongoing NORAD modernization project. Story continues below advertisement 2:15 Canada in talks with U.S. on 'Golden Dome' missile defence partnership Cramer said any continental missile system should 'naturally' include Arctic defence with Canadian participation, which would bolster the existing NORAD military partnership. 'Canada would be a logical partner,' he said. Kaine agreed that several partnership opportunities exist between the U.S. and Canada, including missile defence and Arctic icebreakers, and applauded Carney's NATO commitment. Yet he said Trump's trade war is continuing to create economic uncertainty that could undermine efforts to work together. 'Uncertainty creates chaos and chaos hurts the economies of both nations,' he said. 'More certainty sooner means everybody can settle down and focus.' Trump initially justified his tariffs on Canada over concerns about fentanyl trafficking and border security. Data from both countries shows that Canada is responsible for less than one per cent of fentanyl seized by U.S. border authorities. Story continues below advertisement However, a new U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency report said fentanyl production in Canada represents a 'growing concern.' Fentanyl seizures at the northern U.S. border also spiked last month, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection data, though remain a fraction of what's seized at the southern border. 2:10 Trump's FBI head criticizes Canadian drug enforcement A resolution by Kaine to end Trump's fentanyl emergency declaration and the related tariffs on Canada was approved by the U.S. Senate last month, but has not been taken up by the Republican-led U.S. House of Representatives. Although Kaine acknowledged that fentanyl is an emergency in the U.S., with more than 80,000 Americans dying from overdoses last year, he said Canada is not the problem compared with Mexico and China. 'I just view it as an effort by the president to try to impose tariffs unilaterally,' he said. 'To do so, he had to declare an emergency, and that was the emergency he came up with.' Story continues below advertisement The senator said Trump should resolve any trade dispute he has with Canada through the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement on free trade, which Trump negotiated during his first term, rather than with unilateral tariffs. Cramer agreed with Kaine that Canada is making efforts to combat fentanyl and other border security issues, which presents another opportunity for Canada and the U.S. to work together. He added that the U.S. has been able to return resources to the northern border that were previously moved to shore up the U.S.-Mexico border now that crossings there have dropped dramatically 'thanks to Donald Trump.' Ultimately, Cramer said no deal would be secured on a new relationship between Canada and the U.S. without both Trump and Carney agreeing to one. 'The ultimate deal-makers are Carney and Trump, and both of them know how to make a deal,' he said.
Scottish Sun
24-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
‘Gone but not forgotten' tributes pour in for teens, 16 and 17, killed in horror motorbike crash
A sea of floral tributes continues to flood in CRASH TRAGEDY 'Gone but not forgotten' tributes pour in for teens, 16 and 17, killed in horror motorbike crash Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) HUNDREDS have flocked to pay tribute to the tragically short lives of two teenage boys killed in a horrific car crash last night in Manchester. The pair, who can now be named as Kailem Robinson, 16, and Kaine Darby, 17, tragically died after a motorbike they were both riding tragically collided with a silver Vauxhall Viva car in Salford last night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Tributes to Kaine and Kailem have been left at the scene Credit: MEN Media 8 Heartfelt tributes continue to create a floral forest of love for the two teenage boys Credit: MEN Media 8 As the flood of condolences continues to pour in, the scene has been cordoned off with bins and jaffer tape Credit: MEN Media 8 Floral tributes on Lower Broughton Road, Salford Credit: MEN Media Emergency crews rushed to the scene and onlookers recounted paramedics and police desperately trying to save the teenager's life. The driver of the car, a 24-year-old woman, stayed at the crash and assisted officers. No arrests have yet been made. A large emergency services presence was spotted throughout the night, with teams including GMP's tactical aid unit (TAU) and Specialist Operations Incident Command working tirelessly to investigate. A monument of flowers marks the spot of the 'heartbreaking crash,' on Lower Broughton Road. A makeshift banner made from a bed sheet reading 'R.I.P Kailem and Kaine,' has been strung from the railings, adorned with the scribbles of mourners. Messages of love have flooded in throughout the day. "Kaine we love you, fly high," one wrote. "Kaine and Kailem RIP, gone but not forgotten," another read. "RIP lads, you will be missed," another community member wrote in tribute. Framed pictures of the boys poke out from the bouquets of roses, celebrating their tragically short lives. The road has been cordoned off using bins and gaffer tape as family and friends flock to pay their respects. 8 The historic Aldelphi Hotel is still open to guests Credit: On social media, the local community has expressed their grief. Saima Khan said: "I used to see those boys around the park just a couple of days ago. They were often riding their bikes together. It's heartbreaking to know they're gone. They were so young. I pray for them and their families." June Hudson said: "God Bless Those poor young lads x Prayers for all their loved ones at this heartbreaking time x.' Empathetic messages for the driver of the car also flooded in. Jo Toomey wrote: 'That poor lady driver. I hope she's ok and gets the relevant help she needs to get over the trauma she's going to have to live with.' Margaret Carney wrote: 'So sad for both boy's families. Also sad for the poor driver who has to live with this for rest her life.' Isabelle Grace added: "Rest easy Kaine and Kailem we will miss you so much and Oakley am sending all of our love to us forever 16 and 17, it's absolutely devastating to be saying goodbye I never thought I would be saying it this way." Some hoped that the horrific incident would be a warning against youngsters riding motorbikes, but most just expressed their sympathy. Greater Manchester Police said: "Our specialist collision investigators are appealing for information after two teenagers died in a collision in Salford last night. "It is believed the male teenagers were riding on the same motorbike on Lower Broughton Road at 8.20PM when it was in collision with a silver Vauxhall Viva as they attempted to turn into Clarence Street. "Emergency services attended but sadly a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old were later pronounced dead in hospital. "The families of both victims are being supported by specialist officers as our investigation into the incident continues. "The 24-year-old female driver of the car stayed at the scene to assist officers, no arrests have been made." In an appeal for information following the tragedy, Detective Sergeant Matt Waggett, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'This is a heartbreaking and upsetting incident where two young men have sadly lost their lives and our thoughts are with their families. 'Our investigation continues so we can give them the answers they deserve. This is still an active investigation, and we are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the incident to come forward and get in touch with us.' 8 Floral tributes left in Salford after two teenage boys were killed Credit: MEN Media 8 Tributes were being paid this afternoon to two teenage boys aged just 16 and 17 Credit: SWNS
The Irish Sun
24-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
‘Gone but not forgotten' tributes pour in for teens, 16 and 17, killed in horror motorbike crash
HUNDREDS have flocked to pay tribute to the tragically short lives of two teenage boys killed in a horrific car crash last night in Manchester. The pair, who can now be named as Kailem Robinson, 16, and Kaine Darby, 17, tragically died after a motorbike they were both riding tragically collided with a silver Vauxhall Viva car in Advertisement 8 Tributes to Kaine and Kailem have been left at the scene Credit: MEN Media 8 Heartfelt tributes continue to create a floral forest of love for the two teenage boys Credit: MEN Media 8 As the flood of condolences continues to pour in, the scene has been cordoned off with bins and jaffer tape Credit: MEN Media 8 Floral tributes on Lower Broughton Road, Salford Credit: MEN Media Emergency crews rushed to the scene and onlookers recounted paramedics and police desperately trying to save the teenager's life. The driver of the car, a 24-year-old woman, stayed at the crash and assisted officers. No arrests have yet been made. A large emergency services presence was spotted throughout the night, with teams including GMP's tactical aid unit (TAU) and Specialist Operations Incident Command working tirelessly to investigate. A monument of flowers marks the spot of the Advertisement Read More News A makeshift banner made from a bed sheet reading 'R.I.P Kailem and Kaine,' has been strung from the railings, adorned with the scribbles of mourners. Messages of love have flooded in throughout the day. "Kaine we love you, fly high," one wrote. "Kaine and Kailem RIP, gone but not forgotten," another read. "RIP lads, you will be missed," another community member wrote in tribute. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Framed pictures of the boys poke out from the bouquets of roses, celebrating their tragically short lives. The road has been cordoned off using bins and gaffer tape as family and friends flock to pay their respects. 8 The historic Aldelphi Hotel is still open to guests Credit: On social media, the local community has expressed their grief. Advertisement Saima Khan said: "I used to see those boys around the park just a couple of days ago. They were often riding their bikes together. It's heartbreaking to know they're gone. They were so young. I pray for them and their families." June Hudson said: "God Bless Those poor young lads x Prayers for all their loved ones at this heartbreaking time x.' Empathetic messages for the driver of the car also flooded in. Jo Toomey wrote: 'That poor lady driver. I hope she's ok and gets the relevant help she needs to get over the trauma she's going to have to live with.' Margaret Carney wrote: 'So sad for both boy's families. Also sad for the poor driver who has to live with this for rest her life.' Advertisement Isabelle Grace added: "Rest easy Kaine and Kailem we will miss you so much and Oakley am sending all of our love to us forever 16 and 17, it's absolutely devastating to be saying goodbye I never thought I would be saying it this way." Some hoped that the horrific incident would be a warning against youngsters riding motorbikes, but most just expressed their sympathy. Greater Manchester Police said: "Our specialist collision investigators are appealing for information after two teenagers died in a collision in Salford last night. "It is believed the male teenagers were riding on the same motorbike on Lower Broughton Road at 8.20PM when it was in collision with a silver Vauxhall Viva as they attempted to turn into Clarence Street. Advertisement "Emergency services attended but sadly a 16-year-old and a 17-year-old were later pronounced dead in hospital. "The families of both victims are being supported by specialist officers as our investigation into the incident continues. "The 24-year-old female driver of the car stayed at the scene to assist officers, no arrests have been made." In an appeal for information following the tragedy, Detective Sergeant Matt Waggett, of GMP's Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said: 'This is a heartbreaking and upsetting incident where two young men have sadly lost their lives and our thoughts are with their families. Advertisement 'Our investigation continues so we can give them the answers they deserve. This is still an active investigation, and we are looking for anyone who has any information regarding the incident to come forward and get in touch with us.' 8 Floral tributes left in Salford after two teenage boys were killed Credit: MEN Media 8 Tributes were being paid this afternoon to two teenage boys aged just 16 and 17 Credit: SWNS 8 Floral tributes on Lower Broughton Road, Salford following the tragic crash Credit: MEN Media Advertisement
