Politics

Healthcare spending in the United States surged by 7.5% to $4.9 trillion in 2023, driven by increased medical service use and rising enrollment in private health plans, according to a report from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

Starting January 1, 2025, Arizona's minimum wage will rise by 35 cents to $14.70 per hour, benefiting some of the state’s lowest-paid workers.

USA Fencing is under scrutiny following a board meeting where members voted against motions to change current policies related to the national anthem and transgender athlete participation.

A pizza restaurant in Chattanooga, Tennessee, has sparked controversy after announcing it would not cater a same-sex wedding due to its "personal beliefs." Pizzeria Cortile shared its stance in a direct message on Instagram, which led to online backlash. The restaurant later issued a statement on its Facebook page, explaining that the decision was made from a place of personal conviction and was not intended to harm anyone.

The Santa Ana Unified School Board is considering significant job cuts for educators while proposing a salary increase for the superintendent, drawing sharp criticism from students, parents, and teachers.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for Secretary of Health and Human Services, earned approximately $10.7 million in 2023, with much of his income stemming from his work with various law firms and his leadership of a vaccine-skeptic nonprofit. According to recently amended financial disclosures filed as part of his presidential campaign, Kennedy also holds significant assets, including between $500,001 and $1 million in Bitcoin and commercial real estate in Chicago worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.

MSNBC host Stephanie Ruhle revealed for the first time on Tuesday that President Joe Biden’s team tried to end her interview with him in May 2023 after she asked a question about his son, Hunter Biden. Ruhle explained that after asking Biden how a potential indictment of Hunter Biden might impact his presidency, the White House immediately reacted by trying to halt the interview.

George Stephanopoulos, the prominent host of This Week on ABC News, may be out of a job after a defamation settlement involving former President Donald Trump. The deal, authorized by Disney CEO Bob Iger, includes a $15 million payout to Trump, plus an additional $1 million to cover Trump’s legal fees. This settlement stems from a defamation lawsuit filed by Trump earlier this year after Stephanopoulos inaccurately claimed that Trump was “found liable for rape” in the E. Jean Carroll case.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has openly defended her friendship with US tech billionaire Elon Musk, asserting that her personal connection with him does not influence her duties as Italy’s leader. Speaking in Parliament, Meloni made it clear that her government remains independent, despite her relationship with Musk, and she emphasized that she would not be swayed by his economic interests.

The push for full federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has taken a significant step forward with the U.S. House of Representatives passing the Lumbee Fairness Act. The bill, which aims to provide federal services and benefits to the Lumbee people, passed with a vote of 311-96 on Tuesday. While the bill received broad support, it also saw opposition from Reps. Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.) and Chuck Edwards (R-N.C.). Notably, Reps. Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) and Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) did not vote.