Latest news with #Obamacare
The Guardian
3 hours ago
- Health
- The Guardian
US supreme court rules key provision of Obamacare constitutional
The US supreme court has ruled that a key provision of 'Obamacare', formally known as the Affordable Care Act, is constitutional. The case challenged how members of an obscure but vital healthcare committee are appointed. The committee, the US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF), is a panel of 16 volunteer health experts who determine which evidence-based preventive health services private insurance companies must cover without cost for patients. The requirement is a provision of the ACA – and one of the few instances when privately insured American patients pay nothing for healthcare. The case, 'in line with other court decisions, strengthens the control of political appointees over the bureaucracy', said Dorit Reiss, a University of California San Francisco law professor and an expert in health law and vaccine policy. The case, formally called Kennedy v Braidwood Management, Inc, affirms that final decisions come by secretaries, in this case health secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, a known vaccine skeptic. 'This makes it harder for Congress to isolate expert decisions from political review. So the stakes in appointing the political heads – in this case the secretary – are very, very high,' said Reiss. While the court affirms the constitutionality of the taskforce itself, it also held that members force can be removed at will by the health secretary, and that the secretary may review the taskforce's recommendations before they take effect. Kennedy used those powers only this June, when he unilaterally fired all sitting members of a critical vaccine advisory panel, and remade the panel with ideological allies. The new panel members then delivered Kennedy a victory by recommending against a vaccine preservative called thimerosal, despite a scientific consensus that the ingredient was safe. The court issued the opinion in a 6-3 ruling. The opinion was written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and joined by John Roberts, Sonya Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Amy Coney Barrett and Ketanji Brown Jackson. In 2020 alone, an estimated 150 million Americans benefited from the preventive healthcare provision, according to the O'Neill Institute at the Georgetown University law center in Washington DC. Although the provision requires insurers to cover a wide range of services – from annual check-ups to cancer screenings and immunizations – the case centered on the provision of Prep, or pre-exposure prophylaxis for HIV. A small group of plaintiffs claimed provision of PrEP violated their religious beliefs. They were represented by Jonathan Mitchell, the former solicitor general of Texas who pioneered the state's 'bounty hunter' abortion law. Their arguments were backed by Republican and conservative groups, although the specific ACA provision was defended by both the Trump and Biden administrations. Major public health groups, hospitals, disease advocacy groups and Democratic attorneys general opposed ending the provision. Although the court affirmed the constitutionality of the panel, it also affirms that any health secretary, including Kennedy, could remake the panel with allies. The secretary could 'override experts' conclusions and remove things like PrEP', said Reiss. However, she added that the power was not 'absolute'. If the secretary's recommendation contravened the decision of an expert panel and there was a lawsuit, the secretary would still need to make 'a convincing case that there was a reason to deviate from the panel, if there is a lawsuit', said Reiss. That has left the Aids institute, and other groups who advocate for healthcare access for HIV and Aids patients, to say it 'celebrates' the decision while acknowledging uncertainty about the future. 'I think we have to be worried about what that means for future USPSTF decisions given what has happened with' the vaccine panel, said Rachel Klein, the deputy executive director of the Aids Institute. 'Knowing what preventive care is effective to keeping people healthy – and therefore cost-effective to cover – is crucial to helping people be as healthy as possible. That requires listening to medical and scientific experts. We hope that USPSTF will continue to be a body worthy of our trust to make scientifically sound decisions about preventive services going forward.'
Economic Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Bruce Springsteen vs Donald Trump: All recent controversial statements where musician criticizes US President
Donald Trump and Bruce Springsteen Veteran musician Bruce Springsteen has continued his criticism of Donald Trump's leadership. In recent interviews and concerts, Springsteen addressed political concerns, including immigration and democratic values. His remarks have sparked a response from Trump, who also attacked Springsteen on social an interview with The New York Times published on June 18, Springsteen shared his views on the political state of the United States. He spoke about his ongoing 'Land of Hope & Dreams Tour,' during which he includes songs and speeches that reflect the current social and political situation. Springsteen described the present US condition as an 'American tragedy.' He blamed industrial decline and income inequality for leaving many people behind. He said these conditions created space for a political figure like Trump to gain said that the events of the recent months under Trump's second term were once thought to be impossible in the US. He said Americans used to believe these events 'can't happen here,' but now they are happening. Also Read: Supreme Court Key Rulings: All details about birthright citizenship, Obamacare task force, LGBTQ school books Springsteen has been a critic of Trump for years. He supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 election. In a past interview with The Atlantic, he called Trump a threat to a May concert in Manchester, Springsteen described Trump's government as 'corrupt, incompetent and treasonous.' Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Springsteen 'overrated' and saying he 'never liked his music.' Trump also insulted Springsteen personally and told him to 'keep his mouth shut.'Springsteen was not affected by the insults. He continued to speak out during his shows. In late May, he released an EP with a recording of the Manchester speech that upset Trump. At his concerts, Springsteen addresses current events between songs. He mentions immigration raids, policy decisions and public health topics. These speeches are captioned in local languages during international shows. In his NYT interview, Springsteen criticized recent immigration raids by ICE. He pointed to Freehold, New Jersey, his hometown, where a large migrant population lives. He said migrant communities have changed towns across the US. He called the current immigration actions a tragedy and said they are harmful to the country. Also Read: Squid Game Season 3 Ending: Who is Front Man and who wins the game? Here's new twist in last episode During a concert in Berlin, Springsteen spoke to thousands of fans at a historic stadium. He asked the audience to support democracy and resist authoritarianism. The speech followed a similar tone as his earlier said the US is being led by a government that does not understand what it means to be truly American. He urged Americans to speak out and defend the country's democratic posted a video on social media that appeared to show him hitting Springsteen with a golf ball. He also called for an investigation into Springsteen, Beyoncé, and other celebrities. Trump claimed they were paid to support Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Why did Bruce Springsteen criticize Donald Trump? Springsteen criticized Trump over his leadership, immigration policies, and threats to democratic values, expressing these concerns in public speeches and interviews during his ongoing tour. How did Donald Trump respond to Bruce Springsteen's comments? Trump insulted Springsteen on social media, calling him overrated and demanding an investigation into his political support for Kamala Harris, media reports said.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Bruce Springsteen vs Donald Trump: All recent controversial statements where musician criticizes US President
Veteran musician Bruce Springsteen has continued his criticism of Donald Trump 's leadership. In recent interviews and concerts, Springsteen addressed political concerns, including immigration and democratic values. His remarks have sparked a response from Trump, who also attacked Springsteen on social media. Springsteen Speaks Out During Interview In an interview with The New York Times published on June 18, Springsteen shared his views on the political state of the United States. He spoke about his ongoing 'Land of Hope & Dreams Tour,' during which he includes songs and speeches that reflect the current social and political situation. Springsteen described the present US condition as an 'American tragedy.' He blamed industrial decline and income inequality for leaving many people behind. He said these conditions created space for a political figure like Trump to gain support. Comments on Trump's Second Term Springsteen said that the events of the recent months under Trump's second term were once thought to be impossible in the US. He said Americans used to believe these events 'can't happen here,' but now they are happening. Also Read: Supreme Court Key Rulings: All details about birthright citizenship, Obamacare task force, LGBTQ school books Live Events Ongoing Public Criticism by Springsteen Springsteen has been a critic of Trump for years. He supported Kamala Harris during the 2024 election. In a past interview with The Atlantic, he called Trump a threat to democracy. During a May concert in Manchester, Springsteen described Trump's government as 'corrupt, incompetent and treasonous.' Trump responded on Truth Social, calling Springsteen 'overrated' and saying he 'never liked his music.' Trump also insulted Springsteen personally and told him to 'keep his mouth shut.' Concert Speeches and EP Release Springsteen was not affected by the insults. He continued to speak out during his shows. In late May, he released an EP with a recording of the Manchester speech that upset Trump. At his concerts, Springsteen addresses current events between songs. He mentions immigration raids , policy decisions and public health topics. These speeches are captioned in local languages during international shows. Views on Immigration Policies In his NYT interview, Springsteen criticized recent immigration raids by ICE. He pointed to Freehold, New Jersey, his hometown, where a large migrant population lives. He said migrant communities have changed towns across the US. He called the current immigration actions a tragedy and said they are harmful to the country. Also Read: Squid Game Season 3 Ending: Who is Front Man and who wins the game? Here's new twist in last episode Statements in Berlin Concert During a concert in Berlin, Springsteen spoke to thousands of fans at a historic stadium. He asked the audience to support democracy and resist authoritarianism. The speech followed a similar tone as his earlier statements. Springsteen said the US is being led by a government that does not understand what it means to be truly American. He urged Americans to speak out and defend the country's democratic foundation. Trump's Online Response and Allegations Trump posted a video on social media that appeared to show him hitting Springsteen with a golf ball. He also called for an investigation into Springsteen, Beyoncé, and other celebrities. Trump claimed they were paid to support Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. FAQs Why did Bruce Springsteen criticize Donald Trump? Springsteen criticized Trump over his leadership, immigration policies, and threats to democratic values, expressing these concerns in public speeches and interviews during his ongoing tour. How did Donald Trump respond to Bruce Springsteen's comments? Trump insulted Springsteen on social media, calling him overrated and demanding an investigation into his political support for Kamala Harris, media reports said.
Economic Times
4 hours ago
- Business
- Economic Times
US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 closes at 6,173, Nasdaq reaches 20,273 as markets show growth. Details here
The stock market closed higher on Friday as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted record closing numbers. Investors continued to respond to recent economic signals, trade adjustments and easing geopolitical S&P 500 closed at 6,173 on Friday. This marked a new record closing high. It had dipped slightly after President Donald Trump announced an end to trade talks with Canada. The index later recovered. The previous record closing level was 6,144. During the morning session, the index rose by 0.3% and reached 6,156 for the first time. The Nasdaq also set a new closing record. It reached 20,273 on Friday. The technology-heavy index has grown sharply in recent weeks. Over the past month, the Nasdaq climbed 28%. The growth reflects investor confidence in large technology firms. Also Read: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr.: Fight date, time, venue, odds, where to watch, how to buy tickets and full main card Since April, the stock market has seen consistent gains. The S&P 500 has climbed more than 20% during this time. The gains followed Trump's announcement of 'Liberation Day' tariffs. The Dow Jones Industrial Average also increased 12% over the same period. Analysts note that investor sentiment has shifted. There is now less concern about unpredictable policies and more hope for stable economic recent weeks, the US government has reduced several tariffs. These rollbacks have reduced costs for companies. They also helped reduce fears of sudden inflation increases. A key development was the trade deal between the US and agreement cut tariffs between both countries. This led to a rise in stock prices. Wall Street analysts quickly revised their recession forecasts. Many now see a more stable path ahead. Also Read: Supreme Court Key Rulings: All details about birthright citizenship, Obamacare task force, LGBTQ school books Other factors also supported the market's climb. New economic data showed the US economy is steady. Inflation did rise slightly in recent data, but it remains close to the lowest level seen since 2021. Hiring slowed in May but remained economists believed hiring would decline further due to trade tensions. However, recent government data showed hiring was not as affected as this month, a conflict between Iran and Israel caused a temporary decline in the stock market. Oil prices also rose during this period. But a ceasefire helped bring stability. Oil prices then dropped, and stocks regained briefly dropped again on Friday afternoon. This followed an announcement by President Trump. He said the US would end all trade talks with Canada. He made the statement on his social media decision followed Canada's move to impose a digital service tax. The tax targets US technology companies. Trump called the tax a direct move against the US. This led to market concerns, though the indexes later recovered. Why did the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reach record highs? Reduced tariffs, a stable economy, and better investor sentiment supported strong growth in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, pushing both to new record highs. What triggered the temporary dip in the market on Friday? President Trump's decision to end trade talks with Canada after their digital tax announcement briefly caused a dip in stock prices.
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
US Stock Market Today: S&P 500 closes at 6,173, Nasdaq reaches 20,273 as markets show growth. Details here
The stock market closed higher on Friday as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted record closing numbers. Investors continued to respond to recent economic signals, trade adjustments and easing geopolitical tensions. S&P 500 Sets New Record The S&P 500 closed at 6,173 on Friday. This marked a new record closing high. It had dipped slightly after President Donald Trump announced an end to trade talks with Canada. The index later recovered. The previous record closing level was 6,144. During the morning session, the index rose by 0.3% and reached 6,156 for the first time. Nasdaq Follows with New High The Nasdaq also set a new closing record. It reached 20,273 on Friday. The technology-heavy index has grown sharply in recent weeks. Over the past month, the Nasdaq climbed 28%. The growth reflects investor confidence in large technology firms. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Undo Also Read: Jake Paul vs Chavez Jr.: Fight date, time, venue, odds, where to watch, how to buy tickets and full main card Strong Market Performance Since April, the stock market has seen consistent gains. The S&P 500 has climbed more than 20% during this time. The gains followed Trump's announcement of 'Liberation Day' tariffs. Live Events The Dow Jones Industrial Average also increased 12% over the same period. Analysts note that investor sentiment has shifted. There is now less concern about unpredictable policies and more hope for stable economic growth. Rollback of Tariffs Boosts Markets In recent weeks, the US government has reduced several tariffs. These rollbacks have reduced costs for companies. They also helped reduce fears of sudden inflation increases. A key development was the trade deal between the US and China. The agreement cut tariffs between both countries. This led to a rise in stock prices. Wall Street analysts quickly revised their recession forecasts. Many now see a more stable path ahead. Also Read: Supreme Court Key Rulings: All details about birthright citizenship, Obamacare task force, LGBTQ school books Positive Economic Indicators Other factors also supported the market's climb. New economic data showed the US economy is steady. Inflation did rise slightly in recent data, but it remains close to the lowest level seen since 2021. Hiring slowed in May but remained stable. Many economists believed hiring would decline further due to trade tensions. However, recent government data showed hiring was not as affected as expected. Middle East Conflict Causes Brief Market Dip Earlier this month, a conflict between Iran and Israel caused a temporary decline in the stock market. Oil prices also rose during this period. But a ceasefire helped bring stability. Oil prices then dropped, and stocks regained momentum. US Ends Trade Talks with Canada Stocks briefly dropped again on Friday afternoon. This followed an announcement by President Trump. He said the US would end all trade talks with Canada. He made the statement on his social media platform. Trump's decision followed Canada's move to impose a digital service tax. The tax targets US technology companies. Trump called the tax a direct move against the US. This led to market concerns, though the indexes later recovered. FAQs Why did the S&P 500 and Nasdaq reach record highs? Reduced tariffs, a stable economy, and better investor sentiment supported strong growth in the S&P 500 and Nasdaq, pushing both to new record highs. What triggered the temporary dip in the market on Friday? President Trump's decision to end trade talks with Canada after their digital tax announcement briefly caused a dip in stock prices.
