The Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which protects hundreds of thousands of undocumented immigrants brought to the U.S. as children, is once again under legal scrutiny as a federal appeals court deliberates its future. Oral arguments were heard today in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in a case brought by Texas and several other states seeking to end the program. This marks the second time in two years that the court has weighed the legality of DACA, which has been the subject of ongoing legal battles since its inception in 2012.
Health Insurance Premiums Continue to Rise, Putting Strain on Employers and Workers
The cost of employer-sponsored health insurance has risen by seven percent for the second consecutive year, according to a report released Wednesday by the nonprofit health policy organization KFF. This increase is adding significant financial pressure on both businesses and employees, as average family premiums have soared to around $25,000 per year. For employers, the rising costs have meant an additional $1,800 in expenses per employee this year alone.
The cost of employer health insurance is up seven-percent for a second straight year, hurting both employers and workers. Erin Real reports.
The steady rise. . .
Anti-Obesity Medications Could Soon Be Covered by Employers During Open Enrollment
Anti-obesity medications, including popular GLP-1 drugs like Wegovy, may soon be included in employer-covered health insurance plans, a shift that could significantly expand access to these treatments. As open enrollment season approaches, employees will have the chance to learn whether their health insurance benefits for the coming year will include coverage for these medications, which have surged in popularity due to their effectiveness in treating both diabetes and obesity.
While drugs like Wegovy are commonly covered under insurance plans for treating diabetes, coverage for their use in addressing obesity and weight loss has been far less common. . .
Over 30 Former Patients Sue Beverly Hills OB-GYN for Sexual Abuse
More than 30 former patients have filed lawsuits against a longtime Beverly Hills OB-GYN, alleging years of sexual abuse and misconduct. The civil suits accuse the prominent doctor, whose name has not been released publicly due to ongoing investigations, of engaging in inappropriate and non-consensual acts during medical examinations, leaving many victims traumatized.
More than 30 former patients are suing a Beverly Hills-based OB-GYN for alleged sexual abuse. Daniel Martindale reports.
The plaintiffs, many of whom were under the OB-GYN's care for years, allege that they were subjected to sexual misconduct disguised. . .
Biden Holds High-Stakes Call with Netanyahu Amid Rising Tensions with Iran and Hezbollah
President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a critical phone call yesterday, discussing Israel’s potential response to last week's missile attack by Iran. The call, which also included Vice President Kamala Harris, marked the first time the two leaders had spoken since August. Tensions in the region are escalating as Israel weighs its options for retaliation, while Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Lebanon regarding Hezbollah’s role in the conflict.
According to the White House, the call was "direct and productive," focusing on Israel. . .
Kennedy Family Matriarch Ethel Kennedy Dead at 96 Following Stroke
Ethel Kennedy, the widow of Robert F. Kennedy and matriarch of the iconic Kennedy family, has passed away at the age of 96. Kennedy suffered a stroke in her sleep last week and succumbed to complications while surrounded by family in a Massachusetts hospital, according to a statement released by her relatives. Ethel, often remembered for her resilience and devotion to public service, was a pillar of strength for the Kennedy family during their many trials and triumphs over the decades.
Her husband, Robert F. Kennedy, served as the U. . .
Hurricane Milton Leaves Path of Destruction in Florida, Death Count Rises Amid Tornadoes and Power Outages
Hurricane Milton, a powerful Category 3 storm, made landfall last night just south of Sarasota, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake. The storm has claimed the lives of at least nine people and caused widespread power outages affecting millions of Florida residents. As recovery efforts begin, officials warn that dangerous conditions, including deadly flash floods, continue to threaten many areas.
Governor Ron DeSantis provided an update today, acknowledging the severity of the situation while noting that Milton did not bring the worst-case scenario that some had. . .
Grayzone Journalist, Jeremy Lofredo, KIDNAPPED by IDF, Remains in Custody
In an appalling development, The Grayzone journalist Jeremy Lofredo has been detained by Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) for over 24 hours, following a violent encounter in which he and three other journalists were reportedly beaten, blindfolded, and forcibly taken to a military base. The incident, which occurred during escalating tensions in the Israeli-occupied territories, has sparked outrage among press freedom advocates and human rights organizations.
According to Wyatt Reed, who shared the news on Telegram, while the other three journalists have since been released, Lofredo remains in. . .
Turkish Airlines Flight Makes Emergency Landing in NY After Pilot Collapses Mid-Flight
A Turkish Airlines flight en route from Seattle to Istanbul was forced to make an emergency landing at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport this morning after the pilot collapsed mid-flight and tragically died before the plane could land. The flight had departed from Seattle overnight, but shortly after reaching cruising altitude, the pilot experienced a sudden medical emergency.
According to a spokesperson for Turkish Airlines, the co-pilot and flight crew acted quickly to take control of the situation, safely navigating the plane and making an. . .
Tropicana Las Vegas Demolished After 67 Years to Make Way for New $1.5 Billion Baseball Stadium
In a historic moment for the Las Vegas Strip, the iconic Tropicana Las Vegas hotel and casino has been demolished after standing for 67 years. Early this morning, just after 2:30 a.m., the towers of the Tropicana were imploded in a spectacular event that included a fireworks and drone show. The demolition marked the end of an era for one of Las Vegas' most famous and long-standing establishments, which opened its doors in 1957 and became a beloved part of the city's entertainment landscape.
The implosion. . .
