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USS Abraham Lincoln sailors reportedly tried to jump overboard amid extended deployment
Lawmakers demand answers as concerns were raised about worsening mental health among sailors aboard USS Abraham Lincoln
iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Ultra: When is the Next Apple Event?
It is now mid-August, meaning that Apple's annual iPhone event is just around the corner. Below, we take a look at when the event might be held this year. This September, Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and an all-new foldable iPhone that will reportedly be named the iPhone Ultra. The regular iPhone 18, a lower-end iPhone 18e, and the iPhone Air 2 are not expected to be announced until around March 2027, as part of a new launch strategy.
At Trump's Patriot Games, political criticism clouds competition
Amid competition and camaraderie, an undercurrent of political criticism loomed over the White House athletic competition for teens.
Computer and environmental science take flight with bird conservation collaboration
Susquehanna University’s computer science department is getting involved with bird conservation through a data management collaboration with the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association.
Marcus Rashford transfer news: Tottenham should sign Man Utd forward, says ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O'Hara
Jamie OHara was speaking on Sky Sports Tottenham summer special podcast; the show also features Sky Sports News Michael Bridge and Lyall Thomas, who analyse Spurs summer window so far, discuss the business still needed and answer your questions ahead of the new season
Questions over Karoline Leavitt’s replacement as she steps down as White House press secretary
Leavitt’s departure three months before midterms raises questions over who will communicate Trump’s messages as his approval rating falls to record low, says YouGov polling
No One Wants to Talk About the Debt | WSJ Politics Newsletter for Aug. 13
Plus, Iran has an ability to make the Strait of Hormuz too risky to cross with limited firepower, and progressives have a reckoning in the Midwest.
How money actually works in American elections
The midterms are flooded with cash, but donors don’t always get what they want. A political scientist explains where the money matters most.
Bethesda finally "looking into" patching Oblivion Remastered on PC, PS5 and Xbox amid praise for Switch 2 release
The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is seemingly getting a second life on PC, PS5 and Xbox well over a year after release.
In redrawn FL-23, incumbent Rep. Lois Frankel battles political outsider Victoria Doyle
The 78-year-old from West Palm Beach — who has been in elected office since the mid-1980s and in Congress since 2013 — is facing a progressive challenger, Victoria Doyle, 60, a retired intellectual property attorney and local activist.
Congress Face-Plants on Surprise Health Care Bills
Lawmakers wanted to reform surprise billing so patients weren’t hit with unexpected charges. But they also created a parallel system with new middlemen that is increasing health care costs.
WATCH | Science to go: Mid-America adds mobile planetarium to toolkit
Students will have a new opportunity to explore science through a 360-degree immersive learning experience as Mid-America Science Museum brings its new Planetarium To Go to schools through a $30,000 grant from the Arvest Foundation.
Mikel Arteta highlights Arsenal’s one priority in transfer window
Arteta said the bar is high for Arsenal to find players who can improve their starting line-up, amid links with Atletico Madrid’s Julian Alvarez and Paris Saint-Germain’s Bradley Barcola
FC Barcelona Has Another Rodri Offer Rejected By Manchester City
FC Barcelona has had another bid rejected by Manchester City for its World Cup winner and star midfielder Rodri.
Abbott to pump up blood supply with $1M college sports prize amid US crisis
Abbott is again tapping into the competitive spirit of Big Ten universities to drive blood donations,
WNBA condemns online ‘bad-faith efforts’ to toxify league amid divisive conversations
The league also said there are no eligibility issues regarding transgender athletes at this time.
Middle Georgia skywatchers get a sunny science lesson, eclipse or not
Even without a solar eclipse overhead, skywatchers in Middle Georgia still found a way to join in the excitement Wednesday — with a little help from science, a
Rams star names 49ers nightmare he ‘hates’ facing
“There’s nobody that covers that much space,” Nacua said. “It’s scary. The middle of the field is terrible.”
Broncos Move on Former Rams Super Bowl Champion
The Denver Broncos have a former Super Bowl champion and veteran defender on their radar amid NFL training camp. The post Broncos Move on Former Rams Super Bowl Champion appeared first on HEAVY.
Asia-Pacific parliamentarians urge bolder action for universal health coverage, climate resilience and responsible AI
Parliamentarians representing 16 countries from across the Asia-Pacific region concluded the Ninth Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) today, reaffirming their key role in advancing universal health coverage (UHC) amid the risks and opportunities posed by AI and climate change. In adopting the Phnom Penh Communiqué, parliamentarians urged fellow legislators regionwide to strengthen sustainable financing for UHC to widen access to health for all, including the most vulnerable populations; promote responsible governance of AI amid ethical concerns over this fast-evolving technology; and build climate-resilient health systems to anticipate and respond to mounting pressures ranging from rising sea levels in coastal areas to air pollution and other environmental degradation.The National Assembly of Cambodia, with support from Cambodia’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO), hosted the Forum in Phnom Penh from 11 to 13 August 2026 – the first time the Forum has convened in a Mekong country.Parliamentarians urge action to close gaps in accessIn the Communiqué, parliamentarians recognized that at-risk and marginalized groups are the ones most severely affected by gaps in access to health services. These groups include people living in poverty, women and children, persons with disabilities, older people, migrants, refugees, and those in rural, remote or island communities. The Communiqué urges fellow parliamentarians and policy-makers to advocate for laws and policies that support sustainable financing to protect people from financial hardship, with a focus on primary health care, prevention and equity. "The Communiqué is a call to action. It sets out ambitious, concrete measures that deliver meaningful impact on the ground. We are all accountable for advancing universal health coverage and translating our commitments into tangible results. Cambodia is fully committed to advancing UHC, including the promotion of ‘healthy people, prosperous country’ campaign,” said Samdech Maha Rathsapheathika Thipadei Khuon Sudary, President of the National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia.His Excellency Professor Chheang Ra, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Cambodia, highlighted the need for collaboration beyond the health sector. “Universal health coverage cannot be achieved by the Ministry of Health alone. It requires support, particularly from parliamentarians, across political, legislative, financial, social protection, education, infrastructure, and environmental domains. While each country follows its own path, one factor is universally critical for success: strong governance and leadership. We all believe in this principle, and in our respective political roles, we remain committed to strengthening these key success factors to ensure that no one is left behind.”Promoting responsible AI adoption Parliamentarians acknowledged that, while AI has already demonstrated its ability to improve access to health services and support delivery, careful and ethical governance is necessary to safeguard quality, safety, privacy and public trust. This underscores the importance of parliamentarians in promoting legal and regulatory frameworks addressing liability, records ownership and data governance, while embracing innovation that protects ethical practice.“Without strong governance, safeguards for privacy and data security, sustainable financing, and attention to those most at risk of exclusion, new technologies may widen existing gaps instead of closing them. This is why parliamentarians matter. We pass laws. We approve budgets. We scrutinize government action. We represent communities. We can ask whether health services are reaching rural, remote, ageing, poor, and marginalized populations. We can ask whether innovation is being guided by equity, evidence, and ethics,” said Hon. Man Hee Lee, President of the Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health.Building climate-resilient health systemsParliamentarians also reiterated that the climate crisis is a direct threat to people’s health and to achieving UHC more broadly, deepening the same gaps in access already faced by at-risk and marginalized communities. They recognized the need for WHO Member States to ensure sufficient national appropriations and oversight, and for parliamentarians to raise awareness in their constituencies and mobilize local action in building climate-resilient and sustainable health systems.“Universal health coverage, climate change and AI cannot be addressed in isolation. The same communities struggling to access health services today are often the ones most exposed to climate shocks, and most in need of the opportunities AI can offer if this technology is governed responsibly,” said Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific. “Having served previously in this Forum myself as a parliamentarian from Tonga, I recognize how the Phnom Penh Communiqué reflects the shared resolve of legislators across the Asia-Pacific region: the laws parliamentarians pass and the budgets they approve help ensure this progress reaches the people who need it most.”As the Forum drew to a close, delegates reflected on what they would carry back to their own parliaments and constituencies.“I wish to share three points here worth carrying home from Phnom Penh: we need to invest in primary health care as the foundation of coverage; we need to remove the barriers that keep people from care, whether financial, geographic or social; and we need to build systems that are inclusive by design, protecting those most at risk of being left behind,” added Hon. Ouch Borith, First Vice-President of the Senate of the Kingdom of Cambodia.###Notes for editors:The Asia-Pacific Parliamentarian Forum on Global Health (APPFGH) is a platform for parliamentarians to exchange ideas, build political will, strengthen capacity and foster collaboration towards sustainable health action. This was the ninth meeting of the APPFGH, with the theme “Universal Health Coverage in the era of Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence”. Target 3.8 of the Sustainable Development Goals calls on countries to achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection, access to quality essential health services, and access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines and vaccines for all. In the Western Pacific, UHC service coverage index (SDG 3.8.1) rose from 63 in 2000 to 81 in 2023 (figures include Indonesia), and roughly one in four people in the Western Pacific have experienced financial hardship (SDG 3.8.2). Progress towards UHC in the Asia-Pacific region remains uneven, with hundreds of millions of people still lacking access to essential health services or facing financial hardship due to health-related expenses. Strengthening the role of parliaments – through legislation, financing and oversight – is central to closing this gap and accelerating progress towards UHC across the region.Parliamentarians participating in APPFGH in Cambodia this week include: Hon. Pehin Dato Adanan YUSOF, Brunei Darussalam; Hon. Rosmawatty ABDUL MUMIN, Brunei Darussalam; Hon. LORK Kheng, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. YOS Phanita, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. KHOUN Khundy, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. HENG Halim, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. KHOENG Noupheap, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. SENG Nhak, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. LY Sukry, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. NHOEURN Raden, Kingdom of Cambodia; Hon. Dr Ratu Atonio LALABALAVU, Republic of Fiji; Hon. Vijay NATH, Republic of Fiji; Hon. Man Hee LEE, Republic of Korea; Hon. Dr Jiho CHA, Republic of Korea; Hon. Jonghun BAEK, Republic of Korea; Hon. Youngsuk SEO, Republic of Korea; Hon. Dr Phayvanh KEOPASEUTH, Lao People’s Democratic Republic; Hon. Suhaizan Bin KAIAT, Malaysia; Hon. Dr Perpetua KONMAN, Federated States of Micronesia; Hon. Ganmaa DAVAASAMBUU, Mongolia; Hon. Charmaine SCOTTY, Republic of Naoero; Hon. Vincent Ambance KUMURA, Papua New Guinea; Hon. Dr Edwin CRUZADO, Republic of the Philippines; Hon. AUUAPAAU Mulipola Aloitafua Mulipola, Samoa; Hon. ASIATA TAVUI Tafu Salevao, Samoa; Hon. Dr Alani Petelo TANGITAU, Tonga; Hon. Paul PAOLO, Republic of Vanuatu; Hon. Franklyn Ezra WILLIAM, Republic of Vanuatu.For more information, contact: WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific: wprocom@who.int National Assembly of the Kingdom of Cambodia (International Relations Department): ir.nacambodia@gmail.com
Dodgers call up Landon Knack amid heavy bullpen usage
Seth Halvorsen optioned after a scoreless inning on Tuesday
Federal judges describe violent threats amid 'dehumanizing attacks' from political leaders
Historic election results and the impact on women and politics in the Mid-South
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Beloved 'Romeo Theatre' to close as business failed to bounce back after pandemic
After 40 years, the Romeo Theatre is announcing its closing its doors in mid-September. The family-owned theater has delighted moviegoers for decades who are sad to see it go.
Jimmy Traina drops surprising Sports Illustrated news amid new sports media venture
Jimmy Traina dropped some big Sports Illustrated news on Wednesday.
Jeff Lightner
Jeff Lightner has been appointed Chief Growth Officer for Marsh McLennan Agency’s Midwest Region, to help shape the region’s growth strategy across talent and growth capital, carrier economics and sales operations.
Navy meets with USS Abraham Lincoln families over mental health worries
Navy leadership has reportedly met with the family members of sailors aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier over worries that the ongoing Middle East deployment will lead to worsening men…
Mental Health Crisis Aboard USS Abraham Lincoln—As U.S. Sailors Mark More Than 260 Days At Sea
The USS Abraham Lincoln is supporting military operations in the Middle East against Iran.
‘Barbie 2’ in Crisis: Sequel Could Be Shelved Amid Pay Battle and Crumbling Deal Talks
“Do you guys ever think about dying?” Margot Robbie asks at the start of 2023’s “Barbie.” It’s one of many moments of existential dread that her character faces on the journey to becoming a real woman...
Sports fans never sleep: Ericsson says 5G is becoming central to game-day
Fans increasingly expect seamless digital experiences before, during and after sporting events, p | The World Cup may be over, but the race to improve fan experiences is not. Advanced 5G networks are increasingly shaping everything from stadium connectivity and concessions to media production and public safety.
Albion reject Derby bid for midfielder Mowatt
West Bromwich Albion reject a bid for midfielder Alex Mowatt from fellow Championship club Derby County, reports BBC Radio WM.
Barcelona defender’s agent visits club facilities amid growing Arsenal interest
With the transfer window entering its final stages Jules Kounde’s future at FC Barcelona is starting to become uncertain. Now, According to Jijantes (h/t SPORT), Jonathan Kebe, the French defender��...
Consumer Debt Data Shows ‘Overall’ Health Amid Persisting Divides
Homeowners with low fixed-rate mortgages lead a resilient picture of the economy. But many consumers are frustrated with declining real wages and other loans.
Kelly Ripa reveals graphic details of gum surgery amid ‘Live’ absence: ‘Caused gum recession’
Kelly Ripa revealed graphic details of her painful gum surgery amid her ‘Live With Kelly and Mark’ absence. She also explained her ‘good bad habit’ that led to health issue and ‘gum recession.’
Google’s Pixel 11 trade-ins top out at $1,000 with great values for older phones
Amid a price hike on the Pixel 11 series, Google has delivered some solid trade-in values across the board on...
Meet the USA TODAY Sports Midwest Region preseason ALL-USA high school football team
USA TODAY Sports' preseason ALL-USA high school football team for the Midwest Region is here! See who are among the best of the best heading into the 2026 season.
Small Business Spotlight: Specialty dental practice takes root on Market St.
WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO OPEN BLUE HERON ROOT CANAL SPECIALISTS? OWNER SARAH ERMOSHKIN: “I’ve always been an entrepreneur at heart. When I was 23 years old, I owned a cafe in Seattle, where I even fought to oppose oppressive sales taxes on espresso drinks. After selling that business, I got married and started a family. Once my children were in school, I attended dental school through the Navy Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP), which covered my tuition and provided a stipend. From the beginning, my goal was to eventually own my own practice after completing my military service. The work I do is incredibly rewarding and being able to create an environment that puts patients first while helping employees grow professionally makes every day as a business owner meaningful.” WHAT DOES YOUR BUSINESS PROVIDE? ERMOSHKIN: “Endodontists are often called ‘pain doctors’ because our primary mission is to relieve pain and save natural teeth. We specialize in root canal therapy, retreatment of nonhealing root canals, treatment of root resorption, apicoectomies – microsurgical root-end procedures – and vital pulp therapy for children. Our goal is to preserve teeth that might otherwise need to be extracted and replaced with implants. Saving a patient’s natural tooth is almost always the best long-term solution for their oral health.” HOW DOES YOUR MILITARY TRAINING HELP YOUR BUSINESS? ERMOSHKIN: “My military service taught me how to lead, collaborate and make decisions under pressure. I worked closely with senior leadership while treating a large patient population and collaborating with specialists across multiple disciplines. During the COVID-19 pandemic, (I) served a dual role as Navy dentist and as the public affairs officer for Naval Health Clinic Annapolis, where I helped develop medical and dental communications for the midshipmen and support staff, while coordinating with the broader Navy Capital Region. We worked closely with other military treatment facilities to share best practices and deliver consistent public health messaging. Those leadership experiences continue to shape how I lead my team and serve our patients today.” WHAT CHALLENGES ARE YOU FACING RIGHT NOW IN YOUR BUSINESS? ERMOSHKIN: “One of our biggest challenges is overcoming the misinformation surrounding root canal treatment. Root canals are safe, effective and often the best way to relieve pain while preserving a natural tooth. Unfortunately, many people choose extraction because they believe it’s less expensive or because they’ve seen misleading information online. What they may not realize is that losing a tooth can lead to shifting teeth, changes in the way they bite and chew and significantly higher costs to restore their smile later.”
NEW: Arab AI Slop and the Precarious Politics of Digital Kitsch
Dear Friends and Comrades, If you spend any time on social media, you’ve seen the uncannily rendered videos and memes known colloquially as AI slop, crudely generated videos playing on stereotypes meant to generate viral outrage. In our upcoming summer issue of Middle East Report, Nermin Elsherif looks at
Storms leave over 729,000 homes and businesses without power in US Midwest
Over 729,000 homes and businesses were without power on Wednesday as severe storms battered the U.S. Midwest, according to data from PowerOutage.us.
MidCity's Got Talent, Swamp Flashlight Night and new exhibits: 3 things to do this weekend
This week's picks
Tennessee to execute Anthony Hines as attorneys raise concerns over health, execution team
Fox 17 provides local news, weather, sports, traffic and entertainment for Nashville and nearby towns and communities in Middle Tennessee, including Forest Hills, Brentwood, Franklin, Fairview, Dickson, Clarksville, White House, Greenbrier, Springfield, Gallatin, Hartsville, Lebanon, Mt Juliet, Smyrna, College Grove, Thompson’s Station, Centerville, Murfreesboro, Columbia, Lewisburg, Shelbyville, Manchester, McMinnville, Smithville, Sparta, Cookeville, Hohenwald, Waverly, Camden, Paris, Lafayette, Portland, and in Kentucky, Russelville, Bowling Green, Franklin, Alvaton, Scottsville, Hopkinsville, Glasgow.
Four takeaways from Tuesday's primaries in six states
Voters in half a dozen states went to the polls Tuesday, and results highlight the ongoing conflicts within both parties ahead of the November midterms.
Hollywood goes quiet as stars rethink speaking out on politics
As the midterm elections are heating up, more and more Hollywood stars say they’re putting a freeze on speaking out about politics, perhaps feeling burned by the 2024 White House race. …
Browns Sign Ex-Eagles Tight End Amid Rookie’s Ongoing Absence
The Cleveland Browns added a new tight end amid uncertainty around the rookie's future. The post Browns Sign Ex-Eagles Tight End Amid Rookie’s Ongoing Absence appeared first on HEAVY.
Oil rises as doubts over US-Iran deal heighten supply concerns
Oil prices rose on Wednesday morning as doubts about a U.S.-Iran peace deal and attacks on two ships fuelled concerns about Middle East supply disruptions, even as industry data showed U.S. crude inventories expanded.
Artificial intelligence gets smarter in the lead-up to midterms
AI-generated images aren’t the only way artificial intelligence is influencing our elections and public opinion.
Trump officials tout Medicaid financing changes ahead of midterms
Republican-sponsored changes in Medicaid will lower hospital prices and Americans’ health insurance premiums, the White House contends in a new report.
Trump’s ICE crackdown returns to the spotlight as the midterms loom: From the Politics Desk
Plus, what to watch for in tonight’s primaries.
St. Anthony Hospital names new chairman amid relocation effort
Dr. Peter McCauley, currently a strategic adviser for healthcare private equity firm 2Flo Ventures, will replace the hospital's former CEO Guy Medaglia.
Trump declines to rule out declaring a national security emergency to control the 2026 election
President Donald Trump in a new interview declined to rule out declaring a national security emergency as a means to try to assert more control over the 2026 midterm elections.
Live Results: Connecticut midterm primaries
Two veteran Democratic incumbents in Connecticut face strong challenges in a state primary on Tuesday.
The Guardian view on AI money in US politics: not the way to hold an urgent democratic debate
Editorial: Amid public concern over the impact of new technology, Silicon Valley’s use of its wealth to influence specific election races is an unwelcome development
Live Results: Vermont midterm primaries
Vermont Democrats will try on Tuesday to do something they’ve been unable to do in five previous attempts: nominate a gubernatorial candidate who can beat the Republican governor.
Bradley Tusk says ‘IT’S VERY HARD’ to support Mamdani amid anti-business climate
Tusk Ventures CEO Bradley Tusk weighs in on the impact of NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s policies on businesses.
Trump DOJ formally stakes out bold claim that presidential advisers outside government are protected by privilege
Communications that President Donald Trump has with advisers who don’t even work for his administration can be protected by executive privilege, the Justice Department said in a memo Monday evening that comes amid lawsuits and a possible Democratic takeover of Congress.
Lord Of The Rings Xbox 360 Game Gets Surprise Shadow Drop For Modern Platforms
"Step into a darker, grittier Middle-earth."
Confederate Railroad headlines Jefferson County Fair entertainment
LEETOWN — Whether fairgoers come for the music, the motors, the magic or the midway, the Jefferson County Fair will offer plenty of entertainment options throughout the week.
Anne Hathaway bares baby bump — again! — in frilly top after addressing wild fake pregnancy rumors
The Oscar-winning star announced her third pregnancy earlier this year, amid a landmark career stretch including “The Devil Wears Prada 2” and “The Odyssey.”
Dem governor booed at Virginia Old Fiddlers' Convention
Video shows Virginia Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger greeted by loud boos at the Old Fiddlers' Convention in Galax amid sagging poll numbers.
Christal Jordan has the latest in entertainment headlines
Music artist Jelly Roll says he's taking a step back from music amid his divorce. And fans seem to think Usher had a look-alike perform for him.
Nottingham Forest sign Diomande from Sporting
Nottingham Forest have completed the signing of Ousmane Diomande from Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon.The 22-year-old Ivory Coast international has joined the Midlands club for a reported £34m, signi...
Live Results: Alabama midterm U.S. House primaries after redistricting
Voters in four of Alabama’s seven congressional districts will select U.S. House nominees Tuesday under a new map that eliminates one of the state’s two majority-Black districts currently represented by Democrats.
Live Results: Minnesota midterm primaries
Minnesota Democrats will decide a competitive U.S. Senate primary Tuesday in another face-off between moderate and progressive candidates that could define the party’s identity heading into the midterm elections.
Live Results: Wisconsin midterm primaries
Wisconsin voters will decide another high-profile clash between the party’s establishment and progressive wings in a gubernatorial primary on Tuesday.
Could Charles be one of Premier League's breakout stars?
It was in 2021 that the Northern Ireland youth coach Gerard Lyttle said he had never seen a youngster as comfortable on the ball as Shea Charles. Five years later, midfielder Charles has become the most expensive Northern Ireland player in history after he completed a £30m transfer from Southampton to Premier League side Fulham. From when he joined Manchester City's academy as a seven-year-old, Charles' potential was clear and he quickly progressed through the ranks.
Despite federal efforts to drop some children’s vaccine recommendations, Texas requirements unchanged
Public health officials said some parents are confused about what vaccines are required to attend Texas schools amid efforts to change recommendations.
Despite federal efforts to drop some children’s vaccine recommendations, Texas requirements unchanged
Public health officials said some parents are confused about what vaccines are required to attend Texas schools amid efforts to change recommendations.
Health Facts vs. Myths: Detoxing, Water Intake, Steps, More
NBC’s medical contributor Dr. John Torres joins TODAY to sort out fact from common medical myths. He also shares his advice for navigating produce shopping amid the rising numbers of recalls, which include buying locally and staying up to date with CDC and FDA guidelines.
Rockport nonprofit sports complex completes $6.9M expansion
Midccoast Recreation Center sees over 100,000 visits each year. With the expansion, it's able to accommodate more programming and playtime.
Report: Trump used elaborate ruse to leave Turkey amid Iran threat
According to the report, he was secretly shuttled to a smaller plane — an Air Force C-32A — via an airport catering truck
The U.S. Healthcare System is Already Mostly Socialized
Now that Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee for Michigan’s open Senate seat, the outcome of this crucial race will depend mainly on two things: Whether Republicans succeed in demonizing El-Sayed because he’s brown and a Muslim, and whether they succeed in demonizing him as a left-wing radical. I will defer for the now the question of whether bigotry will be effective this year, although I will address it another day. What I want to address instead is El-Sayed’s signature issue — healthcare. Yes, El-Sayed advocates Medicare for All, a position the usual suspects denounce as “socialism.” I will get to the politics of his stance soon. Today, however, I want to talk about the substance. We should be clear that El-Sayed doesn’t even call himself a socialist. On the contrary, he explicitly disavows the label, saying “I’m a capitalist who just knows about capitalism”. In fact, as I explained in a previous post, the policies that El-Sayed advocates qualify him as a social democrat, not a socialist. Still, El-Sayed advocates a system under which the government would pay almost all medical expenses. Isn’t that socialism? Well, if that is the criterion then much of U.S. healthcare is already socialist. In fact, the government’s role is so large that U.S. healthcare is better described as partially privatized socialism than as anything resembling a free market. Let’s start with the raw numbers on health insurance, which pays the bulk of Americans’ medical expenses. Americans receive health insurance either from private companies or from public programs, overwhelmingly Medicare and Medicaid. Here’s what the breakdown of coverage and spending between private and public looked like in 2024: While a majority of Americans with health insurance get it from private companies, well over 100 million of us are covered by government programs instead. And these government programs pay more total dollars for medical bills than the private insurers do. Why do government programs that cover a minority of the population account for a majority of health insurers’ outlays? Mainly because Medicare covers seniors, and we’re expensive. Also, while Medicaid covers many younger Americans, disabled and elderly beneficiaries account for most of its spending. Even by the raw numbers, then, U.S. health insurance looks as much public as private. But that understates the government’s role: Private health insurance in the U.S. is both highly regulated and heavily subsidized. This is obviously true for the insurance coverage purchased by tens of millions of Americans through the exchanges established by the Affordable Care Act. But employment-based health insurance, which covers 161 million Americans, is far more of a government creation than most people realize. For employment-based insurance exists largely because of huge implicit government subsidies that come with major strings attached. Here’s how that works. If your employer pays you $10,000, that’s taxable income. But if your employer pays $10,000 toward a company health insurance plan that meets certain criteria, it isn’t taxable. That’s a huge effective subsidy, running at more than $300 billion a year. Take that subsidy into account, along with the more than $100 billion per year spent subsidizing policies purchased under the ACA, as well as the outlays on Medicare and Medicaid, and net effect is that the government pays for more than two-thirds of Americans’ health insurance. Granted, there are strings attached. Roughly speaking, employment-based health plans can’t discriminate based on medical history — that is, they can’t deny coverage to employees with pre-existing conditions — and they also can’t offer the plans only to highly compensated employees — a health plan that is only for the C-suite is considered taxable income. So given the restrictions of the federal tax code, employer-based health insurance is a lot like Obamacare, which also prohibits discrimination based on medical history and provides subsidies to make insurance affordable to lower-paid workers. The fact is that virtually all of private healthcare insurance is already well under some form of government control through regulation and tax subsidies. How should we think about this system? First of all, is Medicare socialist? Don’t tell anyone, but the way Medicare operates — it covers every senior’s medical expenses, whatever they turn out to be, while being funded by taxes that depend on one’s income — could be summarized by the old Marxist slogan “From each according to his ability, to each according to his need.” And back in 1961, when Ronald Reagan was the face of a last-ditch effort by the American Medical Association to block the creation of Medicare, he denounced Medicare as “socialized medicine” and warned that it would destroy our freedom. In reality, American freedom survived until Jan. 20, 2025, while Medicare is immensely popular, with an 82 percent favorable rating in the most recent KFF survey. Medicaid, government health insurance for lower-income Americans, comes in at 73 percent. This is in sharp contrast to public views about private insurers, who are widely disliked if not hated and accused of denying essential care. Furthermore, if Medicare is socialism, then the whole U.S. health insurance system, with the government paying most of the bills and placing conditions on private insurers, is almost equally socialist. If you insist on calling any program the government pays for and regulates socialist, then U.S. healthcare would best be described as a partially privatized form of socialism. And one must ask, what is the point of the part that is privatized? Do private insurers add anything positive? Or are they simply parasites, skimming off money that could have been paying for care? The case for viewing insurers as parasites is strong. Many Medicare benefits are now delivered via Medicare Advantage, that is, plans paid for by the government but run through insurance companies. MedPAC, an independent advisory commission, estimates that last year Medicare Advantage plans were overpaid by $84 billion, thanks to practices such as “upcoding,” in which patients’ health problems are overstated to get larger sums from Medicare. Assessing the waste from employer-based insurance is harder, but most evidence suggests that private insurers have substantially higher administrative costs than Medicare does. Furthermore, the complexity of private insurance, with multiple payers all trying to deny care when they can, is a huge burden both on providers — doctors, nurses, and hospitals — and on patients. What do private insurers offer to compensate for these costs? One must go through intellectual contortions to avoid the conclusion that they are, in fact, parasites. Which brings me back to El-Sayed. In supporting Medicare for All, he’s basically calling for an end to the partial, parasitic privatization of a healthcare system that is already hugely dependent on public funding. When one looks at it that way, it’s not at all a radical proposal. Admittedly, the political lift requires overcoming the opposition to higher taxes to pay for Medicare for All. Political realism rather than economics was the reason I and many other progressives supported Obamacare, with all its complexities, rather than demanding an immediate move to Medicare for All. But the political calculus may very well have shifted since the 2000s, as Americans are fed up with a system of unaffordable premiums, rampant claim denials, and byzantine claim administration. Moreover, funding healthcare insurance through taxation would allow for a much more progressive distribution of the cost. That is, compared to the present system, middle-income households would pay less as high-income households would pay more. And the U.S. would stop wasting large sums on pointless administrative costs. So let’s be clear: El-Sayed’s healthcare platform is perfectly reasonable on the merits of cost, fairness and health efficacy. And with private insurers never more hated, while millions of Americans are losing their health insurance, 2026 may be its time. MUSICAL CODA
US small-business sentiment rises to 11-month high in July, labor shortages a worry
U.S. small-business sentiment increased to an 11-month high in July amid a surge in the share of owners reporting plans to boost hiring, suggesting that last month's slump in nonfarm payrolls was probably temporary.
US small-business sentiment rises to 11-month high in July, labor shortages a worry
WASHINGTON, Aug 11 (Reuters) - U.S. small-business sentiment increased to an 11-month high in July amid a surge in the share of owners reporting plans to boost hiring, suggesting that last month's slump in nonfarm payrolls was probably temporary. The ...
Wisconsin considers democratic socialist for governor amid US wave of progressive wins
Francesca Hong is Democratic frontrunner in four-way primary race to lead the swing state, a test of anti-establishment sentiment
Video: How We’re Covering an ‘Identity Crisis’ in Politics
Recent primary wins have posed critical questions for both Republicans and Democrats as they head into the fall midterms. Carolyn Ryan, managing editor of The New York Times, shares how reporters approach coverage of shifting political dynamics.
Wisconsin weighs a democratic socialist governor and other key races to watch in Tuesday’s primaries
The next battles over the Democratic Party’s ideological direction come Tuesday in a slate of primaries that includes showdowns in two upper Midwestern political battlegrounds.
Who for captain? Miley or Murphy?
Miley has jumped up the pecking order in midfield with the departure of Bruno and Tonali. The club's longest serving player and a long standing member of the dressing room's leadership team, Murphy will undoubtedly be part of the group of players setting the example in the new season. With Anthony Gordon's departure meaning Harvey Barnes is more likely to play on his favoured left-side, the right wing is a battle between Murphy and Anthony Elanga.
Political campaigns hock merchandise at Colorado’s goths, gays and gun owners
Mid-term candidates get creative in campaign apparel.
Trump secretly transferred planes in Turkey amid security concerns, reports say
President Donald Trump secretly flew out of Turkey last month on a smaller aircraft as part of an elaborate ruse prompted by an Iranian threat, according to news reports.
HeyDay Entertainment to close after nearly 20 years amid planned Norman turnpike route
Klay Thompson Sends Telling Lakers Message Amid Trade Rumors
Klay Thompson shared a telling Lakers “dream” as trade rumors swirl and his father renews his push to bring him to Los Angeles. The post Klay Thompson Sends Telling Lakers Message Amid Trade Rumors appeared first on HEAVY.
Chiefs’ Andy Reid Gets Honest About Rams Amid ‘Rare’ Situation
This could be one of three matchups this season. The post Chiefs’ Andy Reid Gets Honest About Rams Amid ‘Rare’ Situation appeared first on HEAVY.
Australian Business Confidence Drops on Middle East Uncertainty
Australian business confidence snapped three months of gains as uncertainty over the Middle East conflict and persistent energy price strength weighed on the outlook.
Trump-backed candidates amplify election fraud claims ahead of Midterms
An Elaborate Ruse: Trump Secretly Used Military Jet to Leave Turkey Amid Threats
President Trump hid in an airport catering cart and was taken to a military jet for a secret flight out of country after the NATO summit last month.
50 Cent's Newest Series Comes From a Popular Video Game Franchise
Curtis Jackson aka 50 Cent seems to have the Midas touch when it comes to crime dramas. The Power universe has become an iconic series that will go down in history for its genre-redefining concepts an...
Cowboys Sign All-Pro Defensive Tackle to Huge Deal
Midway through last season, Quinnen Williams was traded from the New York Jets to the Dallas Cowboys. He would go on to have a solid 7-game run with Dallas, recording 21 tackles and 1.5 sacks. His performance earned him a fourth straight Pro Bowl appearance. Now, Williams is cashing in with a ...
Over 41,000 Central Virginia homes, businesses without power amid severe storms
Over 41,000 Central Virginia homes and businesses are without power Monday evening as severe thunderstorms batter the region.
Trump wades into data center debate amid political battle
{beacon} Technology Technology The Big Story Trump backs data centers as Texas sets new standards President Trump is touting the benefits of AI data centers after Texas mov…
Chicago taps Fitch senior director as new CFO amid rash of exits
Ashlee Gabrysch, who is no stranger to the city's finances, will be the third person serving as Chicago's chief financial officer in less than a year.
Sophie Cunningham reportedly shopping tell-all book amid WNBA controversy
Teaser: Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham is reportedly shopping a tell-all book as her growing popularity and controversial public comments continue to place her in the WNBA spotlight.
Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network to host mental health panel at APSU
The Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network’s Mid-Cumberland Region will host a panel discussion at Austin Peay State University.
Amid RAM price hikes, Microsoft reportedly raises Windows license cost, forcing OEMs to hike prices even further on hardware
A new report claims Microsoft has raised the cost of the Windows license by up to 10% for certain OEMs, which is much higher than usual.
Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS) Exceeds Q2 CY2026 Expectations But Stock Drops
Telehealth company Hims & Hers Health (NYSE:HIMS) reported revenue ahead of Wall Street’s expectations in Q2 CY2026, with sales up 38.2% year on year to $753.2 million. On top of that, next quarter’s revenue guidance ($890 million at the midpoint) was surprisingly good and 12.4% above what analysts were expecting. Its GAAP loss of $0.37 per share was significantly below analysts’ consensus estimates.
Experts Talk Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms and Diagnosis Amid Lindsay Clancy Trial
Whether Lindsay Clancy was suffering from undiagnosed postpartum psychosis when she killed her three children is central to her defense. Her Massachusetts murder trial is ongoing.
I Just Had My Mind Blown By A Car Museum In The Middle Of Nowhere Built By A Scrap-Metal Magnate
Having lived in Detroit, LA, and Bavaria, and having a brother who lives in Hong Kong, I’ve been lucky enough to see some of the greatest car museums/collections this world has to offer. This past weekend, while on vacation with my family in Iowa, I saw one that surprised me and that I feel compelled […]
3 things to avoid in middle age could mean 13 more years without dementia, study finds
NYU Langone Health research reveals how avoiding high blood pressure, diabetes, and smoking in midlife could add nearly 13 dementia-free years.
Brad Pitt no longer sober, talks feeling 'suicidal' amid family drama
Brad Pitt opened up about his mental health journey amid his legal troubles with ex-wife Angelina Jolie in a new interview with Esquire.
NIL bill advocates see goal line in sight after recess
After 16 wild hours that ended with a bipartisan college sports bill being punted in the middle of the night, President Donald Trump’s involvement was not enough to trigger votes on legislation he would like to add to his midterms and legacy sales pitches. As senators and senior aides bickered and postured all day and […]