| GOP has wanted to kill Obamacare for 7 years. It's going to have to wait a little longer |
| Senate Republican leaders realized Tuesday that their newly released bill to dismantle the Affordable Care Act (aka: Obamacare) wasn't going to fly. Conservative senators said the measure didn't go far enough, while moderates thought it kicked too many people off Medicaid. So, Senate leaders announced they are putting off a vote on the measure until after the July Fourth recess. Moderates' concerns weren't helped by Monday's report from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that said the Senate bill would cause 22 million Americans to lose health insurance coverage by 2026. Premiums are expected to go down in the long run, but total out-of-pocket costs for health care would go up, hitting seniors and lower income Americans hardest. "They think that's great? That's good public policy?" said an incredulous Ohio Gov. John Kasich , a Republican, of the plan. "What, are you kidding me?" |
| More than a 'code of silence': Three more Chicago cops face charges in Laquan McDonald shooting |
| Nearly three years after a Chicago police officer fired 16 rounds at Laquan McDonald, leaving the 17-year-old lifeless, prosecutors announced Tuesday that three current or former Chicago police officers were indicted on charges of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and misconduct related to the investigation of McDonald's death. Special prosecutor Patricia Brown Holmes said the indictment alleges that the officers "did more than merely obey an unofficial 'code of silence.'" Among the allegations: coordinating stories to protect each other, making false police reports, failing to report or correct false information and ignoring contrary information or evidence. Officer Jason Van Dyke awaits trial after being charged with first-degree murder on the same day Chicago released chilling dashcam footage of McDonald's killing. |
| Sex abuse scandal. Now a call for 'complete cultural change' at USA Gymnastics |
| The Indianapolis Star, which is part of the USA TODAY Network, has reported more than 360 cases in which gymnasts have accused coaches of sexual transgressions over 20 years. According to sister publication the Lansing (Mich.) State Journal, at least 95 gymnasts have alleged sexual abuse by Larry Nassar, who was the national team physician from 1996 to 2015. Hopefully, that will never happen again. The USA Gymnastics board unanimously accepted the 70 recommendations made by a former federal prosecutor, who said the organization needs a "complete cultural change." The full report was released to the public Tuesday. |
| Seattle is paying workers more, but they're earning less? |
| That's right. According to a report from the University of Washington, some employers began cutting hours for low-wage workers after Seattle raised the minimum wage to $13 per hour in 2016, resulting in an average of $125 less each month. Seattle has been incrementally increasing wages for workers since it passed a law in 2014 that mandates all businesses meet a $15 minimum wage by 2021. And it looks like the Emerald City has no intention of turning back now. Mayor Ed Murray said in response to the UW study that he stands behind the $15 minimum wage law. |
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| Your pets are getting fatter and it's not cute, it's dangerous |
| Ruh roh. A new report from Banfield Pet Hospital found that one in three pets that visited its facilities last year was overweight or obese, and just like humans, obesity can have a serious impact on a pet's health. Researchers at Banfield noticed the trend about five years ago and now say more than 20 diseases can be linked to pets being overweight. Moreover if your pooch is packing extra pounds, it can seriously hurt your wallet. Owners of overweight dogs and cats spend 17% and 36% more on health care, respectively, than owners of healthy pets. So until puppy Weight Watchers comes out, feed your pets the right amount, give them enough exercise and skip the extra treats. |
| This is a compilation of stories from across USA TODAY. |
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