Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar Associated Press Published 11:53 AM EST Dec 12, 2018 Washington – Government numbers show health insurance sign-ups for the Affordable Care Act are down with just a few days left to enroll. That’s happening even though premiums are stable, consumers have more choice and millions of uninsured people can still get financial help. The sign-up deadline is this Saturday in most states, for coverage beginning Jan. 1. Barring a sign-up surge, the nation’s uninsured rate could edge up after a yearslong coverage expansion that has seen about 20 million people get health insurance. A report Wednesday from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows nearly 20 percent fewer new customers signed up than at about the same time last year. New customers drive the growth of HealthCare.gov, helping keep premiums in check. Next year there’s no penalty for being uninsured. … [Read more...] about Health law sign-ups lagging as Saturday deadline looms
Cohen: I covered up Trump’s ‘dirty deeds’
Jim Mustian and Larry Neumeister Associated Press Published 12:00 PM EST Dec 12, 2018 New York – President Donald Trump’s ex-lawyer Michael Cohen says his “blind loyalty” to Trump led Cohen to “cover up his dirty deeds.” Cohen said at his sentencing Wednesday that he takes “full responsibility” for the crimes he admitted committing. But he went on to say his allegiance to Trump led him “to take a path of darkness instead of light.” Cohen's defense lawyer says his client “came forward to offer evidence against the most powerful person in our country” when he cooperated with prosecutors investigating whether Russians attempted to influence Trump’s campaign. Cohen’s lawyer, Guy Petrillo, told a judge Wednesday that Cohen “stood up to power and influence.” Petrillo spoke as Cohen faced sentencing after pleading guilty to dodging taxes, lying to Congress and violating campaign finance … [Read more...] about Cohen: I covered up Trump’s ‘dirty deeds’
U.S. military identifies 5 Marines declared dead in midair crash off Japan
TOKYO -- The U.S. military has identified five Marines who were declared dead Tuesday after their refueling plane collided with a fighter jet last week off Japan's southern coast. "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the names of our fallen Marines," Marine Corps Lt. Col. Mitchell T. Maury, the squadron's commanding officer, said in a statement Wednesday. "They were exceptional aviators, Marines, and friends whom will be eternally missed. Our thoughts and prayers remain with their families and loved ones at this extremely difficult time." The Marine Corps identified the crew members as Lt. Col. Kevin R. Herrmann, 38, of New Bern, North Carolina; Maj. James M. Brophy, 36, of Staatsburg, New York; Staff Sgt. Maximo A. Flores, 27, of Surprise, Arizona; Cpl. Daniel E. Baker, 21, of Tremont, Illinois; and Cpl. William C. Ross, 21, of Hendersonville, Tennessee. The crew members were based at Iwakuni air station near Hiroshima as part of the Marine Aerial Refueler … [Read more...] about U.S. military identifies 5 Marines declared dead in midair crash off Japan
Remembering Fitzgerald’s: Scenes from the iconic club’s concert history
By Andrew Dansby Updated 10:49 am CST, Wednesday, December 12, 2018 James Brown sounds an emotional note at Fitzgerald’s in 1985. James Brown sounds an emotional note at Fitzgerald’s in 1985. Photo: Timothy Bullard, HC Staff / Houston Chronicle Photo: Timothy Bullard, HC Staff / Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 50 Caption Close Image 1 of 50 James Brown sounds an emotional note at Fitzgerald’s in 1985. James Brown sounds an emotional note at Fitzgerald’s in 1985. Photo: Timothy Bullard, HC Staff / Houston Chronicle Remembering Fitzgerald’s: Scenes from the iconic club’s concert history 1 / 50 Back to Gallery Owner and founder Sara Fitzgerald sold … [Read more...] about Remembering Fitzgerald’s: Scenes from the iconic club’s concert history
Kaléo to offer lower-priced opioid antidote
(CNN)Pharmaceutical company Kaléo announced Wednesday that it will offer a generic version of its opioid antidote Evzio for $178 for a carton containing two single-dose auto-injector pens. What is naloxone? Evzio was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in April 2014 under an expedited review for "the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, characterized by decreased breathing or heart rates, or loss of consciousness." In these instances, it can quickly reverse the effects of opioids. The active ingredient, naloxone, comes in an auto-injector pen that is administered into a muscle and easy to use by bystanders or family members who are not medically trained. Evzio is different from other naloxone products because it gives verbal instructions to the user. The price for the life-saving drug was initially set at $575 in July 2014, but was increased as high as $4,100 in January 2017, a US Senate subcommittee investigation found last month. … [Read more...] about Kaléo to offer lower-priced opioid antidote