Latest News Headlines for Thursday January 11, 2024 – A record-breaking twenty million Americans have enrolled for affordable health insurance for 2024 under the Affordable Care Act, as announced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. This marks the third consecutive year of record enrollments.
“Since my inauguration, there’s been an 8 million increase in ACA enrollments, and with six days remaining, more can still join,” President Biden stated. He highlighted the affordability, noting most people could choose plans costing as little as $10 per month. Additionally, Mr. Biden criticized Republicans for obstructing efforts to make these reduced healthcare premiums permanent.
—
Ecuador’s capital witnessed a heavy military presence on its almost empty streets following an intense conflict declaration between the government and drug cartels, instilling widespread fear among its residents.
36-year-old President Daniel Noboa ordered military action to “neutralize” criminal gangs. This directive came after armed assailants attacked a TV studio and threats of random killings of civilians and security forces emerged. Declaring an “internal armed conflict,” Noboa’s decisive action comes less than two months into his presidency.
—
President Biden recently met with Elizabeth Whelan, sister of Paul Whelan, whom the U.S. considers unjustly detained in Russia on espionage charges since 2018.
Elizabeth Whelan, who had long sought this meeting, continues to advocate for her brother’s release, urging the Biden administration for increased efforts. Following their meeting, Mr. Biden immediately phoned Paul Whelan’s parents, the White House reported. Paul Whelan, convicted in 2020 to a 16-year prison term, was arrested in 2018 during a wedding in Russia.
—
The Ohio House, predominantly Republican, voted to override Governor Mike DeWine’s veto on a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for minors and limit transgender women and girls from participating in sports teams. LGBTQ+ activists warn this could significantly impact transgender youth’s daily lives in the state.
This veto override moves forward a law banning gender-affirming surgeries and hormone therapies for individuals under 18, and imposes restrictions on their mental health care. Additionally, the bill prohibits transgender girls and women from joining girls’ and women’s sports teams at both K-12 and collegiate levels.
—
An avalanche at the Palisades Tahoe resort on the California side of Lake Tahoe has resulted in one fatality, as confirmed by authorities. The individual who lost his life in the incident has been identified as 66-year-old Kenneth Kidd, a resident of both Point Reyes and the Truckee area.
This incident is the first avalanche-related death in the U.S. for the 2023-2024 winter season, as reported by the Colorado Avalanche Information Center. The Placer County Sheriff’s Office, with Sgt. David Smith providing details in a press briefing, stated that there are no reports of missing persons and that search operations have been completed.
—
A Portland, Oregon teacher, who unexpectedly discovered a part of an Alaska Airlines plane in his backyard, has shared his difficulties in coping with the incident.
Bob Sauer, a versatile science teacher in Portland, recounted to “Good Morning America” his astonishing experience of finding the airplane’s door plug, a focus of intense search efforts across Portland. The component, measuring 26-by-46 inches and weighing 63 pounds, was found intact on Sunday evening in Sauer’s backyard.
—
A unique chest tattoo, depicting a murder scene, played a pivotal role in the arrest and conviction of a California gang member for a fatal shooting.
25-year-old Anthony Garcia was found guilty of first-degree murder on Wednesday for his involvement in a 2004 shooting at a Pico Rivera liquor store. Facing potential life imprisonment at his sentencing next month, Garcia’s tattoo, described as a “crime scene sketch and a confession,” was so detailed that it even accurately represented the bullet trajectories, according to Lloyd, the prosecutor.
—
U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert has been exonerated from domestic violence allegations following her ex-husband’s retraction of his accusation. He initially claimed she had punched him during a disagreement at a restaurant where they were attempting to reconcile, as stated in police and court records.
Jayson Boebert, Lauren Boebert’s ex-husband, was arrested on misdemeanor charges related to an incident last Saturday in Silt, a rural Colorado town. After calling 911 to report domestic violence, he later resisted police cooperation, leading to his forcible removal, as per the police report.
