CMS has announced the first 10 prescription drugs to be subject to Medicare price negotiations under the Inflation Reduction Act, which is estimated to account for one-fifth of the program's total spending. This shift from the current system, which has been barred from negotiating drug costs, is expected to have a positive impact on the cost of prescription drugs for the 65 million people in the US covered by Medicare.
News Mash
Congressman Clyde has announced his intention to introduce two amendments to the 2024 Commerce-Justice-Science appropriation bill that would prohibit federal funds from being used to prosecute major presidential candidates prior to the 2024 election. The amendments, if passed, would not affect any existing indictments against President Trump. The bill is currently being considered by the House Appropriations Committee, of which Congressman Clyde is a member, and the Justice Department has released a memo stating that criminal litigation would continue without interruption during a government shutdown. It is unclear at this time whether the amendments will be approved by Congress.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a treatable blood cancer. After undergoing tests for irregularities in his blood work, Scalise has already begun treatment and intends to return to Washington next month. Multiple myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells, and treatment options include chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant, and targeted therapy. Scalise’s office has asked for privacy and prayers during this difficult time.
Harrison Floyd, the former director of Black Voices for Trump, has been jailed as a result of the Georgia election interference case involving former President Donald Trump. He was charged with conspiracy to solicit false statements, influencing witnesses, and violating the state's RICO Act. Floyd had turned himself in to the Fulton County Jail in Atlanta, and was denied bond due to being considered a potential flight risk. The other 18 co-defendants in the case are still facing charges, but have not been jailed.
Liam Payne, former One Direction star, has been hospitalized with a serious kidney infection and will postpone his upcoming South America tour to focus on his health. Fans have been sending him well wishes and understanding his decision to prioritize his health, and Payne is expected to reschedule the tour at a later date.
Bronny James, the eldest son of NBA megastar LeBron James, experienced a sudden cardiac arrest on July 24. After medical evaluations by experts from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, the Mayo Clinic and the Morristown Medical Center, it was determined that the cause was an "anatomically and functionally significant congenital heart defect". The family expressed confidence in Bronny's full recovery and requested privacy as they provide updates. It is important to remember that anyone can experience cardiac arrest and to be aware of the life-saving techniques, such as CPR and the use of an AED.
Republican presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy made controversial remarks comparing Democratic Rep. Ayanna Pressley and author Ibram X. Kendi to "grand wizards of the modern KKK". His comments have been met with criticism from both sides of the aisle, but he has yet to respond or issue an apology. His campaign has also not commented on the remarks.
A 43-year-old man has been arrested and charged with stalking actress Drew Barrymore after he was found searching for her Long Island home. Chad Michael Busto was arrested Thursday and pleaded not guilty to the charge, claiming he believes he has a connection with Barrymore. He is due back in court on August 6th and faces up to one year in jail if convicted.