The Supreme Court ruled against Planned Parenthood’s lawsuit targeting South Carolina’s decision to withdraw Medicaid funding due to abortion services. The 6-3 decision divided along conservative and liberal lines. Planned Parenthood criticized the ruling, while McMaster hailed it as a victory for life. The decision could influence other states’ funding for Planned Parenthood. (Story URL)
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that the Trump administration currently has no meetings planned with Iran, contradicting President Trump’s earlier announcement of talks. Various options are being considered to entice Iran back to negotiations, including sanctions relief and financial support for a non-enrichment nuclear program. (Story URL)
Bill Moyers, the former White House press secretary and acclaimed TV journalist, passed away at the age of 91 in a New York City hospital. A close friend confirmed his death but did not disclose the cause. Moyers had a diverse career, from serving in the Peace Corps to working as a news analyst and correspondent for various television programs. (Story URL)
Senate Parliamentarian Elizabeth MacDonough rejected provisions in the 2026 budget bill that aimed to limit states’ use of healthcare provider taxes for Medicaid services. The proposal, projected to save the federal government billions in Medicaid costs, would have required states to increase tax revenue or reduce Medicaid programs. The ruling necessitates a revision of the bill. (Story URL)
The CDC’s new vaccine advisory committee voted 5-1 to advise against flu vaccines containing thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative that already has only a minimal presence in current U.S. flu vaccines. Anti-vaccine critics, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., have long cited thimerosal as a cause of autism, though numerous CDC studies have found no link. (Story URL)
