AURN News

(AURN News) — The Biden administration on Tuesday proposed a rule to expand Medicare and Medicaid coverage to include anti-obesity medications, aiming to make these treatments more accessible to millions of Americans.

The medications, which can cost up to $1,000 per month without insurance coverage, have shown promise in preventing Type 2 diabetes and treating obesity, according to the White House.

"Over the past few years, there have been major scientific advancements in the treatment of obesity, with the introduction of new life-saving drugs," the White House said in a statement. "These anti-obesity medications can help prevent the development of Type 2 diabetes."

Currently, Medicare and Medicaid only cover these medications for individuals with specific conditions, such as diabetes. Under the proposed rule, coverage would expand to include obesity treatment, potentially benefiting nearly 4 million adults on Medicaid.

"But for too many Americans, these critical treatments are too expensive and therefore out of reach," the White House added.

The White House says the proposal is part of the Biden administration's broader efforts to reduce overall prescription drug costs for Americans.

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DALLAS (AURN News) — The national average price for a gallon of regular gasoline has fallen to $3.05, according to AAA, marking a continued downward trend in fuel costs across the United States.

The current price is a nine-cent decrease from last month's average of $3.14 and is also 20 cents lower than the $3.25 drivers paid during the same period last year.

Regional prices vary significantly across states. In Texas, drivers are paying some of the lowest prices at $2.64 per gallon, while motorists in the nation's capital face higher costs at $3.23. Pennsylvania drivers are seeing average prices of $3.24 per gallon. Georgia's state average has edged down to $2.92 from $2.93 last month, remaining below the national average.

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DALLAS (AURN News) — A stark racial divide in homeownership continues across America, with Black buyers representing just 7% of recent home purchases while white buyers account for 83%, according to the newly released National Association of Realtors Profile of Buyers and Sellers for 2024.

This racial disparity comes amid broader challenges in housing accessibility, as first-time homebuyers have dropped to a historic low of 24% of all buyers. The financial barriers to entry continue to rise, with median household income for first-time buyers now reaching $97,000 - a $26,000 increase in just two years. The average age of first-time homebuyers has climbed to 38 years old, the highest ever recorded by NAR and a significant shift from the 1980s when most first-time buyers were in their late 20s.

These latest numbers show why there are growing concerns about housing affordability and access to homeownership, particularly for Black communities, as market barriers continue to rise.

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President-elect Donald Trump has nominated Scott Turner, a former NFL player and political leader, as Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Turner will oversee housing policies impacting low- and moderate-income families, homeownership access, and housing discrimination cases.

Turner previously served as the executive director of the White House Opportunity and Revitalization Council, where he worked on the Opportunity Zones programs, which reportedly helped to increase gentrification.

Housing affordability, a top voter concern, looms large as rents have surged over 30% since 2019, according to Zillow.

Turner, a Texas native and University of Illinois graduate, spent nine years in the NFL.

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Today, President Joe Biden will pardon the National Thanksgiving turkey in a ceremony on the South Lawn of the White House, marking the 77th anniversary of this beloved tradition.

This year's lucky birds, Peach and Blossom, were introduced over the weekend by the National Turkey Federation. Raised on a Minnesota farm, the two birds spent the night at Washington's historic Willard Hotel before their big day.

The president is expected to highlight the spirit of Thanksgiving, celebrate the contributions of American farmers, and wish families across the country a safe and joyous holiday. After the ceremony, Peach and Blossom will retire to Farmamerica in Minnesota.

The tradition of sparing a turkey dates back to President Harry Truman in 1947. But it wasn't until 1989 that President George H. W. Bush officially formalized a presidential pardon.

Over the decades, the event has become a lighthearted reflection of gratitude, family, and the nation's agricultural heritage.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart shares heartwarming updates just in time for the holidays. The Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner in Los Angeles for women resettled in the U.S. from Afghanistan. Partnering with the charity Mina’s List, Meghan will cook traditional Afghan dishes before heading home to Montecito for a cozy holiday with Prince Harry and their children, Archie (5) and Lilibet (3). Tanya celebrates Meghan’s ongoing efforts to give back during the holidays.

Meanwhile, Lizzo has found her dream home for the holidays, purchasing a stunning $12.4 million estate in the Laurel Canyon neighborhood of Hollywood Hills. Formerly owned by actor Jeremy Renner, the house boasts six bedrooms, nine bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a recording studio, and breathtaking 360-degree views of Los Angeles. Tanya congratulates Lizzo on her fabulous new home and wishes her good vibes for the future.

For more feel-good stories and celebrity updates, follow Tanya on social media and visit @aurnonline across platforms.

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The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the convictions of former “Empire” actor Jussie Smollett on Thursday, according to the Chicago Tribune.

The court ruled that retrying Smollett after the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office dropped charges against him violated his rights. The decision ends years of legal battles surrounding Smollett’s 2019 claim of being attacked in Chicago, which was later deemed a hoax.

Smollett was convicted in 2021 on five counts of disorderly conduct and sentenced to 150 days in jail, probation, and restitution. However, due to ongoing appeals, he has not served the sentence.

Central to his case was the argument that the dropped charges constituted an agreement with prosecutors, making the subsequent retrial unjust.

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In this episode of Hollywood Live, Tanya Hart brings you the latest buzz from Hollywood and beyond. Olympic champion Simone Biles joins Snoop Dogg on an upcoming episode of The Voice, airing Monday. As a mentor in the playoff round, Biles teams up with Snoop to inspire contestants vying for a spot in the finals, emphasizing confidence as the key to success.

It’s also a showdown at the box office this weekend with Wicked and Gladiator II battling it out, echoing last year’s “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. Tanya shares her enchantment with Wicked, praising its story and cinematic beauty.

In other big news, Viola Davis is set to receive the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2025 Golden Globes, honoring her illustrious career and EGOT status. Tanya celebrates this well-deserved accolade for one of Hollywood’s finest.

The episode wraps up with the Illinois Supreme Court overturning Jussie Smollett’s conviction, clearing the actor of charges related to staging a 2019 attack. Tanya reflects on the case and its impact while wishing Jussie a brighter future.

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According to the Associated Press, President-elect Donald Trump has announced key Cabinet nominations, including billionaire wrestling mogul Linda McMahon as Education Secretary and Dr. Mehmet Oz as head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).

McMahon has limited education experience but supports charter schools and school choice.

Oz, a TV personality and former heart surgeon, ran an unsuccessful 2022 Senate campaign and is known for controversial medical claims.

Trump also nominated Howard Lutnick, a Wall Street executive, as Commerce Secretary. Lutnick, a tariff advocate, will oversee trade policy and economic initiatives.

These nominations signal Trump’s agenda for his administration’s return.

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A bill nicknamed the "nonprofit killer" is barreling toward a vote in the House, and its implications are chilling.

H.R. 9495, backed by House Republicans, would let President-elect Donald Trump revoke the tax-exempt status of nonprofits deemed "terrorist-supporting" by the Treasury Department without due process.

While the bill, known as the "Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act," claims to target terrorism, many civil rights advocates warn this measure could silence groups fighting for justice, including those advocating for racial equity, Palestinian rights, and press freedoms.

Critics, including the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), say it's a dangerous overreach. If passed, the bill risks stifling free speech and dismantling protections for civil society.

With a vote expected Thursday, the clock is ticking for lawmakers to decide whether they'll protect democracy or enable its suppression.

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