News Roundup 9/28/2017
By Maranda Gonzalez
1. Tom Price Spent $1 Million of Taxpayer Money on Air Travel:
Health and Human Services Secretary, Tom Price, has apologized and is offering to repay $51,887.31 out of the $1 million taxpayer dollars he spent while traveling with his wife overseas via military aircraft. The White House approved the service of military aircraft for multiple trips for Tom Price and his wife, while other members of the secretary’s delegation flew commercial flights. Price flew to Berlin, Beijing, Tokyo and other places for world health meetings that would benefit the country, but when compared to previous Health and Human Services Secretaries, the way he got to his locations have been much more expensive.
Source: Politico
2. Rivals Bears and Packers Link Arms During National Anthem:
Before the start of Thursday Night Football, rivals Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers linked arms with their respective teams and coaches during the performance of the national anthem at Lambeau Field. The audience responded by shouting “USA!” On September 26, the Green Bay Packers released a team statement regarding the protests taking place during the national anthem. According to NBC Montana the Packers stated, “The image you will see on September 28th will be one of unity. It will represent a coming together of players who want the same things that all of us do-freedom, equality, tolerance, understanding, and justice.”
3. Trump Waives Jones Act for Puerto Rico Aid:
After the request for help from Puerto Rico’s governor, Ricardo Rosello, President Donald Trump waived the Jones Act in order for ships to go and aid the people in Puerto Rico who are trying to recover from Hurricane Maria. The waiver is set to be in effect for ten days. The waiver will provide the necessary equipment for Puerto Rico to rebuild roads, buildings, and emergency services. It will also supply water and food. The waiver can be renewed if necessary once the ten days have passed.
Source: CNN
4.Illinois Governor Signs Bill Authorizing Medicaid Funds for Abortions:
Illinois Governor Bruce Rauner signed House Bill 40 (HB40) into law, this ensures abortion rights and guarantees Medicaid funds will cover the procedure. According to Rewire News, the governor stated, “No woman should be forced to make a different decision than another woman could make based on her income.” Illinois is the first state to offer Medicaid-funded abortion care in over two decades.
Source: Rewire
5. Hugh Hefner Dies at the Age of 91:
The American magazine publishing legend Hugh Hefner has died in his home, the Playboy Mansion, at the age of 91. Playboy Enterprises reported that Hefner died of natural causes. Hefner was a well-known advocate for not only sexual freedom, but also for racial equality and equal rights. Actors and writers across America sent well wishes and remembered Hefner for his work with Playboy, as well as his significant influence in journalism and magazines.
Source: PR Newswire