Currently browsing tag

wednesday

Olympics-Pace becomes first women’s golfer to opt out of Rio

South African Lee-Anne Pace, citing Zika concerns, became the first women’s golfer to withdraw from the 2016 Rio Olympics on Wednesday, joining a growing exodus on the men’s side that includes the world’s top-ranked player. Pace, a nine-times winner on the Ladies European Tour who is ranked 38th in the world, said she was eager to represent South Africa at the Aug 5-21 Olympics but felt Zika was too big a risk to take. “After weighing up all the options and discussing it with my family and team, I have decided that due to the health concerns surrounding the Zika virus, I will not be participating,” Pace, 35, said in a statement.

House Speaker Ryan unveils Republican alternative to Obamacare

U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan unveiled a Republican healthcare agenda on Wednesday that would repeal Obamacare but keep some of its more popular provisions. The proposal is part of Ryan's blueprint, titled “A Better Way,” which offers a Republican alternative to the Democratic Party on policy issues ahead of the Nov. 8 election. Earlier this month, Ryan, the country's highest-ranking elected Republican, released initiatives on national security and combating poverty.

Kentucky court grants injunction against abortion clinic

A Kentucky appeals court on Wednesday granted Republican Governor Matt Bevin a temporary injunction against a Lexington abortion clinic his administration said was not properly licensed. In a 3-0 ruling, the Kentucky Court of Appeals overturned a March decision from a lower court judge that denied the governor an injunction against EMW Women's Clinic. In Wednesday's order, the judges said the state's Cabinet for Health and Family Services had the right to regulate how abortions were performed and how clinics were licensed.

Caregivers of people with dementia face financial hardships

CHICAGO (AP) — Many relatives and friends providing financial support or care to people with dementia have dipped into their retirement savings, cut back on spending and sold assets to pay for expenses tied to the disease, according to a survey released Wednesday by the Alzheimer's Association.

Study finds Zika virus in fetal brain, a clue in outbreak

WASHINGTON (AP) — New details about the possible effects of the Zika virus on the fetal brain emerged Wednesday as U.S. health officials say mosquito eradication here and abroad is key to protect pregnant women until they can develop a vaccine.

China’s Wanda plans $2.3 bn investment in hospitals

Chinese conglomerate Wanda is venturing into healthcare, it said Wednesday, with a $2.3 billion investment in three hospitals in China, to be managed by a British company. Wanda, owned by China's richest man Wang Jianlin, has its origins in property development but is diversifying into areas ranging from entertainment to e-commerce as China's economy evolves. Wanda plans to fund hospitals in commercial hub Shanghai, southwestern metropolis Chengdu and the port city of Qingdao, the firm said in a statement, adding the 15 billion yuan ($2.3 billion) investment is the largest healthcare investment ever by a Chinese company.

Accused Planned Parenthood shooter seeks to represent himself

A man accused of shooting three people to death at a Planned Parenthood clinic in Colorado Springs told a judge on Wednesday that he does not trust his lawyers and wants to represent himself. “I want to be my own attorney,” Robert Lewis Dear told the judge at a criminal court hearing in Colorado Springs.

Obama presses for U.S. funding bill amid Republican disarray

U.S. President Barack Obama urged Congress on Wednesday to avoid shutting down the government starting on Oct. 1, as Republicans in the House of Representatives struggled to get enough votes to pass a bill to fund it. Some conservatives want to punish women's healthcare provider Planned Parenthood by denying the group federal funds. Conservative Republicans are watching how the battle plays out.