Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield’s policy to limit anesthesia coverage based on procedure time, impacting patients in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, has been reversed. The policy would have denied payment for anesthesia exceeding pre-determined time limits, potentially leaving patients with substantial out-of-pocket costs. This decision drew swift criticism for potentially increasing patient debt and prioritizing corporate profits. While Anthem offered claim dispute options, the ASA advised affected individuals to contact their state insurance commissioner or legislator.
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Three Fort Cavazos soldiers—Emilio Mendoza Lopez, Angel Palma, and Enrique Jauregui—face human smuggling charges after a November 27th traffic stop in Presidio, Texas. Palma allegedly drove a vehicle containing Mendoza Lopez and two undocumented immigrants from Guatemala. Jauregui is accused of recruiting and facilitating the operation, evidence found on Palma’s phone confirming their collaboration. While Mendoza Lopez was arrested at the scene, Palma and Jauregui were apprehended later at Fort Cavazos.
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A 7.0 magnitude earthquake, centered 99 kilometers west-southwest of Ferndale, California, triggered a brief tsunami warning along the California and Oregon coasts, later canceled. Emergency evacuations were ordered in several coastal areas, including Old Town Eureka, prompting residents to move inland and to higher ground. Power outages affected thousands of PG&E customers, and several school districts implemented closures or evacuations. Authorities continue to assess the damage and urge residents to remain vigilant for aftershocks.
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Leah Seneng, a 60-year-old California art teacher, died from rabies after being bitten by a bat in her classroom. The incident marked Merced County’s first rabies death in over three decades. Seneng initially dismissed the minor scratch, but later developed symptoms and succumbed to the disease. Health officials stress the importance of avoiding contact with bats and seeking immediate medical attention if bitten. Rabies is entirely preventable with prompt medical care.
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OnlyFans, previously blocked in China, is now accessible, as confirmed by CNN and GreatFire.org, marking an unusual development given the country’s strict censorship policies against sexually explicit content. This unblocking, noted since November 29th, has prompted online discussions, with some suggesting it as an unexpected employment opportunity for China’s struggling youth. While known for adult content, OnlyFans also features non-explicit material, potentially broadening its appeal within the Chinese market. The site’s renewed availability coincides with persistently high youth unemployment rates in China.
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A CBS News investigation uncovered a widespread pattern of law enforcement officers, including chiefs and sheriffs, illegally selling firearms, often high-powered weapons obtained through their official positions, for personal profit. This practice resulted in weapons being sold to criminals and used in violent crimes. The investigation revealed at least 50 cases over the past 20 years, with many officers pleading guilty or being convicted. The ATF’s lax oversight and reluctance to prosecute contributed to this problem, highlighting a significant loophole in the system for regulating military-grade weapons.
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UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was fatally shot in a premeditated attack outside a Manhattan hotel. Shell casings recovered at the scene bore the words “deny,” “defend,” and “depose,” suggesting a potential motive linked to his professional life. Despite prior threats, Thompson lacked personal security, raising questions about corporate security protocols. The shooter remains at large, and the investigation is ongoing to determine the precise motive behind the assassination.
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A U.S. Department of Justice investigation found the Memphis Police Department uses excessive force and discriminates against Black individuals, concluding that officers regularly violate citizens’ rights. The investigation, prompted by Tyre Nichols’ death following a traffic stop, revealed a pattern of unlawful stops, searches, and the disproportionate use of force against Black individuals, even in response to minor offenses. The department’s “saturation” policing strategy, lacking adequate supervision and clear guidelines, contributed to this misconduct. The city of Memphis initially refused to negotiate federal oversight, but a news conference is planned to address the findings and potential next steps.
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Under Elon Musk’s ownership, X (formerly Twitter) has experienced a surge in white supremacist and neo-Nazi content, with previously banned accounts reinstated and hateful content proliferating. The Texas Observer identified four anonymous account operators—Cyan Cruz, Michael Gramer, Robert Thorne, and John Anthony Provenzano—spreading this content, reaching a combined 500,000 followers at their peak. Musk’s interactions with these accounts, including replies and seemingly tacit approval, further fueled their rise despite a significant drop in platform moderation. These findings highlight a concerning trend of increased extremist activity and lax content moderation on X.
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Two young boys, aged 5 and 6, were critically injured in a shooting at the Feather River School of Seventh-Day Adventists in Palermo, California. The gunman, who appeared to have targeted the school due to its religious affiliation, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are investigating the incident but believe the shooter had no prior connection to the victims or school, having only recently met with an administrator. Following the shooting, students were safely reunited with their families at a nearby church.
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John Q. Hosedrinker