IMF Deputy Dan Katz Visits China as Key Economic Review Nears 
Hong Kong Faces Low Turnout in “Patriots-Only” Election Amid Public Grief After Deadly Fire 
Honduras Election Turmoil Intensifies as Nasralla Blames Trump for Shift in Results 
Drones Spotted Near Zelenskiy’s Flight Path in Ireland Trigger Security Alert 
California Launches Portal for Reporting Alleged Misconduct by Federal Immigration Agents 
Michael Dell Pledges $6.25 Billion to Boost Children’s Investment Accounts Under Trump Initiative 
Maduro Confirms “Respectful” Call With Trump, Signals Openness to Diplomatic Dialogue 
Trump and Lula Discuss Trade, Sanctions, and Security in “Productive” Phone Call 
Israel Receives Body of Deceased Hostage as Rafah Crossing Reopening Hinges on Final Returns 
Trump Administration Tightens H-1B Visa Vetting With New Focus on Free Speech and Censorship 
UN General Assembly Demands Russia Return Ukrainian Children Amid Ongoing Conflict 
China Urged to Prioritize Economy Over Territorial Ambitions, Says Taiwan’s President Lai 
U.S. Expected to Expand Travel Ban to More Than 30 Countries 
New Orleans Immigration Crackdown Sparks Fear as Federal Arrests Intensify 
China’s Expanding Maritime Military Presence Alarms Taiwan and Japan 
U.S. Defense Chief Pete Hegseth Defends Controversial Second Strike on Suspected Drug-Smuggling Vessel 
Australia Progresses AUKUS Review as U.S. Affirms Strong Support 
Joe Biden is a week into his presidency and he is already at work in fulfilling the commitments he has made during his campaign. This time, after strengthening the Affordable Care Act, Biden plans to reopen its market for people that need coverage at this time.
Two people familiar with the matter have revealed that Biden is set to sign an executive order on Thursday to reopen the Healthcare.gov markets for Americans who need coverage in the midst of the pandemic. The details regarding the executive order have yet to be finalized but the new enrollment would not be implemented right away so as to give the Department of Health & Human Services time to establish a marketing campaign and for insurers to prepare to receive an influx of enrollments.
In doing so, Medicaid enrollments will likely increase as people who qualify are immediately referred.
The Affordable Care Act was one that Donald Trump and his administration attempted to limit or repeal entirely during his term but has so far been unsuccessful. Their final challenge to repeal the act rests in the Supreme Court, which is expected to have a verdict this year. It should be noted that the Trump administration did not introduce a healthcare plan in place of the ACA.
The law, established during Barack Obama’s administration, covers over 23 million people via a mix of subsidized insurance that is sold nationwide along with an expanded Medicaid that is sold in 38 states except those in the south. The coverage is available to people who do not have healthcare benefits from their jobs and the expansion of Medicaid is for those who have low incomes.
Meanwhile, Biden and the White House released a statement honoring International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Biden noted the 2017 Charlottesville protests by white supremacists to the horrific events during the second world war that killed millions of Jews by the Nazis and their collaborators.
“When hatred goes unchecked, and when the checks and balances in government and society that protect fundamental freedoms are lost, violence and mass atrocities can result. The United States will continue to champion justice for Holocaust survivors and their heirs. We are committed to helping build a world in which the lessons of the Holocaust are taught and in which all human lives are valued.”
