Trump administration ends Medicare drug subsidy, Trump announces deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza, border crisis
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Welcome back. In the news today: Millions of Americans could face bigger bills as the Trump administration ends a Medicare drug subsidy program; Trump says there’s a deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza; and at least 18 die after a breach of the border between Morocco and Spanish territory. Also, an overdue library book is returned about 150 years later.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks before Vice President JD Vance at the Wisconsin Air National Guard facility at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz speaks before Vice President JD Vance at the Wisconsin Air National Guard facility at Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein, Pool)
Trump administration ends Medicare drug subsidy
Around 25 million older adults with Medicare Part D prescription drug plans could face steeper monthly costs in 2027 after the Trump administration concluded a temporary subsidy program that has helped offset premiums for the past two years. Read more.
What to know:
- The program was initially implemented by the Biden administration in 2024 to lower patients’ Part D prescription drug costs in response to effects of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. While federal officials insist the financial impact on Medicare beneficiaries will be minimal, Democrats slammed the move as part of a pattern of federal attacks on healthcare affordability.
Related coverage →
Senate committee advances nomination of Dr. Erica Schwartz to be Trump’s CDC director
Trump floats pulling Blanche’s nomination for attorney general to avoid conceding to GOP demands
US cites ‘unauthorized travel’ to end DACA status for a mother of 3 deported to Mexico
Scouting America drops diversity initiatives from event after pressure from the Pentagon
Democratic candidates grapple with past stances on defunding the police ahead of key midterm races
Mandela Barnes drops out of the Democratic primary for Wisconsin governor
Trump-branded commemorative passports will become available across the US
Trump announces a deal for Hamas to disarm in Gaza
President Donald Trump announced Thursday what he said was an agreement that would also include Israel withdrawing its forces from Gaza, but hurdles and uncertainty remain. Read more.
Why this matters:
- The White House announcement comes nine months after a U.S.-brokered ceasefire was signed. Negotiations between Israel and Hamas had largely deadlocked over the implementation of its second phase, including the disarmament of Hamas and the reconstruction of Gaza. On Friday, a Hamas official said they have reached an agreement on disarmament. Israel didn’t give an indication that they had agreed.
Related coverage →
Israelis worry about weakening connection with younger Jewish Americans
Palestinian authorities ask US Supreme Court to halt $656M judgment pending appeal
Major oil companies reap massive profits as US and Iran fighting drives energy prices higher
At least 18 die after thousands breach border between Morocco and Spanish territory of Ceuta
The border crisis boiled over Thursday and overnight. Spain’s state broadcaster RTVE broadcast images of burned cars on the Moroccan side of the border after reported clashes. Read more.
What to know:
- Rachid Sbihi, who leads a local workers association representing Civil Guard officers described the situation as a “serious humanitarian crisis.” It was not immediately clear what prompted so many migrants to cross to Ceuta.
Related coverage →
WATCH: Spain deploys military to Ceuta
IN OTHER NEWS
Japan: Quake survivors sleep in cars in sweltering heat as death toll rises
Georgia school shooting: Father who gave his son the gun is sentenced to 15 years
New Mexico: AG sues for return of teen forced to cross border by foster care staff
Soccer: European nations vow FIFA World Cup boycott over Infantino private equity plan
Anthropic: Company says its AI models hacked 3 organizations during testing
Now Streaming: ‘Devil Wears Prada 2’ and Ariana Grande
Today in History: In 2012, swimmer Michael Phelps became the most decorated Olympian of all time
WATCH
Copenhagen’s Noma: World famous restaurant to re-open without founder Redzepi
A 150-year-overdue library book resurfaces
Ever returned a library book late? 150 years late? That’s the estimated overdue time for “Antiquities of Athens,” recently brought back to an Australian public library. A man renovating his home found it in a crate, bricked into a sealed fireplace. The library’s manager estimated the fine would be around $19,500 with inflation. But she said there was no way of tracing the borrower. And the library’s taking no chances of it getting lost again. Instead of going back into circulation, the returned book will be displayed in the library’s local history collection.
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