Sep 18, 2017 - Health

Arizona governor gives McCain cover on Graham-Cassidy bill

Arizona Governor Doug Ducey (left) and Arizona Sen. John McCain. Photos: AP

Governor Doug Ducey (R-AZ) released a statement via Twitter Monday announcing his support for Sens. Lindsey Graham and Bill Cassidy's Affordable Care Act repeal bill:

  • "Graham-Cassidy is the best path forward to repeal and replace Obamacare... Congress has 12 days to say 'yes' to Graham Cassidy. It's time for them to get the job done."
  • Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) was one of three senators to vote "no" on the last repeal bill. But earlier today, McCain said he'd back the Graham-Cassidy bill if Ducey signed off on it.

Why it matters: This bill would restructure the U.S. health care system even more dramatically than the repeal-and-replace bills that preceded it. If McCain gets on board, Republicans are likely just one vote shy of passing it. The focus now will fall on Sens. Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul.

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What's next for Lebanon after the Beirut explosion

Photo: Houssam Shbaro/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Beirut residents are still clearing rubble from streets that appear war-torn, days after a blast that shocked the country and horrified the world.

Why it matters: The explosion is likely to accelerate a painful cycle Lebanon was already living through — discontent, economic distress, and emigration.

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Wolf Blitzer marks 15 years in "The Situation Room"

Wolf Blitzer on the White House beat in 1993, along with NBC's Brian Williams, CBS' Rita Braver and ABC's Brit Hume. Photo: Paul J. Richards/AFP via Getty Images H

Aug. 8, 2005 — "The Situation Room's" debut on CNN wherein the host first said: "I'm Wolf Blitzer and you're in The Situation Room, where news and information from around the world arrive in one place simultaneously!"

The state of play: When the pandemic took off in the U.S. in March, Blitzer started working 7 days a week for 60+ days, until he took a Sunday off. Then he continued 7 days a week until he took a few days off.

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Updated 3 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Coronavirus dashboard

Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios

  1. Global: Total confirmed cases as of 10 a.m. ET: 19,412,292 — Total deaths: 722,066 — Total recoveries — 11,773,112 — Map.
  2. U.S.: Total confirmed cases as of 10 a.m. ET: 4,945,795 — Total deaths: 161,456 — Total recoveries: 1,623,870 — Total tests: 60,415,558 — Map.
  3. Politics: Trump says he's prepared to sign executive orders on coronavirus aid.
  4. Public health: Fauci says chances are "not great" that COVID-19 vaccine will be 98% effective
  5. Science: Indoor air is the next coronavirus frontline.
  6. World: Africa records over 1 million coronavirus cases — Gates Foundation puts $150 million behind coronavirus vaccine production.
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