Tuesday, July 3, 2012

Houston tribute, obscenities highlight BET Awards

With all the star power at the BET Awards ? Kanye West, Jay-Z, Nicki Minaj, Beyonce and Samuel L. Jackson, to name a few ? the most stirring moment came not from a superstar, but from the mother of one.

Whitney Houston's mother, Cissy, provided the emotional highlight of Sunday's ceremony as she sang "Bridge Over Troubled Water" in tribute to her late daughter, leaving audience members like Beyonce and Soulja Boy in tears.

Mariah Carey opened the tribute, and her voice wavered as she told stories about Houston. She recalled the last time she saw Houston last year, and how the two laughed and gossiped together.

"I miss my friend," Carey said. "I miss hearing her voice and laughter."

R&B singer Monica was vocally top-notch as she sang "I Love the Lord," a gospel song once sang by Houston; Brandy sang two upbeat Houston hits, "I Wanna Dance With Somebody" and "I'm Your Baby Tonight." Chaka Khan blazed the stage with "I'm Every Woman," which Houston remade. Gary Houston, Whitney's brother, also performed; and Houston's "Waiting to Exhale" castmates ? Angela Bassett, Lela Rochon and Loretta Devine ? also honored the singer.

But it was Cissy Houston's soaring performance that brought the audience to their feet, and had many dabbing their eyes. The tribute came five months after Houston's death: She died the night before the Grammy Awards of an accidental drowning complicated by heart disease and cocaine use.

As compelling as that moment was, the show was also defined by its low points: Entire segments of performances, from Nicki Minaj to Rick Ross, were muted out due to foul language and obscenities, though several vulgarities were heard on air.

It started during the opening number by West's G.O.O.D. music group, which included Big Sean, Pusha T and 2 Chainz. There were long moments of censored silence when the rappers performed "Mercy," though not all the offending words were bleeped out. Moments later, Jackson, the show's host, was joined by Spike Lee as they did a comedic version of Jay-Z and West's hit song "... In Paris," to laughs.

"Two distinguished Morehouse men," Lee joked after the performance, referencing the alma mater of the two.

The censor police also worked overtime when Rick Ross performed with his Maybach Music Group and during Minaj's performance and acceptance speech for best female hip-hop artist. Minaj's win was her third consecutive time taking the prize.

"I really, really appreciate BET for keeping this category alive, and I appreciate all the female rappers doing their thing, past, present and future," she said, before uttering an obscenity.

Best gospel winner Yolanda Adams, who also performed, gently took some of her peers to task, urging them to act mature and use their fame wisely.

"We need all of y'all," she said onstage. "I'm saying the world needs everyone in this room. Please make sure that you use your gift responsibly, 'cause we're watching. Our babies are watching, and they want to be like us."

West, the most nominated act of the night with seven, and Jay-Z won the ceremony's top prize, earning video of the year for "Otis." They also won best group.

Beyonce was the second most nominated act with six. She won video director of the year (along with Alan Ferguson) and best female R&B artist and thanked the genre and her female influences.

"I fell in love with music by listening to R&B. It's the core of who I am," she said, giving special thanks to Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige and "Whitney Houston, my angel."

When she lost video of the year to Jay-Z and West, she playfully hit her husband and laughed. The joking continued: Moments later, as West was giving his acceptance speech, Jay-Z interrupted him and said: "Excuse me Kanye, I'm gonna let you continue, but ...," and the audience erupted with laughter, recalling West's infamous interruption of Taylor Swift's MTV Video Music Awards speech a few years back.

Chris Brown was also a double winner, picking up his second consecutive win for best male R&B artist, and the "Fandemonium" award for a third time.

Brown also performed in his first televised appearance since the New York City nightclub brawl between his entourage and Drake's. Brown, his girlfriend, his bodyguard and NBA star Tony Parker were among those injured in the June 14 encounter, where bottles were thrown.

Drake didn't show, though he was named best male hip-hop artist.

The tone of night fluctuated frequently, as the show shifted from hotly anticipated performances to solemn moments to irreverence. Usher performed his groove "Climax," and Minaj sported a blond wig with pink tips as she performed the songs "Champion" and "Beez in the Trap," which featured 2 Chainz.

D'Angelo returned to the television spotlight with his first performance in years as he attempts a comeback.

The night also featured some tributes to deceased greats: Chante Moore performed a medley of Donna Summer's hits and Valerie Simpson sang a song in honor of her husband and writing partner Nick Ashford. Don Cornelius, Dick Clark and Hal Jackson were remembered. Even West offered tributes: after his performance, he name-dropped Rodney King and Whitney Houston in a verse that got cheers from the crowd, including his girlfriend, Kim Kardashian.

Presenters included Taraji P. Henson, Tyler Perry, Kerry Washington and Jamie Foxx, who wore a T-shirt that had a picture of Trayvon Martin, the Florida teen killed by neighborhood watchman George Zimmerman.

Frankie Beverly featuring Maze were honored with the lifetime achievement award, and they were serenaded with performances by Tyrese, Faith Evans and Joe. The Rev. Al Sharpton received the humanitarian award, and urged the crowd to vote this November.

"This election is not just about Obama, this is about your momma," he said.

___

Online:

http://www.bet.com/shows/bet-awards/2012.html

___

Follow Mesfin Fekadu on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/musicmesfin

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/houston-tribute-obscenities-highlight-bet-awards-081333658.html

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Monday, July 2, 2012

Bonnie Schneider: Protect Your Pets in Extreme Heat

Triple-digit temperatures are spreading across the U.S. like a heavy, hot blanket, and it's not over yet! As you take precautions to protect yourself in this heat wave and upcoming hot summer months, don't forget to protect our pets. Heat-related illness impacts animals too.

In my book, Extreme Weather, I interviewed veterinarians Dr. Charlotte Krugler and Dr. Adam Eichelberger from Clemson University in South Carolina. They offer terrific tips and answer questions on how to protect your pets from extreme heat. Here is an excerpt:

How do pets react in hot and humid conditions?

Dogs and cats often cool themselves by panting and also by "sweating" from their foot pads.

How do you know if it is "too hot" for your pet?

A pet owner should note how their pet normally breathes when lying quietly compared to light activity and vigorous exercise. Then they'll be more likely to notice abnormal clinical signs when a pet is too hot -- such as heavy panting when not exercising, open-mouth breathing, inactivity, lack of appetite, mental dullness, and diarrhea.

When temperatures get hot, pets should not be encouraged to undergo vigorous activity for prolonged periods. Vigorous activity on a hot day increases the chances of a pet overheating, so owners should be especially vigilant during these times. This means:

- Never leave a pet unattended in a car on a warm or hot day.
- Keep fresh water available -- cool when possible.
- Provide protection from direct sunlight; allow access to shade and shelter.
- Ensure that pets are not confined in areas without air flow on hot and humid days.

What should you do if you suspect your pet is overheated?

If pet overheating is suspected, the pet should be taken to a veterinarian immediately. In the interim, cool water (not warm, not cold) can be applied directly, or via dampened towels, to the pet's foot pads, to areas under armpits, inside back legs, and underside of the belly to help lower the pet's body temperature.

Can animals get sunburn?

Yes, animals can get sunburned (including dogs, cats, horses, pigs), so any bright day with direct exposure can result in a sunburn. Some animals seem to be more susceptible. Sunburned areas on white cats (usually ear tips) and pink-skinned areas on horses can progress to skin cancers.
Certain diets can induce photosensitivity, which will lead to sunburned skin in some animals.

Is heat tougher on certain breeds than others?

It seems that dog breeds with very thick, dense coats can have a tougher time in the heat. Some "arctic" breeds may be more suited to cooler climates. Also, black dogs are believed to absorb more heat into their bodies and seem to have problems on hot days, especially when exposed to direct sunlight. Very thick-coated dog breeds may benefit from being shaved down by an experienced pet groomer once or twice during the hot season.

What are common mistakes pet owners make in the warm-weather months?

The most serious mistake is to leave a pet in a closed automobile on a hot day. Leaving the windows open will not prevent the temperature of the car, and then of the pet, from rising.
Another common mistake is overexercising a dog on a hot day and not allowing the pet to cool down properly after a period of exercise. When dogs accompany owners on activities such as jogging, hiking, beach trips, etc., water should be provided at regular intervals and rest periods provided.


This exerpt is from the "Extreme Heat" chapter of my book, Extreme Weather. Here's more about the book:

Flash floods, tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, mudslides, thunderstorms, and wildfires - these devastating events are happening around the world at an alarming rate. As a Meteorologist on CNN and HLN, Bonnie Schneider reports on these natural disasters, explaining when they're likely to strike, and telling viewers how to respond when they do. In "Extreme Weather," Schneider distills that information into a guide for readers. She interviews experts from a wide variety of agencies -- including FEMA and NOAA -- to provide a comprehensive understanding of the science behind weather patterns and the latest thinking on how to act in dangerous conditions. Ranging from topics that cover every season and every climate, Schneider introduces the reader to the best course of action during weather emergencies, including:

*how to handle extreme weather scenarios in your car, outside, on a boat or at home

*how to prepare for potential dangers, such as deadly lightning, when planning a camping trip, vacation or sports outing

*what you need to have at home to protect against floods, earthquakes, or severe storms

*how to protect your home from rapidly spreading wildfire

*how to create a family evacuation plan for different emergencies

*making sure your beloved pet is taken care of in time of disaster

Drawing on actual survivor stories, "Extreme Weather" reminds readers that disaster can strike at any time, changing your life forever.

For more by Bonnie Schneider, click here.

For more on pet health, click here.

?

Follow Bonnie Schneider on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@BonnieWeather

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Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bonnie-schneider/pets-heat-tips_b_1640452.html

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Rheumatoid arthritis takes high toll in unemployment, early death, Mayo Clinic finds

Rheumatoid arthritis takes high toll in unemployment, early death, Mayo Clinic finds [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 2-Jul-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Sharon Theimer
newsbureau@mayo.edu
507-284-5005
Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- In the realm of deadly and disabling diseases, conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer's seem to attract the most media attention. But there are others that take a similarly high toll, and rheumatoid arthritis is one of them, Mayo Clinic researchers say. It is a common cause of disability: 1 of every 5 rheumatoid arthritis patients is unable to work two years after diagnosis, and within five years, that rises to one-third. Life expectancy drops by up to five years, they write in the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings in an article taking stock of current diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients also have a 50 percent higher risk of heart attack and twice the danger of heart failure, Mayo researchers say. Much progress has been made in recognizing the importance of early diagnosis and prompt and aggressive treatment, but gaps in understanding of the disease remain, say the authors, Mayo Clinic rheumatologists John Davis III, M.D., and Eric Matteson, M.D.

"There are many drug therapies available now for management of rheumatoid arthritis, but the challenge for patients and their physicians is to decide on the best approach for initial management and then subsequent treatment modification based on the response," Dr. Davis says. "In our article, we reveal our approach including algorithms for managing the disease that we believe will enhance the probability that patients will achieve remission, improved physical function, and optimal quality of life."

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system assaults tissue, causing swollen and tender joints and sometimes involving other organs. The top goal of treatment is to achieve remission, controlling the underlying inflammation, easing pain, improving quality of life and preserving patients' independence and ability to work and enjoy other pursuits. Long-term goals include preventing joint destruction and other complications such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Dr. Davis and Dr. Matteson offer several tips and observations:

"It is very important to have rheumatoid arthritis properly diagnosed, and treatment started early on. Getting the disease under control leads to better outcomes for the patient, ability to continue working and taking care of one's self, less need for joint replacement surgery, and reduced risk of heart disease," Dr. Matteson says.

  • More than medication is needed to best manage rheumatoid arthritis. Educating patients about how to protect their joints and the importance of rest and offering them orthotics, splints and other helpful devices can substantially reduce pain and improve their ability to function. Cognitive behavioral therapy can make patients feel less helpless. Exercise programs that include aerobic exercise and strength training help achieve a leaner body; even modest weight loss can significantly reduce the burden on joints.
  • No treatment approach or guidelines can ever take into account every possibility; when a patient describes joint tenderness, fatigue and disease activity worse than the physician thinks they are, the physician should investigate the causes of symptoms. Non-inflammatory causes of pain such as osteoarthritis or regional musculoskeletal pain syndromes may be to blame.
  • Unanswered questions in rheumatoid arthritis include the relative benefits and harms of emphasizing initial treatment with prednisone; the effects of treatment on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other potentially deadly complications; and how to better predict how well treatments will work for specific patients and what the side effects will be.

"Our management approach is informed by current evidence and our clinical experience," Dr. Davis says. "We believe it is crucial that patients and their doctors thoroughly discuss the treatment options and decide on the management plan jointly in view of individual patient preferences, goals and values."

###

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/about and www.mayoclinic.org/news.

Contact:
Sharon Theimer
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
Email: newsbureau@mayo.edu


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Rheumatoid arthritis takes high toll in unemployment, early death, Mayo Clinic finds [ Back to EurekAlert! ] Public release date: 2-Jul-2012
[ | E-mail | Share Share ]

Contact: Sharon Theimer
newsbureau@mayo.edu
507-284-5005
Mayo Clinic

ROCHESTER, Minn. -- In the realm of deadly and disabling diseases, conditions such as cancer and Alzheimer's seem to attract the most media attention. But there are others that take a similarly high toll, and rheumatoid arthritis is one of them, Mayo Clinic researchers say. It is a common cause of disability: 1 of every 5 rheumatoid arthritis patients is unable to work two years after diagnosis, and within five years, that rises to one-third. Life expectancy drops by up to five years, they write in the July issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings in an article taking stock of current diagnosis and treatment approaches.

Rheumatoid arthritis patients also have a 50 percent higher risk of heart attack and twice the danger of heart failure, Mayo researchers say. Much progress has been made in recognizing the importance of early diagnosis and prompt and aggressive treatment, but gaps in understanding of the disease remain, say the authors, Mayo Clinic rheumatologists John Davis III, M.D., and Eric Matteson, M.D.

"There are many drug therapies available now for management of rheumatoid arthritis, but the challenge for patients and their physicians is to decide on the best approach for initial management and then subsequent treatment modification based on the response," Dr. Davis says. "In our article, we reveal our approach including algorithms for managing the disease that we believe will enhance the probability that patients will achieve remission, improved physical function, and optimal quality of life."

In rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system assaults tissue, causing swollen and tender joints and sometimes involving other organs. The top goal of treatment is to achieve remission, controlling the underlying inflammation, easing pain, improving quality of life and preserving patients' independence and ability to work and enjoy other pursuits. Long-term goals include preventing joint destruction and other complications such as heart disease and osteoporosis.

Dr. Davis and Dr. Matteson offer several tips and observations:

"It is very important to have rheumatoid arthritis properly diagnosed, and treatment started early on. Getting the disease under control leads to better outcomes for the patient, ability to continue working and taking care of one's self, less need for joint replacement surgery, and reduced risk of heart disease," Dr. Matteson says.

  • More than medication is needed to best manage rheumatoid arthritis. Educating patients about how to protect their joints and the importance of rest and offering them orthotics, splints and other helpful devices can substantially reduce pain and improve their ability to function. Cognitive behavioral therapy can make patients feel less helpless. Exercise programs that include aerobic exercise and strength training help achieve a leaner body; even modest weight loss can significantly reduce the burden on joints.
  • No treatment approach or guidelines can ever take into account every possibility; when a patient describes joint tenderness, fatigue and disease activity worse than the physician thinks they are, the physician should investigate the causes of symptoms. Non-inflammatory causes of pain such as osteoarthritis or regional musculoskeletal pain syndromes may be to blame.
  • Unanswered questions in rheumatoid arthritis include the relative benefits and harms of emphasizing initial treatment with prednisone; the effects of treatment on the risk of developing cardiovascular disease and other potentially deadly complications; and how to better predict how well treatments will work for specific patients and what the side effects will be.

"Our management approach is informed by current evidence and our clinical experience," Dr. Davis says. "We believe it is crucial that patients and their doctors thoroughly discuss the treatment options and decide on the management plan jointly in view of individual patient preferences, goals and values."

###

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit worldwide leader in medical care, research and education for people from all walks of life. For more information, visit http://www.mayoclinic.org/about and www.mayoclinic.org/news.

Contact:
Sharon Theimer
507-284-5005 (days)
507-284-2511 (evenings)
Email: newsbureau@mayo.edu


[ Back to EurekAlert! ] [ | E-mail | Share Share ]

?


AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.


Source: http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2012-07/mc-rat062612.php

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Sunday, July 1, 2012

Remains of 2nd person found in Colo. fire wreckage

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) ? Making slow but steady progress against a wildfire that has killed at least two people, authorities hoped for continued favorable weather and asked for patience from thousands of evacuees who fled encroaching flames that destroyed nearly 350 homes.

A second body was found Friday in the rubble of a home where another person was found dead earlier. Officials, who were searching each charred lot for more possible victims, have not yet released identifications. Police Chief Pete Carey said fewer than 10 people altogether were unaccounted for.

The 26-square-mile blaze ? one of several wildfires burning across the West ? was reported to be 25 percent contained - up from 15 percent Thursday.

Evacuation orders were lifted for some of the more than 30,000 people forced from their homes earlier this week, but restrictions remained on neighborhoods with the most damage.

"We're just pleading with people to have some patience while we work through this, this is a very stubborn situation we're dealing with," said Colorado Springs Fire Chief Richard Brown.

Colorado Springs police said they were swamped with calls from people asking when they could return to their homes.

There were plans to let people whose residences burned take weekend bus trips to the affected neighborhoods to take a look, but they would not be allowed to leave the vehicles.

After growing explosively earlier in the week, the Colorado Springs fire gained no ground overnight, authorities reported Friday. And the weather was clear and mostly calm, a welcome break from the lightning and high wind that drove the flames.

Exhausted firefighters fresh off the front lines described the devastation in some neighborhoods and the challenges of battling such a huge blaze, now the most destructive in Colorado history.

"It looks like hell. I would imagine it felt like a nuclear bomb went off. There was fire everywhere. Everything had a square shape to it because it was foundations," said Rich Rexach, who had been working 12-hour days since Tuesday, when flames swept through neighborhoods in this city of more than 400,000 people 60 miles south of Denver.

President Barack Obama toured the stricken areas Friday after issuing a disaster declaration for Colorado that frees up federal funds. He thanked firefighters and other emergency workers, saying: "The country is grateful for your work. The country's got your back."

As residents waited anxiously to see what was left of their homes, police reported several burglaries in evacuated areas, along with break-ins of cars packed with evacuees' possessions outside hotels. Carey said Friday a person wearing protective fire gear in an evacuated area was arrested on charges of impersonating a firefighter and influencing a public official.

Community leaders began notifying residents Thursday that their homes were destroyed. Many lost almost everything.

"The blanket that was on my bed when I grew up, a bunch of things my mother had made," said Rick Spraycar, listing what he lost when his house in the hard-hit Mountain Shadows subdivision burned down. "It's hard to put it into words. Everything I owned. Memories."

For Ernie Storti the pain of knowing that his was one of a handful of homes spared in his neighborhood was hard.

"Our home was standing, and everything south of us was gone," he said as tears streamed down his face outside a Red Cross Shelter where he had met with insurance agents.

Authorities were still trying to figure out what caused the fire. They said conditions were improving and they hoped experts would soon be able to work to determine a cause.

More than 1,000 personnel and six helicopters were fighting the fire.

All eight Air Force firefighting planes from four states will be at Colorado Springs' Peterson Air Force Base Saturday and available to fight the fire, marking the first time the entire fleet has been activated since 2008, Col. Jerry Champlin said.

Among the fires elsewhere in the West:

? Idaho: At least 60 homes near Pocatello, Idaho, burned in a fast-moving wildfire that started Thursday evening. The blaze covered more than 1? square miles. Officials said it was human-caused but gave no details.

? Utah: Residents of nearly a thousand homes in Herriman, just southwest of Salt Lake City, were under an evacuation order Saturday after a wildfire burned through the area, destroying at least four houses and several other structures, authorities said. Fire crews appeared to have the 350-acre Rose Crest fire at bay Friday evening.

A 70-square-mile wildfire in Utah's Sanpete County destroyed at least 160 structures, more than 50 of them primary homes. A similar sized blaze in Utah was threatening about 75 structures.

? Wyoming: A day of hot, dry, windy weather kept firefighters from making much headway Friday on two large, out-of-control wildfires. The third large wildfire in Medicine Bow National Forest in the southeast part of the state quickly overwhelmed initial firefighting efforts and forced the evacuation of about 100 homes, officials said Friday.

? Montana: Residents of eastern and central Montana who evacuated due to wildfires are returning to find neighborhoods scorched and many houses reduced to piles of ash. Fire officials said Friday that 70 homes burned in the 20,000-acre Dahl fire south of Roundup. At least two dozen structures were reported burned in a 270-square-mile fire in the Ashland.

Authorities battling six wildfires in Utah said Colorado was taking most of the available fire crews, leaving them short-handed.

Utah fire commander Cheto Olais said leaders at one Utah blaze had requested about 200 additional firefighters but will probably get no more than 20. "A lot of assets are going to Colorado," Olais said.

"We're strapped nationally," he told The Associated Press. "There's only so many firefighters, and they're already out in the field."

___

Associated Press writers Thomas Peipert in Colorado Springs, Dan Elliott and Rema Rahman in Denver, Brian Skoloff in Salt Lake City, Paul Foy in Price, Utah, Matthew Brown in Roundup, Mont., Rebecca Boone in Boise, Idaho and Matt Volz in Helena, Mont., contributed to this report.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/remains-2nd-person-found-colo-fire-wreckage-223714502.html

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Rodney King remembered at funeral as forgiving man

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Source: http://news.yahoo.com/rodney-king-remembered-funeral-forgiving-man-221043258.html

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Supreme Court Ruling Puts Medicaid in Washington Legislature's Hands

Ruby de Luna
06/29/2012

The US Supreme Court's ruling on the Affordable Care Act means the law remains intact ? except for one provision. The justices said the law requiring states to expand Medicaid went too far. KUOW's Ruby de Luna explains what the ruling means for Washington state.

TRANSCRIPT

The court ruling means states could choose to expand Medicaid to cover single, low?income adults. Medicaid is a federal?state program created in 1965 for specific groups of low?income people.

Sanford: "People over 65, people who are on Medicare, but people who are low income, pregnant women, children, and some disabled people."

Sallie Sanford is a law professor at the University of Washington. Medicaid is voluntary and all states offer it. The Affordable Care Act required states to open up Medicaid to include single low?income adults in 2014.

Sanford: "For the first few years, the federal government picks up 100 percent of the cost of covering these newly eligible people. And that ratchets down to 90 percent of the cost."

But some states balked at the plan. They argued that even if the federal government picked up most of the tab, Medicaid would still be a financial burden. And if the states declined to cover the newly eligible people, they would've lost their entire Medicaid funding. That's part of the reason why 26 states sued the federal government over the plan. On Thursday the high court agreed that states were given no choice in the matter.

Sanford: "What the court said is that the threat of losing all of your coverage is too much. So effectively, as I'm reading from the opinion of the chief justice, he writes, as a practical matter, states may now choose to reject the expansion. They may choose not to cover these additional people."

In the coming months, states will have to make decisions on how to cover the poorest Americans.

Doug Porter is Washington's Medicaid director. He says the state Legislature had assumed that Medicaid was a federal mandate. So during the last session, lawmakers passed bills to set the stage for that expansion.

Porter: "And now that Supreme Court has made through its ruling that it's a voluntary step, I would expect the next Legislature would weigh in on that and either elect to participate or not; you'll never know what the Legislature will do in the future."

Porter estimates that about 500,000 Washington residents may qualify under the expanded Medicaid program.

State lawmakers will meet next month in a bi?partisan summit. They'll plan their next steps in response to the Supreme Court ruling.

I'm Ruby de Luna, KUOW News.

? Copyright 2012, KUOW

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/KUOW/~3/aJF9mYq3MkQ/program.php

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Anchorage mayor to take oath of office in Hawaii

The mayor of Anchorage will be sworn into office Monday at a ceremony in ... Honolulu.

Dan Sullivan was re-elected in April to a second term, which officially begins July 1.

The swearing-in ceremony coincided with a planned family vacation to Hawaii to visit his wife's family.

A live video link will be established between Anchorage City Hall and an attorney's office in Honolulu. A judge in Anchorage will administer the oath, and the attorney in Honolulu will notarize his signature.

Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2012/06/29/2875037/anchorage-mayor-to-take-oath-of.html

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