White House: Russia prepping pretext for Ukraine invasion

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House says U.S. intelligence officials have determined a Russian effort is underway to create a pretext for its troops to further invade Ukraine, and Moscow has already prepositioned operatives to conduct “a false-flag operation” in eastern Ukraine. White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the intelligence findings show Russia is…

Anti-abortion group urges pro-GOP Missouri congressional map

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) — Missouri’s largest anti-abortion group is pressing state lawmakers to aggressively redraw the state’s congressional districts to favor Republicans. A plan put forth by Republican legislative leaders would essentially keep Missouri’s same political balance, with Republicans likely to win six U.S. House seats and Democrats two. Missouri Right to Life on…

Medicare told to reassess premium hike for Alzheimer’s drug

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. health secretary Xavier Becerra is ordering Medicare to reassess a big premium increase facing millions of enrollees this year. The increase was largely attributed to a pricey new Alzheimer’s drug with questionable benefits. Becerra’s directive on Monday comes days after drugmaker Biogen slashed the price of its $56,000-a-year medication, Aduhelm, to…