OUT-OF-THIS-WORLD BLESSING
RUSSIA SANCTIONS BILL APPROVED IN SENATE
The Senate voted decisively on Thursday to approve a new package of stiff financial sanctions against Russia, Iran and North Korea, sending the popular bill to President Trump for his signature after weeks of intense negotiations.
Never in doubt, however, was a cornerstone of the legislation that bars Trump from easing or waiving the additional penalties on Russia unless Congress agrees. The provisions were included to assuage concerns among lawmakers that the president’s push for better relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin might lead him to relax the penalties without first securing concessions from the Kremlin.
The Senate passed the bill, 98-2, two days after the House pushed the measure through by an overwhelming margin, 419-3. Both are veto proof numbers.
BRITISH JUDGE: GARD CAN BE TRANSFERRED TO A HOSPICE
A British judge ruled Thursday that terminally ill baby Charlie Gard should be transferred to a hospice where he will “inevitably” die within a short time.
The ruling marks the end of a months-long legal battle brought by his parents centered on the infant’s right to life. The 11-monthold’s life-support machines will be switched off shortly after he is moved to the hospice. Charlie can’t breathe without a ventilator.
Judge Nicholas Francis did not say when the transfer would happen and placed a media blackout on identifying the hospice or any of the medical staff treating Charlie.
Chris Gard and Connie Yates, Charlie’s parents, were seeking permission to let him die at home, but they gave up on that after objections from the judge who worried about the practical implications for a patient with complex care needs.
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