Appeals court hears Medicaid fraud case that could cost Planned Parenthood $1.8 billion
An appellate court is poised to decide a case that supporters and opponents of abortion access are closely watching because the decision could put Planned Parenthood, a prolific abortion vendor, on the hook for up to $1.8 billion. A full panel of judges on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit heard oral arguments Thursday in the years-long case, which centers on Planned Parenthood’s use of Medicaid funds in Texas and Louisiana. Jennie Bradley Lichter, president of March for Life, told Fox News Digital the “stakes couldn’t be higher” and that the lawsuit could bankrupt Planned Parenthood, a nonprofit with hundreds of clinics across the country. FEDERAL JUDGE BLOCKS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FROM DEFUNDING SOME PLANNED PARENTHOOD FACILITIES “Planned Parenthood is facing a repayment obligation of close to $2 billion because it continued to fill its coffers with taxpayers’ money even after two states had already disqualified it,” Lichter said. “If that obligation stands, it will strike a serious — even existential — blow to Planned Parenthood’s national operations and potentially change the abortion landscape in this country forever.” The case comes after Texas and Louisiana stripped Planned Parenthood affiliates of their Medicaid qualifications in response to activist David Daleiden releasing video footage showing Planned Parenthood staff discussing selling aborted fetal tissue. Daleiden faced a lawsuit and prosecution for illegally recording the staff, but his footage set off a firestorm in the pro-life movement and caused it to ramp up its efforts to weaken the nonprofit. Planned Parenthood, however, sued Texas and Louisiana and initially won an injunction that allowed it to keep receiving the Medicaid reimbursements. But the decision was reversed on appeal years later. SUPREME COURT RULES AGAINST PLANNED PARENTHOOD IN MEDICAID FUNDING DISPUTE An anonymous litigant then brought a new lawsuit on behalf of the two states seeking to claw back the millions of dollars Planned Parenthood had collected while the injunction had been in place. Court papers indicate that the potential money Planned Parenthood could now owe — reimbursement of the Medicaid dollars it collected plus various multipliers — could add up to $1.8 billion. The exact dollar amount would be determined by a jury in the lower court. But Planned Parenthood and the anonymous litigant, named in court papers as “Alex Doe,” are now waiting to see where the conservative 5th Circuit will land. The issue before the 5th Circuit’s en banc panel is about whether Planned Parenthood had immunity when it collected the four years’ worth of Medicaid dollars. Planned Parenthood has argued it has immunity because its counsel advised it to collect the payments during the injunction period. Thursday’s oral arguments came after a three-judge panel for the 5th Circuit comprising two Republican-appointed judges and one Democrat-appointed judge sided with Planned Parenthood. Susan Manning, general counsel for Planned Parenthood Federation of America, blasted the Texas and Louisiana lawsuit as a “politically-motivated” attempt to put the nonprofit out of business. “This baseless case has only one goal: to shut down Planned Parenthood and deny patients access to sexual and reproductive health care,” Manning said in a statement this year. “Planned Parenthood health centers are nonprofits that provide essential, high-quality health care to more than 2 million people nationwide every year.” Separately, pro-life activists made progress in their mission to defund Planned Parenthood this year when Congress voted to strip the nonprofit of Medicaid funding at the federal level for a one-year period. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 1st Circuit sided against Planned Parenthood in a lawsuit over the measure.
Fox News Politics Newsletter: Loeffler warns Mamdani threatens NYC business
Welcome to the Fox News Politics newsletter, with the latest updates on the Trump administration, Capitol Hill and more Fox News politics content. Here’s what’s happening… -Sinclair ends Jimmy Kimmel ban after sidelining host amid Charlie Kirk controversy -Who is the Biden-appointed judge taking James Comey’s perjury case? -Top gubernatorial race rocked by allegations of leaks and dirty tricks amid improper military records release EXCLUSIVE: As New York City considers the potential election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani, Small Business Administrator Kelly Loeffler is warning that the city’s economic foundation is already under strain from inflation, high taxes and regulation. Loeffler told Fox News Digital that small business owners in New York City fear socialist policies could accelerate population loss and drive even more jobs and investment to red states. She said New York City’s more than 100,000 small businesses employ nearly 1 million people, making them the powerful pulse of the city’s economic heartbeat. “New York is the capital of capitalism and small businesses,” Loeffler said on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where she addressed the economic downside of progressive politics…READ MORE. FEAR FACTOR: New poll reveals majority of voters believe U.S. is experiencing a political crisis after Kirk assassination ‘RECKLESS DISREGARD’: Trump admin cracks down on truckers’ licenses for foreign drivers after deadly Florida crash ‘HE GOT CAUGHT’: Trump answers whether Comey indictment is about justice or revenge REGIME REJECTED: Iranian president slams U.S. at UN, but protesters outside say regime ‘does not represent us’ LIVESTREAM DIPLOMACY: Netanyahu broadcasts United Nations message into Gaza accusing world leaders of appeasing ‘evil’ SEARCH IS OVER: Convicted cop killer Assata Shakur, an FBI Most Wanted terrorist, dead in Cuba, communist regime says FLIP FLOP: Schumer, Democrats face heat for shifting stance on government shutdown threat COP VS. SWAMP: Mark Warner faces GOP challenge from Airborne Ranger-turned-lawmaker Bryce Reeves UN-FAIRFAX: ‘Nonsense’: Earle-Sears blasts Fairfax transgender bathroom rules in fiery campaign stop ANOTHER POL TARGETED: Top Virginia delegate latest victim of post-Kirk political violence after death-threat suspect arrested CHAOS NEAR CHICAGO: Chicago anti-ICE protesters block vehicles, get hit with tear gas and pepper balls CLASS DISMISSED: Oklahoma state superintendent Ryan Walters leaving for new job where he will wage war against teachers unions ‘TRULY DISTURBING’: Dallas ICE shooting triggers heightened security at facilities nationwide: ‘Truly disturbing’ Get the latest updates on the Trump administration and Congress, exclusive interviews and more on FoxNews.com.
Immigrants charged with shooting up youth baseball game in major city granted legal status under Biden
Two immigrants granted legal U.S. status under the Biden administration are being charged with shooting up a children’s baseball game in the Houston area, according to a DHS statement. The two immigrants, Mustafa Mohammad Matalgah, a 27-year-old from Jordan, and Ahmad Mawed, a 21-year-old from Lebanon, are facing felony charges of deadly conduct with a firearm after allegedly firing in the direction of a baseball field during a prayer at a youth game in Katy, Texas, on Sunday. They are being held on $100,000 bond. One coach was hit in the shoulder, reportedly attempting to shield a child. He was hospitalized due to the injury, but has since been released. According to a statement by the Department of Homeland Security, both immigrants were allowed into the country during the Biden administration. SUSPECT IN ANTI-ICE TEXAS SHOOTING GRANTED GREEN CARD UNDER BIDEN ADMINISTRATION Matalgah was granted U.S. citizenship by the Biden administration Aug.1, 2023, according to the agency. The statement said Matalgah was granted citizenship despite prior arrests for drug possession. Meanwhile, Mawed was given lawful permanent resident status by the Biden administration through an IR-2 visa on June 3, 2021, according to DHS. An IR-2 visa is given to the children of U.S. citizens. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin slammed the Biden administration after the shooting for “not vetting” the immigrants let into the country, especially from high-threat nations. “Not only did Biden fail the American people by leaving our borders wide open to criminals, but he also legally allowed them to gain status and citizenship to terrorize our communities,” said McLaughlin. “These individuals from high-threat counties were let in by the Biden administration. They clearly were not vetting the aliens they were letting legally enter our country and even become U.S. citizens. EXCLUSIVE: IMMIGRATION AGENT REVEALS ‘BIGGEST FEAR’ AFTER DEADLY ANTI-ICE SHOOTING “This horrific act of terror, the firing on children praying before the start of a baseball game, is pure evil,” she added. The chaos unfolded at Ameripark youth baseball field, known as The Rac, after three people fired weapons from a nearby pasture in the direction of the field as a youth baseball event was ongoing, according to the Waller County Sheriff’s Office. Video of the incident showed the 12-year-old Texas Colts players in light blue jerseys running frantically for cover as bullets flew past them. One adult appeared to be struck and fell to the ground near home plate. Houston Warriors founder Andy Baize told KHOU-TV that after the coach, a 27-year-old man, was shot during a pregame prayer with his team, the wounded man’s first reaction was to protect the children. The sheriff’s office said the victim was transported to Memorial Herman Hospital in downtown Houston, where he was treated and later released. A statement by The Rac said the incident was due to “recreational shooting on a nearby property.” The statement said that local police were immediately notified of “possible illegal hunting.” A third suspect, Mahmood Abdelsalam Rababah, 23, is also being charged in the shooting. DALLAS MAYOR WARNS RISING POLITICAL VIOLENCE COULD MEAN ICE FACILITY ATTACK ‘WON’T BE THE LAST’ Under President Donald Trump, the U.S. State Department has expanded screening and vetting for visa applicants. In a June statement, the State Department said that “every visa adjudication is a national security decision.” The department said, “The United States must be vigilant during the visa issuance process to ensure that those applying for admission into the United States do not intend to harm Americans and our national interests and that all applicants credibly establish their eligibility for the visa sought, including that they intend to engage in activities consistent with the terms for their admission.” Fox News Digital reached out to a spokesperson for former President Joe Biden but did not immediately receive a response.
Palestinian Authority’s Abbas forced to deliver UNGA address via video
NewsFeed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told the UN General Assembly that Palestinians are ready for peace if only Israel would allow it. His address, delivered via video, accused the “extremist Israeli government” of crimes against humanity and made the case for his government’s control of Gaza. Published On 25 Sep 202525 Sep 2025 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Adblock test (Why?)
Sudan PM urges end to ‘political’ chemical weapons sanctions
NewsFeed Sudan’s transitional Prime Minister Kamil Idris told the 80th United Nations General Assembly Sudan’s civil war has killed 150,000 and displaced 12 million. He urged lifting chemical weapons sanctions he called “political,” condemned foreign mercenaries, and demanded an end to the siege of el-Fasher. Published On 25 Sep 202525 Sep 2025 Click here to share on social media share2 Share Adblock test (Why?)
US defence secretary summons military leaders to Virginia mystery meeting
The reason for the meeting, set for next Tuesday, remains unclear, with Trump dismissing concerns as not ‘a big deal’. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has summoned senior United States military officers from their posts around the world to a meeting next week in Virginia, for what is expected to be a rare gathering. The summons was reported in US media on Thursday and confirmed later in the day by Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell. Recommended Stories list of 3 itemsend of list It was not immediately clear why Hegseth ordered the generals and admirals to meet in Virginia on such short notice or what the meeting’s agenda will look like. There are approximately 800 generals and admirals in the US military, and such senior officials can, in some cases, command thousands of troops, including in sensitive locations overseas. Most have detailed schedules that are set weeks in advance. One military official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told the news agency Reuters that those schedules have now been upended. “People are scrambling to change their plans and see if they have to attend,” the official said. For his part, Parnell declined to offer specifics about the meeting, telling reporters, “The Secretary of War will be addressing his senior military leaders early next week.” At an Oval Office signing ceremony on Thursday, Trump expressed optimism about Hegseth’s meeting, describing it as a good idea. “I love it. I think it’s great,” Trump said. “Let him be friendly with the generals and admirals from all over the world.” He also appeared to downplay concerns that the event could take military leaders away from posts critical for national security. He expressed surprise that the meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, had gained national attention. Advertisement “Why is that such a big deal?” Trump asked a reporter. “The fact that we’re getting along with the generals and admirals? Remember, I’m the president of peace. It’s good to get along. It’s good. You act like this is a bad thing.” Vice President JD Vance, who was at the Oval Office meeting, also sought to brush aside the anticipated criticism. “It’s not particularly unusual that generals who report to the secretary of war and then to the president of the United States are coming to speak with the secretary of war,” Vance said, adding it was “odd” that reporters were asking about it. Since Trump took office for a second term in January, he and Hegseth have taken on a campaign of reimagining the Department of Defense. They have, for instance, fired top military leaders, including CQ Brown, a former Air Force general who was serving as the chair of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In May, he ordered a 20-percent reduction in the number of four-star officers, adding that there would be an additional 10-percent reduction among general and flag officers across the military. Hegseth has also called for the military to end its diversity initiatives, and several officials have been terminated for their alleged roles in such programmes. Instead, Hegseth has called on the military to increase its “lethality” and “restore” its “warrior ethos”. Earlier this month, Trump signed an order making it his policy to refer to the Defense Department as the Department of War, as it had been until 1949. But the name change will remain largely confined to the executive branch. A permanent change would require Congress to pass legislation adopting the new name. Adblock test (Why?)
Attention passengers! Mumbai train services to be affected by 15-day mega block from Sept 26; check details
Central Railway will operate special traffic and power day blocks for carrying out pre-non-interlocking works at Karjat station in connection with Karjat yard remodelling work.
EAM Jaishankar reaffirms India’s STRONG stance against terrorism at G20 Meet: ‘Neither tolerance, nor accommodation…’
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, addressing the Second G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New York on Thursday, gave a strong message against Terrorism by reaffirming India’s stance. What did he said?
EAM Jaishankar makes veiled attack on Trump’s H-1B visa restrictions, stresses on ‘global workforce’: ‘You cannot run away from…’
Amid Trump’s H-1B visa fee hike, EAM Jaishankar highlighted the need for a more acceptable, contemporary, and efficient model of a global workforce for the international economy. He emphasised ‘global workforce’, noting how many countries cannot meet the demands of their own populations.
PM Modi to launch Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana ahead of Bihar polls; know about scheme, it’s benefits
The initiative is being seen as a key move to empower women voters and strengthen rural livelihoods ahead of the high-stakes state polls, where the NDA led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar faces a fierce political contest from the Grand Alliance (INDIA bloc).