The United States Supreme Court decided Thursday to uphold President Obama's healthcare law, the Affordable Care Act.

After the ruling was announced, President Obama tweeted: "Today's decision is a victory for every hardworking American. Access to quality, affordable health care is a right, not a privilege."

House Speaker John Boehner expressed displeasure with the ruling. "Obamacare is fundamentally broken, increasing health care costs for millions of Americans," he said.

IS forces launch attacks in northern Syria

Islamic State fighters launched two major attacks in northern Syria on Thursday.

The attacks followed Islamic State group losses in northern Syria against Kurdish forces in recent weeks.

A Syrian Kurdish politician told VOA that Islamic State fighters carried out several suicide attacks in and around Kobani, killing 23 civilians in one of them. He said IS militants were also killed in the attack.

Kurdish fighters, backed by U.S.-led airstrikes, took control of Kobani in January after months of battles with Islamic State.

Pakistan rejects Afghanistan claims on parliament attack

Pakistan has denied Afghanistan's claim that a Pakistani intelligence agent took part in an attack on the Afghan parliament.

The attack Monday involved at least seven Taliban gunmen armed with explosives. They wounded 30 people.

A Pakistani foreign ministry official said his country is committed to good relations with Afghanistan. He also said the two countries had agreed to cooperate on fighting terrorism.

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privilege – n. a right or benefit that is given to some people and not to others

fundamentally – adv. at the most basic level

back – v. to give help to (someone)