10 jili slot PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was a full participant in practice on Monday, opening the door for him to return from a three-game absence on Wednesday when Pittsburgh hosts the Kansas City Chiefs. Pickens hasn't played since tweaking his hamstring earlier this month. The Steelers (10-5) have struggled to generate much in their passing game with their leading receiver watching from the sideline in sweatpants. Though Monday's practice was a walkthrough, Pickens said he felt good and hopes he'll be able to face the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. The 23-year-old was going through post-practice drills on Dec. 6 when he felt his hamstring tighten up, forcing him to miss the first games of his three-year career. Pittsburgh has gone 1-2 in his absence, including back-to-back losses to Philadelphia and Baltimore in which Russell Wilson passed for just 345 yards while missing one of the NFL's top downfield threats. Wilson is encouraged by the way the sometimes mercurial Pickens — who has been flagged and fined multiple times this season for infractions ranging from facemasks to unsportsmanlike conduct — has remained engaged. “He’s been great in the midst of his little trial here over the past few weeks,” Wilson said. “And so we’re excited to have him back if that’s the case fully and let him do his thing.” Safety DeShon Elliott (hamstring) and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (groin) were also listed as full participants on Tuesday. Neither veteran has played since getting hurt against Cleveland on Dec. 8. While Pickens, Elliott and Ogunjobi could be available as Pittsburgh tries to hold off Baltimore for the AFC North lead, cornerback Joey Porter (knee) and WR Ben Skowronek (hip) are likely out after missing practice for a second straight day. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflMOL and QatarEnergy Sign Long-term Time Charter of Six Newbuilding LNG Carriers- Expanding the World’s Largest LNG Fleet

US markets end higher as traders mull Invidia numbers

Ganderbal, Dec 13: The Central University of Kashmir (CUK) held its 30th Executive Council (EC) meeting on Thursday at the Tulmulla Campus, under the chairmanship of Vice-Chancellor Prof A Ravinder Nath. In his opening remarks, Vice-Chancellor, Prof Ravinder Nath showcased the University’s progress on academic, research, and administrative excellence. He expressed gratitude towards the Council members for their active participation and valuable insights, emphasising their pivotal role in shaping the institution’s future. The Vice-Chancellor also welcomed the distinguished Council members, including the newly inducted members, Prof Sandhya Tiwari, Dean School of Languages and Prof Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean School of Legal Studies, CUKashmir. The meeting was also attended by Prof Vandana Mishra, Centre of Comparative Politics & Political Theory, School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi, Prof. Parikshat Singh Manhas, Chairman, JK BOSE, Prof Ajay Kumar Singh, Department of Commerce, School of Economics, University of Delhi, Dr Mriganka Sekhar Sarma, Deputy Secretary, UGC, Dr Rashmi Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department, J&K, Dr. Ravi Kumar Bharti, Additional Secretary, Higher Education Department, J&K, Prof Shahid Rasool, Dean Academic Affairs, and Prof M Afzal Zargar, Registrar (Secretary). About the academic advancements, the Council acknowledged the University’s proactive implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which earned it the prestigious designation as a hub university by the Ministry of Education (MoE) for NEP coordination among other universities. Approval was granted for comprehensive Institutional Development Plans in alignment with UGC guidelines and NEP objectives, focusing on academic, research, and outreach initiatives. CUK’s leadership in the Consortium of Higher Educational Institutions of North India (CHEINI) for sharing best practices was lauded, along with its nodal university status under the Bharatiya Bhasha Samvardhan Samiti for promoting Kashmiri language literature. To foster multidisciplinary education, the plan to establish departments of Psychology, Vocational Studies, and Liberal Arts were approved, reflecting the University’s commitment to multidisciplinary education and addressing contemporary academic demands. The Council commended the successful and efficient completion of the recruitment process under the Mission Recruitment mode, with special provisions to ensure a seamless joining experience for outstation candidates. Rolling advertisements focusing on gender equity were also approved to continue expanding the University’s talent pool. A new policy was approved to enhance the research environment, enabling Postdoctoral Fellows, including Ramalingam Ramanuja and Inspire Fellows, to contribute beyond their fellowship terms, fostering innovation and academic growth. Infrastructure and Transparency: The members were informed about the submission of a revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Master Plan Phase-I to the Ministry of Education, with fund approvals anticipated soon. The University’s exemplary performance in RTI transparency audits was also recognised. The Council approved several critical measures, including appointment of key non-teaching positions like Finance Officer and Librarian, adopting UGC’s latest regulations, and implementing employee-centric policies to boost institutional efficiency. The meeting concluded with the Council expressing its appreciation for the visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof Ravinder Nath and the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders.Mnangagwa honours late former co-VP Mphoko with conferment of national hero status

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit denied TikTok's petition to overturn the law — which requires TikTok to break ties with its China-based parent company ByteDance or be banned by mid-January — and rebuffed the company's challenge of the statute, which it argued had ran afoul of the First Amendment. “The First Amendment exists to protect free speech in the United States,” said the court's opinion, which was written by Judge Douglas Ginsburg. “Here the Government acted solely to protect that freedom from a foreign adversary nation and to limit that adversary’s ability to gather data on people in the United States.” TikTok and ByteDance — another plaintiff in the lawsuit — are expected to appeal to the Supreme Court, though its unclear whether the court will take up the case. “The Supreme Court has an established historical record of protecting Americans’ right to free speech, and we expect they will do just that on this important constitutional issue," TikTok spokesperson Michael Hughes said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the TikTok ban was conceived and pushed through based upon inaccurate, flawed and hypothetical information, resulting in outright censorship of the American people,” Hughes said. Unless stopped, he argued the statute “will silence the voices of over 170 million Americans here in the US and around the world on January 19th, 2025.” Though the case is squarely in the court system, it's also possible the two companies might be thrown some sort of a lifeline by President-elect Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok during his first term but said during the presidential campaign that he is now against such action . The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, was the culmination of a yearslong saga in Washington over the short-form video-sharing app, which the government sees as a national security threat due to its connections to China. The U.S. has said it’s concerned about TikTok collecting vast swaths of user data, including sensitive information on viewing habits , that could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion. Officials have also warned the proprietary algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that’s difficult to detect — a concern mirrored by the European Union on Friday as it scrutinizes the video-sharing app’s role in the Romanian elections. TikTok, which sued the government over the law in May, has long denied it could be used by Beijing to spy on or manipulate Americans. Its attorneys have accurately pointed out that the U.S. hasn’t provided evidence to show that the company handed over user data to the Chinese government, or manipulated content for Beijing’s benefit in the U.S. They have also argued the law is predicated on future risks, which the Department of Justice has emphasized pointing in part to unspecified action it claims the two companies have taken in the past due to demands from the Chinese government. Friday’s ruling came after the appeals court panel, composed of two Republicans and one Democrat appointed judges, heard oral arguments in September. In the hearing, which lasted more than two hours, the panel appeared to grapple with how TikTok’s foreign ownership affects its rights under the Constitution and how far the government could go to curtail potential influence from abroad on a foreign-owned platform. On Friday, all three denied TikTok’s petition. In the court's ruling, Ginsburg, a Republican appointee, rejected TikTok's main legal arguments against the law, including that the statute was an unlawful bill of attainder, or a taking of property in violation of the Fifth Amendment. He also said the law did not violate the First Amendment because the government is not looking to "suppress content or require a certain mix of content” on TikTok. “Content on the platform could in principle remain unchanged after divestiture, and people in the United States would remain free to read and share as much PRC propaganda (or any other content) as they desire on TikTok or any other platform of their choosing,” Ginsburg wrote, using the abbreviation for the People’s Republic of China. Judge Sri Srinivasan, the chief judge on the court, issued a concurring opinion. TikTok’s lawsuit was consolidated with a second legal challenge brought by several content creators — for which the company is covering legal costs — as well as a third one filed on behalf of conservative creators who work with a nonprofit called BASED Politics Inc. Other organizations, including the Knight First Amendment Institute, had also filed amicus briefs supporting TikTok. “This is a deeply misguided ruling that reads important First Amendment precedents too narrowly and gives the government sweeping power to restrict Americans’ access to information, ideas, and media from abroad,” said Jameel Jaffer, the executive director of the organization. “We hope that the appeals court’s ruling won’t be the last word.” Meanwhile, on Capitol Hill, lawmakers who had pushed for the legislation celebrated the court's ruling. "I am optimistic that President Trump will facilitate an American takeover of TikTok to allow its continued use in the United States and I look forward to welcoming the app in America under new ownership,” said Republican Rep. John Moolenaar of Michigan, chairman of the House Select Committee on China. Democratic Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, who co-authored the law, said “it's time for ByteDance to accept” the law. To assuage concerns about the company’s owners, TikTok says it has invested more than $2 billion to bolster protections around U.S. user data. The company has also argued the government’s broader concerns could have been resolved in a draft agreement it provided the Biden administration more than two years ago during talks between the two sides. It has blamed the government for walking away from further negotiations on the agreement, which the Justice Department argues is insufficient. Attorneys for the two companies have claimed it’s impossible to divest the platform commercially and technologically. They also say any sale of TikTok without the coveted algorithm — the platform’s secret sauce that Chinese authorities would likely block under any divesture plan — would turn the U.S. version of TikTok into an island disconnected from other global content. Still, some investors, including Trump’s former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, have expressed interest in purchasing the platform. Both men said earlier this year that they were launching a consortium to purchase TikTok’s U.S. business. This week, a spokesperson for McCourt’s Project Liberty initiative, which aims to protect online privacy, said unnamed participants in their bid have made informal commitments of more than $20 billion in capital.

Singapore, Dec. 13, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Since its launch, the UPCX wallet has quickly attracted over 100,000 registered users, showcasing its unique appeal and practicality in modern payment solutions. The UPCX wallet was designed to simplify the digital currency user experience, making its operation as intuitive and convenient as traditional mobile payment services. Notably, the "named account" feature stands out, allowing users to easily set up their accounts in the same way they create email addresses. This significantly lowers the barrier to entry and enhances the user experience. In terms of payment options, the UPCX wallet supports a variety of convenient methods, including QR code scanning, displaying QR codes, and NFC (Near Field Communication) payment technology. This ensures that users can complete transactions quickly and securely in various settings. Whether in retail stores, dining establishments, or public transportation, the UPCX wallet provides a seamless payment experience. Additionally, for areas with unstable electricity or poor network signals, the UPCX wallet's offline payment feature ensures that users can make payments smoothly in any environment, guaranteeing the continuity and security of transactions. Beyond its payment functions, the UPCX wallet leverages blockchain technology to provide secure information transmission services. All information is encrypted and recorded on the blockchain as a special type of transaction, ensuring the privacy and security of communications. To enhance system security, the UPCX wallet limits the frequency of free information transmissions and implements a charging mechanism for excess usage. This effectively prevents DDoS attacks and maintains the stable operation of the system. UPCX Chief Marketing Officer Koki Sato stated, “Our wallet has officially reached 100,000 users, marking an important milestone for the UPCX community! We are very grateful for the trust our growing community has placed in us and believe that with our secure, user-friendly, and innovative solutions, we can redefine blockchain payments.” As the digital payment market continues to grow, the UPCX wallet is set to further expand its influence globally, thanks to its advanced technology and user-friendly design. More about UPCX: UPCX is a blockchain-based open-source payment platform that aims to provide secure, transparent, and compliant financial services to global users. It supports fast payments, smart contracts, cross-asset transactions, user-issued assets (UIA), non-fungible tokens (NFA), and stablecoins. Moreover, it offers a decentralized exchange (DEX), APIs, and SDKs, allows customized payment solutions, and integrates POS applications and hardware wallets for enhanced security, building a one-stop financial ecosystem. Official website: https://upcx.io/ X: https://x.com/Upcxofficial X(upcxcmo): https://x.com/kokisato_upcx Telegram: https://t.me/UPCXofficial Discord: https://discord.gg/YmtgK7NURF Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.Justice Esther Kisaakye flees into exile over threats to her life

Seventeen years ago, JT Skurtovich defied the odds, born at just 26 weeks and given only 10 days to live. Despite multiple surgeries and being legally blind in one eye, JT has discovered a sense of belonging and drive through Basha High’s esports program, which prioritizes adaptability and inclusion for all competitors. For JT, esports is more than a game; it’s a community where he shines. With his team preparing for the 2025 championship season, JT’s journey is a powerful reminder of the power of inclusion, and how technology can bring people together in unexpected ways. Watch the full story from ABC15's Cameron Polom in the video player above.Muslim leaders rally around Ambedkar issue to forge unity with Dalits against injustice

Good news as FG moves to Save $480m rice importation bill with local production

Pakistan’s LAAM Technologies raises $5.5mn seed funding

Cruise into this holiday season with a non-traditional vacationOhio Republican concedes to Kaptur, leaves door open for another runCompanies tighten security after a health care CEO’s killing leads to a surge of threats

Double-whammy: Household insurance costs to soar again, adding to inflationAlarm grew in France on Friday over the fate of a prominent French-Algerian novelist detained in the country of his birth, with his publisher urging his immediate release and President Emmanuel Macron closely following the case. Boualem Sansal, a major figure in francophone modern literature, is known for his strong stances against both authoritarianism and Islamism as well as being a forthright campaigner on freedom of expression issues. His detention by Algeria comes against a background of tensions between France and its former colony which have also appear to have spread to the literary world. The 75-year-old writer, granted French nationality this year, was on Saturday arrested at Algiers airport after returning from France, according to several media reports including the Marianne weekly. The Gallimard publishing house, which has published his work for a quarter of a century, in a statement expressed "its very deep concern following the arrest of the writer by the Algerian security services", calling for his "immediate release". There has been no confirmation from the Algerian authorities of his arrest and no other details about his situation. Macron is "very concerned by the disappearance" of Sansal, said a French presidential official, asking not to be named. "State services are mobilised to clarify his situation," the official said, adding that "the president expresses his unwavering attachment to the freedom of a great writer and intellectual." A relative latecomer to writing, Sansal turned to novels in 1999 and has tackled subjects including the horrific 1990s civil war between authorities and Islamists. His books are not banned in Algeria but he is a controversial figure, particularly since making a visit to Israel in 2014. Sansal's hatred of Islamism has not been confined to Algeria and he has also warned of a creeping Islamisation in France, a stance that has made him a favoured author of prominent figures on the right and far-right. Prominent politicians from this side of the political spectrum rushed to echo Macron's expression of concern for the writer. Centre-right former premier and candidate in 2027 presidential elections Edouard Philippe wrote on X that Sansal "embodies everything we cherish: the call for reason, freedom and humanism against censorship, corruption and Islamism." Far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen, another possible 2027 contender, said: "This freedom fighter and courageous opponent of Islamism has reportedly been arrested by the Algerian regime. This is an unacceptable situation." In 2015, Sansal won the Grand Prix du Roman of the French Academy, the guardians of the French language, for his book "2084: The End of the World", a dystopian novel inspired by George Orwell's "Nineteen-Eighty Four" and set in an Islamist totalitarian world in the aftermath of a nuclear holocaust. His publisher said that Sansal's novels and essays "exposed the obscurantisms of all kinds which are tragically affecting the way of the world." The concerns about his reported arrest come as another prominent French-Algerian writer Kamel Daoud is under attack over his novel "Houris", which won France's top literary prize, the Goncourt. A woman has claimed the book was based on her story of surviving 1990s Islamist massacres and used without her consent. She alleged on Algerian television that Daoud used the story she confidentially recounted to a therapist -- who is now his wife -- during treatment. His publisher has denied the claims. The controversies are taking place in a tense diplomatic context between France and Algeria, after Macron renewed French support for Moroccan sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara during a landmark visit to the kingdom last month. Western Sahara, a former Spanish colony, is de facto controlled for the most part by Morocco. But it is claimed by the Sahrawi separatists of the Polisario Front, who are demanding a self-determination referendum and are supported by Algiers. Daoud meanwhile has called for Sansal's release, writing in the right-wing Le Figaro: "I sincerely hope that my friend Boualem will return to us very soon", while expressing his bafflement in the face of the "imprudence" that Sansal allegedly showed in going to Algeria. dax-vl-sjw/giv

Trista Reynolds, photographed Friday in Portland, says she believes there will be some justice in the disappearance of her daughter Ayla. She has been missing since December 2011. Ben McCanna/Portland Press Herald Trista Reynolds says she feels a little bit of closure since a civil case against the father of her missing child, Ayla Bell Reynolds, and his mother and sister, was settled earlier this year. Ayla Reynolds in the photograph that was distributed after she disappeared from a Waterville house in December 2011. She was 20 months old at the time and was declared legally dead in 2017. She would have been 14 years old today. Courtesy photo But she won’t find peace until she knows exactly what happened to her daughter, who was just a toddler in December 2011 when she disappeared. On Dec. 17, eight days before Christmas, Trista Reynolds learned that her 20-month-old, blonde-haired, blue-eyed daughter had been reported missing by Ayla’s father, Justin DiPietro, from his mother’s home at 29 Violette Ave. in Waterville. The case launched one of the largest and most costly Maine State Police investigations in the state’s history, although Ayla has never been found and no one has been charged criminally in the case. A judge in 2017 officially declared Ayla dead . She would be 14 today. Though the civil lawsuit alleging wrongful death by DiPietro, his mother and sister, Phoebe and Elisha DiPietro, respectively, has been settled, Maine State Police continue with the criminal investigation which would be prosecuted by the state Attorney General’s Office if and when adequate evidence is presented to that office proceed. “I do believe they’re trying really hard,” Trista Reynolds, now 37, said Thursday of police. “I do believe that Ayla’s going to get her justice. It’s just a matter of when.” The settlement in the civil case enabled Trista Reynolds to buy a house for her and her sons, Raymond, now 13, and Anthony, 11, and the signing will be two days before Christmas, she said. That has helped to raise her spirits, but still, it doesn’t feel right that Ayla is not with them to experience it, she said. “It bothers me that I don’t get to share that with her,” she said. “I know she’s with me. I just wish I could share all this excitement with her. I don’t have Christmas spirit this year. I don’t know why. I’m coming up to 13 years and it makes 14 years without a Christmas with Ayla.” Her attorney, William H. Childs of Portland, also said he couldn’t disclose information about the wrongful death suit but he continues to assist in the state’s case. “The civil case has been resolved and the criminal investigation continues,” Childs said Thursday. “We are hoping to obtain indictments.” Trista Reynolds continues working in her job as a general manager for the restaurant, Five Guys. Her young boys also keep her busy, she said, and are growing fast. They look forward to moving from their home near Portland to their new house about an hour away, according to their mother. “They’re doing great in school,” she said. “They’re excited for the move.” Trista says she continues to grieve for Ayla, but is in a different spot since the civil case was settled. “I believe that she’s guided me through all of this,” she said. Trista Reynolds filed the wrongful death suit in 2018 against Justin DiPietro and in 2022, a judge approved Trista Reynolds’ request to include his mother and sister in the suit. They faced civil counts of wrongful death, conscious pain and suffering and wrongful interference with the body of a deceased person. Justin DiPietro also faced a count of breach of parent’s duty of care to a minor child. Justin DiPietro enters a courtroom Sept. 25, 2013, with his mother, Phoebe DiPietro, to appear before the judge on an assault charge unrelated to his missing daughter, Ayla Reynolds. Gordon Chibroski/Portland Press Herald file The civil lawsuit alleged there was sufficient evidence that Justin DiPietro’s mother and sister, individually or together with him, had the opportunity and means to participate in causing severe injury to Ayla that led to her death. The lawsuit also alleged that all three participated in an unsuccessful attempt to clean up and conceal blood stains found in multiple locations before authorities arrived at the house, which Phoebe owns. Trista Reynolds said there is a lot she can’t disclose about the settlement which provided a little relief, emotionally. “I feel I proved a lot about what happened that night,” she said. DiPietro has for years denied he had anything to do with Ayla’s disappearance and has long maintained that someone must have abducted her from the house. DiPietro, his then-girlfriend, and sister, Elisha, were the only adults at the home the night Ayla reportedly disappeared. Phoebe DiPietro reportedly was not in the house Dec. 16, 2011, the night before Ayla was reported missing, according to court records. A state police spokesman said after Ayla’s disappearance that Justin DiPietro’s explanation that she must have been abducted didn’t pass the “straight-face test” and officials found no evidence to support she was taken during the night. Police have long maintained that those in the Violette Avenue house when Ayla disappeared know more than they are saying. Police have conducted many searches of Ayla by land and air over the last 13 years, with no success. The lead investigator in the case, Detective Sgt. Ryan Brockway of the Maine State Police Major Crimes Unit Central, said that this past year, officials received 10 leads in the case and most came from people in Maine, although some came from other states. “The leads that originated here in Maine have been investigated by me and others in the State Police Major Crimes Units,” Brockway said Wednesday in an email. “In some instances, regarding the out-of-state leads we have relied on our out-of-state law enforcement partners to investigate them. We continue to leverage the most modern technology and advancements in science and apply it to the evidence in this case.” Brockway said police didn’t conduct any physical searches this year. “We continue to stay in touch with the maternal side of Ayla’s family and provide them updates regarding information learned from some of the leads,” he said. “The Attorney General’s Office and we at the State Police, Major Crimes Unit remain committed to a positive resolution in this case.” In December 2023, Brockway said police receive d 13 leads. Those who think they have information that would help police in the case, he said, are encouraged to call 207-624-7076. Trista Reynolds and her boys continue to honor Ayla by shining a pink light on their porch, as Ayla loved the color pink, according to her mother. During December, the month she went missing, they keep the light on 24 hours a day. They also hang special ornaments on their Christmas tree in honor of her. Trista said some of her friends and neighbors also shine pink lights during December in support of Ayla and the search for justice. “Anyone can light any kind of pink light in honor of Ayla,” she said. “I’m still doing her pink light the first of December to the 31st of December. It still shines to show her way home. It’s really a big message to Ayla Bell her family loves her.” Comments are not available on this story. Send questions/comments to the editors. « Previous Next »Nordstrom Stock In Focus After $6.25B Take-Private Deal: Retail UpbeatThe Guardian view on AI’s power, limits, and risks: it may require rethinking the technology

By Noam N. Levey, KFF Health News Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can’t afford their medical bills or pay down their debts. “The election simply shifts our focus,” said Eva Stahl, who oversees public policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has worked closely with the Biden administration and state leaders on medical debt. “States are going to be the epicenter of policy change to mitigate the harms of medical debt.” New state initiatives may not be enough to protect Americans from medical debt if the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with plans to scale back federal aid that has helped millions gain health insurance or reduce the cost of their plans in recent years. Comprehensive health coverage that limits patients’ out-of-pocket costs remains the best defense against medical debt. But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills off people’s credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job. Several states are looking to strengthen oversight of medical credit cards and other financial products that can leave patients paying high interest rates on top of their medical debt. Some states are also exploring new ways to compel hospitals to bolster financial aid programs to help their patients avoid sinking into debt. “There’s an enormous amount that states can do,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, who leads health care initiatives at the nonprofit Community Service Society of New York. “Look at what’s happened here.” New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand financial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. “It doesn’t matter the party. No one likes medical debt,” Benjamin said. Other states that have enacted protections in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Many measures picked up bipartisan support. President Joe Biden’s administration has proved to be an ally in state efforts to control health care debt. Such debt burdens 100 million people in the United States, a KFF Health News investigation found . Led by Biden appointee Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made medical debt a priority , going after aggressive collectors and exposing problematic practices across the medical debt industry. Earlier this year, the agency proposed landmark regulations to remove medical bills from consumer credit scores. The White House also championed legislation to boost access to government-subsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt. Trump hasn’t indicated whether his administration will move ahead with the CFPB credit reporting rule, which was slated to be finalized early next year. Congressional Republicans, who will control the House and Senate next year, have blasted the proposal as regulatory overreach that will compromise the value of credit reports. And Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump has tapped to lead his initiative to shrink government, last week called for the elimination of the watchdog agency . “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on X. If the CFPB withdraws the proposed regulation, states could enact their own rules, following the lead of Colorado, New York, and other states that have passed credit reporting bans since 2023. Advocates in Massachusetts are pushing the legislature there to take up a ban when it reconvenes in January. “There are a lot of different levers that states have to take on medical debt,” said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national efforts to expand debt protections for patients. Kuehnhoff said she expects more states to crack down on medical credit card providers and other companies that lend money to patients to pay off medical bills, sometimes at double-digit interest rates. Under the Biden administration, the CFPB has been investigating patient financing companies amid warnings that many people may not understand that signing up for a medical credit card such as CareCredit or enrolling in a payment plan through a financial services company can pile on more debt. If the CFPB efforts stall under Trump, states could follow the lead of California, New York, and Illinois, which have all tightened rules governing patient lending in recent years. Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding efforts to get hospitals to provide more financial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt. Hospitals historically have not made this aid readily available, prompting states such as California, Colorado, and Washington to set stronger standards to ensure more patients get help with bills they can’t afford. This year, North Carolina also won approval from the Biden administration to withhold federal funding from hospitals in the state unless they agreed to expand financial assistance. In Georgia, where state government is entirely in Republican control, officials have been discussing new measures to get hospitals to provide more assistance to patients. “When we talk about hospitals putting profits over patients, we get lots of nodding in the legislature from Democrats and Republicans,” said Liz Coyle, executive director of Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy nonprofit. Many advocates caution, however, that state efforts to bolster patient protections will be critically undermined if the Trump administration cuts federal funding for health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the insurance marketplaces established through the Affordable Care Act. Trump and congressional Republicans have signaled their intent to roll back federal subsidies passed under Biden that make health plans purchased on ACA marketplaces more affordable. That could hike annual premiums by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many enrollees, according to estimates by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank. And during Trump’s first term, he backed efforts in Republican-led states to restrict enrollment in their Medicaid safety net programs through rules that would require people to work in order to receive benefits. GOP state leaders in Idaho, Louisiana, and other states have expressed a desire to renew such efforts. “That’s all a recipe for more medical debt,” said Stahl, of Undue Medical Debt. Jessica Altman, who heads the Covered California insurance marketplace, warned that federal cuts will imperil initiatives in her state that have limited copays and deductibles and curtailed debt for many state residents. “States like California that have invested in critical affordable programs for our residents will face tough decisions,” she said. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.