One-size-fits-all mandates from Washington, D.C., are rarely the answer to the problems Americans face, and health care is no exception. As anyone who has traveled our state can see, there is endless diversity of needs across our communities. The health care challenges, and the solutions needed to best serve them, are just as varied. Adrian Smith While access to care is not a challenge unique to rural communities, our communities must overcome limited labor forces and expansive coverage areas which make it impossible for them to enjoy the economies of scale which benefit large urban health systems. In fact, describing many 3rd District communities as “rural” downplays the magnitude of the barriers to health care access they face. I would argue a more appropriate designation would be “remote.” Nebraska’s 62 Critical Access Hospitals and more than 100 Rural Health Clinics operate under razor thin margins and must be financially sound, innovative, and hardy in order to meet the health care needs of patients in our state. To recognize the hard-working health care providers serving rural and remote communities in the 3rd District and around the country, last week I joined 50 of my colleagues to introduce a bipartisan resolution to designate Nov. 21 as National Rural Health Day. Americans who need care from traditional health care facilities, long-term care facilities, and home health service providers, are dealing with challenges such as lack of accessibility and affordability. An increasing number of these facilities have been forced to close or consolidate in recent years. Heavy-handed mandates such as the Biden administration’s nursing home staffing requirements, which were enacted without legislation, threaten to worsen the closure crisis and leave our seniors without local care options. Independent analysis shows 80% of nursing homes would not be able to comply with this rule. Because of this, I am a cosponsor of the Protecting America’s Seniors’ Access to Care Act (H.R. 7513) which would block this mandate’s implementation. To overcome the challenges we face, innovative solutions are needed. Telehealth is a promising field which can help increase health care access everywhere, and it is important for Congress to recognize and leverage the value of such advancements in technology. Telehealth solutions can particularly benefit areas of the3rd District where driving distances can make it difficult for patients and providers to connect in person. Congress must ensure these options continue to be available in the future. Last week, I joined 39 colleagues in communicating to congressional leadership the importance of extending a telehealth policy set to expire at the end of the year which enables Americans with high-deductible health plans and health savings accounts to have access to telehealth services before reaching their deductible. My bipartisan bill, the Telehealth Expansion Act would make this policy permanent, ensuring this first dollar coverage for telehealth services is always available for those with high deductible health plans and health savings accounts. Another challenge which disproportionately impacts rural Americans is drug shortages. For Americans who depend on pharmaceutical drugs for critical treatment, an unexpected drug shortage can seriously worsen health outcomes and in many cases will lead to delayed care, inferior substitutions, and even hospitalization or death. As of September 2024, there were over 275 active drug shortages listed on the FDA’s drug shortage list. This week, I introduced a new, bipartisan bill to help reduce the prevalence and severity of drug shortages. This bill would enhance access to critical medicines Americans depend on by streamlining communication among providers and the FDA when supply chain needs are anticipated. Advancing solutions to support providers and improve health outcomes for rural Americans is one of my top priorities in Congress. While carefully considering the varied circumstances and needs of communities across the country, we can find consensus on common sense solutions to many of our health care challenges. I am committed to fighting for better outcomes and coming together with my colleagues to support providers and empower patients. Congressman Adrian Smith represents 85 of Nebraska’s 93 cities in the U.S. House of Representatives. Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!US coach Emma Hayes admits to anthem uncertainty ahead of England stalemate
SAN FRANCISCO -- Pacific Gas & Electric Co. could receive up to $15 billion in federal loans to help the utility modernize its power grid and expand clean energy infrastructure across central and northern California, officials announced Tuesday. The U.S. Department of Energy announced a conditional commitment for one of the largest loan guarantees ever under its Energy Infrastructure Reinvestment program. When finalized, the money would be loaned in installments over several years. The funds would support a portfolio of projects to expand hydropower generation and battery storage, upgrade transmission capacity, and enable virtual power plants throughout PG &E's service area, the energy department said. PG &E submitted its application to the agency's Loan Programs Office in June 2023. Partially funding its projects with lower-cost federal loans could save customers up to $1 billion over the life of the financing, the utility said in a statement Tuesday. "Investments in a clean and resilient grid for northern and central California will have significant returns for our customers in safety, reliability and economic growth. The DOE loan program can help us accelerate the pace and impact of this work, which supports thousands of living wage jobs, at a lower cost to our customers," PG &E CEO Patti Poppe said in the statement. The Sierra Club, the environmental advocacy group, cheered PG &E's commitment to modernizing the power grid and expanding clean energy infrastructure. "This innovative loan program will help ensure that Californians will see more stable rates, enjoy more good clean energy jobs and live with fewer harmful emissions. This unprecedented windfall also offers a unique opportunity for PG &E to update its outdated transmission infrastructure with more efficient, climate-friendly and fire-safe technology," Sierra Club organizer Julia Dowell said in a statement Tuesday. President Joe Biden's administration is rushing to spend billions of dollars from the Loan Program which faces an uncertain future when President-elect Donald Trump takes office. KGO-TV contributed to this reportOne of the primary misconceptions about a "Trump 2.0" is the tendency to apply a one-size-fits-all comparison to any populist leader who emerges on the political scene. Professor Ouyang emphasizes the importance of distinguishing between different leaders and movements, rather than lumping them together under the umbrella of a singular archetype. While there may be similarities between Trump and other populist figures, each individual possesses unique characteristics and motivations that shape their actions and policies.
Abacus Life Announces Closing of Public Offering of 12,500,000 Shares of Common Stock
Rule Change: 5 big changes are going to be implemented from December 1, the impact will be visible on every pocket!
As the digital streaming industry continues to evolve, Tencent Video's decision serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing user convenience with platform sustainability. By implementing measures to prevent account sharing and improve service quality, Tencent Video is positioning itself for long-term growth and success in the increasingly crowded streaming market.
The sudden withdrawal of former Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, President-elect Donald Trump's embattled pick for attorney general, amid opposition from Senate Republicans marks the first major setback for Trump as he fills his Cabinet —but other high-profile nominees also appear to be facing mounting opposition from members of his own party. In a recent episode of her SiriusXM radio show, Trump's former ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, skewered Tulsi Gabbard, the president-elect's selection for director of national intelligence, and his choice for health and human services secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. — blasting both nominees for their foreign policy ideologies. Speaking about Gabbard, Haley said she had "major issues" with her candidacy and reiterated comments Gabbard has made in the past that run counter to the views of the U.S. intelligence community, including blaming NATO for the invasion of Ukraine and her decision to meet with Syrian dictator Bashar Assad in 2017. "She has defended Russia, she has defended Syria, she has defended Iran, and she has defended China," Haley said. "DNI has to analyze real threats. Are we comfortable with someone like that at the top of our national intelligence agencies?" MORE: Tulsi Gabbard, Trump's pick for top intel role, draws scrutiny over Russia comments In presenting her argument, Haley also emphasized various occasions in which Gabbard — a former Democratic congresswoman who ran for the party's presidential nomination in 2020 before becoming a Republican — has directly clashed with the president-elect. "She opposed ending the Iran nuclear deal. She opposed sanctions on Iran. She opposed designating the Iran military as terrorists who say death to America every single day," Haley said. "She said that Donald Trump turned the U.S. into Saudi Arabia's prostitute. This is going to be the future head of our national intelligence." Haley also referenced Gabbard's assertion in a 2020 interview that the Trump administration provided "no justification whatsoever" for authorizing the strike that killed Iranian commander Qassem Soleimani, which Gabbard also described at the time as an "illegal and unconstitutional act of war." MORE: Tulsi Gabbard's transition from Democrat to high-profile role with Trump's 2024 campaign team "She tried to limit Trump's war powers against Iran. She tried to cut our annual defense budget so that we couldn't punish Iran and hinder their influence," Haley said. Speaking about Kennedy, Haley said he is "not a health guy" but a "liberal Democrat" who spent his time in Washington siding with progressive policies while also criticizing his views of U.S. adversaries. "He said he would consider admitting Russia into NATO," Haley said, an apparent reference to Kennedy's contention that Moscow should have been admitted to the alliance following the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Haley also denounced Kennedy's support for thawing relations with China, which she said could have deleterious implications for American healthcare. "During COVID, we talked about how 90% of our medications were coming from China and how dependent we are. He wants us to deescalate tensions," she said. Haley was Trump's primary opponent in the content for the GOP's presidential nomination but endorsed him after dropping out of the race in March. MORE: Tracking Trump's picks to serve in his Cabinet, administration After winning the White House, the president-elect publicly announced he would not invite Haley back to serve in his second administration. But Haley, at least outwardly, has maintained a cordial relationship with Trump and brushed off the snub, insisting she made it clear she had "no interest in being in his Cabinet." Sources tell ABC News that Gaetz bowed out of what was shaping up to be a futile confirmation battle on Thursday after it became clear to Trump's team that the former Florida lawmaker, who is facing sex trafficking and drug use allegations, had "no path" to securing 50 votes in the Republican-led Senate. While it's not clear that either Gabbard or Kennedy face similarly long odds in the chamber, both have been lambasted by Republicans in recent days. Former Republican Rep. Joe Walsh slammed both candidates during an interview on Sunday. "These people have no business running these departments," he said. "This is like a revenge against Dr. Fauci when it comes to RFK Jr., but Tulsi Gabbard, the best you can say about her is she's a Putin cheerleader. That's the best you can say." Gabbard has also attracted the ire of the "Wall Street Journal's" right-leaning editorial board, which said she has "given no indication across her long political career that she is the right person" to lead the intelligence community. The Trump-friendly "New York Post" took aim at both Gabbard and Kennedy, calling the former congresswoman a "dreadful" pick and saying "it's hard to see" how Kennedy could lead the Department of Health and Human Services to "practical solutions." During the confirmation process, Republicans are expected to press Kennedy, who switched his party affiliation from Democrat to independent in 2023, on a range of views — including his criticism of vaccines and history of supporting abortion rights. But another controversial nominee, Pete Hegseth, the Fox News co-host whom Trump has tapped to lead the Pentagon, appears to be gaining GOP support. Republican Sen. Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma said Hegseth would be a "perfect" secretary of defense. Hegseth is accused of committing sexual assault in 2017, and new details about the allegation emerged on Wednesday when a police report on the incident was made public. He has denied all wrongdoing and was never charged with a crime. After Hegseth met with Republicans on Capitol Hill, several Republicans appeared poised to look past the accusations against the nominee. "Since no charges were brought by the authorities, we have only press reports," Republican Sen. Roger Wicker of Mississippi said.PHOENIX — Traditionally, the holiday season is one of the hardest times of the year for food banks to meet the growing needs of the community. But that need gave birth to Turkey Tuesday 32 years ago, one of our favorite events of the year here at 12News. RELATED: Turkey Tuesday: Donate to help feed Arizona families for the holiday season This year we are thrilled to continue our annual Turkey Tuesday drive, where we partner with St. Vincent de Paul and Bashas’ to help those in need. Your generosity and the hard work of dedicated volunteers truly make an impact in the lives of thousands of families across Arizona. >> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. It’s that time of year, family, food, and football, a time we come together to remember all that we’re thankful for. It’s also a time of giving and events like Turkey Tuesday are the perfect opportunity to get involved. One of the places your donations go is St. Mathew’s Conference food pantry in Phoenix, where Vincentian volunteers Luis Garcia and Elisabet Rios try to meet as many needs as possible. “The majority of us that volunteer came from a family at one time that needed help,” said Luis Garcia, a Vincentian volunteer. Garcia and Rios are paying it forward. “We give out food boxes to the families that are requesting help with food,” he said. Garcia says sometimes families request help with utilities or rentals. “...any kind of form they need... we never say no if we have the funds,” he added. At St. Mathews they stay busy, sorting food they’ve received from St. Vincent de Paul’s Food Reclamation Center. They fill out the food boxes according to each family’s needs. “If it’s a big family, we’ll give them two big banana boxes... and we’ll fill out the dry goods from here, and then for my other room is all our frozen,” said Rios. “... milk, eggs, meats, bread...” Rios is passionate about doing this incredible work and about helping others. “It’s just amazing,” she said. “This organization is beautiful.” Rios says one of her favorite things about volunteering is meeting the families they serve. “...going out and meeting the families... doing the home visits and you get to go one-on-one and meet the families,” Rios said. “That’s what I love the most.” They visit at least 15-20 homes twice a week, depending on the calls they receive. With each delivery, they include prayer cards. As soon as they parked, the Hairston family in Phoenix came outside and greeted them with smiles and hugs. “It’s so special,” said 11-year-old Yahweh. “I cannot believe that it’s happening today.” The visit means so much to him. “They’re very nice, loving and helpful...” he said. And his 9-year-old sister Yulan. “Yeah, they’re my best friends,” she said. Their mom Katherine Dillard and grandma Sandra Hairston are more than grateful for the generosity of others. “Because I’m on a fixed income and it has been so many months to where I’m robbing Peter to pay Paul in order to get groceries for my grandkids and my daughter,” said Hairston. “They have been angels sent for real." “I feel tears coming, because the way everything is right now, it’s hard to trust anybody,” said Dillard. “The economy is high and just them – they always help us... so I am grateful for them.” Every visit concludes with an extra special moment. “We ask them if they want to say a prayer with us,” said Garcia. He says sometimes it’s spoken by the volunteers and other times, by the families they’re visiting. “...and some of them do... they have beautiful, beautiful prayers,” said Garcia. He says sometimes it’s that powerful moment – that blessing – they’re in need of the most. “Maybe they haven’t gone to church in a long time and when we go, we represent Christ,” he said. “So, we get a lot more out of it than the families do sometimes.” The beautiful and important mission behind St. Vincent de Paul is truly making an immense difference in the lives of so many Arizonans. “It lifts my spirits, and it lets me know that god is real,” said Hairston. “Not only are they feeding our bellies, but they help feed our soul as well.” More than 168,00 food boxes are delivered every year to families experiencing food insecurity in central and northern Arizona. Watch 12News+ for free You can now watch 12News content anytime, anywhere thanks to the 12News+ app! The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV . 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. Users can also watch on-demand videos of top stories, local politics, I-Team investigations, Arizona-specific features and vintage videos from the 12News archives. Roku : Add the channel from the Roku store or by searching for "12 News KPNX." Amazon Fire TV : Search for "12 News KPNX" to find the free 12News+ app to add to your account , or have the 12News+ app delivered directly to your Amazon Fire TV through Amazon.com or the Amazon app. More ways to get 12News On your phone: Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. iTunes Google Play On your streaming device: Download 12News+ to your streaming device The free 12News+ app from 12News lets users stream live events — including daily newscasts like "Today in AZ" and "12 News" and our daily lifestyle program, "Arizona Midday"—on Roku and Amazon Fire TV. 12News+ showcases live video throughout the day for breaking news, local news, weather and even an occasional moment of Zen showcasing breathtaking sights from across Arizona. On social media: Find us on Facebook , Twitter , Instagram and YouTube .Instead of using heated windshields, traffic police encourage electric scooter riders to explore alternative methods for staying warm while riding in cold weather. It is recommended to wear appropriate winter clothing, such as thick jackets, gloves, and hats, to protect against the cold without compromising safety.
Greed, or "贪" in Chinese, is a word that carries a deep and complex meaning. It is often associated with excessive desire for wealth, power, or material possessions, leading to selfish and unethical behavior. The selection of "Greed" as the representative word of the year serves as a reminder and a call to action for individuals and society as a whole to reflect on the negative impacts of greed and to strive for a more balanced and ethical way of living.One of the key highlights of the Ideal L6's safety features is its advanced collision avoidance technology. Equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and AI-powered systems, the Ideal L6 is able to detect and respond to potential hazards on the road in real time. This proactive approach to safety not only reduces the risk of accidents but also minimizes the severity of impact in the event of a collision.
Based on Company's Dual-Track Strategy, the 2025 QNED evo Lineup Boasts Unprecedented Technological Advancements ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J., Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LG Electronics USA (LG) unveiled today its renewed 2025 QNED evo lineup, featuring new proprietary wide color gamut technology, a true wireless viewing experience that transmits 4K 144Hz1 images without loss of picture quality or delay, AI-enhanced picture and sound processing, and an ultra-personalized AI-based customer experience via webOS 25. LG continues to strengthen its competitiveness in the global premium TV market through a dual-track strategy. This strategy emphasizes LG's market-leading, self-emissive OLED lineup and the QNED evo series – a premium LCD TV lineup that incorporates key OLED innovations, such as advanced AI capabilities and wireless convenience. The 2025 QNED evo lineup boasts an improved color gamut compared to previous models by applying LG's new proprietary wide color gamut technology, Dynamic QNED Color Solution, which replaces quantum dots. This unique technology enables light from the backlight to be expressed in pure colors that are as realistic as they appear to the eye in general life. With the application of Dynamic QNED Color Solution, the entire 2025 QNED evo lineup is 100 percent certified by global testing and certification organization Intertek for Color Volume, measuring a screen's ability to display the rich colors of original images without distortion. In 2025, LG will also unveil the QNED evo (QNED9M) featuring its True Wireless 4K technology. This innovation, previously exclusive to the top-tier OLED evo model (M Series) last year, will now be available in the QNED evo lineup. This expansion allows viewers to enjoy high-definition 4K content wirelessly, without compromising on picture quality or experiencing delays, moving beyond the limitations of traditional wired connections.2 The wireless solution utilizes a separate Zero Connect Box to transmit high-definition video at up to 4K resolution and a refresh rate of 144Hz. The QNED evo is designed to minimize screen disconnection and deliver natural images even in a wireless setup. Additionally, it has earned AMD FreeSync Premium certification. The TV itself requires only a power cord, allowing for more convenient storage of gaming consoles and set-top boxes. The company additionally continues to raise the picture and sound quality of its QNED evo lineup by offering more powerful editions of its proprietary AI processors. 2025 LG QNED evo models are equipped with the α8 AI Processor, offering close to 70 percent improvement in AI performance compared to the previous year. This processor delivers picture and sound at a level worthy of ultra-large TVs. These AI capabilities include more advanced upscaling, analyzing the filmmaker's intent to adjust picture noise and presenting faces, objects, text and backgrounds more naturally. Dynamic Tone Mapping Pro breaks down each scene to fine-tune HDR effects and brightness for each zone. Moreover, AI converts 2-channel sound sources to virtual 9.1.2 channel sound for a richer audio experience. It also distinguishes voices from background sounds and makes them clearer, while audio sounds natural as if it were coming from the center of the TV screen. The new AI Magic Remote, included with the 2025 QNED evo, features a new AI button for easy analysis of viewing preferences and recommendations on what to watch and which apps to use. Personalization is further enhanced by Voice ID, Generative AI Gallery3 and customized TV picture and sound quality modes. A short press on the AI button guides users to relevant keywords and TV features, while a long press enables personalized searches based on a large language model (LLM4). For example, if a user is planning a trip to France, they can ask their remote, "Recommend movies to watch on my trip to Paris." The AI will understand the context and suggest movies set in the French capital, including specific genre recommendations based on the user's viewing preferences. LG's proprietary smart TV platform, webOS25, elevates the customer experience by offering hyper-personalized service advancements and content through its best-of-all-time AI features and the ongoing webOS Re:New Program, which includes webOS upgrades for five years. The 2025 QNED lineup will also now range from 40 to 100 inches as LG is expanding its QNED lineup by introducing a 100-inch option in response to customer demand for ultra-large, premium LCD TVs. "Our renewed 2025 LG QNED evo lineup inherits OLED's differentiated picture quality along with a true wireless viewing experience and ultra-personalized solutions to deliver an outstanding super-large viewing experience that no other LCD TV can offer," said Hyoung-sei Park, president of the LG Media Entertainment Solution Company. 1 LG 2025 QNED9M series TVs provide support for 4K@144Hz. 2 Wireless transmission refers to the transferring of video and audio signals between a TV screen and the Zero Connect Box. Visually lossless, based on internal test results with ISO/IEC 29170-2 and measurement results may vary depending on connection status. 3 Only available in Korea and the U.S. 4 Only available in Korea and the U.S. About LG Electronics USA LG Electronics USA, Inc., based in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., is the North American subsidiary of LG Electronics, Inc., a $68 billion global innovator in technology and manufacturing. In the United States, LG sells a wide range of innovative home appliances, home entertainment products, commercial displays, air conditioning systems, and vehicle components. LG is an 11-time ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year. The company's commitment to environmental sustainability and its "Life's Good" marketing theme encompass how LG is dedicated to people's happiness by exceeding expectations today and tomorrow. For more information, visit . Media Contacts: LG Electronics USA LG Electronics USA Chris De Maria Christin Rodriguez [email protected] [email protected] LG-One [email protected] SOURCE LG Electronics USA MENAFN17122024003732001241ID1109004904 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. 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In addition to refining the definition of sexual harassment, experts stress the need to enhance the punishment mechanisms for offenders. Currently, the consequences for acts of harassment are often inadequate or inconsistent, leading to a lack of deterrence for potential perpetrators. By increasing the severity of penalties for those found guilty of sexual harassment, organizations can send a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated and will be met with serious repercussions.A voting machine firm suing Fox News now wants to probe Murdoch family trust fight
In conclusion, the selection of "Greed" as the representative word of the year in Taiwan for 2024 is a timely and significant choice that reflects the pressing issues and challenges facing society today. It serves as a reminder of the importance of ethical values, social responsibility, and sustainable development in shaping a better future for all. Let us take this opportunity to reflect on our own values and behaviors, and to strive for a more compassionate and equitable society.The integration of technology in the real estate sector is set to continue its rapid advancement in the coming year. From virtual tours and online property listings to smart home technologies and artificial intelligence, technology is reshaping the way real estate transactions are conducted. Industry players are expected to leverage these technological advancements to streamline processes, enhance customer experiences, and improve operational efficiency.Official Report on the Missing Person Bu Who Has Been Found and the Suspect Taken Into Custody