Manmohan Singh India’s ‘reforms’ man and politician with a differenceAnd single people are more likely to use mobility tools compared to those who are married, according to researchers from University College London (UCL) and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM). Researchers looked at information from a group of more than 12,000 adults in England aged 50 to 89 who were tracked over a 13-year period. At the start of the study, 8,225 adults had no mobility difficulty and did not use mobility assistive products (MAPs). Some 2,480 were deemed to have “unmet need” and 1,375 were using mobility aids. During the follow-up period, there were 2,313 “transitions” where people went from having no mobility issues to needing some help with getting around. And 1,274 people started to use mobility aids. Compared with men, women were 49% more likely to transition from not needing mobility aids to needing to use them, according to the study which has been published in The Lancet Public Health. But were 21% less likely to go on to use mobility aids when they needed them. The authors said their study showed “barriers to access” for women. For both men and women, with every year that passed during the study period the need for mobility aids increased. People who were older, less educated, less wealthy or reported being disabled were more likely to “transition from no need to unmet need, and from unmet need to use”, the authors said, with this indicating a “higher prevalence of mobility limitations and MAP need overall among these groups”. They added: “Finally, marital or partnership status was not associated with transitioning to unmet need; however, single people were more likely to transition from unmet need to use compared with married or partnered people.” Jamie Danemayer, first author of the study from UCL Computer Science and UCL’s Global Disability Innovation Hub, said: “Our analysis suggests that there is a clear gender gap in access to mobility aids. “Though our data didn’t ascertain the reason why participants weren’t using mobility aids, other research tells us that women are often more likely than men to face obstacles such as cost barriers as a result of well-documented income disparities between genders. “Many mobility aids are designed for men rather than women, which we think may be a factor. “Using mobility aids can also make a disability visible, which can impact the safety and stigma experienced by women, in particular. “There’s a critical need for further research to identify and break down the barriers preventing women from accessing mobility aids that would improve their quality of life.” Professor Cathy Holloway, also from UCL, added: “Not having access to mobility aids when a person needs one can have a big impact on their independence, well-being and quality of life. “Our analysis suggests that women, in particular, regardless of other factors such as education and employment status, are not getting the support that they need.” Professor Shereen Hussein, senior author of the study and lead of the social care group at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: “The research provides compelling evidence of gender disparities in accessing assistive technology, suggesting that cost, design bias, and social stigma are likely to disproportionally affect women. “This underscores the need for inclusive, gender-sensitive approaches in the design, production and inclusivity of assistive technologies.”The injury news for the San Francisco 49ers was twice as bad as expected Monday. Running back Christian McCaffrey will go on injured reserve with a posterior cruciate ligament strain that may not need surgery, but is serious enough to sideline him for the season. To make matters worse, Jordan Mason, the 49ers’ leading rusher, will also “most likely” go on IR and could also miss the remainder of the season. The 49ers are coming off a 35-10 road loss to the Buffalo Bills and will host the Chicago Bears Sunday at Levi’s Stadium with fading playoff hopes that just took another blow with the loss of two key offensive performers. Also going on injured reserve will be defensive tackle Kevin Givens, who returned from a groin injury but sustained a torn pectoral against Buffalo. Shanahan said he hasn’t had a chance to speak with McCaffrey, who played in just three games after missing the offseason and training camp with bilateral Achilles tendinitis and had 53 yards in seven carries before being injured on a 19-yard gain in the first half. The recovery time for McCaffrey’s injury, Shanahan said, is six weeks. The 49ers have five games left in the regular season and at this point are longshots to make the postseason. “I’ll connect this afternoon,” Shanahan said. “It was a real frustrating year for him. He worked his ass off to get to that point and had that real unfortunate injury. He’ll get through this, he’s a hell of a player, a hell of a person, an unbelievable 49er and he’ll be back next year.” Mason gained 78 yards on 13 carries against Buffalo before giving way to rookie Isaac Guerendo. In theory, if Mason were to go on injured reserve, he could still be activated before the regular season finale against Arizona. With Mason out, the 49ers leading rushers are quarterback Brock Purdy (53 carries, 271 yards) and Guerendo (42 carries for 246 yards). Guerendo will get plenty of work with the first team, the 49ers will promote Patrick Taylor Jr. from the practice squad and will be in the market for another running back. Snap judgments 58: Cornerback Chararius Ward didn’t miss a defensive snap in his return to the lineup. He was one of four players to play every snap, joining cornerback Renardo Green, safety Malik Mustapha and safety Ji’Ayir Brown. 48: Left guard Ben Bartch played every offensive snap in his 49ers’ starting debut and did some good things in the running game. Others who didn’t miss a snap included the rest of the offensive line, Kittle and Purdy. 45: Middle linebacker Fred Warner missed 13 snaps to get an IV after getting cramps in both forearms. 21: Nick McCloud, promoted from the practice squad to the 53-man roster, got his most extensive time on defense as a slot corner. 13: Jalen Graham stepped in for Warner temporarily because of injuries to Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, who was inactive, and Tatum Bethune, who is on injured reserve. 2: The 49ers eschewed formations with double tight ends, with Eric Saubert getting only a pair of snaps. ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
As CFP run continues, Penn State hopes to get passing game on trackThe Chairman of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Birmingham Chapter Mr. Prince Kwadwo Osei, has praised the leadership of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) for selecting Berekum Holy Family Hospital in the Bono Region as one of the facilities offering free dialysis sessions under the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). In a statement issued from his base in Birmingham, Mr. Osei lauded the initiative ledChief Executive of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), led by Dr. DaCosta Aboagye, describing it as both strategic and timely. He highlighted the significance of the decision, emphasizing that it would alleviate the burden on patients with renal issues in the Bono Region who previously had to travel to the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in the Ashanti Region for treatment. “The proximity of Berekum to Sunyani, the Bono Regional capital, makes this choice an excellent one, as it will serve patients not only within Bono but also in parts of the Ahafo and Northern Regions,” he noted. Mr. Osei, affectionately known as One-in-Town, acknowledged that when Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia announced the free dialysis policy under the NHIS, many dismissed it as mere campaign rhetoric. However, he pointed out that its successful implementation on December 1, 2024, demonstrates the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises. He further credited Dr. Bawumia’s leadership and vision, stating, “Social intervention policies like this are among the reasons why Dr. Bawumia stands out as the best choice for Ghana. His track record as the most performing Vice President in Ghana’s political history, coupled with his unblemished integrity, makes him the ideal candidate for the December 7, 2024, general elections.” Mr. Osei also confirmed that free dialysis sessions commenced smoothly at the Berekum Holy Family Hospital, with officials from the NHIA’s national office present to oversee the rollout. “This marks a significant milestone and the icing on the cake,” he remarked. He expressed optimism that such policies would continue to enhance healthcare accessibility and improve the lives of Ghanaians across the country.
The San Francisco 49ers have released the list of inactive players for their Week 15 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams. These six players will not suit up for the game. Inactives: RB Israel Abanikanda DT Khalil Davis (knee) QB Joshua Dobbs S Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder) T Trent Williams (ankle) CB Rock Ya-Sin Bosa and Guerendo are active Defensive end Nick Bosa (hip, oblique) and running back Isaac Guerendo (foot sprain), both initially listed as questionable, are officially active for tonight's game. Previously ruled out On Friday, the 49ers ruled out guard Ben Bartch, who suffered a high-ankle sprain against the Chicago Bears, along with safety Malik Mustapha (chest, shoulder) and tackle Trent Williams (ankle). Just hours before kickoff, the team placed Bartch on injured reserve. Greenlaw returns In a positive development, the 49ers activated linebacker Dre Greenlaw (Achilles) from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, making him available for his first game in 10 months. Practice squad help Additionally, the team elevated running back Ke'Shawn Vaughn from the practice squad to bolster depth for tonight's matchup, with Israel Abanikanda inactive. This article first appeared on 49ers Webzone and was syndicated with permission.TORONTO (AP) — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Donald Trump that Americans would also suffer if the president-elect follows through on a plan to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian products , a Canadian minister who attended their recent dinner said Monday. Trump threatened to impose tariffs on products from Canada and Mexico if they don’t stop what he called the flow of drugs and migrants across their borders with the United States. He said on social media last week that he would impose a 25% tax on all products entering the U.S. from Canada and Mexico as one of his first executive orders. Canadian Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc, whose responsibilities include border security, attended a dinner with Trump and Trudeau at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club on Friday. Trudeau requested the meeting in a bid to avoid the tariffs by convincing Trump that the northern border is nothing like the U.S. southern border with Mexico . "The prime minister of course spoke about the importance of protecting the Canadian economy and Canadian workers from tariffs, but we also discussed with our American friends the negative impact that those tariffs could have on their economy, on affordability in the United States as well," LeBlanc said in Parliament. If Trump makes good on his threat to slap 25% tariffs on everything imported from Mexico and Canada, the price increases that could follow will collide with his campaign promise to give American families a break from inflation. Economists say companies would have little choice but to pass along the added costs, dramatically raising prices for food, clothing, automobiles, alcohol and other goods. The Produce Distributors Association, a Washington trade group, said last week that tariffs will raise prices for fresh fruit and vegetables and hurt U.S. farmers when the countries retaliate. Canada is already examining possible retaliatory tariffs on certain items from the U.S. should Trump follow through on the threat. After his dinner with Trump, Trudeau returned home without assurances the president-elect will back away from threatened tariffs on all products from the major American trading partner. Trump called the talks “productive” but signaled no retreat from a pledge that Canada says unfairly lumps it in with Mexico over the flow of drugs and migrants into the United States. “The idea that we came back empty handed is completely false,” LeBlanc said. “We had a very productive discussion with Mr. Trump and his future Cabinet secretaries. ... The commitment from Mr. Trump to continue to work with us was far from empty handed.” Joining Trump and Trudeau at dinner were Howard Lutnick, Trump’s nominee for commerce secretary, North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s pick to lead the Interior Department, and Mike Waltz, Trump’s choice to be his national security adviser. Canada’s ambassador to the U.S., Kirsten Hillman, told The Associated Press on Sunday that “the message that our border is so vastly different than the Mexican border was really understood.” Hillman, who sat at an adjacent table to Trudeau and Trump, said Canada is not the problem when it comes to drugs and migrants. On Monday, Mexico’s president rejected those comments. “Mexico must be respected, especially by its trading partners,” President Claudia Sheinbaum said. She said Canada had its own problems with fentanyl consumption and “could only wish they had the cultural riches Mexico has.” Flows of migrants and seizures of drugs at the two countries’ border are vastly different. U.S. customs agents seized 43 pounds of fentanyl at the Canadian border during the last fiscal year, compared with 21,100 pounds at the Mexican border. Most of the fentanyl reaching the U.S. — where it causes about 70,000 overdose deaths annually — is made by Mexican drug cartels using precursor chemicals smuggled from Asia. On immigration, the U.S. Border Patrol reported 1.53 million encounters with migrants at the southwest border with Mexico between October 2023 and September 2024. That compares to 23,721 encounters at the Canadian border during that time. Canada is the top export destination for 36 U.S. states. Nearly $3.6 billion Canadian (US$2.7 billion) worth of goods and services cross the border each day. About 60% of U.S. crude oil imports are from Canada, and 85% of U.S. electricity imports as well. Canada is also the largest foreign supplier of steel, aluminum and uranium to the U.S. and has 34 critical minerals and metals that the Pentagon is eager for and investing for national security.Weekend review: Barça let Madrid into title race, Liverpool stomp City
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Article content Sault Ste. Marie MPP Ross Romano announced Thursday he will retire from provincial politics. According to a CBC Radio report Thursday evening, the Progressive Conservative member told the Ontario Legislature he was keeping a promise to his family that he would not seek re-election so he could spend more time with them. Romano was first elected in a 2017 byelection and became the first Progressive Conservative to represent the district in more than 30 years. He has held a host of cabinet positions, including minister of colleges and universities and minister of government services. Share this Story : Sault MPP Romano will not seek re-election Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn TumblrLINCOLN, Neb. — Defensive coordinator Tony White, the best hire in Matt Rhule’s two seasons as coach at Nebraska, is leaving the Huskers to take the same position at Florida State . Two people briefed on the move confirmed it to The Athletic on Monday. It’s a lateral move for White, and that’s a generous assessment of the Seminoles — who play in a weaker conference than Nebraska with fewer resources than exist in Lincoln and a coach seemingly on the hot seat after a 2-10 season. Advertisement FSU has a far superior recruiting base to Nebraska. And that’s about it. So what gives? Well, Nebraska is not what it once was. It’s not what it was, in fact, 12 months ago. The Huskers, despite ending a seven-year bowl drought, walk into December with limited momentum. They’re not viewed from the outside — after bungling away late opportunities in five defeats this season — as an awakening elite program on a fast track to national relevance. Nebraska is just another program mired in mediocrity, without an impressive-looking new coach or the anticipation of a big change coming soon. Excitement around Rhule’s rebuild evaporated six weeks ago when Indiana torched the Huskers. After losing five of six games in the second half of the regular season, Nebraska is left in December to deal with the ramifications. Word of warning: It might feel like an especially long month. White’s departure is the first big domino to fall. Wide receiver Malachi Coleman , a hometown player and the gem of Rhule’s first recruiting class, announced his intention last month to depart the program. Defensive linemen Jimari Butler and Vincent Jackson are set to enter the portal. BREAKING: Nebraska DL Jimari Butler plans to enter the Transfer Portal, he tells @on3sports The 6’5 260 DL totaled 65 Tackles, 7.5 Sacks, & 1 FF in his 3 years with the Cornhuskers https://t.co/MfHHpnCmhj pic.twitter.com/gOx74CgZgV — Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) December 2, 2024 There will be many more exits. It’s a necessity, with the 105-man roster limit looming in 2025. Nebraska’s roster this season included about 150 players. Some departing Huskers won’t move the meter. Others will — like White, whose defense kept the Huskers afloat for much of the past two seasons. Until Dana Holgorsen arrived three weeks ago and yanked the offense out of neutral as Nebraska pounded Wisconsin 44-25, the Nebraska defense allowed no more than 14 points in every one of Rhule’s victories with the Huskers. If White’s group failed to perform, the Huskers lost. GO DEEPER How Nebraska quickly pivoted to new offensive coordinator Dana Holgorsen And now he’s off to Florida State, which has sued its conference, the ACC, to reduce the fee required for schools to leave. Of course, after a 13-0 record couldn’t get FSU into the College Football Playoff in 2023, it’s got bigger problems to tackle than its conference affiliation. White and newly hired Florida State offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who left the top job at UCF , could be in limbo next year at this time if they can’t turn the Noles in a positive direction under sixth-year coach Mike Norvell. Advertisement White turned down at least one opportunity to leave Nebraska after last season. He discussed head-coaching jobs with multiple schools, including his alma mater, UCLA , but ultimately stayed at Nebraska and got a $1.6 million-per-year deal through the end of next season. It made him the highest-paid assistant coach in Nebraska history. “As we resurge ... a lot of that credit is going to go to Tony,” Rhule said early this year. “And he’ll have an opportunity to be a head coach. He’ll be a great one. And hopefully, I can do some things along the way that help prepare him.” This detour to Tallahassee is not one for which Rhule stumped. And yet, here we are, mulling options for Rhule to hire as Nebraska’s next defensive coordinator. Why leave? White lost some of his autonomy with the Nebraska defense in 2024. In July, after secondary coach Evan Cooper left the program, Rhule plucked former Buffalo Bills assistant John Butler to coach the defensive backs. Butler brought a traditional defense mindset from the NFL in comparison with White’s attacking, occasionally exotic system. The Huskers still ran White’s 3-3-5 scheme, but Butler’s schematic influence was evident. In addition, Nebraska used the services of Phil Snow, the former longtime defensive coordinator under Rhule, as a consultant. Did extra hands in the kitchen compromise White’s ability to cook? “Whatever the head man wants, whatever the head man suggests, that’s the way the program goes,” White said two weeks ago. “Right? That’s how it goes, period. And so our job is to make sure that gets done in the way, in the manner in which he wants it done. “We put it on the grass with the players and make it alive. That’s anywhere, any organization. That man has been through it, and he is the leader. And when he says something, we make it work. We make it happen.” Advertisement Nebraska slipped from 11th nationally in yardage in 2023 allowed per game to 19th. Still, the Blackshirts, with returning starters at every position to open this season, put the Huskers in position to win each game except the Indiana debacle. The immediate task for Rhule is to minimize collateral damage. He can find a top-notch defensive coordinator. Butler told The Athletic early this year that he chose to leave the Bills to position himself to coordinate an NFL or major college defense. If it’s not Butler, Rhule could tap an old colleague, Geoff Collins, the former Georgia Tech head coach who coordinated North Carolina ’s defense this year. Rhule could make a run at recently fired Purdue coach Ryan Walters, an elite coordinator while at Illinois; former Wisconsin coordinator Jim Leonhard; or Chris Kiffin, the son of late, great ex-Nebraska defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who’s working with brother Lane this year at Ole Miss . How many dominoes could fall? White is interested in taking Terrance Knighton, Nebraska’s D-line coach of the past two seasons, with him to Florida State according to a person briefed on the situation. A few Huskers who played defense for White — like Jimari Butler — could follow. A small exodus at first might lead to a larger one. It might spread to the offensive side, especially as Nebraska trims the roster to meet the NCAA limitations. Falling dominoes could affect Holgorsen, whom the Huskers want to lock up as offensive coordinator for next season after he made a positive impact in three games. Chances are, Rhule will succeed in keeping things mostly intact. He’s good at selling Nebraska to recruits, players and assistant coaches. And Nebraska, as an institution and an athletic department, features plenty to sell itself on. But the football program is not what it once was — not 12 years ago or 12 months ago. (Photo: Mitch Sherman / The Athletic )
Fishburn leads at Sea Island as Dahmen keeps hope alive to keep job
Manmohan Singh Death: Dr Manmohan Singh, India's former Prime Minister and a celebrated economist, breathed his last on Thursday, December 26, at the age of 92. He was admitted to AIIMS Delhi after his health worsened and was being treated in the emergency department. The Congress party mourned the loss of its senior leader and extended heartfelt condolences to his family. Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-9167143-2"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); Before taking up the mantle of Prime Minister, Singh served as the 22nd Union Minister of Finance from June 1991 to May 1996, a tenure that marked a transformative period for the nation's economy. Let's take a moment to look back. Continues below advertisement window.addEventListener("load", function() { let ad_unit_fire_time = 1000; if(ad_delay_time_abp > 0){ ad_unit_fire_time = parseInt(ad_delay_time_abp) + 500; } setTimeout(function () { googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display("div-gpt-ad-1253031-3"); }); },ad_unit_fire_time) }); 'I Didn't Take It Seriously' Singh was handpicked by then-Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to helm the Finance Ministry during a time of severe economic crisis. Reflecting on his entry into politics, Singh once recounted how Rao had to personally ensure he attended the swearing-in ceremony, a role he initially did not anticipate seriously. In an interview with British journalist Mark Tully in 2005, Singh amusingly recalled, "On the day (Rao) was formulating his cabinet, he sent his Principal Secretary to me saying, 'The PM would like you to become the Minister of Finance'. I didn't take it seriously." Singh added, "He eventually tracked me down the next morning, rather angry, and demanded that I get dressed up and come to Rashtrapati Bhavan for the swearing-in. So that's how I started in politics" ALSO READ: When Manmohan Singh Scrapped 'Licence Raj' And Saved India From An Economic Crisis With His 'L P G Reforms' The Crisis At Hand Manmohan Singh's tenure as India's Finance Minister from 1991 to 1996 is widely regarded as a watershed moment in the country's economic history. Taking office during a period of profound financial turmoil, he played a pivotal role in reshaping India's economic policies and steering the nation toward liberalisation and globalisation. When Singh assumed office in June 1991, India was grappling with one of its worst economic crises. The fiscal deficit had ballooned to nearly 8.5 per cent of GDP, and foreign exchange reserves were critically low, barely enough to cover two weeks' worth of imports. The country was also burdened by a soaring current account deficit and mounting external debt. The severity of the situation compelled India to approach the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for financial assistance. Structural Reforms & Policy Overhaul As Finance Minister, Singh introduced a slew of bold and transformative reforms that redefined India's economic framework. Among the most significant measures were: Liberalisation of the economy : Singh dismantled the restrictive Licence Raj, which had stifled private enterprise for decades. This move reduced bureaucratic hurdles and empowered businesses to operate more freely. Reduction in import tariffs : By lowering protectionist barriers, he facilitated greater trade and integration with the global economy. Privatisation initiatives : Public sector enterprises, long considered the backbone of India's socialist model, were partially privatised to improve efficiency and attract investment. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) : Singh opened up various sectors to foreign investors, boosting capital inflows and technological advancements. Tax reforms : The tax regime was simplified, broadening the tax base and improving compliance. These reforms, although controversial, were instrumental in averting an economic collapse and positioning India on the path to becoming a global economic power. Challenges & Resistance Singh faced significant resistance, both from within the Government and his own party. Many in the Congress opposed deregulation, fearing the political repercussions of moving away from the socialist policies championed by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. However, with the steadfast support of Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao, Singh managed to implement these changes, despite the criticism. Singh’s reforms earned him widespread recognition, with many crediting him for laying the foundation for India's robust economic growth in the decades that followed. His contributions were often compared to those of Deng Xiaoping, who led China’s economic reforms in the late 20th century. 1992 Securities Scandal Despite his successes, Singh’s tenure was not without challenges. In 1993, his ministry faced criticism during a parliamentary investigation into the 1992 securities scam, a financial scandal involving irregularities in Government securities trading. Although he offered to resign, Prime Minister Rao rejected his resignation and reaffirmed his confidence in Singh’s integrity and leadership. Decisive Shift For The Nation Singh’s tenure as Finance Minister marked a decisive shift in India's economic trajectory. His pragmatic approach, visionary policies, and ability to navigate political resistance not only rescued India from the brink of economic collapse but also set the stage for the country's emergence as a major player in the global economy. His work during this period remains a testament to his intellect, resilience, and unwavering commitment to India's progress. Even decades later, the reforms he championed continue to shape the nation’s economic policies and serve as a benchmark for effective governance.Texans WR Nico Collins says he was fined for tossing TD ball to kid
ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — PGA Tour rookie Patrick Fishburn played bogey-free for an 8-under 64 for his first lead after any round. Joel Dahmen was 10 shots behind and had a bigger cause for celebration Friday in the RSM Classic. Dahmen made a 5-foot par putt on his final hole for a 2-under 68 in tough conditions brought on by the wind and cold, allowing him to make the cut on the number and get two more days to secure his PGA Tour card for next year. He is No. 124 in the FedEx Cup. "I still got more to write this weekend for sure," said Dahmen, who recently had said his story is not yet over. "But without having the opportunity to play this weekend, my story would be a lot shorter this year." Fishburn took advantage of being on the easier Plantation course, with trees blocking the brunt of the wind and two additional par 5s. He also was helped by Maverick McNealy, who opened with a 62 on the tougher Seaside course, making two bogeys late in his round and having to settle for a 70. People are also reading... Fishburn, who already has locked up his card for next year, was at 11-under 131 and led McNealy and Lee Hodges (63) going into the weekend. Michael Thorbjornsen had a 69 and was the only player who had to face Seaside on Friday who was among the top five. What mattered on this day, however, was far down the leaderboard. The RSM Classic is the final tournament of the PGA Tour season, and only the top 125 in the FedEx Cup have full status in 2025. That's more critical than ever with the tour only taking the top 100 for full cards after next season. Players like Dahmen will need full status to get as many playing opportunities as they can. That explains why he felt so much pressure on a Friday. He didn't make a bogey after his opening hole and was battling temperatures in the low 50s that felt even colder with the wind ripping off the Atlantic waters of St. Simons Sound. He made a key birdie on the 14th, hitting a 4-iron for his second shot on the 424-yard hole. Dahmen also hit wedge to 2 feet on the 16th that put him on the cut line, and from the 18th fairway, he was safely on the green some 40 feet away. But he lagged woefully short, leaving himself a testy 5-footer with his job on the line. "It was a great putt. I was very nervous," Dahmen said. "But there's still work to do. It wasn't the game-winner, it was like the half-court shot to get us to halftime. But without that, and the way I played today, I wouldn't have anything this weekend." His playing partners weren't so fortunate. The tour put three in danger of losing their cards in the same group — Zac Blair (No. 123), Dahmen and Wesley Bryan (No. 125). The cut was at 1-under 141. Blair and Bryan came to the 18th hole needing birdie to be assured of making the cut and both narrowly missed. Now they have to wait to see if anyone passes them, which is typically the case. Thorbjornsen in a tie for fourth and Daniel Berger (66 at Plantation) in a tie for 17th both were projected to move into the top 125. Dahmen, indeed, still has work to do. Fishburn gets a weekend to see if he can end his rookie year with a win. "I've had a lot of experience playing in cold growing up in Utah, playing this time of year, kind of get used to playing when the body's not moving very well and you've got to move your hands," said Fishburn, who played college golf at BYU. "Just pretty happy with how I played." Ludvig Aberg, the defending champion and No. 5 player in the world competing for the first time in more than two months because of knee surgery, bounced back with a 64 on Plantation and was back in the mix. Aberg played with Luke Clanton, the Florida State sophomore who looks like he belongs each week. Clanton, the No. 1 player in the world amateur ranking who received a sponsor exemption, had a 65 at Plantation and was two shots off the lead. Clanton already has a runner-up and two other top 10s since June. "Playing with him, it's pretty awesome to watch," Clanton said. "We were kind of fanboying a little it. I know he's a really good dude but to be playing with him and to see what he's done over the last couple years, it's pretty inspirational." Get local news delivered to your inbox!ST. SIMONS ISLAND, Ga. — PGA Tour rookie Patrick Fishburn played bogey-free for an 8-under 64 for his first lead after any round. Joel Dahmen was 10 shots behind and had a bigger cause for celebration Friday in the RSM Classic. Dahmen made a 5-foot par putt on his final hole for a 2-under 68 in tough conditions brought on by the wind and cold, allowing him to make the cut on the number and get two more days to secure his PGA Tour card for next year. He is No. 124 in the FedEx Cup. "I still got more to write this weekend for sure," said Dahmen, who recently had said his story is not yet over. "But without having the opportunity to play this weekend, my story would be a lot shorter this year." Fishburn took advantage of being on the easier Plantation course, with trees blocking the brunt of the wind and two additional par 5s. He also was helped by Maverick McNealy, who opened with a 62 on the tougher Seaside course, making two bogeys late in his round and having to settle for a 70. People are also reading... Fishburn, who already has locked up his card for next year, was at 11-under 131 and led McNealy and Lee Hodges (63) going into the weekend. Michael Thorbjornsen had a 69 and was the only player who had to face Seaside on Friday who was among the top five. What mattered on this day, however, was far down the leaderboard. The RSM Classic is the final tournament of the PGA Tour season, and only the top 125 in the FedEx Cup have full status in 2025. That's more critical than ever with the tour only taking the top 100 for full cards after next season. Players like Dahmen will need full status to get as many playing opportunities as they can. That explains why he felt so much pressure on a Friday. He didn't make a bogey after his opening hole and was battling temperatures in the low 50s that felt even colder with the wind ripping off the Atlantic waters of St. Simons Sound. He made a key birdie on the 14th, hitting a 4-iron for his second shot on the 424-yard hole. Dahmen also hit wedge to 2 feet on the 16th that put him on the cut line, and from the 18th fairway, he was safely on the green some 40 feet away. But he lagged woefully short, leaving himself a testy 5-footer with his job on the line. "It was a great putt. I was very nervous," Dahmen said. "But there's still work to do. It wasn't the game-winner, it was like the half-court shot to get us to halftime. But without that, and the way I played today, I wouldn't have anything this weekend." His playing partners weren't so fortunate. The tour put three in danger of losing their cards in the same group — Zac Blair (No. 123), Dahmen and Wesley Bryan (No. 125). The cut was at 1-under 141. Blair and Bryan came to the 18th hole needing birdie to be assured of making the cut and both narrowly missed. Now they have to wait to see if anyone passes them, which is typically the case. Thorbjornsen in a tie for fourth and Daniel Berger (66 at Plantation) in a tie for 17th both were projected to move into the top 125. Dahmen, indeed, still has work to do. Fishburn gets a weekend to see if he can end his rookie year with a win. "I've had a lot of experience playing in cold growing up in Utah, playing this time of year, kind of get used to playing when the body's not moving very well and you've got to move your hands," said Fishburn, who played college golf at BYU. "Just pretty happy with how I played." Ludvig Aberg, the defending champion and No. 5 player in the world competing for the first time in more than two months because of knee surgery, bounced back with a 64 on Plantation and was back in the mix. Aberg played with Luke Clanton, the Florida State sophomore who looks like he belongs each week. Clanton, the No. 1 player in the world amateur ranking who received a sponsor exemption, had a 65 at Plantation and was two shots off the lead. Clanton already has a runner-up and two other top 10s since June. "Playing with him, it's pretty awesome to watch," Clanton said. "We were kind of fanboying a little it. I know he's a really good dude but to be playing with him and to see what he's done over the last couple years, it's pretty inspirational." Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!
OTTAWA — The Liberal government is pulling out the federal wallet to put more money into people's pockets over the holidays, but its recently announced affordability measures create winners and losers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Thursday that the federal government will remove the goods and services tax on a slew of items for two months, starting Dec. 14. But in provinces where the provincial and federal sales taxes are blended together into a harmonized sales tax, Canadians will get a larger break. The federal government also plans to send $250 cheques to Canadians who were working in 2023 and earned up to $150,000. That means Canadians who were not working in 2023, including those who were receiving social assistance or were in retirement, will not be sent a cheque in April. In the House of Commons on Friday, NDP MP Peter Julian called the government out for not including Canadians with fixed incomes. "Why are Liberals excluding seniors and people with disabilities from the real help they need this holiday season? Why won't Liberals help them, too?" Julian asked during question period. At a news conference on Friday, Trudeau said that the federal government has already stepped up to help the most vulnerable Canadians and that it is now time to give a hand to workers. "Over the past number of years, we have been extraordinarily present in helping the most vulnerable Canadians," Trudeau said, mentioning the boost to old-age security for seniors aged 75 and older and the Canada Child Benefit. "But as I travel across the country, I do regularly hear from working Canadians who are having trouble making ends meet, but saying, 'look, I don't have kids. I'm not a senior yet, and I'm facing challenges.'" The GST break, which is expected to cost the federal government $1.6 billion, will apply to a number of items including children's clothing and shoes, toys, diapers, restaurant meals and beer and wine. It also applies to Christmas trees — both natural and artificial — along with a variety of snack foods and beverages, and video game consoles. Meanwhile, 18.7 million people will receive a check this spring, costing the government about $4.7 billion. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 22, 2024. Nojoud Al Mallees, The Canadian Press
By Katheryn Houghton and Arielle Zionts, KFF Health News (TNS) Tescha Hawley learned that hospital bills from her son’s birth had been sent to debt collectors only when she checked her credit score while attending a home-buying class. The new mom’s plans to buy a house stalled. Hawley said she didn’t owe those thousands of dollars in debts. The federal government did. Hawley, a citizen of the Gros Ventre Tribe, lives on the Fort Belknap Indian Reservation in Montana. The Indian Health Service is a federal agency that provides free health care to Native Americans, but its services are limited by a chronic shortage of funding and staff. Hawley’s local Indian Health Service hospital wasn’t equipped to deliver babies. But she said staff there agreed that the agency would pay for her care at a privately owned hospital more than an hour away. That arrangement came through the Purchased/Referred Care program, which pays for services Native Americans can’t get through an agency-funded clinic or hospital. Federal law stresses that patients approved for the program aren’t responsible for any of the costs. But tribal leaders, health officials, and a new federal report say patients are routinely billed anyway as a result of backlogs or mistakes from the Indian Health Service, financial middlemen, hospitals, and clinics. The financial consequences for patients can last years. Those sent to collections can face damaged credit scores, which can prevent them from securing loans or require them to pay higher interest rates. The December report , by the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, found these long-standing problems contribute to people in Native American-majority communities being nearly twice as likely to have medical debt in collections compared with the national average. And their amount of medical debt is significantly higher. The report found the program is often late to pay bills. In some cases, hospitals or collection agencies hound tribal citizens for more money after bills are paid. Hawley’s son was born in 2003. She had to wait another year to buy a home, as she struggled to pay off the debt. It took seven years for it to drop from her credit report. “I don’t think a person ever recovers from debt,” Hawley said. Hawley, a cancer survivor, still must navigate the referral program. In 2024 alone, she received two notices from clinics about overdue bills. Frank White Clay, chairman of the Crow Tribe in Montana, testified about the impact of wrongful billing during a U.S. House committee hearing in April. He shared stories of veterans rejected for home loans, elders whose Social Security benefits were reduced, and students denied college loans and federal aid. “Some of the most vulnerable people are being harassed daily by debt collectors,” White Clay said. No one is immune from the risk. A high-ranking Indian Health Service official learned during her job’s background check that her credit report contained referred-care debt, the federal report found. Native Americans face disproportionately high rates of poverty and disease , which researchers link to limited access to health care and the ongoing impact of racist federal policies . White Clay is among many who say problems with the referred-care program are an example of the U.S. government violating treaties that promised to provide for the health and welfare of tribes in return for their land. The chairman’s testimony came during a hearing on the Purchased and Referred Care Improvement Act, which would require the Indian Health Service to create a reimbursement process for patients who were wrongfully billed. Committee members approved the bill in November and sent it for consideration by the full House. A second federal bill, the Protecting Native Americans’ Credit Act , would prevent debt like Hawley’s from affecting patients’ credit scores. The bipartisan bill hadn’t had a hearing by mid-December. The exact number of people wrongfully billed isn’t clear, but the Indian Health Service has acknowledged it has work to do. The agency is developing a dashboard to help workers track referrals and to speed up bill processing, spokesperson Brendan White said. It’s also trying to hire more referred-care staff, to address vacancy rates of more than 30%. Officials say problems with the program also stem from outside health providers that don’t follow the rules. Melanie Egorin, an assistant secretary at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said at the hearing that the proposed legislation doesn’t include consequences for “bad actors” — health facilities that repeatedly bill patients when they shouldn’t. “The lack of enforcement is definitely a challenge,” she said. But tribal leaders warned that penalties could backfire. Related Articles Health | How America lost control of the bird flu, setting the stage for another pandemic Health | How to kick back, relax and embrace a less-than-perfect holiday Health | New childhood leukemia protocol is ‘tremendous win’ Health | For some FSA dollars, it’s use it or lose it at year’s end Health | Norovirus is rampant. Blame oysters, cruise ships and holiday travel White Clay told lawmakers that some clinics already refuse to see patients if the Indian Health Service hasn’t paid for their previous appointments. He’s worried the threat of penalties would lead to more refusals. If that happens, White Clay said, Crow tribal members who already travel hours to access specialty treatment would have to go even farther. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report found clinics are already refusing to see any referred-care patients due to the program’s payment problems. The bureau and the Indian Health Service also recently published a letter urging health care providers and debt collectors not to hold patients accountable for program-approved care. White, the Indian Health Service spokesperson, said the agency recently updated the referred-care forms sent to outside hospitals and clinics to include billing instructions and to stress that patients aren’t liable for any out-of-pocket costs. And he said the staff can help patients get reimbursed if they have already paid for services that were supposed to be covered. Joe Bryant, an Indian Health Service official who oversees efforts to improve the referral program, said patients can ask credit bureaus to remove debt from their reports if the agency should have covered their bills. Leaders with the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation in Washington state helped shape the proposed legislation after their citizens were repeatedly harmed by wrongful billing. Tribal Chairman Jarred-Michael Erickson said problems began in 2017, when a regional Indian Health Service office took over the referred-care program from local staff. It “created a domino effect of negative outcomes,” Erickson wrote in a letter to Congress. He said some tribal members whose finances were damaged stopped using the Indian Health Service. Others avoided health care altogether. Responsibility for the Colville Reservation program transferred back to local staff in 2022. Staffers found the billing process hadn’t been completed for thousands of cases, worth an estimated $24 million in medical care, Erickson told lawmakers . Workers are making progress on the backlog and they have explained the rules to outside hospitals and clinics, Erickson said. But he said there are still cases of wrongful billing, such as a tribal member who was sent to collections after receiving a $17,000 bill for chemotherapy that the agency was supposed to pay for. Erickson said the tribe is in the process of taking over its health care facilities instead of having the Indian Health Service run them. He and others who work in Native American health said tribally managed units — which are still funded by the federal agency — tend to have fewer problems with their referred-care programs. For example, they have more oversight over staff and flexibility to create their own payment tracking systems. But some Native Americans oppose tribal management because they feel it releases the federal government from its obligations. Beyond wrongful billing, access to the referred-care program is limited because of underfunding from Congress. The $1 billion budget this year is $9 billion short of the need, according to a committee report by tribal health and government leaders. Donald Warne, a physician and member of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in South Dakota, called the proposed legislation a “band-aid.” He said the ultimate solution is for Congress to fully fund the Indian Health Service, which would reduce the need for the referred-care program. Back in Montana, Hawley said she braces for a fight each time she gets a bill that the referral program was supposed to cover. “I’ve learned not to trust the process,” Hawley said. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.