A majority of farmers voted for Donald Trump, even though the president-elect’s economic agenda is antithetical to the financial interests of American agriculture. Since the dawn of this century, the world has added 398 million acres of land for the production of food grains, feed grains and oil seeds. Much of that acreage has been in tropical regions. At the same time, population growth in China, a primary buyer of U.S. agricultural goods, has slowed, and its population is aging. Similar trends can be seen in other countries that have been traditional importers of U.S. goods. We also face major geopolitical events, such as the Ukraine-Russia war, and most resolutions of that war would likely adversely affect U.S. farmers. The world has changed. Competition among major producing nations has changed the ability of American agriculture to be a preferred and low-cost provider of grains to other nations. Against this backdrop, one must ponder the question of how an isolationist foreign policy and the use of heavy tariffs could possibly lead to anything other than serious adverse consequences for our U.S. agricultural sector. History teaches us lessons, and sadly we often forget them while drunk on the political cocktail of the moment. During the first Trump presidency, significant tariffs were imposed on China. This led to major negative impacts on U.S. farmers. What did the government do? The Trump administration created an ad hoc disaster relief program that paid billions to U.S. farmers. “Ad hoc” is just a shiny term for an administration not being able to get its act together to have a consistent and logical approach to setting policy. It is akin to government by chaos — going from one fire drill to another. Trump was elected based on many promises, one of which was to “drain the swamp.” There is a lot of chatter about reducing government outlays for all sorts of programs. Trump wants to put America “first.” Setting aside political differences, the reality is that America is not an island. It is an important part of the larger world. Withdrawal from engagement with other nations, whether in the context of trade or overall foreign relations, cannot lead to good consequences for America’s economic security, nor for our nation’s ability to play a strong role in maintaining a stable and peaceful world. My fellow farmers, it is time for a reality check. We face way more than a theoretical risk of losing a large share of the markets for our grains and livestock. Don’t count on that brown envelope from Uncle Sam in your mailbox to bail you out from hardship. From the extensive reading that I have done on the topic of the economic impact of Trump’s tariffs, no credible economist paints any picture other than one of significant detrimental consequences to our agricultural sector. The same is true for many other segments of the economy. America has to maintain a global perspective — rather than one that stops at our shores — to stay competitive and to remain in its role as a world leader. The proposed paths of Trump’s next presidency are antithetical to those roles. Palen is a Kansas native and a fifth-generation farmer and agriculture consultant in Colorado and Kansas. He wrote this for the Kansas Reflector , and it was distributed by the Kansas City Star and Tribune Content Agency. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
The connections are clear between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Carolina Panthers, longtime NFC South rivals. The teams get together for a meeting on Sunday in Charlotte and showed recent signs they can play with any team. "It's an NFC South battle," Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said. "All of them are going to be hard, none of them (are) going to be easy. ... They're playing pretty good football. They missed some games here and there, but they're playing very good football. It's going to be a tough battle." Few introductions are needed on Sunday, as first-year Panthers coach Dave Canales came to Carolina after serving as Buccaneers offensive coordinator a season ago. Canales' prized pupil last season, Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield was with the Panthers for part of the 2022 campaign. "There's some familiarity," Canales said of his connection to the Buccaneers. "Knowing coach Bowles, he's got a really sophisticated system and he attacks each team with a specific game plan. There's some principles that carry over. I know that he's going to have some things up his sleeve." The Buccaneers (5-6) playing a division opponent for the first time since an Oct. 27 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The goal will be notching back-to-back wins for the first time since the first two weeks of the season. Four different ball-carriers, including Mayfield, found the end zone on the ground during a 30-7 drubbing of the New York Giants last Sunday. Mayfield also completed 24 of 30 passes for 294 yards. "For me, the biggest thing was blocking and tackling," Bowles said of what his team did well last weekend. "We cleaned up the fundamental and technique part of it." Star wideout Mike Evans was back in action for Tampa Bay following a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury. He finished with five receptions for 68 yards against the Giants and now gets a crack at a Carolina team allowing a league-high 30.9 points per game this season. However, the Panthers have tightened up their play as of late, winning two games in a row before hanging with the two-time defending champion Kansas City Chiefs in a 30-27 setback last Sunday. The outing against Kansas City may have been the most efficient performance of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young's two-year career. Young completed 21 of 35 passes for 263 yards and one score without throwing a pick. "It's not all Bryce, it's the whole unit," Canales said. "It's a collective effort, but he certainly needs to be the voice and driver of that." Wide receiver Jalen Coker (quadriceps), tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (neck) and safety Lonnie Johnson (personal) were all missing from practice on Wednesday for Carolina. Defensive end LaBryan Ray is dealing with a hand issue and was among those limited. Safety Jordan Whitehead (pectoral) was one of four Buccaneers to miss practice on Wednesday. Evans practiced in full. Carolina and Tampa Bay might as well get used to each other, as the two teams will collide again in Week 17. --Field Level Media
‘s political heavyweights paid tribute to former President after his death was announced on Sunday by his family. The nation’s was renowned for his in the years after his exit and earned a strong reputation for helping America’s neediest families in his post-presidential years. After news of his passing was reported by the , tributes began to swiftly pour in for the 100-year-old statesman. President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden issued a statement paying tribute to Carter and his wife Rosalynn, who died in November of 2023. The president and first lady were friends through successive presidential administrations with the Carter family; Joe, during his time as US senator from Delaware, was an early supporter of Carter’s presidential run in 1976. “Over six decades, we had the honor of calling Jimmy Carter a dear friend. But, what’s extraordinary about Jimmy Carter, though, is that millions of people throughout America and the world who never met him thought of him as a dear friend as well. “ “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” wrote the first couple. “We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.” “We will miss them both dearly, but take solace knowing they are reunited once again and will remain forever in our hearts.” President-elect Donald Trump also added his own thoughts in a statement. “I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter. Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History.” “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans,” Trump added. “For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” Trump later added: “President Jimmy Carter is dead at 100 years of age. While I strongly disagreed with him philosophically and politically, I also realized that he truly loved and respected our Country, and all it stands for. “He worked hard to make America a better place, and for that I give him my highest respect. He was a truly good man and, of course, will be greatly missed. He was also very consequential, far more than most Presidents, after he left the Oval Office. Warmest condolences from Melania and I to his wonderful family!” Barack Obama tweeted out a statement from him and former first lady Michelle Obama. “President Carter taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service,” it read. “Michelle and I send our thoughts and prayers to the Carter family, and everyone who loved and learned from this remarkable man.” Former president George W. Bush and former first lady Laura Bush wrote: “James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions. He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations.” Another former president, Bill Clinton, joined wife Hillary Clinton in praising how Carter “lived to serve others—until the very end.” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Democrat on Capitol Hill, said: “President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion, and through integrity.” His Republican counterpart Mitch McConnell wrote: “President Carter served during times of tension and uncertainty, both at home and abroad. But his calm spirit and deep faith seemed unshakeable. Jimmy Carter served as our commander-in-chief for four years, but he served as the beloved, unassuming Sunday school teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia for forty. And his humble devotion leaves us little doubt which of those two important roles he prized the most.” “President Carter lived a truly American dream. A devoutly religious peanut farmer from small-town Georgia volunteered to serve his country in uniform. He found himself manning cutting-edge submarines hundreds of feet beneath the ocean. He returned home and saved the family farm before feeling drawn to a different sort of public service. And less than 15 years after his first campaign for the state Senate, his fellow Americans elected him leader of the free world.” Carter’s legacy extended around the world and global leaders joined Americans in mourning the nation’s 39th president. Carter’s work in support of a two-state solution to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian territories found a resurgence of interest in the last year of his life as hostilities erupted between the two sides following the October 7 attack on Israel. The Democratic president was one of the first US leaders to take an active role in the peace process. “Throughout his life, Jimmy Carter has been a steadfast advocate for the rights of the most vulnerable and has tirelessly fought for peace,” wrote French president Emmanuel Macron. “France sends its heartfelt thoughts to his family and to the American people.”
Share Tweet Share Share Email The world of healthcare is constantly evolving, driven by innovative technology. One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is the introduction of Digital Health Wallets. These digital platforms help families track and manage their healthcare finances in a more organized and efficient way. With a special focus on family planning, digital health wallets offer a practical solution for organizing healthcare costs, insurance coverage, and medical records . What Are Digital Health Wallets? A Digital Health Wallet is a digital tool designed to securely store and manage an individual’s health information, medical records, and healthcare finances. These platforms are typically app-based, allowing users to access their data from their smartphones or computers. By integrating health records, insurance details, appointment histories, and payment information, a digital health wallet provides a centralized location for all relevant health-related data. For families involved in family planning, digital health wallets offer an easy way to manage expenses related to fertility treatments, pregnancy care, and child healthcare. Rather than juggling paperwork and tracking costs manually, families can store and organize everything in one secure digital platform. How Do Digital Health Wallets Work? Digital health wallets work by allowing users to upload and store a variety of health-related information, such as: Medical records: Including doctor visits, test results, and prescription histories. Insurance details: Coverage plans, policy numbers, and co-pay information. Appointments: Tracking and reminders for medical appointments, vaccinations, and follow-ups. Healthcare expenses: Tracking out-of-pocket costs, claims, and reimbursements. Once set up, families can access their information easily and keep track of everything from fertility treatments to prenatal appointments. For example, a couple planning a pregnancy can upload fertility data and receive reminders about upcoming doctor visits. Likewise, families expecting a child can keep all prenatal and postnatal costs organized. Benefits of Digital Health Wallets for Family Planning Simplified Financial Management Managing healthcare finances can be overwhelming, particularly for families. With numerous costs such as fertility treatments, prenatal care, and child health expenses, it’s easy to lose track. Digital health wallets help streamline the process by organizing all your medical costs in one place. Additionally, these wallets can track insurance claims and reimbursements. They can also provide insights into which expenses are covered and which are not, allowing families to avoid surprises. This simplification makes it easier to stay on top of healthcare spending and plan ahead. Easy Access to Health Information Having easy access to health records and other crucial information is important, especially for family planning. Digital health wallets ensure that important documents such as medical histories, test results, and vaccination records are easily accessible. This is particularly useful when you need to provide a healthcare provider with medical information, as everything is stored in one location. For families, this means no more searching for medical records or health documents. Whether it’s tracking fertility cycles or reviewing prenatal care histories, everything is just a few taps away. More Control Over Healthcare Decisions Digital health wallets provide families with more control over their healthcare. Instead of relying on healthcare providers to provide updates and explanations, families can use their digital wallet to track important information. With the ability to see financial breakdowns, coverage details, and medical histories, families can make more informed decisions. Whether it’s choosing a fertility treatment plan, selecting a pediatrician, or navigating insurance options, digital health wallets empower users to make the best choices for their health. Enhanced Privacy and Security Security is a key concern when it comes to healthcare data. Digital health wallets are designed with robust security features, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, ensuring that sensitive health and financial information remains private and protected. This gives families peace of mind knowing that their medical records and financial details are safe from unauthorized access. Furthermore, digital wallets eliminate the risk of losing physical documents or misplacing important paperwork. Everything is securely stored and easily retrievable. Efficient Insurance Management Navigating insurance policies can be complex, especially when managing family planning-related expenses. Digital health wallets simplify this process by keeping track of insurance details, coverage limits, and claims. This makes it easy to know what’s covered under your plan and what isn’t. Families can also use digital wallets to keep track of out-of-pocket costs and monitor the status of their claims. This helps prevent delays in payments and ensures that families receive the coverage they need without unnecessary complications. The Importance of Digital Health Wallets for Family Planning Family planning is not just about having children; it involves coordinating a variety of healthcare services and financial decisions. Digital health wallets play an important role in this process by offering a way to track and manage all aspects of family planning, from fertility treatments to postnatal care. Tracking Fertility and Conception Data For couples trying to conceive, a digital health wallet is a valuable tool. Many platforms allow users to track fertility-related data, including ovulation cycles, menstrual cycles, and hormone levels. This can help couples understand their fertility patterns and improve their chances of conception. Some digital wallets also integrate with fertility-tracking apps, offering a more comprehensive overview of a couple’s reproductive health. This data can be shared with healthcare providers, helping couples make informed decisions about treatment options. Managing Prenatal Care Expenses Once a pregnancy is confirmed, the next concern is managing the costs associated with prenatal care. This includes regular doctor visits, ultrasounds, blood tests, and medications. Digital health wallets make it easier to keep track of all these expenses and understand what’s covered by insurance. Families can upload bills, track payment histories, and monitor insurance claims to ensure timely reimbursements. This reduces the financial stress that often comes with pregnancy, making it easier to focus on the health of both the mother and the baby. Organizing Postnatal Healthcare Needs After the birth of a child, families face additional healthcare costs, such as pediatric visits, immunizations, and postnatal care. Digital health wallets help parents stay on top of these ongoing needs by providing reminders for vaccinations, doctor appointments, and follow-ups. These wallets also allow parents to manage any post-delivery healthcare expenses, track insurance claims, and stay organized with bills and reimbursements. This ensures that parents can focus on their child’s well-being without worrying about disorganized finances. Long-Term Family Healthcare Management Family planning doesn’t stop after childbirth. As children grow, they will need regular health check-ups, vaccinations, and dental visits. Digital health wallets help families track these ongoing healthcare needs and provide a simple way to organize appointments, payments, and insurance coverage. Parents can also use these wallets to track immunization schedules and ensure that children receive timely vaccinations. This is crucial for maintaining their overall health and well-being throughout childhood. How to Get Started with a Digital Health Wallet Starting with a digital health wallet is a straightforward process. Many platforms offer user-friendly setups, where you can easily upload your health and financial data. Some even allow you to link directly to your healthcare provider’s system for automatic updates. When choosing a digital health wallet, it’s essential to keep a few key factors in mind: Security: Make sure the platform provides strong security features to protect your personal and financial data. Integration: Ensure the wallet integrates with your healthcare providers, insurance plans, and pharmacies to streamline your experience. Ease of Use: Look for a wallet that is easy to navigate and user-friendly. You should be able to find and update your information without any hassle. Cost: While some wallets are free, others charge for additional features. Choose one that fits your needs and budget. Conclusion Digital health wallets are transforming how families organize their healthcare finances, especially when it comes to family planning. By offering a secure and efficient way to track medical records, expenses, and insurance coverage, these wallets simplify the complexities of healthcare management. From fertility treatments to postnatal care, digital health wallets help families stay organized, save time, and make more informed decisions about their health. With growing advancements in digital healthcare, it’s clear that these tools will continue to play an important role in making family planning more accessible, manageable, and stress-free. Embracing digital health wallets today will help ensure that your family’s healthcare needs are well-organized, financially manageable, and fully supported . Related Items: Digital Health Wallets , Healthcare Decisions , Organizing Healthcare Finances Share Tweet Share Share Email Comments
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. (AP) — If Los Angeles Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh has given any thought to the possibility of clinching a playoff berth in his first season with the team with a win at New England on Saturday, he isn't letting it show. “Just attacking, that’s our mindset. Win the next game," he said. Harbaugh's relative silence on the topic isn't a total departure from his usual business-first approach, but there could also be something else at play. Aside from wrapping up what would be Harbaugh’s fourth postseason trip in five years as an NFL head coach, since the Chargers (9-6) have the tiebreaker over the Denver Broncos but not against the Pittsburg Steelers, Los Angeles would appear destined to be the sixth seed in the postseason. That would mean a trip to Baltimore and a possible Harbaugh Bowl 4 matchup opposite older brother and Ravens coach John Harbaugh. The Ravens beat the Chargers earlier this season 30-23. But first things first. And that's taking care of the Patriots (3-12), who have lost five straight games but showed several signs of offensive improvement during their 24-21 loss at Buffalo last week. Jim Harbaugh sees a dangerous group. And his players say they are locked in on the present. “Always one week at a time. We’ve got a lot of respect for this Patriots team," Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert said. "We know we’re going on the road and have to be prepared for everything.” If the Patriots are going to play the role of spoiler, it must start with rookie quarterback Drake Maye. He has thrown a touchdown pass in seven consecutive games, tied with Jim Plunkett (1971) for the longest such streak by a rookie in franchise history. But he has also thrown at least one interception in each of the past seven games. Overall, the Patriots have a minus-9 turnover margin. The Patriots did score 14 points in the first half during last week’s loss at Buffalo. Still, New England's offense has had trouble finishing drives, scoring touchdowns on only 47.7% of its chances in the red zone. Maye said that doesn't mean he plans to be timid over the final two games. “I think there’s definitely a way we need to cut down turnovers,” he said. “That starts with me protecting the football and throwing it incomplete or throwing it in the dirt or little things like that. I’m still going to be aggressive.” The Chargers could have a major weapon return in running back J.K. Dobbins, who has been on injured reserve after suffering a knee injury against Baltimore on Nov. 25. With Dobbins out of the lineup, the Bolts have struggled to have any consistency on offense. Los Angeles has averaged only 74.8 rushing yards in the past four games, which is quite a drop from the 118.1 they were generating before Dobbins’ injury. Dobbins was listed as questionable, while Gus Edwards — who rushed for two touchdowns and a season-high 68 yards in last Thursday’s win over Denver — was ruled out with an ankle injury. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins would likely take over in the backfield if Dobbins also can't play. Justin Herbert, who has 20,466 career passing yards, needs 153 yards to surpass Peyton Manning for the most in a player's first five seasons in league history. Ladd McConkey is 40 yards away from becoming the first Chargers rookie receiver to reach 1,000 yards since Keenan Allen in 2013. The Chargers have won 11 of their past 13 when playing in the Eastern time zone, including last year’s 6-0 victory over the Patriots. Los Angeles has five of its nine games on Eastern time this season for the first time since 2005. They are trying to become the ninth team since 1988 on Pacific time to win at least four games when having to travel at least three time zones. The Chargers have given up two touchdowns and a field goal on the first possession in the last three games. They allowed only one touchdown on an opening drive in the first 12 games. Another cause for concern is that the Bolts have given up scores on the first two series in back-to-back games. AP Sports Writer Joe Reedy in Los Angeles contributed to this report. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
“The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few metres from where we were — and the runway were damaged,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on the social media platform X. He added that he and UN colleagues were safe. “We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave,” he said. UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay later said the injured person was with the UN Humanitarian Air Service. Our mission to negotiate the release of staff detainees and to assess the health and humanitarian situation in concluded today. We continue to call for the detainees' immediate release. As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, about two hours ago, the airport... — Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus (@DrTedros) Israel’s army later told The Associated Press it was not aware that the WHO chief was at the location in Yemen. The Israeli strikes followed several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel. The Israeli military in a statement said it attacked infrastructure used by the Iran-backed Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports in Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib, along with power stations, asserting they were used to smuggle in Iranian weapons and for the entry of senior Iranian officials. Israel’s military added it had “capabilities to strike very far from Israel’s territory — precisely, powerfully, and repetitively”. The strikes, carried out over 1,000 miles from Jerusalem, came a day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad’s regime and others learned” as his military has battled those more powerful proxies of Iran. The Houthi-controlled satellite channel al-Masirah reported multiple deaths and showed broken windows, collapsed ceilings and a bloodstained floor and vehicle. Iran’s foreign ministry condemned the strikes. The US military has also targeted the Houthis in recent days. The UN has said the targeted ports are important entry points for humanitarian aid for Yemen, the poorest Arab nation that plunged into a civil war in 2014. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, while other missiles and drones have been shot down. Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor in what it says is an act of solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. The UN Security Council has an emergency meeting on Monday in response to an Israeli request that it condemn the Houthi attacks and Iran for supplying them with weapons.Class AAA all-state volleyball agate