Over 2,000 bicycles and helmets donated in Fayetteville to childrenKushner "is a tremendous business leader, philanthropist, & dealmaker, who will be a strong advocate representing our Country & its interests," Trump said on his Truth Social website, adding that Jared "worked closely with me in the White House." The choice is in keeping with Trump's pattern, so far, of selecting people, often wealthy, who are close to his family or of proven loyalty. Kushner is a multimillionaire real estate executive and former attorney; his son was a senior adviser during Trump's first term. Trump did not mention, however, that the elder Kushner once served jail time -- a two-year sentence, most of it served in a federal prison. Kushner, who is now 70, pleaded guilty in 2004 to 18 counts of tax evasion, witness tampering and making illegal campaign contributions. The case, which was prosecuted by then US attorney Chris Christie, included sordid details, to which Kushner admitted: that he had hired a prostitute to seduce his brother-in-law, a man cooperating in a campaign finance inquiry, and then videotaped the encounter and sent it to the man's wife, Kushner's sister, to dissuade her from testifying against him. Christie, who worked on Trump's first presidential transition team and then opposed him in this year's Republican primary contests, later said Kushner had committed a "loathsome" and "disgusting crime." In 2020, Trump issued a pardon to Kushner, whose conviction had resulted in him being disbarred in three states. Nominees for key ambassadorships are often business associates of a president-elect, or major political donors. But it is rare, if not unprecedented, to name a convicted felon. The first two men to fill the prestigious Paris post were famed inventor and statesman Benjamin Franklin and a future president, Thomas Jefferson. If confirmed, Kushner would succeed Denise Bauer, a former ambassador to Belgium who was a major Democratic fundraiser and donor. md/bbk/mdBy Sheree Strange Australia is a big country, and exploring all of it can feel overwhelming if you're on a tight budget. Luckily, there are many amazing accessible experiences that won't break the bank across all the states and territories. Befriend the wildlife Queenslanders are a friendly bunch – and we're not just talking about the humans. There are plenty of opportunities to befriend the wildlife of the Sunshine State (just be sure to do so safely and under supervision). If your budget doesn't stretch to an all-day ticket to the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, or you don't have a full day in your itinerary to spare, you can pop along to the daily Lorikeet Feedings for free. READ MORE: The best hotels in Australia have been crowned for 2024 At 8am and 4pm, the beautiful birds descend on the flat and paved Lorikeet Arena and feast on the seed provided right from your hands. You can watch from a short distance behind a low fence (height of 630mm to allow unobstructed views), or you can get in there and feed them yourself for a gold coin donation. Frolic in the forest If your holiday takes you to Far North Queensland , you'll want to take full advantage of your proximity to one of the world's oldest tropical rainforests. The Wet Tropics are 80 million years older than the Amazon, and home to staggering biodiversity in flora and fauna. You can experience a section of it for free at the Cairns Botanic Gardens, which has the best exhibition of tropical plants in Australia. Most areas are fully accessible (though some paths in the Flecker Gardens are not suitable for wheelchair users), and there is a helpful accessibility map available on the local government website , along with details about free walking and bird-watching tours. READ MORE: Top locations to escape off-grid in Japan Make a (beach) day of it Many tourists head straight for the big-name beaches of Bondi and Coogee, but there's a lot more accessible fun to be had on a budget at Manly Beach. Take one of Sydney's accessible ferries across to Manly , and spend the day on the scenic foreshore. If you want to take a dip, head to the Queenscliff Rockpool (widened ramp access from the beach and modified pool stairs) or borrow a beach wheelchair from the Manly Life Saving Club and get out on the sand. Rinse off at the accessible showers, then wheel or wander along the flat paved paths of the beachfront promenade. Kids will have a wonderful time at the North Steyne Major inclusive playground , with a pod swing, carousel, sensory play boards, and a Butterfly see-saw to cater to all abilities. Appreciate some art Across New South Wales , you have plenty of opportunities for art appreciation, with many museums offering free or discounted admission. The Art Gallery of New South Wales is the shining jewel in the art scene's crown, welcoming over one million visitors each year. Admission is free, and the galleries are open 10am-5pm daily (excluding Christmas Day and Good Friday). The venue is designed for universal access, with barrier-free entrances and navigation throughout. There are both accessible bathrooms and a Changing Places facility available for use. Additional aids and supports are available for people with low vision or colour vision deficiency, people who are d/Deaf or hard of hearing , and people with sensory sensitivities . Everyone gets an opportunity to fully appreciate the art on display. Go big before you go home No trip around Australia is complete without checking one or two Big Things off your bucket list. There are several you can visit across New South Wales, including: the Big Banana in Coffs Harbour ; the Big Merino in Goulburn; the Big Prawn in Ballina; the Big Potato in Robertson; and the Big Kookaburra in Kurri Kurri. Most of these sculptures are free to see, and can be accessed by vehicle or on foot and/or wheel. You can purchase a souvenir or a themed meal at each, or simply snap a photo for your scrapbook for a free memento. Bask on the beach The beautiful beaches of Western Australia are less crowded than their East Coast counterparts, with free services and support available for visitors with disabilities. The beach at Hillary's Boat Harbour has been developed with accessibility in mind. There is permanent beach matting leading to the water at the swimming cove, and an accessible fishing platform at the northern end of the harbour. If you're approaching from the water, or heading out that way, a Universal Floating Pontoon allows for easy boarding and disembarking. Two free beach wheelchairs are available for use. Sorrento Beach, also in Perth 's northern suburbs, has a beach wheelchair and all-terrain walker free to use on a first-come-first-serve basis (no bookings required). Park at the convenient accessible parking, and make your way around on the firm sand with gentle gradient, or stick to the barrier-free paths. There is a Changing Places facility at Sorrento, accessible with an MLAK key. Get back to nature National Parks throughout Western Australia have step-free paths and viewing decks, allowing you to get close to nature without sacrificing accessibility. In Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, take in spectacular views on the Cape to Cape Track, with a 3.5km path from Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse to Sugarloaf Rock lookout. The sealed grade 1 track is suitable for visitors using mobility aids , and there is seating en route if you'd like to rest and take it all in. Entry is free. Take it up a notch with the incredible Valley of the Giants treetop walk in Walpole-Nornalup National Park. The 600m path is suspended 40m above the forest floor, with incredible unique views from accessible vantage points. There are complimentary wheelchairs available for visitors with limited mobility, as well as designated parking and accessible bathrooms. Peer into the past The newly-renovated National ANZAC Centre in Albany offers an award-winning experience for visitors of all ages and abilities. The museum uses multimedia, interactive technology and historical artefacts to create a personal connection with the past, as well as pay tribute to those who served. All areas, including outdoor pathways and interiors, are step-free. There is designated parking and a wheelchair accessible bathroom available. Tickets are $25 for adults, with concessions available for cardholders and children. Companion Cards are accepted. Group tours of 10+ people also attract a lower rate. While you're there, wander around the grounds and take in the Princess Royal Fortress Convoy Walk & Lookout. You'll see original gun batteries, large coastal gun defences and the barracks where officers lived and worked. If you're lucky you may even catch a traditional gun salute! Entry is free, with gold coin donations encouraged. READ MORE: 10 must-try winter activities for all abilities See the sun set Darwin , the territory's capital, has endless excellent spots to catch a truly stunning sunset. Access at some of the more popular spots, like Mindil Beach, can be challenging, but there are plenty of alternatives. Cullen Bay Beach has an accessible path that runs parallel to the sandy beach, with unobstructed views as the sun goes down. The Darwin Waterfront also has step-free access across a single level, designated parking, accessible bathrooms, and a Mobi-Mat down to the water until 6pm. Go chasing waterfalls The Northern Territory has a reputation for being dry and dusty, but the picturesque waterfalls prove that it's undeserved. Wangi Falls in Litchfield National Park (150km south of Darwin) has everything you need for a low-cost day trip. There's plenty of undercover seating in accessible paved areas, a wheelchair accessible viewing platform, gas barbecues for lunch (or the Wangi Falls Cafe if you'd prefer lunch made for you), and two access points to take a dip (including one by ramp). The falls are closed to swimming during the wet season (October-March), but that's when they're flowing fastest, which looks fantastic in photos. Meander around the markets The Northern Territory has some of the best local markets in Australia. Each has its own community flavour, but you'll always find amazing bargains. The Parap Markets (8am-2pm every Saturday, whatever the weather) has incredible Asian cuisine on offer, as well as arts and crafts. Head down early to Rapid Creek Markets (7am-2pm Saturday and Sunday, year-round), and you'll get the best pick of fresh produce to fuel you for your whole trip. The Nightcliff Sunday Markets (8am-2pm) is the best spot to pick up a unique gift with a wide range of crafts and plants, or treat yourself to a reflexology massage, or simply relax in the shade and enjoy free entertainment by local artists. Try a tipple No trip to South Australia is complete without trying a tipple in the world-renowned wine region. You needn't shell out big bucks to have a taste of some of the best wines in the world, as cellar door experiences are usually very reasonably priced. The fully-accessible ArtWine Estate tasting experience is just $25 per person, which gets you six fresh and vibrant wines plus a small Adelaide Hills cheese tasting plate and delicious house-roasted almonds. Check out a church Adelaide is the City of Churches, and there are many architectural wonders to behold. St Peter's Cathedral is a landmark in the city, and free to visit. Worshippers can attend morning or evening services, and sight-seers are welcomed across the middle of the day (check opening hours close to your visit, as they are subject to change for events). The main body of the cathedral is wheelchair accessible, with an accessible unisex bathroom and designated parking. Indulge your sweet tooth Chocaholics rejoice! Haigh's Chocolates offers free tours of its factory in Parkside, and it's a must-do for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can choose whether to take a guided tour, or make your own way around, to see the chocolatiers in action. Watch the chocolate frogs (the best chocolate frogs in the world), truffles, and bars roll off the production line, and – if you're lucky – score some chocolate seconds. You don't need to book, so it's a flexible option to fill a gap in your itinerary. Access to the factory is challenging for people using mobility aids, so it's best to check in with staff at the Visitor's Centre; if a tour doesn't suit your needs, you can still pick up some delicious goodies from the accessible souvenir shop. Give the Great Ocean Road a go If you're driving your own vehicle, or you've arranged for an accessible car rental , you can spend a lovely day or two heading down the Great Ocean Road. Take your time travelling from surf haven Torquay to the charming town of Allansford, and make the most of every opportunity to stop and check out the postcard-worthy views. Gaze out at the 12 Apostles, let the kids burn off some energy at the inclusive Port Campbell Playground, and savour the sensory haven of Stevensons Falls, all for free. There's plenty of accessible accommodation en route, too, if you're looking for somewhere to spend the night. Look in at the library Bookworm or not, you're sure to find something of interest at the State Library Victoria. The building holds more than two million books, as well as museum-worthy exhibitions (such as Ned Kelly's armour), free events and workshops, cafes and afternoon teas, and more. Access is excellent throughout, with lifts to all levels, complimentary wheelchairs to borrow, assistive technology workstations, reading assistance tools, and hearing loops. There's even a designated Access & Inclusion Librarian, available to assist visitors with disabilities and connect them to resources. Best of all, aside from the occasional ticketed event, it's all completely free. Have fun at Federation Square Free live music, outdoor cinema screenings, festivals, installations, exhibitions, meditation and tai chi – what more could you ask for? Federation Square is a hub for the culture that makes Melbourne marvellous, and a gateway to the arts precinct of the city. It's located directly across from Flinders Street Station, and 'open' 24 hours a day. A marked access path runs through the Square from Swanston Street, with lift access to the Atrium, the Edge, and the River Terrace. Recent upgrades have added a Changing Places facility and Hearing Loop technology for visitors. Explore with your ears One of our favourite accessibility apps, VacayIt , now offers free audio guides to many of Tasmania 's most popular attractions. Each guide provides a rich and detailed description of the full range of sensory experiences, from vibrant sunsets on the coast to the towering trees of Tasmania's forests. VacayIt provides both audio files and complete transcripts, all completely compatible with assistive technology. You can cruise the Gordon River, taste something tantalising at Furneaux Distillery, explore the Bay of Fires, learn the rich history of Port Arthur, and so much more. Take a TrailRider out for the day Tasmania might be a small island, relatively speaking, but there's lots of natural trails and wilderness to explore. The Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service provides a TrailRider , free of charge, to allow people to access areas previously unreachable without full mobility. Book the TrailRider ahead of time and collect it from the Mount Field National Park Visitor Centre when you arrive. One of the most magical experiences can be had on the Tall Trees loop, a 1km track that takes you around the tallest flowering plants in the world. The trees you'll see there can reach 100m in height, and some have been growing since Abel Tasman first sighted Tasmania in 1642. If you're travelling solo, or you'd prefer not to transfer to the TrailRider, there are other paths accessible for standard mobility equipment, like the Russell Falls track. Peek in on the penguins The Friends of Burnie Penguins volunteers offer visitors a free guided tour of the Little Fairy Penguin colony, and it's a must for all animal lovers. You'll get a close-up view of the penguin families at every stage of life, including the baby chicks lovingly reared by their adorable parents. The guides will explain the daily activities of their charges, answer any questions you might have, and help you get the best views and a few Insta-worthy photos (without flash). The Penguin Observation Centre is accessible via the city boardwalk, and the viewing area is level and suitable for wheelchairs. It's best to arrive just before dusk as the penguins come ashore, every night from 1 October-31 March. Learn the law of the land Of course, the Australian Capital Territory is built around the nation's capital, Canberra , the centre of our political system. Parliament House will be a fascinating experience for anyone who's curious about the laws that govern our day-to-day lives and the history of our federal government. Entry is free, and the building is open year-round (9am-6pm on non-sitting days, 9am-5pm on days when parliament is sitting). The free Heart of the House guided tour will introduce visitors to the architecture and history of the building, and highlights of the political events that take place inside. All public areas are accessible, and there are complimentary wheelchairs available from the Information Desk in the Marble Foyer. Contemplate and commemorate at the War Memorial The Australian War Memorial is perhaps not the cheeriest attraction in Canberra, but it's still a fascinating and moving experience for visitors. The Memorial combines a shrine, a world-class museum, and an extensive archive. Contemplate the sacrifice of soldiers, learn about the ceremonial customs of the Australian military, and look up information about your ancestors who served. Lift access is available between the Galleries, wheelchairs available for loan from the Information Desk, and there are video-guided Auslan tours of the Memorial available ($10 p.p.). Entry is free, though it is recommended that you pre-book your timed ticket online to guarantee entry. The Last Post Ceremony takes place at 4.30pm, with the last entry at 4.00pm. Go (Cockington) Green! Cockington Green is a quaint and quirky attraction on the outskirts of Canberra that will delight the whole family. A whole town of meticulously crafted miniature buildings is laid out across beautifully landscaped gardens, with lots of treasures to discover. Wide paved paths let you wander or wheel through with ease, and the displays are at a perfect viewing height. There's a licensed Garden Cafe on site, free barbecues if you'd like to make your own lunch, and two gift shops to score a souvenir. An adult ticket is $25 at time of writing, but there are senior and family discounts available. This story first appeared on Travel Without Limits and has been reproduced here with permission.
By Jennifer Allen Between cooking, cleaning and hosting, the familiar hustle of the holiday season can sometimes feel more hectic than heartwarming. But what if there were a way to embrace the season while leaving the chaos behind? Holiday cruises make all of this possible, offering the perfect getaway that can be tailored to any vibe – blending festive traditions with the excitement of travel. Imagine sipping hot chocolate in the background of the Northern Lights, exploring sun-drenched islands or maybe enjoying a festive dinner on the sea. Whether looking for family-friendly fun, romance for two or peaceful solo travel, holiday cruises deliver a unique celebration unlike any other. Do you want to skip the stress of the season but don’t want to miss out on the holiday cheer? Rest assured, among the most well-known cruise lines, most of them host elaborate holiday festivities that transform their ships into winter wonderlands complete with decorations, entertainment and activities fit for Santa Claus himself. Instead of buying gifts, stressing over what to cook or bake and cleaning over the holidays, Michelle Price of Honest and Truly prefers a holiday cruise for her family. “The ship takes care of everything, from making the beds in the morning to prepping our meals throughout the day. And they have various fun activities to keep us busy,” she says. From towering Christmas trees in the atrium to twinkling lights on every railing, cruises at this time of year are very creative with their festive splendor. Cruises will also complement their aesthetics to match entertainment, including tree-lighting ceremonies, live caroling and holiday movie nights under the stars. Depending on the cruise, you can expect a robust calendar of events with activities like ugly sweater parties, holiday trivia, Santa appearances and even onboard Christmas markets. The holiday wouldn’t feel complete without the food to match, and cruise lines deliver. You can enjoy lavish holiday dinners complete with everything, from the traditional turkey to international Christmas dishes. Some cruises even offer themed buffets with everything, from a turkey carving station to hot and creamy chowders , holiday cocktails, gingerbread-making workshops and seasonal dessert tastings to add fun to the feasts. Cruises cater to various travelers and take the guesswork out of planning a holiday. Unlike a traditional vacation where you are responsible for your own itinerary, cruises do the hard work for you by planning destinations, offering a wide variety of on-board activities and providing varied experiences that appeal to all. A 2024 survey by Expedia Cruises concluded that 82% of travelers who have cruised before say they would do it again. Traveling with the whole family can often feel like an exercise in logistics that leaves you more stressed than you were before your holiday. Holiday cruises simplify this, offering multigenerational activities, family-friendly dining options and flexible accommodations. The Disney Cruise Line, which includes the Very Merrytime Cruises for the holiday season, is popular for offering exciting kid-centric activities like themed crafts, holiday scavenger hunts and character meet-and-greets. These endless options paired with the kids’ or teens’ clubs keep younger travelers entertained while giving their parents peace of mind. When traveling with older family members, consider reaching out to the cruise ahead of time to find out what accessible options they offer. Cruise lines can sometimes accommodate requests that might be better suited for older folks like avoiding stairs or long walks to reach their room. Couples can rediscover their magic on holiday cruises that offer intimate moments and tailored experiences. The Romantic Cruises by Princess Cruises stand out because of their private balcony dining and couples’ activities like wine tastings or cooking classes to make hors d’oeuvres . However, many holiday cruises offer specialty experiences like date-night-worthy restaurants, sunset strolls on the deck and shared excursions that are sure to create lasting memories. For couples looking to rest and relax, holiday cruises can provide serene spaces, spa suites and infinity verandas that are perfect for unwinding together. Cruises provide the perfect atmosphere for singles to mingle and enjoy the holiday season with company. Social events like trivia nights, dance parties and holiday mixers encourage connection and camaraderie. Certain cruises, like the Norwegian Cruise Line and the Virgin Voyages’ Holiday Cruises, cater specifically to solo travelers. These cruises include adult-only entertainment, curated activities and a vibrant nightlife. Rest assured, these cruises provide plenty of holiday entertainment and seasonal activities that ensure you enjoy yourself while staying close to your holiday traditions. With over 323 cruise ships currently in operation serving 36 million passengers this year alone, according to photoAiD , how do you choose if you’re a first-time cruiser ? Start by confirming that the cruise is appropriate for the needs of your traveling group. Often, experiences that are tailored for a specific group, whether kids or couples, will be described in the cruise line’s name – take for instance, the Disney Cruise Line. You can also check out the on-board activities available to make sure that there are plenty of options for your company. Related Articles Travel | What to consider when exchanging currency Travel | 8 last-minute Christmas vacations to book in the US Travel | California’s sunny Huntington Beach makes a great weekend getaway Travel | Top travel destinations for 2025 include a real-life Land of the Lotus Eaters Travel | New York state highlights can’t-miss holiday sites and attractions Next, consider your budget. Holiday cruises make luxury accessible without breaking the bank, with options as low as $300 for shorter voyages. Cruises will often provide all-inclusive packages that bundle accommodations, dining, entertainment and travel into a single cost-effective experience. The Carnival Cruise line remains a favorite for budget-conscious travelers because of its fun festivities and great dining options. However, even high-end experiences, like the MSC Cruises’ Yacht Club, which includes amenities like private pools, lounges and butler services come at a fraction of the cost of traditional luxury resorts. Lastly, ask yourself what holiday vibe you’re going for. Are you dreaming of a sunny tropical Christmas or perhaps frosty landscapes? Either way, with thousands of options in December alone, as cataloged by CruiseBooking.com , there’s a cruise waiting for you. The Norwegian Cruise Line’s Caribbean Cruises stop at destinations like the Great Stirrup Cay, while Hurtigruten’s Arctic Expeditions sail through breathtaking fjords and snowy landscapes. Holiday cruises offer a unique way to celebrate the season that’s a guaranteed hit without breaking the bank. Consider leaving behind the stress of hosting and planning; step aboard a ship where every detail has been curated to bring enjoyment and relaxation. With the holidays calling, will you answer with a ticket to set sail? Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her writing appears in dozens of publications, and she has two cookbooks, “Keto Soup Cookbook” and “Keto Diabetic Cookbook and Meal Plan.” These days, she’s busy in the kitchen, developing recipes for various publications and traveling, and you can find all her best recipes at Cook What You Love .
The No. 2 Ohio State Buckeyes hoped Saturday’s loss to the Michigan Wolverines was just a bad dream, but unfortunately, it wasn’t. For the fourth consecutive year, the Buckeyes fell to their archrivals, and this time, as 21-point underdogs ( ESPN BET ). Immediately following the 13-10 loss, a brawl started between both teams after Michigan players attempted to plant their flag on Ohio State's midfield logo. It wasn't pretty, with police even going as far as pepper spraying players to de-escalate the situation. Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was asked about it afterward, admitting his team wasn't let Michigan get away with planting its flag. "I don’t know all the details, but I know these guys were looking to put a flag on our field, and we’re not going to let that happen," Day said . © Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Fans quickly took to social media to react to Day’s comments. "What a loser," one fan wrote . "Maybe he should have told them to fight like that during the actual game," added a fan . "What a fraud he and that program are." "Just fire that clown," another said . "The best way to prevent this from happening is to win the game, Ryan," said a fan . "Hope this helps!" "Hey Ryan, be less concerned with planting a flag & more concerned with winning the game!!!" added another . "has he tried winning? that’s a pretty good way to stop them," another said . © Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images With the loss, Ryan Day’s record against Michigan drops to 1-4 in his tenure at Ohio State. The defeat likely keeps the Buckeyes out of the Big Ten Championship Game and seriously jeopardizes their hopes of securing a bye in the College Football Playoff. The only way Ohio State can still make it to the conference title game is if both Penn State and Indiana lose on Saturday. Related: Official in Ohio State-Michigan Game Involved in Dangerous Incident
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Gus Malzahn is leaving his post as UCF's head coach to reunite with Florida State coach Mike Norvell as the Seminoles' offensive coordinator, ESPN reported on Saturday. Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, relinquished his role as FSU's primary playcaller amid a staff shakeup this season. Florida State, 1-7 in the Athletic Coast Conference this season, entered Saturday's season finale against Florida at 2-9 and ranked No. 131 in the nation in total offense. UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn's four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons. Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn -- which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and playcaller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010. Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation. In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn's teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season. --Field Level MediaCyprium Metals robust Nifty pre-feasibility study points to $1,129 million pre-tax NPV and 797,000-tonne ore reserve
By Noam N. Levey, KFF Health News Worried that President-elect Donald Trump will curtail federal efforts to take on the nation’s medical debt problem, patient and consumer advocates are looking to states to help people who can’t afford their medical bills or pay down their debts. “The election simply shifts our focus,” said Eva Stahl, who oversees public policy at Undue Medical Debt, a nonprofit that has worked closely with the Biden administration and state leaders on medical debt. “States are going to be the epicenter of policy change to mitigate the harms of medical debt.” New state initiatives may not be enough to protect Americans from medical debt if the incoming Trump administration and congressional Republicans move forward with plans to scale back federal aid that has helped millions gain health insurance or reduce the cost of their plans in recent years. Comprehensive health coverage that limits patients’ out-of-pocket costs remains the best defense against medical debt. But in the face of federal retrenchment, advocates are eyeing new initiatives in state legislatures to keep medical bills off people’s credit reports, a consumer protection that can boost credit scores and make it easier to buy a car, rent an apartment, or even get a job. Several states are looking to strengthen oversight of medical credit cards and other financial products that can leave patients paying high interest rates on top of their medical debt. Some states are also exploring new ways to compel hospitals to bolster financial aid programs to help their patients avoid sinking into debt. “There’s an enormous amount that states can do,” said Elisabeth Benjamin, who leads health care initiatives at the nonprofit Community Service Society of New York. “Look at what’s happened here.” New York state has enacted several laws in recent years to rein in hospital debt collections and to expand financial aid for patients, often with support from both Democrats and Republicans in the legislature. “It doesn’t matter the party. No one likes medical debt,” Benjamin said. Other states that have enacted protections in recent years include Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, and Washington. Many measures picked up bipartisan support. President Joe Biden’s administration has proved to be an ally in state efforts to control health care debt. Such debt burdens 100 million people in the United States, a KFF Health News investigation found . Led by Biden appointee Rohit Chopra, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has made medical debt a priority , going after aggressive collectors and exposing problematic practices across the medical debt industry. Earlier this year, the agency proposed landmark regulations to remove medical bills from consumer credit scores. The White House also championed legislation to boost access to government-subsidized health insurance and to cap out-of-pocket drug costs for seniors, both key bulwarks against medical debt. Trump hasn’t indicated whether his administration will move ahead with the CFPB credit reporting rule, which was slated to be finalized early next year. Congressional Republicans, who will control the House and Senate next year, have blasted the proposal as regulatory overreach that will compromise the value of credit reports. And Elon Musk, the billionaire whom Trump has tapped to lead his initiative to shrink government, last week called for the elimination of the watchdog agency . “Delete CFPB,” Musk posted on X. If the CFPB withdraws the proposed regulation, states could enact their own rules, following the lead of Colorado, New York, and other states that have passed credit reporting bans since 2023. Advocates in Massachusetts are pushing the legislature there to take up a ban when it reconvenes in January. “There are a lot of different levers that states have to take on medical debt,” said April Kuehnhoff, a senior attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, which has helped lead national efforts to expand debt protections for patients. Kuehnhoff said she expects more states to crack down on medical credit card providers and other companies that lend money to patients to pay off medical bills, sometimes at double-digit interest rates. Under the Biden administration, the CFPB has been investigating patient financing companies amid warnings that many people may not understand that signing up for a medical credit card such as CareCredit or enrolling in a payment plan through a financial services company can pile on more debt. If the CFPB efforts stall under Trump, states could follow the lead of California, New York, and Illinois, which have all tightened rules governing patient lending in recent years. Consumer advocates say states are also likely to continue expanding efforts to get hospitals to provide more financial assistance to reduce or eliminate bills for low- and middle-income patients, a key protection that can keep people from slipping into debt. Hospitals historically have not made this aid readily available, prompting states such as California, Colorado, and Washington to set stronger standards to ensure more patients get help with bills they can’t afford. This year, North Carolina also won approval from the Biden administration to withhold federal funding from hospitals in the state unless they agreed to expand financial assistance. In Georgia, where state government is entirely in Republican control, officials have been discussing new measures to get hospitals to provide more assistance to patients. “When we talk about hospitals putting profits over patients, we get lots of nodding in the legislature from Democrats and Republicans,” said Liz Coyle, executive director of Georgia Watch, a consumer advocacy nonprofit. Many advocates caution, however, that state efforts to bolster patient protections will be critically undermined if the Trump administration cuts federal funding for health insurance programs such as Medicaid and the insurance marketplaces established through the Affordable Care Act. Trump and congressional Republicans have signaled their intent to roll back federal subsidies passed under Biden that make health plans purchased on ACA marketplaces more affordable. That could hike annual premiums by hundreds or even thousands of dollars for many enrollees, according to estimates by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a think tank. And during Trump’s first term, he backed efforts in Republican-led states to restrict enrollment in their Medicaid safety net programs through rules that would require people to work in order to receive benefits. GOP state leaders in Idaho, Louisiana, and other states have expressed a desire to renew such efforts. “That’s all a recipe for more medical debt,” said Stahl, of Undue Medical Debt. Jessica Altman, who heads the Covered California insurance marketplace, warned that federal cuts will imperil initiatives in her state that have limited copays and deductibles and curtailed debt for many state residents. “States like California that have invested in critical affordable programs for our residents will face tough decisions,” she said. ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
Aidan O'Connell shows in loss to Chiefs that he is the Raiders' QB for the rest of seasonRepublican U.S. Sen.-elect Tim Sheehy this week claimed a firework-ignited grass fire set near his campaign sign west of Livingston was a politically motivated arson. A Park County sheriff’s deputy on Dec. 21 notified dispatchers of a fire near Interstate 90 and West End Road. On social media, the sheriff’s office said winds that night were clocked at 50-to-60 mph and helped push the fire out to 26 acres. Authorities issued evacuations for the nearby residents and firefighters knocked the blaze down in roughly an hour and a half, according to the sheriff’s office post. The fire "definitely" started near a Sheehy campaign sign, the rural fire district chief . And while law enforcement has obtained video of the suspect's vehicle fleeing the area after starting the fire, it appeared Friday that no one had been charged yet. On Tuesday Sheehy appeared near the scorched scene and issued a social media post of appreciation for the responders, which, , included neighbors to the threatened properties. He also posted a picture with two Montana Department of Transportation employees, whose facility was adjacent to the burned area, as well as a photo of a blackened building. Initial reports from the sheriff’s office did say the incident was being investigated as a criminal act but did not imply political motivations, although Sheehy appeared certain of it in a video posted to his social media. "We just visited with the Jensen family here, four beautiful young kids, it was actually their third daughter’s birthday the night that these arsonists started the fire to burn down our sign and started about a 30-acre wildfire, burned their grazing land, harmed their property and its just sad that would happen here," Sheehy said. "We can still disagree, we can still respect each other in this country. We don't have to do things like this." The Park County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook on Monday it had obtained video evidence of a person shooting a firework out of a moving vehicle and igniting the dry grass before heading west on I-190. "It was definitely someone setting off fireworks at the sign," Park County Rural Fire District Chief Dann Babcox , referencing law enforcement reports. A call to the sheriff's office on Friday seeking any update or arrest information was not immediately returned. "Very disappointing, really tough way for these families to enter the Christmas week," Sheehy continued in his video. "It's effected several families here, including some structures, its a tough way for these people to have to start the holiday season."
Gus Malzahn is leaving his post as UCF's head coach to reunite with Florida State coach Mike Norvell as the Seminoles' offensive coordinator, ESPN reported on Saturday. Norvell, who served as a graduate assistant under Malzahn at Tulsa in 2007-08, relinquished his role as FSU's primary playcaller amid a staff shakeup this season. Florida State, 1-7 in the Athletic Coast Conference this season, entered Saturday's season finale against Florida at 2-9 and ranked No. 131 in the nation in total offense. UCF also endured a tough 2024 season, going 4-8 after losing eight of its last nine games. During Malzahn's four-year tenure, the Knights went 28-24, including 5-13 in the Big 12 Conference the last two seasons. Malzahn, 59, is 105-62 in 13 seasons as a college head coach, highlighted by a 68-35 mark in eight seasons at Auburn -- which included a BCS title game appearance in 2013. He served as offensive coordinator and playcaller when the Tigers won the national title in 2010. Malzahn will be tasked with revitalizing a Florida State offense that helped produce a 13-1 campaign in 2023, when the Seminoles were denied a spot in the College Football Playoff. Over the last three seasons at UCF, his rushing attack has been in the Top 10 in the nation. In his 19 seasons as a college head coach or offensive coordinator, Malzahn's teams have averaged 447.7 yards per game, and three of his teams eclipsed 7,000 yards in a season. --Field Level Media