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When he first arrived at last January, was still a few months short of his 18th birthday. The bright-eyed freshman running back had graduated from high school early, in the hope that he’d hit the ground running at USC. And right away it was clear how quickly that ground was moving beneath his feet. But Jackson, a 230-pound power back, resolved not to let the speed of it all swallow him up. He watched closely as , the Trojans' workhorse and Jackson’s roommate on the road, worked his way through a stellar season. He took note of Marks’ every move, how he arrived early and stayed late, how he took care of his body, how he watched film, filing it all away for when his moment finally came. It might have seemed then as if Jackson would have a while to wait, what with Marks leading the way and standout sophomore waiting in the wings. But Marks opted out of the bowl game, and Joyner entered the transfer portal, and suddenly, the keys to USC’s backfield for against Texas A&M were in the hands of one of the youngest players on USC’s roster, a freshman with barely 20 carries to his name. “It’s an opportunity for me,” Jackson said recently, “one of the biggest of my life.” Similar circumstances are playing out all over college football this month, with the transfer portal ravaging rosters and potential NFL prospects opting out of bowls en masse. At USC, 19 players have already entered the transfer portal, while three more — Marks, center and cornerback — chose to skip the bowl game in lieu of preparing for the draft. That’s left plenty of opportunities up for grabs over the last month, up and down USC’s lineup. In addition to a brand new backfield, USC will roll with two new offensive linemen — Kilian O’Connor at center and Tobias Raymond at right tackle — and be without three of its top five receivers from this season. On both sides of the ball, young players are expected to play major roles Friday as USC looks ahead to next season. “There’s a part of this that feels like the last game of this year and in some ways feels like the first game of next year,” said. Texas A&M coach Mike Elko, on the other hand, said he has already basically put the Aggies' season behind them. With three starters out along the Aggies' defensive front, Elko said Friday that his staff had approached the bowl more like “an opener” than the final stamp on their season. He expects that USC, too, will look far different than it did just a few weeks ago. “You’re playing with guys in new spots, new faces,” Riley said. “Even the preparation for it is a little bit different because you don’t have your full roster. But you’ve got to adapt. I think going through what we did last year helped us. I think we’re less surprised by what happened and understood how to plan from the beginning.” Depth was actually far more dire last December, when USC had just 53 players active for the Holiday Bowl. Still, USC rode an army of reserves and a six-touchdown showing from backup to a rollicking win that gave the Trojans a wave of momentum heading into the offseason. That momentum didn’t mean much by the time USC’s first Big Ten slate was in full swing, as Moss was benched and the Trojans stumbled to a 6-6 finish. But it was out of last bowl season that several building blocks for future USC teams first emerged. Among them starting left tackle Elijah Paige and standout receiver Ja’Kobi Lane, who burst onto the scene with two touchdowns in the Holiday Bowl. Those opportunities, Riley reiterated Thursday, can be incredibly valuable. “It’s a chance to showcase the program, it’s a chance for young guys to play,” Riley said. “It’s another opportunity, and we just don’t get that many in this game.” It could prove especially consequential, once again, to USC’s plans at the quarterback position. Riley has yet to bring in another passer in the transfer portal and said earlier this month that any new quarterback added would serve only as “depth” behind . But Maiava was brought in last January under similar circumstances, only to displace Moss as the starter by November. He could have another quarterback to contend with soon enough in five-star freshman , who joined the team this month for practices and was a part of the bowl festivities in Las Vegas. The circumstances were already unusual enough for Maiava this week, as USC practiced on the campus of Nevada Las Vegas, the school he left to join USC. “He never expected anything other than for us to coach him hard and develop him,” Riley said of his quarterback, “and he was ready when his opportunity came.” That’s the attitude Jackson has tried to carry into bowl season, preparing as if this were his moment to seize control of USC’s backfield for 2025. He’ll share carries with another young back, A’Marion Peterson, on Friday, before soon enough another ball carrier —New Mexico’s Eli Sanders — joins the mix. The outlook for USC’s rushing attack may only get muddier from there. Riley called it “a tremendous opportunity for [Jackson and Peterson] to show that they can do the things that great backs in our offense have to do.” It’s been a while since Riley has run with a true power back like Jackson, but the freshman has spent the bowl season trying to convince the coach that he’s ready, with plenty of cuts and bruises to prove it. “It’s been a grind, man,” Jackson said with a smile. But opportunities like this, he knows, don’t come along often. “They gave me a chance to be the guy,” Jackson said, “so I’m giving it everything I have.” This story originally appeared in .Friends, colleagues remember former state Rep. Mary Murphy
Denver, CO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bobby Rusnak, franchisee and Area Director for Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Colorado and Wyoming, has become a key figure in the brand’s regional operations. His journey with Dickey’s began in 2016 when he stepped in to assist his family during a challenging period. In 2021, Rusnak officially took ownership of the business, evolving into a leadership role that combines operational excellence with a dedication to franchisee support and community engagement. “My role is to support the brand and my fellow franchisees while ensuring we deliver exceptional barbecue experiences to our guests,” Rusnak said. “As an Area Director, I’m focused on strengthening operations and helping franchisees overcome challenges, one store at a time.” Rusnak oversees 15 locations across Colorado, balancing ownership of his stores with responsibilities as an Area Director. This includes guiding franchisees in stabilizing operations and adhering to the high standards Dickey’s is known for. “Bobby’s ability to lead by example and his deep understanding of the challenges franchisees face make him an exceptional Area Director,” said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “He is a true partner in growing the brand and supporting our franchisees in achieving their goals.” Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., added, “Bobby’s story embodies the heart of our brand—stepping up for family and community. His leadership as an Area Director strengthens not only the Dickey’s franchise system but also the relationships we value so deeply with our owner-operators.” Under Rusnak’s leadership, Dickey’s locations in Colorado continue to deliver the slow-smoked barbecue experience that has defined the brand for over 80 years. His commitment ensures franchisees have the tools and resources they need to thrive. “Stepping into this role was about doing what was needed to stabilize and grow the business,” Rusnak said. “It’s rewarding to see the impact we’re making in our communities and across the region.” Bobby Rusnak’s journey underscores Dickey’s dedication to empowering franchisees and fostering a collaborative network that drives success. About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Bobby Rusnak
Singh was pitchforked into leading the world's largest democracy in 2004 by the shock decision of Congress leader Sonia Gandhi to turn down the role after leading the party to an upset win over the ruling Hindu nationalists. He oversaw an economic boom in Asia's fourth-largest economy in his first term, although slowing growth in later years marred his second stint. Known as "Mr Clean", Singh nonetheless saw his image tarnished during his decade-long tenure when a series of corruption cases became public. As finance minister in the early 1990s, he was hailed at home and abroad for initiating big-bang reforms that opened India's inward-looking economy to the world. Known as a loyalist to the Gandhi political dynasty, Singh studied economics to find a way to eradicate poverty in the vast nation and never held elected office before becoming PM. But he deftly managed the rough and tumble of Indian politics -- even though many said Sonia Gandhi, the Italian-born widow of the assassinated Rajiv Gandhi, was the power behind the throne. Born in 1932 in the mud-house village of Gah in what is now Pakistan, Singh moved to the holy Sikh city of Amritsar as a teenager around the time the subcontinent was split at the end of British rule into mainly Hindu India and Muslim Pakistan. His father was a dry-fruit seller in Amritsar, and he had nine brothers and sisters. He was so determined to get an education he would study at night under streetlights because it was too noisy at home, his brother Surjit Singh told AFP in 2004. "Our father always used to say Manmohan will be the prime minister of India since he stuck out among the 10 children," said Singh. "He always had his nose in a book." Singh won scholarships to attend both Cambridge, where he obtained a first in economics, and Oxford, where he completed his PhD. He worked in a string of senior civil posts, served as a central bank governor and also held various jobs with global agencies such as the United Nations. Singh was tapped in 1991 by then Congress prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao to reel India back from the worst financial crisis in its modern history -- currency reserves had sunk so low the country was on the brink of defaulting on foreign loans. Singh unleashed sweeping change that broke sharply with India's Soviet-style state-directed economy. In his first term he steered the economy through a period of nine-percent growth, lending the country the international clout it had long sought. He also sealed a landmark nuclear deal with the US that he said would help India meet its growing energy needs. But by 2008 there was growing disquiet among the ruling alliance's left-leaning parties about the pact, while high inflation -- notably food and fuel prices -- hit India's poor hard. Still, voters remained drawn to his calm, pragmatic persona, and in 2009 Congress steered its alliance to a second term. Singh vowed to step up financial reforms to drive economic growth, but he came under increasing fire from critics who said he had done nothing to stop a string of corruption scandals on his watch. Several months before the 2014 elections, Singh said he would retire after the polls, with Sonia Gandhi's son Rahul earmarked to take his place if Congress won. But Congress crashed to its worst-ever result at that time as the Hindu-nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party, led by Narendra Modi, won a landslide. More recently, an unflattering book by a former aide titled "The Accidental Prime Minister" portrayed him as timid and controlled by Sonia Gandhi. Singh -- who said historians would be kinder to him than contemporary detractors -- became a vocal critic of Modi's economic policies, and more recently warned about the risks that rising communal tensions posed to India's democracy. pmc-grk/abh/fox/leg/smsThe official start of winter is just days away so if you’re readying yourself for three or more months of hibernation, then Amazon has a deal you won’t want to let go . Bedsure’s Heated Blanket Electric Throw is on sale for 20% off, which means you’ll only have to pay $30, instead of $39, to keep yourself warm and cozy through the cold season — at least that’s the hope! This luxurious and durable blanket is made from ultra-soft 220 GSM flannel on one side and 200 GSM premium sherpa on the other — which are total winter comfort staples. It features advanced heating wire technology that offers six heating levels and four time-settings so you can tailor the perfect temperature and warmth duration for your precise level of chill . And with 74 safety tests conducted in a quality-control-observant Intertek-recognized Satellite Lab, the blanket surpasses UL standards for safety. It’s also ETL and FCC-certified so all the important quality and compliance requisites are met. Beyond industry safety and performance benchmarks, though, the Bedsure throw has a 3-hour auto shut-off feature for peace of mind. According to the brand, the plush blanket is machine washable, fade-resistant, and energy-efficient , consuming only one-thirtieth the power of traditional heaters. Whether you’d like to add an extra layer of insulation to your bed at night or just want something warm to snuggle under on the couch while Netflix streams in the background, this Bedsure electric blanket brings the heat. Shop the Bedsure Heated Blanket Electric Throw at Amazon for $30, but not for long. More deals to stay warm this season GiveBest Portable Electric Space Heater with Thermostat for $23, instead of $29 Bedsure Heated Mattress Pad for $55, instead of $69 Nextmug Temperature-Controlled, Self-Heating Coffee Mug for $100, instead of $130 The Best Deals in December Longchamp has a surprise winter sale happening now, and everything is going super fast The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe is a great Christmas gift. It’s on sale at Amazon and will arrive ahead of the holiday Amazon has the Apple iPad 10 on sale for the lowest price ever in a secret holiday deal that won’t last long Amazon has this Shiatsu foot massager on sale for $35 off, just in time to work out those tired shopping feet Target, Amazon and Kohl’s still have DASH’s mini Christmas waffle makers — and they’ll arrive just in time for a festive breakfast Our journalism needs your support. Please subscribe today to NJ.com . Danielle Halibey can be reached at dhalibey@njadvancemedia.com . Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips .
In the market for a good vacuum or air purifier ? Or maybe you’ve been saving up for the viral, coveted Airwrap on your teen daughter’s holiday list? Dyson is known for their high-end electronics and are always among the best-reviewed options due to their features and groundbreaking technology. And with Black Friday markdowns officially live, now is the perfect time to invest in a Dyson product. Now through December 2, you can save as much as $250 on select products. Keep scrolling to check out a few of Dyson’s best Black Friday deals: Vacuums V12 Detect Slim $399.99 (was $649.99) Dyson V11 Extra $349.99 (was $599.99) Dyson Gen5outsize Absolute $799.99 (was $1,049.99) Dyson Gen5detect Absolute $699.99 (was $949.99) Dyson V15s Detect Submarine Absolute $749.99 (was $949.99) Air Purifiers Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 (White/Silver) $399.99 (was $529.99) Dyson Purifier Cool Gen1 TP10 (White/Silver) $299.99 (was $429.99) Dyson Cool Tower Fan AM07 (Iron/Blue) $249.99 (was $369.99) Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 (Black/Nickel) $399.99 (was $529.99) Hair Care Dyson AirwrapTM multi-styler and dryer Straight+Wavy (Strawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) $499.99 (was $599.99) Dyson Supersonic NuralTM hair dryer (Strawberry Bronze/Blush Pink) $399.99 (was $499.9) Ashley Dill covers the online shopping industry, writing about commerce. She can be reached at adill@pennlive.com . Black Friday Shopping Walmart has this Gourmia All-in-One 14-Quart Air Fryer for just $50 during Black Friday Deals event Walmart has this Blackstone Griddle on sale for $50 off during their Black Friday Deals event, while supplies last Save more than $300 on this Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner during Walmart’s Black Friday Deals event
Pesto Sauces Market to Grow by USD 936.2 Million (2024-2028), Driven by New Product Launches, AI Impacting Market Trends - TechnavioAinewsbreaks Mcewen Mining Inc. (NYSE: MUX) (TSX: MUX) Poised For Growth In Providing Critical Resources For AI Infrastructure
Denver, CO, Dec. 19, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bobby Rusnak, franchisee and Area Director for Dickey’s Barbecue Pit in Colorado and Wyoming, has become a key figure in the brand’s regional operations. His journey with Dickey’s began in 2016 when he stepped in to assist his family during a challenging period. In 2021, Rusnak officially took ownership of the business, evolving into a leadership role that combines operational excellence with a dedication to franchisee support and community engagement. “My role is to support the brand and my fellow franchisees while ensuring we deliver exceptional barbecue experiences to our guests,” Rusnak said. “As an Area Director, I’m focused on strengthening operations and helping franchisees overcome challenges, one store at a time.” Rusnak oversees 15 locations across Colorado, balancing ownership of his stores with responsibilities as an Area Director. This includes guiding franchisees in stabilizing operations and adhering to the high standards Dickey’s is known for. “Bobby’s ability to lead by example and his deep understanding of the challenges franchisees face make him an exceptional Area Director,” said Roland Dickey Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “He is a true partner in growing the brand and supporting our franchisees in achieving their goals.” Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., added, “Bobby’s story embodies the heart of our brand—stepping up for family and community. His leadership as an Area Director strengthens not only the Dickey’s franchise system but also the relationships we value so deeply with our owner-operators.” Under Rusnak’s leadership, Dickey’s locations in Colorado continue to deliver the slow-smoked barbecue experience that has defined the brand for over 80 years. His commitment ensures franchisees have the tools and resources they need to thrive. “Stepping into this role was about doing what was needed to stabilize and grow the business,” Rusnak said. “It’s rewarding to see the impact we’re making in our communities and across the region.” Bobby Rusnak’s journey underscores Dickey’s dedication to empowering franchisees and fostering a collaborative network that drives success. About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.TM Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of Roland Dickey, Jr., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal, and People Magazine . For more information, visit www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit www.dickeysfranchise.com . Attachment Bobby Rusnak
Income investors might want to check out the ASX dividend stocks in this article if they are looking for new additions in 2025. That's because analysts are tipping them as top buys ahead of the new year. Let's see what they are recommending: ( ) Goldman Sachs thinks that annuities company Challenger could be an ASX dividend stock to buy. The broker currently has a buy rating and $7.82 price target on its shares. It likes Challenger due to its "exposure to the growing superannuation market" and its belief that "higher yields should drive a favorable sales environment for retail annuities." Goldman is expecting this to support the payment of fully franked dividends of 27 cents per share in FY 2025 and then 28 cents per share in FY 2026. Based on the current Challenger share price of $6.01, this will mean of 4.5% and 4.65%, respectively. ( ) Analysts at UBS are bullish on Dexus Property Group and believe it could be another ASX dividend stock to buy. The broker has a buy rating and $8.86 price target on its shares. Dexus Property Group is one of Australia's leading fully integrated real estate groups. It manages a high-quality Australasian real estate and infrastructure portfolio valued at $54.5 billion. The Dexus platform includes the Dexus investment portfolio and the funds management business. UBS expects this platform to support the payment of dividends per share of 37 cents in FY 2025 and 38 cents in FY 2026. Based on the latest Dexus share price of $7.10, this will mean yields of 5.2% and 5.35%, respectively. ( ) Finally, Bell Potter thinks that Smartgroup could be an ASX dividend stock to buy. Its analysts currently have a buy rating and $10.00 price target on its shares. Smartgroup is an employee management services provider. It offers services such as salary packaging and fleet management to organisations across Australia. Analysts at Bell Potter believe that "SIQ looks well priced given a fwd P/E of ~14.5x, a defensive client base, earnings tailwinds from the Electric Car Discount Bill (exempts low or zero emission vehicles from Fringe Benefits Tax), an ROE of ~30% and a strong balance sheet." In respect to dividends, the broker is forecasting fully franked dividends of 53.3 cents in FY 2024 and then 59.7 cents in FY 2025. Based on its current share price of $7.63, this means big potential dividend yields of 7% and 7.8%, respectively.Alleged France-Nigeria collusion against Niger Republic baseless – FG
As Victoria's ever-divided Liberal opposition meets to determine the future of the party, three contenders have put their hands up to replace embattled leader John Pesutto. or signup to continue reading Police spokesman Brad Battin, first-term MP Jess Wilson and Mornington MP Chris Crewther have announced their candidacy if a motion to challenge Mr Pesutto is successful. Before that takes place, the party must determine whether absent MPs can vote, which will be followed by a second vote on whether to return banished colleague Moira Deeming to the fold. After this, a spill motion is expected to be raised. Former party leader Michael O'Brien told reporters he would rather be at the cricket than in the party room but underscored the need for unity. "Unless we can win and hold government, then we can't enhance the freedom, prosperity and security of Victorians or Australians," Mr O'Brien said as he entered Parliament House.. "So we just need to knuckle down, get behind whatever decision is made today and win the next election for Victoria." Opposition financial spokeswoman Jess Wilson announced her candidacy after a deal to become leadership frontrunner Brad Battin's deputy came off the table. "The best way forward to defeat Jacinta Allan and Labor was with a unified leadership ticket," Ms Wilson said. "Unfortunately, it has been made clear to me that a unity ticket is no longer on the table. "Given that and after consulting my colleagues, I've decided to stand to offer them a choice." Mr Battin arrived for the vote flanked by supporters including Sam Groth, while Ms Wilson and Mr Pesutto entered parliament alone. Mr Pesutto entered the opposition party room with deputy David Southwick saying his thoughts were with Victorians experiencing bushfires and the first responders. "We'll deal with these matters in here but the most important thing for us in Victoria is to look out for each other," he said. Mr Crewther's eleventh-hour tilt at the top job came via an email to party members overnight, urging collegues for a "fresh start". "I hope that after today, whoever is chosen as a leader, we all unite behind that person, we all work together, because that's what the Victorians want, they don't want a divided team," he said entering the opposition party room. Mr Pesutto's job had been on shaky ground ever since he lost a defamation case brought against him by former colleague Moira Deeming. A Federal Court judge found the Liberal leader defamed Mrs Deeming by implying she was associated with Nazis who gatecrashed a controversial Melbourne rally she was at and ordered he pay her $315,000 and costs. Then came a shock when former tennis player-turned-politician Mr Groth quit his shadow cabinet post, citing his leader's refusal to stand down after the court loss. A party vote, brought on less than a week later to decide whether Mrs Deeming would be allowed back into the party, split the team down the centre with Mr Pesutto casting the tie-breaking vote to bar her from returning. The Hawthorn MP deemed the matter "resolved" only to propose a January 15 gathering to return the upper house MP to the fold a day later. But that last bid to quell tensions fell flat, with senior MPs Mr Groth, Richard Riordan, James Newbury, Mr Battin and Bridget Vallence signing a petition to meet on Friday to bring the issue to a head. The battle to helm Victoria's opposition comes less than two years before a pivotal state election at which the Labor government - increasingly on the nose with voters - will seek a rare fourth term. DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team. WEEKDAYS Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation. WEEKLY The latest news, results & expert analysis. 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DAILY Test your skills with interactive crosswords, sudoku & trivia. Fresh daily! Advertisement AdvertisementJulie Appleby | KFF Health News Unauthorized switching of Affordable Care Act plans appears to have tapered off in recent weeks based on an almost one-third drop in casework associated with consumer complaints, say federal regulators . The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which oversees the ACA, credits steps taken to thwart enrollment and switching problems that triggered more than 274,000 complaints this year through August. Now, the annual ACA open enrollment period that began Nov. 1 poses a real-world test: Will the changes curb fraud by rogue agents or brokerages without unduly slowing the process of enrolling or reducing the total number of sign-ups for 2025 coverage? “They really have this tightrope to walk,” said Sabrina Corlette, co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. “The more you tighten it up to prevent fraud, the more barriers there are that could inhibit enrollment among those who need the coverage.” CMS said in July that some types of policy changes — those in which the agent is not “affiliated” with the existing plan — will face more requirements, such as a three-way call with the consumer, broker, and a healthcare.gov call center representative. In August, the agency barred two of about a dozen private sector online-enrollment platforms from connecting with healthcare.gov over concerns related to improper switching. And CMS has suspended 850 agents suspected of being involved in unauthorized plan-switching from accessing the ACA marketplace. Still, the clampdown could add complexity to enrollment and slow the process. For example, a consumer might have to wait in a queue for a three-way call, or scramble to find a new agent because the one they previously worked with had been suspended. Given that phone lines with healthcare.gov staff already get busy — especially during mid-December — agents and policy analysts advise consumers not to dally this year. “Hit the ground running,” said Ronnell Nolan, president and CEO of Health Agents for America, a professional organization for brokers. Meanwhile, reports are emerging that some rogue entities are already figuring out workarounds that could undermine some of the anti-fraud protections CMS put in place, Nolan said. “Bottom line is: Fraud and abuse is still happening,” Nolan said. Brokers assist the majority of people actively enrolling in ACA plans and are paid a monthly commission by insurers for their efforts. Consumers can compare plans or enroll themselves online through federal or state marketplace websites. They can also seek help from people called assisters or navigators — certified helpers who are not paid commissions. Under a “find local help” button on the federal and state ACA websites , consumers can search for nearby brokers or navigators. CMS says it has “ramped up support operations” at its healthcare.gov marketplace call centers, which are open 24/7, in anticipation of increased demand for three-way calls, and it expects “minimal wait times,” said Jeff Wu, deputy director for policy of the CMS Center for Consumer Information and Insurance Oversight. Wu said those three-way calls are necessary only when an agent or a broker not already associated with a consumer’s enrollment wants to change that consumer’s enrollment or end that consumer’s coverage. It does not apply to people seeking coverage for the first time. Organizations paid by the government to offer navigator services have a dedicated phone line to the federal marketplace, and callers are not currently experiencing long waits, said Xonjenese Jacobs, director of Florida Covering Kids & Families, a program based at the University of South Florida that coordinates enrollment across the state through its Covering Florida navigator program. Navigators can assist with the three-way calls if a consumer’s situation requires it. “Because we have our quick line in, there’s no increased wait time,” Jacobs said. The problem of unauthorized switches has been around for a while but took off during last year’s open enrollment season. Brokers generally blamed much of the problem on the ease with which rogue agents can access ACA information in the federal marketplace, needing only a person’s name, date of birth, and state of residence. Though federal regulators have worked to tighten that access with the three-way call requirement, they stopped short of instituting what some agent groups say is needed: two-factor authentication, which could involve a code accessed by a consumer through a smartphone. Unauthorized switches can lead to a host of problems for consumers, from higher deductibles to landing in new networks that do not include their preferred physicians or hospitals. Some people have received tax bills when unauthorized policies came with premium credits for which they did not qualify. Unauthorized switches posed a political liability for the Biden administration, a blemish on two years of record ACA enrollment. The practice drew criticism from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle; Democrats demanded more oversight and punishment of rogue agents, while Republicans said fraud attempts were fueled by Biden administration moves that allowed for more generous premium subsidies and special enrollment periods. The fate of those enhanced subsidies, which are set to expire, will be decided by Congress next year as the Trump administration takes power. But the premiums and subsidies that come with 2025 plans that people are enrolling in now will remain in effect for the entire year. The actions taken this year to thwart the unauthorized enrollments apply to the federal marketplace, used by 31 states . The remaining states and the District of Columbia run their own websites, with many having in place additional layers of security. Related Articles Health | Feds suspend ACA marketplace access to companies accused of falsely promising ‘cash cards’ Health | Avon Lake doctor says her direct primary care practice Two Eleven Health like having a doctor in the family Health | More foods are making us sick: What to know as foodborne outbreaks hit Health | Firelands Physician Group vascular surgeons achieve milestone in stroke prevention Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? For its part, CMS says its efforts are working, pointing to the 30% drop in complaint casework. The agency also noted a 90% drop in the number of times an agent’s name was replaced by another’s, which it says indicates that it is tougher for rival agents to steal clients to gain the monthly commissions that insurers pay. Still, the move to suspend 850 agents has drawn pushback from agent groups that initially brought the problem to federal regulators’ attention. They say some of those accused were suspended before getting a chance to respond to the allegations. “There will be a certain number of agents and brokers who are going to be suspended without due process,” said Nolan, with the health agents’ group. She said that it has called for increased protections against unauthorized switching and that two-factor authentication, like that used in some state marketplaces or in the financial sector, would be more effective than what’s been done. “We now have to jump through so many hoops that I’m not sure we’re going to survive,” she said of agents in general. “They are just throwing things against the wall to see what sticks when they could just do two-factor.” The agency did not respond to questions asking for details about how the 850 agents suspended since July were selected, the states where they were located, or how many had their suspensions reversed after supplying additional information.
Former Prime Minister of India and veteran Congress leader Manmohan Singh passed away on Thursday, December 26. He was 92. Singh, who breathed his last at AIIMS, New Delhi, is credited for opening the Indian economy to global competition and often regarded as architect of India’s economic liberalisation as Finance Minister in 1991. Singh went on to become Prime Minister of the Congress-led UPA government. Singh has not been keeping well for quite some time and has stayed away from public appearances. His only public appearance in 2024 was at the book launch of his daughter at the India International Centre (IIC), New Delhi, in January, 2024. Political Life Singh never won Lok Sabha elections. He was nominated to the Rajya Sabha for the first time by the Congress party in October 1991, four months after he became the Union Finance Minister . He represented Assam for five terms in the Rajya Sabha and shifted to Rajasthan in 2019, his last term that ended in April this year. Singh was Prime Minister for two successive terms – from May 22, 2004 to May 22, 2009. The two UPA regimes led by Manmohan Singh are credited with the launch of social welfare initiatives such as guaranteed job schemes - Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MNREGA) - and right to education for every child. Reforms including Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and national identity number, Aadhaar were also launched during Manmohan Singh’s term as PM. One of the biggest highlights of Singh's regime was securing the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement, which opened up civilian nuclear cooperation. Manmohan Singh-led UPA government delivered about 8.5 per cent GDP growth. Singh's years as Prime Minister were, however, marred with scams- 2G, CWG and Coal block allocations – which eventually paved away for Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to take over the reins. He also faced accusation of being a ‘remote control’ and ‘accidental’ prime minister. Academician par excellence Singh was born on September 26, 1932, in a village in the Punjab province of undivided India. He completed his class X from Punjab. In 1957, Singh earned a First Class Honours degree in Economics from University of Cambridge , UK. In 1962, he o completed D Phil in Economics from Nuffield College at Oxford University. Singh has also worked as faculty ay Punjab University and Delhi School of Economics. In 1971, Singh joined the government of India as an economic advisor in the commerce ministry. In 1972, he was appointed as Chief Economic Advisor in the ministry of finance in 1972. Among other positions, Singh has been secretary in the ministry of finance, deputy chairman of the Planning Commission, governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), advisor of the Prime Minister and chairman of the University Grants Commission. Singh also had a brief stint at the UNCTAD Secretariat as well. He was Secretary General of the South Commission in Geneva between 1987 and 1990. Finance Minister Singh spent five years between 1991 and 1996 as India's finance minister under Prime Minister Narasimha Rao government. It was under Manmohan Singh’s Finance Ministry term that Indian economy saw a turning point since independence. Singh leaves behind a legacy of economic achievements by contributing in ushering in economic reforms in the country. A renowned economist,Singh role includes devaluing the rupee, reducing import tariffs, and privatising state-owned enterprises. Manmohan Singh-led UPA government delivered about 8.5 per cent GDP growth. But the term was marred with scams- 2G, CWG and Coal block allocations – which eventually paved away for Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government to take over the reins.UK's Starmer To Push Green Energy Ties On Norway Trip