Tournaments among young athletes can be viewed as a "junior school” so to speak, but emotionally, they are no different from professional sports, and their scandals are no less juicy as the European Boxing Championship showed. Budva, Montenegro, hosted the finals among boxers in the age group 17-18 from October 13 to 24. The Russian sportsmen took the first place in the medals race winning 11 gold, 6 silver and 4 bronze medals. In fact, the results could have been even better had our strong athlete Alexei Shendrik won gold. The judges initially announced him the winner but later reversed the decision.

Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, leads some of the Biden administration's efforts to expand Medicaid access.; Credit: Caroline Brehman/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Imag

The Biden administration is quietly engineering a series of expansions to Medicaid that may bolster protections for millions of low-income Americans and bring more people into the program.

Biden's efforts — which have been largely overshadowed by other economic and health initiatives — represent an abrupt reversal of the Trump administration's moves to scale back the safety-net program.

The changes could further boost Medicaid enrollment — which the pandemic has already pushed to a record 80.5 million. Some of the expansion is funded by the COVID-19 relief bill that passed in March, including coverage for new mothers.

Others who could also gain coverage under Biden are inmates and undocumented immigrants. At the same time, the administration is opening the door to new Medicaid-funded services such as food and housing that the government insurance plan hasn't traditionally offered.

"There is a paradigm change underway," said Jennifer Langer Jacobs, Medicaid director in New Jersey, one of a growing number of states trying to expand home-based Medicaid services to keep enrollees out of nursing homes and other institutions.

"We've had discussions at the federal level in the last 90 days that are completely different from where we've ever been before," Langer Jacobs said.

Taken together, the Medicaid moves represent some of the most substantive shifts in federal health policy undertaken by the new administration.

"They are taking very bold action," said Rutgers University political scientist Frank Thompson, an expert on Medicaid history, noting in particular the administration's swift reversal of Trump policies. "There really isn't a precedent."

The Biden administration seems unlikely to achieve what remains the holy grail for Medicaid advocates: getting 12 holdout states, including Texas and Florida, to expand Medicaid coverage to low-income working-age adults through the Affordable Care Act.

And while some of the recent expansions – including for new mothers -- were funded by close to $20 billion in new Medicaid funding in the COVID relief bill Biden signed in March, much of that new money will stop in a few years unless Congress appropriates additional money.

The White House strategy has risks. Medicaid, which swelled after enactment of the 2010 health law, has expanded further during the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, pushing enrollment to a record 80.5 million, including those served by the related Children's Health Insurance Program. That's up from 70 million before the COVID crisis began.

The programs now cost taxpayers more than $600 billion a year. And although the federal government will cover most of the cost of the Biden-backed expansions, surging Medicaid spending is a growing burden on state budgets.

The costs of expansion are a frequent target of conservative critics, including Trump officials like Seema Verma, the former administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, who frequently argued for enrollment restrictions and derided Medicaid as low-quality coverage.

But even less partisan experts warn that Medicaid, which was created to provide medical care to low-income Americans, can't make up for all the inadequacies in government housing, food and education programs.

"Focusing on the social drivers of health ... is critically important in improving the health and well-being of Medicaid beneficiaries. But that doesn't mean that Medicaid can or should be responsible for paying for all of those services," said Matt Salo, head of the National Association of Medicaid Directors, noting that the program's financing "is simply not capable of sustaining those investments."

Restoring federal support

However, after four years of Trump administration efforts to scale back coverage, Biden and his appointees appear intent on not only restoring federal support for Medicaid, but also boosting the program's reach.

"I think what we learned during the repeal-and-replace debate is just how much people in this country care about the Medicaid program and how it's a lifeline to millions," Biden's new Medicare and Medicaid administrator, Chiquita Brooks-LaSure, told KHN, calling the program a "backbone to our country."

The Biden administration has already withdrawn permission the Trump administration had granted Arkansas and New Hampshire to place work requirements on some Medicaid enrollees.

In April, Biden blocked a multibillion-dollar Trump administration initiative to prop up Texas hospitals that care for uninsured patients, a policy that many critics said effectively discouraged Texas from expanding Medicaid coverage through the Affordable Care Act, often called Obamacare. Texas has the highest uninsured rate in the nation.

The moves have drawn criticism from Republicans, some of whom accuse the new administration of trampling states' rights to run their Medicaid programs as they choose.

"Biden is reasserting a larger federal role and not deferring to states," said Josh Archambault, a senior fellow at the conservative Foundation for Government Accountability.

But Biden's early initiatives have been widely hailed by patient advocates, public health experts and state officials in many blue states.

"It's a breath of fresh air," said Kim Bimestefer, head of Colorado's Department of Health Care Policy and Financing.

Chuck Ingoglia, head of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, said: "To be in an environment where people are talking about expanding health care access has made an enormous difference."

Mounting evidence shows that expanded Medicaid coverage improves enrollees' health, as surveys and mortality data in recent years have identified greater health improvements in states that expanded Medicaid through the 2010 health law versus states that did not.

Broadening eligibility

In addition to removing Medicaid restrictions imposed by Trump administration officials, the Biden administration has backed a series of expansions to broaden eligibility and add services enrollees can receive.

Biden supported a provision in the COVID relief bill that gives states the option to extend Medicaid to new mothers for up to a year after they give birth. Many experts say such coverage could help reduce the U.S. maternal mortality rate, which is far higher than rates in other wealthy nations.

Several states, including Illinois and New Jersey, had sought permission from the Trump administration for such expanded coverage, but their requests languished.

The COVID relief bill — which passed without Republican support — also provides additional Medicaid money to states to set up mobile crisis services for people facing mental health or substance use emergencies, further broadening Medicaid's reach.

And states will get billions more to expand so-called home and community-based services such as help with cooking, bathing and other basic activities that can prevent Medicaid enrollees from having to be admitted to expensive nursing homes or other institutions.

Perhaps the most far-reaching Medicaid expansions being considered by the Biden administration would push the government health plan into covering services not traditionally considered health care, such as housing.

This reflects an emerging consensus among health policy experts that investments in some non-medical services can ultimately save Medicaid money by keeping patients out of the hospital.

In recent years, Medicaid officials in red and blue states — including Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland and Washington — have begun exploring ways to provide rental assistance to select Medicaid enrollees to prevent medical complications linked to homelessness.

The Trump administration took steps to support similar efforts, clearing Medicare Advantage health plans to offer some enrollees non-medical benefits such as food, housing aid and assistance with utilities.

But state officials across the country said the new administration has signaled more support for both expanding current home-based services and adding new ones.

That has made a big difference, said Kate McEvoy, who directs Connecticut's Medicaid program. "There was a lot of discussion in the Trump administration," she said, "but not the capital to do it."

Other states are looking to the new administration to back efforts to expand Medicaid to inmates with mental health conditions and drug addiction so they can connect more easily to treatment once released.

Kentucky health secretary Eric Friedlander said he is hopeful federal officials will sign off on his state's initiative.

Still other states, such as California, say they are getting a more receptive audience in Washington for proposals to expand coverage to immigrants who are in the country without authorization, a step public health experts say can help improve community health and slow the spread of communicable diseases.

"Covering all Californians is critical to our mission," said Jacey Cooper, director of California's Medicaid program, known as Medi-Cal. "We really feel like the new administration is helping us ensure that everyone has access."

The Trump administration moved to restrict even authorized immigrants' access to the health care safety net, including the "public charge" rule that allowed immigration authorities to deny green cards to applicants if they used public programs such as Medicaid. In March, Biden abandoned that rule.

KHN correspondent Julie Rovner contributed to this report.

KHN (Kaiser Health News) is a national newsroom that produces in-depth journalism about health issues. Together with Policy Analysis and Polling, KHN is one of the three major operating programs at KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). KFF is an endowed nonprofit organization providing information on health issues to the nation.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

NASA released a workshop report on the UNBOUND-FEW workshop series, which was facilitated in part by Tribal Resilience Learning Network staff from the Alaska CASC. The workshop report reveals key recommendations for making data tools more useful for climate adaptation planning.

Edgar Wright attends the 55th Annual International Cinematographers Guild Publicists Awards at The Beverly Hilton Hotel on March 2, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California.; Credit: Tommaso Boddi/Getty Images

The joke about Sparks — if you’ve even heard of them — is that it’s the best British band to come out of America. That confusion is why Edgar Wright, the director of “Baby Driver” and “Shaun of the Dead,” wanted to make his first documentary about the group, headed by brothers Ron and Russell Mael. Quite simply, Wright was tired of explaining who the band was and why he loves them. His documentary, called “The Sparks Brothers,” premiered at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. John Horn talked with Wright after its January premiere about his personal connection to the band, how he connected with the brother, the editing process of the documentary and more. The film is in theaters now.

With guest host John Horn

Guest: 

Edgar Wright, director of the new documentary “The Sparks Brothers;” he tweets @edgarwright

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

A new rapid expert consultation from a standing committee of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine responds to questions from the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) regarding the effectiveness of homemade fabric masks to protect others from the viral spread of COVID-19 from potentially contagious asymptomatic or presymptomatic individuals.

Lack of representation in research is compounding disparities in health outcomes, with serious consequences for underrepresented groups and the nation as a whole. Urgent actions are needed by NIH, FDA, and others to boost representation of racial and ethnic minority groups and other underrepresented populations in clinical trials and research.

"In 1970, my dad and uncle opened our first restaurant," says Daniel Schwartz, president, Schwartz Brothers Bakery, Renton, WA. "Three years later, they opened a concept called The Sandwich Shop and Pie Place. They were looking to source the very best pies to serve at their restaurant, and they couldn’t find any that they liked."

Brothers All Natural is excited to announce the launch of its 1-oz. Freeze-Dried Fuji Apple and Mango Fruit Crisps. 

The partnership between Interplay and Peterman comes at a pivotal time as Peterman continues to expand its operations and scale its technical training efforts.

For the past 30 years, I’ve been driven to be the best and do the best I can – in nearly any context, personally and professionally. Along the way, I’ve discovered various dimensions of growth that have helped me succeed. I want to pass them on, and share them, so they might help you.

Three Chord Bourbon announced the highly anticipated release of its 2024 Backstage Series with The Allman Brothers Band, a blend of straight bourbon whiskey finished with toasted peach wood.

Travis Betters, founder and CEO of Brothers, will be leading the combined business, but Brothers and Hosh will continue to operate under their respective names and operate in their current areas. 

The #1 Selling KiwiFruit Brand Drives Shoppers to Stores with KiwiBrothers Launch

Strategic Insights: PMMA Industry Outlook

Technological Advancements Driving Market

Holley Powell Smothers is celebrated for her tenure in art education, consulting and independent sales

A bullied young boy's new daily mantra helps him believe in himself and share his bright light with others in a heartwarming picture book.

10 Incredible Women, 10 Heartfelt stories each sharing their personal journey of love, grief and navigating life after loss of their mothers.

Isaiah Wayne to Lead Wayne Brothers, Inc. as New President, Continuing the Legacy of Excellence and Innovation

Netflix has released a new documentary about Lyle and Erik Menendez, offering fresh interviews with the infamous brothers at the center of the shocking 1989 murder case.

Learn And Play® Montessori School is excited to announce the beginning of fall enrollments across campus locations. "Early Bird" parents are encouraged to explore and enroll their children for top-quality education.

This is the eighth year in a row Daniel Schmitt & Co. has supported the nonprofit.

Tsedale Melaku, sociologist at The Graduate Center, City University of New York, and David Smith, professor at the U.S. Naval War College, have been looking at the ways people with the most power in society and organizations can become better allies to those who have less authority and influence. In the United States, that typically means white men helping their female co-workers or colleagues of color to advance. In an era when the push for gender and racial equity is gaining momentum, Melaku and Smith join host Alison Beard in a live taping that includes audience questions about the right ways to call out microaggressions, hold senior management to account, and use majority group privilege to help those in the minority. Melaku and Smith are the coauthors, along with Angie Beeman and Brad Johnson, of the HBR article "Be a Better Ally."

BOSTON, Massachusetts, USA -- Tuesday, November 28, 2023 -- The Free Software Foundation (FSF) has announced its Defective by Design campaign's 17th annual International Day Against DRM (IDAD). It will protest uses of Digital Restrictions Management technology's hold over public libraries around the world, exemplified by corporations like OverDrive and Follett Destiny. IDAD will take place digitally and worldwide on December 8, 2023.

There are different theories of aging, and scientists have found various ways to measure biological age. Mutations that happen in DNA as a result of exposu

There are different theories of aging, and scientists have found various ways to measure biological age. Mutations that happen in DNA as a result of exposu

There are different theories of aging, and scientists have found various ways to measure biological age. Mutations that happen in DNA as a result of exposu

"Giant, sprawling future Gotham City is under martial law, protected and regulated by a private security force led by the infamous Peacekeepers. Their mandate is to maintain the safety of the citizens of Gotham, regardless of any Constitutional rights, and to hunt down, incarcerate, or kill all masked vigilantes, villains, and criminals in the city limits. It's a dangerous and violent look at a possible future Gotham City and the heroes and villains who live there!" -- Provided by publisher.

"Welcome to the possible future state of Gotham. The Magistrate, a freelance military and surveillance corporation, has been hired by Gotham's leadership to turn the old city into a futuristic surveillance state free of vigilante-based crime/heroics. Batman, horrified to see what his city was becoming, fought tooth and nail against Magistrate— and they killed him for it. Or did they? Bruce Wayne survived this assassination attempt, and has been laying low for years now trying to sort out how to beat Magistrate. The only problem? He doesn't think he can anymore. They're too big, they're too powerful. And the latest horrific revelation? They have eyes everywhere. It's left to Batman for one last mission. Destroy their command center, expose the drones, and free the city. Whatever the cost." -- Provided by publisher.

"Sail the Pacific Islands in search of destiny and the demigod Maui in this retelling of Disney Moana. Moana is a spirited teenager who loves the ocean, yet she is forbidden to travel beyond the reef that surrounds her island home of Motunui. But she feels called to something more, and wants to discover who she was meant to be. When darkness begins to consume the island, and nature is out of balance, Moana knows the solution lies beyond the safety of the reef. Following the messages of her ancestors, and with encouragement from the ocean itself, Moana sails into the open sea to find the demigod Maui and right a wrong from his past. Together they face rough waters, monstrous creatures, and the unknown, in a mission to stop the darkness from spreading, and restore life to the islands! Become a master wayfinder in this action-packed story as Moana's love for the sea turns her into a hero among her people, the gods, and the ocean." -- Provided by publisher

"A graphic biography of civil rights leader and American icon Martin Luther King Jr. This graphical biography tells the story of the most prominent leader of the American civil rights movement. With full-color illustrations and a historically accurate narrative, Martin Luther King Jr.: Voice for Equality! will inform and entertain readers of all ages. From his childhood in Atlanta to his rise as an international icon of human rights and a fiery orator who refused to back down in the face of adversity, King's life story serves as an ongoing source of inspiration." -- Provided by publisher.

Documents the extraordinary story of three brothers in World War II, describing the rescue mission launched by the elder two when their youngest brother was declared missing in action in the Philippines.

The New York-based folk rock band perform songs from their latest album, Valley of Abandoned Songs.

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MLK Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin are household names, but what about their mothers? This hour, author Anna Malaika Tubbs explores how these three women shaped American history.

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Original broadcast date: May 6, 2022. MLK Jr., Malcolm X and James Baldwin are household names, but what about their mothers? This hour, author Anna Malaika Tubbs explores how these three women shaped American history.

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Mikkel Bjoern, a gifted math student in Denmark is using Maple to study in a unique way – by teaching other students. Already possessing an aptitude for math, Mikkel devotes part of his time to teaching younger students, and is able to learn more in the process. Mikkel has already passed math curriculum and exams that are at least a year advanced than his year of study. He now uses Maple to study chemistry, math and physics as well as participate in many competitions.

Throughout March, voters will help the staff at Peterman Brothers select four charity partner organizations for 2023.

Capacitors store electric charge. Because the charge is stored physically, with no chemical or phase changes taking place, the process is highly reversible and the discharge-charge cycle can be repeated over and over again, virtually without limit. Electrochemical capacitors (ECs) variously... Read more

The post Super Capacitors – Different Than Others (part 1) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

Continued from first part: Super Capacitors – Different Then Others (part 1) Equivalent circuit How to measure the capacitance? Charge Method Discharge Method Measure Capacitance Capacitor types Advantages of the supercapacitors Super capacitors can be illustrated similarly to conventional film,... Read more

The post Super Capacitors – Different Than Others (part 2) appeared first on EEP - Electrical Engineering Portal.

https://www.abc27.com/investigators/shawns-law-york-county-mom-fights-for-tougher-penalties-against-those-who-encourage-others-to-take-their-own-life/?fbclid=IwAR2vuraueQvuG0cAOXMuLd8uw9zWUIqA4Kbvm61m3x4aE_UIOM1ewT_WBfU

We continue our series on Maternal & Early Childhood Issues with more on the subject of breastfeeding. For the next several days we will look at the important work being done by the Mid-Atlantic Mothers’ Milk Bank and how the PCC is looking to help them. https://fb.watch/dv4YBuc3qS/ https://twitter.com/PAcatholic/status/1532416678121857025?s=20&t=6XAnUbQUJooExYYWxkr1WQ  

Do you work for your students or what others will think?

Music classes are different from most other classes. They are performance based classes. This means that multiple times through out the school year we get to put on public display what we are doing in the class room.

This is not always easy to do. I would love to see a math teacher or science teacher put all of their students work on public display to be scrutinized. And they can't only put the best student work on display it has to be all skill levels. Sure, it is not a perfect analogy but you get the idea.

The point is, it is easy to allow public opinion to sway what we do in the classroom.

Our groups, while we strive for the best are not professional groups, they are school groups and the intent is to deliver a balanced education to all students. When we let public opinion that is based off of our performances sway what we are doing in the classroom we need to assure that it is not at the expense of education.

When it comes to testing your user experiences, there are plenty of methods you can use that will get you the information you need. From interviews to assistive technology testing, these methods offer a more streamlined and beneficial process capable of revealing the insights you need to revolutionize your UX. But how can you know […]

The post Testing: User, Usability, and Others You Should Be Using appeared first on Usability Geek

The Geotab research also shows that only five out of the 27 local authorities that were surveyed have electrified more than 8pc of their fleets.

Read more: Cork City Council leads the EV fleet charge while others lag behind

[This Day] The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has highlighted property taxes as a crucial but underutilised revenue source for Nigeria and other low-income countries aiming to achieve sustainable growth.

[This Day] The stock market segment of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) kicked off the new week on a negative note, dropping by N448.41 billion over investors' profit-taking in BUA Cement Plc and 27 others listed companies.

[This Day] Kayode Tokede