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Julie 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 | Boston Logan officials reach out to CDC after ‘various illnesses’ reported on incoming flights Health | Mayo Clinic: Understanding your cholesterol numbers Health | What can Fido have at Thanksgiving feast? Health | More foods are making us sick: What to know as foodborne outbreaks hit 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.Photo provided by Adobe Stock As holiday festivities come to a close, working parents often find themselves facing the intimidating task of transitioning back into a school routine. Balancing professional commitments, family needs and personal wellness can be overwhelming, but you can easily make it through this busy season with the right strategies and resources. This survival guide provides practical tips and innovative solutions to help you manage your time effectively while ensuring your family is well cared for. Face the post-holiday hustle with confidence and discover how to make this back-to-school season a positive experience for parents and children alike. 1. Stay Connected (and Safer!) With Bark Technologies Making sure children stay connected while remaining safe online is a top priority for parents. Choosing the right phone and plan for kids can help facilitate communication everywhere, from school drop-off to soccer practice, giving parents some much-needed peace of mind. People are also reading... Bark Technologies has created innovative kids phones with built-in safety features called the Bark Phone. These state-of-the-art Samsung smartphones help you manage your children’s screen time, monitor their online interactions and more, providing a comprehensive approach to digital safety. Bark's advanced content monitoring system analyzes text messages, social media activity and more and will alert parents to potential issues such as cyberbullying or inappropriate content. This proactive approach allows you to intervene when necessary while encouraging open conversations about online behavior. With the Bark Phone, you can help ensure your children are connected to friends and family while navigating the online world safely. 2. Manage Symptoms With O Positiv Photo provided by O Positiv Helping your kids transition back to school while dealing with the often-intrusive symptoms of menopause can be an enormous challenge. Thankfully, the MENO menopause supplements from O Positiv are here to save the day. Dedicated to providing products designed to specifically address women’s needs, O Positiv is proud to offer a supplement that can help you manage the symptoms of menopause. Hormone-free and science-backed, this supplement can target hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and occasional sleeplessness. With just two vegan capsules a day, you can harness the power of some of nature’s strongest ingredients and take control of your menopause journey. Some of these natural superstars include Black Cohosh, Chasteberry, Vitamin D3, Vitamin B6 and Ashwagandha KSM-66. Black Cohosh, for example, has been used for thousands of years to provide relief from hot flashes and night sweats. Meanwhile, ashwagandha has been used traditionally to help support a healthy response to stress while supporting a better night’s sleep, while Chasteberry can help decrease prolactin levels to help rebalance other hormones. These ingredients mean menopause doesn’t have to stop you from helping your kids transition back to school while you get back to business. 3. Choose the Right Dog Food With The Pets Table Photo provided by The Pets Table Ensuring that a beloved dog receives the right nutrition is essential for maintaining their overall health and happiness. While you may worry about having enough time to care for your kids, your pets, your business and yourself, there’s an easier way to make meal times for your pets a no-brainer. The Pets Table offers a personalized approach to dog food, starting with a simple quiz about your pup’s specific needs and preferences. By understanding factors such as age, weight and dietary restrictions, The Pets Table creates a tailored meal plan that best suits each individual dog. With a variety of options available, including Fresh, Air-Dried, Mixed, and Half of Fresh plans, pet owners can choose meals that provide a balanced combination of proteins, vegetables and superfoods. Fresh meals are prepared with human-grade ingredients, while the air-dried options offer a minimally processed alternative to kibble. This range ensures that even the pickiest eaters can find a nutritious and delicious option that excites their taste buds and supports their overall wellness. 4. Manage Work-Life Balance With Zoom Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is vital for working parents, and a small business phone from Zoom can be an invaluable tool in supporting seamless communication. Between school pick-ups, Monday meetings and family dinners at home, it can be easy to worry about missing a message or forgetting about a task. Zoom’s VoIP phone makes that stress a thing of the past with user-friendly features that provide an easy way to communicate with colleagues, clients and family members. This flexibility allows you to manage business responsibilities while still being present for your children. Zoom’s cloud phone is like a personal assistant in your pocket, providing functionalities like post-call summaries, voicemail task extraction and voicemail prioritization. These features enable parents to handle business calls and meetings efficiently — even if they miss a call or two. By keeping professional and personal communications organized in one place, you can minimize distractions and maximize their productivity. Also, having a dedicated business phone helps establish boundaries between your professional and home life. Designating specific hours for business-related calls and messages helps you ensure you remain engaged with your family during personal time. 5. Boost Your System With Fatty15 Photo provided by Fatty15 If you’re a working parent, then you already know that your overall health and wellness are integral to keeping your family and business running. That’s why it’s a great idea to start the year off right by taking the C15 supplement from Fatty15. As you get ready to help your kids transition back to school, help your cells out with this revolutionary supplement. C15:0 is an essential fatty acid, and it becomes especially important as you age. You might be familiar with omega-3, another essential fatty acid. Although they’re similar, C15:0 has three times the benefits of omega-3, which makes it a must-have for a healthy, happy body. That being said, the turn away from full-fat dairy products means that people are getting less and less C15 in their diets. However, thanks to these vegan capsules from Fatty15, you can easily incorporate this vital nutrient into your diet by taking just one capsule per day. When you start taking C15, you may notice several positive changes. Within just six weeks of starting to take these supplements, two out of three customers report calmer mood, deeper sleep and less desire to snack throughout the day. Fatty15 may also promote a healthy metabolism, immune functioning, gut health and heart health, making it an all-around winner for working parents. 6. Streamline Scheduling With Eden Photo provided by Eden Listen now and subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Google Podcasts | Spotify | RSS Feed | SoundStack For working parents juggling multiple responsibilities, efficient scheduling can turn a hectic day into a well-oiled machine. Eden’s desk booking software can simplify the process of managing office space and resources, making it easier for you to coordinate business schedules around your family needs. With intuitive features that allow users to reserve desks, meeting rooms and conference rooms, this software enhances office organization and increases efficiencies. Eden’s desk booking system provides availability day of and in advance, which enables you to plan your in-office days with confidence. By having visibility into when and where they can work, you can better align your schedule with school drop-offs, pick-ups and other family commitments. This flexibility contributes to a more productive corporate environment and ensures that employees can make the most of their days at the office. 7. Build Community With Hero Journey Club Building a sense of community is essential for mental well-being, especially for kids as they go back to school after the holidays. Hero Journey Club offers a fun solution through its subclinical group mental health sessions conducted in popular video games. Hero Journey Club’s innovative approach allows kids to connect with others in a relaxed and enjoyable setting, making social connections while addressing mental health needs like anger management for kids. Each session is limited to a small number of members to create an intimate environment that encourages open dialogue and support. Participants engage using online usernames and avatars, which allows for anonymity that can help reduce any stigma associated with discussing mental health. This setting cultivates a safe space where kids can share their experiences, challenges and desires, all while enjoying the immersive worlds of their favorite. By joining the Hero Journey Club, your kids can tap into a game-loving community. These sessions will provide subclinical mental health support and offer a fun way to unwind and reconnect with themselves and others, ultimately enhancing their overall well-being and resilience. 8. Prioritize Leisure With Ghost Golf Balancing professional needs and family life can be challenging for parents, often leaving little room for personal leisure activities. Ghost Golf understands you need a little “me time,” offering golf bags designed for convenience and style that make it easier to incorporate leisure into a busy schedule. With the right gear, finding an opportunity for a round of golf becomes more manageable, allowing you to unwind and enjoy your favorite sport. Ghost Golf bags are crafted with features that cater to functionality and aesthetics. Easy to carry and durable, these bags offer ample storage space for clubs, accessories, and personal items to ensure you have everything you need for a day on the course within reach. This attention to detail encourages you to prioritize leisure and engage in activities that promote relaxation and mental well-being. Plus, you can always turn your weekly self-care Sunday on the links into a valuable networking opportunity, helping you pull double duty and manage your schedule more efficiently. With Ghost Golf bags, you can easily transition from your responsibilities to the golf course to create a healthy work-life balance. 9. Enhance Your Pet's Mobility With Antinol Plus Pets are cherished members of the family, and their well-being is a priority for working parents. Antinol Plus offers a powerful natural joint supplement that significantly enhances the mobility and quality of life of your beloved pups. Antinol Plus is formulated from a proprietary blend of green-lipped mussel oil and Antarctic Krill. The mussel oil is sustainably sourced from New Zealand’s waters, which are said to be among the cleanest on the planet. Meanwhile, Antarctica’s nutrient-dense waters make it an ideal source for this supplement’s krill. Antinol Plus allows pet owners to take a proactive approach to their pets' health and support a healthy inflammatory response. Enhanced mobility means more playtime, longer walks and an overall happier pet, which contributes to the emotional well-being of both pets and their owners. With Antinol Plus, you can feel confident that you are investing in your pets' long-term health so that your beloved companions can keep up with your active lifestyles. 10. Keep Your Space Clean With Tumble Maintaining a clean and organized home can be a time-consuming task for busy parents, especially when children and pets are part of the equation. Tumble washable rugs provide a practical solution to the challenges of keeping floors neat and tidy. These rugs are designed to be easily cleaned in the washing machine, which makes it simple to remove stains, spills, and dirt without the hassle of traditional rug cleaning methods. Tumble rugs come in a variety of styles and sizes, so you can choose options that complement your home décor while also taking one more thing off your to-do list. The durable materials used in these rugs ensure they can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life, making them an excellent investment for families. With Tumble washable rugs in the home, you can focus on enjoying nights with your family instead of worrying about constant clean-ups. 11. Radiate Wellness With BUBS Naturals Maintaining personal health often takes a backseat for parents after the holidays. BUBS Naturals collagen peptides powder offers a convenient way to support skin, joint and overall health, making it easier to prioritize wellness. This tasteless powder is designed to fit seamlessly into a busy lifestyle and provide essential nutrients without adding complexity to daily routines. Collagen peptides powders from BUBS Naturals are derived from high-quality bovine sources to ensure that users receive the maximum benefits. Incorporating these peptides into a morning smoothie or coffee enhances the nutritional profile of meals and promotes healthy skin, hair, nails and joint function. The ease of use encourages caretakers to take proactive steps toward their health without sacrificing their precious time. By focusing on health with BUBS Naturals collagen peptides, you can feel more ready to tackle your busy schedule with confidence. Supporting personal wellness ultimately benefits the entire family because healthier parents can engage more fully in their children’s lives and create a positive cycle of well-being and active living. 12. Facilitate Family Fun With Dobble Dobble is an exciting speed and observation game that brings families together for hours of fun. The game's objective is simple: Players must quickly spot the one matching symbol between two cards. The first to identify and name the symbol wins the card, making for a fast-paced and engaging experience suitable for all ages. With its quick rounds and easy-to-understand rules, Dobble encourages friendly competition and sharpens observation skills. It’s perfect for family game nights or gatherings, ensuring everyone stays entertained while strengthening bonds through laughter and teamwork. This game is a delightful addition to any family's collection, offering endless fun for both kids and adults. 13. Simplify Meals With Half-Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy The Half Baked Harvest Quick & Cozy is an ideal resource for busy families looking to simplify mealtime without sacrificing flavor. Featuring easy-to-follow recipes that focus on comfort food, this cookbook makes it easy to whip up satisfying dishes in minimal time. With a range of recipes catering to various tastes and dietary preferences, this cookbook encourages creativity in the kitchen while keeping prep and cooking times manageable. It transforms weeknight dinners into enjoyable experiences and makes meal planning a breeze for working caretakers. Start the New Semester With Confidence The strategies and products discussed in this guide can provide valuable support for working parents navigating post-holiday challenges. By prioritizing well-being and nurturing family connections, you can confidently approach the new school year equipped with tools that foster balance and create lasting memories. Good luck! Stay up-to-date on what's happening
CONWAY, Ark. (AP) — Elias Cato scored 23 points as Central Arkansas beat UNC Asheville 92-83 in double overtime on Sunday. Jordan Morris made two free throws with one second left for UNC Asheville (2-3) to force overtime tied at 71. Fletcher Abee's 3-pointer with 33 seconds left in the first overtime tied the game at 79 and led to the second extra period. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.US stocks close higher on the day
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Former Uvalde schools police chief loses bid to toss criminal charges related to 2022 shootingAnti-fraud efforts meet real-world test during ACA enrollment periodBaku: Countries agreed on Sunday to an annual finance target of $460 billion to help poorer countries deal with the impacts of climate change, with rich countries leading the payments, according to a hard fought deal clinched at the COP29 conference in Baku. The new goal is intended to replace developed countries’ previous commitment to provide $150 billion per year in climate finance for poorer nations by 2020. That goal was met two years late, in 2022, and expires in 2025. Activists participate in a demonstration for climate finance at the COP29 UN Climate Summit. Credit: AP Countries also agreed on rules for a global market to buy and sell carbon credits that proponents say could mobilise billions more dollars into new projects to help fight global warming, from reforestation to deployment of clean energy technologies. On Saturday, negotiators went from one big room where everyone tried to hash out a deal together into several separate huddles of upset nations. More to come Reuters
ABU DHABI , UAE , Dec. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- ADGM, the leading international financial centre of Abu Dhabi and a globally recognised hub for asset and wealth management unveiled nineteen major announcements from global financial institutions during the third edition of ADFW. These represent almost USD 635 billion in assets under management (AUM) and follow other Q4 announcements from the world's largest asset managers, BlackRock, PGIM, and Nuveen, which have also been set up in ADGM. This remarkable increase, from USD 450 billion to USD 635 billion , within a year has reinforced the centre's reputation as the region's fastest-growing and one of the world's most dynamic jurisdictions for asset management. This growth has been further bolstered by the establishment of billionaire-led family offices, including those of British businessman Asif Aziz , prominent philanthropist and financial strategist Wafic Said , and Singaporean entrepreneur and real estate leader Kishin RK, underscoring the centre's growing appeal as a global wealth management hub. Commenting on Abu Dhabi and ADGM's continued momentum, H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi , Member of Abu Dhabi's Executive Council & Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) and ADGM said, "These milestones reflect the heart of what makes Abu Dhabi so special—a shared vision of progress, partnership, and possibility. The growing number of global financial leaders and innovators choosing ADGM is a testament to the trust they place in our infrastructure, robust regulations, commitment to excellence and Abu Dhabi's reputation as the world's safest and most dynamic jurisdiction for asset and wealth management. As we welcome these new partnerships, we remain dedicated to driving the growth and diversification of the 'Falcon Economy' and creating opportunities that resonate across industries and borders. It's an exciting moment for ADGM, Abu Dhabi , and all those who are part of this remarkable journey." Larry Fink , Chairman and CEO of Blackrock praised Abu Dhabi commenting, "It's been a long journey watching how Abu Dhabi has matured as an economy. The constant innovation that I'm seeing from the economy and from the leadership. And Abu Dhabi has really positioned itself to become a leader over the next 20 years. Its psychology was different, and now it's blossoming into this magnet of opportunity. With that strength, it is now becoming a foundation for innovation." "We see a real burgeoning of entrepreneurship happening in the region and believe that the Middle East is the next big entrepreneurial hot spot. We've watched this happen before and always had our eye out on areas emerging in terms of entrepreneurship," said Bill Ford , Chairman & CEO of General Atlantic , during the second day of ADFW. Sir Paul Marshall , Chairman and Chief Investment Officer of Marshall Wace said, " Abu Dhabi is such a great place. Abu Dhabi is absolutely nailing it. It's a very attractive place." Confirming their establishment in ADGM during ADFW were leading private equity firms General Atlantic, Lone Star Funds, and Investindustrial along with private credit giants Golub Capital and Polen Capital, insurance manager – Eldridge as well as leading global equity management company, Carta and hedge fund Marshall Wace . This recent wave of commitments from global financial institutions signifies ADGM's leadership in attracting the world's foremost investment firms. Reflecting this confidence and growth, billionaire-led family offices have also been drawn to ADGM, recognising it as a trusted hub for managing and growing wealth. Asif Aziz , Founder and CEO of Criterion Capital commented, " Abu Dhabi's transformation into a global financial powerhouse makes it an ideal base for our operations. ADGM's world-class infrastructure and strategic location provide unparalleled opportunities to forge partnerships that align with our growth ambitions across the UAE and beyond." Building on its role as a leading destination for global investors and asset managers, ADGM is also redefining financial innovation by advancing its digital ecosystem. A cornerstone of this effort was the launch of Finstreet, a first-of-its-kind international securities market and an ecosystem for private securities, which exemplifies ADGM's commitment to integrating cutting-edge digital solutions with its robust financial infrastructure. The week also saw a new funding round for Themis and the entry of international digital pioneers Zodia Markets, Polygon Labs, FJ Labs, Aptos Digital, Chainlinks, Astra Tech and Themis, further solidifying the Emirate's reputation as a global innovation hub. Meanwhile, FinTech Astra Tech's Quantix announcement of a landmark USD 500 million financing from Citigroup, among the largest provided to a UAE FinTech company to date, to expand its CashNow consumer lending platform. Additionally, Themis—renowned for its advanced financial crime prevention technologies—is further reinforcing ADGM's position as a hub for the next generation of financial technologies, secured over USD 9.75 million in scale-up funding, building on its success in partnerships with global leaders, including ADGM underscoring its role in advancing financial crime prevention in innovative regulatory environments. The market announcements were released during the third edition of ADFW held under the theme "Welcome to the Capital of Capital," which gathered more than 20,000 leaders and executives from across the financial services industry, which collectively represented more than USD 42 trillion in assets under management. This wave of newcomers ADFW underscores Abu Dhabi's position as a global financial powerhouse and ADGM's role as a catalyst for economic diversification, attracting top-tier talent, cutting-edge technologies, and transformative investments that are shaping the emirate's future. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2550581/5010772/ADGM_Logo.jpg View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/aum-of-usd-635-billion-at-adfw-caps-stellar-q4-as-trillion-dollar-club-flock-to-adgm-302336607.html SOURCE ADGM
SADO, Japan (AP) — Japan held a memorial ceremony on Sunday near the Sado Island Gold Mines , listed this summer as a UNESCO World Heritage site after the country moved past years of historical disputes with South Korea and reluctantly acknowledged the mines' dark history. However, it has not offered an apology. At these mines, hundreds of Koreans were forced to labor under abusive and brutal conditions during World War II, historians say. Japanese officials at Sunday’s ceremony time paid tribute for the first to “all workers” including Korean laborers who died at the mines, without acknowledging they were forced laborers — part of what critics call a persistent policy of whitewashing Japan's history of sexual and labor exploitation before and during the war. The ceremony, supposed to further mend wounds, renewed tensions between the two sides. South Korea boycotted Sunday's memorial service citing unspecified disagreements with Tokyo over the event. “As a resident, I must say (their absence) is very disappointing after all the preparations we made,” said Sado Mayor Ryugo Watanabe. “I wish we could have held the memorial with South Korean attendees.” The Associated Press explains the Sado mines, their history and the controversy. The 16th-century mines on the island of Sado, about the size of the Pacific island of Guam, off the western coast of Niigata prefecture, operated for nearly 400 years, beginning in 1601, and were once the world’s largest gold producer. They closed in 1989. During the Edo period, from 1603 to 1868, the mines supplied gold currency to the ruling Tokugawa Shogunate. Today, the site has been developed into a tourist facility and hiking site where visitors can learn about the changes in mining technology and production methods while looking at the remains of mine shafts and ore dressing facilities. Critics say the Japanese government only highlights the glory of the mines and covers up its use of Korean victims of forced labor and their ordeals. The mines were registered as a cultural heritage site in July after Japan agreed to include an exhibit on the conditions of Korean forced laborers and to hold a memorial service annually after repeated protests from the South Korean government. A few signs have since been erected, indicating former sites of South Korean laborers’ dormitories. A city-operated museum in the area also added a section about Korean laborers, but a private museum attached to the main UNESCO site doesn't mention them at all. At the UNESCO World Heritage Committee July meeting, the Japanese delegate said Tokyo had installed new exhibition material to explain the “severe conditions of (the Korean laborers’) work and to remember their hardship.” Japan also acknowledged that Koreans were made to do more dangerous tasks in the mine shaft, which caused some to die. Those who survived also developed lung diseases and other health problems. Many of them were given meager food rations and nearly no days off and were caught by police if they escaped, historians say. But the Japanese government has refused to admit they were “forced labor.” South Korea had earlier opposed the listing of the site for UNESCO World Heritage on the grounds that the Korean forced laborers used at the mines were missing from the exhibition. South Korea eventually supported the listing after consultations with Japan and Tokyo’s pledge to improve the historical background of the exhibit and to hold a memorial that also includes Koreans. Historians say Japan used hundreds of thousands of Korean laborers, including those forcibly brought from the Korean Peninsula, at Japanese mines and factories to make up for labor shortages because most working-age Japanese men had been sent to battlefronts across Asia and the Pacific. About 1,500 Koreans were forced to work at the Sado mines, according to Yasuto Takeuchi, an expert on Japan’s wartime history, citing wartime Japanese documents. The South Korean government has said it expects Japan to keep its pledge to be truthful to history and to show both sides of the Sado mines. “The controversy surrounding the Sado mines exhibit underscores a deeper problem” of Japan’s failure to face up to its wartime responsibility and its growing “denialism” of its wartime atrocities, Takeuchi said. All workers who died at the Sado mines were honored. That includes hundreds of Korean laborers who worked there during Japan’s 1910-1945 colonization of the Korean Peninsula. At Sunday’s ceremony, four Japanese representatives, including central and local government officials and the head of the organizing group, thanked all mine workers for their sacrifice and mourned for those who died. None offered any apology to Korean forced laborers for the harsh treatment at the mines. Attendants observed a moment of silence for the victims who died at the mines due to accidents and other causes. The ceremony dredged up long-standing frustrations in South Korea. About 100 people, including officials from Japan’s local and central government, as well as South Korean Foreign Ministry officials and the relatives of Korean wartime laborers, were supposed to attend. Because of South Korea's last-minute boycott, more than 20 seats remained vacant. The Foreign Ministry said in a statement Saturday it was impossible to settle the disagreements between both governments before the planned event on Sunday, without specifying what those disagreements were. There has been speculation that the South Korean boycott might have been due to the presence of parliamentary vice minister Akiko Ikuina at Sunday's ceremony. In August 2022, Ikuina reportedly visited Tokyo’s controversial Yasukuni Shrine , weeks after she was elected as a lawmaker. Japan’s neighbors view Yasukuni, which commemorates 2.5 million war dead including war criminals, as a symbol of Japan’s past militarism. Her visit could have been seen as a sign of a lack of remorse. Some South Koreans criticized the Seoul government for throwing its support behind an event without securing a clear Japanese commitment to highlight the plight of Korean laborers. There were also complaints over South Korea agreeing to pay for the travel expenses of Korean victims’ family members who were invited to attend the ceremony. Critics say Japan’s government has long been reluctant to discuss wartime atrocities. That includes what historians describe as the sexual abuse and enslavement of women across Asia, many of them Koreans who were deceived into providing sex to Japanese soldiers at frontline brothels and euphemistically called “comfort women,” and the Koreans who were mobilized and forced to work in Japan, especially in the final years of World War II. Korean compensation demands for Japanese atrocities during its brutal colonial rule have strained relations between the two Asian neighbors, most recently after a 2018 South Korean Supreme Court ruling ordered Japanese companies to pay damages over their wartime forced labor. Japan’s government has maintained that all wartime compensation issues between the two countries were resolved under the 1965 normalization treaty. Ties between Tokyo and Seoul have improved recently after Washington said their disputes over historical issues hampered crucial security cooperation as China’s threat grows in the region. South Korea’s conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol announced in March 2023 that his country would use a local corporate fund to compensate forced labor victims without demanding Japanese contributions. Japan’s then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida later expressed sympathy for their suffering during a Seoul visit. Security, business and other ties between the sides have since rapidly resumed. Japan’s whitewashing of wartime atrocities has risen since the 2010s, particularly under the past government of revisionist leader Shinzo Abe . For instance, Japan says the terms “sex slavery” and “forced labor” are inaccurate and insists on the use of highly euphemistic terms such as “comfort women” and “civilian workers” instead. Takeuchi, the historian, said listing Japan’s modern industrial historical sites as a UNESCO World Heritage is a government push to increase tourism. The government, he said, wants “to commercialize sites like the Sado mines by beautifying and justifying their history for Japan’s convenience.” Associated Press writer Kim Tong-hyung in Seoul, South Korea contributed to this report.NoneWalmart (NYSE:WMT) Cut to Hold at DZ Bank
