Enrollment in North Carolina’s new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults has nearly reached the state’s goal of 600,000 in half of the time initially projected, Gov. Roy Cooper said on Wednesday while celebrating the one-year anniversary of expansion in the state. As of Wednesday, 590,331 people were enrolled in Medicaid expansion in North Carolina, according to the Division of Health Benefits. At the expansion’s start on Dec. 1, 2023, Cooper’s administration had estimated the state would reach 600,000 within two years. Speaking in Greenville with leaders of East Carolina University’s health care system and medical school, Cooper recognized expansion and other health care initiatives advanced during his two terms as governor. Cooper, a Democrat prevented from seeking reelection due to term limits, leaves office at the end of the month. “For the last eight years, we’ve worked hard to lead our state with one health care innovation after another that will leave lasting impacts on generations of North Carolinians to come,” Cooper said in a news release. Since taking office in early 2017, Cooper was a strong advocate for North Carolina accepting through the 2010 federal Affordable Care Act full health benefits coverage for some adults ages 19-64 who earn too much to qualify for traditional Medicaid. Republicans in charge of the General Assembly opposed the idea for years. As Congress offered states additional financial incentives to participate, the GOP-controlled legislature and Cooper ultimately enacted an expansion law in 2023, making North Carolina one but a few Southern states to date to accept the coverage. The federal government pays 90% of the cost of expansion, with the remainder paid in North Carolina by an increased assessment on hospitals. Nearly 273,000 people, most of whom had been receiving Medicaid for family-planning coverage alone, were covered on the first day of North Carolina enrollment. Over one-third of the expansion enrollees are from rural areas, Cooper’s office said, and expansion recipients in the past year have been able to fill 3.8 million prescriptions and have covered $58 million in dental services. Overall Medicaid enrollment statewide is now at 3 million. Cooper’s office billed the event as the first in a series this month to highlight the departing governor’s accomplishments. The news release mentioned a first-of-its-kind initiative this year that will give almost 100 hospitals higher Medicaid payments if medical debt of low- and middle-income patients is relieved and they implement policies that prevent liabilities for future patients. It also cited $835 million — the result of a Medicaid expansion incentive from Washington — appropriated last year for mental health treatment and resources. Brian Thompson led one of the biggest health insurers in It is an ambitious social experiment of our moment in Enrollment in North Carolina’s new Medicaid coverage for low-income adults An elaborate parody appears to be behind an effort toSolid-state batteries are poised to revolutionize the car industry, and Honda is inching closer to putting them in their cars, far ahead of many automakers. These types of batteries differ in their makeup from other types, and those differences are an advantage. They're more energy dense, meaning they can store more energy in the same amount of space, or the same amount of energy in a smaller footprint. Solid-state batteries are generally considered safer because they don't use a liquid electrolyte that can leak or catch fire. And, they perform better in high temperatures, which enables faster charging. Honda just completed its first solid-state battery demonstration assembly line (covering approximately 295,000 square feet) at its plant in Tochigi, Japan, to test its mass production process for assembling the batteries. The line has special equipment to verify each production process, including weighing and mixing of materials, coating and roll pressing of assemblies, formation of cells, and construction of the modules. Honda will also be looking at the costs of assembling these new batteries, which, besides the advantages above, are also less expensive to produce. With its roll-pressing technique, similar to how liquid batteries are made, it can increase the density of the solid layers and make continuous pressing possible. The bonding of the electrodes is faster too with the company trying to reduce production time per cell. Honda is also working to reduce the indirect costs of production, including power consumption even though the necessary temperature of building as solid-state batteries are less finicky during production (and usage). The automaker's aim in reducing costs is to pass the saving onto the customer. This could result in the price of battery-electric vehicles reducing to the price of those with other powertrains. Because of its enormous size and widely varying power and off-road equipment in addition to passenger vehicles, Honda plans to amortize the cost of these solid-state cells over millions of units. Though the new battery technology is not set for mass production until the second half of the 2020s, Honda has been working on it for more than a decade. The company says that because of that early research it was able to produce the demonstration line quickly, and is making progress in material selections. "Replacing engines that have been supporting the advancements of automobiles to date, batteries will be the key factor of electrification. We believe that advancement of batteries will be a driving force in the transformation of Honda," Keiji Otsu, President and Representative Director of Honda R&D said in a press release. "Now, the start of operation of our demonstration production line for our all-solid-state batteries is in sight, and we can say that we have reached an important milestone for Honda and the country of Japan. We will continue taking on challenges to launch our mobility products equipped with our all-solid-state batteries as quickly as possible so that Honda can offer new value to our customers." Honda is just one of many automakers in different phases of researching and developing solid-state batteries. BMW and Nissan both have joint development agreements with a U.S.-based battery company Solid Power, with plans to introduce these types of batteries in vehicles before the end of the decade. Stellantis is an investor in Factorial, a company that plans produce an electric Dodge Charger Daytona demonstration car with solid-state batteries by 2026. Volkswagen, Toyota and others have their own deals and have made similar promises on their own timelines.
Indian diaspora in the UK immersed in the divine ambrosia of devotion Updated: November 30th, 2024, 18:43 IST in Feature 0 Raseshwari Devi Ji’s UK Tour Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on WhatsApp Share on Linkedin New Delhi: Bhakti is the science of the soul, whose principles and practices are embodied by the crown jewel of Puranas, the Shrimad Bhagavata Mahapurana. Therefore, the Shrimad Bhagavata is known as the essence of all the Upanishadas. The recently concluded discourse on Shrimad Bhagavata in the UK by Raseswari Devi Ji, the seniormost disciple of Jagadguru Shri KripaluJi Maharaj, is a milestone in her spiritual journey. “VasudhaivaKutumbakam” – the Essence of the Upanishadas. Also Read Weekly Horoscope Nov 25–Dec 1: Here’s a guide to the week ahead of you 6 days ago Dibyakanta Nayak: The man who makes a difference in disaster zones 6 days ago This program named “Shrimad Bhagavata Gyanamritam,” which is profoundly meaningful because along with the Bhagavata discourse, she served the listeners the nectar of knowledge imparted by her guru. During the program, Devi Ji herself stated, “This discourse is not for entertainment. It is for our inner elevation and purification of mind and intellect. I have a unique principle that will transform your life, this is my challenge.” Viewed from the perspective of its purpose, through this program on foreign soil, Devi Ji disseminated the message of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” which is the essence of the Upanishadas. 30-Day Spiritual Tour The program “Bhagavata Gyanamritam” began November 19, 2024, with a grand procession in Wellington Girls High School, located in Wellington city amidst natural beauty. Sutton city’s Deputy Mayor, Louise Phelan, enthusiastically participated in the event. The closing session was graced by Sutton’s Mayor, Colin Stears, who helped make the program successful. The seven-day-long program was held from November 20, 2024, to November 26, 2024. Devi Ji inaugurated the Shrimad Bhagavata Gyanamritam with a hymn praising God in her divine voice. Explaining the significance of Shrimad Bhagavata, she said, “Bhagavata is the essence of Upanishadic knowledge.” She told the listeners that Bhagavata is truly a nectar of knowledge, by hearing which one attains immortality like Parikshit. Therefore, propagating the essence of Shrimad Bhagavata is the greatest form of charity. She advised, “Take full advantage of this opportunity to listen to the discourse. Do not waste time on negative thoughts. Learn to accept what is happening. Bhagavata empowers us spiritually and has the power to transform our lives. In the Bhagavad Gita where God gave instructions to destroy Arjuna’s delusion, in the Bhagavata, He shows the path to attaining divine love.” Through the divine pastimes of God and His associates all in the 12 chapters, she explained the nature, importance, and means of devotion. Devi Ji said that the listeners of the Bhagavata, like Parikshit, are telling us that this mortal life is given to us to attain God. By embracing this discourse, God becomes captive in our hearts. In today’s technology-driven era, our minds are becoming complex and self-centred by receiving numerous pieces of information. Continuously hearing and singing God’s name and glory removes the complexities of our minds and fills our hearts with joy. The divine combination of Devi Ji’s voice with captivating glimpses of Sri Krishna’s cow-herding play, Govardhan Lila, and Sri Krishna-Rukmini’s wedding created an atmosphere charged with pure energy. Special Program for Future Generations of Indian Diaspora The program also played a crucial role in instilling values in children and teenagers. Under Revered Devi Ji’s guidance, special classes were organised to acquaint them with the knowledge tradition of Sanatan Vedic texts. Children learned that the extensive knowledge described in the Vedas has developed into branches of modern science and knowledge. This rare information was obtained by this generation abroad that the foundations of human life values are inherent in Sanatan Vedic texts, not in material civilisation. Children enthusiastically participated and learned the importance of spiritual values through the divine characters of Dhruva and Prahlada. Additionally, art and craft classes were organised for children, where they learned mindful colouring, origami, creating Narasimha masks, and the art of decorating lamps. The long-term impact of this event on the intellectual, emotional, and spiritual development of future generations of the Indian diaspora can be clearly seen. Participation from Different Indian States The participants from various Indian states included devotees from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and others. The grandeur of the program was rooted in the remarkable coordination of enthusiasm and team spirit among volunteers of all age groups. Devotees from Sutton, Wellington, and Croydon cities participated wholeheartedly in the program. Approximately 300 devotees, mostly working in IT and other sectors, listened to this nectar-like discourse lasting two and a half hours each day. It is a unique influence of Revered Devi Ji’s loving heart that even foreign lands become compelled to be bound by the strings of her love. Raseshwari Devi Ji, the founder president of Braj Gopika Seva Mission, returned to Bhubaneswar November 18, 2024 after successful completion of this 30-day tour. Share Tweet Send Share Suggest A Correction Enter your email to get our daily news in your inbox. Leave this field empty if you're human:
NoneEight social enterprises in Torfaen have been given grants of up to £50,000 to help fund new opportunities. The grants, from Torfaen County Borough Council, aim to help ensure the long-term viability of the social enterprises which operate commercial projects supporting communities. As part of the Social Enterprise Challenge grants, launched by the council’s Building Resilient Communities team in the summer, organisations will be given training and supported to develop a 12-month sustainability plan. Mathew Bartlett, from Hope for the Community Project based at the Sharon Full Gospel Church, said: “Our project supports the community in Pontypool by providing a cafe and shop to help with food and fuel costs during the cost-of-living crisis. “The grant will help us advertise and grow our business model to make this important work sustainable long-term.” Nathan Daniel, at Mentroar, a new social enterprise that provides support and personal mentoring to young people and adults with behavioural and emotional challenges, said: “We’re looking to use sport, fitness, outdoor activities, and peer mentoring to improve mental health and wellbeing. "This programme will drive us forward, enabling us to support more people and be a catalyst for positive change.” The other successful enterprises are: • BB Sustainable Tourism: Opening a second retail shop in Blaenavon to boost the local economy with eco-conscious products. • Cwmbran Centre for Young People: Expanding training sessions, meeting facilities, and a youth gym. • Llanyravon Manor Farm: Re-opening Community Tea Rooms and hosting monthly markets. • Ponthir Village Hall: Upgrading facilities to offer a wedding venue and community shops. • Tasty Not Wasty: Expanding a community fridge and pay-as-you-feel café. • Torfaen Talks: Providing pay-what-you-can counselling and mental health sessions. There are estimated to be more than 30 social enterprises in Torfaen, including social care providers, recycling projects, and food co-operatives. Cllr Fiona Cross, executive member of communities, said: “As part of our Community Well-being Strategy, we aim to support organisations like social enterprises to identify gaps in local services and to work with them to provide long-term, sustainable solutions.” The Social Enterprise Challenge has received £315,000 from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
Member of Qatar Foundation, QatarDebate Center held the Doha Forum Youth Edition 2024 Wednesday, which brought together a distinguished group of youth speakers representing 90 countries, alongside global experts, and partners, to discuss pressing global issues. The two-day Doha Forum youth edition served as a prelude to Doha Forum 2024, scheduled for December 7-8, and this year spotlighted the importance of innovative solutions under the theme, “The Innovation Imperative.” Doha Forum Youth Edition offers an exceptional opportunity for youth from around the world to engage in meaningful and impactful dialogues about humanity’s most significant challenges. In the face of global disruptions affecting security, climate, economy, and governance, innovation has become a necessity, not a luxury. The forum reflected this urgency by empowering young leaders to develop innovative ideas and collaborate to address global challenges with bold and transformative solutions. The forum began with opening remarks by Program Director at QatarDebate Center Abdulrahman al-Subaie who emphasised the importance of this unique platform, describing it as a global stage for dialogue and idea exchange. Al-Subaie added: “A decade ago, QatarDebate began with modest local steps. Few could have imagined that its influence would extend across Qatar and the world, producing a generation of aware, articulate youth who now represent their nations on international platforms, presenting solutions for a more stable future.” The Program Director at QatarDebate Center highlighted the strong partnership with Doha Forum, noting it as a fundamental element in achieving this vision. He continued, “this partnership between QatarDebate and Doha Forum is not merely organisational; it reflects a shared belief that youth are the cornerstone of building a brighter, more sustainable future.” Al-Subaie added, “we need your voices now more than ever. You possess the energy and creativity to reimagine traditional ideas. Through this forum, we provide you with the opportunity to learn from others’ experiences and to build bridges of collaboration with peers worldwide.” In turn, Executive Director of the Permanent Committee for Organising Conferences Mubarak Ajlan al-Kuwari addressed the audience saying, “today is a truly remarkable day as we open the Doha Forum-Youth Edition. This is more than an event; it marks the beginning of a new phase filled with youth-led ideas and ambitions that hold the key to the future.” Al-Kuwari added, “this forum is your platform, an open space for your ideas, dreams, and passion for creating change. We believe that you, the youth of today, are the leaders of tomorrow, and your energy and creativity will guide the world toward a better future.” The speakers captivated the young audience from around the world with inspiring keynote speeches on cultural diplomacy, technological development and its transformative role, geopolitics, matters pertaining to security, and economic development. Related Story International Media Office makes MDD key global hub
"Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do eiusmod tempor incididunt ut labore et dolore magna aliqua. Ut enim ad minim veniam, quis nostrud exercitation ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat. Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit in voluptate velit esse cillum dolore eu fugiat nulla pariatur. Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident, sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollit anim id est laborum." Section 1.10.32 of "de Finibus Bonorum et Malorum", written by Cicero in 45 BC "Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur magni dolores eos qui ratione voluptatem sequi nesciunt. Neque porro quisquam est, qui dolorem ipsum quia dolor sit amet, consectetur, adipisci velit, sed quia non numquam eius modi tempora incidunt ut labore et dolore magnam aliquam quaerat voluptatem. Ut enim ad minima veniam, quis nostrum exercitationem ullam corporis suscipit laboriosam, nisi ut aliquid ex ea commodi consequatur? Quis autem vel eum iure reprehenderit qui in ea voluptate velit esse quam nihil molestiae consequatur, vel illum qui dolorem eum fugiat quo voluptas nulla pariatur?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" 1914 translation by H. Rackham "But I must explain to you how all this mistaken idea of denouncing pleasure and praising pain was born and I will give you a complete account of the system, and expound the actual teachings of the great explorer of the truth, the master-builder of human happiness. No one rejects, dislikes, or avoids pleasure itself, because it is pleasure, but because those who do not know how to pursue pleasure rationally encounter consequences that are extremely painful. Nor again is there anyone who loves or pursues or desires to obtain pain of itself, because it is pain, but because occasionally circumstances occur in which toil and pain can procure him some great pleasure. To take a trivial example, which of us ever undertakes laborious physical exercise, except to obtain some advantage from it? But who has any right to find fault with a man who chooses to enjoy a pleasure that has no annoying consequences, or one who avoids a pain that produces no resultant pleasure?" Thanks for your interest in Kalkine Media's content! To continue reading, please log in to your account or create your free account with us.
Photo: Ty McCartney Kelowna RCMP says they have concluded their investigation into a year-old incident at a Kelowna gas station that recently went viral on social media. A violent incident at the Canco gas station on Ethel St. occurred on Sept. 19, 2023, at 11:20 a.m. and was captured on a cellphone video. Now a year later, the video has taken on its own life on social media. “For reasons unknown, this video only recently surfaced on social media over a year after the incident was reported and investigated by police,” says Cpl. Michael Gauthier, Kelowna RCMP spokesperson. Ty McCartney filmed the incident and told Castanet the woman in the video began yelling at two gas station employees after they caught her attempting to steal candy. He tried to share the video earlier but it was taken down after being flagged for being too violent. The video recently began being shared widely on social media, leading many to believe the incident had taken place recently. The video shows a woman screaming at the employees after they attempt to take her bag and kick her out of the store. The confrontation escalates to the point where the woman comes back into the building with a man and a dog. The woman then unleashes the dog, saying, "get him." Kelowna RCMP said Friday they attended the scene where it was determined an unknown female had attacked two store employees and attempted to coerce her dog into biting them. The following day on Sept. 20, 2023, the woman was arrested for assault and released on an undertaking scheduled for court at a later date. Ten days later on Oct. 30, 2023, RCMP says they concluded the matter at the request of the victims who added that the female suspect has never returned to the store and that one of the victims no longer resides in the province. “In this particular case, when the victims of the offence(s) are no longer interested in pursuing charges, we are obligated to cancel the Undertaking and conclude the matter as is,” Cpl. Gauthier says. Facebook
