online casino 777
None
The Binoculars Global Market Is Forecast To Grow At A CAGR of 5.2% To Reach $1.27 Billion By 2028Universal Corporation Receives NYSE Notice Regarding Filing of Form 10-Q for the Fiscal Quarter Ended September 30, 2024UPI enabled significant expansion of credit among underserved borrowers: Study
Put politics aside and act on online harms, mother of sextortion victim tells MPsHow to get limited-edition candles on Bath and Body Works Candle Day
CUSA championship game: Jax State puts tickets on sale
Cam Skattebo strikes a pose and makes a statement: He belongs on the sport's biggest stage
Lloyd’s List: 14 Greeks Among the 100 Most Powerful Players in Global Shipping in 2024FOR Roderick “Chuck” Gordon, Christmas isn’t about gifts wrapped in shiny paper—it’s about the laughter of children, the embrace of family, and the precious moments that linger long after the tinsel fades. Gordon’s 2024 soca parang offering, “Family Vibes”, explores the real reason for the season. The Laventille-born calypso crooner pours his soul into an instructive melody that speaks to the heart of what makes a Trini Christmas magical: togetherness. It’s a deeply personal piece, with Gordon’s four-year-old daughter, Imani, lending her sweet voice to the song’s opening lines. Imani, who turns five on Tuesday, was included serendipitously. “I was carrying her to her mother, and I hadn’t recorded the song yet. I was just singing it for her now and then,” Gordon recalled. “A little while after, she sends me a voice note with exactly what the introduction is: ‘Daddy, what song is keep yuh family close?’ The minute I heard that voice note, I said, ‘Click, save. I’m using that as the intro.’” “It came fortuitously,” he added, “but it’s in keeping with the vibes and energy of the song. She’s already demonstrating signs of a genuine interest in the performing arts, so it was nice to give her a debut.” For Gordon, the spirit of Christmas lies in being present: “Christmas is the perfect time to give the greatest gift of all: yourself. It’s about paying attention to your children, creating moments that matter, and letting them know they’re loved—not just through material things but through time, presence, and affection. Your involvement with your child is the most important gift you can give.” The challenges of fatherhood FAMILY TIME: Calypsonian Roderick “Chuck” Gordon with his daughter, Imani, and son, Ayomide, during a recent outing to a water park. Beyond the stage, Gordon’s previous work as a counsellor and social worker at the Children’s Court of Trinidad and Tobago has deepened his understanding of fatherhood. Now based at St Mary’s Children Home in Tacarigua, he acknowledges the pressures many modern fathers face. “Balancing family dynamics, societal expectations, and internal stresses makes it challenging, but time management and prioritising moments with your kids is key,” he stressed. “As a father, artiste, and social worker, I try to make time for my daughter (Imani) and my son (Ayomide). I try to be fully present when we’re together, really connecting and strengthening that bond. Whether it’s studio sessions or rehearsals, I involve them in what I do. That healthy connection is what allows you to maintain influence and provide the kind of discipline, training, and guidance they need.” Gordon also speaks candidly about the effects of absent fathers. “I came through adolescence with a father that was somewhat present but emotionally unavailable, and that left emotional scars. It was traumatic to some degree in terms of the development of self-esteem and motivation. The father figure is the motivating influence, the one that inspires you to action, to want to achieve. The mother creates the structure and discipline that enforces it.” He added: “Absent fathers can leave children, especially young men, stuck—not being able to navigate their emotions or the world effectively. It creates challenges in forming relationships, being trustful, and building a sense of security and identity. A positive male role model, whether it’s a biological father or not, is critical.” Advice for single mothers To single mothers raising children without a present father, Chuck offers heartfelt advice. “It’s an extremely difficult job. It’s really important to lean on any kind of support you have—whether it’s extended family or persons in the community,” he advised. “Grandfathers, uncles, or even mentors from extracurricular activities can provide that male energy, which inspires and motivates in a way that’s different from what the female presence offers.” Recalling his own upbringing, he shared: “I lived with my grandfather for a significant period, and what he represented to me—seeing him work the shop, work taxis, and be that male presence in my life—helped shape my whole view on maleness and fatherhood.” He encourages single mothers to be creative and seek out mentorship programmes and sporting groups within their respective communities. “You have to do the work,” he nodded. “A consistent male presence communicates safety and stability to a child. It’s not about doing it alone; it’s about creating opportunities for positive male influences.” Bringing musical healing Gordon revealed his artistry and social work are deeply intertwined. “Music is therapy for me. It allows me to deal with real-life dynamics like love, loss, and family,” he shared. “I can’t be preaching one thing in social work and then saying something different in my music.” He explained how songs like “Family Vibes” reflect his ethos. The two-time National Calypso Monarch has coined his unique mix of danceable music with strong messages (Jiggy Calypso) and has previously released “Charlsie” (2024), “Maths eh Mathsing” (2023), “Wha Yuh Doin” (2017) and “I Believe” (2015), among others. “It’s about choosing to spend time with your family, to create those moments that matter. I say in the song, ‘When you make your money and your money’s tall, it’s them you should have a ball with.’ That’s real,” he emoted. “It’s about making time for family despite life’s pressures.” The musical therapy flows both ways, he added, revealing that while he aims to bring soothing to others with his melodies and harmonies, he often finds the reverse is true. “I therapise myself through my music, but it’s also about sharing a message. The success it brings is irrelevant because it’s what I truly live by and believe in,” he concluded. “Christmas, in particular, is a rejuvenating time—the energy, the air, everything lends itself to connection.”
Ghana Stock Exchange Invests in Education with ICT Centre Donation in Adabraka
TORONTO , Dec. 5, 2024 /CNW/ - Franklin Templeton Canada today announced the final distributions, final net asset value (NAV) and net proceeds for Franklin International Multifactor Index ETF (FLDM), Franklin Global Dividend Quality Index ETF (FLGD) and Franklin Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund - ETF series (FWCP). FLDM, FLGD and FWCP were voluntarily delisted from the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) as of market close on November 29, 2024 , and have been terminated at the close of business on December 4 , 2024. The ETF terminations were previously announced on September 25, 2024 . In preparation for the ETF terminations, Franklin Templeton Canada has converted FLDM, FLGD and FWCP's holdings to cash (in Canadian dollars), and the remaining assets — after paying or providing for the ETFs' liabilities and obligations —will be distributed to the ETFs' unitholders on a pro rata basis as detailed in the table below. Terminating Fund Ticker Final NAV Per Unit ($) Net Proceeds Per Unit ($) Franklin International Multifactor Index ETF FLDM 22.9363305 22.9363305 Franklin Global Dividend Quality Index ETF FLGD 29.7028696 29.7028696 Franklin Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund - ETF series FWCP 17.378160 17.378160 Each fund's unitholders of record as of December 3, 2024 , will receive the final cash distribution (in Canadian dollars) as detailed in the table below. These final distributions replace the estimated distributions provided on November 26, 2024 . Terminating Fund Ticker Income Distribution Per Unit ($) Capital Gain Distribution Per Unit ($) Total Cash Distribution Per Unit ($) Franklin International Multifactor Index ETF FLDM 0.558212 - 0.558212 Franklin Global Dividend Quality Index ETF FLGD - - - Franklin Western Asset Core Plus Bond Fund - ETF series FWCP - - - About Franklin Templeton Franklin Resources, Inc. BEN is a global investment management organization with subsidiaries operating as Franklin Templeton and serving clients in over 150 countries. In Canada, the company's subsidiary is Franklin Templeton Investments Corp., which operates as Franklin Templeton Canada . Franklin Templeton's mission is to help clients achieve better outcomes through investment management expertise, wealth management and technology solutions. Through its specialist investment managers, the company offers specialization on a global scale, bringing extensive capabilities in fixed income, equity, alternatives and multi-asset solutions. With more than 1,500 investment professionals, and offices in major financial markets around the world, the California -based company has over 75 years of investment experience and over US$1.6 trillion (over CAN$2.2 trillion) in assets under management as of November 30, 2024 . For more information, please visit franklintempleton.ca and connect with Franklin Templeton on LinkedIn , X and Facebook . Commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investments in ETFs and ETF series. Investors should carefully consider an ETF's and ETF series' investment objectives and strategies, risks, fees and expenses before investing. The prospectus and ETF facts contain this and other information. Please read the prospectus and ETF facts carefully before investing. ETFs and ETF series trade like stocks, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below their net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF and ETF series expenses will reduce returns. ETFs and ETF series are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Copyright © 2024. Franklin Templeton. All rights reserved. SOURCE Franklin Templeton Investments Corp. View original content: http://www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/December2024/05/c1951.html © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
LAS VEGAS — Formula 1 on Monday at last said it will expand its grid in 2026 to make room for an American team that is partnered with General Motors. "As the pinnacle of motorsports, F1 demands boundary-pushing innovation and excellence. It's an honor for General Motors and Cadillac to join the world's premier racing series, and we're committed to competing with passion and integrity to elevate the sport for race fans around the world," GM President Mark Reuss said. "This is a global stage for us to demonstrate GM's engineering expertise and technology leadership at an entirely new level." The approval ends years of wrangling that launched a U.S. Justice Department investigation into why Colorado-based Liberty Media, the commercial rights holder of F1, would not approve the team initially started by Michael Andretti. Andretti in September stepped aside from leading his namesake organization, so the 11th team will be called Cadillac F1 and be run by new Andretti Global majority owners Dan Towriss and Mark Walter. The team will use Ferrari engines its first two years until GM has a Cadillac engine built for competition in time for the 2028 season. Towriss is the the CEO and president of Group 1001 and entered motorsports via Andretti's IndyCar team when he signed on financial savings platform Gainbridge as a sponsor. Towriss is now a major part of the motorsports scene with ownership stakes in both Spire Motorsports' NASCAR team and Wayne Taylor Racing's sports car team. Walter is the chief executive of financial services firm Guggenheim Partners and the controlling owner of both the World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Premier League club Chelsea. "We're excited to partner with General Motors in bringing a dynamic presence to Formula 1," Towriss said. "Together, we're assembling a world-class team that will embody American innovation and deliver unforgettable moments to race fans around the world." Mario Andretti, the 1978 F1 world champion, will have an ambassador role with Cadillac F1. But his son, Michael, will have no official position with the organization now that he has scaled back his involvement with Andretti Global. "The Cadillac F1 Team is made up of a strong group of people that have worked tirelessly to build an American works team," Michael Andretti posted on social media. "I'm very proud of the hard work they have put in and congratulate all involved on this momentous next step. I will be cheering for you!" The approval has been in works for weeks but was held until after last weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix to not overshadow the showcase event of the Liberty Media portfolio. Max Verstappen won his fourth consecutive championship in Saturday night's race, the third and final stop in the United States for the top motorsports series in the world. Grid expansion in F1 is both infrequent and often unsuccessful. Four teams were granted entries in 2010 that should have pushed the grid to 13 teams and 26 cars for the first time since 1995. One team never made it to the grid and the other three had vanished by 2017. There is only one American team on the current F1 grid — owned by California businessman Gene Haas — but it is not particularly competitive and does not field American drivers. Andretti's dream was to field a truly American team with American drivers. The fight to add this team has been going on for three-plus years, and F1 initially denied the application despite approval from F1 sanctioning body FIA. The existing 10 teams, who have no voice in the matter, also largely opposed expansion because of the dilution in prize money and the billions of dollars they've already invested in the series. Andretti in 2020 tried and failed to buy the existing Sauber team. From there, he applied for grid expansion and partnered with GM, the top-selling manufacturer in the United States. The inclusion of GM was championed by the FIA and president Mohammed Ben Sulayem, who said Michael Andretti's application was the only one of seven applicants to meet all required criteria to expand F1's current grid. "General Motors is a huge global brand and powerhouse in the OEM world and is working with impressive partners," Ben Sulayem said Monday. "I am fully supportive of the efforts made by the FIA, Formula 1, GM and the team to maintain dialogue and work towards this outcome of an agreement in principle to progress this application." Despite the FIA's acceptance of Andretti and General Motors from the start, F1 wasn't interested in Andretti — but did want GM. At one point, F1 asked GM to find another team to partner with besides Andretti. GM refused and F1 said it would revisit the Andretti application if and when Cadillac had an engine ready to compete. "Formula 1 has maintained a dialogue with General Motors, and its partners at TWG Global, regarding the viability of an entry following the commercial assessment and decision made by Formula 1 in January 2024," F1 said in a statement. "Over the course of this year, they have achieved operational milestones and made clear their commitment to brand the 11th team GM/Cadillac, and that GM will enter as an engine supplier at a later time. Formula 1 is therefore pleased to move forward with this application process." Yet another major shift in the debate over grid expansion occurred earlier this month with the announced resignation of Liberty Media CEO Greg Maffei, who was largely believed to be one of the biggest opponents of the Andretti entry. "With Formula 1's continued growth plans in the US, we have always believed that welcoming an impressive US brand like GM/Cadillac to the grid and GM as a future power unit supplier could bring additional value and interest to the sport," Maffei said. "We credit the leadership of General Motors and their partners with significant progress in their readiness to enter Formula 1."
Kakko's late goal lifts Rangers past Canadiens 4-3None
By Tony Leys | KFF Health News GLENWOOD, Iowa — Hundreds of people who were separated from society because they had disabilities are buried in a nondescript field at the former state institution here. Disability rights advocates hope Iowa will honor them by preventing the kind of neglect that has plagued similar cemeteries at other shuttered facilities around the U.S. The southwest Iowa institution, called the Glenwood Resource Center, was closed this summer in the wake of allegations of poor care . The last of its living residents were moved elsewhere in June. But the remains of about 1,300 people will stay where they were buried on the grounds. The graveyard, which dates to the 1800s, covers several acres of sloping ground near the campus’s brick buildings. A 6-foot-tall, weathered-concrete cross stands on the hillside, providing the most visible clue to the field’s purpose. On a recent afternoon, dried grass clippings obscured row after row of small stone grave markers set flat in the ground. Most of the stones are engraved with only a first initial, a last name, and a number. “If somebody who’s never been to Glenwood drove by, they wouldn’t even know there was a cemetery there,” said Brady Werger, a former resident of the facility. During more than a century of operation, the institution housed thousands of people with intellectual disabilities. Its population declined as society turned away from the practice of sequestering people with disabilities and mental illness in large facilities for decades at a time. The cemetery is filled with residents who died and weren’t returned to their hometowns for burial with their families. State and local leaders are working out arrangements to maintain the cemetery and the rest of the 380-acre campus. Local officials, who are expected to take control of the grounds next June, say they’ll need extensive state support for upkeep and redevelopment, especially with the town of about 5,000 people reeling from the loss of jobs at the institution. Hundreds of such places were constructed throughout the U.S. starting in the 1800s. Some, like the one in Glenwood, served people with disabilities, such as those caused by autism or seizure disorders. Others housed people with mental illness. Most of the facilities were built in rural areas, which were seen as providing a wholesome environment. States began shrinking or closing these institutions more than 50 years ago. The shifts were a response to complaints about people being removed from their communities and subjected to inhumane conditions, including the use of isolation and restraints. In the past decade, Iowa has closed two of its four mental hospitals and one of its two state institutions for people with intellectual disabilities. After closures in some other states, institutions’ cemeteries were abandoned and became overgrown with weeds and brush. The neglect drew protests and sparked efforts to respectfully memorialize people who lived and died at the facilities. “At some level, the restoration of institutions’ cemeteries is about the restoration of humanity,” said Pat Deegan, a Massachusetts mental health advocate who works on the issue nationally . Deegan, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia as a teenager, sees the neglected graveyards as symbolic of how people with disabilities or mental illness can feel as if their individual identities are buried beneath the labels of their conditions. Deegan, 70, helped lead efforts to rehabilitate a pair of overgrown cemeteries at the Danvers State Hospital near Boston, which housed people with mental illness before it closed in 1992. More than 700 former residents were buried there, with many graves originally marked only with a number. The Massachusetts hospital’s grounds were redeveloped into a condominium complex. The rehabilitated cemeteries now have individual gravestones and a large historical marker, explaining what the facility was and who lived there. The sign notes that some past methods of caring for psychiatric patients seem “barbarous” by today’s standards, but the text portrays the staff as well-meaning. It says the institution “attempted to alleviate the problems of many of its members with care and empathy that, although not always successful, was nobly attempted.” Deegan has helped other groups across the country organize renovations of similar cemeteries. She urges communities to include former residents of the facilities in their efforts. Iowa’s Glenwood Resource Center started as a home for orphans of Civil War soldiers. It grew into a large institution for people with disabilities, many of whom lived there for decades. Its population peaked at more than 1,900 in the 1950s, then dwindled to about 150 before state officials decided to close it. Werger, 32, said some criticisms of the institution were valid, but he remains grateful for the support the staff gave him until he was stable enough to move into community housing in 2018. “They helped change my life incredibly,” he said. He thinks the state should have fixed problems at the facility instead of shutting it. He said he hopes officials preserve historical parts of the campus, including stately brick buildings and the cemetery. He wishes the graves had more extensive headstones, with information about the residents buried there. He would also like to see signs installed explaining the place’s history. Two former employees of the Glenwood facility recently raised concerns that some of the graves may be mismarked . But officials with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, which ran the institution, said they have extensive, accurate records and recently placed stones on three graves that were unmarked. Department leaders declined to be interviewed about the cemetery’s future. Spokesperson Alex Murphy wrote in an email that while no decisions have been made about the campus, the agency “remains committed to ensuring the cemetery is protected and treated with dignity and respect for those who have been laid to rest there.” Glenwood civic leaders have formed a nonprofit corporation that is negotiating with the state over development plans for the former institution. “We’re trying to make the best of a tough situation,” said Larry Winum, a local banker who serves on the new organization’s board. Tentative plans include tearing down some of the existing buildings and creating up to 900 houses and apartments. Winum said redevelopment should include some kind of memorial sign about the institution and the people buried in the cemetery. “It will be important to us that those folks be remembered,” he said. Activists in other states said properly honoring such places takes sustained commitment and money. Jennifer Walton helped lead efforts in the 1990s to properly mark graves and improve cemetery upkeep at state institutions in Minnesota . Some of the cemeteries are deteriorating again, she said. Activists plan to ask Minnesota legislators to designate permanent funding to maintain them and to place explanatory markers at the sites. “I think it’s important, because it’s a way to demonstrate that these spaces represent human beings who at the time were very much hidden away,” Walton said. “No human being should be pushed aside and ignored.” Related Articles A stroke changed a teacher’s life. How a new electrical device is helping her move Washington power has shifted. Here’s how the ACA may shift, too CDC chief urges focus on health threats as agency confronts political changes New rule allows HIV-positive organ transplants Biden proposes Medicare and Medicaid cover costly weight-loss drugs for millions of obese Americans On a recent day, just one of the Glenwood graves had flowers on it. Retired managers of the institution said few people visit the cemetery, but amateur genealogists sometimes show up after learning that a long-forgotten ancestor was institutionalized at Glenwood and buried there. Former grounds supervisor Max Cupp said burials had become relatively rare over the years, with more families arranging to have deceased residents’ remains transported to their hometown cemeteries. One of the last people buried in the Glenwood cemetery was Kenneth Rummells, who died in 2022 at age 71 after living many years at the institution and then at a nearby group home overseen by the state. His guardian was Kenny Jacobsen, a retired employee of the facility who had known him for decades. Rummells couldn’t speak, but he could communicate by grunting, Jacobsen said. He enjoyed sitting outside. “He was kind of quiet, kind of a touch-me-not guy.” Jacobsen helped arrange for a gravestone that is more detailed than most others in the cemetery. The marker includes Rummells’ full name, the dates of his birth and death, a drawing of a porch swing, and the inscription “Forever swinging in the breeze.” Jacobsen hopes officials figure out how to maintain the cemetery. He would like to see a permanent sign erected, explaining who is buried there and how they came to live in Glenwood. “They were people too,” he said.By Jennifer Williams, Trenton North Ward Councilwoman The USDOJ’s findings regarding the conduct and enforcement of laws by some members of our Trenton Police Department were appalling and disappointing. The terrible actions described and the lack of reaction and response by our Internal Affairs division must never be allowed to happen again. For Trentonians to follow the established complaint process and not be respected, heard or seemingly deemed worthy of an investigation is unconscionable. To have so many reports of excessive or illegal use of force and violations of the Fourth Amendment to the US Constitution is a travesty. Having gotten to know many of our officers and some our TPD leadership over the past two years, I am confident that TPD will take the DOJ’s reported findings to heart and make the recommended changes needed in order to protect all Trentonians and ensure law enforcement treats EVERYONE equally, justly and safely – while obeying and honoring the US Constitution and our laws. To this end, I am additionally calling upon our TPD to bring back the community policing tactic of walking beats in our neighborhoods and downtown on a regular basis. We must make sure that officers serving our city know the residents they serve and residents know their serving officers. As a retired African American officer said to me, “They must get out of their cars to know the people.” I (and many other Trentonians) agree with him. TPD leadership needs to begin scheduling beat patrols as soon as possible. Trust must be regained between our citizenry and our police force and I can’t think of any better way for that to happen than for us to share the sidewalks of our capital city as was done long ago. Living in a predominantly African American city with a large Latino population, a special responsibility exists to ensure that all citizens’ Constitutional Rights are not violated by our law enforcement personnel as has been historically done in too many parts of the United States. No one should fear for their lives when our police interact with them. However, criminals should fear that our police will legally move heaven and earth to capture them and bring them to justice. Trentonians want better and more reliable police. We already have many qualified, knowledgeable and dedicated officers already on the force. My heart feels for these officers that because of the actions from some of their colleagues, these good and dedicated officers may be looked upon poorly and unfairly. Though this situation taints our police department – when we hear the sirens blare, I believe we will be able to count on our officers to continue risking themselves for us every day. Having recently completed the Trenton Police Department’s Citizens Police Academy with other Trentonians and some of my City Council colleagues, I learned a lot about our department and how it functions. We learned how they respond to calls, how they must make split second use of force decisions and even crime scene investigation procedures. All very important things to learn from the police officer’s perspective. We also learned a great deal about their commitment to uphold the law, protect citizens and their honor with which they serve each day. While there clearly have been officers who fell short of honoring their badge and oath, I believe the vast majority of officers have done their duty well and that the will for reform is there in the police department. In the future, procedures for the dismissal of officers who fall short of their duties and their oath must be more clear-cut. If you violate citizens’ rights, you have to go. Finally, it has long been clear that we must recruit more officers from within our diverse city no matter what they look like, who they are or where they are from. Thankfully, this is already happening with many applications already filed for the next recruiting class. Bravo to Director Steve Wilson and the Trenton Police Department’s Community Affairs team for getting the word out for new officers into our community. As good as that news is, though, new officers will not reverse the sins of the past or create concrete changes such as training, supervision and technological improvements. We will need great financial support and oversight for that. I am calling upon the US Department of Justice and the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to provide both the funding and oversight needed to bring the Trenton Police Department fully into the 21st Century in every way possible. To not do so sacrifices the chance for real reforms and sentences our city to struggle again as before. I offer my full confidence and support to Mayor Reed Gusciora, Police Director Steve Wilson, and all of our TPD and Administration personnel who will be involved in improving our police department. What was described in the USDOJ report will open many minds to allow reflection on the mistakes that were made. With resolve and desire to change, we can assure this will not happen again in Trenton.
South Korea's Yoon faces impeachment vote on Saturday
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), one of the largest health insurers in the nation, abruptly reversed its recent decision to no longer link payments in certain states to the duration of a patient's time under anesthesia. The Reversal Anthem BCBS attributed its reversal on Thursday to what it described as "significant widespread misinformation" surrounding the policy, according to a statement from the company. "To be clear, it never was and never will be the policy of Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to not pay for medically necessary anesthesia services," the company said. "The proposed update to the policy was only designed to clarify the appropriateness of anesthesia consistent with well-established clinical guidelines." Under the proposed policy, Anthem BCBS planned to use "physician work time values" from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to determine anesthesia time limits, excluding maternity patients and those under 22. However, Dr. Jonathan Gal, chair of the American Society for Anesthesiologists' economics committee, noted that the methodology behind CMS' calculation of those values remains unclear. The Previous Policy The previously proposed new policy would no longer reimburse anesthesia services for the complete duration of certain surgical procedures, opting instead for a partial coverage model, and the head of the ASA has called it "appalling" and "egregious," creating a precarious situation for patients undergoing surgery. In its previous announcement, Anthem BCBS said plans representing Connecticut, New York and Missouri have unilaterally declared they will no longer pay for anesthesia care if the surgery or procedure goes beyond an arbitrary time limit, regardless of how long the surgical procedure takes, reported the ASA, who has condemned the decision and called on Anthem to reverse this proposal immediately. Backlash The policy sparked a wave of concerns on social media with individuals across the country urging residents in affected states to contact their legislators. While many criticized the policy, some suggested it could help prevent patients from being overcharged. In mid-November, the American Society for Anesthesiologists urged Anthem to "reverse the proposal immediately," warning in a news release that the policy was set to take effect in February in New York, Connecticut and Missouri. The total number of states impacted remains unclear, although similar notices appeared in Virginia and Colorado. "It's incomprehensible how a health insurance company could so blatantly continue to prioritize their profits over safe patient care," Gal said. "If Anthem is, in fact, rescinding the policy, we're delighted that they came to their senses." This article includes reporting from The Associated Press.IU Indianapolis 88, Alabama A&M 83