Latest news with #FACE
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Trump's DOJ Has Put Reproductive Health Clinics Under Threat
Calla Hayes, the executive director of A Preferred Women's Health Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, is used to protesters. The clinic sees thousands of anti-abortion demonstrators outside of its doors each year; the same group of faces greets her each day. But in the months since President Donald Trump returned to the White House, she's seen a change in their behavior. Hayes believes that turnover in the White House, along with the Supreme Court decision nullifying Roe v. Wade in 2022, has emboldened the activists outside her clinic's doors to start 'pushing boundaries.' 'They're just, like, giggling with glee, because they're getting to push and see how far they can go,' said Hayes about the newly empowered anti-abortion protesters. The shift in atmosphere came as the Trump administration scaled back enforcement of the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances, or FACE, Act, which was approved on a bipartisan basis in 1994. That measure outlawed obstruction and property damage intended to hamper a clinic's ability to conduct reproductive health services, including abortion. But with the Trump administration's order on the FACE Act, a bomb threat like the one Hayes's clinic received in the summer of 2024 is no longer considered to be a threat worth reviewing by the federal government; indeed, the FBI has communicated to Hayes that it has dropped its investigation of the incident. In a memo announcing its change in policy, the Department of Justice argued that the FACE Act was a 'prototypical example' of weaponizing the legal system against conservatives. The agency will now only enforce the law under 'extraordinary circumstances,' such as cases involving 'death, serious bodily harm, or serious property damage.' Shortly after taking office, Trump also pardoned 23 anti-abortion activists who were convicted under the FACE Act, many of whom are now pressing forward with efforts to continue to obstruct abortion services. Julie Burkhart, the founder and president of Wellspring Health Access in Casper, Wyoming, is intimately familiar with what can happen if abortion opponents decide to take drastic action. An arsonist set fire to Wellspring, the only facility providing procedural and medication abortion in the state, weeks before it was scheduled to begin seeing patients in 2022. The damage to the building set back its opening by a year. The threat has not been eliminated: Burkhart said that she had been recently alerted to videos posted to social media 'alluding to the fact that it wouldn't be a bad idea if it were set on fire again.' 'It really sends, you know, a chill down all of our spines, because we don't know who in law enforcement is going to have our back,' said Burkhart. 'If, God forbid, there were a shooting, or an arson, or a place being flooded—any act of violence at a facility—we just don't know who's going to be there to respond and to help us.' Without guarantee of federal response, Hayes is also concerned about how local law enforcement will engage. Despite spending several years building a relationship with city officials, the recent public struggles of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department—including an ongoing audit of an alleged settlement with the police chief, who is now retiring at the end of the year—have left Hayes worried about the degree to which the department will be able to focus on threats to the clinic. 'It's always just that much more frustrating when [protesters] do something, and maybe the cops do come and they ask them to stop, but there's no no charges, there's no accountability, there's no nothing,' said Hayes. 'You're seeing this confusion about what to enforce and what not to enforce.' Meanwhile, abortion opponents are urging local law enforcement to follow the federal government's lead and stay out of their way. 'If you're a Christian police officer, a pro-life police officer, you need to commit in your heart not to arrest rescuers that are defending children, leave them be, even if it costs you your job. If you're not willing to protect the children yourself, let us do it,' said Jonathan Darnel, one of the anti-abortion activists pardoned by Trump, in a recent online event. Although the threats against clinics have yet to reach the apex of the anti-abortion demonstrations of the 1980s and 1990s, before the FACE Act was approved, providers warn that the current political environment could lead to a return to those conditions. A recent report published by the National Abortion Federation outlined thousands of incidents of violence and disruption against clinics in the years 2023 and 2024. This included 777 instances of obstruction of clinics, 621 instances of trespassing, 296 threats of death or harm to abortion providers and patients, and 128,570 protesters demonstrating outside of clinics over that two-year period. The report also noted that disruptions were likely being underreported, as clinics may not report all incidents, and not all abortion providers are members of NAF. Providers are also wary about the growing prevalence of 'abolitionist' sentiment among abortion opponents who believe that people who seek abortions should be criminally liable. While this notion is still on the fringes of anti-abortion politics, it has become increasingly acceptable among mainstream politicians, with more than a dozen bills introduced in state legislative sessions across the country to assign personhood to embryos. Although these measures are considered long shots for passage, providers worry that the Trump administration's actions and the Dobbs decision have granted abolitionists a second wind. 'We've already talked to clinics in 2025 who have experienced increased hostility, higher numbers of protesters, and [are] really noting that it seems like the protesters have had a shift and are just emboldened and more aggressive and hostile under this administration,' said Melissa Fowler, the chief program officer at NAF. Fowler noted that, in the wake of the Dobbs decision overturning Roe v. Wade, abortion opponents may travel to demonstrate at clinics in other states where the procedure remains legal. While 12 states have implemented a total ban on the procedure, there has been an increase in abortions since the Dobbs decision, in part because pregnant people seeking abortions will travel out of state. She also said that even in states where abortion is prohibited, clinics that provide other reproductive health services will still attract protesters. 'It really just shows, I think, that these protesters don't really care about what they're doing or the effect it has on people, and they really just continue to target anyone that walks into a facility,' Fowler argued. Burkhart added that the worries about threats can be detrimental for both patients and clinic staff, which in turn can hamper their ability to provide care. 'That psychological weight that people who work in the clinics carry, being yelled at and harassed going into a parking lot, that raises your heart rate. That's a stressor,' she said. Despite the potential risks and uncertainty, however, providers remain determined to offer abortion care, regardless of the political environment. Helen Weems, the owner of All Families Healthcare in Whitefish, Montana, said that her clinic was doing 'everything we can to heighten our security and our vigilance.' 'We won't be intimidated. We won't be cowed into shutting down,' Weems said. 'We will continue to show up for our patients, because the need continues unabated.'
Hans India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Hans India
India's fintech lenders draw younger, more rural customer base: Report
The fintech sector lenders are drawing a younger and more rural customer base, with 61 per cent of borrowers being under the age of 30, and 24 per cent residing in rural areas, a report showed on Thursday. The share of prime and above-prime consumers in fintech originations has also increased steadily, reaching 62 per cent in December 2024 from 60 per cent in December 2023 and 55 per cent in December 2022. Notably, however, average ticket sizes have declined across all risk tiers, according to the report by TransUnion CIBIL. India's fintech lending sector is undergoing a transformation, driven not just by volume, but by a fundamental shift in borrower demographics, as they increasingly serve younger and more rural populations. This marks a significant evolution in the fintech customer base, reflecting the sector's growing role in democratising access to credit across India's diverse population. According to the report for the quarter ending December 2024, fintech lenders now serve over 23.3 million consumers — up from 20.2 million in December 2023 and 14.4 million in December 2022. Outstanding balances reached Rs 1.3 trillion, with fintechs accounting for 1.03 per cent of total retail credit balances, highlighting lenders' expanding role in India's credit ecosystem. These trends highlight a significant opportunity for fintech lenders to deepen their reach in underserved segments, positioning them well for sustained growth in India's evolving credit landscape. 'The fintech lending sector has played a vital role in reshaping India's financial landscape by delivering faster and more accessible credit through innovative digital technology,' said Bhavesh Jain, MD and CEO, TransUnion CIBIL. This progress has expanded financial inclusion, reaching millions across diverse demographics and geographies. 'As the sector continues to evolve, sustained growth will rely on broadening product offerings and adopting data-driven approaches to provide more personalised financial solutions,' he maintained. Fintechs are also seeing stronger customer retention in the personal loan segment, especially in ticket sizes above Rs 50,000. As of December 2024, 48 per cent of borrowers in this segment had prior credit relationships with the same lender, higher than the 43 per cent who had that relationship in December 2023. 'FinTechs continue to reach ever more people, especially younger and unaddressed segments. As the industry grows, it is important that lending practices stay customer-centric and respond responsibly to evolving risks,' said Sugandh Saxena, CEO, FinTech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE).
Montreal Gazette
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Montreal Gazette
Letters: Hateful comments in med-school group chat shocking
Re: ' Racist, sexist posts flood group chat for Quebec med school applicants ' (The Gazette, May 13) It is shocking that a Discord channel used by Quebec medical school applicants was home to misogynistic, racist, homophobic and antisemitic posts. How did such vile sentiments infect young people planning to become physicians dedicated to helping people? It's so sad that this is happening in our backyard and in our educational institutions. Do we now need to worry that a medical professional might act out their prejudice against those they deem unworthy of treatment? This is beyond the pale and downright dangerous. Goldie Olszynko, Mile End Time to take a break from Trump Re: 'Surefire coping methods for current U.S. presidency' (Josh Freed, May 10) What I enjoy most about Josh Freed's commentary is that, while full of satire and humour, its underlying message is stone-cold true. As much as possible, I try to remain apolitical. But after years of Donald Trump dominating the news, I believe Freed speaks for all of us: We need a break. One person should not be occupying this much space and time in our minds. We should all turn off our electronic devices and TVs, grab a good book and a beverage, and sit outside in the sun. This may be the cure for our collective 'post-Trumpatic stress disorder' (PTSD). Nick Di Cino, Ahuntsic-Cartierville Sentence exposes flawed system Re: ' Judge reluctantly agrees to impose 7-year term for attempted murder ' (The Gazette, May 14) A man stabs his ex-girlfriend multiple times and pleads guilty to attempted murder. The judge says he 'profoundly disagrees' with the joint sentencing recommendation by the Crown and defence but feels 'bound' to accept it because the Court of Appeal had reversed three of his previous harsher sentences. This seems like a glaring example of the inherently terrible failures of our justice system allowing violent offenders to get off too easy and putting the public in potential danger. Gerry Raven, Hampstead Opinion page hits close to home Four sujets de jour, all on the same page, all hitting close to home with me. It could be because I am a proud Canadian who has lived most of my life in my beloved Montreal. Or because I am a Jew familiar with the horrors of the Holocaust. Or because I am a retired longtime EMSB employee with profound admiration for FACE. Our special neighbours to the south should never be placed in the embarrassing position where they feel the need to apologize for their president's destructive and degrading behaviour toward a friend and ally (but we thank you anyway). Prospective American tourists to our world-class city should never feel hesitant about travelling to any Canadian location for fear of reprisals (you are always welcome here). I have no doubt that Holocaust education must be included in all schools to educate people of all ages and backgrounds about the dangers of antisemitism and hate. And any permanent dismantling of FACE would put an equally permanent stain on those responsible for carrying out this decision. I know all this makes me sound like my late father when I say: 'What is this world coming to?' Lori Rubin, Hudson Submitting a letter to the editor Letters should be sent by email to letters@ We prioritize letters that respond to, or are inspired by, articles published by The Gazette. If you are responding to a specific article, let us know which one. Letters should be sent uniquely to us. The shorter they are — ideally, fewer than 200 words — the greater the chance of publication. Timing, clarity, factual accuracy and tone are all important, as is whether the writer has something new to add to the conversation. We reserve the right to edit and condense all letters. Care is taken to preserve the core of the writer's argument. Our policy is not to publish anonymous letters, those with pseudonyms or 'open letters' addressed to third parties. Letters are published with the author's full name and city or neighbourhood/borough of residence. Include a phone number and address to help verify identity; these will not be published. We will not indicate to you whether your letter will be published. If it has not been published within 10 days or so, it is not likely to be.
Montreal Gazette
09-05-2025
- Climate
- Montreal Gazette
Montreal weather: Chance of rain won't keep students indoors Friday
When Montrealers hear 'student protests,' their thoughts often go back to the Maple Spring, a time of nightly marches and the banging of pots and pans. Those were demonstrations raging against tuition increases. Friday's demos are against Quebec's cellphone ban in schools. The new ban, which comes into effect with the next school year, will cover entire school grounds through the entire day, including recess and lunch. Kids have been organizing walkouts via ... their phones. If they walk out Friday, they'll be doing it in the rain with temperatures that won't go above 9 C. At least the UV index will be 1, so their caregivers can focus their concern on screen time instead of sunscreen. Meanwhile, students from FACE in downtown Montreal gathered in front of the school Thursday to sing their hearts out in protest against the Quebec government's decision to cancel a long-planned renovation of the building.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Parents of Dougherty County students 'Level Up' in career training program
ALBANY – It's graduation season in Dougherty County for college students, high school seniors – and a group of 23 Dougherty County School System parents. The group also will walk across a stage, some donning caps and gowns, to receive their certification from the Dougherty County School System's Level Up program, an initiative under the DCSS Family and Community Engagement (FACE) program that offers certification programs in heavy machinery operation and in becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant. The program, funded by a Georgia Power Equity in Education grant, is completely free to parents of students in the school system. 'It's an economic development and empowerment initiative aimed at supporting the students of DCSS and their families with an opportunity to level up their careers to have a positive impact on household income and decrease the negative impact of poverty in our area,' DCSS Superintendent Kenneth Dyer said. FACE has been a longstanding part of DCSS. Maqueta Griswold, FACE's director, said it meets the needs of families outside of just academics. 'We look to help our families, not only in the area of supporting their children academically but providing them with wraparound services to ensure they're taken care of,' Griswold said. This includes offering financial literacy courses, teen pregnancy support and even resources as simple as food, clean clothes or money to cover bills for those families that are really struggling. Two years ago, looking for ways to expand these services, the system began the Level Up program. The program offered families a way to take the next step in escaping poverty. It removed barriers against gaining valuable work skills and certifications. At first, the need was clear through data. Some 28% of the Albany area is below the poverty line. DCSS's student population qualifies for free and reduced school lunch at 100%. DCSS families are negatively impacted by poor health care statistics, chronic disease and high incarceration rates. Equipping parents with the certifications to get a higher-paying job not only means more money, it means full-time positions with health insurance and hours that allow parents to be home with their kids more often. The hope for Dyer and Griswold was a generational pivot. 'A lot of our challenges in our community go back to poverty, food insecurity, homelessness and so we feel that we could have a positive impact on family, household income,' Dyer said. 'Then, we can take a blow at poverty and the challenges that our students face, that tie back to poverty.' With the help of Albany economic leaders, DCSS identified major work force needs for the area and decided on the heavy equipment and nursing assistant programs for its parents. 'We saw an opportunity to impact economic and work force development in our area, along with the opportunity to impact the families of children that we serve every day,' Dyer said. The first cohorts began about two years ago. FACE staff made phone calls to parents it had previously served, with propositions about the new program. Griswold said they got an enthusiastic response. The parents were ready to learn and work. To participate, parents must pass a background test, an aptitude test to prove sufficient background knowledge in subjects like math, and remain drug free. For each cohort, Level Up hosts an orientation. It offers $150 gift certificates, allowing parents to purchase uniforms and other supplies. It provides transportation for both parents and their children. Each cohort is small in size – about 13 CNAs and eight in heavy equipment – to allow for an intimate learning experience. The heavy equipment training happens after hours at the 4C Academy. It's a five-week program, with classes held one day a week. The CNA program is four weeks long, Monday through Thursday, with two different sessions offered in the morning or late afternoon. DCSS parents learn about operating heavy equipment at the 4C Academy through Level Up. Special Photo: DCSS FACEDCSS parents learn about operating heavy equipment at the 4C Academy through Level Up. Special Photo: DCSS FACE Now, two years and some 30 cohorts later, 137 parents have 'leveled up.' Eighty-four parents received credentials from the CNA program, 79 of whom now hold local jobs. Fifty-three parents are certified in heavy equipment, 38 of whom now have jobs. The completion of each cohort program calls for a graduation ceremony. 'If you were to ever come to those graduations, if you could see the kids' faces … how excited they are to see their mom or dad graduating,' Griswold said. There have been several success stories shared at these graduations, and with Georgia Power, which checks in on the unique program quarterly. For Rashad Ford, the heavy equipment course allowed him to get a job that sees him home every night, able to tuck his kids into bed. Before, he had to work overnights and missed those family moments. The CNA Pathway program allowed Oceanshina Johnson to start her own business in hiring other nursing assistants locally. For many, like 34-year-old Jalisa King, the Level Up program meant realizing a lifelong dream that for a long time felt unattainable. King is a single mother with two daughters attending DCSS schools. In 2021, she had to have her leg amputated. She said this left her in severe depression, trying to raise two kids alone and with barely any income. 'I had been wanting to become a nurse because I love taking care of people … but I couldn't afford to go to CNA school,' she said. 'One day, I was sitting at home, and I said 'God, show me the way.'' 'The way' took shape in a Facebook post advertising the Level Up program. King applied and was accepted. Soon, she was immersed into the double life of a CNA student and single mom. 'I'd go to class; I'd come home and be a mama, cooking dinner and getting the girls ready for bed,' she said. 'Then I'd be up until midnight, studying for my tests.' She said there were days she thought about giving up. She said she always had the support of her peers and teachers with Integrity Health, who offered hugs and words of encouragement. 'When I was in clinicals, I had to walk around that big old building with a prosthetic leg,' King said. 'Every night I'd look at my two kids, and I was just like, 'I can't give up.'' She said at night, sometimes the stress would get to her. Her eldest daughter would wake up hearing sniffles from her bedroom. She'd come in and ask King, 'What's wrong?' 'You know that song, 'Almost there,' from 'Princess and the Frog?'' King said. 'Me and my baby, we used to listen to and sing that every day. She'd always say, 'Mama, you're almost there. You just have to keep going.'' And, she did. King finished her exams with high scores. She got ready for the graduation, a bundle of nerves and shedding tears of joy. When her name was called, she said she couldn't believe she'd actually done it. Along with her certificate, she received the Determination King (center) stands with her two daughters at her Level Up graduation. Special Photo: Jalisa KingToday, King is a medical technician supervisor at Viva Senior Living Facility in Albany. She takes down medication orders, handles narcotics, etc. She plans to eventually become a medical assistant. She said the Level Up program opened doors in the health care field that otherwise would have remained closed. It helped her see her full potential. Now, her eldest daughter wants to be a nurse, too. Griswold said seeing their parents accomplish great things inspires students as well. 'The kids see that, and it makes them want to do better academically,' she said. 'And once the parents receive these certificates and they get their jobs, it allows them to provide a more stable home for their kids, which allows them to be more productive in the school and even better stewards of the community outside of the schools.' Word has spread fast about the Level Up program. Graduates are encouraging their friends to participate. The program has a growing waitlist, and DCSS is looking to hopefully expand into other training opportunities like Phlebotomy and commercial truck driving. Dyer said while DCSS is still working with Georgia Power, it's also looking for other sustainable funding partners to keep the program alive long-term. 'It's one of the most rewarding nontraditional programs that we provide,' Dyer said. 'Contact us, and we'll certainly talk about ways that we can work together to continue to make this impact.'
