Latest news with #Grim
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Viking village brought to life on big screen
A Viking legend synonymous with Grimsby will be retold through an immersive experience on a giant screen. The Grim's Great Viking Village pop-up will take people on a journey through the town as it might have looked at the time of its Danish founder, Grim. The project has been six months in the making and used gaming technology to re-create the village. Producer Julia Thompson said the goal was to create something special for everyone to enjoy. The exhibit was inspired by the ancient tale of Grim, a fisherman who rescued Havelock, a Danish prince, off the Lincolnshire coast. The experience, created by those behind the festival Grim Falfest, will see visitors sit in front of a large curved screen and "travel" through the town, reimagined as a Viking village. Ms Thompson, who was festival director, said: "Our Viking heritage and the legend of Havelock and Grim is a unique story that belongs to our town. "We wanted to create something special that both children and adults of all ages could enjoy and bring the story to life in a different way." The experience was created using gaming technology, vocal recordings, greenscreens and re-enactors in motion-capture suits. Performing arts students from the Grimsby Institute played some of the villagers and the soundtrack was created by Humber Taiko Drummers. James Nuttall, from the re-enactment group Lindesige Saeweard, said providing the "actions and voice to such an iconic character as Grim was an incredible experience". The exhibit will run from 29 -31 May at Grimsby Minster. A Viking longship, built by local craftspeople, will also be on display. Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here. Viking village and parade celebrate town heritage Viking festival axed after funding ends
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Ohio bill aims to help residents pay off their medical debt
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) – A recently introduced Ohio bill is aiming to help residents pay off their medical debt. House Bill 257 would cap interest rates for medical debt at 3% per year and prohibit health care providers and third-party collectors from reporting medical debt to credit agencies. Introduced by Reps. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) and Jean Schmidt (R-Loveland) last week, the bill would also prohibit wage garnishment for medical debt, meaning courts could not demand employers withhold a person's earnings and use that money to repay debt. 'Medical debt can happen to anyone,' Grim said at a May 6 news conference. 'No one chooses to get sick or injured, no one plans on a car accident, a cancer diagnosis or an unexpected hospital stay. Yet for too many Ohioans, this is exactly how medical debt begins. Across our state, families are being punished not for financial recklessness, but for needing health care.' Currently in Ohio, if a medical bill goes to collections, patients can face an interest rate of 8% or higher, according to Grim. While the legislation does not forgive medical debt, its sponsors claim it would help ensure patients are not trapped in a cycle of ever-growing debt. 'You're still responsible for the debt, but it won't ruin the rest of your life,' Schmidt said. 'It will give Ohioans added safeguards so they can continue to get well and live a life that gives them the opportunity to be healthy, both physically, mentally and economically.' About 9.1%, or 810,000, of adults in Ohio reported having medical debt in a given year from 2019 to 2021, according to the health research nonprofit Kaiser Family Foundation. The organization found those with medical debt often cut back on basic household necessities, drain their savings accounts, increase their credit card debt and take on extra jobs. 'You might have insurance, but there are unintended costs that go outside of insurance,' Schmidt said. 'This bill is common sense.' Rachel Doan, a Columbus area resident, shared her experience with medical debt at the news conference announcing the bill. In 2010, her then 7-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia. Fifteen years later, she said her family is still dealing with the medical debt of her son, who is now a 22-year-old student at Ohio State University. 'There are some bills that I know went to collections, which I know are on my credit report,' Doan said. 'Not for lack of me making monthly minimum payments — there is only so much money I can make and keep my family together. I would like to tell you that I am an exception; I am not.' HB 257 has been referred to the Health Committee where it awaits its first hearing. The bill has 26 cosponsors, including both Democrat and Republican lawmakers. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Bipartisan bill would help Ohioans pay off their medical debt, but not eliminate it
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Illustration by iStock / Getty Images Plus. A pair of Ohio House lawmakers want to help people pay off their medical debt. State Reps. Michele Grim, D-Toledo, and Jean Schmidt, R-Loveland, are introducing the Ohio Medical Debt Fairness Act. The bill would lower the maximum interest rate for medical debt to 3% per year; prohibit hospitals, medical providers, and third-party collectors from reporting medical debt to credit agencies; and ban wage garnishment for medical debt collections. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX 'Medical debt can happen to anyone,' Grim said Tuesday during a news conference. 'No one chooses to get sick or injured. No one plans for a car accident, a cancer diagnosis or an unexpected hospital stay, and yet, for too many Ohioans, this is exactly how medical debt begins across our state.' The bill, however, would not eliminate medical debt. 'You're still responsible for the debt, but it won't ruin the rest of your life,' Schmidt said. 'It will give Ohioans added safeguards so they can continue to get wealth and live a life that gives them the opportunity to be healthy, both physically, mentally and economically.' Currently, if a medical bill goes to collections, patients can face an interest rate of 8% or higher, Grim said. 'That's predatory and unfair,' she said. 'It's outrageous that a visit to the ER can tank your credit score for years.' Twenty million Americans owe medical debt and people in the United States owe at least $220 billion in medical debt, according to data from the Survey of Income and Program Participation. About 14 million people in the U.S. owe more than $1,000 in medical debt and about three million people owe more than $10,000 in medical debt, according to SIPP's data. About 18% of Americans have medical debt that was turned over to a third party for collection, according to a report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in July 2021. 'Medical debt occurs when you least expect it and are unprepared for the unexpected costs associated with it,' Grim said. 'You might have insurance, but there are unintended costs that go outside of insurance.' Rachel Doan's seven-year-old son was diagnosed with leukemia back in 2010 and her family faced serious medical bills on top of unexpected expenses like gas, parking and food. Their first medical bill was $125,000. 'You also have no choice over who walks into your child's room,' Doan said. 'They may or may not be in network. If they are not in network, you have no power to negotiate over them.' Fifteen years later, her family is still paying off her son's medical bills. 'There are some bills that I know I went to collections that are on my credit report, not for lack of me making monthly medical payments,' Doan said. 'There's only so much money I can make and keep my family together.' Today, her son is a 22-year-old Ohio University senior, but he has long-term side effects from the treatments he received as a child. 'There are times when things come up and he will call me worried, and he will not want to go seek medical attention because he's worried about the financial cost,' Doan said. 'I am scared to death that he will not seek medical treatment when he needs it because he is worried about the financial burden to himself.' Follow Capital Journal Reporter Megan Henry on Bluesky. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE
Scottish Sun
26-04-2025
- Scottish Sun
Britain's Gen Z gamers being headhunted and trained by ex-Royal Marine ‘Grim' to join Ukraine's army of drone pilots
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITISH Gen Z gamers are becoming drone pilots in Ukraine to fight against Russian forces - with the help of a former Royal Marine. The Navy veteran, in his 60s, is helping to select and train volunteers from around the world - including many young Brits - who have flown out to join the fight against Vladimir Putin's forces, following the Russian invasion three years ago. 7 Gamers from around the world have joined Ukraine's 25th Airborne Brigade Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade 7 The ex Royal Marine - codenamed Grim - asked to have his face blurred for security reasons Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade 7 Gamers make ideal drone operators, according to Grim Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade Battle tanks worth millions of pounds can be destroyed by kamikaze drones costing less than £400 each. Drones being used by Ukrainian forces earlier this month destroyed a Russian squadron in revenge for a deadly missile strike on Sumy, which callously killed 34 - including civilians and two children. The Ukrainian army's ranks have been swelled by gamers whose computer skills and hand-eye coordination honed on games such as Call of Duty and Battlefield make them ideal drone operators, according to ex-Marine "Grim" from Ukraine's 25th Airborne Brigade. Grim, who has asked not to be pictured and only identified by his call sign for security reasons, told The Sun: 'I think the hand-eye coordination that they have gathered and accrued over years of playing computer games and PlayStations certainly lends itself to this type of warfare. 'From America and the UK to Sweden, Slovakia and Colombia - [they come from] all over. 'There isn't one particular profile, but they tend to be younger and they tend to have computer skills which lend themselves to flying FPV (first-person view) drones, including having done FPV work before in their own countries.' One recruit is a politics graduate from Wales who served with the British Army - and uses the call sign 'Cowboy'. 'I decided to come to Ukraine because this is something I have cared about for a long time,' said the 25-year-old. 'I focused my master's degree on this topic, and I want to be someone who works for what they believe in. 'At the 25th, I have found many determined individuals from across the world all working together for victory.' Grim - who did tours of Northern Ireland and Bosnia during his military career - 'fell in love' with the Ukrainian people when he delivered humanitarian aid to the country last year. 'I was given the opportunity to drive in a convoy to Ukraine bringing aid to the people here,' said Grim, 66. 'From that, I fell in love with the people, and I'm fully behind the cause. 'I've done a number of jobs out here, including a further two convoys, and working for a charity in the Kharkiv region. 'I was then given the opportunity to work as a training support and admin advisor with the 25th Brigade, which is where I am now.' Would-be drone pilots, many of them gamers, are met at a secret location in Ukraine by Grim after travelling independently to the country. Only the best get through... and ultimately they could get killed on the front line.' Former Royal Marine "Grim" They undergo a two-week selection course, which is used to identify the best pilots, navigators and engineers. 'My job is to provide training support. I have got a lot of experience in the military writing training programmes, overseeing training. That's my input here," he said. While drone operators can work away from the front line, their job is not without risk. Grim said: 'They'll go on rotation to the front line. There's a risk. 'They do a selection course, which is pretty tough. Only the best get through. They then go on to do basic training, and they then become a member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and ultimately they could get killed on the front line.' Volunteers who join the 25th Airborne Brigade are driven by the desire to help Ukraine maintain its independence from Russia, according to Grim. 'They know the risks' 'That's the common thing [belief in Ukraine's sovereignty],' said Grim. 'They're intelligent, and fully know the risks. 'They are fully behind the cause of a country which has had an unjust and illegal invasion, and fully believe in the sovereignty of Ukraine.' Volunteers who pass the selection process are invited to sign six-month contracts as soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces before attending a six-week training course. Men and women aged 18 to 45 are allowed to sign up and military or combat experience is not required, according to the regiment's website, which is calling for volunteers to sign up as medics, snipers and anti-tank specialists as well as UAV operators. 7 Grim said gamers have excellent hand-eye co-ordination Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade 7 Drones can destroy battle tanks worth millions Credit: 25th Brigade 7 The volunteers come from around the world and are met at a secret location Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade The British government advises against people enlisting in the Ukrainian armed forces and state that those who do could be prosecuted on their return. They also warn that Brits who have joined up have been "killed or captured". Fallen heroes British teenage James Wilton, 18, was killed minutes into his first mission in Ukraine by a Russian drone, The Sun exclusively revealed back in February. James, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was killed last July just months after he'd flown out to join the Ukrainian war effort aged just 17. Former Royal Welsh Fusilier Alexander Garms-Rizzi, who went awol from the army to fight in Ukraine also died on the frontlines earlier this year. He joined the Ukrainian forces soon after the invasion in 2022 but was jailed on his return to the UK, before returning to the frontlines after serving eight months of his sentence. Back in February, another former soldier fighting for Ukraine, Christopher Walker, 39, from Salisbury, Wiltshire, was reported to have been killed in action fighting Putin's forces, according to Russian media. They are feared to be among many more British volunteers who have died or been captured in Ukraine. Peace deal carve-up like post-war Berlin UKRAINE could be carved up like Berlin after World War Two as part of a peace deal, Donald Trump's top negotiator has said. Keith Kellogg revealed British and French troops could take control of the west of the country while Putin's forces remain in the occupied East. A 'coalition of the willing' led by British and French troops would be 'not provocative' to Russia, former US Army General Kellogg claimed. He told The Times: 'You could almost make it look like what happened with Berlin after World War Two, when you had a Russian zone, a French zone, a British zone, and a US zone.' Kellogg, who previously said Putin may have to give up land to reach a deal, was barred from peace talks last month when Russia complained he was 'too close' to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. He was replaced by Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Friday in a four-hour meeting with Putin, with the Kremlin and the US refusing to reveal what progress was made. The Kremlin said only that the meeting, in St Petersburg, focused on a 'Ukrainian settlement'. Trump previously told Putin to 'get moving' to end the war. Government warning "If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation. You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK," the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office state on their website. "Since 18 May 2024, British nationals who join the International Legion or Ukraine Armed Forces have to serve at least six months and are not allowed to leave Ukraine during this period. "British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of maltreatment, is high. "The British Government's ability to support you in these circumstances is very limited. It cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine, your medical repatriation, or termination of your military contract." Meanwhile, as the bloody war rages on, hopes for a ceasefire appear to be fading as Putin refuses to let up his attacks. The Sumy strike on April 13 - in which Russia deliberately targeted civilians - was one of the most horrific since the conflict began. A huge missile measuring over 20 feet was fired into the town centre as people were returning from church on Palm Sunday. Another missile followed minutes later which scattered explosives over rescue workers in a bid to cause maximum carnage. World leaders widely condemned the attack as a "war crime" with US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce warning: 'There will be no negotiations, no decisions, no agreements until this carnage stops."
The Irish Sun
26-04-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Britain's Gen Z gamers being headhunted and trained by ex-Royal Marine ‘Grim' to join Ukraine's army of drone pilots
BRITISH Gen Z gamers are becoming drone pilots in Ukraine to fight against Russian forces - with the help of a former Royal Marine. The Navy veteran, in his 60s, is helping to select and train volunteers from around the world - including many young Brits - who have flown out to join the fight against Vladimir Putin's forces, following the Russian invasion three years ago. 7 Gamers from around the world have joined Ukraine's 25th Airborne Brigade Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade 7 The ex Royal Marine - codenamed Grim - asked to have his face blurred for security reasons Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade 7 Gamers make ideal drone operators, according to Grim Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade Battle Drones being used by Ukrainian forces earlier this month The Grim, who has asked not to be pictured and only identified by his call sign for security reasons, told The Sun: 'I think the hand-eye coordination that they have gathered and accrued over years of playing computer games and PlayStations certainly lends itself to this type of warfare. Read more on Ukraine 'From America and the UK to Sweden, Slovakia and Colombia - [they come from] all over. 'There isn't one particular profile, but they tend to be younger and they tend to have computer skills which lend themselves to flying FPV (first-person view) drones, including having done FPV work before in their own countries.' One recruit is a politics graduate from Wales who served with the British Army - and uses the call sign 'Cowboy'. 'I decided to come to Ukraine because this is something I have cared about for a long time,' said the 25-year-old. Most read in The Sun 'I focused my master's degree on this topic, and I want to be someone who works for what they believe in. 'At the 25th, I have found many determined individuals from across the world all working together for victory.' Grim - who did tours of Northern Ireland and 'I was given the opportunity to drive in a convoy to Ukraine bringing aid to the people here,' said Grim, 66. 'From that, I fell in love with the people, and I'm fully behind the cause. 'I've done a number of jobs out here, including a further two convoys, and working for a charity in the Kharkiv region. 'I was then given the opportunity to work as a training support and admin advisor with the 25th Brigade, which is where I am now.' Would-be Only the best get through... and ultimately they could get killed on the front line.' Former Royal Marine "Grim" They undergo a two-week selection course, which is used to identify the best pilots, navigators and engineers. 'My job is to provide training support. I have got a lot of experience in the military writing training programmes, overseeing training. That's my input here," he said. While drone operators can work away from the front line, their job is not without risk. Grim said: 'They'll go on rotation to the front line. There's a risk. 'They do a selection course, which is pretty tough. Only the best get through. They then go on to do basic training, and they then become a member of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, and ultimately they could get killed on the front line.' Volunteers who join the 25th Airborne Brigade are driven by the desire to help Ukraine maintain its independence from Russia, according to Grim. 'They know the risks' 'That's the common thing [belief in Ukraine's sovereignty],' said Grim. 'They're intelligent, and fully know the risks. 'They are fully behind the cause of a country which has had an unjust and illegal invasion, and fully believe in the sovereignty of Ukraine.' Volunteers who pass the selection process are invited to sign six-month contracts as soldiers of the Ukrainian Armed Forces before attending a six-week training course. Men and women aged 18 to 45 are allowed to sign up and military or combat experience is not required, according to the regiment's 7 Grim said gamers have excellent hand-eye co-ordination Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade 7 Drones can destroy battle tanks worth millions Credit: 25th Brigade 7 The volunteers come from around the world and are met at a secret location Credit: 25th Airborne Brigade The British government advises against people enlisting in the Ukrainian armed forces and state that those who do could be prosecuted on their return. They also warn that Brits who have joined up have been "killed or captured". Fallen heroes British teenage James, from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire, was killed last July just months after he'd flown out to join the Ukrainian war effort aged just 17. Former Royal Welsh Fusilier He joined the Ukrainian forces soon after the invasion in 2022 but was jailed on his return to the UK, before returning to the frontlines after serving eight months of his sentence. Back in February, another former soldier fighting for Ukraine, They are feared to be among many more Peace deal carve-up like post-war Berlin UKRAINE could be carved up like Berlin after World War Two as part of a peace deal, Donald Trump's top negotiator has said. Keith Kellogg revealed British and French troops could take control of the west of the country while Putin's forces remain in the occupied East. A 'coalition of the willing' led by British and French troops would be 'not provocative' to Russia, former US Army General Kellogg claimed. He told The Times: 'You could almost make it look like what happened with Berlin after World War Two, when you had a Russian zone, a French zone, a British zone, and a US zone.' Kellogg, who previously said Putin may have to give up land to reach a deal, was barred from peace talks last month when Russia complained he was 'too close' to Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky. He was replaced by Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff on Friday in a four-hour meeting with Putin, with the Kremlin and the US refusing to reveal what progress was made. The Kremlin said only that the meeting, in St Petersburg, focused on a 'Ukrainian settlement'. Trump previously told Putin to 'get moving' to end the war. Government warning "If you travel to Ukraine to fight, or to assist others engaged in the war, your activities may amount to offences under UK legislation. You could be prosecuted on your return to the UK," the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office state on their website. "Since 18 May 2024, British nationals who join the International Legion or Ukraine Armed Forces have to serve at least six months and are not allowed to leave Ukraine during this period. "British nationals fighting in Ukraine have been killed or captured. British nationals undertaking humanitarian work have also been detained by Russian authorities. The risk to life, or of maltreatment, is high. "The British Government's ability to support you in these circumstances is very limited. It cannot facilitate your departure from Ukraine, your medical repatriation, or termination of your military contract." Meanwhile, as the bloody war rages on, hopes for a ceasefire appear to be fading as Putin refuses to let up his attacks. The Sumy strike on April 13 - in which Russia deliberately targeted civilians - was one of the most horrific since the conflict began. A huge missile measuring over 20 feet was fired into the town centre as people were returning from church on Palm Sunday. Another missile followed minutes later which scattered explosives over rescue workers in a bid to cause maximum carnage. World leaders widely condemned the attack as a "war crime" with US State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce warning: 'There will be no negotiations, no decisions, no agreements until this carnage stops." 7
