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Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
We have money to fight Kentucky's opioid crisis. Let's not waste it.
For decades, Kentucky has been on the front lines of the opioid crisis, suffering deeply as addiction, overdose and despair ripped through our communities. But today, for the first time in a generation, we have the tools — and the funding — to finally fight back. Thanks to landmark settlements with pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors, states and municipalities across the country will receive over $50 billion in opioid abatement funding over the next 18 years. Kentucky alone is poised to receive more than $800 million. These funds represent an unprecedented opportunity to reverse the damage done and build a recovery system that works — not only for those battling substance use disorder (SUD) today but for future generations as well. But with this opportunity comes a responsibility that we cannot afford to squander. Already, we're seeing the warning signs. A yearlong investigation by KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation) Health News, along with researchers at the Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health and the national nonprofit, Shatterproof, found many jurisdictions used settlement funds on items and services with tenuous, if any, connections to addiction. These choices may help balance ledgers, but they fundamentally betray the purpose of these funds. This money was not awarded to maintain the status quo. As Robert Kent, former general counsel for the Office of National Drug Control Policy, put it, 'Certainly, the spirit of the settlements wasn't to keep doing what you're doing. It was to do more." Kentucky must not follow this path. To be sure, the temptation is real. Counties face budgetary constraints, state agencies are stretched thin and public servants are overdue for raises. But the long-term cost of misusing these funds will far exceed any short-term relief. Not only could such decisions lead to clawbacks of funds or disqualifications for future disbursements under the terms of the settlement agreements, they would also represent a tragic missed opportunity to finally turn the tide in our battle against addiction. Gerth: I work with people battling addiction. Trump's tariffs won't stop fentanyl. | Opinion Fortunately, Kentucky has already shown it knows how to lead. In 2022, our legislature passed a landmark initiative — the Behavioral Health Conditional Dismissal Program. Backed by $10.5 million in opioid settlement funds, this four-year pilot program provides an alternative to incarceration for individuals charged with certain non-violent, non-sexual misdemeanors and Class D felonies. Instead of jail, eligible participants are evaluated by medical professionals and offered treatment for SUD and/or other mental health conditions. The goal is to use data to create a replicable, collaborative model that breaks the cycle of addiction, reduces recidivism and restores lives. Early signs are promising, and the legislature is rightly considering expansion. This is exactly the kind of innovative, evidence-based programming that Kentucky should prioritize as we distribute settlement funds. Other models from across the country offer inspiration as well. In several jurisdictions, police departments are now pairing with mental health professionals for real-time crisis intervention. These partnerships reduce trauma for both officers and individuals in crisis, lead to more humane outcomes and, ultimately, save taxpayer dollars by reducing unnecessary hospitalizations and incarcerations. The opioid epidemic has already claimed more than 600,000 lives nationally. While recent data from the CDC show a hopeful 17% decline in opioid overdose deaths between July 2023 and July 2024, this drop is not a sign to become complacent — it's a sign that smart policy and targeted investment can work. Opinion: Pope Leo and the Catholic Church, not Trump, should point the way for our future And we'll need them. More potent synthetic opioids like nitazenes and dangerous additives like xylazine ('tranq') are beginning to enter the illicit drug supply. Without aggressive investment in innovative treatment options and infrastructure, public education, harm reduction and law enforcement support, we risk falling behind again just as we're beginning to catch up. Let this be a turning point — not a footnote. Kentucky's business leaders, health care providers, civic institutions and elected officials must all align around one unifying principle: These funds will be used for their intended purpose — to address the opioid crisis. That means rejecting the temptation to misuse funds to paper over fiscal problems or bankroll unrelated projects. It means providing accountability and transparency. And it means staying focused on building a future in which fewer families grieve, fewer children are left behind and more Kentuckians live free from the grip of addiction. This is our shot. Let's not waste it. Vickie Yates Glisson is a lawyer and arbitrator who focuses her practice on health care and health insurance issues. She is president and founder of VYBG Consulting, PLLC and former secretary of the Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: KY can't afford to waste funds to fight the opioid crisis | Opinion
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Scorpio Daily Horoscope Today, June 03, 2025: A calm pause brings right timing
You are known for deep instincts, but even then, it's okay to pause. Today gives you that moment—a calm break to look clearly at your next step. There's no need to act fast. In fact, slowing down will sharpen your inner wisdom. Others may be rushing, but your quiet decision will have the most power. This thoughtful pause will guide you toward a more solid path. Don't confuse waiting with weakness. Right now, patience is your sharpest strength. Let your calm lead. Scorpio Love Horoscope Today In love, you may feel tempted to speak quickly or expect a quick reply. But today, a soft pause can do more healing than strong words. If in a relationship, let your partner speak freely before responding. If single, don't rush to judge someone based on early impression. Wait and watch. One quiet, thoughtful response today can shift the energy in your love life for the better. Scorpio Career Horoscope Today In your career, you might be standing at a crossroad or in the middle of an unclear task. Today, stop and breathe before making decisions. Don't say yes just to please, and don't say no out of fear. Think it through. Someone might be waiting for your move, but you can take your time. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 1/2 Cup Before Bed Burns Body Fat (Watch It Work) Health News Undo Your thoughtful response will create respect. Your wisdom grows in stillness, not in rush. Let your work reflect that. Scorpio Money Horoscope Today Financial matters need slow, steady attention today. Avoid making instant payments or agreeing to any offer without reading the fine details. You may feel pressure from someone to act, but resist it. Take a day to review. You may find an old due you forgot, or a better deal waiting if you wait. This pause may even help you avoid a small loss. Money is not just about action—it's also about right timing. Think slowly, act wisely, and your wallet will thank you. Scorpio Health Horoscope Today Health today improves when you allow yourself quiet time. Your system may be asking for a reset, especially if you've been under emotional stress. You may feel body heaviness or mental fog. Avoid intense exercise or spicy food. Light stretching and warm fluids are better today. A pause from screen time will also help your eyes and mind. Sleep comes easier when your day includes stillness. Don't underestimate the power of a short rest. Your body heals faster when you stop pushing and start listening. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
US weekly jobless claims rise more than expected as labor market eases
The number of Americans filing new applications for unemployment benefits increased more than expected last week, while the jobless rate appeared to have picked up in May as labor market conditions continue to ease. Initial claims for state unemployment benefits rose 14,000 to a seasonally adjusted 240,000 for the week ended May 24, the Labor Department said on Thursday. Economists polled by Reuters had forecast 230,000 claims for the latest week. Worker hoarding by employers following difficulties finding labor during and after the COVID-19 pandemic is underpinning the jobs market. Nonetheless there has been an uptick in layoffs because of economic uncertainty as President Donald Trump pursues an aggressive trade policy, which economists say is making it challenging for businesses to plan ahead. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Mix 4 Kitchen Ingredients, Wake Up Thinner Every Morning Health News Undo A U.S. trade court on Wednesday blocked most of Trump's tariffs from going into effect in a sweeping ruling that the president overstepped his authority. Economists said the ruling, while it offered some relief, had added another layer of uncertainty over the economy. A report from the Bank of America Institute noted a sharp rise in higher-income households receiving unemployment benefits between February and April compared to the same period last year. Its analysis of Bank of America deposit accounts also showed notable rises among lower-income as well as middle-income households in April from the same period a year ago. Live Events Economists expect claims in June to break above their 205,000-243,000 range for this year, mostly driven by difficulties adjusting the data for seasonal fluctuations, following a similar pattern in recent years. That would not suggest a material shift in labor market conditions Minutes of the Federal Reserve's May 6-7 policy meeting published on Wednesday showed while policymakers continued to view labor market conditions as broadly in balance, they "assessed that there was a risk that the labor market would weaken in coming months." They noted that there was "considerable uncertainty" over the job market's outlook, adding "outcomes would depend importantly on the evolution of trade policy as well as other government policies." The U.S. central bank has kept its benchmark overnight interest rate in the 4.25%-4.50% range since December as officials struggle to estimate the impact of Trump's tariffs, which have raised the prospect of higher inflation and slower economic growth this year. The number of people receiving benefits after an initial week of aid, a proxy for hiring, increased 26,000 to a seasonally adjusted 1.919 million during the week ending May 17, the claims report showed. The elevated so-called continuing claims reflect companies' hesitance to increase headcount because of the economic uncertainty. Continuing claims covered the period during which the government surveyed households for May's unemployment rate. The jobless rate was at 4.2% in April. Many people who have lost their jobs are experiencing long spells of unemployment. The median duration of unemployment jumped to 10.4 weeks in April from 9.8 weeks in March.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India readies gas power fleet to prevent summer blackouts
India has invoked emergency measures that require gas-fired power stations to produce more in order to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the summer season, as soaring temperatures boost demand. The nation's grid controller will assess the periods of high demand when the gas-based plants will be required to generate electricity, according to a power ministry order seen by Bloomberg. The units will get a two-week notice, giving them enough time to arrange fuel, the order said. India's gas-fired power facilities, with a combined capacity of more than 20 gigawatts, operate at about a fifth of their full potential as they struggle to source the fuel at rates they can afford in a price-sensitive electricity market. The nation's peak power demand reached a record high of 250 gigawatts last summer and the ministry expects this to hit a new peak this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Hollywood Actress Leaks Weight Loss Trick, Gets Fired! Health News The power produced under the emergency guidelines — effective from May 26 until June 30 — will have assured offtake and be covered under a payment security mechanism, according to the order. The government invoked section 11 of the electricity law that allows it to force any power station to operate as directed in extraordinary circumstances, such as a natural calamity, a threat to national security or any public order. 'In public interest, it is imperative to ensure optimal utilization of all available generation resources to meet the growing power requirements,' the order said. 'Despite leveraging all available resources, occasional power shortages continue to be observed in certain regions during non-solar periods.' Live Events The power ministry didn't immediately respond to an emailed request for comment. Electricity demand in the country has outpaced generation growth, resulting in shortages when consumption surges. Over the past decade, the expansion in capacity has been led by solar power, which now accounts for more than a fifth of the total fleet of 472 gigawatts. That makes the nation vulnerable to blackouts during evenings. 'We expect liquefied natural gas demand to rise substantially from the third week of May and in June as heat waves pick up,' said Akshay Kumar Singh, chief executive officer at Petronet LNG Ltd., an Indian supplier of imported gas. 'We are expecting our Dahej terminal to operate at maximum capacity,' he said on a call Monday.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chris Hayes Says Health News in the Trump Era ‘Feels Like a Dark Joke' After New Surgeon General Pick
Chris Hayes reacted to the news that Donald Trump has selected 'wellness' influencer Casey Means, a close ally of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as his new Surgeon General, with unsurprising bleakness. 'It feels like every single day without fail, there's some new headline about the nation's health infrastructure that feels like a dark joke. From the largest measles outbreak since eradication, to nearly $2 billion in research grants being canceled. And the latest is this one: Donald Trump taps wellness influencer, close to RFK Jr for Surgeon General,' Hayes said. 'Her name is Dr. Casey. Means, though she is not a licensed medical doctor, she is an online holistic wellness influencer, which means she goes on a lot of shows touting her health advice,' He continued, at which point he ran clips of various TV appearances, including a 'Real Time' appearance where she shared anti-vaccines views. Hayes then brought on Kathleen Sebelius, the former Kansa governor who served as Secretary of Health and Human Services — Kennedy's current job — under Barack Obama, to discuss. At one point, Hayes asked, 'Some of what she's saying, like, we, you know, have chronic disease in this country because we use too much sugar, is kind of non controversial. But then it seems like there's a fair amount of woo-woo nonsense in there. And she's also not a licensed, you know, physician, and her views on vaccines make me very nervous. And I guess I wonder, like, how, how bad is it?' 'Well, it can be really bad,' Sebelius replied. 'There's no question what I've seen this woman say, is she's an antivaxxer. That's terrifying. That is a terrifying position for the Secretary to hold,' Sebelius said shortly after. 'It's a terrifying position for the Surgeon General, and it will confuse and potentially kill people in this country if parents really aren't sure of the advice they're given. Go after processed foods. Go after salt and sugar and food, talk to your colleague in the Ag department to take on the food industry and to you know, make sure that people can have fewer antibiotics in the meat that they eat. Those are all things that could make us healthier… but, boy, you mix that with lots of false information and making up stuff and pushing supplements that have no proven value, and then you have a real mess on your hands.' You can watch the full conversation below: The post Chris Hayes Says Health News in the Trump Era 'Feels Like a Dark Joke' After New Surgeon General Pick | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
