Latest news with #MattOwens
Time of India
07-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Brown, MIT lead lawsuit against US government over sweeping science funding cuts
US universities fight back as NSF imposes 15% cap on research cost reimbursements ( Sweeping cuts and growing opposition Billions in funding under threat Brown faces additional federal scrutiny Brown University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), along with 10 other institutions, have filed a lawsuit against the National Science Foundation (NSF), seeking to block newly announced limits on indirect cost reimbursements for federally funded research. The suit, filed in US District Court in Massachusetts, challenges the NSF's decision to cap overhead reimbursements at 15 percent for all new college and university plaintiffs argue that the proposed funding changes would severely weaken the nation's leadership in global research and to the complaint, the cuts are unlawful and could 'badly undermine scientific research at America's universities,' as reported by the Boston Globe. In fiscal year 2024, MIT received $97 million in NSF funding for research under grants and cooperative agreements. Brown, in the same period, expended $34.4 million from the NSF to support nearly 250 scientific NSF's policy shift, announced on Friday, mirrors previously attempted limits by the National Institutes of Health and the US Department of Energy. Those prior efforts were later blocked by federal courts. The new NSF rule applies to all indirect research costs and is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to reduce what it considers excessive spending in elite academic education leaders have responded with strong criticism. Matt Owens, president of the Council on Governmental Relations (COGR), said the move represents a significant threat to US scientific competitiveness. 'The third time is not a charm; rather, it is disaster in the making for American science [and] technology and our nation's continuing competitiveness,' he stated, as quoted by the Boston 2024, the NSF allocated $7.2 billion for research and related academic activities, distributing funds to over 1,850 colleges and universities across the country. These grants often cover not only research activities but also vital administrative and operational costs. According to the plaintiffs, the 15 percent cap on indirect costs would force institutions to divert funds from other critical areas or reduce the scope of research D. Freeman, president and CEO of the National Association of College and University Business Officers, called the cuts 'short-sighted and ultimately against the nation's interests,' as reported by the Boston Globe. She added, 'The truth is that without a federal partner to share some of the costs of innovation, ground-breaking research, and other life-changing advances, these costs will fall directly and indirectly on current students or bring this vital work to a halt.'In addition to the NSF cuts, Brown University is contending with a separate $510 million federal funding freeze. According to the Boston Globe, this action is part of the Trump administration's initiative to hold universities accountable for alleged antisemitism on campuses. Brown spokesman Brian Clark noted that the university has yet to receive official notification but confirmed that about three dozen research grants—many tied to diversity, equity, and inclusion—have already been added that widespread cuts could lead to layoffs and halt high-impact research projects. Brown President Christina H. Paxson emphasized the national consequences, warning that reductions in NSF funding would cause the US to 'lose its global competitive edge in areas such as quantum computing, machine learning, advanced novel engineering materials and biomechanics,' as quoted by the Boston Globe.A spokesperson for MIT did not respond to requests for comment, as reported by the Boston Globe.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mercy Health, Cigna reach agreement
Apr. 2—LIMA — Mercy Health has an agreement to keep Cigna commercial health insurance plans in its network, the hospital system announced Wednesday morning. The health network and insurance company entered contract negotiations earlier this year to set hospital and other medical prices for Cigna commercial health insurance plans. The two parties reached an agreement Tuesday following a 24-hour contract extension to avoid a lapse in coverage for the estimated 30,000 Ohioans insured through Cigna commercial insurance plans who visit Mercy Health providers, including Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center in Lima. "We believe that access to quality health care services is vital for our community members," said Dr. Matt Owens, chief clinical officer for Mercy Health-Lima, in a news release. "After several months of negotiations, we are pleased to have reached a new agreement that protects our patients' access to affordable, compassionate care close to home. "Having access to the providers you know and trust is critical for the health of our community, and we are grateful to our patients who entrust us with their care. We look forward to serving you for years to come." Health systems and insurance companies routinely negotiate prices for medical services, but patients are increasingly finding themselves at the center of those negotiations. Mercy Health urged patients to contact Cigna while negotiations were underway this year, as the health system alleged Cigna had not provided a rate increase for six years in some markets. Meanwhile, Cigna alleged the price increases Mercy Health wanted would "make healthcare unaffordable" for its customers. The two parties last negotiated prices for employer-sponsored health insurance plans in 2022. The disputes are often resolved without disruption in coverage, but patients can lose access to their doctors or pay higher out-of-network prices when a health system decides to stop accepting an insurance plan. Nearly 50,000 Ohioans insured through Anthem-managed Medicaid insurance plans temporarily lost in-network access to Mercy Health hospitals and medical practices in Ohio two years ago, as the health system sought higher reimbursement rates from Anthem's commercial insurance plans. The health system threated to terminate its contract with Anthem Medicare Advantage plans that same year, though the two parties reached an agreement before those patients lost coverage. Featured Local Savings
Express Tribune
23-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Matt Owens steps down as One Piece co-showrunner ahead of season two release on Netflix
Matt Owens, co-showrunner and executive producer of Netflix's live-action One Piece series, is stepping down. The announcement comes as the show prepares for its second season. In a statement posted on Instagram, Owens shared that the past six years working on the adaptation have been 'a life-changing journey and a dream come true,' but he is choosing to take a step back for his mental health. 'It's also been a LOT. So I'm stepping off the Going Merry to take a break and focus on myself,' he wrote, thanking creator Eiichiro Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for their partnership and support. As reported by Deadline, Owens co-led the first season alongside Steven Maeda, who exited his showrunning role after season one but remains an executive producer. Joe Tracz took over as co-showrunner in April 2024 and will continue to lead the series into season two, which wrapped production last month. Owens' departure is not expected to impact the series' trajectory or its chances of renewal for a third season. He co-wrote at least one episode for the upcoming season and played a key role in shaping the creative direction and long-term vision of the show. Season one of One Piece received positive reception and recently won two Emmy Awards—one for stunt coordination and another for best original song in a kids or YA program. Season two, which has yet to receive a release date, will introduce new characters, including Lera Abova as Nico Robin and Joe Manganiello as Mr. 0.
Yahoo
23-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Match Day brings physician residents to St. Rita's
Mar. 22—LIMA — Twenty-six incoming physician residents and one fellow have matched to its Graduate Medical Education (GME) Program for 2025, according to a press release from Mercy Health-St. Rita's Medical Center. Twelve residents are in Internal Medicine, six in Emergency Medicine, six in Family Medicine, and two are in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery. This year's fellow is the first in the new Healthcare Administration Leadership Management Fellowship, which equips physicians with leadership skills for the healthcare environment. Match Day showcases where medical students will begin their residency training. "Match Day is a moment of great pride — not just for our incoming residents, but for all of us at Mercy Health-St. Rita's," Mercy Health-Lima Chief Clinical Officer Dr. Matt Owens said. This year's class comes from 18 different medical schools, according to the press release. For more information on residency and fellowship programs, visit Featured Local Savings
Forbes
22-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Some Disappointing News About ‘One Piece' Going Forward On Netflix
One Piece One Piece season 2 has wrapped filming and will be out some time in 2025, Netflix has confirmed, but after this, it's going to lose a key piece of its puzzle, its co-showrunner. One Piece co-showrunner Matt Owens has said that he's stepping away from the show after season 2, after it's taken up more than half a decade of his life and it's time for a break for at least some amount of time. Here's what he said about it: 'The last 6 years working on the live action One Piece have been a life changing journey. A dream come true. It's also been A LOT. So I'm stepping off the Going Merry to take a break and focus on myself and my mental health.' 'Thank you so much to Oda, Shueisha, Tomorrow Studios, Netflix, and the entire cast and crew for your trust, partnership, and hard work. For now I'm gonna take a breath, do some therapy, try and rank up in Marvel Rivals, and come back refreshed for the new adventures that await. Thanks to everyone who has supported me. See you real soon!' LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 14: (L-R) Matt Owens and Steven Maeda, winners of the "Outstanding ... More Writing Children's Episodic Long Form and Specials" award for "Romance Dawn (One Piece,)" pose in the press room during the 2024 Writers Guild Awards Los Angeles Ceremony at the Hollywood Palladium on April 14, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo byfor Writers Guild of America West) I don't have any idea how people run shows at all, much less one as ambitious as a live-action One Piece, one of the most storied anime properties of all time, but Owen clearly has done a great job. Taking a break for his mental health is totally understandable and should be applauded, as no show is worth that kind of cost if you need a breather. Hopefully he can maybe regroup and come back later, as he does seem to indicate, but if he wants to move on, so be it. Netflix is wholly on board with this and posted a message in support on Instagram, reposting his story. 'You set us on a course for something truly special,' they said. As said, Owens has been co-showrunner. After season 1, his old co-showrunner Steven Maeda left to become an executive producer (the two had developed the show together) and Joe Tracz stepped in for season 2. Now, it appears Tracz will be the sole showrunner for season 3 (which has not been confirmed by Netflix, but seems more than likely to happen). While it's disappointing Owens is leaving, given what a great job he did, it's totally understandable to want a break. Maybe you'll run into him in a Marvel Rivals match. Follow me on Twitter, YouTube, Bluesky and Instagram. Pick up my sci-fi novels the Herokiller series and The Earthborn Trilogy.
