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Irish Independent
3 days ago
- General
- Irish Independent
Boon for Wicklow cyclists and walkers as construction starts to improve busy road
Chapel Road between Delgany and Blacklion is a busy section that has been under appraisal for some years. It was felt that pedestrian and cycle facilities along this road do not form a coherent, attractive or safe experience, in particular, for young children travelling to and from school, with St. Laurence's National School located along the road. Construction of the Chapel Road (Delgany) Pedestrian and Cycle Infrastructure Improvement Scheme to address this has now commenced and should reach completion in the second quarter of 2026. The scheme was proposed several years ago and was included in the Greystones Local Area Plan 2013 – 2019. It will involve upgrades of key sections of the road from the Convent Road Roundabout to Blacklion Manor Road, improving not only the footpaths and introducing new cycle track facilities, but also widening and realigning the road, to enhance safety and access for all road users. This will link in seamlessly with existing cycle and pedestrian facilities previously completed on Chapel Road, ensuring a continuous, accessible route for all. The scheme also includes the construction of two permanent bus stops, further supporting sustainable, integrated travel options for the area. Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Cllr Paul O'Brien said: 'This journey didn't happen overnight. The project received Part 8 Planning approval in January 2020, and the necessary land was secured through a compulsory purchase order approved by An Bord Pleanála in February 2022. 'I'd like to acknowledge the significant funding commitment which has made this project possible. It is 100pc funded by Wicklow County Council through development contributions, a testament to our commitment to reinvesting in the communities that make Wicklow such a vibrant and connected place to live.' Wicklow County Council chief executive Emer O'Gorman added: 'At its core, the scheme addresses the current gaps in pedestrian and cycle safety, particularly for our youngest road users—children walking or cycling to school. By delivering a safer and more coherent route, we are supporting healthier lifestyles, reducing traffic congestion and providing a more pleasant environment for all. 'I would like to thank DBFL Consulting Engineers, for designing and managing the construction of this scheme, as well as our appointed contractor, Coffey Group, whose team is currently hard at work on site and to the communities who have supported and advocated for this work— thank you to everyone who helped make it possible. Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible. It's an exciting day for the community and a significant step forward for active travel in Wicklow. 'We look forward to seeing the positive impact this project will have on the everyday lives of our residents and visitors alike.'
Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Yellowstone star Kevin Costner's embattled movie project faces struggle, gets disappointing update
Yellowstone's Kevin Costner's movie project in trouble Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel Kevin Costner, the star of Yellowstone, is forging ahead with his Horizon series amid various hurdles and scandals and the future beyond 2024's first installment looks bleak. Kevin Costner is forging on with his ambitious Horizon series, despite facing an array of obstacles and simmering eager for the third chapter of the proposed quartet of Western epics may be in for a torturous wait, as the release date remains elusive. The ambitious four-part film project has faced challenges from the start. Reports suggest that Kevin Costner's decision to invest $38 million of his own money created strain in his former marriage to Christine Baumgartner and may have played a key role in his departure from Yellowstone, reports Hollywood it hit theaters in August 2024, it earned only $11 million on opening weekend, and a total of $32 million globally as of September 2024, a month after it premiered. The second film was ultimately pulled from a theatrical the disappointing box office performance of the first film — a particular blow to Kevin Costner, who had personally invested $38 million (£28 million) — plans for a theatrical release of the sequel were this setback, serious allegations of sexual discrimination and harassment have surfaced from the production. Stuntwoman Devyn LaBella has filed a lawsuit, claiming she was involved in a 'violent, unscripted, and unscheduled rape scene.'Costner's legal team has firmly denied the allegations, stating they are 'entirely without merit.'Despite its myriad of challenges — most recently allegations of sexual discrimination, sexual harassment and creation of a hostile work environment based on sex on set — production on Horizon appears to be continuing, though not without ongoing challenges. While the first film is available on Netflix, the second has yet to be made available on streaming after it failed to have a theatrical release. When asked if he's heard an update about the second chapter's release, Glynn Turman, who appeared in the second film and is meant to also feature in the third installment, confessed: "Not a thing."Although filming for Part 3 reportedly kicked off, Turman revealed to ScreenRant: "I don't know if they've continued it."Speaking to ScreenRant, he elaborated: "I think there was a temporary shutdown and I don't know if they went back, but Part 2, I can't wait to see."While the first installment is already streaming on Netflix, there's still no official word on when Horizon: Chapter 2 will be admitted he's completely in the dark about the timeline.'It's a bit frustrating—not just for me, but for everyone involved,' he said. 'That said, I really love Part 1. It reminds us of classic filmmaking—story-driven, immersive—and Kevin is one of the best at delivering that. I truly admire the bold move he made.'Speculation around the project's rocky production and Kevin Costner's split from Christine Baumgartner has fueled rumors about why he exited Yellowstone just as it was building toward its an interview with Entertainment Tonight, the veteran actor reflected on his career trajectory:'I don't mind going along with the crowd, but if they're not heading where I want to go, I have no problem taking my own path.'I'm just hoping to find that rare creative partner—man or woman—who wants to make meaningful films with me for the next decade. 'Someone who believes in telling stories that might actually stand the test of time.'
Perth Now
4 days ago
- General
- Perth Now
Relic from infamous WA shipwreck to get new home
It withstood war, treacherous seas, and decades of unfortunate events — now, a relic from one of WA's most infamous shipwrecks has dropped anchor in Wanneroo. The last surviving lifeboat from the SS Alkimos, which the nearby suburb takes its name from, has been acquired by the City of Wanneroo. The SS Alkimos, a merchant ship and former wartime transport vessel built in the US during World War II, met its fate along the WA coastline in 1964 after running aground while being towed. Your local paper, whenever you want it. Since then, the vessel has captured the imagination of both historians and locals, becoming a lasting symbol in WA's maritime history. The SS Alkimos in January 1964. Credit: Stan Perkins / Western Australian Museum Originating as the Viggo Hansteen under Norwegian ownership, the ship has long been associated with tragic events, including a fatal accident during construction that claimed several workers. A murder-suicide also occurred on board in 1944, further fuelling the local legends that surround the vessel and its legacy. The ship ran aground off New Zealand in 1952, was sold and renamed SS Alkimos in 1953, and after striking a reef near WA in 1963 it was towed for repairs but ultimately driven ashore again when its tug line snapped. In the 60 years since the ship ran aground, much of the SS Alkimos has been salvaged, while the unrelenting conditions of the Indian Ocean have worn down what's left, leaving little visible above the water. All that remains of the SS Alkimos wreck above water. Credit: Wanneroo Museum As time and these elements erode what remains of the ship — now resting about 410m offshore — efforts to preserve what was saved from the wreck have become increasingly significant. With the goal of preserving an important piece of WA and the city's maritime history, the City of Wanneroo acquired the lifeboat last week from a private owner who had cherished it for decades. City of Wanneroo Regional Museum curator Alana Part said the city hoped to create a special exhibition on the SS Alkimos, with the lifeboat as the centrepiece, after an assessment by a conservator to explore potential restoration work. 'We're very excited to have it in the collection and to be able to share it with the community,' Ms Part said. '(The lifeboat) helps us enrich the museum collection. It allows us to tell stories about the Alkimos with something really concrete that we didn't have before. 'In the future, there'll be people that ask questions when we can no longer see the Alkimos, and it's completely underwater. These will be the last remaining things we have from such an important shipwreck.' City of Wanneroo Regional Museum curator Alana Part with the lifeboat. Credit: City of Wanneroo Despite its age, Ms Part said the lifeboat was in a 'surprisingly good' condition. 'One of the things the owner said to us when we were acquiring it was that it's still seaworthy,' Ms Part said. 'We weren't expecting much because, obviously, knowing the state of the Alkimos and the fact that it's been exposed to elements, and it's been well used throughout the years, but it's actually been well looked after. 'It's about seven metres long and 2.5 metres wide, so it's pretty huge.' The lifeboat is said to be in surprisingly good condition and still seaworthy, despite its age. Credit: Supplied Given its history plagued by misfortune, the ship is considered by many to be cursed. In the years immediately after the SS Alkimos running aground, around 12 salvage attempts were made. All failed, with several fires breaking out during scrapping. Some divers reported hearing phantom footsteps onboard, and there were reports the skull of a missing swimmer was found lodged at the wreck site — despite the swimmer disappearing around 43km south of the ship. After the SS Alkimos ran aground, it was scrapped over the coming years. Credit: Wanneroo Community History Centre Ms Part said these legends were an important part of the ship's legacy and hopes they will be shared with future generations. 'Anyone who has had something to do with the SS Alkimos always has a story to tell, which we love about it. We document all of those, and I'm sure in a future exhibition we'll be able to explore some of them,' she said. 'The next step for us is we're going to be contacting the Australian National Maritime Museum to apply to have it registered on the Australian Register of Historic Vessels.' Wanneroo mayor Linda Aitken said it was essential to protect this artifact for future generations and was excited to see how the lifeboat could help the community interpret the past and learn through history. 'It's wonderful to have secured the last surviving lifeboat from the SS Alkimos — an important piece of WA's maritime history and a link to the city's own coastal heritage,' Ms Aitken said. 'The preservation and future exhibition of the lifeboat will offer our community an opportunity to connect with the stories of our coastline, including the story of the SS Alkimos shipwreck.'
Health Line
4 days ago
- Business
- Health Line
10 Common Medicare Myths Debunked
There is a lot of information about Medicare, which can lead to various misconceptions or 'myths' about the program. Debunking these myths can help you better understand your options and coverage. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65 or who have certain illnesses or disabilities. There are many options when it comes to Medicare plans and coverage. People may find the various options and enrollment confusing. Explaining some common misconceptions may help you make the best Medicare choices for your circumstances. Glossary of common Medicare terms Out-of-pocket cost: This is the amount you pay for care when Medicare doesn't pay the full cost or offer coverage. It includes premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments. Premium: This is the monthly amount you pay for Medicare coverage. Deductible: This is the annual amount you must spend out of pocket before Medicare begins to cover services and treatments. Coinsurance: This is the percentage of treatment costs you're responsible for paying out of pocket. With Medicare Part B, you typically pay 20%. Copayment: This is a fixed dollar amount you pay when receiving certain treatments or services. With Medicare, this often applies to prescription medications. Myth 1: Medicare Part B is free Medicare Part B helps cover outpatient services and treatments. However, there are out-of-pocket costs involved. Everyone with Medicare is responsible for paying the Part B monthly premium, which starts at $185 and may be higher depending on your income. You are also responsible for paying the $257 Part B deductible. Once you meet this deductible, Medicare will cover 80% of the approved costs for your care, leaving you responsible for the other 20% of the costs. A note on Medicare Advantage If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, you are still required to pay the Part B premium, as well as your plan premium. However, your Medicare Advantage plan will set its own deductible. Myth 2: I can enroll in Medicare whenever I want You are eligible to enroll in Medicare when you turn 65 years old. You have an initial enrollment period that runs for 7 months, beginning 3 months before your birthday and ending 3 months after. During this time, you can enroll in any plan. Medicare also has an open enrollment period from October 15 to December 7 each year. During this time, you can join, drop, or switch to a new plan. If you do not sign up for Medicare parts A and B when you become eligible, you may be subject to late enrollment penalties. Myth 3: Medicare plans are only available through the federal government There are four parts to Medicare, and only two of them are available through the federal government. The four parts are: Part A Part B Part C (Medicare Advantage) Part D Part A and Part B make up Original Medicare, which is provided by the federal government. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) runs the Medicare program, while the Social Security Administration (SSA) processes your enrollment. Medicare Advantage (Part C) and prescription drug coverage (Part D) are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. The insurance providers and plans vary by area. You can find plans in your area using the Medicare online search tool. Myth 4: Medicare covers all of my medical expenses Medicare does have comprehensive coverage for healthcare. However, there are still out-of-pocket expenses involved. Original Medicare (parts A and B) also does not include prescription drug coverage. You will need to purchase a Part D plan from a Medicare-approved private insurance company. Each part of Medicare has its own costs that you are responsible for paying. These include: premiums deductibles copayments coinsurance Medicare cost examples Most people with Medicare Part A do not pay a premium. However, you are responsible for paying the inpatient deductible and the coinsurance for each day you are in the hospital. $1,676 deductible per benefit period Days 1 to 60: $0 after the deductible is met Days 61 to 90: $419 per day Days 91 to 150: $838 per day while using lifetime reserve days After day 150: all costs Everyone with Medicare must pay the Part B premium. The Part B costs include: Premium: $185 or more, depending on income Deductible: $257 annually Coinsurance: 20% of Medicare-approved costs Myth 5: I will be automatically enrolled in Medicare The only time you will be automatically enrolled in Medicare is if you are already receiving Social Security benefits when you become eligible. Otherwise, you will have to go to the SSA website and enroll in Medicare when you become eligible. Medicare and SSDI Anyone who is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is eligible to receive Medicare after 24 months of receiving SSDI. »Learn more: How to apply for Medicare Myth 6: Medicare will notify me when it's time to enroll Medicare won't notify you when you become eligible to enroll. It is up to you to sign up when you become eligible. Generally, you become eligible to enroll 3 months before your 65th birthday. However, you have until 3 months after your birthday to sign up without late enrollment penalties. Myth 7: Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans are the same While both Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) are provided by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, they are separate coverage plans. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative to Original Medicare (parts A and B), and the plans within the former offer the same coverage as the latter. However, they often come with prescription drug coverage (Part D) and additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare, like vision, dental, and hearing. Medigap is extra insurance you can purchase from private insurance companies to help cover costs associated with Original Medicare, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. You cannot have Medigap with a Medicare Advantage plan. You are only eligible to purchase a Medigap plan if you have Original Medicare. Myth 8: Medicare and Medicaid are the same thing Medicare is a federal health insurance program that is generally for people over 65 years old. If you have certain illnesses or disabilities, you may also qualify for Medicare coverage. Since this is a federal program, the coverage and costs are standard no matter where you live, except for Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare is funded through your out-of-pocket costs and taxes as well as two government trust funds. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps pay for medical costs for people with limited incomes. The federal government has certain rules all Medicaid programs must follow. However, each state runs its own program, meaning benefits and eligibility requirements can vary from state to state. People with Medicaid don't typically pay anything for covered medical expenses. However, they may owe a copayment for certain items or services. Myth 9: Medicare costs the same for everyone Many Medicare costs can vary. For example, most people do not pay a premium for Part A. However, if you have not earned enough work credits by working and paying Medicare taxes, you can purchase Part A. Depending on how long you have worked, you will pay either $285 or $518 per month. You may also pay a higher premium for Part B if your income is above $106,000 as an individual or $212,000 as a married couple. The costs of Medicare Advantage (Part C), Part D, and Medigap all vary based on the plan you choose and the area you live in. Myth 10: I can't sign up for Medicare because of my health Medicare will cover you even if you have preexisting conditions. You are eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 years old, even if you have current health issues. You are also eligible for Medicare if you have certain illnesses or disabilities, like end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Takeaway There are various misconceptions or 'myths' about Medicare, so it's easy to become overwhelmed and confused. Understanding the difference between myth and fact can help you navigate Medicare easily and make informative decisions on your coverage. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products. Healthline Media does not transact the business of insurance in any manner and is not licensed as an insurance company or producer in any U.S. jurisdiction. Healthline Media does not recommend or endorse any third parties that may transact the business of insurance.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Trump order targets drug prices higher than are paid by other nations
President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order taking aim at the fact that the U.S. pays as much as three times what those in other nations pay for prescription medications. Drug manufacturers are being given 30 days to work with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to lower what they charge the U.S. for drugs. If that doesn't happen, they will be faced with U.S.-mandated limitations on what the government will pay under a 'most favored nation' policy that would set prices for the U.S. on par with the lower prices other countries pay. It's not clear how much folks who get queasy filling their prescriptions at the local pharmacy will benefit directly from the order, however. It certainly applies to medications obtained through Medicare and Medicaid. But the order suggests that direct-to-consumer efforts to lower costs will be bolstered as well. The order says to consider as much as is legal, encouraging direct-to-consumer purchasing programs that would make it possible to sell medication at the lower prices enjoyed in other countries. Since Part B Medicare enrollees are responsible for a portion of the cost of medications they get during doctor visits and there's no out-of-pocket cost cap on that, individuals could benefit a lot should the order succeed in lowering even just those drug prices. CBS reported that Medicare Part B spending on medication exceeded $33 billion in 2021. About 70 million older Americans are covered by Medicare. Trump predicted the order would save the U.S. 'trillions of dollars.' 'We're going to equalize. We're all going to pay the same. We're going to pay what Europe pays,' Trump said at a Monday press conference. But as the Associated Press reported, Health and Human Services is 'limited in its control of drug pricing. It has the most authority around the drug prices it pays for Medicare and Medicaid, which covers roughly 80 million poor and disabled Americans. The price that millions of Americans covered by private insurance pay for drugs is harder for the agency to manipulate." The executive order is likely to be controversial. While there's a lot of support for lowering drug costs in America, which are among the highest in the world, drug companies say such measures will stifle innovation and reduce research and development of new drugs. And others worry that prices will stay high in the U.S. as manufacturers work with other countries to institute rebates that will effectively lower their costs while keeping America's artificially high. It's not the first time the president tried to lower drug costs through a 'favored nation' strategy. Near the end of his first presidential term, he signed an executive order that applied to Medicare Part B drugs administered in a doctor's office, but a court order prevented it from taking effect. Per CBS, 'The Biden administration abandoned the proposal in 2022, blaming court orders blocking the model and concerns raised by stakeholders, including fears that it could cut off some Medicare beneficiaries from drugs and strain providers." As the Associated Press reported, 'The pharmaceutical industry argued that Trump's 2020 attempt would give foreign governments the 'upper hand' in deciding the value of medicines in the U.S.' 'Importing foreign prices will cut billions of dollars from Medicare with no guarantee that it helps patients or improves their access to medicines,' Stephen J. Ubl, president and CEO of PhRMA, said in a statement quoted by AP. 'It jeopardizes the hundreds of billions our member companies are planning to invest in America, making us more reliant on China for innovative medicines.' The executive order notes that the U.S. has 'less than 5% of the world's population and yet funds around three-quarters of global pharmaceutical profits. This egregious imbalance is orchestrated through a purposeful scheme in which drug manufacturers deeply discount their products to access foreign markets, and subsidize that decrease through enormously high profits in the United States.' It calls the practice an 'abuse of Americans' generosity,' noting that 'as the largest purchaser of pharmaceuticals, Americans should get the best deal.' The order includes a set of graduated steps to lower the drug prices, should initial steps prove to be inadequate. Among other measures: The Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission are told to consider what enforcement action they can take that impacts drug prices. The secretary of Commerce and the U.S. trade representative are told to take action to ensure that foreign countries are not engaged in 'unreasonable or discriminatory' acts or policies that hurt national security or make the U.S. pay more than its share for global pharmacy research and development. A 2023 KFF survey found drug prices are a big worry on both sides of the aisle, with 82% of Democrats and 68% of Republicans agreeing there isn't enough government regulation to cap the high cost of medication. In the survey, nearly 3 in 10 adults said they have trouble paying for their medication and a very slightly higher share said that they mitigate those costs by skipping a prescription, cutting pills in half or substituting over-the-counter drugs. The Biden administration's attempt to rein in runaway drug prices in the Medicare program focused on negotiating better prices for high-utilization, expensive drugs in the program. The effort operates in steps, with a certain number of drug prices to be negotiated each year, adding additional ones as time passes. While Trump's order is painted as a blow to drug manufacturers, Barron's reported that the executive order 'could be a blessing in disguise,' noting the potential for 'fundamentally restructuring the U.S. drug industry in a way that hurts pharmacy-benefit managers,' rather than Big Pharma. Pharmacy-benefit managers are companies that negotiate drug prices and manage benefits for insurance companies and employers, among others. They decide what's on drug formularies and at what price, negotiate rebates and in some cases decide what pharmacies can be used to fill prescriptions. Barron's believes that consumers could be directly affected by the executive order and that it is likely to apply to more than Medicare drugs. According to Barron's, the order could make it easier to sell medication directly to consumers. And it noted that by midmorning, 'Big Pharma stocks were rebounding' after a premarket drop. Pfizer, Eli Lilly and Merck were all up between 2% and 4% after Trump signed the order, per Barron's, while 'shares of the insurance giants that own the pharmacy-benefit managers, meanwhile, were falling hard.' It noted that CVS Health and Cigna were both down around 5%, while UnitedHealth Group was flat.
