Latest news with #ruralareas
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Donald Trump Cut Funding To PBS, And Now This "Arthur" TikTok Is Going Viral For Breaking The Internet's Heart
Everyone's inner child is heartbroken after the Trump administration received approval to reportedly cut all federal funding for public broadcasting, leaving programs like PBS in limbo. PBS President and CEO Paula Kerger said the cuts "go against the will of the American people," in a written statement. "The Senate just approved a rescissions package that goes against the will of the American people, the vast majority of whom trust PBS and believe we provide excellent value to their communities. These cuts will significantly impact all of our stations, but will be especially devastating to smaller stations and those serving large rural areas. Many of our stations, which provide access to free, unique local programming and emergency alerts, will now be forced to make hard decisions in the weeks and months ahead. There is nothing more American than PBS. Despite today's setback, we are determined to keep fighting to preserve the essential services we provide to the American public," Kerger said. Related: The PBS channel has been home to many popular educational children's TV shows, including the Emmy-winning animated series Arthur, a show about an 8-year-old aardvark who explores real-life issues through the lens of a child and promotes healthy problem-solving and social skills for young kids. Well, the official Arthur TikTok page recently posted a video in response to the news of budget cuts, with the caption: "PBS has been defunded. This isn't goodbye yet." In the clip, the character Sue from Arthur is seen writing in her journal. "I never wanna go through another fire. But I also never wanna lose this feeling. That each day is special; that my friends are the best friends in the world; and that if we stick together, we can make it through just about anything." The TikTok has received over 350,000 views in less than 24 hours, and thousands of comments have expressed their heartbreak over Trump's PBS cuts. Related: "You guys raised multiple generations and that won't be forgotten ever," one person wrote. "I can't believe these vile politicians defunded you. Fuck them," another person wrote. "Trump is trying to defund education. They know education means they have less power and voter base. Don't let them win. Continue to educate yourself," another person wrote. Related: Others shared what the show Arthur has meant to their lives. "This channel was my everything. I learned how to speak English watching PBS." "I came to the U.S. when I was 4. I went into school knowing 0 English thanks to PBS kids I learned English by the 3rd grade fluently. I'm now about to be in 12th." "from a foster child that had no structure or love growing up. thank you for helping raise me into who I am." Related: One person even shared that "Arthur's Reading Race" helped them start reading as an autistic kid. And this teacher said that PBS reinforced the "ethics" taught to them at home and helped them as a student. According to @arthursPBS, donating to your local PBS station is one way to help. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below. Also in In the News: Also in In the News: Also in In the News:
Malay Mail
4 days ago
- Sport
- Malay Mail
Sports Ministry to prioritise improving sports facilities in rural areas
SIK, July 19 — The Youth and Sports Ministry (KBS) will prioritise efforts to improve sports facilities in rural areas. Its deputy minister, Adam Adli said the needs for sports facilities in rural areas differed according to location and required planning so that it could be implemented as best as possible. 'If there are sports facilities requiring improvements, it can't happen overnight so we need to work from the start so that we can take action. 'Whatever KBS can settle in its capacity, we will settle and if it requires other ministries we will convey our intentions,' he told reporters after attending the Northern Zone Kembara Jumpa Orang Muda (Kembara JOM) 2.0 townhall session at Dewan Budi Gemilang, Sik KEDA College near here yesterday. He shared that the three-day Kembara JOM 2.0 programme that began yesterday in Desa KEDA Sungai Senam here offered new experiences to its over 90 participants. 'The programme not only allows youth to involve themselves in student and youth associations and see the realty of rural life themselves,.. and also allow KBS to see the pressing needs of the area. 'The programme can test the endurance of participants through the adoption concept where they will spend the night in their adopted family's homes and we can see the interaction of youth with rural communities,' he said, adding that the programme will be held in other states, such as Perak, Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang and Melaka. — Bernama
Phone Arena
4 days ago
- Business
- Phone Arena
FCC criticised for coddling T-Mobile and endangering rural dynamics
T-Mobilehas been cleared for the takeover of UScellular by both the Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), despite opposition by various stakeholders. The FCC is now receiving criticism for not imposing stricter roaming terms on T-Mobile . Unlike AT&T, T-Mobile , and Verizon, which are national carriers with nationwide coverage, UScellular is a regional telecom company with a focus on rural areas. T-Mobile is buying most of its operations for $4.3 billion, and the deal will bring over four million new customers. UScellular decided to sell itself because it was ill-equipped to meet the evolving needs of its customers, who were increasingly ditching it. The company was still important for other reasons, including providing employment in the 21 states it served and keeping competition afloat. The Rural Wireless Association (RWA) had requested that the FCC ask T-Mobile to honor the roaming arrangements UScellular had with rural companies, as highlighted by Fierce Wireless . The RWA is a trade association that represents rural carriers who each serve fewer than two million customers. —FCC, July 2025 The RWA feared that the transaction would otherwise harm both rural customers and rural carriers if T-Mobile insisted on unfavorable roaming agreements with RWA's requests were denied, with the FCC reassuring the coalition that its dispute resolution framework would ensure that any roaming agreements were roaming services from another carrier allows mobile wireless providers to ensure their subscribers aren't left without connectivity in areas where they don't provide service. Roaming agreements let carriers use the facilities of other companies to provide service to their customers when they travel outside of their service area. The RWA has criticized the FCC for rubber-stamping the deal, claiming it gave in to the demands of T-Mobile and UScellular. The FCC was seemingly only interested in using the deal approval as a lever to get T-Mobile to scrap its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) program, which it dutifully did. UScellular typically signed reciprocal roaming agreements with rural companies, meaning both sides paid each other when their respective customers roamed onto each other's networks. T-Mobile , on the other hand, usually inks unilateral roaming agreements. This means that while customers of a rural carrier can use T-Mobile 's network, T-Mobile prefers not to provide service in an area with no terrestrial presence, instead of letting its subscribers access rural networks. —Carri Bennet, RWA's outside general counsel, July 2025 This represents lost roaming revenue for rural companies, and it might be enough to threaten their survival. When it greenlit T-Mobile 's purchase of UScellular, the FCC had said that rural providers who find it difficult to reach reasonable roaming deals with T-Mobile could file a complaint. This is often futile and leads nowhere. Analyst Roger Entner of Recon Analytics has suggested that the issue might be getting blown out of proportion. He said that rural carriers usually have reciprocal roaming agreements with at least one of the three major carriers, and UScellular was never an important part of the equation. —Roger Entner, principal of Recon Analytics, July 2025 Moreover, rural carriers aren't necessarily here for the long haul, and most will be glad to cash out when convenient. Another threat looming over roaming agreements with rural carriers is satellite service. T-Mobile 's Starlink-powered T-Satellite program will officially launch on July 23 and leave even fewer reasons for T-Mobile to enter into deals with rural carriers. If T-Mobile completely ices out rural carriers, it will further harm competition and might wipe them out. This will pave the way for T-Mobile to get its hands on even more spectrum. The DoJ had expressed concerns about spectrum aggregation when it decided not to stop T-Mobile from scooping up UScellular. The FCC, on the other hand, doesn't seem to have an issue with this, so regardless of RWA's objections, T-Mobile is only going to continue becoming more powerful now. However, if it means better service for rural areas, that might not matter much, at least in the short run.
CNA
5 days ago
- Politics
- CNA
Trump's budget hacksaw leaves public broadcasting on precipice
TURNING POINT The elimination of CPB funding, advocated by the "Project 2025" blueprint of the conservative Heritage Foundation think tank, marks a turning point. Other attempts in the past had met with opposition from lawmakers, including Republicans in rural areas. Dan Kennedy, a journalism professor at Northeastern University in Boston, stressed it is in those very areas where the funding cuts are likely to have "a devastating effect." For remote communities, "these stations are an absolute lifeline", he said. "This is where people go to find out a tornado is coming," or about other emergency news. Such arguments were rejected by Heritage Foundation fellow Mike Gonzalez, who wrote the chapter on public broadcasting in the Project 2025 blueprint. For him, "state and local governments can devise and set up systems that take care of the problem, on a much cheaper basis than the entire public broadcasting apparatus, and without the attendant ills that accompany the present system." The end of the federal funding is undoubtedly a blow to local news in the United States. Due to declining readership and the consolidation of titles under larger corporations, more than a third of the nation's newspapers have shuttered since 2005, a loss of 3,300 titles, according to a report from the Medill School at Northwestern University.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Ping An Good Doctor, WeDoctor (Guahao), JD Health International, and AliHealth (Alibaba Health) Lead China's Telemedicine Market in 2025: Industry to Reach USD 18.93 Billion by 2034
Key growth factors include AI innovations and telemedicine expansion into rural areas Chinese Telemedicine Market Dublin, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "China Telemedicine Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034" has been added to offering. The China telemedicine market, valued at USD 6.65 billion in 2024, is fueled by a robust digital infrastructure enhanced by extensive internet coverage and cutting-edge 5G networks. This foundation enables high-quality remote healthcare delivery across both urban and rural regions. Projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.03% from 2025 to 2034, the market is expected to reach USD 18.93 billion by 2034. Smartphone penetration ensures widespread access to telehealth services, with the enduring impact of COVID-19 having normalized remote consultations and bolstered public trust in digital healthcare solutions. China Telemedicine Market Growth Drivers AI-Driven Analysis to Enhance Market Development The increasing demand for personalized healthcare and digital transformation in China's medical sector fuels telemedicine innovation. In May 2025, a novel service quality evaluation model was introduced, utilizing the Servqual framework with a CNN-BiLSTM deep learning algorithm and an attention mechanism to analyze over 25,000 consumer reviews from major telemedicine platforms. Focused on doctor competence and service quality, this innovation is expected to enhance platform credibility and user satisfaction, driving long-term market growth. Increasing Investment to Meet Rising China Telemedicine Market Demand The bolstering of virtual care infrastructure and rising investment in digital health solutions are enhancing China's telemedicine ecosystem. In February 2024, Yellowcross Healthcare Commerce launched a consultancy service to aid medical groups and healthcare facilities in expanding remote care capabilities. Established by experts in radiology and healthcare IT, this initiative optimizes telemedicine operations, promising enhanced operational scalability and increasing the market's overall value. China Telemedicine Market Growth Trends Significant market trends include AI innovations and rural area expansion, driving market growth and evolution. AI-Based Virtual Platforms Fuel China Telemedicine Market Development In November 2024, Tsinghua University's Institute for AI Industry Research unveiled the "Agent Hospital," an autonomous virtual healthcare platform. This AI-driven simulation offers precise diagnostics training across 21 specialties. Positioned for public rollout, this innovation marks a major advancement in clinical automation, significantly driving China's telemedicine market development by redefining digital care delivery and expanding intelligent health service capabilities. Rural Healthcare Expansion Driving China Telemedicine Market Value Recent national initiatives prioritize rural healthcare digitalization, bridging care gaps between urban and remote areas. Government-backed telemedicine programs now connect township clinics with top-tier hospitals via 5G, enabling real-time specialist consultations and diagnostics. This ongoing rural expansion increases patient reach and service utilization, enhancing the market value by creating sustainable demand and long-term infrastructure support. Real Time Modality to Lead the Market Share by Modality The real-time modality predominates the market due to its capability for immediate, interactive consultations between patients and healthcare providers. With widespread smartphone access, 5G connectivity, and user-friendly platforms, real-time services like video consultations and virtual follow-ups are favored by urban and rural users alike. Government endorsement of real-time telehealth, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, has established it as a dependable and accessible healthcare choice, enhancing its market leadership. Leading Players in the China Telemedicine Market The market report features funding and investment analysis, along with strategic initiatives by leading players. Major companies include: Ping An Good Doctor Headquartered in Shanghai, Ping An Good Doctor, a leading telemedicine provider since 2014, operates under the Ping An Insurance Group. Offering 24/7 online consultations, prescription services, medicine delivery, and chronic disease management, the platform leverages an AI-powered consultation system to serve over 400 million users, partnering with numerous offline medical institutions and pharmacies. WeDoctor (Guahao) Founded in 2010 and based in Hangzhou, WeDoctor is a prominent digital health platform by WeDoctor Holdings Limited. It provides online consultations, hospital appointment bookings, cloud-based diagnosis, and chronic disease management, collaborating with over 7,800 hospitals. WeDoctor's AI-driven care solutions enhance service delivery, integrating with public hospitals and insurance systems, bridging the gap in underserved Chinese regions. JD Health International Inc Launched in 2019 and headquartered in Beijing, JD Health, healthcare arm, offers teleconsultations, digital pharmacy, chronic care, and wellness programs. In May 2024, JD Health introduced an AI-driven Mental Health Service Center featuring a chatbot, strengthening its position as China's inaugural AI-based online mental health service platform. AliHealth (Alibaba Health) Established in 2014 in Hangzhou, AliHealth operates as Alibaba Group's healthcare division, specializing in telemedicine, electronic prescriptions, and drug delivery. Utilizing Alibaba's e-commerce and cloud computing capabilities, AliHealth assures seamless healthcare access, partnering with hospitals, pharmacies, and regulators to enhance China's digital health infrastructure and patient engagement. Other key players include Tencent Trusted Doctor, Medlinker, Dingxiangyuan (DXY), and iKang Healthcare Group. Key Questions Answered in the China Telemedicine Market What was the China telemedicine market value in 2024? What is the China telemedicine market forecast outlook for 2025-2034? What are the major factors contributing to China telemedicine market demand? How has the market performed historically, and what is its future projection? What are the significant drivers, opportunities, and restraints within the market? Which application, component, and facilities will drive market growth? Who are the key players in the China telemedicine market? What is the market's patent landscape? How do partnerships, collaborations, mergers, and acquisitions affect market dynamics? Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 400 Forecast Period 2025-2034 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2025 $6.65 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2034 $18.93 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 11% Regions Covered China Key Topics Covered1 Preface1.1 Objectives of the Study1.2 Key Assumptions1.3 Report Coverage - Key Segmentation and Scope1.4 Research Methodology2 Executive Summary3 Telemedicine Market Overview3.1 Asia Pacific Telemedicine Market3.2 China Telemedicine Market4 Vendor Positioning Analysis4.1 Key Vendors4.2 Prospective Leaders4.3 Niche Leaders4.4 Disruptors5 China Telemedicine Market Landscape5.1 China Telemedicine Market: Developers Landscape5.2 China Telemedicine Market: Product Landscape6 China Telemedicine Market Dynamics6.1 Market Drivers and Constraints6.2 SWOT Analysis6.3 PESTEL Analysis6.4 Porter's Five Forces Model6.5 Key Demand Indicators6.6 Key Price Indicators6.7 Industry Events, Initiatives, and Trends6.8 Value Chain Analysis7 China Telemedicine Market Segmentation (218-2034)7.1 China Telemedicine Market (2018-2034) by Component7.2 China Telemedicine Market (2018-2034) by Modality7.3 China Telemedicine Market (2018-2034) by Application7.4 China Telemedicine Market (2018-2034) by Facility7.5 China Telemedicine Market (2018-2034) by End Use8 Regulatory Framework9 Funding and Investment Analysis9.1 Analysis by Funding Instances9.2 Analysis by Type of Funding9.3 Analysis by Funding Amount9.4 Analysis by Leading Players9.5 Analysis by Leading Investors10 Strategic Initiatives10.1 Analysis by Partnership Instances10.2 Analysis by Type of Initiatives10.3 Analysis by Leading Players10.4 Analysis by Geography11 Supplier Landscape11.1 Market Share Analysis (Top 5 Companies)11.2 Ping An Good Doctor11.3 WeDoctor (Guahao)11.4 JD Health International Inc.11.5 AliHealth (Alibaba Health)11.6 Tencent Trusted Doctor11.7 Medlinker11.8 Dingxiangyuan (DXY)11.9 iKang Healthcare Group12 China Telemedicine Market - Distribution Model (Additional Insight)12.1 Overview12.2 Potential Distributors12.3 Key Parameters for Distribution Partner Assessment13 Key Opinion Leaders (KOL) Insights (Additional Insight) For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Chinese Telemedicine Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
