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MALAGA, Spain -- MALAGA, Spain (AP) — Jannik Sinner was in the locker room, getting ready to go on court and try to win a match that would give Italy its second Davis Cup title in a row , when his teammate, Matteo Berrettini, was asked about being so close to a championship. Berrettini , who won the first match of the best-of-three final against the Netherlands on Sunday, refused to take anything for granted. “I know tennis,” he said. “It’s unpredictable.” Maybe most of the time it is. Not lately, though. Not when Sinner, who is just 23, is the one swinging a racket. He simply does not lose matches. Doesn't even cede a set nowadays. Wrapping up an eventful season that featured a 73-6 record and eight individual titles — including at the Australian Open in January, the U.S. Open in September and the ATP Finals a week ago — Sinner led Italy past the Netherlands for the Davis Cup with a 7-6 (2), 6-2 victory over Tallon Griekspoor. “Jannik in this kind of form, this kind of shape, this kind of confidence — he’s incredibly tough to beat,” Griekspoor said. Consider that Sinner just completed the first season by a man without a straight-set loss since Roger Federer in 2005. And what a way to finish: Sinner won his last 14 matches and his last 26 sets. Go back a little further, and he's claimed 29 of his past 30 contests, with the only loss in that span coming against the other young player at the top of men's tennis, four-time major champion Carlos Alcaraz, who is 21. “He just proved,” Berrettini said about Sinner, “that he’s the best in the world.” Still, no discussion of Sinner’s 2024 should ignore what went on away from the court: In August, shortly before the U.S. Open began, he was exonerated after twice testing positive for a trace amount of an anabolic steroid in March. The World Anti-Doping Agency's appeal of that ruling is still pending — and could remain that way throughout the upcoming offseason. “I mean, of course it’s in the head a little bit. I always say, we had three hearings; three hearings which came out in a positive way. So hopefully also the next one (will),” Sinner said, adding that he is not concerned about the case. “For me, the most important part is that all the people who are around me, and know me as a human being, trust me, no? That’s also the reason I kept playing the level I had," he said. "Of course, I had some ups and downs, and whoever knows me, (knows) I was emotionally a bit down and a bit also heartbroken. But sometimes life gives you difficulties and you just have to stand for it.” Dutch captain Paul Haarhuis was asked for his take on Sinner's drug case. “What’s my feeling? I feel that Jannik, in my personal opinion, is an unbelievable nice guy (and) great player,” Haarhuis said, “but we (might) never know what happened.” There were only two, ever-so-brief moments on court where Sinner showed a hint of vulnerability Sunday. One came when he was broken by Griekspoor to make it 2-all in the second, which got the Dutch fans roaring. Sinner's response? He won the four remaining games. The other came as he was trying to serve out the victory from 5-2, 40-love. Three match points. Alas, they disappeared on two forehands into the net and a forehand long. He reset and, two points later, was able to begin celebrating with his teammates. “I knew it could be the last point of the year and I could finish an incredible season for me. This (Davis Cup) success means a lot to me, otherwise I wouldn’t have been here,” Sinner said, explaining that he lost a bit of focus. “I’m human. There are always emotions. No one is a machine.” Berrettini, sitting a few seats away at their post-match news conference, shook his head. “OK,” the 2021 Wimbledon runner-up said with a smile. “He showed he’s human.” ___ Howard Fendrich has been the AP’s tennis writer since 2002. Find his stories here: https://apnews.com/author/howard-fendrich . More AP tennis: https://apnews.com/hub/tennisCommercial Truck Leasing Market Overview and Leading Players: Idealease Inc, Arval, Sixt, Hertz, Penske Truck Leasing, Orbitz, TLG Peterbilt, AutoRentals.com 12-15-2024 08:45 PM CET | Logistics & Transport Press release from: STATS N DATA Commercial Truck Leasing Market The Commercial Truck Leasing Market is experiencing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer preferences, and an increasing emphasis on sustainability. This market plays a pivotal role in the logistics and transportation sectors, providing businesses with access to essential vehicles without the substantial upfront costs of purchasing. As the demand for efficient and cost-effective transportation solutions continues to rise, the commercial truck leasing market is positioned for robust growth. You can access a sample PDF report here: https://www.statsndata.org/download-sample.php?id=94848 Recent developments in the industry highlight the increasing integration of technology within leasing operations. Companies are leveraging advanced software solutions to enhance fleet management, optimize routes, and improve overall operational efficiency. Additionally, strategic collaborations among key players are fostering innovation and driving market expansion. These partnerships often focus on enhancing service offerings, improving customer experience, and integrating emerging technologies into leasing models. In the current landscape, actionable insights reveal a pressing need for companies to adapt to evolving market dynamics. Stakeholders must remain attentive to trends such as digital transformation, sustainability initiatives, and the growing demand for customized leasing solutions. This adaptability is crucial for maintaining competitiveness in a rapidly changing environment. Characteristics of the Market Several key growth drivers are influencing the demand for commercial truck leasing. Sustainability has emerged as a primary focus, with businesses increasingly seeking environmentally friendly transport solutions. The push for greener operations is prompting leasing companies to offer fleets equipped with electric and hybrid trucks. Moreover, the digitization of the leasing process is reshaping customer interactions. Enhanced online platforms are facilitating seamless transactions, allowing businesses to manage their fleets more efficiently. Consumer awareness is also driving demand, as businesses recognize the financial and operational benefits of leasing over purchasing vehicles outright. Emerging trends, such as the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) into fleet management systems, are shaping the future of the commercial truck leasing market. These technologies enhance predictive maintenance, improve route optimization, and foster better decision-making processes for fleet managers. Market Segmentation The commercial truck leasing market can be segmented as follows: - Segment by Type - Pay by Time - Pay by Miles - Segment by Application - Food and Beverages - Healthcare - Others This segmentation highlights the diverse applications of commercial truck leasing. The food and beverage sector, for instance, requires specialized vehicles for temperature-sensitive deliveries, while the healthcare sector benefits from reliable transportation for medical supplies and equipment. Understanding these segments allows leasing companies to tailor their offerings to meet specific industry needs. Get 30% Discount On Full Report: https://www.statsndata.org/ask-for-discount.php?id=94848 Competitive Landscape The competitive landscape of the commercial truck leasing market is marked by the presence of several key players, each contributing to the market's growth through innovation and strategic initiatives. - Idealease Inc: A leader in commercial truck leasing, Idealease focuses on providing customized leasing solutions and superior service, emphasizing fleet maintenance and management. - Arval: Known for its comprehensive fleet management services, Arval is actively expanding its offerings to include electric vehicle leasing to meet the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions. - Sixt: Sixt is leveraging its global presence to enhance its leasing services, incorporating advanced digital platforms to streamline customer experiences. - Hertz: As a well-established name in vehicle leasing, Hertz is diversifying its fleet to include more environmentally friendly options, aligning with market sustainability trends. - Penske Truck Leasing: Penske stands out for its fleet management expertise, providing businesses with tailored solutions that optimize operational efficiency. - Orbitz: Orbitz is integrating technology into its leasing model, introducing innovative tools for fleet tracking and management. - TLG Peterbilt: TLG Peterbilt focuses on high-quality leasing options for heavy-duty trucks, serving industries that require robust transportation solutions. - AutoRentals.com: This platform is revolutionizing the leasing process by offering a user-friendly online interface for customers to manage their leasing needs. - Ryder System: Ryder is recognized for its innovative approach to fleet management, utilizing data analytics to improve service delivery and customer satisfaction. - Valley Truck Leasing: Valley Truck Leasing emphasizes customer service and flexibility in its leasing options, catering to diverse industry needs. - MHC Truck Leasing: MHC offers customized leasing solutions with a strong focus on customer relationships and satisfaction. - ALD Automotive: With a strong presence in the leasing market, ALD is focusing on sustainable leasing options, particularly electric vehicles. - Volvo Truck Lease: Volvo is known for its commitment to sustainability, offering a range of eco-friendly leasing options. - Bentley Truck Services: Bentley provides specialized leasing solutions for various industries, focusing on quality and reliability. - Avis Budget: Avis is expanding its leasing options to include a wider range of vehicles, catering to diverse consumer needs. - Rush Truck Leasing: Rush Truck Leasing emphasizes fleet reliability and customer service, providing tailored solutions for its clients. - U-Haul: U-Haul offers flexible leasing options for personal and business needs, capitalizing on its extensive network. - Europcar: Europcar is enhancing its leasing services with a focus on sustainable mobility solutions. - Localiza: Localiza is expanding its leasing services across various segments, emphasizing customer-centric solutions. - Kris-Way: Kris-Way focuses on providing customized leasing options for heavy-duty trucks, serving specific industry needs. - Vanguard Truck Center: Vanguard is recognized for its commitment to quality and customer service, offering tailored leasing options. - Inc.: A rising player in the market, Inc. is leveraging technology to enhance its leasing offerings. Each of these companies plays a significant role in shaping the commercial truck leasing market, contributing to innovation, market expansion, and the development of sustainable practices. Opportunities and Challenges The commercial truck leasing market presents numerous opportunities for growth, particularly in untapped regions where demand for leasing services is on the rise. With the ongoing shift towards e-commerce and logistics, businesses are increasingly seeking flexible leasing options to meet their transportation needs. Evolving consumer preferences also present opportunities for leasing companies to innovate their service offerings. Customization is becoming a key demand, with businesses seeking tailored solutions that align with their specific operational requirements. However, the market faces several challenges. Regulatory constraints can impact leasing operations, with varying rules and compliance requirements across regions. Additionally, operational inefficiencies, such as outdated fleet management practices, can hinder growth. Talent shortages in skilled labor also pose a significant challenge, as companies struggle to find qualified personnel to manage and operate leasing fleets. To overcome these challenges, leasing companies must invest in technology and training programs that enhance operational efficiency and compliance. By adopting digital tools and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, businesses can navigate the complexities of the market while capitalizing on emerging opportunities. Technological Advancements Cutting-edge technologies are revolutionizing the commercial truck leasing market, offering new possibilities for fleet management and operational efficiency. The integration of AI is enhancing predictive maintenance, allowing companies to anticipate vehicle issues before they escalate. This proactive approach reduces downtime and maintenance costs, ultimately improving fleet reliability. Additionally, IoT-driven systems are enabling real-time tracking of vehicles, providing businesses with valuable data on fleet performance and usage patterns. This information can be utilized to optimize routes, enhance driver safety, and improve fuel efficiency. Virtual tools are also gaining traction in the leasing industry, facilitating remote inspections and maintenance. These technologies streamline operations and reduce the need for extensive in-person interactions, making the leasing process more efficient and customer-friendly. Research Methodology and Insights The insights presented in this press release are grounded in meticulous research conducted by STATS N DATA. The research methodology employed a combination of top-down and bottom-up approaches, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics. Primary research involved interviews with industry experts, stakeholders, and key players in the commercial truck leasing market. This qualitative data was complemented by secondary research, which included a thorough review of industry reports, market publications, and competitive analyses. Triangulation of data sources further enhanced the accuracy of the insights, allowing STATS N DATA to present a well-rounded perspective on the commercial truck leasing market. In conclusion, the commercial truck leasing market is poised for significant growth, driven by technological advancements, changing consumer preferences, and a focus on sustainability. Companies that adapt to these trends and leverage innovative solutions will be well-positioned to thrive in this dynamic market. The future of commercial truck leasing promises exciting opportunities for businesses willing to embrace change and invest in technology-driven solutions. For customization requests, please visit: https://www.statsndata.org/request-customization.php?id=94848 Full Commercial Truck Leasing Market Report Link: https://www.statsndata.org/report/Global-Commercial-Truck-Leasing-Market-94848 Related Reports: Floor Expansion Joint Covers Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/floor-expansion-joint-covers-market-192519 Metaverse Virtual Real Estate Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/metaverse-virtual-real-estate-market-3927 Speed Governor Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/speed-governor-market-26534 BGA Reballing Service Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/bga-reballing-service-market-8976 Software Asset Management Managed Service Market https://www.statsndata.org/report/software-asset-management-managed-service-market-97735 John Jones Sales & Marketing Head | Stats N Data Phone: +1 (315) 642-4324 Email: sales@statsndata.org Website: www.statsndata.org STATS N DATA is a trusted provider of industry intelligence and market research, delivering actionable insights to businesses across diverse sectors. We specialize in helping organizations navigate complex markets with advanced analytics, detailed market segmentation, and strategic guidance. Our expertise spans industries including technology, healthcare, telecommunications, energy, food & beverages, and more. Committed to accuracy and innovation, we provide tailored reports that empower clients to make informed decisions, identify emerging opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth. Our team of skilled analysts leverages cutting-edge methodologies to ensure every report addresses the unique challenges of our clients. At STATS N DATA, we transform data into knowledge and insights into success. Partner with us to gain a competitive edge in today's fast-paced business environment. For more information, visit https://www.statsndata.org or contact us today at sales@statsndata.org This release was published on openPR.A young Jimmy Carter was no stranger to gospel music growing up in the small rural town of Plains, Georgia during the ’20s and early ’30’. He heard it sung by Black tenant farmers working on his father’s land. He heard it too during 24-hour gospel sings that occurred every fifth Sunday, where quartets, local and distant gospel groups, different denominations and communities came together to rejoice around prayer, all-day-singing, and a meal. This love of gospel music, along with a deep religiosity, was implanted in Carter’s heart at a young age and stayed with him throughout his lifetime. And you could tell by the way the late president’s face would light up that his connection to not only gospel music, but also rock, folk, country, jazz, and rhythm and blues ran through the deepest parts of his soul. Jimmy Carter’s deep connection to music, especially gospel, was more than just a personal joy — it was a reflection of his broader worldview and presidency. Music served as both solace and strategy, uniting Americans across divides of race, region and politics. Carter used music as a powerful tool to embody and promote his vision of unity, human rights, and healing — a vision that resonates even more poignantly as the nation reflects on his legacy following his death on Sunday at 100. In the late summer of 1979, partway through his third year as president, Jimmy Carter hosted an afternoon of gospel music at the White House. Blankets covered the grass on the South Lawn as over 800 attendees ate fried chicken, potato salad and coleslaw on paper plates. “Gospel music is really rural music from the country. It has both Black and white derivations; it’s not a racial kind of music,” President Carter said to the crowd. “But I think it’s important to recognize that gospel music is derived from deep within the heart of human beings — it’s a music of pain, a music of longing, a music of searching, a music of hope, and a music of faith.” Since he entered hospice care in February 2023, a lot has been shared about his life. The first president to be born in a hospital was a man of many anomalies. He grew up without electricity and running water in the segregated south, yet most of his friends before he left for the Naval Academy in 1943 were African Americans. He was a peanut farmer, a nuclear engineer, a carpenter and a poet whose simple writing illuminated the historical reckoning and soul of America. One of his first official acts as governor of Georgia in 1971 was to refute the segregationist pride of his predecessor Lester Maddox, the former Georgia governor and Democratic populist, by displaying a portrait of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in the capitol and by stating “the time for racial discrimination is over.” This surprised many Georgians who voted for Carter. During his presidency, he was a champion for the environment, installing solar panels at the White House. He was a staunch advocate for women’s rights, civil rights and human rights, and was a pivotal figure in the progressive New South movement, looking to modernize social attitudes ingrained in the culture of the Old South. Though arguably one of the most pietistic, genuine and well-intentioned presidents of the 20th century, Carter’s presidency was clouded by challenges, many of which were out of his control. In 1979, Iranian students stormed the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, taking 52 American diplomats hostage for 444 days. “I would play Willie Nelson music primarily,” Carter said, of the time that he spent alone, in his study, “so I could think about my problems and say a few prayers.” A failed rescue attempt was also a significant blow to his presidency, ultimately stymieing his reelection. Fuel shortages created high oil prices. Carter struggled to effectively address high inflation, high unemployment and slow economic growth that came to be known as “stagflation.” Also, the Soviet Union’s invasion of Afghanistan marked a setback in the Cold War. “Music was a way Carter could insulate himself from the political noise,” says Iwan Morgan, emeritus professor of U.S. Studies at University College London. Morgan was in the United States, doing an exchange teaching job from August 1979 to September 1980 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He recalled that the hostages were the most fundamental thing on people’s minds ultimately blighting the final years of Carter’s presidency. “Music was a way of touching the soul, probably the closest man has to do that. And music was a comfort for Carter,” Morgan says. “I’m not saying it helped him make good decisions. By any standard the attempted rescue of the Iranian hostages was a longshot highly likely to end in failure and gave Carter no real chance thereafter of negotiating the release of the hostages.” Chuck Leavell, the keyboardist for the Allman Brothers Band during the band’s rise to fame in the 1970s, came to know Jimmy Carter when he was governor of Georgia. They’d been friends ever since. Leavell would visit the Carters in Plains or Jimmy and Rosalyn would visit Leavell’s homeplace at the Charlane Woodlands and Preserve in Dry Branch, Georgia for hunting trips. Carter would always ask Leavell to play something on the piano. “I played ‘Georgia on My Mind’ for him and probably did the Allman Brothers song ‘Statesboro Blues’,” Leavell told me. “And again, just, you know, the smile that would get on his face and his eyes would light up. And, you know, it’s not like he was jumping around and dancing. Don’t get me wrong. You know, he wasn’t that kind of guy. He didn’t react in that way, but he was listening, always listening intently. You could just see it. And, you know, even though he didn’t play an instrument himself, I think he had something in his DNA that felt the music, not only heard it, but felt it.” Carter wasn’t initially well-known outside of Georgia, and an endorsement from the Allman Brothers Band in 1975, some three months before the Iowa caucuses, helped increase his candidacy, particularly among young Americans. There was a feeling at the time that young people were in charge. 1972 was the first year that 18-to-21-year-olds could cast a ballot, making the youth vote more important than ever before. So Carter both naturally and strategically aligned himself with musicians to give him a crucial boost during the Democratic primaries. A major strategy for Carter’s presidential campaign was to put on concerts on the campaign trail. It started with the Marshall Tucker Band headlining a concert at the Fox Theater in Atlanta on Oct. 31, 1975, then the Allman Brothers Band on Nov. 25 at Providence Civic Center in Providence Rhode Island, and Charlie Daniels at the Fox Theater in Atlanta on Jan. 14, 1976. Jimmy Buffett put on a benefit for Carter in Portland, Oregon. These concerts not only brought notoriety to the Carter campaign, they also brought in a lot of money that could be matched by the federal government. “Musicians don’t always feel safe with somebody except other musicians,” says Chris Farrell, lead producer of the documentary “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President.” “His authenticity definitely played a great role in his ability to connect with musicians.” The music of change at that time was rock and roll. When Gregg Allman was arrested for trying to acquire pharmaceutical grade cocaine, and testified to get out of serving a prison sentence, Jimmy never turned on Allman. He could have said, “this is too big of a risk for me” and ended his association with the Allman Brothers. “But he didn’t judge people,” Farrell says. “He just cared about who you were as an individual and that’s very spiritual in a very Christian sort of view of the world. And I think that carried over into politics; he didn’t care if you were a Republican or a Democrat. If you’re trying to do the right thing, then why can’t we all do this together? So I think it was not political expediency or effectiveness or, you know, a gimmick. I think that’s just who he was.” Carter won the presidency in 1976, and was inaugurated in 1977. The cowboy-Western film star John Wayne spoke at the inaugural ball. As a conservative, he still wished Carter well. Paul Simon sang. So did Charlie Daniels. Aretha Franklin sang “God Bless America.” Coming out of Watergate, there was a sense too that America needed to heal together. Through music, but also through unifying Republicans and Democrats alike. “John Wayne worked with President Carter to give the Panama Canal back to the Panamanian people,” says Mary Wharton, director of “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President.” “It’s that old line about people who forget about history are doomed to repeat it. And unfortunately, we’re repeating the things in history that we didn’t pay attention to.” When he was president, dozens of musicians came to the White House for themed music nights. In April, 1978 Loretta Lynn, Tom T. Hall, and Conway Twitty were invited to an evening devoted to celebrating country music. Dizzy Gillespie, Herbie Hancock, Dexter Gordon, George Benson, Ron Carter and Tony Williams played a jazz event. It was an honor for Carter to bring jazz musicians who hadn’t been recognized by the government to the White House. He used music as a way for people to see a common humanity among different races, religions and cultural backgrounds. He felt jazz helped break down the racial divide in the country. Cecil Taylor, Chick Correa — their presence wasn’t just for performance. Their inclusion was a statement against racial prejudice, a reminder of music’s potential to dissolve barriers. Carter felt deeply that jazz and country music represented America. Carter also used music to entertain and educate members of Congress. He held a Nascar event, where country singer Willie Nelson performed on the South Lawn. It’s as if Carter used music as a reflective mindfulness practice, decades before the mainstream was aware of what mindfulness is. The Carter administration never dropped a bomb, fired a missile or shot a bullet to kill another person. After his presidency, the Carter Center helped eradicate Guinea worm disease. For 35 years, he spent at least a week every year building houses for Habitat for Humanity. In the days and weeks to come, I imagine a revisionist history about Carter’s presidency will begin to unravel. This began in 2020, with the release of the documentary “Jimmy Carter: Rock & Roll President,” and will continue, especially now during a time where the world seems more divided than ever. Carter was a president with a lot of faith and a lot of soul. He cried when thinking of his wife of 77 years, Rosalynn. The man was calculated and believed in the power of music. Scholars and historians will remember that Carter wanted to represent America’s value system by making human rights the center of his foreign policy. He helped broker the Camp David Accords, a negotiated peace agreement between Israel and Egypt, marking the first time an Arab country recognized Israel. When I remember Carter, I will think of a man listening to the painful ballads of Willie Nelson when trying to be mindful and make sense of complex problems. I will also think of Jan Williams, the pianist at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Georgia. “Carter said he couldn’t sing,” she told me. “But I liked his voice.” The late president first attended Maranatha Baptist Church in 1981 and started teaching Sunday School there until 2015. “His favorite song was always ‘When I Get To Heaven’,” Williams says, thinking of Jimmy reunited with his Rosalynn again.

Georgia's Dasha Vidmanova, Columbia's Michael Zheng win NCAA singles titlesDES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Bennett Stirtz scored 20 points as Drake beat Belmont 65-46 on Sunday night. Stirtz added three steals for the Bulldogs (12-0, 2-0 Missouri Valley Conference). Daniel Abreu scored 15 points while shooting 5 for 11, including 3 for 9 from beyond the arc and added five rebounds. Mitch Mascari had nine points and shot 3 for 7, including 3 for 6 from beyond the arc. The Bulldogs prolonged their winning streak to 12 games. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. Get updates and player profiles ahead of Friday's high school games, plus a recap Saturday with stories, photos, video Frequency: Seasonal Twice a weekYour life expectancy ticked back up. Did you feel it?

Georgia's Dasha Vidmanova, Columbia's Michael Zheng win NCAA singles titlesNicaraguan lawmakers pass bill forcing local banks to ignore foreign sanctionsCalifornia will revive its own subsidy programs for electric vehicles if Donald Trump guts US federal tax breaks for such cars, the state’s governor said Monday. The president-elect has said repeatedly he would scrap what he called the “electric vehicle mandate” — actually a $7,500 federal rebate for anyone who purchases an EV. Gavin Newsom, who heads the solidly Democratic state and has pitched himself as a leader of the anti-Trump political resistance, said Monday California was not “turning back” towards polluting transport. “We will intervene if the Trump Administration eliminates the federal tax credit, doubling down on our commitment to clean air and green jobs in California,” Newsom said. “We’re not turning back on a clean transportation future — we’re going to make it more affordable for people to drive vehicles that don’t pollute,” he added. “Consumers continue to prove the skeptics wrong -– zero-emission vehicles are here to stay.” If Trump scraps the tax credit, California could revive its own Clean Vehicle Rebate Project, which ran until November 2023, granting rebates of up to $7,500 for people buying battery-powered cars, a press release said. California leads the nation in electric vehicle adoption, and is the single biggest market in the country, representing around a third of all units sold in the United States. State figures show that more than two million so-called “zero emission vehicles” — which include fully electric vehicles as well as plug-in hybrids — have now been sold in the state, with one-in-four new cars in that category. On the campaign trail, Trump was frequently hostile to electric vehicles, which he has linked with what he calls the “hoax” of climate change. He vowed repeatedly that under his watch the United States would become “energy dominant,” chiefly through expanded oil and gas extraction. For many in California, such pledges are anathema, with the state frequently battered by the tangible effects of climate change, from huge wildfires to droughts to furious storms. Newsom — who many believe has White House ambitions of his own — has positioned himself as a bulwark against the feared excesses of an incoming Trump administration on issues from climate change to immigration, vowing to be a check on its power. With 40 million people, the sheer size of California’s market has for a long time helped set the national tone when it comes to pollution standards for automakers. Rather than make two versions of the same vehicles, Detroit giants have willingly adopted California’s tougher rules on emissions and efficiency for nationwide sales. That de facto standard-setting power has angered Republicans like Trump, who say — on this issue — states should not be allowed to set their own rules. With 2,400 staff representing 100 different nationalities, AFP covers the world as a leading global news agency. AFP provides fast, comprehensive and verified coverage of the issues affecting our daily lives.Drake wins 65-46 against Belmont

Renuka Rayasam | (TNS) KFF Health News In April, just 12 weeks into her pregnancy, Kathleen Clark was standing at the receptionist window of her OB-GYN’s office when she was asked to pay $960, the total the office estimated she would owe after she delivered. Clark, 39, was shocked that she was asked to pay that amount during this second prenatal visit. Normally, patients receive the bill after insurance has paid its part, and for pregnant women that’s usually only when the pregnancy ends. It would be months before the office filed the claim with her health insurer. Clark said she felt stuck. The Cleveland, Tennessee, obstetrics practice was affiliated with a birthing center where she wanted to deliver. Plus, she and her husband had been wanting to have a baby for a long time. And Clark was emotional, because just weeks earlier her mother had died. “You’re standing there at the window, and there’s people all around, and you’re trying to be really nice,” recalled Clark, through tears. “So, I paid it.” On online baby message boards and other social media forums , pregnant women say they are being asked by their providers to pay out-of-pocket fees earlier than expected. The practice is legal, but patient advocacy groups call it unethical. Medical providers argue that asking for payment up front ensures they get compensated for their services. How frequently this happens is hard to track because it is considered a private transaction between the provider and the patient. Therefore, the payments are not recorded in insurance claims data and are not studied by researchers. Patients, medical billing experts, and patient advocates say the billing practice causes unexpected anxiety at a time of already heightened stress and financial pressure. Estimates can sometimes be higher than what a patient might ultimately owe and force people to fight for refunds if they miscarry or the amount paid was higher than the final bill. Up-front payments also create hurdles for women who may want to switch providers if they are unhappy with their care. In some cases, they may cause women to forgo prenatal care altogether, especially in places where few other maternity care options exist. It’s “holding their treatment hostage,” said Caitlin Donovan, a senior director at the Patient Advocate Foundation . Medical billing and women’s health experts believe OB-GYN offices adopted the practice to manage the high cost of maternity care and the way it is billed for in the U.S. When a pregnancy ends, OB-GYNs typically file a single insurance claim for routine prenatal care, labor, delivery, and, often, postpartum care. That practice of bundling all maternity care into one billing code began three decades ago, said Lisa Satterfield, senior director of health and payment policy at the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists . But such bundled billing has become outdated, she said. Previously, pregnant patients had been subject to copayments for each prenatal visit, which might lead them to skip crucial appointments to save money. But the Affordable Care Act now requires all commercial insurers to fully cover certain prenatal services. Plus, it’s become more common for pregnant women to switch providers, or have different providers handle prenatal care, labor, and delivery — especially in rural areas where patient transfers are common. Some providers say prepayments allow them to spread out one-time payments over the course of the pregnancy to ensure that they are compensated for the care they do provide, even if they don’t ultimately deliver the baby. “You have people who, unfortunately, are not getting paid for the work that they do,” said Pamela Boatner, who works as a midwife in a Georgia hospital. While she believes women should receive pregnancy care regardless of their ability to pay, she also understands that some providers want to make sure their bill isn’t ignored after the baby is delivered. New parents might be overloaded with hospital bills and the costs of caring for a new child, and they may lack income if a parent isn’t working, Boatner said. In the U.S., having a baby can be expensive. People who obtain health insurance through large employers pay an average of nearly $3,000 out-of-pocket for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care, according to the Peterson-KFF Health System Tracker . In addition, many people are opting for high-deductible health insurance plans, leaving them to shoulder a larger share of the costs. Of the 100 million U.S. people with health care debt, 12% attribute at least some of it to maternity care, according to a 2022 KFF poll . Families need time to save money for the high costs of pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, especially if they lack paid maternity leave, said Joy Burkhard , CEO of the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, a Los Angeles-based policy think tank. Asking them to prepay “is another gut punch,” she said. “What if you don’t have the money? Do you put it on credit cards and hope your credit card goes through?” Calculating the final costs of childbirth depends on multiple factors, such as the timing of the pregnancy , plan benefits, and health complications, said Erin Duffy , a health policy researcher at the University of Southern California’s Schaeffer Center for Health Policy and Economics. The final bill for the patient is unclear until a health plan decides how much of the claim it will cover, she said. But sometimes the option to wait for the insurer is taken away. During Jamie Daw’s first pregnancy in 2020, her OB-GYN accepted her refusal to pay in advance because Daw wanted to see the final bill. But in 2023, during her second pregnancy, a private midwifery practice in New York told her that since she had a high-deductible plan, it was mandatory to pay $2,000 spread out with monthly payments. Daw, a health policy researcher at Columbia University, delivered in September 2023 and got a refund check that November for $640 to cover the difference between the estimate and the final bill. “I study health insurance,” she said. “But, as most of us know, it’s so complicated when you’re really living it.” While the Affordable Care Act requires insurers to cover some prenatal services, it doesn’t prohibit providers from sending their final bill to patients early. It would be a challenge politically and practically for state and federal governments to attempt to regulate the timing of the payment request, said Sabrina Corlette , a co-director of the Center on Health Insurance Reforms at Georgetown University. Medical lobbying groups are powerful and contracts between insurers and medical providers are proprietary. Because of the legal gray area, Lacy Marshall , an insurance broker at Rapha Health and Life in Texas, advises clients to ask their insurer if they can refuse to prepay their deductible. Some insurance plans prohibit providers in their network from requiring payment up front. If the insurer says they can refuse to pay up front, Marshall said, she tells clients to get established with a practice before declining to pay, so that the provider can’t refuse treatment. Related Articles Health | Which health insurance plan may be right for you? Health | California case is the first confirmed bird flu infection in a US child Health | Your cool black kitchenware could be slowly poisoning you, study says. Here’s what to do Health | Does fluoride cause cancer, IQ loss, and more? Fact-checking Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s claims Health | US towns plunge into debates about fluoride in water Clark said she met her insurance deductible after paying for genetic testing, extra ultrasounds, and other services out of her health care flexible spending account. Then she called her OB-GYN’s office and asked for a refund. “I got my spine back,” said Clark, who had previously worked at a health insurer and a medical office. She got an initial check for about half the $960 she originally paid. In August, Clark was sent to the hospital after her blood pressure spiked. A high-risk pregnancy specialist — not her original OB-GYN practice — delivered her son, Peter, prematurely via emergency cesarean section at 30 weeks. It was only after she resolved most of the bills from the delivery that she received the rest of her refund from the other OB-GYN practice. This final check came in October, just days after Clark brought Peter home from the hospital, and after multiple calls to the office. She said it all added stress to an already stressful period. “Why am I having to pay the price as a patient?” she said. “I’m just trying to have a baby.” ©2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.