National Council

NCOA Encourages Older Adults to Boost Their Budgets by Applying for $30 Billion in Unclaimed Benefits

Retrieved on: 
Monday, April 1, 2024

ARLINGTON, Va., April 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- With poverty rising among older Americans and the cost-of-living still a challenge for those living on a fixed income, the National Council on Aging (NCOA) is raising awareness this month about the $30 billion in benefits that eligible older adults leave unused each year because they don't know about these assistance programs or how to apply.

Key Points: 
  • Boost Your Budget Week spotlights programs that help pay for food, medicine, and more.
  • Boost Your Budget Week , April 15-19, focuses on connecting eligible older adults to programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) , Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) , and Medicare Part D Extra Help —all of which can make it easier for low-income older adults to afford daily expenses.
  • "Today in America, we have over 8 million older adults living in poverty, 2 million more than the year before," said Josh Hodges , NCOA's Chief Customer Officer.
  • These partners operate under NCOA's national network of Benefits Enrollment Centers , supported by the U.S. Administration for Community Living (ACL).

How community colleges are tackling the nursing shortage

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 28, 2024

The following is written by Dr. Steven Gonzales, Chancellor, Maricopa Community Colleges, a member of the American Association of Community Colleges:

Key Points: 
  • The following is written by Dr. Steven Gonzales, Chancellor, Maricopa Community Colleges, a member of the American Association of Community Colleges:
    Arizona, like many states across America, is facing a nurse shortage.
  • A 2020 nursing workforce survey conducted by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing found that the average age of registered nurses is 52.
  • As one of the first community colleges in Arizona to offer baccalaureate degrees, our system understands the urgency to alleviate the demand for the nursing profession.
  • As the voice of the nation's community colleges, the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), delivers educational and economic opportunity for more than 10 million diverse students in search of the American Dream.

The 10th Anniversary FreeHer March and Rally Returns to Washington, D.C.

Retrieved on: 
Sunday, March 24, 2024

BOSTON, March 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This Mother's Day, while families celebrate, 150,000 incarcerated mothers will face separation from their children unless the Biden administration and state governors take urgent action. In response, The National Council for Incarcerated and Formerly Incarcerated Women and Girls (The National Council), alongside national allies and organizations in the fight against the incarceration of women and girls and mass incarceration will lead a march and rally at Freedom Plaza in Washington, D.C., under the banner "Bring Moms Home for Mother's Day."

Key Points: 
  • March Start Time: 11 AM at the historic Metropolitan AME Church - 1518 M Street NW, Washington, D.C.
    Rally Start Time/Location: 12 PM at Freedom Plaza - 1325 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C.
  • The stark reality is that 80% of women in jails and 56% in prisons are mothers to children under 18, many of whom are the primary caregivers.
  • The march and rally, part of The National FreeHer Campaign, also aims to stop the incarceration of women and girls and redirect resources toward community investment.
  • During this critical juncture, The National Council and its allies implore individuals to stand in solidarity with us.

Judicial Leaders Praise Federal Bill to Protect State Judges

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 21, 2024

WILLIAMSBURG, Va., March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National court leaders, including the National Center for State Courts, praised the introduction of new legislation in the United States Congress designed to help state courts address escalating threats of violence against judges, court staff, and the public.

Key Points: 
  • WILLIAMSBURG, Va., March 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National court leaders, including the National Center for State Courts, praised the introduction of new legislation in the United States Congress designed to help state courts address escalating threats of violence against judges, court staff, and the public.
  • The legislation comes on the heels of a surge in both threats and actual acts of violence against judges across America.
  • "In just the last several years, we have seen sitting state court judges, retired judges and family members threatened, assaulted, and even killed by disgruntled people," said Greg Sattizahn, president of the Conference of State Court Administrators (COSCA).
  • The bill will establish a State Judicial Threat Intelligence and Resource Center to provide technical assistance, training, and monitoring of threats for state and local judges and court personnel; provide physical security assessments; and coordinate research to identify, examine, and advance best practices around court security.

Jackpot.com launches in Arkansas

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 18, 2024

LITTLE ROCK, Ark., March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Jackpot.com , the leading lottery app and website announced its launch in Arkansas.

Key Points: 
  • LITTLE ROCK, Ark., March 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Jackpot.com , the leading lottery app and website announced its launch in Arkansas.
  • Now Arkansas lottery players can play their favorite games while on the go or from the comfort of their own homes.
  • The Arkansas Scholarship Lottery funds several scholarships awarded annually by the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.
  • Since its relatively recent founding in 2009, the Arkansas Lottery has already generated over $1.3 billion in scholarship proceeds.

March Madness brings unique gambling risks for college students

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, April 3, 2024

Beneath the surface of this annual sports event, however, lies a darker reality: the dangers of sports betting and gambling addiction.

Key Points: 
  • Beneath the surface of this annual sports event, however, lies a darker reality: the dangers of sports betting and gambling addiction.
  • While the majority of college students who are of legal age to gamble do so responsibly, one organization estimates that 6% of U.S. college students have a serious gambling problem that can result in psychological difficulties, unmanageable debt and failing grades.
  • A 2022 report found more than 1 in 5 college students have used their financial aid to gamble.

A growing part of sports culture

  • These days, it’s impossible for sports fans to watch a game without seeing or hearing an ad that beckons them to place a bet.
  • The constant bombardment of betting promotions during March Madness can desensitize individuals to the risks involved, leading to impulsive decision-making and related behavior.
  • A 2023 NCAA survey of 3,527 young people ages 18-22 found that sports wagering is pervasive among this group.

Ubiquitous gambling ads, risky behavior

  • This is a higher rate than found in the general population or those that commute or attend college virtually.
  • Problem gambling shows up in this population, with 16% having engaged in at least one additional risky behavior such as alcohol and drug use.
  • Meanwhile, 70% of these risky gamblers believe consistent sports gambling will increase their monetary earnings.

Starts out fun

  • For some college students, gambling for fun can turn into a serious problem.
  • Gambling addiction includes all gambling behavior patterns that compromise, disrupt or damage personal and family relationships or vocational pursuits.

Lowering the risks

  • While March Madness may be a time of excitement for sports fans, it’s essential to recognize the potential pitfalls and take steps to mitigate the risks.
  • Organizations such as the National Council on Problem Gambling provide confidential support and can connect individuals with services and treatment programs tailored to their needs.
  • Call or text their helpline at 1-800-GAMBLER, chat with helpline counselors at www.1800gamblerchat.org, find a treatment facility or attend a self-help meeting.


M. Dolores Cimini receives funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, to conduct research on substance use and addictions, mental health, and related risk behaviors among college students.

The Minority Business Development Agency to Announce Historic Collaboration with Divine Nine Sororities and National Women’s Leadership Organizations

Retrieved on: 
Friday, March 8, 2024

During this event, MBDA memorialized Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with each organization to collaborate on advancing the growth of women business enterprises.

Key Points: 
  • During this event, MBDA memorialized Memorandums of Understanding (MOU) with each organization to collaborate on advancing the growth of women business enterprises.
  • “The Minority Business Development Agency is excited to collaborate with these women-led organizations to break down barriers and expand opportunities for Black women,” said Eric Morissette, performing the delegated duties of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development.
  • “As the fastest growing demographic of entrepreneurs, women of color continue to be a driving force for the nation’s economy.
  • The Department of Commerce’s mission is “to create the conditions for economic growth and opportunity for all communities.” Through this historic collaboration with the Divine Nine sororities and other national women’s leadership organizations, the MBDA continues to ensure economic prosperity for all American business enterprises.

DraftKings Set to Launch Mobile Sports Betting in North Carolina on March 11

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, March 7, 2024

BOSTON, March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) announced plans to launch its top-rated online sportsbook in North Carolina on March 11, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • BOSTON, March 07, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, DraftKings Inc. (Nasdaq: DKNG) announced plans to launch its top-rated online sportsbook in North Carolina on March 11, 2024.
  • This announcement is the culmination of DraftKings’ continued work with stakeholders and regulators across North Carolina to offer fans a responsible form of sports betting.
  • Once live in North Carolina, DraftKings Sportsbook will be available in 27 U.S. states, in addition to Ontario, Canada.
  • Eligible customers in North Carolina can access the latest betting markets and more by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app available via iOS and Android here .

REMSleep Holdings Shareholder Update

Retrieved on: 
Monday, March 4, 2024

CLEARWATER, FL, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire - REMSleep Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: RMSL) gives an update on FDA process and REMSleep status.

Key Points: 
  • CLEARWATER, FL, March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via NewMediaWire - REMSleep Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: RMSL) gives an update on FDA process and REMSleep status.
  • We have had numerous inquiries asking for REMSleep regulatory status update.
  • REMSleep consultants are confident we will receive our 510(K) and we will never give up until we are successful.
  • REMSleep has addressed this problem by developing a novel CPAP nasal pillow interface that has been engineered to reduce pressure and enable better airflow.

With a five-year study period spanning 2017-2021, this is the second annual report to cover the COVID-19 pandemic period

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024

With a five-year study period spanning 2017-2021, this is the second annual report to cover the COVID-19 pandemic period, which permits an early understanding of the adaptation of Workers’ Compensation to the pandemic and general reversions to pre-pandemic trends.

Key Points: 
  • With a five-year study period spanning 2017-2021, this is the second annual report to cover the COVID-19 pandemic period, which permits an early understanding of the adaptation of Workers’ Compensation to the pandemic and general reversions to pre-pandemic trends.
  • The report includes tables, figures, and appendices detailing outcomes related to Workers’ Compensation benefits, costs, and coverage.
  • “In addition to its impacts on employment, the pandemic placed pressure on Workers’ Compensation and other programs to benefit workers and their families.
  • In 2021, workers’ compensation covered jobs made strong gains from 2020, while covered wages continued to increase as they have in recent years.