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Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) | Definition & Facts – Britannica
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), in the United States, health care reform legislation signed into law by U.S. Pres. Barack Obama in March 2010, which included provisions that required most individuals to secure health insurance or pay fines, made coverage easier and less costly to obtain, cracked down on abusive insurance practices, and attempted to rein in the rising costs of health care. The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), also called the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or “Obamacare,” was widely considered the most far-reaching health care reform act since the passage of Medicare, the U.S. government program guaranteeing health insurance for the elderly, in 1965.
A centrepiece of Obama’s campaign for the presidency was reform of the U.S. health care system—one that left some 45 million people uninsured. In February 2009, just one month after his inauguration, Obama addressed a joint session of the U.S. Congress, imploring them that the time was right for overhauling health care:
[W]e must also address the crushing cost of health care. This is a cost that now causes a bankruptcy in America every thirty seconds. By the end of the year, it could cause 1.5 million Americans to lose their homes. In the last eight years, premiums have grown four times faster than wages. And in each of these years, one million more Americans have lost their health insurance. It is one of the major reasons why small businesses close their doors and corporations ship jobs overseas. And it’s one of the largest and fastest-growing parts of our budget.
In June details began to emerge, with Obama favouring a so-called “public option,” a government insurance program that would compete with private businesses. The pharmaceutical industry, which had helped to scuttle Pres. Bill Clinton’s health care reform attempt in 1993–94, said that it would support reform. In August, as members of Congress went home to their districts and held town hall meetings, strident opposition to the efforts began to emerge. Decrying the reform as “socialized medicine” and “Obamacare” (a term that Obama himself later embraced), protestors heckled supporters of health care reform—mostly directing their anger at Democrats, particularly Arlen Specter, a Republican-turned-Democrat supporter of the legislation, whose town hall meeting on August 11 with more than 1,000 people almost erupted into physical violence. Among the grievances cited by opponents was that the bill would amount to a government takeover of the health care industry and, falsely, result in the alleged creation of “death panels” that would withhold care of critically ill people.
On September 9 Obama went before another joint session of Congress to outline his reform measures, discussing the stakes and arguing that it should be a bipartisan effort:
I am not the first president to take up this cause, but I am determined to be the last. It has now been nearly a century since Theodore Roosevelt first called for health care reform. And ever since, nearly every President and Congress, whether Democrat or Republican, has attempted to meet this challenge in some way.
Legislation was soon introduced, and it became clear that the Democrats in the House of Representatives favoured more sweeping reform than those in the Senate. Although the Democrats had, in theory, a filibuster-proof majority (60 votes) in the Senate, aided by independents Joseph Lieberman of Connecticut and Bernie Sanders of Vermont, Lieberman’s vote for a public option as well as the votes of conservative Democratic senators could not be assured. Thus, Senate majority leader Harry Reid attempted to craft a bill that could gain the support of his caucus as well as some moderate Republican senators, such as Olympia Snowe and Susan Collins of Maine.
On November 7 the House of Representatives passed its version of the health care bill, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, by a slim margin of 220–215. Thirty-nine Democrats voted against the legislation, and one Republican, Anh (“Joseph”) Cao of Louisiana, backed the measure. Aiding passage was a compromise on abortion language, because some conservative pro-life Democrats, including Bart Stupak of Michigan, threatened to withhold support unless language were added restricting coverage of abortion in any health insurance plan that received federal subsidies.
The Senate then proceeded with its debate on health care, with the hope of passing legislation before Christmas. The public option, included in the House version, was jettisoned in early December, as it became clear that such a provision would not pass the Senate. Abortion once again threatened to derail the process. An amendment similar to Stupak’s in the House, proposed by Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson and Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch, was voted down in the Senate 54–45, and it was unclear if Nelson would support passage without the amendment or without tougher language on abortion. Nevertheless, on December 24, with all Democrats uniting, the Senate passed its version of the legislation 60–39, which would provide health care to more than 30 million uninsured Americans.
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Nancy Ogbue-Nwosu: Empowering Africa through digital marketing, AI, and social impact – Guardian Nigeria
Nancy Ogbue-Nwosu is a Digital Marketing Analyst, Social Impact Leader, and Global Advocate for Digital Inclusion and Economic Growth, aligning her mission with the UN’s SDGs 4 and 8. With a Master’s in Digital Marketing Analytics, she empowers individuals and businesses through AI-driven strategies, digital tools, and her Business of Social Media Marketing Training, which has trained over 500 professionals.
As the founder of Street Aid Africa Foundation, she has impacted over 12,000 street-connected children across 160 locations in Nigeria, tackling education, poverty, and digital inclusion. A sought-after speaker on AI, digital literacy, and women’s empowerment, Nancy has been featured on the Times Square Billboard and in top publications, earning recognition as a Top African Educator. When not driving change, she enjoys the gym and spending time at the beach with loved ones.
What inspired you to pursue a career in digital marketing, and how did you transition into this space?
During COVID-19, I wrote a book that received 500 downloads in less than a week. This sparked my curiosity about how to make people buy from the internet and led me into social media marketing. Two months after the pandemic, I wrote a paid eBook and made ₦500,000 in one month—that was my wake-up call. Over time, I invested in learning, testing strategies, and refining my expertise. Eventually, I transitioned fully into digital marketing. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Digital Marketing Analytics while helping businesses and individuals achieve tangible results through strategic online positioning.
Your mission aligns with the UN SDGs, particularly in education and economic growth. What motivated your focus on these specific goals?
Access to quality education and economic empowerment is fundamental to individual and societal growth. I’ve witnessed firsthand how digital skills can change lives, especially in Africa, where youth unemployment is a major challenge. Through my Business of Social Media Marketing Training, I am not just teaching young adults digital marketing skills—I am providing them with a tool for financial independence. We cannot achieve decent work and economic growth without quality education. I believe that when people are equipped with the right knowledge, they can create opportunities for themselves and their communities.
How has Artificial Intelligence transformed digital marketing, and what role do you see it playing in the future?
AI has revolutionized digital marketing by enhancing personalization, automating repetitive tasks, and improving data-driven decision-making. From chatbots providing real-time customer support to AI-powered analytics predicting consumer behavior, the possibilities are endless. AI also plays a crucial role in content creation, ad targeting, and customer segmentation, making marketing more efficient and effective. In the near future, AI will continue to drive hyper-personalization, voice search optimization, and even more advanced automation, allowing brands to connect with audiences in ways never before possible. Everyone should start leveraging AI now.
Many businesses struggle with adopting digital tools. What are some key strategies you recommend for organizations looking to scale digitally?
Start with a Clear Digital Strategy – Many businesses dive into digital marketing without a roadmap. Define your objectives, audience, and key performance indicators.
Leverage Automation – Automating tasks like email marketing, lead generation, and customer support saves time and improves efficiency.
Invest in Training – Digital tools evolve quickly. Businesses must invest in ongoing training for their teams. I highly recommend my training, BOSMM.
Prioritize Content and SEO – Invest in high-quality content and a strong SEO strategy to ensure visibility and organic growth.
Leverage Data Analytics – Data-driven decisions will always yield better results. Businesses must analyze their performance regularly to refine their strategies.
Any serious business should leverage these five strategies.
You’ve helped businesses generate millions in revenue through content marketing and sales funnel strategies. Can you share a success story that highlights this impact?
One of my most memorable success stories is working with a coach who needed to stop trading time for money. If she didn’t show up, she didn’t earn. So I helped her create a coaching program to monetize her expertise. She had a wealth of knowledge but lacked a clear strategy to attract and convert her audience. Through my guidance, we developed a compelling content marketing strategy, optimized her sales funnel, and launched a high-ticket coaching program. Within three months, she had over 50 students for a program priced at $889, scaling her business beyond what she thought was possible. This reaffirmed my belief in the power of strategic digital marketing and the tangible results I can deliver.
What are the most common mistakes businesses make in social media marketing, and how can they be avoided?
Inconsistent Posting – Many brands fail to show up consistently, which affects engagement. A well-structured content calendar can help maintain regularity.
Lack of a Clear Strategy – Posting without a goal leads to wasted effort. Businesses should define clear objectives for their social media activities. Many people have no idea why they are online.
Ignoring Analytics – Data does not lie. Brands that fail to analyze their performance miss out on optimization and scaling opportunities.
Neglecting Engagement – Social media is about conversations, not just broadcasting. Responding to comments, DMs, and engaging with followers builds trust. Listen to your audience, give them what they want, and they will take care of you.
Over-Promotion Without Value – Some brands only show up to sell. Constantly selling without offering valuable content turns people away. A balance between education, entertainment, and promotion is key.
Through your Business of Social Media Marketing Training, you’ve empowered over 500 professionals. What key skills do you believe are essential for digital marketing success today?
Data Analytics – Making data-driven decisions to optimize marketing efforts.
Personal Branding & Positioning – Establishing authority in a niche to attract ideal clients.
Content Strategy & Creation – Knowing how to create compelling content that resonates with the audience.
Sales Funnels & Email Marketing – Understanding how to nurture leads and convert them into paying customers.
SEO & Paid Advertising – Mastering organic and paid strategies for visibility and growth.
How do you ensure that your trainees stay ahead in an ever-evolving digital landscape?
I focus on three things: continuous learning, hands-on practice, and community. My training programs are updated regularly to reflect industry changes. I also provide my trainees with real-world projects and case studies, ensuring they gain practical experience. Lastly, I have created a thriving community where professionals can network, find employment opportunities, and stay ahead of industry trends. The Alumni Community is powerful.
As a mentor and educator, what advice do you have for young Africans looking to build a career in digital marketing?
Start where you are and stay consistent. The digital marketing space is vast, but you don’t have to know everything at once. Pick a niche, master it, and build from there. Invest in continuous learning, apply what you learn, and don’t be afraid to market yourself. Most importantly, leverage online communities and mentorship to accelerate your growth.
Being featured on the Times Square Billboard and in major publications is a huge milestone. What does this recognition mean to you, and how has it influenced your work?
It’s a testament to the impact of my work and a reminder that consistent effort pays off. This recognition has opened doors for partnerships, meaningful conversations, and collaborations that continue to amplify my mission.
What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects, partnerships, or goals you’re particularly excited about?
Definitely! I am working on my mentorship program to help more people launch and scale digital marketing agencies. Studying abroad for my Master’s has exposed me to a lot. My team and I are also working on digital outreaches for underserved communities through my NGO, which I’m excited to share with the world soon.
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Kim Tedford to retire, Shanna Wilbanks named new director at health department – WBBJ-TV
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JACKSON, Tenn. – Kim Tedford will be retiring from her role as Regional Director of the Jackson-Madison County Regional Health Department on April 4, 2025.
Shanna Wilbanks, current Regional Epidemiologist and Communicable and Environmental Disease Services Director with the Health Department, has been appointed as her replacement.
Tedford’s career at the Health Department has spanned 32 years. During that time, she has held multiple roles, including public health nurse, nursing director and Emergency Response Medical Task Force leader. She assumed the role of Regional Director in 2015.
Tedford was at the helm of the Health Department during the Covid-19 pandemic.
She had the responsibility of overseeing the response and communicating every aspect of the disease’s progress and its impact on the community. Her leadership and poise during this time of crisis earned her widespread respect. In 2022 she was named Woman of the Year by the Jackson Rotary Club.
“I am honored to have led this department over the past decade and grateful for the experiences I’ve had throughout my career,” Tedford said. “I am very proud of our employees and the work we have done to protect the health of this community. I will continue to be a devoted supporter of public health during retirement.”
“Kim Tedford’s leadership has left a lasting impact on our community, especially during some of the most challenging times in public health. Her dedication and steady hand have ensured the well-being of so many in Madison County, and we are deeply grateful for her service,” said Madison County Mayor A. J. Massey.
“We are also excited to welcome Shanna Wilbanks into this new role,” he added. “Her expertise and commitment to public health make her the perfect choice to lead the department into the future.”
Shanna Wilbanks brings 22 years of diverse public health experience to her new role as Regional Director. As a former WIC nutritionist and health educator, she has worked directly with many members of the Madison County community to teach behaviors that promote good health and wellness. She has also served as Volunteer Coordinator for the Medical Reserve Corp — a national network of medical volunteers who support public health activities in times of emergency response and recovery — and played a pivotal role in Covid19 response.
In her most recent position, Wilbanks leads a team responsible for tracking the spread of diseases and making sure our community is ready for disease emergencies.
“I am incredibly honored and excited to serve as the next Regional Director and would like to
thank Kim for her steady guidance and leadership,” Wilbanks said. “Our department has a strong foundation built on service and commitment to community health. I’m looking forward to building an even stronger future alongside a very talented team.” “I am confident the Health Department will be in great hands with Shanna,” Tedford said.
“She exemplifies the ‘servant leader’ mindset, and will bring a unique skillset and deep passion for public health to further advance our mission of protecting and improving the health of our community.”
For more Madison County news, click here.
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Russia-Ukraine updates: Putin agrees to 30-day pause on attacking energy – Al Jazeera English
These are updates for Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as Trump and Putin hold a call to discuss a possible ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump to speak to Putin on Tuesday about Ukraine ceasefire
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Federal Education Department layoffs include civil rights lawyers for NJ – NorthJersey.com
Civil rights attorneys who investigate discrimination complaints against schools and colleges in New Jersey were among the 1,300 United States Education Department employees laid off this month by the Trump administration.
Attorney General Matt Platkin has filed a lawsuit with other states’ attorneys general seeking to block the layoffs.
Seven of the 12 regional offices in the department’s Office for Civil Rights were shut down last week, Platkin’s lawsuit says. That includes the New York office, which covers New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, according to news reports and other sources.
The Trump administration did not reply to an email asking for comment. It pointed to Education Secretary Linda McMahon’s comments signaling the layoffs in a separate email.
Story continues below photo gallery.
Neither Trump nor McMahon has made public statements about the layoffs and voluntary resignations at the U.S. Education Department.
The Department of Government Efficiency, known as DOGE and headed by Elon Musk, is orchestrating staff cuts throughout the federal government and has promised transparency in its work. However, the DOGE website does not provide any information about cuts to the U.S. Education Department’s New York regional office, or numbers of latest workforce reductions in the department overall.
The department’s Office for Civil Rights — as well as its statistical arm, the Institute of Education Sciences — were among the hardest-hit offices in the department as a share of their total full-time employees, according to data charts published by Education Reform Now, a Washington think tank.
The Education Department’s Office for Civil Rights enforces laws designed to protect students from forms of discrimination and harassment that violate U.S. law. Civil rights complaints gained a higher profile in the last two years during campus protests that spread across colleges after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel by Hamas, and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza that followed in response.
The U.S. Education Department employed 48 people who were based in New Jersey as of September last year. Of those, 15 were attorneys, and at least 18 were employed in the office that handles federal student aid, an analysis of federal employment data showed.
To obtain that information, the USA TODAY Network downloaded raw data from the Office of Personnel Management, the government’s human resources agency, with federal employment numbers from September 2024.
Employees of the New Jersey Department of Education will not lose their jobs as part of federal “reductions in force,” said spokesperson Laura Fredrick. “While NJDOE does rely on federal funding to support some staffing capacity,” the federal government “does not have the authority to terminate New Jersey state employees,” she said.
In addition to administering federal grants for low-income and disabled K-12 students across the nation, the U.S. Education Department collects long-term data about how American students are performing, administers federal dollars for student loans, and addresses violations of U.S. anti-discrimination laws, without litigation in trial courts.
“The Education Department primarily sets regulations, allocates federal funds, and supports best practices across various programs,” Fredrick said. “NJDOE staff members interact regularly with their counterparts … to implement federal funds and federal programs.”
New Jersey education officials are in the dark about the Trump administration’s plans for federal education employees.
So far, New Jersey education officials have received few details other than through press releases, “making it difficult to evaluate specific impacts these changes will have on our agency and New Jersey’s students,” Fredrick said.
The state “will continue to monitor and evaluate any additional information” made available and “continue to carry out our mission of ensuring that all New Jersey students have access to high-quality education,” she said.
“I’m devastated and angry,” said Robert Kim, executive director of the Newark-based Education Law Center, who testified in Congress on Feb. 26 against Trump’s move to dismantle or severely shrink the U.S. Education Department.
“These are some of the most talented civil rights attorneys out there, and there are hundreds of them,” he said, referring to layoffs in the civil rights offices and closures. Kim is a former U.S. Education Department attorney and political appointee during the Obama administration.
“They came to work for the government because they believed in civil rights, they believed in prohibiting racial discrimination, protecting students from sexual harassment and violence, and to ensure that students with disabilities get the services that they’re entitled to under the law,” Kim told NorthJersey.com.
“These are among the most talented and altruistic people that you can imagine. They could have much more lucrative careers in the private sector, but they came to the government,” he said.
Polls show that most Americans, across party lines, do not support doing away with the U.S. Education Department.
The layoffs signal the Trump administration’s long-term alignment with plans proposed in the Heritage Foundation’s controversial Project 2025, to “radically” reshape schools, Kim said.
Cutting federal funding for the poorest students, called Title 1 grants, and for disabled students, called IDEA funding, by changing these formula-based calculations into “block grants” over a 10-year period, as Project 2025 advocated, would be dangerous, Kim said.
On average, federal funding makes up less than 10% of state education budgets.
The Heritage Foundation’s education policy director, Lindsay Burke, supported closing the federal Education Department, in comments made to Congress. Burke testified alongside Kim on Feb 26.
“Congress should pass a Department of Education Reorganization Act to remove Cabinet-level agency status from the department, eliminate ineffective and duplicative programs, and send remaining programs to other agencies,” she said, adding that ultimately it is parents who can restore “academic excellence in America.”
Kim said, “I worked in the Education Department, so I know there’s not a lot of excess staff there.”
“Nobody can dispute” the value of “creating more efficiency and leanness in government,” he said. “This notion of getting rid of bureaucracy, it’s very convenient, but not in reality, when you understand what people are doing and how they help the public.”
There was nearly “double the number of staff members in the civil rights office” during the Reagan administration, he said, even with “15 times less the number of complaints” than now.
“Over the life of the agency,” the civil rights office’s “overall staffing level has declined significantly, falling from nearly 1,100 full time staff in 1981 to 556 in 2023,” the department said in its annual fiscal year 2024 report. “This reduction comes even as the volume of complaints received has grown significantly, increasing from under 3,000 in 1981 to 19,201 in 2023,” the report said.
USA TODAY reporter Erin Mansfield contributed to this story.
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Upcoming digital marketing training series – Vicksburg Daily News
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Vicksburg Warren Chamber of Commerce announced they are offering a Digital Marketing Solutions Training Series. The series kicked-off on March 4, with training on Google My Business and will continue with a range of sessions covering essential marketing tools and strategies.
Each one-hour class will feature 30 minutes of expert instruction followed by 30 minutes of hands-on practice, allowing participants to implement what they learn in real time. Additionally, attendees are encouraged to bring their laptop, phone, or iPad to maximize the instructor’s guidance.
Pablo Diaz, President & CEO of the Vicksburg Warren Partnership, emphasized the importance of digital marketing for local businesses.
“In today’s digital age, a strong online presence is essential for business success,” said Diaz. “This training series is a valuable opportunity for our small businesses to gain hands-on experience with the latest marketing tools, ensuring they stay competitive in an ever-evolving marketplace.”
Mark Your Calendar for the Following Dates:
The above classes will be taught by Skip Wilson of DRAFT Media Partners, an expert in digital marketing and business growth strategies. They will take place at the MCity building located at 1622 Washington Street, Suite 221 Vicksburg, MS. 39180 starting at 9:00am.
In addition, the Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Hinds Community College to offer a 2-hour course on AI and ChatGPT on Mar. 25 from 9 – 11 a.m. This session will provide deeper insights into how artificial intelligence can enhance marketing strategies and business operations.
For more details and to secure your spot, visit the Vicksburg – Warren County Chamber of Commerce’s Community Calendar: https://members.vicksburgusa.com/events/calendar/
For more details contact Chris Rials, Chamber and Corporate Programs Director at 601-636-1012 or email crials@vicksburgchamber.org.
About the Vicksburg Warren Partnership
The Vicksburg Warren Partnership is committed to supporting local businesses and fostering economic growth. The Vicksburg – Warren County Chamber of Commerce is housed under the Vicksburg Warren Partnership. Through education, networking, and advocacy, the Chamber empowers businesses with resources to thrive in today’s market. Pablo Diaz is the President & CEO of the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership.
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