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House Democrats Introduce Bill to Prohibit Wage Garnishment for Medical Debt

House Democrats Introduce Bill to Prohibit Wage Garnishment for Medical Debt

Three House Democrats, including Representative Robert C. "Bobby" Scott (D-Va.), ranking member of the House Committee on Education and Workforce, have introduced legislation aimed at prohibiting wage garnishment for medical debt nationwide. The "Protecting Workers’ Wages from Medical Debt Act" was co-sponsored by Representative Ilhan Omar (D-Minn.) and Representative Greg Casar (D-Texas). The proposed bill seeks to amend the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, explicitly stating that an employee's wages cannot be garnished for the payment of any medical debt. It would also prevent federal or state courts, officers, or agencies from enforcing orders that violate this prohibition. The legislation defines garnishment as any legal or equitable procedure requiring wage withholding for medical debt and medical debt as debt from healthcare services or facilities. The measure is intended to take effect six months after its enactment. Currently, federal law limits weekly garnishment to 25% of disposable earnings or ...

Representative Tim Moore Raises Concerns Over Healthcare Fraud and Costs in North Carolina Hearing

Representative Tim Moore Raises Concerns Over Healthcare Fraud and Costs in North Carolina Hearing

Representative Tim Moore, representing Gaston County, voiced concerns regarding healthcare fraud and its impact on North Carolina families during a House Judiciary subcommittee field hearing in Charlotte. The hearing, titled “Examining Healthcare Markets: Fraud and Competition,” addressed various issues including mergers, certificate-of-need laws, regulations, vertical integration, and alleged fraudulent insurance practices. Moore highlighted that fraud and government subsidies might be contributing to the high cost and inaccessibility of healthcare in the state. He cited estimates suggesting that a significant portion of healthcare spending could be attributed to waste, fraud, or abuse. The discussion also touched upon the federal government's substantial contribution to ACA Medicaid expansion enrollees, which creates incentives for states to maximize federal payments, potentially leading to improper enrollments. Moore emphasized the need for increased competition and reform within the healthcare market t...

WTA Relocates Year-End Finals and Global Headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina

WTA Relocates Year-End Finals and Global Headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina

WTA Relocates Year-End Finals and Global Headquarters to Charlotte, North Carolina

North Carolina Lacks State and Local Rent Control, Allowing Uncapped Rent Increases

North Carolina Lacks State and Local Rent Control, Allowing Uncapped Rent Increases

North Carolina currently has no state-level rent control laws, nor does it permit cities or counties to establish their own rent control ordinances. This means that property owners in North Carolina are free to raise rents without a maximum percentage cap. The state's N.C. General Statute § 42-14.1 explicitly prohibits local governments from enacting or enforcing rules that regulate the amount of rent charged for private residential properties, including both single-family homes and multi-unit buildings. Consequently, major cities like Charlotte, Raleigh, and Durham cannot implement their own rent control measures. While landlords can propose significant rent increases upon contract renewal, tenants are not automatically obligated to accept them and can choose not to renew their lease. For fixed-term contracts, landlords must adhere to the agreed-upon conditions unless the contract specifies otherwise. For month-to-month tenancies, landlords must provide appropriate notice, typically aligning with the noti...

Representative Deborah Ross Co-Sponsors Bill for Federal Land Transfer to Rebuild Fayetteville Veterans Home

Representative Deborah Ross Co-Sponsors Bill for Federal Land Transfer to Rebuild Fayetteville Veterans Home

A bill co-sponsored by Representative Deborah Ross (D-N.C.) has passed the U.S. House of Representatives, proposing the transfer of federal land in Harnett County, North Carolina, to the state. This land is intended for the construction of a replacement facility for the Fayetteville State Veterans Home, which closed in December 2023 due to structural issues and mold. The closure displaced 85 veterans, who were subsequently moved to other facilities across North Carolina. The bill, primarily sponsored by Republican Rep. Richard Hudson, has garnered bipartisan support from North Carolina's congressional delegation. The state has already committed $10 million for the rebuild in fiscal year 2026-27 and an additional $30 million in 2027-28. The proposed new location on Fort Bragg training land is seen as beneficial due to its community feel and potential for federal funding from the national Veterans Administration.

NOAA Confirms Summer 2026 as Hottest on Record in the U.S.

NOAA Confirms Summer 2026 as Hottest on Record in the U.S.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has officially announced that the summer of 2026 was the hottest on record in the United States. This announcement comes amidst widespread reports of extreme heat across various states, including Florida and North Carolina, where residents have noted unusually high temperatures. The record-breaking heat is being attributed to ongoing climate change, which has led to rising global temperatures and more frequent heatwaves. This summer's extreme conditions have sparked conversations about the urgent need for climate action and adaptation strategies. Source time: Sun, 13 Sep 2026 18:32:32 GMT.

Women's Tennis Association moves HQ, picks WTA finals host. Here's where

Women's Tennis Association moves HQ, picks WTA finals host. Here's where

The next three editions of the WTA's year-end tournament will be held where the Women's Tennis Association is moving its global headquarters.

The Columbus Dispatch

Huntington Bank promotes executive likely to become its next CEO

Huntington Bank promotes executive likely to become its next CEO

Steven Steinour, who has been president and CEO since 2009, is not yet stepping down.

U.S. Artisan Chocolate Makers Recognized for Flavor and Quality

U.S. Artisan Chocolate Makers Recognized for Flavor and Quality

U.S. Artisan Chocolate Makers Recognized for Flavor and Quality

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Launches Rural Health Transformation Program to Improve Healthcare Access

North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services Launches Rural Health Transformation Program to Improve Healthcare Access

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has initiated its Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) to enhance healthcare services for rural residents across the state. This five-year, statewide initiative aims to establish collaborative, locally managed, and regionally unique networks of medical, support, and behavioral health professionals and services. As part of RHTP, NCDHHS has launched NC ROOTS (Rural Organizations Orchestrating Transformation for Sustainability), which will lead efforts in each of North Carolina's Medicaid regions. Access East has been selected to lead the ROOTS Hub for eastern North Carolina, a region with a significant concentration of the state's estimated 3 million rural residents. The program seeks to connect providers, service and faith organizations, community partners, and local leaders to strengthen and improve access to quality healthcare and health-related social services for underserved rural populations. This initiative is supported by a fin...

Best sports betting apps in the U.S. for September 2026

Best sports betting apps in the U.S. for September 2026

USA TODAY ranks the best sports betting apps for August 2026 by usability, bonuses, and betting markets, so you can pick the right app for NFL season.

MAA Optimist Park Offers Luxury Urban Living in Charlotte, NC

MAA Optimist Park Offers Luxury Urban Living in Charlotte, NC

MAA Optimist Park Offers Luxury Urban Living in Charlotte, NC