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( MENAFN - IANS) Bagalkot (Karnataka), Dec 1 (IANS) Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peeth seer Basavaraj Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami leading the agitation demanding reservation under 2A Category has charged that the community leaders are being threatened by the congress government in Karnataka led by Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to suppress the agitation for reservation. Speaking to reporters, the seer warned that if anything went wrong, there would be a "blood revolution" in the state. "In the backdrop of agitation for 2A Category for Panchamasali Lingayat community, we are being threatened under the CM Siddaramaiah led government. For four days, the taluk unit presidents and district presidents have been threatened. If anything goes wrong, there is going to be a blood revolution,” he said. “We took up agitation during the tenure of the BJP government led by former CM Basavaraj Bommai. We had staged a protest before the residence of Bommai. No case was filed against us. But, under CM Siddaramaiah-led government, we are being threatened,” he added. The seer further stated that if the involvement of Congress legislators is found in these threatening calls, they won't be spared. “The Congress government should not play with the emotions of people. When there was a BJP government, they used to come to us and the CM used to visit us. However, now we are forced to go to the legislators and the CM. We have decided not to invite community MLAs of the Congress party as it would harm their progress," he said. "The previous BJP government did not give reservation quota appropriately. The present government has not done anything. CM Siddaramaiah did not even speak to us for courtesy. Previously, the CM under the BJP government spoke to us for two hours. But they did not show commitment to give the quota. "CM Siddaramaiah and Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar did not even give an appointment. Now, we are prepared to lay siege to the Suvarna Vidhana Soudha. I appeal to community members not to get distracted with any statements. Considering the future of upcoming generations, all should take part in the agitation," he said. Asked if he has plans to enter politics, the seer said that he is not interested in politics. "I won't be a king, I would be a king maker," he stated. Kudalasangama Panchamasali Peeth seer Basavaraj Jaya Mruthyunjaya Swami warned earlier that they plan to lay siege to the Karnataka Assembly with 5,000 tractors while expressing unhappiness over Chief Minister Siddaramaiah not responding to the demand of providing reservation to Panchamasali Lingayats. MENAFN30112024000231011071ID1108941708 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy: A Closer Look at Symptoms, Diagnosis and Clinical Research Underway
KYIV, Ukraine — NATO and Ukraine will hold emergency talks Tuesday after Russia attacked a central city with an experimental, hypersonic ballistic missile. escalating the nearly 33-month-old war. The conflict is “entering a decisive phase,” Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday, and “taking on very dramatic dimensions.” Ukraine’s parliament canceled a session as security was tightened following Thursday’s Russian strike on a military facility in the city of Dnipro. In a stark warning to the West, President Vladimir Putin said in a nationally televised speech the attack with the intermediate-range Oreshnik missile was in retaliation for Kyiv’s use of U.S. and British longer-range missiles capable of striking deeper into Russian territory. Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks Friday during a meeting with the leadership of the Russian Ministry of Defense, representatives of the military-industrial complex and developers of missile systems at the Kremlin in Moscow. Putin said Western air defense systems would be powerless to stop the new missile. Ukrainian military officials said the missile that hit Dnipro reached a speed of Mach 11 and carried six nonnuclear warheads, each releasing six submunitions. Speaking Friday to military and weapons industries officials, Putin said Russia will launch production of the Oreshnik. “No one in the world has such weapons,” he said. “Sooner or later, other leading countries will also get them. We are aware that they are under development. “We have this system now,” he added. “And this is important.” Putin said that while it isn’t an intercontinental missile, it’s so powerful that the use of several of them fitted with conventional warheads in one attack could be as devastating as a strike with strategic — or nuclear — weapons. Gen. Sergei Karakayev, head of Russia’s Strategic Missile Forces, said the Oreshnik could reach targets across Europe and be fitted with nuclear or conventional warheads, echoing Putin’s claim that even with conventional warheads, “the massive use of the weapon would be comparable in effect to the use of nuclear weapons.” In this photo taken from a video released Friday, a Russian serviceman operates at an undisclosed location in Ukraine. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov kept up Russia's bellicose tone on Friday, blaming “the reckless decisions and actions of Western countries” in supplying weapons to Ukraine to strike Russia. "The Russian side has clearly demonstrated its capabilities, and the contours of further retaliatory actions in the event that our concerns were not taken into account have also been quite clearly outlined," he said. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, widely seen as having the warmest relations with the Kremlin in the European Union, echoed Moscow’s talking points, suggesting the use of U.S.-supplied weapons in Ukraine likely requires direct American involvement. “These are rockets that are fired and then guided to a target via an electronic system, which requires the world’s most advanced technology and satellite communications capability,” Orbán said on state radio. “There is a strong assumption ... that these missiles cannot be guided without the assistance of American personnel.” Orbán cautioned against underestimating Russia’s responses, emphasizing that the country’s recent modifications to its nuclear deployment doctrine should not be dismissed as a “bluff.” “It’s not a trick ... there will be consequences,” he said. Czech Republic's Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky speaks to journalists Friday during a joint news conference with Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andriiy Sybiha in Kyiv, Ukraine. Separately in Kyiv, Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavský called Thursday’s missile strike an “escalatory step and an attempt of the Russian dictator to scare the population of Ukraine and to scare the population of Europe.” At a news conference with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Lipavský also expressed his full support for delivering the necessary additional air defense systems to protect Ukrainian civilians from the “heinous attacks.” He said the Czech Republic will impose no limits on the use of its weapons and equipment given to Ukraine. Three lawmakers from Ukraine's parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, confirmed that Friday's previously scheduled session was called off due to the ongoing threat of Russian missiles targeting government buildings in central Kyiv. In addition, there also was a recommendation to limit the work of all commercial offices and nongovernmental organizations "in that perimeter, and local residents were warned of the increased threat,” said lawmaker Mykyta Poturaiev, who said it's not the first time such a threat has been received. Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate said the Oreshnik missile was fired from the Kapustin Yar 4th Missile Test Range in Russia’s Astrakhan region and flew 15 minutes before striking Dnipro. Test launches of a similar missile were conducted in October 2023 and June 2024, the directorate said. The Pentagon confirmed the missile was a new, experimental type of intermediate-range missile based on its RS-26 Rubezh intercontinental ballistic missile. Thursday's attack struck the Pivdenmash plant that built ICBMs when Ukraine was part of the Soviet Union. The military facility is located about 4 miles southwest of the center of Dnipro, a city of about 1 million that is Ukraine’s fourth-largest and a key hub for military supplies and humanitarian aid, and is home to one of the country’s largest hospitals for treating wounded soldiers from the front before their transfer to Kyiv or abroad. We're all going to die someday. Still, how it happens—and when—can point to a historical moment defined by the scientific advancements and public health programs available at the time to contain disease and prevent accidents. In the early 1900s, America's efforts to improve sanitation, hygiene, and routine vaccinations were still in their infancy. Maternal and infant mortality rates were high, as were contagious diseases that spread between people and animals. Combined with the devastation of two World Wars—and the Spanish Flu pandemic in between—the leading causes of death changed significantly after this period. So, too, did the way we diagnose and control the spread of disease. Starting with reforms as part of Roosevelt's New Deal in the 1930s, massive-scale, federal interventions in the U.S. eventually helped stave off disease transmission. It took comprehensive government programs and the establishment of state and local health agencies to educate the public on preventing disease transmission. Seemingly simple behavioral shifts, such as handwashing, were critical in thwarting the spread of germs, much like discoveries in medicine, such as vaccines, and increased access to deliver them across geographies. Over the course of the 20th century, life expectancy increased by 56% and is estimated to keep increasing slightly, according to an annual summary of vital statistics published by the American Academy of Pediatrics in 2000. Death Records examined data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to see how the leading causes of death in America have evolved over time and to pinpoint how some major mortality trends have dropped off. According to a report published in the journal Annual Review of Public Health in 2000, pneumonia was the leading cause of death in the early 1900s, accounting for nearly 1 in 4 deaths. By the time World War I ended in 1918, during which people and animals were housed together for long periods, a new virus emerged: the Spanish Flu. Originating in a bird before spreading to humans, the virus killed 10 times as many Americans as the war. Many died of secondary pneumonia after the initial infection. Pneumonia deaths eventually plummeted throughout the century, partly prevented by increased flu vaccine uptake rates in high-risk groups, particularly older people. Per the CDC, tuberculosis was a close second leading cause of death, killing 194 of every 10,000 people in 1900, mainly concentrated in dense urban areas where the infection could more easily spread. Eventually, public health interventions led to drastic declines in mortality from the disease, such as public education, reducing crowded housing, quarantining people with active disease, improving hygiene, and using antibiotics. Once the death rates lagged, so did the public health infrastructure built to control the disease, leading to a resurgence in the mid-1980s. Diarrhea was the third leading cause of death in 1900, surging every summer among children before the impacts of the pathogen died out in 1930. Adopting water filtration, better nutrition, and improved refrigeration were all associated with its decline. In the 1940s and 1950s, polio outbreaks killed or paralyzed upward of half a million people worldwide every year. Even at its peak, polio wasn't a leading cause of death, it was a much-feared one, particularly among parents of young children, some of whom kept them from crowded public places and interacting with other children. By 1955, when Jonah Salk discovered the polio vaccine, the U.S. had ended the "golden age of medicine." During this period, the causes of mortality shifted dramatically as scientists worldwide began to collaborate on infectious disease control, surgical techniques, vaccines, and other drugs. From the 1950s onward, once quick-spreading deadly contagions weren't prematurely killing American residents en masse, scientists also began to understand better how to diagnose and treat these diseases. As a result, Americans were living longer lives and instead succumbing to noncommunicable diseases, or NCDs. The risk of chronic diseases increased with age and, in some cases, was exacerbated by unhealthy lifestyles. Cancer and heart disease shot up across the century, increasing 90-fold from 1900 to 1998, according to CDC data. Following the post-Spanish Flu years, heart disease killed more Americans than any other cause, peaking in the 1960s and contributing to 1 in 3 deaths. Cigarette smoking rates peaked at the same time, a major risk factor for heart disease. Obesity rates also rose, creating another risk factor for heart disease and many types of cancers. This coincides with the introduction of ultra-processed foods into diets, which plays a more significant role in larger waistlines than the increasing predominance of sedentary work and lifestyles. In the early 1970s, deaths from heart disease began to fall as more Americans prevented and managed their risk factors, like quitting smoking or taking blood pressure medicine. However, the disease remains the biggest killer of Americans. Cancer remains the second leading cause of death and rates still indicate an upward trajectory over time. Only a few types of cancer are detected early by screening, and some treatments for aggressive cancers like glioblastoma—the most common type of brain cancer—have also stalled, unable to improve prognosis much over time. In recent years, early-onset cancers, those diagnosed before age 50 or sometimes even earlier, have seen a drastic rise among younger Americans. While highly processed foods and sedentary lifestyles may contribute to rising rates, a spike in cancer rates among otherwise healthy young individuals has baffled some medical professionals. This follows the COVID-19 pandemic that began in 2020. At its peak, high transmission rates made the virus the third leading cause of death in America. It's often compared to the Spanish Flu of 1918, though COVID-19 had a far larger global impact, spurring international collaborations among scientists who developed a vaccine in an unprecedented time. Public policy around issues of safety and access also influences causes of death, particularly—and tragically—among young Americans. Gun control measures in the U.S. are far less stringent than in peer nations; compared to other nations, however, the U.S. leads in gun violence. Firearms are the leading cause of death for children and teens (around 2 in 3 are homicides, and 1 in 3 are suicides), and deaths from opioids remain a leading cause of death among younger people. Globally, the leading causes of death mirror differences in social and geographic factors. NCDs are primarily associated with socio-economic status and comprise 7 out of 10 leading causes of death, 85% of those occurring in low- and middle-income countries, according to the World Health Organization. However, one of the best health measures is life expectancy at birth. People in the U.S. have been living longer lives since 2000, except for a slight dip in longevity due to COVID-19. According to the most recent CDC estimates, Americans' life expectancy is 77.5 years on average and is expected to increase slightly in the coming decades. Story editing by Alizah Salario. Additional editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Paris Close. Photo selection by Lacy Kerrick. This story originally appeared on Death Records and was produced and distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio. Get local news delivered to your inbox!WASHINGTON — The House passed a $895 billion measure Wednesday that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. The Pentagon and the surrounding area is seen Jan. 26, 2020, from the air in Washington. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. People are also reading... Nebraska transportation director: Expressway system won't be done until 2042 At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Camper total loss after fire north of Beatrice Spreading kindness one butterfly at a time 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win BPS receives a "good" classification Holiday lights travel through downtown Beatrice for annual parade Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Missouri man sentenced for attempted sexual assault At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 Community Players open holiday play Amie Just: This recruiting class marks the beginning of a new era — one without walk-ons Lonnie Meyer Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators wanted to increase defense spending about $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions in the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., speaks with reporters Nov. 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many nondefense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, proved effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., responds to reporters Dec. 6 during his weekly news conference at the Capitol in Washington. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors Rising threats from debt collectors against members of the U.S. armed forces are undermining national security, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal watchdog that protects consumer rights. To manage the impact of financial stress on individual performance, the Defense Department dedicates precious resources to improving financial literacy, so service members know the dangers of notorious no-credit-check loans. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Andrew Cohen, the director of financial readiness in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. But debt collectors are gaining ground. Last quarter, debt collection complaints by U.S. military service members increased 24% , and attempts to collect on “debts not owed” surged 40%. Complaints by service members against debt collectors for deceptive practices ballooned from 1,360 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 1,833 in the first quarter of 2024. “There’s a connection between the financial readiness and the readiness of a service member to perform their duty,” said Jim Rice, Assistant Director, Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Laws exist to protect the mission readiness of U.S. troops from being compromised by threats and intimidation, but debt collectors appear to be violating them at an alarming pace. “If they’re threatening to call your commander or get your security clearance revoked, that’s illegal,” says Deborah Olvera, financial readiness manager at Wounded Warriors Project, and a military spouse who’s been harassed herself by a collection agency that tried to extort money from her for a debt she didn’t owe. But after she requested the name of the original creditor, she never heard from them again. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities.” —Andrew Cohen, Director of Financial Readiness at the Pentagon Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it’s illegal for debt collectors to threaten to contact your boss or have you arrested because it violates your financial privacy. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from making false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of a debt, even for borrowers with bad credit scores. But according to the data, debt collectors are increasingly ignoring those rules. “Debt collection continues to be one of the top consumer complaint categories,” said a spokesperson at the Federal Trade Commission. The commission released a report earlier this year revealing that consumers were scammed $10 billion in 2023, a new benchmark for fraud losses. In his book Debt: The First 5,000 Years, David Graeber argues that debt often creates a relationship that can feel more oppressive than systems of hierarchy, like slavery or caste systems because it starts by presuming equality between the debtor and the creditor. When the debtor falls into arrears, that equality is then destroyed. This sense of betrayal and the subsequent imbalance of power leads to widespread resentment toward lenders. Most Menacing Loan Messengers Photo Credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock The debt collector reportedly harassing military service members most was Resurgent Capital Services, a subsidiary of collection giant Sherman Financial Group. The company tacks on accrued interest and junk fees and tries to collect on debts purchased for pennies on the dollar from cable companies, hospitals, and credit card companies, among others. Sherman Financial Group is run by billionaire Benjamin Navarro, who has a reported net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Sherman Financial also owns subprime lender Credit One Bank and LVNV Funding, which outsource collections to Resurgent Capital. According to CFPB data, the second worst offender is CL Holdings, the parent company of debt-buyer Jefferson Capital Systems. The company has also been named in numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau for alleged violations of the FDCPA, such as failing to properly validate debts or update credit reports with accurate information. Under the leadership of CEO David Burton, Jefferson Capital Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CompuCredit Corporation, which markets subprime credit cards under the names Aspire, Majestic, and others. The third most referenced debt collector is publicly traded Portfolio Recovery Associates [NASDAQ: PRAA], which was forced to pay $27 million in penalties for making false representations about debts, initiating lawsuits without proper documentation, and other violations. Portfolio Recovery Associates is run by CEO Vikram Atal. Fourth place for alleged worst offender goes to Encore Capital Group [NASDAQ ECPG], which was required to pay $42 million in consumer refunds and a $10 million penalty for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Encore collects under its subsidiary Midland Credit Management Group. These debt collectors all operate under a veritable shell game of company and brand names, almost none of which are disclosed on their websites, sending consumers on a wild goose chase to try and figure out how they’re related to each other. But despite their attempts to hide their tracks behind a smoke screen of subsidiaries, a leopard can’t change its spots, and the CFPB complaint database makes it harder for them to try. Loan Harassment Hotspots Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock Although widely considered a consumer-friendly state, complaints spiked most in California, which saw a 188% increase in complaints filed from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. California is home to 157,367 military personnel, making it the most populous state for active-duty service members. The second-largest increase in debt collection complaints was in Texas, which saw a 66% jump from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense reports 111,005 service members stationed in the Lone Star State, which is the third-most populous state for active-duty military. The rising trends do not correlate to the number of military personnel by state. Complaints against debt collectors in Virginia, the second most populous state with 126,145 active duty personnel, decreased by 29% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. And complaints filed quarter-over-quarter in North Carolina, the fifth most populous state with 91,077 military personnel, decreased by 3% in the same period. The third largest percentage increase in debt collection complaints was from service members stationed in Maryland, where alleged harassment reports jumped 112% from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Maryland ranks number 12 with just 28,059 active duty service members. Fourth place goes to Ohio – the 28th most populous active-duty state – where complaints doubled, followed by Arizona – the 15th most populous military state – where complaints were up 70% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. Billionaire Bets on Bad Credit Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock In 2007, Congress passed the Military Lending Act to cap the cost of credit to a 36% annual percentage rate, inclusive of junk fees and late charges, for active duty military service members. That rate is still considerably higher than average credit card rates, which range from 8% for borrowers with excellent credit scores to as high as 36% for borrowers with bad credit. But lenders still get hauled into court for violating the MLA. Don Hankey, the billionaire subprime auto lender who funded Donald Trump’s $175 million appeal bond , is among those violators. His company, Westlake Financial, which markets high-interest car loans for bad credit, has been sued twice by the Department of Justice for harassing military service members. In 2017, the DoJ alleged Hankey’s Westlake Financial illegally repossessed at least 70 vehicles owned by military service members. Westlake Financial paid $700,000 to settle the charges. In 2022, Westlake Financial paid $250,000 for allegedly cheating U.S. troops out of interest rates they were legally entitled to. Westlake Financial continues to receive complaints from military service members alleging abusive debt collection practices on its no-credit-check loans. A steady year-over-year increase in the number of complaints filed against Westlake Financial continued from 2020 to 2023. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data shows a 13% increase in the number of complaints against the company from 2020 to 2021, a 28% increase from 2021 to 2022, and a torrential 119% surge from 2022 to 2023. The numbers suggest systemic complaint-handling processes and inadequate customer service resources. Lenders Try to Shutter CFPB Photo Credit: Cynthia Shirk / Shutterstock On May 16, 2024, a deceptively named predatory lending industry front group dubbed the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) lost a legal attempt to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In an effort to deprive Americans of essential consumer protections, the lobby group argued that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure was unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court denied its claim. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court held that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure is indeed constitutional. That means the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cannot be defunded, but it does not mean the agency cannot be defanged. The New York Times suggested that Hankey’s incentive to finance Trump’s $175 million bond could have been a reciprocity pledge to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. If Trump wins a second term, he could replace Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Rohit Chopra, an American consumer advocate, with a predatory lending advocate. In 2020, the Trump Administration secured a Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for the president to fire the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ruling struck down previous restrictions on when a president can fire the bureau’s director. Like other federal agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also been confronted for overstepping its bounds, pushing too far, and acting unfairly against entities it regulates. Holidays, Interest Rates Not to Blame Photo Credit: Lux Blue / Shutterstock Seasonality and rising interest rates do not explain the increase in debt collection complaints from service members. The surge in complaints is not tied to predictable seasonal fluctuations or changes in interest rates. The increase in debt collection complaints by service members may point to underlying systemic issues, such as aggressive and predatory debt collection practices that exploit the unique financial vulnerabilities of service members, who face frequent relocations and deployments. Debt Complaints by Service Members From Q1 2021 to Q4 2022 Up 4% From Q4 2022 to Q1 2023 Up 6% From Q4 2023 to Q1 2024 Up 24% The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates From 3.08% in Q4 2021 to 3.82% in Q1 2022 From 6.66% in Q4 2022 to 6.37% in Q1 2023 From 7.30% in Q1 2023 to 6.75% in Q4 2024 Pandemic stimulus checks were also not a factor. COVID-19 relief benefit checks went through three major rounds during the pandemic. The final round of Economic Impact Payments went out in March 2021 . To better understand the rising trend of debt collection complaints, we calculated the increase in the total number of complaints and the percentage increase quarter-over-quarter. For example, New Jersey has the second largest percentage increase in complaints quarter-over-quarter, but the total number of complaints increased by just 16. Methodology The data for this study was sourced from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint database. The dataset specifically targeted complaints filed by U.S. military service members, identified using the tag “Servicemember” within Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. Readers can find the detailed research methodology underlying this news story in the accompanying section here . For complete results, see U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors on BadCredit.org . Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Homelessness reached record levels in 2023, as rents and home prices continued to rise in most of the U.S. One group was particularly impacted: people who have served in the U.S. military. "This time last year, we knew the nation was facing a deadly public health crisis," Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said in a statement about the 2023 numbers. He said the latest homelessness estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development "confirms the depth of the crisis." At least 35,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to HUD. While that's about half of what it was in 2009—when the organization began collecting data—things have plateaued in recent years despite active efforts to get that number to zero. Although they make up just 6.6% of the total homeless population, veterans are more likely to be at risk of homelessness than Americans overall. Of every 10,000 Americans, 20 were experiencing homelessness. Of veterans living in the United States, that number jumps to 22, HUD data shows. Complicated by bureaucracy, family dynamics, and prejudice, the path from serving in the military to homelessness is a long one. According to a 2022 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers, homelessness typically occurs within four years of leaving the military, as veterans must contend with the harsh reality of finding a job in a world where employers struggle to see how skills on the battlefield transfer to a corporate environment. These days, veterans also deal with historically high rent and home prices, which causes many to rely on family generosity while figuring out a game plan. Stacker examined academic studies, analyzed government data, and spoke with members of the Biden administration, experts, and former members of the armed forces to see the struggles members of the military face when leaving the armed forces. Veterans struggle to find a path forward The Department of Veterans Affairs offers transition assistance to the roughly 250,000 service members who leave each year. However, those programs can be burdensome and complex to navigate, especially for those who don't have a plan for post-military life. Only a small portion of veterans have jobs lined up when they leave, according to 2019 Pew Research. Many also choose to live with relatives until they get on their feet, which can be longer than anticipated. Some former service members are unsure what kind of career they'd like to pursue and may have to get further education or training, Carl Castro, director of the Military and Veteran Programs at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, told Stacker. "It takes years for that kind of transition," Castro said. Many have trouble finding a job after leaving the service, even if they are qualified. Some employers carry misconceptions about those who have served. A 2020 analysis from the journal Human Resource Management Review found that some veterans face hiring discrimination due to negative stereotypes that lead hiring managers to write them off as a poor culture fit. Underemployment, or working low-wage jobs below their skill level, is also an issue. While the unemployment rate for veterans was 3% in March 2024, a study released by Penn State at the end of 2023 found three years after leaving the service, 61% of veterans said they were underemployed because of perceived skill mismatches . This phenomenon can have long-term economic effects, and eventually, that frustration can boil over, strain relationships, and potentially lead to housing instability. Working, especially a low-wage job, is not protection against homelessness. A 2021 study from the University of Chicago found half of people living in homeless shelters and 2 in 5 unsheltered people were employed, full or part-time. Some veterans struggle to find homes in their budget High rents make it difficult to save up, even when applying for a VA loan—a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that typically has more favorable terms. While the VA does not require a downpayment, some lenders, who ultimately provide the loan, do. They're not entirely risk-free either, and veterans can still lose their homes if they are unable to keep up with their mortgages. In November 2023, the VA put a six-month pause on foreclosures when an NPR investigation found thousands of veterans were in danger of losing their homes after a COVID forbearance program ended. Biden officials pointed to high rents and the end of COVID-era housing restrictions like eviction moratoriums to explain the spike in Americans experiencing homelessness. In the last year, homelessness rose 12%—to more than 650,000 people—the highest level since data began being collected in 2007. Overall, more than half of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 live in states with high living costs. Most were in California, followed by New York and Florida. Western states, including Montana and Utah, experienced massive population growth during the pandemic, becoming hubs for remote workers who drove home prices and rents even further. Vets with mental health issues most at risk for homelessness For veterans, housing costs certainly play a role, but those who leave the military also face systemic barriers. "It's worrying there are people that continue to fall through the cracks," said Jeanette Yih Harvie, a research associate at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Just under a quarter of adults experiencing homelessness have a severe mental illness , according to 2022 HUD survey data. They are also likely to have chronic illnesses but are unable to maintain preventative care, which only exacerbates these problems. Veterans facing homelessness are more likely to have experienced trauma , either before or after joining the military, according to Yale researchers who analyzed the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Childhood trauma was among the most significant commonalities among vets who become homeless. Substance use disorder is also widespread and can indicate an undiagnosed mental illness . Racial and ethnic disparities are at play, too. A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that Hispanic and Black veterans were more likely to screen positive for PTSD, and Hispanic veterans were more likely to report having suicidal ideation. Overall, access to mental health care has improved in the last decade or so. In December 2023, the VA announced it would open nine additional counseling centers. However, the stigma of getting help remains, especially after years of being conditioned to be self-reliant and pull oneself up by their bootstraps. That help, in the form of public policy, is slowly working to catch up to the need. In 2023, the Biden administration invested millions into research programs and studies on suicide prevention by the VA office in addition to a proposed $16 billion to improve quality and lower-cost mental health care services for veterans. And, in February of this year, HUD and the VA announced they would give up to $14 million in vouchers to public housing agencies for veterans experiencing homelessness. The program would also offer case management and other services. Still, with a culture that pushes people to keep going, it can be challenging for servicemembers to take advantage of these opportunities, Harvie said. "When you've been doing that for the last 15 or 20 years, it's difficult to stop and say, 'I'm the person that needs help.'" Story editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.
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Please enable JavaScript to read this content. “Now, 49 per cent of your payslip is gone, 6 per cent to NSSF by January. Your wallet is getting a workout and your paycheck is shrinking quicker than you can say abracadabra.” These were some of the sentiments shared by a social media user after Kenyans took to social media to show how the new payslips will look like after statutory deductions as of October. While some deductions may be up for debate, the public needs clear communication to understand the importance of contributions such as NSSF for securing their financial future. Many workers feel that their payslips are increasingly loaded with deductions, leaving less in their hands each month and raising questions about whether this is truly in their best interest. The outcry is understandable; amid a rising cost of living, more deductions may seem like just one more setback. However, if approached with clear and transparent communication, Kenyans can understand that these deductions are essential investments toward a secure future. The original NSSF contributions were capped at Sh400 for each employee, a figure unchanged since the fund’s inception over 50 years ago. Inflation and evolving economic challenges have rendered this amount inadequate to support a comfortable retirement, with many Kenyans retiring only to struggle financially due to insufficient savings. The increased contributions aim to address this issue by gradually building a larger retirement fund, ultimately providing Kenyans with a more stable income after they leave the workforce. Unfortunately, this message has not been communicated effectively. Without a clear understanding of why these changes are necessary, workers naturally interpret the increase as another burden rather than a benefit. Public backlash against financial reforms often stems from a lack of clarity, and the situation with NSSF is no different. The government, employers, and NSSF administrators have a responsibility to explain to the public how these deductions work, what they fund, and the benefits employees can expect to receive. There is a clear opportunity to educate the public on how retirement funds grow over time, emphasizing that NSSF contributions are not simply “money lost” but rather “money saved.” For example, providing clear, illustrated examples of how contributions will benefit Kenyans in their retirement years could go a long way toward changing perceptions. Showing how a consistent, small monthly deduction can grow into a significant retirement fund over time could illustrate the value of saving early and consistently. Digital tools Additionally, the NSSF could provide tools to help employees track their contributions, estimated interest, and projected pension benefits. If employees can see their retirement fund’s growth, it becomes easier to appreciate the sacrifice now for the security later. Countries with strong social security systems prioritise education around pensions. For example, in Singapore - our promised benchmark - the Central Provident Fund regularly publishes easy-to-understand information, including calculators, online dashboards, and retirement planning tools, all of which make it easy for citizens to track their progress and understand how contributions benefit them. Stay informed. Subscribe to our newsletter Kenya could adopt a similar approach, developing a suite of digital tools to empower citizens. Many Kenyans are tech-savvy, and a digital platform with a focus on transparency, accessible from mobile devices, could quickly bridge the gap. Employers play an influential role in this communication process. By explaining to their employees how the increased contributions will benefit them, they can help calm anxiety and build trust. Encouraging businesses to offer workshops or informational sessions on retirement planning and the importance of NSSF contributions would create a valuable bridge between the government’s goals and the public’s understanding. The writer is the head of Pension and Consulting at Enwealth Financial ServicesLawmakers from both parties expect to renew push to tax skill games
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Ruben Amorim gave the clearest indication yet that Marcus Rashford has played his final game for Manchester United after their defeat at Wolves . Rashford was absent from the United squad for the fourth successive game for the trip to Molineux on Boxing Day. He has not featured since playing 56 minutes in United’s 2-1 win over Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on December 12. The 27-year-old forward has admitted he is ready for a new challenge ahead of the January transfer window and United are open to selling their homegrown star, should their £40million valuation be met. Amorim has been bombarded with questions about Rashford ever since taking over from Erik ten Hag – and it was no different after goals from Matheus Cunha and Hwang Hee-chan condemned his side to a third loss in seven days. “It's always the same reason it's going to be,” he told Prime Video when asked about Rashford. “We have to be the same professionals, the same guys, winning or losing. Losing, I have to be stronger. I will continue with my idea until the end.” Asked if Rashford had shown signs of changing since being left out, Amorim gave a blunt answer: “If he's not here, you can make your mind up.” Speaking before kick-off , ex-United defender Wes Brown suggested that Amorim had sacrificed Rashford in order to draw a line in the sand over discipline. “It’s disappointing again that he’s not in the squad,” Brown said on Prime Video. “It seems the manager has set his terms: ‘If you want to be in the squad, these are the terms you go by – whether it’s training, off the field, whatever’. “And ultimately, that has not been sorted out yet. It’ll be a very sad day if we do see Marcus go. But ultimately, you have to be on the same wavelength as the manager. I honestly think it’s getting close [to Amorim’s strongest line-up]. I think this is as close as you’re going to get right now.” HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Marcus Rashford leave Manchester United in January? Comment below. Despite having his first-choice line-up, United slipped to yet another defeat. Bruno Fernandes was sent off after picking up a second yellow card in the 47th minute before Cunha’s corner went over a flapping Andre Onana to make it 1-0. Hwang added a second on the break to move Wolves out of the relegation zone. “This is a tough moment. We are far from the end of this moment. That’s it. We have to continue,” Amorim said. “Now, we have to survive and work on the team. We already knew it. It’s a long journey. We have to fight these bad moments. It’s part of football. “We have to work on a lot of things in our club, inside the club, outside the club - and use every moment of training and games to improve the team.” Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Amazon's Prime Video is broadcasting the Premier League Boxing Day round of fixtures on December 26-27. Each match can be streamed free with an Amazon Prime subscription or by signing up for an Amazon Prime 30-day free trial .Paul Sullivan: Leave it to the Bears to botch a coach firing even your Aunt Martha could see coming
India mourns the loss of Dr. Manmohan Singh, a man who not only transformed the nation’s economy but also demonstrated unparalleled personal integrity and devotion to public service. Known for his intellect, humility, and steady leadership, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s contributions to the country extended far beyond his economic policies. His personal life, marked by simplicity and deep dedication, resonated with the same values he brought to his work. He played a key role in launching the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act . He epitomized an element of inclusive growth along with the welfare of the poorest of India’s citizenry. Born in 1932 in Gah, now in Pakistan, the early life of Dr. Manmohan Singh was shaped by the challenges of partition, but it also instilled a deep sense of resilience within him. His academic brilliance led him to pursue economics at the University of Cambridge, followed by a doctorate in economics. Despite his global recognition as a leading economist, Dr. Manmohan Singh lived a life of remarkable humility. He was known to be a private and dignified man, who avoided the media and preferred policy over publicity. In his personal life, he was a devoted family man, deeply committed to his wife, Gursharan Kaur, and his two daughters. Personal warmth and modesty, by contrast, stood stark against the often dramatic world of politics. Colleagues and friends remember him for his kindness, sincerity, and integrity—which made him not only a respected leader but also a person of profound moral character. His personal values of honesty, hard work, and empathy were reflected in his policies. He was a man by nature quiet, but his action spoke volumes about the great commitment to lifting the country out of poverty and fostering economic equity. Also Read: Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Passes Away At 92, Breathes His last In Delhi AIIMS One of the most important legacies of Dr. Manmohan Singh is the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, a program that was designed to provide guaranteed employment to rural households. The program, launched in 2005, became a cornerstone of Dr. Manmohan Singh’s government, reflecting his deep concern for India’s rural poor and his belief in the power of employment as a tool for development. Dr. Singh knew that economic growth would not bring the severe disparities in urban and rural populations together in India. Economic liberalization brought prosperity to most of the people, while millions of rural Indian people remained backward. According to Dr. Manmohan Singh, MNREGA is his vision, which aims at providing a right to work to millions of poor and marginalized citizens, particularly rural people. MNREGA aimed to offer a safety net for the rural population by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment to every household that sought work. The act sought to address not only poverty but also issues like underemployment, migration, and rural distress. Dr. Manmohan Singh viewed this as a means to promote social justice and dignity, ensuring that work was not just about earning money but also about empowering individuals and communities. Still, the implementation of the program was not easy. While MNREGA has been appreciated for relieving rural poverty and creating employment for millions, its implementation was criticized for being inefficient, corrupt, and beset with bureaucratic bottlenecks. But Dr. Manmohan Singh always held on to the dream of rural empowerment through employment and often emphasized that this was an integral part of India’s development strategy. This was part of his wider vision for inclusive growth in economics. Dr. Singh’s work with MNREGA wasn’t a policy role only but, rather a testament to the larger empathy of India’s poor. While most of his other reforms were liberalization, trade, and global integration, MNREGA stands out as an example of his commitment to bridging the gap between India’s rich and poor. He understood that growth needed to be inclusive and that a nation’s strength lay in the well-being of all its citizens, especially the most vulnerable. The very quiet moments of Dr. Manmohan Singh were filled with discussions and talks about giving dignity to every citizen and equal opportunity, regardless of origin. He knew that his country could only grow further as its development story would not be able to reach the rural section, which forms the crux of the country’s population. MNREGA was not just a program for providing jobs; rather it was a statement of the belief in equitable growth. Dr. Singh’s personal life and professional achievements are intertwined with a legacy of compassion and dedication to public service. As much as his work as an economist and his role in opening up India’s economy in the 1990s hogged the headlines, the focus on welfare and social equity shaped the lives of millions, especially through initiatives like MNREGA. Leadership by Mr. Manmohan Singh was always the antithesis of the self-promotional agenda rather than an agenda that assuredly India’s growth brought into the lives of the ordinary person from there. His quiet determination in favor of the underprivileged in rural India would leave one of the enduring parts of his legacy for history. Dr. Manmohan Singh was a reminder that truly leading men is not about who roars the loudest but is, instead, about whom one hears most. It would do India well to remember him for more than just his economic reforms; it would be a fitting tribute to his quiet force of compassion. Dr. Manmohan Singh was a man who believed in the power of inclusive development, and his legacy—especially through MNREGA—will continue to impact generations to come. Also Read: Nation Mourns The Loss Of Manmohan Singh: A Leader, Mentor, And Architect Of Economic Revolution Written By Aditya Mallick Updated By Aditya Mallick
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Trump team signs agreement to allow Justice to conduct background checks on nominees, staffLUFKIN, Texas (AP) — Tonya Jackson left an Angelina County nursing home on a recent December day, happy with the successful resolution she brokered between the staff and a resident. The elderly woman faced eviction after communication broke down between her family and the facility. That’s when Jackson stepped in. Jackson is the Deep East Texas managing local ombudsman for long-term care facilities. Each day she serves Texans living at these facilities as a state-assigned independent advocate. “We do not enter a nursing facility to wreak havoc,” Jackson said. “We enter the nursing facility to assist and advocate for the residents who do not feel they have a voice. We are there to help mend the broken bridge.” There are not enough people like Jackson in Texas, which has a dismal track record for long-term care. The state ranked 42nd for safety and quality, on a 2018 scorecard from AARP, the last time the survey was taken. The lack of ombudsmen — which include both paid staff and volunteers — is a statewide issue, and is acute in Deep East Texas, which includes Angelina, Nacogdoches and Newton counties. Just five people, two paid staff and three volunteers, bounce between 48 long-term care facilities — 34 nursing facilities and 14 assisted living facilities. “We would be lost in the long-term care community without them, but they definitely need more support across the board,” said Andrea Earl , the associate state director of advocacy and research for the AARP. In early December, the Deep East Texas Council of Governments, a group made up of representatives from local governments, called for more volunteers to bolster this program. Jackson prays the extra hands will better support her small team. She believes one volunteer for each facility would go a long way toward improving the lives of residents. “Volunteers can usually catch things that we can’t, being that our time is so limited going to each of the facilities,” Jackson said. At the same time, state officials hope the Legislature will step in to provide extra support when they reconvene in January. Patty Ducayet , the state’s lead ombudsman, wants lawmakers to fund more full-time and part-time positions, regulate the use of Medicaid and create a portal to handle involuntary discharge, the eviction of residents. Texas legislators have signaled they intend to prioritize dementia care and research this session. Earl hopes this means they’ll see the value in prioritizing the ombudsman program as well. The program has faced an uphill battle in past sessions. “This session, we have to continue to lay the groundwork to ensure that legislators over in the big pink building understand that this is a critical office to long-term care residents and families,” Earl said. The state ombudsman works independently from the Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the state’s long-term care facilities. This independence provides ombudsmen the chance to work on behalf of residents without fearing retribution. Texas utilizes full-time employed ombudsmen to investigate complaints related to the health, safety, welfare and rights of residents in care facilities and help resolve any issues. Their work is ideally supplemented by a large force of volunteers who do similar work but for only a few hours a week. Jackson tries to see 15 to 20 people at each facility during her monthly visits. If she’s successful, she’ll meet with every resident at least once a year. The job requires patience and empathy, Jackson said. In many places, ombudsmen are the only visitors residents get from the outside world and the conversations provide them a level of peace. Her visits serve not only to connect with residents but also to establish a rapport with staff at each facility so she can more effectively address complaints. Facilities without that rapport may see ombudsmen as people just trying to stir up problems, Earl said. Ombudsmen and facilities have clashed before. In 2023, the Texas Assisted Living Association worked with Rep. Travis Clardy, R-Nacogdoches on legislation that Earl said would have made the job of ombudsman harder. The legislation would have limited what files ombudsmen could review, even when it is requested by the patient, Earl said. “Accessing those documents and looking at history, especially when we’re talking about dementia patients and those facing severe medical issues, is a key part of what they do,” Earl said. Carmen Tilton, the vice president of public policy for the Texas Assisted Living Association, said the organization supported House Bill 4220 , which would have impacted ombudsman access to patient records. Their goal wasn’t to curb access, however, but to bring Texas regulation in line with federal regulations. Prior to this, even volunteer ombudsmen – without consent from residents – could access any resident information. This meant they could access Social Security numbers, bank account information, doctors information, prescriptions, and more, Tilton said. The bill also sought changes to training to clarify the differences between facilities and to establish guidelines for what is an ombudsman’s job and what is that of law enforcement. “It was perceived as an attack on the program, which was not our intent,” Tilton said. Clardy dropped the bill before it went for a vote. Since then, the ombudsman office has worked with the Texas Assisted Living Association directly to institute many of the changes Tilton hoped to see within the organization’s framework without requiring legislative intervention. Making changes actually happen within the facility can be difficult, slow and may result in backsliding instead of progress, Ducayet said. An ombudsman may fix a problem for one resident only to be back in the same facility facing the same problem with another resident. This can be extremely frustrating and requires volunteers and staff to have patience. When done right, the issues are resolved within the facility — between the administration, residents and their families — and don’t require state intervention. Jackson does a good job of this, said Lynne’ Nix , the business office manager for Shady Acres Health & Rehabilitation in Newton County. Nix’s relationship with Jackson has been built on the belief that Jackson’s interventions help both the facility and the resident. Sometimes a resident isn’t comfortable speaking their mind and the situation deteriorates quickly. The ombudsman is the logical answer. “They’re the true advocates for the residents,” Nix said. In 2024 , the state ombudsman program had a 25% turnover rate of paid staff, the highest it has ever been. Those who have stayed are overworked, Ducayet said. Ideally, Texas would have one staff member for every 2,000 licensed care facility beds. Right now, Texas has one person for every 2,514 beds, she said. If the program was fully staffed, then paid personnel could focus their work on recruiting and supporting more volunteers, Ducayet said. An additional 22 full-time employees would further improve advocacy statewide. Local volunteers, who are often people whose family members are in long-term care facilities, or are eyeing a facility for themselves, serve as the “boots on the ground,” Earl said. They can accomplish a lot if they can focus on one or two facilities at a time, Ducayet said. But that’s not a reality for Texas right now. Since 2019, the number of active volunteers has decreased by more than 100 people, leaving only 300 people to serve as volunteers across the state. The work, whether as a volunteer or a full-time staff member, takes its toll. Residents, who are often elderly or ailing, die. The sudden loss of a person who you have been meeting with for months, or even years, can be extremely difficult, Ducayet said. After serving in the field for 18 years, she learned that any meeting with a person could be her last. “Those are hard things,” Ducayet said. “It takes resilience and grit, like most hard things do.” Fewer staff and volunteers means longer times between visits to care facilities. Having more eyes and ears on the ground helps address problems at a facility more quickly, Ducayet said. This could go a long way toward improving elderly care and preventing problems from escalating to the point where state intervention feels necessary. Ducayet has several goals this legislative session to improve the ombudsman program and care for residents of long-term care facilities overall. First is increasing state funding for the ombudsman program by about $3 million. This would cover the cost of 22 additional full-time ombudsmen statewide, including a quality assurance officer and discharge rights officer at the state level. She also wants to resolve noncompliance with state and federal discharge rules by nursing facilities. Involuntary discharge, like what Jackson’s client was facing in early December, is the No. 1 complaint received by the program. Ducayet believes creating an online portal for nursing homes to file discharge notices, hiring for a position that is over discharges statewide and making it increasing fines if a nursing home violates discharge laws will help. Increasing staff at long-term care facilities should also be a priority, Ducayet said. She and the AARP are advocating for the state to require nursing homes to use 85% of Medicaid reimbursements for payroll. This would put the money in the hands of caregivers, instead of corporations, Ducayet said. A similar bill was proposed in 2023. The Texas Senate approved it, as did a House committee. But it never received a full vote by the state House. . Earl believes it can go all the way this year. These goals may not necessarily resolve the major issues within the long-term care industry in Texas, but they would go a long way toward increasing accountability in the industry, Earl said. The AARP shares many of Ducayet’s goals, and Earl believes the work completed during the 88th Legislative Session to educate lawmakers about the ombudsman program and how it’s funded could help them progress. She is optimistic, but also weary of what is gearing up to be a potentially complicated session. While Ducayet is working at the state level to improve upon the program, Jackson has other goals – mainly: to find more local volunteers. If she could find one volunteer for each of the 48 facilities in Deep East Texas, an 11 county region, then she could feel more confident that her program is truly meeting the needs of this vulnerable population. This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press.
ROBESONIA, Pa., Dec. 26, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blaqclouds, Inc. (OTC: BCDS) - Prepare to redefine your shopping experience! shopwithcrypto.io is launching, providing a seamless and secure platform for purchasing digital gift cards from thousands of global merchants using a wide array of cryptocurrencies. This groundbreaking platform simplifies the process of spending crypto, making it accessible and convenient for everyone. Unlock the Power of Crypto for Everyday Shopping Gone are the days of complex conversions and limited crypto spending options. shopwithcrypto.io , powered by ZEUSxPay.io , offers a revolutionary solution. Users can now effortlessly acquire digital gift cards for popular brands across a multitude of categories – from fashion and electronics to dining and entertainment – using over 250 different cryptocurrencies, including stablecoins like USDT, USDC, and PYUSD, as well as other prominent tokens and digital currencies such as ZXPAY. Key Benefits of shopwithcrypto.io : "We are thrilled to introduce shopwithcrypto.io , a platform designed to bridge the gap between the crypto world and everyday retail," said Marjorie Schaefer, CEO of Blaqclouds, Inc. "Our recent acquisition of ZEUSxPay.io allows us to provide a truly seamless and secure experience, making it easier than ever for individuals to spend their cryptocurrency on real-word purchases." Why shopwithcrypto.io ? shopwithcrypto.io isn't just another crypto platform. It's a gateway to real-world spending, making crypto practical and accessible for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned crypto enthusiast or new to the world of digital currency, shopwithcrypto.io empowers you to use your assets in tangible ways. The platform makes using crypto for digital gift cards simple, secure, and the most efficient way to spend your crypto. About Blaqclouds, Inc. (OTC: BCDS) Blaqclouds, Inc. is a publicly traded company developing innovative blockchain and decentralized solutions. The company leverages technology to deliver scalable platforms, empower businesses, and create long-term shareholder value. About ZEUS Blockchain Partners, Inc.: ZEUS Blockchain Partners, Inc. is a Colorado-based blockchain technology company specializing in decentralized finance (DeFi) and scalable blockchain ecosystems. ZEUS has pioneered innovative blockchain applications, providing secure and efficient solutions for businesses and individuals. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Blaqclouds, Inc. undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Media Contact theAlley.io Blaqclouds, Inc. Email: hello@blaqclouds.io Phone: 307-323-4430 Website: www.blaqclouds.io A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f18bb85c-137a-43b7-9c1c-41db53b33adbThe Northrop B-2 Spirit stealth bomber features a low-observable stealth technology that allows the aircraft to penetrate into enemy territory and through anti-aircraft defenses. With a crew of two people, the aircraft can carry up to 40,000 lb of ordnance and payload into its two internal bays. The bomber is capable of dropping both conventional and thermonuclear weapons with ultimate guidance and precision. The United States Air Force (USAF) is the sole operator of the B-2 bombers since the type's full-service introduction in January 1997. The FlightGlobal World Air Forces 2024 Report suggests that the USAF has a total of 17 active B-2 bombers. The development of the B-2 Bomber Northrop began developing the Advanced Technology Bomber (ATB) project in the mid-1970s with an aim to strike deep into Soviet territory. Multiple development and funding delays pushed the promising design further into the 1980s. With the winding down of the Cold War, the demand for such an aircraft was lowered, significantly reducing the number of production aircraft. The aircraft was produced at an average cost of over $2 billion (-$4 billion in 2023), including design, development, mass production, testing, and procurement. The per-unit cost to the manufacturer was approximately $750 million. Adding other costs, including procurement and aftermarket support, the cost rose to approximately $925 million. Considering demand and cost constraints, the lawmakers shrank the planned order of 132 B-2 bombers to 21. The B-21 Raider's per-unit cost appears to be around a third of that of the B-2 Spirit bomber. Design and capabilities Primary function: multi-role heavy bomber Contractor: Northrop Grumman Corp. and Contractor Team: Boeing Military Airplanes Co., Hughes Radar Systems Group, General Electric Aircraft Engine Group and Vought Aircraft Industries, Inc. Power plant: four General Electric F118-GE-100 engines Thrust: 17,300 pounds for each engine Wingspan: 172 feet (52.12 meters) Length: 69 feet (20.9 meters) Height: 17 feet (5.1 meters) Weight: 160,000 pounds (72,575 kilograms) Maximum takeoff weight: 336,500 pounds (152,634 kilograms) Fuel capacity: 167,000 pounds (75750 kilograms) Payload: 40,000 pounds (18,144 kilograms) Speed: high subsonic Range: intercontinental Ceiling: 50,000 feet (15,240 meters) Armament: conventional or nuclear weapons Crew: Two pilots Unit cost: Approximately $1.157 billion (fiscal 1998 constant dollars) Initial operating capability: April 1997 Inventory: active force: 17; ANG: 0; Reserve: 0 The B-2 Spirit was designed to penetrate deep into the enemy territory and deploy bombs and other ordnance, including nuclear weapons. The flying wing design (with no fuselage and tail) offers significant benefits over conventional designs, particularly in terms of its stealth capabilities. The use of low-observable technologies combined with high aerodynamic efficiency gives the B-2 a significant edge over its competition. The aircraft can carry high payloads and fly at very high altitudes, enhancing the field of view and range for critical missions. The B-2 Spirit has an operational range of approximately 6,000 nautical miles (6,900 miles, 11,000 km). It can fly for 6-7 hours before requiring refueling, which can be performed in flight. The manufacturer used computer-aided design and manufacturing techniques to enable complex flight characteristics of the bomber. The design had to be reiterated multiple times to maintain very low visibility requirements. The smaller radar cross-section of the aircraft prevents it from being detected, particularly in enemy territories. The aircraft is commanded by a crew of two: a pilot in the left seat and a mission commander in the right. A third crew member can be seated when necessary for the mission. The B-21 Raider might be able to fit at least some of NGAD's role as a penetrating command center controlling advanced drones. B-2 Bomber operations Various Air Force Commands have operated the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber over the years, including the Global Strike Command, Air Combat Command, Air National Guard, Air Force Material Command, and the Air Force Systems Command. Presently, the 509th Bomb Wing of the Air Force Global Strike Command has 16 active B-2 bombers. Based off of Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, multiple bomb squadrons within the Wing operate the aircraft for training and other missions. The 412th Air Force Material Command Test Wing, based at Edwards Air Force Base, California, operates a single B-2 Spirit. The 419th Flight Test Squadron within the Test Wing has been operating the type since its introduction in 1997. The 420th Flight Test Squadron operated the type during the test stages of the aircraft between 1992 and 1997. Air Force Global Strike Command 509th Bomb Wing - Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri (18 B-25) 13th Bomb Squadron 2005-present 325th Bomb Squadron 1998-2005 393rd Bomb Squadron 1993-present 394th Combat Training Squadron 1996-2018 Air Combat Command 53rd Wing - Eglin Air Force Base, Florida 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (Whiteman AFB, Missouri) 1998-present 57th Wing - Nellis, AFB, Nevada 325th Weapons Squadron - Whiteman AFB, Missouri 2005-present 715th Weapons Squadron 2003-2005 Air National Guard 131st Bomb Wing (Associate) - Whiteman AFB, Missouri 2009-present 110th Bomb Squadron Air Force Material Command 412th Test Wing - Edwards Air Force Base, California (has one B-2) 419th Flight Test Squadron 1997-present 420th Flight Test Squadron 1992-1997 Air Force Systems Command 6510th Test Wing - Edwards AFB, California 1989-1992 6520th Flight Test Squadron Improvements in maintenance have led the Spirit of Nebraska B-2 stealth bomber to be turned to service two months early.Monthly allowance increases for newborn children, elderly and disabled people are expected to be implemented on Oct 1 next year, according to Varawut Silpa-archa, Minister of Social Development and Human Security (MSDHS). Speaking on the International Day of Persons with Disabilities at Government House on Tuesday, the minister said the last cabinet meeting approved in principle an increase of the current monthly allowances for the three vulnerable groups. The aim is to provide a universal subsidy of 600 baht per month for every newborn child until they are six years old. The cash handout will not be limited to families with low incomes that have earnings not exceeding 100,000 baht per year. "That income threshold would be removed, and the support will also extend to women in the fourth month of pregnancy," said the minister. People aged 60-69 who now receive a monthly allowance of 600 baht per month would receive 700 baht, while those aged 70-79 who now get 700 baht will receive 850 baht. Senior citizens aged 80-89 will have their allowance raised from 800 baht to 1,000 baht. And those aged 90 or older will have a new allowance of 1,250 baht, up from 1,000 baht, he said. The ministry wants to ensure the cost of living for the elderly is sufficient given the current situation, he said. People with disabilities who today receive a monthly allowance of between 800-1,000 baht, depending on their condition, will receive a flat rate of 1,000 baht. Mr Varawut said the ministry will work with more organisations to find those who deserve but do not have a disabled person ID card to help them obtain one so they can receive the allowance and gain fair access to their other due rights. The ministry will prepare data on each of the three groups -- children, the elderly, and the disabled -- to obtain the budget required for the operation. It will work with the Budget Bureau and Comptroller General's Department of the Ministry of Finance to determine the source of funds. "We expect that at the beginning of fiscal year 2026, each target group of vulnerable people will receive the new allowance rates," Mr Varawut said. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra marked the occasion by saying the government believes in providing equal opportunities for all. "In recognition of the 2024 International Day of Persons with Disabilities, I want to reassure everyone that the government will provide for their basic needs so everyone with a disability can live a happy, fulfilling life and reach their full potential," she said.
Ekiti 2026: Fayemi tasks APC on 2nd term for OyebanjiORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Here are my five thoughts on the Buffalo Bills ’ game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night at Highmark Stadium: 1. With Miami’s Thanksgiving night loss, the table has been set for the Bills to clinch a fifth consecutive AFC East title in prime time on WGRZ-TV. Expect them to deliver ... in a big way. Let’s start with the fact the Bills are the better team. By a lot. The 49ers look nothing like the club that was expected to contend for another Super Bowl before the season. They’re ravaged by injuries, especially on defense, and generally performing as a mediocre (if not worse) team. On the other hand, the Bills have the look of team ready to go on a deep postseason run. They’ve won six games in a row since suffering back-to-back losses. They’re getting healthier and showing increasing cohesion with a roster that has undergone multiple changes. It makes sense for the Bills to wrap up the division and a playoff spot as early as possible because it potentially allows for them to ease back on the throttle through the rest of the season. It could allow for them to rest some starters periodically as their seeding status becomes better defined. They continue to trail the Chiefs for the top spot in the AFC. 2. Matt Milano’s return — he was activated from injured reserve Saturday after a week of fully participating in practice — figures to bring even more improvement to a defense that has played well without him. The Bills have been holding up well at linebacker, thanks to solid performances by Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams. Adding Milano, who has tremendous ball instincts, to the mix gives the Bills a higher degree of opportunism. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich should also be able to incorporate more wrinkles to his game plan because of Milano’s off-the-charts intelligence and knowledge of the scheme. “The way Matt plays the game, the way he has played the game is special,” nickel back Taron Johnson said. “So having a guy like that on the field is going to make our defense tremendously better. So, whether he’s here this week or whenever that time comes, I’m just excited to have him back. “Just his physicality and how fast he can see plays and just trigger, you know what I'm saying? I think he does such a good job with that. Also, blitzing and just making plays like he's made a ton of plays in his career with the with the Bills. And just having a guy like that out there is helps us a ton.” Having Milano back doesn’t mean Bernard or Williams will be relegated to lesser roles. If anything, Milano’s presence should help bring out the best in the rest of the linebackers as well as the defensive line. 3. Josh Allen should have no problem finding success against a Niners defense that hasn’t been getting good pressure on the quarterback. The 49ers’ greatest defensive shortcoming is the absence of star end Nick Bosa, who has been dealing with hip and oblique injuries. San Francisco has additional injuries in the front seven and secondary. Giving Allen time and comfort in the pocket is a recipe for disaster for a defense. Look for him to pick apart the secondary as he continues to involve his full array of available pass-catchers. Despite the loss of tight end Dalton Kincaid, who is sidelined with a knee injury, and the possible absence of wide receiver Keon Coleman, who is questionable with a wrist injury, Allen should have more than enough chances to make plays through the air. Amari Cooper is healthy from the wrist injury with which he was dealing. Look for him to make a significant impact with high-impact catches against deep coverage. Kahlil Shakir has emerged as one of the very best slot receivers in the game. His playmaking skills are an integral part of the Bills’ passing game, and the defensive attention he commands is helping to create room for other receivers. Dawson Knox should be able to continue to pick up the slack at tight end. Running backs James Cook and Ray Davis also figure to chip in as pass-catchers. 4. Brock Purdy missed last weekend’s loss against Green Bay with a shoulder injury and his status remains up in the air for Sunday night. That means the 49ers could again have Brandon Allen as their starting quarterback. Advantage Bills. The Bills still would probably have an edge even if Purdy plays. For one thing, there’s a decent chance he won’t be healthy enough to perform his best. For another, the Niners might be without offensive tackle Trent Williams, who continues to be bothered by an ankle injury. The Bills’ pass rush continues to be a force and look for it to generate considerable heat on whoever plays QB. 5. There’s a bye week factor to consider. It’s good news for the Bills, not so much for the 49ers. The Bills have won each of their last nine games, from 2015 to 2023, coming off a bye. Seven of those victories have been with Sean McDermott as coach. The success rate speaks highly of not only how well McDermott and his staff maximize the use of the extra time to clean up whatever short comings were identified in games played before the bye. Additionally, it shows how refreshed the players have been post-bye. “I mean, depending on your schedule, obviously we have some time off to just recharge our batteries, and obviously that plays a huge role this late in the season,” Shakir said. “So, yeah, I think it’s just more of guys detaching for a little bit and hanging with family, friends. Guys who’ve got kids, just getting some true family time, and then, you know, stepping away for a little bit and then coming back just with a fresh mind and just ready to go.” On the other hand, the 49ers have gone 4-4 in games against teams coming off a bye since 2022. No other team has played more than five such games since ’22, though the Rams will play their sixth Sunday.
After defeating the Washington Commanders in Week 11, the Philadelphia Eagles cemented themselves as heavy favorites in the NFC East, with only themselves to beat. It seems misfortune is trying to get in the way. Philadelphia will be without two key contributors, edge rusher Bryce Huff and receiver DeVonta Smith, when it visits the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday Night Football. © Eric Hartline-Imagn Images Huff was placed on injured reserve ahead of the contest to get surgery on his wrist. While not a new ailment, Huff’s surgery is a critical decision. He’s been having a down year – logging just 2.5 sacks through 10 games – in part because of the injury . He’s been playing with a cast on his wrist for part of the year, unequivocally impacting his performance. In getting the surgery now, the Eagles are betting that they can win the division without him, and that he’ll be at full strength in the playoffs, when they need him most. While Huff will miss at least four games, Philadelphia hopes Smith only misses Sunday’s NFC clash. Smith, like Huff, has been dealing with his ailment (a hamstring injury) for a few weeks. He hadn’t practiced between the Thursday Night Football win and Friday, when he was officially ruled out. Related: Eagles Ex Faces 50 Years in Prison for COVID Fraud It’s entirely possible, if not likely, that Smith misses Sunday’s action but returns for Week 13, when the Eagles play the Baltimore Ravens. Against Super Bowl-caliber competition, they’ll need his assistance. Smith is slightly behind his career averages in terms of per-game production, generating 516 yards and four scores through nine games. It seems his hamstring has had a tangible impact on that, especially in the last two weeks. Against the Dallas Cowboys and Commanders, he posted 14 and 29 yards, respectively. Needless to say, both absences hamper Philadelphia as it travels across the country. But as 2.5-point favorites, the Eagles must stave off a feisty Rams team if it hopes to keep its top-seed dreams in good shape. Related: Eagles Defense Preparing For Main Part Of Sean McVay's Offense
