Delhi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has had a landmark year in 2024, achieving major milestones in construction, technology, and sustainability. From integrating cutting-edge ticketing solutions to registering record-breaking passenger journeys, DMRC has once again cemented its reputation as a pioneer in urban transportation. Here’s a month-by-month timeline of its accomplishments. January: Presidential Journey and Ticketing Innovations On 5 January, DMRC integrated its ticketing services into the ‘One Delhi’ app, enabling seamless travel between the Metro and city buses. Just two days later, President Droupadi Murmu became the second serving President to ride the Metro, using an NCMC RuPay card for her journey. February: Operational Advancements A new integrated Operation Control Centre (OCC) was inaugurated on 21 February at Metro Bhawan, managing operations of the Red and Yellow Lines and preparing for Phase-IV corridors. March: Expansion Approvals and Customer Service Upgrades The Union Cabinet approved two new Phase-IV corridors—Inderlok-Indraprastha and Lajpat Nagar-Saket G Block—on 4 March. DMRC launched a ‘Public Complaints Management System’ on 7 March to streamline grievance redressal. April: Gathering Passenger Feedback The 11th Online Customer Satisfaction Survey began on 7 April, aiming to gather valuable insights into commuter experiences. May: DMRC Turns 30 On 3 May, DMRC celebrated its 30th Foundation Day at Bharat Mandapam with prominent dignitaries in attendance. June: Sustainability Leadership DMRC’s headquarters achieved Carbon Neutral certification on 5 June, reinforcing its environmental commitment. The Metro also signed MoUs with Konkan Railway Corporation Limited and RITES to collaborate on transit projects. July: Technological Innovations and Global Recognition July witnessed the launch of multiple innovations, including a QR Code-based ticketing system, a digital QR ticketing partnership with Amazon Pay, and international flight check-in facilities on the Airport Express Line. On 28 July, DMRC received the prestigious Global Water Tech Award for its water conservation initiatives. August: Tunnelling Milestones and Integrated Ticketing On 21 August, DMRC completed an 865-metre underground tunnel on the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor and signed an MoU with NCRTC for integrated ticketing systems. September: Twin Tunnels and Eco-Friendly Travel DMRC achieved its first twin tunnel breakthrough on 18 September, connecting Derawal Nagar and Pulbangash. Earlier, on 12 September, it introduced Multiple Journey QR Tickets, promoting sustainable travel. October: Progress in Phase-IV Construction An 860-metre underground tunnel was completed on 5 October on the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor. On 13 October, Line-4, connecting Yamuna Bank with Vaishali, achieved Carbon Neutral certification. November: Record-Breaking Journeys and New Facilities DMRC introduced bike taxi bookings through the Momentum app on 11 November. On 15 November, the first six-coach train for Phase-IV operations arrived. Just three days later, DMRC recorded its highest single-day passenger journeys at 78.67 lakh. December: Longest Tunnel Completion On 4 December, DMRC completed its longest underground tunnel, spanning 2.65 km, as part of the Tughlakabad-Aerocity corridor in Phase-IV construction. Key Achievements "DMRC headquarters at Metro Bhavan achieved carbon neutral certification in June, further solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable urban transportation. DMRC was recognised with the prestigious Global Water Tech Award, 2024 in the organisation category in July for its outstanding environmental initiatives," said a Delhi Metro official. From groundbreaking tunnels to seamless ticketing systems, Delhi Metro’s transformative journey in 2024 underscores its commitment to sustainable, efficient, and passenger-friendly urban transportation. Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Delhi and around the world.
NoneTHE ADOPTION of barcode technology could help streamline Philippine health professionals’ workflows and address inefficiencies in the medical supply chain, according to GS1 Philippines, Inc. “Technologies like tools for data storage and exchange, remote data capture, and virtual care are proven to enhance health outcomes by improving medical diagnoses, treatment decisions, digital therapeutics, clinical trials, and fostering evidence-based knowledge for healthcare professionals,” GS1 Philippines said in a statement. Through barcode technology under GS1 standards, health manufacturers and distributors can easily record data in clinical systems, it said. Healthcare professionals can also use barcodes for patient identification, medication administration, and the tracking of medical supplies and equipment. “At GS1 Philippines, we believe that adopting streamlined barcode technology in healthcare is crucial for enhancing patient safety and improving the efficiency of healthcare workflow,” GS1 Philippines’ Roberto S. Claudio was quoted as saying. “This innovation empowers health professionals to deliver better care by having a tool for data integration and interoperability.” “Integrating barcode technology is not just about digitalization — it’s about creating a safer, more transparent healthcare system that improves patient care, reduces errors, and ensures an efficient supply chain of authentic medicines and medical products, protecting patients from counterfeit goods,” Teodoro B. Padilla, executive director of the Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Association of the Philippines, added. The push for modernizing healthcare processes comes as the World Health Organization (WHO) recently highlighted the transformative potential of digital transformation on healthcare. Under the WHO’s Global Strategy on Digital Health 2020-2025, tools specializing in data storage and exchange, remote data capture, and virtual care can enhance medical diagnoses, treatment decisions, digital therapeutics, and clinical trials. “There is a growing consensus in the global health community that the strategic and innovative use of digital and cutting-edge information and communications technologies will be an essential enabling factor towards ensuring that one billion more people benefit from universal health coverage,” it said. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
Northeastern defeats Old Dominion 75-71
Bay Area arts: 13 great shows and events to catch this weekendNoneBlack plastic kitchen utensil risks were overstated. But you should still toss them, group saysAP News Summary at 6:28 p.m. EST
One of the standout attributes of the gaming world is its perpetual evolution. With new updates and technologies, players often face unforeseen challenges, such as the mysterious ‘код ошибки diver’ (Diver error code) recently observed in the popular battle royale game, Call of Duty: Warzone. This issue has emerged alongside the latest enhancements, which aim to revolutionize immersive gameplay. Incorporating cutting-edge features to elevate player experience, Warzone has seen upgrades to its dynamic weather systems, enhancing realism. These novelties, while thrilling, have introduced the ‘код ошибки diver’ to some unsuspecting gamers. Often encountered when players attempt to connect to the game’s servers, this error code disrupts gameplay immersion by interrupting the connection process. Despite its abrupt entrance into the gaming lexicon, understanding and resolving it can seem daunting. What triggers this enigmatic error? Experts hypothesize that recent server-side updates, optimized for futuristic network technologies, might inadvertently clash with players’ existing configurations. As Warzone embraces pioneering cloud gaming advancements, ensuring that user systems align with server demands becomes essential. This interplay suggestion of current technologies with advanced settings may be causing the complication. Looking to the future , developers are relentlessly working to pinpoint the root cause and deploy a patch to remedy the situation. Meanwhile, gamers stand at the frontier of a possible technological breakthrough, affording them a more fluid and immersive gaming experience than ever before. To stay ahead, players are encouraged to keep their systems updated and engage with the active gaming communities for emerging solutions. Unmasking the Diver Error Code in Call of Duty: Warzone and Future Gaming Trends As the realm of gaming continually transforms with new advancements and technologies, players are often met with unforeseen difficulties like the recent ‘код ошибки diver’ (Diver error code) in Call of Duty: Warzone. This challenging update has generated much discussion and speculation. With the gaming community abuzz, it is essential to delve deeper into the nuances of this issue, explore recent trends, and understand the role of future innovations in shaping better gaming experiences. Understanding the Diver Error Code The Diver error code, which has appeared during attempts to connect to Warzone’s servers, highlights the complexities of integrating new technologies with existing gaming infrastructures. This error is speculated to arise from a clash between recent server-side updates and players’ current system configurations. The enhancements in Warzone, particularly in its dynamic weather systems and revolutionary immersive gameplay features, may have inadvertently strained some players’ systems, causing disruptions. Emerging Solutions and Community Engagement Developers are actively seeking to understand the Diver error, striving to provide updates and patches that will alleviate these connectivity issues. Players are advised to regularly update their gaming systems and maintain consistent engagement with online gaming communities, where shared experiences often lead to rapid solutions. Future Innovations in Gaming: What to Expect In light of these challenges, the gaming industry looks toward future innovations that promise to enhance player experiences significantly. Cloud gaming, in particular, is gaining traction, allowing for seamless gameplay across various devices and platforms. This trend necessitates continuous adaptation and updates on both the developers’ and the players’ parts. Pros and Cons of Advanced Gaming Technologies Pros: – Enhanced realism and immersion with next-generation graphics and dynamic environmental effects. – Improved connectivity and playability with advances in cloud gaming. Cons: – Potential compatibility issues with existing technologies. – Increased demand on older system configurations, possibly leading to errors like the Diver code. Predictions for the Gaming Industry With a focus on resolving current challenges and fostering a more seamless gaming experience, experts predict that the gaming industry will increasingly incorporate artificial intelligence and machine learning to optimize gameplay. These technologies will likely provide personalized experiences, reduce in-game lag, and prevent connectivity issues. In summary, while the Diver error in Call of Duty: Warzone poses challenges, it reflects a broader transition towards highly immersive gaming experiences. By staying informed and engaged, players can navigate these changes successfully. For further information and updates on the gaming world, visit Activision’s official website .Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save 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... OSU football: A prediction gone badly wrong Philomath driver suspected of DUII in Corvallis pileup Corvallis police seek grinches who stole Christmas As I See It: Six reasons why Trump won again OSU men's basketball: Beavers hope blowout wins pave the way for bigger things Corvallis Samaritan hospital has new CEO 2025 to bring rate increases, new fee for hauling Corvallis waste Graduate employees reach deal with OSU to end strike The real reason Corvallis' Pastega Lights moved to Linn County Why did Trump win? Election debrief hosted by Corvallis group Graduate strike at OSU continues. What's the holdup? OSU football: Beavers add 18 players as signing period opens Corvallis woman cuts hair for homeless: 'The Lord gave me a calling' Albany man pleads to numerous sex crimes Molestation victim’s mother tampered with court case 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.Northeastern defeats Old Dominion 75-71
WASHINGTON (AP) — A person accused of accosting U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace in a Capitol Office building pleaded not guilty on Wednesday to a misdemeanor assault charge. Witnesses told police that James McIntyre, 33, of Chicago, shook Mace's hand in an “exaggerated, aggressive” manner after approaching the South Carolina Republican in the Rayburn House Office Building on Tuesday evening, according to a police affidavit. Mace, who is identified only by her initials in a court filing, posted a string of social media messages about the incident. She said she was “physically accosted” at the Capitol, and she thanked President-elect Donald Trump for calling her Wednesday morning to check on her condition. “I’m going to be fine just as soon as the pain and soreness subside,” Mace wrote. Mace declined to be treated by a paramedic after her encounter with McIntyre, who was arrested Tuesday by the Capitol Police, the affidavit says. Mace told police that McIntyre said, “Trans youth serve advocacy,” while shaking her hand. Last month, Mace proposed a resolution that would prohibit any lawmakers and House employees from “using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex.” Mace said the bill is aimed specifically at Delaware Democrat Sarah McBride — the first transgender person to be elected to Congress. A magistrate judge ordered McIntyre’s release after an arraignment in Superior Court of the District of Columbia. Efforts to reach an attorney for McIntyre weren't immediately successful. The Associated PressLuigi Mangione made an appearance at the Manhattan Criminal Court in New York yesterday, but his burgundy jumper stole the show rather than his alleged murder. ET Year-end Special Reads It's all Gucci for Indians' luxury craving even as economy shows wrinkles Investing in 2025: Will domestic funds continue to counter FPI sell-offs amid rising valuations? 2024 exposed the underbelly of India's Silicon Valley Known as the "hot assassin," the 26-year-old is suspected of killing UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, who was shot dead on December 4 while he was making his way to a hotel in Manhattan where the largest health insurer in the US was hosting an investor conference, as quoted in a report by The Daily Mail. However, after entering a not-guilty plea to state murder and terror charges on Monday, Mangione has amassed a devoted following that is fixated on his attractive appearance and sense of style. The Ivy League graduate made headlines online last week when he was seen sporting a new haircut and seemed to have had his eyebrows trimmed. His outfit choices this week created a stir; at the courthouse, he wore a clean white collared shirt, a maroon knit sweater, light grey slacks, and orange shoes. The Nordstrom knit sweater has already sold out and has been compared to the sweaters the Menendez brothers wore during their notorious trial. Mangione's admirers immediately sought out and hurried to buy the Marino crewneck top, which is currently 30% off and retails for $89.99. 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Antonio Padilla, a fashion commentator, refuted this, sharing his research on X, the platform that was formerly known as Twitter. He posted that the sweater is no longer available in Burgundy Royale, the color Mangione wore, on the Nordstrom website. At the time of publishing, the sweater is no longer available in Burgundy Royale, the colour Mangione wore. X users were quick to point out that the sweater was rising in popularity after he wore it. A legal insider has said that the alleged assassin has reportedly received thousands of dollars in donations and hundreds of handwritten letters in jail. Luigi Mangione's fashion choices and appearance have caused a stir among fans who are obsessed with his looks and fashion choices. FAQs Why has Luigi Mangione's burgundy jumper gone viral? Mangione's stylish courtroom appearance in a Nordstrom burgundy jumper captivated fans, and the jumper sold out online. Did Luigi Mangione groom his eyebrows in jail? Fans speculated that Mangione used unconventional methods, such as threading with dental floss, for his polished brows, sparking online discussions. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
South Korea Authorities Seek Arrest Warrant of Impeached President After He Defies Summons For Third Time In A RowParticipants pose during the Digital Solutions Korea 2024 Business Networking Reception in Seoul, Dec. 3. Courtesy of EU Delegation Office in Seoul By Kim Hyun-bin The EU Business Hub has successfully concluded its first business mission, Digital Solutions Korea 2024. Held from Dec. 2 to 6, the event provided a dynamic platform for EU small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups in the digital solutions sector to explore business opportunities and build partnerships in Korea. Digital Solutions Korea 2024 brought together SMEs and startups from the EU, showcasing their expertise in cutting-edge digital technologies, including AI, blockchain, cybersecurity, digital health, XR, media, robotics, semiconductors, software and telecommunication infrastructure. The event featured groundbreaking solutions, incorporating the latest IT advancements such as generative AI, cloud computing and digital twin. Notable innovations included AI-powered medical diagnostic systems, spatial computing solutions and robotic navigation solutions. Korean SMEs and large corporations from various digital solutions sectors participated, showing a keen interest in partnering with EU counterparts. The event's main program, the Business Exhibition, allowed Korean companies to discover advanced technologies and discuss partnership opportunities through one-on-one meetings. A highlight of the mission was the Business Networking Reception on Dec. 3, where companies from 17 EU countries and Korea engaged in networking conversations, fostering future collaborations in an informal setting. "It turned out to be a much more dynamic and proactive networking experience than expected. It provided a meaningful opportunity to freely connect with a diverse range of European countries that are usually hard to reach, share key insights on global business expansion and technological innovation and directly explore the potential for collaboration,” a Korean participant said. Additionally, the EU Business Hub program operated a booth at Softwave 2024 at COEX in Seoul from Dec. 4 to 6. This booth introduced the EU Business Hub program and facilitated B2B matchmaking for Softwave 2024 participants. EU SMEs and startups participating in Digital Solutions Korea 2024 also visited Softwave 2024 in person, engaging with Korean companies. "We look forward to the connections established between the EU companies and local business partners during this one-week business matchmaking and networking event to continue and grow into durable partnerships," said Tanith Bello, EU Business Hub program officer at the EU delegation to Korea. The mission received positive feedback from participating companies, which described it as "an opportunity to expand horizons, build connections and position their company for growth in an ever-evolving global landscape.”
HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) — Jamal Mashburn Jr.'s 12 points helped Temple defeat Hofstra 60-42 on Sunday. Read this article for free: Already have an account? To continue reading, please subscribe: * HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) — Jamal Mashburn Jr.'s 12 points helped Temple defeat Hofstra 60-42 on Sunday. Read unlimited articles for free today: Already have an account? HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (AP) — Jamal Mashburn Jr.’s 12 points helped Temple defeat Hofstra 60-42 on Sunday. Mashburn shot 4 for 14 (0 for 3 from 3-point range) and 4 of 4 from the free-throw line for the Owls (6-4). Quante Berry added 10 points while going 4 of 6 (2 for 3 from 3-point range) while he also had five rebounds. Lynn Greer III had nine points and went 4 of 8 from the field. The Pride (8-4) were led by Jean Aranguren, who finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds, five assists and three blocks. Hofstra also got nine points and two steals from Kijan Robinson. Silas Sunday finished with five points, 11 rebounds and three blocks. Temple took the lead with 15:04 remaining in the first half and did not give it up. The score was 33-20 at halftime, with Mashburn racking up 12 points. Temple outscored Hofstra by five points over the final half, while Greer led the way with a team-high seven second-half points. ___ The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar. AdvertisementBlack plastic kitchen utensil risks were overstated. But you should still toss them, group says
