Iron ore faces a bleak outlook
Three students of National University of Science and Technology – Al Yaqeen Amur Asuti, Reem Ahmed al Qassabi and Ahamed al Awad – have designed an innovative device that transforms palm waste into circular green aluminum. Their project, titled ‘Green Initiative for Utilising Omani Palm Waste to Produce Circular Green Aluminum’, is a pioneering step towards creating a zero-waste, sustainable economy in Oman. According to Dr Shabib al Rashdi, the project’s supervisor, the project was born out of the need to tackle Oman’s agricultural waste problem, particularly the large volume of waste generated by palm trees. Launched two years ago, the project aligns with Oman’s sustainability goals and Vision 2040, offering an environmentally friendly solution to agricultural waste management. The project involves extracting lignin from palm waste, which is then applied to commercial aluminium, transforming it into a more sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly material. It is one of the first zero-waste technology ventures in Oman. Once completed, the project is expected to produce 800 tonnes of circular green aluminum annually. The next phase will involve manufacturing the device in China and conducting trials at the Waste Research Laboratory in Oman, positioning the project as a trailblazer in waste-to-resource innovation. The project addresses critical environmental challenges while promoting sustainability. Additionally, the recycling process incorporates renewable energy, contributing to carbon emission reduction and supporting green industry practices. While the project has made significant progress, it has not been without challenges. The team encountered technical difficulties in adapting recycling technologies, logistical issues in collecting palm waste from remote areas, and lack of initial expertise. However, through international collaborations and innovative approaches, they overcame these obstacles. Their efforts were recognised when the project placed first in the Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Innovation’s Upgrade Competition 2024 and third in MoHERI’s We Are Oman Competition 2024. Looking ahead, the team plans to expand operations to recycle larger volumes of palm waste, creating job opportunities in rural areas and enhancing environmental awareness. They aim to encourage industries to adopt sustainable practices, contributing to Oman Vision 2040 by advancing the circular economy and promoting a low-carbon future.Dommaraju Gukesh has come a long way since he first dreamt of becoming the youngest chess world champion at the tender age of 11, with the Chennai lad going on to fulfill that dream seven years later at the FIDE World Chess Championship in Singapore earlier this month. The year 2024 was a magical one for Gukesh, one in which the teenager was crowned the youngest Candidates champion of all time after beating the likes of Fabiano Caruana and Hikaru Nakamura and later played a starring role in India’s historic Chess Olympiad triumph. His victory over Ding Liren by a 7.5-6.5 margin at the World Championship in Singapore, however, would outshine all the others as the 18-year-old not only became the youngest world champion in the history of the sport, he also became the second Indian after the legendary Viswanathan Anand. Gukesh is currently enjoying a well-deserved break back in Chennai, having received a hero’s welcome in his hometown and meeting legends such as Rajinikanth. He can afford to rest on his laurels for a few more days, perhaps till it’s time to usher in the new year. It will, however, only be a matter of time before the 18-year-old braces for a fresh challenge. And the year 2025 sure has plenty of them : Icons of the game such as world No 1 Magnus Carlsen, who had decided against defending his world championship last year that allowed China’s Ding to take his place and beat Ian Nepomniachtchi, have questioned the quality of the battle that was on display in the World Championship in Singapore. The sentiment of the Norwegian GM, who had defeated Vishy Anand in Chennai in 2013 to be crowned world champion, was echoed by the likes of former world champion Vladimir Kramnik, who called Gukesh’s crowning moment on Thursday, 12 December as the “end of chess as we know it”. Having climbed to the summit of the sport, Gukesh will now have to prove that he belongs there by beating the who’s who of chess in the triple crown of tournament chess in 2025 – the Tata Steel Chess in Wijk aan Zee, Netherlands in January, Norway Chess at Stavanger, Norway in May-June as well as the Sinquefield Cup at St Louis, USA in August. Also Read | Gukesh aims to reach full potential after World Championship win: ‘I still have a long way to go’ Carlsen, whom Gukesh considers to be his idol as well as the epitome of success in the modern era of the sport, will not be participating in Tata Steel Chess next month but could face the newly-crowned world champion at his home event in the summer months in a battle that could be the biggest showdown of the year. And beyond Carlsen, there’s also the uphill task of facing Caruana and Nakamura, ranked 2nd and 3rd in the latest FIDE ratings with the former in action at Wijk aan Zee next month. Gukesh had finished ahead of the two in the Candidates Tournament in Toronto in April and both American grandmasters will be hoping to return the favour this year. And let’s not forget the fact that Gukesh faces intense competition not just from the Carlsens, Caruanas and Nakamuras but from fellow Indians as well with world No 4 Arjun Erigaisi emerging a key threat for Gukesh when not competing alongside him in events such as the Chess Olympiad. Arjun, who is currently competing in the FIDE Rapid and Blitz World Championships in New York City, had recently made history as well by becoming only the second Indian after Anand to achieve the elusive 2800 ELO rating. Together with Praggnanandhaa, who had finished runner-up in last year’s Chess World Cup after losing to Carlsen, and others such as Vidit Gujrathi, Arjun will sure prove a major challenge for Gukesh to conquer. Especially since they all know each other so well.
The Pittsburgh Steelers seemed to have a playoff spot on lock going into their Week 12 matchup with the Cleveland Browns. The Steelers had a one and a half game lead over the Baltimore Ravens for the AFC North's top spot, but that has dwindled after getting upset by the Browns on Thursday Night Football . The Steelers are still in a good position to get a spot in the playoffs, whether that be by winning the division or as a Wild Card team. Head Coach Mike Tomlin has struggled in road, in-division games on Thursday nights, and those struggles continued. He has still never won a game in that scenario, which is hard to believe since he has been the head coach in Pittsburgh since 2007. This loss hurt Pittsburgh, but they still have a record of 8-3 and stand near the top of the AFC. Pittsburgh does have a gauntlet of a remaining schedule, which was discussed by Jason McIntyre and Colin Cowherd of The Herd . "Have you looked at the Steelers schedule by the way?" McIntyre asked Cowherd. "I'm not saying the sky's falling, but could you have two more wins on their schedule? Here it is, find me the next two wins on that they have. 9-8 does that get them in? Are they in over Miami or Denver?" McIntyre is certainly reacting to the loss strongly. Pittsburgh only getting one more win on the season and finishing the regular season 9-8 is the worst-case scenario, but it is certainly feasible considering how difficult the remaining schedule is. When asked for two more wins on the schedule, Cowherd responded with the last remaining game against Cleveland and one of the two contests against the Cincinnati Bengals. If Pittsburgh only won those two games, they would be 10-7 and likely still get into the postseason. Pittsburgh plans to finish the season with more than 10 wins. Fans and people in the media went from saying the team was a serious Super Bowl contender to a team on the fringe of the postseason, which is an unbelievable overreaction. Big wins and embarrassing losses are just a part of the natural ebbs and flows of an NFL season, and the Steelers are going to go through that just like every other good team. The remaining schedule for the Steelers is hard. They will take on the Cincinnati Bengals twice, the Browns one more time, the Ravens one more time, the Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles. That is extremely hard for any team to go against, but the Steelers knew that going into the year. Tomlin's teams usually play well at the end of the season and that trend should continue into 2024. There is no reason the Steelers wouldn't be able to still win a handful of games and be a in a good position by the time the playoffs roll around. Steelers Have Proven To Play Well Against Good Teams All three of the Steelers losses on the 2024 season have come against teams with a record below .500. While that is embarrassing, it also means the Steelers have played well against teams above .500. Pittsburgh is 5-0 against teams with a winning record, which includes impressive wins over Baltimore and the Washington Commanders. The Steelers have proven they can compete against good teams in the league, which is not something they could say confidently in recent years. Every remaining game on Pittsburgh's schedule will be highly competitive as they all come against Super Bowl contenders or divisional rivals. It won't be easy for the Steeler to win the AFC North, but it is certainly in play even after an embarrassing loss to the Browns. What record do you think the Steelers will finish with? What will they be in the postseason? This article first appeared on SteelerNation.com and was syndicated with permission.Swiss National Bank Has $16.72 Million Stock Position in Core & Main, Inc. (NYSE:CNM)Seattle (7-5) at Arizona (6-6) Sunday, 4:05 p.m. EST, CBS BetMGM NFL Odds: Cardinals by 2 1/2. Series record: Seahawks lead 28-22-1. Against the spread: Seahawks 5-6-1, Cardinals 8-4. Last meeting: Seahawks beat Cardinals 16-6 on Nov. 24, 2024, in Seattle. Last week: Seahawks beat Chargers, 26-21; Cardinals lost to Vikings, 23-22. Seahawks offense: overall (16), rush (28), pass (2), scoring (15). Seahawks defense: overall (18), rush (21), pass (12), scoring (12). Cardinals offense: overall (11), rush (6), pass (22), scoring (17). Cardinals defense: overall (17), rush (13), pass (18), scoring (11). Turnover differential: Seahawks minus-6, Cardinals minus-1. Seahawks player to watch DT Leonard Williams has been one of the most dominant players in the league over the past two weeks. Williams had 2 1/2 sacks, four tackles for loss and three quarterback hits two weeks ago against the Cardinals. Williams sacked Aaron Rodgers twice and scored his first career touchdown on a 92-yard pick-6. Cardinals player to watch QB Kyler Murray has had some good moments over the past two games and completed 31 of 45 passes for 260 yards and a touchdown against the Vikings. But he also threw two interceptions in the fourth quarter which proved costly. Key matchup QB Geno Smith vs. Arizona’s defense. Smith has had another solid season and now he’ll face an Arizona defense that’s been vastly improved over the past 1 1/2 months. The Cardinals have been much more productive in the pass rush with 23 sacks over the past six games. That ranks third in the NFL over that span. Key injuries Coach Mike Macdonald said he is optimistic that P Michael Dickson (back spasms) will be able to play this weekend, but bringing in another punter this week is “on the table.”.. LB Uchenna Nwosu has a chance to play this week. Nwosu missed the first four games of the season with a knee injury, then injured his thigh in his first game back in Week 5, and has been on injured reserve since. ... The Cardinals are relatively healthy. DLs Darius Robinson (calf) and Dante Stills (back) have been limited in practice this week. Series notes The Seahawks have won six straight games in the series going back to 2022. The Cardinals last won 23-13 on Nov. 21, 2021. The Cardinals haven’t won at home against the Seahawks since 2020. Stats and stuff The Seahawks’ next win will be the 400th in franchise history. ... Since Week 9, Seattle’s defense ranks fifth in the NFL with 17.5 points allowed per game, 299 yards allowed per game, and 84.3 rushing yards allowed per game, while ranking sixth in the league with 18.8 first downs allowed. ... The Seahawks have two pick-6s in the past two games, the first time the team has done so since 2012. ... The Seahawks have held three straight opponents to under 300 yards, and fewer than 100 rushing yards. ... Seattle has outscored its opponents by 37 points in the final two minutes of halves this season, the best in the NFL. .. WR DK Metcalf needs one receiving TD to pass Steve Largent for the most in a player’s first six seasons in franchise history with 47. ... Smith needs one 300-yard game to tie Russell Wilson for the most 300-yard games in a single season in franchise history with five. ... WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba Needs 171 yards for his first 1,000-yard season, and to become the 10th player in franchise history to reach that mark. ... Arizona has won three straight games at home. The Cardinals outscored those opponents 77-30 while scoring nine touchdowns and allowing none. ... TE Trey McBride has caught 12 passes in two straight games, which is the first time a tight end has had at least 12 receptions in two straight games in NFL history. ... Arizona’s six losses have come to teams with a combined 55-18 record this season entering Week 14. ... S Budda Baker has 114 tackles this season, which ranks sixth in the league. ... McBride’s caught 73 passes this season. He needs just nine more catches over the next five games to break his franchise record for a tight end. ... WR Marvin Harrison Jr. has caught seven TD passes this season, which leads all NFL rookies. ... The Cardinals have been flagged for 61 penalties this season, which is the fewest in the NFL. But the team was flagged 10 times in last week’s loss to the Vikings. Fantasy tip Arizona’s defense is a strong play at home. The Cardinals are giving up just 17 points per game at State Farm Stadium, which is second in the league behind Pittsburgh. ___ AP NFL:
Dr. Saloni Sharma’s career journey is a remarkable testament to the power of interdisciplinary expertise and visionary leadership. With a Ph.D. in Microbiology and a successful track record as a business leader, she has seamlessly blended her scientific acumen with entrepreneurial prowess. As the Co-founder and CEO of Dental Billing Assist Inc, Dr. Sharma has led her company to significant growth and success while maintaining a strong foundation in microbiological research and education. In this exclusive interview, she shares her insights, challenges, and the driving force behind her achievements. Q1: Dr. Sharma, your journey from microbiology to becoming a CEO is fascinating. Can you tell us what motivated you to pursue this path? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My passion for microbiology was ignited during my undergraduate studies, and it deepened as I pursued my M.S. and Ph.D. in the field. The intricate world of microorganisms and their immense potential to impact various industries, from pharmaceuticals to agriculture, captivated me. However, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit. The idea of applying scientific knowledge to solve real-world problems and create value was very appealing. Co-founding Dental Billing Assist Inc. allowed me to blend my scientific expertise with business acumen, driving innovation and strategic growth in the healthcare sector. Q2: What were some of the key challenges you faced while transitioning from academia to the business world, and how did you overcome them? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Transitioning from academia to the business world presented several challenges. One of the main hurdles was shifting my mindset from a purely scientific approach to a more holistic business perspective. Academia taught me rigorous research methods and attention to detail, but running a business required additional skills such as strategic planning, marketing, and financial management. To bridge this gap, I pursued a B.S. in Education and gained practical experience in business development. Surrounding myself with a strong team and mentors who had expertise in business also played a crucial role in overcoming these challenges. Q3: Dental Billing Assist Inc. has grown rapidly under your leadership. What strategies did you implement to achieve such growth? Dr. Saloni Sharma: The growth of Dental Billing Assist Inc. can be attributed to several key strategies. First and foremost, we focused on understanding the unique needs of dental practices and tailoring our services to meet those needs effectively. We implemented targeted marketing campaigns and business development initiatives to acquire clients, ensuring that our solutions were visible and accessible to our target audience. Building strong relationships with our clients was also crucial; we prioritized client satisfaction and retention through consistent communication and exceptional service. Additionally, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence within our team helped drive continuous improvement and growth. Q4: Your research background is impressive, particularly your Ph.D. work on medicinal plants. How has your scientific expertise influenced your approach to business? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My scientific background has significantly influenced my approach to business. Research requires a methodical and analytical mindset, which I have applied to business strategy and problem-solving. My Ph.D. research on increasing biomass production and nutrient uptake of medicinal plants taught me the importance of innovation and efficiency, principles that I carry into my business practices. Scientific training also instills resilience and persistence, qualities that are essential for overcoming business challenges. By leveraging my scientific expertise, I have been able to implement data-driven decision-making and develop innovative solutions that address the specific needs of our clients. Q5: How do you balance your dual roles as a business leader and a microbiologist? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Balancing my dual roles requires careful time management and prioritization. I dedicate specific times of the day to focus on business operations and strategic planning, while also setting aside time for scientific reading and staying updated with advancements in microbiology. Delegation is key; I rely on my capable team to manage day-to-day operations, allowing me to focus on high-level decision-making and strategic initiatives. This balance ensures that I can lead Dental Billing Assist Inc. effectively while staying true to my passion for microbiology. Q6: As a leader, how do you foster a culture of innovation and excellence within your team? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Fostering a culture of innovation and excellence starts with leading by example. I encourage open communication and create an environment where team members feel valued and empowered to share their ideas. Providing opportunities for professional development and continuous learning is also essential; we regularly conduct training sessions and workshops to enhance our team's skills and knowledge. Recognizing and rewarding innovation and excellence further motivates the team to strive for their best. By promoting teamwork and collaboration, we create a supportive atmosphere where creativity and high performance thrive. Q7: Can you share a memorable moment or achievement in your career that you are particularly proud of? Dr. Saloni Sharma: One of the most memorable moments in my career was the successful rebranding of Eapogee Inc. to Dental Billing Assist Inc. This transition marked a significant milestone, aligning the company's identity with our core business focus and setting the stage for future growth. Another achievement I am proud of is our rapid client acquisition, growing to serve over 100 dental practices in a relatively short period. These milestones reflect the hard work and dedication of our team and validate the strategic decisions we have made. Q8: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs, especially those with a scientific background? Dr. Saloni Sharma: My advice to aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly those with a scientific background, is to embrace your unique perspective and skills. Your scientific training equips you with analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and a strong work ethic, which are invaluable in business. However, it's also important to broaden your skill set by learning about business development, marketing, and financial management. Don't hesitate to seek mentors and build a network of supportive professionals. Most importantly, stay resilient and adaptable; the entrepreneurial journey is challenging, but your scientific mindset can help you navigate and thrive in the business world. Q9: How do you stay ahead of industry trends and ensure your company remains competitive? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Staying ahead of industry trends requires continuous learning and adaptability. I make it a point to stay updated with the latest developments in both the dental billing industry and the broader healthcare sector. This involves attending conferences, networking with industry experts, and subscribing to relevant publications. Within the company, we conduct regular market analysis to identify emerging trends and potential opportunities. Encouraging innovation and maintaining a flexible approach to business strategy allows us to adapt quickly and stay competitive. By being proactive and forward-thinking, we can anticipate changes and position our company for sustained success. Q10: Looking ahead, what are your future goals for Dental Billing Assist Inc. and your career? Dr. Saloni Sharma: Looking ahead, my primary goal for Dental Billing Assist Inc. is to expand our services and client base further, ensuring that we continue to deliver exceptional value to dental practices. I aim to leverage emerging technologies to enhance our solutions and streamline our processes, staying at the forefront of the industry. On a personal level, I am committed to fostering the growth of my team and supporting their professional development. Additionally, I aspire to continue contributing to the field of microbiology through research and collaboration. Balancing these ambitions will help me drive both my company's success and my personal fulfillment as a scientist and entrepreneur. Dr. Saloni Sharma’s journey is a remarkable example of how interdisciplinary expertise can lead to extraordinary achievements. Her ability to blend scientific knowledge with business acumen has driven the growth of Dental Billing Assist Inc. and positioned her as a visionary leader. Dr. Sharma’s story is an inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and scientists alike, demonstrating the power of innovation, resilience, and a commitment to excellence. As she continues to navigate the dynamic landscape of business and microbiology, her contributions promise to leave a lasting impact on both fields.Voon says one of the most pressing concerns is the high cost of transitioning to e-invoicing. KUCHING (Dec 28): The mandatory e-invoicing may inadvertently push small and family-owned businesses to the brink of closure, undermining their vital role in the economy, asserted social activist Voon Shiak Ni. “First and foremost, the current threshold for mandatory e-invoicing is set far too low. Many stakeholders including members of the federal government have highlighted that the threshold should be increased to above RM500,000. “This adjustment would provide breathing room for small businesses, particularly ‘mom-and-pop’ shops and rural family-run operations that are already struggling to make ends meet,” she said in a statement yesterday. According to Voon, one of the most pressing concerns is the high cost of transitioning to e-invoicing. She observed that small businesses, which often operate on razor-thin margins, would need to invest in new software, hardware and training to comply with the system. For many, she said these expenses are simply unaffordable, especially in the current economic climate. “Recent increases in the minimum wage from RM1,500 to RM1,700, though beneficial to workers, add further financial strain to business owners already grappling with inflation and rising operating costs. “Inflation has made everything more expensive, from raw materials to utilities, leaving small businesses with little room to absorb additional expenses. “Unlike larger corporations, which have the resources to negotiate better deals and manage compliance costs, small businesses operate on limited budgets,” she explained. In addition, Voon said the complexity of e-invoicing requirements posed a significant challenge given that many small businesses, particularly in rural areas, rely on straightforward systems like handwritten receipts or simple cash registers. She opined that forcing them to adopt a digital system requiring real-time submissions and strict compliance would add unnecessary stress to their already heavy workloads, highlighting that these businesses often lack the technical expertise or resources to navigate the change effectively. “The timing of this initiative is another issue. Many small businesses are still recovering from the economic impacts of the pandemic. Coupled with rising costs and tighter margins, the sudden push for mandatory e-invoicing feels poorly timed and unreasonably rushed. “Without adequate time to familiarise themselves with the system, many small businesses may face closure, devastating not only the owners but also the communities that rely on their services,” she said. As such, she proposed that the government raise the threshold for mandatory compliance to above RM500,000, so as to provide relief for small businesses, allowing them to adjust more comfortably. She said other measures could include financial assistance from the government, meant to help businesses cover the cost of new tools, systems and training. “The government can also consider implementing e-invoicing in stages, starting with larger corporations to give small businesses the time they need to adapt. “The government should also develop affordable, user-friendly invoicing solutions specifically for small businesses and offer free training workshops to ease the transition significantly,” she suggested. Voon said the government must also address concerns about data security and system manipulation by engaging independent auditors to ensure the system is robust, secure and trustworthy. “Given the many public concerns on the issue, I do earnestly call upon the government to consider increasing the threshold and roll out the system more gradually to ensure that small businesses are not left behind or killed off in the push for modernisation.”
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save The U.S. Navy is transforming a costly flub into a potent weapon with the first shipborne hypersonic weapon, which is being retrofitted aboard the first of its three stealthy destroyers. The USS Zumwalt is at a Mississippi shipyard where workers have installed missile tubes that replace twin turrets from a gun system that was never activated because it was too expensive. Once the system is complete, the Zumwalt will provide a platform for conducting fast, precision strikes from greater distances, adding to the usefulness of the warship. The USS Zumwalt is seen at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard Nov. 21 in Pascagoula, Miss. “It was a costly blunder. But the Navy could take victory from the jaws of defeat here, and get some utility out of them by making them into a hypersonic platform,” said Bryan Clark, a defense analyst at the Hudson Institute. The U.S. has had several types of hypersonic weapons in development for the past two decades, but recent tests by both Russia and China have added pressure to the U.S. military to hasten their production. Questions about Gillian’s Wonderland finances draw angry response from Mita Pleasantville man accused of murdering girlfriend Absecon police detain suspect in dollar store robbery Mainland Regional falls to Old Tappan in state final Northfield intersection to become four-way stop 4 Bridgeton men indicted in alleged sex trafficking ring Mays Landing man charged in hit-and-run that injured man, killed dog in Absecon Wonderland developer to pitch vision again Wednesday at Ocean City Tabernacle Atlantic City mayor waives first appearance on witness tampering charge Northfield Councilman Leeds resigns, citing concerns over Mayor Chau's criminal charges Former Galloway gymnastics co-owner accused of sex with minor to remain in jail These South Jersey bars and restaurants have transformed into holiday wonderlands Some Atlantic City casino workers call on union boss to resign for opposing a smoking ban Atlantic County suing NJ Juvenile Justice Commission over placement of youth offenders Biden pardons his son Hunter despite previous pledges not to Hypersonic weapons travel beyond Mach 5, five times the speed of sound, with added maneuverability making them harder to shoot down. Last year, The Washington Post reported that among the documents leaked by former Massachusetts Air National Guard member Jack Teixeira was a defense department briefing that confirmed China had recently tested an intermediate-range hypersonic weapon called the DF-27. While the Pentagon previously acknowledged the weapon's development, it had not recognized its testing. One of the U.S. programs in development and planned for the Zumwalt is the “Conventional Prompt Strike." It would launch like a ballistic missile and then release a hypersonic glide vehicle that would travel at speeds seven to eight times faster than the speed of sound before hitting the target. The weapon system is being developed jointly by the Navy and Army. Each of the Zumwalt-class destroyers would be equipped with four missile tubes, each with three of the missiles for a total of 12 hypersonic weapons per ship. In choosing the Zumwalt, the Navy is attempting to add to the usefulness of a $7.5 billion warship that is considered by critics to be an expensive mistake despite serving as a test platform for multiple innovations. The USS Zumwalt is seen at the Huntington Ingalls shipyard Nov. 21 in Pascagoula, Miss. The Zumwalt was envisioned as providing land-attack capability with an Advanced Gun System with rocket-assisted projectiles to open the way for Marines to charge ashore. But the system featuring 155 mm guns hidden in stealthy turrets was canceled because each of the rocket-assisted projectiles cost between $800,000 and $1 million. Despite the stain on its reputation, the three Zumwalt-class destroyers remain the Navy’s most advanced surface warship in terms of new technologies. Those innovations include electric propulsion, an angular shape to minimize radar signature, an unconventional wave-piercing hull, automated fire and damage control and a composite deckhouse that hides radar and other sensors. The Zumwalt arrived at the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard in Pascagoula, Mississippi, in August 2023 and was removed from the water for the complex work of integrating the new weapon system. It is due to be undocked this week in preparation for the next round of tests and its return to the fleet, shipyard spokeswoman Kimberly Aguillard said. A U.S. hypersonic weapon was successfully tested over the summer and development of the missiles is continuing. The Navy wants to begin testing the system aboard the Zumwalt in 2027 or 2028, according to the Navy. The U.S. weapon system will come at a steep price. It would cost nearly $18 billion to buy 300 of the weapons and maintain them over 20 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Critics say there is too little bang for the buck. “This particular missile costs more than a dozen tanks. All it gets you is a precise non-nuclear explosion, some place far far away. Is it really worth the money? The answer is most of the time the missile costs much more than any target you can destroy with it,” said Loren Thompson, a longtime military analyst in Washington, D.C. The U.S. Navy intercepted Houthi missiles and drones targeting two warships and three merchant vessels in the Gulf of Aden. But they provide the capability for Navy vessels to strike an enemy from a distance of thousands of kilometers — outside the range of most enemy weapons — and there is no effective defense against them, said retired Navy Rear Adm. Ray Spicer, CEO of the U.S. Naval Institute, an independent forum focusing on national security issues, and former commander of an aircraft carrier strike force. Conventional missiles that cost less aren’t much of a bargain if they are unable to reach their targets, Spicer said, adding the U.S. military really has no choice but to pursue them. “The adversary has them. We never want to be outdone,” he said. The U.S. is accelerating development because hypersonics have been identified as vital to U.S. national security with “survivable and lethal capabilities,” said James Weber, principal director for hypersonics in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies. “Fielding new capabilities that are based on hypersonic technologies is a priority for the defense department to sustain and strengthen our integrated deterrence, and to build enduring advantages,” he said. Image Credit: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock The financial challenges facing U.S. military households are a significant concern throughout the year. Holidays such as Memorial Day, Armed Forces Day, or Veterans Day highlight the ongoing struggles that service members face, particularly amid rising costs for everyday essentials. Recent data from the U.S. Census Bureau’s Household Pulse Survey shows a troubling trend: Military personnel and their families are finding it more difficult to cover basic household expenses such as food, housing, and transportation than the average American. Our analysis examines how service members are faring in today’s economy compared to civilian households, highlighting the states where military families report the greatest challenges in managing their finances. As we enter Giving Season, we’ve also highlighted meaningful ways to support service members and their families through charitable contributions, offering an opportunity to make a direct impact on those who serve our nation. Service members are struggling more financially than the average American. Image Credit: Upgraded Points According to recent Household Pulse Survey data, members of the armed services are experiencing financial strain at higher rates than the general U.S. population. Over 40% of service members report difficulty covering their usual household expenses, compared to 36.6% of all U.S. adults. The data also shows heightened anxiety among service members regarding rising prices. Nearly 80% of military personnel express stress about recent price increases, significantly higher than the 71.8% of all U.S. adults who share similar feelings. Furthermore, 81.8% of service members are concerned about future price hikes, reflecting widespread uncertainty about inflation’s long-term impact on household budgets. More than half of service members in certain states have difficulty covering basic household expenses. Image Credit: Upgraded Points Across the U.S., the financial burden on service members varies significantly from state to state, primarily influenced by local economic conditions. According to the most recent data, Utah leads with 53.7% of service members reporting difficulty covering basic household expenses, closely followed by Louisiana (52.9%) and Alaska (52.8%). Other states where over half of service members are struggling include Indiana (52.0%), Tennessee (51.2%), New York (50.8%), and Florida (50.3%). A key issue service members frequently raise is that their Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) has not kept pace with the rapidly rising cost of housing. In states where service members face the greatest financial difficulties, such as Utah, Indiana, Tennessee, and Florida, home price increases have far exceeded the national average, exacerbating the strain on household budgets. Another critical factor affecting military families is the employment challenges military spouses face. According to the Department of Defense, the military spouse unemployment rate was 21% in 2023, compared to a national rate of 3.6% that year. Many military bases are located in rural or remote areas, limiting job opportunities for spouses, particularly in specialized fields. Additionally, frequent relocations make it difficult for spouses to sustain long-term careers, especially for those in professions requiring state-specific occupational licenses that can be difficult to transfer. Service members are also more likely to report financial struggles in states with higher-than-average unemployment rates, such as Louisiana, Alaska, and New York. Conversely, the state unemployment rate is below average in 9 of the 10 states where service members report the least financial difficulty. This suggests that strong local employment opportunities, particularly for spouses, significantly ease the financial burden on military households. Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock One of the most impactful ways to support service members, veterans, and their families who are facing financial hardships is through donations to reputable charities. These organizations are dedicated to addressing the unique challenges faced by military families and veterans, providing vital assistance in areas like housing, medical expenses, scholarships, and career training. To help guide your generosity, we’ve compiled a list of top-rated charities based on scores from Charity Navigator , CharityWatch , and GuideStar , which assess organizations on criteria such as impact, efficiency, accountability, and transparency. Here are some of the best charities supporting military families and veterans in need: 1. USO For over 80 years, the USO has provided crucial support to active-duty service members and their families. From financial assistance programs to community-building initiatives, the USO helps service members stay connected to loved ones while addressing their most pressing needs during deployments and transitions. 2. Homes For Our Troops This charity is focused on providing specially adapted homes for severely injured post-9/11 veterans. It helps veterans regain independence. Homes For Our Troops also provides financial planning and household budgeting to ensure long-term stability for the recipients. 3. Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) Dedicated to advocating for veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, IAVA works to improve government policies and programs that support military families. Its advocacy ensures veterans have access to financial resources, healthcare, and education opportunities. 4. Fisher House Foundation This foundation builds “comfort homes” near military and VA medical centers, allowing families to stay free of charge while a loved one is hospitalized. By reducing travel and lodging expenses, Fisher House eases financial stress during difficult times. 5. Hope For The Warriors Offering a range of programs focused on financial stability, wellness, social support, and education, Hope For The Warriors provides critical support to service members, veterans, and their families. Its services include direct financial assistance for transitioning service members and veterans in need, career training and job placement, and scholarships for spouses. 6. Semper Fi & America’s Fund Semper Fi & America’s Fund assists wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families through direct financial assistance and case management during hospitalization and recovery. The organization also provides educational support, career assistance, and health and wellness services. 7. Wounded Warriors Family Support (WWFS) WWFS supports families of those wounded or killed in combat through programs like medical travel grants, meal and housekeeping assistance, in-home care services, and family retreats. By addressing these families' immediate and ongoing needs, WWFS alleviates the financial burdens of those suffering from recent tragic events. For more information, a detailed methodology, and complete results, see Rising Costs Hit Military Families Hard: Here’s How You Can Help on Upgraded Points . Photo Credit: Jacob Lund / Shutterstock Upgraded Points conducted the analysis using the latest data from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey Phase 4.0–4.2 , covering the period from January 9, 2024, to September 16, 2024. Service members were defined as adults currently serving in the U.S. armed forces (Active Duty, Reserve, or National Guard) and their spouses. This analysis focuses on 3 key questions from the survey: Difficulty Covering Household Expenses: Respondents were asked, "In the last 7 days, how difficult has it been for your household to pay for usual household expenses, including but not limited to food, rent or mortgage, car payments, medical expenses, student loans, and so on?" We defined difficulty as either "very difficult" or "somewhat difficult.” Stress Due to Price Increases: Respondents were asked, "How stressful, if at all, has the increase in prices in the last two months been for you?" We defined stress as either "very stressful" or "moderately stressful." Concern About Future Price Increases: Finally, respondents were asked, "In the area you live and shop, how concerned are you, if at all, that prices will increase in the next 6 months?" We defined concern as either "very concerned" or "somewhat concerned." Statistics with fewer than 50 survey responses were omitted from the analysis. Additional statistics on home prices were sourced from Zillow’s Home Value Index , and unemployment rates were sourced from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2023 American Community Survey 1-Year Estimates . For complete results, see Rising Costs Hit Military Families Hard: Here’s How You Can Help on Upgraded Points. Be the first to know Get local news delivered to your inbox!Medtronic announces cash dividend for third quarter of fiscal year 2025
TORONTO, Dec. 27, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Purpose Investments Inc. ("Purpose") announced today that it has decided to terminate Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund ("the Fund") at the close of business on or about March 14, 2025 (the "Termination Date"). It is anticipated that the ETF units of Purpose Marijuana Opportunities Fund will be voluntarily delisted from the Cboe Canada Exchange at the close of business on or about March 12, 2025 (the "Delisting Date"). The decision to close the Fund was driven primarily by the Fund's relatively low assets under management, which has made it difficult to efficiently manage the Fund in accordance with its intended investment objective. As a result, in the view of Purpose, the termination is in the best interest of unitholders. Unitholders that hold Class A Units, Class F Units or ETF Units (collectively, "Units") will have the option to redeem their Units at net asset value on or prior to the Termination Date. There will be no fees or redemption charges applicable to such redemptions. Holders of ETF Units of the Fund may continue to trade their ETF Units on the Cboe Canada Exchange until the Delisting Date. All units not redeemed prior to the Fund's closure will be automatically redeemed at that time at net asset value, in accordance with the terms of the master declaration of trust of the Fund. Units still outstanding at 4:00 p.m. EST on the Termination Date will be automatically redeemed, with the proceeds either deposited into the unitholder's account or a cheque mailed directly to the unitholder or to their dealer, nominee or intermediary, as applicable. If required, a final distribution for the Fund will occur on or about the Termination Date. There may be tax implications for unitholders with respect to any disposition of Units. We strongly urge unitholders to contact their financial advisor to discuss the financial and tax implications associated with a redemption of Units and the termination of the Fund. About Purpose Investments Inc. Purpose Investments Inc. is an asset management company with more than $20 billion in assets under management. Purpose Investments has an unrelenting focus on client-centric innovation, and offers a range of managed and quantitative investment products. Purpose Investments is led by well-known entrepreneur Som Seif and is a division of Purpose Unlimited, an independent technology-driven financial services company. For further information please contact: Keera Hart Keera.Hart@kaiserpartners.com 905-580-1257 Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investment fund investments. The prospectus contains important detailed information about the investment fund. Please read the prospectus before investing. There is no assurance that any fund will achieve its investment objective, and its net asset value, yield, and investment return will fluctuate from time to time with market conditions. Investment funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently, and past performance may not be repeated. Forward-Looking Information Purpose cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements contained herein, which speak only as of the date they are made. Generally, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "on pace", "anticipates", or "does not anticipate", "believes", and similar expressions or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "should", "might", or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available to management at the time they are made, management's current plans, estimates, assumptions, judgments and expectations. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Purpose to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to: general business, economic, competitive, geopolitical, technological and social uncertainties. Although the forward-looking information contained in this press release is based on assumptions that Purpose believes to be reasonable at the date such statements are made, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Purpose does not undertake to update or revise any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. © 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.No. 2 Ohio State takes control in the 2nd half and runs over No. 5 Indiana 38-15
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The Scottish sporting legend will coach tennis star Novak Djokovic into and through the Australian Open, which is set to take place in January. Announcing the news on social media, Djokovic said: “I am excited to have one of my greatest rivals on the same side of the net, as my coach. READ MORE: Andy Murray donates signed match shirt to Dunblane institution's fundraiser He never liked retirement anyway. 🙌 pic.twitter.com/Ga4UlV2kQW He said he was "looking forward to the start of the season and competing in Australia alongside Andy with whom I have shared many exceptional moments on the Australian soil”. Djokovic joked that Murray (below) “never liked retirement anyway”. The comment is in reference to a tweet posted by Murray when he officially retired from playing the sport in August, when he wrote: “Never even liked tennis anyway.” Never even liked tennis anyway. Murray said: "I'm going to be joining Novak's team in the off-season, helping him to prepare for the Australian Open. I'm really excited for it and looking forward to spending time on the same side of the net as Novak for a change, helping him to achieve his goals." Murray retired from playing tennis after the summer Olympics, when he was defeated in the men's doubles quarter-finals alongside partner Dan Evans against Team USA. READ MORE: Andy Murray pokes fun at Donald Trump over election 'cheating' claims Djokovic beat Murray in the 2011, 2013, 2015 and 2016 Australian Open finals while also losing in the French Open final in 2016. (Image: PA) It was his pursuit of toppling Djokovic at the top of the rankings in 2016 which was a precursor to his 2017 hip injury which derailed Murray’s career. Djokovic, who split with coach Goran Ivanisevic earlier this year, hopes that adding Murray to his team will help him get back to the top of the game as he went through a calendar year without winning a grand slam for the first time since 2017.Even Dr. Oz Can’t Break Medicare
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