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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates 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. 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 . 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. 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. 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. 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.
AN ADULT star has revealed that she can now make cash without having to have sex, after selling her likeness to an AI company. Chloe Amour 33, has spent years in the porn industry, making films with some of the biggest studios in the industry. 2 Chloe Amour can now make cash without having to do any work Credit: Supplied 2 She said she wishes she had sold her likeness to AI sooner Credit: Supplied However, the star, from Las Vegas has now found a way to entertain paying customers, without having to strip off. Chloe explained that often her fans tell her they want to chat with her directly, which they can now do with her AI likeness. "I can be everything that they want me to be in a sense,' she told DailyMail.com "It's very transparent because they're aware that this is AI, it's not me physically behind the device communicating with you - you know that you're paying for." Read more real life stories NO SHAME I had sex with my girlfriend’s GRANDMOTHER...she saw me staring & things spiralled RULE OF THREE I'm spending Christmas with my man, his family & his OTHER girlfriend Chloe revealed that she was approached by the AI company, who paid her to provide them with photos, videos and personal information, so that they could make her AI counterpart as realistic as possible. She admitted that she does finds some aspects of AI "scary and weird" but loves being able to make cash without doing anything. She added that sometimes she is on porn shoots for up to 12 hours, which can get extremely tiring, so she prefers sharing her workload with the AI. Asked if she had any regrets about selling her likeness, Chloe said: "I should've signed up with them sooner because I would've gotten a bigger bonus!" Most read in Fabulous SHOP TO IT I’m a yellow sticker mum & save £1k a year on food shop using 3 no-brainer hacks SIMPLY THE ZEST Gardeners urged to scatter fruit peels in garden now to deter prowling pest CURSED CAST Death at 20, ‘depression and substance abuse’ - The Grinch movie's cursed cast NO ANGEL My married lover sneaks over for rampant Xmas sex sessions... then humiliates me Whilst likenesses of real-life porn stars are gaining popularity, some prefer to make their own AI girlfriend from scratch using apps such as CamSoda and Candy.AI. However, Dr. Gregory Jantz previously told the US Sun that these bots will not satisfy people's needs. Weaponized 'AI girlfriends' built with 'malicious' design can steal cash from victims as experts warn over shocking scam Dr. Jantz , who runs a successful treatment center called A Place of Hope, fears the notion of always having "an accessible" loved one connected to a phone or computer is only making relationship and emotional issues worse. And with fewer people looking for his expert help and instead seeking solace with a screen, Dr. Jantz is even more worried. Despite warnings aimed at moving app developers using ChatGPT away from creating romantically programmed bots, some companies have reported huge success with online girlfriend services. One has been boasting about earning $30,000 a month from infatuated men desperately searching for love via the website FoxyAI . Artificial Intelligence explained Here's what you need to know Artificial intelligence, also known as AI, is a type of computer software Typically, a computer will do what you tell it to do But artificial intelligence simulates the human mind, and can make its own deductions, inferences or decisions A simple computer might let you set an alarm to wake you up But an AI system might scan your emails, work out that you’ve got a meeting tomorrow, and then set an alarm and plan a journey for you AI tech is often “trained” – which means it observes something (potentially even a human) then learns about a task over time For instance, an AI system can be fed thousands of photos of human faces, then generate photos of human faces all on its own Some experts have raised concerns that humans will eventually lose control of super-intelligent AI But the tech world is still divided over whether or not AI tech will eventually kill us all in a Terminator-style apocalypse "We are just now beginning to see the emergence of individuals who would rather be intimate with an AI object than another real human being," lamented Seattle-based Dr. Jantz. He has seen an increasing number of patients within the last 12 months needing help to curb digital addictions, which are treated in the same way as alcohol or drug problems. "We do know that you can create an emotional bond to that technology, to that social media, and to that AI girlfriend. "An emotional connection is made so you will go through withdrawal when that is extracted." "As a mental health expert, I don't like the direction we're going." "If you've stepped into this already, watch where it can take you," concluded Dr. Jantz. Read more on the Scottish Sun NOWHERE TO GO My son knew it was penalty from MILES away but Gers can't copy Celtic in row BLEW XMAS Snow hits Scotland as Christmas storms loom with 80mph gales to batter country "AI is not going to bring you a meal. We're setting ourselves up for a lot of future despondency, "Watch how unfulfilled it will end up being."
Is it safe to eat turkey this Thanksgiving amid bird flu outbreak? Here’s what experts sayHEADLAND – Headland softball power slugger Ava Allsup, who signed with Wallace College on Wednesday, learned some of her hitting skills by watching her brother play baseball games. “It really did help me going to watch,” Allsup said. “I feel like I have more of like a baseball swing than anything.” While Allsup learned by watching, she didn’t interact on the field often with her brother, Chase Allsup, the former Dothan High star and hard-throwing pitcher at Auburn University who was chosen in the fourth round of the MLB Draft this past summer by the Baltimore Orioles. “I did not let him throw to me ... I did not,” Allsup said. “I never caught him; don’t plan on catching him. It’s a little too much,” she added with a laugh. Ava Allsup is shown signing with Wallace College for softball as her parents look on during a ceremony at Headland High School on Wednesday. Allsup, who has been a catcher and outfielder while at Headland, hit for a .378 average last season in 33 games with four home runs, 25 RBIs, 12 doubles and a triple with 10 walks and 10 strikeouts. The year before as a sophomore, Allsup hit for a .389 average with seven homers, six doubles, 41 RBIs, 16 walks and six strikeouts over 30 games. She was one of three finalists for the Kasey Cooper Home Run Derby held in Dothan this past spring. Allsup credits Jake Kirkland, who operates Southern Prospects (SOPRO) training facility, as one of those who helped her become a power hitter. “I’ve always been stronger and a little bit bigger, so I feel like that really helps,” Allsup said. “And going to coach Kirkland and him helping me develop my swing and then learning pitch recognition. When you get the feel to hit and build the strength, it all comes together.” Wallace College coach David Dews sees a lot of potential in Allsup. From left, Wallace College assistant coach Brianna Griffiths, Ava Allsup and Wallace head coach David Dews. “Ava is really strong and has a lot of power-type tools I’m looking forward to developing a little bit,” Dews said. “She moves really well for a bigger, stronger kid. She can give you some pop. “I think she’s got a really high ceiling as far as development and being able to go to that next level after us.” Allsup was impressed with Dews and the Lady Govs’ program on visits. “It is a really good facility and a good program that really felt like home,” Allsup said. “I feel like they really cater for me going to the next level and helping me progress to becoming a better player and a better person in general. The program just really felt like it was me.” With still another high school season this spring, Allsup has some personal and team goals. “For myself, to have more RBIs than I had last season and just be a better teammate than I was last season,” she said. “And also, for the team, for us if we go to regionals, to actually win a game and build the name of Headland softball up.” Allsup is thankful for those who have helped her earn a chance at the next level. Family members surround Ava Allsup during the ceremony on Wednesday. “My dad and my mom, most definitely,” Allsup said of the support. “My grandparents, Nana and Papa. And then my Lord and Savior Jesus. Also Coach Kirkland and my high school and travel ball coaches.” She was asked what it meant to be able to sign with Wallace. “It just shows all of my work is going to pay off and I’m better than I think I am and other people see it too,” Allsup said. “And be able to proceed to play the sport that I love and also get an education doing it.” Get in the game with our Prep Sports Newsletter Sent weekly directly to your inbox!BOZEMAN, Mont. (AP) — Adam Jones ran for 197 yards and two touchdowns and Montana State ran over Montana 34-11 on Saturday to reclaim the Brawl of the Wild trophy. The Bobcats (12-0, 8-0 Big Sky Conference) wrapped up the 123rd meeting in this rivalry with 420 yards, 326 on the ground. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.Discord grips PTI after Islamabad protest rout
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Jimmy Carter had the longest post-presidency of anyone to hold the office, and one of the most active. Here is a look back at his life. 1924 — Jimmy Carter was born on Oct. 1 to Earl and Lillian Carter in the small town of Plains, Georgia. 1928 — Earl Carter bought a 350-acre farm 3 miles from Plains in the tiny community of Archery. The Carter family lived in a house on the farm without running water or electricity. 1941 — He graduated from Plains High School and enrolled at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus. 1942 — He transferred to Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta. 1943 — Carter’s boyhood dream of being in the Navy becomes a reality as he is appointed to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. 1946 — He received his naval commission and on July 7 married Rosalynn Smith of Plains. They moved to Norfolk, Virginia. 1946-1952 — Carter’s three sons are born, Jack in 1947, Chip in 1950 and Jeff in 1952. 1962-66 — Carter is elected to the Georgia State Senate and serves two terms. 1953 — Carter’s father died and he cut his naval career short to save the family farm. Due to a limited income, Jimmy, Rosalynn and their three sons moved into Public Housing Apartment 9A in Plains. 1966 — He ran for governor, but lost. 1967 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s fourth child, Amy, is born. 1971 — He ran for governor again and won the election, becoming Georgia’s 76th governor on Jan. 12. 1974 — Carter announced his candidacy for president. 1976 — Carter was elected 39th president on Nov. 2, narrowly defeating incumbent Gerald Ford. Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) New-elected President Jimmy Carter gives a press conference after being elected 39th President of the United States, on November 05, 1976 in Plains, Georgia. (Photo by GENE FORTE / CONSOLIDATED NEWS PICTURES / AFP) (Photo by GENE FORTE/CONSOLIDATED NEWS PICTURES/AFP via Getty Images) Supporters of Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter hold up signs during a rally on may 15, 1976 in New York. – Carter was elected on December 21, 1976 39th President of the United States, 51% voice against 48% for incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford. (Photo by CONSOLIDATED NEWS / AFP) (Photo by -/CONSOLIDATED NEWS/AFP via Getty Images) Chief Justice Warren Burger administers the oath of office to Jimmy Carter (R), flanked by his wife Rosalynn, as the 39th President of the United Sates on January 20, 1977. (Photo by CONSOLIDATED NEWS / AFP) (Photo by -/CONSOLIDATED NEWS/AFP via Getty Images) Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election, November 2, 1976. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images) 1978 — U.S. and the Peoples’ Republic of China establish full diplomatic relations. President Carter negotiates and mediates an accord between Egypt and Israel at Camp David. 1979 — The Department of Education is formed. Iranian radicals overrun the U.S. Embassy and seize American hostages. The Strategic Arms Limitations Treaty is signed. 1980 — On March 21, Carter announces that the U.S. will boycott the Olympic Games scheduled in Moscow. A rescue attempt to get American hostages out of Iran is unsuccessful. Carter was defeated in his bid for a second term as president by Ronald Reagan in November. 1981 — President Carter continues to negotiate the release of the American hostages in Iran. Minutes before his term as president is over, the hostages are released. 1982 — Carter became a distinguished professor at Emory University in Atlanta, and founded The Carter Center. The nonpartisan and nonprofit center addresses national and international issues of public policy. 1984 — Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteer one week a year for Habitat for Humanity, a nonprofit organization that helps needy people in the United States and in other countries renovate and build homes, until 2020. He also taught Sunday school in the Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains from the mid-’80s until 2020. 2002 — Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. 2015 — Carter announced in August he had been diagnosed with melanoma that spread to his brain. 2016 — He said in March that he no longer needed cancer treatment. 2024 — Carter dies at 100 years old. Sources: Cartercenter.org, Plains Historical Preservation Trust, The Associated Press; The Brookings Institution; U.S. Navy; WhiteHouse.gov, GallupBy MARY CLARE JALONICK and MATT BROWN WASHINGTON (AP) — Pete Hegseth, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to lead the Defense Department, said he had a “wonderful conversation” with Maine Sen. Susan Collins on Wednesday as he pushed to win enough votes for confirmation. He said he will not back down after allegations of excessive drinking and sexual misconduct. Related Articles National Politics | Donald Trump will ring the New York Stock Exchange bell. It’ll be a first for him National Politics | The Trump and Biden teams insist they’re working hand in glove on foreign crises National Politics | ‘You don’t know what’s next.’ International students scramble ahead of Trump inauguration National Politics | Trump is threatening to raise tariffs again. Here’s how China plans to fight back National Politics | Trump won’t be able to save the struggling US beef industry Collins said after the hourlong meeting that she questioned Hegseth about the allegations amid reports of drinking and the revelation that he made a settlement payment after being accused of a sexual assault that he denies. She said she had a “good, substantive” discussion with Hegseth and “covered a wide range of topics,” including sexual assault in the military, Ukraine and NATO. But she said she would wait until a hearing, and notably a background check, to make a decision. “I asked virtually every question under the sun,” Collins told reporters as she left her office after the meeting. “I pressed him both on his position on military issues as well as the allegations against him, so I don’t think there was anything that we did not cover.” The meeting with Collins was closely watched as she is seen as more likely than most of her Republican Senate colleagues to vote against some of Trump’s Cabinet picks. She and Alaska Sen. Lisa Murkowski, a fellow moderate Republican, did not shy from opposing Trump in his first term when they wanted to do so and sometimes supported President Joe Biden’s nominees for the judicial and executive branches. And Hegseth, an infantry combat veteran and former “Fox & Friends” weekend host, is working to gain as many votes as he can as some senators have expressed concerns about his personal history and lack of management experience. “I’m certainly not going to assume anything about where the senator stands,” Hegseth said as he left Collins’ office. “This is a process that we respect and appreciate. And we hope, in time, overall, when we get through that committee and to the floor that we can earn her support.” Hegseth met with Murkowski on Tuesday. He has also been meeting repeatedly with Iowa Sen. Joni Ernst, a military veteran who has said she is a survivor of sexual assault and has spent time in the Senate working on improving how attacks are reported and prosecuted within the ranks. On Monday, Ernst said after a meeting with him that he had committed to selecting a senior official to prioritize those goals. Republicans will have a 53-49 majority next year, meaning Trump cannot lose more than three votes on any of his nominees. It is so far unclear whether Hegseth will have enough support, but Trump has stepped up his pressure on senators in the last week. “Pete is a WINNER, and there is nothing that can be done to change that!!!” Trump posted on his social media platform last week.Industrial Networking Solutions Market: Trends, Size, Share, Growth, and Demand by 2030 11-27-2024 08:19 PM CET | IT, New Media & Software Press release from: Data Bridge Market Research (DBMR) Industrial Networking Solutions Market The industrial networking solutions market has witnessed remarkable evolution over the past few years, driven by rapid advancements in technology and the increasing adoption of smart factory initiatives. This sector plays a pivotal role in enabling seamless communication and data exchange between machines, systems, and humans in industrial environments. From improving operational efficiency to fostering predictive maintenance, industrial networking solutions are at the forefront of driving Industry 4.0. This article delves into the key aspects of this growing market, including its trends, size, share, growth trajectory, and projected demand by 2030. Access Full 350 Pages PDF Report @ https://www.databridgemarketresearch.com/reports/global-industrial-networking-solutions-market Industrial networking solutions encompass a range of technologies and systems designed to facilitate robust, secure, and real-time communication within industrial environments. These include Ethernet networks, wireless solutions, and other connectivity platforms tailored for industrial use. The integration of networking solutions is critical for modern industries aiming to enhance productivity, reduce downtime, and improve scalability. The market for industrial networking solutions is fueled by a surge in demand for automation, the proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT), and the increasing need for efficient data management in industrial operations. Moreover, sectors such as manufacturing, energy, automotive, and healthcare are adopting advanced networking solutions to meet their operational goals and remain competitive. Trends in the Industrial Networking Solutions Market Several trends are shaping the industrial networking solutions market. Key among them are: 1. The Rise of Edge Computing: Industries are increasingly leveraging edge computing to process data closer to its source. Networking solutions that enable real-time analytics and decentralized processing are in high demand. 2. 5G Connectivity Adoption: The rollout of 5G is transforming industrial networking by providing high-speed, low-latency communication. This technology is particularly beneficial for applications like autonomous systems and remote monitoring. 3. Focus on Cybersecurity: With growing connectivity comes the need for enhanced cybersecurity. Industrial networks are becoming targets for cyber threats, leading to an increased demand for secure networking solutions. 4. Growth in IoT Integration: The industrial IoT (IIoT) is expanding rapidly, necessitating networking solutions that can handle vast amounts of data generated by interconnected devices. 5. Adoption of Software-Defined Networking (SDN): SDN enables industries to manage and optimize their networks more efficiently. Its ability to provide greater flexibility and control is driving adoption in industrial settings. 6. Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: Green networking solutions are gaining traction as industries seek to reduce their carbon footprints and adhere to sustainability goals. Market Size and Share The industrial networking solutions market is poised for significant growth, with analysts forecasting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 10-12% from 2023 to 2030. Market Size: Data Bridge Market Research analyses that the global industrial networking solutions market which was USD 11,200.21 million in 2022, is expected to reach USD 70,300.36 million by 2030, and is expected to undergo a CAGR of 20.50% during the forecast period of 2023 to 2030. "Technologies" dominates the component segment of the global industrial networking solutions market due to Industries across the board are undergoing digital transformation initiatives to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and enhance productivity. Industrial networking solutions. In addition to the market insights such as market value, growth rate, market segments, geographical coverage, market players, and market scenario, the market report curated by the Data Bridge Market Research team includes in-depth expert analysis, import/export analysis, pricing analysis, production consumption analysis, and pestle analysis. Market Share by Region: North America: Leading the market due to robust industrial automation adoption and technological advancements. Europe: Significant growth attributed to initiatives like Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing. Asia-Pacific: Emerging as a lucrative market with rapid industrialization and investments in smart infrastructure, particularly in China, Japan, and India. Latin America and MEA: Gradual adoption of networking solutions, driven by infrastructural developments and government support. Market Share by Industry: Manufacturing: Holds the largest share, driven by the push for smart factories. Energy & Utilities: Increasing demand for grid modernization and remote monitoring. Automotive: Adoption of connected technologies in production lines and autonomous vehicles. Growth Drivers Several factors are fueling the growth of the industrial networking solutions market. 1. Digital Transformation: Industries are embracing digitalization to streamline operations, reduce costs, and improve decision-making. Networking solutions are a cornerstone of this transformation. 2. Expansion of Smart Cities: The development of smart cities with interconnected systems is driving demand for robust industrial networking. This includes energy management, traffic control, and public safety systems. 3. Government Initiatives: Policies promoting industrial automation and digital infrastructure development are spurring market growth, particularly in developing economies. 4. Increasing Use of Data Analytics: Industrial networking solutions enable seamless data flow, which is crucial for advanced analytics and predictive maintenance. 5. Customization and Scalability: The demand for tailored solutions that cater to specific industrial needs is on the rise. Flexible and scalable networking options are particularly popular among medium and large enterprises. Demand Forecast for 2030 By 2030, the demand for industrial networking solutions is expected to skyrocket due to the following: 1. Increased Automation: Automation is becoming a necessity rather than an option. Industries will invest heavily in networking solutions to enable machine-to-machine (M2M) and machine-to-human (M2H) communication. 2. Integration with AI and Machine Learning: Networking solutions that support AI-driven systems will see increased demand, as industries aim for smarter, self-optimizing operations. 3. Growth of Industrial IoT: With billions of devices expected to be connected, the need for reliable, high-capacity networks will be paramount. 4. Remote Work and Operations: The pandemic-induced shift toward remote work and monitoring has highlighted the importance of robust industrial networks. This trend is likely to persist. 5. Aging Infrastructure Replacement: Many industries are upgrading outdated systems, creating opportunities for modern networking solutions. Browse Trending Reports: https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/hemiballismus-treatment-market-size_27.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/hemodynamic-monitoring-market-size.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/high-performance-lubricant-market-size.html https://aimarketresearch2024.blogspot.com/2024/11/human-milk-oligosaccharides-in-infant.html Conclusion The industrial networking solutions market is on the cusp of a transformative decade. With a projected value exceeding USD 35 billion by 2030, this sector is set to redefine industrial operations worldwide. The integration of advanced technologies like IoT, 5G, and AI, along with a focus on sustainability and cybersecurity, will continue to shape its trajectory. About Data Bridge Market Research: Data Bridge set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process. Contact Us: Data Bridge Market Research US: +1 614 591 3140 UK: +44 845 154 9652 APAC : +653 1251 975 Email: corporatesales@databridgemarketresearch.com" This release was published on openPR.
To play Maria Callas, Angelina Jolie had to lean how to breathe again