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Paramount Global is offering $1 million retention bonuses to two top executives, contingent on them remaining with the company through the close of the Skydance Media merger. On Thursday, the media conglomerate — parent of CBS, Paramount Pictures, and cable networks including MTV and Comedy Central — said it was granting $1 million potential cash bonuses to Doretha Lea, EVP of global public policy and government relations, and Nancy Phillips, EVP and chief people officer. The $1 million bonus represents 100% of each exec’s annual base salary as of Nov. 15, the company disclosed in an SEC filing . The bonus will be paid to Lea and Phillips if they “remain continuously employed and in good standing with the Company through the closing date of the Transaction,” the filing said, at which point the $1 million will be paid in a single lump sum. “The purpose of the awards under the Transaction Award Program... is to ensure the successful operation of the Company during the period prior to the completion of the Transactions and to promote the retention of certain key employees through the closing date” of Skydance deal, Paramount said. Paramount Global last month granted its three co-CEOs — George Cheeks, Chris McCarthy and Brian Robbins — an additional provision in their employment agreements that will let them quit and receive severance benefits if they are demoted from their co-CEO roles. The trio of execs also were each granted $3 million in stock under Paramount’s long-term incentive program. On July 7, after months of on-and-off negotiations, Shari Redstone’s National Amusements Inc., the controlling shareholder of Paramount Global, clinched a deal to sell NAI to Skydance-RedBird, which would then merge Paramount with Skydance . Redstone is opting to not join the board of the newly merged Paramount-Skydance. In October, the Skydance group (comprising Skydance Media, RedBird Capital Partners and the Ellison family) submitted an updated filing with the FCC to reflect that Skydance CEO David Ellison will hold 100% percent of the Ellison family’s voting interests in the newly combined Skydance-Paramount — not his father, Larry Ellison, as previous documents indicated . SEE ALSO: Shari Redstone to Exit Paramount Board Following Skydance Deal Close
BILLERICA, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 22, 2024-- Quanterix Corporation (NASDAQ: QTRX) today announced that it received a notice (the “Notice”) on November 21, 2024 from The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) stating that because the Company has not yet filed its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2024 (the “Form 10-Q"), it is no longer in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(c)(1) (the “Rule”), which requires listed companies to timely file all required periodic financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Notice has no immediate effect on the listing or trading of the Company’s common stock on Nasdaq. Under Nasdaq rules, the Company has 60 calendar days from receipt of the Notice, or until January 20, 2025, to submit a plan to regain compliance with the Rule. On November 12, 2024, the Company previously announced that it would be delayed in filing the Form 10-Q due to the need to restate the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2023 and 2022 and for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2023, and its unaudited consolidated financial statements for the quarterly and year-to-date (as applicable) periods ended March 31, 2022, June 30, 2022, September 30, 2022, March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, March 31, 2024 and June 30, 2024. The Notice from Nasdaq is standard practice in the event of a delayed periodic financial report filing and was anticipated. The Company is continuing to work expeditiously to complete the filing of the Form 10-Q and remains on track to complete the restatement and all required filings by the end of 2024. This announcement is made in compliance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5250(b)(2). About Quanterix From discovery to diagnostics, Quanterix’s ultrasensitive biomarker detection is fueling breakthroughs only made possible through its unparalleled sensitivity and flexibility. The Company’s Simoa ® technology has delivered the gold standard for earlier biomarker detection in blood, serum or plasma, with the ability to quantify proteins that are far lower than the Level of Quantification (LoQ). Its industry-leading precision instruments, digital immunoassay technology and CLIA-certified Accelerator laboratory have supported research that advances disease understanding and management in neurology, oncology, immunology, cardiology and infectious disease. Quanterix has been a trusted partner of the scientific community for nearly two decades, powering research published in more than 3,100 peer-reviewed journals. Find additional information about the Billerica, Massachusetts-based company at https://www.quanterix.com or follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn . Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “may,” “will,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend” and similar expressions (as well as other words or expressions referencing future events, conditions or circumstances) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this press release are based on Quanterix’s expectations and assumptions as of the date of this press release. Each of these forward-looking statements involves risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause Quanterix’s actual results to differ from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, that the Company may have underestimated the scope and impact of the restatement of certain of its financial statement and the risk that the Company’s restated financial statements may take longer to complete than expected, as well as those described in our periodic reports filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including the “Risk Factors” sections contained therein. Except as required by law, Quanterix assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect any change in expectations, even as new information becomes available. View source version on businesswire.com : https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122959546/en/ CONTACT: Media: media@quanterix.comInvestor Relations: Amy Achorn (978) 488-1854 ir@quanterix.com KEYWORD: MASSACHUSETTS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: BIOTECHNOLOGY HEALTH TECHNOLOGY HEALTH MEDICAL DEVICES SOURCE: Quanterix Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2024. PUB: 11/22/2024 05:00 PM/DISC: 11/22/2024 05:02 PM http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241122959546/en
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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. 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: 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!
For the College Football Playoff, it’s one last dress rehearsal. It’s also one last chance to see just how much the selection committee loves the Southeastern Conference. The best gauge when the second-to-last rankings come out Tuesday night will be whether Miami, which suffered its second loss of the season over the weekend, is placed behind any or all three SEC teams with three losses — Alabama, Mississippi and South Carolina — all of which are coming off wins. After a 42-38 loss to Syracuse that cost Miami a spot in the ACC title game, coach Mario Cristobal emphasized the nature of his team’s two losses — both by less than one touchdown — and said “that makes us one of the better teams in the country.” He wasn’t the only one lobbying to make the 12-team field, which is eight teams larger than it has been. Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin went to social media and emptied out the stats book, pointing out a flurry of numbers that he says favor the Rebels over the other SEC teams (without mentioning Miami at all). Not surprisingly, Shane Beamer of South Carolina and Kalen DeBoer of Alabama were pushing for their teams, too. Part of any argument on the behalf of the SEC leans on its teams simply playing tougher schedules because of the opponents in their own conference. That argument has one hole. Texas, which has only one loss and has been the highest ranked SEC team since Nov. 12, owns the 32nd toughest strength of schedule — the worst among all 16 SEC teams (but still 22 spots higher than Miami). Warde Manuel, the chair of the selection committee, has been asked every question in every way over the past month, all of which boil down to this: What is the committee looking for in setting the CFP rankings and, coming up on Sunday, the bracket? Though he has brought up strength of schedule more than most factors, he has also been noncommittal when reporters have tried to nail him down on specifics, offering observations like: “We value winning.” And: “If it was just about strength of schedule, we wouldn’t be needed.” And this: “What we’ve been asked to do is to judge and to look at how teams are playing against the competition that they have and to rank them accordingly to how we see it.” All of which makes a great case for another measure the selection committee can use: the completely subjective “eye test,” which is essentially what poll voters used for decades before number crunching and analytics supposedly turned the task of picking national-title candidates into a more scientific process. While Miami and the ACC wait to see where they stand, the Big 12 is having a moment of its own. Nobody there is happy with the prospect of a single bid that could very well not even include a bye, which go to the four top-ranked conference champions regardless of their overall CFP ranking. One of those free passes to the quarterfinals could belong to Boise State of the Mountain West instead of the winner of Saturday’s Big 12 title game between Arizona State and Iowa State. It was the coach of another Big 12 team, Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire, who gave the most impassioned plea for his conference while also questioning the SEC, which has six teams arguing for spots in the 12-team field. “We need to quit looking at what patch, what the logo says on your jersey, what conference you’re from,” he said. “Look at the tape. I know some of the guys on (the committee). I’m shocked that some of the old football coaches who know what they’re looking at are not having more influence.” There are four former coaches on the 13-person selection committee. Because this is a new format with billions at stake, and because the SEC and Big Ten wield more power under this new arrangement, a lot of people from a lot of conferences are anxious. Yes, some deserving teams will get snubbed or overlooked and not everyone will walk away from Sunday’s bracket reveal believing this is a perfect system. But there are a few scenarios this week that could trigger more than just your day-after bellyaching: MOUNTAIN WEST: A UNLV win over Boise State would bring a team in the deep teens into the tournament, and also rekindle a story about everything that’s wrong with the NIL era: The September departure of Rebels QB Matthew Sluka. SEC: A loss to Texas by Georgia would be its third and would test just how much the committee values teams that play in conference title games. Remember, Alabama (9-3) beat Georgia in September. SEC II: A Texas loss to the Dawgs would give the Longhorns two L’s to the same team — the only team they’ve played with a Football Power Index (ESPN’s metric) in the top 15. ACC: Clemson beating SMU would put the Mustangs on alert for getting passed over, but at least they had their chance. BIG TEN: A Penn State win over Oregon would leave us with no undefeated team in the bracket, no real favorite in the tournament and would put the front-running Ducks in position to need a first-round win to possibly earn a rematch with well-rested Boise State (remember the 37-34 nailbiter in September?). Huh? Get local news delivered to your inbox!Jamichael Stillwell scores 22 to lead Milwaukee to 69-65 victory over St. Thomas-Minnesota
Assad exit puts US at perilous crossroads in SyriaSeeking a new Quaid-e-AzamAP News Summary at 12:19 p.m. EST
The Franchise wraps up with a squishy finaleThe 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. 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: 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!
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Canadian PM Justin Trudeau Parties at Taylor Swift Concert as Pro-Palestinian Rioters Terrorize MontrealNASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Tennessee Titans keep proving that for every step forward, they always find ways to take two back. The Titans (3-9) clinched a third straight losing record to mark first-year coach Brian Callahan's debut season in an ugly 42-19 loss to Washington. Yet another slow start, more turnovers, sacks, penalties ruined their chance at stringing together consecutive wins for the first time in more than two years. Callahan said Monday they're trying to build consistency. “In the NFL, a lot of it is about not losing the game first, and we do right now with the amount of penalties and turnovers we’ve had,” Callahan said. "We put ourselves in position to lose games and not win them. And so, yes, there is a there is an element of learning how to win.” Tennessee had 11 of 12 penalties before halftime, trailing 28-7. The Titans also were the previous NFL team to be flagged for at least 11 penalties and trail by 20 or more points at halftime in Week 17 of 2005 against the Jaguars. Only Baltimore has been penalized more than Tennessee this season. Two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons said after the loss that the Titans need to learn how to deal with winning better coming off a 32-27 win at Houston. Simmons said they were "hungover from our own success." Callahan said Monday he didn't see any hangover issues. “You have a performance like that and you're sort of grasping for an explanation on why and there really wasn't one other than we made too many errors early in the game and put ourselves in a hole,” Callahan said. Quarterback Will Levis' development over the four games since his return from a sprained, right throwing shoulder at least gives the Titans promise for the future. The second-year quarterback made some nice throws and limited yards lost on two sacks Sunday. He threw two TD passes for 212 yards. Since his return, he is completing 61.7% of his passes for 960 yards with seven touchdown passes and only two interceptions with a 101.3 passer rating in that span. Now the defense is struggling after going into Washington second in the NFL in yards allowed, ninth against the run and first defending the pass. They gave up a season-high 267 yards rushing after giving up just 40 a week ago. The Titans also gave up 28 points within the first 20 minutes, becoming only the third team to do that in the past five seasons . The Titans also did that in Week 8 earlier this season after being routed by the Lions in Detroit. Washington did it against Dallas in Week 16 of 2021. WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Originally undrafted out of Indiana, Westbrook-Ikhine is tied for fourth in the NFL with eight TD catches entering Monday. That's despite starting only five games this season and not having a pass thrown to him the first month of the season. He has earned a multi-year deal with his performance. He had three receptions for 61 yards against Washington and was targeted a season-high eight times. Rookie Jha'Quan Jackson. A sixth-round pick out of Tulane and nephew of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back Ed Reed has fumbled five times as the punt returner recovering only two of those. That got him benched against Washington. His fumbles have come in the past six games, including one in each of the past two. His fumble against Washington led to an early touchdown. LT JC Latham hurt a quadriceps muscle but finished the game. Callahan said they will see how CB Roger McCreary (shoulder) and LB Kenneth Murray Jr. (strained hamstring) recover during the week. 36 — The number of games since the Titans have had consecutive victories. The Titans at least are home with their best focus trying to improve their standing inside the AFC South with four divisional games down the stretch. They have two games remaining against Jacksonville (2-10) starting Sunday with Trevor Lawrence likely out. But their biggest question now is how high does this franchise draft in April. AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nflAs technology markets rapidly commoditize, new research insights from Info-Tech Research Group highlight how smarter, more agile procurement methods enable quicker, more efficient purchasing decisions in a market defined by constant innovation and disruption. The recently published resource from the global research and advisory firm offers IT leaders actionable strategies to streamline procurement, reduce evaluation timelines, and maintain a competitive edge. TORONTO , Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Global research and advisory firm Info-Tech Research Group explains in a new industry resource that traditional procurement processes are proving inadequate for IT leaders tasked with navigating rapidly commoditizing technology markets. In the firm's new blueprint, Stop Wasting Time Evaluating Commoditized Products and Services , Info-Tech highlights how outdated methods, lengthy evaluations, and resource-intensive approaches can hinder organizations from adapting to fast-paced innovation. The resource will equip IT leaders with the tools needed to streamline procurement cycles to save time, reduce costs, and maintain a competitive edge in a landscape being rapidly shaped by exponential technological change. As technology markets accelerate toward commoditization, Info-Tech's resource emphasizes the need for IT leaders to evolve their procurement strategies. The blueprint details how hyperchange affects traditional approaches, urging organizations to embrace agile evaluation methods to stay competitive. "There's a new word in the IT dictionary – hyperchange. It's not a new concept, though – Moore's Law led to the law of accelerating returns, which very naturally led to what is being called hyperchange," says Mark Tauschek , Vice President of Research Fellowships at Info-Tech Research Group . "It means that the lifecycle time from innovation to commodity in most mainstream technology markets is rapidly shrinking. There have been many examples over the past 20 years, including cloud computing, smartphones, and countless applications. Innovations are even being commoditized from the outset, particularly at the consumer level." In a recent Forbes article , Tauschek elaborates on the challenges posed by hyperchange and the accelerating commoditization of technology markets and stresses the critical role IT leaders play in recognizing and adapting to these rapid shifts. The article reinforces the importance of rethinking traditional procurement methods to streamline decision-making and align purchasing strategies with business objectives. These insights align with the strategies detailed in the firm's blueprint, which guides IT leaders in developing more efficient procurement processes for commoditized products and services. The firm's insights demonstrate that effective procurement in commoditized markets requires more than just cost-cutting; it demands a strategic shift toward smarter, faster decision-making aligned with business goals. "Evaluating and procuring technology solutions has become increasingly time-consuming and resource-intensive, especially in markets where products quickly transition from innovation to commodity," Tauschek explains. "This is where IT leaders need to adopt more agile evaluation methods to prioritize value and eliminate unnecessary complexity." Six Stages of Technology Market Evolution Info-Tech's blueprint, Stop Wasting Time Evaluating Commoditized Products and Services , identifies six distinct stages of technology market evolution, providing IT leaders with a clear framework for navigating the lifecycle of commoditized products and services: Stage 1 – Nascent Market: Emerging technologies with compelling use cases show potential but remain underdeveloped and niche. Stage 2 – Features Arms Race: Rapid innovation defines this stage as new entrants compete for differentiation and market share. Stage 3 – Feature Parity: As products achieve similar functionality, differentiation through features becomes negligible. Stage 4 – Consolidation: Smaller vendors either scale up or are acquired by larger competitors, reshaping the vendor landscape. Stage 5 – Commoditized Market: Price becomes the primary differentiator as larger vendors dominate the market through low-margin strategies. Stage 6 – Oligopoly: The market stabilizes, leaving a few dominant players controlling the majority share. As technology markets continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace, Info-Tech advises that IT leaders must rethink their procurement strategies to stay ahead. By applying the proven methodologies outlined in Info-Tech's blueprint, IT leaders can significantly streamline decision-making, reduce evaluation times, and align procurement practices with business goals. Through the adoption of more agile and targeted approaches, IT teams can navigate the challenges of hyperchange, optimize resource allocation, and drive long-term success in markets that are rapidly becoming commoditized. For exclusive and timely commentary from Mark Tauschek , an expert in IT infrastructure and operations, and access to the complete Stop Wasting Time Evaluating Commoditized Products and Services blueprint , please contact pr@infotech.com . About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading research and advisory firms, proudly serving over 30,000 IT and HR professionals. The company produces unbiased, highly relevant research and provides advisory services to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide them with everything they need, from actionable tools to analyst guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact pr@infotech.com . For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/hyperchanging-tech-markets-demand-smarter-procurement-and-agile-evaluation-says-info-tech-research-group-302320029.html SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group
Mariah Carey's reign as the "Queen of Christmas" continues. The Grammy-award-winning singer's holiday ballad, "All I Want For Christmas Is You," is now the first to have topped Billboard's Hot 100 list for six years in a row. It's the first song to top the Hot 100 in six distinct runs on the chart, according to Billboard . Only one other song, "The Twist" by Chubby Checker, has even led two stays on the chart. Carey has now placed at the top of the Hot 100 for a record-extending 20 years thanks to her holiday song, which was first released in 1994. RELATED STORY | Barbie released a new Mariah Carey doll for the holidays She also holds the record for number of weeks an artist has sat at the top of the Hot 100 chart with 94. Behind her is Rihanna with 60 and The Beatles with 59. In just the first week of December this year, “All I Want For Christmas Is You" drew 38.2 million streams and 24.4 million radio airplay audience impressions, according to data from Luminate. Carey has leaned into her reign as a Christmas queen since her song started to chart again, even attempting to file a trademark for "Queen of Christmas" but was ultimately denied. Each year, as the holiday season starts to peak over the horizon, she releases special videos on her social media saying, "It's time."No. 24 Illinois stuns Rutgers on Bryant's 40-yard TD reception with 4 seconds leftOfficials in Augusta are alerting residents that the Front Street parking lot will be closed as a precaution. The city is under flood watch due to heavy rain forecast for Wednesday. Joe Phelan/Kennebec Journal Communities across central Maine are bracing for the possibility of flooding Wednesday, nearly a year after a storm brought widespread flood and wind to the region . The National Weather Service in Gray issued a flood watch Tuesday in effect from 1 p.m. Wednesday through 7 a.m. Thursday for much of Maine, including Kennebec and Somerset counties. In Kennebec County and parts of southern and coastal Maine, a wind advisory is also in effect from 4 p.m. Wednesday through 4 p.m. Thursday, threatening the possibility of widespread power outages, according to the weather service. Heavy rain is expected to start Wednesday afternoon, said Michael Cempa, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Gray. Augusta, Waterville, Farmington and Lewison are all expected to get 2-2.5 inches of rain through Wednesday evening, Cempa said. The rain is expected to taper off Thursday morning but will bring flash flooding conditions across the state. Warm temperatures are expected to melt snowpack and increase river flows, before a cold air mass is expected to slow runoff Thursday, according to the weather service. That could lead to “widespread and potentially significant flooding” in some areas, forecasters said. Meanwhile, winds could gust at 40-50 mph from the midcoast through central Maine, according to the weather service forecast. But forecasters predict this storm is unlikely to bring to the same widespread damage from the powerful wind and rain storm that led to historic flooding last December. “There is more storage for runoff with low stream levels across most of the region than there was last year, this storm will be more progressive, and the snowmelt from the mountains will be less,” weather service meteorologists wrote in a forecast issued Tuesday morning . “However, it is possible that some localized flooding could result in similar impacts, so don’t let your guard down.” Drought-like conditions most of Maine experienced up until recently are also expected to limit flooding impacts, compared to last year’s storm, Cempa said. “We are not expecting as much rain, nor as much snowmelt,” Cempa said Tuesday afternoon. “We think the impact on the rivers might not be as bad, but we still have to look out for flash flooding and road culverts because we are going to get a fair amount of rain in a short period of time.” The Maine Emergency Management Agency said in a news release Tuesday it is monitoring the storm and flooding concerns, also warning that falling tree branches could cause power outages. Due to forecasts for potentially high winds, Central Maine Power Co. has been pre-staging line and tree crews across its service area, spokesperson Jon Breed said. “Our crews are pros and they’ll be ready to get to work for our customers, if there is tree damage or other forms of damage,” Breed said Tuesday. In Somerset County, local emergency management officials were monitoring the latest forecasts Tuesday, but for time being, were playing it by ear, said Mike Smith, the director of the county’s emergency management agency. “I think everybody’s on pins and needles, just wondering if we are looking at what we had last year,” Smith said in a phone call Tuesday afternoon, adding that a storm in December 2022 also led to flooding issues in Somerset County . Smith said he received communication from officials at Brookfield Renewable, which operates several dams on the Kennebec River, that they are preparing for the storm by operating at its lower licensed limit at Wyman Lake, near Moscow. “They’re doing everything they can to keep flows down and to bring it down as low as they possibly can by license,” Smith said. “So hopefully, it will take care of the issue.” But the greatest impacts in the December 2023 storm, Smith said, were from the tributaries that flow into the Kennebec River in Somerset County, including the Carrabassett and Sandy rivers. “The real problem happened at that convergence of the Kennebec and the Carrabassett,” Smith said. Farther south, in Augusta, City Manager Jared Mills said in his weekly update to city councilors that the city’s emergency management team will be prepared and monitoring updates from the National Weather Service for predictions on Kennebec River water levels. He said reports indicate most reservoirs that, when they’re full, feed into the river, are low, and thus will be able to handle some of the additional runoff from the storm. Mills said the city’s public works crews would, in preparation for the rainstorm following on the heels of Tuesday’s snowstorm, make sure catch basins and sluiceways in Augusta are clear and open. Haley Gauvin, the city of Augusta’s director of communications and marketing, said as a precautionary measure the north end of the riverside Front Street parking lot will close at midnight Tuesday. Any vehicles left in the closed area could be towed, at the owner’s expense, she warned. The parking lot often floods when Kennebec River levels rise. Gauvin said immediate flood impacts are not anticipated but the forecast Tuesday predicted significant overnight rainfall continuing through Wednesday. And the combination of rainfall, warmer temperatures, and snowmelt may cause the river to rise later this week. Gauvin said the city would use e-notifications through a citizen alert system and post information on the city’s website and social media platforms. Augusta residents can report issues such as downed trees or power lines to the public safety dispatch center at 626-2370 or public works at 626-2435. We invite you to add your comments. We encourage a thoughtful exchange of ideas and information on this website. By joining the conversation, you are agreeing to our commenting policy and terms of use . More information is found on our FAQs . You can modify your screen name here . Comments are managed by our staff during regular business hours Monday through Friday as well as limited hours on Saturday and Sunday. Comments held for moderation outside of those hours may take longer to approve. Please sign into your Sun Journal account to participate in conversations below. If you do not have an account, you can register or subscribe . Questions? Please see our FAQs . 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