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Mysterious Four-Legged Creature Feasts at the Doorsteps of VillagersDespite these challenges, there is still hope and optimism among Manchester United fans that the club can turn things around. The recent emergence of young talents like Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and Scott McTominay has provided a glimmer of hope for the future. With the right guidance and investment in the right areas, Manchester United can regain their status as a dominant force in English and European football.
Facebook Twitter WhatsApp SMS Email Print Copy article link Save OCEAN CITY — Is Ocean City ready for a muscle beach, similar to the one in Santa Monica, California? How about fire pits or a portable roller-skating rink? These were among the ideas pitched to City Council at a December meeting as new attractions for the Boardwalk to draw people to the north end in the absence of Gillian’s Wonderland. The group Friends of OCNJ History & Culture created a poll on social media to gather ideas for the area. Resident Bill Merritt, who is the president of the group, presented them to council. “I think it’s a really good list of stuff,” Merritt said. “I’m a particular fan of the councilman dunk tank, but that’s just me.” Wonderland operated on the Boardwalk for nearly 60 years before its closure in October. Jay Gillian, whose family name was on the pier and who also serves as the city’s mayor, had announced the closing over the summer, saying the business was no longer viable. 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BPU begins process to consider 8% increase in Atlantic City Electric rates Some locals have pleaded for the park to remain, including launching a “Save Wonderland” campaign. Developer Eustace Mita, who owns the property and leased it to Gillian in recent years, has other plans, proposing a 252-room hotel for the site. So far, no formal application has been brought to the city, but in public meetings, Mita has pitched his multimillion-dollar proposal as the best option for the site and one that would preserve some of the landmark Wonderland rides. In his comments to council, Merritt did not suggest the long-running amusement pier would be back, or mention the hotel plans. He said some people were going through the stages of grief for Wonderland. “We know it’s closed. We know it’s gone. And now we’re just talking about what goes up there instead,” he said. The proposal is called the Ocean City Carnival by the Sea, and includes multiple ideas for the Boardwalk to keep things active post-Wonderland. “Generating excitement in this area is crucial, as it will likely be years before any new development rises on the pier,” the proposal reads in part. In his comments, Merritt also suggested the city take a new look at its master plan. In the meantime, he suggested the city could “lower the temperature” of some of the rhetoric by looking both short term and long term. “Unfortunately the whole Wonderland thing has raised a lot of anger,” Merritt said. “I think we need to get through and get past the anger stage.” Emotions have run high in connection to the amusement park, which many in town remember from their childhoods and to which they brought children and grandchildren. The Icona in Wonderland hotel proposal has also generated extensive interest and controversy. Supporters say it represents a significant investment in the town and will bring jobs and visitors who will support other businesses. Others, however, say it is far too large and would hurt the community and other Boardwalk businesses. Resolution will not come soon. Once a formal proposal is brought to the city, it will be up to council to decide whether to designate the area where the park once stood as being in need of redevelopment, as Mita has suggested, which could begin a process of approvals for the proposal. Ocean City should address its development issues through the master plan process, not redevelopment, the president of the Friends of OCNJ History & Culture writes. The designation would require review by the city’s Planning Board for consistency with the city’s existing master plan, and the project itself would face site plan review. Once the local approvals and state permits are in place, if Mita succeeds in getting them, he has said it will take about two years to complete the project. In the meantime, the Friends of OCNJ want something new in that area by the summer of 2025. Council members Jody Levchuk and Keith Hartzell have expressed concern about the impact of a vacant Wonderland on the northern end of the Boardwalk, suggesting it may mean fewer visitors strolling by the businesses there. The proposals Merritt brought to council are aimed at creating a new lure. Most, but not all, would be put in place between the Boardwalk and a municipal parking area between Fifth and Sixth streets, adjacent to Wonderland, where there are now volleyball courts. Some ideas would be relatively easy to execute, while others would require significant investment and likely need staffing. A multipage report lists the ideas on a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the most difficult to enact. For instance, fire pits that can be rented are listed as an 8, while a skating rink comes in at a 7. Giving kids a chance to meet first responders, a kite flying contest and a venue for street performers in front of Wonderland all come in at 2. There is a proposal for a dunk tank for council members, which is listed as a 3. There is no breakdown of how much of that is to acquire the tank and how much is to convince any of the seven members of council to get in. Several of the proposals are underway elsewhere in the city, including beach yoga, a dog park and a farmers market. Sandcastle contests also take place at specific times each summer. Turnout was intense for a 3rd Ward meeting in Ocean City on Monday as residents packed into a meeting room to hear plans for a hotel at the site of the former Wonderland Pier. There are multiple ideas, and not all of them would take place in the same spot. There are proposals for a drone light show, giant chess boards and a quiet disco, in which people would wear headphones and dance to the same music. Ocean City has a history of taking seemingly far-fetched ideas and making them a beloved reality, from a mass gathering of Bassett hounds for the Doo Dah Parade to hermit crab races to taffy and French fry sculpting contests for kids. There was no response from council to the proposals, and no proposal in the report on how to fund the new activities. Contact Bill Barlow: 609-272-7290 bbarlow@pressofac.com Twitter @jerseynews_bill Get Government & Politics updates in your inbox! Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter. 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Taylor Swift gives pal Ashley Avignone a big hug while celebrating her 40th birthday in NYC Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.com By SONIA HORON FOR DAILYMAIL.COM Published: 21:55 EST, 29 December 2024 | Updated: 21:58 EST, 29 December 2024 e-mail View comments Taylor Swift made some time in her busy schedule to celebrate her friend Ashley Avignone's birthday. The Bad Blood hitmaker, 35, was among the guests at the stylist’s 40th birthday celebrations in New York City on Saturday. Avignone shared a few snaps from the festivities to her Instagram on Sunday, including one photo of her and the superstar sharing a warm hug in front of a birthday cake. The pals both matched in long-sleeve black looks, with Taylor — who attended the bash with her boyfriend Travis Kecle , 35 — rocking her signature red lipstick. Swift also wore a chic Cartier Santos Demoiselle gold diamond watch, retailing for up to $31,000. Another photo showed Ashley blowing out her birthday candle. The writing on the colorful cake humorously stated, 'Ash is 25 (again).' Taylor Swift, 35, made some time in her busy schedule to celebrate her friend Ashley Avignone's 40th birthday 'Happy birthday to me, emphasis on the *happy*' the designer captioned her post. The birthday bash was held on Saturday at the exclusive members club Chez Margaux in the Meatpacking District, according to People . Read More Taylor Swift holds hands with Travis Kelce as they enjoy another date night in NYC Swift and Avignone met through mutual friend Emma Stone, and have been friends for 16 years. Avignone has accompanied Swift to a number of Kansas City Chiefs games to cheer on the pop star's tight end boyfriend. Avignone also recently supported Swift at her own birthday party , an Eras Tour-themed bash thrown by Kelce. Earlier on Saturday, Swift and her boyfriend were seen holding hands as they made their way to Avignone's birthday dinner. Despite the chilly temperatures, Swift put on a leggy display wearing a black minidress that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees. Taylor layered the ensemble with a long, black coat that had sparkling, silver embellishments embroidered throughout the warm material. The songstress slipped into a pair of open-toed, black heels to coincide with the monochromatic color scheme of her look. Swift's long blonde locks were parted in the middle, and effortlessly flowed down past her shoulders in elegant waves. The Bad Blood hitmaker was among the guests at the stylist’s birthday celebrations in New York City. Avignone shared a number of snaps from the party to her Instagram on Sunday The writing on the colorful cake humorously stated, 'Ash is 25 (again).' The designer captioned her post: 'Happy birthday to me, emphasis on the *happy*' Taylor attended the bash with her boyfriend Travis Kecle, 35. The party was held on Saturday at the exclusive members club Chez Margaux in the Meatpacking District Swift put on a leggy display wearing a black minidress that contained a hem that stopped inches above her knees The performer carried a small, bedazzled purse in her right hand to hold a few items she needed during the night out. Taylor further glammed up the outfit by adding a pair of dangly, silver earrings as well as a silver-chained necklace. Kelce sported a vibrant look wearing a red, denim jacket that was unbuttoned at the front as well as a pair of matching, loose-fitting trousers. The professional NFL star added a printed, white shirt underneath and donned a pair of black shoes that were secured with laces. To complete the stylish ensemble for the evening, Travis added a cap on top of his head and also opted for a pair of shades. The couple - who were first romantically linked last year - were seen lovingly holding hands as they made their way across a busy street upon arriving to the restaurant. Just one day earlier, the lovebirds were previously spotted out in the Big Apple for a double date with producer Jack Antonoff and his wife, Margaret Qualley. Swift and Kelce matched in coordinating looks as she donned a $5,500 wool, Stella McCartney blazer that contained dazzling embellishments. Social media users soon jumped to X to share their thoughts on the couple's ensembles, with one penning, 'THE MATCHING COLOURS AHHHHHHH TAYLOR AND TRAVIS YOU GUYS LOOK INCREDIBLE!!!' Avignone (R) also recently supported Swift at her own birthday party, an Eras Tour-themed bash thrown by Kelce; They are seen with Chiefs WAG Lyndsay Bell (L) and Brittany Mahomes Avignone has accompanied Swift to a number of Kansas City Chiefs games to cheer on the pop star's tight end boyfriend; they are seen with Blake Lively in February at Super Bowl 58 Swift and Avignone met through mutual friend Emma Stone, and have been friends for 16 years; Taylor, Emma and Ashley seen in 2010 Another added, 'Taylor & Travis' matching outfits are so cute [sobbing emoji],' while one shared, 'Both outfits really are incredible! Taylor and Travis look amazing together.' Earlier this week, an insider for the Chiefs opened up about Kelce's plans with Swift amid his team's short break on the New Day With SSJ podcast . The Chiefs competed against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day - which resulted in a 29-10 victory for Kansas City. While mentioning Chiefs coach Andy Reid, the insider named Pete Sweeney stated, 'Andy I believe got done with the [Steelers] game and gave the guys some time to go do what they want to do.' 'A tight end might be going to New York with his girlfriend, a quarterback might be hanging out with his kids. Who knows what everybody else is doing.' 'But I think it's a nice reset for these guys. All these guys will practice next week, but I have a zero percent feel that any starter of any significance will play in this game.' Kelce will join the Chiefs on the football field next year on January 5 as they take on the Denver Broncos. Taylor Swift Share or comment on this article: Taylor Swift gives pal Ashley Avignone a big hug while celebrating her 40th birthday in NYC e-mail Add commentCameron Haffner helps Evansville end five-game skid with 57-40 victory over Missouri StateWhen news of the impending delivery spread, excitement rippled through the community. It was decided that the frozen pig heads would be transported using two rugged off-road vehicles due to the treacherous terrain that lay between the village and the nearest town.
In a recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the Israeli military has launched a series of devastating airstrikes targeting all Syrian air defense bases. The large-scale attacks have been ongoing for several hours, leading to widespread destruction and casualties in the region.The recent increase in the trading volume of second-hand homes in Beijing can be attributed to several key factors. Firstly, the continued stability and growth of the local economy have instilled confidence among potential buyers, leading to an uptick in demand for residential properties. Additionally, the easing of restrictive housing policies and the implementation of supportive measures by the government have also fueled a renewed interest in the real estate market.The impact of the cute economy is being felt across industries, from fashion and beauty to home decor and technology. Brands are capitalizing on this trend by incorporating adorable elements into their designs and marketing strategies, catering to the growing demand for cute merchandise among young consumers. Collaborations between brands and popular cartoon characters or cute mascots have become commonplace, attracting a loyal following of fans eager to get their hands on limited-edition collectibles.
Boise State's legacy includes winning coaches and championship momentsIn a world where celebrity news often focuses on glamour and scandal, Zhang Meng and Xiaowu's heartwarming encounter at the prenatal check-up clinic is a breath of fresh air. It sheds light on the beauty of genuine friendships and the importance of being there for one another through thick and thin.Share this Story : World juniors: Former Ottawa 67 scores in OT as Finland upsets U.S.A. at a packed CTC Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Breadcrumb Trail Links Sports Hockey Junior Hockey World Juniors World juniors: Former Ottawa 67 scores in OT as Finland upsets U.S.A. at a packed CTC The crowd of 16,433 erupted when former Ottawa 67's winger Tuomas Uronen scored to give the Finns a 4-3 overtime victory. Author of the article: Don Brennan Published Dec 29, 2024 • 2 minute read Join the conversation You can save this article by registering for free here . Or sign-in if you have an account. Tuomas Uronen (15) of Team Finland celebrates his overtime goal with teammate Mitja Jokinen against Team USA at the Canadian Tire Centre on Dec. 29, 2024 in Ottawa. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Article content FINLAND 4, U.S. 3 (OT) Article content We apologize, but this video has failed to load. Try refreshing your browser, or tap here to see other videos from our team . World juniors: Former Ottawa 67 scores in OT as Finland upsets U.S.A. at a packed CTC Back to video Article content Fans at an almost-full Canadian Tire Centre were strong and loud in their support of Finland in its Sunday matinée match against the Americans. They should have been more careful about what they wished for. The crowd of 16,433 erupted when former Ottawa 67’s winger Tuomas Uronen scored to give the Finns a 4-3 overtime victory over the U.S.A. that squeezed the interesting Group A standings. Advertisement 2 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles from Elizabeth Payne, David Pugliese, Andrew Duffy, Bruce Deachman and others. Plus, food reviews and event listings in the weekly newsletter, Ottawa, Out of Office. Unlimited online access to Ottawa Citizen and 15 news sites with one account. Ottawa Citizen ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account Email Address Continue or View more offers If you are a Home delivery print subscriber, online access is included in your subscription. Activate your Online Access Now Article content The Americans, who took one point from the game, are still in first place with seven, while Finland now has five as Canada had four heading into its battle against the Germans on Sunday night. Had Finland won in regulation time, it would have shot up to first place, getting the nod over the U.S. in the tie-breaker based on head-to-head record. Team Finland celebrates an overtime victory against Team USA at the Canadian Tire Centre on Dec. 29, 2024 in Ottawa. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images Canada would have moved into the top spot with seven points by beating Germany, but the stage could have been set for a New Year’s Eve showdown with the U.S. that would likely have seen the winner finish first and the loser third. As it stands, Canada can move into first by defeating the Germans in regulation time, two points up on the Finns, like the U.S. Uronen, whose 2023-24 campaign with Dave Cameron’s 67’s was limited to 11 games by a knee injury that required surgery, now toils for the Kingston Frontenacs. The sixth-round Vegas Golden Knights pick is third in Frontenacs scoring with 39 points on 16 goals and 23 assists. “It’s an unbelievable feeling,” Uronen said of scoring the winner. “It’s nice to be back here.” Among the goal scorers for the Americans on Sunday was defenceman Cole Hutson, the brother of Montreal Canadiens D-man Lane Hutson, as a follow-up to his five-assist game against the Germans on Friday. Advertisement 3 Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Ryan Leonard of Team USA skates face first into the mask of goaltender Petteri Rimpinen of Team Finland in the first period. Photo by Minas Panagiotakis / Getty Images “They were ready to go and we weren’t,” Cole Hutson said of the Finns. “We took a few undisciplined penalties, including myself, and just got away from our game, and we can’t be doing that.” Of the partisan crowd, Hutson said: “They hate us out there and we were ready for it. They’re going to root against us all tournament. We love it.” American captain Ryan Leonard said his team is looking forward to the Tuesday showdown with Canada. “It’s going to be cool, especially being in Canada,” he said. “The world is against us, and we see it with any team that we play, but it’s definitely going to be a different breed when we play in Canada. It’s going to be a fun game, and we’re just going to embrace it.” Recommended from Editorial World Juniors: Easton Cowan assumes ownership of Canada's failure to score more World juniors: Reinforcements on way as Canada moves forward from devastating loss to Latvia Article content Share this article in your social network Share this Story : World juniors: Former Ottawa 67 scores in OT as Finland upsets U.S.A. at a packed CTC Copy Link Email X Reddit Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Comments You must be logged in to join the discussion or read more comments. Create an Account Sign in Join the Conversation Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion. Please keep comments relevant and respectful. Comments may take up to an hour to appear on the site. You will receive an email if there is a reply to your comment, an update to a thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information. Trending World juniors: Reinforcements on way as Canada moves forward from devastating loss to Latvia World Juniors GameDay: Ottawa Senators face brilliant goalie they gave away, Minnesota Wild Ottawa Senators Confederation Line train service resumes after disruption Local News 4.1 magnitude earthquake in northwest Quebec felt in Ottawa News Canadian military fears maintenance issues will plague equipment sent to Latvia Defence Watch Read Next Latest National Stories Featured Local Savings
Sasa Ciani scores 16 to help UIC secure 73-67 victory over Illinois State
Man arrested for assault on South Carolina congresswomanWASHINGTON — The House passed a $895 billion measure Wednesday that authorizes a 1% increase in defense spending this fiscal year and would give a double-digit pay raise to about half of the enlisted service members in the military. The bill is traditionally strongly bipartisan, but some Democratic lawmakers opposed the inclusion of a ban on transgender medical treatments for children of military members if such treatment could result in sterilization. The bill passed by a vote of 281-140 and next moves to the Senate, where lawmakers sought a bigger boost in defense spending than the current measure allows. The Pentagon and the surrounding area is seen Jan. 26, 2020, from the air in Washington. Lawmakers are touting the bill's 14.5% pay raise for junior enlisted service members and a 4.5% increase for others as key to improving the quality of life for those serving in the U.S. military. Those serving as junior enlisted personnel are in pay grades that generally track with their first enlistment term. People are also reading... Nebraska transportation director: Expressway system won't be done until 2042 At the courthouse, Dec. 7, 2024 Camper total loss after fire north of Beatrice Spreading kindness one butterfly at a time 27-year-old Beatrice man sentenced for May assault Stabler scores 22 in Lady O's season opening win BPS receives a "good" classification Holiday lights travel through downtown Beatrice for annual parade Orangemen open season with win over Nebraska City P.E.O. sponsors Holiday Tour of Homes Missouri man sentenced for attempted sexual assault At the courthouse, Nov. 30, 2024 Community Players open holiday play Amie Just: This recruiting class marks the beginning of a new era — one without walk-ons Lonnie Meyer Lawmakers said service member pay failed to remain competitive with the private sector, forcing many military families to rely on food banks and government assistance programs to put food on the table. The bill also provides significant new resources for child care and housing. "No service member should have to live in squalid conditions and no military family should have to rely on food stamps to feed their children, but that's exactly what many of our service members are experiencing, especially the junior enlisted," said Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., chairman of the House Armed Services Committee. "This bill goes a long way to fixing that." The bill sets key Pentagon policy that lawmakers will attempt to fund through a follow-up appropriations bill. The overall spending tracks the numbers established in a 2023 agreement that then-Speaker Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., reached with President Joe Biden to increase the nation's borrowing authority and avoid a federal default in exchange for spending restraints. Many senators wanted to increase defense spending about $25 billion above what was called for in that agreement, but those efforts failed. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., who is expected to serve as the next chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said the overall spending level was a "tremendous loss for our national defense," though he agreed with many provisions in the bill. "We need to make a generational investment to deter the Axis of Aggressors. I will not cease work with my congressional colleagues, the Trump administration, and others until we achieve it," Wicker said. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., speaks with reporters Nov. 21 on Capitol Hill in Washington. House Republicans don't want to go above the McCarthy-Biden agreement for defense spending and are looking to go way below it for many nondefense programs. They are also focused on cultural issues. The bill prohibits funding for teaching critical race theory in the military and prohibits TRICARE health plans from covering gender dysphoria treatment for children under 18 if that treatment could result in sterilization. Rep. Adam Smith of Washington state, the ranking Democratic member of the House Armed Services Committee, said minors dealing with gender dysphoria is a "very real problem." He said the treatments available, including puberty blockers and hormone therapy, proved effective at helping young people dealing with suicidal thoughts, anxiety and depression. "These treatments changed their lives and in many cases saved their lives," Smith said. "And in this bill, we decided we're going to bar service members' children from having access to that." Smith said the number of minors in service member families receiving transgender medical care extends into the thousands. He could have supported a study asking medical experts to determine whether such treatments are too often used, but a ban on health insurance coverage went too far. He said Speaker Mike Johnson's office insisted on the ban and said the provision "taints an otherwise excellent piece of legislation." Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, called the ban a step in the right direction, saying, "I think these questions need to be pulled out of the debate of defense, so we can get back to the business of defending the United States of America without having to deal with social engineering debates." Smith said he agrees with Roy that lawmakers should be focused on the military and not on cultural conflicts, "and yet, here it is in this bill." House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y., responds to reporters Dec. 6 during his weekly news conference at the Capitol in Washington. Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, the House Democratic leader, said his team did not tell Democrats how to vote on the bill. "There's a lot of positive things in the National Defense Authorization Act that were negotiated in a bipartisan way, and there are some troubling provisions in a few areas as well," Jeffries said. The defense policy bill also looks to strengthen deterrence against China. It calls for investing $15.6 billion to build military capabilities in the Indo-Pacific region. The Biden administration requested about $10 billion. On Israel, the bill, among other things, includes an expansion of U.S. joint military exercises with Israel and a prohibition on the Pentagon citing casualty data from Hamas. The defense policy bill is one of the final measures that lawmakers view as a must-pass before making way for a new Congress in January. U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors Rising threats from debt collectors against members of the U.S. armed forces are undermining national security, according to data from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a federal watchdog that protects consumer rights. To manage the impact of financial stress on individual performance, the Defense Department dedicates precious resources to improving financial literacy, so service members know the dangers of notorious no-credit-check loans. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities,” said Andrew Cohen, the director of financial readiness in the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense at the Pentagon. But debt collectors are gaining ground. Last quarter, debt collection complaints by U.S. military service members increased 24% , and attempts to collect on “debts not owed” surged 40%. Complaints by service members against debt collectors for deceptive practices ballooned from 1,360 in the fourth quarter of 2023 to 1,833 in the first quarter of 2024. “There’s a connection between the financial readiness and the readiness of a service member to perform their duty,” said Jim Rice, Assistant Director, Office of Servicemember Affairs at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. Laws exist to protect the mission readiness of U.S. troops from being compromised by threats and intimidation, but debt collectors appear to be violating them at an alarming pace. “If they’re threatening to call your commander or get your security clearance revoked, that’s illegal,” says Deborah Olvera, financial readiness manager at Wounded Warriors Project, and a military spouse who’s been harassed herself by a collection agency that tried to extort money from her for a debt she didn’t owe. But after she requested the name of the original creditor, she never heard from them again. “The financial well-being of service members and their families is one of the Department’s top priorities.” —Andrew Cohen, Director of Financial Readiness at the Pentagon Under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, it’s illegal for debt collectors to threaten to contact your boss or have you arrested because it violates your financial privacy. The FDCPA also prohibits debt collectors from making false, deceptive, or misleading representations in connection with the collection of a debt, even for borrowers with bad credit scores. But according to the data, debt collectors are increasingly ignoring those rules. “Debt collection continues to be one of the top consumer complaint categories,” said a spokesperson at the Federal Trade Commission. The commission released a report earlier this year revealing that consumers were scammed $10 billion in 2023, a new benchmark for fraud losses. In his book Debt: The First 5,000 Years, David Graeber argues that debt often creates a relationship that can feel more oppressive than systems of hierarchy, like slavery or caste systems because it starts by presuming equality between the debtor and the creditor. When the debtor falls into arrears, that equality is then destroyed. This sense of betrayal and the subsequent imbalance of power leads to widespread resentment toward lenders. Most Menacing Loan Messengers Photo Credit: Olena Yakobchuk / Shutterstock The debt collector reportedly harassing military service members most was Resurgent Capital Services, a subsidiary of collection giant Sherman Financial Group. The company tacks on accrued interest and junk fees and tries to collect on debts purchased for pennies on the dollar from cable companies, hospitals, and credit card companies, among others. Sherman Financial Group is run by billionaire Benjamin Navarro, who has a reported net worth of $1.5 billion, according to Forbes. Sherman Financial also owns subprime lender Credit One Bank and LVNV Funding, which outsource collections to Resurgent Capital. According to CFPB data, the second worst offender is CL Holdings, the parent company of debt-buyer Jefferson Capital Systems. The company has also been named in numerous complaints to the Better Business Bureau for alleged violations of the FDCPA, such as failing to properly validate debts or update credit reports with accurate information. Under the leadership of CEO David Burton, Jefferson Capital Systems is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CompuCredit Corporation, which markets subprime credit cards under the names Aspire, Majestic, and others. The third most referenced debt collector is publicly traded Portfolio Recovery Associates [NASDAQ: PRAA], which was forced to pay $27 million in penalties for making false representations about debts, initiating lawsuits without proper documentation, and other violations. Portfolio Recovery Associates is run by CEO Vikram Atal. Fourth place for alleged worst offender goes to Encore Capital Group [NASDAQ ECPG], which was required to pay $42 million in consumer refunds and a $10 million penalty for violating the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. Encore collects under its subsidiary Midland Credit Management Group. These debt collectors all operate under a veritable shell game of company and brand names, almost none of which are disclosed on their websites, sending consumers on a wild goose chase to try and figure out how they’re related to each other. But despite their attempts to hide their tracks behind a smoke screen of subsidiaries, a leopard can’t change its spots, and the CFPB complaint database makes it harder for them to try. Loan Harassment Hotspots Photo Credit: Bumble Dee / Shutterstock Although widely considered a consumer-friendly state, complaints spiked most in California, which saw a 188% increase in complaints filed from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. California is home to 157,367 military personnel, making it the most populous state for active-duty service members. The second-largest increase in debt collection complaints was in Texas, which saw a 66% jump from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. The U.S. Department of Defense reports 111,005 service members stationed in the Lone Star State, which is the third-most populous state for active-duty military. The rising trends do not correlate to the number of military personnel by state. Complaints against debt collectors in Virginia, the second most populous state with 126,145 active duty personnel, decreased by 29% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. And complaints filed quarter-over-quarter in North Carolina, the fifth most populous state with 91,077 military personnel, decreased by 3% in the same period. The third largest percentage increase in debt collection complaints was from service members stationed in Maryland, where alleged harassment reports jumped 112% from the fourth quarter of 2023 to the first quarter of 2024. Maryland ranks number 12 with just 28,059 active duty service members. Fourth place goes to Ohio – the 28th most populous active-duty state – where complaints doubled, followed by Arizona – the 15th most populous military state – where complaints were up 70% in the same quarter-over-quarter period. Billionaire Bets on Bad Credit Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com - Yuri A / Shutterstock In 2007, Congress passed the Military Lending Act to cap the cost of credit to a 36% annual percentage rate, inclusive of junk fees and late charges, for active duty military service members. That rate is still considerably higher than average credit card rates, which range from 8% for borrowers with excellent credit scores to as high as 36% for borrowers with bad credit. But lenders still get hauled into court for violating the MLA. Don Hankey, the billionaire subprime auto lender who funded Donald Trump’s $175 million appeal bond , is among those violators. His company, Westlake Financial, which markets high-interest car loans for bad credit, has been sued twice by the Department of Justice for harassing military service members. In 2017, the DoJ alleged Hankey’s Westlake Financial illegally repossessed at least 70 vehicles owned by military service members. Westlake Financial paid $700,000 to settle the charges. In 2022, Westlake Financial paid $250,000 for allegedly cheating U.S. troops out of interest rates they were legally entitled to. Westlake Financial continues to receive complaints from military service members alleging abusive debt collection practices on its no-credit-check loans. A steady year-over-year increase in the number of complaints filed against Westlake Financial continued from 2020 to 2023. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau data shows a 13% increase in the number of complaints against the company from 2020 to 2021, a 28% increase from 2021 to 2022, and a torrential 119% surge from 2022 to 2023. The numbers suggest systemic complaint-handling processes and inadequate customer service resources. Lenders Try to Shutter CFPB Photo Credit: Cynthia Shirk / Shutterstock On May 16, 2024, a deceptively named predatory lending industry front group dubbed the Community Financial Services Association of America (CFSA) lost a legal attempt to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. In an effort to deprive Americans of essential consumer protections, the lobby group argued that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure was unconstitutional. But the Supreme Court denied its claim. In a 7-2 ruling, the Court held that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s funding structure is indeed constitutional. That means the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau cannot be defunded, but it does not mean the agency cannot be defanged. The New York Times suggested that Hankey’s incentive to finance Trump’s $175 million bond could have been a reciprocity pledge to neuter the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau if Trump wins the upcoming U.S. presidential election. If Trump wins a second term, he could replace Consumer Financial Protection Bureau director Rohit Chopra, an American consumer advocate, with a predatory lending advocate. In 2020, the Trump Administration secured a Supreme Court ruling that made it easier for the president to fire the head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. The ruling struck down previous restrictions on when a president can fire the bureau’s director. Like other federal agencies, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has also been confronted for overstepping its bounds, pushing too far, and acting unfairly against entities it regulates. Holidays, Interest Rates Not to Blame Photo Credit: Lux Blue / Shutterstock Seasonality and rising interest rates do not explain the increase in debt collection complaints from service members. The surge in complaints is not tied to predictable seasonal fluctuations or changes in interest rates. The increase in debt collection complaints by service members may point to underlying systemic issues, such as aggressive and predatory debt collection practices that exploit the unique financial vulnerabilities of service members, who face frequent relocations and deployments. Debt Complaints by Service Members From Q1 2021 to Q4 2022 Up 4% From Q4 2022 to Q1 2023 Up 6% From Q4 2023 to Q1 2024 Up 24% The 24% spike in debt collection complaints exhibits no correlation to fluctuations in interest rates. 30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates From 3.08% in Q4 2021 to 3.82% in Q1 2022 From 6.66% in Q4 2022 to 6.37% in Q1 2023 From 7.30% in Q1 2023 to 6.75% in Q4 2024 Pandemic stimulus checks were also not a factor. COVID-19 relief benefit checks went through three major rounds during the pandemic. The final round of Economic Impact Payments went out in March 2021 . To better understand the rising trend of debt collection complaints, we calculated the increase in the total number of complaints and the percentage increase quarter-over-quarter. For example, New Jersey has the second largest percentage increase in complaints quarter-over-quarter, but the total number of complaints increased by just 16. Methodology The data for this study was sourced from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) complaint database. The dataset specifically targeted complaints filed by U.S. military service members, identified using the tag “Servicemember” within Q4 2023 and Q1 2024. Readers can find the detailed research methodology underlying this news story in the accompanying section here . For complete results, see U.S. Troops Face Mounting Threats from Predatory Debt Collectors on BadCredit.org . Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Veteran homelessness is on the rise despite government efforts—here's how it happens Homelessness reached record levels in 2023, as rents and home prices continued to rise in most of the U.S. One group was particularly impacted: people who have served in the U.S. military. "This time last year, we knew the nation was facing a deadly public health crisis," Jeff Olivet, executive director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, said in a statement about the 2023 numbers. He said the latest homelessness estimates from the Department of Housing and Urban Development "confirms the depth of the crisis." At least 35,000 veterans were experiencing homelessness in 2023, according to HUD. While that's about half of what it was in 2009—when the organization began collecting data—things have plateaued in recent years despite active efforts to get that number to zero. Although they make up just 6.6% of the total homeless population, veterans are more likely to be at risk of homelessness than Americans overall. Of every 10,000 Americans, 20 were experiencing homelessness. Of veterans living in the United States, that number jumps to 22, HUD data shows. Complicated by bureaucracy, family dynamics, and prejudice, the path from serving in the military to homelessness is a long one. According to a 2022 study by Yale School of Medicine researchers, homelessness typically occurs within four years of leaving the military, as veterans must contend with the harsh reality of finding a job in a world where employers struggle to see how skills on the battlefield transfer to a corporate environment. These days, veterans also deal with historically high rent and home prices, which causes many to rely on family generosity while figuring out a game plan. Stacker examined academic studies, analyzed government data, and spoke with members of the Biden administration, experts, and former members of the armed forces to see the struggles members of the military face when leaving the armed forces. Veterans struggle to find a path forward The Department of Veterans Affairs offers transition assistance to the roughly 250,000 service members who leave each year. However, those programs can be burdensome and complex to navigate, especially for those who don't have a plan for post-military life. Only a small portion of veterans have jobs lined up when they leave, according to 2019 Pew Research. Many also choose to live with relatives until they get on their feet, which can be longer than anticipated. Some former service members are unsure what kind of career they'd like to pursue and may have to get further education or training, Carl Castro, director of the Military and Veteran Programs at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, told Stacker. "It takes years for that kind of transition," Castro said. Many have trouble finding a job after leaving the service, even if they are qualified. Some employers carry misconceptions about those who have served. A 2020 analysis from the journal Human Resource Management Review found that some veterans face hiring discrimination due to negative stereotypes that lead hiring managers to write them off as a poor culture fit. Underemployment, or working low-wage jobs below their skill level, is also an issue. While the unemployment rate for veterans was 3% in March 2024, a study released by Penn State at the end of 2023 found three years after leaving the service, 61% of veterans said they were underemployed because of perceived skill mismatches . This phenomenon can have long-term economic effects, and eventually, that frustration can boil over, strain relationships, and potentially lead to housing instability. Working, especially a low-wage job, is not protection against homelessness. A 2021 study from the University of Chicago found half of people living in homeless shelters and 2 in 5 unsheltered people were employed, full or part-time. Some veterans struggle to find homes in their budget High rents make it difficult to save up, even when applying for a VA loan—a mortgage backed by the Department of Veterans Affairs that typically has more favorable terms. While the VA does not require a downpayment, some lenders, who ultimately provide the loan, do. They're not entirely risk-free either, and veterans can still lose their homes if they are unable to keep up with their mortgages. In November 2023, the VA put a six-month pause on foreclosures when an NPR investigation found thousands of veterans were in danger of losing their homes after a COVID forbearance program ended. Biden officials pointed to high rents and the end of COVID-era housing restrictions like eviction moratoriums to explain the spike in Americans experiencing homelessness. In the last year, homelessness rose 12%—to more than 650,000 people—the highest level since data began being collected in 2007. Overall, more than half of people experiencing homelessness in 2023 live in states with high living costs. Most were in California, followed by New York and Florida. Western states, including Montana and Utah, experienced massive population growth during the pandemic, becoming hubs for remote workers who drove home prices and rents even further. Vets with mental health issues most at risk for homelessness For veterans, housing costs certainly play a role, but those who leave the military also face systemic barriers. "It's worrying there are people that continue to fall through the cracks," said Jeanette Yih Harvie, a research associate at Syracuse University's D'Aniello Institute for Veterans and Military Families. Just under a quarter of adults experiencing homelessness have a severe mental illness , according to 2022 HUD survey data. They are also likely to have chronic illnesses but are unable to maintain preventative care, which only exacerbates these problems. Veterans facing homelessness are more likely to have experienced trauma , either before or after joining the military, according to Yale researchers who analyzed the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Childhood trauma was among the most significant commonalities among vets who become homeless. Substance use disorder is also widespread and can indicate an undiagnosed mental illness . Racial and ethnic disparities are at play, too. A 2023 study in the Journal of Psychiatric Research showed that Hispanic and Black veterans were more likely to screen positive for PTSD, and Hispanic veterans were more likely to report having suicidal ideation. Overall, access to mental health care has improved in the last decade or so. In December 2023, the VA announced it would open nine additional counseling centers. However, the stigma of getting help remains, especially after years of being conditioned to be self-reliant and pull oneself up by their bootstraps. That help, in the form of public policy, is slowly working to catch up to the need. In 2023, the Biden administration invested millions into research programs and studies on suicide prevention by the VA office in addition to a proposed $16 billion to improve quality and lower-cost mental health care services for veterans. And, in February of this year, HUD and the VA announced they would give up to $14 million in vouchers to public housing agencies for veterans experiencing homelessness. The program would also offer case management and other services. Still, with a culture that pushes people to keep going, it can be challenging for servicemembers to take advantage of these opportunities, Harvie said. "When you've been doing that for the last 15 or 20 years, it's difficult to stop and say, 'I'm the person that needs help.'" Story editing by Kelly Glass. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.It is believed that Liu Dameili visited a cosmetic surgery clinic for a liposuction procedure in an attempt to enhance her appearance and maintain her glamorous image. While cosmetic procedures are not uncommon among internet celebrities seeking to perfect their looks, the risks associated with such surgeries are often downplayed or overlooked in the pursuit of beauty.
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Tate McCubbin had 20 points and Austin Peay cruised to a 93-46 victory over Brescia on Sunday. McCubbin also contributed eight rebounds for the Governors (5-8). Anton Brookshire scored 15 points while going 5 of 13 (5 for 12 from 3-point range). Isaac Haney went 5 of 9 from the field (4 for 8 from 3-point range) to finish with 14 points. The win broke a six-game slide for the Governors. Damian Garcia led the way for the Bearcats with 17 points. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Condolences poured in from around the globe Sunday as word spread of the death of former President Jimmy Carter in his hometown in Georgia at the age of 100 — with all the remaining living US presidents offering personal tributes. “Whenever I had a chance to spend time with President Carter, it was clear that he didn’t just profess these values,” former President Barack Obama said in a statement . “He embodied them. And in doing so, he taught all of us what it means to live a life of grace, dignity, justice, and service. “In his Nobel acceptance speech, President Carter said, ‘God gives us the capacity for choice. We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace,'” Obama said. “He made that choice again and again over the course of his 100 years, and the world is better for it.” But the messages came from across the political spectrum. “I just heard of the news about the passing of President Jimmy Carter,” President-elect Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Sunday . “Those of us who have been fortunate to have served as President understand this is a very exclusive club, and only we can relate to the enormous responsibility of leading the Greatest Nation in History,” Trump wrote. “The challenges Jimmy faced as President came at a pivotal time for our country and he did everything in his power to improve the lives of all Americans. For that, we all owe him a debt of gratitude.” President Joe Biden also reacted to Carter’s death, calling him “an extraordinary leader, statesman and humanitarian” in a statement released by the White House . “With his compassion and moral clarity, he worked to eradicate disease, forge peace, advance civil rights and human rights, promote free and fair elections, house the homeless, and always advocate for the least among us,” Biden said. “He saved, lifted, and changed the lives of people all across the globe. “He was a man of great character and courage, hope and optimism,” he said. “We will always cherish seeing him and Rosalynn together. The love shared between Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter is the definition of partnership and their humble leadership is the definition of patriotism.” Follow the latest on President Jimmy Carter’s death Among the scores of others offering condolences was former President George W. Bush, who issued a statement on X through the Bush presidential center . “James Earl Carter, Jr., was a man of deeply held convictions,” the statement said. “He was loyal to his family, his community, and his country. President Carter dignified the office. And his efforts to leave behind a better world didn’t end with the presidency. “His work with Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Center set an example of service that will inspire Americans for generations,” Bush wrote. “We join our fellow citizens in giving thanks for Jimmy Carter and in prayer for his family.” Meanwhile, former President Bill Clinton also honored Carter for being “guided by his faith.” “From his commitment to civil rights as a state senator and governor of Georgia, to his efforts as President to protect our natural resources in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, make energy conservation a national priority, return the Panama Canal to Panama,” Clinton said in the statement , “he worked tirelessly for a better, fairer world.” Also commenting was New York’s senior senator. “Today we mourn the loss of one of our most humble and devoted public servants,” US Sen. Chuck Schumer wrote on X . “President Carter personified the true meaning of leadership through service, through compassion and through integrity. “He taught us that the strength of a leader lies not in rhetoric but in action, not in personal gain but in service to others,” Schumer wrote. Carter, 100, was the longest-living former president in US history . He died in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, after spending nearly two years in hospice care — and more than a year after former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, who died at the age of 77. The former president’s death was announced by the Carter Center. The 39th president, a former peanut farmer, remained active in civic duties until he was sidelined by ill health in recent years, including his work for Habitat for Humanity. He was also a former recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, earning the award in 2002 for his ongoing work as a global humanitarian. In a post on X Sunday House Speaker Mike Johnson also paid his respects. “President Carter’s story was one of humble beginnings, and his life is a testament to the boundless opportunities available in this great nation,” Johnson wrote. “Because of his work in brokering the Camp David Accords and his advocacy with Habitat for Humanity, the world is a more peaceful place, and more Americans have a place to call home. “No one can deny that President Carter led an extraordinary life of service to his country,” he said. Former Vice President Al Gore said Sunday that Carter’s legacy is marked not just by his elected service but also “his leadership over the 42 years after he left office. “It is a testament to his unyielding determination to help build a more just and peaceful world,” Gore said. With P ost wiresWASHINGTON (AP) — A machinists strike. Another safety problem involving its troubled top-selling airliner. A plunging stock price. 2024 was already a dispiriting year for Boeing, the American aviation giant. But when one of the company's jets crash-landed in South Korea on Sunday, killing all but two of the 181 people on board, it brought to a close an especially unfortunate year for Boeing. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and aviation experts were quick to distinguish Sunday's incident from the company’s earlier safety problems. Alan Price, a former chief pilot at Delta Air Lines who is now a consultant, said it would be inappropriate to link the incident Sunday to two fatal crashes involving Boeing’s troubled 737 Max jetliner in 2018 and 2019. In January this year, a door plug blew off a 737 Max while it was in flight, raising more questions about the plane. The Boeing 737-800 that crash-landed in Korea, Price noted, is “a very proven airplane. "It’s different from the Max ...It’s a very safe airplane.’’ For decades, Boeing has maintained a role as one of the giants of American manufacturing. But the the past year's repeated troubles have been damaging. The company's stock price is down more than 30% in 2024. The company's reputation for safety was especially tarnished by the 737 Max crashes, which occurred off the coast of Indonesia and in Ethiopia less than five months apart in 2018 and 2019 and left a combined 346 people dead. In the five years since then, Boeing has lost more than $23 billion. And it has fallen behind its European rival, Airbus, in selling and delivering new planes. Last fall, 33,000 Boeing machinists went on strike, crippling the production of the 737 Max, the company's bestseller, the 777 airliner and 767 cargo plane. The walkout lasted seven weeks, until members of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers agreed to an offer that included 38% pay raises over four years. In January, a door plug blew off a 737 Max during an Alaska Airlines flight. Federal regulators responded by imposing limits on Boeing aircraft production that they said would remain in place until they felt confident about manufacturing safety at the company. In July, Boeing agreed to plead guilty to conspiracy to commit fraud for deceiving the Federal Aviation Administration regulators who approved the 737 Max. Acting on Boeing’s incomplete disclosures, the FAA approved minimal, computer-based training instead of more intensive training in flight simulators. Simulator training would have increased the cost for airlines to operate the Max and might have pushed some to buy planes from Airbus instead. (Prosecutors said they lacked evidence to argue that Boeing’s deception had played a role in the crashes.) But the plea deal was rejected this month by a federal judge in Texas, Reed O’Connor , who decided that diversity, inclusion and equity or DEI policies in the government and at Boeing could result in race being a factor in choosing an official to oversee Boeing’s compliance with the agreement. Boeing has sought to change its culture. Under intense pressure over safety issues, David Calhoun departed as CEO in August. Since January, 70,000 Boeing employees have participated in meetings to discuss ways to improve safety.
Pinduoduo, the disruptor in the e-commerce industry, is known for its social commerce model that encourages group buying and shared discounts. As a pioneer in innovative shopping concepts, Pinduoduo is introducing new ways for consumers to save money and enjoy a sense of community while shopping online. By harnessing the power of social connections and collective purchases, Pinduoduo is redefining the traditional e-commerce landscape.4. Using charcoal grills indoors: Cooking with a charcoal grill indoors can produce high levels of carbon monoxide. Charcoal grills should only be used outdoors in well-ventilated areas to prevent CO buildup.The story began when the woman, who we will refer to as "Sarah" for privacy reasons, came across an online advertisement promising lucrative rebates for purchases made through a particular platform. Eager to earn extra income to support her family, Sarah was lured by the attractive offer and decided to participate in what seemed like a legitimate opportunity. Little did she know that she was about to be pulled into a web of deceit and deception.
The remaining two signings, a dynamic winger with pace and flair, and a prolific striker with a knack for scoring goals, further showcase Beijing Guoan's intention to strengthen their attacking options and improve their offensive capability. These players bring a mix of talent, experience, and hunger for success, which align perfectly with Setien's vision for the team and his goal to elevate Beijing Guoan to new heights in the Super League.AppGallery Gamers Cup (AGC) Hosts Spectacular Yalla Ludo Friendly Cup in RiyadhAs the news of the six first prize winners continues to reverberate across the country, one thing is certain - dreams really do come true, and luck can strike in the most unexpected of ways. The next drawing of Da Le Tou promises to be even more eagerly anticipated, with hopeful participants eagerly clutching their tickets and daring to dream of joining the coveted ranks of lottery winners.