Thousands of sailors get access to *trendy* weight-loss app [Noom] in new deal

Thousands of sailors get access to trendy weight-loss app in new deal

As of Feb. 1, the Navy is offering the commercial version of Noom free for a year to these sailors in what the service calls its Fitness Enhancement Program. The Navy’s contract with Noom, which is considered a one-year pilot program, is worth $466,560, paid for by excess funds released by Congress last fiscal year for quality of service initiatives.

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Hegseth visits Manila: Washington prepares for war with China + More

Hegseth visits Manila: Washington prepares for war with China

The language of Hegseth’s press conference in Manila is indicative of the openly aggressive face of US imperialism under Trump. Gone was any reference to what had been the political shibboleth of Washington in the Asia Pacific region: the defense of “freedom of navigation.” Hegseth spoke rather of “preparing for war,” using the phrase more than once. Every time Hegseth mentioned China he termed it “Communist China,” and spoke of its “aggression.” Hegseth referred to US Seventh fleet commander Admiral Samuel Paparo “and his war plans. Real war plans.”

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How Musk Sold Out America’s Veterans – OpEd

How Musk Sold Out America’s Veterans – OpEd

Former service members around the country already feel the repercussions, which include cuts to transportation programs for disabled veterans, reduced telephone support for caregivers, and the postponement or cancellation of suicide prevention trainings.

Other veterans report the cancellation of therapy groups and longer wait times for appointments as well as disruptions to medical studies, including a clinical trial on a new medication with the potential to treat cancers of the mouth and throat. Some facilities eliminated staff members especially trained or certified to perform certain roles, delaying the requisition and delivery of medical supplies.

As always happens amid Musk’s ham-handed raids, the cuts at the VA commenced without the slightest foresight or sense. Among many other examples, officials summarily canceled hundreds of contracts with outside providers, only to immediately scale back the reckless decision after realizing they needed the help performing essential work like physician recruitment and burial services.

Kaldahl, who receives hearing aids, eye care, and other services from the VA, has to travel to larger cities, such as Superior, Wisconsin, or Minneapolis, to receive care unavailable at a clinic near his home.

The decline of U.S. shipbuilding

US port fees on China built vessels would hit grain exporters

Maritime historian, professor, and YouTuber, Sal Mercogliano, who rose to mainstream fame with appearances on the CNN network a year ago on the Dali incident provided comments with a deep historical context.

He pointed to decisions in the time following World War 2 (late 1940s through the late 1970s), where: “…the United States allowed its merchant marine to remain stable, while global ocean trade grew exponentially.”

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USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier collides with Turkish merchant vessel near Egypt

What’s Going on With Shipping?

The USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75), a Nimitz-class aircraft carrier, collided with a Turkish merchant vessel Besiktas-M near Egypt late Wednesday, the U.S. Navy confirmed Thursday.

The Besiktas-M, a Panama-flagged bulk carrier, is owned by Istanbul-based Black Hawk Shipping Ltd. and operated by Synergy Ship Management Turkiye Pte. Ltd. also based in Türkiye.

USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier collides with Turkish merchant vessel near Egypt

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UPDATED: USS Harry S. Truman Collides with Merchant Vessel in Mediterranean Sea

The last known collision between a carrier and a merchant ship was on July 22, 2004, when USS John F. Kennedy (CV-67) collided with a small dhow in the Persian Gulf during the night helicopter operations. The commander of the carrier was relieved after an initial investigation.

2 new Chinese warplanes could mean the end of US air superiority

As if not enough is going on in the world, the Chinese military has flown two new stealthy jets. Some military observers consider them a tangible threat to the U.S. One is a bomber and one is a fighter. Lexington Institute military analyst Rebecca Grant joined the Federal Drive with Tom Temin to discuss what it all means.

2 new Chinese warplanes could mean the end of US air superiority

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