The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program, which has been in place since World War II, is a benefit available to millions of service members and veterans. As of this writing, it is unclear how federal cuts will affect the program, but as of now, it remains an option for those who have earned these rewards.
https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-military/2025/03/06/what-troops-and-retirees-need-to-know-about-the-va-home-loan-in-2025/The US administration plans to lay off thousands of employees from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), despite concerns from union leader Everett Kelly that this would negatively impact services for veterans and their families. Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, which represents 300,000 VA workers, disagrees with Senator Susan Collins' statement that the layoffs will not affect service quality.
https://www.rawstory.com/veterans-affairs/The US Department of Veterans Affairs has been ordered to reduce its workforce by 20% through job cuts and hiring freezes, with a requirement that for every new position hired, four jobs must be eliminated. The savings from these cuts will be reinvested in VA operations. This decision has raised concerns among veterans and lawmakers, including Rep. Mike Bost and Sen. Lindsey Graham, who have expressed unease about the potential impact on service delivery to the department's 9 million enrolled veterans.
https://www.scrippsnews.com/us-news/military/trump-administration-plans-to-cut-80-000-jobs-from-department-of-veterans-affairs-memo-saysAs more organizations prioritize empowering women in the workplace, the corporate world is shifting towards a future where women's contributions are recognized and celebrated every day. Leaders from various industries, such as technology and hospitality, acknowledge that empowering women is not just about representation but also about unlocking their immense potential, driving innovation, and shaping the future of work.
https://www.news18.com/lifestyle/what-male-ceos-say-about-empowering-women-in-the-workplace-9252172.htmlThe UN Women report highlights significant disparities between men and women's employment rates, with 63% of women aged 25-54 having paid employment compared to 92% of men in the same demographic. The report also notes alarming rates of violence against women and girls, including a 50% increase in conflict-related sexual violence over the past decade, affecting 95% of victims who are children or young women.
https://www.geo.tv/latest/594036-un-report-finds-womens-rights-weakened-in-quarter-of-all-countriesZacks Investment Research Inc. is facing three proposed federal class actions alleging it negligently failed to protect personal information of millions of people exposed in a January data breach, which included names, usernames, physical addresses, email addresses, and phone numbers. The lawsuits claim Zacks breached its duties under common law, contract law, industry standards, and the Federal Trade Commission Act to implement reasonable and adequate data-security measures.
https://news.bloomberglaw.com/class-action/zacks-investment-sued-over-breach-affecting-millions-of-peopleA study on digital violence among high school students has revealed alarming statistics, with around 53% of students reporting being insulted or verbally attacked online, while 40.8% admit to engaging in similar behavior themselves. The most serious concern is the threat of releasing private information or photos, classified as a form of violence by 92.3% of respondents. Experts warn that exposure to negative interactions online can lead to low self-esteem, social withdrawal, anxiety, and depression among teenagers. Hale Kahyaoğlu Çakmakcı, a psychology lecturer at Istanbul Atlas University, emphasizes the need for young people to develop social and emotional competencies to cope with digital violence, which includes deliberately not liking posts or excluding peers from online groups, viewed as a form of violence by up to 20% of students.
https://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/one-in-two-high-schoolers-face-insults-on-social-media-study-206564A woman attempted suicide in Mumbai, and police are investigating the incident. She was rushed to a hospital for treatment. The case has sparked concerns about rising cases of suicides linked to work pressure and stress in India. In related news, various helplines have been listed for those struggling with mental health issues, including Tele Manas (14416 or 1800 891 4416), NIMHANS (91 80 26995000 /5100 /5200 /5300 /5400), and others.
https://www.lokmattimes.com/mumbai/mumbai-young-woman-attempts-suicide-in-csmt-railway-station-bathroom-a522/Tanzania's youth are experiencing better mental well-being due to factors such as minimal ultra-processed food sales, less exposure to plastic and industrial toxins, limited smartphone use from a young age, and a strong emphasis on family bonds and friendships. This is attributed to the country's focus on tourism and agriculture, which has led to weaker internet coverage. Founder of Sapien Labs, Dr Tara Thiagarajan, notes that Africa's youthful population holds a unique advantage in youth mental health, but warns that this could be eroded by urbanisation, digital adoption, and evolving lifestyles if not protected. The report highlights a widening generational gap in mental health worldwide, with younger adults facing unique levels of distress, which could lead to decreased productivity, more days off, less cooperation, and increased anxiety and violence in the workforce.
https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/national/tanzanian-youth-lead-globally-in-mental-resilience-new-study-4953332