Latest news with #ThePowerof
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
City of York Council announces extra £60 per week for foster carers
A new financial package will see new foster carers who join City of York Council benefit from an extra £60 per week. City of York Council announced the increase during Foster Care Fortnight, whose theme this year is 'The Power of Relationships.' York foster carers will now receive a fee of between £125 and £500 per week, depending on their skill level, plus a weekly allowance for each child in their care. Foster carers will also be able to access a new training and support offer, which includes access to a specialist clinical psychologist. A local foster carer said: "The increase in the fostering fee has provided me with greater security. "It has enabled me to spend more time with my child, supporting her with her drama lessons, and I am now going to see her perform on the West End stage." More information about fostering is available at
The Hindu
23-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Stop making cents: U.S. Mint moves forward with plans to kill penny
The Trump administration says making cents doesn't make sense anymore. The U.S. Mint has made its final order of penny blanks and plans to stop producing the coin when those run out, a Treasury Department official confirmed on Thursday (May 22, 2025). This move comes as the cost of making pennies has increased markedly, by upward of 20% in 2024, according to the Treasury. By stopping the penny's production, the Treasury expects an immediate annual savings of $56 million in reduced material costs, according to the official, who was not authorised to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the news. In February, President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered his administration to cease production of the 1-cent coin. 'For far too long, the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!' Trump wrote at that time in a post on his Truth Social site. 'I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies.' There are about 114 billion pennies currently in circulation in the United States — that's $1.14 billion — but they are greatly underutilised, the Treasury says. The penny was one of the first coins made by the US Mint after its establishment in 1792. The nation's treasury secretary has the authority to mint and issue coins 'in amounts the secretary decides are necessary to meet the needs of the United States'. Advocates for ditching the penny cite its high production cost — almost 4 cents per penny now, according to the US Mint — and limited utility. Fans of the penny cite its usefulness in charity drives and relative bargain in production costs compared with the nickel, which costs almost 14 cents to mint. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news. Pennies are the most popular coin made by the US Mint, which reported making 3.2 billion of them last year. That's more than half of all the new coins it made last year. Congress, which dictates currency specifications such as the size and metal content of coins, could make Mr. Trump's order permanent through law. But past congressional efforts to ditch the penny have failed. Two bipartisan bills to kill the penny permanently were introduced this year. Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced the Make Sense Not Cents Act this month. In April, Reps. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Robert Garcia, D-Calif., along with Sens. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., introduced the Common Cents Act. Jay Zagorsky, professor of markets, public policy, and law at Boston University, said that while he supports the move to end penny production, Congress must include language in any proposed legislation to require rounding up in pricing, which will eliminate the demand for pennies. Mr. Zagorsky, who recently published a book called 'The Power of Cash: Why Using Paper Money is Good for You and Society,' said otherwise, simply ditching the penny will only increase demand for nickels, which are even more expensive, at 14 cents to produce. 'If we suddenly have to produce a lot of nickels — and we lose more money on producing every nickel — eliminating the penny doesn't make any sense.' Mark Weller, executive director of the Americans for Common Cents group — which conducts research and provides information to Congress and the Executive Branch on the value and benefits of the penny — says, 'There has been an evolution over the past six months that inevitably the production of the penny will be halted'. His group advocates for the U.S. to find ways to reduce the cost of producing nickel, especially since it will be more in demand once the penny is totally eliminated from circulation. 'It's incumbent on Treasury to come up with a cheaper way to make the nickel,' Weller said. 'Let's make sure we're making our coins as least expensively as possible and maintaining the option to use cash in transactions.'
22-05-2025
- Business
Stop making cents: US Mint moves forward with plans to kill the penny
WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration says making cents doesn't make sense anymore. The U.S. Mint has made its final order of penny blanks and plans to stop producing the coin when those run out, a Treasury Department official confirmed Thursday. This move comes as the cost of making pennies has increased markedly, by upward of 20% in 2024, according to the Treasury. By stopping the penny's production, the Treasury expects an immediate annual savings of $56 million in reduced material costs, according to the official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the news. In February, President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered his administration to cease production of the 1-cent coin. 'For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!' Trump wrote at that time in a post on his Truth Social site. 'I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies.' There are about 114 billion pennies currently in circulation in the United States — that's $1.14 billion — but they are greatly underutilized, the Treasury says. The penny was one of the first coins made by the U.S. Mint after its establishment in 1792. The nation's treasury secretary has the authority to mint and issue coins 'in amounts the secretary decides are necessary to meet the needs of the United States.' Advocates for ditching the penny cite its high production cost — almost 4 cents per penny now, according to the U.S. Mint — and limited utility. Fans of the penny cite its usefulness in charity drives and relative bargain in production costs compared with the nickel, which costs almost 14 cents to mint. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news. Pennies are the most popular coin made by the U.S. Mint, which reported making 3.2 billion of them last year. That's more than half of all the new coins it made last year. Congress, which dictates currency specifications such as the size and metal content of coins, could make Trump's order permanent through law. But past congressional efforts to ditch the penny have failed. Two bipartisan bills to kill the penny permanently were introduced this year. Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced the Make Sense Not Cents Act this month. In April, Reps. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Robert Garcia, D-Calif., along with Sens. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., introduced the Common Cents Act. Jay Zagorsky, professor or markets, public policy, and law at Boston University, said that while he supports the move to end penny production, Congress must include language in any proposed legislation to require rounding up in pricing, which will eliminate the demand for pennies. Zagorsky, who recently published a book called 'The Power of Cash: Why Using Paper Money is Good for You and Society," said otherwise simply ditching the penny will only increase demand for nickels, which are even more expensive, at 14 cents to produce. 'If we suddenly have to produce a lot of nickels — and we lose more money on producing every nickel — eliminating the penny doesn't make any sense.'
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Stop making cents: US Mint moves forward with plans to kill the penny
WASHINGTON (AP) — The Trump administration says making cents doesn't make sense anymore. The U.S. Mint has made its final order of penny blanks and plans to stop producing the coin when those run out, a Treasury Department official confirmed Thursday. This move comes as the cost of making pennies has increased markedly, by upward of 20% in 2024, according to the Treasury. By stopping the penny's production, the Treasury expects an immediate annual savings of $56 million in reduced material costs, according to the official, who was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity to preview the news. In February, President Donald Trump announced that he had ordered his administration to cease production of the 1-cent coin. 'For far too long the United States has minted pennies which literally cost us more than 2 cents. This is so wasteful!' Trump wrote at that time in a post on his Truth Social site. 'I have instructed my Secretary of the US Treasury to stop producing new pennies.' There are about 114 billion pennies currently in circulation in the United States — that's $1.14 billion — but they are greatly underutilized, the Treasury says. The penny was one of the first coins made by the U.S. Mint after its establishment in 1792. The nation's treasury secretary has the authority to mint and issue coins 'in amounts the secretary decides are necessary to meet the needs of the United States.' Advocates for ditching the penny cite its high production cost — almost 4 cents per penny now, according to the U.S. Mint — and limited utility. Fans of the penny cite its usefulness in charity drives and relative bargain in production costs compared with the nickel, which costs almost 14 cents to mint. The Wall Street Journal first reported the news. Pennies are the most popular coin made by the U.S. Mint, which reported making 3.2 billion of them last year. That's more than half of all the new coins it made last year. Congress, which dictates currency specifications such as the size and metal content of coins, could make Trump's order permanent through law. But past congressional efforts to ditch the penny have failed. Two bipartisan bills to kill the penny permanently were introduced this year. Sens. Mike Lee, R-Utah, and Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., introduced the Make Sense Not Cents Act this month. In April, Reps. Lisa McClain, R-Mich., and Robert Garcia, D-Calif., along with Sens. Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., and Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., introduced the Common Cents Act. Jay Zagorsky, professor or markets, public policy, and law at Boston University, said that while he supports the move to end penny production, Congress must include language in any proposed legislation to require rounding up in pricing, which will eliminate the demand for pennies. Zagorsky, who recently published a book called 'The Power of Cash: Why Using Paper Money is Good for You and Society," said otherwise simply ditching the penny will only increase demand for nickels, which are even more expensive, at 14 cents to produce. 'If we suddenly have to produce a lot of nickels — and we lose more money on producing every nickel — eliminating the penny doesn't make any sense.' __ Suderman reported from Richmond, Virginia.
Mid East Info
22-05-2025
- General
- Mid East Info
EEG Concludes Landmark Environmental Art Competitions with Record Participation - Middle East Business News and Information
Emirates Environmental Group Celebrates the Winners of the 20th Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition & 2nd Cycle of Art from Waste Competition Record Participation of 723,953 Students from 642 Schools in EDC & 1,750 students from 355 Schools Across the UAE Dubai, UAE – 22 May 2025: The Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) concluded the 20th cycle of its national Environmental Drawing Competition (EDC), marking a significant milestone with the participation of 723,953 students from 642 schools across the UAE, including institutions catering to students of determination. This exceptional level of engagement highlights the growing interest among youth in addressing pressing environmental issues through creative expression. A key component of EEG's educational outreach, the Environmental Drawing Competition has, for two decades, empowered students to think critically about sustainability. Through the medium of art, it fosters awareness, encourages innovative thinking, and nurtures a strong sense of environmental responsibility. This year's competition featured three thought-provoking themes, tailored to specific age groups: 'The Power of Trees: Guardians of the Earth' – for ages 6–8 – exploring the vital role of trees in climate regulation, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. – for ages 6–8 – exploring the vital role of trees in climate regulation, biodiversity, and ecosystem health. 'Sunshine and Rainbows: Celebrating Renewable Energy' – for ages 9–11 – focusing on clean energy sources and their importance in building a sustainable future. – for ages 9–11 – focusing on clean energy sources and their importance in building a sustainable future. 'E-Waste: A Modern-Day Crisis' – for ages 12–14 – highlighting the environmental dangers of electronic waste and the need for responsible disposal and recycling. Moreover, a total of 243 remarkable projects from 1,750 students were submitted by 355 schools from across the UAE for the 2nd Cycle of Art from Waste (AfW), reflecting the ingenuity, skill and commitment of young artists who reimagined waste as a medium for artistic expression. This annual competition encourages students to rethink waste, demonstrating how discarded materials can be repurposed into stunning works of art. It nurtures creativity and reinforces the importance of sustainability in shaping a greener future. The 2025 competition featured 3 engaging themes, each tailoured to a specific age group: 'Sea Turtle' – for students aged 9 to 11 years 'Flamingo' – for students aged 12 to 14 years 'Oryx Leucoryx' – for students aged 15 to 17 years These themes were carefully designed to highlight the significance of our local biodiversity and the urgent need to protect the endangered species. By incorporating upcycling and waste repurposing into their artwork, students were encouraged to think critically about environmental conservation and the role of sustainability in creative expression. To honour the competition's winners, EEG hosted a special awards ceremony on 22nd May at the Ismaili Centre, Dubai, the long-standing host supporter of this competition. The event featured a captivating exhibition of the winning entries and was attended by students, educators, families, sponsors & supporters, dignitaries, and members of the press. In her welcome address, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar'ashi, Co-Founder and Chairperson of EEG, praised the creativity and commitment shown by the student community in the UAE: 'This competition continues to demonstrate the remarkable potential of our youth. Through their artistic talents, they have communicated powerful messages of hope, responsibility and action. We are proud to offer a platform that encourages such meaningful engagement with the environment.' Reflecting on the impact of the Art from Waste competition, Mrs. Habiba Al Mar'ashi further emphasised its ability to challenge perceptions about waste while fostering environmental awareness and creative skills among young minds. 'Art is a universal language that transcends boundaries. By harnessing its influence, we aim to instill a lifelong commitment to environmental preservation in the younger generation,' she stated. She extended appreciation to Accenture, the official supporting partner, for their role in supporting the 20th Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition. 'Our collaboration with Accenture has further strengthened the reach and impact of this competition, and we appreciate their dedication to environmental advocacy and youth empowerment.' Submissions were reviewed by a distinguished panel of experts in art and education for both competitions: Dr. Najat Makki, Visual Artist, Member of Dubai Cultural Council The Artist Ms. Pari Sagar The Artist Ms. Fatima Al Hammadi The awarding ceremony was divided into two parts; the first one was for the winning students in the EDC for their outstanding submissions in the 20th Cycle of Environmental Drawing Competition under each theme: 'The Power of Trees: Guardians of the Earth' (Ages 6–8) Students of Determination Category School Participant Result Al-Awael Private School Juod Mohammed Omar Mahjoob Winner Al Ain Center for Autism Dhiyab Mahmoud Al Shamsi 1st Runner Up Al-Awael Private School Fatima Mohammed Dhahrawi 2nd Runner Up Regular Students Category School Participant Result Abdulrahman Al Nasser School – Cycle 1 Mohammed Mohammed Al-Zaabi Winner Bint Al-Shatea School Shamma Marwan Al-Ghafli 1st Runner Up Zayed Educational Complex, Dibba Al Fujairah Mazen Rashid Mohammed 2nd Runner Up 'Sunshine and Rainbows: Celebrating Renewable Energy' (Ages 9–11) Students of Determination Category School Participant Result Zayed Foundation for People of Determination, Zayed City Center Maha Zeyad Al Saadi Winner Al Noor Training Centre with People of Determination Amelia 1st Runner Up Um Ammar School Cycle 1 Aisha Muhammed Ali Al Shehi 2nd Runner Up Regular Students Category School Participant Result Delhi Private School, Sharjah Heer Sharma Winner Al-Hirah Child Center Mariam Al Raessi 1st Runner Up Ambassador School, Dubai N. Navya 2nd Runner Up 'E-Waste: A Modern-Day Crisis' (Ages 12–14) Students of Determination Category School Participant Result Ghayathi Center for Care and Rehabilitation Essa Mohammed Al Mansori Winner Al Noor training Centre with People of Determination Hima Zahie 1st Runner Up Al Noor training Centre with People of Determination Sai 2nd Runner Up Regular Students Category School Participant Result Pearl Wisdom School Bhavans Dubai Devang Sajesh Winner tie AL Ain Juniors School Indian System Aaleyah Batool Winner tie New Indian Model School, Dubai Muhammed Razi 1st Runner Up Delhi Private School, Sharjah Anjali Priyaa 2nd Runner Up The 2nd part of the awarding ceremony was the winning schools in the 2nd cycle of Art from Waste Competition; they were recognised for their outstanding submissions under each theme: Project name Category Position Schools Sea Turtle (aged 9 to 11 years ) Regular Winner Al Andeles School – Cycle 1 1st Runner Up Moza Bint Buti school 2nd Runner Up Bhavans Pearl Wisdom School, Sharjah Students of Determination Winner Al-Khalidiya School, second and third cycle, for boys-Eastern 1st Runner Up Al Sila'a Center Abu Dhabi 2nd Runner Up A NOOR TRAINING CENTRE WITH PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION Flamingo (students aged 12 to 14 years) Regular Winner Diyar Private Academy – Dibba 1st Runner Up Al Ain Juniors School, AL Ain 2nd Runner Up India International School, Sharjah Students of Determination Winner India International School, Sharjah 1st Runner Up New Academy School 2nd Runner Up Sharjah City for Humanitarian Services – Khorfakkan Branch Oryx Leucoryx (students aged 15 to 17 years) Regular Winner Dubai International School 1st Runner Up New Indian Model School, Dubai 2nd Runner Up Diyar Private Academy – Dibba Students of Determination Winner Fatima Al Zahra Secondary School for Girls 1st Runner Up Bahethat Albadeya School EEG extends its heartfelt congratulations to all winners and participants for their enthusiasm, vision, and commitment to environmental protection. Notes to Editors: Emirates Environmental Group (EEG) is a professional working group established in 1991 in the United Arab Emirates. It is devoted to protecting the environment through the means of education, action programmes and community involvement. EEG is actively encouraged and supported by concerned local and federal government agencies. It is the first environmental NGO in the world to be ISO 14001 certified and the only organisation of its kind in the UAE with accredited status to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) and the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). EEG is a member of the UN Global Compact, the Global Urban Development (GUD) and the Global Investors for Sustainable Alliance (GISD). It is also a member of the One Planet Network under the programme of Sustainable Food Systems (SFS) and its Multi-Stakeholder Advisory Committee (MAC) and Global Partnership on Marine Litter (GPML), EEG is a full Member (voting) of World Packaging Organisation (WPO). For more information, contact us: email: eeg@ Tel: 04-3448622; Fax: 04-3448677 and please visit our bi-lingual website: Follow us on LinkedIn, FB; Twitter & Instagram: @eegemirates.
