Latest news with #Fuchs
DW
2 days ago
- Business
- DW
Has Israel-Iran conflict changed the Middle East? – DW – 06/27/2025
The ceasefire between Israel and Iran seems to be holding. Other countries in the region maintain ambiguous attitudes towards the 12-day war and would prefer stability to regime change, or even picking sides. It seems that the most dangerous phase of the current Israeli-Iranian conflict has passed. The ceasefire agreed to on Monday, under US President Donald Trump, has so far remained stable despite some ruptures. With this, Middle Eastern states are utilizing the pause to consider the conflict and its consequences. It seems that many of the countries in the region had one objective in common with regard to the fighting between Israel and Iran: Maintaining ambiguity. For example, Jordan expressed its condemnation of Israeli attacks on Iran along with 20 other Arab and Muslim-majority countries in a public statement. But at the same time, its air force prevented Iranian rockets and drones from flying over Jordanian airspace towards Israel. The Jordanians say they did this to protect their own citizens. Saudi Arabia also signed this statement, but is thought to have allowed Israeli planes into its airspace to shoot down Iranian projectiles. Stefan Lukas, founder of the Germany-based consultancy, Middle East Minds, previously told DW he believes that the Saudis also shot down Iranian missiles themselves, over their country, although there have been no verified reports about this. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Both Jordan and Saudi Arabia have a complex relationship with Israel, involving public criticism but behind-the-scenes cooperation. Both also rely on military cooperation with the US for their defense and Jordan also receives financial aid from the US, to the tune of $1.45 billion (€1.25 billion) in annual bilateral foreign assistance. This makes Jordan one of the countries receiving the most in US foreign aid in the world. Ukraine, Israel and Ethiopia are other major recipients of US aid money. At the same time, though, both countries are interested in maintaining stability in their own region — and that means maintaining a balanced relationship with Iran. That balancing act will continue to shape regional foreign policy, especially in the Gulf states, says Simon Wolfgang Fuchs, an associate professor of Islam at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. The Gulf states have seen how Iran has lost its potential to threaten them as much, Fuchs told DW, as they've seen how Iranian proxies — including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria, and pro-Iranian militias in Iraq — have been weakened. The Syrian state under dictator Bashar Assad, which formerly supported Iran, is under new leadership and also no longer an Iranian ally. "Against this background, naturally it seems sensible from the Gulf states' perspective to make an approach to this weakened — but still very important actor — in the region," Fuchs argues. "They have no interest in the regime there being weakened, let alone its overthrow and the chaos that would result. Jordan takes a similar position to that," he explained. In fact, some of Iran's neighbors seem more interested in preventing the fall of the current Iranian regime. "The question remains: Who would rule the Islamic Republic of Iran next?" Marcus Schneider, who's based in Lebanon and heads the Friedrich Ebert Foundation's regional project for peace and security in the Middle East, wrote for Berlin-based political magazine, International Politics and Society. "In the country, there isn't really any organized opposition, for understandable reasons — neither political nor armed [opposition]. In exile, there are two groups who are ready — the monarchists and the People's Mujahedin of Iran." But for both groups, their effectiveness and potential popularity with the Iranian public would be questionable, Schneider said. Egypt's position is just as ambiguous. Egypt's government welcomed the ceasefire between Iran and Israel and announced it would continue to make diplomatic efforts with the goal of finding a long-term, lasting solution to regional crises. Egypt must also find a careful balance, Fuchs explains, because it too is so dependent on US military aid. This balancing act came out into the open again due to recent events. Cairo has regularly rejected any plans that mean accepting expelled Palestinains. "On the other hand, the Egyptian government has also done everything possible not to anger the Israelis and the US," Fuchs noted. "For example, by thoroughly halting the Gaza solidarity march that came from Tunisia on June 14, including attacking international activists, and not allowing them anywhere near Sinai." Egypt's Sinai region borders Gaza, and on June 10, a land convoy of around 1,500 pro-Palestinian activists and more than 100 vehicles crossed into Libya from Tunisia on their way to Gaza. Other marchers in Egypt, who planned to join the procession, were attacked by Egyptian security forces on June 14 near a checkpoint in the north-eastern city of Ismailia. Many were then deported. Egypt obviously wants to avoid any complications in its relationship with the US. The two nations have agreed to cooperate on fighting terrorism and to securing Egypt's borders against unrest in Libya, Sudan or the Gaza Strip. Egypt also gets a huge amount of military aid and receives around $1.3 billion annually from the US. That seems unlikely to change as the US, under President Donald Trump, has yet to comment on Egypt's disastrous human rights situation under autocratic leader, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi. All the countries in Iran's neighborhood are aware of the importance of maintaining a balance between their partners. "A weakened Iran could be contained and tamed," Schneider wrote. "On the other hand, a country that's cornered, severely battered and fighting for survival is unpredictable." Fuchs adds that another thing has also become clear: The current US administration's course is irritating large parts of the Middle East. "President Trump, with his foreign policy and the use of social media, is throwing all certainties out the window," Fuchs argued. "I really doubt the US will focus attention on the Middle East in coming years. Israel and Iran are exceptions. There's very little interest in further interventions and the US' focus will inevitably shift to east Asia."
Sky News AU
20-06-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
About $125k nest egg bump for 30-year-old Aussie on average salary amid super hikes, Australian Retirement Trust shows
A 30-year-old Australian earning the average salary will be $125,000 better off by the time they retire under recent changes to superannuation launched over the past five years. This is the finding of Australian Retirement Trust (ART) which said the gradual increase of the mandatory superannuation contributions from 9.5 per cent in 2020 to 12 per cent from the start of July will contribute more than six figures into young Australians' super accounts. ART's executive general manager for advocacy and impact Anne Fuchs said a 30-year-old on $100,000 per year – the average salary in Australia – will reap massive benefits of the increases since 2020. "In a fortnightly pay statement, the increase in the superannuation guarantee rate may seem tiny,' Ms Fuchs said. 'But over a working lifetime, the magic of compound returns can turn those small increases into hundreds of thousands of dollars.' It comes as working Aussies will receive a 0.5 per cent super contribution bump from the start of the coming financial year. Mrs Fuchs likened the increase to 'reaching the summit of your own financial Everest' for many working Australians. 'Since the superannuation guarantee was introduced in 1992, it has become the cornerstone of Australia's retirement system – evolving from a modest three per cent contribution to a robust framework that provides you with meaningful savings for your future,' she said. 'An increase in superannuation contributions means you'll be adding that little bit extra to your super and over time, that really adds up.' The gradual super contribution changes from 9.5 per cent to 12 per cent was originally proposed under the Rudd government and enacted under former prime minister Scott Morrison. Other research from the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia showed a 30-year-old worker earning $75,000 will be $20,000 better off due to the 0.5 per cent super change. The bump comes as Australia's $4.2 trillion super nest egg will grow from the fourth largest super pool in the world to the second over the coming decade. This is according to a report from the Super Members Council which showed Australia will surpass the United Kingdom's and Canada's pensions amid growth in Australia's superannuation guarantee scheme. Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert lauded Australia's super system as the 'envy of the world'. 'Australia has the fastest growing super system globally – twice the rate of international peers,' Ms Schubert said. 'We're the only OECD country where spending on government-funded pension payments is falling and will continue to fall.'
Perth Now
20-06-2025
- Business
- Perth Now
Simple change making Aussies $125k better off
The average young Australian is tipped to be $125,000 better off in their retirement simply by staying in the workforce, a major superannuation fund reveals. Australian Retirement Trust says the rise in the superannuation guarantee over the last five years is 'good news' for Australian workers who will have more in their retirement nest egg. Under changes to the superannuation guarantee proposed by the Rudd government and enacted by the Morrison government, every working Aussies superannuation rate automatically went from 9.5 to 12.00 per cent. The changes were brought in incrementally, up 0.5 per cent a year, with the final change starting from July 1 2025. Australians tipped to be $125k better off when they retire. NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar Credit: NewsWire According to the Australian Retirement Trust this five year plan will now see a 30-year old earning $100,000 retire with an additional $125,000 when they finish up their careers. Australian retirement trust executive general manager for advocacy and impact, Anne Fuchs, said the boost to the SG rate is good news for all working Australians. 'This half per cent step may seem small, but for working Australians, it's like reaching the summit of your own financial Everest,' Mrs Fuchs said. 'Since the Superannuation Guarantee was introduced in 1992, it has become the cornerstone of Australia's retirement system – evolving from a modest 3 per cent contribution to a robust framework that provides you with meaningful savings for your future.' Separate research from the Association of Superannuation Funds said the increase from to 12 per cent will mean the median 30-year old worker making $75,000 a year will add about $20,000 to their superannuation balance by the time they retire. The ASFA predicts the average 30-year old worker will now achieve a comfortable retirement. NewsWire / John Appleyard Credit: News Corp Australia This $20,000 increase will mean the median 30-year old will retire with $610,000 in superannuation, above the $53,383 a year or $595,000 they would need for a comfortable retirement. Couples should fare even better. ASFA says a couple requires $73,875 a year or $690,000 combined in total to live comfortably in retirement using their super plus age pension top-ups. The major caveat to these figures for singles and couples is owning your own home by retirement. Check your superannuation rate While the rate of change might seem small, Australian Retirement Trust urges Aussies to check their superannuation rate. According to survey data by the super fund four out of every five Australians don't know how much they've put away for retirement, while only one in five can correctly identify the current superannuation guarantee. 'Whether you're just starting your career or nearing retirement, understanding these changes can help you make smarter financial decisions,' Ms Fuchs said. 'As we look towards our own retirement savings, we should also look towards ensuring the Superannuation Guarantee is fit-for-purpose as our nation ages and grows.
Business Insider
09-06-2025
- Health
- Business Insider
The 19 best shoes for plantar fasciitis
Best walking shoes: Asics Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 This high-cushion shoe has a rather rigid footbed, offering a great blend of arch support, shock absorption, and stability for the tendons of your foot. The upper is well-ventilated and roomy for hours of comfortable walking, and the sockliner very soft around the ankle. Check price at Asics A good walking shoe to support plantar fasciitis has all the same components as a good running shoe: Solid arch support, enough cushioning to absorb the shock of walking, a rigid foundation to maintain structure, and a supportive heel cup. But a good walking shoe should also have a wide toe box so your toes can spread out naturally and a breathable upper. Asics is one of the most highly-recommended brands to help relieve plantar fasciitis pain, including from Dr. Fuchs. Like Brooks, it does an excellent job of providing cushioned support, but the structured sole and heel counters work well to reduce strain on the tendon. Asics also uniquely have a firm midsole, which helps to limit movement — key in relieving pain, Dr. Fuchs says. Asics also has adaptive stability technology to provide the amount of support your foot needs without overcorrecting, which gives you plenty of room to add your own orthotic for more arch support. The Asics Gel-Kayano 31 performed great on long walks, maintaining its rigid but soft support. As someone with high arches who walks 10,000+ steps a day and prefers a higher-cushion walking shoe, I found Asics GEL-Nimbus 27 to be incredibly comfortable and supportive underfoot, even on long days out. Honorable Mention: Hoka On one hand, both our podiatrists agree that having a well-cushioned shoe is crucial for treating plantar fasciitis, because this helps your shoe absorb the impact of walking rather than your tendons. That said, one of the most common mistakes Dr. Daughtry says she sees in people trying to heal their PF is opting for a shoe with an excessively cushioned or thick sole but not enough support underneath. Hoka, a brand known for excessive cushioning, can be troublesome if the foundation isn't supportive enough underneath, but part of that is personal biomechanics. I know multiple people with PF who only found relief wearing Hokas, but many others say Hokas made their PF worse. Dr. Fuchs does recommend Hokas for certain people with plantar fasciitis, and, considering Hoka makes some of the best women's walking shoes we've tested, it's worth considering if you haven't found the other walking and running shoe brands on our list to work for you. In general, Hokas are likely a better fit for someone who overpronates and needs a stability shoe. That's because these are built with more arch support, and you don't want to add in a rigid arch support orthotic overtop a squishy sole. Best running shoes: Brooks If you're trying to keep plantar fasciitis flare-ups down as you get back onto the track, it's definitely smart to replace your running shoes. Wearing worn-down shoes makes PF much worse because they've lost all the elements of a PF-supportive shoe, Dr. Daugherty says — namely, the ability to support your arches and absorb the shock of running so your plantar fascia doesn't have to strain to work overtime. Brooks running shoes hit the perfect balance of what podiatrists recommend in a shoe: A supportive, shock-absorbing amount of cushion alongside a rigid sole and a supportive heel cup. Dr. Fuchs recommends the brand, and as I've been running in Brooks for years, I can attest that, even after 300 miles, they hold their structure well and feel supportive on long miles. Dr. Daugherty notes that many people with plantar fasciitis find that a small heel lift can help take the strain off the tendon; most Brooks models have a 12mm drop from the heel to the ball of the foot. Also, while supporting your natural gait is crucial when picking a running shoe, Dr. Daugherty recommends people opt for a neutral shoe that can be customized by adding personal arch support. One reason Brooks is the best running brand for people with plantar fasciitis is that many of its neutral models use a unique adaptable guide rail system ("GTS") to correct your gait as much as is needed without cranking the physical support up. This allows you to add the amount of arch support your foot personally needs while still scoring the motion control individual to your gait. Best for around the house: Oofos One thing people with plantar fasciitis often overlook is that they should be wearing shoes at all times, including around the house. "I personally suffer with plantar fasciitis, and if I do not wear some type of supportive sandal or sneakers with arch support around home, my pain will flare up," Dr. Daugthry says. For an around-the-house shoe, in addition to the basics of arch support, well-cushioned, and a stiff sole, you want a shoe that's easy to slip on and off and comfortable to move around in. Recovery footwear brand Oofos makes shoes that are incredibly lightweight but absorb way more impact than traditional foam footwear. During testing, I appreciated not only how fatigue-fighting their shoes are — the support feels incredibly rejuvenating on tired feet — but also that all of their styles, from slides to sneakers, are really easy to slip on and off. Best sandals: Fitflop Fitflop LULU Resin-Buckle Leather Back-Strap Sandals This elevated, all-around summer sandal is crafted with a triple-density cushioning that's extra firm at the heel and toes, provides natural arch support, and a slight heel-to-toe drop for plantar fascia relief. This double-strap, buckled sandal will also work keep your feet secure in the shoe. Check price at Fitflop Like our podiatrists mentioned earlier, if you have plantar fasciitis, you should wear shoes anytime your feet touch the ground. Sandals with adequate arch support are crucial for warm-weather activities when you just want to slide your feet into something breezy and go. Fitflop is a stylish ergonomic brand that uses smart, impact-absorbing cushioning and a rigid footbed in its shoes. Their bread-and-butter are sandals (hence the name) and offer everything from casual pool-side flip flops to wedge sandals you could wear to a wedding. Moreover, the majority of their sandals have a 1-2 inch heel drop, which both our podiatrists say can be very helpful in reducing strain on the plantar fascia (though any higher of a heel and it'll cause more strain). I found their RELIEFF Recovery Toe-Post Sandals to be incredibly comfortable to wear all day and found myself slipping them on whenever I needed to run out of the house but still feel supported. Their sandals, across the board, provide very solid arch support for my high arches, but you could easily add an orthic for more. Mostly, I was very impressed with their range of supportive sandals and quality of style; there's truly a style for everyone, which is great to nix the excuse that you have to wear unsupportive shoes for a certain occasion. Best shoes for women: Dansko There's a reason the classic Dansko clog has a chokehold on nurses and restaurant workers: The brand's backbone is a contoured footbed that provides stiff but well-placed support, alongside a rocker shape that allows for a more natural motion of the foot — both things Dr. Daugthry says she recommends to help treat plantar fasciitis. Though best known for its classic clog, Dansko makes a wide range of shoe styles for women, from summer sandals to Chelsea boots to ballet flats to loafers. Pretty much any kind of women's shoe you need, Dansko likely makes one — and a supportive one at that. In the models I tested, the footbed was soft but very stiff with a sturdy heel cup. The only downside: I found the heels run narrow on some models. Best shoes for men: Kuru Rachael Schultz/Business Insider Kuru specializes in shoes crafted to alleviate pain — heel pain, back pain, flat feet, and, yes, plantar fasciitis. Its support lies in its unique construction: a lightweight EVA foam outsole; a supportive and elevated heel cup; and a dual-density foam insole for solid arch support. The brand makes a range of shoes for both men and women, from slip-ons to boots to sandals, but we love its range of supportive sneakers. During testing, Kuru's sneakers were incredibly comfortable — stiff but cushioned underfoot with the perfect amount of support to minimize pressure across the knees, ankles, and foot. Best dress shoes for men: Amberjack Amberjack Loafer Easy to slide on, sleek enough to wear to the office, and as comfortable as sneakers, these classy loafers have insoles that mold the arch support with your body heat, an anti-slip athletic outsole, and a supportive heel cup. They come in 11 colors, either full-grain leather or water-repellent suede. Check price at Amberjack If you have plantar fasciitis and need men's dress shoes, there's really no need to look anywhere else: Amberjack was built for this exact target. With styles ranging from traditional, lace-up dress shoes to sleek Chelsea boots and clean-looking loafers, all of Amberjack's shoes have built-in medium-height arch support, extra thick (removable) insoles that mold to the shape of your foot as you wear them, a custom TPU outsole that's stiff but comfortable like a hiking boot, and a firm heel counter. Most of its shoes also have a 2.5-inch average heel height for less strain on your plantar fascia. Ergonomic footbeds aside, their shoes are incredibly sleek and professional-looking. The leather is A-grade and full-grain, sourced from top-rated tanneries in Portugal and Italy, while the suede is Italian and water-repellent. No one will ever guess you bought them for comfort. How to shop for Plantar Fasciitis shoes The right footwear is crucial for helping treat plantar fasciitis and reduce the pain. Here's what makes for a good shoe for plantar fasciitis, according to Dr. Daugthry and Dr. Fuchs: Arch support: The plantar fascia is what supports the arch of your foot. When you wear shoes without arch support, this tendon has to work overtime, causing strain, inflammation, and pain. Great arch support can help relieve the plantar fascia from its duty, allowing it to calm down. Shock absorption and cushioning: Another major function of the PF tendon is helping with shock absorption. Solid cushioning in your shoe helps absorb the impact from walking or running so your tendon doesn't have to work as hard. Stiff soles: A firm sole or a shoe with a stiff bottom can help your foot move forward more easily and keep it from bending or moving too much. This takes pressure off your plantar fascia (the band of tissue on the bottom of your foot). Look for shoes with a solid, supportive base and some cushioning on top for comfort. A good rule of thumb: You shouldn't be able to bend the shoe like a taco. Heel stability: A firm heel cup will help prevent excessive movement, keeping your foot aligned and supported. Possibly 1-2 inches of heel: While you want to steer clear of high heels, which alter your foot mechanics and put pressure on the forefoot, many people with PR find a slight heel on their shoe — 1 to 2 inches — helps alleviate the strain on their plantar fascia tendon. Stability vs Neutral: Many people's foot naturally rolls inward or outward when they walk rather than staying neutral. Running and walking shoes are built to help offset this and keep your foot in a neutral position. If you overpronate (meaning you roll inward as you step), look for a stability shoe, which will have extra arch support. If you supinate — your foot rolls outward as you step — look for a neutral shoe. How I tested As a longtime health and fitness product journalist, I have tested countless types of shoes, including the best walking shoes for women, winter boots, and the best shoes for standing all day. To test for this guide, I first spoke with two board-certified podiatrists: Elizabeth Daughtry, DPM, FACFAS, a podiatrist with Foot & Ankle Specialists of the Mid-Atlantic Suzanne C. Fuchs, DPM, podiatric foot and ankle surgeon and founder of LuxePodiatry in Jupiter, Florida Dr. Daughtry and Dr. Fuchs set the foundation of what features the best shoes for plantar fasciitis should have, such as arch support, a stiff but cushioned footbed, and a rigid heel cup. From there, I researched brands and individual shoes people with plantar fasciitis like the most, including sourcing from many people I know who suffer from the condition. I tested every shoe on this list (my husband tested the mens), wearing each pair to run errands, go on long walks, and work at my standing desk. As someone with high arches, I adequately tested for which shoes had significant arch support, in addition to being able to asses the stiffness and cushioning of each shoe's foundation. FAQs iStock; Gilbert Espinoza/Insider What shoes should you not wear with plantar fasciitis? The pain of Plantar Fasciitis comes from the ligament that runs from your toes to your heel, the plantar fascia, becoming tight and inflamed. Every step causes the ligament to tear more, and wearing shoes that don't have proper support will make it worse. Dr. Fuchs says people with plantar fasciitis should avoid flip-flops that lack enough cushioning or arch support, high heels that increase pressure on the forefoot and heel, and ballet flats that often lack arch support and cushioning. Instead, our experts advise looking for shoes with arch support you can feel, cushioning in the heel, and a 1-2 inch heel. What kind of shoes should I wear for plantar fasciitis at home? Wearing shoes any time you're walking around — even just from the bed to the kitchen — is crucial to help alleviate the strain on your plantar fascia, both our docs agree. Look for house slippers, slides, or even house sneakers that have arch support and heel cushion. Chances are your regular slippers won't cut it. We love Hoka's Ora Recovery Slide, which is easy to slip on and off and feels like clouds underfoot. They have layers of dense EVA foam to provide both support and keep the shoe lightweight with every step, and Hoka's signature rocker design helps work with your foot's natural movement. What aggravates plantar fasciitis? The number one thing that aggravates plantar fasciitis is not giving your feet enough support. This can mean wearing shoes without enough cushion or arch support or standing on hard surfaces, like concrete, for hours without rest. A supportive pair of shoes, like all those included in this guide, can go a long way to avoiding a plantar fasciitis flare-up.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Disabled Poplar Grove veteran seeks help after losing his only means of transportation
POPLAR GROVE, Ill. (WTVO) — Walter Fuchs lost his wheelchair-accessible van in a crash last week and now looks to the public for help raising money for a new one. The Vietnam veteran said he and his wife are both disabled from the waist down. He's worked as an escort driver almost every day for the past three years, up until May 23rd. Fuchs explained the van was destroyed in a 3-car-crash. 'My daughter picked it up from the repair shop,' Fuchs explained. 'She got less than five minutes away, and a driver going the opposite direction, rear-ended another car… and hit my van and totaled it.' Fuchs said he feels hopeless after losing his means of transportation and providing for himself. 'I don't know what it's like to not work, and I'm afraid I will lose everything I own because I can't work,' Fuchs said. Elizabeth Carville, the Superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission (VAC) of Boone County, wants to extend a helping hand after hearing about the tragic story. 'We get several rides that are requested for veterans that might need transportation to an appointment or compensation exam, and we're able to provide that at no cost for the veterans,' Carville said. 'They're entitled to those benefits. They just have to have the right person to help guide them through it.' Fuchs said he found a suitable van with a price tag of over $30,000, including transfer fees, located in Minnesota. Fuchs is now turning to the public for assistance in raising money for a new van. 'I'm out of my livelihood and everything,' Fuchs said. 'This is the only way we have to get to doctors to get to the store. I'm beside myself. I'm pretty much computer illiterate. Any help anybody can give me, I would really appreciate.' Anyone interested in donating to veterans in Boone County can reach the VAC at (815) 544-6464 or visit its . Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
