Express lanes will be northbound only during summer 2025 work
SEATTLE – The long-anticipated major work to revive the Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge will kick off with a weekend-long closure of northbound I-5 in Seattle Friday night, July 18 through early Monday morning, July 21. Following the closure, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes for four weeks northbound across the bridge, as Washington State Department of Transportation contractors work on one of Seattle’s busiest corridors.
”We’ve been planning and preparing for this work for over a year,” said Brian Nielsen, WSDOT’s region administrator with oversight for King County. “This is one of the most important and challenging preservation projects in the state. We know it will disrupt travel, but the repairs are essential to extend the life of one of the region’s busiest and most vital transportation links. Our team has worked closely with city, regional and transit partners to reduce the effects as much as possible and keep people moving.”
Crews will use the four-week work window to repave and repair portions of the bridge’s two left lanes and continue replacing stormwater drains. Later this year, weekend lane reductions will begin on southbound I-5 to prepare for future phases of the project.
What to expect
Friday night, July 18 to Monday morning, July 21: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
Monday, July 21 to Friday night, Aug. 15: Northbound I-5 reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge.
Friday, Aug. 15 to Monday morning, Aug. 18: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
Monday morning, Aug. 18: All lanes of northbound I-5 reopen.
The express lanes will operate northbound only around the clock during summer construction.
Throughout the weekend, people traveling on northbound I-5 who are going to downtown Seattle should use the exits to Edgar Martinez Drive or to Dearborn, James or Madison streets.
The express lanes have no northbound exits to downtown Seattle; the first exit is at Northeast 42nd Street in the University District. Express lane on-ramps at Columbia, Cherry and Pine streets will be open to all vehicles throughout the weekend. Those ramps usually are reserved for high-occupancy vehicles.
When the northbound I-5 mainline reopens by 5 a.m. Monday, July 21, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes near the Ship Canal Bridge until the evening of Friday, Aug. 15, when the second weekend-long closure will occur to remove the work zone.
Regional coordination
Reducing capacity on I-5 through the heart of Seattle is a big shift. WSDOT has worked closely with the city of Seattle and SDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, emergency services and freight partners to prepare for this summer’s construction. Together, partners have adjusted signal timing, expanded bus-only lanes, modified transit routes and developed contingency plans to help people navigate to and through Seattle during construction.
WSDOT has also collaborated with organizations like the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Commute Seattle. These groups play an important role in helping people who live and work in Seattle, as well as those attending events, fairs and festivals, navigate the city and continue to enjoy everything downtown has to offer while Ship Canal Bridge construction is underway.
While this level of construction brings challenges, this work is critical and planning ahead can help ease disruptions. People should allow extra travel time, utilize transit and alternate routes and adjust travel schedules when possible. Real time traffic tools and route planning can make a major difference during this work.
A glimpse ahead to 2026 and 2027
Construction this year is a preview of long-term lane reductions planned for 2026 and 2027, when one direction of the bridge each year will be reduced to two lanes for eight to nine months. Work will pause during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when all lanes of the bridge will be open in both directions.
In winter 2026, the northbound Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes until early June, just prior to World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver. Contractor crews will remove the work zone and reopen all lanes throughout the tournament.
In mid-July, after the conclusion of the tournament, the contractor will close the northbound two right lanes until fall to repair and repave them.
The work will shift to southbound I-5 in 2027, with crews working on the two left lanes from winter into summer, then the right lanes through the fall.
Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT Travel Center Map or by signing up for WSDOT’s email updates.
Express lanes will be northbound only during summer 2025 work
SEATTLE – The long-anticipated major work to revive the Interstate 5 Ship Canal Bridge will kick off with a weekend-long closure of northbound I-5 in Seattle Friday night, July 18 through early Monday morning, July 21. Following the closure, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes for four weeks northbound across the bridge, as Washington State Department of Transportation contractors work on one of Seattle’s busiest corridors.
”We’ve been planning and preparing for this work for over a year,” said Brian Nielsen, WSDOT’s region administrator with oversight for King County. “This is one of the most important and challenging preservation projects in the state. We know it will disrupt travel, but the repairs are essential to extend the life of one of the region’s busiest and most vital transportation links. Our team has worked closely with city, regional and transit partners to reduce the effects as much as possible and keep people moving.”
Crews will use the four-week work window to repave and repair portions of the bridge’s two left lanes and continue replacing stormwater drains. Later this year, weekend lane reductions will begin on southbound I-5 to prepare for future phases of the project.
What to expect
Friday night, July 18 to Monday morning, July 21: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
Monday, July 21 to Friday night, Aug. 15: Northbound I-5 reduced to two lanes across the Ship Canal Bridge.
Friday, Aug. 15 to Monday morning, Aug. 18: Northbound I-5 closed from near the I-90 interchange to Northeast 45th Street.
Monday morning, Aug. 18: All lanes of northbound I-5 reopen.
The express lanes will operate northbound only around the clock during summer construction.
Throughout the weekend, people traveling on northbound I-5 who are going to downtown Seattle should use the exits to Edgar Martinez Drive or to Dearborn, James or Madison streets.
The express lanes have no northbound exits to downtown Seattle; the first exit is at Northeast 42nd Street in the University District. Express lane on-ramps at Columbia, Cherry and Pine streets will be open to all vehicles throughout the weekend. Those ramps usually are reserved for high-occupancy vehicles.
When the northbound I-5 mainline reopens by 5 a.m. Monday, July 21, the freeway will be reduced to two lanes near the Ship Canal Bridge until the evening of Friday, Aug. 15, when the second weekend-long closure will occur to remove the work zone.
Regional coordination
Reducing capacity on I-5 through the heart of Seattle is a big shift. WSDOT has worked closely with the city of Seattle and SDOT, King County Metro, Sound Transit, emergency services and freight partners to prepare for this summer’s construction. Together, partners have adjusted signal timing, expanded bus-only lanes, modified transit routes and developed contingency plans to help people navigate to and through Seattle during construction.
WSDOT has also collaborated with organizations like the Downtown Seattle Association, Seattle Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Commute Seattle. These groups play an important role in helping people who live and work in Seattle, as well as those attending events, fairs and festivals, navigate the city and continue to enjoy everything downtown has to offer while Ship Canal Bridge construction is underway.
While this level of construction brings challenges, this work is critical and planning ahead can help ease disruptions. People should allow extra travel time, utilize transit and alternate routes and adjust travel schedules when possible. Real time traffic tools and route planning can make a major difference during this work.
A glimpse ahead to 2026 and 2027
Construction this year is a preview of long-term lane reductions planned for 2026 and 2027, when one direction of the bridge each year will be reduced to two lanes for eight to nine months. Work will pause during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when all lanes of the bridge will be open in both directions.
In winter 2026, the northbound Ship Canal Bridge will be reduced to two lanes until early June, just prior to World Cup matches in Seattle and Vancouver. Contractor crews will remove the work zone and reopen all lanes throughout the tournament.
In mid-July, after the conclusion of the tournament, the contractor will close the northbound two right lanes until fall to repair and repave them.
The work will shift to southbound I-5 in 2027, with crews working on the two left lanes from winter into summer, then the right lanes through the fall.
Real-time travel information is available from the WSDOT mobile app, the WSDOT Travel Center Map or by signing up for WSDOT’s email updates.
WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Washington, D.C. against three former members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for refusing to vacate their offices after being removed by President Donald J. Trump.
The subjects of this complaint have continued to operate in office despite their removal and subsequent failure to obtain legal relief protecting their old positions. This litigation reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the President’s core Article II powers, which include the authority to make personnel decisions regarding those occupying federal offices.
The complaint asks the court to declare that the former members have not lawfully served on the board since their removals, to enjoin the former members from serving on the board, and to order the former members to refund any compensation during their unlawful terms of service.
WASHINGTON – Today, the Justice Department filed a complaint in the U.S. District Court of Washington, D.C. against three former members of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting for refusing to vacate their offices after being removed by President Donald J. Trump.
The subjects of this complaint have continued to operate in office despite their removal and subsequent failure to obtain legal relief protecting their old positions. This litigation reflects the Department’s ongoing commitment to protecting the President’s core Article II powers, which include the authority to make personnel decisions regarding those occupying federal offices.
The complaint asks the court to declare that the former members have not lawfully served on the board since their removals, to enjoin the former members from serving on the board, and to order the former members to refund any compensation during their unlawful terms of service.
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/15/2025 05:30 PM EDT
07/15/2025 05:13 PM EDT
CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station Sand Key law enforcement crew terminated an illegal charter operating on the Intracoastal Waterway near Madeira Beach, Sunday.
U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/15/2025 05:30 PM EDT
07/15/2025 05:13 PM EDT
CLEARWATER, Fla. — A Coast Guard Station Sand Key law enforcement crew terminated an illegal charter operating on the Intracoastal Waterway near Madeira Beach, Sunday.
A Pakistani man made his initial appearance in court in Tucson, Arizona, today after being extradited from Mexico to face charges relating to his role in leading an international alien smuggling organization.
In May 2024, a federal grand jury in Tucson returned an indictment against Abbas Ali Haider, 48, of Sialkot, Pakistan, for conspiring to smuggle Pakistani nationals into the United States.
Haider allegedly operated two sham film production companies, Diamond TV World Productions and Multimedia Advertising Ltd., which were fronts for his alien smuggling organization. According to court documents, Haider used those Pakistan-based companies to contract with film companies in Ecuador, Cuba, and Colombia. He then had those companies sponsor visas for Pakistani nationals purporting to work for Haider’s companies under the guise that they were working on a joint filming project in Latin America. Haider provided the Pakistani nationals with phony paperwork indicating that they worked for his companies, which they used at ports of entry in Panama, Brazil, and Colombia. Haider coached the aliens to say they worked in the film industry to deceive and thwart customs and border officials. Haider’s network of smugglers then assisted the Pakistani nationals in traveling to the U.S.-Mexico border, where they illegally crossed into California, Texas, and Arizona. Haider charged the aliens up to $40,000 for the trip.
Haider travelled from Pakistan to Mexico in late 2024 and was arrested in Mexico in January 2025 at the request of the U.S. government. Extensive coordination and cooperation between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement authorities resulted in Haider’s timely extradition.
Haider is charged with one count of conspiracy to bring illegal aliens to the United States and four counts of bringing in illegal aliens for profit. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years in prison.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy Courchaine for the District of Arizona, and Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson of Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) San Diego, made the announcement.
HSI Calexico led U.S. investigative efforts, working in concert with HSI’s Brasilia, Quito, Tijuana, and Caribbean attaché offices and the HSI Human Smuggling Unit in Washington, D.C., U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s National Targeting Center International Interdiction Task Force, U.S. Border Patrol; the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force in Miami, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office of Enforcement and Removal Operations office in Detroit provided substantial assistance. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs worked with law enforcement partners in Mexico to secure the arrest and extradition of Haider.
Trial Attorney Chelsea Schinnour of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section (HRSP) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jared Kreamer Hope and Evan Wesley for the District of Arizona are prosecuting the case.
The indictment and extradition are the result of the coordinated efforts of Joint Task Force Alpha (JTFA) and the Extraterritorial Criminal Travel Strike Force (ECT) Program. JTFA, a partnership with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has been elevated and expanded with a mandate to target cartels and transnational criminal organizations to eliminate human smuggling and trafficking operating in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Panama, and Colombia. JTFA currently comprises detailees from U.S. Attorneys’ Offices along the border. Dedicated support is provided by numerous components of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, led by HRSP and supported by the Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, Office of Enforcement Operations, and the Office of International Affairs, among others. JTFA also relies on substantial law enforcement investment from DHS, FBI, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and other partners. To date, JTFA’s work has resulted in more than 390 domestic and international arrests of leaders, organizers, and significant facilitators of alien smuggling; more than 350 U.S. convictions; more than 300 significant jail sentences imposed; and forfeitures of substantial assets.
The ECT program is a partnership between the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and HSI and focuses on human smuggling networks that may present particular national security or public safety risks, or present grave humanitarian concerns. ECT has dedicated investigative, intelligence, and prosecutorial resources. ECT also coordinates and receives assistance from other U.S. government agencies and foreign law enforcement authorities.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
GAETA, Italy – The Blue Ridge-class command and control ship USS Mount Whitney (LCC 20) returned to homeport in Gaeta, Italy, after operating in the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and Baltic Sea. The underway underscored the U.S. Navy’s commitment to regional security and strong partnerships with European and African nations.
SYDNEY, Australia — Exercise Talisman Sabre 25 formally commenced today from the flight deck of HMAS Adelaide in Sydney Harbor, launching military activities involving 19 nations and over 30,000 service members across land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace. This marks the largest bilateral military training event between the United States and Australia to date.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Robert Murphy held a press conference to announce actions the Department is taking to combat drug cartels and drug trafficking under the Justice Department’s Operation Take Back America Initiative.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Robert Murphy held a press conference to announce actions the Department is taking to combat drug cartels and drug trafficking under the Justice Department’s Operation Take Back America Initiative.
Source: United States Department of Justice Criminal Division
Attorney General Pamela Bondi and U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration Acting Administrator Robert Murphy held a press conference to announce actions the Department is taking to combat drug cartels and drug trafficking under the Justice Department’s Operation Take Back America Initiative.
Source: United Nations General Assembly and Security Council
The Security Council today extended the request to the Secretary-General to provide written monthly reports through 15 January 2026 on any further Houthi attacks on merchant and commercial vessels in the Red Sea.
Adopting resolution 2787 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2787(2025)) with a vote of 12 in favour to none against, with 3 abstentions (Algeria, China, Russian Federation), the Council extended the reporting request in paragraph 10 of resolution 2722 (2024), while also recalling all its relevant resolutions on the situation in Yemen and the Red Sea, including resolutions 2216 (2015), 2722 (2024), 2739 (2024) and 2768 (2025).
Acts of Terrorism by Houthis
In the ensuing discussion, the representative of the United States, who served as co-penholder of today’s resolution, said that the recent Houthi attacks on two civilian cargo vessels — the MV Magic Seas and the MV Eternity Sea — are yet another stark reminder of the Houthis’ terrorist tactics and their blatant disregard for civilian life. These attacks have also disrupted the free flow of global commerce through the Red Sea and, according to some reports, more than doubled the cost of operating commercial vessels in the area. “The United States strongly condemns these acts of terrorism, which threaten freedom of navigation and undermine regional economic and maritime security,” she said, calling for the immediate and permanent cessation of all Houthi attacks against vessels transiting the Red Sea. Demanding the unconditional release of the crew of the MV Eternity Sea, who remain in Houthi custody, she also reiterated condemnation of Iran’s ongoing violations of Council resolution 2216 (2015), which continue to “enable Houthi terrorism” — including these latest attacks.
No Justification for Any Attack against Innocent Seafarers
The representative of Greece, also co-penholder of today’s resolution, said that the recent, unprovoked attacks against two commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea region “provide a clear testimony of the Houthis’ continued aggression and destabilizing role, as well as the need to keep the reporting mechanism in place”. Underscoring that there is no justification for any attack against innocent seafarers — “whose contribution to international maritime trade is irreplaceable” — he stressed that, if the Red Sea region “becomes even more degraded, it will expose the international community to more acute security risks and economic uncertainty”. He therefore called on all Member States to respect and implement the arms embargo established by resolution 2216 (2015).
As a nation deeply invested in the stability of the Red Sea, Somalia’s delegate said that he supported the resolution as a reflection of an unwavering commitment to maritime security. “We recognize the gravity of the current threats and their far-reaching implications, from economic disruption to environmental risks,” he said. While this resolution is a constructive step forward, its effectiveness will depend on a thoughtful approach that accounts for regional realities and sensitivities. Security in the Red Sea cannot be separated from the stability of its coastal States or the broader peace process. Lasting solutions must tackle the root causes of instability while upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all nations in the region. “We must avoid actions that risk further escalation and instead focus on addressing the legitimate concerns of all stakeholders,” he said.
Nexus between Attacks in Red Sea and Aggression against Palestinians in Gaza
The representative of Algeria said that his delegation’s abstention “comes in line with its principled position”, including abstentions on resolutions 2722 (2024), 2739 (2024) and 2768 (2025). He stressed, however, that this abstention must not be interpreted either as a reservation regarding the Secretary-General’s monthly reports or as a justification for the attacks targeting commercial vessels or cargo carriers. Rather, it is a “reflection of our deep concern” over the implementation of resolution 2722 (2024), he said, noting that such resolution has been misused to justify attacks on the territory of sovereign States. He added that the Council cannot disregard the “clear nexus between the attacks in the Red Sea and the aggression against the Palestinian people in Gaza”.
The representative of the Russian Federation — whose delegation also abstained — noted with concern that the text represents a direct continuation of resolution 2722 (2024) — an instrument that, despite its stated aim of ensuring freedom of navigation, has “raised serious concerns on our side” regarding its interpretation and application in practice. While the resolution’s original intent is commendable, namely safeguarding maritime security around Yemen, the broad and ambiguous language has opened the door to arbitrary interpretations, including its use as justification for unilateral military actions on the sovereign territory of Yemen. “We emphasize that such misinterpretations are unacceptable and undermine the authority of the Security Council,” he said. Stabilization efforts in and around Yemen must be pursued exclusively through political and diplomatic means, in full respect of international law. Moreover, it is impossible to decouple the Red Sea’s security from the wider instability across the region — most notably the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, he said. Achieving sustainable peace requires immediate steps: a ceasefire, the release of hostages and detainees, and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza.
Council Resolutions Should Not Be ‘Misinterpreted or Abused’
The representative of China — whose delegation also abstained — recalled its similar abstention on resolution 2722 (2024). “Following the adoption of that resolution, certain countries took military actions against Yemen, which seriously impacted Yemen’s peace process and exacerbated tensions in the Red Sea,” he recalled, adding that the “negative effects” of such actions “continue until today”. He underscored that Council resolutions should not be “misinterpreted or abused”, and that Yemen’s sovereignty, security and territorial integrity should be respected. Adding that tensions in the Red Sea are a “major manifestation of the spillover from the Gaza conflict”, he said that issues in the Red Sea and Yemen cannot be resolved without easing tensions and de-escalating the overall situation in the region.
Red Sea Corridor for Global Trade, Vital Channel for Humanitarian Aid
The representative of Pakistan, Council President for July, having voted in favor of resolution 2787 (2025) and speaking in his national capacity, reaffirmed “our principled and longstanding commitment” to upholding maritime security and unequivocally condemning attacks on all commercial shipping. He denounced the recent assaults on vessels in the Red Sea and called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained crew members. In the current context, the extension of the reporting mandate is a necessary and timely step. “We underscore the strategic significance of the Red Sea maritime corridor — not only as a critical artery for global trade, but also as a vital channel for humanitarian aid to Yemen,” he said. All attacks on merchant and commercial vessels navigating the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden must cease immediately and permanently, in full compliance with international law.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)
Dingell, Great Lakes Task Force Announce $2.1 Million for the Great Lakes Fishery Commission
Washington, July 15, 2025
Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), along with her fellow Great Lakes Task Force co-chairs, today announced the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted $2,152,513 to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission to address invasive sea lamprey in the Grand River in Grand Rapids.
“Sea lampreys are highly invasive and are a significant danger to the native fish of the Great Lakes and the entire Great Lakes ecosystem. The Great Lakes fishery supports billions of dollars in the economy and hundreds of thousands of jobs, and we must protect this critical natural resource,” Dingell said. “The work of the Great Lakes Fishery Commission has reduced sea lamprey populations by more than 90%, and we must continue to support their efforts to sustain healthy fish and lakes for generations to come.”
The Great Lakes Fishery Commission will use the grant funding to:
develop and implement new sea lamprey control techniques;
design a new sea lamprey barrier, and conduct pre-barrier-construction work on the Grand River in Grand Rapids, Michigan (MI), which will protect more than 4,000 river miles from sea lamprey; and
aid in recovery of native fish species.
Learn more about the Great Lakes Fishery Commission’s Sea Lamprey work here.
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (12th District of Michigan)
Yesterday, the House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R. 1765, the Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act.
Introduced by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI), Congressman Tom Kean, Jr. (R-NJ), Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI), and Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke (D-NY), this bipartisan bill strengthens American technological leadership by bringing together key trusted partners and encouraging U.S. participation in international standards-setting for 5G and future generations of wireless communications networks.
“The policy choices of today will have lasting effects on the global wireless technology development of tomorrow, especially as we compete against China,” said Congresswoman Dingell. “We must take concrete, proactive steps to lower barriers to entry for U.S. companies and promote American competitiveness in this space for each subsequent generation of these innovative technologies. As a Co-Chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I am proud this bipartisan legislation has passed the House, and will continue to work with my colleagues to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of innovation.”
“As the global competition for 5G and wireless technology continues, the United States must lead—not follow,” said Congressman Kean. “This bipartisan bill ensures that it is American innovation, rather than that of our adversaries abroad, which sets the standard for the future of wireless communications. I am thankful to my colleagues in the House for passing this critical legislation to keep the U.S. competitive and at the forefront of global technological leadership.”
“The United States has been a longtime leader in cutting-edge technologies,” said Congressman Walberg. “As a co-chair of the 5G and Beyond Caucus, I understand how critical it is that the U.S. remains the leading voice in the worldwide development of future wireless communications networks. By establishing clear rules of the road, we can protect against influence by foreign adversaries and ensure that the next generation of connectivity is built with America’s values and economic and security interests in mind. I am pleased to see the House pass this bipartisan legislation to secure our future and strengthen our global competitiveness.”
“For America to remain a global leader in the Digital Age, ensuring the continued effectiveness and stability of our 5G networks must be the highest priority,” said Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “Providing standards-setting bodies with the cooperation, support, and assistance they need from the NTIA is a key step to seeing that aspiration become a reality. I am proud to be a leader of this initiative to secure our continued success in deploying 5G technologies and laying the groundwork for the innovation of future generation wireless networks.”
Additionally, this bill would direct the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to:
Encourage participation by trusted companies and relevant stakeholders
Offer technical assistance to such trusted companies and relevant stakeholders.
The Government has welcomed the announcement by the Medical Council of New Zealand that will see doctors from Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia added to the Comparable Health System pathway, which will streamline the registration process and help strengthen New Zealand’s frontline health workforce, Health Minister Simeon Brown says.
“This is a practical step that will help us get more doctors into hospitals and clinics across the country more quickly,” Mr Brown says.
“New Zealand is in an international contest to train, attract, and retain skilled medical professionals. The addition of Chile, Luxembourg, and Croatia to the list of Comparable Health Systems will make it easier for qualified doctors from these countries to live and work in New Zealand.”
The Comparable Health System pathway enables international medical graduates from certain countries to fast-track their registration with the Medical Council of New Zealand, provided their qualifications and training meet recognised standards. With this latest decision, there are now 29 countries on the list, following the inclusion of Japan and South Korea earlier this year in February.
“New Zealand has long benefited from the skills and expertise of international medical professionals. They play a vital role in supporting our domestically trained workforce and ensuring patients can access timely, quality healthcare,” Mr Brown says.
“This builds on other initiatives the Government has to boost New Zealand’s health workforce. Earlier this year I announced a two-year training programme to support up to 100 additional overseas-trained doctors into New Zealand’s primary care workforce.
“Over 180 expressions of interest were received for this programme, exceeding the number of places available. This strong response shows that there is untapped potential in New Zealand. Overseas trained doctors are eager to work where they are most needed, and this Government is opening the door for them to do so.
“Through our record $16.68 billion investment across three Budgets, we are making sure our health system is properly resourced to meet the growing demands placed on it. That funding is already delivering results, with record funding for general practice to increase capacity, upgraded urgent care services across the country, and a new 24/7 digital health service. This is how we are putting patients first.
“The Medical Council’s announcement adds to the body of work the Government is undertaking to rebuild our health system around the needs of patients, so that all New Zealanders can receive the timely, quality healthcare they need.”
Ruakākā Wahitakaro and Northland Regional Volleyball Arena will receive up to $2.6 million and Sportsville Dargaville Stage Two up to $1.2M in the latest allocations from the Northland Regional Council’s Regional Sporting Facilities Rate.
The council’s Strategic & Commercial Projects Manager Phil Heatley says the GST exclusive sums will go to Ruakākā Wahitakaro and Northland Regional Volleyball Arena in the current financial year and to Sportsville Dargaville Stage Two in 2026-2027.
Stage One of Ruakākā Wahitakaro was a community centre completed in 2024. The estimated total project cost for Stage Two is $8.5M and will include a multi-sport indoor facility featuring two indoor courts and supporting meeting spaces. It will also include ‘Northland’s Home of Volleyball’, a regional facility for volleyball providing training and competition opportunities and the ability to host regional, district and community events.
Mr Heatley says Sportsville Dargaville Stage One was completed in December 2018 and involved six multi-purpose outdoor courts with a supporting multi-sport facility.
“The estimated project cost of Stage Two is $9M and will include a multi-sport indoor facility featuring two indoor courts and supporting meeting spaces.” “It is designed to provide opportunities for training and district competitions and the ability to host regional, district and community level events.”
Mr Heatley says the NRC struck the targeted $14.07 plus GST Regional Sporting Facilities Rate (per SUIP/Rating Unit) in its 2024-2034 Long Term Plan to provide funding support to assist in the development of Northland sporting facilities that are of regional or district-wide benefit.
A working group made up of representatives from the NRC, Northland’s three district council’s and Sport Northland had recommended the funding for the 2024-2027 financial years. Regional councillors had confirmed the group’s recommendation at a council meeting late last month.
“This will give those overseeing the projects a degree of certainty to plan and a platform to apply for third party funding.”
Mr Heatley says potential recipient projects are identified through a regionwide consultation process, initially to inform ‘Kokiri ai Te Waka Hourua’, a strategy for play, active recreation and sport. The strategy was produced in partnership by the NRC, Sport Northland, Northland’s three district councils and Sport New Zealand.
“A proposed project is presented to Sport Northland in the first instance, by a regional or district not-for-profit sporting focussed group, for consideration and prioritisation.”
“Substantial work by the working group sees the prioritisation of regional sporting facility projects.
Mr Heatley says for this allocation, 16 projects had been in varying states of readiness with six being advanced enough to be able to be scored and benchmarked against council-approved criteria.
Privacy Commissioner Michael Webster says New Zealanders need to improve how they’re using passwords.
His warning comes because he’s concerned about the increased risk of privacy breaches caused by privacy spraying. That’s where hackers find one password and then try it on other accounts to see if it will work to open those as well. People recycling passwords for multiple accounts are falling victim.
“Our strong suggestion is for people to have a different password for each account they have. Making a password unique means if one account is hacked then there’s no chance it can also be used to open other accounts and create even more damage”, Mr Webster says.
“Having unique passwords is a great way to make a hacker’s job far harder.”
There are several other things people can do to help protect their personal information. Using a password manager to store all your passwords is a good fix and there are many different options, many of which are free.
People can also use long and strong passwords and change them immediately if they’ve been hacked. Turning on two-factor identification is another good layer of protection.
“Having your information breached on one account is bad enough, but by using a dedicated password and adding extra security steps you can help prevent hackers accessing other accounts and causing even more harm.
Personal information has value, so the more protection you have in place the better. Any step people can take to deter hackers is a good step to take and unique passwords are an excellent start.”
Northlanders keen to join the fight to tackle the region’s worst weeds can learn how at Northland Regional Council’s free weeds workshops next month.
Council’s pest plant experts will be sharing tips at a series of workshops in Kaitaia, Russell, Kerikeri, Maungaturoto and Whangārei from Monday 04 August to Friday 08 August.
Biosecurity Manager – Pest Plants Joanna Barr says the workshops are a great chance to plan ahead and get ready for the busy ‘weed knockdown period’ once the warmth of spring starts to take hold.
“To fight the onslaught of weeds species we are facing in Te Taitokerau we need everyone to tackle the weeds in their backyard, and other special places they care about.”
“Our workshops are a great way to remove some of the barriers to getting stuck in and are a chance to meet others who are keen to make a difference,” Ms Barr says.
“The workshops are hands-on and delivered in a relaxed and fun way to help people learn how best to tackle a wide variety of nasties, including wild ginger, lantana, moth plant, Taiwan cherry and privet.”
The workshops will include a short presentation, hands-on identification tips and information on control options, including chemicals and other methods.
Two workshops will be held on Monday 04 August at Te Ahu Centre, Kaitaia (Corner of State Highway 1 and Matthews Avenue), the first from 9am-noon and the second from 1pm-4pm.
On Tuesday 05 August, a workshop will be held at Russell Town Hall (17 The Strand, Russell) from 9am-noon.
On Wednesday 06 August, two workshops will be held at NorthTec’s Kerikeri Campus (Room 12, Corner of Kerikeri Road and Hone Heke Road), the first from 9am-noon and the second from 1pm-4pm.
The next workshop will be on Thursday 07 August at Maungaturoto Centennial Hall (44 View Street, Maungaturoto) from 9am-noon.
A final three workshops will be held on Friday 08 August at Barge Showgrounds Events Centre (474 Maunu Road, Whangārei). The first will be held from 9am-noon, another from 1pm-4pm and a final session from 6pm-9pm.
Spaces are limited. Those wanting to attend should register atwww.nrc.govt.nz/weedsworkshopsor contact Biosecurity Specialist Sara Brill on freephone 0800 002 004.
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 15 attorneys general, alongside Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, New York Attorney General Tish James, and the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York Muriel Goode-Trufant, in submitting comment letters to the United States Department of Energy (DOE) strongly urging the department to refrain from moving forward with its proposed deregulatory actions. Last month, the DOE proposed 16 rules that would erode water and energy efficiency standards for consumer appliances and commercial equipment. In today’s comment letters, the coalition argues that these rollbacks, if implemented, would be unlawful, would harm consumers and businesses by increasing utility costs, and would contribute to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
“As energy costs reach historic highs, the President continues to break his promise to Americans of ‘driving costs down’ on Day One. Not only are these rules unlawful, but they will also drive up energy costs for business and consumers and harm our environment,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Alongside attorneys general nationwide, we strongly urge the Department of Energy to refrain from adopting these rollbacks and maintain the current common-sense water and energy efficiency standards.”
In response to President Trump’s Executive Order, “Zero-Based Regulations to Unleash American Energy,” the DOE proposed rules intended to weaken water and energy efficiency standards on a range of appliances and commercial equipment – either by rescinding amended standards, returning standards to statutory minimums, or removing products entirely from coverage under the Energy Policy Conservation Act (EPCA). If implemented, the Trump Administration’s actions would violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and in some cases EPCA’s “anti-backsliding” provision, which prohibits the weakening or removal of existing standards unless explicitly allowed by Congress.
In the comment letters, the coalition writes that:
The water or energy efficiency standards that DOE seeks to roll back have historically resulted in significant water and energy savings.
DOE’s extensive rollback proposals, if adopted, would increase energy costs for businesses and consumers and contribute significantly to climate change.
The rules, if implemented, would violate the APA and NEPA, and in some cases would also violate EPCA’s anti-backsliding provision.
In submitting the comment letters, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Maryland, New York, the City of New York, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
Copies of the 16 comment letters can be found here.
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 15 attorneys general, alongside Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, New York Attorney General Tish James, and the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York Muriel Goode-Trufant, in submitting comment letters to the United States Department of Energy (DOE) strongly urging the department to refrain from moving forward with its proposed deregulatory actions. Last month, the DOE proposed 16 rules that would erode water and energy efficiency standards for consumer appliances and commercial equipment. In today’s comment letters, the coalition argues that these rollbacks, if implemented, would be unlawful, would harm consumers and businesses by increasing utility costs, and would contribute to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
“As energy costs reach historic highs, the President continues to break his promise to Americans of ‘driving costs down’ on Day One. Not only are these rules unlawful, but they will also drive up energy costs for business and consumers and harm our environment,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Alongside attorneys general nationwide, we strongly urge the Department of Energy to refrain from adopting these rollbacks and maintain the current common-sense water and energy efficiency standards.”
In response to President Trump’s Executive Order, “Zero-Based Regulations to Unleash American Energy,” the DOE proposed rules intended to weaken water and energy efficiency standards on a range of appliances and commercial equipment – either by rescinding amended standards, returning standards to statutory minimums, or removing products entirely from coverage under the Energy Policy Conservation Act (EPCA). If implemented, the Trump Administration’s actions would violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and in some cases EPCA’s “anti-backsliding” provision, which prohibits the weakening or removal of existing standards unless explicitly allowed by Congress.
In the comment letters, the coalition writes that:
The water or energy efficiency standards that DOE seeks to roll back have historically resulted in significant water and energy savings.
DOE’s extensive rollback proposals, if adopted, would increase energy costs for businesses and consumers and contribute significantly to climate change.
The rules, if implemented, would violate the APA and NEPA, and in some cases would also violate EPCA’s anti-backsliding provision.
In submitting the comment letters, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Maryland, New York, the City of New York, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
Copies of the 16 comment letters can be found here.
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today co-led a coalition of 15 attorneys general, alongside Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown, New York Attorney General Tish James, and the Corporation Counsel of the City of New York Muriel Goode-Trufant, in submitting comment letters to the United States Department of Energy (DOE) strongly urging the department to refrain from moving forward with its proposed deregulatory actions. Last month, the DOE proposed 16 rules that would erode water and energy efficiency standards for consumer appliances and commercial equipment. In today’s comment letters, the coalition argues that these rollbacks, if implemented, would be unlawful, would harm consumers and businesses by increasing utility costs, and would contribute to climate change by increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
“As energy costs reach historic highs, the President continues to break his promise to Americans of ‘driving costs down’ on Day One. Not only are these rules unlawful, but they will also drive up energy costs for business and consumers and harm our environment,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Alongside attorneys general nationwide, we strongly urge the Department of Energy to refrain from adopting these rollbacks and maintain the current common-sense water and energy efficiency standards.”
In response to President Trump’s Executive Order, “Zero-Based Regulations to Unleash American Energy,” the DOE proposed rules intended to weaken water and energy efficiency standards on a range of appliances and commercial equipment – either by rescinding amended standards, returning standards to statutory minimums, or removing products entirely from coverage under the Energy Policy Conservation Act (EPCA). If implemented, the Trump Administration’s actions would violate the Administrative Procedure Act (APA), the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), and in some cases EPCA’s “anti-backsliding” provision, which prohibits the weakening or removal of existing standards unless explicitly allowed by Congress.
In the comment letters, the coalition writes that:
The water or energy efficiency standards that DOE seeks to roll back have historically resulted in significant water and energy savings.
DOE’s extensive rollback proposals, if adopted, would increase energy costs for businesses and consumers and contribute significantly to climate change.
The rules, if implemented, would violate the APA and NEPA, and in some cases would also violate EPCA’s anti-backsliding provision.
In submitting the comment letters, Attorney General Bonta joins the attorneys general of Maryland, New York, the City of New York, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
Copies of the 16 comment letters can be found here.
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Welch took to the Senate floor to demand Noem resign or be fired
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today called for the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing Secretary Noem’s mishandling of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and record of undermining FEMA’s work, as well as her handling of President Trump’s cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign.
“The Department of Homeland Security has a simple but extremely important mission: keep Americans safe. Under that mission, the department is tasked with two critical jobs—border security and disaster response. Our current Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has failed both. In her short tenure, Secretary Noem has overstepped, underperformed, and endangered the lives of countless Americans,” said Senator Welch. “I believe it is time for Secretary Noem to resign or for her to be fired.”
Watch Senator Welch’s floor remarks here:
Read key excerpts of Senator Welch’s remarks:
“Secretary Noem has undermined FEMA’s work, and in so doing has endangered disaster victims. Just a few months ago, Secretary Noem said in a cabinet meeting, and I quote ‘We are eliminating FEMA.’ And she meant it.
“And we saw evidence of that in not just Texas, but in North Carolina, New Mexico, California, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Vermont—where FEMA is crucial to helping people, and communities, and businesses recover from disaster. We need FEMA. It’s only the federal government that can surge into affected communities. We can’t lose that function and that capacity. When you need safety from a flood, and when you need to start the long road to recovery, you need the support of the federal government. No state, no community can do this alone. They cannot do this alone.
“I have seen from our experience in Vermont that FEMA, in fact, must be reformed—it must not be destroyed, as Secretary Noem has suggested. We cannot have a leader in charge of FEMA that is committed to its destruction. We must have one who is energetically committed to its reform.”
• • •
“We are seeing under the leadership of Secretary Noem that her response is an across-the-board embarkation on a massive and far-reaching deportation plan. There is no distinction in her policy among those who were brought here as children, who have families, who have jobs, who pay taxes, and who serve their communities.
“And there is a big difference between deporting known criminals and rounding up immigrants—some of whom have status to be here, in fact, are here legally—from work sites, and schools, and churches. This mass deportation policy is not about serving America and doing what our country needs to be strong and safe. It is instead about Secretary Noem accumulating the highest possible headcount of deportees. It’s hurting those folks, their families, and their communities, of course.
“It’s also hurting America. Particularly rural America. Our farmers depend on labor to milk their cows, to pick their crops. It’s weakening our construction industry, where workplace raids are shutting down construction sites, including for low-income housing, which we desperately need. This is decimating our health care workforce and the hospitality industry in every state in the union.
“We need a Homeland Security Secretary who will help us develop a sensible policy for folks who are here without status but have no criminal record; work; who have families; and are taxpayers.”
• • •
“We have an obligation to protect the safety of the families that all of us represent. I urge every one of my colleagues to demand better for our constituents and for every American. We need a Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who puts public safety and preparedness before her personal image or political aspirations. Secretary Noem must resign.”
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Welch took to the Senate floor to demand Noem resign or be fired
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today called for the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing Secretary Noem’s mishandling of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and record of undermining FEMA’s work, as well as her handling of President Trump’s cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign.
“The Department of Homeland Security has a simple but extremely important mission: keep Americans safe. Under that mission, the department is tasked with two critical jobs—border security and disaster response. Our current Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has failed both. In her short tenure, Secretary Noem has overstepped, underperformed, and endangered the lives of countless Americans,” said Senator Welch. “I believe it is time for Secretary Noem to resign or for her to be fired.”
Watch Senator Welch’s floor remarks here:
Read key excerpts of Senator Welch’s remarks:
“Secretary Noem has undermined FEMA’s work, and in so doing has endangered disaster victims. Just a few months ago, Secretary Noem said in a cabinet meeting, and I quote ‘We are eliminating FEMA.’ And she meant it.
“And we saw evidence of that in not just Texas, but in North Carolina, New Mexico, California, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Vermont—where FEMA is crucial to helping people, and communities, and businesses recover from disaster. We need FEMA. It’s only the federal government that can surge into affected communities. We can’t lose that function and that capacity. When you need safety from a flood, and when you need to start the long road to recovery, you need the support of the federal government. No state, no community can do this alone. They cannot do this alone.
“I have seen from our experience in Vermont that FEMA, in fact, must be reformed—it must not be destroyed, as Secretary Noem has suggested. We cannot have a leader in charge of FEMA that is committed to its destruction. We must have one who is energetically committed to its reform.”
• • •
“We are seeing under the leadership of Secretary Noem that her response is an across-the-board embarkation on a massive and far-reaching deportation plan. There is no distinction in her policy among those who were brought here as children, who have families, who have jobs, who pay taxes, and who serve their communities.
“And there is a big difference between deporting known criminals and rounding up immigrants—some of whom have status to be here, in fact, are here legally—from work sites, and schools, and churches. This mass deportation policy is not about serving America and doing what our country needs to be strong and safe. It is instead about Secretary Noem accumulating the highest possible headcount of deportees. It’s hurting those folks, their families, and their communities, of course.
“It’s also hurting America. Particularly rural America. Our farmers depend on labor to milk their cows, to pick their crops. It’s weakening our construction industry, where workplace raids are shutting down construction sites, including for low-income housing, which we desperately need. This is decimating our health care workforce and the hospitality industry in every state in the union.
“We need a Homeland Security Secretary who will help us develop a sensible policy for folks who are here without status but have no criminal record; work; who have families; and are taxpayers.”
• • •
“We have an obligation to protect the safety of the families that all of us represent. I urge every one of my colleagues to demand better for our constituents and for every American. We need a Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who puts public safety and preparedness before her personal image or political aspirations. Secretary Noem must resign.”
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Welch took to the Senate floor to demand Noem resign or be fired
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today called for the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing Secretary Noem’s mishandling of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and record of undermining FEMA’s work, as well as her handling of President Trump’s cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign.
“The Department of Homeland Security has a simple but extremely important mission: keep Americans safe. Under that mission, the department is tasked with two critical jobs—border security and disaster response. Our current Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has failed both. In her short tenure, Secretary Noem has overstepped, underperformed, and endangered the lives of countless Americans,” said Senator Welch. “I believe it is time for Secretary Noem to resign or for her to be fired.”
Watch Senator Welch’s floor remarks here:
Read key excerpts of Senator Welch’s remarks:
“Secretary Noem has undermined FEMA’s work, and in so doing has endangered disaster victims. Just a few months ago, Secretary Noem said in a cabinet meeting, and I quote ‘We are eliminating FEMA.’ And she meant it.
“And we saw evidence of that in not just Texas, but in North Carolina, New Mexico, California, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Vermont—where FEMA is crucial to helping people, and communities, and businesses recover from disaster. We need FEMA. It’s only the federal government that can surge into affected communities. We can’t lose that function and that capacity. When you need safety from a flood, and when you need to start the long road to recovery, you need the support of the federal government. No state, no community can do this alone. They cannot do this alone.
“I have seen from our experience in Vermont that FEMA, in fact, must be reformed—it must not be destroyed, as Secretary Noem has suggested. We cannot have a leader in charge of FEMA that is committed to its destruction. We must have one who is energetically committed to its reform.”
• • •
“We are seeing under the leadership of Secretary Noem that her response is an across-the-board embarkation on a massive and far-reaching deportation plan. There is no distinction in her policy among those who were brought here as children, who have families, who have jobs, who pay taxes, and who serve their communities.
“And there is a big difference between deporting known criminals and rounding up immigrants—some of whom have status to be here, in fact, are here legally—from work sites, and schools, and churches. This mass deportation policy is not about serving America and doing what our country needs to be strong and safe. It is instead about Secretary Noem accumulating the highest possible headcount of deportees. It’s hurting those folks, their families, and their communities, of course.
“It’s also hurting America. Particularly rural America. Our farmers depend on labor to milk their cows, to pick their crops. It’s weakening our construction industry, where workplace raids are shutting down construction sites, including for low-income housing, which we desperately need. This is decimating our health care workforce and the hospitality industry in every state in the union.
“We need a Homeland Security Secretary who will help us develop a sensible policy for folks who are here without status but have no criminal record; work; who have families; and are taxpayers.”
• • •
“We have an obligation to protect the safety of the families that all of us represent. I urge every one of my colleagues to demand better for our constituents and for every American. We need a Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who puts public safety and preparedness before her personal image or political aspirations. Secretary Noem must resign.”
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Welch took to the Senate floor to demand Noem resign or be fired
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today called for the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing Secretary Noem’s mishandling of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and record of undermining FEMA’s work, as well as her handling of President Trump’s cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign.
“The Department of Homeland Security has a simple but extremely important mission: keep Americans safe. Under that mission, the department is tasked with two critical jobs—border security and disaster response. Our current Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has failed both. In her short tenure, Secretary Noem has overstepped, underperformed, and endangered the lives of countless Americans,” said Senator Welch. “I believe it is time for Secretary Noem to resign or for her to be fired.”
Watch Senator Welch’s floor remarks here:
Read key excerpts of Senator Welch’s remarks:
“Secretary Noem has undermined FEMA’s work, and in so doing has endangered disaster victims. Just a few months ago, Secretary Noem said in a cabinet meeting, and I quote ‘We are eliminating FEMA.’ And she meant it.
“And we saw evidence of that in not just Texas, but in North Carolina, New Mexico, California, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Vermont—where FEMA is crucial to helping people, and communities, and businesses recover from disaster. We need FEMA. It’s only the federal government that can surge into affected communities. We can’t lose that function and that capacity. When you need safety from a flood, and when you need to start the long road to recovery, you need the support of the federal government. No state, no community can do this alone. They cannot do this alone.
“I have seen from our experience in Vermont that FEMA, in fact, must be reformed—it must not be destroyed, as Secretary Noem has suggested. We cannot have a leader in charge of FEMA that is committed to its destruction. We must have one who is energetically committed to its reform.”
• • •
“We are seeing under the leadership of Secretary Noem that her response is an across-the-board embarkation on a massive and far-reaching deportation plan. There is no distinction in her policy among those who were brought here as children, who have families, who have jobs, who pay taxes, and who serve their communities.
“And there is a big difference between deporting known criminals and rounding up immigrants—some of whom have status to be here, in fact, are here legally—from work sites, and schools, and churches. This mass deportation policy is not about serving America and doing what our country needs to be strong and safe. It is instead about Secretary Noem accumulating the highest possible headcount of deportees. It’s hurting those folks, their families, and their communities, of course.
“It’s also hurting America. Particularly rural America. Our farmers depend on labor to milk their cows, to pick their crops. It’s weakening our construction industry, where workplace raids are shutting down construction sites, including for low-income housing, which we desperately need. This is decimating our health care workforce and the hospitality industry in every state in the union.
“We need a Homeland Security Secretary who will help us develop a sensible policy for folks who are here without status but have no criminal record; work; who have families; and are taxpayers.”
• • •
“We have an obligation to protect the safety of the families that all of us represent. I urge every one of my colleagues to demand better for our constituents and for every American. We need a Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who puts public safety and preparedness before her personal image or political aspirations. Secretary Noem must resign.”
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Welch took to the Senate floor to demand Noem resign or be fired
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Peter Welch (D-Vt.) today called for the resignation of U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, citing Secretary Noem’s mishandling of the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and record of undermining FEMA’s work, as well as her handling of President Trump’s cruel and illegal mass deportation campaign.
“The Department of Homeland Security has a simple but extremely important mission: keep Americans safe. Under that mission, the department is tasked with two critical jobs—border security and disaster response. Our current Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has failed both. In her short tenure, Secretary Noem has overstepped, underperformed, and endangered the lives of countless Americans,” said Senator Welch. “I believe it is time for Secretary Noem to resign or for her to be fired.”
Watch Senator Welch’s floor remarks here:
Read key excerpts of Senator Welch’s remarks:
“Secretary Noem has undermined FEMA’s work, and in so doing has endangered disaster victims. Just a few months ago, Secretary Noem said in a cabinet meeting, and I quote ‘We are eliminating FEMA.’ And she meant it.
“And we saw evidence of that in not just Texas, but in North Carolina, New Mexico, California, Kentucky, Hawaii, and Vermont—where FEMA is crucial to helping people, and communities, and businesses recover from disaster. We need FEMA. It’s only the federal government that can surge into affected communities. We can’t lose that function and that capacity. When you need safety from a flood, and when you need to start the long road to recovery, you need the support of the federal government. No state, no community can do this alone. They cannot do this alone.
“I have seen from our experience in Vermont that FEMA, in fact, must be reformed—it must not be destroyed, as Secretary Noem has suggested. We cannot have a leader in charge of FEMA that is committed to its destruction. We must have one who is energetically committed to its reform.”
• • •
“We are seeing under the leadership of Secretary Noem that her response is an across-the-board embarkation on a massive and far-reaching deportation plan. There is no distinction in her policy among those who were brought here as children, who have families, who have jobs, who pay taxes, and who serve their communities.
“And there is a big difference between deporting known criminals and rounding up immigrants—some of whom have status to be here, in fact, are here legally—from work sites, and schools, and churches. This mass deportation policy is not about serving America and doing what our country needs to be strong and safe. It is instead about Secretary Noem accumulating the highest possible headcount of deportees. It’s hurting those folks, their families, and their communities, of course.
“It’s also hurting America. Particularly rural America. Our farmers depend on labor to milk their cows, to pick their crops. It’s weakening our construction industry, where workplace raids are shutting down construction sites, including for low-income housing, which we desperately need. This is decimating our health care workforce and the hospitality industry in every state in the union.
“We need a Homeland Security Secretary who will help us develop a sensible policy for folks who are here without status but have no criminal record; work; who have families; and are taxpayers.”
• • •
“We have an obligation to protect the safety of the families that all of us represent. I urge every one of my colleagues to demand better for our constituents and for every American. We need a Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security who puts public safety and preparedness before her personal image or political aspirations. Secretary Noem must resign.”
Source: United States Senator Peter Welch (D-Vermont)
Legislation would make it easier for generic and biosimilar drugs to enter the market, increasing competition and lowering the price of prescription drugs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Josh Hawley (R-Mo.), and Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) teamed up to introduce the Eliminating Thickets to Improve Competition (ETHIC) Act, bipartisan, bicameral legislation to streamline drug patent litigation, encourage fair market competition, and lower prescription drug prices by making it easier for generic and biosimilar companies to enter the market. U.S. Representative Jodey Arrington (R-TX-19) introduced companion legislation in the House.
“For decades, Big Pharma has exploited U.S. courts and the patent system through anti-competitive practices that prevent generic and biosimilar competitors from entering the market, forcing Vermonters to pay more out of pocket for life-saving drugs. It’s outrageous, and it’s gone on for far too long,” said Senator Welch. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the ETHIC Act to stop pharmaceutical companies from abusing the patent system and lower prescription drug prices for patients across the country. Congress must pass our legislation to cut drug costs for families and streamline access to care.”
“Big Pharma knows exactly what it’s doing in monopolizing the U.S. patent system: driving up drug costs for Americans while preventing generic-drug manufacturers from getting their foot in the market. This bipartisan bill would break up the anticompetitive ‘patent thickets’ that pharmaceutical companies have abused to the detriment of the American patient,” said Senator Hawley.
“Big Pharma is exploiting loopholes in our courts and patent system to block generic and biosimilar pharmaceuticals from the market, leading to higher out-of-pocket costs for everyone,” said Senator Klobuchar. “Enough is enough. Our bipartisan bill will close these loopholes, strengthen competition, and lower prescription drug prices.”
“America leads the world in medical innovation and Congress understands the necessity of strong IP protections. Groundbreaking research and development fuels our economy, improves quality of life for patients, and brings down healthcare costs – one of the drivers of our national debt. Unfortunately, loopholes in our current patent system allow manufacturers to file for duplicative patents that delay competition. I am proud to lead this legislation to ensure new patents include real innovation and bring additional value to patients,” said Rep. Arrington.
The U.S. Patent system was designed to promote innovation and foster competition. However, pharmaceutical companies are exceedingly abusing the patent system through patent extension strategies such as “patent thicketing,” a strategy in which pharmaceutical companies develop a “web” of patents around their most profitable drugs. These patent thickets deter generic and biosimilar drugs from entering the market, due to the high cost of challenging each patent in a thicket.
The ETHIC Act codifies the practice that many federal district courts across the country already apply to limit the number of patents or patent claims a company can assert in litigation. Specifically, this bipartisan bill:
Streamlines patent litigation by limiting to one, the number of patents per patent thicket a pharmaceutical company can assert in litigation.
Prohibits a patent owner from asserting multiple patents from the same thicket in separate actions against the same alleged infringer to circumvent the intent of the law.
Safeguards quality patents that improve existing drugs, benefiting patients.
The ETHIC Act is endorsed by the Association for Accessible Medicines and Generation Patient.
“Patent thickets increasingly serve as a barrier to patient access to lower-cost generic and biosimilar medicines. This bill proactively addresses anticompetitive patent thickets by limiting brands to a single patent out of a duplicative patent family in Hatch-Waxman and biologics patent litigation, said John Murphy III, President and CEO, Association for Accessible Medicines. “In alignment with the Administration’s Executive Order on competition, this bill will accelerate generic and biosimilar launches and stop these problematic double patenting practices.”
“As an organization representing over 25 million young adults with chronic conditions in the United States, we witness daily the barriers to accessing affordable, life-saving medicines. For young adults striving for financial security and independence, these obstacles to accessing necessary medicines are especially daunting. With the leadership of Senators Welch and Hawley, the ETHIC Act represents a pragmatic step toward closing loopholes that allow brand-name pharmaceutical companies to use overlapping patents to block competition. By limiting infringement claims to one patent per group of closely related patents, this legislation promotes fair competition and enables more affordable treatment options for our community. It is time to prioritize the health and futures of patients, and this legislation is a step forward in that direction,” said Sneha Dave, Founder and Executive Director, Generation Patient.
Learn more about the ETHIC Act.
Read and download the full text of the bill.
Source: United States Senator for Wisconsin Tammy Baldwin
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) led a group of their colleagues in demanding that the Social Security Administration (SSA) stop peddling lies about the Republican reconciliation bill using the agency’s email platform, which reaches tens of millions of Americans.
The Republican reconciliation bill does not amend, reduce, or eliminate federal taxes on Social Security benefits. Contrary to the release’s claim that taxes would be eliminated on 90% of benefits, about half of beneficiaries will still owe some amount of income tax on their benefits. The bill also does not change tax filing requirements for people receiving Social Security benefits. The Trump Administration’s distribution of misleading and blatantly inaccurate information could upend the lives of millions of American seniors who depend on Social Security benefits. Inaccurate information could lead to Americans making benefit claims against their best interests or even missing payments on taxes they owe.
“We are appalled that the agency distributed misleading and blatantly inaccurate information regarding tax changes affecting older Americans, transforming the agency into a partisan megaphone for Donald Trump while sowing confusion and distrust in Social Security among Americans,” wrote Baldwin and the Senators in the letter to SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano.
On July 3, SSA sent a mass email and issued a press release falsely announcing that the Republican reconciliation bill would cut taxes on Social Security benefits. The agency doubled down on those lies by burying its misleading language on its website and keeping millions of Americans who received the initial email in the dark. Commissioner Bisignano has abandoned his promise to the Finance Committee and to the American people that, under his leadership, SSA would not become a partisan agency subject to the whims of Trump.
“Rather than focusing on improving customer service, you are using your position as Commissioner to stroke Donald Trump’s ego and peddle lies on his behalf. We urge you to retract SSA’s July 3 statement and issue a correction–on SSA’s website and via email for ‘my Social Security’ account users–clarifying the federal tax treatment of Social Security benefits,” Baldwin and the Senators continued.
As Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education (LHHS), Baldwin has been a leader in the Senate in holding SSA accountable under the Trump Administration. In February, Senator Baldwin demanded answers from then from Acting Commissioner Leland Dudek on DOGE’s access to Americans’ sensitive Social Security information. In March, Senator Baldwin pressed the Trump Administration on their plans to slash the SSA workforce and called on the administration to reverse course on their plan to instate in-person verification that would put up roadblocks for seniors to access their benefits.
In April, Senator Baldwin continued to demand answers from the Trump Administration on staffing cuts at the SSA and called on the administration to keep Social Security field offices open so seniors can get their earned benefits.
In addition to Senators Baldwin and Wyden, the letter was co-signed by Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Senators Peter Welch (D-VT), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), Tina Smith (D-MN), and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV).
The full letter is available here and below.
Commissioner Bisignano:
We write in outrage over the Social Security Administration (SSA) using its resources to spread political propaganda and false information. On July 3, SSA issued a press release and a mass email falsely praising the benefits of the Republican reconciliation bill–which in reality will leave millions of Americans without health care or food so that big corporations and the ultrawealthy get huge tax breaks–and falsely announcing that Social Security benefits are no longer subject to taxes. We are appalled that the agency distributed misleading and blatantly inaccurate information regarding tax changes affecting older Americans, transforming the agency into a partisan megaphone for Donald Trump while sowing confusion and distrust in SSA among Americans.
Shortly after the House passed the legislation, SSA issued a press release–posted on the agency’s website and emailed to all “my Social Security” account users–stating that the bill “eliminates federal income taxes on Social Security benefits for most beneficiaries” and provides some older Americans with an additional income tax deduction. This is wholly inaccurate. The Republican reconciliation bill does not amend, reduce, or eliminate the federal taxation of Social Security benefits. While the bill does provide a temporary income tax deduction for some older Americans, only about 46 percent of older adults would benefit from this deduction. The SSA press release claimed the bill would eliminate taxes on Social Security for 90 percent of beneficiaries, but the truth is that about half of recipients will owe some amount of income tax on their benefits.
Furthermore, the bill does nothing to change the tax filing requirements for Social Security recipients. An official press release claiming that Social Security benefits are not subject to tax creates confusion that could cause Social Security recipients to misunderstand their tax obligations. Your July 7 effort to correct the record–which retains the misleading language about “eliminat[ing] federal income taxes on Social Security benefits”—is hidden on a days-old press release on Social Security’s website. Moreover, you did not send this “correction” to the millions of “my Social Security” account users you mass emailed this incorrect and misleading information.
SSA has worked hard over years to encourage individuals to sign up for “my Social Security” accounts, which allow users to access online services and provide valuable information about their Social Security benefits, all while reducing pressures on Social Security field offices and teleservice centers. You have effectively used information provided by those signing up for these services to create a political mailing list of over millions of Americans. This is not only wholly inappropriate but jeopardizes the integrity of “my Social Security” accounts if the information provided to users is clearly politically motivated.
Having only been Commissioner for two months, it is disappointing that you devoted one of your first public statements to peddling inaccurate information to appease Donald Trump. As Commissioner, you know Social Security plays a critical role in the lives of millions of Americans. The decision on when to begin claiming Social Security is an incredibly personal decision that depends on the individual’s unique financial, medical, and family circumstances. To make that decision, individuals must have clear and accurate information about Social Security, including the tax treatment of benefits. Providing confusing or inaccurate information may lead Americans to make benefit claiming decisions against their best interest or mistakenly fail to pay taxes owed. Moreover, pushing blatantly partisan statements breeds distrust in the agency, which may raise doubt about the truthfulness of future statements.
During your confirmation process, you pledged to the Finance Committee and to the American public that you would run SSA “in an independent and nonpartisan manner.” You have failed in this instance. Rather than focusing on improving customer service, you are using your position as Commissioner to stroke Donald Trump’s ego and peddle lies on his behalf. We urge you to retract SSA’s July 3 statement and issue a correction–on SSA’s website and via email for “my Social Security” account users–clarifying the federal tax treatment of Social Security benefits.
Sincerely,
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
A study published in JAMA Network Open looks at the association between people with obesity and diabetes taking weight loss drugs, and risk of neurodegenerative diseases, stroke, and all-cause mortality.
Dr Sarah Marzi, Senior Lecturer in Neuroscience and UK DRI Group Leader, UK Dementia Research Institute at King’s College London, and Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, said:
Is this good quality research? Are the conclusions backed up by solid data?
“This is retrospective study in over 60000 individuals with type 2 diabetes and obesity who were using antidiabetic drugs between 2017 and 2024. The authors looked at the incidence of neurological diseases and mortality. They showed that people taking glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1Ras), such as semaglutide, was associated with a lower incidence of dementia, stroke and all-cause mortality, but not associated with Parkinson’s disease or mild cognitive impairment. The hazard ratio for developing dementia with GLP1-RA treatment compared to other diabetic drugs was 0.63. Or maybe more easily interpretable: The cumulative probability of developing dementia on GLP1-RA after 7 years was 1.63%, whereas it was slightly higher (1.98%) in the group with other antidiabetics. The study seems well executed and open about the limitations. There could have been some more detail on the methods, but I suspect that has to do with the format of the publication.
How does this work fit with the existing evidence?
“It has been hypothesised that GLP1-RAs may have protective effects in the brain, particularly in the context of dementia, possibly through lowering neuroinflammation or promoting neurogenesis. There is increasing epidemiological evidence that supports this, for example this meta analysis of clinical trials of GLP1-RAs: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2831975
Have the authors accounted for confounders? Are there important limitations to be aware of?
“They used propensity weighting to account for various factors that might bias the outcome, like sex, age, ethnicity, BMI or hospitalisation. This is good and what should be done in these type of observational studies. If there is a difference in the two populations that receive the different drugs, that could easily affect their risk to develop neurodegenerative or other neurological conditions. For example, the proportion of GLP1-RA users who were within hospital inpatient care was much higher than in the comparison group – and this could indicate worse diabetes symptoms or other health complications that may increase risk for neurological disease. The propensity weighting should account for these differences. However, it only works for variables that were actively measured, and may overlook other relevant factors. The authors are clear about the limitations in their discussion, also saying that only a randomized controlled trial would establish causality and that it would be important to investigate underlying biological mechanisms. One thing I would also note is that the studied population is slightly young for the investigation of neurodegenerative diseases. Late onset Alzheimer’s disease typically starts after the age of 65 and the probability increases as people age. The study population here was around 58 years of age on average when originally recruited, so should have been around 65 at 7-year follow-up. This would be when people are only about to start to develop some of these diseases.
What are the implications in the real world? Is there any overspeculation?
“If shown to be protective for neurodegenerative diseases in future trials, GLP1-RAs could potentially be used clinically in disease prevention in the future, so this is definitely important – but we are not there yet. No overspeculation on behalf of the authors.”
Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation, Alzheimer’s Society, said:
“It is well established that diabetes and obesity can increase your risk of developing dementia. This study retrospectively examines whether GLP-1RAs drug, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide which are used to treat diabetes, can also reduce a person’s dementia risk.
“This study supports existing evidence that shows these drugs may reduce dementia risk, particularly for people aged 60 and over who are living with Type 2 diabetes and obesity.
“Although interesting, we can’t draw conclusions from this study alone as it is an observational study, only a small number of people who took part went on to develop dementia and as the impact of these drugs on different types of dementia is not clear.
“There are clinical trials currently looking at whether drugs like these can be used to treat early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, so this is a really exciting area being explored in the research fight against dementia.”
Prof Tara Spires-Jones, Director of the Centre for Discovery Brain Sciences at the University of Edinburgh, Group Leader in the UK Dementia Research Institute, and Past President of the British Neuroscience Association, said:
“This is a very interesting study adding to evidence that GLP1 receptor agonists are associated with a lower risk of dementia in people with type 2 diabetes and obesity. This study by Lin and colleagues looked at data from over 60,000 people and found an association between taking GLP1 receptor agonists semaglutide or tirzepatide for 7 years and reduced risk of dementia, stroke, and all-cause mortality (death). This type of study cannot determine whether the drugs reduced disease risk by directly protecting the brain. It is highly likely that effectively treating type 2 diabetes and obesity would reduce dementia and stroke risk as they are known risk factors for these conditions. Further work is needed including randomised clinical trials to confirm these drugs are protective in people with diabetes and obesity and other trials are needed to determine whether these drugs will be protective in people who do not have type 2 diabetes and obesity.”
Dr Coco Newton, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience, UCL; and Health Systems Group, University of Cambridge, said:
“This is a rigorous study and suggests important therapeutic effects of GLP-1RAs beyond glycemic control. However, the protective effects against dementia should be taken with caution. Three types of dementia outcomes were investigated – Alzheimer’s, vascular, and ‘other’. Although there was an overall lower risk of dementia associated with GLP-1RAs, the sub-group analysis revealed that this was only the case for ‘other’ dementia, but not for Alzheimer’s disease or vascular dementia – the two most common forms of dementia. What constitutes ‘other’ dementia is unclear. The relatively short average follow-up of 1.7 years is far less than the time it takes to develop symptoms of a dementia disease and access a diagnosis, so a longer follow-up time should be investigated before making claims around dementia protection.”
Prof Kevin McConway, Emeritus Professor of Applied Statistics, Open University, said:
“This study adds to previous evidence suggesting that, in people who have type 2 diabetes and are overweight, taking the newer GLP-1RA drugs to manage and alleviate those conditions might also lead to benefits in terms of reduced rates of some neurological conditions such as dementias, and of stroke.
“I think it’s a careful and competent study of its type. But it doesn’t yet come near showing with any certainty that talking these drugs definitely causes reduced risk of these neurological and brain conditions. Also, since everyone in the study already had type 2 diabetes and obesity, and was aged 40 or over, the results can’t tell us anything direct about people who aren’t in that group.
“That’s why the brief press release, and the abstract (summary) of the research paper, rightly don’t go beyond a suggestion that these GLP-1RA drugs might have a protective effect, even in people with diabetes and obesity, but instead say that their results mean that further clinical trials are called for.
“The newer GLP-1RA drugs being studied are semaglutide (marketed as Ozempic, Rybelsus or Wegovy) and tirzepatide (marketed as Zepbound or Mounjaro).
“The researchers for this study are based in Taiwan. For the study they used data from deidentified health records from 67 US health care organisations, made available through a research network called TriNetX. The researchers used data on people aged 40 and over with type 2 diabetes and obesity, who had started as new users of semaglutide, tirzepatide, or other antidiabetic drugs between 2017 and 2024. They excluded from their analysis patients who had previously been prescribed one of the earlier GLP-1RA drugs.
“The primary outcomes that were analysed were new diagnoses of neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia, mild cognitive impairment, and Parkinson’s disease, and also diseases of blood circulation to the brain, including strokes (where a blood clot blocks the blood supply to part of the brain) and intracerebral haemorrhage (bleeds in the brain).
“The study found that there were fewer new cases of several, but not all, of these conditions in people who had started taking semaglutide or tirzepatide, compared to people who had started on a different antidiabetic drug that was not a GLP-1RA.
“However, this was an observational study – so not like a randomised clinical trial where people are allocated at random to one of the drug treatments. That means that there will, inevitably, be some other differences between the people taking the GLP-1RA drugs and people taking other kinds of drug, apart from which antidiabetic drug they were taking. So it would remain possible that any difference in diagnosis rates, for the conditions they were looking at, between those on GLP-1RAs and those on other drugs, was caused by one of these other factors and not by the drugs themselves.
“Of course the researchers were aware of this possibility, and they tried to allow for it using a statistical procedure called propensity score matching. They found factors, that were recorded on their database, that were associated with the chance of being prescribed a GLP-1RA drug, and used them to construct a statistical model giving a score for how likely each person was to be prescribed a GLP-1RA drug. Then each of the more than 30,000 patients who was prescribed a GLP-1RA was matched with a patient who was prescribed a different drug, on the basis of this score. Here the so-called propensity scores were based on people’s age, sex, ethnicity, BMI and various other aspects of their lives and their previous health. Then in the statistical analysis, each patient was primarily compared with the person they were matched with.
“This is a standard statistical procedure these days, but it doesn’t get the researchers off the hook of not being able to conclude that the different type of drug actually cause differences in the risk of being diagnosed with one of the diseases they were interested in.
“That’s partly because there’s no way to be sure that all relevant factors are included in the statistical model that produces the propensity scores. For instance, the researchers couldn’t include factors that are not recorded in the database they had – they mention the patient’s frailty as one example of something quite possibly relevant that was not on the database.
“And basically that’s why the researchers, rightly, don’t go further than suggesting that their findings are a reason for doing clinical trials rather than just more observational studies.
“The research found evidence that was reasonably solid statistically of a reduced risk of diagnosis of dementia and of stroke in patients who were prescribed semaglutide or tirzepatide, compared to patients prescribed another antidiabetic drug. But don’t forget that they can’t show that these associations are one of cause and effect. They might be, but they might not be.
“Also, all these findings apply only to patients like those in the study – that is, people aged 40 or more who already had both type 2 diabetes and obesity.
“They did not, however, find good statistical evidence of a reduced risk of Parkinson’s disease, or mild cognitive impairment, or bleeds in the brain in people taking GLP-1RA drugs.
“That can’t be taken to mean that the drugs definitely don’t lead to reductions in the risk of those conditions. It’s possible that they don’t lead to risk reductions or risk increases. But it’s also possible that the study, despite the large number of participants, didn’t provide enough evidence one way or the other. Only just over 100, out of the over 60,000 people studied, had a Parkinson’s diagnosis and that’s not really enough to come to clear conclusions. Or it’s also still possible that the effect of other unrelated factors, not accounted for by the propensity scores, disguised an association that would otherwise be detectable. That’s always a risk with observational studies.
“The study made one other interesting finding, which actually arose from a restriction in the data tools the researchers had available. Imagine that, for some reason, patients on the GLP-1RA drugs had a higher death rate than patients on the other antidiabetic drugs. Then perhaps the GLP-1RA patients would have a lower risk of being diagnosed with one of the diseases being studied, simply because they would have been more likely to die of something else first. There are standard statistical methods for getting round this issue, but they could not be used with the available database.
“Therefore the researchers decided to use death from any cause (so-called all-cause mortality) as a secondary outcome of this study, as well as the primary outcomes about neurological conditions, strokes and brain bleeds. In fact. they found that patients on the GLP-1RA drugs had a lower risk of death, during the study, than patients on the other antidiabetic drugs, not a higher risk, again using the propensity scoring method. So the lower diagnosis rates for stroke and dementia, that they found in their primary data analyses, weren’t simply an odd consequence of differences in mortality rates.
“This conclusion about death rates is subject to the same provisos as the other conclusions – we can’t conclude that the difference in death rates is actually caused by the different drugs that people were taking for their diabetes, though it certainly doesn’t rule that possibility out.
“And it raises the interesting question of whether the associations between the drugs people were talking and their risks of diagnoses of the specific conditions of interest could look different, possible stronger, if differences in risk of death from any cause could have been taken into account directly in measuring those associations.”
‘Neurodegeneration and Stroke After Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Patients With Diabetes and Obesity’ by Huan-Tang Lin et al. was published in JAMA Network Open at 16:00 UK time on Tuesday 15 July 2025.
DOI:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.21016
Declared interests
Dr Sarah Marzi: “No conflicts of interest on my part (no industry funding etc).”
Dr Richard Oakley: “Nothing to declare.”
Prof Tara Spires-Jones: “I have no conflicts with this study but have received payments for consulting, scientific talks, or collaborative research over the past 10 years from AbbVie, Sanofi, Merck, Scottish Brain Sciences, Jay Therapeutics, Cognition Therapeutics, Ono, and Eisai. I am also Charity trustee for the British Neuroscience Association and the Guarantors of Brain and serve as scientific advisor to several charities and non-profit institutions.”
Dr Coco Newton: “No interests to declare.”
Prof Kevin McConway: “I have no conflicts of interest to declare.”